Tag Archive for: Washougal

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Washougal Songcraft Festival Makes Local History with 24-Artist Festival

Washougal, WA — The Washougal Songcraft Festival will present performances by 24 regional songwriters and three vocal-music composers in their second annual summer festival. Five concerts will be presented, on August 10, 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2024. The second annual songwriting festival expands to Marina Park and Reflection Plaza.

Washougal is a city in Clark County, Washington that is currently without any community performing arts space or dedicated concert venue. The town is rarely host to more than single-day music events. The number of artists and concerts being presented at this summer’s Washougal Songcraft Festival sets a local record as the largest musical event of its kind in the town’s history. All five concerts are free to the public and all-ages.

On Saturday August 10, Washougal Songcraft Festival again joins forces with the annual arts festival of Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA), downtown at Reflection Plaza. Six songwriters will perform between 10 am and 2:30 pm amid dozens of displays featuring the works of regional artists as well as other community groups. Featured songwriters will include Portland’s Doug Shafer and local favorite Brenna Larsen.

Marina Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal is the location of afternoon concerts on August 15 and 16. Overlooking the Columbia River, these concerts will run from 4 pm to 8 pm. Featured performers will include Tevis Hodge Jr., Raven Fables, Leo Moon, Glam Country, the Jack Maybe Project, and Chad Bault.

Saturday August 17 returns to Reflection Plaza for a downtown afternoon concert (3-7 pm) featuring six performers including Laska, Minda Lacy, and The Moonshine.

The festival will end Sunday Aug. 18 with a short recital of composed works for voice at the Washougal Community Center. A collaboration with Cult of Orpheus will present works by composers Lisa Neher, William Toutant, and C. A. Corbell.

Founded in 2023, Washougal Songcraft Festival is a Washington-based arts non-profit whose mission is to promote arts education, to foster, share, and celebrate the craft of songwriting, and to develop the performing arts and creative community of Washougal, Washington and the surrounding region. In addition to a summer festival the group presents monthly intimate song circles in Washougal from October through June.

Full festival details are below, and festival founders Stephanie and Christopher Corbell are happy to accomodate requests for interviews related to the festival, and to provide any other media you may need. They also shared these thoughts about the upcoming festival:

Festival Schedule and Performer Line-Up, with links

Line-up webpage: https://washougal-songcraft.org/wsf/2024-festival-line-up/

Saturday Aug. 10, 10 am – 2:30 pm, Reflection Plaza, Washougal

 – part of WACA Washougal Arts & Music Festival

• Jim Warford 

• Owen Kortz 

• Doug Shafer

• Sunny Pache 

• Brenna Larsen 

• Oh Brother

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/799131455651397

Thursday Aug. 15, 4 pm – 8 pm, Marina Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal

• Aram

• Tevis Hodge, Jr. 

• Raven Fables

• Leo Moon 

• Bex Beloved 

• Glam Country

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1502675867274704

Friday Aug. 16, 4 pm – 8 pm, Marina Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal

• Ben Johnson

• James Cook

• The Jack Maybe Project

• Chad Bault

• Gina DeNoble

• Dumpster Joe

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1591342894743521

Saturday Aug. 17, 3 pm – 7 pm, Reflection Plaza, Washougal

• Valdoria 

• Pythias Braswell

• Laska

• Quinton Parker

• Minda Lacy

• The Moonshine

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/393882943039589

Sunday Aug. 18, 2 pm Recital, Washougal Community Center

 – in conjunction with Cult of Orpheus

Composed vocal works by 

• Lisa Neher

• William Toutant

• C. A. Corbell

Performed by:

• Hannah Early, piano

• Dan Gibbs, baritone

• Sadie Gregg, mezzo-soprano

• Aaron Lange, tenor

• Jocelyn Claire Thomas, soprano

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/513233821031834

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Three Washougal Schools Receive State Recognition for Outstanding Achievement

Washougal, WA — In June 2024, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) announced that three Washougal schools are being recognized for academic growth and closing opportunity gaps in the 2022-23 and 2021-22 school years. Canyon Creek Middle School, Columbia River Gorge Elementary School, and Washougal Learning Academy are recognized for the 2022-23 school year. Canyon Creek Middle School is also being honored for fostering student academic growth in the 2021-22 school year.

