Tag Archive for: Washougal

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New, Returning Washougal School Board Members Sworn Into Service

Washougal, WA — New and returning Washougal School District School Board members were sworn in to service at the December 12, 2023 board meeting after winning in the general election on November 7. Superintendent Dr. Mary Templeton administered the oath of office.

Ida Royer was elected as the newest member to the WSD Board to represent District 4. Royer is a parent of a current Washougal student.  

“I’m honored to serve my fellow Washougal families, and am very grateful to the current board members who have welcomed me, volunteered to get me up to speed, and answer any questions I might have,” said Royer.

Board members Jim Cooper (District 1) and Angela Hancock (District 2) were also reelected to their seats in the November general election. Both will serve 4-year term that expires in 2027.  

During the same meeting, board members voted to elect their officers for the year.  Angela Hancock was elected as the board president. Jim Cooper was elected as the board vice-president.  Chuck Carpenter will continue to serve as the legislative representative, which is a two-year position.

Dr. Mary Templeton welcomed Royer: “We’re excited to welcome Ida to the board.  Her perspective as a parent will be important as the board establishes priorities for student learning and continuing the excellent academic progress made over the last year.”

Royer added that, “I ran for school director because as a parent I’d want someone balanced and practical to be at the table making decisions that could impact my child, and I feel I can be that for other families. At the end of the day I want all our kids to be prepared for life after school, in whatever form that takes.”

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Camas-Washougal Rotary Club Donating Books to Local Elementary Schools

The Camas-Washougal Rotary Club is donating books to third grade classrooms across both Camas and Washougal elementary schools. The Rotary Club believes that readers are leaders, in their classrooms, in their communities, and eventually in the world. Each classroom will receive a set of 25 books chosen to support a wide range of reading levels.  

Members gathered in early December to assemble the book baskets for the more than 30 classrooms which will receive the donations.  Each basket includes about $240 worth of reading materials along with a dictionary. Much of the funding for this project was raised through the annual Ducky Derby, but Rotarians are still welcoming additional donations to support the project through tax-deductible donations to the Camas-Washougal Rotary Foundation.

Book baskets will be presented to teachers and students over the next month, with Rotary members speaking to students about literacy and the importance of reading.  

Project organizer Kathy Bussman shared excitement about the project, saying that “Rotary supports literacy as one way to help the world.” 

Rotary supports projects to provide access to quality education as a way of investing in local communities. 

“Tomorrow’s leaders are today’s readers,” said Bussman.

Washougal School District Superintendent Dr. Mary Templeton welcomed the donation, noting that, “The generous donation by the Rotary will help cultivate a love of reading in our students. Having additional reading materials with a variety of subjects and reading levels will help make sure that every student finds something to read they’re excited about, which we know is important as they’re developing their literacy skills.”

Gause teacher Heather Hopkins said, “Our students are always thrilled for extra books in the classroom library, and as teachers we love when kids are excited about reading! Thank you so much to the Rotary for their generous donation  to ensure our students continue to be excited about reading!”

Books
Students receive new books from the CW Rotary Club.
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Jurassic Retreat: One of America’s Most Unique Getaway Destinations

“Jurassic Park” movie fans are coming from all over the country to experience the Jurassic Retreat in Washougal, WA. Since its opening two years ago, guests are turning back time to 65 million years ago when dinosaurs ruled the world. This charming getaway, nestled in the Cascade mountains, isn’t far from the Columbia River, and is only a 25-minute drive from Portland International Airport, with access to many local amenities and sites. 

Guests that visit this prehistoric haven are greeted by a life-size T-rex, and his friends — a brachiosaurus, velociraptor, and triceratops companions — who stand watch over this 4-bedroom, 2,100 square foot vacation residence that’s filled with artifacts and decorations that take you back to the “Jurassic Park” movies while boasting modern conveniences, like WiFi, a giant smart TV, a hot tub, and a state-of-the-art kitchen in a comfortable ambiance. 

Featured on The Drew Barrymore Show, the Jurassic Retreat stands as one of America’s most unique getaway destinations. The Jurassic Retreat hosts a curated collection of authentic movie industry props, that immerse you in the heart of the prehistoric world. 

It’s a great place to host a party, a holiday event, a family reunion, a graduation, wedding, or to simply get away. It can accommodate up to 12 guests. 

