Robert Shipley III remembers the origins of Camas Karate, when it opened in 1990 as Camas Fitness Center. At that time, it included aerobics and a weight room. "At first aerobics did better than karate, but within about three years, we were pretty much just teaching karate," Shipley said. "We've always tried to serve the community by teaching family values and the value of organization, hard work and preparation."
Cowboys, cowgirls and city folks are invited to attend the grand opening of a new feed and tack store in Fern Prairie. Bits n Spurs, located behind Fern Prairie Market, has dog, cat and bird food, puppy shampoo, sock monkey dog toys, feed oats, stall forks, stove pellets and animal bedding. There are also saddles and bridles, poultry grit, western-theme photo frames, John Deere thermometers, Ransom Ranch clothing, wormers for cats, dogs, cows and horses, and other animal health and grooming supplies.
The Creative Media and Digital Culture program at Washington State University Vancouver is offering a series of free workshops and lectures. "Technology 101" is a hands-on introduction to digital and social media. Each session, which is limited to 24 participants, is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. The workshops are held weekly, from noon to 1:15 p.m., in room 111, in the multimedia classroom building, 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. Topics include "Search Engine Optimization 101" workshop by Michael Rabby (Sept. 29); "Revealing Methods of Sonic Transformation" lecture by Ethan Rose (Oct. 6); "Photoshop 101" workshop by Kathi Rick (Oct. 11); "Illustrator 101" workshop by Kathi Rick (Oct. 18); and "Discount Usability Testing for Mobile Phones" lecture by Brett Oppegaard (Oct. 27). For more information, contact Dene Grigarat at 546-9487 or dgrigar@vancouver.wsu.edu.
The new president and chief executive officer of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce is familiar to many local residents. The GVCC announced last week that Kelly Love Parker has been named to the lead position with the organization. She replaces Kim Capeloto, who was recently hired by Riverview Community Bank as executive vice president of marketing and operations. Parker will begin her new job on Oct. 5. "We are thrilled to make this announcement," said Don Russo, immediate past board of directors' chairman. "Kelly's experience as an active member of the southwest Washington business community, as well as her commitment to the citizens of this region will serve the chamber and its 1,100 member businesses well.'
An assortment of children's gently used clothing, toys, books, games, DVDs, furniture and bedding will be available to purchase at the next Trendy not Spendy consignment sale. There will also be dance and sports gear, Halloween costumes and maternity clothing, in the Port of Camas-Washougal Industrial Park Building 11, at 700 S. 37th St., Ste. 3, Washougal. The sale hours are Friday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A half price sale will occur Sunday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is organized by Deja Hubbard, of Camas, and Marcie Wilcox, of Washougal. Both are 1997 Washougal High School graduates. They are accepting consignors for the fall sale. For more information, visit www.trendynotspendysale.com.
Individuals seeking to obtain a Washington State Liquor Server permit are invited to attend an alcohol server training course. The class will be taught Sunday, at 3 p.m., at Lakeside Chalet, 3533 N.E. Everett St., Camas, The three hours of instruction will conclude with a test. The cost will be $40 per person, and there is no pre-registration. "We are required to take liquor mixology tests, to serve beer and wine," said Paula Stanley, co-owner of Lakeside Chalet. "Anybody is welcome," she said. "Just show up." The mixologist permits are good for five years. For more information, call Lakeside Chalet at 834-3430.
Providing healthy choices for employees will be among the topics of a business forum hosted by Community Choices. Business leaders are invited to attend a forum Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Heathman Lodge, 7801 N.E. Greenwood Drive, Vancouver. The cost to attend, $35 per person, includes lunch.
Debra Hoff-Frye has more than 30 years of experience behind a camera, and some examples of her work can be seen at Fireworks Photography, in Washougal. Debra and her husband Stephen Frye purchased Fireworks Photography five years ago from the business' original owners Brian and Anne Knoll. Debra worked as a freelance photographer when the company was located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Fireworks Photography is located at 1436 "A" St., Ste. 106. For more information, call 904-1466, e-mail FireworksPhotography@comcast.net or visit www.FireworksPhotography.com.
business briefs
As a mother, Bryna Sampey knows a thing or two about giving birth and breast feeding. As a doula, she is putting that knowledge to use while assisting women during their transition into motherhood. Sampey, of Camas, said there is the birth of the baby as well as the 'birth' of a mother during delivery. "There is an emotional and physical transition during active labor," she said. "That's when the mother is born, and she would give everything up for her children. That 'mother love' kicks in. It's so powerful."
