Camas Community Advantage Magazine December 2023

CAMAS DEC 2023/JAN 2024

COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE

Love At First Bite Find our ad and article inside BUSINESS FEATURE

FEATURE

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Camas Community Advantage Magazine DEC 2023/JAN 2024

Published by

Active Media Publishing Group PO Box 672, Aurora, OR 97002 info@ActiveMediaUSA.com 503.825.2111 ADMINISTRATION Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO Tara Weidman, Executive Assistant

28

PRODUCTION Jeremy Okai Davis, Art Director Donovan Darling, Content Manager Kate Astle, Copyeditor Kaity VanHoose, Social Media Manager Hilary Berg, Graphic Designer Sean Carver, Graphic Designer Dani DeGraw, Graphic Designer Brittany Jungenberg, Graphic Designer Morgan King, Graphic Designer Shawn Schmidt, Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Bates Patti Jo Brooks Tyler Francke Olive Gallagher Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb Kelly Romo Ty Walker Alice Williams Kerry Yu CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter Tyler Francke Angie Helvey Malaina Kinne Lisa Kuhlman Kara Langley Tayler Lundquist Andrew Sambuceto Henry Schifter Hayley Starkey Brittney Waterman

BUSINESS FEATURE Nothing Bundt Cakes

SEASONAL The Legend of Santa Claus

08

ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS Don Ormsby Bill Kistler Stephanie Baker Peggy Jacobs David Long Chris O’Brien John Zobrist Brad Marti Shelley Zeman Tina Toney Darren Dwyer Lynnette Scott

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OUR MISSION IS TO HELP LOCAL NONPROFITS THRIVE

SINCE 1946

Want to positively impact Camas and Washougal? Hope to maximize your donation budget?

Prefer to streamline your nonprofit giving? Searching for an organization you can trust?

The Camas-Washougal Community Chest collects donations from individuals and businesses and distributes them to nonprofits providing services in our communities. Please help us support our communities by donating today. Donations can be mailed to our PO Box or made online at our website. If you would like to be involved or have any questions, please contact us at info@camaswashougalcommunitychest.org.

WHAT ARE WE?

WOW & HOW?

WHERE & WHY?

WHO & YOU?

The Camas-Washougal Community Chest collects donations from individuals and businesses and distributes them to nonprofits providing services in Camas & Washougal.

Advancing the welfare of Camas & Washougal by funding grants across a range of needs: • poverty, hunger, homelessness • school and education • health, welfare, special needs • natural resource conservation • crisis and emergency services • civic, culture, arts, history • diversity, equity and inclusivity

• 97% of donated funds are granted • $135,500 distributed through 2023 grants • 19,500 individual services provided • donate to improve Camas & Washougal • contact us about grants & getting involved • Include us in your will or trust

MY DONATION IS ENCLOSED AMOUNT $

Only registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits may obtain grants.

NAME

SOME OF OUR NONPROFITS INCLUDE • Inter-Faith Treasure House • Children’s Home Society • Janus Youth Programs • Refuel Washougal • Family Promise of Clark County • Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership • Meals on Wheels People • Lifeline Connections • REACH Community Development • Camas Farmers Market • Opera Quest Northwest • Pathways Clinic • Camas-Washougal Historical Society • Evergreen Habitat for Humanity • Journey Theater Arts Group • General Federation of Women’s Clubs • Camas Robotics Booster Club

• Teen Reach Adventure Camp • Camas Sister City Organization • Police Activities League • Boy Scouts • Camas Parks & Rec • Friends of Columbia River Gorge • JD Currie Youth Camp • Camas & Washougal’s Library Summer Reading Programs • Camas & Washougal School Districts Principals’ Checkbooks • Pink Lemonade Project • West Columbia Gorge Humane Society • Dance Evolution • Kiwanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki • YWCA Clark County

MAILING ADDRESS CITY

STATE

ZIP

EMAIL ADDRESS

CAMAS-WASHOUGAL COMMUNITY CHEST PO Box 960, Camas, WA 98607 CWCC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization WA State UBI 601856702 IRS EIN Tax ID No. 91-0839945

Scan to donate online and see what we’re all about.

www.camaswashougalcommunitychest.org • P.O. Box 960 • Camas, WA 98607

SEASONAL

THE HISTORY OF SANTA CLAUS

The Magical Legend of Santa Claus 1600 years in the making

A

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

s the holiday season rolls around, Santa Claus assumes center stage. But where exactly did this rotund, jovial old man in a red suit originate, and how did he become the iconic symbol of Christmas that he is today? In truth, the history of Santa Claus is a fascinating tale that intertwines folklore, legends, and a sprinkle of entrepreneurial ingenuity.

