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.
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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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Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/07134119/IMG_7245.jpg540960Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-06-07 13:53:312024-06-07 13:53:38Learn About the Downtown Camas Fire Station (#41) Replacement Project
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.
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Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/29111438/2023-Parkersville-Day-volunteers-in-costume-e1717006904720.jpg6241516Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-29 11:22:362024-05-29 11:22:44Parkersville Day 2023: Come See What’s New on June 1
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.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/21120541/2024-Sandy-Moore-Flyer.jpg17241347Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-21 12:12:312024-05-21 12:12:36Sandy Moore’s ‘Sail Boats’ Chosen as 2024 Washougal Art Festival Poster
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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Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected.
Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/15100114/IMG_6326-scaled-e1715792591677.jpg8322043Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-15 10:07:372024-05-15 10:07:44Washougal FBLA Students Earn Accolades at State Competition
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.
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
Ponderosa Garage Doors
Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏
Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community.
Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected.
Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/15082536/Impact-CW-2023-volunteer-e1715786774902.jpg6971271Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-15 08:32:552024-05-15 08:33:03IMPACT CW Food Drive Back for 10th Year Helping Local Families
Washougal, WA — Washougal Mayor David Stuebe recently declared his candidacy for State Representative (LD-17) to succeed Paul Harris. With a distinguished career in public service and a commitment to community, Stuebe is bringing a wealth of public service experience and a local perspective to the race.
A retired Marine Colonel, Stuebe pledges to champion critical issues such as public safety, affordable housing, and the development of stronger communities in Southwest Washington.
“Having served our nation in the Marine Corps for decades, I understand the importance of safety, security, and unity,” Stuebe said. “As Washougal’s Mayor, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges facing our community. Now, I’m ready to take that experience to Olympia and work tirelessly to address these issues at the state level. I have always finished what I started and intend to remain Mayor of Washougal.”
Throughout his tenure as Mayor, Stuebe has demonstrated a commitment to an environment where families can thrive, businesses can prosper, and everyone can feel safe. His platform prioritizes public safety initiatives that aim to bolster law enforcement resources, promote community policing efforts, and enhance emergency response capabilities.
Stuebe said he is dedicated to tackling the pressing issue of affordable housing and recognizes the strain it places on families across the state. He plans to advocate for policies that promote access to affordable options, address the homelessness crisis, and alleviate the burden of skyrocketing housing costs.
Stuebe emphasizes the importance of building stronger communities through investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. With a vision of collaboration, he seeks to bridge divides and promote unity among Washingtonians from all walks of life.
For more information about David Stuebe’s campaign call 503-504-3099.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155247/Image-33.jpg4791030Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-07 16:01:362024-05-07 16:01:43Washougal Mayor David Stuebe Running for State Representative
Camas-Washougal, WA – Two Rivers Heritage Museum (TRHM) and Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) partnered to create an historical outdoor timeline exhibit that represents Camas and Washougal history and highlights the artifacts cared for at TRHM. “Pieces of History: An Artifacts Timeline,” is filled with stories and images recounting monumental moments and everyday events in these neighboring communities. The timeline can be viewed at the TRHM at 1 Durgan Street in downtown Washougal, Saturdays from 11am-3pm.
CCHM Public Historian, Katie Bush, served as the project manager for this work. She collaborated with TRHM Display Committee members Karen and Richard Johnson and Gayle and Ivar Godtlibsen, to research and select important historic information to be featured.
“Katie provided a long list of items and dates she identified from our collection and had us rate their importance to the timeline,” Karen Johnson explained. “We whittled that list down over and over again. It was a difficult process to narrow the information with so many fascinating stories to tell.”
After repeated and thoughtful analysis, the final historic events and dates were decided. The team then worked to identify exactly what object from TRHM archives would represent the timeline captions. “Selected events are memorable, personal and unique to the local community and represent major, minor, and micro moments in our history,” Karen Johnson explained.