All three schools were recognized for academic growth. The Washington School Recognition Program measures growth based on outstanding year-to-year improvement in Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) standardized test proficiency, graduation rates, attendance rates, and other student success measurements. Across all Washougal schools in 2022-23, Washougal School District saw year-to-year improvement in 70% of the subjects and grades tested in the SBAC.

Canyon Creek Middle School (CCMS) is one of just 104 schools recognized for both the 2022-23 and 2021-22 academic years. CCMS was honored for demonstrating substantial improvements for student groups most in need of support. 

In the 2022-23 school year, Washougal students outperformed the state average in 82% of the subjects and grades tested in the SBAC. CCMS outperformed the Washington State average in 2022-23 in all three subjects tested: 31.5% points in science, 16% points in English Language Arts, and 7.2% points in math.

“This recognition shows how dedicated our teachers, students, and community are to making academic progress and closing opportunity gaps. We’re determined to continue this positive trajectory into the new school year,” said Aaron Hansen, Interim Superintendent at Washougal School District for the 2024-25 school year.

Canyon Creek Middle School, Columbia River Gorge Elementary School, and Washougal Learning Academy will each receive a recognition banner to display in their buildings. 

OSPI has partnered with the State Board of Education (SBE) and Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC) for years to identify and recognize schools for the Washington School Recognition Program. For the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years, 571 public schools in 178 school districts across Washington state have earned this honor. Learn more about the Washington School Recognition Program and view a full list of schools receiving recognition on the SBE website.

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Washougal Police Department Announces Leadership Transition

Chief Wendi Steinbronn To Retire December 2024; Captain Zane Freschette Assumes Leadership Role in January 2025

After 31 years of dedicated service to the community as a law enforcement professional, including 5 years in Washougal, Chief Wendi Steinbronn has announced her retirement from the Washougal Police Department, effective December 31, 2024. Chief Steinbronn has been an integral part of the department’s growth and success, leaving a lasting legacy of commitment and professionalism.

“I have decided to retire after many fulfilling years in law enforcement. I have cherished my time here and will deeply miss our incredible team, and I am immensely proud of our achievements,” commented Chief Steinbronn.

In her tenure as chief, Steinbronn has overseen numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and community relations in Washougal. Specifically, these achievements include departmental accreditation, the successful implementation of body-worn camera and drone programs, establishing National Night Out as an annual event, and the recent strategic operational review that has charted the department’s path forward.

“We are grateful for Chief Steinbronn’s outstanding service and leadership throughout her tenure,” said City Manager David Scott. “Her contributions have made a significant impact on the safety and well-being of our community, and we wish her and her husband the best as they enter this new phase of life.”

Chief Steinbronn and her husband, a retired Portland Police officer, plan to embark on a new chapter as empty nesters. They are eagerly anticipating more time for travel, golf, and house projects.

Captain Zane Freschette to Take On Role of Chief

City Manager David Scott announced today that he is promoting Captain Zane Freschette to assume leadership upon Chief Steinbronn’s retirement.

“I am pleased to promote Captain Freschette. He is ready to assume the chief role, and I have every confidence that he will successfully lead the team at Washougal Police as they serve our community into the future,” said Scott. “He has strong support from City leadership and the entire police department.”

Captain Freschette brings nearly two decades of experience within the department, having excelled in roles such as detective, patrol sergeant, administrative sergeant and captain. His tenure has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of community policing. He also recently graduated as a member of the 289th session of the FBI National Academy. He is the first officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

In endorsing Captain Freschette to lead the department, Steinbronn emphasized, “Throughout my career, leadership development has been my passion, and I have prioritized succession planning from day one. I am delighted that Captain Freschette will be at the helm of the department. He is a remarkable leader with an unwavering commitment to our mission. I have learned as much from him as I hope he has learned from me, and I am forever grateful for the trust placed in me by the city and community to guide the Washougal Police Department toward a secure and vibrant future.”

Captain Freschette expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Washougal Police Department, saying “I am deeply honored to step into the role of Washougal’s next Chief of Police. I am eager to collaborate with Chief Steinbronn during our remaining time together and build upon her legacy as we move the department forward. Our team is exceptional, and it is a privilege to serve alongside them. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to uphold safety and trust in Washougal, working closely with our community and the dedicated members of the Washougal Police Department.”

