Several Camas residents are doing their part to provide necessary supplies and services for the area's homeless population. Missy Shepherd, a volunteer with the Council for the Homeless, is coordinating "guest guides" for the fourth annual "Project Homeless Connect." The event will be held Thursday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Red Lion at the Quay, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver.
A small-scale handmade pipe organ recently made its public debut at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, in Camas. The musical instrument was constructed by Scott Powell, a 2010 Washougal High School graduate, and Alan Boehlke, a Camas resident who enjoys carpentry as a hobby. Powell, a University of Washington freshman, worked on the pipe organ for his high school senior project. "I had tried to find an organ builder in the Portland area, but no one was interested," he said. "I knew Alan built other instruments. Before I gave him some drawings, Alan visited 10 websites and watched 20 YouTube videos about building pipe organs. He was very interested from the first minute."
The Washougal City Council is looking at a proposed update to the city's current auto usage policy that would prohibit elected officials from taking city vehicles home, while the Cowlitz County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing the law enforcement impersonation case involving Mayor Sean Guard. The draft language in the auto usage policy presented during last night's council workshop mentions officials may use city automobiles for official city business such as conferences, seminars, training programs and other city-related business trips.
The owner of Lily Atelier and Luxe, in downtown Camas, has opened Fleurish - a shop that sells gifts and home decor - in the 192nd Plaza. Dawn Stanchfield will host the grand opening of Fleurish Tuesday, Jan. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. Desserts and cocktails will be available. There is no cost to attend. Authors Susan Glavin of Camas and Angie Cherry of Washougal, along with Debbie Oliver and Cheri Anderson, will attend and sign copies of their new book "Be the Gift." The books, which sell for $19.95 each, include sections about connecting, inspiring and acting.
Washougal Mayor Sean Guard announced during last night's City Council meeting he has returned a car issued to him, after concerns were raised regarding him using a city-owned vehicle for personal reasons. A charge of second-degree criminal impersonation has been referred to the Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. A report has been sent from the Washington State Patrol to Chief Criminal Deputy Michelle Shaffer.
Washougal Mayor Sean Guard is accused of using emergency lights on a city-owned vehicle to persuade highway traffic to move out of the left lane on Christmas Eve.
The Washougal City Council's recent decision to include $12,500 for the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society in the city's 2011 budget is already having consequences, according to Mayor Sean Guard. After funding the WCGHS for $25,000 this year, the preliminary budget for next year had included $4,000 for the no-kill shelter. On Dec. 6, the City Council ratified a contract with the Washougal Police Officers Association that includes no pay increase in 2011, and one percent increases each in 2012 and 2013. That decision occurred following an executive session, which occurred earlier than originally scheduled.
Planning and Development Director Scot Walstra will depart from the Port of Camas-Washougal this week as his term of employment comes to a close, and the port focusses on future economic development efforts. Walstra was hired by the port in June 2007. This year, he has earned $82,162 in salary, plus benefits. Port Executive Director Dave Ripp said Walstra's departure was partially a budgetary decision, as the port is partnering with the cities of Camas and Washougal to form a local Economic Development Association.
A new business has a 1920s look and a Frank Sinatra vibe. Diners at the Birch Street Uptown Lounge are likely to hear the stylings of "Ol' Blue Eyes," as well as songs performed by Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller and Tom Jones. The Uptown Lounge opened Dec. 3, in downtown Camas, after a four-month renovation project in the space previously occupied by La Reve Boutique. The new business is located in the historic Clara Street Building, which was built in 1928. Lounge owners Kevin and Marlene Taylor, along with bartenders Dennis Kinsey and KJ DeBoer, serve pre-prohibition and classic cocktails, four varieties of whiskey and a selection of draft beers and international and Washington wines. Top sellers include lemon drops and Manhattans.
A wide variety of food and gifts for people and pets is available at a new shop in Washougal. Wanda McFarlane opened Healthier Choices in late October. "We think people and pets should get healthier," she said. "This is not a health store. It is not totally 'green.' It is something in-between. It is greener than the average store."
dawn.feldhaus@camaspostrecord.com
