Columbia Pacific News Letter

HOSTING
The hosting coordinator is a bit frantic and has no time to write an article. Suffice it to
say, that Columbia Pacific has a long way to go to meet our hosting commitment. There
are still some great students available for placing, but time is very short and schools are
closing. If you know anyone who may be interested in hosting the coming year, even
just first semester, please ask them yourself and then send their name on to the hosting
volunteer in your area. We need help getting these students placed. There will be an
April 2005 insert of currently available students. Please review this and let us know what we can
do for you to help you promote AFS. We need everyone working on this the next
couple of weeks.

Currently there are about 5 placements pending--waiting on school approval or some

other piece of paperwork. It looks as though we have homes for our Global Educators,
they just need to be interviewed.

Let's all pull together for the home stretch and do what we can to get these kids
corresponding with their host families.

Attention
If you would like to keep receiving the AFS newsletter please return the enclosed
postcard.

We need to know if you would like to geting the newsletter by mail or e-mail. Either way
please return the postcard marked with your selection. On the postcard please make sure
that you enclosed your name and return address. If you want to receive a newsletter by
e-mail please enclose your e-mail address and name so that I can update my mailing list.
If you would like you can e-mail me at r1p2combs3@aol.com can give me your
information. I have received many postcards already. Some of you just returned the
postcard without the putting your name and return address on it. As a result I don't
know how to update my mailing list.

Thank you very much for your help with this postcard.
Ron Combs

DEPARTURE
WHEN: Sunday, June 26
TIME: Students must arrive no later than 4 p.m.
WHERE: Lents Park, located at S.E. 88th and Holgate
LUGGAGE: Luggage will be weighed and placed on a truck. Once your luggage is
loaded, you will not have access. It is important that you have the following items in
your carry-on luggage: passport, bathing suit, plastic bag for wet clothes
HOW TO GET THERE: From I-205 South, take Exit 19. Turn left onto Powell, go
to first light, and turn left onto 92nd, go to Holgate and turn right. The park will be on
your left about 2 blocks.
From I-205 North, take Exit 19 Division/Powell. Stay in right lane, heading towards
Powell. Turn right onto Powell and get into center lane. Go to first light and turn left
onto 92nd. Go to Holgate and turn right at the first light. Entrance to the park will be on
your left about 2 blocks.
CONTACT NUMBERS: Ron Combs (503) 777-8117 or cell 503 314-5243

1

WINNERS OF T-SHIRT
CONTEST
Mariana Vargas, Mexico and Victor
(Suparawee Katika) Thailand are the
winners of the T-Shirt Contest.
Mariana’s entry will go on the front
of the T-shirt and Victor’s on the
back. The prize was $50, but it was
decided to use both designs so each
get one-half, or $25.
Essay by Kseniya Vizerova,
FLEX student from Russia
“As soon as I found out about this
competition, I thought: "This is it.
This is my opportunity to tell the
world what I have on my mind, and to
share my passion about building
peace in the world.
Peace through understanding
2
Student News
The history of the human nation is
much shorter than the history of the
Earth, but people have never really
lived in peace. Historians estimated
that there were only 25 years during
which there was no war at any place
on the planet! There were always
disagreements and conflicts. Maybe
the reason is just in the human
nature? No! We are PEOPLE and as
we live in the XXI century, we can do
something about it. Our civilization
got to that point when we can control
our selfish desires. Furthermore, we
have too, or if the situation will stay
how it is now, our world will turn to
chaos.
People! Please hear the cry of my
soul! Open your eyes and see what is
really happening around you.
Thousands of innocent people are
dying for no reason, but they make it
look like they do: differences in
religion, trying to get more territory
and so on and so on. All of this is not
important--we have only one short
life and God did not give it to us to
kill each other. We are here to live for
people and to make their staying on
Earth better. It is that simple.
You may think: "What can I do? I
am just an ordinary person, I am not a
president. Right, but every one needs
to realize that each one of us can
make a difference, or at least believe
in it. For example you have neighbors
who are foreigners and you really do
not talk to them, because they
are “weird," different and you do not
know about them, their culture and
their way of life. You do not
understand them and you do not want
to! Something unknown always
scares people, but you will be
fascinated how interesting and
amazing it is learning about other
cultures. We just need to be more
open to things we do not understand.
Everyone is sitting in their little
comfortable worlds and do not care
about others. We need to stop this!
Before blaming every thing on our
governments we need to ask
ourselves: "What did I do to make
this world a better place?"
Our generation will be the one that
will make choices that will affect the
future of our civilization (if we have
it). I feel a big responsibility on
myself too. I am an exchange student
from Russia in the United States of
America now and I am only 16 years
old. It has been really good
experience for me. Before I came
here I had no idea about this country,
furthermore I have had wrong ideas
and stereotypes that were very far
from the truth. It is nice to feel that
you are doing your small part to help
understanding between people in
these two great countries. I take this
wonderful opportunity to spend a
year in the US like a God’s gift.
Every day of my life I am trying to
live doing something to understand
people, their needs and the reasons
why they have these hopes and
believes. My experience here showed
one more time that no matter what
country people are from, what color
their skin is, what language do they
speak, what God they believe in they
all need to feel safe, they all need
Peace.
Some people may say that world
peace is utopia. Who knows, but it is
worth to believe in and try our best to
make this dream truth.
There are many ways to promote
peace in the world, but perhaps the
best way is to promote it is to start
within ourselves. Be the change you
wish to see in the world. Peace
begins with you!”
Wally Pangilan (YES program) has
been very active in the Skyview High
School Concert Choir and the Jazz
Choir. At a recent choir competition
in Pasco, Washington, judges gave
Wally the "Best Soloist" award. At a
May performance at Skyview high
school, Wally sang a solo with cheers
and standing ovation. Recently, the
combined choirs of Skyview High
School had a" Disney Musicale" and
Wally had a solo and performed an
"Arabian Sword Dance" which was
noted in the high school newsletter.
Outside of school, Wally won a $25
gift certificate for being the
"American Idol" in a contest
sponsered by the Fort Vancouver
Regional Library District.

