Tag Archive for: Camas

, ,

Update: California Fire Victims Receive RV From Camas Families

Camas, WA — “Mission accomplished,” said Ed Fischer, owner of Camas Bike and Sport in Downtown Camas. “We wrapped up with the local adopt-a-family here in Washougal, and what a nice family! And with the RV camper, the trip went smoothly and after the Chico DMV visit, we got the trailer up there right before nightfall and it was placed on the house pad where the lost home once sat. We did not get much of any time to take a look around, but the devastation was real and evident, and the recent flooding there really left the roads in shambles.”

When Fischer first heard about the Paradise, CA fires he became a big advocate in helping out, so he spent considerable time and money trying to locate a family that needed help, and would purchase an RV camper. But, even though his heart was in the right place, it ended up being a major challenge.

”I learned that it’s not easy to do all that stuff,” said Fischer. “It was very hard to organize, it took a lot of coordinating, planning, and communicating. There’s a lot more than the monetary portion. Procuring the trailer was very challenging. There were a lot of scams and misleading people out there, but ultimately we found a good trailer that would really help out this family.”

Fischer said about two-thirds of the cost of the RV was received through local donations following its purchase. He said many donations were $10, and one man gave $300.

Humane

www.McKeanSmithLaw.com

”Every amount helped,” said Fischer. “And, it was great to see all the support. All of it made this possible.”

Community members are contributed home essentials to fill the trailer, which was delivered several days ago.

Jeff Paul accompanied Fischer to California to deliver the trailer, and the two witnessed the fire’s devastation.

“It was amazing to see the random destruction, the fires took a few homes, then you’d see a couple that didn’t even look touched, then back to piles of debris where houses once stood.” said Fischer. “It really gave me a flashback to the fire’s I worked in back in Malibu in 1993, same thing happened where floods would come in soon after and reek further havoc on the area. In the end, the camper is now helping the family live on the property and rebuild, and it felt like we did the right thing for the right people! And last, could not have done it without all the support and contributions from so many that rallied around the cause. I didn’t get a lot of pictures because I want to respect people’s privacy. It wasn’t a staging photo moment. We got there kind of late, and the whole family wasn’t there.”

He also appreciates the local support of their adopt a family, who lives in Washougal.

/0 Comments/by

Camas Gymnastics Team Wins Naydenov Weekend Meet Despite Injuries

Vancouver, WA — Despite injuries and absences on Saturday, the Camas Gymnastics team (3-0 this season) managed to win Saturday’s Naydenov meet with a final overall team score of 171.85.

Union placed second (162.7); Columbia River, third (155.3); Ridgefield, fourth (136.5), and Heritage placed fifth (111.95).

It was a rocky gymnastics meet, said Head Coach Carol Willson, who feared the Papermakers would lose, given several absences and Corissa Cassidy’s injury during the Floor routine. Cassidy rolled her ankle on her first landing, and was carried out by her mother. X-rays show she didn’t break any bones, but there will be several weeks of recovery.

“It was a painful landing,” said Willson. “We’re grateful she didn’t break any bones.”

Papermaker Shea McGee’s star continues to rise, with victories in the All-Around (36.7) and Beam (9.55). Joy Marsh placed third in All-Around (34.8).

Papermaker Lili Ford won the Vault (9.4), with McGee placing a close second (9.2).

McGee also placed second in the Bars (9.2) with Annika Affleck placing fifth (8.1).

Saturday’s meet was the third consecutive victory for the girls, who continue to press forward with 42 team members.

”I’m still worried,” said Willson. “We’ve had several injuries and we’re down a few kids.”

The defending State Gymnastics champions feel confident about their depth and strength, and hope their injured athletes can heal over the holiday break.

Gingerbread

Visit www.VancouverLaserSkinCareClinic.com

 

/0 Comments/by
,

Shopper’s Guide: Check Out Some Fun Things to Buy — Locally!

Twice each month, we are featuring a local shopper’s guide of fun things to purchase locally.

The feature this time is Lily Atelier, with their elegant model, Tayva Russ, wearing the following clothes:

Rosemunde Tank Top, size small: $68

Suzy D Striped Tee, size small: $118

Pure Amici Long Zip Cashmere Hoody, size small: $398

Anorak Gold Vest, size small: $138

Jewelry:

Yedomi Bangles: $88

Michelle Pressler Necklace: $178

Summitt Shoes, size 39: $159

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Located at 237 NE 4th Avenue, Downtown Camas

360.834.9215

Shopper’s

An elegant ensemble at Lily Atelier.

