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#NeverAgainSWWA School Walkout Coming March 14 — Camas District Responds

Camas, WA — Camas High School students are aligning with other Southwest Washington schools to walk out of classes on March 14 to address their concerns about the Douglas High School shootings.

The national walkout was organized by Women’s March Youth EMPOWER to “protest Congress’ inaction to do more than tweet thoughts and prayers in response to the gun violence plaguing our schools and neighborhoods.”

It is also part of a national #NeverAgain campaign, which originated with survivors of the shootings. The group has organized protests demanding legislative action to prevent similar shootings from happening, and is focused on calling out U.S. lawmakers who have received political contributions from the National Rifle Association (NRA).

“We are planning for the March 14th walkout in solidarity with Parkland, Florida,” said Camas High School student, Abigail Jiang. “… A group of us are collaborating with walkout organizers from all the high schools in the area to get student support for a letter to our local representatives regarding Parkland, school shootings and gun reform.”

Jiang said the walkout will be brief and allow 17 minutes of dialogue “with each minute focusing on the 17 people who died at Douglas High School.”

In reaction to the walkout, Camas School District issued the following statement:

“The Camas School District supports students’ rights to express their views in a peaceful manner, including their constitutional right to assemble peacefully. (Board Procedure 3220P Freedom of Expression). As educators, we consider it important to create the conditions for students to develop into responsible global citizens who are critical thinkers and take responsible action to shape their communities.

“While students at Camas High School have met with administration to coordinate the on-campus walkout for those who choose to participate, this is not a school-sponsored event. Classes are operating on a normal schedule, and we expect staff and students to be engaged in teaching and learning. We will work together to ensure that our processes support our community’s expectation for safety and supervision.”

In addition to the walkout, several Camas High School students have drafted a letter to Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler and other local government officials and organizations.

Petty

Alaina Petty was killed in the Douglas High School shootings.

Student Letter

This is the letter:

Dear Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (and other local government officials/organizations),

Over the past few weeks, my classmates and I have been unable to remove the horrifying events of Parkland from our minds. Parkland was an affluent suburb known for being a safe city and for its great public school system. This description is nearly identical to many schools in Southwest Washington, where we live. Seventeen students died. We watched the videos and felt nauseous, and could only picture ourselves in their shoes. We are deeply saddened and worried to discover your views on gun control, track your voting record, and learn of your dealings with the NRA. You have stayed completely silent online regarding this tragic event. You have accepted thousands of dollars from the NRA, more than any other Washington Congressperson. Addressing mental health is extremely important, but it is not enough to prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands. Never again do we want to see a mass shooting, whether it be at a school, public venue, or place of worship. We, the students of Southwest Washington, demand that you take action against gun violence. More specifically, we demand that you:

  • Help in the banning of military-grade assault rifles and high-capacity magazines of more than 10 rounds to reduce the breadth and depth of damage mass shooters have the potential to inflict.
  • Ban bump stocks that turn semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic ones. No civilian needs such weapons for self-defense.
  • Raise the age requirement to buy an AR-15 – the gun used in the Parkland shooting – from 18 to 21.
  • Lift the ban on federally funded research into causes of gun violence (the Dickey Amendment). The CDC should be allowed to extensively investigate gun violence as a public safety concern. The CDC researched car safety and smoking – this is no different.
  • Implement universal background checks, a policy that already has wide bipartisan support. Show support for implementing background checks at gun shows and online to make sure there are no loopholes where unstable individuals can obtain these weapons. You have supported loose measures on gun show purchases in the past, and this is unacceptable.
  • Extend the period of time investigators have to complete delayed background checks from 3 to 14 days. This would enhance law enforcement’s ability to prevent gun violence.
  • Increase funding for mental health services. While mass shootings by people with serious mental illness represent less than 1% of yearly gun-related homicides, providing mental health services could prevent a mass shooter from ever acting on their thoughts.
  • Keep local government organizations, such as the Sheriff’s office and local FBI, accountable. Our lives depend on the integrity of their actions.

My fellow classmates and I deserve to go to school without worrying if the next time we hear a fire alarm pulled, we could be shot. We deserve to live when we step foot into our schools. We deserve to have a Congressperson that represents our demands. Mental health cannot be regulated, but guns can. This legislation would not infringe on the 2nd Amendment rights of responsible citizens. Students are dying, and yet our representatives continue to do nothing, too worried about the next election to create meaningful reform that could save our lives. We are the voice of the new generation, the next voting generation, and we implore you to support common sense gun control to help save the lives of students all across the country.

