Nancy J. Smith was stunned to learn one of the victims of the Clackamas Town Center shooting last December was the gregarious outdoors enthusiast she had met at the Gresham Farmers Market.
In honor of Cindy Yuille, Smith, a Gresham nature photographer, is donating 30 percent of proceeds from the sale of her 2013 Splendid Wildflowers and Plants of the Pacific Northwest calendar to help fund Outdoor School experiences for Gresham area children.
Ive always wanted to encourage people to get outside, Smith said. I think its so healing for all of us. Outdoor School is one glimpse of nature kids can have.
Smith said she is concerned about the violent video games and movies that children are exposed to in their daily entertainment. Her goal is to expose kids to nature instead.
I think some of our basic values come from being quiet and being outside, Smith said. It gives you time to think, to reflect and to forget about the worries of the day and just be.
Funds raised through the calendar sales will be donated to the Multnomah Education Service District and specified for Outdoor School experiences for students in Gresham area school districts.
Along with exposing children to nature, Smith wants to honor Yuilles life.
I remember she bought a T-shirt from me, Smith said. She talked about how much she loved hiking and nature. We are all connected in some way.
Smith said she hopes the wildflower and plant calendar brings a sense of healing to the people who buy it.
I feel compelled to do something special for our community and our kids, she said.
The wall calendar features 12 full-color photographs and inspirational quotes. To buy a calendar, call 503-658-4408 or visit nancyjsmith.com.