The transition from Chief Steinbronn to Chief Freschette will be smooth, ensuring consistent service and dedication to the people of Washougal. The department remains committed to public safety, community engagement, and maintaining professional excellence.

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City of Washougal Acts on PFAS Detection in Drinking Water

Washougal, WA — The City of Washougal has detected trace amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in its drinking water supply. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products and industrial applications since the 1940s, known for their inability to breakdown easily in the environment. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Between February and May 2024, routine testing conducted by the City identified PFAS levels slightly above the newly established Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) at least one time, on at least one PFAS substance at each of the 6 city wellheads. Testing results can be found at https://cityofwashougal.us/PFAS. Despite being below the State Action Level (SAL) set by the Washington State Department of Health, these levels prompted public notification. 

On April 10, 2024, the EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS. The new limit from the EPA for levels of PFAS in drinking water is set at 4 parts per trillion. For perspective, 1 part per trillion translates to 1 second in approximately 32,000 years or a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The recommended limits are based on long-term exposure to PFAS throughout a person’s life and represent a conservative level at which no adverse impacts are expected over a lifetime of drinking the water, even in health-sensitive populations.

“The health and safety of our residents are our top priorities,” commented Public Works Director Trevor Evers. “Upon detecting these low levels of PFAS, we have taken immediate steps to ensure our drinking water remains safe and compliant with regulatory standards.”

The City of Washougal currently operates six wells across its service area and continues to thoroughly monitor water quality in accordance with federal and state requirements. The discovery of PFAS has prompted the City to act by investigating interim measures to safeguard the community’s water supply.

Work underway includes:

  • Testing the water supply: Operations staff continue to test and monitor water quality in compliance with state and federal requirements to ensure a safe water supply.
  • Evaluating treatment options: Water quality engineers are evaluating treatment technologies to remove PFAS from the water supply.
  • Finding long-term solutions: Expert scientists are investigating potential sources of PFAS and the extent of PFAS in the local groundwater supply.
  • Planning for the future: Future costs for PFAS treatment are included in the City’s long-range capital plans.

PFAS can accumulate in the environment and persist for extended periods. The new EPA regulations underscore the urgency of monitoring and managing these contaminants, with public water systems required to conduct initial monitoring by 2027 and implement corrective actions, if necessary, by 2029.

“We are committed to transparency and proactive communication with our residents,” said David Scott, City Manager. “Regular updates on PFAS testing results and our ongoing efforts to address this issue will be readily available to ensure our community remains informed.”

Residents are encouraged to visit the City’s website at cityofwashougal.us/PFAS for the latest information on PFAS testing, mitigation efforts, and educational material. Additionally, statewide PFAS testing results can be accessed through the Washington State Department of Health’s PFAS Dashboard at https://doh.wa.gov/data-and-statistical-reports/washington-tracking-network-wtn/pfas/dashboard. 

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CRGE Students Create, Test Balloon Powered Hovercrafts

Washougal, WA — Students in Khrista McBride and Samantha Howards’ fourth grade classrooms at Columbia River Gorge applied science and engineering concepts as they built, tested, and measured the results of balloon-powered hovercraft races.

Students created the hovercrafts from CDs, balloons, and the cap from a bottle.  The balloons were connected to the cap, which was glued onto the CD, creating a small gap for air to flow out, resulting in a small amount of lift to let the hovercrafts glide on hard surfaces. 

Each student tested their hovercraft in several settings, and with different sizes of balloons, and measured the distance traveled, so they could analyze the resulting data and draw conclusions about what makes a successful hovercraft.  

“Students exploring is the most natural way to learn,” Howard said.

McBride said that, “After the lesson, students reflected on the notes they gathered, and were surprised by the smaller balloons working better than larger balloons.” She described students discovering that, “The smaller size allowed their hovercraft to move further and faster due to the continuous volume of air flow.”  

Students also found that designing the hovercraft with the shiny side of the CD facing down worked better than the label side. Students found this through “ their comparisons and discussion which led them to decide that the smooth side was the better one facing down. They learned that reducing friction made a difference.”  

Students also noticed differences between distance traveled due to the flooring, including that the hovercraft traveled less distance on the rug than hard materials. 

