Tag Archive for: Camas

If you’ve ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you’ve probably heard the term “power of attorney.” But do you know what it is? The terms “power” and “attorney” carry weight but may not mean what you think. There are many misconceptions about what a power of attorney is and what authority it gives someone. And no, it doesn’t grant someone a temporary law degree. 

I’ll address the misconceptions about powers of attorney so you know what to do if someone appoints you as their power of attorney. Then, armed with this knowledge, you’ll understand your legal responsibilities so you don’t inadvertently make any mistakes or run afoul of the law.

Let’s start with some background info. If a power of attorney doesn’t confer attorney status, then why is it called that?

What is a Power of Attorney?

Generally speaking, a power of attorney is a legal document granting someone else the authority to act on your behalf regarding your financial life. The term “power of attorney” is a bit of a historical holdover. Originally, powers of attorney were primarily used to appoint lawyers to represent individuals in legal matters. However, the concept has expanded over time to include appointing someone to act on your behalf for various purposes.

So, while you don’t need to be an attorney to hold a power of attorney, the term has continued due to its historical origins. Granting power of attorney is a way to indicate that an appointed person has the authority to act as your agent or representative, similar to the way an attorney would act on your behalf.

There are times when it’s necessary to preserve your assets, especially if you reach a point in life when you are unable to manage your own financial, legal, or healthcare matters, whether from old age, a terrible accident, or simply being out of the country for an extended period. In each of these cases, it’s possible that if you don’t have someone acting on your behalf, problems could occur. Your financial institutions could charge extra fees on your accounts, a fraudster could drain them, and you wouldn’t know it happened; taxes could go unpaid, your property could go into foreclosure, or your credit could be ruined. So, to prevent these horrific outcomes, you want someone else to be able to maintain your financial life on your behalf.

Types of Powers of Attorney

We don’t need to get too much in the weeds here (if you want to get in the weeds, though, read to the end, and I’ll show you how to book a call with me); know that there are different types of powers of attorney, each with its specific purpose. Here are some examples:

General Power of Attorney: This grants the agent broad authority to act on your behalf, including managing your finances and signing legal documents, even if you can handle your affairs. It becomes effective as soon as you execute the document. When might you want this? Say you travel for work, and you and your spouse have decided to refinance your mortgage. You may want your spouse to sign the paperwork on your behalf rather than wait until you’re back in town.

Springing Power of Attorney: This also grants authority to someone to manage your financial and legal affairs. You can execute the document whenever you want, but it doesn’t kick in until you can no longer make your own decisions.

Durable Power of Attorney: This type of general power of attorney remains in effect even if you become incapacitated. Think of it as the General and Springing Powers of Attorney combined.

Limited Power of Attorney: This grants the agent authority to handle specific tasks only, such as managing your property or making healthcare decisions.

Healthcare Power of Attorney: This grants your named agent authority to make medical decisions on your behalf. 

Even though each of these documents operates differently, they all have one crucial thing in common: the agent’s power ends as soon as you die. 

What No One Told You About a Power of Attorney: It Ends With Death

You may mistakenly believe that a power of attorney gives someone the right to access your financial accounts indefinitely. However, a power of attorney is a temporary arrangement that ends when the person who granted the power dies. What does this mean, exactly?

Let’s say your aging mother can no longer manage her affairs, and she executed a Power of Attorney to give you the authority. While she’s living, you can access her bank accounts to ensure all her bills are paid and paid on time. But as soon as she dies, you no longer have the legal authority to access her accounts. If she had a Will or no estate plan, you would have to file paperwork with the probate court and wait for the case to make it through the court system until the judge grants you authority again. In the meantime, if you can’t afford to cover her bills along with your own, you may have to decide to let her bills go unpaid. If she still has a mortgage on her house, for instance, and you can’t pay her mortgage and yours, the bank could begin to foreclose, and you could lose any equity she had. This equity could have been a significant part of your inheritance. 

Going to court can be frustrating and time-consuming, and negative consequences can result if you haven’t planned appropriately. 

