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Life

April 30, 2013
Large describes the sixth zip line in the tour, which takes riders on a steep plunge before slowing and coming to a stop approximately 900 feet later. It is located at the fifth hole of Skamania Lodge's golf course.

Skamania Lodge opens new zip line tour

I am deathly afraid of heights. Until recently, even driving on winding roads with a drop-off was enough to nearly induce a panic attack. So it stands to reason that I would not be standing on a wobbly, though secure, wooden platform 22 feet off the ground, preparing to jump into mid-air. But here I am, with six other journalists from various publications in Southwest Washington. It's a fun group, with a few of the more experienced, “zippers” cracking jokes about past experiences.

April 23, 2013
Ninth-grade students meet with Wright to discuss symposium projects. All Math, Science and Technology Magnet Program participants must complete a year-long research project. "He's very dedicated, and cares a lot about students success," said ninth-grader Anna Roche.

Ron Wright, CHS teacher, inspires others with his passion and dedication

If you ask several different people at Camas High School to describe teacher Ron Wright, chances are their responses will be similar. Passionate. Dedicated. Patient. Sincere. A visionary. Kind. These are just a few of the things that colleagues, administrators and students had to say about Wright, who serves as a Math, Science and Technology Magnet Program teacher. Wright, 63, also coordinates student internships at local businesses, serves as research project advisor and mentors students in several extracurricular programs. "He connects students with opportunities," said Steven Marshall, CHS principal. "Whether it is Science Olympiad, the State Science and Engineering Fair, or internships, students get excited and their excitement inspires Ron. He does not just tell them about these events, he motivates them, supports them, and prepares them for success. He is truly a mentor. What amazes me is that he mentors so many students."

April 16, 2013
Skyridge Middle School technology teacher Ann Hofmann, and Green Team members (left to right) Sidney Greenamyer and Kaelene Barlow regularly sort through recycling and garbage bins during lunchtime, and remove items that are put in the wrong area.

Students and staff try to make every day ‘Earth Day’

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."This quote by Margaret Mead is exemplified by several educators, staff members and students in local schools, who show that every day can be Earth Day, not just April 22. These environmental advocates can often be found going through the trash at their schools to make sure recycling hasn't been tossed in the wrong bins. They educate their fellow students and co-workers about Earth-friendliness, pick up litter, start composting and Green Schools programs, and plant gardens. Sometimes, all it takes is one person, or a simple act, to begin making a positive difference. For Earth Day, the Post-Record has chosen to feature a few of these people and programs.

April 9, 2013
Alicia Seaman (left) and Julie Scott-Seaman dance with the Masai in their village between Tararangire and Ngorongoro.

Julie Scott-Seaman, local travel agent, spends 13 days on an African safari

Julie Scott-Seaman is a traveler by nature. That's why she turned her love into a lifelong career at Camas World Travel. Since 1976, she has been helping people plan their vacations, and seeing beautiful places along the way. "I love it because you're helping people, you get to travel and most of the time, you're sending someone on vacation so they are in a great mood," she said. In her position, Scott-Seaman has been all over the world. But recently, she embarked on a new adventure: A wildlife safari in Africa. She, along with seven other people, including clients, friends and her daughter, went to visit various wildlife parks in Tanzania.

April 2, 2013
David Fetkyo and his wife, Angel (not pictured) teach tai chi and qi gong classes to students 55 and older as a part of the Clark College Mature Learning program.

Clark College offers several classes specifically for those 55 or older

Learning never stops. That's the message behind Clark College's Mature Learning Program, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a party and several mini classes. Those 55 and older enjoyed courses ranging from "Why is there sex? DNA and Human Evolution," to "Anyone Can Be an Artist," to "Paris in its Glory Days: 1850-1914." The birthday celebration also included a visit from college president Bob Knight, cake, and a keynote lunch lecture by Dr. Larry Sherman, a nationally recognized neuroscientist at Oregon Health & Science University. "Mature Learning offers seniors the chance to take fascinating classes taught by brilliant instructors," said Tracy Reilly Kelly, program manager. "We have a long legacy of excellence to celebrate. Persons who are retired or semi-retired are at a stage of their lives when they now have time for themselves, time to enrich their lives through 'lifelong learning' classes on topics that offer enrichment. It might be taking up painting, studying history, world religion or geography. They might seek fitness opportunities like tai chi or yoga."