ARKTANA

Arktana is a shoe boutique in Downtown Camas, WA for women and men. We specialize in comfortable shoes that you can wear all day and still be on trend. Along with beautiful shoes we have leather handbags, beautiful custom handmade and designer jewelry and many beautiful gift items.

You will find quality shoes that are comfortable and stylish at Arktana.  We are a small shoe boutique. Arktana provides an alternative shoe-shopping experience from what you will get at a department or chain store. At Arktana, we value each of our customers as an individual and take the time to get to know you. We hope you will enjoy our welcoming shop where you can find all styles of shoes, boots and sandals from everyday casual to formal footwear both for men and women. Allow our friendly staff to show you around and assist you as you browse, helping you find the perfect shoe.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

415 NE 4th Avenue, Downtown Camas

360.210.5717

www.Arktana.com

Shopper’s

Find great quality shoes at Arktana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ARTFUL ATTIC

This newly-opened artist boutique features 24 local artists. They have everything from wall art, pottery, and do customized laser engravings! They will be hosting a special ribbon cutting on January 4. It’s not too late to find that perfect, unique gift at a store that personalizes so much!

Custom Engraved Cutting Board 6X9 bamboo: $14.00

Custom Engraved Wine Glasses (2): $28.00 for first set, additional sets $18.00 each – PLEASE SPECIFY WHITE WINE GLASS, RED WINE GLASS, STEMLESS GLASS

Engraved Pint Glasses (2): $26.00 for first set, additional sets $16.00 each

Custom Engraved Acrylic 4 glass/wine bottle holder: $24.00

Custom Engraved Acrylic 2 glass/wine bottle holder: $18.00

Customized 16 inch round fir serving tray, engraved with resin coating: $50

Customized cork coasters – 4 inch round or square: $12 per set of 4

CONTACT INFORMATION:

217 NE 3rd Avenue, Downtown Camas

360.210.4927

www.artfulatticboutique.com

Shopper’s

Custom engravings at The Artful Attic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

VANCOUVER LASER SKIN CARE CLINIC

They have a great line of Jane Iredale products available!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

360.823.0795

www.VancouverLaserSkinCareClinic.com

Shopper’s

Available at Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAMAS BIKE & SPORT

The Specialized ANGi helmet is $130-$200 depending on model. You can also purchase the unit for $50.00 that can be put on any helmet and comes with a year of activation ($30 a year after).

CONTACT INFORMATION:

403 NE 5th Avenue, Downtown Camas

360.210.5160

www.CamasBikes.com

Shopper’s

The Specialized ANGi helmet is $130-$200 depending on model. You can also purchase the unit for $50.00 that can be put on any helmet and comes with a year of activation ($30 a year after).

CAMAS GALLERY

There’s always some great art to find at Camas Gallery. Take a look at the penny fish!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

408 NE 4th Avenue, Downtown Camas

360.817.2415

Shopper’s

Check out the Penny Fish at Camas Gallery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTIC GALLERY

This is a fantastic gallery with a long history of providing local communities with great connections to local artists.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

421 NE Cedar St. Downtown Camas

360.833.9747

www.atticgallery.com

Pie

Local artist, Tommer Gonser will be featured at the Attic Gallery tomorrow! Tommer Gonser’s oil paintings with their bold palettes and dynamic patterns are reminiscent of the early modernist abstractionists.

CAMAS ANTIQUES

This is a great destination store with a plethora of treasures! Check out the Girl in Pink!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

305 NE 4th Avenue Downtown Camas

3 60.834.4062

Shopper’s

The Girl in Pink at Camas Antiques.

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by
, ,

City of Camas Seeking Applicants for Vacant City Council Seat

Camas, WA — The City of Camas is now seeking eligible applicants from Ward 3 to fill the City Council vacancy left by Shannon Turk, who is now our Camas Mayor.

Think you might be a good fit? Please apply!

To be considered, your application must be complete and received by the City staff at Camas City Hall (616 NE 4th Avenue) no later than 5:00 pm on January 11, 2019. Additional written information after this date will not be accepted, unless requested by the City Council.

