Vancouver, WA – Teresa Didier, Columbia Credit Union Riverstone Branch Manager, has found a way to combine her desire to serve the community with her love of animals by volunteering for the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW). As a member of the organization’s steering committee, Teresa helps plan events and solicits gifts to benefit their programs.
“I was looking for ways to get involved,” explains Teresa. “I have always believed in the benefits the humane society extends to animals and the community. It was founded in 1897, and has managed to do wonderful things in the 100-plus years they have been established.”
Through the work of staff and more than 350 volunteers, the HSSW offers a variety of humane programs including pet adoptions, community education, advice on pet behavior, spay/neuter assistance, foster care, and low-cost pet adoptions for seniors. “With all of these options, more animals will have the opportunity to find good homes with caring families,” says Teresa.
According to Teresa, there are a number of ways to get involved at the Humane Society from clerical work to fostering animals or volunteering at events. “I am planning to recruit my co-workers at Columbia Credit Union to form a team or “pack” for the Walk for the Animals event in May,” states Teresa, who began as a morning dog walker two years ago, socializing animals and walking them for exercise.
The HSSW relies heavily on volunteers to make a difference in the lives of the more than 13,000 animals that pass through their shelter every year. “It is a heartwarming experience and can be as time consuming as you make it,” says Teresa. “It gives you a great feeling of satisfaction when you know you were able to help the animals.”
Columbia Credit Union is dedicated to supporting organizations in our community including the HSSW. In addition to past support, Columbia was a sponsor of the 2008 Dinner and Auction event to benefit the construction of their new facility on 192nd Ave. in east Vancouver. The new facility will be 30,000 square feet in size (nearly triple the current facility), with increased capacity for dogs and cats, visitation rooms, walking trail, surgery, office space and an education center.
If you would like more information on the ways you can support or volunteer with the HSSW,please visit www.southwesthumane.org.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Holmberg announces candidacy for Vancouver School Board
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Nelson Holmberg has announced his intent to run for a position on the Vancouver Public Schools Board of Directors.
“A friend of mine recently said to me, ‘you should think of it as a calling when you realize you want to make a difference for kids’,” Holmberg said. “I think he was absolutely right, and that’s partly why I’m running for the school board. I don’t have a big bank account to help out our schools, but I do have desire, interest and energy that I want to use to make a difference for kids.” Holmberg was one of the candidates considered for an appointment to the school board in 2007, when Mark Stoker was appointed after a resignation created an opening. Holmberg, who has since been a regular attendee at school board meetings, will run for position three.
“I’m very familiar with the challenges that public schools face,” Holmberg said. “But solutions must be found and I believe that, with fresh thinking, we can continue to raise the bar on learning, and help students graduate truly well-prepared for the world in which they will be competing.” Holmberg, 42, advocates full state funding for public education, thoughtful and realistic learning standards, replacement of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), embracing transparency and accountability of the school board, and responsible and reasonable district spending.
“By combining all of those ideals, communicating with and advocating for the people in our schools – from the students to the principals – it is my belief that this school district will be better than ever at providing solid building blocks that prepare students for life after high school,” Holmberg said.
“A friend of mine recently said to me, ‘you should think of it as a calling when you realize you want to make a difference for kids’,” Holmberg said. “I think he was absolutely right, and that’s partly why I’m running for the school board. I don’t have a big bank account to help out our schools, but I do have desire, interest and energy that I want to use to make a difference for kids.” Holmberg was one of the candidates considered for an appointment to the school board in 2007, when Mark Stoker was appointed after a resignation created an opening. Holmberg, who has since been a regular attendee at school board meetings, will run for position three.
“I’m very familiar with the challenges that public schools face,” Holmberg said. “But solutions must be found and I believe that, with fresh thinking, we can continue to raise the bar on learning, and help students graduate truly well-prepared for the world in which they will be competing.” Holmberg, 42, advocates full state funding for public education, thoughtful and realistic learning standards, replacement of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), embracing transparency and accountability of the school board, and responsible and reasonable district spending.
