According to Tuesday’s results from the Clark County Elections Office, write-in Camas Mayoral candidate Barry McDonnell has won the election with 3,545 votes, or 52.74 percent of the vote.
Camas Mayor Shannon Turk received 2,757 votes, or 41.01 percent, and Camas City Councilor, Melissa Smith, also a write-in candidate received 420 votes, or 6.25 percent.
McDonnell, who works in Loss Prevention for Sephora, announced his write-in candidacy in early October and aligned himself to the No to Prop 2 movement (pool bond) accusing the city government of not being transparent enough in the process, and not communicating well with Camas voters.
The timing of the news caught the McDonnell family by surprise, said Barry’s wife, Anastasia.
“Barry is currently on a business trip in California, and we were expecting this news on Wednesday,” said Anastasia. “He’s currently meeting with his boss, and isn’t available for an interview right now. We’ve just been immersing ourselves in everything from planning to GMA. We are thrilled! We are so excited! This is everything we hoped for! It happened in 34 days! It was incredible the response we got from the community.”
wwww.MeuPilates.com
“We pushed but they responded, and that response is going to change the future of Camas, and it is thrilling to think about. The fact that we have someone new in office will be great. It will be advantageous, it will be exciting. It will be a whole new world.”
“The first thing he will do is meet with everyone, every head of every department and hear their concerns, and see what their ideas are for the future. Then he’ll sit down with the city councilors and hear their concerns. From there he will start doing round tables with community members, and that will be a lot of work. We will move forward in a positive way.”
This story will be updated.
The election will be certified on November 26, and McDonnell will be sworn in on December 2.
Photos by Nest and Love Photography.
Anastasia McDonnel, forefront, listens to her husband, Barry McDonnell, at the Camas Mayoral debate. Photo by Nest and Love Photography.
Camas, WA — Not even open six months, BurgerIM, locally owned by Chanly Va and Sang Quach, is finding their momentum making quality burgers, sides, salads, and yummy milkshakes — but they also frequently give back 10 percent of their sales to benefit local schools.
When the Camas Athletic Boosters Club approached them about doing special promotions every third Tuesday, BurgerIM Camas quickly agreed to it. Same with Union High School, whose volleyball program has benefitted by special Union High School nights.
These special night promotions require customers to mention the event. Once noted, BurgerIM will donate 10 percent of every sale to the cause.
“We’re happy to help out,” said Va. “This community has been very good to us.”
BurgerIM continues to expand their menu, experimenting with new milkshakes, and they now offer waffle options on their menu.
“The food tastes really good, and we do have good burgers, and lots of variety,” said Va. “We have so many choices: Angus, Dry-aged, Spanish beef (spicy), crispy chicken, salmon, falafel burger, lamb, and the Impossible Burger, which is plant-based. It’s not GMO.”
Grilled Chicken Salad.
“We also have gluten-free buns with lettuce options. As a customer, you can order a favorite or build your own. You don’t have to stay with a classic style. You can build whatever you like on the burger. We offer all the menu items that corporate offers. Whatever you can think of, and we have the ingredients, we can do it.”
The restaurant offers the aforementioned big burgers, and you may also order classics as duos or trios. You can match up your favorites and add your choice of toppings.
www.VixonCabinets.com
Sides include regular fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, half and half, and styled fries with either garlic aioli, jalepenos and cheese, or bacon and cheese.
BugerIM also cooks up a lot of chicken wings, which are available in buffalo, BBQ, and sweet crunchy garlic.
“People always say we have the biggest wings in town,” said Va. “We have really good milkshakes made from fresh milk and real incredible cream. Each are made fresh. We are not fast food, we make gourmet food fast.”
The chain opened in 2011, and the name BurgerIM means “many burgers” in Hebrew.
The restaurant is located at 155 NW 192nd Avenue, Suite 107, Camas, WA 98607. 360-952-8656. To learn more about the company, visit www.BurgerIM.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/07074540/2B80F10F-33BE-4C4E-A3B4-F7EF26F6F67D.jpeg250549Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-11-08 13:46:542019-11-20 13:24:48BurgerIM Camas: Cooking Good Food; Giving Back to Community
The Clark County Elections Office provided an update on the Camas Mayoral race today.