The Good News

With some careful planning ahead of time, you can ensure all your bills get paid, and your assets are preserved for your loved ones. The way to do that is by creating a Life & Legacy Plan with a living trust. A trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to transfer your assets to a trustee, who manages them to benefit your beneficiaries. Notably, a trust survives your death, so there’s no disruption in the ability of someone to manage your finances after you die.

You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to ensure your power of attorney, trust, and related estate planning tools are created correctly and updated over time and that you understand the benefits and consequences of your plan. 

How We Help You Preserve What Matters

Understanding the limitations of a power of attorney and the benefits of a trust is crucial for protecting your hard-earned assets. When you work with me to create a Life & Legacy Plan, I’ll empower you with the education you need so you can make the right choices for yourself and your family, that you fully understand how your plan works, and that your family has my support after you’re gone. Once your plan is in place, you can rest easy knowing that your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your property protected.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more and start your journey toward a secure financial future. Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

The Camas Music Boosters have presented grant checks to the following five music teachers this year, with even more grants left to present soon:

Music teacher Dustin Hunley at Dorothy Fox Elementary received a grant check to purchase a new bass xylophone for his classroom, enabling over 330 students in 2nd grade and up to create beautiful music with this easy-to-play, compact instrument.

Camas High School Band Director Richard Mancini received a grant check to fund essential instrument repairs and replace worn-out uniform parts, including gloves, cords, plumes, and spats, keeping the band looking sharp and sounding great!

Music teacher Trevor Bateman received a grant check for 10 new music stands, supporting the growing symphonic bands at Discovery High School and Odyssey Middle School and ensuring students have the resources they need to perform at their best.

Liberty Middle School Band Director Greg Henion received a grant check to purchase a new clarinet and Sousaphone, ensuring students have access to quality instruments for both concert and marching band, strengthening the band’s sound and promoting equity in the program.

Liberty Middle School Choir Director Erik Edmundson received a grant check to expand the choir’s music library, allowing Liberty Middle School to continue building a quality selection of choral literature for students to enjoy year after year.

Also, don’t miss the Teacher Talent Showcase this Saturday, November 2 at 7 pm in the Joyce Garver Theater! It will be an extraordinary evening of talented Camas district music teacher performances. Get your tickets now: https://secure.givelively.org/event/camas-music-booster/2024-camas-teacher-talent-showcase

Music

Camas, WA — RedDoor Gallery downtown Camas is proud to announce three new artists whose work is now on exhibit for show and sale. Area residents are invited to view original pastels by Catherine Snyder, original oils by Kimmie Burmaster and original acrylics by Gail Harrington at a special First Friday Art Walk reception in their honor on Friday, November 1st from 5-8 pm. The reception features complimentary refreshments, delicious charcuterie and RedDoor Gallery’s signature chocolate truffles.

Since opening in May, the art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, has featured new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Matthew Clarkson, Heidi Curley, Cheryl  Folkers, Dave Garbot, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike and Tamra Sheline.  With the recent remodel of RedDoor’s new Mezzanine Gallery exhibition space, RedDoor Gallery is also representing acrylic artist George Throop and oil paint artist Wendy Davis. A reception for Throop and Davis will take place at First Friday on December 6th. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm and by special appointment.

Pastel artist Catherine Snyder is inspired by music, beautiful settings, loving acts of kindness and extraordinary courage.

“I have a passion for color and love to experiment with pastels,” said Snyder. 

Her work has garnered many first place awards in shows around the region. See it now in the mezzanine level at RedDoor Gallery.

Kimmie Burmaster paints in oils on canvas and appreciates the rich texture and flexibility of working in oils. 

“People are among my favorite subjects to  paint,” says Burmaster. 

She also enjoys painting still life and landscape paintings. A variety of her work is now on exhibit in the mezzanine level at RedDoor Gallery.

Lastly, Camas artists Gail Harrington has also joined RedDoor Gallery. She works primarily with acrylic and mixed media. 

“I’m inspired by nature, music, scripture and other artists’ work,” said Harrington. 

Her work illuminates, with a quiet yet expressive freedom. See her large format works of art at RedDoor Gallery for the first time on Friday, November 1st.

