Klineline Kids Fishing Derby is back in-person!

Special Needs Derby: Any individual with a personal disability Friday April 14th

Open Kids Derby: Ages 5-14 Saturday, April 15th

That’s the slogan that will help Camas Public Library celebrate a momentous occasion— turning 100 years old! But just one day to celebrate a century’s worth of work isn’t nearly enough for this community gem.

The Library’s official birthday will be celebrated April 4, 2023; however, the Library has a full slate of activities throughout the entire year to mark this amazing feat. And it all starts with a special edition centennial library card, which is only available during 2023. Those who already have a library card may swap their current one out free of charge. Upcoming events will include special speaking events on local history, a birthday event on April 4 with music, goodies and giveaways and an art gallery and reception showcasing Library milestones over the last 100 years. More information about these events and many more can be found at cityofcamas.us/library continued from previous page in a caring community.” Rehearsals are held Tuesdays at Fircrest Elementary in Vancouver, with kids in grades K-2 rehearsing 5-6 pm, and kids in grades 3-6 grade rehearsing 5:30-6:30 pm. Yearly tuition is $400, with scholarships available. Find more information at orsingers.org/youth-choir/tuition-schedules

By Sarah Mortensen

Growing up in Rutherford County, North Carolina, Miranda Martin regularly volunteered with her grandfather through Habitat for Humanity. She remembers enjoying both the work of helping others, and the time she spent with her grandfather. Today she is the volunteer coordinator for Evergreen Habitat for Humanity in Vancouver where she helps welcome, train and inspire a new generation to support safe, affordable and permanent housing for everyone.

The Evergreen Habitat for Humanity (EHFH) model is simple: EHFH purchases a piece of land for a family and builds them a home through volunteer labor. The family then purchases the home through an affordable mortgage which is designed not to exceed 35% of their monthly income. The family’s mortgage payments are then invested back into the community through Habitat programs. It is neighbors helping neighbors in a perpetual pay-it-forward system. “As a part of our program, families complete what we call ‘sweat equity’ hours where they volunteer with Habitat alongside other families and Habitat volunteers,” explains Martin. “This means that part of the volunteer experience with Habitat is that you get to help build a home for a family while working with and getting to know them. Together, our families and volunteers are raising walls and building stronger futures.”

In addition to building new homes, EHFH is now working closely with the Vancouver Housing Authority (VHA) to purchase and refurbish existing homes, while keeping them affordable for lowincome families. Forty-two Clark County homes will be available over the next two years through this exciting and much needed partnership, so the need for volunteers is greater than ever.

“Some people might be intimidated by the thought of helping build a home or they don’t think they have the skills to be helpful,” says Martin. However, the building crew consists of everyone from retired contractors to people who have never picked up a hammer, and the minimum age is just 16. “If you have any interest at all in learning and being out on the construction site, don’t worry!” assures Martin. “We provide all of the tools and will you teach you everything you need to know with helpful demonstrations on how to use specific tools and complete specific tasks.” A bonus is that volunteers will almost assuredly learn skills that will be helpful in maintaining their own home.

A large source of funding for EHFH is the Clark County Habitat Store, a home improvement store and donation center just off Mill Plain and I-205 that sells new and gently used furniture, home décor, appliances, building materials, and more to the continued on next page continued from previous page public at discounted prices. Store volunteers as young as age 14 complete a variety of tasks including assisting customers, pricing products, stocking and organizing shelves, creating DIY projects and displays, and recycling metal. “If construction isn’t the right fit for you,” says Martin, “you are always welcome in our store.”

Evan Kosin, a newer but consistent volunteer, was excited to participate in the building crew, especially after meeting Mark Haley and Jess Reynolds of the construction team. “They are both fantastic and make you feel comfortable,” says Kosin. After moving to Clark County a year ago, Kosin was looking for a place to volunteer because his company encourages community involvement. He liked being outside, which made EHFH a perfect fit. He was initially hesitant about helping inside the store, but even that has been positive. “It’s more fun than you realize,” he says. “The people you work alongside are great. It’s very much worth it.” Martin says of the store, “Similar to the store volunteers, our construction volunteers enjoy the fact that there is something different to do every day.” There are currently nine homes in progress, but at different stages, “so there is a nice balance between doing something different every day and getting to repeat tasks enough to see skills improve,” adds Martin.

Karsten Lemmon, also a newer volunteer, likes working with others with a shared vision and purpose. “All the folks I’ve met are inspiring to work with,” he states, but one fellow volunteer particularly stood out for both his dedication and ambidexterity. Lemmon told me about working with a man who looked to be in his 70s or 80s and was using a hammer that was over 100 years old, passed down to him by his grandfather. As Lemmon watched him work, he noticed that in the morning he used his right hand to hammer, but after lunch he would use his left hand to pound in long framing nails. When asked about why he switched hands, he stated that his endurance isn’t what is used to be and his hands and arms get tired, so he had to switch.

What keeps volunteers like Lemmon and Kosin coming back is the comradery of the team and the satisfaction from putting in a hard day’s work. Seeing the fruits of your labor can be its own reward, but the real prize comes later. “A unique opportunity that our construction volunteers love about their work is seeing homeowners get the keys to their house. Not only do they physically build the house with them, but they get to be there to see the joy on families’ faces during the dedication,” shares Martin, adding that, “this rarely happens with dry eyes.”

Building a home is not something everyone may want to do, yet there are plenty of other ways to help. “Anyone with a passion to give back, who believes in our mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter is welcome. Construction and store volunteers are usually our biggest need, but with so many ways to get involved, there is a place for you at Habitat for Humanity.”

Sarah Mortensen holds a degree in marriage and family studies and works for Vancouver Public Schools as a paraeducator in addition to her role as associate editor of Vancouver Family Magazine. When Sarah is not reading to her kids or students, she is probably in her backyard taking care of her garden. She also enjoys hiking, hot chocolate, and dressing up for Halloween. She lives in Vancouver with her husband, son and daughter.