In an effort to help Downtown Camas businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, several local businessmen banded together to create The Camas Shirt Project.
Mel Locke, owner of Universal Martial Arts, and Joseph Graves, Founder of HYVÄ SPC, are working hard to do what they can to help out. The shirt was designed by Tolo Tuitele, of Fuel Medical, and printing is being handled by David McCalib’s team at Printforia at the Port of Camas-Washougal.
Their goal is to sell 20,000 T-shirts, with profits to be distributed to downtown businesses.
“Mel wanted to do something to help out downtown, which is the heart of Camas,” said Graves, who lives in Washougal, but was raised in Camas. “This all came together very quickly after that first conversation.”
Back to Carolina is a cozy beach romance set in coastal North Carolina.
Dean Taylor is excited to tackle the final assignment before officially making partner at his firm, that is until he learns he must return to his hometown to close the deal. Driving past road signs and ball fields, he is overwhelmed by images from the past he had run away from a decade ago and of which he had no desire to return.
Dean’s plans to get in, grab a signature, and get out quickly are abruptly dashed as the CEO of Cape Fear Commercial demands that Dean spends a week getting to know each of the company’s facilities. Compounding Dean’s challenge, Cape Fear’s Public Relations Director assigned to take him on the tour is a college ex-girlfriend, a relationship that he acknowledges he did not end in particularly gallant fashion. At every turn during his stay, Dean runs into people from his past. Unresolved relationships weighing on him, he launches into an ill-advised apology tour.
As Dean confronts his past, he finds himself unwittingly smitten with Shelby James, a wary military widow struggling to move past the heartbreak of losing her husband. Life’s turns continue to pit the two together as they begin to build a fragile, reluctant relationship unlocking hearts and healing wounds of the past, cultivating a warm, coastal Carolina romance.
A work trip inspired Sjostrom to write Back to Carolina.
Seth Sjostrom.
“I left my hometown at such an age that my tail was on fire, ready to conquer the world. There was surely scorched earth in my wake. As I drove through my old college town, I couldn’t help but to consider friends and relationships that I either left behind or were simply overwhelmed by the overgrown weeds of time,” Sjostrom shares.
Back to Carolina follows Dean Taylor as he struggles to overcome the fears of facing his past and rebuilding relationships that were once dear to him. In doing so, he finds his mature self finally ready to accept present day relationships, such as his budding romance with Shelby.
Seth is a Camas, Washington resident. A serial entrepreneur and author, Back to Carolina, is his fifth novel. The thrillers Blood in the Snow, Blood in the Water,Penance, as well as the holiday romance Finding Christmas were his first books published.
For more information or to order his books, check out www.sethsjostrom.com for pre-launch discounts. Back to Carolina goes to print May 1st.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073819/9C2F8820-97B6-47D4-9255-016CE8125683.jpeg10932191Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-15 18:30:332020-04-15 18:43:36Camas Author Prepares for May Release of ‘Back to Carolina’ Novel
Camas, WA — Camas Parks & Recreation is cancelling the annual Camtown Youth Festival at Crown Park in Camas on Saturday, June 6, 2020. Due to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak and considering the health and safety of our event participants, the decision has been made to cancel this year’s on-site park event.
“We know that our community is eager to gather and engage in many of the wonderful events and activities (such as Camtown) that our city has to offer. We also know that it will only be a matter of time until we can come together for enjoyment, whether it’s to attend a concert, sporting event, festival, or a fundraiser,” says Krista Bashaw, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Camas Parks & Recreation. “We have future events in our sights and continue to plan for those, so that when the gathering green light is given, we’ll be ready to go with many of the great events our community is used to and ready for.”
Stay home. Stay healthy.
For information on any of the City of Camas events, contact Camas Parks & Recreation at kbashaw@cityofcamas.us
CAMAS, WA – Earlier this week, the City of Camas Finance department rolled out new ways for residents in arrears and small businesses of fewer than 50 employees to ease the burden of utility payments. Today they announce an additional COVID-19 promotion called “Support Local & Save,” aimed at lowering residential utility bills while supporting Camas merchants.
The new program, which begins April 11, is based on the City of Newberg, Oregon’s Support Local Challenge. Here’s how it works:
Residents are encouraged to make purchases from Camas merchants in the downtown area and throughout the city.Eligible purchases include gift cards, food, goods and services.
Residents save their receipts showing the business name, date and amount of purchase.