Sincerely,

Concerned High School Students in the 3rd Legislative District (Southwest Washington)

 

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Camas City Council Passes Ordinance Requiring Bike Helmet Use

Camas, WA — In a 5-2 vote Monday night, the Camas City Council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 18-006, requiring the use of bike helmets by any person operating or riding on a bicycle, in-line skates, roller skates, scooter, unicycle, or skateboard in any public area within the city.

Violation of this new ordinance, which will be active within 5 days of being signed by the Mayor and publicly published, would be a civil infraction. The parent or guardian, in certain circumstances, can be held responsible if a minor is in violation of the helmet ordinance.

The ordinance says “the helmet shall have a neck or chin-strap which is securely fastened while in use. It gives police officers the authority to stop and detain anyone in violation and provides discretion whether to issue an appropriate warning or citation. The ordinance does have a religious exemption.

Some facts about the new ordinance:

  • Violators of the helmet ordinance are subject to a $50 penalty, which could be waived in court.
  • For children under age 11, the citation would be issued to parents or guardians.
  • For children 12-16, the citation may be issued to the child or the parent or guardian.
Helmet

Don Chaney was one of two dissenting votes against the helmet ordinance.

Dissenting votes

Council members Don Chaney and Deanna Rusch were the dissenting votes.

Chaney spoke passionately against the ordinance, suggesting it would be hard to enforce. Rusch was concerned about legal liability issues to the city. She thinks there should be a greater focus on education, and that it could negatively impact lower-income families by requiring them to buy gear, and then citing them if they violate the ordinance.

To learn more, visit cityofcamas.us

 

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#MarchKindness Day 4: Jeannie Bottles & The Oscars — Making Wishes Come True

Hollywood, CA — Artist Mario AC Della Casa has been hard at work designing a special “I Dream of Jeannie” bottle for the Roger Neal Oscar Suite tonight, which will be sold for $50,000 — with the proceeds to benefit the Life and Hope Relief charity.

As the Official Artist for the Roger Neal Oscar Suite, Della Casa, who is the only artist that was ever licensed to create the official “I Dream of Jeannie” bottle, will unveil his special bottle tonight.

The bottle is signed by past Oscar winners and present nominees. He isn’t allowed to tell us what is special about this year’s design. It’s under wraps.

”I’m so thrilled to be part of such a fun event,” said Della Casa. “And, we’re giving back to an organization that shows great care and kindness to those in troubled parts of the world. On Oscar night, they will raise $50,000.”

The Roger Neal Oscar Suite is an annual event at the Academy Awards and features quite the list of Hollywood celebrities.

Life and Hope Relief is an organization dedicated to showing kindness and assisting those who can’t help themselves in the aftermath of massive disasters.

The mission of the charity is two-fold:

1. To organize as many people and supplies as possible, and to deliver them directly to those in dire need.

2. To assist existing charitable organizations such as the Red Cross, etc. and fill any gaps that may exist in their services.

Della Casa takes pride in his work on the Jeannie bottles, which are replicas from the TV show. Each bottle is custom painted and designed by Della Casa himself. He also is the Official Artist for Southfork Ranch, home of the hit TV show, “Dallas.”

”My business is about making dreams come true,” said Della Casa. “We’re about nostalgia, and bringing people to a happy place.”

Jeannie

From left: Actor Bill Daley, Mario AC Della Casa, Barbara Eden, and Larry Hagman.

To learn more, visit www.JeannieBottles.com

Roger Neal, Dinner Chairman, who for the past 22 years has produced the RNSH Oscar Gift Suite said, “We are beyond thrilled to produce our 3rd Annual Oscar Party at the Hollywood Museum which houses the largest collection of entertainment memorabilia on display in the world; I cannot think of a more perfect place to host 80 stars many who are past Oscar nominees, winners and presenters. Young and classic stars from TV and Film will have the opportunity to tour this incredible museum prior to a sit down gourmet dinner with wine & champagne (Lorimar Winery) to see a special Academy Awards exhibit and the brand new just opened Batman 66 Exhibit.”

Jeannie Images

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#MarchKindness, Day 1: Camas Magnet Program Kids Volunteer at Food Bank

Vancouver, WA — Forty members of the Camas Magnet Program teamed up with more than 100 students from other high schools Tuesday night at the Clark County Food Bank to unload, sort, and repackage food boxes for individual family deliveries.

