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Life

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.

October 9, 2012
Selecting just the right pumpkin is a challenge for many. Sometimes, it is necessary to choose at least two.

Area farms provide everything from hay rides to petting zoos

Got a hankering for tasting some apple cider, wandering through a corn maze, and picking the perfect pumpkin?If so, then area pumpkin patches fit the bill. Open now through Halloween, most offer a lot more than the standard gourd. Many include hay rides, apple cider, corn mazes, petting zoos, local produce, food for purchase and crafts.

September 25, 2012
Chloe and Carson Connors are hosting the "Challenge for Change," event in honor of their brother, who overcame a heroin addiction.

Finding light in the storm

"I've seen a storm, I won't wait for another Lord with your help I will make a change Guide my hands to the brokenhearted Help me shine the light on the rain. Shine light on the rain..."