Vancouver, WA — Clark County Assessor Linda Franklin has scheduled a public meeting for property owners to learn more about their 2009 property tax statements. The meeting will be held March 11, 2009, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room on the sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.
“We wanted everyone to have an opportunity to attend a meeting, so we scheduled an additional meeting for March,” Franklin said. “We also remain available to talk with neighborhood associations and other organizations interested in learning more about Washington’s property tax system.” Two similar meetings were already held in February.
Approximately 160,000 property tax statements were mailed by the Clark County Treasurer beginning Feb. 17. The first half of the tax is due April 30, 2009.
For additional information please contact the Clark County Assessor’s Office at (360) 397-2391 or visit our Web site at www.clark.wa.gov/assessor.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Clark college vocal jazz and “friends” perform
VANCOUVER, Wash. -- The Clark College Vocal Jazz Ensemble and “Friends” will present a concert on March 10 at 7:00 p.m. in Decker Theatre on the college campus. Featured high school vocal jazz ensembles include Prairie High School (Monika Tabor, director), Battle Ground High School (Darcy Schmitt, director) and Kingsway Christian High School (Randy Frasier, director) . The concert will also feature Northwest recording jazz vocalist, Tobaj, a Latin/contemporary singer specializing in vocal improvisation (scat singing). The Clark College ensemble and Tobaj will be joined by well-known jazz instrumentalists Jim Fischer, pianist, Dan Presley, bassist, and drummer, Dave Averre. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Clark College Music Department at 360-992-2662.
Parkrose Hardware joins county’s Paint Take-Back Program
Vancouver, WA – The Parkrose Hardware store located at 16509 S.E. First St. is the newest member of Clark County’s Paint Take-Back Program, which accepts unwanted oil and latex paints and paint-related products, such as paint thinner, for recycling and reuse.
Since it started in January 2005, this free service for residents has collected more than 72,000 pounds of unwanted paint and paint-related products. In addition to Parkrose Hardware, participating stores include the Rodda Paint & Décor Center and two Miller Paint Company stores.
Paint take-back is limited to residential users. The following stores will accept up to 25 gallons of paint or paint-related products per household, per day in five gallon or smaller containers. Leaking, damaged or unlabeled containers will not be accepted. Latex paints collected will be recycled as paint, and oil-base paints and related products will be reused as an alternative fuel.
The locations and hours of each of the participating stores are listed below.
PARKROSE HARDWARE RODDA PAINT & DÉCOR CENTER
16509 S.E. First St. 7723 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
(360) 693-7881 (360) 253-5877
Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MILLER PAINT COMPANY MILLER PAINT COMPANY
2607 N.E. Andresen Rd. 13712 N.E. 20th Ave.
(360) 254-3434 (360) 571-5000
Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
County solid waste transfer stations and periodic household hazardous waste disposal events will also accept unwanted paints and related products. For more information about the Paint Take-Back Program or other hazardous materials, or for information about disposal options for commercial operators, contact Clark County Solid Waste and Recycling, 360-397-6118 ext. 4352, or visit the county Web site at www.clark.wa.gov.
Since it started in January 2005, this free service for residents has collected more than 72,000 pounds of unwanted paint and paint-related products. In addition to Parkrose Hardware, participating stores include the Rodda Paint & Décor Center and two Miller Paint Company stores.
Paint take-back is limited to residential users. The following stores will accept up to 25 gallons of paint or paint-related products per household, per day in five gallon or smaller containers. Leaking, damaged or unlabeled containers will not be accepted. Latex paints collected will be recycled as paint, and oil-base paints and related products will be reused as an alternative fuel.
The locations and hours of each of the participating stores are listed below.
PARKROSE HARDWARE RODDA PAINT & DÉCOR CENTER
16509 S.E. First St. 7723 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
(360) 693-7881 (360) 253-5877
Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MILLER PAINT COMPANY MILLER PAINT COMPANY
2607 N.E. Andresen Rd. 13712 N.E. 20th Ave.
(360) 254-3434 (360) 571-5000
Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
County solid waste transfer stations and periodic household hazardous waste disposal events will also accept unwanted paints and related products. For more information about the Paint Take-Back Program or other hazardous materials, or for information about disposal options for commercial operators, contact Clark County Solid Waste and Recycling, 360-397-6118 ext. 4352, or visit the county Web site at www.clark.wa.gov.
Clark college and high school choirs combine for concerts
VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Two area treble choirs will be guests of the Clark College Chorale and Women’s Choral Ensemble in a duet of concerts. Thursday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. the Prairie High School Symphonic Women’s Chorale joins the Clark College groups in Gaiser Hall. Under the direction of Monika Tabor, the students from Prairie High School will perform Mon coeur se reccomande a vous by Di Lasso, Kyrie from Mass in G by Schubert, the American folk hymn tune There Is a Balm in Gilead, and Three Little Maids from School from “The Mikado.” They will join the Clark Women’s Ensemble in singing Ah! si mon moine voulait danser, a French Canadian folk song. Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m., the three choirs of the Vancouver Girls’ Choir, performing Don Gato, London Bridge, Ol' Dan Tucker, The Wind and Yo Le Canto Todo El Dia, directed by Janet Lindsley, will be the featured guests joining the Clark choirs at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver.
The Clark College Chorale, co-directed by April Duvic and Janet Reiter, has selected several works, including the familiar opera chorus Brindisi from La Traviata, featuring David Warner, tenor, and Christina Moniot, soprano on the March 12 concert and Brandon Stewart, tenor, and Debbie Illyn, soprano, on the March 17 concert. A newly-arranged version of When the Saints Go Marching In by Portland composer Brandon Nelson will features soprano soloists Rosemary Warner and Jaz Bielby.
The Women’s Chorale Ensemble, directed by April Duvic, will perform works by Clark College music professor Gordon Trousdale, and Portland composer Joan Szymko. Szymko’s This Wonderful Feeling features marimba accompaniment and showcases the talents of Clark music instructor Ben Moll.
Admission to both concerts is free. March 12 all donations will go to the Clark Chorale and Women’s Ensemble. March 17 all donations will benefit the St. Luke’s Community Support fund, which supports local organizations, including Free Clinic of SW Washington, NW Harvest South, FISH, YWCA Safe Choice, Share House, Babies In Need, Seafarers’ Center, Columbia Pastoral Counseling Center, Friends of the Carpenter, Valley Homestead Shelter, Helping Hands, and Winter Housing Overflow. For more information, please contact Peggy Winston at 360-992-2662.
Innovative Services NW Completes $7.3 Million Capital Campaign
VANCOUVER, Washington- February 26, 2009- Innovative Services NW, a 46 year old, Clark County non-profit organization, announces the completion of their 5 year, $7.3 Million, “A Future for All” capital campaign. The campaign supported the creation of the 36,000 square foot Mary Firstenburg Family Center, adjacent to the Westfield Vancouver Mall, which now houses all sixteen programs of Innovative Services NW. The groundbreaking for the project took place in June 2007 with a construction completion date of May 27, 2008.
The “A Future for All” capital campaign cabinet was co-chaired by Steve and Jean Hix and included Rick Bowler and Marilee Thompson, Ron Frederiksen and Terry Murphy, Jason Green, Dick James, Monte Silliman, Kevin Myles and Ronda Peterson.
This project was made possible through generous grants including, but not limited to, $1.9 Million from the Taxpayers of the State of Washington, $1 Million from Ed and Mary Firstenburg, $300,000 respectively from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and the Meyer Memorial Trust, $250,000 from the Hallador Legacy Fund and the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and $200,000 from the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington with their first ever impact grant.
The Mary Firstenburg Family Center, constructed by RSV Construction Services, has won 3 major design awards including the Building Industry Association 2008 Building Excellence Award, a Community Pride Design Award 2008 and a Vancouver Business Journal Top Projects 2008 award.
Innovative Services NW values, assists and supports 750 children, adults and families each week in our community who have disabilities or other disadvantages. They do this through offering a continuum of services including therapy and childcare for children; employment training and job support for teens and adults; intervention, education and support for families and adult day health services for senior citizens or other adults who need daytime assistance. For more information about this new facility, or to schedule a tour, please contact Dawn Johnston, Development Director, at (360) 823-5171 or email djohnston@innovativeservicesnw.org.
The “A Future for All” capital campaign cabinet was co-chaired by Steve and Jean Hix and included Rick Bowler and Marilee Thompson, Ron Frederiksen and Terry Murphy, Jason Green, Dick James, Monte Silliman, Kevin Myles and Ronda Peterson.
This project was made possible through generous grants including, but not limited to, $1.9 Million from the Taxpayers of the State of Washington, $1 Million from Ed and Mary Firstenburg, $300,000 respectively from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and the Meyer Memorial Trust, $250,000 from the Hallador Legacy Fund and the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and $200,000 from the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington with their first ever impact grant.
The Mary Firstenburg Family Center, constructed by RSV Construction Services, has won 3 major design awards including the Building Industry Association 2008 Building Excellence Award, a Community Pride Design Award 2008 and a Vancouver Business Journal Top Projects 2008 award.
Innovative Services NW values, assists and supports 750 children, adults and families each week in our community who have disabilities or other disadvantages. They do this through offering a continuum of services including therapy and childcare for children; employment training and job support for teens and adults; intervention, education and support for families and adult day health services for senior citizens or other adults who need daytime assistance. For more information about this new facility, or to schedule a tour, please contact Dawn Johnston, Development Director, at (360) 823-5171 or email djohnston@innovativeservicesnw.org.
America’s 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies Quell Recession Fears- List Reports Aggregate Revenue of $185 Billion
HANSON CONSTRUCTION & RESTORATION CO.INC. Ranks #3850 on the 2008
Inc. 5,000, With Three –Year Sales Growth of 59%
NEW YORK, August, 2008 – Inc. today ranked Hanson construction & Restoration Co.#3850 on its annual ranking of the 5000 fastest-growing companies in the country.The list is the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy-America’s independently owned companies, these represent the backbone of the U.S.Economy.
“Our second annual Inc. 5000 continues the most ambitious project in business journalism,” said Inc 5,000 project manager Jim Melloan. “The Inc. 5000 gives an unrivaled portrait of under-reported companies across all industries doing fascinating things with cutting-edge business models, showing impressive growth.
HANSON CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. was founded in 1991 by John P. Hanson and has
Grown to 30+ employees, with revenues of $4,000,000.+ for 2008. The corporate headquarters is located in Vancouver with another location in Portland. Repairing water, Fire, and wind damaged homes is 50% of our business with remodeling making up the Other revenue. Our team strives to keep our customers completely satisfied, for we realize without customers there can be no tomorrows.
The 5000 companies that made the list were engines of job growth, having created more than 826,033 since these companies were founded. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, Including company profiles and the list can be found at www.inc5000.com
Inc. 5,000, With Three –Year Sales Growth of 59%
NEW YORK, August, 2008 – Inc. today ranked Hanson construction & Restoration Co.#3850 on its annual ranking of the 5000 fastest-growing companies in the country.The list is the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy-America’s independently owned companies, these represent the backbone of the U.S.Economy.
“Our second annual Inc. 5000 continues the most ambitious project in business journalism,” said Inc 5,000 project manager Jim Melloan. “The Inc. 5000 gives an unrivaled portrait of under-reported companies across all industries doing fascinating things with cutting-edge business models, showing impressive growth.
HANSON CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. was founded in 1991 by John P. Hanson and has
Grown to 30+ employees, with revenues of $4,000,000.+ for 2008. The corporate headquarters is located in Vancouver with another location in Portland. Repairing water, Fire, and wind damaged homes is 50% of our business with remodeling making up the Other revenue. Our team strives to keep our customers completely satisfied, for we realize without customers there can be no tomorrows.
The 5000 companies that made the list were engines of job growth, having created more than 826,033 since these companies were founded. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, Including company profiles and the list can be found at www.inc5000.com
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Statement by Lt. Governor Brad Owen on Gary Locke as U.S. Secretary of Commerce nominee:
“I see Gary Locke’s appointment as Commerce Secretary by President Obama as a huge positive for the state of Washington. We are often called the most trade dependent state in the nation, and from that standpoint it is critical to the success of our economy to have someone as commerce secretary who knows and understands trade-driven issues. I can think of no better person to be in this role as our former governor, who did so much with international trade while in office, particularly with Asia. He has continued to be a major power in that arena in the private sector”.
“What Kids Know and Parents Wish They Did”
“What Kids Know and Parents Wish They Did”
Vancouver Workshop Features Former Gang Leader turned National Keynote Speaker
“What Kids Know and Parents Wish They Did,” is a free workshop for parents on February 28th, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Southwest Washington Boys and Girls Club, 409 NE Anderson Road, Vancouver, WA 98665.
The workshop, sponsored by the Safe Communities Task Force, features nationally known keynote speaker and former Kansas City gang leader Ossco Bolton, who now works to eradicate gang violence in communities across the country. Mr. Bolton is founder of P.O.S.S.E. (Peers Organized to Support Student Excellence) which trains and partners youth with their local law enforcement agencies to better their community.
In addition to Mr. Bolton’s keynote address, workshop topics include:
Drugs/Alcohol: What are kids using and seeing, presented by Sheryl Smith, Intervention Specialist with Vancouver Public Schools.
Talking with your Kids and Teens, presented by Clark County Juvenile Court Probation Counselors, Chris Simonsmeier and Karen Lucas.
Healthy Relationships, presented by Joan Renner, Director, and Laurie Schacht, Outreach Coordinator, of the YWCA Sexual Assault program.
School/Credit Options, and how to navigate the school system presented by Elizabeth Mikaele, Hudson’s Bay High School Counselor.
Gangs: Warning Signs and Behaviors, presented by Vancouver Police Detective Marshall Henderson.
The workshop is free of charge and includes lunch, raffle prizes, and Spanish and Russian interpreters. Parents must register. To register contact the Boys & Girls Club at (360) 567-1152 between 8:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Monday – Friday. Childcare is not provided.
In addition to the workshop, Mr. Bolton will speak to community leaders on February 27th, 2009 at the Water Resource Center.
Vancouver Workshop Features Former Gang Leader turned National Keynote Speaker
“What Kids Know and Parents Wish They Did,” is a free workshop for parents on February 28th, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Southwest Washington Boys and Girls Club, 409 NE Anderson Road, Vancouver, WA 98665.
The workshop, sponsored by the Safe Communities Task Force, features nationally known keynote speaker and former Kansas City gang leader Ossco Bolton, who now works to eradicate gang violence in communities across the country. Mr. Bolton is founder of P.O.S.S.E. (Peers Organized to Support Student Excellence) which trains and partners youth with their local law enforcement agencies to better their community.
In addition to Mr. Bolton’s keynote address, workshop topics include:
Drugs/Alcohol: What are kids using and seeing, presented by Sheryl Smith, Intervention Specialist with Vancouver Public Schools.
Talking with your Kids and Teens, presented by Clark County Juvenile Court Probation Counselors, Chris Simonsmeier and Karen Lucas.
Healthy Relationships, presented by Joan Renner, Director, and Laurie Schacht, Outreach Coordinator, of the YWCA Sexual Assault program.
School/Credit Options, and how to navigate the school system presented by Elizabeth Mikaele, Hudson’s Bay High School Counselor.
Gangs: Warning Signs and Behaviors, presented by Vancouver Police Detective Marshall Henderson.
The workshop is free of charge and includes lunch, raffle prizes, and Spanish and Russian interpreters. Parents must register. To register contact the Boys & Girls Club at (360) 567-1152 between 8:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Monday – Friday. Childcare is not provided.
In addition to the workshop, Mr. Bolton will speak to community leaders on February 27th, 2009 at the Water Resource Center.
Port Commission to consider leases, annexation request
VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners will consider three action items at their regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 23.
Commissioners Nancy Baker, Jerry Oliver and Brian Wolfe will meet in public session beginning at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will also be cablecast live on CVTV (Comcast 21), and streamed live at www.cvtv.org.
The port facilities department will request commission approval of the first amendment to a lease between the port and United Road Service for building 2480, on Kotobuki Way. Another lease amendment, for United Harvest, will also be recommended to the commission for action. Finally, a petition to annex the former Evergreen Aluminum property into the City of Vancouver will be presented to the commission for its approval.
Lease Amendment for United Road Service
United Road, which distributes automobiles by truck, has been a port tenant since November 1, 2003. It uses port property for receipt, storage, processing, detailing, modification and distribution of automobiles. Roughly 20 employees and approximately 120 truck drivers are based out of the 22,440 square foot facility at the port.
The first amendment to the lease will approve a five-year extension to the lease and grant two additional five-year options to the lease, per a request from United Road. Over the next five years, the port will see income of $861,181 plus leasehold excise tax and common area maintenance fees. Each year’s rent will increase, in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.
Lease Amendment for United Harvest
United Harvest has leased administration office space located at 3201 Lower River Road at the port since February 1, 2004. Approximately 15 employees are based at the administration offices.
The first amendment to the lease will approve its first five-year extension to the lease, which includes two additional five-year options that remain. United Harvest is also increasing its total lease premises at the port’s facility from 3,200 square feet to 3,701 square feet, which includes 3,058 square feet for office and 643 square feet for storage. Income to the port over the next five years will be $170,233 plus leasehold excise tax, insurance and common area maintenance fees. Each year’s rent will increase, in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.
Petition to Annex Evergreen Property
The Port of Vancouver recently closed on its purchase of the property that formerly housed the Evergreen Aluminum operations west of the port to support the West Vancouver Freight Access project and development of Terminal 5. In the 1990s, the City of Vancouver annexed much of the adjacent property into its jurisdiction but a portion of the property was not included because it was still being used as an aluminum smelter.