A DREAM FULFILLED
By Noemi Serdino
“The first time that I heard about AFS
was one year and one-half ago, in my
school.
Initially I wasn’t paying attention
because I assumed I needed money.
When I heard the word scholarship,
my ears started to work more than
ever. Thanks to my love for the
culture, my good grade, and the
misfortune to be born in a not-rich
family, I won a scholarship that
covered completely my AFS
experience. I could not believe it was
true; I was selected to go in United
States of America. To me it was like
a dream fulfilled; it was a place that I
could only dream or see in the
movies. To come to America was a
possibility to learn an important
language that the whole world
speaks; it was a possibility to bring a
nice word to my town that was
always in the newspaper for not good
things.
The orientation followed the
selections soon, which was a nice
way to talk about what I was going to
see, and where I was going to live.
We answered as best as possible all
the questions they asked us. We tried
to come with our minds prepared for
a life that could have big difficulties
for us.
August came so fast; it was a day for
crying and for saying good-bye to our
families. It was a day to cry and to
salute our families. It was a day in
which I said good farewell to my
whole life because I knew that
coming back home next June I was
going to be different.
My expectation? That I would learn
English; I would learn about a new
culture, and I would bring a little bit
of my culture to show to the
American people.
When I came, my dreams and my
expectations changed to a nightmare.
America was not a movie background
anymore; America was my new life. I
did not speak English at all; the only
things that I could do were smile and
say “hi”, “hello” or “yes”. The
welcome orientation was horrible; I
was in a group where everybody
Student News
could speak, and understand, and
laugh and I was cursing in Italian.
When I met my host family all things
got worse: there was no one who
could translate English into any other
language that I knew, who was with
me. I think God had mercy of me
because when I came to my house,
two exchange students from Italy
were there. They came with another
association for the summer time, and
they reassured me. Riccardo, who
was one of them, said that these
people were crazy but that I was
going to be fine. It was true, they
were so patient with me, and they
tried in everyway to help me.
The first days in the school were
terrible. That big place made me feel
so small; the teachers were nice to
me, but the students were not. I
thought that everybody was going to
be nice and interested about a person
coming from another place, but I was
not big news. Most of the students
had emigrated from another country; I
was equal to everybody else.
The whole first month I felt alone,
and sometimes I would cry because I
could not be “normal”. By that time, I
started to make some new friends, but
just a few; many people looked me
like a freaking Italian, like a freaking
girl with a mafia’s accent: most of
them would not stop and talk to me
because of my accent. My school’s
grades were lower then ever, and my
social life was almost non-existent.
I was angry, I was starting to detest
AFS, and all the stupid orientations
that we did.
To say and to do were two words so
different and so far one from each
other. They were as far as the USA
and the Europe.
My mind changed so fast, I was
appreciating the new cultures in the
school and during the orientation
where I could make confrontation
between myself and the other
exchange students like me. It was in
that period that I stopped being a
racist; I admit I was it. I understood
what it was being different and what
the different persons felt. I think that
was the most important change that
AFS made on me. Time started to
run from November to now. I spent
bad and good days, but I was always
with people who loved me. On
Christmas, it was the first time that I
really missed my family. I always
believed that Christmas was the
“family-day”, and being far from my
real home was hard. One of the
amazing days in this year was March
31, when in a school academy
assembly they presented some good
awards to the students who passed the
first semester with a GPA higher than
3.0 point. My name was on the list, I
was so exited and I came back home
immediately for lunch to call my
mother in Italy; all my family was so
proud of me. When I read “B” on the
weekly English grade on my name, it
was also my happiest day.
Coming here, I thought I was going to
find a new world, and I did it, but the
most important things that I found
were a wonderful family, a sister
(Lucrezia), and two musketeers that
completed the trio. Who were those
two musketeers? They are Laura and
Nicola, who are two people that I met
at the orientation in Italy whom
helped me in the hard moments. I
understood that the entire world is
wonderful, but nothing is better than
the own country. Every country is
different, and most of the things,
which apparently are stupid, are just
different.
I understood that America to me was
a time machine that put my mind and
my behavior thirty years later, which
left my physique in the 2005 as it was
(but just with some pounds more).
Now I am scared by this time
machine. Coming back home, I will
be different, may be too much
different than my friends. My mind
will be too old, but I still have my
grandma, and maybe we will be like
“same age”!
Italia, altri
tre mesi e una delle tue figlie
torna a casa. Ti amo! Noemi
3