Local photographer, Missy Fant, captured images of each object and Vancouver graphic designer, Masako Brachmann married together these elements into the sprawling timeline that stands 34-feet long along the back fence of the museum. “The panel design and style match the historic street panels in Historic Downtown Camas,” said Karen Johnson. “We are trying to stay consistent with historical signage for our cities.”
“I’m excited to be a part of this collaborative timeline for the Two Rivers Heritage Museum,” said Bush. “Community centered projects, such as this, offer great opportunities for heritage institutions to share local stories in engaging ways. I look forward to collaborating with Two Rivers and the Camas-Washougal community on future projects.”
While the building is in Washougal, TRHM represents two cities. “I would say our museum collection is divided pretty evenly between Camas and Washougal artifacts, photos, research, and archives,” said Karen Johnson. “Our two towns, with totally different beginnings, melded into one awesome community.”
When asked which featured timeline events were most significant to the growth of the community the answers varied. Gayle Godtlibsen feels it was the year 1905 when the SP&S Railroad began operation on the north bank of the Columbia River. “We hope that visitors come away from the timeline inspired to share their experience with others and, hopefully, that will help create more traffic to the museum,” she said.
Richard Johnson identified 1886 and the start of the Camas papermill as the most impactful year. “I feel interacting with the timeline exhibit is the grand finale to a visit to the museum,” he said. “I want people to feel they had a ‘complete’ experience here.”
The timeline creation and installation were completed by a team of dedicated people. TRHM Display Committee members Karen and Richard Johnson and Gayle and Ivar Godtlibsen; Masako Brachmann, graphic design; Katie Bush, CCHM public historian; Kevin and Curtis Barber of Core Powersports; Missy Fant Photography; J2 Blueprinting printed the panels; local historian Pepper Kim was editor and proofreader for the timeline narrative; John Kimbrough designed and fabricated timeline stand and helped with installation; Tommy Miller of Pomeroy Living History Farm helped with installation; and Bradley Richardson, Executive Director of CCHM helped on many aspects of the project.
“Over the past six years, Two Rivers and the Clark County Historical Museum have fostered a deep and mutually beneficial relationship,” Richardson, a Camas-Washougal area native, said. “Through this project and other collaborative work, our organizations are demonstrating how communities are better served and more history is shared and saved when we come together.”
Funding for the timeline came from generous donations from the Tidland Family, Beales Foundation, and the Smead Family, who made their gift in memory of longtime teacher and historian Bernice Pluchos.
The new exhibit will be dedicated at a ceremony on Friday, May 31 at 5 pm at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum. City leaders, museum volunteers, staff, historical society members and community history lovers are invited to attend. It can also be viewed any Saturday during regular museum hours from 11 am-3 pm.
“We are extremely proud of what we have created at Two Rivers,” said Dick Lindstrom, CWHS president. “Its purpose is to collect, research and preserve the history that tells the story of the development of the Camas/Washougal area. We invite our community to take the time to experience what a treasure this place is. And if people like what they see, we hope they become a member of CWHS or a volunteer to help us continue to tell the stories of our communities.”
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Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected.
Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.
Washougal, WA — The Washougal School Board of Directors has named Aaron Hansen as the interim superintendent for the 2024-2025 school year. Hansen, who has served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Student Services for the last five years, will begin in the new role on July 1, when current Superintendent Dr. Mary Templeton starts her new role with the Lake Stevens School District.
Hansen has worked for Washougal School District for 23 years. He has 31 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. Prior to his current role, Hansen served as the WHS Principal from 2011 to 2019. He began his teaching experiences with Washougal at Washougal High School and at the former Excelsior High School, where he was a Math and Science teacher providing alternative learning experiences and customized learning opportunities for students. Prior to joining the Washougal School District he was a Math and Science teacher at Rogers High School in Spokane for eight years. Hansen also taught English for one year in Taiwan.
“Aaron has a demonstrated track record of service to Washougal’s students through his various roles,” Board president Angela Hancock. “Aaron brings experience with nearly every aspect of the district’s work to this role, and the strong relationships he has built with students, parents, teacher, staff, and community members will help him be successful in the interim role. The board is confident in his ability to continue the great progress the district has made to increase student achievement and the graduation rate.”