With the port’s desire to keep all of its marine terminal spaces within the boundaries of the city in order to standardize land use and permitting requirements, the port must petition the city to annex the property currently located within the unincorporated Urban Growth Area, which is adjacent and contiguous to the City of Vancouver.
The port estimates that the complete annexation process with the city and county should take 120-180 days after the petition is filed with the city. The proposed annexation would not change the current zoning designation of heavy industrial.
Commissioners Nancy Baker, Jerry Oliver and Brian Wolfe will meet in public session beginning at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will also be cablecast live on CVTV (Comcast 21), and streamed live at www.cvtv.org.
The port facilities department will request commission approval of the first amendment to a lease between the port and United Road Service for building 2480, on Kotobuki Way. Another lease amendment, for United Harvest, will also be recommended to the commission for action. Finally, a petition to annex the former Evergreen Aluminum property into the City of Vancouver will be presented to the commission for its approval.
Lease Amendment for United Road Service
United Road, which distributes automobiles by truck, has been a port tenant since November 1, 2003. It uses port property for receipt, storage, processing, detailing, modification and distribution of automobiles. Roughly 20 employees and approximately 120 truck drivers are based out of the 22,440 square foot facility at the port.
The first amendment to the lease will approve a five-year extension to the lease and grant two additional five-year options to the lease, per a request from United Road. Over the next five years, the port will see income of $861,181 plus leasehold excise tax and common area maintenance fees. Each year’s rent will increase, in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.
Lease Amendment for United Harvest
United Harvest has leased administration office space located at 3201 Lower River Road at the port since February 1, 2004. Approximately 15 employees are based at the administration offices.
The first amendment to the lease will approve its first five-year extension to the lease, which includes two additional five-year options that remain. United Harvest is also increasing its total lease premises at the port’s facility from 3,200 square feet to 3,701 square feet, which includes 3,058 square feet for office and 643 square feet for storage. Income to the port over the next five years will be $170,233 plus leasehold excise tax, insurance and common area maintenance fees. Each year’s rent will increase, in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.
Petition to Annex Evergreen Property
The Port of Vancouver recently closed on its purchase of the property that formerly housed the Evergreen Aluminum operations west of the port to support the West Vancouver Freight Access project and development of Terminal 5. In the 1990s, the City of Vancouver annexed much of the adjacent property into its jurisdiction but a portion of the property was not included because it was still being used as an aluminum smelter.
With the port’s desire to keep all of its marine terminal spaces within the boundaries of the city in order to standardize land use and permitting requirements, the port must petition the city to annex the property currently located within the unincorporated Urban Growth Area, which is adjacent and contiguous to the City of Vancouver.
The port estimates that the complete annexation process with the city and county should take 120-180 days after the petition is filed with the city. The proposed annexation would not change the current zoning designation of heavy industrial.
Elguji Software’s IdeaJam Wins Coveted Lotusphere 2009 Awards Captures Top Honors with IBM Lotus CTO Innovation and Breakout Technology Awards
Vancouver, WA– Elguji Software announced today that its IdeaJam software application won the prestigious IBM Lotus Chief Technology Officer Innovation and Breakout Technology awards, at Lotusphere 2009, while also being named as a finalist for the Best in Showcase award. Taking Lotusphere by storm, Elguji Software’s IdeaJam, the industry’s first XPages application, proved that it’s helping to create a highly engaging and usable "Web 2.0" user experience for its customers.
“We purchased IdeaJam to deploy as the first employee ‘community’ application on our new global intranet. In the first two months of use, we’ve received a number of great ideas, votes and comments on various employee experiences and cost-saving measures,” said Scott Stewart, who works in the messaging and collaboration department for Kelly Services. “As a result, some of the more popular ideas have already been implemented.”
A virtual "suggestion box" designed to support open-innovation practices, IdeaJam allows businesses to collect ideas, solicit and manage feedback, and then use “crowd-sourcing” to rank ideas from employees, customers and partners. Once an idea is posted people can comment on the idea, promote or demote it. As a result, the best ideas rise to the top, enabling the company to respond quickly to market opportunities and threats.
“Innovation is crucial in the software business, and the Lotus Awards show how IdeaJam continues to leverage emerging technologies to provide greater value for businesses of all sizes,” said Matt White, CTO of Elguji Software, the developers of IdeaJam and an IBM Business Partner. “IdeaJam customers can save time and money by helping them to work together to share and prioritize ideas.” Elguji Software tests its own software on a public site (ideajam.net) to serve IBM and Lotus communities to improve its performance and get feedback. By innovating quickly through feedback channels with their customers, Elguji releases product updates regularly to stay at the top of its industry.
While popular, blogging and instant messaging tools do not allow people to gather, sort and categorize ideas in one central place companies that implement IdeaJam can use it internally or broadcast it to the world in an open forum. Ideas can range from simple questions to complex topics. In addition, because IdeaJam is based on open standards, businesses can use their existing infrastructure and be up gathering ideas within 15 minutes of installation.
The IdeaJam user interface is complemented by open-data access in RSS, Open Document, and Microsoft Excel formats. Users can extensively – and very easily – customize the application using the IBM Lotus Notes client, without any programming required. IdeaJam provides multilingual support, and many details of the IdeaJam process and user interface are easy to reconfigure for different-use cases.
“We purchased IdeaJam to deploy as the first employee ‘community’ application on our new global intranet. In the first two months of use, we’ve received a number of great ideas, votes and comments on various employee experiences and cost-saving measures,” said Scott Stewart, who works in the messaging and collaboration department for Kelly Services. “As a result, some of the more popular ideas have already been implemented.”
A virtual "suggestion box" designed to support open-innovation practices, IdeaJam allows businesses to collect ideas, solicit and manage feedback, and then use “crowd-sourcing” to rank ideas from employees, customers and partners. Once an idea is posted people can comment on the idea, promote or demote it. As a result, the best ideas rise to the top, enabling the company to respond quickly to market opportunities and threats.
“Innovation is crucial in the software business, and the Lotus Awards show how IdeaJam continues to leverage emerging technologies to provide greater value for businesses of all sizes,” said Matt White, CTO of Elguji Software, the developers of IdeaJam and an IBM Business Partner. “IdeaJam customers can save time and money by helping them to work together to share and prioritize ideas.” Elguji Software tests its own software on a public site (ideajam.net) to serve IBM and Lotus communities to improve its performance and get feedback. By innovating quickly through feedback channels with their customers, Elguji releases product updates regularly to stay at the top of its industry.
While popular, blogging and instant messaging tools do not allow people to gather, sort and categorize ideas in one central place companies that implement IdeaJam can use it internally or broadcast it to the world in an open forum. Ideas can range from simple questions to complex topics. In addition, because IdeaJam is based on open standards, businesses can use their existing infrastructure and be up gathering ideas within 15 minutes of installation.
The IdeaJam user interface is complemented by open-data access in RSS, Open Document, and Microsoft Excel formats. Users can extensively – and very easily – customize the application using the IBM Lotus Notes client, without any programming required. IdeaJam provides multilingual support, and many details of the IdeaJam process and user interface are easy to reconfigure for different-use cases.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Parks district program invests in community and businesses
Vancouver, WA – The Greater Clark Parks District park development program will reach the halfway point this year, with 21 of 42 planned park and sports field projects either complete or under construction.
Contracts awarded local companies to design or build these facilities now total almost $14 million since the program began in 2005, according to Clark County Public Works and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation.
“The park district program improves the quality of life for our residents, provides more outdoor recreation opportunities, and supports private-sector jobs by putting construction dollars back into the local economy,” said Clark County Public Works Director Pete Capell.
The Greater Clark Parks District is a special district. The property tax collected by the district pays for maintenance and operation of new parks, sports fields and trail projects. Funding for planning, design and construction comes from park impact fees, real estate excise taxes and grants.
The 2009 Greater Clark Parks District Project Status Report is now available online at www.clarkparks.org. A limited number of paper copies may be requested by calling (360) 397-6118 x. 4949.
Contracts awarded local companies to design or build these facilities now total almost $14 million since the program began in 2005, according to Clark County Public Works and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation.
“The park district program improves the quality of life for our residents, provides more outdoor recreation opportunities, and supports private-sector jobs by putting construction dollars back into the local economy,” said Clark County Public Works Director Pete Capell.
The Greater Clark Parks District is a special district. The property tax collected by the district pays for maintenance and operation of new parks, sports fields and trail projects. Funding for planning, design and construction comes from park impact fees, real estate excise taxes and grants.
The 2009 Greater Clark Parks District Project Status Report is now available online at www.clarkparks.org. A limited number of paper copies may be requested by calling (360) 397-6118 x. 4949.
WSU Vancouver Accepting Applications for Distinguished Woman of the Year
VANCOUVER, Wash. - Washington State University Vancouver's Office of Student Involvement will recognize the 2009 Distinguished Woman of the Year. WSU Vancouver invites the community to nominate women who have made a difference in their lives.
For more information or to make a nomination go to, http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/distinction.
Nominations are due by Feb. 23.
The Women of Distinction program is designed to celebrate Women's History Month and will honor women who inspire, mentor and empower others. Festivities include a keynote by Patricia E. Smith, president and CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union, hors d'oeuvres and music.
WSU Vancouver will announce the recipient at the Woman of Distinction
2009 event, from 6 - 8 p.m. March 4, in the Firstenburg Student Commons.
To show support guests can bring a donation of new or unused personal care and toiletry items for the Associated Students of WSU Vancouver drive benefitting the Clark County YWCA. This event is free and open to the public.
This event is sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement and Unitus Community Credit Union and the ASWSUV.
WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service.
We offer 16 bachelor's degrees, nine master's degrees, one doctorate degree and more than 36 fields of study. Visit us on the Web at http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu.
For more information or to make a nomination go to, http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/distinction.
Nominations are due by Feb. 23.
The Women of Distinction program is designed to celebrate Women's History Month and will honor women who inspire, mentor and empower others. Festivities include a keynote by Patricia E. Smith, president and CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union, hors d'oeuvres and music.
WSU Vancouver will announce the recipient at the Woman of Distinction
2009 event, from 6 - 8 p.m. March 4, in the Firstenburg Student Commons.
To show support guests can bring a donation of new or unused personal care and toiletry items for the Associated Students of WSU Vancouver drive benefitting the Clark County YWCA. This event is free and open to the public.
This event is sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement and Unitus Community Credit Union and the ASWSUV.
WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service.
We offer 16 bachelor's degrees, nine master's degrees, one doctorate degree and more than 36 fields of study. Visit us on the Web at http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu.
Baseler Appointed to WSU Board of Regents
PULLMAN, Wash. -- Ted Baseler of Seattle has been reappointed by Gov.
Christine Gregoire to serve as a member of the Board of Regents of Washington State University.
Baseler has been a leader in the Washington wine industry for 25 years.
He is president and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, which is among the 10 largest wine companies in the nation. He also has served as chairman of the Washington Wine Commission, chairman of the Napa-based Wine Market Council, and director of the Washington Wine Institute. He has served on the Washington Business Roundtable and the boards of Children's Hospital and Patrons of Northwest Arts.
A Washington State University graduate, Baseler has been recognized with the Alumni Achievement Award and the WSU Foundation Outstanding Service Award. He previously served as a regent in 2006-2007. He succeeds Ken Alhadeff who served two six-year terms on the board. Baseler's term expires Sept. 30, 2014.
"I am honored and very pleased to be back on the board and look forward to helping overcome the challenges of the University in this economic environment," Baseler said.
"Ted Baseler knows and understands our university. His business experience as a leader in the development of the Washington wine industry gives him a first-hand knowledge of the close connection between university research and economic development. It is great to have him back on our board," said WSU President Elson S. Floyd.
Christine Gregoire to serve as a member of the Board of Regents of Washington State University.
Baseler has been a leader in the Washington wine industry for 25 years.
He is president and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, which is among the 10 largest wine companies in the nation. He also has served as chairman of the Washington Wine Commission, chairman of the Napa-based Wine Market Council, and director of the Washington Wine Institute. He has served on the Washington Business Roundtable and the boards of Children's Hospital and Patrons of Northwest Arts.
A Washington State University graduate, Baseler has been recognized with the Alumni Achievement Award and the WSU Foundation Outstanding Service Award. He previously served as a regent in 2006-2007. He succeeds Ken Alhadeff who served two six-year terms on the board. Baseler's term expires Sept. 30, 2014.
"I am honored and very pleased to be back on the board and look forward to helping overcome the challenges of the University in this economic environment," Baseler said.
"Ted Baseler knows and understands our university. His business experience as a leader in the development of the Washington wine industry gives him a first-hand knowledge of the close connection between university research and economic development. It is great to have him back on our board," said WSU President Elson S. Floyd.
State Farm® Youth Advisory Board grants $97,155
Evergreen Public Schools receives boost to aid Science Mentoring Program
DuPont, Wash., Feb. 19, 2009 – The State Farm Youth Advisory Board announced the Evergreen Public Schools will receive a $97,155 service-learning grant for the Creating Achievable Pathways in Science for All Learners project.
Evergreen Public Schools is one of 73 organizations to receive a service-learning, youth-led grant across the United States and Canada. More than 500 grant requests were received by the Board.
“The CAPSAL program will allow young people and leaders to focus on topics such as improving math and science test scores, educating an influx of diverse populations and the high drop-out rates in high school while working to protect the environment thus enriching the community,” said Brandon Ibarra, a YAB board member and a Seattle University student.
"This grant money will enable us to extend our cross-age mentoring science fair to include four elementary schools, three high schools and three middle schools, thus creating an opportunity for more students to participate in hands-on engagement with science projects and presentations," said Tom Archer, Science Manager for Evergreen Public Schools. "Cross age mentoring is provided to support positive role models for the elementary students while supporting leadership development in the high school students. Students at both ends of the continuum benefit academically from this partnership. We are extremely grateful to State Farm Youth Advisory Board for supporting us in continuing to provide these kinds of opportunities for our students."
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a diverse group of 30 youth, ages 17-20, who were chosen through a competitive process to lead and oversee this $5 million/year signature service-learning initiative. The Youth Board identified the issues, issued competitive grants and will now provide technical assistance, communication and oversight to site grantees. The grants funded student-led service-learning projects in the United States and in the Alberta, New Brunswick and Ontario provinces of Canada.
“State Farm supports service-learning because it combines service to the community with classroom curriculum in a hands-on approach to mastering subject material while fostering civic responsibility,” said Ty Cordova, Assistant Public Affairs Manager and Zone YAB Coordinator. “The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a prime example of State Farm’s commitment to education, our community and our youth.”
State Farm will present the grant Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. at Heritage High School in Vancouver, Wash.
Visit www.statefarmyab.com for more information about the different projects being funded and about the Youth Advisory Board.
DuPont, Wash., Feb. 19, 2009 – The State Farm Youth Advisory Board announced the Evergreen Public Schools will receive a $97,155 service-learning grant for the Creating Achievable Pathways in Science for All Learners project.
Evergreen Public Schools is one of 73 organizations to receive a service-learning, youth-led grant across the United States and Canada. More than 500 grant requests were received by the Board.
“The CAPSAL program will allow young people and leaders to focus on topics such as improving math and science test scores, educating an influx of diverse populations and the high drop-out rates in high school while working to protect the environment thus enriching the community,” said Brandon Ibarra, a YAB board member and a Seattle University student.
"This grant money will enable us to extend our cross-age mentoring science fair to include four elementary schools, three high schools and three middle schools, thus creating an opportunity for more students to participate in hands-on engagement with science projects and presentations," said Tom Archer, Science Manager for Evergreen Public Schools. "Cross age mentoring is provided to support positive role models for the elementary students while supporting leadership development in the high school students. Students at both ends of the continuum benefit academically from this partnership. We are extremely grateful to State Farm Youth Advisory Board for supporting us in continuing to provide these kinds of opportunities for our students."
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a diverse group of 30 youth, ages 17-20, who were chosen through a competitive process to lead and oversee this $5 million/year signature service-learning initiative. The Youth Board identified the issues, issued competitive grants and will now provide technical assistance, communication and oversight to site grantees. The grants funded student-led service-learning projects in the United States and in the Alberta, New Brunswick and Ontario provinces of Canada.
“State Farm supports service-learning because it combines service to the community with classroom curriculum in a hands-on approach to mastering subject material while fostering civic responsibility,” said Ty Cordova, Assistant Public Affairs Manager and Zone YAB Coordinator. “The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is a prime example of State Farm’s commitment to education, our community and our youth.”
State Farm will present the grant Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. at Heritage High School in Vancouver, Wash.
Visit www.statefarmyab.com for more information about the different projects being funded and about the Youth Advisory Board.
March 13 Choir & Band Concert
VANCOUVER, Wash. - The Clark College Concert Choir, under the direction of April Duvic, and Concert Band, under the direction of Richard Inouye, invite you to join us for “Britain and Beyond,” a musical tour of the British Isles on Friday, March 13, 2009, 7:30 p.m. in the Royal Durst Theatre, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, 3101 Main Street, Vancouver. From Danny Boy to the Beatles Can’t Buy Me Love, the Concert Choir travels musically through the centuries and across Great Britain. The choir program features soloists Caitlin Fisher, soprano, D.J. Unlayao, tenor, Rachael Campbell, oboe, Mary Huibregtse, Irish Step Dancer, and two select ensembles from within the Choir in a program as colorful and varied as the isles themselves. The Concert Band will feature traditional compositions by the masters of the wind symphony, Ralph Vaughn Williams and Gustav Holst, and also be performing a contemporary piece for wind band, Dancing at Stonehenge, winner of the 2005 CBDNA Young Band Composition Competition, written by composer Anthony Suter. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call Peggy Winston at 360-992-2662.
