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Stories by Danielle Frost

email icon danielle.frost@camaspostrecord.com

July 19, 2011
Gene Dietzen assists student Joan Anderson during a recent jewelry making class. His said his passion is teaching.

Learning the tools of the trade

Gene Dietzen has always been interested in creating things from scratch. "When I was in high school, I made model kits and these were photographed and actually used on the cover for different manufacturers," he said. Dietzen dabbled in jewelry making after high school, but between managing a career and earning a college degree, he didn't have the time for his true passion: teaching. Several years ago, Dietzen found that creative outlet through East County Community Education, teaching astronomy and eventually jewelry making, among other things. After a stint there, Dietzen wanted to find a place where he could solder without fear of "burning the building down." He taught classes in southeast Portland and at a Washougal shop before opening up his own studio in Camas four years ago, after a back injury forced an early retirement.

July 19, 2011

Columbia Gorge HomeLink proposal continues to gain community support

After learning that River HomeLink in Camas would be moving back to Brush Prairie, within the Battle Ground School District a group of parents got together to see what could be done about it. The result of this meeting was the concept for Columbia Gorge HomeLink, a similar program, which would be located somewhere in the Camas or Washougal area. Local couple Janelle and David Stanton are spearheading the effort to start a new program. River HomeLink was classified as an "alternative learning experience," by the state. While it was under the umbrella of the Battle Ground School District, there was also heavy parental support. This is described as a "parent-public school partnership." Program supporters said it offers the best of both worlds.

July 12, 2011
The Puffin Cafe offers lots to view for those who eat their meals outside.

The ‘al fresco’ experience

Ah, summer. Finally, most of us can safely wear our lighter clothing and shoes for more than one day in a row. Of course, with the nice weather comes an opportunity to take part in something most Northwesterners don't get to do a lot of during the winter months: Get outdoors and soak up the sunshine. Many local eateries in Camas and Washougal have responded to that need by providing outdoor dining options. On a bright, warm day last Wednesday, several local residents could be seen enjoying their cuisine at different local restaurants in the great outdoors. At Natalia's in downtown Camas, Renee Sanders enjoyed breakfast with 7-month-old daughter, Ellen, and her parents. "I love the fresh air and not being cooped up inside," Sanders said.

June 28, 2011
Participants in a Zumba toning class follow instructions from Rachelle Wish, a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor.

Fitness for the body and mind

Almost everyone has tried a diet or exercise plan of some kind with the best of intentions, only to quit a few weeks later when they don't see results or get tired of drastically cutting calories.

June 28, 2011

Class of 2011 fares well with scholarships

The class of 2011 had another banner year with scholarships. Despite a tough economy, Camas High School graduates walked away with $3,531,000 in various awards. At Washougal High School, the total was $1,049,426.

June 21, 2011
Gail Welsh, right, hugs a co-worker at her retirement party last week. "I've never really had a bad day in 42 years," she said. "Just when I lose hope, something happens."

Saying farewell

Longtime Camas School District teacher Gail Welsh is retiring after 42 years. Last week, co-workers, friends and families bid her farewell at a party at Skyridge Middle School, where she teaches fine arts and leadership. Welsh has also taught the talented and gifted program, and has always worked with middle schoolers. "I love middle school kids," she said. "They are wet cement, they are still very willing to be molded."

June 21, 2011
Students raise their hands in victory after completing the blackberry bush removal project at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Sixth-graders from Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek middle schools spent two days last week learning about the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding area.

Empowering observation

Four years ago, the need for an outdoor school replacement activity resulted in an unusual partnership. The Washougal School District approached the Friends of the Columbia Gorge, a non-profit preservation group, about working with local sixth-graders who had outdoor school cut as a part of budget constraints. "Both sides felt this was a missing piece," said Maegan Jossy, outdoor program coordinator. After a private donation enabled the program to move forward, the goal has been to have students experience the Columbia Gorge in a new way, while aligned with state learning standards.

June 14, 2011
Parents lined up Thursday afternoon to register their children for school at River HomeLink Friday morning. The school will be moved to Brush Prairie, near Battle Ground, in the fall and enrollment will be capped at 200 full-time students.

River HomeLink will move to Brush Prairie

Parents formed a line Thursday outside the Camas Church of the Nazarene, where River HomeLink school is housed, to register their children for fall classes.

June 14, 2011
Camas Superintendent Mike Nerland presents prizes to the winners of the all-district spelling bee recently. From left are Elizabeth Gillespie, Ali Burris and Jacob Leetham. Second-grade students from Grass Valley, Lacamas Heights, Helen Baller and Prune Hill elementary schools participated.

Can you spell F-U-N?

Keeping students engaged and focused as the end of the school year looms on the horizon has long been a struggle for teachers.