The annual “Night of Service” event is part of the Camas Magnet Program’s continued effort to serve others in the community.

”One of the things we’re trying to do is instill in the Magnet kids an ethic for service,” said program adviser, and Camas High School teacher, Sam Greene. “And, it’s a great way to give back to the community, and also for us to build community doing this together as a program. That’s what we’re doing — we’re not just about math, science, and technology. We’re trying to give a sense of giving back to the community.”

The youth spent about 90 minutes unloading food from pallets, and sorting them into smaller boxes for delivery to agencies so they can deliver them to individual families throughout the area.

Camas Magnet student, Ashley Miles, said they also package other essentials like toothpaste, beauty products and other liquid products.

The Magnet kids perform other service projects throughout the year, said team member, Kenny Wright.

“This is just one of many things we do all year along,” Wright said.

About the Clark County Food Bank

The Clark County Food Bank works with a network of 40 partner agencies to distribute food and other essential supplies. Last year, they assisted 112,553 people across Clark County. For every dollar donated, the food bank can provide up to four meals to hungry children, seniors, adults, and families in Clark County. Last year, the organization received a total of 27,137 volunteer hours.

To learn more, visit www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org

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#MarchKindness: 100+ Women Who Care Delivers $8,700 to Children’s Program

Washougal, WA — Representatives of the brand-new Clark County chapter of 100+ Women Who Care Clark County delivered $8,700 in checks to the Children’s Home Society Tuesday evening. It was the first of quarterly donations the organization plans to provide to various charities with the goal of “making a big impact.”

The money, which was delivered by 100+ Women Who Care Clark County chapter founder, Christie Ribary, and chapter members Louise James and Christina Dawson, will be used to help the 2,000 local kids who benefit from the program.

”We offer a mix of family support and family counseling,” said Children’s Home Society Executive Director, Andy Tucker. “We provide support groups, basic assistance, like food, clothing, and toiletries. Volunteers prepare food backpacks for about 60 kids per week.”

Children’s Home Society was founded in 1896, and has had a presence in Southwest Washington for more than 60 years.

“We’re very grateful for this donation from 100+ Women Who Care Clark County,” said Tucker. “We are always looking for ways to help those in need, and this donation will go a long way.”

When 100+ Women Who Care Clark County launched a few weeks ago, each member put their name into a bucket. Three names were drawn, and each of those women promoted their chosen charitable organization. After each promotion, the members each voted, and Children’s Home Society received the most votes. The members then wrote checks to Children’s Home Society.

Dawson promoted Children’s Home Society.

“They do a lot of good things right here — locally,” said Dawson. “I’m happy to be part of this organization.”

Ribary collected the funds, and met briefly with Tucker before the formal presentation.

100+ Women Who Care Clark County will convene next on May 9 and repeat the same process.

Stay tuned for YouTube video on the formal presentation.

To learn more, visit www.100womenclarkcounty.com

You may also visit www.childrenshomesociety.org

 

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Power Couple: Interview w/ Camas State Champions Jax Purwins & Mark Kim

Camas, WA — High School sweethearts Jacqueline Purwins, a gymnast, and Mark Kim, a swimmer, did a rare thing last weekend: They helped lead their respective Camas High School athletic teams win back-to-back State Championships. Winning a State title is no small feat, let alone having it happen to two teams from the same school on the same weekend. Add to that, the sweetheart factor.

It was, for them, the perfect weekend.

The victories started Friday night, at the Tacoma Dome, as Carol Willson led her Gymnastics team to a historic victory over perennial champions from Woodinville. The girls finished strong in the bars event, which was enough to propel them over the top.

The winning announcement was euphoric, with the girls hugging and crying tears of joy.

”I’m still processing it,” said Jax, sitting down with a smile on her face at Caffe Piccolo in Downtown Camas. “Given our schedule this week with the holiday, and the snow days, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect.”

Moments later, her sweetheart, Mark, enters the cafe, proudly wearing his Papermaker sweatshirt.

Ever the reluctant interviewee, the talented and focused Mark, said the same thing.

”I’m still processing it,” said Mark, whose swim team has now won State for two consecutive years.

Jax has been in gymnastics since she was three, and worked her whole life for that moment last week.

Champions

The 2018 4A State Gymnastics Champions — from Camas High School!

“What I love about the sport is that you can never reach the top,” she said. “They’re always creating new skills, so if you add a new twist, you can get a new skill named after you.”