OUTDOOR SCHOOL
Outdoor School is held two times
each year—in the Fall and again in
the Spring. It is an experience
highly recommended by all
students who have attended. This
year Kseniya Vizerova (FLEX
student from Russia), Lucrezia
Scattu (Italy) attended in the
spring. Below are their thoughts. I
know others also attended and
encourage them to submit their
articles for the next newsletter).
“I was a high school student
counselor at outdoor school in a
Sandy River camp during the first
week of May. I did not know what I
was going into-we do not have
anything like that in my country, so I
was just curious and ready to have
fun. Well, it turned out that being a
student leader is a lot of work--you
have to look after the kids every
minute, entertain them, and make
sure they are not homesick. In my
cabin I had 8 sixth-grade girls that
were from 4 different schools, and my
responsibility was to make them a
team for four days. Also student
leaders are teachers at the same time;
we taught them about plants, animals,
soil and water. In the evenings we
had a camp fire and sang songs. It
was one of the best experiences I had
in the USA.”
Submitted by Ksyeniya V a
FLEX student from Russia.
“Outdoor School gave me self-
confidence because I had to be
responsible for my kids. I had to get
them up in the morning, escort them
to the bathroom in the middle of the
night, be always ready to give them
good advice, and just be there for
them. They love you even when you
are strict. There were kids from very
poor families where at home they
only had one meal a day. In my
group, there was one Spanish-
speaking girl who could not speak
English. I understood what she was
going through and I was able to
understand her. I told her, ‘We are
going to try to speak English, and she
did.’ Some students were slow
learners and I had to be patient with
them. You’re the authority, the family,
the teacher and the friend, always
4
Student. News
ready to give good advice to the kids.
They are going to learn about
love…unconditional love. As an
Outdoor School counselor you’re
going to make the difference in the
life of the kids. I had nine 6th grade
girls in my cabin. It was a good
experience.
Submitted by Lucrezia
Scattu, Italian AFS student
REPORT OF EARTH DAY SOLV
EVENT
Submitted by: Nurul Fathiah Mohd
Aminuddin
”The FLEX cluster invited the YES
and Westside students and families to
take part in an activity of theirs which
was called Earth Day SOLV event.
This event was held on April 23 at
Tualatin Hills Nature Park. It was
presented by Portland General
Electric.
By joining this program, we became a
part of team that working to make an
immediate positive impact on the
livability of our community. This
activity started at 9 in the morning.
Three YES students and three other
AFS/FLEX west-side students
participated in this program.
We had to wear work boots, work
gloves, and all of the tools that had
been given. There was a volunteer
site coordinator that was in charge of
our site. Before we started working,
we were given safety information and
instructions so that everybody would
be safe without any injuries.
Basically, we had to remove invasive
species such as Scotch Broom,
Himalayan Blackberry and English
Holly. It took almost four hours to
clean a small area in the park. It was
very fun and we enjoyed it very
much. We had bagels, fruit and
muffins for lunch at noon. We ended
at 1 pm and before everybody went
home, we took pictures in front of the
park.
In conclusion, this type of activity
was very fun and it should be done
every year so that the earth will be
safe.”
Nate Encisco was princess at the
Sandy H.S. prom; Maria Caicedo
Cardenas was princess at Trillium;
and Mette Rosenberg was a princess
at Southridge.
Carolin Aderhold received an award
for having a 4.0 grade point average
in Social Society class. She also
received certificates for her
participation in volleyball and
swimming.
We also have some actors and
actresses: Noemi Serdino played the
part of a num in Sound of Music at
Parkrose High School; Lucrezia
Scattu performed in Broadway
Review and will be performing in Up
the Down Staircase at Franklin H.S.;
and Mette Rosenberg was in Hello
Dolly at Southridge.
Mariana Vargas was on the swim
and track team at Barlow High
School. Ask Mariana how she got
her date to the prom…just a
hint…how was a cake involved????.
STUDENTS URGENT!!!!
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR FORM
A’S
Urgent…school is already out in
some schools, so we need you to
submit your Form A’s immediately.
Many schools only have a limited
number of slots for hosting exchange
students, so we need to secure these
slots. So, talk to some families,
neighbors, and friends who you think
would make good host families and
then complete a Form A and get the
information to Sally Ann Wells at
sawells@teleport.com. You can also
call Sally Ann at 503 452-1868. If
you do not have a Form A, contact
Sally Ann or call Ron Combs at 503
777-8117. You will win a worthwhile
prize. For each Form A submitted,
you will receive a prize, and for the
student turning in the most Form A’s
that actually turns out to be a real,
live family, could win up to $100.
 Student Bios
2005 Columbia Pacific Community Placed Girls
Please think through your list of friends and associates. Surely you can recommend someone who would like to promote peace and gain a son or
daughter! If you are interested in Family placing any of these students, please contact Sally Ann Wells to determine if they are available. (503) 452-
1868
Karina from Peru
Karina loves literature and philosophy. She likes to read, to write and to act. The study of history is also a favorite subject of hers. She would like to
become a politician and travel all around the world, and write books about her experiences.
Her teacher describes Karina as "very friendly", "a good student, she has an excellent relation with her friends and teachers." She is a happy person,
sociable and spontaneous, very affectionate with her friends.
Karina lives with her family in Puno. She has a good relationship with her family; they like to get together on holidays and weekends. Two of
Karina's uncles have participated in AFS programs in the U.S. in the Sixties, other uncle lives in Florida. Karina is an 11 year grad, just 17.

