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Life

January 1, 2013
Contributed photo Artist Sue Clancy works on a commissioned portrait of New York Times best-selling author Billie Letts. Here, she focuses on ink and acrylic detailing, after the cut paper pieces have been glued on and have dried.

Savoring the little things

In a seemingly nonstop, 24-7 world of technology, sometimes it is necessary to "unplug" and enjoy the little pleasures in life."Often I have, like many people, gotten so busy, so stressed, that it felt like I was chasing my tail," said artist Sue Clancy. "Remembering to savor a moment, to pay attention, to enjoy the little things is essential to mental and physical health. The ability to allow oneself to delight in things is an essential part of being happy."

December 25, 2012
Neumann's cat, Kanga, is a constant companion at his desk while he composes music.

A love of music Camas middle school student hopes to make his passion a career

At the age of 14, John Neumann is already an accomplished musician who plays four different instruments. The Skyridge Middle School eighth-grader has also begun composing music for different occasions. Recently, one of his pieces, "Semper Tubas," was played at a Metropolitan Youth Symphony winter concert at Tigard High School in Oregon. Neumann, tall and soft-spoken, has no fear of playing his tuba in front of large crowds, or acting as conductor for his compositions. When he is standing in front of the concert band, directing, he appears well beyond his years. "I rarely get nervous," he said. "I love all the instruments equally and just enjoy making music with them."

December 25, 2012
Camas Church of the Nazarene Pastor Richard Sales, pictured above with his wife, Joanne, will retire on Jan. 1, 2013.

Church of the Nazarene pastor plans to retire

Pastor Richard Sales of Camas Church of the Nazarene will retire on Jan. 1 after more than 50 years of service in the ministry. Pastor Sales and his wife Joanne began their ministry in 1959, serving with the First Church of the Nazarene in Livingston, Mont. After a call to Oceanside, Calif., he later served as pastor in Midway City. He and his family moved to attend Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Okla., where he also served as pastor in Stigler, Okla. Following graduation, he was called to a church in San Bernadino, Calif. After serving with several churches in southern California and some time spent with a church in Las Vegas, the Sales' moved to Washington, where they have pastored for the past 25 years.

December 18, 2012
Jake Peterson, a consultant at Hero Support, works on a Lego set. Legos, new and used, are one of the many stocking stuffers available for under $15 at the store.

Finds under $15

You've gotten most of the holiday shopping wrapped up, so to speak.But what to do with the stockings? Instead of frantically racing through a big box store on Christmas Eve, you can find a variety of inexpensive, fun, and non-sugary stocking stuffers for everyone on your list in Camas and Washougal. The Post-Record recently visited four local businesses, which had not been featured in a prior holiday gift giving story, to see what could be found for under $15. These businesses are just a small sampling of the many items to be found locally.

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.