The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools (FVPS) announces additions to the board for 2015/2016:

• Jennifer Blechschmidt—Principal, Eisenhower Elementary School
• Teri Davis—President, Vancouver PTA Council
• Rob Duncan—Associate Principal, Columbia River High School
• Edri Geiger—Vice President, Vancouver Public Schools Board (VPS board term expires Nov. 2015)
• Tracie Jellison—Vice President-Business Lending, Columbia Credit Union
• Chris Lewis—CPA, LewisGroup CPAs
• Cindy Luckman—Senior Vice President, Managing Director, The Private Client Reserve of U.S. Bank
• Megan Vickery—Associate Principal, McLoughlin Middle School

The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1988, provides funds for basic needs, enrichment and mentoring programs. Programs funded by the Foundation include Kindergarten Jump Start, Lunch Buddies, Principals Checkbook, scholarships, medical and dental care, and other services that support students and education in Vancouver Public Schools. For more information, visit www.foundationforvps.org or email FoundationVanPS@Vansd.org.

Scott Rushing. Photo courtesy of PeaceHealth Southwest.

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center has announced a new leadership role for Gynecologic (GYN) Oncology Services. Scott Rushing, MD, GYN, oncologist and surgeon at Compass Oncology, has accepted the role of Medical Director for PeaceHealth Southwest GYN Oncology. In this new role, Dr. Rushing will oversee formalization of an improved structure that will help expand women’s services to meet the needs of our community.

Under Rushing’s leadership, PeaceHealth plans development of a more integrated approach to care for complex GYN procedures and GYN-oncology surgeries.

Rushing was key to the introduction of robotic surgery in Clark County. PeaceHealth looks forward to working with him in this new role to continue growing the surgical applications for robotics at the Medical Center, as well as expansion of specialty women’s services in our community.

One of the may faces at Mouser Manor. Photo courtesy of the Mousers.

Camas residents, Marc and Valerie Mouser will open their fully decorated basement for public tours this Halloween. From 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, visitors to Mouser Manor are invited to a rare opportunity to enter a “House of a Thousand Faces.” The self-guided tours are free, but nonperishable food for the Clark County Food Bank will be warmly received. The mansion is located at 2652 NW Julia St. in Camas.

The Mousers have been decorating their home and hosting large, public parties since 2008. This year’s theme, “House of a Thousand Faces,” does not disappoint. With only a rare nod to gore or horror, the venue is still sure to leave one feeling… disturbed. Valerie was inspired by a Craigslist post offering the possessions of recently deceased hoarders. Among her finds, a treasure trove of hundreds of vintage baby dolls, all in various stages of whimsy, decay, and dismemberment. Guests to the annual Halloween party held last weekend were in awe. “All of these little faces staring back at you,” says one. “Each one seemingly desperate to tell their tragic story.”

The basement at Mouser Manor boasts over 800 square feet, a full bar with hard wood and beveled glass, and several rooms. Tourists will enter the main house, and be directed down a flight of stairs to peek into the rooms and appreciate every disconcerting detail. The exit will lead out a sliding door to the back patio and a path to the front of the property. Follow the event on Facebook, here.

Photo courtesy of Oregon Zoo.

Trick-or-treaters can fill their bags with goodies and learn about wildlife this Saturday, Oct. 31, during the annual “Howloween” event at the Oregon Zoo. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free with zoo admission.

In keeping with the zoo’s mission, Howloween aims to be educational as well as fun. Scavenger hunts and activities are themed to teach kids about animals around the world, and their habitats and adaptations. Kids can collect treats and prizes at the different stations, provided in part by FedEx Ground and Safe Kids, KIND Snacks and Glee Gum. Because our everyday actions impact wildlife, the zoo only chooses candy without palm oil, or with deforestation-free palm oil.

Throughout the day, visitors can watch the zoo’s enrichment team provide animals with holiday-themed treats like jack-o’-lanterns stuffed with snacks. Enrichment items, such as a passel of pumpkins provided by Al’s Garden Center, help keep the zoo’s animals mentally and physically engaged. For more information about the zoo, visit www.oregonzoo.org.