35 FAITH GROUPS, OTHER ORGANIZATIONS PITCH IN
Clark County, WA: For the sixth year in a row, the Winter Hospitality Overflow program will provide emergency shelter at two churches as the weather turns cold and rainy. Those additional shelter beds will be available beginning November 1.
The program is a collaborative effort of the Council for the Homeless, Share, St. Paul Lutheran, St. Andrew Lutheran and 1,400 volunteers, many from more than 35 faith communities.
Since September 1, 2008, more than 800 people calling the Emergency Shelter Clearinghouse were turned away because the existing shelters were full. Many callers started asking about the availability of the winter shelter in September.
Over the winter last season 675 people found haven through the Winter Hospitality Overflow program.
St. Paul in downtown Vancouver will offer beds to up to 24 single men while St. Andrew in Orchards will accommodate single women, couples, and families, up to 42 people.
Those seeking shelter need to call the Emergency Shelter Clearinghouse at 360-695-9677.
Starting November 1, single men seeking shelter in WHO should call the Clearinghouse, rather than contacting Share House directly. The Clearinghouse will take calls from families and couples beginning at 9 a.m. and from single men starting at 11 a.m.
As in past years, the program will be staffed by volunteers. This year, more than 35 groups have pledged to help. New volunteers, groups or individuals, are welcome and donations are also gratefully accepted. Items needed are food, hygiene items such as soap and shampoo, clothing and paper products.
Pearl O’Brien is the WHO Coordinator this year. An AmeriCorps*Vista volunteer, O’Brien joined the Council in September. She can be contacted at 360-699-5106 or by email at who.vista@icfth.com for information about volunteering or donating to the program.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Chamber Board Opposes Initiative 985
The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce board of directors voted at its Oct. 23, 2008 board meeting to accept a recommendation from the Chamber’s public affairs committee to oppose Initiative 985.
The board voted unanimously to oppose the measure, billed as the “Reduce Congestion Initiative” sponsored by tax activist Tim Eyman “primarily for the reason that the measure allocates general fund dollars for a specific transportation issue, continues Clark County as a donor to Puget Sound funding and unduly restricts the ability to use the highway system to provide alternative modes of transportation.”
The measure would open high-occupancy vehicle lanes to all traffic during specified hours, require traffic light synchronization, increase roadside assistance funding and dedicate certain taxes, fines, tolls and other revenues to traffic-flow areas.
Identity Clark County (ICC) has also taken a stand against the initiative. The GVCC and ICC have partnered together to run an advertisement that urges citizens to vote “no” on the initiative. The ad will run in the Oct. 31 issue of the Vancouver Business Journal.
Both groups oppose Eyman’s initiative, stating that it removes more than $100 million annually from the general fund; reduces allocations for education, criminal justice, health care and other priorities; as well as clogs HOV lanes used by public transit and van pools.
The board voted unanimously to oppose the measure, billed as the “Reduce Congestion Initiative” sponsored by tax activist Tim Eyman “primarily for the reason that the measure allocates general fund dollars for a specific transportation issue, continues Clark County as a donor to Puget Sound funding and unduly restricts the ability to use the highway system to provide alternative modes of transportation.”
The measure would open high-occupancy vehicle lanes to all traffic during specified hours, require traffic light synchronization, increase roadside assistance funding and dedicate certain taxes, fines, tolls and other revenues to traffic-flow areas.
Identity Clark County (ICC) has also taken a stand against the initiative. The GVCC and ICC have partnered together to run an advertisement that urges citizens to vote “no” on the initiative. The ad will run in the Oct. 31 issue of the Vancouver Business Journal.
Both groups oppose Eyman’s initiative, stating that it removes more than $100 million annually from the general fund; reduces allocations for education, criminal justice, health care and other priorities; as well as clogs HOV lanes used by public transit and van pools.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Nominations Sought for Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Now is the time of year when we call for nominations to fill seats on our Board of Directors.