Santa Claus, as we know him today, traces his roots back to a number of historical figures, each contributing to the contemporary version we know and love. Perhaps the earliest inspiration for Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop of the 4th century, renowned for his acts of kindness and gift-giving. In time, Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, archers and brewers, among others.

In the British Isles, a character known as Father Christmas emerged during the mid-17th century and was frequently depicted as a bearded man garbed in green, symbolizing the spirit of the season. By the 18th century, however, the concepts of Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas merged, resulting in a hybrid figure that blended elements from both traditions.

The American version of Santa Claus began to take shape in the 18th century. Influenced by Dutch and German settlers, the name “Santa Claus” evolved from the Dutch term “Sinterklaas.”

During this period, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”), a poem published in 1823, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern image of Santa. This poem described Santa

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as a rotund gift-giver in a red suit who utilized chimneys rather than the front door for his Christmas visits. The poem, attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, established not only Santa’s magical nighttime journey around the world delivering toys to children, but specified his vehicle of choice as a sleigh powered by eight reindeer with specific names and attributes. Also introduced in the poem was the idea of Santa monitoring children on his “naughty and nice” list and filling stockings accordingly.

The classic image of Santa Claus in a red suit with a white beard was tweaked further in the 1930s due to a marketing campaign by Coca-Cola. The company’s advertisements depicted Santa as plump, rosy-cheeked, and garbed in a red and white outfit and hat. Although Santa had been portrayed in robes of other colors prior to this marketing campaign, CocaCola’s version of Santa Claus was embraced by the popular imagination and remains the image we associate with him to this day.

As the holidays roll around, and images of Santa Claus abound, know that, like so many things in life, Santa has evolved from his ancient origins as Saint Nicholas and Father Christmas, to the iconic figure of Christmas cheer crafted by an imaginative poet and creative corporate advertising. One thing is for certain, whether you’re a child or an adult, the holidays would not be the same without Santa, his reindeer and the spirit of the season that he represents to so many around the world!

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Southwest Washington Melissa Olson In Tune Nutrition

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Laurie Hansen Mortgage Express

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Linda Reid Heritage Bank

700 Washington St., Suite 300, Vancouver 360.597.0517 linda.reid@heritagebanknw.com heritagebanknw.com

In the summer of 2022, I opened In Tune Nutrition with the goal of helping people recover their health using targeted nutrition. I am a nutritionist with advanced clinical training in Nutrition Response Testing, a non-invasive method of analyzing a person’s body to determine stressed areas, the cause of the stress and what can be done nutritionally to start feeling better. I successfully help people with digestive issues, food sensitivities, fatigue, brain fog, hormone imbalances, menopause, stress, anxiety, poor sleep, seasonal allergies, skin conditions, high blood pressure, arthritis, autoimmune conditions and much more. If you’re curious how Nutrition Response Testing could help you, I’d love to chat! Mention Community Advantage Magazine to receive 50% off your initial consultation and report of findings!

With 30-plus years of experience as a loan officer, I specialize in various mortgage financing options, particularly reverse mortgages.

Through community involvement, I provide financial guidance to seniors through events, such as the Senior Center Lunch & Learns, fundraisers for Alzheimer’s Research and the Senior Heroes Award ceremony. I also sponsor monthly dances at Vancouver-area senior centers. These activities have enriched my understanding of seniors’ financial needs, allowing me to better serve my clients and positively impact the community. I take pride in helping seniors find the right financing options for home buying or refinancing, often increasing their income from their home. My commitment extends to assisting all community members with their home-financing needs.

I have been in banking for more than 45 years, mostly specializing in nonprofit and small-business banking, I am responsible for sales, management and the retention of clients, and I am dedicated to creating new ways to enhance existing relationships. I am actively involved in my local community, serving as a board member for Vancouver’s Downtown Association, the Clark County Mural Society, Family Promise, Metropolitan Performing Arts and Washington State University Business MAP Growth Program. I also serve on the Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission for the City of Vancouver, and I am an active committee member for the Parks Foundation of Clark County, the Children’s Home Society, Fosterful, Pink Lemonade Project and Humanities Washington.