Meagan from Philippines YES scholarship student

Meagan is an excellent student who ranks second in her class and has a plethora of interests. "I am fond of reading books and writing essays &
poems," she says. "I am most interested in sciences, maths, history and literature." She also plays the flute.
Her principal finds Meagan "academically intelligent and morally upright." Her parents give her conduct the highest praise: "We can absolutely
say that our daughter observes good manner and right conduct in everything she does." elatives live in Chicago and Hawaii. Cannot eat pork.)
Meagan is the eldest of six siblings in the Alegado family, who live in Cotabato City. They are a close-knit, traditional family who like to play
chess together - those old enough to understand the game, anyhow. Meagan aspires to become a lawyer...

Honami from Japan

Honami plays on a volleyball team at school. Honami says that at first, she was not very good, while her friends' skills improved quickly. In time,
however, her skills improved too and from this experience, she learned the importance of diligence.
Honami hopes that her time spent studying English will also pay off when comes to the U.S. Honami makes friends easily and a teacher says that
she is cheerful and kind. "I am good at getting along with others," says Honami.
Honsami lives with her parents and older sister in Saitama City in Japan. Her family likes to spend time together, but her father is very busy
working and she sees him mostly on holidays and weekends. She has visited Hawaii and Guam with her family.

Prutha from India YES scholarship student

Prutha enjoys singing and drawing and practices the artforms every day. Prutha, whose native language is Gujarati, has studied English for
thirteen years, Hindi for eight. She speaks both languages excellently.
Prutha describes herself as a very bold and open-minded person. "The best thing about me," she continues, "is that I live life to the fullest." She
mixes with people easily and loves good conversation.
If you ask her friends to describe her, Prutha says, their stories could fill a book. "They think I am very enthusiastic," she says and then adds,
humorously, "They think that I am totally crazy and unpredictable."

