WCGHS to host ‘CatFest’ June 17

Washougal artist to create Camas skatepark mural

Washougal artist Kevin Seagraves has been selected to complete the new mural at the Riverside Bowl Skatepark in Camas.

A committee consisting of the public, the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff from the City of Camas Parks and Recreation Department, chose Seagraves from a group of six submittals.

Seagraves currently owns Xtreme Effectx, in Washougal, and was once a skater himself. His medium is airbrushing, which he’s practiced for close to 30 years. His current works can be seen on local businesses throughout Clark County and Portland.

The City of Camas Parks and Recreation Department recently solicited interest from artists with expertise in mural design and implementation services for exterior murals at the Riverside Bowl Skatepark (formerly the Camas -Washougal Skate Park).

Parks Director Trang Lam said Seagraves was exactly what the group was looking for.

“We’re excited about Kevin’s ideas and overall design,” Lam said. “As a former skateboarder himself, he understands the culture and art associated. The fact that he’s also a local artist is the icing on the cake.”

The skatepark is currently under renovation, with construction completion expected in mid-July. The updated skatepark design includes elements for beginner to advanced skaters. In addition, the park renovations will also feature a cement mural wall along the parking lot side of the bowl, and an art mural opportunity above the keyhole entrance into the bowl.

Library’s Summer Reading Program kicks off June 17

The Camas Public Library’s annual nine-week-long Summer Reading Program will kick off Saturday, June 17.

“EEach year, the library plans a Summer Reading Program for all ages to promote reading,” Camas Public Library Director Connie Urquhart told Camas City Council members Monday, June 5, during the Council’s workshop.

The program is meant to promote the joy of reading, Urquhart said, but also to prevent “the summer slide.”

“(Students) tend to lose a bit of their reading skills in the summer – up to two months on average,” Urquhart said. “Year after year, it’s a cumulative effect. We try to stop that from happening by making reading fun, and getting them into the library with fun events.”

This year’s Summer Reading Program theme is “Find Your Voice” and will offer a few new incentives, Urquhart said.

“Participants can track their reading online or on a game board, and they’ll earn a prize for every 10 days of reading,” Lam said. “After 30 days of reading, participants will receive a scratch-off ticket for a chance to win a larger prize. After 40 days of reading, they’ll receive another scratch-off ticket, this time for a chance to win a grand prize.”

The library’s Summer Reading Program has a variety of events planned for the summer of 2023, including Storytime in the Park; a pop-up museum, an art walk, “tiny art” show and a pegasus-themed puppet show.

“We have some events in the meeting rooms … and some will be outside, in parks and around town,” Urquhart said.

The library, located at 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., in downtown Camas, will host a Summer Reading Program kick-off event at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17. Participants can pick up their game board to track reading throughout the program, and the library will have stamps for the first 100 children who take a gameboard, as well as “Summer Reading” totes for the first 25 teens and adults who pick up their game boards. For more information, visit cityofcamas.us/library/page/summer-reading-pro gram.

WCGHS to host ‘CatFest’ June 17

The West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS) will hold its inaugural “CatFest” event from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at Ashwood Taps & Trucks, 1535 “E” St., Washougal.

The event will feature raffle items, WCGHS merchandise and vendors. Ashwood Taps & Trucks will donate 10% of its sales during the event to the humane society, which will allocate all of the funds raised to its new cat shelter, which opened earlier this year.

For safety reasons, no cats will be allowed at the event.

WCGHS said it will hold “an exclusive adoption promotion” and that the cat shelter will be open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. June 17, “for those who want to come in and meet (the shelter’s) cats or fill out adoption paperwork.”

Port, flight academy celebrate unleaded fuel debut

The Port of Camas-Washougal and the Camas-based FlyIt flight training school held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new alternative fuel truck on Thursday, June 1, at Grove Field in Camas.

Earlier this year, Port commissioners approved an agreement with FlyIt Academy to sell non-ethanol 92 unleaded “mogas” aviation fuel at the airfield.

“Under the visionary leadership of owner Rick Andersen, FlyIt Academy is spearheading a green revolution in the aviation industry, setting a precedent for others to follow,” a news release states. “Recognizing the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the ecological impact of aviation, Rick has made it a top priority to pursue environmentally friendly solutions within his flight school. By introducing alternative fuel options at Grove Airport, FlyIt Academy aims to make significant contributions towards building a greener and more sustainable aviation community.”

Grove Field will become the first airport in Washington state to sell “mogas,” according to Port Chief Executive Officer David Ripp.

“We are excited to help pioneer this crucial endeavor in the aviation industry,” Andersen said. “As a responsible member of the general aviation industry, we believe it is our duty to take proactive steps towards minimizing our carbon footprint and fostering a cleaner future. We are proud to be the first airport in the state of Washington to offer alternative fuel, and we hope this initiative will inspire other aviation communities to join us in our commitment to sustainability. FlyIt Academy’s goal is to teach the art of flying for everyday people with a healthy community and that includes a healthy environment. Lead is not healthy in our community.”