Camas-Washougal Post-Record

May 7, 2013

April Sutherland won a statewide award for her efforts to help save The Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Summer Sensory Camp Program for special needs children. "It felt great to represent the team of moms who made this happen."

Helping save sensory camp

Raise $27,000 in just a few months.That's a daunting task for anyone to undertake, but for a group of local moms, it was worth all the efforts. In 2012, April Sutherland, a nurse in the Camas School District and mother to a special needs child, found out that the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation summer sensory program would be shut down due to a $1.2 million budget reduction. Her son, who has autism, had attended the camp for several summers, and looked forward to it every year. For more information, visit www.savesensorycamp.brownpapertickets.com.

April 30, 2013

Large describes the sixth zip line in the tour, which takes riders on a steep plunge before slowing and coming to a stop approximately 900 feet later. It is located at the fifth hole of Skamania Lodge's golf course.

Skamania Lodge opens new zip line tour

I am deathly afraid of heights. Until recently, even driving on winding roads with a drop-off was enough to nearly induce a panic attack. So it stands to reason that I would not be standing on a wobbly, though secure, wooden platform 22 feet off the ground, preparing to jump into mid-air. But here I am, with six other journalists from various publications in Southwest Washington. It's a fun group, with a few of the more experienced, “zippers” cracking jokes about past experiences.

April 23, 2013

Ninth-grade students meet with Wright to discuss symposium projects. All Math, Science and Technology Magnet Program participants must complete a year-long research project. "He's very dedicated, and cares a lot about students success," said ninth-grader Anna Roche.

Ron Wright, CHS teacher, inspires others with his passion and dedication

If you ask several different people at Camas High School to describe teacher Ron Wright, chances are their responses will be similar. Passionate. Dedicated. Patient. Sincere. A visionary. Kind. These are just a few of the things that colleagues, administrators and students had to say about Wright, who serves as a Math, Science and Technology Magnet Program teacher. Wright, 63, also coordinates student internships at local businesses, serves as research project advisor and mentors students in several extracurricular programs. "He connects students with opportunities," said Steven Marshall, CHS principal. "Whether it is Science Olympiad, the State Science and Engineering Fair, or internships, students get excited and their excitement inspires Ron. He does not just tell them about these events, he motivates them, supports them, and prepares them for success. He is truly a mentor. What amazes me is that he mentors so many students."

April 16, 2013

Skyridge Middle School technology teacher Ann Hofmann, and Green Team members (left to right) Sidney Greenamyer and Kaelene Barlow regularly sort through recycling and garbage bins during lunchtime, and remove items that are put in the wrong area.

Students and staff try to make every day ‘Earth Day’

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."This quote by Margaret Mead is exemplified by several educators, staff members and students in local schools, who show that every day can be Earth Day, not just April 22. These environmental advocates can often be found going through the trash at their schools to make sure recycling hasn't been tossed in the wrong bins. They educate their fellow students and co-workers about Earth-friendliness, pick up litter, start composting and Green Schools programs, and plant gardens. Sometimes, all it takes is one person, or a simple act, to begin making a positive difference. For Earth Day, the Post-Record has chosen to feature a few of these people and programs.

April 16, 2013

CHS sophomores Meghal Sheth (left) and Sophie Shoemaker have each qualified for an all-expenses paid trip to the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Ariz., next month. There are only 10 students total in the state of Washington who earned this honor.

Meghal Sheth and Sophie Shoemaker are making school history

Meghal Sheth and Sophie Shoemaker are making Papermaker history. They are the first Camas High School students to qualify for the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Ariz. In addition, they are just sophomores and only 10 students across the state of Washington were selected for the prestigious event. "At first, I was in shock," Shoemaker said. "I wasn't really expecting it, but it was great to know something I worked on was rewarded." Added Sheth, "It was surprising, but I was really happy because I put a lot of effort into my project. It was nice to see the hard work pay off."

April 16, 2013

By the fall, Washougal High School athletes will have a new turf field to play on. The Washougal School Board recently approved a contract with Fieldturf USA, Inc., to purchase a new playing surface.

Fishback stadium will get new turf

Fishback Stadium is finally getting a facelift. After more than two years of discussion, research, and fund-raising, the $449,000 project will start June 24 at Washougal High School. Fieldturf USA, Inc., in conjunction with Beynon Sports Surfaces, has been selected for the turf field replacement project.

April 9, 2013

Alicia Seaman (left) and Julie Scott-Seaman dance with the Masai in their village between Tararangire and Ngorongoro.

Julie Scott-Seaman, local travel agent, spends 13 days on an African safari

Julie Scott-Seaman is a traveler by nature. That's why she turned her love into a lifelong career at Camas World Travel. Since 1976, she has been helping people plan their vacations, and seeing beautiful places along the way. "I love it because you're helping people, you get to travel and most of the time, you're sending someone on vacation so they are in a great mood," she said. In her position, Scott-Seaman has been all over the world. But recently, she embarked on a new adventure: A wildlife safari in Africa. She, along with seven other people, including clients, friends and her daughter, went to visit various wildlife parks in Tanzania.

April 9, 2013

Paige Maas, a Hathaway Elementary School third-grader, shakes hands with Gov. Jay Inslee during a diabetes funding advocacy day held at the state Capitol.

Paige Maas, local elementary school student, advocates for those with diabetes

On April 25, 2011, Paige Maas's life changed forever. It was the day she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. An active 7-year-old, Paige became lethargic, constantly thirsty and just wasn't herself. When her parents brought her to the doctor, her blood sugar level was dangerously high. She was admitted to Legacy Emanuel Hospital, where Brad and Pam were quickly immersed into the world of diabetes. There, they learned how to check her blood sugar levels and administer insulin. "It was a surprise to learn she had this, but at the same time, she had all the classic symptoms," Pam said. "Also, I have a first cousin whose son was diagnosed when he was quite young, so there is some family history."

April 9, 2013

In 2002, construction crews worked to install the "crystal corridor" skylight inside the Camas Public Library building on Northeast Fourth Avenue. The library's remodel and new addition, funded with a $7.9 million voter approved bond, opened to the public in May 2003. This month and next month, a series of activities will mark the 90th birthday of the library, and National Library Week.

Camas Public Library turns 90

For the past 90 years, the Camas Public Library has been a community destination. Often referred to as the "living room of Camas," by staff, the library is a place to study, meet people, learn, and it also serves as a cultural center. The library first opened in the back of Thayer's drugstore in April 1923. The 90th birthday celebration also coincides with National Library Week, which begins Sunday. There are a number of events planned to celebrate both occasions. "We're emphasizing that with some of the events we're offering," said David Zavortink, director. "It's the 'third place,' after home and work."

April 9, 2013

The third Camas Casino Night is set for Saturday, April 27, at Westlie Ford on the Port of Camas-Wasougal.

Casino night returns to Camas

A little bit of Las Vegas is coming to Westlie Ford on Saturday, April 27. That's when the Camas Athletics Boosters Club will host its third-annual casino night and auction fundraiser. Proceeds benefit sports programs at Camas High School, Liberty Middle School and Skyridge Middle School. "We assist with items like new uniforms, wrestling mats, goal posts, ball machines, golf bags, high tech computer and video equipment," said Wanda Miller, Booster board president. "We also offer $3,000 scholarships each year to two graduating seniors. Now that CHS is 4A school, we need to make sure our kids are properly supported to be highly competitive at that level."