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Stories by Danielle Frost

email icon danielle.frost@camaspostrecord.com

January 7, 2014
From left, Lacamas Heights Principal Julie Mueller, alumna Sharon Carmichael and parent volunteer Karen Wood, with the help of a committee, are organizing a celebration to mark the school's 50th anniversary.

Happy birthday, Lacamas Heights

In 1964, The Civil Rights Act was signed into law, the "race to the moon" made headlines and a new home cost $13,050.In Camas, Lacamas Heights Elementary School opened its doors to 500 students for the 1963-64 school year. On Jan. 17, the school. located at 4600 N.E. Garfield St., will celebrate that milestone with a birthday party. Duane Freeman, a sixth-grade teacher that first year, will be attending the party, along with several alumni and current students and staff members. Principal Julie Mueller, a parent committee and school alumni have been working since last spring to create an event that all attendees will enjoy. "I think it is awesome," Mueller said. "I started teaching at Lacamas in 1995 and was there until Liberty Middle School opened.

December 31, 2013
Fellow artists and friends Katey Sandy (left) and Judith Howard reminisce about a children's art project they collaborated on prior to retirement. The two will host an art show, which opens Friday at the Second Story Gallery.

Eclectic friends

Katey Sandy and Judith Howard knew each other professionally for several years before either realized that they shared a love of painting.Both women worked in the field of early childhood education and met at an Association of Christian Schools International conference.

December 31, 2013
Approximately 5,000 cookies, sweet breads, chocolate treats and other goodies awaited staff at Camas High School the Monday before winter break. It was courtesy of families who are part of a staff appreciation group started by parent Elizabeth Emmet in 2009.

They’re making a sweet connection

It seems as if most people run in about 10 different directions during the holidays. With gifts to buy, family in town and meals to prepare, other things often get put aside.But a group of 80 dedicated families spent a weekend baking a plethora of holiday treats for staff at Camas High School, which were served after school on Monday, Dec. 16. From cookies to banana bread to chocolate covered treats, the tables at the counseling center overflowed with goodness. Approximately 85 percent of staff members at the high school attended, according to Principal Steve Marshall's estimate. "The adults were very excited and very appreciative of the parents' thoughtfulness," he said. "I overheard teachers say things like, 'This is the best day of the year.' 'I have never seen anything like this!' and 'I am grading papers tonight so this might be my dinner.' This is an event centered around giving, which is why it fits so perfectly with the holidays."

December 26, 2013
Hathaway Elementary School student body officers accept a donation of 36 coats from the East Clark Professional Firefighters Local 2444 for fellow students in need.

Firefighters provide warmth to local kids

The last day of school before winter break is always a festive one, but it was especially so for some local kids. On Friday, Dec. 13, student body officers at Hathaway Elementary, in Washougal, accepted a donation of 36 coats for fellow students in need.

December 26, 2013
The Osprey Walking Group meets every weekday at 8 a.m. to traverse the trails at Lacamas Park. All abilities and ages are welcome to join.

Osprey Walkers are all-weather friends

Anyone who has ever ran or walked the Round Lake trails knows it is a challenge with its switchbacks and rolling hills. But there's a local walking club, with many of its members in their 70s, 80s and even 90s, who traverse the terrain five days a week, rain, shine, hot or cold.

December 19, 2013
Karen Hall, co-owner of the Camas Hotel, chats with intern Aleah Stewart as she waters plants in the hotel's atrium.

Managing life transitions

Students with special needs at Camas High School are developing academic, social and vocational skills for life after graduation.Additionally, young adults ages 18 to 21 can also participate in a program that helps them learn the basics of living independently: How to use public transit, obtain job skills, budget, do yard work and navigate a grocery store, to name a few. Program participants can often be seen around the downtown area, washing windows, interning at local businesses or researching at the library. At the high school level, students in Henry Midles and Cory Vom Baur's Life Skills classes focus on academics in the morning, then on social and vocational skills in the afternoon. With the support of the local community, the students receive work experience that can help prepare them for integration into the adult workforce.

December 17, 2013
Hannah Gutkind has been dancing since the age of three. "I love the way I can express myself through it and tell a story through my movement," the 15-year-old Washougal resident said.

For the love of dance

Hannah Gutkind loves ballet.Since she was 2, the Washougal resident has fostered a passion for dance. As the years have gone by, this has meant giving up soccer and other sports, missing out on youth group and a lot of the high school experience. But she wouldn't have it any other way. "It's hard to put into words how much I love dance," Gutkind said. "I love how I can express myself through it and tell a story through my movement. I never liked talking in front of people, so this is a way I can express myself without words."

December 17, 2013
Students in Camas and Washougal take a break to celebrate during Stuff the Bus food collection efforts. The combined efforts of Camas and Washougal students brought in a combined total of more than 57,000 pounds of food for several local charitable organizations.

Stuff the Bus helps local charities

Every first Friday in December since 2008, students in the Camas and Washougal school districts have worked feverishly to see which among them could amass the most food for local charities during the annual Stuff the Bus food drive. With the win came a trophy and a year's worth of bragging rights for their school. But this year, things were noticeably different in two regards. For the first time ever, Stuff the Bus was postponed due to inclement weather. Also, students from the high schools worked as a team instead of a competition. The only winners were the local charitable organizations, that received large quantities of food.

December 10, 2013
Holiday camps often include the chance for young attendees to make gifts for family and friends.

Winter break options abound

Looking for something the kids can do during winter break?If so, the local area offers several camps on most days school is closed. The Camas Community Center is hosting two holiday-themed camps on Dec. 23 and 24 and Jan. 30 and 31. "There are always so many last minute things for parents to get done before Christmas so our first session of camp is great for that," said Tammy Connolly, recreation coordinator. "Get the rest of your shopping and wrapping done, clean house or just enjoy some quiet time. And then you always need a few days to clean up afterward, so the second session comes in handy there."