Some of the retreat’s features include:

  • Bedroom 1: Queen Bed
  • Bedroom 2: Queen Bed
  • Bedroom 3: Twin/Full Bunk Bed with Twin Trundle Bed
  • Bedroom 4: Twin/Twin Bunk Bed with Twin Trundle Bed
  • Private hot tub, a retreat within a retreat.
  • Immerse yourself in cinematic splendor with a 75″ Smart TV and the entire collection of Jurassic Park movies.
  • Seamless flow of the open-concept interior, inviting shared moments and cherished memories.
  • Fully equipped kitchen w/ cooking basics, Keurig coffee maker, microwave, full service setup for 12.
  • Propane bbq with an outdoor picnic table to enjoy your culinary fare.
  • Bring your fur babies along – pets are allowed, free of charge.

Guest reviews:

“If you’ve read the description, and any of the other reviews, you probably don’t need to look at this review. Jurassic Retreat is definitely a very unique property and promised a unique experience and definitely delivered. Beautiful home In the woods with life-size dinosaurs, what more can you ask for. The youngsters had an experience they will never forget.If you’ve read the description, and any of the other reviews, you probably don’t need to look at this review. Jurassic Retreat is definitely a very unique property and promised a unique experience and definitely delivered. Beautiful home In the woods with life-size dinosaurs, what more can you ask for. The youngsters had an experience they will never forget,” said David, from Hot Springs, Arkansas. 

“We had such a wonderful stay. Our 3 kids absolutely loved their time here. It was clean , relaxing and had everything we needed plus some. Cottonwood Beach is about a 20 minute drive, it is a nice place we stumbled upon for the kids to play in the water and sand. Hot tub, games, movies , toys , fresh air, & DINOS . Definitely memorable for the entire family,” said Jessika, Great Falls, Montana.

The retreat is owned by Investor Residences, a premier vacation rental company with a portfolio of more than 80 properties.

To book your stay, visit https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/848357161561531844?source_impression_id=p3_1702066380_%2F69N5hnKipEOOM1r or call Jenn Meyers at 808.987.7219.

Jurassic
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Washougal Teacher Margaret Rice Earns YouScience Innovative Educator Award

In recognition of her exceptional contributions in guiding and inspiring students, Margaret Rice of Washougal School District is one of two educators nationwide to earn the YouScience Innovative Educator Award this year. Rice serves as the Career & Technical Education (CTE) director at Washougal School District.

Rice inspires students to build job readiness skills in elementary, middle, and high school. She develops innovative programs that equip students with tools to be successful in the world of work, and champions new ideas to adjust to the evolving workforce.

“Margaret connects students with business and industry leaders, and she supports all of our students in developing the job readiness skills they need to succeed in the skilled trades, business, military, or college,” said Mary Templeton, Washougal School District Superintendent. “She is a phenomenal asset to our district, and we are so proud of her and the amazing work she leads.”

The YouScience Innovative Educator Award celebrates educators who have implemented innovative approaches to empower the next generation of professionals through academic and career exploration. Rice is recognized alongside Kathy Peres of Blue Valley Schools in Kansas. This honor celebrates their outstanding contributions in leading students towards successful career exploration and readiness for the ever-evolving professional landscape.  

Rice

About YouScience

YouScience® is the leading technology provider dedicated to solving the skills and exposure gap crisis for students and employers. Its end-to-end platform, YouScience® Brightpath, connects education with career applications designed to help students unlock their potential for future pathways. YouScience leverages proven research, artificial intelligence, and industry input to help individuals identify their aptitudes, validate their skills and knowledge, and get matched with real-world educational and career pathways in high-demand occupations. YouScience is the preferred choice of individuals, parents, educators, and counselors to guide and support educational and career pathways, currently serving more than 7,000 educational institutions and millions of users nationwide. To learn more about YouScience, please visit youscience.com. 

About Washougal School District

Washougal School District is a public school district serving over 2,800 students in Washougal, Washington. Dedicated staff teams, supportive community and innovative job-readiness programs create an educational experience that prepares Washougal youth for success.