“By combining all of those ideals, communicating with and advocating for the people in our schools – from the students to the principals – it is my belief that this school district will be better than ever at providing solid building blocks that prepare students for life after high school,” Holmberg said.
County Hires Administrator to Oversee Indigent Defense
Vancouver, WA – To ensure legal representation for people who can’t afford to hire an attorney, Clark County has selected Ann S. Christian to fill the position of Indigent Defense Coordinator.
According to Mark McCauley, director of General Services, Christian is an experienced administrator who holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a law degree from the University of Iowa. She has resided in Clark County since 1980.
Christian brings to the job almost 15 years of experience as director of Oregon’s indigent defense program. During that time, the U.S. Department of Justice recognized the Oregon program as a model example of an effective contract-based indigent defense system. Recently, she served as a legislative representative for the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and as a consultant to the Public Defense Services Commission in Salem.
“By employing an experienced administrator and former defense attorney to oversee contracts and other indigent defense services, we are dedicating specialized expertise to this critical and complex function,” McCauley said.
Already at work in the county’s General Services department, Christian will monitor and evaluate representation in adult criminal as well as juvenile dependency and criminal cases. Her responsibilities will include working with courts and attorneys to maintain state and local standards, while advancing the county’s goals for fair and effective legal services.
According to Mark McCauley, director of General Services, Christian is an experienced administrator who holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a law degree from the University of Iowa. She has resided in Clark County since 1980.
Christian brings to the job almost 15 years of experience as director of Oregon’s indigent defense program. During that time, the U.S. Department of Justice recognized the Oregon program as a model example of an effective contract-based indigent defense system. Recently, she served as a legislative representative for the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and as a consultant to the Public Defense Services Commission in Salem.
“By employing an experienced administrator and former defense attorney to oversee contracts and other indigent defense services, we are dedicating specialized expertise to this critical and complex function,” McCauley said.
Already at work in the county’s General Services department, Christian will monitor and evaluate representation in adult criminal as well as juvenile dependency and criminal cases. Her responsibilities will include working with courts and attorneys to maintain state and local standards, while advancing the county’s goals for fair and effective legal services.
State Unemployment Claims Set New Records
OLYMPIA – Despite snow-related closures and overloaded telephone systems, the Employment Security Department took in a record number of new unemployment claims in December.
Some 90,331 people applied for regular unemployment benefits in December, an increase of about 75 percent over December 2007. The previous record was set in December 2001, when 72,942 people filed initial claims.
The week of Dec. 21-27, 2008, which included the Christmas holiday, also set a one-week record, taking in 25,687 new unemployment claims, nearly twice as many as the same week in 2007.
Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee said the record numbers of applications are especially staggering, considering that the department’s unemployment call centers were closed or understaffed for several days in December due to snow and the offices were closed on Christmas Day.
“We knew the workload was skyrocketing, but were surprised when we saw the final numbers for the month,” said Lee. “We’ve been increasing our phone capacity as fast as possible in order to help people with their unemployment claims.”
In addition to adding phone lines, the department has doubled staff at its unemployment call centers since last summer and is working to hire and train additional staff.
At the end of 2008, more than 136,000 Washingtonians were receiving unemployment benefits, compared to 72,910 at the end of 2007.
Unemployment benefits are paid out of the state’s unemployment-insurance trust fund. The trust fund has a current balance of more than $4 billion and is considered to be one of the healthiest in the nation.
By law, the maximum weekly unemployment benefit is $541 and the minimum is $129. The average weekly payment in 2008 was about $350.
Some 90,331 people applied for regular unemployment benefits in December, an increase of about 75 percent over December 2007. The previous record was set in December 2001, when 72,942 people filed initial claims.