According to Greg Kimsey, the final results from the Camas Mayoral race won’t be known until the middle of next week due to the high volume of write-in ballots coming in from Camas and throughout Clark County. Other cities are taking a priority, as well.
Each ballot will be closely analyzed by elections personnel and members of both major political parties. They will confirm signatures, analyze hand-writing and then have each ballot counted and tallied.
If a name is misspelled, but it’s clear the intent of the voter, it will count. There are still 27,000 ballots countywide left to count.
At stake, is the manual count of more than 2,700 write-in ballots cast in the Camas Mayoral race. Voters cast votes for at least three candidates: Barry McDonnell, Melissa Smith, and Awna Underwood. Currently, the write-in votes account for about 60 percent of total votes cast for the Camas Mayor position.
Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic, located in the heart of Downtown Camas, is having some November specials — in time to pamper yourself before the holiday season.
Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation: 360.823.0795
Here are the November specials:
Laser Genesis or IPL
Buy one laser genesis or IPL treatment get the second area free: Face, Neck, Chest or Hands. Laser Genesis Treatment for texture, pore size, fine lines, wrinkles, and scaring. IPL Limelight Treatment for brown spots and facial redness.
Laser Genesis or IPL.
VI Peel
$50 off first 5 people! Come in for a free Consultation.
VI Peel.
Hair Removal Specials
Small Area $175 (for 6 sessions); Medium Area $275 (for 6 sessions); Large Area $375 (for 6 sessions).
Laser hair removal.
Botox $11 Per Unit
Botox.
Experience Matters
With over 30 years of aesthetic laser and skin care experience and expertise, Master Aesthetician, Lori Keller, knows that looking and feeling confident play a big part in our well-being.
“If you like how you look, you feel more positive and content in your daily life,” says Keller. “But environmental factors such as sun exposure, and physiological factors such as genetics and aging, all can play a role in changing your outward appearance. We help restore confidence by repairing some of the damage our environment and aging can cause.”
When Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic (VLSCC) decided to move its offices to Downtown Camas, they brought more than 30 years of aesthetic laser and skin care experience and an array of treatments and products that rejuvenate skin and restore your youthful glow. They feel good when you look great.
Their office at 715 NE 5th Avenue is charming, and peaceful, and is part of the history and future of Camas, a quaint and successful town that many say is a city about wellness.
“We love being part of this wonderful and historic downtown scene,” said Keller, who owns VLSCC. “And, we invite you to come see what we’re all about. — from pre-teen/adult acne sufferers to mature patients.”
VLSCC offers many services, including: IPL, Chemical Peels, Microneedling, Ultherapy, Face and Leg Vein Removal, Botox, and more!
What started as a small business networking group 12 years ago has turned into an annual Camas and Washougal School District food drive to benefit Children’s Home Society, the C.A.R.O.L. program and the American Legion of Skamania County.
It’s called Stuff the Bus.
“Typically we raise on average 60,000 pounds of food,” said Tabitha Shaffer, a Stuff the Bus organizer. “A couple years ago we hit 80,000 pounds, and we literally stuff the buses. There are usually two or three buses from each high school. A total of four to six buses, and we drive around to all the local schools and pick up literally tons of food! It’s a great event!”
Beginning November 1, the area schools will begin collecting food in designated bins.
“We pick up all the food on December 6 from the schools in Camas and Washougal,” said Angie Cherry, a Stuff the Bus organizer. “We collect from everyone who has participated, and all of the kids get a high five as they help us load the food in the bus.”
Each bus is weighed before it’s filled so organizers know how many pounds have been collected. Last year, Washougal beat Camas — but it’s a friendly competition. The students bring in canned food from home and sometimes classrooms are even rewarded for their efforts.