THE BREAST CANCER AND OVARIAN CANCER GENE: ARE YOU AT RISK?
On Friday, March 6, Clark College nursing professor Laurie Brown
will lead an important discussion as part of Clark College’s 2008-2009 Faculty Speaker Series
VANCOUVER, Wash. – All of us have the breast cancer gene. It is there for our protection. What if you found out that your gene did not work? Would you want to know?
That discussion will be the focus of Clark College’s next Faculty Speaker Series event. It will be held on Friday, March 6 from noon to 1 p.m. in the college’s Gaiser Student Center. The event is free and open to the public. Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Maps and directions are available on the Clark College Web site at www.clark.edu/maps
One in 500 people have a genetic mutation to their BRCA gene. Brown notes, “We all have the protective BRCA (breast cancer) gene, but recent research shows that BRCA mutations make both men and women more susceptible to the development cancers in breast and ovarian tissue.”
During her presentation, Brown will discuss how health care professionals determine an individual’s risk of carrying changed BRCA genes and what options are available for those who are carriers.
About Laurie Brown
Laurie Brown is a tenured nursing professor at Clark College. A graduate of Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV), Laurie earned a Masters of Nursing Science and specialized in community nursing and nursing education. She also holds a dual masters degree in Public Administration and Health Administration from Portland State University. Laurie Brown maintains an advanced Critical Care Certification in Nursing (CCRN). She still actively practices bedside nursing when not teaching.
Beyond critical care, Brown specializes in cardiac care and oncology. The Conference for Clinical Excellence, a national nursing symposium held in 2002, honored Laurie Brown by inviting her to present a poster board of her research on breast cancer (BRCA) genetics. She also created and facilitated a community teaching project on breast cancer and the BRCA gene mutation. Her efforts in community nursing won her WSU’s outstanding graduate student of the year award in 2002.
Between 2001 and 2004, Laurie Brown received service recognition awards from Hambleton Project, an agency serving women with cancer. In 2001, she was recognized with Washington State University's Julie Ebreck Nursing Award. From 2001 through 2003, she served on Washington State University’s Diversity Task Force. Laurie Brown has been the advisor for the Student Nurses Association of Clark College (SNACC) for the past six years.
Additionally, she is a volunteer with the Clark County Public Health Department’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). Under Brown's guidance, SNACC won the "volunteer of the year" award from MRC in 2008.
About the Clark College Faculty Speaker Series
The Faculty Speaker Series, established by Clark College with support from the Clark College Foundation, honors individual faculty members and celebrates academic excellence.
Each fall, winter and spring quarter, the Faculty Speaker Series showcases experiences that have enriched both the life and teaching of a Clark faculty member. Throughout the series, faculty members share their developmental experiences with the college community – and members of the community at large – while addressing some of today’s most intriguing issues.
will lead an important discussion as part of Clark College’s 2008-2009 Faculty Speaker Series
VANCOUVER, Wash. – All of us have the breast cancer gene. It is there for our protection. What if you found out that your gene did not work? Would you want to know?
That discussion will be the focus of Clark College’s next Faculty Speaker Series event. It will be held on Friday, March 6 from noon to 1 p.m. in the college’s Gaiser Student Center. The event is free and open to the public. Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Maps and directions are available on the Clark College Web site at www.clark.edu/maps
One in 500 people have a genetic mutation to their BRCA gene. Brown notes, “We all have the protective BRCA (breast cancer) gene, but recent research shows that BRCA mutations make both men and women more susceptible to the development cancers in breast and ovarian tissue.”
During her presentation, Brown will discuss how health care professionals determine an individual’s risk of carrying changed BRCA genes and what options are available for those who are carriers.
About Laurie Brown
Laurie Brown is a tenured nursing professor at Clark College. A graduate of Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV), Laurie earned a Masters of Nursing Science and specialized in community nursing and nursing education. She also holds a dual masters degree in Public Administration and Health Administration from Portland State University. Laurie Brown maintains an advanced Critical Care Certification in Nursing (CCRN). She still actively practices bedside nursing when not teaching.
Beyond critical care, Brown specializes in cardiac care and oncology. The Conference for Clinical Excellence, a national nursing symposium held in 2002, honored Laurie Brown by inviting her to present a poster board of her research on breast cancer (BRCA) genetics. She also created and facilitated a community teaching project on breast cancer and the BRCA gene mutation. Her efforts in community nursing won her WSU’s outstanding graduate student of the year award in 2002.
Between 2001 and 2004, Laurie Brown received service recognition awards from Hambleton Project, an agency serving women with cancer. In 2001, she was recognized with Washington State University's Julie Ebreck Nursing Award. From 2001 through 2003, she served on Washington State University’s Diversity Task Force. Laurie Brown has been the advisor for the Student Nurses Association of Clark College (SNACC) for the past six years.
Additionally, she is a volunteer with the Clark County Public Health Department’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). Under Brown's guidance, SNACC won the "volunteer of the year" award from MRC in 2008.
About the Clark College Faculty Speaker Series
The Faculty Speaker Series, established by Clark College with support from the Clark College Foundation, honors individual faculty members and celebrates academic excellence.
Each fall, winter and spring quarter, the Faculty Speaker Series showcases experiences that have enriched both the life and teaching of a Clark faculty member. Throughout the series, faculty members share their developmental experiences with the college community – and members of the community at large – while addressing some of today’s most intriguing issues.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
College Scholarships Available for Local Students
The Camas/Washougal Chamber of Commerce has just announced that two scholarships for are now available to local high school students. The CW Chamber will be awarding one $1,000 scholarship to a Camas High School graduating senior and one $1,000 scholarship to a Washougal High School graduating senior. The scholarships are to be awarded to students graduating in 2009, who plan on enrolling in advanced education.
The deadline for completed scholarship applications is Friday, April 10th 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at the Chamber office. Applications may be acquired at the career guidance office at each of the high schools, at the CW Chamber of Commerce (422 NE 4th Avenue, Camas) or at www.cwchamber.com.
The deadline for completed scholarship applications is Friday, April 10th 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at the Chamber office. Applications may be acquired at the career guidance office at each of the high schools, at the CW Chamber of Commerce (422 NE 4th Avenue, Camas) or at www.cwchamber.com.
Friday, February 13, 2009
SolarWorld group: Group Sales, Operating Results and Net Income Precisely on Forecast with Increase of More Than 30 Per Cent in 2008
Bonn, Germany / Hillsboro, Ore., February 18, 2009 – In fiscal 2008, the SolarWorld group generated sustainable growth of its national and international solar business. Against the backdrop of vigorous demand, group sales precisely hit forecast by achieving a 30 percent increase over the previous year, with 900 million EUR (about $1.2 billion US), up from 690 million EUR. Operating results before taxes and interest (EBIT) also grew by more than 30 per cent to 260 (previous year: 199) million EUR reflecting the growth of the group along the entire value chain. By the same token net income for the year went up by 33 per cent to 150 (previous year: 113) million EUR. Setting aside onetime accounting charges, the group increased its EBIT by 49 per cent to 254 (previous year: 171) million EUR and its results from continued activities by 39 percent to 132 (previous year: 95) million EUR.
Sales in January 2009 exceeded those of the same month a year earlier. This comparison indicates growing customer eagerness to invest in solar power technology.
About the SolarWorld group: The SolarWorld group of companies (ISIN: DE0005108401) is a world leader in high quality solar power technology. The company is involved at all levels of the solar value chain and combines all activities of the solar industry, from silicon raw material to turn-key solar systems. SolarWorld is represented in all of the world’s solar growth markets. The group is exclusively dedicated to its core business of photovoltaic power generation, operating production facilities in Germany and the USA (California, Oregon, Washington). They, in turn, supply the SolarWorld sales offices in Germany, Spain, USA, South Africa and Singapore. In South Korea, SolarWorld is establishing a solar module production facility to serve the growing demand in Asia.
The central element of the business, in addition to the sale of turn-key solar systems and solar modules, is the distribution of solar silicon wafers to the international solar cell industry. Apart from grid-coupled (on-grid) products the SolarWorld group sells off-grid solar power solutions that make an important contribution to the sustainable economic development of threshold and developing countries. Under the name Solar2World, the group has applied its ethical commitment to solar power in developing countries.
SolarWorld AG employs about 2,300 people worldwide. At the stock market the company is listed among others in the technology index TecDAX, in the ÖkoDAX, in the Dow Jones STOXX 600, in the international MSCI index as well as in the sustainability indices DAXglobal Alternative Energy and NAI.
Sales in January 2009 exceeded those of the same month a year earlier. This comparison indicates growing customer eagerness to invest in solar power technology.
About the SolarWorld group: The SolarWorld group of companies (ISIN: DE0005108401) is a world leader in high quality solar power technology. The company is involved at all levels of the solar value chain and combines all activities of the solar industry, from silicon raw material to turn-key solar systems. SolarWorld is represented in all of the world’s solar growth markets. The group is exclusively dedicated to its core business of photovoltaic power generation, operating production facilities in Germany and the USA (California, Oregon, Washington). They, in turn, supply the SolarWorld sales offices in Germany, Spain, USA, South Africa and Singapore. In South Korea, SolarWorld is establishing a solar module production facility to serve the growing demand in Asia.
The central element of the business, in addition to the sale of turn-key solar systems and solar modules, is the distribution of solar silicon wafers to the international solar cell industry. Apart from grid-coupled (on-grid) products the SolarWorld group sells off-grid solar power solutions that make an important contribution to the sustainable economic development of threshold and developing countries. Under the name Solar2World, the group has applied its ethical commitment to solar power in developing countries.
SolarWorld AG employs about 2,300 people worldwide. At the stock market the company is listed among others in the technology index TecDAX, in the ÖkoDAX, in the Dow Jones STOXX 600, in the international MSCI index as well as in the sustainability indices DAXglobal Alternative Energy and NAI.
“What Kids Know and Parents Wish They Did”
Vancouver Workshop Features Former Gang Leader turned National Keynote Speaker
“What Kids Know and Parents Wish They Did,” is a free workshop for parents on February 28th, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Southwest Washington Boys and Girls Club, 409 NE Anderson Road, Vancouver, WA 98665.
The workshop, sponsored by the Safe Communities Task Force, features nationally known keynote speaker and former Kansas City gang leader Ossco Bolton, who now works to eradicate gang violence in communities across the country. Mr. Bolton is founder of P.O.S.S.E. (Peers Organized to Support Student Excellence) which trains and partners youth with their local law enforcement agencies to better their community.
In addition to Mr. Bolton’s keynote address, workshop topics include:
Drugs/Alcohol: What are kids using and seeing, presented by Sheryl Smith, Intervention Specialist with Vancouver Public Schools.
Talking with your Kids and Teens, presented by Clark County Juvenile Court Probation Counselors, Chris Simonsmeier and Karen Lucas.
Healthy Relationships, presented by Joan Renner, Director, and Laurie Schacht, Outreach Coordinator, of the YWCA Sexual Assault program.
School/Credit Options, and how to navigate the school system presented by Elizabeth Mikaele, Hudson’s Bay High School Counselor.
Gangs: Warning Signs and Behaviors, presented by Vancouver Police Detective Marshall Henderson.
The workshop is free of charge and includes lunch, raffle prizes, and Spanish and Russian interpreters. Parents must register. To register contact the Boys & Girls Club at (360) 567-1152 between 8:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Monday – Friday. Childcare is not provided.
In addition to the workshop, Mr. Bolton will speak to community leaders on February 27th, 2009 at the Water Resource Center.
“What Kids Know and Parents Wish They Did,” is a free workshop for parents on February 28th, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Southwest Washington Boys and Girls Club, 409 NE Anderson Road, Vancouver, WA 98665.
The workshop, sponsored by the Safe Communities Task Force, features nationally known keynote speaker and former Kansas City gang leader Ossco Bolton, who now works to eradicate gang violence in communities across the country. Mr. Bolton is founder of P.O.S.S.E. (Peers Organized to Support Student Excellence) which trains and partners youth with their local law enforcement agencies to better their community.
In addition to Mr. Bolton’s keynote address, workshop topics include:
Drugs/Alcohol: What are kids using and seeing, presented by Sheryl Smith, Intervention Specialist with Vancouver Public Schools.
Talking with your Kids and Teens, presented by Clark County Juvenile Court Probation Counselors, Chris Simonsmeier and Karen Lucas.
Healthy Relationships, presented by Joan Renner, Director, and Laurie Schacht, Outreach Coordinator, of the YWCA Sexual Assault program.
School/Credit Options, and how to navigate the school system presented by Elizabeth Mikaele, Hudson’s Bay High School Counselor.
Gangs: Warning Signs and Behaviors, presented by Vancouver Police Detective Marshall Henderson.
The workshop is free of charge and includes lunch, raffle prizes, and Spanish and Russian interpreters. Parents must register. To register contact the Boys & Girls Club at (360) 567-1152 between 8:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Monday – Friday. Childcare is not provided.
In addition to the workshop, Mr. Bolton will speak to community leaders on February 27th, 2009 at the Water Resource Center.
Volunteers receive 2009 Spirit of Clark County Awards
Vancouver, WA – During the State of the County presentation on Thursday, February 12, the Board of Clark County Commissioners presented Spirit of Clark County Awards to Bud Van Cleve, the Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation.
Created in 2001, the Spirit awards acknowledge the special efforts and extraordinary contributions of the county’s many volunteers. Here is more information about each of this year’s winners.
Bud Van Cleve
A Spirit of Clark County Award was presented to Ballard (Bud) Van Cleve for a lasting gift of service that is unsurpassed. He has volunteered countless hours and inspired others to get involved.
Bud often says, “You don’t have to move to live in a better community.” He has demonstrated the truth of those words every year since he started partnering with the county in 1997 as president of the NE Hazel Dell Neighborhood Association and as an active leader with the Neighborhood Associations Council of Clark County. He also represents neighborhood associations on the Three Creeks Planning Council.
That would be enough for many people, but Bud thinks nothing of putting in 60 to 80 hours a week as a community volunteer. He has served with more than 60 county advisory committees, task forces, business groups, school committees, emergency response groups and other civic organizations.
But perhaps his greatest gift is his considerable skill in inspiring others to get involved. Because of Bud Van Cleve, all of us live in a better community.
The Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
Appointed by the Board of Clark County Commissioners, this group of volunteers advises the county on policies, issues and programs that affect residents with developmental disabilities and their families. Along the way, they have been involved in several major changes in the way services are provided and gained a statewide reputation for leadership, knowledge and advocacy.
Avid champions of jobs for all individuals, board members have challenged both the private and public sectors to include people with developmental disabilities in the workforce. The group promotes National Disability Employment Awareness month and has been behind legislative efforts to further opportunities for young people with developmental disabilities.
Most recently, the volunteers have invested time and effort in a quality initiative to hear directly from individuals and families. They continue to promote affordable and accessible housing and encourage neighborhoods and schools to welcome people with disabilities.
Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation
Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation has earned a Spirit of Clark County Award for helping Clark County Animal Control save horses from disease, neglect and starvation.
Local grasses and hay lack essential nutrients for the county’s horses, so imported hay and supplements are needed to prevent starvation. But in 2008 a regional hay shortage, higher feed costs and general economic pressures priced many horse owners out of the feed market. Last year Animal Control officers investigated three times the usual number of cases, involving 109 neglected horses.
Animal Control offered assistance to horse owners through Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation. This statewide neglect prevention charity was able to secure lower feed prices and donations from horse care professionals. Each voucher from the foundation was good for 300 pounds of hay and 50 pounds of grain per horse.
Some horses were placed in foster care. Members of the Clark County Executive Horse Council volunteered to foster the rescued horses, nurse them back to health and prepare them for adoption. Additional veterinary care and gelding services were also provided through donations and discounts.
Created in 2001, the Spirit awards acknowledge the special efforts and extraordinary contributions of the county’s many volunteers. Here is more information about each of this year’s winners.
Bud Van Cleve
A Spirit of Clark County Award was presented to Ballard (Bud) Van Cleve for a lasting gift of service that is unsurpassed. He has volunteered countless hours and inspired others to get involved.
Bud often says, “You don’t have to move to live in a better community.” He has demonstrated the truth of those words every year since he started partnering with the county in 1997 as president of the NE Hazel Dell Neighborhood Association and as an active leader with the Neighborhood Associations Council of Clark County. He also represents neighborhood associations on the Three Creeks Planning Council.
That would be enough for many people, but Bud thinks nothing of putting in 60 to 80 hours a week as a community volunteer. He has served with more than 60 county advisory committees, task forces, business groups, school committees, emergency response groups and other civic organizations.
But perhaps his greatest gift is his considerable skill in inspiring others to get involved. Because of Bud Van Cleve, all of us live in a better community.
The Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
Appointed by the Board of Clark County Commissioners, this group of volunteers advises the county on policies, issues and programs that affect residents with developmental disabilities and their families. Along the way, they have been involved in several major changes in the way services are provided and gained a statewide reputation for leadership, knowledge and advocacy.
Avid champions of jobs for all individuals, board members have challenged both the private and public sectors to include people with developmental disabilities in the workforce. The group promotes National Disability Employment Awareness month and has been behind legislative efforts to further opportunities for young people with developmental disabilities.
