Tag Archive for: Camas

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Papermaker History, Part 2: 1920s-1950s — Corporate Mergers, Newsprint Stops

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a series of articles about Papermaker history — telling part of the story about the Camas Mill. The first article looked at the mill’s history from its inception until the 1920s.

Camas, WA — The Camas Mill has undergone many name changes, renovations, additions, and has a Papermaker history filled with fascinating stories dating back to the 1880s.

Longtime mill employees Anna Fry and Caroline Mercury (who recently retired after 36 years) spent considerable time gathering the history (artifacts, logs, books, photos, tools, etc.) and have created a Mill Interpretive Center, or museum, that gives visitors a comprehensive look at what turned Camas into a town, and why we’re called the Papermakers.

The Interpretive Center is open on First Fridays, near the mill’s main entrance on Adams Street (with the black canopy) and provides visitors with an excellent 10-minute movie that provides a light overview of the mill’s history, the people who built it — and those who continue to work there today.

Key Historical Points:

  • 1920 — The wood mill installed the first drum barker and the first Jensen towers in the sulfite mill.
  • 1924 — The first sulfite mill bleach plant was installed.
  • 1925 — A new dock was built.
  • 1926 — The first Kraft mill at Camas started up.
  • 1928 — Crown Willamette merged with Zellerbach Paper to become Crown Zellerbach.
  • 1930 — Newsprint manufacture ceased and was replaced with specialty papers. The converting plant started up and began producing “Zee” bathroom tissue.
  • 1941 — The mill machine shops were converted to shipyard parts manufacture for the war effort.
  • 1946-48 — A Kraft mill bleach plant was added and production capacity increased to 750 tons per day. Five digesters, two paper machines (14 and 15), and a new wood mill were installed.
  • 1950 — Facial fold napkins were produced for the first time.
  • 1955-57 — A major expansion included a 300-ton capacity Kraft bleach plant, a 350-tons per day recovery furnace, a new lime kiln, and eight stationary digesters. The Central Research Division was formed.
Papermaker

Architect’s rendering of the mill’s research center.

 

Photo Gallery

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Track and Field: Camas Boys and Girls Teams Win Against Skyview

Skyview High School — The Camas Boys and Girls Track and Field teams both won against Skyview Thursday afternoon at a meet that lasted well past 7 pm.

Track Meet Results

BOYS – CAMAS 74, SKYVIEW 71
100 — Blake Deringer (C) 11.26; 200 — Jack Thomas (S) 22.77; 400 — Jack Thomas (S) 50.93; 800 — Daniel Maton (C) 1:57.90; 1600 — Bruce Erickson (S) 4:34.78; 3200 — David Connell (C) 9:56.62; 110 hurdles — William Sun (C) 15.93; 300 hurdles — William Sun (C) 41.44; 4×100 relay — Camas 44.02; 4×400 relay — Camas 3:37.00; Shot put — Taylor Vo (S) 46-3; Discus — Cristopher Barron (S) 131-4; Javelin — Matt Williams (C) 164-11; High jump — Ethan Gould (S) 6-0; Pole vault — Thomas Selfridge (S) 11-0; Long jump — Micah Harimoto (C) 20-0; Triple jump — Mason Holder (S) 38-2.5.

GIRLS – CAMAS 92, SKYVIEW 58
100 — Breann Porter (S) 13.48; 200 — Remingtin Riley (S) 27.09; 400 — Ellie Postma (C) 1:02.24; 800 — Emma Jenkins (C) 2:23.03; 1600 — Halle Jenkins (C) 5:17.76; 3200 — Emma Jenkins (C) 11:02.33; 100 hurdles — Lucy George (C) 15.12; 300 hurdles — Lucy George (C) 48.37; 4×100 relay — Skyview 51.72; 4×200 relay — Skyview 1:49.01; 4×400 relay — Camas 4:13.38; Shot put — Maggie Wells (C) 33-9; Discus — Elle Raunig (S) 107-4; Javelin — Ahmika Kluka (C) 120-9; High jump — Madison Peffers (C) 5-4; Pole vault — Anna Bedont (C) 9-3; Long jump — Gwen Mistretta (S) 14-4.5; Triple jump — Savannah Kohler (C) 30-3.