By combining science and engineering processes together, students learned the practical application of a number of science concepts, and how things like friction and weight can influence the outcome of an experiment. 

Balloon
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Balloon
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Learn About the Downtown Camas Fire Station (#41) Replacement Project

Camas, WA — The Camas Washougal Fire Department (CWFD) is developing plans to replace the existing Fire Station 41 to ensure adequate fire and emergency medical services for the local community as population continues to grow.

A new station will serve as the headquarters for CWFD and will be located in downtown Camas, in the core of the department’s response area. Currently, the downtown Camas emergency response personnel, the Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) and the administrative staff are decentralized; operating out of separate buildings and remote to each other. As the headquarters facility, a downtown Camas station will house response personnel, apparatuses, administrative staff and the FMO.

Why is CWFD Requesting a new Fire Station 41?

The current Fire Station 41 facility has outlived its useful life and cannot be increased in size to accommodate the needs required of a modern fire station, including:

  • Ability to withstand a significant earthquake
  • Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Space for additional firefighters/EMS personnel to meet growing demands
  • Crucial, up-to-date decontamination facilities and separation to limit firefighters’ carcinogen exposure
  • Elimination of apparatus exhaust from entering City Hall’s interior office spaces
  • Space for fire apparatus
  • Mandated safety clearances around equipment
  • Facilities for a diverse workforce (male/female changing rooms) to be consistent with diversity, equity and inclusion guidelines
  • Providing public access to emergency service crews
  • Providing parking for emergency medical drive-ins
  • Providing private medical screening and treatment area for walk-ins and drive-ins

Where will a new station be located?

After conducting a process which involved considering multiple site options that could accommodate a downtown fire station, several options dropped off the list for a variety of reasons, such as traffic impacts, topography and size, environmental impacts, and cost. This left CWFD with one preferred site to consider as a potential location: a city-owned site adjacent to City Hall and currently occupied by the City as the City Hall Annex, located at 528 NE Fourth Avenue. To maximize the available space for the fire station, City Council is considering vacating (closing) the north half of Everett Street between Third and Fourth avenues to vehicle traffic. This would provide an opportunity to use current street space for the station and create a small plaza or “pocket park” along NE Fourth Avenue that can be used for community events.

Where will the funding come from for a new station?

Funding for a new fire station will come from the sale of voter-approved bonds. Bonds are a funding mechanism for replacing capital facilities and equipment like the fire station and fire engine.

During the August Primary Election, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether to fund the new fire station through a bond-approval. This approval would fund design and construction costs for the new facility. If the bond passes, construction could begin as soon as 2025.

How much will the new station cost Camas homeowners?

The bond amount is $26.3 million based upon preliminary design and cost estimation to cover the full station replacement costs as well as a new fire engine to replace the aging fire engine currently operating out of the existing station.

The monthly cost for most homeowners in Camas will be approximately $9.33 (based upon median assessed home value of $862,000).

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Parkersville Day 2023: Come See What’s New on June 1

Camas & Washougal, WA — The third annual Parkersville Day, Saturday, June 1, from noon to 3 pm, offers something for everyone. This free family-friendly event is held at Parker’s Landing Historical Park located at 24 A Street, Washougal, adjacent to and on the west side of the Camas-Washougal Port Marina. This year’s event features the local history of Columbia River travel.

Parkersville Day will start with an opening ceremony that honors Chinook history and features a 31-foot Chinook canoe on site.  There are fun family games that were played at the park in 1880 with historic candy and event souvenir prizes. Storytellers will bring local history alive with tales of the people and activities that were a part of the rich past of Parkersville. Visitors can join WSU park tours identifying plants and trees, enjoy a display of winners from the Washougal Schools art contest and listen to a performance of the Washougal High School band.

A square dance demonstration is new to the event. The group, Happy Hoppers, was founded in 1959 and is one of the larger clubs in Washington State. Square dancing became vital for generations of Americans up to the late 1800s before falling out of favor. After World War II, square dancing enjoyed participants numbering in the millions and continues to today, boosting fun with health and social benefits.

Also new this year is a Good Humor ice cream pushcart complete with umbrella. 