Quickly becoming the “art hub of Camas,” RDG invites visitors to experience the joy and transformative power of art inside its red door! The gallery’s mission is to provide a vibrant art space open to the public and foster a creative art-making community. In addition to a gallery of fine art, quality art instructional classes are offered in RDG’s professionally equipped studio. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail RedDoorGalleryCamas@gmail.com

RedDoor
“Misty River” original pastel by Catherine Snyder

RedDoor
“Green Vase” original oil on canvas by Kimmie Burmaster

The passing of a loved one is a heartbreaking event, filled with grief and sorrow. However, the aftermath can become even more painful if disagreements over their personal belongings tear your family apart. These disputes, primarily when centered around meaningful objects, can leave lasting wounds that may never fully heal.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. By understanding the emotional weight of possessions, the power of perception and taking proactive steps, you can prevent such heartache and foster a more harmonious grieving process for your family. We’ll explore practical strategies to ensure your final wishes are honored, and your loved ones stay united amidst loss.

Perception Is the Basis for Conflict

Your personal belongings are so much more than just material objects. They are tangible reminders of your life, personality, and connection to the people you hold dear. These items can provide immense comfort and solace for your grieving family when you’re gone. However, the emotional ties to your possessions can also set the stage for conflict.

Your family members may have very different ideas about the value and significance of your possessions and how your possessions should be distributed. Emotional attachments to personal property often run deeper than anyone realizes, reflecting unresolved feelings of love, guilt, or regret. These differences in perspective can create tension and resentment and even damage relationships that have lasted a lifetime.

The Value of Open Communication and Thoughtful Planning

To minimize the risk of family feuds over your personal property, one of the most effective things you can do is have open and honest conversations about expectations and preferences long before you’re gone. Here are some strategies to consider:

Start the Conversation Early. While it may feel awkward to discuss such sensitive topics, it’s far better to address them proactively. This allows for a more thoughtful and deliberate discussion of everyone’s wishes. Ideally, these conversations should occur when all parties are calm and emotionally prepared rather than amid grief.

Record Yourself. Don’t underestimate the value of getting on video. Recording yourself explaining your wishes and why can be very powerful, as well as provide clarity and decrease conflict for your loved ones. When you create your estate plan with my firm, we include a Life & Legacy Interview with every plan so that your decisions and their reasons are clear to your family. When there’s no ambiguity, the possibility of conflict lessens.

Make an Inventory. Make a comprehensive list of all your personal belongings, including their sentimental value and any specific requests or wishes you have associated with them. This inventory can be a crucial reference point for your family members after you’re gone. If possible, involve your loved ones in this process so that they understand your wishes and can ensure your voice is heard.

Create a Life and Legacy Plan. A Life and Legacy Plan can minimize disputes by clearly outlining your wishes regarding distributing your personal property. In addition to the Life & Legacy Interview, every plan includes a “personal property memorandum,” which provides additional clarity, specifying which items should go to which beneficiaries. We even help you update your plan to reflect changing circumstances or preferences and prevent family conflict.

Focus on Your Family’s Needs. Ultimately, the goal of your planning should be to honor your memory and support the well-being of your loved ones. Prioritize the needs of grieving people and try to find solutions that minimize conflict and pain. Sometimes, creating a process where each family member can express their attachment to specific items and why they matter can help others understand their emotional value rather than just their monetary worth.

Helping Your Family Sell Your Belongings with Care and Intention

Sometimes, your loved ones may need to sell your personal property, which may be necessary to settle your estate, pay debts, or ensure that your items are put to good use. Whether or not the items sold hold sentimental value, this can be another task ripe with conflict. Further, many family members don’t know what the process entails. But you can help make it easier for them by doing a lot of legwork now.

In your Life & Legacy Plan, you can specify how you want your items sold and outline the process for your loved ones. Here are the steps your family will need to take:

Assess the True Value of Your Items. Start by evaluating the worth of the items to be sold. This may involve hiring an appraiser, especially for valuable items such as antiques, artwork, or jewelry. An appraiser can objectively assess an item’s value, which can help prevent disputes over perceived worth and ensure a fair sale.

Choose the Right Selling Method. Depending on the type and value of your belongings, your loved ones must choose a selling method. A yard sale or estate sale might be appropriate for everyday household items. An auction house, consignment shop, or online marketplace may be the way to go for more valuable items. Your family should also be mindful of any fees or commissions associated with these approaches.

