About
Preserving the Past
to Serve the Future
Friends of Chinook School is a nonprofit organization based in Chinook, WA. We’re committed to ensuring this beautiful historic school remains a vibrant community space for generations to come.
Land Acknowledgement
We honor the Chinook Indian Nation as the original people and custodians of the land where the Chinook School stands. Despite this being their ancestral homeland, the Chinook Indian Nation remains federally unrecognized. We encourage you to learn more about the Chinook Indian Nation and support their efforts to restore federal recognition.
History
Life Without the School
The two buildings that make up the Chinook School were built in 1921 and 1924. Chinook residents and nearby communities historically used the school as a hub for education, local meetings, events, and gatherings.
In the 1970s, the closure of the school left a void in the community and the buildings fell into disrepair.
Without community space, children, elders, and the disabled had to travel long distances to seek support from community agencies. Surrounding areas offered limited space for sports activities, with Chinook having none at all. This severely restricted organized sports, especially for girls and young children.
When the devastating storm of 2007 hit, Chinook did not have a central location for emergency management. This made it more apparent than ever that Chinook needed a community space, not only for gathering but also for safety.
Restoration
Bringing the Chinook School Back to Life
Friends of Chinook School was established in 2000 to save these historic structures for our community and future generations. At this time, both the school and gymnasium had deteriorated to the point that they could not be used. Only the ball fields could safely remain open.
Restoring the school took many years of fundraising and hard work. It is thanks to the efforts of our closeknit community that both buildings are now rehabilited and open for events, meetings, and community services.
Mission
Friends of Chinook School is dedicated to sustainable stewardship and operation of the Historic Chinook School as a unique venue for the cultural, educational, social, economic and recreational enrichment of our communities and future generations.
Vision
An improved future for the community through the use of an historic and beautiful space alive with activities.
Values
Stewardship
Caring for historically and architecturally significant buildings.
Inclusiveness
Everyone is welcome and valued.
Community
We embrace a culturally diverse population.
Collaboration
Coming together for an improved future for all.
Transparency
Building trust through open communication.
Introducing the 2026 Friends of Chinook School Board of Directors
2026 Board Officers
Vera Karnofski, President:
Vera was elected as Board President in July 2025. She has served on the Board since 2018, including 4 years as Vice President. Her calm, yet persuasive demeanor makes her an excellent leader for FOCS. She has years of experience working with non-profits and her community. Her past work on the board includes membership drive and chairing fundraisers where she is often the primary chef for the event. Vera also worked with Youth Sports to improve the Chinook School Baseball Field. She is the owner of an organic farm that provides and markets produce to local restaurants and families.
Jim Goulter, Treasurer:
Jim is a fourth-generation resident of the Peninsula. Jim joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and was elected Treasurer in 2023. As a successful business owner, Jim understands business accounting practices and managing all aspects of business. Jim cares deeply about the Historic Chinook School and the Mission of FOCS to bring economic benefits to the community by creating opportunities for economic growth. He is the founder of Chinook Markets and is the Board liaison with Chinook Food Bank. His energy and drive excite the board to work to achieve a sustainable business plan for the future of Friends of Chinook School and their Mission to manage operations and maintenance of the buildings.
Layne Prest, Secretary:
Layne joined the Board in late 2024 and was elected Secretary in July 2025. Layne attended Chinook School and his family has generational history on the Peninsula. He has shown his passion for the school with volunteer landscaping, fundraising, and membership. The Board appreciates his ability to summarize and keep discussions on track. Layne lives in Chinook.
Board Directors
Trina Goulter:
Trina joined the Board in 2022. She volunteered for years at FOCS events and has been an active and willing participant at board meetings. Her enthusiasm and work in support of the Historic Chinook School is greatly appreciated. As owner of Diamond Espresso, she brings knowledge about running a business and interacting with the public. She is a long-time resident of the peninsula and an active member of the community.
Stephanie Day:
Stephanie has lived on the Long Beach Peninsula for years and joined the Board in 2024. She is excited about connecting with the community and is well known for her willingness to volunteer for many local festivals and non-profit events. Her work history includes the Volunteer Coordinator at the Long Beach Merchants and Welcome Center and is a substitute preschool teacher for Wave of the Future Preschool. She loves the Historic Chinook School and enjoys working and supporting the Mission of the Friends of Chinook School. Currently she is part of the Chinook Food Bank Committee.
Brandi Knopski:
Brandi joined the Board in July 2025. She is a past owner of an event company in Hawaii. Her experience is bringing innovative ideas and energy to our fundraising events. The Board is grateful for her leadership and her dedication to increasing our revenues through events.
Mike Thompson:
Mike was elected to the Board in July 2025. He has years of experience in managing and growing businesses and was previously highly ranked as capital markets research-analyst and salesperson. He has worked and lived in six countries and has dual UK/US Citizenship. After coming to the Peninsula for a number of years he decided to make this community his permanent home and we are very glad. In addition to FOCS, Mike also serves on the Board of the Humane Society. His experience and expertise is greatly appreciated as we grow our business.
Support of the Board
Dough Thompson:
Doug is our most revered Volunteer Staff Person. His experience as a past non-profit president and his vast community advocacy and support has guided us through many difficult times and decisions. Some of his key roles are, the facilities maintenance and operations coordinator, the liaison with the Port of Chinook, and the Parliamentarian advisor to the board. Although he would probably not like to be recognized, he is vital to the success and sustainability of the Historic Chinook School.
Mallory Cox, Event Coordinator and Chinook Market Manager :
Mallory has called our community home for 35 years, and her passion for serving it runs deep. A proud Ilwaco High School graduate, she has spent nearly a decade managing the Long Beach Farmers Market, bringing fresh, local goods to the area while fostering a welcoming space for vendors and shoppers alike. Now stepping into a new role as the Event Coordinator for Chinook School. Mallory is excited to continue supporting small businesses and bringing people together. The Board greatly appreciates her professionalism and dedication to her community that shines through in everything she does.
Crystal Heil, Housekeeping :
Crystal is our amazing housekeeper for the Chinook School Event Center and Community Rooms. We have a large campus with many events and keeping it clean is a major task. The place is sparkling! Crystal is often the one who spots maintenance issues before they get worse. She also often brings great ideas for making the Event Center Campus even better. She does all this with a smile and enthusiasm. Thank you Crystal. You are a very important member of our team.
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