Most recently, the volunteers have invested time and effort in a quality initiative to hear directly from individuals and families. They continue to promote affordable and accessible housing and encourage neighborhoods and schools to welcome people with disabilities.
Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation
Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation has earned a Spirit of Clark County Award for helping Clark County Animal Control save horses from disease, neglect and starvation.
Local grasses and hay lack essential nutrients for the county’s horses, so imported hay and supplements are needed to prevent starvation. But in 2008 a regional hay shortage, higher feed costs and general economic pressures priced many horse owners out of the feed market. Last year Animal Control officers investigated three times the usual number of cases, involving 109 neglected horses.
Animal Control offered assistance to horse owners through Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation. This statewide neglect prevention charity was able to secure lower feed prices and donations from horse care professionals. Each voucher from the foundation was good for 300 pounds of hay and 50 pounds of grain per horse.
Some horses were placed in foster care. Members of the Clark County Executive Horse Council volunteered to foster the rescued horses, nurse them back to health and prepare them for adoption. Additional veterinary care and gelding services were also provided through donations and discounts.
2009 State of the County address to air on TV starting Feb. 15
Vancouver, WA – On Thursday, Feb. 12, Clark County Commissioner Marc Boldt presented the annual State of the County Address before a crowd of about 500 people at Camas High School. Clark-Vancouver Television filmed the event and plans to broadcast it several times, starting at 9 p.m. Feb. 15 on Channel 23. The speech is also available on the county’s Web site at www.clark.wa.gov.
In his address, Commissioner Boldt focused on the economy. He talked about the need for the county’s local governments and nonprofit agencies to work together to solve the difficult problems facing our community.
“We need a forum where the county and cities can come together to discuss programs, differences, opinions and opportunities,” he suggested, “a place where we can honestly share what services we should provide, who should provide them and how we can pay for them…We must come together and bring up our fears and our dreams, the easy questions and even those that seem too difficult to discuss.”
Here are some of the other topics Commissioner Boldt covered:
· Community Development: “Just like a business, tough times are causing us to take a closer look at our costs and how we are operating…We are working with our stakeholders on fees … The next step is to determine how we change our business processes and from there the county code.”
· Jobs: “Economic development is crucial for our future…The Board firmly believes that if we are going to get our economy going again, we need to generate new jobs on the land we added in our last growth plan. Unlike other states, we can’t offer major cash incentives to businesses. What we can offer is a great place to live, great schools, parks and roads. And a reliable, affordable and courteous permit system… “
· Natural resources: “Another new and very exciting development…is combining all our departments dealing with our environment and creating a department dealing with natural resources. We believe this department, with one mission and one director, can place us ahead of all others in economic development and at the same time protect and even enhance the environment…”
· Transportation: “We are asking for stimulus money for road, rail and related projects. We are working to prove up our requests… We are showing that we will provide jobs, from the ribbon cutting to many anniversaries.”
· Rural land use plan: “This plan deserves as much attention to detail in its planning and participation from landowners and stakeholders as our growth management plan for urban areas.”
· Social Services: “We are working with many social service agencies to plan what may happen if unemployment foreclosure sales and other problems force more of our residents into economic hardship.”
· Leadership: “Real leadership is not getting the job, promotion or being elected — it is being kind, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest and committed…We, as the Board of Clark County Commissioners, will hopefully lead a change to a kind of leadership that is based on helping each other.”
· What you can do to help: “I ask sincerely that you shop in Clark County. Remember, our Sheriff’s deputies and city police officers are paid from the sales tax we collect here. We get nothing from Portland to pay for the services they provide.”
· Be prepared, help one another: “Get to know people around you and plan how you can help one another. And I don’t mean just during flooding, storms and other natural disasters. FEMA doesn’t provide disaster relief for those who have lost their jobs or their homes. But by working together, we can help each other.”
Want more State of the County?
In addition to the Feb. 15 premiere, CVTV will also show the State of the County speech on the following dates:
· Monday, Feb. 16, at 5:15 a.m. on Channel 23 and at 9 p.m. on Channel 21.
· Friday, Feb. 20, at noon on Channel 23 and at 10 a.m. on Channel 21.
A link to CVTV is on the county’s Web page at www.clark.wa.gov.
In his address, Commissioner Boldt focused on the economy. He talked about the need for the county’s local governments and nonprofit agencies to work together to solve the difficult problems facing our community.
“We need a forum where the county and cities can come together to discuss programs, differences, opinions and opportunities,” he suggested, “a place where we can honestly share what services we should provide, who should provide them and how we can pay for them…We must come together and bring up our fears and our dreams, the easy questions and even those that seem too difficult to discuss.”
Here are some of the other topics Commissioner Boldt covered:
· Community Development: “Just like a business, tough times are causing us to take a closer look at our costs and how we are operating…We are working with our stakeholders on fees … The next step is to determine how we change our business processes and from there the county code.”
· Jobs: “Economic development is crucial for our future…The Board firmly believes that if we are going to get our economy going again, we need to generate new jobs on the land we added in our last growth plan. Unlike other states, we can’t offer major cash incentives to businesses. What we can offer is a great place to live, great schools, parks and roads. And a reliable, affordable and courteous permit system… “
· Natural resources: “Another new and very exciting development…is combining all our departments dealing with our environment and creating a department dealing with natural resources. We believe this department, with one mission and one director, can place us ahead of all others in economic development and at the same time protect and even enhance the environment…”
· Transportation: “We are asking for stimulus money for road, rail and related projects. We are working to prove up our requests… We are showing that we will provide jobs, from the ribbon cutting to many anniversaries.”
· Rural land use plan: “This plan deserves as much attention to detail in its planning and participation from landowners and stakeholders as our growth management plan for urban areas.”
· Social Services: “We are working with many social service agencies to plan what may happen if unemployment foreclosure sales and other problems force more of our residents into economic hardship.”
· Leadership: “Real leadership is not getting the job, promotion or being elected — it is being kind, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest and committed…We, as the Board of Clark County Commissioners, will hopefully lead a change to a kind of leadership that is based on helping each other.”
· What you can do to help: “I ask sincerely that you shop in Clark County. Remember, our Sheriff’s deputies and city police officers are paid from the sales tax we collect here. We get nothing from Portland to pay for the services they provide.”
· Be prepared, help one another: “Get to know people around you and plan how you can help one another. And I don’t mean just during flooding, storms and other natural disasters. FEMA doesn’t provide disaster relief for those who have lost their jobs or their homes. But by working together, we can help each other.”
Want more State of the County?
In addition to the Feb. 15 premiere, CVTV will also show the State of the County speech on the following dates:
· Monday, Feb. 16, at 5:15 a.m. on Channel 23 and at 9 p.m. on Channel 21.
· Friday, Feb. 20, at noon on Channel 23 and at 10 a.m. on Channel 21.
A link to CVTV is on the county’s Web page at www.clark.wa.gov.
Committee hears bill to ensure a stable, legal workforce for Washington businesses
Several small businesses from around the state testified on House Bill 1896, which would create an essential worker pilot program. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, who said he is concerned about access to an adequate, stable, legal workforce for Washington businesses.
A florist from Belfair explained how difficult it is to prove a companies' need for more employees. A frustrated orchardist from Cashmere encouraged the committee to take leadership on the issue for the rest of the nation to follow.
One small business owner said he feared being sent to jail because too many seasonal workers may be illegal. He urged the committee to push the legislation forward because he sees the federal government taking no action.
"This bill is not supposed to solve the immigration problem," Chandler said. "My concern is with the two to five percent of agricultural production that is left in the field because only 75 to 80 percent of the work force needed is available."
Chandler said the reality of Washington's labor shortage is shown by a federal worker program that requires employers to seek local labor before seeking labor from a host worker program.
"Employers put out requests for hundreds of positions in their area and receive maybe a handful of applications," Chandler said. "The labor shortage here is very dynamic, so we need to have options. We have to ensure we're creating jobs, but still growing the economy, which sometimes means we have to look for work elsewhere."
The bill awaits executive action to be taken by the Commerce and Labor Committee.
A florist from Belfair explained how difficult it is to prove a companies' need for more employees. A frustrated orchardist from Cashmere encouraged the committee to take leadership on the issue for the rest of the nation to follow.
One small business owner said he feared being sent to jail because too many seasonal workers may be illegal. He urged the committee to push the legislation forward because he sees the federal government taking no action.
"This bill is not supposed to solve the immigration problem," Chandler said. "My concern is with the two to five percent of agricultural production that is left in the field because only 75 to 80 percent of the work force needed is available."
Chandler said the reality of Washington's labor shortage is shown by a federal worker program that requires employers to seek local labor before seeking labor from a host worker program.
"Employers put out requests for hundreds of positions in their area and receive maybe a handful of applications," Chandler said. "The labor shortage here is very dynamic, so we need to have options. We have to ensure we're creating jobs, but still growing the economy, which sometimes means we have to look for work elsewhere."
The bill awaits executive action to be taken by the Commerce and Labor Committee.
CLARK COUNTY COMMISSIONER MARC BOLDT TO GIVE STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS AT BIA DINNER MEETING
Clark County Commissioner Marc Boldt will present the “State of the County” on February 17th at 7 PM at the Building Industry of Clark County’s (BIA) General Membership Dinner Meeting.
“I will present how we can get through these tough times in our economy and how we can achieve economic development through a change in our permit process and through regional cooperation,” said Commissioner Boldt.
Vancouver law firm Duggan, Schlotfeldt & Welch are sponsoring the meeting.
The meeting is at the Vancouver Hilton. Social Hour begins at 6 PM and the dinner starts at 7 PM. BIA members and guests by can register online at www.biaofclarkcounty.org under the events tab Friday, 13th
“I will present how we can get through these tough times in our economy and how we can achieve economic development through a change in our permit process and through regional cooperation,” said Commissioner Boldt.
Vancouver law firm Duggan, Schlotfeldt & Welch are sponsoring the meeting.
The meeting is at the Vancouver Hilton. Social Hour begins at 6 PM and the dinner starts at 7 PM. BIA members and guests by can register online at www.biaofclarkcounty.org under the events tab Friday, 13th
Situation Report List Recipients in Clark County
SBA officials to accept disaster loan applications TODAY
Representatives from the Small Business Administration will be available Thursday and Friday (February 5-6 and 12-13th) to receive applications from businesses for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The low-cost 4 percent loans are available to businesses that were affected by the adverse weather from Dec 12 through Jan 5. The loans are intended to help with disaster recovery.
Officials will be available to provide information and help with applications from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the offices of the Columbia River Economic Development Council at 805 Broadway, Suite 412, in downtown Vancouver.
For more information, call the Small Business Administration directly at 800-659-2955.
Representatives from the Small Business Administration will be available Thursday and Friday (February 5-6 and 12-13th) to receive applications from businesses for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The low-cost 4 percent loans are available to businesses that were affected by the adverse weather from Dec 12 through Jan 5. The loans are intended to help with disaster recovery.
Officials will be available to provide information and help with applications from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the offices of the Columbia River Economic Development Council at 805 Broadway, Suite 412, in downtown Vancouver.
For more information, call the Small Business Administration directly at 800-659-2955.
Invitation to the Superintendent's Patron Tour
You are invited to join Dr. Steven Webb, superintendent of Vancouver Public Schools, on Friday, February 27, for the fifth of his seven patron tours this school year (please see the attached flyer).
This tour will feature Peter S. Ogden and Martin Luther King elementary schools. Both schools illustrate the district’s commitment to strong elementary programs, including excellent reading and math instruction.
Guests will see students actively engaged in learning. In addition, the tour will highlight community volunteers and partners who make a difference in the lives of children through groups such as Tuesday Tutors and the Rotary-sponsored Lunch Buddy program.
The tour will start at the Center for Educational Leadership (2921 Falk Road adjacent to Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary) at 8:30 a.m. with remarks by the superintendent. After visiting Ogden Elementary, the tour will proceed to King Elementary. At the conclusion of the tour, a delicious lunch prepared by Culinary Arts students will be available for $4.
Please contact Susan Knable, 313-4720, or e-mail WF_PatronTour@vansd.org to register.
This tour will feature Peter S. Ogden and Martin Luther King elementary schools. Both schools illustrate the district’s commitment to strong elementary programs, including excellent reading and math instruction.
Guests will see students actively engaged in learning. In addition, the tour will highlight community volunteers and partners who make a difference in the lives of children through groups such as Tuesday Tutors and the Rotary-sponsored Lunch Buddy program.
The tour will start at the Center for Educational Leadership (2921 Falk Road adjacent to Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary) at 8:30 a.m. with remarks by the superintendent. After visiting Ogden Elementary, the tour will proceed to King Elementary. At the conclusion of the tour, a delicious lunch prepared by Culinary Arts students will be available for $4.
Please contact Susan Knable, 313-4720, or e-mail WF_PatronTour@vansd.org to register.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Clark College Orchestra presents France
VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Clark College Orchestra, Dr. Donald Appert, Music Director/Conductor, will present its winter concert entitled France as part of its 2008-9 Season “A European Tour” on Wednesday, March 11, in the Royal Durst Theatre of the Vancouver School of Arts & Academics, 3101 Main St. Featured on the program will be the world premiere of Vancouver composer Matt Doran’s Symphony No. 5 for Orchestra. Masterpieces from the French repertoire to be performed will be Berlioz – Overture to Les Franc Juges, Ravel – Mother Goose Suite, and Dukas – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. and admission is free and open to the public. Donations to the Orchestra General Fund will be accepted at the door.
Matt H. Doran began his musical education at the age of five with piano lessons from his mother, a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory. He entered USC in 1943 as a flute major, but switched to composition, encouraged by Dr. Ernst Toch and Hanns Eisler. After receiving a bachelor’s and master’s degree from USC, he earned his doctorate in 1953.
He has taught at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, and at Ball State College in Muncie, Indiana. For 29 years he taught at Mount St. Mary’s College, Los Angeles, California. After retiring in 1986, he and his wife, Therese, moved to Vancouver, Washington.
His main works include the opera “The Committee,” performed at Columbia University, chamber music performed at Carnegie Recital Hall, many pieces for flute ensembles, five symphonies, and a piece for the memory of his daughter, Marianne, who died in 2006. The Clark College Orchestra commissioned “Variations for Orchestra” which it premiered in June of 2006. “Memory of Marianne” was premiered in Portland in 2007 by the Oregon Sinfonietta and has been performed at Santa Clara University, by the Beach Cities Symphony in Los Angeles. It is scheduled for performance next April in Corpus Christi, Texas. His first two symphonies were performed in Los Angeles. The third, written 30 years ago, was performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The Oregon Chamber Players have played several of his works for chamber orchestra.
Symphony No. 5 is dedicated to his “wonderful wife,” Therese. It is in the usual 3 movements, with a slow, expressive “introduction” to the 1st movement. Otherwise, it is in the usual fast, slow, fast format. At the end of the third movement, however, the introductory material returns. Currently he is at work on a symphony of four movements for his sons, Edmund, Matt, Charles and Tim.
Dr. Doran performs in a flute club that he organized, as well as giving flute and piano lessons. He is also active in a Let’s Talk Music Club, which meets once a month.
Donald Appert has appeared as Guest Conductor with professional orchestras throughout Europe, in Japan, and in Australia. In 2008 he conducted the Slovak State Orchestra in Kosice, the “Jora” Philharmonic of Romania as part of their tour of Italy, and the Orquestra Simfonica de Sant Cugat (Spain). In Italy L’ovadese wrote “the performance of the Serenade in C major of Tchaikovsky, under the exceptional direction of Appert, was in such a style that it brought out the elegance and grace of the melodic lines with Mozartian inspiration. …The L’Orchestra Sinfonica Citta di Grosseto…performed the Barber Adagio with rare effectiveness, emphasizing its intrinsically rich melody.” Giornale di Sicilia praised his interpretation of Nielsen’s First Symphony as "lyrical with an airy freshness" and his conducting as "precise, painstakingly accurate, and diligent”. In the United States he has appeared as guest conductor of the Vancouver (WA) Symphony, the University of Texas - Arlington Symphony Orchestra, the Eastern Washington University Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Central Arkansas Symphony. In 2009 he is scheduled to conduct “Jora” Philharmonic in Romania, the Orchestra Sinfonica Citta di Grosseto in Italy, and the El Salvador State Symphony.
Donald Appert has been Music Director/Conductor of the Clark College Orchestra since 1990. Dr. Appert received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Trombone from the New England Conservatory. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Kansas. Dr. Appert has studied conducting with Riccardo Muti, Otto Werner Mueller, Maurice Abravanel, Daniel Lewis, Fredrik Fennel, George Lawner, and Richard Pittman. He was one of fourteen conductors chosen to participate in Helmuth Rilling’s Master class at the 1992 Oregon Bach Festival. Dr. Appert has performed as a trombonist with the Kansas City Symphony, the Virginia Symphony, the Virginia Opera Orchestra, and the Springfield (MA) Symphony. Currently he is a Professor of Music and Head of the Music Department at Clark College in Vancouver. In addition he is the Music Director/Conductor of the Oregon Sinfonietta in Portland, Oregon, and the Sanctuary Choir Director for the First United Methodist Church of Vancouver.
Matt H. Doran began his musical education at the age of five with piano lessons from his mother, a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory. He entered USC in 1943 as a flute major, but switched to composition, encouraged by Dr. Ernst Toch and Hanns Eisler. After receiving a bachelor’s and master’s degree from USC, he earned his doctorate in 1953.