The sport has taken her to several other states, including Utah and Idaho, and she’s spent a lot of time in Seattle. She credits constant support from her family, which, she said is how she got this far.

At State finals, Jax said she knew what she had to do. The whole team did.

”Alissa’s routines were amazing,” she said. “I did my best, and so did everyone else. I didn’t know we’d win until bars.”

During competition, Jax said she ignores the scores. “I generally don’t look at the scores, and try to block everything out,” she said. “We’ve had a lot more fun this year with Shea, Alissa, and Lynn.”

Mark has been swimming for six years, and started making a name for himself by winning individual State titles, culminating in last year’s first-ever State team Championship for Camas. He’s fast, really fast, and so is his brother, Jaden.

The boys went into Saturday’s finals behind Kamiak, and knew they had to focus to bridge the gap and win the title again.

“We knew the situation we were in,” said Mark. “We didn’t really have to tell each other — we just knew what had to be done. Everyone did a great job!”

The boys climbed back, and before their last swim, they led by 50 points. Yes, they are that fast.

But, it’s also about focus.

Before every event, Mark puts on his headphones and gets in that “zone.” His mind is totally focused on the event in front of him.

“Without music, I don’t swim well,” he said. “At that moment, nothing else matters.”

So what does he listen to?

”Just two songs,” he said. “I play ‘Till I Collapse’ and ‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem.”

Champions

The 2018 4A State Champions, from left: Luke Bales, Chris Xia, Austin Fogel, Mark Kim, Finn McClone, Eric Wu, Jaden Kim, Dave Peddie, and Brian Andrade.

He’s grown up in very focused Korean family — “no excuses, don’t ask why, and ‘no’ isn’t an answer is what my parents taught me,” he said.

”My parents pushed me beyond what we wanted to do,” said Mark. “It’s a non-stop grind. They taught me to never give up.”

The Jax/Mark relationship isn’t your typical one.  They’ve only “dated” four times, like going out to dinner or seeing a movie.

“Mostly, we just hang out and do homework together,” said Jax. “Or we walk the dog.”

They’ve known each since 5th grade, and there were some attractions in middle school, but they didn’t “date” until high school. They had lockers close to each other.

Jax stays busy with diving practices multiple times a week in Beaverton, while Mark also plays alto saxophone for the Camas Marching Band.

”He doesn’t sleep,” said Jax.

They are both very driven, and want to excel at everything they try.

Mark will attend Westpoint, starting in July. He wants to be a Mechanical Engineer, and will also swim for Westpoint. Jax hasn’t decided on a school just yet, but she wants to be an orthopedic surgeon.

They are both essential parts of two teams that made Papermaker history — which will be part of their legacy. And, they’re just getting started.

Like many alumni, we’ll follow up on their progress, they’ll still be hounded a little by the press, but for the moment, they are savoring what happened last week.

Two State Championships in one weekend. Yes, that really happened.

Photo Gallery

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Camas Magnet Program To Lend Assistance at Clark County Food Bank

Vancouver, WA — The Camas High School (CHS) Magnet Program is spending time next week for a “Night of Service” at the Clark County Food Bank to lend a helping hand.

“The February 27 service project is part of our program to instill a passion for service,” said Sam Greene, a CHS teacher, who also provides program support for the CHS Magnet program. “We will be doing food re-packaging and sorting at the Clark County Food Bank that evening.”

Last year, 60 kids spent several hours taking packaged food and preparing that food for individual family delivery, he said.

The Clark County Food Bank receives major shipments of food in boxes, which are delivered on pallets. They are always in need of volunteers to re-package and sort.

The Magnet volunteers receive instructions on how to prepare the boxes, and then work in groups to get the job done.

”It’s part of what we do,” said Greene. “It’s important to think about others.”

The Magnet Program itself has 120 members that focus on in-depth learning in English, AP Environmental Science, Principles of Technology and Engineering & Design.

About the Magnet Program

When the Camas School Board approved the development of a math, science and technology magnet program in 2006, they also endorsed a new, integrated “block” of studies that would form the program core for magnet students in the ninth and tenth grade. This three-period, integrated block is what has become the heart and soul of a “school within a school” experience for incoming magnet students.

The block of classes in the freshmen year is comprised of AP Environmental Science, Pre-AP English, and a Principles of Design, Technology, and Engineering course that ushers students into the academic and social culture of the MST program. Key elements revolve around these guiding ideas and concepts:

  • A strong emphasis on essential research design principles;
  • Characteristics of successful interdisciplinary project design;
  • Problem-based learning and strategies for successful communication.