The week of Dec. 21-27, 2008, which included the Christmas holiday, also set a one-week record, taking in 25,687 new unemployment claims, nearly twice as many as the same week in 2007.
Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee said the record numbers of applications are especially staggering, considering that the department’s unemployment call centers were closed or understaffed for several days in December due to snow and the offices were closed on Christmas Day.
“We knew the workload was skyrocketing, but were surprised when we saw the final numbers for the month,” said Lee. “We’ve been increasing our phone capacity as fast as possible in order to help people with their unemployment claims.”
In addition to adding phone lines, the department has doubled staff at its unemployment call centers since last summer and is working to hire and train additional staff.
At the end of 2008, more than 136,000 Washingtonians were receiving unemployment benefits, compared to 72,910 at the end of 2007.
Unemployment benefits are paid out of the state’s unemployment-insurance trust fund. The trust fund has a current balance of more than $4 billion and is considered to be one of the healthiest in the nation.
By law, the maximum weekly unemployment benefit is $541 and the minimum is $129. The average weekly payment in 2008 was about $350.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
SUPPORT GROWING FOR ECONOMIC STIMULUS FUNDING TO REHABILITATE AND UPGRADE THE CLARK COUNTY RAIL LINE
Vancouver, WA – A groundswell of support is occurring for Federal and/or State Economic Stimulus Funding to be allocated to rehabilitate and upgrade the Clark County, Washington Rail Line. The “Clark County Rail Line Rehabilitation & Improvement Project” is a critical infrastructure project which would result in immediate positive impacts to economic development, job creation and freight mobility in Southwest Washington State.
The Clark County owned rail line runs for 33 miles across the county beginning from the BNSF mainline near Vancouver and then goes to Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, and Yacolt ending at Chelatchie (see attached map). This rail line is vital to economic development in Southwest Washington. Unfortunately, over the last 50 years, the rail line fell into disrepair and is badly in need of rehabilitation and refurbishment.
However, the following positive recent events have occurred to justify restoration of the line:
· The Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad (PVJR) signed a long-term lease with Clark County in 2004 to operate the rail line and has already helped to significantly increase freight shipments (by over 1000%) in less than 4 years.
· The Clark County Commissioners created a full-time Railroad Coordinator position in 2007 to help manage and oversee the Clark County Rail Line.
· The PVJR has expended nearly $1 million of our own private monies to increase maintenance, boost marketing, and improve infrastructure of the line.
· Over the past 4 years, Clark County has been awarded approximately $2.8 million in grants from the State of Washington (i.e. WSDOT) to do some upgrades (such as the replacement of ties and underlying rock) on a portion of the first 5 miles of the century old track from Fruit Valley Road in Vancouver to the crossing at 78th Street in Hazel Dell.
· The PVJR and Clark County have been recently using a tamping machine, located near Vancouver in the Rye Yard between St. Johns and 78th Street (see attached photo of a tamping machine), to lift up the old track and pack new ballast (crushed stone) under a portion of line to make some of the existing tracks last a little longer.
· The PVJR has purchased properties near milepost 5.2 and is developing a transload facility.
· The Clark County Board of Commissioners recently approved as part of their comprehensive plan to add nearly 950 acres of new industrially zoned land located at about MP 9.0.
· The parent company of the PVJR, Columbia Basin Railroad, was recently recognized (by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway) as the Short-line Railroad of the Year in 2008.
· These above mentioned positive developments have caught the attention of several companies and there is considerable interest in locating new businesses (that would create many jobs) along the line if it can be upgraded.
Although the above mentioned events are very encouraging, much more needs to be done:
· Nearly 200 million pounds of ballast (rock) will need to be purchased and installed on the line.
· Nearly 70,000 railroad ties will need to be replaced.
· All 33 miles of rail or over 16 million pounds of steel will need to be replaced.