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Washougal 5th Grade Runners Compete at Junior Olympics Regional XC Meet

Athol, Idaho — Anava and Joela Grundy, 5th grade students at Columbia River Gorge Elementary, competed at the USATF Junior Olympics Regional XC Meet in Athol, Idaho, on November 18.  The twins feed their passion for running by taking part in the Boosters’ Mileage Club, a running program organized by school volunteers. They also participate in Whisper Running, a local youth running organization, since September 2022.

“I love to run because it allows me to be active in the outdoors. I love the different trails and enjoy running in nature,” said Anava.  

Anava and Joela were the only Whisper Running members from Washougal to qualify for USATF Junior Olympics Regionals this year. 

“I’m really proud of them for trying a new thing and sticking with it even when it gets difficult,” said Dave Caldwell, running coach at Whisper Running.

“Running for me is such a great sport because I can set personal goals and focus on them to get stronger,” said Joela. 

The Boosters’ Mileage Club at Columbia River Gorge Elementary helps Anava and Joela consistently train their cross country skills and inspires them to do their best. This weekly running program is spearheaded by volunteers Annie Thomas and Sadie McKenzie. McKenzie is also a member of the Washougal School District school board. 

“It’s amazing to see what these kids accomplish. I volunteer with the Boosters Mileage Club because you get to make a real difference in students’ lives,” said McKenzie.

Programs like the Columbia River Gorge Boosters Mileage Club help Washougal students to discover a passion for exercise. Booster club volunteers make this and many other student-centered programs across Washougal School District possible. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Washougal School District on the district volunteer webpage.

For Anava and Joela, this is just the beginning. Beginning this year, cross country programs in Washougal expanded to include 6th grade students in Washougal. This comes just in time for the duo to represent Jemtegaard Middle School when they enter sixth grade next year.

Washougal
Joela Grundy accepts a token after finishing another lap around the track.
Washougal
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LDS Church Hosts Saturday’s Interfaith Event Benefiting Local Community

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting an interfaith event this Saturday, October 28 as part of National Make a Difference Day. Event organizers are seeking volunteers between 2-5 pm this Saturday (any amount of time is appreciated). 

Their goal is to complete the following projects:

  • Sorting 32,000 pounds of hygiene commodities for families in the Evergreen School District (an entire semi-truck load)
  • Tying 75 fleece blankets for Project Linus providing blankets for children seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.
  • 3,000 meal kits that will each feed a family of 6.
  • 500 Valentine’s Cards to bring love to those in assisted living.
  • 1,000 family gathering and educational kits and school support projects for schools in our community.
  • Collect unwrapped toys for the Camas/Washougal Salvation Army.

All projects will directly benefit our local community including;  Evergreen, Camas and Washougal Schools, Clark County Food Bank, Camas/Washougal Salvation Army, Camas/Washougal Interfaith Treasure House, Project Linus, and Local Senior Living Centers.

The event is for women 18+.

Easy project directions, materials and refreshments will be provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. 

Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0A49ABAB2CA1FF2-interfaith

Saturday, October 28, 2023  2 pm – 5 pm

East Vancouver Stake Center   

18214 NE 18th St. Vancouver WA

If you have any questions please contact:

Caryn Dewey 360.909.3745, Amanda Houston 360.624.4168, or Laurie Kinsey 360.433.7847

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Tales of the Oregon Trail to be Presented at Historical Society Annual Meeting

Camas-Washougal, WA — Local storyteller Pepper Toelle Kim will recount the real events of her ancestor’s 1844 wagon train journey along the Oregon Trail at the annual meeting of the Camas-Washougal Historical Society.  The free CWHS program is open to all on Saturday, November 4 at 2pm at the Washougal Community Room at 1681 C Street, near City Hall.

“Like many Oregon Trail journeys, the saga of my ancestors’ wagon train seems like a novel, with its array of trials, sorrows, and triumphs,” said Kim.

Kim’s ancestors traveled alongside historic settlers David C. Parker, Michael Troutman Simmons, and George Washington Bush in their seven-month passage. Parker was the first permanent American settler in Washington and present-day Washougal.  He created a dock, ferry service, and the town of Parkersville on the north bank of the Columbia River where the Camas-Washougal Port is now located.

Kim hopes her presentation will provide the audience with a deeper understanding of pioneer experiences in general, and the particular challenges experienced by David C. Parker and other early Washington settlers. 