Enlist the Help of an Estate Sale Company. Hiring a professional estate sales company can be a game-changer if your estate contains many items or your family is overwhelmed by the process. These companies handle everything from pricing items to advertising the sale, managing the event, and disposing of unsold items. They typically charge a percentage of the sales, but their expertise can make the process smoother and less stressful.

Understand the Legal Requirements. Depending on your jurisdiction, specific legal requirements for selling estate property may exist. For example, an executor may need court approval to sell certain assets or follow particular procedures for notifying beneficiaries. When you create your Life & Legacy Plan with us, we will be there for your family when you no longer can be, and we can advise them on all the necessary legal requirements.

Plan for the Proceeds. Decide how the sale proceeds will be used and document your wishes in your Life & Legacy Plan. We can help you specify whether they will be distributed among your heirs, used to pay off estate debts, or donated to charity.

Leave a Legacy of Harmony, Not Conflict

Your loved ones deserve to grieve with dignity and respect, not embroiled in bitter disputes. Take the time now to put the proper measures in place, and you can rest assured that your final wishes will be honored and your family will stay out of court and conflict after you’re gone.

This is the legacy you can leave behind – not just the material objects you’ve accumulated over a lifetime, but the gift of harmony, understanding, and compassion for those you hold most dear.

Family disputes over personal property can cause significant pain and tension at a time when loved ones should come together. We help you create a Life & Legacy Plan that ensures your belongings are distributed according to your wishes without conflict or confusion. With careful thought, clear communication, and the right tools, your Life & Legacy Plan will unite your family, even amid grief. And you’ll gain the peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored and your loved ones will be supported long after you’re gone.

Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Continuing their 78 years of support to the community, the Camas-Washougal Community Chest is soliciting 2025 grant applications from non-profit 501 (c) (3) organizations serving the Camas and Washougal area. Grant applications must be received or postmarked no later than December 15, 2024. Grant awards will be announced in March 2025. Initial payments will be made at the time of the award.

Larger grants will be funded in 2 to 4 installments, with final payments made in November 2025.

On October 1, 2024, the CWCC launched its Campaign 25 and hopes to raise at least $126,000 to fund grants during 2025. The Camas Washougal Rotary Foundation, in partnership with CWCC, is considering funding additional grants.

The Camas Lions Foundation has committed to fund at least $1,000 toward 2025 grants. The Camas-Washougal Community Chest has supported local non-profit organizations since 1946. The Community Chest relies on contributions from individuals and businesses and makes productive use of those funds by being a 100% volunteer organization. This means that more than 97% of the donated funds goes directly back to our community. CWCC urges Camas and Washougal residents and businesses to donate now to help fund 2025 grants. Donation information is available at: http://www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org.

In addition to being a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, grant applicants must demonstrate that their project or program benefits residents of Camas and Washougal and meets one or more of the following needs:

  • Education
  • Youth activities
  • Aid to people with special needs
  • Natural resource conservation
  • Health and welfare programs
  • Crisis and emergency services
  • Other similar charitable or civic objectives

Grant applications and detailed instructions for applying are available on-line at the website listed above. For further information please contact Camas-Washougal Community Chest Board President Dave Pinkernell at info@CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org.

During 2024, CWCC, the Camas Washougal Rotary Foundation and the Camas Lions Foundation awarded 34 grants totaling $134,000 and delivering an estimated 40,000 individual services to local people. The 2024grantees included such diverse non-profit organizations as the Inter-Faith Treasure House, Akin (East County Family Resource Center in Washougal), Family Promise of Clark County, Washougal Songcraft Festival, JD Currie Youth Camp, and Janus Youth Programs. Projects and programs included such diverse activities as emergency rent and utility assistance, purchase of food and service supplies for local emergency food programs, helping homeless families find permanent shelter, restore a youth camp’s outhouse, sampling water quality in Lacamas, Round and Fallen Leaf lakes, and help to support at risk 9- to 17-year-old runaway children.