Please personally submit the following items:

  1. Signed application (see page 3 of link below).
  2. A one‐page cover letter indicating your interest and general qualifications for the position.
  3. A resume of no more than two pages.
  4. Answers to the Supplemental Questions of no more than two pages total (see page 4).
  5. Declaration and Affidavit of Candidacy

Inquiries and questions pertaining to this process or documentation should be directed to:

Peter Capell, City Administrator
616 NE 4th Avenue
Camas, WA 98607
Contact Phone: 360-834‐6864 Email Address: pcapell@cityofcamas.us

Eligibility, Requirements & Public Disclosure

To be eligible to be appointed to the Camas City Council, you:

  1. Must have continuously resided within the Camas city limits for a minimum of one year prior to your appointment to the Council.
  2. Must reside in Ward 3 where the opening exists.
  3. Must be a registered voter in the City of Camas.
  4. If you hold, participate in, or are involved in any contract(s) with the City of Camas, please explain your
    involvement in your cover letter.
  5. If you hold any other elected public office, please state what office and where in your cover letter.
  6. Please note that: Once a Council Member application is filed with the City, it is a public record available to the public.
  7. The applications received from all candidates who meet the minimum requirements of state law will be
    posted on the City of Camas website as part of the Council’s meeting packet the week of the initial
    interview.
  8. If appointed, you will be required by state law to file a personal financial disclosure statement with the
    Camas City Council Application. Washington Public Disclosure Commission (www.pdc.wa.gov)

> Full Details: https://goo.gl/SGMkdz

> Find Your Ward: https://goo.gl/PZR4C3 – Just click the Search tab and enter your address

> Map of Ward 3: https://goo.gl/frSwe7

> City Council Info: goo.gl/HN4qqx

Questions? Please contact City Administrator Pete Capell at 360-834‐6864 or pcapell@cityofcamas.us

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Local Community Helps CHS Senior Exceed Toy Drive Donation Goals

Camas, WA — Camas High School (CHS) Varsity Track star, Blake Deringer, decided to do a cool thing for his CHS Senior Project: Organize a Christmas toy drive for local needy families.

So, with the help of the Camas Public Library, CHS, and Washougal Sport and Spine, who provided locations for donation barrels, Deringer organized the effort, and marketed his plan. His goal was to gather and deliver 200 toys for the local Family Resource Center. That number would help out 60 families.

Thanks to a giving community, Deringer exceeded his goal, and collected 270 toys. Way to go Camas and Washougal!

“It was truly an amazing experience, and to never have done anything like this before and have it be so great, was unbelievable,” said Deringer. “The support from the community was more than I could’ve imagined, and to deliver the toys to the resource center and see how happy they were knowing they’d be able to give kids in need toys for Christmas was a humbling experience.“

Deringer who runs track for CHS, and also played Varsity football, learned a lot from the project.

“I honestly just got involved with the resource center and thought this would be a cool senior project,” said Deringer. “I haven’t done a lot of service projects before and was amazed at how many people who are in need. I realized this is something I could get behind. Really, I had no idea there were so many people in our local community that are homeless or in need. It really blew my mind. It’s really humbling seeing people going there asking for things on a everyday basis. It’s nice that I can help with that a little bit. I will definitely continue working with them after my senior project.”

Toy

Delivering the toys.

Toy

Loading up the toys for delivery.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Camas City Council OKs $195 Million Budget; Funds 5 New Firefighters

Camas, WA — The Camas City Council unanimously (absent Councilor Bonnie Carter) approved a $195 million biennial budget Monday night that includes funds for five new firefighters.

The meeting was a stark contrast from the previous council session  that had councilors deadlocked about firefighter funding. In question was the Washougal funding for their portion of the fire services, which is 40 percent. Washougal hasn’t committed to their portion.

“Congratulations. That was a little easier this time,” said Camas Mayor Shannon Turk following the official vote.

The new budget increases funding for salaries and benefits for the Camas-Washougal Fire Department (CWFD) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) by $663,988 in 2019, and by an additional $273,518 in 2020. The budget includes money for four new firefighters, a new fire marshal, as well as a new vehicle.

“The new vehicle is a one-time expense,” said city administrator, Pete Capell.

As Camas accounts for 60 percent of the funding for CWFD and EMS, several councilors expressed dismay at the reality that Washougal isn’t footing their part of the bill. They were previously hesitant to absorb the total cost.

The local firefighters union has pressed the council for most of 2018 for more personnel to “adequately serve Camas,” said firefighter, Josh Proctor.

City Councilwoman Deanna Rusch has always expressed support for the new personnel, and Capell has said because of increased city revenues “this is a good time to expand city services to meet our growing demands.”