Templeton praised the selection, saying, “Aaron is an exceptional leader and educator with a passion for ensuring each student is on a bright pathway to the future. He has leveraged community partnerships and the energy and excitement students have to help the district rise.”
Hansen said, “As I step into the role of Interim Superintendent for the Washougal School District, I am filled with both excitement and humility. Washougal is a community that stands out for its strong tradition of supporting education, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to lead in such an amazing environment.”
He added, “Our district is home to outstanding teachers and staff who dedicate themselves daily to creating enriching and powerful learning experiences for our students. I am eager to engage directly with classrooms, collaborating with students, families, and educators. Together, we will continue to advance towards our shared vision, building on the solid foundation of support and commitment that characterizes the Washougal community. It is a privilege to continue to be a part of the WSD community, and I am committed to ensuring that we keep moving forward, making a positive impact on every student’s life.”
Hansen has an undergraduate and master’s degree from Eastern Washington University. He holds a superintendent credential from Washington State University.
The board took action to appoint Hansen during the April 30, 2024 special board meeting, and noted that it will be gathering community input into a permanent replacement for Dr. Templeton in the fall. As part of the cost saving measures needed in school year 2024-2025, the Assistant Superintendent position is being eliminated to help solve the district’s $3 million budget shortfall.
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Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected.
Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.
The Camas-Washougal Community Chest and its partners, the Camas-Washougal Rotary Foundation and the Camas Lions Foundation, are pleased to announce the award of 34 grants totaling $134,000 to non-profit organizations delivering services, exclusively, to children and families in Camas and Washougal. The Rotary commitment to Service above Self also adds volunteers to the mix as they work to make a difference in our community.
The grants will fund such diverse services as emergency food assistance, aid to families in crisis or needing emergency services, safe temporary shelter for at-risk youth, a Safe Stay overnight car park program at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and water quality monitoring in the Lacamas Creek watershed. New organizations
receiving grants for the first time will offer services such as a Community Arts Night program – a free opportunity to experience the benefits of creativity and artistic expression, bringing songwriters to the Washougal Arts fair and staffing and equipping for three litter cleanups at Cottonwood Beach.
Ponderosa Garage Doors
Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏
Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community.
Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected.
Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.
Some of the non-profit organizations being funded in 2024 include the Inter-Faith Treasure House, Akin (formerly the Children’s Home Society) at the East County Family Resource Center, Janus Youth Programs, Pink Lemonade Project, Family Promise of Clark County, and Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership. First-time grantees include Enspire Arts, Washougal Songcraft Festival and Watershed Alliance of SW Washington. For a complete listing of the grant awards see the grant summary below.
Thanks to CWRF, CLF and major donations from the GP Foundation, GP employees, Camas School District employees, City of Camas and City of Washougal employees, Port of Camas-Washougal employees, Windermere Foundation, and Watercare Industrial Services, CWCC is well on the way to funding these grants. To reach its 2024 fundraising goal, however, the CWCC needs additional donations from individuals and businesses in Camas and Washougal. More information and donation forms can be found on the CWCC’s website at www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org. The CWCC, CWRF and CLF are registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organizations for federal charitable tax deduction purposes.
Total number of grants awarded – 34
Total value of grants awarded – $134,000
Estimated number of individual services funded by grants – more than 30,000
Akin (formerly Children’s Home Society) – East County Family Resource Center
Helps fund operations at Resource Center. Helps fund parent education groups, youth support groups, emergency basic assistance, behavioral health services and health care services provided by ECFRC or by a partner agency.
Boy Scouts of America – Cascade Pacific Council
Girl Scouts Troop 45703
Helps fund Campership Awards so that Camas and Washougal families in need can send their Boy Scouts to summer camp. Helps fund the Girl Scout troop’s planned visit to the birthplace and home of Girl Scout founder – Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia.
Camas School District – Principal’s Checkbook
(aka Camas Family Community Resource Center)
Funds will assist students and their families who are living in situational instability with their essential needs, particularly those that assist directly in the furthering of a student’s education or their physical/emotional well-being. These requests most often come directly from school building counselors, which also relieves their anxiety when students are in need of additional support for their best learning.