Ka Man FEMALE from Hong Kong

Carman enjoys playing basketball, swimming, reading, volleyball and Chinese dance. She also makes bread monthly. She sometimes sees
herself in the actions of her brother.
Carman is a social person. She is an outgoing girl who likes making new friends. Her friends and family are very important to her. She does not
give up even when bad things happen.
She lives with her mother, father, 2 older sisters and her brother. She is very excited about sharing her culture with her new host family and
wants to learn about their culture.

Intuon from Thailand

Intuon or "Two" likes art and design and looks forward to studying in that field at a university. She draws and is interested in website design.
She enjoys painting and photography, and played drums in her own band.
Two is an artistic girl and a gifted student. She studies at a school that has a competitive entrance exam. She is on her school's art and cheering
staffs. She and her band have performed at school events.
Two has an older brother, who currently studies at a university. Her father is an engineer, and her mother is a pediatrician at heart. She has a
large, close extended family. She spent 2 months in Australia through an exchange program.

Yui from Japan

Yui practices the piano every day for two hours. Her favorite hobby is reading, and her favorite book is "Othello", by Shakespeare. She used to
be a part of an amateur theatrical company for two years and enjoyed playing different roles.
Yui is calm, sincere, and cheerful. Her motto is "where there's a will, there's a way." She has the "spirit of independence and self-discipline,"
says her teacher, "She always tries to do everything positively."
Yui lives with her parents and her brother in the west of Tokyo. Her name derives from a word that means "mutual help." She often cooks
dinner and does the dishes, since her parents are very busy. She also helps her brother with his studies.

Julia from Germany

Julia would be Spanish if she could be as she loves everything from the language to the music, to the dance, flamenco. She also enjoys reading,
listening to music, watching the news, going to the movies, shopping, and traveling.
"My family and friends describe me as honest, patient, a good listener, helpful, independent, and curious. I'm outgoing and energetic. I just love to
laugh and I think in the end I am a well-balanced person."
Julia has a great family that shares an openness of feelings and she loves them very much. In the future she wishes to have a good job, be
financially independent, and help children in the third world. Vegetarian, but eats fish and dairy products.

5
 Student Bios
2005 Columbia Pacific Community Placed Boys

Supharin from Thailand

Suparin's hobby is drawing. He was chosen to join a drawing competition in school. He also likes playing games. He made first out of 80 students for
performance in the traditional school games at the school stadium. Suparin is a disciplined and well-behaved student," his teacher writes. "He is eager to
learn languages and always participates in school activities." He is optimistic, confident, friendly and respectful. A cheerful boy, he enjoys his daily life.
Suparin has traveled with his family to Singapore, China and Malaysia. He has an older brother and a younger sister, and lives with his family in
Khonkaen. His parents have a jewelry shop. Every Sunday the family goes shopping together and has dinner.

Abdulkahar MALE from Philippines

Abdulkahar Usop, who goes by Kahar, excels in academic activities. He aspires to finish college and become a chemical engineer.
He is friendly and quiet. His family and friends seek his advice because he is a deep thinker. Kahar's parents see him as hardworking and intelligent,
and he consults them when he makes important decisions.
He would like access to a mosque.
Kahar lives with his family in Maguindana. He has five older siblings who enjoy his company. Together, they help their parents manage the family
farm. Kahar does not eat pork due to religious restrictions.

Petteri from Finland

Petteri likes to go jogging once a week. He has participated in wrestling in the past. He also coaches a floor ball team weekly. During his vacations, he
works on his family's plant nursery to earn his spending money. He has been a camp guide for younger students during confirmation education.
Petteri is an extroverted, happy person who likes other people and has a great sense of humor. His friends say he is easy going and they can depend on
him for help when they need it. He considers himself pretty easy going and open to challenge.
Petteri is interested in learning more about other cultures and lifestyles. He has a gift for languages and shows great interest with more than four years
of English, Swedish and French. He has developed independence but still depends on his older sibling and parents to assist in important decisions. He
and his siblings have household responsibilities and everyone assists with laundry and housework.
Petteri has 1 older brother and a younger brother and sister. He is quite close to his older brother.

Justin from French Belgium Justin is a Grad, but committed academically

Rowing is the principal interest in Justin's life, and he belongs to a crew team. He has made many friends through this athletic activity, and takes pride in
his performance. Justin also rounds out his interest by practicing with a theater group.
Determined, sociable, and curious by nature, Justin is excited for the chance to explore a new culture. He keeps himself busy with school and activities,
as sports are a major part of his life, and hopes to continue this in the USA.
Having two much older sisters, Justin has always been the youngest in the family. Still, he shows great independence, and has developed a good
relationship with his sisters over the years. His middle sister was an AFS student in Panama in '99.

