The City of Washougal has received a clean audit from the Washington State Auditor's Office. The report released yesterday pertains to financial statements and a federal single audit for 2011. No deficiencies were noted. The auditor reviewed the federal portion of the "E" Street project and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.
The vice chairman of the Chinook Nation is expected to be among the participants of a ceremony at Parkers Landing Historical Park. The event will begin Thursday, at 4:30 p.m., with a traditional Chinookan blessing by Sam Robinson. Three interpretive panels will be unveiled by members of the Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee. The panels describe area plant use, Chinook Indian artifacts and the local Chinookan Royal Family. The ceremony will be open to the public.
The Fairgate Inn recently welcomed a high profile politician as a guest. U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, of Nevada, and his wife Landra stayed at the inn Aug. 13 through Aug. 16, to visit childhood friends and attend a political fundraiser in Portland. "A friend lives in Camas and recommended us, as she has attended events here and knew it was the right place," said Fairgate Communications Director Jane Green. "The Reids wanted a comfortable home-away-from-home atmosphere."
A board member of the Concerned Citizens in Action recently expressed frustration about supporters of State Rep. Liz Pike parking at the Grove Field Airport parking lot, during a political fundraiser. The event was held Aug. 25, at the home of Pike and Neil Cahoon, located near Grove Field. The dinner also raised money for the campaigns of Ed Orcutt and Julie Olson. During the Sept. 4 Port of Camas-Washougal Commission meeting, Richard Hamby referred to an email sent May 21 from Port Executive Director David Ripp to Pike. In it, Ripp requested that Pike make other arrangements for parking.
Leah Baker wanted to open a gallery where local artists could showcase their work.That dream will become a reality Friday, when Anything But Ordinary opens in downtown Camas. The fine art includes pottery and leather sculptures. There are repurposed wine bottles, hand painted by Jennifer Emery, of Camas. Photographs of Camas lilies and Cannon Beach taken by Sandy Caldwell, of Washougal, are also available to purchase. The featured artist this month is Janet Bentley-Jones, of Ridgefield. Her artwork includes acrylic on canvas and wood. Anything But Ordinary, 407 N.E. Fourth Ave., will be open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m., and Monday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 210-7303 or email anythingbutordinary1@comcast.net.
A Camas-Washougal firefighter was recently one of several individuals who helped save a man's life near Disneyland. Ben Porter, 23, was on vacation with his wife and several of her family members when the incident occurred Aug. 18, around 2:30 p.m., "Downtown Disney" -- a shopping area outside the theme park on the way to the Disneyland Hotel. Porter said he and his wife were returning to the hotel after lunch, because he had a headache and needed a nap. He noticed a man who appeared to be convulsing being lowered to the ground by a police officer and another individual.
A Camas woman is among the artists who have decorated mannequin legs -- to benefit the Children's Center. Elida Field's "Dear Legs" creation included an apology letter to her legs. "For me, it was about accepting our bodies and being thankful for the things we have," she said. The letter mentions making it through knee surgeries, cuts, bruises and muscle tears. "I looked with admiration at other legs -- legs that were leaner, longer, smoother and more beautiful -- wishing I had those," Field said. "I'm sure this made you feel badly. I am so sorry! "Even with all of this poor treatment, you helped me to jump high and run fast!" she added. "You are strong, tan, muscular, and you do almost everything I ask!"
A review of Washougal public works operations will move forward, after a vote by the City Council. The 4-to-3 vote last night included "ayes" from Brent Boger, Paul Greenlee, Dave Shoemaker and Connie Jo Freeman. It authorized Mayor Sean Guard to sign a $45,335 professional services agreement with Science Applications International Corporation, of Seattle. The agreement follows discussions regarding the potential outsourcing of public works responsibilities in Washougal. It could determine if a public-private partnership for operation, maintenance and management of the city's water, wastewater and storm water utilities is feasible.
A 10-year-old Camas boy and his parents are teaming up with Camas Meadows Golf Club and Tommy O's Restaurants to present the next performance in the "Concerts for a Cause" series. Blake Bell, son of Brad and Dana Bell, has had type 1 diabetes for three years. A doctor identified Blake's weight loss and constant thirst as classic symptoms of the disease. Brad Bell said their family -- including grandparents, aunts and uncles -- have become educated about biochemistry, physiology and nutrition since the diagnosis.
A review of existing operations is part of a professional services agreement that will soon be put before the Washougal City Council. The potential $39,688 agreement with Science Applications International Corporation, of Seattle, would also include a feasibility analysis and a findings presentation during a council workshop. It follows discussions regarding the potential outsourcing of public works responsibilities in Washougal.
dawn.feldhaus@camaspostrecord.com
