A Call to Action for Our Planet
The ongoing challenge of sustainability and climate action
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Every year on April 22nd, millions of people around the world celebrate Earth Day, a day commemorating environmental protection and raising awareness about our planet’s well-being. But how did Earth Day come about? The story of Earth Day is both fascinating and inspiring, a testament to how a collective push for change can have a lasting impact.
The Spark of the Movement
Earth Day actually dates back to the late 1960s when environmental concerns swelled across the United States. Issues of water pollution, air quality, pesticide use, and the loss of wildlife were looming large in the public consciousness. Rachel Carson’s 1962 book Silent Spring had already brought to light the dangers of pesticides, and a growing concern for the environment was beginning to take root.
It wasn’t until 1969, however, that the idea of Earth Day began to form. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin — alarmed by the lack of political attention to environmental issues —vowed to take action. He envisioned a nationwide teach-in focused on the environment to engage the public and pressure politicians to embrace the environmental cause. Nelson drew inspiration in part from the student protests of the 1960s, which demonstrated how grassroots movements could galvanize the public and bring about real change.
The First Earth Day: A Massive Success
Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970. Nelson, with the assistance of activist Dennis Hayes, mobilized an astonishing 20 million Americans across the country — about 10 percent of the U.S. population at the time — who came together in rallies, teach-ins, and protests. The movement was not just about protesting, but about generating a dialogue around the need for environmental regulation and conservation.
The first Earth Day was a monumental success. People from all walks of life came together, including students, teachers, scientists, and activists. For the first time, environmental issues were discussed on a grand scale, clearly showing that protecting the Earth was no longer a niche concern but one that deserved national attention.
The Birth of Environmental Legislation
The success of Earth Day extended far beyond rallies, however. Significant changes in U.S. policy resulted from this event. In the wake of the first Earth Day, Congress passed major environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was also created in 1970. It was clear that public opinion had shifted, and lawmakers took notice.
Earth Day Goes Global
Although Earth Day was born in the United States, its message resonated around the world. In 1990, Earth Day went international, with 200 million people in over 140 countries participating. Since then, Earth Day has continued to grow. Events now take place in countries across the globe, with the Earth Day Network actively coordinating the activities.
A Day for Action and Reflection
Today, Earth Day is more relevant than ever. As the planet grapples with climate change, deforestation, and diminishing biodiversity, Earth Day is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment.
So this April 22nd, whether you’re planting a tree, cleaning up a local park, or simply recycling a plastic container, remember that Earth Day is a day to celebrate the planet we all share, ensuring that it continues to be a healthy and enjoyable place for generations to come!
Opening Northwest Doors
Delivering courteous care for 30 years
By Justin Andress, Active Media
by Lisa Kuhlman, Active Media
Anyone fortunate enough to live in their own home understands the critical importance of a properly functioning garage door. It keeps your car sheltered from bad weather and plays a critical role in keeping your home safe from potential intruders. Fortunately for residents of the Portland Metro Area, the team at Ponderosa Garage Door works tirelessly with homeowners and business owners alike keep their garage doors in pristine condition.
In the grand scheme of the company’s thirty-year history, Anna Fielding is relatively new on the job at Ponderosa Garage Doors. Though she might be new to the Operations Department, Anna has been a part of Ponderosa’s legacy since it began. As part of the second generation to run Ponderosa Garage Doors, Anna is keen to get involved and promote the growth of her family’s company. “For me, it was an opportunity to invest in something that’s always been a big part of my life.”
Anna runs the office and acts as service dispatcher for Ponderosa, but she’s quick to give a lot of the credit for the company’s recent growth to her brother, Brock.
“Ponderosa Garage Doors started as a one-man show,” she says. “My dad, Ken, has had employees here and there over the years. Right before 2020, however, my brother Brock started working for the company. We joke that, at that point, it turned into a 25-year-old startup company, because that’s when a lot of growth started happening.”
Thanks to the influx of enthusiasm, Ponderosa Garage Doors has grown to support 18 employees who work throughout the extended Portland Metro area. However, growth hasn’t slowed down the company’s ability to focus on its customers’ needs.