March 26, 2013
Eager egg hunters wait for the festivities to begin at the Crown Park hunt.

Community egg hunts held rain or shine

With Easter this weekend, many local children will participate in the time honored holiday tradition of egg hunts. Both Camas and Washougal have events to keep the little and not-so-little ones full of Easter chocolate and other sweet treats. It will be the 22nd year for the Camas Parks and Recreation Easter Day egg hunt. "I am so glad that after all of these years, we are still able to offer this for free," said Krista Bashaw, recreation coordinator. "Other communities are starting to charge for these events, so I'm grateful to have a supportive City Council and mayor so we can offer this event for everyone."

March 19, 2013
Children ages 2 to 5 are served in the Y's Care Children's Program, which provides a year-round nurturing environment and preschool education to families that are low income, in transition or homeless.

YWCA volunteers help serve families and individuals facing traumatic circumstances

YWCA Clark County began as a lunch counter for working women who weren't allowed to eat with the men. The year was 1916, and female employees were rare. Fast forward nearly 100 years. The YWCA's goal of assisting women remains the same, although services needed have definitely changed with the times. Currently, the non-profit organization provides services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, a child care program, independent living skills program for foster youth, advocates for abused or neglected children, and offers job training and support for incarcerated women making a transition back to society. Its mission statement is: "Eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all."

March 12, 2013
Addi Gibbons works with the "Teach Me Kindergarten" app on an iPad at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School. Teacher Cindy Coons said the device is ideal for her students because it helps them learn at their own pace.

Kindergarten teachers use collaboration, research to teach Common Core standards

However, in today's kindergarten world, the list would also need to include writing, reading and math comprehension. When Cindy Coons first began teaching kindergarten at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School, she was thrilled if students came in knowing how to spell their first name and recite the alphabet. "Now, I need them coming in knowing all the letters and sounds, the numbers one through 10 out of order, spelling their last name and finding it in a mix of others." The change is due to the Common Core Standards, part of a nationwide effort to align curriculum. Although it won’t be officially implemented in Washington state until the 2014-15 school year, teachers in Camas and Washougal are getting a head start by developing curriculum which aligns with Common Core Standards.

March 5, 2013
Camas police officers check CHS during a lockdown drill last Tuesday. They carried blue plastic gun replicas to add an element of realism. It is the first time the police have been involved in a lockdown drill at the school.

Safe at school

Student safety. With the recent rash of school shootings, it's a topic that weighs heavily on the minds of principals, staff and parents.But how do administrators determine if their school is ready to respond in the event of crisis? Will the students know what to do? How will a police response be coordinated? Schools are formulating plans to address these issues by taking a close look at current safety protocols. Camas High School and Cape Horn-Skye Elementary in rural Washougal recently participated in lockdown drills with the police, hoping to get a better indicator of just how prepared they are in the event of an emergency. "We've been wanting to try this drill for a few years, and the recent shooting at the end of 2012 created an urgency to make it happen," said Steve Marshall, CHS principal.

February 26, 2013
London takes a swing at the pinata during her 90th birthday celebration in August. The trees were decorated with bags, symbolizing her many years cleaning up Washougal River Road.

Betty London’s friends, family remember her sense of adventure, kindness

Sometimes, it is not one extraordinary thing that leaves a mark on this world. It is a number of small ordinary kindnesses, which truly make a difference in the lives of others.Betty London was one of these "ordinary extraordinary" people. Her friends and family describe her in the following ways: Adventurous. Kind. Caring. Good listener. Earth-friendly. Active. Creative. Funny. London passed away recently at the age of 90. Active until the end, she could often be seen tending to a 2-mile stretch of Washougal River Road, picking up bottles, cans and other garbage that was carelessly tossed away by others. She encouraged her friends and family to, "leave this a better place than when you found it." "She had the gift to make the ordinary extraordinary, not only for herself, but for everyone with whom she crossed paths," said son Richard (Rit) London. "She said we had wings, so go fly."