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I have been working at Columbia Collectors for 33 years, helping small businesses collect their challenging accounts receivables, so they can thrive sustainably. We aim to change the stigma of this industry, often depicted as mean-spirited, but not here. My longevity at the same company speaks volumes for our trustworthy approach. I am a loyal friend, wife, daughter and employee who loves to live life to the fullest and give back to the community. I was blessed to be able to travel the world because my dad was in the Navy for 30 years. I am a member of the Blue Crew, Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce and Game Changers Networking — the mission of the latter is “to network to give and serve; the referrals are just a byproduct.” I am surrounded by an amazing community that thrives on connection, growing and giving back.

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Tamara Leibfarth Simply Thyme Catering

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I created Simply Thyme Catering in December of 2005. I am a proud award-winning executive chef. I began my four-decade experience within the hospitality industry with the premise of adding Northwestinspired savory ingredients to any event with fresh, creative, innovative menu options. Starting with social and corporate catering, I soon added aviation catering, providing menus for private jets and charters for national sports teams flying from PDX and four other airports. Simply Thyme Catering is a growing company with clients from Vancouver, Portland and surrounding areas. We are recognized for our commitment to quality and service while giving back to the community. “Our food is the voice of our company!”

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Gingerbread Ice Cream Spicy, rich and so smooth 2 cups heavy cream 2 cups whole milk ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed ¼ cup unsulphured dark molasses 1 cup peeled fresh ginger, cut into 1-inch pieces 7 egg yolks 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or paste 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground allspice ¼ teaspoon ground cloves * pinch of salt 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest (optional) 1 cup crushed ginger snaps  Whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar and molasses in saucepan.

Add ginger. Bring to simmer over medium

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heat. Whisk periodically to dissolve sugar. Once it simmers, turn off heat. Do not bring to a boil.  Whisk egg yolks, vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and salt constantly for about three minutes.

Add ¼ cup of cream mixture at a time into egg mixture, whisking constantly.

Repeat a few times.  Add mixture back to saucepan with rest of cream. Whisking constantly over medium heat, bring back to a simmer. Do not boil. Cook until mixture thickens and covers back of wooden spoon (six to 10 minutes). Turn off heat and stir in orange zest. Steep for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a film from forming.  Pour mixture over fine-mesh sieve into large bowl and place plastic wrap directly on top of the custard’s surface.

Refrigerate at least four hours (overnight is ideal).  Pour custard into ice cream maker and churn according to instructions.

In final couple minutes of churning, add crushed ginger snaps. Pour into airtight container and freeze for a few hours. Enjoy!

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HISTORY

THE HISTORY OF COFFEE

The Humble Bean to Bold Beverage From 9th century North Africa to your local cafe

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

A

s rain falls from the skies of the Pacific Northwest, so too does coffee pour into the cups of local residents adding pep to their step and steamy, warm, comfort to lift the spirits. But where did coffee come from in the first place, and just how did it become one of the most popular beverages around the world?

While no one can definitively pinpoint precisely when coffee was invented, nor the name of the first person to roast coffee beans, grind them, and mix them with water, historians agree that coffee originated in the areas of modern-day Ethiopia and Yemen.

Legend tells of a 9th century goat herder named Kaldi, who noticed that his goats, after eating coffee berries, became so energetic that they barely slept all night. Kaldi reported his discovery to the abbot of a local monastery who brewed a drink with the berries which increased alertness for the monks through their long hours of evening prayers. It wasn’t long before word spread to the nearby Arabian Peninsula of the miraculous drink, and traders 10 TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL 503.825.2111

eventually Clement himself, after tasting the new beverage, introduced found it pleasing. Instead of banning coffee, he coffee bestowed his blessing upon the drink. With the throughout Pope’s blessing, the green light went on for coffee the region. throughout Christendom.

Illustration of Kaldi While As for the Americas, coffee crossed the Kaldi and the coffee drinking monks are Atlantic in the 17th and 18th centuries from anything but a historical fact, it is known Europe. In North America, coffee arrived in the for certain that by the 15th century, New World from the British via New Amsterdam coffee houses had spread throughout the — later renamed New York by the American Near East. From Turkey to Egypt, these colonists. One event in particular that served establishments became not only places as the impetus for coffee culture in the United to enjoy a hot cup of coffee, but popular States was the tax on tea levied on the colonists spots to socialize, listen to music, play

by King George games, and learn of current events.

