Category Archive for "Columbia County Events" | Enjoying Life Beyond the Burbs

June 16th Community Events

Posted on May 31, 2018 at 6:06 pm.

Written by mhruska

Columbia County- The 3rd Saturday in June is a day filled with family fun activities around Columbia County. The Kiwanis Parade in St Helens happens every year at noon on the 3rd Saturday. This year a few other local events such as the Cycle Columbia Challenge starting and ending in Scappoose and Scappoose Party in the Park with live music and extended Scappoose Farmers Market hours also happens the same day. It’s a day full of community fun right in your backyard a little something for everyone.

The Kiwanis Parade is a yearly tradition. This year’s theme is “Honoring Those That Serve.” Spectators can set up a prime spot anywhere along the streets of Columbia Blvd. The standard parade route starts at the corner of Hwy 30 & Emmert Motors and continues down to to the Dockside restaurant. It starts at 12:00 and typically lasts about an hour or longer depending on the number of entrants. This is a FREE parade to enter to showcase your business or community. If you want to participate in the parade or want more details, follow the Facebook Event. Parades are a fun way to meet your neighbors and celebrate small-town life. You can also tune into KOHI 1600 AM or stream from App Tune IN to listen to the parade as our local radio station broadcasts live from the event.

If you are a cyclist, you can join in the 3rd Annual Cycle Century Challenge. This is the only cycling event in Columbia County. It has two different routes a Century Plus and a Metric Century Plus with scenic views of farmland, timberlands, on unpaved historic CZ Trail, and charming small towns. Plus all the Cyclists are invited to the Scappoose Party in the Park after the race. You can sign up in advance or register the day of the event. It starts early at 6:00 AM. Go to www.cyclecolumbiacounty.com for more details or to register.

Why not end the day with a community party? This year Scappoose Party in the Park starts with extended Scappoose Farmers’ Market hours and live music Hit Machine Unplugged will perform a kid-friendly performance from 4-6 PM.

Get to know your community Beyond the Burbs! It’s What’s Happening. #community #columbiacountyor #cycle #parade #family #kiwanis #farmersmarket #livemusic #outdoorrec #thingstodoincc #thingstodocolumbiacounty

New Summer Recreation Program

Posted on May 24, 2018 at 5:43 pm.

Written by mhruska

St. Helens, OR – The citizens of St Helens have a whole new program for all ages filled with activities and classes galore for Summer 2018 thanks to a new St. Helens Recreation Program. This program is a partnership between the City of St. Helens and the St. Helens School District to fill a need for a centralized program for recreation creating a sense of community. Working in partnership the two organizations had a good start on the inventory of facilities. Project coordinators asked for citizen input on upcoming classes they would like to see and where a need should be filled such as a monthly family movie night. This input created a diverse Summer Recreation Program for St. Helen’s citizens.

Anyone can register for the new program on the website. Over 14 programs from Yoga in the Park, Community Game Night, Co-Ed Volleyball, Painting, Movie Night, Terrarum Making Classes, Walking Groups and so much available throughout the summer months for all ages. You’ll also get information for what’s going on at St. Helens Public Library, Eisenschmidt Pool, Summer Meals, and other community events such as 13 Nights on the River.

Shanna Duggan volunteer with the project also runs a Facebook group called Columbia County Sole Sisters for women to promote health. They provide online support and events to create a culture of a community. Columbia County Sole Sisters is for women only. She also works as the Utility Billing, Court, and Bank Specialist for the City of St. Helens. Working with this project is a perfect fit for Shanna. When you meet her she’ll tell you that she loves to create events to help pull her community together. As soon as she was asked Shanna wanted to help with the project. She shared, “I am passionate about community. It’s something I take pride in, volunteer for, and helps me to find connections for myself and others. I have seen a need for a recreation program since I moved here 16 years ago. When I was asked to help work on this project, it was an immediate yes. To me, a recreation program helps people connect with others, find a purpose, and provides opportunities to explore what is right here in front of us. So many times we leave Columbia County to do things that are already offered locally or could easily be offered here. It’s a win for everyone. I think that in today’s times, with cellphones and other distractions, bringing it back to the basics is such an important thing AND it’s fun. I mean, who doesn’t smile when they are playing freeze tag, painting, or doing a scavenger hunt?”