He said staffing has been mostly stagnant for many years.

Washougal is willing to pay for their share of the new firefighter’s expenses, but they simply don’t have the funds.

Following passage of the 2019-20 budget, CWFD Fire Captain Kevin West addressed the council.

“I wanted to thank you for recognizing the need for firefighters,” West said.

Camas citizens are likely going to be very happy about the decision, given public input on the issue.

/0 Comments/by
,

Hometown Holidays 2018 Begins Today at 5; Offers Free Shuttle Service

Camas, WA — Hosted and organized by the City of Camas, Hometown Holidays includes the downtown tree lighting, photos with Santa, crafts, hay rides, Camas Schools entertainment, hot cocoa sponsored by Journey Church, holiday shopping, art shows, and more! Tree lighting is at 6:30 and yes, there will be snow and fireworks again!

And, great news!  There will be a free shuttle service sponsored by Camas School District to the Tree Lighting event as well as a new pedestrian corridor to maintain a thoroughfare for ease of movement.

Five parking lots within one mile of Downtown Camas will be incorporated into three separate shuttle routes. The routes are color-coded and all will drop off riders on the street between Camas City Hall and Camas Library. The shuttle is free, and details are in this link:

Click here to read more about it and to see the shuttle routes and pedestrian corridor

Also new will be a “pedestrian corridor” on the south side of NE 4th Avenue, between NE Birch and NE Cedar Avenues. In an effort to maintain a thoroughfare for ease of movement during the highlight of the tree-lighting ceremony, the south sidewalk will be used for pedestrian flow only — no stopping or standing will be allowed — from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm. The area will be roped off, posted, and arranged with staff and volunteers to keep people in that corridor moving at a constant flow.

Dining

Hey Jack Special!

 

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Camas High Senior Blake Deringer Seeking Toy Drive Donations

For his Senior Project, Camas High School (CHS) Varsity track star, Blake Deringer, is collecting toys to be donated to the East County Family Resource Center as Christmas holiday gifts.

The goal of Deringer’s Toy Drive, which goes until December 12, is to gather 200 toys for local needy families. He says that amount of toys will help out 60 families.

Donation barrels have been placed at the following locations:

  • Camas Public Library
  • Washougal Sport and Spine
  • Camas High School

“Our goal is to get 200 toys delivered by the deadline,” said Deringer. “We got 15 donations so far, but we just started.”

His campaign is requesting unwrapped toys for children preschool through fourth grade.

“Once we collect all the toys, we will take them to the Family Resource Center, and they will wrap the gifts,” said Deringer. “December 12 is a hard deadline.”

Senior Projects are mandatory for CHS seniors, which requires a well-thought plan, a review board, a mentor, and a certain number of hours.

“I honestly just got involved with the resource center and thought this would be a cool senior project,” said Deringer. “I haven’t done a lot of service projects before and was amazed at how many people who are in need. I realized this is something I could get behind. Really, I had no idea there were so many people in our local community that are homeless or in need. It really blew my mind. It’s really humbling seeing people going there asking for things on a everyday basis. It’s nice that I can help with that a little bit. I will definitely continue working with them after my senior project.”

 

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Artist Heidi Jo Curley to Celebrate Studio Ribbon Cutting Friday

Camas, WA — Mixed Media Artist Heidi Jo Curley is celebrating the grand opening of her new studio this Friday at 5 pm in Downtown Camas. Her studio is located in the space above Arktana Shoes, at 417 NE 4th Avenue.

The new studio represents the success Curley has enjoyed as a relatively new professional artist.

Curley, who has been painting for eight years, didn’t have any formal training outside of taking local art classes, but after the sudden passing of her husband, Ed, in 2010, art became an outlet, a form of expression, and a source of healing.

“There’s no educational reasoning for my art,” said Curley. “It’s an expression of my feelings, and what I want to do. While renovating the Ferrell House after Ed died, I would go down to Caffe Piccolo every day, and I created a whole new set of friends. That’s when I considered doing art.”

Curley went to Italy in 2012 and that’s when she really started painting while being instructed by Camas artist Elida Field, and Father Bruno through the Art, Women and Wine Tour.

“When I went back, I realized I really needed to get into art,” said Curley. “Then, when my mom died, I remember asking ‘how do I go from here?’ So, I struggled for about a month, and then decided to get up. I did the Chair series because of my mom. I planted all my mom’s favorite flowers and they’re inspiring.”