When Matthew Perry, the beloved star of Friends, passed away last year, the world mourned the loss of a comedic icon. However, as details of his estate began to emerge, a curious puzzle presented itself: despite his reported net worth of $120 million, his bank account held (only) $1.5 million. Admittedly, this seems like a whopping sum to most of us, but this amount appears off for a man who earned millions of dollars for just one episode of the show. Shouldn’t he have had much more money than that? The answer lies in the details of estate planning and using trusts as part of your plan.

In this article, we’ll look at Perry’s estate plan and pull out some valuable lessons. These lessons pertain to all of us, not just the rich and famous. To find out how trusts can benefit you, read on.

What is a Trust?

A trust is simply a legal arrangement where a person (sometimes called a “settlor”) transfers assets to someone ( a “trustee”) who manages those assets for the benefit of someone else (the “beneficiaries”). Many types of trusts can be used for various purposes, including estate planning, asset protection, and providing for loved ones.

The trustees appointed to manage a trust play a crucial role in fulfilling the settlor’s wishes. Choosing the right trustees is essential for the effective management of a trust. Trustees should be trustworthy, financially responsible, and knowledgeable about estate planning. They should also be willing to devote the time and effort required to manage the trust’s assets.

In Perry’s case, it appears he established a trust during his lifetime. This trust, which seems to be named the Alvy Singer Living Trust—Woody Allen’s character in Annie Hall—presumably holds a significant portion of his wealth. In Perry’s case, the trustees were likely responsible for managing his investments, paying bills, and distributing money to the beneficiaries.

Why would Perry have chosen to establish a trust? There are many benefits, which I’ll break down in greater detail now.

The Power and Benefits of Trusts

There are many advantages to using a trust for estate planning. Here are some of the most common.

Protection from creditors and lawsuits. If a beneficiary faced financial difficulties, their creditors would generally not have access to assets held in a trust.

Ongoing support during life, incapacity, and after death. Trusts can provide for loved ones more flexibly than a will. A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. However, a trust can be structured to provide support during your life and for your beneficiaries over time, ensuring their needs are met. If you have a will, your assets will usually be transferred to your beneficiaries – even if they are young or financially irresponsible.

Minimization of estate taxes. Depending on the size of an estate, there may be significant federal and state estate taxes. A trust can reduce or eliminate these taxes.

Court avoidance. A court process called probate takes place after someone dies, and it can be expensive, lengthy, and conflict-laden. If you have a will or no estate plan, court is mandatory. However, the court process may be avoided if you have a trust. This results in less expense, less time, and a decreased probability of conflict. It’s also a public proceeding, and court filings contain personal and financial information you may not want others to see.

Conflict avoidance. The court process is set up to give all heirs and creditors a claim to your assets. They are invited to file a claim and get to see information about your assets.

Greater control over what happens to your assets and your family. When you have to go to court, someone other than you – a judge who’s a stranger to you and your family – will make all final decisions about your money, property, and family. But with a trust, you can make those decisions and exercise control over the outcomes.

Preserving assets when there’s a substance abuse issue. It’s no secret that Perry struggled with substance abuse for much of his life, and it’s possible that because of that, he was advised to create a trust to hold his assets. This was a wise decision. Substance abuse can have a significant impact on financial stability, and it is possible that Perry sought to protect his assets from loss, either by his actions or potential creditors and legal issues related to his addiction. You can do the same for a friend or relative if you want to support them and know they struggle to manage their finances responsibly.

These advantages apply to you, too! You do not need to be wealthy to want a trust. You do not have to be charitable or famous to take advantage of the benefits.

The Appeal of Privacy

Remember when I mentioned above that the court process is public? I also noted that a trust can help you and your family avoid court and its very public nature. If you were wondering, “If it’s true Matthew Perry had a trust, then how come it’s public knowledge that he had $1.5 million in his bank account?” Then kudos! You caught on to something important.

Matthew Perry also had a will, and wills go through probate. Any assets not placed into a trust must be dealt with via your will and, thus, are subject to the court process. Remember when I mentioned that court filings must contain your personal and financial information? That’s how we know about Matthew Perry’s bank account. The funds in his bank account were ostensibly not placed into his trust and are subject to the public probate process. You can look up the court records and read his will – or any will – for yourself.