She said she is excited about the future of the program. ” I would love to see it be offered year-round with inclusive and diverse programs that partner with community members, local businesses, and sports programs. I hope we continue to find ways to offer programs at a lower rate for community members or at a price that’s affordable for low-income populations. I believe a recreation program can be a backbone of a community.”

For the full program, click here. To give more input for the future, please fill out the short online survey. Want a list of events, interested in teaching a class or have questions, please email recreation@ci.st-helens.or.us. or contact Shanna Duggan, City Of St. Helens, Utility Billing, Court and Bank Specialist, 503-397-6272 ext. 160

#sthelensor #community #familyfriendlyfun #recreationprogram #pool #library #painting #communitygames #yoga #volleyball #coed #diy #fun

Farm to Table Cooking Class

Posted on April 3, 2018 at 3:45 pm.

Written by mhruska

Photo Lindsey Jones, RD – Photo Credit Facebook Page

A Growing Art Scene

Posted on January 12, 2018 at 11:34 pm.

Written by mhruska

Columbia County- Thanks to the Columbia Arts Guild, 2018 brings many opportunities for Artists and Art Enthusiasts alike. The Columbia Arts Guild (CAG) has accomplished big things in just a few years for local artists. This group of committed and talented volunteers continues to work together to bring more to the table in 2018 for our communities. In 2017, the group became an official 501(c) 3 and fundraised to build a secure cabinet to display art at the St Helens Public Library. You can find more about their group on their website

Columbia Arts Guild is connecting like-minded artists with one another by creating together, hosting a countywide art competition, a community art project and a celebration with hands-on art. A little something for everyone. Here are more specifics about the upcoming CAG events and ways you can get involved:

Art Happening- Paint the Town. Weekly group of artists that meet on Thursdays at 10:00 AM in the hallway of the Columbia Learning Center. The goal is for the artist to Bring Your Own Art (BYOA), work on your project, get advice, share information, listen or join the Urban Sketchers as they go out to Paint the Town!
CAG Virtual Arts Competition will run until Dec 31st, 2018. The competition is called Adventure & Art in Columbia County. To enter go to their Facebook paged upload your submission photo in the album. Competition is open to all Columbia County residents. Basic guidelines, you can enter as many times in as many categories as you want. Open to all mediums. Judging will be in January 2019, people’s choice awards will be chosen by a number of likes on the Facebook post with people’s choice. The competition is for the I LOVE Columbia County Book will be created with winners published by December 2019 available on Amazon in 2020. The I LOVE Columbia County book proceeds will go to further Art Opportunities in Columbia County through the Columbia Arts Guild.
“This is Us” St. Helens is a Community Art Project. During the next several months the CAG will be hosting “This Is Us” paint events throughout the St. Helens area. Paint events are the opportunity for you and your group of 10 or more to take part in this project. They provide everything you need to paint your house and participate. CAG will keep all the painted, signed houses created by the community so that we may assemble them into one large piece of community art. Everyone can create/paint one house to represent themselves in our diverse community. You can even take a picture of your house and share it on this page. Call or text Joan@5033691081 to schedule a paint event.
Spring Walk Into Art is in its 3rd year to Celebrate the Arts! It has a Professional Art Show, Youth Art Show, Music, Dancing, Open Mic, Book Signing, Culinary Art, Hands on Art and more! Save the date for May 5th at Columbia Learning Center, 375 S 18th St, Saint Helens, Oregon 97051.

#artincolumbiacounty

Hoof’s Clicking, Rides Spinning & Faces Grinning 102nd Columbia County Fair & Rodeo

Posted on July 14, 2017 at 7:45 pm.

Written by mhruska

All Photos Courtesy of Columbia County Fair & Rodeo FB Page

2nd Annual Columbia Century Challenge

Posted on June 13, 2017 at 4:38 pm.

Written by mhruska

Vernonia, OR – If you’ve visited Vernonia on a Saturday in the Summer, you’ll see many cyclists. Vernonia known to many as a bustling cycling community will be the start of the 2nd Annual Columbia Century Challenge Race Saturday, June 17th. A local group of volunteers that involve business owners and community leaders from across Columbia County have been working over the past three years to bring this race to Columbia County. The Columbia Country Challenge is the only organized cycling race in Columbia County put on by locals who care about enhancing the cycling opportunities in Columbia County.