“We provide pretty quick turnaround time,” explains Anna. “Typically, we can get out there, provide estimates and do the work all in the same day. So it’s often same day or next day service from start to finish.”
That commitment to quick, reliable service is only one aspect of what makes Ponderosa Garage Doors successful. Their secret to longevity is their commitment to their neighbors. As Anna says, “We have a really strong presence in the community. We love being a part of it. We’ve collaborated with several businesses, booster clubs, and sports teams. Our customers are the community, so we try to be a face in the community as well.”
Whether you need a quick repair or a full installation, the dedicated team at Ponderosa Garage Doors is ready to keep garage doors running smoothly.
Ponderosa Garage Doors is located at 12308 NE 56th St., Vancouver. Call,text or email customerservice@ ponderosagaragedoors.com. Visit ponderosagaragedoors. com for more information and special deals, or to book an appointment online anytime day or night!
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Grants Awarded
Community Chest and partners give greatly
The Camas-Washougal Community Chest and its partners, the Camas-Washougal Rotary Foundation and the Camas Lions Foundation, are pleased to announce the award of 39 grants totaling $154,550 to nonprofit organizations delivering services, exclusively, to children and families in Camas and Washougal. The Rotary commitment to Service Above Self also adds volunteers to the mix as they work to make a difference in our community.
Community Programs/Projects Funded in 2025
Akin East County Family Resource Center • Supports operations, including parent and youth education groups, emergency assistance, behavioral health and healthcare services. Provides food, diapers, hygiene items and a weekend food program.
Bookish • Supports the purchase and retrofit of a vehicle into a traveling library, bringing books for all ages to parks, schools, markets, clinics and more, expanding access to literature.
Boy Scouts of America • Cascade Pacific Council / Girl Scouts Troop 45703 • Help fund Campership Awards so families in need can send their Boy and Girl Scouts to summer camp.
Camas School District – Principal’s Checkbook (Camas Family Community Resource Center) • Provides essential support for students and families facing instability, ensuring their education and well-being. School counselors request assistance to help students.
Camas Farmers Market • Supports “Produce Pals,” a weekly program teaching children about food production. Participants earn $2 tokens to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Camas Robotics Booster Club • Supports registration, transportation, and outreach for students in financial need to participate in STEM classes and activities in Camas and Washougal.
Camas Washougal Parent Co-op Preschool • Supports the operating budget, classroom supplies, and upkeep to provide a safe and nurturing environment for preschoolers to learn and play.
Camp Currie 5 • Supports repairs to two picnic shelters and the replacement of footbridge #4, covering permitting, materials and labor for the next phase of improvements.
Cascadia Technical Academy Foundation • Supports the purchase of required uniforms for needy students, and funding for food, transportation and emergency assistance during financial hardships. Also provides transportation during summer school. Columbia Play Project • Supports 10 free events in Camas and Washougal for children aged 0 to 12, providing access to highquality, educational and equitable play experiences.
East County Citizen’s Alliance – Washougal Ivy League • Supports the purchase of tools to remove invasive species from Washougal parks and public spaces. Also covers liability insurance for volunteers, project managers, and website hosting services.
East County Student Travel • Supports travel expenses for an underprivileged student to explore American history and foster civic engagement through visits to Jamestown, Arlington, Washington DC, Gettysburg, New York City, and more.
Enspire Arts • Supports vibrant, interactive arts experiences that promote well-being and learning. The grant will fund insurance for participants or help cover operating expenses such as venue rental, supplies, artist fees, scholarships, and administrative costs.
Family Promise of Clark County • Supports the FP Cares program, which helps families prevent homelessness by providing rental assistance, back rent payments, security deposits, landlord mediation, and help with housing applications.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation – Washougal Branch • Supports the summer reading program, offering free literacy programs and incentives to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills for youth before the fall school year.
Friends and Foundation of the Camas Library • Supports the expansion of the Circulating Kits program, which provides Storytime To-Go kits for young children, Hands-on Hobbies kits for teens and Memory kits for individuals experiencing memory loss.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge • Supports the “Explore the Gorge” program, providing classroom lessons and outdoor environmental education for sixth graders at Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek Middle Schools in the Washougal School District.