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

Some Track Photos

All photos by Dan Trujillo.

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Camas Students Take Honors at State Science & Engineering Fair

Bremerton, WA — Camas students were among the more than 700 presenters at the 61st Washington State Science and Engineering Fair (WSSEF) in Bremerton, on March 23 & 24, 2018. Students presented their projects to judges who volunteer their time to listen, critique, and praise the students for the effort involved in bringing a project to the fair. WSSEF awards more than $1.8 million in scholarships, as well as special awards meeting specific criteria set by a sponsor.

Dorothy Fox Elementary students:

• Hailey Griffith: 1st Place trophy and Margaret I Lugg award for Passion and Knowledge of Science
• Liam Smook: 1st Place trophy and Sight of Flight award with a free pass to the Museum of Flight
• Arvin Shyam: 2nd Place ribbon, Margaret I Lugg Memorial Award for engaging oral presentation, Outstanding Natural Resource Science Award, and Central Valley Garden Club Outstanding Project Award for a total of $60
• Allison Le: 2nd Place ribbon
• Chloe Chase: 3rd Place ribbon
• Julian Castillo: 3rd Place ribbon and the Young Explorer Award of $10

Odyssey Middle School students:

• Aran O’Day: 1st Place trophy and Nomination to Compete in the 2018 Broadcom MASTERS national middle school science and engineering fair in Washington DC in October.
• Lisel Shyam: 1st Place trophy and Nomination to Compete in the 2018 Broadcom MASTERS national middle school science and engineering fair in Washington DC in October.
• Aurora Szulc: 1st Place trophy

Engineering

Students from Odyssey Middle School (OMS) and Dorothy Fox Elementary (DFE) – Back row, left to right: Aran O’Day (OMS), Chloe Chase (DFE), Allison Le (DFE), Lisel Shyam (OMS). Front row, left to right: Hailey Griffith (DFE), Arvin Shyam (DFE), Liam Smook (DFE).

Camas High School STEM Magnet Program students

Thirty-four students competed and all represented Camas High School and their research with pride. Honors were taken by the following students:

Freshmen:

• Alex Gee, Mark Robinson, and Jaden Le: 1st Place in Environmental Engineering
• Owen Baenen and Justine Pentergraft: 1st Place in Energy
• Gareth Starratt, George Walker, and AunyKussad: 2nd Place in Microbiology
• Kate Staddon, Sophia Nelson, and RyleeRuark: 1st Place in Environmental Science
• Ben Saunders and Austin Ye: 1st Place in Mechanical Engineering, $8000 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Launch Scholarship, U.S. Air Force Award for an Outstanding SEF Project, Excellence in Aeronautics Award
• Michael Lee and Andrew Kim: 1st Place in Environmental Science
• Joey Stanley, Wilson Fresh, and Tyler Stanley: 1st Place in Environmental Engineering
• Tyler Gee and Julian McOmie: U.S. Army Award

Sophomores:

• Hannah Tangen, Kathryn Wynn, and Sierra Mellor: 1st Place in Environmental Engineering
• Jacob Mukobi: 2nd Place in Environmental Engineering category.
• Junha Lee: 1st Place in Microbiology category; US Army STEM Award, Wolfram Alpha STEM Award
• Alexis Howard: 2nd Place in Computational Engineering, $8000 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Launch Scholarship

Junior:

• Rahul Ram: 2nd Place in Computational Biology

Seniors:

• DuyVuong: 1st Place in Environmental Engineering
• Sarah Wells-Moran: 2nd Place in Embedded Systems
• Gabe Mukobi: 1st Place in Embedded Systems and American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronauts Scholarship

In addition, all-expense paid invitations to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in May, were awarded at the Southwest Washington Regional Science and Engineering Fair to:

• Rahul Ram: 1st Place
• Odessa Thompson, Rose Leveen, and Bailey Segall: 2nd Place

WSSEF is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to promoting science, technology, engineering, and math across the state of Washington, year-round. Next year’s fair will take place March 29 & 30, 2019. For more information, visit www.wssef.org

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East Clark Professional Firefighters Union Sends Out Petition For More Personnel

The East Clark Professional Firefighters Union is promoting a petition among Camas and Washougal residents that urges the Camas City Council to find funds to hire more firefighters.

