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June 24, 2014
Residents of Columbia Ridge Senior Living, in Washougal, enjoy a game of beanbag baseball. Other activities include exercise classes, walking clubs, ice cream socials, Bible studies, arts and crafts, gardening and music. There are trivia games, reading groups and outings to the beach, local restaurants, museums, special events and concerts. "Hopefully we are giving our residents the chance to enjoy each day to its fullest potential," said Columbia Ridge Activity Director Michelle Kendoll.

Improving the latter years of life

Maggie Lou Heltzel enjoys challenges, most any games and mingling with people. She is among the participants in beanbag baseball at Columbia Ridge Senior Living, in Washougal. Heltzel, 86, also enjoys playing bingo and exercise "sometimes."

June 24, 2014
Students at Washougal High School participate in Challenge Day, which is supported by the Unite! Washougal Community Coalition. "We have a great community here," said Margaret McCarthy, coalition director. "We have a lot of amazing youth that are doing fantastic things. We need to celebrate that and encourage that and support that. It is empowering for them to know that people care about what they do."

Uniting for Prevention

To "unite" is defined as joining, combining or incorporating to form a single unit. There is a reason this descriptive term is included in the name of the organization that is made up of a diverse group of members who work together to "support youth, encourage families, enrich community and guide healthy choices."

June 24, 2014
The Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon and 10K races begin with a breathtaking sprint across the Columbia River from Washington into Oregon. The bridge stretches 1,858 feet across and stands 140 above the river. The grated road allows runners and walkers to see the rushing water below their feet.

Spanning the Columbia River on foot

An iconic landmark in the Columbia River Gorge is the centerpiece for the Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon and 10K Sunday, Aug. 10. Up to 1,000 runners and walkers will cross the 1,858-foot steel masterpiece from Washington into Oregon and work their way to the finish line at Thunder Island, in Cascade Locks. The grated road along the bridge allows participants to see the Columbia River flowing beneath their feet.

June 24, 2014
Sherry Montgomery, a code enforcement officer, often brings her lunch to work at the Washougal Police station. Recently, her meal included leftover steak, parmesan-roasted zucchini, local strawberries and fruit-infused water. "I brown bag my lunch everyday and eat as few processed items as possible,"

Healthy at work

Georgia-Pacific is among the area's companies that promote health and safety -- in the workplace and beyond. The mill in downtown Camas provides an on site nurse and physical therapist, for employees. Fresh fruit can be found in the nurse's office, and sometimes in the clock room.

June 24, 2014

Is your child eating kid-friendly foods that support overall health and wellness?

It's 3 o'clock in the morning and your child is awake complaining of aches and pains. You take his temperature, give him some water, and sit with him to encourage rest. Parents commonly experience long nights like these, and it can be tormenting when you can't make your ill child feel better. What's a loving parent to do?

June 24, 2014
Lacamas Elementary School student Jesse Raunig has several servings of fruits and vegetables on his lunch tray. Recent federal regulations require that students take at least one-half cup of these for the lunch to count as a reimbursable meal.

School lunches promote healthy eating

When one hears the words "school lunch," memories of rubbery chicken nuggets, canned vegetables and unappetizing pizza typically come to mind. But during the last several years, school lunches have received a major overhaul due to changing beliefs about nutrition and federal requirements.

June 24, 2014
Lacamas Elementary School student Jesse Raunig has several servings of fruits and vegetables on his lunch tray. Recent federal regulations require that students take at least one-half cup of these for the lunch to count as a reimbursable meal.

School lunches promote healthy eating

When one hears the words "school lunch," memories of rubbery chicken nuggets, canned vegetables and unappetizing pizza typically come to mind. But during the last several years, school lunches have received a major overhaul due to changing beliefs about nutrition and federal requirements.

June 24, 2014
Dogs and their owners enjoy the open spaces of the Donald and Angeline Stevenson Off Leash Area, at 32nd and Addy streets in Washougal. The park includes a separate area for smaller dogs.

Constant companions

There are benefits for dogs and their owners to spend time running or walking. Justin Anderson, of Washougal, said his 4-month-old goldendoodle, Kirby behaves better with a walk.