Residents may submit to City of Camas a total of $125 in receipts for a total savings of $75.
When they have a total of $25 in receipts (this could be one receipt or multiple), they are eligible to receive $15 off their utility bill.
Residents can then email a scan or photo of the receipts to finance@cityofcamas.us; mail them to City of Camas Finance Department, 616 NE 4th Ave., Camas WA 98607; or drop them in the City Hall drop box.
All receipts must be accompanied by the name on the utility account, account number, address and contact phone or email.
Support Local & Save will begin on Sat., April 11, and run through May 4, the current end date of Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation; the City will reassess the program’s duration as the COVID- 19 situation evolves.
“I challenge everyone who can to ‘Support Local & Save,’” rallied City of Camas Mayor Barry McDonnell. “Camas merchants are doing a great job of coming up with inventive ways to offer gift cards, food, goods and services that allow residents to stay home and stay healthy. Now we can shop, dine and save on utilities.”
The City will continue to monitor feedback from residents and businesses, as well as the guidance of public agencies, to determine future modifications and support mechanisms. For an up-to-date listing of changes to city programming and operations during the COVID-19 crisis, the public is encouraged to visit www.cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19.
Members of the public who have a need or concern may contact administration@cityofcamas.us or 360-834-6864. For assistance with errands, food, supplies, and more, residents may call the City of Camas Resource Helpline, 360- 382-1300, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
For questions about the program, please visit www.cityofcamas.us/supportlocal or contact the City of Camas Finance Department at finance@cityofcamas.us or 360-834-2462, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Finance staff will also be on hand to answer questions and enroll residents currently in arrears and small businesses in incorporated Camas with fewer than 50 employees.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073826/CAD7FD9C-62AE-4669-BD6C-6E2659F75720.jpeg6891280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-10 16:55:562020-04-10 16:56:01Camas Launches ‘Support Local & Save’ to Support Residents, Merchants
CAMAS, WA – The City of Camas Finance department is now offering multiple ways to ease the burden of utility payments for Camas residents already in arrears and all Camas small businesses while the community continues to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.
“We understand that our customers may be experiencing financial hardship due to the widespread closure of businesses across the country during the pandemic,” said Finance Director Cathy Huber Nickerson. “If you are experiencing financial hardship, maintaining a dialogue with the City about your situation and having a plan in place ensures we can work with you on the extended resolution of your utility balance.”
For residents already in arrears as of February 19, 2020:
Payment Plans – After setting up a plan, residents may make partial payments toward their utility balance in the amount and the frequency they can afford.
No Late Fees – For payments due from March through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020, residential customers will not incur late fees on utility payments.
No Shutoffs – The City recognizes the vital need for access to water for sanitation during the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, residents with an outstanding balance for November/December 2019 service, originally due on Feb. 10, 2020, did not have their water service shut off on March 18 as planned. No shutoffs will occur through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020. The balance will still be owing and may be paid in full or through a payment plan. No late fees will apply.
To set up a payment plan, residents currently in arrears must complete and submit the Residential Utility Assistance Payment Plan form.
Utilities cannot be suspended during a payment plan and charges will continue to accrue. For this reason, residents are encouraged to set up a payment plan with installments as large as possible.
The City will revisit these programs in late April and determine whether more residents and businesses need relief options. Moreover, if the current Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation is extended, the duration of these programs may be modified.
For small businesses, defined as those in incorporated Camas with fewer than 50 employees:
Payment Plans – After setting up a plan, small businesses may make partial payments toward their balance in the amount and frequency they can afford; or
Balance Deferment – Small businesses that are unable to fulfill a payment plan and have applied for a small business loan may be eligible to defer their utility balance while awaiting loan funds. Deferments can be up to three months long or until loan proceeds have been received.
No Late Fees – For payments due from March through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020, residential customers will not incur late fees on utility payments.
No Shutoffs – The City recognizes the vital need for access to water for sanitation during the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, residents with an outstanding balance for November/December 2019 service, originally due on Feb. 10, 2020, did not have their water service shut off on March 18 as planned. No shutoffs will occur through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020. The balance will still be owing and may be paid in full or through a payment plan. No late fees will apply.
Temporary Opt-Out of Garbage Collection – While their operations are closed, small business may elect to stop garbage service from City of Camas.
Utilities cannot be suspended during a payment plan or deferment, and charges will continue to accrue. For this reason, businesses are encouraged to set up a payment plan with installments as large as possible or to make partial payments during a deferment. Both options limit balance accrual.