Beginning November 1, the Stuff the Bus organizers will rally the schools to start collecting food. Volunteers will stand out in front of Safeway (November 23, 24 and 27 from 10 am-6 pm) asking for food or money donations, and Grocery Outlet also runs a promotion for food bags that can be purchased, which helps Stuff the Bus get more food for their program.
“Our goal is to provide enough food for the entire year so that our beneficiaries can give to people in need,” said Cherry.
The C.A.R.O.L. Program gathers and delivers toys for kids 18 and under, as well as family food boxes during the holiday season. The American Legion of Skamania County distributes food baskets to Veterans and Children’s Home Society distributes about 365 bags of food to families in need per month.
Children’s Home Society also supplements the backpack program.
“Every year we count on our community to support the program with cash and food donations,” said Shaffer. “We usually raise about $7,000 per school district, which goes directly to the cause with the exception of our operating costs. Starbucks in Camas and Washougal also donates coffee and hot chocolate.”
And it all comes to a fun finish on December 6, kicking off with a meeting at each High School. They load kids on the buses and then they go to the schools and collect from the area middle schools — all with a fire and police department escort.
It’s literally stuffing the buses.
Once collected, the goods are delivered to the non-profits.
Stuff the Bus is looking for businesses or people to sponsor the event. Sponsors get their name on T-shirts and get advertising on their website — www.CWBusinessAlliance.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/07074648/7D8ADD06-34BE-4336-B8A0-2D8473DA7F17.jpeg6561280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-11-02 09:41:272019-11-02 09:50:28Annual Stuff the Bus Campaign Now in Full Swing — in Washougal & Camas
The theme is “Thankful for Pie!” and attendees will be doing pie tastings in participating merchants!! Stop by the DCA tables at Journey Community Church at 4th and Birch for your passport and activity list. Yum!!
Here is all that is going on:
Pie Tastings in participating businesses–vote for your favorite pie and be entered to win prizes from the merchants or pies!
Pie Walk Dance Parties starting at 7pm in Journey Church, 304 NE 4th — win a delicious pie or other yummies and have fun dancing! Thank you Truly Scrumptiousand Cake Happy for donating some of the pies!
Pie Raffle! at the DCA tables in Journey Church sponsored by Carla Edwards with allclarkcountyhomes.com – Thank you Carla for this and the pie walk dance party!
Kids’ autumn crafts at the DCA tables
Family friendly gratitude activities
Food Drive for the Treasure House by local Eagle Scout, Carson Delahunty
Pick up your participation and activity list for the evening at the DCA tables in Journey starting at 5 pm.
Holiday shopping will be gearing up in a big way and all the restaurants will have warm, comforting fall food options. Downtown will be beautiful with all the fall leaves and it will be the perfect night to bundle up and share some time in your community. Enjoy it all!
The events are sponsored by the DCA, the downtown merchants, and Carla Edwards, Realtor.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/07074701/757A2C16-4545-44CD-AB52-A5A1A7999108.jpeg5491331Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-11-01 16:08:072019-11-01 16:08:16Today’s First Friday: Thankful for Pie Event Throughout Downtown Camas
Camas, WA — A formal Camas Mayoral debate has been set for Tuesday, October 22 at 6:30 pm at the Grass Valley Fire Station in Camas, and the public is invited to attend.
All three candidates for Camas mayor — Shannon Turk, Barry McDonnell, and Melissa Smith — were invited to attend and participate in the 90-minute debate, which is being organized and hosted by Lacamas Magazine and Clark County Today.
Doors for the event will open at 6 pm, and residents are encouraged to come with questions.
“Although all the rules haven’t been set and approved by the candidates yet we encourage Camas residents to attend the event, and come prepared to ask questions,” said Ernie Geigenmiller, publisher of Lacamas Magazine. “It will be a real debate in which the candidates are asked questions by moderators, their opponents will offer a rebuttal, and there will be opportunity for real dialogue between them — as well as an opportunity for residents to directly ask questions. There are also rules of decorum at public facilities like the fire station that will need to be followed. More details to come.”