He has taught at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, and at Ball State College in Muncie, Indiana. For 29 years he taught at Mount St. Mary’s College, Los Angeles, California. After retiring in 1986, he and his wife, Therese, moved to Vancouver, Washington.
His main works include the opera “The Committee,” performed at Columbia University, chamber music performed at Carnegie Recital Hall, many pieces for flute ensembles, five symphonies, and a piece for the memory of his daughter, Marianne, who died in 2006. The Clark College Orchestra commissioned “Variations for Orchestra” which it premiered in June of 2006. “Memory of Marianne” was premiered in Portland in 2007 by the Oregon Sinfonietta and has been performed at Santa Clara University, by the Beach Cities Symphony in Los Angeles. It is scheduled for performance next April in Corpus Christi, Texas. His first two symphonies were performed in Los Angeles. The third, written 30 years ago, was performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The Oregon Chamber Players have played several of his works for chamber orchestra.
Symphony No. 5 is dedicated to his “wonderful wife,” Therese. It is in the usual 3 movements, with a slow, expressive “introduction” to the 1st movement. Otherwise, it is in the usual fast, slow, fast format. At the end of the third movement, however, the introductory material returns. Currently he is at work on a symphony of four movements for his sons, Edmund, Matt, Charles and Tim.
Dr. Doran performs in a flute club that he organized, as well as giving flute and piano lessons. He is also active in a Let’s Talk Music Club, which meets once a month.
Donald Appert has appeared as Guest Conductor with professional orchestras throughout Europe, in Japan, and in Australia. In 2008 he conducted the Slovak State Orchestra in Kosice, the “Jora” Philharmonic of Romania as part of their tour of Italy, and the Orquestra Simfonica de Sant Cugat (Spain). In Italy L’ovadese wrote “the performance of the Serenade in C major of Tchaikovsky, under the exceptional direction of Appert, was in such a style that it brought out the elegance and grace of the melodic lines with Mozartian inspiration. …The L’Orchestra Sinfonica Citta di Grosseto…performed the Barber Adagio with rare effectiveness, emphasizing its intrinsically rich melody.” Giornale di Sicilia praised his interpretation of Nielsen’s First Symphony as "lyrical with an airy freshness" and his conducting as "precise, painstakingly accurate, and diligent”. In the United States he has appeared as guest conductor of the Vancouver (WA) Symphony, the University of Texas - Arlington Symphony Orchestra, the Eastern Washington University Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Central Arkansas Symphony. In 2009 he is scheduled to conduct “Jora” Philharmonic in Romania, the Orchestra Sinfonica Citta di Grosseto in Italy, and the El Salvador State Symphony.
Donald Appert has been Music Director/Conductor of the Clark College Orchestra since 1990. Dr. Appert received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Trombone from the New England Conservatory. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Kansas. Dr. Appert has studied conducting with Riccardo Muti, Otto Werner Mueller, Maurice Abravanel, Daniel Lewis, Fredrik Fennel, George Lawner, and Richard Pittman. He was one of fourteen conductors chosen to participate in Helmuth Rilling’s Master class at the 1992 Oregon Bach Festival. Dr. Appert has performed as a trombonist with the Kansas City Symphony, the Virginia Symphony, the Virginia Opera Orchestra, and the Springfield (MA) Symphony. Currently he is a Professor of Music and Head of the Music Department at Clark College in Vancouver. In addition he is the Music Director/Conductor of the Oregon Sinfonietta in Portland, Oregon, and the Sanctuary Choir Director for the First United Methodist Church of Vancouver.
Notice: Public Hearing for Adoption of Comprehensive Plan
Proposed Comprehensive Plan
PUBLIC HEARING: The Port of Woodland will be holding a Public Hearing to hear comments from the Public on the Port's proposed adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. The Public Hearing will take place at the Port's regularly scheduled meeting on February 19, 2009 at 5:30PM at the Port Office, located at 141 Davidson Ave. Woodland, WA.
To view the proposed Comprehensive Plan, please click below:
http://www.portofwoodland.com/office/notices.php
PUBLIC HEARING: The Port of Woodland will be holding a Public Hearing to hear comments from the Public on the Port's proposed adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. The Public Hearing will take place at the Port's regularly scheduled meeting on February 19, 2009 at 5:30PM at the Port Office, located at 141 Davidson Ave. Woodland, WA.
To view the proposed Comprehensive Plan, please click below:
http://www.portofwoodland.com/office/notices.php
County Auditor holds lottery for retail fireworks permits on Feb. 13
Vancouver, WA – The Clark County Auditor’s Office will hold a lottery drawing to select applicants for two retail fireworks permits at 9 a.m. on Feb. 13 at the Clark County Elections Building, 1408 Franklin St., Vancouver. Applicants do not have to be present to be selected. The lottery is open to the public.
Two permits allowing sales of fireworks in unincorporated Clark County became available in January. The Fire Marshal’s Office received 237 applications from individuals and groups interested in selling fireworks. The two lottery winners must submit a permit application and fee before receiving their retail fireworks permits.
All retail fireworks sales require a permit in Clark County and the county’s population limits the number of permits available. The Fire Marshal’s Office will issue 40 fireworks permits within unincorporated Clark County in 2009. This is the same number as last year. Two permit holders did not renew their permits in 2008 as allowed by county code, which resulted in the lottery. Additional information about the permitting process is available at www.clark.wa.gov/commdev/documents/firemarshal/fireworks.pdf.
Two permits allowing sales of fireworks in unincorporated Clark County became available in January. The Fire Marshal’s Office received 237 applications from individuals and groups interested in selling fireworks. The two lottery winners must submit a permit application and fee before receiving their retail fireworks permits.
All retail fireworks sales require a permit in Clark County and the county’s population limits the number of permits available. The Fire Marshal’s Office will issue 40 fireworks permits within unincorporated Clark County in 2009. This is the same number as last year. Two permit holders did not renew their permits in 2008 as allowed by county code, which resulted in the lottery. Additional information about the permitting process is available at www.clark.wa.gov/commdev/documents/firemarshal/fireworks.pdf.
Columbia Branch Manager Julie Bocanegra Installed As Battle Ground Chamber Chairman
Vancouver, WA – At the February 7th Battle Ground Chamber Recognition Banquet, Columbia Branch Manager Julie Bocanegra was installed as Chairman of the Board. In this new role, she will work with fellow officers, a board of directors and chamber staff to promote all aspects of Battle Ground’s business community.
Julie most recently served as the chamber’s secretary and prior to that, on the board of directors.
“This was an opportunity to really get involved in making Battle Ground a great place to work, live and play,” said Julie. “My main goals are to heighten community involvement and enhance economic development for businesses.”
Established in 1964, the Battle Ground Chamber serves 300 members. Annual events include the Recognition Banquet, Harvest Days and Golf Classic. Chamber members have numerous opportunities to volunteer and get involved in the community and with other businesses.
As president, Julie foresees the economy and completion of the access road to the I-5 interchange as the major issues facing Battle Ground during her two-year term. “The increased access from I-5 will not only benefit existing businesses, but also has the potential to bring new commercial interests and patrons into Battle Ground.”
A life-time Clark County resident with ties to the area, Julie has a definite appreciation of Battle Ground and hopes for its future success. “Even though the community has really grown in the past 10 years, it still has the small-town feel it always had. The people of Battle Ground are very communityoriented and really step up to the plate to volunteer. I’m excited to move forward and make a difference!”
Julie most recently served as the chamber’s secretary and prior to that, on the board of directors.
“This was an opportunity to really get involved in making Battle Ground a great place to work, live and play,” said Julie. “My main goals are to heighten community involvement and enhance economic development for businesses.”
Established in 1964, the Battle Ground Chamber serves 300 members. Annual events include the Recognition Banquet, Harvest Days and Golf Classic. Chamber members have numerous opportunities to volunteer and get involved in the community and with other businesses.
As president, Julie foresees the economy and completion of the access road to the I-5 interchange as the major issues facing Battle Ground during her two-year term. “The increased access from I-5 will not only benefit existing businesses, but also has the potential to bring new commercial interests and patrons into Battle Ground.”
A life-time Clark County resident with ties to the area, Julie has a definite appreciation of Battle Ground and hopes for its future success. “Even though the community has really grown in the past 10 years, it still has the small-town feel it always had. The people of Battle Ground are very communityoriented and really step up to the plate to volunteer. I’m excited to move forward and make a difference!”
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Washington State Could Receive $3 Billion to Invest in Infrastructure, Support Small Businesses and Create Nearly 80,000 Jobs
Cantwell Moves to Create Green Manufacturing Jobs; Increase Construction of Affordable Housing
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that included measures secured by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to increase unemployment compensation and health care for Washingtonians, incentives to build more affordable housing, and to create new green manufacturing jobs and provide tax relief to consumers buying new plug-in vehicles.
Due to Cantwell’s efforts, Washington state is poised to receive: up to $2.2 billion in increased Medicaid funding to provide the most vulnerable with access to health care; an additional 33 weeks of unemployment benefits for the more than 136,000 Washingtonians; funds that could be used to clean up Hanford; increased borrowing authority for Bonneville Power Administration; and, approximately $3 billion to invest in infrastructure, creating nearly 80,000 good-paying jobs, providing job training and education, and making communities stronger and safer.
“More than 200,000 job cuts have been announced this year, and in Washington state, the unemployment rate has skyrocketed to 7.1 percent,” said Cantwell. “We still have a long way to go to get our economy back on track. However, with this federal support, Washington state will be able to make investments in infrastructure projects and improvements, create jobs, provide training and education, provide the neediest among us with health care, and invest in areas critical to the development of clean, renewable energy technologies.”
In addition to extending unemployment benefits and increasing Medicaid funding for Washington state, Cantwell was also instrumental in securing a provision to create new green manufacturing jobs and provide tax relief to consumers buying new plug-in vehicles. Cantwell’s amendment will provide manufacturers of plug-in electric vehicles and components with a tax incentive for increased investment; provide consumers with tax relief when they purchase electric vehicles currently on the market; provide utilities with the flexibility they need to deploy smart grid technologies; and, increase access to recharging stations for electric vehicle owners.
“While we look for ways to reinvigorate our economy and create new, high-paying jobs, we must also provide businesses the certainty they need in the tax code to make investments now,” said Cantwell. “We need to take advantage of new technologies to bring our cars and trucks up to speed, and we must invest in our grid and take it from a two-lane dirt road to a four-lane superhighway. The incentives included in the economic recovery package and this amendment will do just that, while at the same time creating jobs and saving American taxpayers the dollars they desperately need.”
In Washington, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act would:
Create or save 79,700 jobs over the next two years. Jobs created will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care, with more than 90 percent in the private sector.
Provide a making work pay tax cut of up to $1,000 for 2.45 million workers and their families.
Provide small businesses with access to credit. Increasing access to credit will enable small businesses to continue operating and grow, and create thousands of jobs.
Increase funding for environmental cleanup. An estimated $1.8 billion could be used for clean up at Hanford.
Increase Bonneville Power Administration’s borrowing authority. Increasing BPA’s borrowing authority will allow them to meet future demand and adopt new types of renewable energy sources. An estimated 50,000 and ancillary green jobs, and allow 4,700 megawatts of new renewable resources to come online in the next two years.
Make 67,000 families eligible for a new American Opportunity Tax Credit to make college affordable. By creating a new $2,500 partially refundable tax credit for four-years of college, this plan will give 3.8 million families nationwide, and 67,000 families in Washington state, new assistance for college.
Offer an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits to 404,000 workers in Washington who have lost their jobs, and provide extended unemployment benefits to an additional 44,000 laid-off workers.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that included measures secured by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to increase unemployment compensation and health care for Washingtonians, incentives to build more affordable housing, and to create new green manufacturing jobs and provide tax relief to consumers buying new plug-in vehicles.
Due to Cantwell’s efforts, Washington state is poised to receive: up to $2.2 billion in increased Medicaid funding to provide the most vulnerable with access to health care; an additional 33 weeks of unemployment benefits for the more than 136,000 Washingtonians; funds that could be used to clean up Hanford; increased borrowing authority for Bonneville Power Administration; and, approximately $3 billion to invest in infrastructure, creating nearly 80,000 good-paying jobs, providing job training and education, and making communities stronger and safer.
“More than 200,000 job cuts have been announced this year, and in Washington state, the unemployment rate has skyrocketed to 7.1 percent,” said Cantwell. “We still have a long way to go to get our economy back on track. However, with this federal support, Washington state will be able to make investments in infrastructure projects and improvements, create jobs, provide training and education, provide the neediest among us with health care, and invest in areas critical to the development of clean, renewable energy technologies.”
In addition to extending unemployment benefits and increasing Medicaid funding for Washington state, Cantwell was also instrumental in securing a provision to create new green manufacturing jobs and provide tax relief to consumers buying new plug-in vehicles. Cantwell’s amendment will provide manufacturers of plug-in electric vehicles and components with a tax incentive for increased investment; provide consumers with tax relief when they purchase electric vehicles currently on the market; provide utilities with the flexibility they need to deploy smart grid technologies; and, increase access to recharging stations for electric vehicle owners.
“While we look for ways to reinvigorate our economy and create new, high-paying jobs, we must also provide businesses the certainty they need in the tax code to make investments now,” said Cantwell. “We need to take advantage of new technologies to bring our cars and trucks up to speed, and we must invest in our grid and take it from a two-lane dirt road to a four-lane superhighway. The incentives included in the economic recovery package and this amendment will do just that, while at the same time creating jobs and saving American taxpayers the dollars they desperately need.”
In Washington, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act would:
Create or save 79,700 jobs over the next two years. Jobs created will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care, with more than 90 percent in the private sector.
Provide a making work pay tax cut of up to $1,000 for 2.45 million workers and their families.
Provide small businesses with access to credit. Increasing access to credit will enable small businesses to continue operating and grow, and create thousands of jobs.
Increase funding for environmental cleanup. An estimated $1.8 billion could be used for clean up at Hanford.
Increase Bonneville Power Administration’s borrowing authority. Increasing BPA’s borrowing authority will allow them to meet future demand and adopt new types of renewable energy sources. An estimated 50,000 and ancillary green jobs, and allow 4,700 megawatts of new renewable resources to come online in the next two years.
Make 67,000 families eligible for a new American Opportunity Tax Credit to make college affordable. By creating a new $2,500 partially refundable tax credit for four-years of college, this plan will give 3.8 million families nationwide, and 67,000 families in Washington state, new assistance for college.
Offer an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits to 404,000 workers in Washington who have lost their jobs, and provide extended unemployment benefits to an additional 44,000 laid-off workers.
Business Success Association (BSA)
Monthly Educational Speaker Series, February 25, 2009
Guest Speaker: Michael Thompson, Market Accelerators, LLC
The Business Success Association is pleased to host Michael Thompson, from Market Accelerators, LLC, a "Duct Tape Marketing Coach."
Michael works with select small companies who want to grow their business to the next level. He is a highly regarded marketer with over 20 years of business experience and is known for his immensely practical approach and ideas.
DATE: Wednesday, February 25, 2009
TIME: 11:30AM – 1:30PM
Registration / Lunch Purchase: 11:30 – Noon
Speaker: Noon – 1pm
Networking: 1pm – 1:30pm
LOCATION: Hometown Buffet
Hometown Buffet is located at: 7809B NE Vancouver Plaza Drive, Vancouver, WA
Seating is Limited – RSVP is Recommended
Registration Fee: $10.00 Cash or Check (No Credit Cards)
BSA Members – No Charge
Lunch purchase required for all attendees
Guest Speaker: Michael Thompson, Market Accelerators, LLC
The Business Success Association is pleased to host Michael Thompson, from Market Accelerators, LLC, a "Duct Tape Marketing Coach."
Michael works with select small companies who want to grow their business to the next level. He is a highly regarded marketer with over 20 years of business experience and is known for his immensely practical approach and ideas.
DATE: Wednesday, February 25, 2009
TIME: 11:30AM – 1:30PM
Registration / Lunch Purchase: 11:30 – Noon
Speaker: Noon – 1pm
Networking: 1pm – 1:30pm
LOCATION: Hometown Buffet
Hometown Buffet is located at: 7809B NE Vancouver Plaza Drive, Vancouver, WA
Seating is Limited – RSVP is Recommended
Registration Fee: $10.00 Cash or Check (No Credit Cards)
BSA Members – No Charge
Lunch purchase required for all attendees
Orcutt proposes constitutional amendments to protect taxpayers
'A state spending limit and a two-thirds vote requirement to raise taxes are two important ideas that need constitutional protections,' says Orcutt
Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, introduced two constitutional amendments today to protect taxpayers and provide strict parameters for future state budgets.
"With the death of our state's previous spending limit, Initiative 601, we've seen what happens when the Legislature has no set parameters for spending taxpayer dollars," Orcutt said, referencing Washington's 33 percent spending increase over the last four years. "We're in the middle of a $6 billion deficit that is due, in part, to the fact that the Legislature refused to live within its means and went around specific parameters of state population and inflation increases."
Orcutt's first proposal, House Joint Resolution 4207, would establish a state spending limit for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010. The fiscal limit mirrors the original language found in the voter-approved Initiative 601 by limiting expenditures to an increase in the state's population and inflation growth over the previous three years.
"If lawmakers had stayed true to the spirit and provisions of Initiative 601, we would certainly not be in the same situation we're in today," said Orcutt, the ranking Republican on the House Finance Committee. "The budget hole we're in now would have been much more manageable."
Orcutt's second proposal, House Joint Resolution 4208, would require a two-thirds vote of both legislative bodies for any tax increase.
