I came across this item on the National Park Service's "Morning Report," a recap of news from around the nation's parks.

After a courageous, year-long battle with breast cancer, Cheryl Farmer (nee Adcock), 49, district ranger at North Cascades National Park, passed away on April 6, surrounded by her loving family, cherished golden retrievers and close friends.

A native of Alpena, Mich., and a graduate of Northern Michigan University, Cheryl started her NPS career in 1989 at Grand Teton National Park. Cheryl worked more than one assignment at Grand Teton National Park, Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park, and North Cascades National Park. Her career included positions as fee collection officer, communication center dispatcher, protection ranger, and both subdistrict and district ranger. Members of her various staffs will fondly remember the delicious breakfast ‘meetings’ they attended.

Cheryl was admired for her creative talents with knitting and beading. Her creations were recognized at juried art shows. Her love of shoes was only challenged by limited closet space in NPS housing units.

Condolences may be sent to her surviving sister: Sharon Adcock, PO Box 268, Marblemount, WA 98267.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cheryl’s name to the Inland Empire Golden Retriever Rescue (www.iegrr.org) or to the Breast Cancer 3 Day (Susan G Komen for the Cure at www.the3day.org).

Submitted by Kinsey Shilling, Chief Ranger

The interpretive staff at Mount Rainier National Park will debut a new series of programs Saturday. Curt Jacquot, the West District interpreter, said the first of four Spring Storytelling Series programs will be in the auditorium at the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center.

The other dates are April 25, May 2 and May 9.s

The first two programs will be traditional storytelling, Jacquot said. The last two programs will be park rangers portraying historical characters from the park’s past.

At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, a 45-minute presentation will be given by seasonal Ranger Jim Ross, a Puyallup High School teacher who has worked at Mount Rainier more than 35 seasons. His presentation is called “Mountain Fever,” an often humorous story of the first climbs of Mount Rainier, Jacquot said.

On April 25, ranger Kevin Bacher will portray Mount Rainier figure Philemon Beecher Van Trump. Van Trump was part of the first recorded summit of the mountain in 1853 and became one of the most influential figures in establishing Mount Rainier as a national park. The presentation starts at 1:30 p.m.

Jacquot gets into the act himself on May 2 at 1:30 p.m., portraying James Longmire. Jacquot will tell stories about Mount Rainier in the years leading up to it becoming a national park. Longmire established the first settlement on the southwest side of the park and brought early visitors to his Longmire Springs Resort in the late 1800's.

The Fireside Storytelling League of Tacoma-Olympia will do traditional storytelling for children of all ages on May 9. Eileen Beckowitz and Penny Tennison will tell stories on a variety of topics relating to Mount Rainier history and wildlife. Programs will be offered at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The programs are free and open to the public. Seating in the auditorium is
limited and on a first come-first served basis.