His will mentioned that he had trust, which is also common. It doesn’t mention the terms of the trust, who the beneficiaries are, what his other assets are, and who gets what. Our public knowledge is limited to what’s in his will. And if his bank account had been placed into his trust, it would have been kept private, too.

In short, assets placed into a trust are kept private, as is your personal and financial information. Assets left out of a trust are public knowledge. So, when you create a trust, you mustn’t just draft and sign the document and call it a day. You must take the next step and correctly place your assets into the trust. If you don’t do that, you lose all the benefits the trust offers.

How We Help You Protect What Matters Most

As more details about Perry’s estate emerge (and sadly, his death), we may better understand his intentions and the legacy he will leave behind. While his untimely passing is a tragic loss, his estate planning offers a fascinating look at the advantages of trusts and how you can also take advantage of them.

We help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that may include tools like trusts to protect your assets, maintain your privacy, and ensure your loved ones are cared for—without the headaches of court or the increased chances of conflict. By planning today, you can have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored, your family’s future will be safeguarded, and your legacy will be kept private.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more. Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Camas, WA – City of Camas officials are encouraging residents to join their friends and neighbors for the Our Camas 2045 Community Summit #2.

The Summit will take place Oct. 22, from 4:30-6:30 pm, at the Camas-Washougal Fire Department Station 42 (4321 NW Parker Street).

This is a key opportunity to participate in Camas’ city-wide engagement processes, Our Camas 2045 and Our Downtown Camas 2045, as we update the Comprehensive Plan and develop a Downtown Subarea Plan.

At this summit, participants will help:

  • Review and comment on the draft land use alternatives for our city.
  • Provide input on the scale of development.
  • Review and refine concepts for downtown Camas.
  • Share information about the City’s climate planning efforts and recent greenhouse gas emissions inventory.

These activities build on the community visioning process and are essential in shaping a land use alternative that aligns with Camas’s unique needs. The goal is to create a plan that balances housing, parks, open spaces, transportation, infrastructure and equitable outcomes for all.

Please join Camas city officials for a fun and informative evening to discuss the future of Camas! For more information, visit Engagecamas.com or contact Alan Peters, Community Development Director at 360-817-7254 or email apeters@cityofcamas.us

Washougal Studio Artists proudly presents their 4th Annual Holiday Art Market Tour, Saturday and Sunday, November 16th and 17th, 10 am-4 pm.

This is your opportunity to visit 13 artists’ studios and enjoy the work of 25 talented local artists. Come learn what inspires the artists and learn how they have developed their processes. Ask questions and experience the creative studio environment where art is being made. The Washougal Studio Artists Tour is a biannual event that draws visitors from all over the region, and we are excited to share it with you. Explore an amazing array of works in fused glass, textiles, bronze sculpture, painting, jewelry, mixed media, collage, ceramics and photography.

Participating artists include the following:

  • Studio #1: Trish Johnson (studio owner), watercolors; Keith Russell, painting and drawing.
  • Studio #2: Sandy Moore (studio owner), mixed media fabric collage and home decor; Sharon Buckmaster, mixed media wearable art; Jeanine Clark, painting, drawing, wearables.
  • Studio #3: Tamara Dinius (studio owner), mixed media; Phyllis Carter, fused glass; Toni McCarthy, beaded and metal jewelry.
  • Studio #4: Liz Nye, mixed media, photography, textiles.
  • Studio #5: Regina Westmoreland, mixed media.
  • Studio #6: Debbie Nagano, mixed media.
  • Studio #7: Judi Clark, painting, drawing.
  • Studio #8: Ellen Nordgren, mixed media.
  • Studio #9: Shirley Bishop (studio owner), fused glass & home décor; Kathy Marty; hand-woven rugs and home décor; Marina Pearson, acrylic painting and drawing; John Relyea, woodworking.
  • Studio #10: /Susan Fronckowiak (studio owner), painting, photography; Anna Norris, painting, ceramics; Blythe Ayne, photography.
  • Studio#11: LesleyAnne Ezelle (studio owner), ceramics and alpaca fiber;
  • Studio #12: David Van Zandt (studio owner) bronze sculpture & acrylic painting; Charlene Hale, glass.
  • Studio #13: Mica Wilson (studio owner), painting, drawing; Elaine Lim, painting, drawing.
  • The Washougal Studio Artists Tour is a wonderful way to spend the day. There is a great joy in experiencing art firsthand, buying local and giving your special friends and loved ones original pieces of art. Here is your chance to meet the makers, to

learn about their processes, and to find truly special holiday or birthday gifts. Or maybe you’ll be inspired to sign up for a class. 

