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Life

December 11, 2012
Annie and Hope Garcia (front row) perform during a master's workshop at The Portland Ballet this past August. Both girls enjoy dance for different reasons. Annie loves the challenges of learning new steps, while for Hope, performing for an audience is the "zenith" of it all.

Annie and Hope Garcia are members of The Portland Ballet

Anyone who thinks of ballerinas as dainty waifs has never met Annie and Hope Garcia.These young women are tall, strong and athletic to the core, spending several hours every week practicing ballet. They study and perform in the American ballet style, described as "intensively aerobic and athletic." It requires a combination of skill, attention to the minute details, athleticism and the ability to push through pain, all with a smile. "I've heard some people say that ballet looks easy," said Hope. "It looks easy because we make it look that way. You have to smile no matter how it feels."

December 4, 2012
Camas Parks & Recreation provides a variety of opportunities for kids to be creative during winter break, such as this cookie baking preschool camp last year.

Many local organizations offer fun camps during the holiday break

Whether you're a working parent looking for childcare while school is out, or just want to keep your kids occupied during the upcoming winter break, there are a plethora of options available in the local area.Camas Parks and Recreation, Camas Community Education, Jack, Will and Rob Boys & Girls Club and Washougal Community Education & Recreation all offer camps geared for kids who want to cook, craft or work on their jump shot.

November 27, 2012
Camas Mayor Scott Higgins (left) and Washougal Mayor Sean Guard prepare for their initial weigh-in during the start of the Camas and Washougal on a Diet Challenge in May. The mayors are facing off in a year-long competition to see who can lose the most weight and earn bragging rights, as well as a healthier lifestyle.

How to keep eating and exercise on track during ‘the most wonderful time of the year’

'Tis the season for family gatherings, parties, holiday movies and cookie exchanges. Unfortunately, it's also the season for weight gain.It is said that the average American gains 8 to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and the New Year. These pounds tend to be "the gift that keeps on giving," and at best, can mean buying larger sized clothes and at worst, contribute to health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity.

November 20, 2012
Cindy Ontkean is preparing for the Holiday Home Tour, set for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9. She and her husband Mike built their home in Lacamas Shores 10 years ago. The Ontkeans have many family holiday traditions, from hanging favorite ornaments to picking out their live Christmas tree each year. "Our house will completely transform in the next couple of weeks," she said. "It's fun to get out all of those memories each year."

Holiday Home Tour will feature four distinctive Camas residences

Cindy Ontkean had such a great time showing her decked-out house during the Holiday Home Tour four years ago, she's back for a second round. "It was such an enjoyable experience," she said. "People were so appreciative that we had opened our homes. I got some personal notes of thanks. The reason I did it was that my mom had just died, and she loved Christmas. I could feel her with me. That's why I'm doing it again."

November 8, 2012
The Holiday Marketplace Bazaar at Washougal High School is a popular event for local vendors and shoppers every year.

Experience the bazaar

It's that time of year again. November typically kicks off a flurry of holidays bazaars, where those looking for one-of-a-kind gifts are sure to find them. During the next month, several bazaars are coming to churches, schools and civic centers. Eager shoppers will have the chance to help local non-profit groups, support the local economy, buy handcrafted items and avoid crowds at the mall.

October 30, 2012
Author Cheryl Linn Martin visits with a fan at the book release party at Journey Community Church.

Life in flip flops

Anyone who has had a little brother knows how annoying they can be at times. This is definitely the case for the heroine of local author Cheryl Linn Martin's "Hawaiian Detective Club" series.

October 23, 2012
Narrator Shannon Leininger begins "44 Plays for 44 Presidents," during a rehearsal at Washburn Performing Arts Center last week.

’44 Plays for 44 Presidents’ is part of nationwide festival

The drama during election season isn't limited to the presidential debates or candidates accusing each other of sign stealing. This year, there will be drama, when students at Washougal High School take to the stage with "44 Play for 44 Presidents." As the title indicates, this production contains 44 mini-plays about each of the presidents of the United States. It is a part of the Plays for Presidents Festival 2012, and Washougal is joining 43 schools all across the United States who are participating during the election year. WHS is one of only four West Coast schools, the others being San Jose, Los Angeles and Seattle.

October 16, 2012
One of the activities the Taki delegation participated in was a tour of historic Fort Vancouver. Here, they learn about the cannons outside Chief Factor's house.

The language of friendship

Despite thousands of miles and cultural differences that separate the United States from Japan, those who have spent time with host families in either country know one thing: We're all pretty similar. Twenty middle school students and their host families discovered that during five days they spent together last week. A group from the town a Taki, a sister city of Camas, included included mayor Yukio Kubo, a high school principal, English teacher, interpreter, city clerk and travel guide, in addition to the students.They stayed with families from Liberty and Skyridge middle schools. The visit was organized though the Camas Sister City Association, in collaboration with Camas schools.

October 9, 2012

Halloween and harvest festivals

o Family Halloween Night: Camas Parks and Recreation will host its annual Family Halloween Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at Liberty Middle School, 1612 N.E. Garfield St. The event includes carnival games from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m., and a costume contest from 8:30 to 9 p.m. It is designed for children ages 2 to 12. All attending must be accompanied by an adult. The entry fee is two non-perishable food items. No costume weapons are allowed.