Mayor Turk and McDonnell have accepted the invitation, while Smith, citing health concerns, said she will not attend the debate.
Turk ran unopposed until early October when McDonnell, a newcomer to politics, announced his write-in candidacy. Days later, Smith, a veteran Camas City Council member, also started her own write-in campaign.
“I am excited that this has come to fruition and am looking forward to it,” said McDonnell. “I think public debate is important for an authentic democratic process and regardless of outcome, this will be a win for the citizens of Camas. I hope we get a great turnout!”
Turk didn’t issue a formal statement, but welcomed the opportunity.
The mayoral race became competitive after weeks of increasing concern about Proposition 2, the community aquatics center and sports field bond, which is on the November ballot.
We encourage you to post your questions in the comments section of this article — or on our Facebook or Instagram social media sites. You may also email us: admin@lacamasmagazine.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/07075335/4A07F9C4-A3D7-4B4C-A140-A751F09BD0B5.jpeg328600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-16 15:01:392019-10-16 15:03:40Camas Mayoral Debate Set for October 22; Public Invited
Approximately 600 adults attended a #SAVETHEKIDS parent education event Tuesday night in Vancouver featuring Instagram Influencer/Youth Advocate Collin Kartchner and Educator Katey McPherson.
“This has been a year in the making,” said one of the event’s organizers, Greg Gillespie, who introduced all of the local volunteers. “I’ve been following him on Instagram, and Collin started off making fun of social media influencers, but when Hurricane Harvey hit in Texas he realized he could do things that make a difference. They helped big time in Houston. Has helped out with many causes. Then he really started this crusade about helping kids and parents navigate screens, and now he visits schools and communities all over the country. He even has a TEDX talk.”
Kartchner spent Tuesday at Liberty Middle School and Hood River Elementary, and encouraged guests to evaluate individual phone and screen usage.
“First, none of us had any clue we’d be dealing with this when we had our children,” said Kartchner. “We are the first generation of parents figuring this out, and we have to talk to each other, and I want you to understand this is a no-shame evening.”
He showed a video that of three people from three generations, the first two of which discussed a childhood outdoors, close to nature.
“The current generation is obsessed with video games and using their smart phones and tablets,” he said. “So, what if this trend continues? Nature has always been a part of childhood, and we need to keep it that way. Society has changed and we’ve created new systems and tech and now can tell it’s harming our kids. Our kids are creative geniuses if we let them.”
He shared a story about Whitney, a 20-year-old in Utah who committed suicide because of the pain she suffered using her smart phone.
“So, we created a program called #savethekids and as parents we have to lead the way,” he said. “When we have our phones out in front of our kids it means we appreciate the phone more than we appreciate them.”
Citing examples of new baby and toddler toys that incorporate smart phone technology he said “we have traded all this amazing stuff and have converted it all to a digital screen and we’re realizing it’s been a mistake. Inmates get more outdoor time than our children do.”
And, the older generations are doing it, too.
“Parents: this is not a phone, this is a mini-super computer with access to everything,” said Kartchner. “We are handing them loaded weapons and if we don’t teach them they will destroy themselves. You have to parent your kids, you have know what they’re getting into. If you give them a smartphone you’re giving them a ticket to do anything.”
“Parents, we have to intervene,” he said. “We have created a society for our children that is extremely stressful. We can stop ‘still facing’ our kids and their problems. Babies are very responsive to the world around them. Infants really do engage in personal interaction.”
Using images of the pre-frontal cortex slide, Kartchner explained how the brain develops from the rear to the front.
“The pre-frontal cortex, which is the last part of the brain to develop, affects decision making,” he explained. “Your kid isn’t even close to full development. Social media and gaming have negative effects on our children’s brains. Games are more addictive than cocaine. Fortnite, a company that makes $1.8 billion a quarter off a ‘free’ game is also an attraction for sexual predators. We are letting our kids turn their backs on their talents.”