A number of key organizations, companies and policymakers have taken notice of the progress that is occurring regarding the Clark County Rail Line and support has been growing quickly to obtain Federal and/or State Economic Stimulus Funds to rehabilitate and restore the line. In particular, the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council recently included the Clark County Rail Line on its list of “ready-to-go” economic stimulus projects in Clark County, Washington. In addition, several state legislators from the Clark County area have recently sent letters to Governor Christine Gregoire requesting that economic stimulus funding be allocated for the Clark County Rail Line.
“The rail line is a vital piece of our overall economic development plan in helping to bring family wage jobs to Clark County,” said Fred Abraham, Clark County Railroad Coordinator.
On a related note, in the January 15, 2008 Columbian newspaper, Gus Melonas of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway made the following positive statement about the Clark County Rail Line : "This rail line, with the area growth, now provides a significant transportation corridor for continued economic growth and development in Clark County."
According to Eric Temple, President of the Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad, “This line has a huge amount of economic development potential. It is critical that it be upgraded and improved so it will be able to support additional commercial freight or tourism activities.”
Specifically, there are two phases of track upgrades that need to be completed to rehabilitate and refurbish this line. Phase 1 would upgrade the track to Class 2 (25 MPH) condition between Vancouver and Battle Ground and improve freight mobility and provide for critical economic development along the line. The second phase would be to upgrade the line from Battle Ground to Chelatchie to a Class 2 (25 MPH) track condition. Once phases 1 and 2 are completed, the PVJR would also be able to run a Dinner Train over the entire length of the County’s rail line, which would help bring much-needed tourism economic development to rural Clark County.
In summary, there is strong support for restoring the Clark County Rail Line as it will greatly enhance freight mobility, economic development and tourism opportunities in Clark County. It is estimated that approximately $12 million in funding is needed to complete the Phase 1 upgrades to bring that portion of the line to Class 2 (25 MPH) condition. In addition, another $16 million will be needed to upgrade the Phase 2 portion of the line from Battle Ground to Chelatchie.
However, in the immediate term within Phase 1, it is imperative that new rail (i.e. new steel) be installed on the first 5 miles of the line from Fruit Valley Road to 88th Street, as well as new sidings and interchanges between 78th Street and 88th Street.
As a result, $6.9 million in Economic Stimulus Funding is needed in the very near term for Clark County to install new rail (from Fruit Valley Road to 88th Street), and also construct new sidings and interchanges (between 78th Street and 88th Street).
For more information, please contact Eric Temple of the PVJR at 206-660-4731, Fred Abraham of Clark County at 360-397-2323, or Patrick Boss of the Clark County Rail Restoration Alliance at 360-397-7379.
The Clark County owned rail line runs for 33 miles across the county beginning from the BNSF mainline near Vancouver and then goes to Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, and Yacolt ending at Chelatchie (see attached map). This rail line is vital to economic development in Southwest Washington. Unfortunately, over the last 50 years, the rail line fell into disrepair and is badly in need of rehabilitation and refurbishment.
However, the following positive recent events have occurred to justify restoration of the line:
· The Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad (PVJR) signed a long-term lease with Clark County in 2004 to operate the rail line and has already helped to significantly increase freight shipments (by over 1000%) in less than 4 years.
· The Clark County Commissioners created a full-time Railroad Coordinator position in 2007 to help manage and oversee the Clark County Rail Line.
· The PVJR has expended nearly $1 million of our own private monies to increase maintenance, boost marketing, and improve infrastructure of the line.
· Over the past 4 years, Clark County has been awarded approximately $2.8 million in grants from the State of Washington (i.e. WSDOT) to do some upgrades (such as the replacement of ties and underlying rock) on a portion of the first 5 miles of the century old track from Fruit Valley Road in Vancouver to the crossing at 78th Street in Hazel Dell.
· The PVJR and Clark County have been recently using a tamping machine, located near Vancouver in the Rye Yard between St. Johns and 78th Street (see attached photo of a tamping machine), to lift up the old track and pack new ballast (crushed stone) under a portion of line to make some of the existing tracks last a little longer.