To learn more, visit http://chsmstmagnet.com

Photos from last year

Magnet

At the Clark County Food Bank.

 

Magnet

Loading up boxes at the Clark County Food Bank.

 

Magnet

Getting instructions.

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2A Wrestling: Washougal’s Tanner Lees Clinches State Championship

By Dan Trujillo

From the beginning of wrestling season, Tanner Lees vowed this would be his year.

The Washougal High School senior repeated that statement after he won the Clark County, sub-regional and regional tournaments. As Tanner stepped into the Tacoma Dome Saturday, he only had one more title to achieve. State champion.

“I got so close last year. One match away from the finals,” Lees said. “I had to break through that and get to the finals.”

And break through Lees did. He trailed by four points in the semifinals, flipped Clarkston’s Jake Freeman over and pinned him with only seconds to spare.

Lees found himself down again in the championship match. Once again, he used his long arms, strength and grit to pin White River’s Weston Lyver in the last round.

“I got my half and just put it all on the mat, right there,” Lees said. “Even if I’m losing, I know I have it in me to pull it out at the end.”

Tanner

Tanner Lees. Photo by Dan Trujillo.

Tanner Lees is now a state champion, just like his sister Abby. She won state for Washougal in 2017 and 2015.

“I get to be a role model for my siblings and show them what the Lees name is all about,” he said. “Now, it’s just doing whatever I can to help keep the tradition going.”

Scott Lees is the next one up for the Panthers. He reached the Tacoma Dome as an alternate and got to warm up on the mats. Fellow sophomores Cole Pass and Jason Powell wrestled in their first state tournament this weekend and gained valuable experience.

Like Tanner Lees, seniors Andrew Hopple, Jaden Robb and Brooklyn Wurm-Wertz finished off their high school wrestling careers at the Tacoma Dome. Wurm-Wertz brought home a fourth place medal and Robb secured seventh place.

Tanner Lees is not done competing for the Panthers. He’s ready to pole vault into track and field. Does he have another state championship run left in him?

“That’s the goal,” Lees said with a smile.

Twice Saturday, he proved competitors can’t count him out.

 

Lees

Tanner Lees bends Weston Lyver in half during the 2A 145-pound state championship match at the Tacoma Dome Saturday.

 

Tanner

Tanner Lees with his parents, Randy and Teresa Lees.

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4A Wrestling: Papermaker Tanner Craig — Now a State Champion!

By Dan Trujillo

Tanner Craig unleashed the beast within him and became a State Champion at the Tacoma Dome Saturday.

Down 1-0 in the final round, the Camas High School junior turned the tables on Sumner’s CJ Richmond with about 20 seconds left on the clock. Craig gained a 2-1 advantage and held on to it until time expired.

“I could feel like he was slipping off and I knew I could go for a reversal or go for an escape,” Craig said. “I just thought, reversal. Get my two and try and ride him out … and that’s what I did.”

When the referee signaled that the match was over, Craig’s scream could be heard around the dome. He might be 132 pounds, but he still flexed his muscles like the Incredible Hulk.

“It felt so good, like everything I dreamed of,” he said.

Craig got into the championship match in stunning fashion. He outlasted Isaiah Gonzalez, of Pasco, in overtime. Craig pinned Enumclaw’s Aidan Carroll in the first round, and then defeated Tahoma’s Cameron Hanson 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

“My coaches and teammates have been pushing me ever since I lost and got eighth here last year,” Craig said. “Running a mile every day before practice. Running sprints every day after practice. Working with coaches every single day. It sucks all year … and it’s just paid off in the end.”

Craig watched the rest of the championship matches from the upper deck. He listened to how the crowd reacted to every big move from the little mats on the floor and smiled.

Craig

Samuel Malychewski clinched third at State.

“It’s so much fun seeing every one who loves wrestling and appreciates how much work goes into to it,” he said.

So what does a high school state champion do for an encore when he has another year of high school left?

“I want to be a two-time champion, just like my dad,” he said.

His father, Pat, won two state titles for North Bend and went on to wrestle for the University of Oregon.

“I learned my dad was a two-time state champion when I was little,” Tanner said. “Ever since I could understand what that meant, I’ve been wanting to do that and striving to reach that level.”