“The event always has ice cream to honor the Parker’s Landing Dairy that was there until 1942 around the time of pasteurization,” explained Susan Tripp, event organizer. 

While the Parker’s Landing Dairy was operating in the early 1920s, confectioner Harry Burt of Youngstown, Ohio created a chocolate coating compatible with ice cream. His daughter told him it tasted great but was too messy to eat. Burt’s son suggested freezing the sticks used for their Jolly Boy Suckers, Burt’s earlier invention, to make a handle for the ice cream treat. Things took off from there.

The Good Humor name reflected the founder’s belief that a person’s humor or temperament was related to the humor of the palate (a.k.a., your sense of taste). Soon after the Good Humor bar was created, Burt outfitted a fleet of twelve street vending trucks with freezers and bells from which to sell his creation. The first set of bells came from his son’s bobsled. Good Humor bars have been sold since then out of everything from tricycles to push carts to trucks. In the early years around 1936, Good Humor men were required to tip their hats to ladies and salute gentlemen. It took three days of training and orientation to become a Good Humor Man. Good Humor started an ice cream revolution with the first ice cream on a stick, and the very first ice cream truck. 

Today, one can find Good Humor ice cream at stores locally such as Fred Meyer and Safeway. The ice cream cart at Parkersville Day will offer the Good Humor Chocolate Éclair bar, Creamsicle, and Strawberry Shortcake bars as well as a non-dairy ice cream sandwich, and orange juice bars.

There will be interesting displays at the event staffed by community organizations who have an interest in the park at Parkers Landing. Community Garden Club of Camas/Washougal who tend to the park’s gardens, Soroptimist International of Camas-Washougal who beautify the historic silo planter each year, WSU Master Gardeners who run the Clark County Heritage Trees program, Chinook Indian Nation, Clark County Historical Museum, Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington, and the Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee to the Port. Camas Scout Troop 562 will run the family games along with volunteers from the Rotary Club of Camas-Washougal and the Camas Lions Club. 

Learn about local history at this fun, educational event in the park.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ParkersLandingHistoricalPark/ or contact Susan Tripp at SusanLTripp@gmail.com.

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Sandy Moore’s ‘Sail Boats’ Chosen as 2024 Washougal Art Festival Poster

Washougal, WA – The Washougal Art and Music Festival is thrilled to announce that Sandy Moore’s captivating artwork, “Sail Boats,” has been selected as the centerpiece for its 2024 festival poster. The event, scheduled for August 10th in Downtown Washougal’s Reflection Plaza, promises to celebrate the vibrant arts scene of the region with Moore’s stunning creation as its visual focal point.

“Sail Boats” by Sandy Moore captures the essence of the area’s natural beauty and maritime spirit. Inspired by Cottonwood Beach and the majestic Columbia River, Moore’s mixed media fabric collage technique breathes life into the serene scene of sailboats gently gliding across the water. With a palette of blues and greens meticulously layered and textured, the artwork evokes a sense of tranquility and appreciation for the picturesque landscapes that surround Washougal.

Reflecting on her inspiration, Sandy remarked, “We are lucky to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. I love the water and living near the Columbia is a joy. This piece is inspired by Cottonwood Beach, a favorite destination.”

Moore’s unique approach to artistry involves coloring fabric in various shades to create depth and dimension, then skillfully layering and arranging them to form intricate compositions. The result is a mesmerizing fusion of colors and textures that invites viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world.

For those eager to explore more of her captivating artworks, her portfolio can be found at Sandy Moore Arts https://www.sandymoorearts.com. 

The Washougal Art and Music Festival invites art enthusiasts, music lovers, and community members to join in the celebration of creativity on August 10th in Downtown Washougal. Visit our website at  www.WashougalArts.org for more information. The Washougal Art and Music Festival is sponsored in part by the City of Washougal Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. 

Washougal Art
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Washougal FBLA Students Earn Accolades at State Competition

Washougal, WA – On April 24 through April 27, 2024, six Washougal High School students competed at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Business Leadership Conference in Spokane, Washington. Students Liberty Andelman and Jacob Larzalere secured places in the top 12 of Intro to Social Media Strategies and Intro to Public Speaking competitions, respectively. On April 27, 9th grade student Jacob Larzalere, took 9th place at state in the Intro to Public Speaking competition category.