· The PVJR has purchased properties near milepost 5.2 and is developing a transload facility.
· The Clark County Board of Commissioners recently approved as part of their comprehensive plan to add nearly 950 acres of new industrially zoned land located at about MP 9.0.
· The parent company of the PVJR, Columbia Basin Railroad, was recently recognized (by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway) as the Short-line Railroad of the Year in 2008.
· These above mentioned positive developments have caught the attention of several companies and there is considerable interest in locating new businesses (that would create many jobs) along the line if it can be upgraded.
Although the above mentioned events are very encouraging, much more needs to be done:
· Nearly 200 million pounds of ballast (rock) will need to be purchased and installed on the line.
· Nearly 70,000 railroad ties will need to be replaced.
· All 33 miles of rail or over 16 million pounds of steel will need to be replaced.
A number of key organizations, companies and policymakers have taken notice of the progress that is occurring regarding the Clark County Rail Line and support has been growing quickly to obtain Federal and/or State Economic Stimulus Funds to rehabilitate and restore the line. In particular, the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council recently included the Clark County Rail Line on its list of “ready-to-go” economic stimulus projects in Clark County, Washington. In addition, several state legislators from the Clark County area have recently sent letters to Governor Christine Gregoire requesting that economic stimulus funding be allocated for the Clark County Rail Line.
“The rail line is a vital piece of our overall economic development plan in helping to bring family wage jobs to Clark County,” said Fred Abraham, Clark County Railroad Coordinator.
On a related note, in the January 15, 2008 Columbian newspaper, Gus Melonas of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway made the following positive statement about the Clark County Rail Line : "This rail line, with the area growth, now provides a significant transportation corridor for continued economic growth and development in Clark County."
According to Eric Temple, President of the Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad, “This line has a huge amount of economic development potential. It is critical that it be upgraded and improved so it will be able to support additional commercial freight or tourism activities.”
Specifically, there are two phases of track upgrades that need to be completed to rehabilitate and refurbish this line. Phase 1 would upgrade the track to Class 2 (25 MPH) condition between Vancouver and Battle Ground and improve freight mobility and provide for critical economic development along the line. The second phase would be to upgrade the line from Battle Ground to Chelatchie to a Class 2 (25 MPH) track condition. Once phases 1 and 2 are completed, the PVJR would also be able to run a Dinner Train over the entire length of the County’s rail line, which would help bring much-needed tourism economic development to rural Clark County.
In summary, there is strong support for restoring the Clark County Rail Line as it will greatly enhance freight mobility, economic development and tourism opportunities in Clark County. It is estimated that approximately $12 million in funding is needed to complete the Phase 1 upgrades to bring that portion of the line to Class 2 (25 MPH) condition. In addition, another $16 million will be needed to upgrade the Phase 2 portion of the line from Battle Ground to Chelatchie.
However, in the immediate term within Phase 1, it is imperative that new rail (i.e. new steel) be installed on the first 5 miles of the line from Fruit Valley Road to 88th Street, as well as new sidings and interchanges between 78th Street and 88th Street.
As a result, $6.9 million in Economic Stimulus Funding is needed in the very near term for Clark County to install new rail (from Fruit Valley Road to 88th Street), and also construct new sidings and interchanges (between 78th Street and 88th Street).
For more information, please contact Eric Temple of the PVJR at 206-660-4731, Fred Abraham of Clark County at 360-397-2323, or Patrick Boss of the Clark County Rail Restoration Alliance at 360-397-7379.
PARR LUMBER AIDS WASHINGTON FLOOD VICTIMS
Free Sandbags are Available Today at the Woodland Store
HILLSBORO, OR. – Parr Lumber announced today they will offer pre-bagged sand at their Woodland, Washington for victims of the flooding conditions in Southwest Washington.