Many of these artists also offer classes from their studios. For further information: Shirley Bishop 360-991-3081 —

https://www.washougalstudioartists.org/

Camas, WA — The day after Camas’ famous Boo Bash, downtown Camas merchants are inviting the public to enjoy Witch’s Night Out – an enchanted evening of thrills, deals and chills. All the bewitching fun happens on Thursday, October 24th from 4-8 pm. Dress up in your favorite witch attire and compete for prizes in a costume contest inside Gallery 408 at 6 pm. Shop for spooky deals and specials at each location and enjoy complimentary treats in the historic district of downtown Camas.

Witch’s Night Out is sponsored by Gallery 408 and RedDoor Gallery. In addition to both art galleries, participating merchants include Allure Boutique, Arktana, Autumn Leaf Books, Camas Antiques, Camas Cheese Co., Camas Cellars, Lily, Lane Cellars and Sweet Intentions Gift Boutique. Vampire Unicorns is also doing a pop up sale at Lily.

“Who doesn’t love dressing up as a witch,” said Joanne Cavallaro, one of the sponsors from Gallery 408. “On October 24th, downtown Camas will be taken over by witches and their ghoul friends as they stop into local retailers, eateries and drinkeries to have a night on the town.”

For more information, call Joanne Cavallaro at 512-659-2351 or Liz Pike at RedDoor Gallery at 360-281-8720.

Diana Sue Rennie was born on April 4, 1950 in Seattle, Washington and left us too soon on July 22, 2024. As a young girl growing up in Seattle she and her siblings enjoyed skiing at Sahalee, camping trips to Alta Lake, and time on the water at Priest Lake and Lake Washington. One of her favorite memories to share were the train trips she and her sister, Marilyn would take to see her grandparents down in Astoria, Oregon. 

Diana and her family moved to Yakima, Washington when she was young. She graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1968. She then attended Central Washington University graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. Shortly after graduating she received her first teaching job at Helen Baller Elementary in Camas, Washington in 1973. She taught 2nd grade for eleven years before moving over to Lacamas Heights. Diana taught there for thirty years before retiring in 2014. She deeply loved the children and families of the town of Camas. She served her community well beyond the classroom in various arenas including serving on Camas City Council, an active soroptimist member, and president of the Camas Education Association for years. After retiring she dedicated much of her time to the local backpack Food Program at the Treasure House and Family Resource Center, and most recently was a regular volunteer and math tutor, supporting teachers and students at Prune Hill Elementary as well as her niece’s school in Selah, Washington.  

Diana is preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn (Rennie) Bainter, and both of her parents; John Russell Rennie and Genevieve (Harmon) Rennie all of Yakima. Diana leaves behind her brother, John Rennie (Angela Rennie) and sons Averell and Nick Rennie of Yakima, as well as her niece Kate (Bainter) Mercer, husband John Mercer, and great nephews and niece; Jax, Maddox, and Madilyn Mercer all of Yakima, as well. 

What Diana loved most in her life was her family, her two cats, many friends, and all of the students she had in her impressive 41 years of teaching elementary school. Around her home you will find many old photos, cards, letters, and graduation announcements from past students, some of whom she was still in contact with. She was a truly gifted educator and left behind a wonderful legacy of kindness, patience, love, and generosity to her family, friends, and the community of Camas. After retirement, her true joy came from her bi-weekly visits to her niece Kate’s to spend time with her great niece and nephews. She could watch them for hours with sheer amusement and the smile that they brought to her face was priceless. 

We were all so fortunate to have her in our lives and she will be truly missed in our hearts. Please join us in a celebration of life for Diana Rennie on October 19, 2024 from 1-3 pm at the Joyce Garver Theater 1500 NE Garfield St, Camas. 

Rennie