"The voters of this state want protections from tax increases by their elected officials," Orcutt said. "They voted for Initiative 601 in 1993 and then reaffirmed their desire for a two-thirds vote with the passing of Initiative 960 in 2007."
Orcutt said he fears the Legislature will soon undo the two-thirds voter requirement found in Initiative 960.
"The law says the Legislature can make alterations to an initiative after two years," Orcutt said. "Next year, a simple majority vote by the Legislature can be used to bypass a two-thirds vote requirement. Talk about a loophole!
"A state spending limit and a two-thirds vote requirement to raise taxes are two important ideas that need constitutional protections," Orcutt said.
Amendments to the state constitution require a two-thirds vote in the Legislature and then approval by voters at the next general election.
Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, introduced two constitutional amendments today to protect taxpayers and provide strict parameters for future state budgets.
"With the death of our state's previous spending limit, Initiative 601, we've seen what happens when the Legislature has no set parameters for spending taxpayer dollars," Orcutt said, referencing Washington's 33 percent spending increase over the last four years. "We're in the middle of a $6 billion deficit that is due, in part, to the fact that the Legislature refused to live within its means and went around specific parameters of state population and inflation increases."
Orcutt's first proposal, House Joint Resolution 4207, would establish a state spending limit for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010. The fiscal limit mirrors the original language found in the voter-approved Initiative 601 by limiting expenditures to an increase in the state's population and inflation growth over the previous three years.
"If lawmakers had stayed true to the spirit and provisions of Initiative 601, we would certainly not be in the same situation we're in today," said Orcutt, the ranking Republican on the House Finance Committee. "The budget hole we're in now would have been much more manageable."
Orcutt's second proposal, House Joint Resolution 4208, would require a two-thirds vote of both legislative bodies for any tax increase.
"The voters of this state want protections from tax increases by their elected officials," Orcutt said. "They voted for Initiative 601 in 1993 and then reaffirmed their desire for a two-thirds vote with the passing of Initiative 960 in 2007."
Orcutt said he fears the Legislature will soon undo the two-thirds voter requirement found in Initiative 960.
"The law says the Legislature can make alterations to an initiative after two years," Orcutt said. "Next year, a simple majority vote by the Legislature can be used to bypass a two-thirds vote requirement. Talk about a loophole!
"A state spending limit and a two-thirds vote requirement to raise taxes are two important ideas that need constitutional protections," Orcutt said.
Amendments to the state constitution require a two-thirds vote in the Legislature and then approval by voters at the next general election.
COLLEGE STUDENTS CREATE NEW WEB SITE FOR CREDC
WSUV program proves to be valuable resource for local nonprofits
VANCOUVER, Wash. (February 10, 2009) - Thanks to the talents and expertise of nine students enrolled in Washington State University Vancouver's (WSUV's) Digital Technology and Culture (DTC) Program, the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) launched its new Web site today aimed at business owners who are interested in expansion or relocation.
"One of the responsibilities of a land grant university, such as WSUV, is to give back to our local community," said WSUV Chancellor Hal Dengerink. "All our students work on projects that directly benefit the community."
During the process of interviewing various interactive agencies last summer, the management team at CREDC became aware of the DTC program that requires senior seminar students to create a digital technology project for a community-based nonprofit organization. CREDC then partnered with the students enrolled in the fall 2008 senior seminar who designed, wrote, programmed and now have launched the new Web site. Past class projects for other organizations include video and animation projects.
"Selecting WSUV students to develop our new Web site supports one of the basic missions of our organization - workforce development," said CREDC President Bart Phillips. "The real-world projects the students work on will make them even more valuable to local employers."
CREDC redesigned its Web site (www.credc.org) to better provide businesses owners and site selection consultants with the necessary information to make an informed decision related to the expansion and/or relocation of a company.
"Visitors to our new site will now be able to access critical information within just a few clicks of the mouse, continued Phillips. "The improved navigability is going to make a tremendous difference."
In addition to the streamlined site navigation, the nine-member team of students completely redesigned and wrote new copy for the site. Features of the site include a searchable database and in-depth information sought after by business owners and site selection consultants including:
· a comprehensive business information center;
· an in-depth business profile of ClarkCounty;
· information on the region's industry clusters;
· listings of available industrial and commercial buildings and properties;
· community attributes such as schools, recreation, and cost of living; as well as
· resources and services provided by CREDC.
"These projects benefit our students on several levels," said Dene Grigar, PhD., the chair of the school's DTC program. "They gain hands-on experience and learn to work as a team to meet an organization's goals. They will have a project for their portfolios when they go out to look for a job. And, they walk away knowing that they have done something especially good for the community."
The DTC program integrates critical thinking, creativity and computing skills with course work in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Students can direct their studies in one of three areas: Multimedia Authoring; Informatics; or Culture and Technology.
VANCOUVER, Wash. (February 10, 2009) - Thanks to the talents and expertise of nine students enrolled in Washington State University Vancouver's (WSUV's) Digital Technology and Culture (DTC) Program, the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) launched its new Web site today aimed at business owners who are interested in expansion or relocation.
"One of the responsibilities of a land grant university, such as WSUV, is to give back to our local community," said WSUV Chancellor Hal Dengerink. "All our students work on projects that directly benefit the community."
During the process of interviewing various interactive agencies last summer, the management team at CREDC became aware of the DTC program that requires senior seminar students to create a digital technology project for a community-based nonprofit organization. CREDC then partnered with the students enrolled in the fall 2008 senior seminar who designed, wrote, programmed and now have launched the new Web site. Past class projects for other organizations include video and animation projects.
"Selecting WSUV students to develop our new Web site supports one of the basic missions of our organization - workforce development," said CREDC President Bart Phillips. "The real-world projects the students work on will make them even more valuable to local employers."
CREDC redesigned its Web site (www.credc.org) to better provide businesses owners and site selection consultants with the necessary information to make an informed decision related to the expansion and/or relocation of a company.
"Visitors to our new site will now be able to access critical information within just a few clicks of the mouse, continued Phillips. "The improved navigability is going to make a tremendous difference."
In addition to the streamlined site navigation, the nine-member team of students completely redesigned and wrote new copy for the site. Features of the site include a searchable database and in-depth information sought after by business owners and site selection consultants including:
· a comprehensive business information center;
· an in-depth business profile of ClarkCounty;
· information on the region's industry clusters;
· listings of available industrial and commercial buildings and properties;
· community attributes such as schools, recreation, and cost of living; as well as
· resources and services provided by CREDC.
"These projects benefit our students on several levels," said Dene Grigar, PhD., the chair of the school's DTC program. "They gain hands-on experience and learn to work as a team to meet an organization's goals. They will have a project for their portfolios when they go out to look for a job. And, they walk away knowing that they have done something especially good for the community."
The DTC program integrates critical thinking, creativity and computing skills with course work in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Students can direct their studies in one of three areas: Multimedia Authoring; Informatics; or Culture and Technology.
Cantwell Secures 33 Weeks More Support for Washington State Workers and Families Struggling with Unemployment
136,000 Unemployed Washingtonians Eligible for Additional Unemployment Insurance
WASHINGTON, DC – As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) successfully secured an additional 33 weeks of unemployment benefits to certain workers in Washington state who have exhausted their rights to regular unemployment compensation benefits. Also, individuals receiving unemployment insurance could receive an additional $25 a week. Currently, there are more than 136,000 Washingtonians receiving unemployment benefits. More than 90,000 people applied for unemployment benefits in December of 2008, which is a 75 percent increase from a year ago.
“As companies such as Starbucks, Boeing, and Weyerheuser announce job cuts, the reality of our country’s economy crisis hits home,” said Cantwell. “More than 200,000 job cuts have been announced this year, and in Washington state, the unemployment rate has skyrocketed to 7.1 percent, the biggest one month increase in more than three decades. In December alone, 90,331 new unemployment applications were filed in Washington state. By increasing and extending unemployment compensation, struggling families can get the additional support they need to make it through these tough economic times.”
Washington’s current unemployment rate is 7.1 percent. Columbia, Stevens, Lewis, Cowlitz, and Grays Harbor Counties all had unemployment rates over 11.0 percent in December 2008.
In addition to extending the temporary emergency unemployment compensation program through December 31, 2009 and creating an additional, federally-funded $25 weekly benefit to individuals receiving unemployment compensation, the package provides incentive payments for states that modernize their programs.
The Special Transfers for Unemployment Compensation Modernization section of the stimulus package permits the transfer of up to $7 billion in funds from the federal unemployment account to state accounts. Funds will be distributed to states that qualify based on the percentage of a state’s share of federal unemployment taxes by state employers. For example, Washington state currently qualifies for $48 million in additional funding. Should Washington enact one additional reform, the state will qualify for the full $145 million in federal modernization funds.
The Special Transfers in Fiscal Year 2009 for Administration section transfers $500 million from the federal employment security administration to state accounts within 30 days of enactment. Washington state would receive $10.5 million.
Finally, a new, temporary emergency contingency fund is created under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. These funds will be available to states with increased cash welfare caseloads under TANF.
WASHINGTON, DC – As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) successfully secured an additional 33 weeks of unemployment benefits to certain workers in Washington state who have exhausted their rights to regular unemployment compensation benefits. Also, individuals receiving unemployment insurance could receive an additional $25 a week. Currently, there are more than 136,000 Washingtonians receiving unemployment benefits. More than 90,000 people applied for unemployment benefits in December of 2008, which is a 75 percent increase from a year ago.
“As companies such as Starbucks, Boeing, and Weyerheuser announce job cuts, the reality of our country’s economy crisis hits home,” said Cantwell. “More than 200,000 job cuts have been announced this year, and in Washington state, the unemployment rate has skyrocketed to 7.1 percent, the biggest one month increase in more than three decades. In December alone, 90,331 new unemployment applications were filed in Washington state. By increasing and extending unemployment compensation, struggling families can get the additional support they need to make it through these tough economic times.”
Washington’s current unemployment rate is 7.1 percent. Columbia, Stevens, Lewis, Cowlitz, and Grays Harbor Counties all had unemployment rates over 11.0 percent in December 2008.
In addition to extending the temporary emergency unemployment compensation program through December 31, 2009 and creating an additional, federally-funded $25 weekly benefit to individuals receiving unemployment compensation, the package provides incentive payments for states that modernize their programs.
The Special Transfers for Unemployment Compensation Modernization section of the stimulus package permits the transfer of up to $7 billion in funds from the federal unemployment account to state accounts. Funds will be distributed to states that qualify based on the percentage of a state’s share of federal unemployment taxes by state employers. For example, Washington state currently qualifies for $48 million in additional funding. Should Washington enact one additional reform, the state will qualify for the full $145 million in federal modernization funds.
The Special Transfers in Fiscal Year 2009 for Administration section transfers $500 million from the federal employment security administration to state accounts within 30 days of enactment. Washington state would receive $10.5 million.
Finally, a new, temporary emergency contingency fund is created under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. These funds will be available to states with increased cash welfare caseloads under TANF.
Washington State to Receive $2.2 Billion More In Medicaid Funding
Funding Increase Ensures More Than A Million Washingtonians Can Keep Health Care Coverage
WASHINGTON, DC – Washington state is poised to receive up to $2.2 billion in increased Medicaid funding to provide the most vulnerable with access to health care. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, successfully worked to ensure Washington state can continue providing care, and ultimately extend care, to eligible individuals and families with low-incomes. With this increase Washington state will be able to provide care to the more than one million people currently enrolled in the program. The increase is included as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, that the U.S. Senate is currently debating. Any difference between the Senate and House versions of the bills will need to be reconciled before signed into law by President Obama.
“Families across Washington state are struggling to make ends meet, and many simply cannot afford a medical emergency, let alone health care,” said Cantwell. “This $2.2 billion increase means that Washington state can provide health benefits to more than one million people state-wide. As we look for ways to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and invest in our country’s infrastructure, we must also support the most vulnerable in our communities.”
In addition to providing increased Medicaid funding for states, Cantwell also worked to secure the following in the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009:
an additional six month extension of work related Transitional Medical Assistance which provides Medicaid benefits for low-income families who would lose coverage because of changes to income, such as increased child support or increased employment wages/hours.
An extension of the Qualified Individual Program. Certain low-income disabled or aged individuals are eligible to have their Medicare Part B premiums paid for by Medicaid under the Medicare Savings Plan. Qualified Individuals must have incomes no greater than 100 percent of the federal poverty level, and assets not greater than $4,000.
Promotion of Health Information Technology. Promote the development of a national health information technology infrastructure to improve health care quality. Incentives are also included for health professionals and hospitals who adopt a certified electronic health record system and related technologies.
Continuation of COBRA coverage for unemployed workers. Provide a 65 percent premium subsidy for individuals who lost their jobs after September 2008 to help cover the cost of COBRA premiums.
WASHINGTON, DC – Washington state is poised to receive up to $2.2 billion in increased Medicaid funding to provide the most vulnerable with access to health care. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, successfully worked to ensure Washington state can continue providing care, and ultimately extend care, to eligible individuals and families with low-incomes. With this increase Washington state will be able to provide care to the more than one million people currently enrolled in the program. The increase is included as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, that the U.S. Senate is currently debating. Any difference between the Senate and House versions of the bills will need to be reconciled before signed into law by President Obama.
“Families across Washington state are struggling to make ends meet, and many simply cannot afford a medical emergency, let alone health care,” said Cantwell. “This $2.2 billion increase means that Washington state can provide health benefits to more than one million people state-wide. As we look for ways to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and invest in our country’s infrastructure, we must also support the most vulnerable in our communities.”
In addition to providing increased Medicaid funding for states, Cantwell also worked to secure the following in the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009:
an additional six month extension of work related Transitional Medical Assistance which provides Medicaid benefits for low-income families who would lose coverage because of changes to income, such as increased child support or increased employment wages/hours.
An extension of the Qualified Individual Program. Certain low-income disabled or aged individuals are eligible to have their Medicare Part B premiums paid for by Medicaid under the Medicare Savings Plan. Qualified Individuals must have incomes no greater than 100 percent of the federal poverty level, and assets not greater than $4,000.
Promotion of Health Information Technology. Promote the development of a national health information technology infrastructure to improve health care quality. Incentives are also included for health professionals and hospitals who adopt a certified electronic health record system and related technologies.
Continuation of COBRA coverage for unemployed workers. Provide a 65 percent premium subsidy for individuals who lost their jobs after September 2008 to help cover the cost of COBRA premiums.
Leadership Clark County Travels to Olympia
As part of its mission to grow future community leaders, Leadership Clark County took its annual Trip to Olympia on January 28, 2009. More than 35 people, including current class members, alumni of the program and LCC board members were treated to breakfast at The New Phoenix casino, where former state representative John McKibbin and current Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart gave a primer on the workings of the legislative process in Olympia.
The group toured the Capitol Building with behind the scenes access and stories provided by Clark PUD Governmental Affairs Director and former State Senator and Representative Dean Sutherland. The LCC group also met with several state officials, including State Auditor Brian Sonntag, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen and Washington Supreme Court Justice Jim Johnson. Legislators from throughout Southwest Washington shared lunch with the LCC group, giving a brief update on the issues they are currently working on as well as answering questions.
The Trip to Olympia is part of the overall leadership training course offered by Leadership Clark County each year. The current class will present their community projects and graduate in June 2009. LCC has had more than 400 local residents graduate from the program in its 16 years of training new leaders for our community. Those seeking more information or interested in applying for the program should contact Kathy Scott at (360) 567-1085 or by email at director@leadershipclarkcounty.com
The group toured the Capitol Building with behind the scenes access and stories provided by Clark PUD Governmental Affairs Director and former State Senator and Representative Dean Sutherland. The LCC group also met with several state officials, including State Auditor Brian Sonntag, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen and Washington Supreme Court Justice Jim Johnson. Legislators from throughout Southwest Washington shared lunch with the LCC group, giving a brief update on the issues they are currently working on as well as answering questions.
The Trip to Olympia is part of the overall leadership training course offered by Leadership Clark County each year. The current class will present their community projects and graduate in June 2009. LCC has had more than 400 local residents graduate from the program in its 16 years of training new leaders for our community. Those seeking more information or interested in applying for the program should contact Kathy Scott at (360) 567-1085 or by email at director@leadershipclarkcounty.com
Public hearings scheduled for Mill Creek sub-area plan
Vancouver, WA – Hearings have been scheduled for the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners regarding the proposed Mill Creek sub-area plan. The hearings are scheduled as follows:
Planning Commission: Thursday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.
Commissioners: Tuesday, March 17, 10:00 a.m.
Both hearings will be held in the Public Service Center, sixth floor, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.
The proposed plan will guide the future development of an area north of Washington State University Vancouver between Northeast 163rd and 179th streets and between Northeast 34th and 50th avenues. The proposed plan includes changes to zoning, future road connections and measures to address neighborhood compatibility.
If adopted by the Board, the plan will become part of the county’s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan.
Planning Commission: Thursday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.
Commissioners: Tuesday, March 17, 10:00 a.m.
Both hearings will be held in the Public Service Center, sixth floor, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.
The proposed plan will guide the future development of an area north of Washington State University Vancouver between Northeast 163rd and 179th streets and between Northeast 34th and 50th avenues. The proposed plan includes changes to zoning, future road connections and measures to address neighborhood compatibility.
If adopted by the Board, the plan will become part of the county’s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan.
Urban Livestock Task Force to meet Feb. 11 and 25
Vancouver, WA – The next two meetings of the Clark County Urban Livestock Task Force will be Wednesday, Feb. 11, and Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the sixth-floor training room at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. The meetings are open to the public and begin at 6 p.m.