Carlos from Mexico

Carlos enjoys basketball and golf. He also likes to spend time on the computer, as well as ride his bike. He likes to spend time at the country club,
exercising and being in the sauna, Jacuzzi, and steam room.
Carlos can be shy sometimes but is mostly outgoing. He likes to spend time with his parents. He is very active. He is also very loyal and willing to
cooperate with others.
Carlos is Catholic and attends mass weekly. His parents like to keep him safe and are fairly conservative about letting him attend parties or staying
out late.

Florian from Switzerland

Florian plays volleyball and trains three days a week. He enjoys music and especially likes rock, punk, trance and techno. Florian also enjoys outdoor
sports. "I am a fairly good skier and swimmer," he says.
Florian's parents say that he is "shy at first (but) he becomes easily friendly with people." Florian is also a good student and lists math and English as
his two favorite subjects. He has three lessons a week in English and five in math.
"Florian is a very thoughtful person," his teacher comments. "He's very attentive in class and works hard to achieve his goals. He's always willing to
help his classmates and is very appreciated by the entire class."

Henrique from Brazil

Henrique enjoys playing tennis and volleyball, though is not so keen on soccer or basketball. He likes to be involved in his community and loves
attending community parties.
Henrique likes to be among good company. He has good relationships with those around him and has lots of friends. He is also very responsible and
assumes his tasks with much committment.
Henrique looks forward to a future career as a medic. "I want to be a medic because I want to help other people," he says. Henrique plans to work
hard and diligently to get into a good university and make his dream come true.

Berk from Turkey On review by a family in Toldeo (WANORTH)

Berk is a sports enthusiast. Every day he is engaged in some kind of athletic activity, swimming, running, playing basketball, volleyball or soccer.
He is active in the school's several newspapers, and in writing and acting. He wants to study economics.
"Berk is a very talented and highly motivated student," his teacher states. He is self-confident, mature and aware, with strong leadership abilities.
Very ambitious, he is also volunteering and tutoring poor children and weaker students.
Berk attends a boarding school for the gifted, where he excels both academically and athletically. His parents raised him with a good amount of
independence, and always treated him like a real person. He cares very much about what happens in the world.
He does not eat pork due to religious reasons.