The petition states:

”The Camas and Washougal communities have only 2 firefighters on each fire engine. The science-based industry standard is 4 firefighters per engine. This standard creates a safer and more effective team for when time counts: fires, motor vehicle accidents, and high acuity medical calls.”

“Washington state law mandates a minimum of 3 firefighters be on the scene of a fire before entering into a burning structure for a known rescue of human life. The same law mandates a minimum of 4 firefighters present before entry into a burning building to fight fire and save property.”

“The East Clark Professional Fire Fighters union is asking your local government officials to provide us with more firefighters so we can do the job we are sworn to do: protect you and your property.”

“Will you join us in urging these officials to make this a reality?”

“Thank you for your support.”

The petition link:

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ask-the-city-of-camas-for-more-firefighters-on

City of Camas Response

“The Council realizes that we need additional firefighters/paramedics,” said Camas City Administrator, Pete Capell. “They also realize that we need additional personnel in most departments. We are in the process of doing a level of service analysis for all of our departments. Their intent is to add additional staff in the departments based on prioritized need and available revenue. The petition will not influence their decision. The final decisions will be based on the greatest need.”

The Camas Mayor also met with firefighter union representatives.

“I had what I believe was a very good meeting with Adam Brice and Kevin Bergstrom last Thursday,” said Camas Mayor, Scott Higgins. “I told them we are open to looking at ways to do our business differently in the future and to looking at staffing options. I also told them that with limited resources we will have to see what works best and we left the meeting with a commitment to meet again soon.”

The Camas City Council’s newest member, Deanna Rusch, also spent time speaking with firefighters after last week’s council meeting.

“When I interviewed for my council appointment I indicated public safety is a priority,” said Rusch. “It remains a priority. As the newest council member I’m enjoying getting educated on how Camas funds all of its departments. Funding fire and police is certainly a priority for me as I represent my constituents, but this priority is in concert with the overall needs of the City. I look forward to Chief Swinhart’s presentation on the level of service with regard to his department as we review the same from every department and develop our next biennial budget.”

“We all want a safe, thriving and positive Camas. We take citizen and employee concerns seriously. I look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with all of our departments on how we can deliver the best possible service to our citizens.”

 

Firefighters

Local firefighters converge at Camas City Hall last week asking for more firefighter personnel.

 

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Track and Field: Camas Sweeps Titles At Wet, Cold, Windy Tiger Invite

Battle Ground, WA — Not only did the Camas Boys and Girls Track and Field teams sweep Saturday’s Tiger Invite, but they also may deserve endurance medals for lasting hours in the cold, wet, and windy conditions that are common in Spring Pacific Northwest meets.

Athletes wore double-layered warm-up suits, hats, and gloves, and repeatedly went to the restrooms to use the hand dryers to warm hands, dry out wet socks, and simply stay out of the elements.

The Papermaker boys scored 118 points, significantly outpacing rival, Union, who earned 75 points.  The Papermaker girls scored 134.5 points — again far ahead of Union, who earned 97.

”It’s been different to stand out here in the cold, and not be moving,” said Papermaker High Jump Coach, Grayson Anderson (Camas class of 2013) who is new to the job. “The athletes have performed well.”

Papermaker Daniel Maton won the 800 event while Papermaker Jackson Lyne earned the individual title in the 1,600. The Camas boys also won all three relays  — the 4×100, 4×400 and the DMR.

The Camas girls won several individual events: Ellie Postma — 800, Emma Jenkins — 1,600, Madison Child — 3,200, Lucy George — 100 hurdles, and Madison Peffers — High Jump. The girls also won the DMR.

”We have a lot of young talent,” said Camas Head Coach, Jon Eagle. “And, it’s so great to have three new, young coaches on the team.”

Trey Knight, of Ridgefield set two Tiger Invitational meet records in the shot put (63 feet, 3 inches) and discus (177-7).