General Federation of Women’s Clubs Camas – Washougal • Supports the purchase of age-appropriate books and educational materials for Pre-K and elementary classrooms in the Camas and Washougal School Districts to enhance reading skills.
Hathaway Boosters Club • Supports the repair or replacement of playground equipment and the purchase and installation of new equipment at Hathaway Elementary School.
Hope Learning Center • Supports scholarships for families unable to afford alternative education for their children and provides funding for one-on-one tutors.
Human Dignity Foundation dba Good Shepherd Manor • Supports the construction of a pavilion for residents receiving end-of-life care, providing an outdoor space to enjoy nature’s beauty, including birds, animals, trees, and fresh air.
Impact CW – St. Matthew Lutheran Church • Provides food and grocery gift cards to families in the Camas and Washougal School Districts.
Janus Youth Programs • Supports outreach and overnight stays for runaway youth in Camas/Washougal at risk of abuse and neglect, helping them return to safe housing and services for stability.
Journey Theater Arts Group • Supports scholarships for six students from families facing financial hardship and funds American Sign Language interpretation for five show runs.
Kiwanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki • Supports the Outdoor Environmental Education Program, offering campers activities that promote healthy living, personal growth, leadership, nature-based skills and community involvement.
Komak • Provides emergency financial assistance to individuals typically selfsupporting but unable to work during cancer treatment, helping prevent bankruptcy, eviction, homelessness and food insecurity.
Lacamas Watershed Council • Provides volunteer training, plus water quality monitoring equipment and testing supplies for collecting samples in the Lacamas watershed.
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership • Supports the Students Outdoor Science program, offering lessons and outdoor learning activities for youth, including habitat enhancement projects near Gibbons Creek, Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Campen Creek in Mable Kerr Park, and Lacamas Creek Trail and Park.
Meals on Wheels People • Supports the Senior Nutrition Program, ensuring older adults have access to nutritious meals in their neighborhoods, offering social support through friendly conversations during meal delivery, and providing enrichment activities to combat social isolation.
Pink Lemonade Project • Supports the Treatment Access Program, Pink Practicalities and Holiday Glow, three financial aid programs for individuals with breast cancer. These programs cover costs not typically covered by insurance.
REACH Community Development • Provides groceries, baby essentials, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and basic household needs. Also funds school supplies and holiday food baskets for the Gateway Gardens and Towne Square communities in Washougal.
ReFuel Washougal • Supports the children’s summer meal program, funds supplies for a 10-year volunteer appreciation lunch and helps purchase a branded pop-up tent for community events to raise awareness of community needs and recruit volunteers.
St. Anne’s Safe Stay Program • Supports the operating expenses of the Safe Stay program, including cleaning of port-apotties, use of outdoor electrical outlets, WiFi, showers, laundry and the kitchen.
The Little Wings Library • Supports the building of three little libraries in underserved areas and funds the purchase of at least 150 youth and teen books for each library.
Unite! Washougal Community Coalition • Supports Club Unite! at Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek Middle Schools; the Positive Community Norms project at Washougal High School; the “Love Your Life” campaign in Washougal; the Breathe Easy youth coalition; and the Support Our Ambassador Youth Program.
Washougal School District – Principal’s Checkbook • Assists school principals in providing support for low-income or homeless students, including an Adult Transition Program for students with disabilities. Also provides shoes, clothes, hygiene
products, food for Panther Den, and a mobile laptop cart for families lacking access to technology and internet services.
Washougal SAFE • Helps fund transportation costs (gas cards, bus passes, tire repair, and small engine repairs), emergency assistance for rent, deposits, utilities, and motel vouchers. Also provides funding for extracurricular activities, including musical instruments, uniforms, and participation/travel fees.
West Columbia Gorge Humane Society • Helps to keep pets and people together during hardship, crisis or emergency. Services include a pet food pantry, temporary boarding, impound/owner surrender fee relief and veterinary assistance.