The Camas wrestling team made history at the Tacoma Dome. Jack Latimer and Sam Malychewski earned third-place medals, and Rylan Thompson and Gideon Malychewski finished in fourth place. This helped the Papermakers rise up to fifth place in the team standings with 90 points.

Head coach Cory VomBaur believes this is the best finish for Camas at state in the school’s history. Tanner Craig, Latimer, Gideon Malychewski, Isaac Duncan and Colby Stoller want more next year.

“We’re going to make it even higher next year,” Craig said. “Top three, hopefully. We’re all aiming for that number-one spot.”

Craig

Camas junior, Jack Latimer, placed third in State.

 

Photo Gallery

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Florida Shooting Tragedy: A Plea for Kindness, Respect, Love, Decency, Charity

I’ve spent half of Thursday sobbing at my desk upon learning that one of the Florida shooting victims is the daughter of a longtime friend, Ryan Petty. For some reason, I didn’t make the connection at first until my former editor brought it to my attention. Then, the emotions all came crashing down.

I had done my best to avoid listening to the details of the mass murders — even with my love of journalism I just didn’t want to hear anymore about it. When I was at Camas High School last Thursday, I thought about those kids at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. During that drive, I said a personal prayer for their safety as those Papermakers headed off to compete at State. They could have been my kids, your kids, my friend’s kids. And, just 15 minutes after driving away from the State teams send-off, I learned it was my friend’s child.

Alaina Petty, a 14-year-old Latter-day Saint girl was gunned down by Nikolas Cruz — along with many others. She was guilty of nothing. She was a happy, active teenager, like many here in Camas, Washougal, and throughout the world.

Her father and I chat about BMW’s, the latest technological advances, my tenure at Amazon, and I often just refer to him as a “geek.” It’s a longstanding joke between us. Ryan and I served together in Ecuador, serving our church and finding ways to help others. And, that’s the kind of family he has.

I can’t even imagine the grief and shock that Ryan, Kelly and their family are going through. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare turned reality, and it’s playing out in the national media. There will be funerals, memorials, tributes — and there will be a courtroom trial. All with the glare of television cameras and reporters.

Their lives have changed forever.

Petty

Alaina Petty. Photo courtesy of Petty family.

So, how did we get here? And how do we resolve it?

Family Therapist, Julie Russell, says when people become isolated they act out in outrageous ways — and that’s why we keep seeing these tragedies unfold.

“Broken homes, neglect, abuse all contribute to society’s problems,” said Russell. “Sometimes all a teen needs is to know that someone really cares and loves them.”

I’ve listened to all the reports about Cruz’s mental instability and the all the red flags that led up to this horrific mass murder. People are calling for additional gun control, new legislation, more armed guards, more security, more funding for mental health. I say debate it all and do it in a civil way. But, don’t talk forever. Our society needs to act.

Cindy Giovanni, a former Superintendent in Columbia, MO advocates for the following:

  • Get AR-15 rifles off the streets.
  • Fund mental health initiatives (local, state and national).

Local representatives call for greater funding for school resource officers in every school — even elementary schools. I say do it.

But, my gut instinct tells me no President, Mayor, Congressperson, legislation or policy can ever get into — and repair the hearts of individuals. A sick, demented, evil person will always find a way to wreak havoc. There are some people that like to watch the world burn.

So, while the politicians debate and play the blame game, what can you do right now?

Be loving, respectful, charitable to those closest to you.

Lift others around you.

Do something kind for those in your mind may least deserve it. You never know what’s happening in one’s heart or mind. People act out because they feel anger, insecurity, pain, suffering, loneliness. The list goes on and on.

Imagine a world in which we all do one nice thing for someone next to you. The world could change in an instant.

Sweet Alaina Petty didn’t deserve this. Her family is forever changed. Their little girl is gone.

The Petty family’s faith will bouy them, and they have a community that loves and supports them.

“We love you, too,” Ryan Petty told me. “Hug those kids of yours!”

For now, pray for them, and for all the families affected by this madness. Act by showing kindness to others. Be patient. Love others. Make it a point to do something nice for someone else each day.

The Petty family has asked everyone to donate funds to help Maddy Wilford, a friend of Alaina’s, to assist with her recovery. She was shot, and was severely injured during this tragedy. They do this as they prepare for their daughter’s funeral.

https://www.gofundme.com/maddy-wilford

Thank you for reading.

Love, Ernie Geigenmiller

Petty

The Petty Family. Before moving to Florida, they lived in Washington — in Seattle metro.

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