To pursue a payment plan or deferment, small businesses must complete and submit the Small Business Utility Assistance form.
The City will continue to monitor feedback from residents and businesses, as well as the guidance of public agencies, to determine future modifications and support mechanisms. For an up-to-date listing of changes to city programming and operations during the COVID-19 crisis, the public is encouraged to visit www.cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19.
Members of the public who have a need or concern may contact administration@cityofcamas.us or 360-834- 6864. For assistance with errands, food, supplies and more, residents may call the City of Camas Resource Helpline, 360-382-1300, Monday-Friday, 9 am – 6 pm.
To request a payment plan, deferment or waiver, residents already in arrears and small businesses should contact the City of Camas Finance Department at finance@cityofcamas.us or 360-834-2462, Monday- Friday, 9 am- 5 pm.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073830/916C6F57-4941-4CC7-BB2B-E6464E74EED9.jpeg393878Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-09 17:04:092020-04-09 17:04:16COVID-19: City of Camas Rolls Out Utility Relief Options to Homes, Businesses
Camas, WA — Natalia’s Cafe, located in the heart of downtown Camas, has made significant adjustments during the current COVID-19 quarantine orders. Like all Washington restaurants, they quickly adapted to becoming a food takeout business.
It’s caused significant pain to the quaint corner diner, whose tables and counter barstools are typically filled during peak hours seven days a week, but they’re finding their way.
Owner Erica Slothower and manager Wendy DelBosque continue to adapt to changes, creating and promoting specials, and although it’s not an ideal situation, it is working. Slothower continues to run the back office, while DelBosque runs the kitchen.
What’s been happening over these past few weeks is that many patrons pay significantly more than the cost of their meals, and are asking those funds to be donated to feed the needy among us — particularly senior citizens.
”We identified it was a challenge to keep seniors home,” said DelBosque. “So we had an initial donation come in with a request to feed people who needed it. With the help of Lynn Foster and Wayne Pattison we got a list of people to help. Since then, we’ve had more donations come in to continue with the program. If customers know more people that need help, they can also sponsor meals and we can continue to cook for them. For $10, you can buy a special breakfast or lunch delivered. You can call us at 360.844.5968.”
Community activist and Good Samaritan, Wayne Pattison, reached out to the cafe and has a list of people who are in need of help.
”This idea came from Erica’s customers at Natalia’s,” said Pattison. “Meals on Wheels called me and I came up with a list of seniors. The meals are getting out there. I’m hoping enough people continue to donate. This is an essential service. I called 127 of our seniors off our list, and 46 people requested it. I have a number of them are struggling with being locked up. So today, we’re going to call them all again to check up on them. There’s an emotional toll to all of this. We humans need eye contact. This quarantine is taking a major toll on our senior citizens.”
“As donations come in, we will continue to identify people who need a good meal, said DelBosque. “We’re planning to help our local first responders and could use your help. We want to keep it very local — Camas and Washougal. We will continue to do this as long as the donations come in.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073839/8E6E0891-F075-403B-AD58-D19A33F94424.jpeg7561280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-08 13:55:142020-04-08 13:55:20Natalia’s Cafe: A Hub of Generosity During Crisis; Helping Senior Citizens
Camas School District responds to Governor Inslee’s order to keep schools closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Here is the statement from Dr. Jeff Snell, Superintendent of Camas School District:
Dear Camas Community:
I’m writing to share some important news. Governor Inslee made the decision to close schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year this evening in a press conference. The extended closure is an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe and healthy. During this closure extension, all school facilities will remain closed, however, student learning will continue, albeit in the new remote learning world.
I hoped that we would be able to welcome students back to school this year. Our staff members love seeing and serving your children at school! Instead, we will be focusing all of our effort on making remote learning the best it can be.
We understand that the continued closure of schools presents many challenges for students and families. It also raises many questions. The information outlined below is what we know now. We will continue to share further guidance as decisions are made and as information becomes available.
Remote Learning: Remote learning will continue through the remainder of the school year. We have created a remote Learning Website as a resource to support distance learning: (https://bit.ly/2Vb8EhX). This week, teachers will connect with students regarding learning plans and recorded lessons. If you have concerns about access please let us know. School administrators are tracking all concerns, and we’re doing our best to address them quickly. Email your teacher or principal if you need additional support. We are currently exploring ways to do live video conferencing lessons. As we previously shared, this is still a work in progress. We will continue to update you on all of the questions that naturally come up with this new announcement including grading, graduation, etc…
Technology: Devices have been deployed for all students grades 3-12. If your child needs internet access, wifi is available near our school buildings and near strategically placed buses from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. Visit this map for exact locations (https://bit.ly/2wg2g0a). If you have technical difficulty, please contact our technology department at Chromebook-help@camas.wednet.edu or call the Chromebook helpline and leave a voicemail at (360) 833-5432.