Main Street

Call 360.696.9877

Fellow artists and critics encourage her to choose one style and stick with it, says the self-proclaimed Mixed Media Artist.

“I want to keep learning and growing,” she added. “In my art, I think of circles and people. I do a lot of studying of colors and textures. I use my fingers and hands anytime I can, and I don’t want to be pigeon-holed into doing a certain kind of art. I’ve dealt with so many emotions since those two passings.”

Her portfolio grows along with her fan base.

“Everyone loves Heidi, she’s kind to everybody, she’s as real as they get,” said Marquita Call, owner of Camas Gallery. “For such a relatively newcomer, she has a signature look. When when see her work, we know it’s Heidi’s. She’s become recognized through her art.”

As part of her signature look, Curley is known for her famous “Chair” series. So, why the chair?

“Gathering people around the table is really important for me,” said Curley. “I think the Chair series represents that there’s always a chair for you. At the holidays, if someone doesn’t have a place to go, we welcome them.”

To learn more, visit www.HeidiJoCurley.com

Curley

Heidi Jo Curley shows one of her pieces.

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

UW Marching Band Bus Accident: George Residents Feed 325 Students, Staff

George, Washington — A bus accident in Central Washington changed many lives on Thanksgiving Day, including Battle Ground City Councilor, Shane Bowman, his family, and the small town of George.

Moments after bus three in a six-bus caravan transporting University of Washington Marching Band and Spirit Squad members to Pullman slid and rolled on the icy highway, Bowman said he heard the sirens of fire trucks and ambulances passing through George.

“I grew up in Central Washington four miles from George, we were visiting for Thanksgiving, working outside and we heard some police sirens and ambulances, so we assumed there was an accident,” said Bowman. “We finished our work and pulled up the news and learned that a UW band bus rolled over just six miles from us. My son said we should go see if we they need any help.”

So they did.

Within moments, the Bowman’s found out they were triaging victims at George Elementary School. So, they called the fire chief and asked if they needed anything.

“They said they needed food and blankets,” said Bowman. “We rounded up everything we had and headed down there. All the buses were there, five in total. So, we just took in everything that we had, we called a few friends to gather food, and we went to the gas station and cleared out all the hot pockets and burritos we could buy. We bought a couple hundred of them.”

Bus

Local community members brought everything they could to feed the 325 students and staff.

Using the tiny school’s kitchen, they heated up the food, put out the snacks, and watched local community members bring in their delicious Thanksgiving food.

“We fed all of them,” said Bowman. “We had enough water and people showed up with everything — soups and enchiladas. Everything.”

From 6:15 pm until the UW buses departed at 10:30 pm, Bowman’s family, including his son, Trey, and his parents, Alan and Sue (and a total crew of about 10) stayed for the duration. Another 15-20 families came in and dropped off food.

“We’d been down there quite a while, and a whole bunch of food came in — the kids just snacked on anything we had,” said Bowman. “Then a bunch of people brought in more food, blankets and mattresses. A couple even came in from Wenatchee on those icy roads. We thought they were going to spend the night at the school at first. It was chaos, but I was impressed with how professional everyone was. The UW students and staff are incredible. They had a lot to deal with. No complaining from anyone. The whole group was very professional.”

Bowman also got to spend time with Union High School graduate, Tommy Strassenberg, who used to live in Battle Ground. Strassenberg was a phenomenal wrestler who is now part of the UW Cheer team.

Everyone was equally impressed with the first responders — especially given the resource constraints an accident this size causes in rural Washington. Bowman said each little jurisdiction has ambulances, but they don’t have the resources here to deal with something this big.

The UW students are dealing with a spectrum of injuries — from sore backs and lacerations to broken bones and concussions, however, Bowman said it could have been a lot worse.

“I spoke with the bus driver of bus 4 who said he nearly hit bus 3,” he said. “A second collision would have made things a lot worse. We’re very grateful there were no fatalities. There was a lot of ice on the road. We have four-wheel drive pickups and the roads were slick. It was bad out there. There was freezing rain and sleet for about an hour.

“Regarding the response, I don’t expect anything different. I was in Battle Ground when we had the tornado come through, and we had the same thing there. People just stepped up, and put aside all their differences, and that’s what was cool. All the Fire Departments here are volunteers. It’s refreshing to see everyone help out.”

The UW students spent the night at Moses Lake, and will likely return to Seattle tomorrow morning. They won’t attend the Apple Cup, which was their destination.

/0 Comments/by