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Life

January 29, 2013
Alice 6 (Becca Bennett) is about to lose her head at the hand of the Knave of Hearts (Mcleod Turner) while the rest of the cast looks on. Thankfully, there is a happy ending.

A modern take on a surreal story

There's something about the "Alice in Wonderland" story which is timeless. "Kids are still fascinated by it," said Kelly Gregersen, drama director at Washougal High School. "For years, I've been looking for a fun version of it so we could perform it here. We haven't had a fairy tale in a long time." After a friend of his premiered a high school production of "Alice v. Wonderland" last year, Gregersen knew he'd found the play he wanted: A modern, rock 'n' roll take on a classic story. "Think 'Alice in Wonderland' meets Lady Gaga," Gregersen said. "Alice is a teenager instead of a little girl, and all of the settings are very modern."

January 28, 2013
Alan and Andrew Svehaug keep their chess instruction simple by breaking the game down piece by piece.

Success through chess

Chess. When most people hear that word, they think of a challenging game that requires patience, skill and intelligence to master.While these descriptions are accurate, even the youngest elementary school student can learn, according to Alan Svehaug, chess instructor.

January 15, 2013
Mike Smith is represented by several galleries, including one in Hilton Head, S.C. Here, he poses with two pastels he is sending to the gallery. In the background are works in progress and a guitar from his Army days. Horses feature prominently in his work. "Horses embody everything that is cool about the earth," Smith said.

Artist Mike Smith has spent a career doing what he loves

Mike Smith may be a world-famous artist, but his studio, crowded with different projects, thank-you notes, golf balls and a Specialized mountain bike suggest a man with a plethora of passions.And that's pretty much how he's lived his life. In fact, Smith never planned on becoming an artist. He considers himself lucky to have been in the right place at the right time on any number of occasions.

January 8, 2013
Post-Record file photo Chloe and Carson Connors hold a painting she created, called "Hope," which was sold in a silent auction to raise money for the Teen Challenge Metro Men's Center. The two hosted a "Challenge for Change," event in honor of their brother, who overcame a heroin addiction.

Top 12 of 2012

2012 was a year filled with changes and unforgettable moments, both nationally and locally. In Camas and Washougal, whether it was high school graduations, Challenge Day or mission trips in foreign countries, change was a constant. The Post-Record has decided to take a little time to reflect on the people and places that filled the paper's Hometown section, and has selected the top 12 most memorable stories. We hope you enjoy the look back.

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.