Carter Wilson, Jacob Larzalere, Liberty Andelman, Madeline Brock, Xavier Pineda-Gutierrez, and Laura Perez qualified for state competitions based on their performance at the Southwest Washington Regional FBLA Conference in early February.

“Competing at state boosted my confidence and reinvigorated my drive to achieve both my academic and extracurricular goals,” said Larzalere.

This year, more students participated in the Southwest Regional FBLA conference than in the previous 8 years. Over 2,300 students participated in the Washington state FBLA competition this year.

“Qualifying for state is such a high accomplishment. This group of students has set a wonderful example of how perseverance and preparation lead to success,” said Nicole Simek, FBLA Advisor at Washougal High School. 

FBLA competitions encourage students to develop business and leadership skills through practical experience. Washougal School District supports and celebrates the achievements of all students as they explore careers and develop skills for the future. Learn more about Washougal School District: https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/

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IMPACT CW Food Drive Back for 10th Year Helping Local Families

IMPACT Camas-Washougal, organized by St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Washougal, is celebrating ten years of making a difference and impacting local lives. Their annual event to pack food donations for school families needing assistance during summer break is Sunday, June 9 at noon at Parker’s Landing Historical Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal. The entire community is welcome. 

IMPACT CW started as a call to action from Pastor Bob Barber of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. It began with the last sermon in a series titled “Be the Difference.” But instead of delivering a sermon that Sunday, Pastor Barber told the congregation “We’re going shopping today.” 

“This was the culmination of the sermon series, emphasizing the fact everyone in our community is our neighbor and it is our call from Christ to aid our neighbors,” explained Scott Friedrich, Impact CW volunteer. “In the first year the focus was on the need of the families of students at Excelsior High School in Washougal for food items to get them through the month-long gap between the end of the school year and the beginning of the summer food program.”

After Pastor announced the intent of that Sunday, Irene Kratzke, long-time church member said “This is something we always needed to do. We just needed someone to show us how.” 

During the actual shopping, one of the church members was asked by another shopper “Is this a scavenger hunt?” to which they gleefully replied “No, it’s church!”

Over the past decade, Impact CW has grown from that semi-spontaneous act of kindness, into a meticulously planned and executed event that serves every school in the Camas and Washougal School Districts. The event day is not just the prepping of the food boxes, but also a free BBQ and concert by the Community Orchestra, for anyone who shows up. 

Dedicated volunteers spend the whole year preparing, planning, raising funds and getting the word out about Impact CW. The focus is more than serving the community, but to encourage the community to get involved. Last year they had over seventy volunteers from the community come out to help pack and load the food boxes.

“I’m hopeful that when people help people they will want to continue to pass that kindness on to others and make kindness a part of their everyday lives,” said Marylin Yates, who has been integral to Impact CW from its start.

Impact CW

Brandon Roberts, who volunteered alongside a sizable group from Windermere Crest Realty Co. in Camas, comments “It’s just a way to give back and help the community in which we serve.”

Beth Raetz, church Office Administrator and volunteer from the inception of Impact CW, when asked what impact this has made on the community said, “It’s been very rewarding to be able to touch the lives of the people in our community who are our neighbors. Not just those we help with the food, but also all the many people who get involved and help make Impact CW possible.  Counselors from each school are also an integral part of the process.”

When asked what the biggest difference he has seen over the past ten years of Impact CW, Pastor Bob remarked, “We have significantly more volunteers from the community now. It has become a true community event. Much more streamlined and efficient. The first couple of years it took all day to pack twenty-five or thirty boxes. Now, with the help of the community, it takes about an hour to pack nearly 200 boxes.”

“St. Matthew is a church dedicated to our community and going out into that community to help. Impact CW is just one aspect of what has become a congregational attitude of willing service,” said Friedrich.

For those unable to attend the event who want to help, they can make a financial gift (to pre-purchase all the food and Safeway gift cards).  Donors can visit www.impactcamaswashougal.org or send a check to St. Matthew Lutheran Church at 716 Washougal River Road, Washougal, WA 98671.  Checks can also be dropped off at the church Tuesdays-Fridays 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.  For more information, contact Raetz at the church office at 360-835-5533 or  stmatthewlcms@comcast.net / impactcamaswashougal.org

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