Social Media App Ratings
“Social media app ratings are misleading,” he said. “We’re trying to help the tech companies change how the way apps are rated. For example, lots of porn links are sent through Instagram. Watch out for private DMs. It’s too much for our kids. These phones are destroying our kids. Instagram is a dangerous place for our kids. SnapChat is the worst. They throw out articles to our kids encouraging porn, and 82 percent of porn on Pornhub encourages violence. We have to be careful. TikTok is the next big one and is a place for predators.”
SnapChat is the worst!”
— Collin Kartchner
Easy to find porn on these apps.
“Mom, I Got Bit”
When you hand your kids a snake they’re gonna get bit, and that’s why he will soon be releasing a book called “Mom, I Got Bit.” He likened the dangers of smartphones to having a snake, and explained how to react when your children get bit:
Don’t yell, don’t get mad.
Tell them “I love you, thank you for being brave enough to tell me you got bit.”
Offer assistance: “What can we do to help you?”
Create a “no trouble” bubble, which is a safe place.
Hugs and Signs You Might Be a Lawnmower Parent
“Hugs! Our kids need more of this than ever before,” he said. “Hug your kids — kids need 8 hugs a day for 8 seconds each. 20 second hugs have proven to boost the immune system. Why are they so desperate to be seen and loved?”
In this video, he explained what it means to be a “Lawnmower Parent” (click video link): https://youtu.be/8Q_53e283rA
Katey’s Presentation
“Technology is part of our life but it cannot be our central focus,” she said. “When you hand over your device you’re giving them a medium to share their feelings … Prior to age 2 you’ve taken about 2,000 photos. It teaches them that life is to not be lived, it is to be documented.”
“After Columbine (the school shooting) in 1999 we decided nobody would harm our kids. We’ve taken away from our children the ability to cope with their own pain. Our students are walking around with a thin veil of terror and the device is not going to save their lives.”
Citing increasing national anxiety trends, McPherson said that students need to know they have dignity.
“Students need to know they have dignity,” she said. “Think about adding this to your daily vocabulary.
This generation is over the word ‘respect.’ The reason is because we’ve taken away their dignity all day long. We bring them to this Earth with inherent worth, and we need to stop doing the heavy lifting for them. If we want to stop school shootings we better start with the inside out.”
“Spend your energy on being clear on access and sit down with your family to discuss what’s fair. Sit down and be really clear about what the boundaries are. Create a family data contract. They’re not allowed to share private information. Don’t share inappropriate photos. It has to be an ongoing and pervasive message. This is a parent issue, not a school issue. The goal is self-governance by 17 or 18. It is not easy work, but it is possible. If you stop dancing you will lose your child to pornography or gaming or suicide. It’s time to really step into this. We are here to get you in the know about what our kids are exposed to.”
The next #savethekids event happens Wednesday, October 16 from 7-8:30 pm at Mannahouse in Vancouver.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/07075322/CBE13058-3CD9-4EDA-8868-301E9770FA01-scaled.jpeg13352560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-16 02:31:542019-10-16 02:32:10Kartchner #SAVETHEKIDS Event: Dangers of Excessive Screen Time, Social Media
Summer flew by and The Hammond Kitchen and Craft Bar team has been hard at work developing a new Fall menu, which is filled with color, freshness, richness, and flavor.
We sampled the following plates and drinks, and we know they’ll tantalize your taste buds.
H Platter: This is a special platter made with both California deviled eggs and their signature homestyle deviled eggs, along with mushroom toast, smoked salmon, albacore tuna, seasonal smoked seafood, toasted almonds, olives, pickled vegetables, and crostini.
Chicken Dumplings: Made with Mary’s fresh range chicken, chicken gravy, fall vegetables, mushroom and scallion dumplings. The presentation alone with surprise you, and then the flavor!
Fresh Grilled Ora King Salmon: Made with citrus butter, sweet pepper, and delicate risotto. The citrus butter is a nice twist on a fan favorite.
Wedge Salad: Made with bibb lettuce, pancetta bacon, Parmesan croutons, candied delicate squash, and Gorgonzola dressing. The Wedge salad is for those seeking a lighter meal experience.