Camas Farmers Market
Helps fund “Produce Pals”, a weekly activities program to educate children about where and how food is produced. Kids completing the weekly program receive a $2 token to spend at Camas Farmers Market for locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Camas Robotics Booster Club
Helps fund registration and transportation costs for students in financial need to participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) classes and activities. Will also help fund STEM education and outreach activities in the Camas and Washougal area.
Camas Washougal Historical Society
Helps fund the commissioning of artist Adam McIsaac to create a fish carving display (12 feet by 4 feet) for the Gathering Place located at Two Rivers Heritage Museum. The purpose of CWHS is to preserve and make available to the public, both present and future artifacts that tell the story of the history of the Camas and Washougal area.
Camas Washougal Parent Co-op Preschool
Helps fund operating budget, including buying classroom supplies and helps with maintaining and upkeeping the preschool in order to provide a safe place for the preschoolers to learn and play.
Dance Evolution
Helps fund a scholarship program to support individuals and families with financial constraints, allowing them to pursue their passions without financial barriers. Help fund our dance outreach program to underserved communities by providing free or subsidized dance classes to individuals who may not have access to such opportunities. Help fund our inclusive dance initiative by enhancing our studio’s accessibility, ensuring all individuals of all abilities can participate in and benefit from our dance programs.
Enspire Arts
Helps fund a bi-monthly Community Arts Night program offered as a free opportunity for the greater Camas – Washougal area to experience the benefits of creativity and artistic exploration. Enspire Arts uses music, poetry, visual arts, theater, games, writing and more as a catalyst for conversation, community building, emotional expression, relaxation and fun.
Family Promise of Clark County
Helps fund an expansion of the FPCares program that proactively assists families with services that will prevent them from losing their homes and entering the shelter system. Services may include rental assistance, payments for rent in arrears, security deposits, landlord mediation, locating housing and filling out applications.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation – Washougal Branch
Supports the Washougal Community Library’s summer reading program for kids and adults. By providing free literacy related programs and incentive prizes for the amount of time spent reading, Washougal Community Library hopes to elevate the reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills of Washougal area children and teens before they return to school in the fall.
Friends and Foundation of the Camas Library
Helps fund the Camas Public Library’s plan to implement its proposed Nature-Smart Library to move learning and enrichment from beyond the library building and into nature with workshops, classes, self- guided activities and fun activities for every age. The library will purchase outdoor games, picnic baskets, nature kits and programs for adults, teens, and children and self-directed programs for all ages. The circulating Nature-Smart Library collection would be open to anyone with a Camas Public Library card.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Helps fund the Explore the Gorge classroom lessons and outdoor environmental education program for sixth graders in Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek Middle schools in Washougal School District.
General Federation of Women’s Clubs Camas – Washougal
Helps fund the purchase of age-appropriate books and other educational materials for all children in Pre-K and elementary classrooms in the Camas and Washougal School Districts. The program is aimed at all Pre-K and elementary schoolchildren to improve their reading skills.
Impact CW – St. Matthew Lutheran Church
Helps buy food and grocery gift cards for families in need in the Camas and Washougal School Districts.
Inter-Faith Treasure House
Helps buy nutritional food items for the Treasure House’s Camas School District backpack program and gas for the food delivery vans.
Janus Youth Programs
Provides funding for outreach efforts and overnight facility stays for Camas and Washougal runaway youth at risk for abuse and neglect. Re-introduces kids to safe housing. Provide case managers to help youth access community services to help them achieve stability.
JD Currie Youth Camp
Helps fund repairs to outhouse “A” that serves the lodge area of the camp. Clark County, owner of the property, has determined that outhouse “A” is non-habitable in its current condition.
Journey Theater Arts Group
Helps fund a portion of the Washburn Performing Arts Center rental fee to present the winter production of The Spongebob Squarepants Musical. Helps fund scholarships for students in financial need and who find it difficult to participate in theater classes and camps.
Kawanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki
Helps fund their Outdoor Environmental Education Program by offering campers meaningful outdoor activities that support fun, healthy living, nurturing personal growth plus leadership and nature-based skills. Goals include better physical and mental health, increased self-esteem, respect and kindness for others, ability to lead, community participation and stewardship of natural resources.
Lacamas Watershed Council
Helps pay for volunteer training and buying water quality monitoring equipment and testing supplies. Water quality samples will be collected in the Lacamas watershed, including Lacamas, Round and Fallen Leaf lakes and Lacamas Creek.
Lifeline Connections
Helps fund youth activities, field trips and transportation costs to Camp Mariposa (they use Kiwanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki’s facility) for children of families in need or suffering from substance abuse.
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership
Helps fund the Students Outdoor Science program that provides classroom lessons and outdoor applied learning programs for youth, including habitat enhancement projects adjacent to Gibbons Creek in the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Campen Creek in Mable Kerr Park and Lacamas Creek Trail and Park.
Pathways Clinic
Helps fund the purchase of medical supplies to be able to offer obstetric ultrasound tests, pregnancy tests and STI/STD tests for men and women.
Pink Lemonade Project
Helps fund Treatment Access Program/Pink Practicalities/Holiday Glow, three financial aid and assistance programs. Covers costs that health insurance doesn’t, such as groceries, transportation services, lymphedema sleeves, lost wages, rent/mortgage payments, etc.
REACH Community Development
Helps buy groceries, baby essentials, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and similar basic household needs. Buys school supplies and holiday food baskets. Serves Gateway Gardens and Towne Square communities in Washougal.
ReFuel Washougal
Helps buy supplies such as sturdy clamshells, lidded bowls and heavy duty plastic forks and spoons to provide to-go meals during Friday meal nights. Helps buy winter waterproof sleeping bags. Helps buy bus passes for clients traveling to services only offered in Vancouver. Helps buy professional services to maintain and update the website to be able to reach out digitally to donors and service providers.
Silver Star Search and Rescue (SSSAR)
Helps fund a replacement heavy-duty Terra Tamer titanium frame/fork/wheel for a Stokes litter carrier which will allow rescue teams to work more effectively over long distances and tough terrain.
St. Anne’s (Episcopal Church) Safe Stay Program
Helps fund a portion of St. Anne’s Safe Stay program including cleaning of the port-a-potty, use of outdoor electrical outlets, use of the Internet WiFi and use of showers, laundry, and church kitchen.
Unite! Washougal Community Coalition
Helps fund Sources of Strength Suicide Prevention Program at Washougal High School; Positive Community Norms Campaign “Love Your Life” in the Washougal Community; the Support OurGuiding Good Choices Parenting classes and the Support our Ambassador Youth Program.
Washougal School District – Principal’s Checkbook
Helps Washougal school principals provide for basic student needs to give low income or homeless students equal opportunities at school. Funds a portion of an Adult Transition Program which trains students with disabilities for transition into appropriate work placement. Funds supplies such as shoes, clothes, hygiene products and food for Panther Den. Funds a mobile laptop cart for families without access to technology and internet services. Funds Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative activities on all Washougal School District campuses.
Washougal Songcraft Festival 2024
Helps fund local songwriter’s fees to perform during a summer festival that is offered free to the public of all ages.
Watershed Alliance of Southwest Washington
(aka Vancouver Watershed Council)
Helps fund three litter cleanups at Cottonwood Beach and Trail in June, July and August 2024.
West Columbia Gorge Humane Society
Helps fund the following programs and services designed to keep pets and people together during hardship, crisis or emergency: pet food pantry, temporary pet boarding, impound/owner surrender fee relief and veterinary assistance. Also funds a portion of the cost to supply ReFuel Washougal with pet food to distribute to the pets of homeless and low-income people using ReFuel’s other services.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/11155528/IMPACT-CW-2023-Pic3-1.jpg11522048Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-03-11 16:02:212024-03-19 12:43:27CW Community Chest, Rotary, Lions Club Announce 2024 Grant Awards
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