Nominees must be a Member of our Chamber of Commerce for a minimum of six months and possess a desire to actively participate in our organization in a leadership capacity not limited to:
Participating in a minimum of two committees
Attend Monthly Board Meeting
Participate in Annual Events
Represent our Chamber of Commerce in a professional capacity
Should you be interested or would care to nominate a candidate please send a letter of interest along with a brief bio here to the office where we will then give it to the Nominating Committee for consideration.
The Committee will meet the first week of November to make decisions on the 2009 Slate of Officers and Directors and an announcement will be made at the November 6th General Meeting.
Nominees must be a Member of our Chamber of Commerce for a minimum of six months and possess a desire to actively participate in our organization in a leadership capacity not limited to:
Participating in a minimum of two committees
Attend Monthly Board Meeting
Participate in Annual Events
Represent our Chamber of Commerce in a professional capacity
Should you be interested or would care to nominate a candidate please send a letter of interest along with a brief bio here to the office where we will then give it to the Nominating Committee for consideration.
The Committee will meet the first week of November to make decisions on the 2009 Slate of Officers and Directors and an announcement will be made at the November 6th General Meeting.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Green Building Wins Design Award
Vancouver, WA – Columbia Credit Union’s green-built Washougal branch won a Community
Pride Design Award. The award recognizes outstanding Clark County building projects that enhance the livability of the community and demonstrate quality development.
Completed in April 2008, Columbia’s Washougal branch is the first financial building that meets
strict LEED, green building standards in Clark County. A team of experts in sustainable architecture, design and operations incorporated green building components into the branch at every level with respect to its physical surroundings, the environment and the members and staff who occupy the building.
“We believe that our sustainability leadership sets us apart in the marketplace as an innovative
organization,” said Columbia CEO Parker Cann. “And, we hope our green building efforts will inspire others to consider sustainable practices themselves.”
Project nominations were evaluated on a range of criteria including aesthetics, pedestrian
friendliness, community involvement/enhancement, environmental sensitivity, historic character and sustainability. “Columbia’s Washougal branch exemplifies the spirit of these awards,” said committee member Helen Devery. “The committee was very impressed by the thoughtful and sustainable design of the building. The entire community can truly be proud of this new branch.”
An awards ceremony will be held November 10th at the Clark County Public Service Center to
honor this year’s winners. Since 1996, more than 100 projects representing commercial, industrial, residential development, public facilities and restoration efforts have been recognized.
Columbia’s second green branch, located at Grand Central, opened in June 2008 and is
Vancouver’s first financial building that meets strict LEED standards. For more information about Columbia’s green practices, please visit www.columbiacu.org.
Pride Design Award. The award recognizes outstanding Clark County building projects that enhance the livability of the community and demonstrate quality development.
Completed in April 2008, Columbia’s Washougal branch is the first financial building that meets
strict LEED, green building standards in Clark County. A team of experts in sustainable architecture, design and operations incorporated green building components into the branch at every level with respect to its physical surroundings, the environment and the members and staff who occupy the building.
“We believe that our sustainability leadership sets us apart in the marketplace as an innovative
organization,” said Columbia CEO Parker Cann. “And, we hope our green building efforts will inspire others to consider sustainable practices themselves.”
Project nominations were evaluated on a range of criteria including aesthetics, pedestrian
friendliness, community involvement/enhancement, environmental sensitivity, historic character and sustainability. “Columbia’s Washougal branch exemplifies the spirit of these awards,” said committee member Helen Devery. “The committee was very impressed by the thoughtful and sustainable design of the building. The entire community can truly be proud of this new branch.”
An awards ceremony will be held November 10th at the Clark County Public Service Center to
honor this year’s winners. Since 1996, more than 100 projects representing commercial, industrial, residential development, public facilities and restoration efforts have been recognized.
Columbia’s second green branch, located at Grand Central, opened in June 2008 and is
Vancouver’s first financial building that meets strict LEED standards. For more information about Columbia’s green practices, please visit www.columbiacu.org.
County to Take Applications for Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
Vancouver, WA – The Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board has an opening for someone to represent the business community or a public sector employer of people with developmental disabilities.
