PHOENIXVILLE—PAPA Board Member Cary Moore is one of the lucky people who spend their careers doing what they love. As a professional photographer, Cary spent a lifetime behind the camera—and now, in retirement, he's "putting his focus" on volunteering for organizations like PAPA.
Starting in February 2010, Cary will share his passion with students aged 9 to 14 as part of PAPA's after-school class on digital photography. In this six-week course, students will learn how to use a digital camera and will be introduced to the principles of photographic composition. On the final night of class, students will host an exhibit for family and friends showing off their new skills.
Having built a career out of his passion for photography, Cary wants to help the youth of Phoenixville discover their own passions. That's what brought him to PAPA two years ago, and it’s something he feels PAPA can give the community.
Finding his hobby at a young age has given him a constant throughout his lifetime. Introduced to photography by a pastor at age 15, Cary knew he'd found his calling the moment he took one look through the viewfinder on a twin-lens reflex camera. On his first visit to a darkroom, "I smelled the chemicals, and I was transformed,” he recalled.
Cary's love of photography has followed him every step of a remarkable life.
"In 1965, I received a letter that started, 'Hi there. Your friends and neighbors have selected you to serve in the armed forces of the United States of America,'" he quipped. "I knew I was going to Vietnam." With a Kodak Instamatic and a Yoshika Electro 35 by his side, he spent a year in Southeast Asia. He came home with thousands of photos—and many health problems caused by herbicidal warfare.
Cary spent more than 20 years working for the international chemical company Rohm and Haas, eventually becoming the company's full-time in-house photographer. He retired in 2000, and has devoted his retirement to community service.
PAPA's digital photography class begins Wednesday, February 3 and will be held at the organization's Franklin Commons headquarters. Registration is $99, but scholarships are available. To register for this or any other PAPA activity, visit www.PAPAphx.org or call 610-983-4110. Other after-school classes offered by PAPA include Creative Writing, MathAdventures, Forensics, and Web Design. In March 2010, PAPA will offer elementary and middle-school children a spring break camp.
PAPA is the only formal, structured program for at-risk youth aged 7-17 in the Phoenixville area. Primarily a volunteer, grass-roots organization, PAPA works closely with the Phoenixville Area School District, the Borough of Phoenixville, and other local organizations to create a positive, effective, and motivating force in the Phoenixville community.
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