Nutrition Services: We will continue to provide meals to students that need them during weekdays for select routes (https://bit.ly/2XdG3er) and for onsite pick-up from 9 – 11 AM at Liberty and Skyridge middle schools, and Woodburn, Lacamas Lake, Dorothy Fox, Prune Hill, and Grass Valley elementary schools.
Child Care: We will continue to provide child care for children of first responders and health care workers. To arrange for childcare, please contact Mary Weishaar at weishaar@camas.wednet.edu.
Medications: If your student has medication at school, please watch for additional information related to pick-up arrangements. For immediate questions or concerns, please contact Carol Bruce, Health Services and Nursing Supervisor at 360-335-3000, ext 75746 or bruce@camas.wednet.edu.
Personal belongings: If your student has essential belongings at school that need to be picked up, we will be developing a process that ensures safety and allows for pick up. We will share more with you about that process in the coming weeks.
High School Seniors: High school seniors will receive support from their school administrators and counselors on opportunities to earn credits needed for post-secondary transitions. We are working closely with the state’s college system to ensure smooth transitions.
Graduation Ceremonies: In-person graduation ceremonies will change to virtual ceremonies and/or be delayed. A final decision related to graduation ceremonies will be shared by the end of April. We want to do our best to create meaningful culminating activities for our seniors given the circumstances.
School Activities: All school events, including sporting practices and matches, field trips, dances, etc. will be canceled during the extended school closure. We are engaging with students to come up with creative alternatives to celebrate milestones such as prom and field day. In some cases, special events may be postponed until later dates. We will keep students and families updated on these decisions so that you can plan your participation in advance.
More information can be found on the district website: www.camas.wednet.edu. Please continue to take good care of yourselves and your families. This is a difficult time for all of us, and we will get through it together.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073847/5A5898EF-E2A3-4FA4-B068-C4E6FF0051D3.jpeg437867Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-06 20:05:522020-04-06 20:05:59Camas School District Responds to Inslee’s School Closure Order
CAMAS, WA – The City’s North Shore Legacy Lands project is a 30-year initiative focused on establishing a fully connected recreation and conservation corridor around Lacamas Lake. The April 6 regular Camas City Council meeting agenda will include motions to ratify the time-critical final steps to closing on the last two parcels of land included in this long-term community project.
The existing Lacamas Lake recreation and conservation corridor includes 880 acres on the south, east and west sides of the 320-acre Lacamas Lake. The final 87.7 acres, if approved, would become part of 159.3 acres on the North Shore acquired over the last two years through donations, purchases and Conservation Futures funding. The Pittock-Leadbetter House, built in 1901 by The Oregonian newspaper publisher Henry L. Pittock, is considered a highlight of the acquisitions.
“These final properties would provide key links to the trails and lands already acquired, significantly expand public access to active and passive recreation and create conservation areas on the north side of the lake,” said City of Camas Parks and Recreation Manager Jerry Acheson, who oversees the North Shore Legacy Lands project.
One parcel proposed for acquisition is the Rose property, $12.5 million, comprising 54.45 acres with 1,600 feet of shoreline, open fields, environmentally sensitive areas, forested hillsides and access to Lacamas Lake. It has been marketed to private buyers as prime land for commercial and residential development offering lake-view lots, water access and proximity to schools.
The second parcel proposed for acquisition is the CJ Dens property, $4.5 million, totaling 33 critical acres that include shorelines, boat launch parking area, forested hillsides, unique rock outcroppings and access to Lacamas Lake. The property is part of an 83-acre, 289-lot residential development currently for sale.
“We could not be more thankful,” expressed Acheson. “The generosity of the Camas-Washougal Wildlife League and the private landowners will ensure access, recreation and conservation for generations to come.”
Anticipated uses for the North Shore Legacy Lands include closure of Leadbetter Road to vehicular traffic and completion of the seven-mile loop trail around Lacamas Lake with connections to existing trail networks, nearby schools, neighborhoods and places of employment. Also planned are new trails, water access points, recreation areas and historical features.