Flood conditions exist for many in various parts of Southwest Washington. Today, the Washington Department of Transportation closed a 20 mile stretch of Interstate 5 and experts predict the Chehalis River will not crest until 10:00pm tonight. Many residents along the Chehalis, Cowlitz and Newaukum Rivers as well as Dillenbaugh Creek are effected. More than 40,000 residents have been urged to evacuate their homes and the area. Efforts are now underway to begin sandbagging side streets and homes in danger.
Sand bags will be available at the Woodland Parr location, located at 1146 N Goerig St.in Woodland, Washington beginning at Noon today until 5pm, or while supplies last.
“We are hopeful that those in need will be able to use the sand bags to protect their homes and businesses. I am once again proud of our team for jumping into action to help our community,” said David Hamill, Chief Executive Officer of the Parr Company.
Parr Lumber offers 2007 Oregon flood victims food and volunteers
Last December, Parr Lumber also mobilized members of the company to help victims of the recent storms that struck the Oregon Coast and the associated flooding that hit Seaside Vernonia and Centralia communities.
The company sent its event trailer to the Vernonia City Hall along with a team of volunteers from Parr Lumber’s staff to Seaside to cook hamburgers and bratwurst. The team was able to feed over 1,000 victims affected by the flood, with many of the victims not having power in nearly a week.
In addition to food donations, Parr was able to donate over $5,000 worth of gloves, shovels, dust masks, rain gear, boots and other tools that were desperately needed by Columbia County Emergency Services Personnel.
HILLSBORO, OR. – Parr Lumber announced today they will offer pre-bagged sand at their Woodland, Washington for victims of the flooding conditions in Southwest Washington.
Flood conditions exist for many in various parts of Southwest Washington. Today, the Washington Department of Transportation closed a 20 mile stretch of Interstate 5 and experts predict the Chehalis River will not crest until 10:00pm tonight. Many residents along the Chehalis, Cowlitz and Newaukum Rivers as well as Dillenbaugh Creek are effected. More than 40,000 residents have been urged to evacuate their homes and the area. Efforts are now underway to begin sandbagging side streets and homes in danger.
Sand bags will be available at the Woodland Parr location, located at 1146 N Goerig St.in Woodland, Washington beginning at Noon today until 5pm, or while supplies last.
“We are hopeful that those in need will be able to use the sand bags to protect their homes and businesses. I am once again proud of our team for jumping into action to help our community,” said David Hamill, Chief Executive Officer of the Parr Company.
Parr Lumber offers 2007 Oregon flood victims food and volunteers
Last December, Parr Lumber also mobilized members of the company to help victims of the recent storms that struck the Oregon Coast and the associated flooding that hit Seaside Vernonia and Centralia communities.
The company sent its event trailer to the Vernonia City Hall along with a team of volunteers from Parr Lumber’s staff to Seaside to cook hamburgers and bratwurst. The team was able to feed over 1,000 victims affected by the flood, with many of the victims not having power in nearly a week.
In addition to food donations, Parr was able to donate over $5,000 worth of gloves, shovels, dust masks, rain gear, boots and other tools that were desperately needed by Columbia County Emergency Services Personnel.
WSBF Receives Grant, Unveils New Braille Books
Vancouver, WA – Barbara Sheldon, Executive Director, is pleased to announce the launching of the Braille Book Program at the Washington School for the Blind Foundation (WSBF). This program began in September 2008 with a donation from the Firstenburg Foundation out of Vancouver, Wash. With their help, we have been able to purchase hundreds of books and pay to have them transcribed into braille to be placed on the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) Library’s shelves. Books have also been added in large print and audio formats so that students have the option to pick the format they are best able to use. Reading is so important to education and having current books in an accessible format on the shelves for students at WSSB will help to enrich their lives and foster a love of reading that will engage them for years to come.
The reception will be held Washington State School for the Blind Library on January 22, 2009 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm.
The reception will be held Washington State School for the Blind Library on January 22, 2009 from 2:30 – 3:30 pm.
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