Camas-Washougal logo tag

Life

February 28, 2012

John Grall’s speech for ‘A Night of Angels’ fund-raiser

It was a cold rainy night when my mom said "grab an umbrella, we're going somewhere special." I was hesitant to leave my house to go out into the storm. As we walked, my mom shared with me the story of a mother's loss of her three sons and how she channeled her grief and pain into a love and passion to build a place to keep all kids safe, and to develop them into productive and responsible adults. Where we went that night was a port in a storm, for me and hundreds of kids. That place is the Jack, Will and Rob Boys & Girls Club.

February 21, 2012
Tyler McMahon and Larry Wagoner are both volunteer firefighters for the Washougal Fire Department.

Volunteer firefighters play important roles in the operation of area fire departments

"I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the fireman has to do believe that his is a noble calling. Our proudest moment is to save lives."This quote by Edward F. Croker, written long before women were also firefighters, still rings true for many in emergency services today. Washington State Volunteer Firefighter Recognition Week was recently commemorated. In the Camas and Washougal areas, many men and women serve countless unpaid hours as firefighters, responding to calls at all hours of the day and night. Since both the city of Washougal Fire Department and East County Fire and Rescue rely heavily on volunteers, the Post-Record is highlighting some of them and what they do for the community.

February 14, 2012
Joy Corse interacts with her daughter, Ellison, at the Camas-Washougal Indoor Play Park.

Camas-Washougal Indoor Play Park provides a place for children and adults to connect

Play dates can be expensive. By the time a trip to a kid-friendly coffee joint or play area is complete, it can end up draining the wallet, not to mention the gas tank. However, for parents with small children not yet in school, play dates can also be lifelines to adult conversation and entertainment for the little ones. Thankfully, local parents have an affordable option close to home: The Camas-Washougal Indoor Play Park. For approximately $12 per month, parents can bring their children up to four days a week to play with a variety of toys, including a big play structure. Packing food and beverages from home is not only allowed, it is encouraged with small, kid friendly benches and tables. The play park is operated at Harvest Community Church in Camas, and is open from September to June from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For Joy Corse of Camas, it has been a fun place for her 2-year-old twins, Ellison and Camryn.

January 31, 2012
Sebella, a 4-year-old Abyssinian mix, was brought to the shelter after her owners lost their home and couldn't afford to keep her anymore. She enjoys playing with most other cats.

Local Humane Society rescues dogs and cats who would otherwise be euthanized

For many of the cats and dogs who come to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society, some are just hours away from being euthanized."It's our mission to end unnecessary euthanization of animals and to place them in forever homes," interim president Rochelle Ramos said. "We also want to be a resource to people who have to surrender animals or need help caring for them."

January 24, 2012
Jeff Snell, Camas School District assistant superintendent, listens to students describe their work at the CHS art show via a recording by dialing a specific number associated with each piece. His daughter, Mackenzie, does the same while son Micah takes a nap.

Voices of art

Visitors to the Camas High School art show last week may have been surprised to see something considered a faux pas at most venues: People with cell phones pressed to their ears.However, it wasn't a case of bad manners, but instead technology that allowed users to have a virtual guided tour of the show.

January 17, 2012
Mike Broderick recently retired after nearly 28 years of driving a bus for the Washougal School District. He said he'll miss the daily joking and conversation with his co-workers, as well as the children he drove to and from school.

Going the extra mile

Mike Broderick never intended to be a career school bus driver.But in the odd twists and turns that life sometimes takes, he became one. Last month, Broderick, 65, retired after 27 1/2; years with the Washougal School District, ferrying children to and from school in all kinds of weather. Back when Broderick began driving, the School District took the same attitude toward canceling school as the post office does for delivering mail: Neither wind, nor rain, nor sleet, nor snow would deter drivers from getting children safely to and from school via the shiny yellow buses.

January 10, 2012
LaCamas Swim & Sport's indoor pool area includes a three-lane lap pool, a recreation pool, and a hydrospa, according to the facility's website. Camas City councilors met Monday to discuss buying LaCamas Swim & Sport and converting the 41,000-square-foot building into a public recreation center, but differing opinions expressed at the meeting show the councilors are nowhere near making a decision.

It’s party planning time

Planning a child's birthday party can be a lot of fun. It can also be exhausting and time consuming. That's why several local businesses offer children's birthday packages, ranging from a fairy princess dance party to swimming and games. At Papa's Ice Cream in Washougal, owner Ivan Gering allows usage of a room which features a Wii and DVD player with a big screen, so partygoers can play games or kick back and watch a movie.