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August 23, 2011
This year's Street Faire will span four blocks in downtown Camas. It is sponsored by Camas Antiques and the Downtown Camas Association, and presented by Worthy Goods.

Taking it to the street

Those who enjoy finding unique home furnishings, garden art or a one-of-a-kind necklace should clear their calendars for Saturday. The third-annual Vintage Street Faire is coming to downtown Camas. With approximately 30 vendors offering everything from 1890s collectibles to handmade linens, there will be plenty of choices. Items range in price from just a few dollars to higher end, older finds. The Street Faire is sponsored by Camas Antiques and the Downtown Camas Association, and is presented by Worthy Goods.

August 9, 2011
Tulla Burke, historian with the Second Story Gallery Society, hangs "Keyhole Rock II," by Judith Sanders-Wood. The showing of the Ridgefield resident's work opened Friday with a reception at the Second Story Gallery inside the Camas Public Library.

Painting her way through life

Judith Sanders-Wood used to get in trouble with her teacher in grade school for drawing outlines of naked people in the margins of her school papers. She didn't understand why her teacher was so upset; her artistic mother had taught her to draw the human form when she was a young child as a basis for paintings and drawings.

August 2, 2011
Cape Horn-Skye fifth-grade teacher Chelsea Meats helps Sami Tyler tie a string around her bird feeder, a fundraiser for a school trip to Costa Rica next July.

An adventure of discovery

Most people only dream of visiting Costa Rica, but a fifth-grade teacher at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School is turning that into a reality for several of her students. Chelsea Meats and five middle school students from Canyon Creek, which shares a campus with Cape Horn-Skye, are heading on an eight-day trip to Costa Rica next July through Discovery Student Adventures.

July 26, 2011
Joanna Duran gives her daughter, Delaney a lift to look at the animal prizes offered by Pure Wellness, a chiropractic and massage clinic in Washougal.

Celebrating a tradition of fun

Whether it was scoring that roll of toilet paper or the piece of candy at the main parade, or the wonderful aromas wafting from the food area, or the many trinkets vendors were selling, Camas Days was all about having fun. It came complete with tasty doughnuts, promising raffles and lively crowds. A crackle of energy ran through the air as people had the chance to explore booths set up by local and near-by vendors. With everything from handcrafted wood furniture to soaps to garlic, there was something that appealed to everyone. The annual two-day festival on Friday and Saturday brought big crowds to downtown Camas. In addition to the family-themed events, there was also a Wine and Microbrew Street, complete with live music for the adults.

July 19, 2011
Gene Dietzen assists student Joan Anderson during a recent jewelry making class. His said his passion is teaching.

Learning the tools of the trade

Gene Dietzen has always been interested in creating things from scratch. "When I was in high school, I made model kits and these were photographed and actually used on the cover for different manufacturers," he said. Dietzen dabbled in jewelry making after high school, but between managing a career and earning a college degree, he didn't have the time for his true passion: teaching. Several years ago, Dietzen found that creative outlet through East County Community Education, teaching astronomy and eventually jewelry making, among other things. After a stint there, Dietzen wanted to find a place where he could solder without fear of "burning the building down." He taught classes in southeast Portland and at a Washougal shop before opening up his own studio in Camas four years ago, after a back injury forced an early retirement.

July 12, 2011
The Puffin Cafe offers lots to view for those who eat their meals outside.

The ‘al fresco’ experience

Ah, summer. Finally, most of us can safely wear our lighter clothing and shoes for more than one day in a row. Of course, with the nice weather comes an opportunity to take part in something most Northwesterners don't get to do a lot of during the winter months: Get outdoors and soak up the sunshine. Many local eateries in Camas and Washougal have responded to that need by providing outdoor dining options. On a bright, warm day last Wednesday, several local residents could be seen enjoying their cuisine at different local restaurants in the great outdoors. At Natalia's in downtown Camas, Renee Sanders enjoyed breakfast with 7-month-old daughter, Ellen, and her parents. "I love the fresh air and not being cooped up inside," Sanders said.

July 5, 2011
If Nell Warren and Greg Misarti have a plan amendment approved by the Columbia Gorge Commission, they would eventually like to have three artists living on their property and using this refurbished 1895 barn for studio space.

A fusion of art & ecology

Take a step onto the property at Southeast Gibson Road, and it's like entering a different world. The hustle and bustle of life are left behind and replaced with oak trees, flowers, a pond and native plants.

June 28, 2011
Participants in a Zumba toning class follow instructions from Rachelle Wish, a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor.

Fitness for the body and mind

Almost everyone has tried a diet or exercise plan of some kind with the best of intentions, only to quit a few weeks later when they don't see results or get tired of drastically cutting calories.

June 21, 2011
Students raise their hands in victory after completing the blackberry bush removal project at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Sixth-graders from Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek middle schools spent two days last week learning about the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding area.

Empowering observation

Four years ago, the need for an outdoor school replacement activity resulted in an unusual partnership. The Washougal School District approached the Friends of the Columbia Gorge, a non-profit preservation group, about working with local sixth-graders who had outdoor school cut as a part of budget constraints. "Both sides felt this was a missing piece," said Maegan Jossy, outdoor program coordinator. After a private donation enabled the program to move forward, the goal has been to have students experience the Columbia Gorge in a new way, while aligned with state learning standards.