6

NEW EDITOR FOR OUR
NEWSLETTER
“My name is Kathy Church and I am
new to the Pacific Northwest. I’m
originally from Philadelphia and that’s
where I first came into contact with
AFS. In 1989, between my Junior and
Senior years of high school, I was
fortunate enough to receive a partial
scholarship to become an AFS
exchange student to Austria for the
summer program. The AFS exchange
experience was a life-changing one
and the lessons I learned are still with
me today. I keep in constant contact
with my host family and will travel to
Austria this summer to visit them.
This will be the first time they’ll get to
meet my eight year old daughter,
Sesalee.
Last year, while living near Nashville,
Tennessee, I reconnected with AFS
and hosted a delightful girl from
Thailand. Hataimart, or “G-Jee” as she
likes to be called, stayed with us for
the school year and then returned
home. She’s now applying to
universities in Thailand and begging
me to come visit her. She had a
wonderful time in the US looks
forward to the day when she can visit
us again.
Since my husband is in the Army and
is now stationed in Germany for the
next eighteen months, I decided I
would take a break from hosting.
When he comes home we’ll host
again, but in the meantime I wanted to
stay connected with AFS. I joined the
board of my local Vancouver/Battle
Ground AFS chapter, and then was
asked if I would like to be the editor of
the newsletter. Although I’ve never
edited a newsletter before, I agreed to
take on the job. I look forward to
putting the newsletter together and
only hope I can do half as well as
Bernice has done. I hope you’ll bear
with me as I begin working on the
newsletter and learn as I go. I know
that with your help and support, we
can continue to have an exciting and
informative newsletter.”
Kathy will need everyone’s help, so
please send all newsworthy items to
her at carpediemkath@yahoo.com, or
call her at 360 687-5400. Next
Volunteer News
deadline is July 25. Returnees or host
families, if you want to tell your AFS
story, start writing now. Let’s see
more articles from places like
Tillamook, The Dalles, and Onalaska.
Her mailing address is 22208 N.E.
233rd Ct., Battle Ground, WA 98604
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR
DEPARTURE
Ron needs many helpers for departure
on Sunday, June 26.
• Helpers at drop-off site to weigh
luggage
• Drivers from Lents Park to secret
site
• Prepare snack bags for students to
take on bus to Seattle (cost will be
covered by area team funds)
• Volunteers (chaperones) at secret
site as follows: 1 person from 5:00-
8:00 p.m.; 3 people from 8-11
p.m.;3 people from 11:00-3:00 a.m.
• Helpers for cleanup at secret site
after kids leave.
If you are able to help in any way,
please let Ron Combs know (503)
771-8117; e-mail
R1P2Combs3@aol.com; cell (503)
314-5243.
HELP NEEDED FOR CAMP
ADAMS
By Bernice Schuchardt
Post Orientation at Camp Adams will
be the first weekend in October- I will
be out of the country for the month of
September and am working on getting
all my volunteers lined up now in case
I do not make it back –I fly space-
available so my return date is always
questionable. I can be reached at e-
mail bmschuch@aol.com; (503) 775-
4161, or cell (503) 539-8146. Here
are my needs:
• A volunteer to receive all Camp
Adams Registration Forms and
enter data into an already prepared
Excel Spreadsheet. This is an
important assignment-Camp Adams
must be notified two weeks prior to
orientation of the number of
attendees.
• Someone to make calls 2-1/2 weeks
prior to get needed information from
missing registration forms.
• Volunteers to work at the
Registration Desk at Camp Adams
• Helpers on Friday night at Camp
Adams to hang flags, put out AFS
signs, post agendas and group
assignments in cabins…help set up
for Saturday.
• MC for Closing Ceremony
• A volunteer to be in charge of
cultural sharing on Saturday night—
MC, organize country groups, set
time limits, set up room, etc.
• Helper to deliver water to groups in
cabins on Saturday during breaks.
OUR AREA TEAM CHAIR GETS
AN AWARD
DIABETES HERO AWARD
Community Advocate – Ron Combs
(Ron was recently recognized by the
American Diabetes Association for
fundraising achievements for diabetes.)
“Ron Combs is a very strong
community advocate for anyone living
with diabetes. He himself was
diagnosed with Type 2 in 1993. Ron
and his wife Pat over the years have
been working on changing their
lifestyle and are working together on a
daily basis to live healthy with Type 2
diabetes. After being diagnosed, Ron
retired in 1996. He wanted to enjoy
life and help others who live with
diabetes by volunteering in the
community.
Ron is always just a phone call away
for us in the Gales Creek Camp
administrative office. It can be from
helping us haul items to camp, to
organizing other Forester volunteers
for camp clean up, or just working on
needed projects out at camp.
Ron has been in charge of various
fundraising projects to help raise funds
7