“Hearing the tale of a particular group engages one more, especially if the storyteller has a personal connection,” she explained.

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The sheer courage that pioneers demonstrated moving to an unknown area is impressive to Kim.  

“Especially if you had children to care for,” she said. “To me, the most difficult times were the deaths of fellow travelers, especially the Sager parents of seven children.”

Kim is a retired alternative high-school teacher who taught at Evergreen ALC/Legacy High School from 1986 to 2011. She earned her BA in English and teaching credential from Mills College, and her MS in (Alternative) Education from Western Illinois University. She is a member of the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington, Ft. Vancouver Chapter #19.

In 2004, Kim also was awarded a Confluence Project in the Schools grant. Her community liaison for that project was the Clark County Historical Museum, where her students’ art creation was displayed. She has volunteered for CCHM ever since.

As a grandparent, Kim is inspired to bring her ancestors’ stories to life. 

“I am a Portland native, yet I had no idea I had connections to SW Washington until I started learning local history,” Kim said. “We are all more connected than we realize!”

The CWHS operates the Two Rivers Heritage Museum, 1 Durgan Street in Washougal. It is currently closed for winter maintenance and will reopen March 2, 2024.  Private group tours, for more than eight people, can be arranged by contacting the museum.  Prices are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and just $2 for students.  

CWHS members can visit for free. 

Join the CWHS to help support additional historic presentations and preservation of local history. Membership information will be available at the presentation.  Learn more about the museum and volunteer and membership opportunities, visit www.2rhm.com and follow them on Facebook.

Oregon Trail
Pepper Kim
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Camas-Washougal Community Chest Launches 2024 Fundraising Campaign

The Camas-Washougal Community Chest launched its annual fundraising drive October 1, 2023 with a goal of raising $120,000 for 2024 grants. In a continuing partnership with CWCC, the Camas – Washougal Rotary Foundation plans to provide additional grant funds. The combined monies are used to fund grants to local non-profit organizations that serve Camas and Washougal residents in need, at-risk youth programs, address natural resource conservation, foster education and strive to enhance diversity, equity and inclusivity in Camas and Washougal. Since 1946 the CWCC has been all about helping local charities thrive. 

The CWCC, CWRF and Camas Lions Club just wrapped up a successful 2023 campaign which saw them fund 30 grants for a total of $135,500. Programs and projects funded in 2023 included support of the local food bank run by Inter-Faith Treasure House, funding for family support programs run by Children’s Home Society of Washington, funding a portion of Family Promise’s Cares prevention program to help low income families avoid losing their home, funding habitat improvements in the Gibbons Creek watershed conducted by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership and funding for food and food service supplies for the local Meals on Wheels People program. 

Other grants provided funding for cancer treatment costs and living expenses not covered by insurance; funding for several local reading programs; funding registration fees, transportation costs, and food and housing costs for local low- income robotics team members; and for temporarily housing at-risk youth in a secure facility. A full list of the grants awarded in 2023 is attached. 

Major support for the 2023 fundraising campaign came from Georgia Pacific employees and the Georgia Pacific Foundation. 

Other major donors in 2023 included HP employees and the HP Corporation, Camas and Washougal School District employees, City of Camas and Washougal employees, Port of Camas-Washougal employees, Watercare Industrial Services, Columbia Rock Products (Sauer Holdings LLC) and Waste Connections. The following foundations provided major support: Windermere Foundation, the Tidland Christian Development Fund, and the Hinds Charitable Fund. 

To reach its $120,000 goal for the 2024 campaign, the CWCC needs 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 

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The CWCC is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization for federal charitable tax deduction purposes. Says CWCC President Mindy Schmidt, “giving to the Community Chest is an easy and efficient way to help people in need in our hometown.” 

Local non-profit organizations planning to apply for a grant can download the 2024 application form from CWCC’s website after October 15, 2023. Applications for 2024 grants are due by no later than December 15, 2023. Applicants will be informed during March 2024 as to whether their project or program is funded and at what level. Grant payments are made quarterly beginning with initial payments in March 2024. 

To be eligible for a grant, applicants must provide services in Camas and/or Washougal, be a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and provide service in one or more of the following areas: education, youth activities, aid to people with special needs, natural resource conservation, health and welfare programs, crisis and emergency services and diversity, equity and inclusivity. 

