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Stories by Danielle Frost

email icon danielle.frost@camaspostrecord.com

February 5, 2013
It takes time to search for and find inventory to display at shows, and can inlclude cleaning, repairing, pricing, wrapping and selling.

Local vendors share their antique show experiences

Antique and collectible shows attract those looking for everything from limited edition children's literature to vintage clothing.Sometimes, there's just an unexplainable appeal about certain nostalgic items which draws people from all ages and stages of life. The shows also brings local sellers, who are eager to display their wares to thousands of people. Palmer/Wirfs & Associates, who hosts antiques and collectible shows around the country, has been offering an annual show at the Clark County Event Center for the past eight years. It attracts approximately 200 vendors and 6,000 attendees, and the line of cars waiting to get into the parking lot rivals what one would see at a rock concert. "It's a very trendy business," said Christine Palmer of Palmer/Wirfs. "Right now we're enjoying some added popularity thanks to all the programming on T.V., like 'Pawn Stars' and "American Pickers."

January 29, 2013
Alice 6 (Becca Bennett) is about to lose her head at the hand of the Knave of Hearts (Mcleod Turner) while the rest of the cast looks on. Thankfully, there is a happy ending.

A modern take on a surreal story

There's something about the "Alice in Wonderland" story which is timeless. "Kids are still fascinated by it," said Kelly Gregersen, drama director at Washougal High School. "For years, I've been looking for a fun version of it so we could perform it here. We haven't had a fairy tale in a long time." After a friend of his premiered a high school production of "Alice v. Wonderland" last year, Gregersen knew he'd found the play he wanted: A modern, rock 'n' roll take on a classic story. "Think 'Alice in Wonderland' meets Lady Gaga," Gregersen said. "Alice is a teenager instead of a little girl, and all of the settings are very modern."

January 29, 2013
Linda Peters, a special education paraprofessional, assists an adaptive skills student at Jemtegaard Middle School. The classroom was recently upgraded, thanks to a $2,000 grant from Umpqua Bank.

A warmer learning environment

Before an unexpected renovation over winter break, the adaptive skills classroom at Jemtegaard Middle School looked more like a kitchen. White walls, salmon pink cabinets and cold tile floors were the prime features of the room, which was formerly used for home economics classes. Its location at the school also meant the infamous east Gorge wind blowing through, and without a carpet, things got cold.

January 29, 2013

Area youth honored for patriotic essays

The inside of the Camas Community Center had a patriotic air on Sunday, Jan. 6, while local students were honored for their writing by the District 6 Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary. Twenty-one award winners were escorted to their seats before reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and listening to guest speaker, Camas Mayor Scott Higgins. "It is a true honor to share some thoughts with you during this wonderful ceremony," he said. The theme of this year's essay competition for middle school students was, "What I Would Tell America's Founding Fathers," and "Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?" for high school students. Elementary School students were also included in a state junior essay contest.

January 28, 2013
Alan and Andrew Svehaug keep their chess instruction simple by breaking the game down piece by piece.

Success through chess

Chess. When most people hear that word, they think of a challenging game that requires patience, skill and intelligence to master.While these descriptions are accurate, even the youngest elementary school student can learn, according to Alan Svehaug, chess instructor.

January 28, 2013
Washougal High School ASL students ham it up as they rehearse their rendition of the love song, "Some Say Love." Pictured above, from left to right, are Austin Smith-Brown, Spencer Adams and Scott Nelson. Tanner Baldwin is in the center.

The language of understanding

Students in Washougal High School's American Sign Language class come away with more than just a language skill that could help them get a job or lead to a career. They also learn to appreciate diversity and gain understanding of the deaf culture.

January 15, 2013
Mike Smith is represented by several galleries, including one in Hilton Head, S.C. Here, he poses with two pastels he is sending to the gallery. In the background are works in progress and a guitar from his Army days. Horses feature prominently in his work. "Horses embody everything that is cool about the earth," Smith said.

Artist Mike Smith has spent a career doing what he loves

Mike Smith may be a world-famous artist, but his studio, crowded with different projects, thank-you notes, golf balls and a Specialized mountain bike suggest a man with a plethora of passions.And that's pretty much how he's lived his life. In fact, Smith never planned on becoming an artist. He considers himself lucky to have been in the right place at the right time on any number of occasions.

January 15, 2013

An advocate for stable funding

After a law enforcement career, followed by eight years as an elected county leader, Paul Pearce's life is taking yet another turn. Earlier this month, he began duties as president of the National Forest Counties & Schools Coalition. It is an organization founded to secure federal funding for rural areas. Before that, Pearce, 57, served on the Skamania County Commission after retiring from a 28-year law enforcement career with the Camas Police Department. During his time as county commissioner, he learned how dependent the area is on federal forest funds and joined the NFCSC as a board member.

January 8, 2013
Post-Record file photo Chloe and Carson Connors hold a painting she created, called "Hope," which was sold in a silent auction to raise money for the Teen Challenge Metro Men's Center. The two hosted a "Challenge for Change," event in honor of their brother, who overcame a heroin addiction.

Top 12 of 2012

2012 was a year filled with changes and unforgettable moments, both nationally and locally. In Camas and Washougal, whether it was high school graduations, Challenge Day or mission trips in foreign countries, change was a constant. The Post-Record has decided to take a little time to reflect on the people and places that filled the paper's Hometown section, and has selected the top 12 most memorable stories. We hope you enjoy the look back.