In 2016, the group held their 1st race the 3rd Saturday in June which brought 100 cyclists out to explore the scenic views in Columbia County. The 1st year race also was voted #2 race by Bike Oregon for the category of Best Bike Ride. The volunteers are building off the first year success receiving more support from sponsors and volunteers but could always use more support. The goal of the race is to strengthen the cycling community in Columbia County. Proceeds from this race help enhance our ride and cycling improvements in honor of Phil Barlow according to their website it was Phil “ who planted the seed for this concept and cared passionately about expanding opportunities for bicycling and fashioning Columbia County as a bicycling destination.”

Gearing up for its 2nd year brings a few changes to the new event. Last year the race started in St Helens, this year it’s in Vernonia. You have the option to pick three types of rides out of Vernonia. The Century Plus 119 miles, Metric Century Plus, 86 miles or the 40-mile gravel ride through commercial timberline. Go to the website to see the full map to determine which path is the one you shall choose. Rolling hills, farmland, historic logging trails, scenic views of the Pacific Northwest, what’s not to like? It’s not too late to join the upcoming race as a cyclist or as a volunteer. You can register online at http://cyclecolumbiacounty.com/registration/ While it lasts use special code CCC17 for a 2 for 1, so grab a friend. Enjoy your ride whatever one you choose!

Photo Courtsey Cycle Columbia County Facebook

#cyclecolumbiacounty #cyclecolumbiacentury #cycleoregon #outdoors #familyfriendly #funforall

Join the 9th Annual Race Against Child Abuse

Posted on April 16, 2017 at 7:06 pm.

Written by mhruska

St. Helens, OR – Established in 2000 as a 501(c) nonprofit, the Amani Center is a community-based assessment & treatment services center, that helps children who have been abused in a child-friendly setting to minimize trauma and raise awareness against child abuse. Every year since 2009, they have held a walk to promote Child Abuse Awareness in our communities as well as a fundraiser for the organization. This year marks the 9th Annual Race which you can support our children in our community by participating in a 5k, 10k or Half Marathon or if you’re not a runner join the 1 mile Walk on April 22nd, 2017.

Beth Pulito, Development Director, shared why this race is so important for Columbia County. Beth said, “Although this is an annual race, just recently we have been trying to consistently hold in in April, which is the National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This race gives us an opportunity to raise necessary funds to provide forensic interviews and medical evaluations to children of Columbia County suspected of abuse or neglect. It’s an event that allows participation and support from all ages and all levels of fitness, with distances from our 1 Mile Family Fun Walk to a beautiful and challenging Half Marathon. We have great volunteers who assist us in many facets of the event, supportive vendors who make our event run smoothly and fabulous sponsors and participants who see the value in supporting our mission and the children we serve. We see amazing growth potential for this event in the future and look forward to participants and partners collaboration to continue and evolve a long-standing race in Columbia County.’

It’s not too late to register. Go to https://raceagainstchildabusehalfmarathon.itsyourrace.com/register/ use the promo code special for a discount. Stay in touch as another race is in the works for July in Clatskanie. Stay tuned on their FB page for more details #familyfriendlyfun #childabuseawareness #columbiacounty #halfmarathon #walk #fundraiser

Spring Clean Up on Earth Day

Posted on April 11, 2017 at 2:25 pm.

Written by mhruska

Columbia County, OR- Columbia County has a habit of celebrating Earth Day with several clean ups in our communities. This year they are scheduled on Saturday, April 22nd. You can get involved by volunteering, cleaning up your property or even donating new and gently used residential building materials, home furnishing supplies.

Organizations like SHEDCO (St Helens Economic Development Corporation) have partnered with SOLVE Oregon to help make our community a beautiful place to live. In rural communities like ours, it takes a group of volunteers working together to make a difference. You can get involved by registering at http://www.solveoregon.org/get-involved/events/shedco%E2%80%99s-4th-annual-spring-cleanup. The 4th Annual SHEDCO Clean Up starts down at the Courthouse Plaza in St.Helens from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. Some of the volunteer tasks include picking weeds, trash pickup, sweeping, and flower planting. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a few tools and gloves if they have them. You can volunteer for an hour or two. You decide. There will also be fun activities for kids like face painting and free pumpkin starts while supplies last. Light snacks and beverages will be provided after the work is done to celebrate Earth Day.