More Boy’s Track victories:

  • Ridgefield’s Kyle Radosevich (3,200)
  • Ridgefield’s Bryan Tavera (triple jump)
  • Prairie’s Caleb Sagert (110 hurdles)
  • Evergreen’s Jeremy Harju (300 hurdles)
  • Hockinson’s Bailey Jones (javelin)
  • Skyview’s Ethan Gould (high jump)

Girl’s Track Victories:

  • Evergreen’s Vanessa Brunkow (100)
  • Union’s Logan Nelson (200)
  • Union’s Brooklyn Jackson (400)
  • Prairie’s Valerie Schmidt (300 hurdles)
  • Prairie’s Abigail Brotherton (shot put)
  • Mountain View’s Mykala Preston (discus)
  • Columbia River’s Giovanna Rhoads (triple jump)

The Papermaker Track and Field athletes next compete this Thursday at Skyview, starting at 3:30.

Photo Gallery

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Local Firefighters Converge at Camas City Council — Request Greater Funding

Camas, WA — Local firefighters packed Camas City Hall Monday night requesting city officials to provide greater funding for more personnel at three fire stations in Camas and Washougal.

Current and former Camas-Washougal firefighters, spouses, and concerned citizens used the City Council meeting’s public comments period to express concerns about inadequate staffing in the wake of a February 14 Camas residence fire that left one citizen dead.

That house fire off Northwest 27th Avenue was responded to by fire engine personnel — two firefighters — who went into the home to rescue an elderly man in an attached garage area. Technically, firefighters aren’t supposed to enter a burning home or building with less than three onsite. The first responders did so anyway, rescuing the man who died days later from smoke inhalation. Nobody is blaming his death on the first responders.

The firefighters and IAFF Local #2444 union president, Adam Brice, expressed the need to have, at minimum, three firefighters per engine, per shift.

For Camas fire chief, Larry Larimer, said “We want the city to find funds for three firefighters per engine.”

Tricia Proctor, whose husband fights fires, said she’s “worried about the rules of engagement for the safety and security of firefighters.”

”We’ve been vocal for over the years that having two on the scene isn’t enough,” said Kevin Bergstrom, of IAFF Local #2444. “Four are required on the scene to take out a fire. The industry standard is four people per engine. Three gets you by. We are currently stretched too thin.”

At present, three engines are staffed, but the two cities own five engines total. To adequately fund personnel to meet their requirements would require 12-15 new hires.

Brice filed a formal complaint with the Washington Department of Labor and Industries in late February, calling the current situation an “unsafe working environment” that has “substandard minimum apparatus staffing levels” at the Camas-Washougal Fire Department (CWFD).

“There is a daily threat to the working firefighters that they will be forced to face hazards and perform in hazardous environments,” Brice stated in the complaint.

Camas City Administrator Pete Capell responded publicly:

“First and foremost, we would like to express how very proud we are of the hard work performed by all our emergency responders every day. They are a tremendous part of our community,” he said. “It is important to emphasize that no laws have been broken and no disciplinary action was or is going to be taken against the responders … we continue to welcome a conversation with both the East Clark Professional Fire Fighters as well as our Camas community.”

To fully meet union demands would cost the city an additional $1.5 million per year.

“We will work for strategic solutions,” said Camas Mayor, Scott Higgins. “I am set to meet with Adam, and move forward.”

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

Firefighters

Addressing the Camas City Council.

 

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Camas Homicide: Woman Found Dead; Police Search for Primary Suspect

Camas, WA — Local police are on the hunt for alleged homicide suspect, Guillermo Juarez, after police were dispatched Sunday afternoon following the discovery of a 35-year-old Camas woman.

Susan Schur, of the Camas Police Department, released the following statement:

On 3-18-2018, at 1:35pm, Camas Police were dispatched to a call at the 2100 block of NE Everett St. Upon arrival, police discovered a deceased adult female, identified as 35-year-old Luz Guitron. Inside the house were signs of a struggle and it is believed that Guitron was the victim of homicidal violence.

The suspect is identified as Guillermo Juarez, a Hispanic male/5’9”/170lbs/black hair and brown eyes. Juarez and Guitron have been in a dating relationship for years and have a child in common.