Convened by the Board of Clark County Commissioners, the task force is charged with reviewing standards for urban livestock and developing recommendations for any changes to current standards.
Task force members are Loren Carlson, Cheri Cornelius, Tom Meyer, Clarence Petty, Mary Ann Simonds, Denise Smee, Art Stubbs, and Norm Welsh.
Convened by the Board of Clark County Commissioners, the task force is charged with reviewing standards for urban livestock and developing recommendations for any changes to current standards.
Task force members are Loren Carlson, Cheri Cornelius, Tom Meyer, Clarence Petty, Mary Ann Simonds, Denise Smee, Art Stubbs, and Norm Welsh.
City Charter Review Committee announces meeting dates and locations.
The City of Vancouver Charter Review Committee has scheduled bi-monthly meetings, every other Tuesday, from February through June, 6 to 8 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.
Following are their meeting schedule and locations:
February 10 - Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way
February 24 - Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Ave.
March 10 - Marshall Community Center- Elm Room,1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.
March 24 – O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St.
April 14 - Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Ave.
April 28 - Marshall Community Center- Elm Room, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.
May 12 - Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Ave.
May 26 - C-TRAN Rose F. Besserman Room, 3510 SE 164th Ave.
June 9 - Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way
June 23 – O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St.
Meetings agendas and minutes will be posted on the city’s website at www.cityofvancouver.us.
The Charter Review Committee is a group of 15 volunteers selected by City Council to review the Vancouver City Charter. They held their first meeting on January 29. The Committee review is expected to take six months.
Per Section 11.17 of the City Charter the Charter Review Committee will review the City Charter and make recommendations to the City Council for changes or amendments that should be put up for a vote. The recommendations must be made in time for consideration on that year’s election ballot. If you have any proposed changes you would like the Charter Review Committee to discuss, please send them to the City Manager’s Office at jan.bader@ci.vancouver.wa.us.
Following are their meeting schedule and locations:
February 10 - Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way
February 24 - Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Ave.
March 10 - Marshall Community Center- Elm Room,1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.
March 24 – O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St.
April 14 - Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Ave.
April 28 - Marshall Community Center- Elm Room, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.
May 12 - Firstenburg Community Center, 700 NE 136th Ave.
May 26 - C-TRAN Rose F. Besserman Room, 3510 SE 164th Ave.
June 9 - Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way
June 23 – O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St.
Meetings agendas and minutes will be posted on the city’s website at www.cityofvancouver.us.
The Charter Review Committee is a group of 15 volunteers selected by City Council to review the Vancouver City Charter. They held their first meeting on January 29. The Committee review is expected to take six months.
Per Section 11.17 of the City Charter the Charter Review Committee will review the City Charter and make recommendations to the City Council for changes or amendments that should be put up for a vote. The recommendations must be made in time for consideration on that year’s election ballot. If you have any proposed changes you would like the Charter Review Committee to discuss, please send them to the City Manager’s Office at jan.bader@ci.vancouver.wa.us.
Children’s Justice Center receives grant for child abuse prevention
Vancouver, WA – The Arthur D. Curtis Children’s Justice Center has gained support for a new child sex abuse prevention program in Clark County. The center has received a 2009 Children’s Trust Fund Grant Award from the Community Foundation in the amount of $15,000.
The center will partner with the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization in locating more than 500 single parents living in Clark County. To help these caretakers fully understand the danger, the center’s specially trained multidisciplinary team will provide information about child predator profiles and how to implement protections.
“We are very happy to have the support to begin this new work in our community,” says Director Mary Blanchette. “We believe this new parent outreach program will help protect children from harm and prevent incidents of child abuse before they occur. Our goal is to educate vulnerable single mothers who may become prey to manipulative child predators and unknowingly open their homes to this danger.”
Currently, there are 1,200 registered sex offenders in Clark County and many of them have targeted innocent children. Surveys of adults reveal that one in four girls and one out of six boys have been sexually molested, and that child sexual abuse is likely one of the most underreported crimes in the nation.
“The Children’s Justice Center works diligently every day to hold perpetrators of child abuse accountable,” says Blanchette. “For example, in 2007, the center received 1400 reports of suspected child abuse, fully investigated and provided services to 415 child victims and sentenced 187 perpetrators of felony child abuse through the county’s judicial system.”
The center will partner with the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization in locating more than 500 single parents living in Clark County. To help these caretakers fully understand the danger, the center’s specially trained multidisciplinary team will provide information about child predator profiles and how to implement protections.
“We are very happy to have the support to begin this new work in our community,” says Director Mary Blanchette. “We believe this new parent outreach program will help protect children from harm and prevent incidents of child abuse before they occur. Our goal is to educate vulnerable single mothers who may become prey to manipulative child predators and unknowingly open their homes to this danger.”
Currently, there are 1,200 registered sex offenders in Clark County and many of them have targeted innocent children. Surveys of adults reveal that one in four girls and one out of six boys have been sexually molested, and that child sexual abuse is likely one of the most underreported crimes in the nation.
“The Children’s Justice Center works diligently every day to hold perpetrators of child abuse accountable,” says Blanchette. “For example, in 2007, the center received 1400 reports of suspected child abuse, fully investigated and provided services to 415 child victims and sentenced 187 perpetrators of felony child abuse through the county’s judicial system.”
Mint Tea offers Dinner Service
Fridays & Saturdays 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Uptown Village’s Mint Tea has expanded its restaurant offerings to now include dinner service Fridays and Saturdays. For the evenings the casual café turns it up a notch with table service and a full menu. Meals average $15 to $18 and include a choice of soup or salad, an entrée and finish with a glass of tea and light dessert. Menu items change weekly but it always includes meat, poultry, fish and vegan options. While the lunch café has an international flair, the dinner menu is Moroccan-inspired, often filled with tagine dishes. A tagine is a Moroccan style of slowly cooking foods, and it is also the name of the clay cooking vessel often used over an open flame.
Recent Mint Tea menu items include Lamb Tagine with Couscous, True Cod Fillet with Chermoulah marinade, Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Vegetable Tagine with Couscous.
Mint Tea Chef Ashley Miller is preparing a special Valentine’s Day menu for dinner service both Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13 and 14.
The addition of dinner service also marks the opening of Mint Tea’s second story. The space was also renovated and now features their trademark décor of brightly painted walls, beautiful art and brilliant rugs. A cozy dinning nook is the highlight of the dining room. A private back room is also available for rental for private parties or business meetings.
Mint Tea is vegan and gluten-free friendly and is proud to serve local and organic produce and meats. Beer and wine will be available soon.
Uptown Village’s Mint Tea has expanded its restaurant offerings to now include dinner service Fridays and Saturdays. For the evenings the casual café turns it up a notch with table service and a full menu. Meals average $15 to $18 and include a choice of soup or salad, an entrée and finish with a glass of tea and light dessert. Menu items change weekly but it always includes meat, poultry, fish and vegan options. While the lunch café has an international flair, the dinner menu is Moroccan-inspired, often filled with tagine dishes. A tagine is a Moroccan style of slowly cooking foods, and it is also the name of the clay cooking vessel often used over an open flame.
Recent Mint Tea menu items include Lamb Tagine with Couscous, True Cod Fillet with Chermoulah marinade, Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Vegetable Tagine with Couscous.
Mint Tea Chef Ashley Miller is preparing a special Valentine’s Day menu for dinner service both Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13 and 14.
The addition of dinner service also marks the opening of Mint Tea’s second story. The space was also renovated and now features their trademark décor of brightly painted walls, beautiful art and brilliant rugs. A cozy dinning nook is the highlight of the dining room. A private back room is also available for rental for private parties or business meetings.
Mint Tea is vegan and gluten-free friendly and is proud to serve local and organic produce and meats. Beer and wine will be available soon.
PORT OF CAMAS/WASHOUGAL COMMISSIONERS
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 18, 2009
Please be advised that, as provided by RCW 42.30.080, the Port of Camas/Washougal will call a Special Meeting for Wednesday, February 18th at 5:30 p.m., at the Port Office, 24 South "A" Street, Washougal, WA 98671, for the following purpose:
OPEN SESSION - 5:30 p.m.
Discussion of Marina area park property subject to
restrictive covenant language
Public input will be taken.
Please be advised that, as provided by RCW 42.30.080, the Port of Camas/Washougal will call a Special Meeting for Wednesday, February 18th at 5:30 p.m., at the Port Office, 24 South "A" Street, Washougal, WA 98671, for the following purpose:
OPEN SESSION - 5:30 p.m.
Discussion of Marina area park property subject to
restrictive covenant language
Public input will be taken.
Three Creeks advisory council to set 2009 work program on Feb. 12
Vancouver, WA – Clark County’s Three Creeks Advisory Council will meet on Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. The meeting will be open to the public, at the offices of the Clark Regional Wastewater District, 8000 NE 52nd Court, in the Hazel Dell area.
The council will review and consider a variety of topics and set a work program for 2009.
The Board of Clark County Commissioners appointed the council to assist the county on transportation, land-use planning and related issues in the planning area, which includes unincorporated areas around Hazel Dell, Felida, Lake Shore, Salmon Creek and the fairgrounds.
The council will review and consider a variety of topics and set a work program for 2009.
The Board of Clark County Commissioners appointed the council to assist the county on transportation, land-use planning and related issues in the planning area, which includes unincorporated areas around Hazel Dell, Felida, Lake Shore, Salmon Creek and the fairgrounds.
Great Western Malting to be Honored by the Port of Vancouver
Vancouver, WA, 2/3/08. Great Western Malting will be receiving the Port of Vancouver’s Best Facilities Improvement award for 2008 On Thursday, February 5th at the 2009 Port Re:PORT Breakfast at the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay. “In 2008 we endeavored to match our production ability with the needs of our local flourishing craft brewer customers as well as our growing international market,“ said Jay Hamachek, Director of North America Business Development. “Receiving this award is truly a reflection to the commitment that we have to our customers at home and abroad,” said Hamacheck.
In 2008 Great Western expanded service to international markets. By working closely with former Port Commissioner Arch Miller and Port Staff, Great Western began shipping product to brewers in Central America, South America, and South Africa. “Our customers demand for excellent malt will always be our top priority. “ said Hamachek. Great Western’s equipment is well suited to the precise requirements of the brewers who buy the malt. “It’s simple, when a company meets the needs and exceeds the expectations of its customers, everyone wins. It’s just good business.”
In 2008 Great Western expanded service to international markets. By working closely with former Port Commissioner Arch Miller and Port Staff, Great Western began shipping product to brewers in Central America, South America, and South Africa. “Our customers demand for excellent malt will always be our top priority. “ said Hamachek. Great Western’s equipment is well suited to the precise requirements of the brewers who buy the malt. “It’s simple, when a company meets the needs and exceeds the expectations of its customers, everyone wins. It’s just good business.”
Friday, February 6, 2009
WSU Vancouver to Participate in National Teach-in on Global Warming
VANCOUVER, Wash. - A series of events will be presented by Washington State University Vancouver students to focus on the problem of global climate change. These events are part of the National Teach-in on Global Warming on Feb. 5. All of these events are free and open to the public.
A panel on "Sustainability Initiatives in Vancouver and Clark County"
will be presented 12-1:15 p.m. in the Multimedia Building, room 6.
Members of the panel include Gordon Euler, Clark County Community Planning; Sunrise O'Mahoney, Board president, Vancouver Food Co-op; and Matt Ransom, City of Vancouver Transportation Services Planning manager.
Two screenings of "Everything's Cool," at 9:10-10:25 a.m. and at
2:50-4:05 p.m. will be followed by discussions in the Administration Building, room 129.
Another screening and discussion of, "Everything's Cool" from 6:30 - 9 p.m. will be held at Clark College in the Penguin Union Building, rooms
258 B & C. The discussion is presented by WSU Vancouver Political Science Associate Professor Paul Thiers in partnership with WSU Vancouver, the Center for Social and Environmental Justice and Clark College. Pizza and beverages will be provided.
Parking is available at parking meters or in the blue lot for $3.
WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205. We offer 16 bachelor's degrees, nine master's degrees, one doctorate degree and more than 36 fields of study. Visit us on the Web at www.vancouver.wsu.edu
A panel on "Sustainability Initiatives in Vancouver and Clark County"
will be presented 12-1:15 p.m. in the Multimedia Building, room 6.
Members of the panel include Gordon Euler, Clark County Community Planning; Sunrise O'Mahoney, Board president, Vancouver Food Co-op; and Matt Ransom, City of Vancouver Transportation Services Planning manager.
Two screenings of "Everything's Cool," at 9:10-10:25 a.m. and at
2:50-4:05 p.m. will be followed by discussions in the Administration Building, room 129.
Another screening and discussion of, "Everything's Cool" from 6:30 - 9 p.m. will be held at Clark College in the Penguin Union Building, rooms
258 B & C. The discussion is presented by WSU Vancouver Political Science Associate Professor Paul Thiers in partnership with WSU Vancouver, the Center for Social and Environmental Justice and Clark College. Pizza and beverages will be provided.
Parking is available at parking meters or in the blue lot for $3.
WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205. We offer 16 bachelor's degrees, nine master's degrees, one doctorate degree and more than 36 fields of study. Visit us on the Web at www.vancouver.wsu.edu
NEW VIDEO DIARY CONTEST “BORN TO BE A STAR!” LOOKING FOR FIRST TIME MOTHERS-TO-BE
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Feb. 4, 2008. If you or someone you know if having a baby for the first time, don’t miss the chance to sign up for yourBABYyourWAY.com’s first Born to be a Star! contest.
YourBABYyourWAY.com is searching for an online Born to be a Star! video diary personality to share the many ups and downs of pregnancy and the life-changing journey of becoming a new parent.
“When a woman is pregnant for the first time, it’s obviously an exciting time for her and it also reminds other parents of that wonderful time in their lives,” says Joe Chang, MD, The Women’s Clinic of Vancouver, and yourBABYyourWAY.com blogger. “A video diary offers a unique record of this amazing experience for the mother-to-be and for other women who can relate to what she’s going through.”
If you are pregnant for the first time, apply now to be an online video diary personality at www.yourBABYyourWAY.com/star. If selected, you could win a prize package worth more than $3,000 (including $1,000 cash)! Applications will be accepted through 4pm on Feb. 28, 2009.
YourBABYyourWAY.com is a unique online resource on conception, pregnancy and parenting. It connects local people to key services, expert advice, special values and others interested in parenting right here in the Portland/Vancouver area. The website uses the latest in interactive online connections and activities such as personal blogs, forums, reader’s polls, and book reviews.
“Women rely heavily on the opinions and experience of other women when considering the potential of parenting,” explains Dr. Chang. “This new online resource helps them connect like never before.”
YourBABYyourWAY.com is searching for an online Born to be a Star! video diary personality to share the many ups and downs of pregnancy and the life-changing journey of becoming a new parent.
“When a woman is pregnant for the first time, it’s obviously an exciting time for her and it also reminds other parents of that wonderful time in their lives,” says Joe Chang, MD, The Women’s Clinic of Vancouver, and yourBABYyourWAY.com blogger. “A video diary offers a unique record of this amazing experience for the mother-to-be and for other women who can relate to what she’s going through.”
If you are pregnant for the first time, apply now to be an online video diary personality at www.yourBABYyourWAY.com/star. If selected, you could win a prize package worth more than $3,000 (including $1,000 cash)! Applications will be accepted through 4pm on Feb. 28, 2009.
YourBABYyourWAY.com is a unique online resource on conception, pregnancy and parenting. It connects local people to key services, expert advice, special values and others interested in parenting right here in the Portland/Vancouver area. The website uses the latest in interactive online connections and activities such as personal blogs, forums, reader’s polls, and book reviews.
“Women rely heavily on the opinions and experience of other women when considering the potential of parenting,” explains Dr. Chang. “This new online resource helps them connect like never before.”
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Holmquist: Overly broad bill could unintentionally limit free speech, violate federal law and cost jobs
OLYMPIA… In a Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee hearing today, Sen. Janéa Holmquist (R- Moses Lake), the ranking Republican member on the committee, called on her Senate colleagues to reject a bill that would limit the free speech of employers and possibly violate the National Labor Relations Act.
Senate Bill 5446 would prohibit all communication and/or activities related to legislation, elected officials, candidates, religious holidays (including parties) or charity drives. Employees would be able to sue employers who violate the provisions of this act for even sending out a notice regarding a charity drive.
“Let’s be honest about the motivation behind this bill,” Holmquist said. “This bill is a top priority for labor unions, and their intent is to gag employers and stop them from being able to mention anything about labor/management issues at work.”
Holmquist also addressed the legal issue concerning the National Labor Relations Act. The measure attempts to prevent employers from talking to employees about labor/management issues in the workplace – something the United States Supreme Court has already declared states can’t regulate.
In a 7-2 decision last June, the Court struck down a similar, even narrower, law in California.
“At a moment when we have serious issues to address – from a $6 billion and growing projected deficit to rapidly increasing layoffs and unemployment – why is the majority party using valuable time to push a bill that would never stand up to scrutiny from the courts?” Holmquist asked.
The bill would also limit these activities at work:
· Charity drives
· Christmas parties, cards and music
· Radio stations playing Christian or other types of religious music
· Hallway conversations between managers and workers about any political or religious issue or community event
· E-mails from managers or employers about anything related to charity or community events
· A Combined Fund drive sponsoring needy families during the holidays.