2023 Grant Program Summary 

Total number of grants awarded – 30
Total value of grants awarded – $135,500
Estimated number of individual services funded by grants – more than 19,500 

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Garden Club Returns to Historical Park Stewardship

Camas-Washougal, WA – The Community Garden Club’s decades of service in Parker’s Landing Historical Park ended in 1999 with a granite plaque placed in the grass near the garden volunteers’ garden shed and a dogwood was planted nearby. The expressions of gratitude to the club was most likely initiated by Rosalee MacRae, park advocate and founder who was also a Community Garden Club member. Rosalee served as the Parkersville Site Development Committee Secretary, continuing her service as a Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee (PAC) to the Port member until her passing. 

In 1971, Rosalee attended a shower hosted by Mary Van Vleet in her guest house (formally the “little green house”) that had been converted into living quarters by Louis and Nina Chevron in 1942 when they discontinued their Parker’s Landing Dairy, also called Chevron and Sons. They closed their dairy due to the cost of pasteurization and decision to move out of the Van Vleet home they rented to be able to move in their son Vernon and his family.

In 1978, just before moving out, Mary Van Vleet invited Rosalee to her home. She had heard of Rosalee’s interest in seeing the inside of the 100 year-old main house. That year the paper reported others asking the Port to make the Van Vleet site a park, a request denied. At an American Association of University Women (AAUW), Dorothy Pionek put Rosalee in contact with Bernice Pluchos. In a public meeting called by the AAUW the idea of forming a historical society was put forth resulting in the Camas-Washougal Historical Society (CWHS). That year Mary passed away in August and in October the Van Vleet home was burned to the ground by an arsonist.

Downtown Camas

In 1980, a petition of nearly 1,200 names was submitted to the Port requesting the site become a park in perpetuity.  In 1985, notices were published in the newspaper inviting all interested citizens to join a committee named Parkersville Site Development Committee (PSDC). A month later a preliminary plan was presented to the Port with a 50-page park plan prepared by the PSDC and presented to the Port in 1986 with estimated costs to start the park. The first step was mounting the Department of Interior and State Bronze Plaques on a 25-ton Basalt boulder obtained from Fisher Rock Quarry. The dedication of the Parkersville National Historic and Archeological Site and opening of the Parker’s Landing Historical Park was held on Saturday, June 1, 1986.

At the Community Garden Club of Camas-Washougal (“Garden Club”) September meeting, Susan Tripp will share more about the park history and how Rosalee recruited her to join the PAC which led to being a PHF Director when Rosalee died. Susan’s presentation kicks off a new dedicated Garden Club team that will continue the club’s important history in the park. Learn more at the Community Garden Club of Camas-Washougal meeting in the Camas Community Center on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 1 pm. Meetings are open to the public.

For more information contact Diana Hogg, President at dianahogg@yahoo.com, or visit https://gardenclubofcamaswashougal.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/CommunityGardenClubOfCamasWashougal

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Thursday’s Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of Eagle View Park

Washougal, WA — Local residents and community leaders are invited to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Eagle View Park, a stunning addition to Washougal’s recreational landscape. Nestled between Ninebark Apartments and the Columbia River riparian area, Eagle View Park spans 1 acre and features a concrete paved walking path, meandering trails with seating, artwork, and community gathering spaces.

In a unique collaboration, Ninebark’s developer, Killian Pacific, partnered with the Port of Camas-Washougal to exchange land, aiding the Master Plan for the Camas-Washougal waterfront. The Port gained the property west of Ninebark, while the land Ninebark occupies went to Killian Pacific for its development. Killian Pacific created the 1-acre public park as part of the deal. The park is managed and maintained by the Ninebark community for 8 years, at which time the city will assume full responsibility. Ownership of both the park and the land lies with the city of Washougal.

WHERE: Eagle View Park, 600 S Marina Way, Washougal, WA 98671.

WHEN: Thursday, September 7 at 4 pm

General parking for the ribbon cutting ceremony is in the lots near Washougal Waterfront Park. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the event, as this will give you the opportunity to enjoy a short walk to the ceremony site.

For individuals with accessibility needs, designated parking is reserved in front of Riverside Retreat, situated on the southern side of Ninebark Apartments adjacent to Eagle View Park.

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