Juarez has fled the area. Detectives are pursuing an arrest warrant.

It was originally suspected that a 6-year-old child was missing in this investigation, but that 6-year-old child and other children related to the family are safe and with other family members.

Camas Police were assisted in the investigation by the Washougal Police and the Regional Major Crimes Unit.

This is an ongoing homicide investigation. No other information is available at this time. An update will be given if the suspect is located and/or apprehended.

At this time, Camas Police would like to emphasize that there is no immediate threat to the public.

For any tips or leads regarding this case, please call 360-834-4151 or call 911.

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

Homicide

Guillermo Juarez is the primary suspect in this homicide case.

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Camas High School #NeverAgain Walkout a Moving Tribute to Parkland Victims

Camas, WA — Adult administrators, teachers, and observers stood quietly as approximately 500 students walked out of class at Camas High School Wednesday at 10 am to honor the victims of last month’s senseless Marjory Stoneman Douglas shootings in Parkland, Florida.

The student-led Camas walkout was a peaceful one, organized by Papermakers Abigail Jiang and Monica Chang, to call for common sense gun law reform, kindness, peace, and a better tomorrow. It was part of the national #NeverAgain movement, which has been criticized for having a political agenda — but this event was barely political. It was a moving tribute to innocence lost, and a clarion call for kindness to each other. It was a moving tribute filled with respect.

Adults in the audience simply observed — allowing the students to speak and pay their respects.

The students started filing out of the front door quietly, in an organized and somber way, and then listened to 20 minutes of personalized tributes to the 17 victims at Douglas High School.

There was a call for gun law reform at the beginning, and the student leaders asked for the students to sign a letter to Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler calling for action on several items.

Walkout

A moment of silence.

”We call for common sense gun reform that will help ensure that a mass shooting like this never happens again,” said Jiang, in the walkout opening statement. “Enough is enough, and as students we demand tangible action to ensure our safety in school. Although some of us may not be of voting age, we have a voice in our community, in our nation. This is a chance for our generation to speak up. Today, one month after the horrific events at Parkland we will be honoring and remembering the 17 victims of this shooting by talking about their lives and giving them each a moment of silence.”

The walkout leaders then read touching tributes about each of the following victims (not necessarily in this order):

  • Alaina Petty, 14;
  • Alex Schaffer, 14;
  • Alyssa Alhadeff, 14;
  • Cara Loughran, 14;
  • Gina Montalto, 14;
  • Jaime Gutenberg, 14;
  • Martin Duque Anguiano, 14;
  • Luke Hoyer, 15;
  • Peter Wang, 15;
  • Carmen Schentrup, 16;
  • Helena Ramsay, 17;
  • Joaquin Oliver, 17;
  • Nicholas Dworet, 17;
  • Meadow Pollack, 18;
  • Scott Beigel, 35;
  • Aaron Feis, 37;
  • Chris Hixon, 49
WalkOut

Peaceful assembly. Photo by Blake Schnell.

Some of the Tributes

“Joaquin Oliver had just become a US citizen in 2017. He loved sports of all kinds and was a huge fan of the Venezuelan national soccer team and loved basketball and football. Joaquin was a big fan of Dwayne Wade. He was buried in Dwayne Wade’s jersey. He loved urban graffiti and listened to hip-hop music.”

“Meadow Pollack, 18, was a student excited for the future, planning to attend Wynn University in the Fall, she was loving and kind — her family calling her the light of their lives. She was motivated to achieve great things, and would have achieved so much.”

”Aaron Feis, 37 years old,  was an assistant football coach at Stoneman Douglas. He threw himself in front of a group of students to protect them during the shooting. He died after being rushed into surgery for a gunshot wound. Students always saw that Feis put himself second, and he died this way, too. As a hero …”

“Peter Wang, 15 years old, was a student at Stoneman Douglas. He was a member of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Program at the high school. On the day of the shooting, Peter was in his ROTC uniform and did not run. But held open a door to help others escape. He was shot while doing so.”

Ryan and Kelly Petty, the parents of Alaina Petty, sent a statement about their daughter, which was read by Jiang at the conclusion of the tributes.

