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Life

December 14, 2010
Sammy and Sydney Mederos enrolled in art therapy classes at Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital when the emotional trauma of Sammy's chemotherapy treatments became overwhelming for the sisters.

Finding hope in tragedy

One day, Sammy Mederos was a happy, 6-year-old girl playing soccer, climbing trees and enjoying kindergarten. The next day, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. "Our world literally changed overnight," her mom, Michele said. "But one of the many things we learned was how real it is that in the face of tragedy, the best in humanity emerges." Co-workers from Canyon Creek Middle School and Cape Horn-Skye Elementary, where Michele is a school psychologist, rallied around Michele and her family, cleaning their house, cooking meals, running errands and organizing a benefit event for Sammy last spring, which raised $7,000 for her medical fund.

December 14, 2010

Cancer related support organizations

The following are organizations the Mederos family has found helpful during Sammy's battle with cancer, and they recommend these to others.

December 7, 2010
Tessa Condon of New Orleans inspects a mobile at Main Street Merchantile in Washougal while owner Heidi Kramer looks on. "It's great because you never know what you'll find or what you need," she said.

Local and unique

This holiday season, many shoppers will join the frantic rush at the "big box" stores and malls. But for those who prefer a slightly slower pace and a unique gift, there are many to be found in the shops of Camas and Washougal. Store owners say that buying locally adds up to more than a one-of-a-kind gift and not having to fight over a parking spot.

November 30, 2010
A visit with Santa is the highlight for many children at the various holiday festivals. Other events include tree lightings, concerts, crafts and "The Nutcracker."

Celebrating the season

It's time to dig out the lights from the garage, search for the perfect tree, drag out your ugly reindeer sweater and spend more time with family: The holidays are here. The local area has an abundance of events such as festivals and tree lightings that can help you get into the spirit. Krista Bashaw, special events coordinator for Camas Parks and Recreation, is planning the Hometown Holidays festivities for this Friday. "This is a fabulous fun event for the entire family, no matter what the weather," she said. She added that it wouldn't be possible without the help of loyal volunteers.

November 23, 2010
Cleanup crews on Cat Island in the Gulf of Mexico worked in extreme temperatures, which often soared in the triple digits. Jeff Peebles, a paramedic who lives in Camas, spent two months assisting the crews after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion, which resulted in millions of gallons of oil leaking into the Gulf of Mexico.

Answering the call

For most local residents, the BP oil spill was seen and experienced only through various news accounts and chatroom musings. However, 39-year-old Jeff Peebles saw it first-hand when he traveled to the Gulf Coast. Peebles, a paramedic with Skamania County Emergency Services, went to Mississippi and Louisiana this past summer to provide emergency services to cleanup workers. "I was seeing everything in the news with all of the oiled-up birds, the tragedies, and the cleanup efforts, so I thought it sounded good to go and help out," he said. Peebles traveled with the cleanup crews daily, and treated patients mainly for heat related illnesses, although there were a fair share of stomach ailments, heart attacks and allergic reactions.

November 16, 2010
The Farrell house, located at Ione Street near downtown Camas, is part of the Holiday Home Tour, set for Dec. 4 and 5. Proceeds will benefit the Downtown Camas Association and Soroptimist International of Camas-Washougal. The home is currently undergoing a major renovation by the new owner.

A new beginning in an old home

Heidi Curley was walking by the Farrell house during the Camas Days Parade in July and was instantly smitten. "I like to say that the house found me," she said. "It was the last thing I was looking for at the time." Curley and her three girls, ages 15, 12 and 7, were still reeling from a family tragedy two months before.

November 9, 2010
Nothing compares to giving a friend or family member a one-of-a-kind handmade gift like those that can be found at local bazaars during the holiday season.

Gifts & Goodies Galore

Beginning this weekend, those looking for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts do not need to venture any farther than the local area. That's because several bazaars are coming to churches, schools and civic centers. Eager shoppers will have the chance to support the local economy, buy handcrafted items and avoid big box stores.

November 9, 2010
The Pirate King (James Maguire) has defeated the Sergeant of Police (Noah Collins) and Samuel (Nicholas Detering) has captured the Major General (Alex Brown), much to the delight of the other pirates.

A comedy about duty and love

Frederic, a pirate apprentice, has fallen in love with sweet, innocent Mabel, the first woman he has ever seen. Yet his vocation is a major roadblock to their future together. And thus begins the adventures of the "Pirates of Penzance," Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operetta, which drama students at Washougal High School will be performing for their fall theater production.

October 26, 2010
A "train" pulled by a tractor, is another popular attraction. Children typically want to go for a ride, no matter what the weather.

In search of the Great Pumpkin

Every October for the past five years, Jeff Walton has hosted a pumpkin patch at his Camas farm. It's a quiet place, without the hubbub and chaos of some of the larger pumpkin patches. And this suits Walton just fine. "Since I took over the farm 28 years ago, I've always wanted to grow pumpkins," he said. "I really wanted this for the little kids. That way they don't feel overwhelmed like they may at some of the larger farms."