Citizens are also encouraged to bring their unwanted items, yard debris, scrap metal, appliances and more see the flyer below for details for Spring Clean Up. You can also bring your new and gently used residential building materials, appliances, fixtures, and home furnishing picked up by local nonprofit Habitat for Humanity at three convenient locations: St. Helens High School, Scappoose High School, and Columbia City school. Drake’s Towing & Recovery is available for FREE Removal of your scrap vehicles, Call Ryan 503-438-6099.

This is your community. Local citizens are encouraged to help pitch in to make their community a cleaner place. Thanks for getting involved and celebrating Earth Day bycleaning up your local communities. #earthday #springclean #columbiacounty #hereincc

Art & Food: Community Fighting Hunger with Empty Bowls

Posted on March 31, 2017 at 1:32 am.

Written by mhruska

Photo Courtsey of Columbia Pacific Food Bank

St. Helens, OR – Food and Art. Art and Food. No matter how you say it, Food and Art is an excellent combination. Add raising funds to help fight hunger and the event has elevated to a can’t be missed evening out called Empty Bowls. Empty Bowls is a fundraiser for Columbia Pacific Food Bank and its right around the corner on April 7th from 5:00 -7:00 PM at the McBride School Cafeteria in St. Helens.

What makes Empty Bowls so much fun? You get to pick out your bowl. It’s handmade pottery created by local retired teacher, Pat Brame. Oh, and he has friends that help him as well. Pat also sells his pottery at the event donating 25 % proceeds back to the food bank. Pat has been involved over the past 11 years, since the beginning of Empty Bowls. Then you get to pick out your soup. The eating part is pretty yummy thanks to local restaurants who donate the food. The Ridge Runners provide live music for entertainment.

Casey Wheeler, Executive Director for Columbia Pacific Food Bank, wants the community to know, ” The purpose of this event is to help people understand what food insecure families face in our community. Often they only have soup, bread and some water for dinner (if they are lucky). Often the parents do not eat so the children have something to eat.” Casey mentioned his favorite part of the event is ” Having the St. Helens Middle School Honor Society adopt this as one of their community service projects. They develop the theme, decorations, set-up the venue, serve food and drinks, clean up and help put everything away. Also, watching the interaction of people as they eat and pick out their bowls.”

This fundraiser is a ticketed event. You can purchase your tickets for $10.00 each at many local businesses such as Bertucci’s, Sunsations, Grocery Outlet and Scappoose Bagel. They have been known to sell out so don’t wait if you want to go. See you there!

Follow Columbia Pacific Food Bank Facebook page to stay up to date. #fighthunger #communityfun #art #food #columbiacounty #columbiapacificfoodbank

Open House and Farewell Party – You are Invited!

Posted on March 21, 2017 at 12:28 am.

Written by mhruska

St. Helens, OR- Zingti Massage is tucked up on the 2nd Floor of the Professional Building along with neighbor KOHI 1600 AM Radio at 36200 Pittsburg Road Suite F . You may also recognize the name Zingti because they support many local nonprofits specifically runs for American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Monster Dash for Rotary during Spirit of Halloweentown. Zingti Massage owner Paul Estrella is turning over the reins to Lindsey King, new owner but not new to massage.

You may recognize her name. Lindsey is known for her dedication to children here in Columbia County where she was the prior Executive Director for the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program. She has a passion for helping people. She has worked as a massage therapist before 20 years ago in Colorado. She missed being a massage therapist deciding to go back to her roots in massage as an entrepreneur.

Lindsey wanted to partner with Paul because, “Zingti had been in practice for almost ten years and had a great reputation for their treatment plans, when I became aware Paul Estrella the former owner was looking to move to the coastal region and open another practice there. During this time I spent the better part of a year under Paul’s direct supervision learning how he massaged and why.”

Zingti offers a variety of services such as Deep tissue, Event Sports Massage, Geriatrics, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release, Pregnancy Massage, Seated Chair Massage, Swedish/American. Reiki and Reflexology. Lindsey can customize each treatment plan specifically for her clients. They also offer an easy online schedule system www.zingtimassage.com and work with Insurance.

Zingti Massage is hosting an open house and farewell party for one of our communities’ favorite Massage therapist Paul Estrella on March 23rd from 4:30-7:00 PM. Paul has helped many in our community for the last 10 years. Please stop in and learn more about Paul’s new adventures in Ocean Park, WA and meet new owner, Lindsey King. Best wishes to both as they continue on their next adventures! #smallbusiness #hereincc #keepitlocalcc #healthandwellness #massage #health

Faces, places & happenings of Columbia County