“We ask that you honor her memory by taking a moment each day to say hello to someone you don’t know, by doing something kind for someone who you think may least deserve it, and to lift those around you with kind words.”

A long moment of silence ensued.

”Everyone just feels like enough is enough,” said Chang. “So, this walkout is a national walkout. We got together and organized things individually because we felt we had to do something. We finally united.”

Students behaved very respectfully during the walkout, and when it was done they quietly went back to their classrooms. The leaders promised to WALK UP after the walkout to reach out to students who feel isolated, marginalized, or just a need an emotional lift.

”That was a moving event,” said CHS math teacher, Alisa Wise. “We do have a bright future.”

Camas is a the center of a national #MSDKindness, which started with our current #MarchKindness campaign. We ask that you visit www.msdkindness.com to learn how you can help.

Photo Gallery

Photos by Blake Schnell

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19th Annual CEF Auction Gala Nets More Than $100,000 — Big Turnout!

Portland, OR — The 19th annual Camas Educational Foundation Auction Gala netted more than $100,000, reports the group’s Auction Chair, Stacey Kim.

Held this past weekend at the Embassy Suites at the Portland Airport, the money was raised from a combination of an online auction held in February, raffle ticket sales, and the Auction Gala itself. The net amount raised was about $102,000, which is after expenses. More than 300 came to Saturday’s Auction Gala.

The CEF auction is the major fundraiser for the organization.

”They set their grant budget based on the money raised at the auction,” said Kim, who reported results at Monday’s Camas School Board meeting.

Kim said they were pleased with the turnout.

“We had representation from every school, and the Superintendent’s office,” she said.

Kim also reported that three people were honored with the CEF’s second annual Living the Vision award. Cathy Sork, Ron Wright, and Eric Marcell received the honor. They had an open nomination period and received many nominations for people around the district and community. The CEF board voted on these three winners.

Of the funds raised at the gala, $22,150 goes directly to the schools, and the balance will go to the CEF to provide for grants.

To learn more, visit www.cefcamas.org

 

CEF

CEF Auction. Photo by Tracy Woods Photography.

 

CEF Auction Gala Photo Gallery

Photos by Tracy Woods Photography.

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Camas-Washougal #MarchKindness Campaign Officially Adopted By Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah — Less than two weeks after launching, the Camas-Washougal-based #MarchKindness campaign, which was Lacamas Magazine’s response to the horrific Florida school shootings, was adopted by the State of Utah and became HCR 22 #MSDKindness Month. The bill unanimously passed the Utah Senate and House Thursday morning, and was signed by Governor Herbert.

HCR 22 was written by Dr. Mirella Petersen, a Florida-based advocate for mental health and autism issues, who was in Utah to finish legislative business. Petersen lives close to Ryan and Kelly Petty, whose daughter, Alaina, was murdered at Douglas High School, along with 16 other innocent people.

”I saw the #MarchKindness video that Lacamas Magazine produced, and I thought Utah can adopt this,” said Petersen. “So last Thursday, I wrote the bill in four hours and presented it to Attorney General, Sean Reyes, Representative Paul Ray, and Senator Dan Thatcher.”

Both Ray and Thatcher co-sponsored the bill and managed to get it through the legislative process at lightning speed. The Utah Legislative session ended on March 8, the same day HCR 22 was passed.

”The stars aligned very quickly,” said Petersen. “It’s really a miracle.”

Ray agreed.

”Bills usually take nine weeks to get through — sometimes up to a year,” said Ray. “We felt this continuing resolution was a good idea to help promote kindness in an official capacity and to tie it into our SafeUT app. You guys in Washington started a national movement.”

Ryan Petty was honored by HCR 22, and was in attendance with daughter, Meghan, son Ian, and daughter-in-law, Sophia. Petty had spent the previous few days working with the Florida Legislature to pass a school safety bill, which gives schools additional protections against shootings.

”I was honored to represent all 17 victim families as the Utah Legislature recognized our loved ones by declaring April a month of kindness,” said Petty. “We are all honored by what the Utah Legislature has done. We came together as families to make sure we are the last ones that ever lose a family member to senseless school violence.”