During the hearing on the bill, Holmquist asked representatives of the Washington State Labor Council: “Do you object to an employer sending an e-mail or a flyer regarding a charity event, organizing a relay for life or the Combined Fund drive, or any casual political conversation in the work place?” They responded that it was not their intent to limit these conversations. Bottom line, several attorneys testified today that the bill is much broader than the Labor Council’s stated intent.
“I’m looking forward to working with them to clarify their stated intent,” said Holmquist.
“Given the current recession, the increasing unemployment, and the number of struggling employers, the majority party has sent a message that Washington State is not friendly to employers,” Holmquist added. “So say good-bye to charity drives at work and say good-bye to Washington employers and the jobs they create.”
Senate Bill 5446 would prohibit all communication and/or activities related to legislation, elected officials, candidates, religious holidays (including parties) or charity drives. Employees would be able to sue employers who violate the provisions of this act for even sending out a notice regarding a charity drive.
“Let’s be honest about the motivation behind this bill,” Holmquist said. “This bill is a top priority for labor unions, and their intent is to gag employers and stop them from being able to mention anything about labor/management issues at work.”
Holmquist also addressed the legal issue concerning the National Labor Relations Act. The measure attempts to prevent employers from talking to employees about labor/management issues in the workplace – something the United States Supreme Court has already declared states can’t regulate.
In a 7-2 decision last June, the Court struck down a similar, even narrower, law in California.
“At a moment when we have serious issues to address – from a $6 billion and growing projected deficit to rapidly increasing layoffs and unemployment – why is the majority party using valuable time to push a bill that would never stand up to scrutiny from the courts?” Holmquist asked.
The bill would also limit these activities at work:
· Charity drives
· Christmas parties, cards and music
· Radio stations playing Christian or other types of religious music
· Hallway conversations between managers and workers about any political or religious issue or community event
· E-mails from managers or employers about anything related to charity or community events
· A Combined Fund drive sponsoring needy families during the holidays.
During the hearing on the bill, Holmquist asked representatives of the Washington State Labor Council: “Do you object to an employer sending an e-mail or a flyer regarding a charity event, organizing a relay for life or the Combined Fund drive, or any casual political conversation in the work place?” They responded that it was not their intent to limit these conversations. Bottom line, several attorneys testified today that the bill is much broader than the Labor Council’s stated intent.
“I’m looking forward to working with them to clarify their stated intent,” said Holmquist.
“Given the current recession, the increasing unemployment, and the number of struggling employers, the majority party has sent a message that Washington State is not friendly to employers,” Holmquist added. “So say good-bye to charity drives at work and say good-bye to Washington employers and the jobs they create.”
Recycle old block foam February 7 and March 7
Vancouver, WA – Clark County residents have additional opportunities to recycle block foam for free on the following dates:
Saturday, Feb. 7, in the Yellow 1 parking lot at Clark College, off Fort Vancouver Way. Collection hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 7, at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center, 3510 SE 164th Ave. Collection hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The collection at the transit center will accept polystyrene and polypropylene block foam. The foam may be any color, but it must be clean and bagged/boxed. Plastic wrapped yellow urethane foam or packing peanuts will not be accepted.
A Portland recycling business uses the foam to manufacture pellets that maintain the same quality as new plastic.
The program also allows businesses to bring in small loads, no bigger than what will fit into a passenger or cargo van, at no charge. Larger business loads are directed to Total Reclaim’s in Portland during weekday business hours.
Only Washington-licensed cars may participate. All participants must remain on site until staff have examined and accepted the material; unacceptable material will be returned to participants.
If you have questions or would like more information about this program, please contact Clark County Solid Waste at (360) 397-6118 ext. 4352 or Vancouver Solid Waste Services at
(360) 619-4122.
Saturday, Feb. 7, in the Yellow 1 parking lot at Clark College, off Fort Vancouver Way. Collection hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 7, at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center, 3510 SE 164th Ave. Collection hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The collection at the transit center will accept polystyrene and polypropylene block foam. The foam may be any color, but it must be clean and bagged/boxed. Plastic wrapped yellow urethane foam or packing peanuts will not be accepted.
A Portland recycling business uses the foam to manufacture pellets that maintain the same quality as new plastic.
The program also allows businesses to bring in small loads, no bigger than what will fit into a passenger or cargo van, at no charge. Larger business loads are directed to Total Reclaim’s in Portland during weekday business hours.
Only Washington-licensed cars may participate. All participants must remain on site until staff have examined and accepted the material; unacceptable material will be returned to participants.
If you have questions or would like more information about this program, please contact Clark County Solid Waste at (360) 397-6118 ext. 4352 or Vancouver Solid Waste Services at
(360) 619-4122.
Lt. Governor Owen to bid good luck to Special Olympics winter game athletes
SEATTLE – Fourteen Washington athletes are heading to next week’s Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, and Lt. Gov. Brad Owen will see them off at a ceremony Feb. 4 prior to their departure from Seattle Tacoma International Airport.
The public ceremony to honor the Team Special Olympics Washington (SOWA), along with their coaches and supporters, will start at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the The Conference Center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (main terminal building). The lieutenant governor will address the group and wish them well as the team heads off to the games Feb. 7 to 13. Members of the news media are welcome to attend.
Washington’s 14 Special Olympians will join more than 2,500 other athletes representing 100 countries from around the world.
“These Washington Olympians have worked very hard and we wish them every success possible as they compete in the winter games in Boise,” Owen said. “They are an inspiration to all of us.”
Team Special Olympics Washington will compete in alpine and cross-country skiing, figure skating and snowboarding. They include Katie Meyer, Kirkland; Delight Andresen, Sea-Tac; Ian Dews, Sammamish; Curtis Littrell, Pasco; Stefanie Sarason, Bainbridge Island; Brandy Phillips, Loon Lake; Timothy Rainville, Seattle; Kevin Vandeventer, Chattaroy; Sarah Fullen, Colbert; Kristie Clark, Everett; Vicken Ouyarian, Mukilteo; Chantel Swanson, Hunters; Craig Daly, Normandy Park and Aaron Evans, Spokane Valley. Their coaches are Jenny Fry of Seattle and Joe Hampson of Edmonds.
SOWA has 6000 athletes in the program statewide and 7000 volunteers.
The public ceremony to honor the Team Special Olympics Washington (SOWA), along with their coaches and supporters, will start at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the The Conference Center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (main terminal building). The lieutenant governor will address the group and wish them well as the team heads off to the games Feb. 7 to 13. Members of the news media are welcome to attend.
Washington’s 14 Special Olympians will join more than 2,500 other athletes representing 100 countries from around the world.
“These Washington Olympians have worked very hard and we wish them every success possible as they compete in the winter games in Boise,” Owen said. “They are an inspiration to all of us.”
Team Special Olympics Washington will compete in alpine and cross-country skiing, figure skating and snowboarding. They include Katie Meyer, Kirkland; Delight Andresen, Sea-Tac; Ian Dews, Sammamish; Curtis Littrell, Pasco; Stefanie Sarason, Bainbridge Island; Brandy Phillips, Loon Lake; Timothy Rainville, Seattle; Kevin Vandeventer, Chattaroy; Sarah Fullen, Colbert; Kristie Clark, Everett; Vicken Ouyarian, Mukilteo; Chantel Swanson, Hunters; Craig Daly, Normandy Park and Aaron Evans, Spokane Valley. Their coaches are Jenny Fry of Seattle and Joe Hampson of Edmonds.
SOWA has 6000 athletes in the program statewide and 7000 volunteers.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Don’t forget to register to hear State of the County address in person
New format offers more seating at annual gathering hosted by commissioners
Vancouver, WA – The 2009 State of the County event on Feb. 12 will be less formal and have the potential to seat more people than in years past. There is no charge to attend, but reservations are due by Feb. 4, to help arrange seating and provide light refreshments.
This year’s program will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Camas High School Theater, 26900 S.E. 15th St., Camas. The main speaker will be Marc Boldt, the 2009 Chair of the Board of Clark County Commissioners.
Boldt served five terms as a Washington State Representative from the 17th legislative district before taking office as a County Commissioner in January 2005. He was elected to a second four-year term in November and took the oath of office in January 2009. He will discuss issues of concern to the current Board, which includes commissioners Steve Stuart and Tom Mielke.
The commissioners also will present 2009 Spirit of Clark County awards to volunteers for extraordinary contributions in serving the community. Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) Cable Channels 21 and 23 will air the speech at a later date.
For more information or to make reservations, call (360) 397-2232 or e-mail Tina.Redline@clark.wa.gov.
Vancouver, WA – The 2009 State of the County event on Feb. 12 will be less formal and have the potential to seat more people than in years past. There is no charge to attend, but reservations are due by Feb. 4, to help arrange seating and provide light refreshments.
This year’s program will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Camas High School Theater, 26900 S.E. 15th St., Camas. The main speaker will be Marc Boldt, the 2009 Chair of the Board of Clark County Commissioners.
Boldt served five terms as a Washington State Representative from the 17th legislative district before taking office as a County Commissioner in January 2005. He was elected to a second four-year term in November and took the oath of office in January 2009. He will discuss issues of concern to the current Board, which includes commissioners Steve Stuart and Tom Mielke.
The commissioners also will present 2009 Spirit of Clark County awards to volunteers for extraordinary contributions in serving the community. Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) Cable Channels 21 and 23 will air the speech at a later date.
For more information or to make reservations, call (360) 397-2232 or e-mail Tina.Redline@clark.wa.gov.
County extends application period for Clean Water Commission
Vancouver, WA – The Board of Clark County Commissioners has extended the deadline to Feb. 13 for applications, nominations and recommendations for volunteers to serve on the county’s Clean Water Commission.
Following interviews later this month, the commissioners plan to appoint three people to serve on the panel that advises them on services, policies and funding related to federal and state standards for water quality, including stormwater. New three-year terms are set to begin March 1.
Residents from throughout the unincorporated areas of the county are encouraged to apply. Analytical skills are desirable, along with experience and interest in environmental issues.
Monthly meetings are held at the Clark County Public Works Department Conference Center at 4700 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. The commission also holds special meetings and work sessions.
To be considered, applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to Jennifer Clark, Board of Clark County Commissioners, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, Washington 98666-5000 or e-mail – jennifer.clark@clark.wa.gov.
Following interviews later this month, the commissioners plan to appoint three people to serve on the panel that advises them on services, policies and funding related to federal and state standards for water quality, including stormwater. New three-year terms are set to begin March 1.
Residents from throughout the unincorporated areas of the county are encouraged to apply. Analytical skills are desirable, along with experience and interest in environmental issues.
Monthly meetings are held at the Clark County Public Works Department Conference Center at 4700 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. The commission also holds special meetings and work sessions.
To be considered, applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to Jennifer Clark, Board of Clark County Commissioners, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, Washington 98666-5000 or e-mail – jennifer.clark@clark.wa.gov.
Kathy Condon’s Book Earns Top Honors in the National Best Books 2008 Awards
Vancouver, WA. – The book, “It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication” by professional business performance coach and acclaimed author, Kathy Condon was honored as an Award-Winning Finalist in the “Business: Careers” category of the National “Best Books” 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.
USABookNews.com is the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses and sponsors the annual “Best Books” Awards, now in its 5th year. Over 500 winners and finalists were recently announced in over 140 categories covering print and audio books. Awards were presented for titles published in 2008 and late 2007.
Jeff Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries and the 2008 results represent a phenomenal mix of books from a wide array of publishers throughout the United States.
Condon is known for her open and authentic writing style that “tells it like it is” and intentionally uses real life examples to emphasize her points. “It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication” is based on Condon’s belief that you can increase your ability to communicate by stripping away all the fluff and getting back to the basics of good, clear communication. She has written and published over 160 articles on career communications. Topics include: Change, Communications in the Workplace, Cell phone Etiquette, Email Overload and Lessons from Nature.
USABookNews.com is the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses and sponsors the annual “Best Books” Awards, now in its 5th year. Over 500 winners and finalists were recently announced in over 140 categories covering print and audio books. Awards were presented for titles published in 2008 and late 2007.
Jeff Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries and the 2008 results represent a phenomenal mix of books from a wide array of publishers throughout the United States.
Condon is known for her open and authentic writing style that “tells it like it is” and intentionally uses real life examples to emphasize her points. “It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication” is based on Condon’s belief that you can increase your ability to communicate by stripping away all the fluff and getting back to the basics of good, clear communication. She has written and published over 160 articles on career communications. Topics include: Change, Communications in the Workplace, Cell phone Etiquette, Email Overload and Lessons from Nature.
Our Monthly General Meeting is Thursday, February 5th at The Cedars on Salmon Creek at 11:30 AM.
The Cedars is located at:
15001 NE 181st Street – Brush Prairie
687-4233
Guest Speaker :
Barbara Kite; Acting Coach for Speakers, Actors, Writers, Singers and All Creatures Creative!
15001 NE 181st Street – Brush Prairie
687-4233
Guest Speaker :
Barbara Kite; Acting Coach for Speakers, Actors, Writers, Singers and All Creatures Creative!
Skamania County Selected to Participate in Geotourism Project with National Geographic
Public Nominations Needed for Inclusion in Central Cascades MapGuide
Skamania County Chamber of Commerce announced a geotourism project with the National Geographic Society, Travel Oregon and Washington State Tourism to develop a bi-state, high quality, themed map of the Central Cascades Region. Geotourism is defined by National Geographic as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place – its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture and the well-being of its residents.
The Central Cascades Geotourism project is a printed MapGuide and interactive website designed to promote natural and cultural attractions, as well as encourage a sense of pride in a region’s local communities. The boundaries of the region include Mt. Rainier to the north and Crater Lake to the south and stretch from Highway 97 west to Interstate 5.
Input from Skamania County’s residents is key to the development of the MapGuide. Nominations can be made at the Central Cascades Geotourism website at www.thecentralcascades.com and will be accepted through March 29, 2009. All submitted nominations will also be considered for inclusion on the website.
To facilitate the nomination process, Skamania County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Washington State Tourism to host a free community forum on Thursday, February 12, 2009 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Stevenson Community Library, 120 NW Vancouver Avenue, Stevenson, Washington. The community forum will consist of an overview of the MapGuide project and a discussion to generate nomination ideas. To register on-line for this free workshop, visit http://mapguideworkshop-stevenson.eventbrite.com/.
Nominations selected for the MapGuide and the website will highlight the people, experiences, sites and attractions that set this region apart from any other place on the planet. A sample nomination might be a one-of-a-kind nature trail, waterfall or geological formation, a locally owned and operated restaurant, an annual cultural event or local heritage museum, a farm that offers tours or a local bird watching hot spot.
“The geotourism approach is an excellent way to build the economy of communities throughout the Central Cascades while maintaining their inherent richness and integrity,” said Marsha Massey, executive director of Washington State Tourism. “We’re excited that National Geographic chose to highlight the Central Cascades in a MapGuide. The natural beauty of the area, the sense of community and the recreational opportunities are world-class.”
The project is being directed by the National Geographic Society’s Center for Sustainable Destinations with the Central Cascades Advisory Committee. The Central Cascades Project Advisory Committee is a coalition of Travel Oregon, Washington State Tourism, Sustainable Travel International, Rural Development Initiatives, Sustainable Northwest, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society today works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 350 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and four other magazines including National Geographic Traveler; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; radio programs; films; books; videos and DVDs; maps; and interactive media. National Geographic has funded more than 8,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.
Skamania County Chamber of Commerce announced a geotourism project with the National Geographic Society, Travel Oregon and Washington State Tourism to develop a bi-state, high quality, themed map of the Central Cascades Region. Geotourism is defined by National Geographic as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place – its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture and the well-being of its residents.
The Central Cascades Geotourism project is a printed MapGuide and interactive website designed to promote natural and cultural attractions, as well as encourage a sense of pride in a region’s local communities. The boundaries of the region include Mt. Rainier to the north and Crater Lake to the south and stretch from Highway 97 west to Interstate 5.
Input from Skamania County’s residents is key to the development of the MapGuide. Nominations can be made at the Central Cascades Geotourism website at www.thecentralcascades.com and will be accepted through March 29, 2009. All submitted nominations will also be considered for inclusion on the website.
To facilitate the nomination process, Skamania County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Washington State Tourism to host a free community forum on Thursday, February 12, 2009 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Stevenson Community Library, 120 NW Vancouver Avenue, Stevenson, Washington. The community forum will consist of an overview of the MapGuide project and a discussion to generate nomination ideas. To register on-line for this free workshop, visit http://mapguideworkshop-stevenson.eventbrite.com/.
Nominations selected for the MapGuide and the website will highlight the people, experiences, sites and attractions that set this region apart from any other place on the planet. A sample nomination might be a one-of-a-kind nature trail, waterfall or geological formation, a locally owned and operated restaurant, an annual cultural event or local heritage museum, a farm that offers tours or a local bird watching hot spot.
“The geotourism approach is an excellent way to build the economy of communities throughout the Central Cascades while maintaining their inherent richness and integrity,” said Marsha Massey, executive director of Washington State Tourism. “We’re excited that National Geographic chose to highlight the Central Cascades in a MapGuide. The natural beauty of the area, the sense of community and the recreational opportunities are world-class.”
The project is being directed by the National Geographic Society’s Center for Sustainable Destinations with the Central Cascades Advisory Committee. The Central Cascades Project Advisory Committee is a coalition of Travel Oregon, Washington State Tourism, Sustainable Travel International, Rural Development Initiatives, Sustainable Northwest, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society today works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 350 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and four other magazines including National Geographic Traveler; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; radio programs; films; books; videos and DVDs; maps; and interactive media. National Geographic has funded more than 8,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.
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