The daughter of Romanian immigrants is demonstrating her talent as a violinist with the Junior Symphony of Vancouver. Abby Mihaiuc, 15, of Washougal, is in her third year with the JSV. She enjoys the variety of music that can be played on a violin.
A familiar face will soon return to downtown Camas. Carrie Schulstad, a former vice president and event liaison for the Downtown Camas Association, has been hired as the organization's executive director.
Several local residents are concerned about the recent loss of trees and vegetation near the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Gary Simmons, a Washougal boater, said he was horrified to see trees thinned out. "They wiped out everything by the river," he said during the Dec. 17 Port of Camas-Washougal Commission meeting.
The executive director of the Downtown Camas Association has been hired as the new administrative assistant at the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce. Brenda Schallberger assisted with the chamber's holiday lunch Thursday, and she started training at the chamber office Friday. "In taking this role with the C-W Chamber of Commerce, I can continue to provide support for businesses in an even broader scope -- encompassing the communities of both Camas and Washougal," she said. "I will enjoy a role in the future prosperity of both."
A family musical about life, faith and hope will be presented in Camas."I'll Be Home for Christmas" revolves around the announcement of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. Mark Maguire, pastor of First Christian Church of Camas, said that time involved anxiety and fear associated with the unknown. "It is poignant for today," he said. "People are anxious about the unknown. The economy, is it going to crash? What's going to happen in the world? "Things are in flux," Maguire added. " Society is changing rapidly."
The Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association is receiving differing levels of support from three local entities. The Camas City Council voted 7-0 last night, to approve the renewing of an interlocal agreement with Washougal and the Port of Camas-Washougal to continue the association. The Camas 2014 budget includes $50,000 for CWEDA.
A hometown business has experienced growth over nine years, in terms of employment numbers and square footage. Clark County Plumbing & Drain LLC relocated its office in August, from the Camas home of Mike and Erin Jones to the former Abacast office, at 1902 S.E. Sixth Ave., also in Camas. The company, which has six employees, provides residential and commercial plumbing services. For more information, call 210-7933 or visit www.plumbinginclarkcounty.com.
It will be at least six months before retail businesses in Washougal can consider selling marijuana, if they are approved by the Washington State Department of Revenue. The Washougal City Council approved an emergency ordinance on Dec. 2, regarding the establishment of retail businesses that sell marijuana. It establishes a six-month moratorium prohibiting all uses allowed under state Initiative 502.
A new shop features a wide variety of items -- new and used -- in downtown Washougal. During business hours, visitors at Echo Resale can peruse racks of clothing in front of waterskis, a wakeboard and a children's-sized kayak on display outside. Inside, there is more clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children, as well as games, toys, books, dishes, fashion jewelry, baby blankets and cat carriers. In the arts and crafts section, there are fabrics, yarn, paints, art sets and stamps to use on cards. Echo Resale, 2103 Main St., is open Wednesday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 553-8861, email contact@shopechoresale.com or visit www.shopechoresale.com.
Comments made by two Washougal City Council members two weeks ago have generated a lot of attention regarding their views on abortion. Dave Shoemaker said during the Nov. 18 council meeting he wanted to delete the $7,500 in the 2014 proposed city budget, earmarked for the East County Family Resource Center, and Connie Jo Freeman echoed that thought. Shoemaker mentioned that providing social services is a county mission, and the city already provides the building at 1702 "C" St. rent-free, with maintenance, utilities and janitorial services. "I discovered this year that East County social services refers people to health care providers who provide abortions," he said. "I'm definitely not in favor of that on the basis that some of the people that are paying the taxes that would support this effort have a conscience issue with that sort of thing."
dawn.feldhaus@camaspostrecord.com