The board makes recommendations to the county commissioners relating to developmental disabilities services. Members serve terms of three years. Meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. at the Public Service Center in downtown Vancouver.
People with diverse perspectives are encouraged to apply. To be considered, please 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 by Nov. 12.
For more information, contact Mary Strehlow at (360) 397-2130.
The board makes recommendations to the county commissioners relating to developmental disabilities services. Members serve terms of three years. Meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. at the Public Service Center in downtown Vancouver.
People with diverse perspectives are encouraged to apply. To be considered, please 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 by Nov. 12.
For more information, contact Mary Strehlow at (360) 397-2130.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Mayors’ Alliance for Green Schools Announced
Influential Mayors Partner With USGBC to Advance Green Schools
October 16, 2008 – (Washington, DC) – Mayor Manny Diaz of Miami and Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle today announced the formation of the Mayors’ Alliance for Green Schools, a coalition of mayors seeking to strategically harness the leadership and creativity of mayors across the country to promote the benefits of green schools in their communities. Developed in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Alliance will work to accelerate implementation of programs supporting the 2007 U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) resolution calling for green schools for all children within a generation.
“As mayors, we know all too well that schools are the heart of our communities, as they represent the promise we make to our children and future generations, a promise of learning and of opportunity,” said Mayor Diaz, President of the US Conference of Mayors. “With this alliance, we are coming together and reconfirming our promise to the health and learning of our children, and ensuring that future generations are mindful of the importance of protecting our environment.”
"I’ve seen the enormous impact mayors have when they unite around a common goal," said Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle, who launched the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2005, which advances the goals of the Kyoto Protocol and now boasts nearly 900 mayor signatories. "This new coalition of mayors will shine the light on the countless opportunities to make our schools greener, our students and teachers healthier and our communities stronger."
“As first responders to the needs of their communities, mayors are the vanguard of sustainable development in our country,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC, “and USGBC wants to do all we can to support them, especially in this critically important initiative. “We have Green School Advocacy Committees in 80 local USGBC chapters throughout the country, and we are putting them at the mayors’ disposal to advance opportunities, programs and initiatives that champion green school causes and help them publicly celebrate their successes.”
Together with Mayor Diaz and Mayor Nickels, Mayor Gavin Newsom, San Francisco, Cal; Mayor Will Wynn, Austin, Texas; Mayor Sheila Dixon, Baltimore, Md., Mayor Frank Cownie, Des Moines, Iowa; and Mayor George Heartwell, Grand Rapids, Mich.; have put forth a call to mayors around the country to join this important effort to support green schools for all children.
“This new Alliance dovetails perfectly with Baltimore’s new Sustainability agenda,” said Mayor Sheila Dixon. “It also will provide more ways to support our ongoing efforts to promote the health and well-being of our students as we improve the energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of our school facilities.”
Mayors across the country are leading efforts to deliver the benefits of green schools to their communities. For example, EcoMedia is working with mayors in Miami and San Francisco to leverage innovative public‐private partnerships that create new opportunities for green school projects.
Other Alliance initiatives will work to:
• Develop and create public‐private partnerships with a local business to allow schools to plant a green roof, install a solar garden or start a recycling program.
• Help school districts green their existing facilities through the Clinton Climate Initiative’s K‐12 Retrofit Program.
• Encourage state legislatures to create policies and incentives for green school improvements.
• Engage in a national dialogue about green schools, green jobs and green infrastructure.
October 16, 2008 – (Washington, DC) – Mayor Manny Diaz of Miami and Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle today announced the formation of the Mayors’ Alliance for Green Schools, a coalition of mayors seeking to strategically harness the leadership and creativity of mayors across the country to promote the benefits of green schools in their communities. Developed in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Alliance will work to accelerate implementation of programs supporting the 2007 U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) resolution calling for green schools for all children within a generation.
