News Briefs for Jan. 9, 2020

Fire department seeking volunteers

The Camas-Washougal Fire Department (CWFD) is currently accepting applications for volunteer firefighters through Jan. 31.

“This is an excellent opportunity for those that want to give back to their community or earn valuable experience for a career in firefighting and emergency medical services,” according to a news release issued by the CWFD.

For further information, contact Battalion Chief Kevin Villines at 360-817-7989 or kvillines@cityof camas.us, or visit cityof camas.us/cwfire.

Citizens invited to weigh in on Camas’ North Shore development

Camas residents and other interested parties can weigh in on the city’s planned “North Shore” development online through Jan. 26, at surveymonkey.com/r/CamasNorthShore2.

The city will host a visioning workshop from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 4, at Camas High School, 26900 S.E. 15th St., Camas. This workshop was originally scheduled to take place Dec. 17, but was rescheduled to allow residents more time to review the information presented at a Nov. 21 workshop. The Feb. 4 workshop will include a report on information gathered through public outreach efforts since September.

To view more information about the North Shore development, which will contain a mix of residential, commercial and industrial lands, visit camasnorthshore.com. To submit a question or comment for the Feb. 4 workshop, comment on the Camas North Shore site or email sfox@cityofcamas.us.

Those who are interested in meeting with a city staff member to discuss the development one-to-one should email info@camasnorthshore.com or call 360-817-7269.

Repair Clark County to host free event Jan. 14

The Repair Clark County program will partner with the ReTails thrift store to offer free repairs on household items from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the thrift store, 5000 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver.

ReTails is owned and operated by the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW), and store donations and proceeds help provide shelter animals with food and housing, medical attention and adoption services. As part of its overarching goal to support pets and people, HSSW works with an array of community agencies and is proud of its partnership with Columbia Springs.

“We’re so pleased to again host Repair Clark County at ReTails,” Paul MacKay, HSSW’s vice president of retail operations, stated in a news release. “This is our second year to be involved, and people loved the event last year.”

Community members are invited to bring household items needing small repairs, such as sewing projects, tools and knives needing sharpening, appliances, electronics, bicycles and other items, such as jewelry. People may bring in multiple items for repair, but will need to wait in line separately for assistance with each item.

This month’s program also includes books.

“We enjoy trying new things with this program,” stated Repair Clark County coordinator Terra Heilman in a news release. “We’re testing out new repair categories as we come across volunteers with the specialized fixing knowledge.”

Community members can bring in books that need small repairs, such as repairing torn pages, reattaching pages that have fallen out and gluing loose spines.

“There are many reasons people come to us,” Heilman explained. “It could be a sentimental item, it helps them save money, some people just can’t bear to throw away something that they’re used to and know how it works. Whatever the reason, we’re happy to be helping our community conserve resources and reduce waste.”

Commission on Aging to report on 2019 ‘Healthy Communities’

The Commission on Aging will present a summary of its seventh year of work to the Clark County Council at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. The meeting is open to the public.

Commission members will present a report on the 2019 healthy community series and discuss plans for a Healthy Communities Summit scheduled for April 9. They will make recommendations about cultivating healthy communities in Clark County for those who wish to age in place. The Commission describes healthy, livable communities as “safe (with) walkable streets, accessible housing and transportation options and access to needed services and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.”The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.

For more information, visit clark.wa.gov/aging.