Petty said “what our friends in Washington did with #MarchKindness is the perfect response to what is happening in today’s society. The campaign personifies our daughter, and helps lift the dialogue. We have to do better. Fortifying our schools is the last line of defense, so we have to start earlier and help people by being kind to them, to fund our mental health programs, and respect each other. We will continue these efforts.”

The Petty family, with their guests, the Jenkins family, and a Washington delegation, which was represented by Ernie Geigenmiller and Jordan Geigenmiller, and their guests Tracie Goettig, Charles Hall, and Blaine Cutler, received a warm reception by Utah State Attorney General, Sean Reyes.

”We thank all of you for coming here today,” said AG Reyes. “To the Petty family, we express our love to you today, and as you now, you have many here who are your family — and here on the Hill, too, we are your family, whether you wanted us or not, you’re stuck with us.”

During the meeting, Thatcher said “The Legislature has suspended some of the rules to make this vote happen today. It’s that important we do this.”

Following the private reception, AG Reyes escorted the parties to witness HCR 22’s vote in the House, which was introduced by Representative Ray.

Kindness

From left: Dr. Mirella Parker; Utah Attorney General, Sean Reyes; Ryan Petty; and Meghan Petty. They were presented a cherished painting.

“The Petty’s are with us because their daughter, Alaina, was one of the victims in the Parkland, Florida shooting, and so they’ve been very involved across the nation getting the word out. And, the two things they are doing is trying to honor the memory of their daughter and the service she gave, and also to help stop these senseless acts of violence … The state of Washington, which is where they lived prior, made March a month of kindness in their honor … to spread the message of kindness and working together … what we’re doing here in Utah is we’re adopting April as our month of kindness, and we’re putting together a website that people can go to and report acts of service they are doing. We’re also challenging other states to adopt a month throughout the rest of the year …”

Highlighted provisions are:

  • Honors the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School tragedy for the exemplary lives and acts of service by designating the month of April 2018 as #MSDKindness month.
  • Encourages the citizens of Utah to participate in random acts of kindness during the month of April 2018 and report their acts on the SafeUT mobile application. The app promotes school safety and access to critical services for school-aged children in the state of Utah. The app itself has thwarted 86 attacks, according the Utah AG’s office. We will provide a detailed article on how the SafeUT app works.
  • Challenges other states to claim a remaining month of 2018 as their state’s month of kindness.
  • The resolution will be sent to State Legislatures of the other 49 states and each member of Utah’s Congressional delegation.
Kindness

The Utah House Floor.

The names of all the victims were then read:

  • Alaina Petty, 14;
  • Alex Schaffer, 14;
  • Alyssa Alhadeff, 14;
  • Cara Loughran, 14;
  • Gina Montalto, 14;
  • Jaime Gutenberg, 14;
  • Martin Duque Anguiano, 14;
  • Luke Hoyer, 15;
  • Peter Wang, 15;
  • Carmen Schentrup, 16;
  • Helena Ramsay, 17;
  • Joaquin Oliver, 17;
  • Nicholas Dworet, 17;
  • Meadow Pollack, 18;
  • Scott Beigel, 35;
  • Aaron Feis, 37;
  • Chris Hixon, 49
Kindness

Utah Senator Daniel Thatcher introduces HCR 22 to the Senate Floor.

Once the House passed HCR 22, it moved onto the Senate, and we had the opportunity to witness the event on the Senate Floor.

Thatcher introduced the bill and said, speaking of Alaina, “Above all, her dad wanted you to know of her incredible kindness, and her desire to be friends with everyone.”

Thatcher then showed his fellow senators the 60-second #MarchKindness video.

“So, when Representative Ray and I first learned about #MarchKindness, our first thought was CHALLENGE ACCEPTED, “said Thatcher. “What better place to take an idea like this and carry it forward than Utah.”

HCR 22 unanimously passed the Senate.

A national website was created to honor the victims and report acts of kindness. The website is www.msdkindnessmonth.com

Representative Ray is working with Indiana to see if they accept the challenge.

#MSDKindness

Kindness Gallery

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