“As mayors, we know all too well that schools are the heart of our communities, as they represent the promise we make to our children and future generations, a promise of learning and of opportunity,” said Mayor Diaz, President of the US Conference of Mayors. “With this alliance, we are coming together and reconfirming our promise to the health and learning of our children, and ensuring that future generations are mindful of the importance of protecting our environment.”
"I’ve seen the enormous impact mayors have when they unite around a common goal," said Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle, who launched the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2005, which advances the goals of the Kyoto Protocol and now boasts nearly 900 mayor signatories. "This new coalition of mayors will shine the light on the countless opportunities to make our schools greener, our students and teachers healthier and our communities stronger."
“As first responders to the needs of their communities, mayors are the vanguard of sustainable development in our country,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC, “and USGBC wants to do all we can to support them, especially in this critically important initiative. “We have Green School Advocacy Committees in 80 local USGBC chapters throughout the country, and we are putting them at the mayors’ disposal to advance opportunities, programs and initiatives that champion green school causes and help them publicly celebrate their successes.”
Together with Mayor Diaz and Mayor Nickels, Mayor Gavin Newsom, San Francisco, Cal; Mayor Will Wynn, Austin, Texas; Mayor Sheila Dixon, Baltimore, Md., Mayor Frank Cownie, Des Moines, Iowa; and Mayor George Heartwell, Grand Rapids, Mich.; have put forth a call to mayors around the country to join this important effort to support green schools for all children.
“This new Alliance dovetails perfectly with Baltimore’s new Sustainability agenda,” said Mayor Sheila Dixon. “It also will provide more ways to support our ongoing efforts to promote the health and well-being of our students as we improve the energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of our school facilities.”
Mayors across the country are leading efforts to deliver the benefits of green schools to their communities. For example, EcoMedia is working with mayors in Miami and San Francisco to leverage innovative public‐private partnerships that create new opportunities for green school projects.
Other Alliance initiatives will work to:
• Develop and create public‐private partnerships with a local business to allow schools to plant a green roof, install a solar garden or start a recycling program.
• Help school districts green their existing facilities through the Clinton Climate Initiative’s K‐12 Retrofit Program.
• Encourage state legislatures to create policies and incentives for green school improvements.
• Engage in a national dialogue about green schools, green jobs and green infrastructure.
Clark County Permit Centers Reduce Hours Open to The Public
Vancouver, WA – Beginning Monday, October 27, Community Development permit centers will reduce the hours they are open to the public. “This decrease is due to recently announced staff reductions resulting from economic conditions and the downturn in our business,” says Community Development Director Marty Snell.
The main permit center, located in Vancouver at the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., will be open:
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
• Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Battle Ground permit center, located in the Gardner Center, 1808 SW 9th Ave., Bldg C, Suite 101, will be open:
• Wednesday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m.
• Staff will answer questions and provide information, but will not have the ability to accept payments, receive applications or issue permits at this location.
Snell said 23 employees were recently informed that they will be laid off from their jobs in the next two months. The 2008 construction season brought no relief from the slowdown that began in 2006 and he sees no substantial change before the end of 2009.
“We are sorry that our new hours will be less convenient for some customers and hope they will be patient during these difficult times,” Snell said. “It’s hard for us to lose so many top-notch employees. But Community Development remains dedicated to providing essential services and developing efficiencies to address the current economic conditions.”
The main permit center, located in Vancouver at the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., will be open:
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
• Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Battle Ground permit center, located in the Gardner Center, 1808 SW 9th Ave., Bldg C, Suite 101, will be open:
• Wednesday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m.
• Staff will answer questions and provide information, but will not have the ability to accept payments, receive applications or issue permits at this location.
Snell said 23 employees were recently informed that they will be laid off from their jobs in the next two months. The 2008 construction season brought no relief from the slowdown that began in 2006 and he sees no substantial change before the end of 2009.
“We are sorry that our new hours will be less convenient for some customers and hope they will be patient during these difficult times,” Snell said. “It’s hard for us to lose so many top-notch employees. But Community Development remains dedicated to providing essential services and developing efficiencies to address the current economic conditions.”
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