III. The subsequent As for Europe, historians point to Boston Tea Party that the Siege of Vienna by the Turks in 1683 erupted as a result as one of the key events instrumental of this tax spurred in the spread of coffee to the West. In many Americans to the aftermath of the war, coffee from abandon tea for coffee, the Turks made its way to Viennese to the point that locals who became enamored with the Thomas Jefferson later new beverage. As time passed, coffee proclaimed coffee as houses emerged not only in Vienna, but “the favorite drink of throughout Austria and neighboring the civilized world.” countries as well. It is the Austrians who The Caribbean, are credited with the addition of milk Central, and South and sugar to coffee.

America owe their Around the same time, the beverage coffee industry to a young French naval officer, Gabriel also arrived in Italy, likely through Venetian traders who ranged throughout de Clieu, who smuggled a seedling from a coffee plant in the Middle East and North Africa. the Royal Botanical Garden in While coffee provoked suspicion in Paris (the plant had been a gift from some, such as the advisors of Pope the Mayor of Amsterdam to King Louis Clement VIII who went so far as to XIV) and transported it across the Atlantic call it the “bitter invention of Satan,”

to the island of Martinique, despite attempts by a saboteur to kill the plant, an attack by pirates, and severe storms at sea. This hardy seedling went on to parent all the coffee trees cultivated throughout this part of the world — a region that has become one of the premier coffee production areas on the planet.

Brazil’s famous coffee owes its start to Francisco de Melo Palheta, who was dispatched by the governor of Brazil to help mediate a conflict between neighboring French and Dutch Guiana.

Arriving in Cayenne, the capital city of French Guiana, part of Palheta’s mission was to smuggle some coffee plants which were closely guarded by the French. As the story goes, a romantic dalliance between Palheta and the wife of the Governor of Cayenne led to her passing a bouquet to a Brazilian officer containing a coffee seedling concealed among the flowers. This seedling was supposedly the progenitor of Brazil’s coffee industry. Whether the romantic part of the story is true or not, it is documented that Palheta was successful in bringing thousands of coffee seeds and several plants back to Brazil.

Gabriel de Clieu By the 18th century, coffee had grown to be one of the world’s most profitable commodities.

Consumption and popularity in the U.S. grew, particularly during the Civil War, and enterprising businessmen such as brothers John and Charles Arbuckle grew wealthy selling pre-roasted coffee by the pound to cowboys in the West. James Folger, who peddled coffee to gold miners in California, also profited greatly. Big name coffee brands including Maxwell House and Hills Brothers quickly followed suit.

Following World War II, instant coffee was developed, simplifying the coffee-making process, though not necessarily improving the flavor. With the emergence of Starbucks in Seattle in 1971, the quality of coffee available to the consumer improved through better sourcing and preparation techniques.

Consistent, quality coffee became available to people across America, with beverages tailored specifically to the palate of each individual customer.

Today, the coffee revolution has evolved. Small, independently owned coffee shops are taking it to

the next level. A focus on sustainability, local roasting, and fair trade beans are at the forefront of the new movement. Sourcing, roasting techniques, and brewing methods are all aspects of the equation that today’s coffee entrepreneurs are relentlessly improving in their drive to bring the highest quality coffee to market.

So, the next time you’re enjoying a steaming coffee beverage — whether it be a latte, mocha, cold brew, espresso, or just a plain old cup of Joe — know that the history behind the humble coffee bean, and its evolution through time, was a long and arduous journey filled with lively characters, distant places, and enterprising individuals who treasured this miraculous bean of the tropics.

READ MORE AT CITYHANDSHAKE.COM 11

TASTE OF THE TOWN

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

Love At First Bite Family-owned bakery creates sweet memories for the community

N

like peppermint hot chocolate in cake form,” explains Stephanie, “and the pop-ups are fun little flavors that come for about two weeks, limited supply. We bake the cakes fresh daily, and people scramble to get there before they sell out.” One recent pop-up featured a churro cake topped with cinnamon sugar and filled with mouth-watering dulce de leche caramel.

Cakes come in several sizes designed to fit any group size, including 8-inch and 10-inch individual and tiered options, personal bundlets that serve one to two people, and cupcakesize bundintis sold by the dozen.