for our Campership program. This
program helps our diabetic campers
and their families attend camp that
needs financial assistance. His latest
success story was last November,
GCC’s family auction/dinner camp
night, which raised over $20,000.00
than with his service club (Forester’s)
backing the event, matched the funds
raised totaling over $ 40,000.00. As
you can read, Ron never does anything
on a small scale.
His heart is dedicated to making
things happen for children and their
families. He is a very loyal team
player and we love him dearly. He’s
always ends his phone calls and
conversations with “Anything for the
kids” and he is a man of his words.
Sincerely,
Debbie Boekeloo”
IOF PICNIC Sunday, July 24 The
Independent Order of Foresters (IOF)
has extended an invitation to all AFS
families, volunteers, and friends to
come to their annual picnic which will
be held on Sunday, July 24, at Oaks
Park. Hamburgers, hot dogs,
beverage, and ice cream will be
provided. A registration fee of $1 per
person will be charged. If you want to
go on the rides, ride bracelets may be
purchased for $5.00. Bracelets will be
valid all day. Contact Ron Combs, 503
777-8117 to register E-Mail
r1p2combs3@aol.com
GOOD TURN-OUT AT END-OF-
STAY PICNIC
Thanks to Diane and Scott Mattox for
hosting the End-of-Stay picnic at their
home in Sandy/Boring, Oregon.
Somewhere between 55 and 60
AFSers, families, and volunteers
showed up. There was a lot of good
food and Scott played chef at the
barbeque grill. And as Scott Mattox
promised, there was a bonfire for
roasting hotdogs and marshmallows.
The weather was forecast to be
sunny….but somehow the
weatherman came up with only a little
bit of sun and several showers. About
the time everyone was dishing up their
plates, Scott announced, “Everyone
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Volunteer News
pick up something and head for the
house.” But after enjoying some
pretty scrumptious desserts inside,
everyone returned outside for “some-
mores”…roasted on the bonfire. Ask
Jay about getting kissed by a llama.
Again, thanks, Scott and Diane, for
sharing your home with AFS for our
farewell picnic! By the way, they are
hosting Kseniya Vizerova (a FLEX
student from Russia).
A SPECIAL THANKS TO AFS &
FORESTERS VOLUNTEERS
I would like to send out a special
thanks to all who helped with camp
clean up. AFS Selena, Leizl &
Serafina Pioguinto USA (Philipines)
Jessica Person USA, Carolin Aderhold
Germany, Shanna Wulandaru
Indonesia, Nurullah Unukur Turkey,
Muhammad Othman, Norodin
Pangilan Philippines
AFS Leaders & Family Rustan, Efti,
Calvin & Cameron Kocher USA Lori
& Jeff Larson USA Rebecka Beehler
USA Ron Combs USA
Foresters James Hollett ,Neal
Harrington, Bob Jewitt, Ron Combs,
Gene DeLoreto.
With all your help we painted a
building, built five-picnic tables,
removed and replaced dry rot flooring.
Removed weeds, cleaned walk ways,
spread chips, and so many other things
I don’t have room to list them. Not all
of our VOLUNTEERS are pictured
here. The two days we worked May
28th And June 4th we put in over 250
hours. With out your help this couldn’t
have been done. Again thank you.
Clean up Coordinator Ronald Combs
Branch # 532
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
A spotlight thanks to Scott and Dianne
Mattox for opening up their home and
yard for the end of stay picnic.
ASHLAND TRIP By Bernice
Schuchardt
The first weekend in May 23 AFSers,
chaperones and drivers headed to
Ashland in the wee hours of the
morning. Our drivers were Jenny
King, Ron Combs, Sally Ann Wells,
Marilyn Hays, Lynette and Becca
Ledgerwood. Everyone arrived in
Ashland around noon, got settled in
our rooms and then hit the town. We
had “free time” until it was time to go
to dinner at a nearby Chinese
restaurant. The “hot tub” and
“exercise room” were the top spots for
the evening, and later in the evening
there was snack time at the hotel,
where milk, freshly baked cookies,
and peanut and jelly sandwiches were
served. Sunday was show day. In the
afternoon we saw Room Service and in
the evening Shakespeare’s Richard
III. This year we made the Back Stage
Tour available and we had good
participation and comments from
those who went on it. I think everyone
had a good time. The only down note
was when our coordinator Marilyn
Hays got an early Monday morning
call from her husband Garry informing
her that a water pipe sprung a leak and
flooded parts of their house. Anyway,
Marilyn, you did a top-rate job
organizing this special activity!
NOTE: This was Marilyn’s third
year and she would like to take a
break. Is there anyone out there who
would volunteer to organize this trip
for next year. Marilyn will provide
the info on how to do it. You may
reach her at 503 665-2830.
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AFS
COLUMBIA
PACIFIC
Ronald Combs
2134 SE 60th Ave
Portland, Oregon 97215-4072

SAVE THE TREES AND POSTAGE

Want electronic newsletter?
E-Mail Ron at r1p2combs3@aol.com

Want souvenir/scrapbook hard copy snail mail?

E-Mail Ron Combs at r1p2combs3@aol.com

Check us out for more information and the newsletter on the

Columbia-Pacific website:
Http://www.afscolpac.org

The Calendar
THE CALENDAR
Sun., June 26 Departure – Lents Park, no later than 4 p.m. Contact: Ron Combs
503 777-8117 or r1p2combs3@aol.com
July 24th Foresters Picnic all are invited but you have to register E-Mail Ron @ r1p2combs3@aol.com for details
Mon., Aug. 1 Host Family Orientation, Mon., Aug. 1. 7 p.m., pizza will be served. Contact: Bernice Schuchardt
Sat., Aug. 13 Arrival Orientation. Time and place to be announced
Tue., Aug. 30 Group Leader training at the home of Bernice Schichardt, 4806 SE Long, Portland. Contact: 503 775-4161.
Thur., Sept.15th Pendleton Roundup. Contact: Ron Combs
Sat.-Sun., Oct. 2-3 Camp Adams. Contact: Bernice Schuch
Wed., July 20 Host Family Orientation, Wed. July 20th Contact: Chris Cradler 503-287-6601

LOOK FOR THE POST CARD IN THE NEWS LETTER. IF YOU WANT TO GET THE PAPER
AFTER THIS ONE YOU MUST RETURN THE CARD BY THE 26TH OF JUNE.

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