In addition to protecting the natural and recreational areas, the North Shore Legacy Lands project celebrates several decades of foundational work laid by the City, Clark County, the State of Washington and the Columbia Land Trust to:
Protect 1,000 acres of critical land and sensitive natural areas such as riparian zones, wetlands and forested hill sides;
Preserve the visual quality that gives Camas its unique sense of place;
Create opportunities for recreational trails such as the popular Heritage Trail and the Lacamas Regional Park trail network; and
Provide direct public access to the lake for boating, fishing and swimming.
The vision for the North Shore Legacy Lands project was borne from substantial input from citizens, stakeholders, City staff and key conservation partners. It reflects a variety of City, County and regional plans, including the Clark County Conservation Areas Acquisition Plan; the City of Camas Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan; the Lacamas Corridor Master Plan and the City of Camas Strategic Plan.
Without acquisition.
The timing of finalizing the last acquisitions is based on the terms of the purchase and sales agreements and cannot be postponed without penalty and threat of losing the properties. The funds being used to purchase the lands cannot be legally reallocated to general services, including emergency aid related to COVID-19. For more information related to the financing of the North Shore Legacy Lands project, see the April 1 video featuring Mayor Barry McDonnell, CFO Cathy Huber Nickerson and Council Member Steve Hogan, starting at 05:17.
The April 6 meeting will take place via webinar in accordance with Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation. The public may comment at the start and end of the meeting that begins at 7 p.m. Details for viewing and calling in to the meeting will be posted at www.cityofcamas.us in advance of the meeting, and a recording will be available in the days following at the City’s meeting portal, www.cityofcamas.us/yourgovernment/minuteagendavideo. Questions about the North Shore Legacy Lands or the April 6 meeting may be directed to 360-834-6864 or administration@cityofcamas.us.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073903/69E38896-414D-468A-B105-D21F8ABC5541.jpeg9432136Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-03 20:58:472020-04-03 20:58:58North Shore: Council Agenda Includes Motions to Close Land Deal
CAMAS, WA — Based on Gov. Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, as well as guidance from the Office of the Attorney General, all City of Camas public meetings, now until April 23, 2020, will occur remotely through an interactive online event tool, Zoom video webinar.
Public comment will be accepted at the start and close of the online public meeting, as usual, and may also be submitted in writing to PublicComments@cityofcamas.us.
Camas City Council convenes on the first and third Monday of the month. For April 6, the workshop meeting has been canceled, and the regular meeting will take place via Zoom at 7 p.m. The agenda will only address items that are necessary and routine or which are necessary to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. All other matters will be deferred until the public has its normal methods to attend.
In the upcoming weeks, Council and Staff will revisit whether the April 20 regular meeting is needed.
The public can watch the events live or view them afterward as a recording. Agendas, Zoom web links and Zoom phone numbers will be shared in advance of the meeting on the City website, social media, CamasConnect app and meeting portal, www.cityofcamas.us/yourgovernment/minuteagendavideo.
To view or participate in the live Zoom webinar, individuals will need to download the ZOOM Cloud Meetings software on their computer or download the app to their mobile device. Alternatively, individuals may call in to the event using the Zoom phone number provided.
The City is aware of issues regarding unwarranted access to Zoom and has taken additional precautions to secure the platform for trouble-free viewing and participation.
The City will continue to monitor newly released information to determine additional modifications as needed. For up-to-date programming and operations changes, the public is encouraged to visit www.cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/07074023/5E1BE16B-08BD-40B7-A6CA-82DB41FD0258.jpeg6211280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-04-02 16:25:082020-04-02 16:25:14Camas Public Meetings To All Be Held Remotely — Through April 23
CAMAS, WA – In order to focus all efforts on fighting COVID-19, the City of Camas has put construction of the Lake-Everett Roundabout on hold. In two weeks, on April 15, the City will revisit the construction stoppage and decide how to proceed.
Four additional public construction projects currently underway are also being halted: improvements to Brady Road, construction of the 18th Avenue Reservoir, construction of the Lacamas Creek Pump Station and improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The City will immediately begin working with contractors to ensure the construction sites are safe and secure during the stoppage.
“As you know, we are monitoring the COVID-19 situation frequently. Things change very quickly,” said Mayor Barry McDonnell. “Governor Inslee is continuing to call for additional protective measures across the state. These important projects will ultimately move forward, but I believe that stopping all construction in Camas at this time is the right decision for everyone’s health and safety.”
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