Besides tasting fantastic, Nothing Bundt Cakes are specially decorated to help you and your loved ones celebrate any gathering, including birthdays, graduations, weddings, holidays, or just because. Decked out in holiday swag, colorful bows, and cute toppers, the cakes come wrapped in cellophane for an elevated presentation that is easy to transport. Customers can add party packs with plates, napkins, candles, or even a gift for the ultimate convenience. “Looking for a holiday treat for someone? Get them a bundtlet and have it wrapped with one of our cute Christmas mugs,” Stephanie says. “We always have an

By Angie Helvey, Contributing Writer Photos by Lisa Kuhlman

othing Bundt Cakes are the perfect addition to any occasion, guaranteed to create sweet, frosting-filled memories with the ones you love. Just ask Stephanie Schroer and London Murray-Schroer, mother and daughter of the family-owned franchise conveniently located off 164th Avenue in Vancouver. Baked daily on-site using only the finest ingredients, these cakes are famous for their moist and luscious texture, heaps of house-made butter cream cheese frosting, and delightful decorations unlike any you’ve ever seen!

There are ten tasty cake flavors to choose from, all generously adorned with thick and creamy signature frosting. The signature chocolate-chocolate chip is the most popular, closely followed by red velvet, lemon, white chocolate raspberry, and the alwaysavailable gluten-free chocolate chip is adored by customers and employees alike. They also rotate seasonal and pop-up flavors, featuring peppermint chocolate chip for the holiday season. “It’s

12 TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL 503.825.2111

assortment of birthday and seasonal retail that makes it more like a present.”

Orders can be placed online, by phone, or in person; for most orders, little to no advance notice is needed. Fresh cakes are always kept in the case, making Nothing Bundt Cakes perfect for last-minute celebrations or to help someone in your life have an extra special day. “We even had a wedding where something with the cake went awry last minute, and we were able to jump in and help,” Stephanie shares. “We’re happy to help with any range of timelines or events.”

Bakery manager London grew up wanting to be a pastry chef and takes tremendous pride in the effort that goes into the cakes. “We bake fresh and do everything by hand,” she explains, “so as a team, it feels great to put in that effort to brighten someone’s day.” The bakery also enjoys visits from its many regulars. “Some customers come in every Friday after work to

grab something or pop in when their grandkids visit. It’s such a treat to see the people who make us part of their weekly routine.”

It’s been a dream for the Schroers to operate their own bakery and engage in their passions. “Our whole family is involved. My husband handles

our books while London and I spend our time in the bakery and out in the community,” Stephanie says.

“We celebrated our special occasions with Nothing Bundt Cakes for over a decade before we opened our location in February 2021.

It’s always been part of our lives.”

Giving back to the community and spreading joy is the family’s pride and a cornerstone of their business. “We love doing fundraisers to support local schools and hospitals, and gifting cakes is rewarding and fun. Almost every day, we go out and deliver free cakes

to a business or a school. Seeing the recipients so happy and excited is our greatest pleasure,” says Stephanie.

Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 902 SE 164th Ave. #100, Vancouver, WA 98683. Please give them a call at 360-719-2358, or visit their website at nothingbundtcakes.com.

READ MORE AT CITYHANDSHAKE.COM 13

COMMUNITY

WALK & KNOCK FOOD DRIVE

Home-Grown Help Clark County Food Bank continues success

H

Story and Photos Courtesy of Walk & Knock

unger is real. Last year, more than 126,800 people received food from the Clark County Food Bank. One in every four of our neighbors is hunger insecure. No one should go hungry with so much abundance in our midst. What can you do about it?

Simple. Put out a bag or two of non-perishable groceries on Saturday morning, Dec. 2. That’s when a Clark County tradition — the Walk & Knock food drive — happens. In its 39th year, the nation’s largest local one-day food drive will have volunteers going door-to-door to collect food and toiletry donations.

Or drop your donation in a barrel at a Riverview Bank branch, Les Schwab Tire Center, or your local McDonald’s.

You can also donate online or write a check — just visit walkandknock. org. Every pound of food and every dollar collected goes directly to the Food Bank. We are an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, no paid staff.

We are funded by the generosity of local businesses and civic clubs.

We also can use your arms and legs. Walk & Knock needs hundreds of volunteers to pick up donations. Please

14 TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL 503.825.2111

consider giving a morning of your time during the holiday season to help others. Visit walkandknock.org to sign up.

Interservice Walk & Knock of Clark County has collected more than 9.25 million pounds of food valued at $16.8 million since its founding by civic clubs in the mid-1980s. Every dollar donated provides a meal; every 10 pounds of food collected provides eight meals. So little means so much.

This year we will be mailing out W&K bags to homes throughout Clark County the week after Thanksgiving.

You can give thanks by filling one up and putting it on your porch by 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 2.

It only takes a few minutes to help your neighbor. That’s what Walk & Knock is all about: Neighbors helping neighbors. The need is greater than ever. Please help!

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