Camas-Washougal Post-Record

February 14, 2012

Josh Hancock, of Washougal, creates glass roses at Firehouse Glass, a studio in downtown Vancouver. He has been a glass blower for 12 years. "I love it. That's why I stuck with it," Hancock said. "I can't imagine doing anything else that would be enjoyable."

Washougal glass artist enjoys the creative process

Josh Hancock has a "hot" hobby -- 2,150 degrees, to be exact. That is the temperature of glass when it is removed from a furnace during the glass making process. By day, Hancock is the shop manager at his sister's business -- Autumn's Auto Lube, in east Vancouver. During his free time, he concentrates on the art of glass blowing. "I enjoy being in the heat -- taking a liquid and turning it into anything you want to,'' Hancock said. "You get to create things. It's amazing. "It's controlled chaos," he added. "It's constantly moving, and you have to control it. It"s learning control over something. You can make anything you want out of it. It's just fun. A lot of people have not seen it done."

February 7, 2012

Senior Resource Fair is Monday, Feb. 20

More than 25 vendors with health and safety resources for senior citizens will participate in an annual resource fair and spaghetti luncheon.

February 7, 2012

The Camas Moose Lodge, owned by the city, could be remodeled and used as a community center. An option to remodel it for $1.7 million has been recommended by the Camas Parks Commission and forwarded to City Council for discussion Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Moose Lodge could be remodeled into a community center

Camas City Councilwoman Melissa Smith would like to see day camp activities offered for local youth in the summer -- activities such as kayak classes on Lacamas Lake, as well as volleyball and badminton.

February 7, 2012

Coal train issues continue to generate local interest

While some members of the Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club, as well as other local residents, have expressed concerns about the potential effects of having an additional 20 coal trains travel daily through Washougal and Camas, other interests want to be heard. Robert Hill, of Washougal, is a locomotive engineer for BNSF Railway and the legislative representative for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen 758, in Vancouver. "The debate of coal trains and the increased trade with the Asian markets, mainly China, and the building of port facilities and jobs has been a topic that has been circulating through many communities in our state," he said. "There are measures being taken to mitigate in transit coal dust. "I applaud our city government for seeking more input with this issue and taking the time to have workshops with discussions seeking input from all parties of interest," Hill added. "I am confident the fears of coal dust from trains will be eliminated once the facts are presented. A resolution of concern would not be in the interest of the community or the economy for Washington State families."

January 31, 2012

Local foundation donates to Maryhill Museum project

A Washougal foundation and a Pendleton Woolen Mills executive are helping the Maryhill Museum of Art realize a goal of expanding. The "Kind Heart Free Spirit Foundation" has provided a $10,000 grant toward the construction of the 25,000-square foot Mary and Bruce Stevenson Wing. The vice-chairman of Pendleton Woolen Mills, Broughton"Brot" Bishop, and his wife Mary, of Portland, have donated $200,000 for the project. Together the gifts bring the museum within $40,000 of the amount needed to secure a matching grant of $400,000 from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.

January 31, 2012

Contributed photo
The 10 cabins at Camp Lacamas are available as warming shelters for homeless individuals during extreme cold weather conditions, only when other shelters in the area are full. The effort to provide temporary warm housing is coordinated by the Council for the Homeless.

Camas campsite provides warmth in the winter months

A local campsite known for its summer programs has recently started to offer temporary shelter for the homeless, when other facilities in the area are full. Camp Lacamas Retreat & Conference Center includes 10 cabins equipped with electric heat, lighting and bunk beds. There are also two restroom buildings with showers. Offering the facility as a warming shelter is a new venture. "We just felt it was a very good use of our camp during the deep winter months when bookings are slower," said Booking Manager Kalani Culley. "Traditionally, December and January are not times when we are getting the bookings that we normally get during other months. It gives us the freedom to do something more community oriented."

January 24, 2012

Camas teen leads by example

An aspiring medical professional is enjoying his time serving as president of the American Red Cross of Southwest Washington Youth Council. Kendrick "Kenny" Kim, 17, of Camas, has been on the council for two years. Before that time, he volunteered to assist with Red Cross office tasks and he cleaned the faces of mannequins that were used in CPR classes. Kim then became a member of the Red Cross Club at Mountain View High School, before he applied to serve as a member of the youth council. That involved submitting an application, as well as a teacher's recommendation, to the executive board of the council.

January 24, 2012

A new entrance greets visitors to Eagle Rehabilitation At Camas. The facility, formerly named Highland Terrace Nursing Center, is undergoing a $5 million remodel and expansion project.

Eagle Rehabilitation opens at former Highland Terrace site

The facility formerly known as Highland Terrace Nursing Center has a new name, a new administrator and 27 new private rooms. The rooms in Eagle Rehabilitation At Camas are in a short-term rehabilitation wing for patients who want to recover from orthopedic surgeries or strokes. The wing features new furniture, fixtures and equipment. There are also new sheets and bedspreads, flat screen TVs, direct dial telephones, locking cabinets and bathrooms with showers. The intention is to provide rooms for individuals as they "transition from hospital to home," according to Paul McVay, who recently succeeded Bill Swanson as the administrator. Swanson now manages Columbia View Care Center, in Cathlamet.

January 24, 2012

Washougal council discusses coal trains

Representatives from the Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club, as well as other local residents, are concerned about the potential effects of having an additional 20 coal trains travel through Washougal and Camas each day. Currently, there are two coal trains that travel through the local area per day. Coal export terminals are proposed in Cherry Point, Gray's Harbor and Longview, to enable coal companies to transport coal through the Pacific Northwest to Asian markets. Samantha Lockhart, conservation organizer with the Friends, said during the Washougal City Council meeting last night the organization is concerned about the coal trains' effects on the local economy. "They could impact home values," she said.

January 24, 2012

Sarah Russell, an advanced nurse practitioner, saw patients of various ages Saturday, at Bethel Community Church, in Washougal.

Sarah Russell and other volunteers provide free medical services in Washougal

Visitors to Bethel Community Church on the third Saturday of every month are subject to being greeted by several people -- including Pastor Rich Blum and musician Mike Logan. There are also several volunteers at an information table, steering patients toward free medical or massage services. They are all part of the "Compassion C/W" effort to provide services for individuals who do not have access to health care. Logan, a member of the Bethel congregation, plays a guitar and harmonica in the church lobby which serves as a "waiting room" for patients and their families. Blum said the volunteers are from several local churches. "We just host it," he said. "We try to do anything we can to make it special and provide a personal touch.