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Life

August 6, 2013
Deer wander freely around the 142 acres of grounds of Camp Melacoma, and are even hand-fed by Dodi and Andy Jensen, who formed the non-profit Camp Melacoma Association to purchase the site. Nieman Lodge (pictured above) includes a dining room for 200 people, sleeping quarters and kitchen. Due to high levels of naturally occurring arsenic found in the water, the facility has not operated as a camp since 2010. A water treatment plan is being formulated.

Taking care of Camp Melacoma

Stepping onto the grounds at Camp Melacoma is a lot like stepping back in time.The 142-acre heavily wooded site is tucked away in the hills of Skamania County, 13 miles up Washougal River Road. It has been a kids' camp since 1948, when Robert Wineberg deeded the first chunk of the property to the Camp Fire Cascade Council. Over the years, it's been a place where literally thousands of kids of all ages and backgrounds have converged to explore nature first hand, and get the quintessential summer camp experience. Dodi Jensen, a longtime Washougal resident, became the camp's on-site caretaker in 2008. Jensen was looking for a change of pace and was familiar with the property, having volunteered at the site before. "I had fallen in love with the camp long before I ever came to work here," she said.

August 1, 2013
A string of classic cars from the Flying Eagle As Model A Ford Car Club delighted the crowd at the Grand Parade.

Camas Days spectacular

Whether it was the Grand Parade, the Kids Parade or all the activities in between, Camas Days was once again a crowd pleaser. The fun kicked off Friday with the annual Kids Parade. Children dressed in all matter of things "Outta This World" flooded the streets with smiles and tossed candy to eager onlookers. The Camas Days theme gave young ones full use for their imaginations. It was organized by Camas Parks and Recreation, which gave each participant a pair of unique sunglasses and a ribbon. Parade participants ranged from community groups to the Camas Public Library to families out enjoying the day. Erin Waller of Camas came with her three children, who dressed as martians in green body paint and eyeball sunglasses. "This is our first year in the Kids Parade and we're excited," she said. "We just love the big parade."

July 23, 2013
A variety of students access Hathaway's free summer lunch program, from those in local Community Education programs to those participating in credit recovery. The lunches run from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, until Aug. 16.

Washougal’s Hathaway Elementary School program includes free lunches, summer camps, academics and activities

Sometimes it takes just a small idea to create a ripple of change.That is what is happening in the Washougal School District this summer. At Hathaway Elementary School, students from pre-kindergarten through high school level are receiving extra academic help, along with free, nutritious lunches; and they are participating in enrichment activities. This is the result of a collaboration between district administrators, teachers, staff, health centers and local volunteers. "Even just at the beginning of this program, the level of conversation, the amount of attention each of these kids are able to receive, is so beneficial," said David Tudor, curriculum director.

July 16, 2013
Danielle Frost/Post-Record Robin Dobson and Kathleen Perillo own and operate Klickitat Canyon Winery. Here, they relax in their Stevenson tasting room.

Washougal couple is committed to sustainable practices at their Lyle vineyard

"Experience wine the way nature makes it."This is the philosophy behind Washougal couple Robin Dobson and Kathleen Perillo's business, Klickitat Canyon Winery. From the soil in which the grapes grow to when the wine is sold, everything is as natural as possible. Their vineyard is one of only three in the state of Washington that makes certified organic wines. There are no sulfites, yeasts, clarifiers or chemicals. These days, "clean eating" is becoming a common practice in many households, but Dobson said he was making wine without additives long before that. "I've always done it this way," he said. "It's the traditional way of making wine in Europe. I want the grapes to speak for themselves."

July 2, 2013
Dale Lancaster, Kirsten Muskat and Sherry Brookshire, members of the Camas Camera Club, will have their work featured in the Second Story Gallery this month. Muskat founded the camera club in 2011 so that local photographers could meet in a non-competitive environment and share their work.

Work of Camas Camera Club members will be featured in ‘The Call of the Open Road’ exhibit

A buggy on a misty country road. A skateboarder weaving his way down the street. A desert highway that seems to stretch forever.These are a few of the images Camas Camera Club members will share during their photography exhibit this month. "The Call of the Open Road," will be featured at the Camas Public Library's Second Story Gallery. The official unveiling and reception are on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. The opening will coincide with a popular classic car show, which is a part of Camas First Friday. Club members participated in the exhibit last year and enjoyed it so much, they came back for a second round, said Kirsten Muskat, club founder.

June 25, 2013
Children from birth through age 19 are welcome to participate in the Washougal Public Library's summer reading program.

Summer programs at Camas and Washougal libraries offer incentives, fun events

A flyer from the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District delivers the following message: "Get Smarter: READ!"Those who sign up for local "Dig into Reading" programs get an added bonus: Prizes to reward minutes read. The Camas and Washougal public libraries both have reading programs in place to encourage children and teenagers to read during their school break. "Youth who read during the summer will practice their reading and comprehension skills, and are likely to start school in the fall more prepared," said Ellen Miles, Camas youth services librarian. "That leads to smart kids who will grow up to be doctors and scientists who will change the world for the better."

June 18, 2013
Angie Steffanson, a co-valedictorian, described Washougal as a close, supportive community. "It is a small, but beautiful city," she added.

Washougal shows patriotic Pomp and Circumstance

The Washougal High School graduation ceremony Saturday included several opportunities to honor America and the veterans and students willing to defend it. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Schick-Ogle Post 4278 installed a new flag at the school, as the soon-to-be graduates who had enlisted to serve in the various branches of the military stood in front of the commencement stage. VFW Officer of the Day Gary Andreas played "To the Color" on a ceremonial bugle as the flag was raised, and the WHS band performed the "Star Spangled Banner," during the salute. The ceremony got underway at Fishback Stadium with the school band performing the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance," as the seniors joyfully entered Fishback Stadium two by two, giving each other hugs, high fives and fist pumps. Family and friends brought bouquets of roses and orange balloons to the stands, and a beach ball made an appearance twice.

June 18, 2013
CHS graduates are all smiles after receiving their diplomas and walking across the stage to loud cheers from family and friends.

CHS class of 2013 celebrates its achievements

All four high schools in Camas and Washougal recently held their graduation ceremonies. Post-Record reporters were on hand to capture the special moments. Camas High School Cheers, tears and laughter could be heard throughout Doc Harris Stadium Friday night, where more than 500 proud Papermakers participated in commencement ceremonies. The class of 2013 is not only the largest class ever in school history, but it is also the first senior class to compete at the 4A level, and set a new record for scholarships, with approximately $9.3 million amassed.

June 18, 2013
Excelsior High School graduating senior Andrew Schneider make their way to the stage.

Excelsior High School graduation

Excelsior High School Each of the graduates had a different story to about how they ended up at Excelsior High School. From pregnancy and struggles to keep up with school work to a lack of motivation and feeling lost in the shuffle, each of these situations could have led these students to make the decision to forego earning a high school diploma.