Beet Salad: Made with tri-colored beets, arugula, chèvre, dried cherries, toasted pumpkin seeds, balsamic redux and extra virgin olive oil. We love the texture and fresh of the beets, and how they balance nicely with the chèvre and other ingredients.
Autumn Chop: This is a festival of flavor also for those seeking a lighter meal. Made with Mary’s free range chicken, romaine, pancetta, pear, apple, dried cherries, smoked Gouda, chopped egg, toasted pumpkin seeds, candied squash, and cider maple vinaigrette.
Fresh Orca King Salmon.
Red barrel braised short ribs: Made with red wine sour cream redux, pappardelle pasta, shiitakes, and smoked mushroom butter. These ribs are fantastic!
The Hammond has also crafted four new drinks for Fall:
Bon voyage margarita: This ginger cranberry margarita is crafted with Sauza Horintos, New Deal ginger liquer, housemade cranberry simply syrup and lime — it’s bright, tart and bold.
Camas Apple Punch: With muddled fresh apples, Burnside Oakes bourbon, Bellewood gin, apple sour, house-made harvest simple syrup and cava sparkling brut — it’s light, fresh, and juicy.
Jamaican Me Fall: With 3 Howls spiced rum, Cruzan aged rum, Falernum, lime and quince jam — it’s tropical, dark and fruity.
Hot Spiked Cider: Green Mountain hot spiced apple cider with your choice of Bellewood pumpkin spiced liquer or Heritage Brown Sugar bourbon and fresh whipped cream — it’s sweet, lush and toasty.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/07075344/83680F30-8067-42F6-8801-B17A5202D629.jpeg13862471Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-11 15:26:192019-10-11 15:55:21The Hammond Releases New Fall Menu — Filled With Color, Freshness, Flavor
The City of Camas released this operations analysis for the Community Aquatics Center, known as Proposition 2, which is coming up on this election season’s ballot.
The City of Camas has been working with Ballard King & Associates, a recognized recreation consulting firm, to project potential operational costs, revenue, and a fee structure for the proposed Community Aquatics Facility.
The consultant created a basic operations analysis for a facility that is approximately 78,000 square feet and includes a recreation pool, lap pool, gym, track, two group exercise rooms, weight/cardio area, community room, and child watch area.
The figures used to calculate the operations analysis are projected estimates for 2022, based on community center/aquatic center facilities that are similar in size and scope. Certain costs, including those for facility user fees and programs, will be subject to the discretion and approval of the Camas City Council and will have a direct impact on the operational budget summary listed below.
Operations Analysis Assumptions:
The first year of operations will be late 2022 or later. The budget represents the second full year of operation.
The operations plan includes a basic assessment of staffing needs and rate of compensation for full-time and part-time staff. Revenues are based on a general fee structure only with an aggressive rate of utilization/sales.
The minimum wage in Washington will be at least $14.32 an hour in 2022.
This operational budget represents the full anticipated expenses and revenues for the center.
The center will be operated by the City of Camas.
This operations estimate is based on a basic program and concept plan for the facility only. This operations plan will need to be updated once a final concept design has been developed.
The center will be open seven days a week for a total of at least 105 hours a week.
Indirect city overhead costs have been figured at 18% of total operating costs.
Notes About the Information
Interior of proposed pool.
Indirect costs of $476,473 are those services provided by the City such as human resources and financial services. The facility would benefit by sharing existing resources.
Admission revenue assumes non-city residents paying 25% more.
Annual Passes equal 10% of the households in the service area.
Operational Budget Summary
Expenses: $3,123,542
Revenues: $2,280,047
Difference: ($843,496)
Recovery %: 73%
Note: The City currently provides recreational services with a budget of approximately $400,000 per year with revenue of $84,000 in 2018. The Camas outdoor pool was subsidized about $100,000. Combined, these could help offset the operational deficit, bringing the difference down to approximately $343,500.
;