Emergency Grant
Inter-Faith Treasure House • The Inter-Faith Treasure House requested $14,000 to replace their cargo van, which was deemed beyond repair by their auto shop. The van is crucial for efficiently moving food in pallet-size quantities, saving time and reducing strain on volunteers. The CWCC Board approved the emergency fund grant on Dec. 20, 2024. The replacement van made its first food pick-up from the Clark County Food Bank on Jan. 27, 2025.
Major Donors to CWCC
Camas-Washougal Rotary Foundation
Camas Lions Foundation
GP Foundation
GP employees
Camas School District employees
City of Camas employees
City of Washougal employees
Port of Camas-Washougal employees
The Standard Insurance Foundation
Windermere Foundation
Watercare Industrial Services
Scan code for more details and donation forms.
The CWCC, CWRF and CLF are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for federal charitable tax deduction purposes.
The Sound of Music (1965)
A perfect movie for springtime, this is an adventurous modern retelling of Beatrix Potter’s beloved classic, full of energy and sweet humor. The story follows the mischievous Peter Rabbit as he and his rabbit siblings wage a rivalry with Thomas McGregor for control of their country garden. With gorgeous animation, a charming English countryside, and a story full of slapstick comedy, the movie captures the air of renewal and adventure that defines spring. Unlike the original books, where old Farmer McGregor is the rabbits’ main adversary, this movie introduces Thomas McGregor, his great-nephew. A meticulous cityslicker from London, Thomas inherits his late uncle’s farm and initially wants to sell it — until he discovers Peter and his family invading the garden. What follows is a ridiculous rivalry between Thomas and the rabbits. The movie offers a surprisingly heartfelt journey about family, friendship, and learning from your mistakes. Starring James Corden, Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, Daisy Ridley, and Elizabeth Debicki. Rated PG for some rude humor and action.
Few movies capture spring quite like The Sound of Music. The story follows Maria, a free-spirited postulant (woman training to be a nun), who is sent to be the governess for seven von Trapp children. Through music, kindness, and an unshakable zest for life, Maria breathes new life into the family — just as Austria faces the impending rise of the Nazi regime. The stunning outdoor cinematography, from the lush meadows to the blossoming romance between Maria and the Captain, makes the movie feel as fresh and invigorating as spring itself. And this is more than just a picturesque musical — as the von Trapps face difficult choices under Nazi occupation, their courage and devotion to each other creates a powerful message of hope and resilience. The movie somehow blends joy, romance, and suspense, making it an unforgettable experience. Starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn, and Peggy Wood. Rated G, but please note themes of Nazi occupation, strict parenting, traditional gender roles, and religious life.
Spring Facts:
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Young love, springtime in high school, and prom. A loose, modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy “Taming of the Shrew,” 10 Things is an iconic ’90s teen rom-com. The story follows Kat, the “shrew” (a smart, independent, rebellious woman) and her sister Bianca. Bianca wants to date but can’t until Kat does. Cameron, a new student, falls in love with Bianca but she wants to date Joey, a rich bad boy. So Cameron schemes with his friend Michael: convince Joey to pay moody outcast Patrick Verona to date Kat, thus allowing Joey to date Bianca (and unofficially allowing Cameron to date Bianca eventually). Like most rom-coms, there’s a relationship reversal — Patrick really falls for Kat, Bianca realizes that Joey is a jerk and Cameron is actually great. However, Kat soon discovers the scheme and is heartbroken. But in true rom-com fashion, there’s a dramatic reconciliation where Kat confesses her feelings for Patrick as well as the 10 things she hates about him. Starring Julia Stiles, Larisa Oleynik, Joseph GordonLevitt, Heath Ledger, and more. Rated PG-13 for crude humor, brief strong language, and some sexual references.
* The Spring Equinox, usually around March 20th or 21st, marks the day when daytime and nighttime are nearly equal in length, signaling the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
* Spring is crucial for plant life because it’s the time when many plants break dormancy. As temperatures rise and days lengthen, plants begin to bloom and grow, using the energy from the sun to fuel their photosynthesis and bloom in vibrant colors.
* Many bird species migrate during the colder months and return in spring to breed. These birds follow seasonal patterns and rely on the availability of insects and plants that peak in spring to nourish themselves and raise their young.
Peter Rabbit (2018)
