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Port of Vancouver USA celebrates centennial with new website

Posted January 27th, 2012

The Port of Vancouver USA launched its centennial website yesterday to share its history with the community. Founded on April 6, 1912, the port has served as a global gateway for the past century, creating jobs and economic growth through leadership, stewardship, and partnership in marine and industrial development. The website, themed “A Century of Possibilities,” was created in addition to the port’s current website, highlighting the port’s first 100 years. As part of the port’s year-long celebration, the site invites visitors to share their personal stories and photographs of the port by clicking the “send us your port memory” icon. These documents may be displayed on the website’s front page to generate discussion.

Over the next 12 months, the centennial website aims to immerse visitors in the port’s history with a visual timeline of milestones, encouraging visitors to think about the future while honoring the past. Community members can visit the site and add their voices to the discussion by going to www.portvanusa.com/centennial, or by going to www.portvanusa.com and clicking on the centennial website icon on the home page. Comments can also be e-mailed to info@portvanusa.com.

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a dependable labor force, and an exceptional level of service to its customers and its community. For more information, visit www.portvanusa.com.

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Clark County Fair Court 2012 Coronation Feb. 4

Posted January 27th, 2012

Princess Alexa Valdez, Queen Marisa Hermance, and Princess Sierra Durado

The coronation of the 2012 Riverview Community Bank Clark County Fair Court will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Clark County Fairgrounds inside the Main Exhibit Hall at the Clark County Event Center, 17402 N.E. Delfel Rd. in Ridgefield. The 2012 coronation will be an evening of fine food and entertainment, including a silent auction and a new game show activity. Advance tickets are $12 per person, or $15 per person at the door. To RSVP, call 360-397-618. All proceeds go towards the court to offset the cost of rodeos, parades, civic events, and promotional activities.

Queen Marisa Hermance is a junior at Battle Ground High School. She is involved in 4-H and is a member of the Battle Ground Equestrian Team. She plans to obtain her associate’s degree at Clark College, then transfer to a university and get a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine. Princess Alexa Valdez is a senior at the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics. She is a member of the Galloping Glory 4-H Club and a member of the Clark County Saddle Club. After high school, she plans to attend a four-year university to major in architecture. Princess Sierra Durado is a senior at La Center High School. She is a member of the Radiant Riders 4-H Club, the La Center High School Equestrian Team, and the American Paint Horse Association. After high school, she plans to join the Air Force.

This summer, the Clark County Fair will celebrate 144 years as a showcase for Clark County’s rich agricultural heritage, local businesses, and entertainment. The Clark County Fair has grown into the largest single-location event in the Vancouver/Portland area. For more information, visit www.ClarkCoFair.com.

Clark College announces its 2012 commencement speaker, J.R. Martinez

Posted January 27th, 2012

J.R. Martinez

J.R. Martinez, the U.S. Army veteran whose life story has inspired millions through his work as an actor, performer and motivational speaker, will be the keynote speaker at Clark College’s 2012 commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. on June 2 at the Sleep Country USA Amphitheater, 17200 N.E. Delfel Rd. in Ridgefield. A highly sought-after motivational speaker, Martinez was grand marshal in the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade. Martinez was nationally recognized as the champion of season 13 of TV’s Dancing with the Stars. He first became widely known through his continuing role as a military veteran on the Emmy® Award-winning All My Children.

“We are proud to welcome J.R. Martinez, whose life and service to our country is an inspiration,” says Clark College President Robert K. Knight. “We know that his story of resilience, optimism and hope will inspire our students as they celebrate this milestone in their education and their lives.”

Riverview’s Dick Michalek appointed senior commercial team leader

Posted January 27th, 2012

Dick Michalek

Riverview President and Chief Operating Officer Ron Wysake yesterday announced the appointment of Dick Michalek to senior commercial team leader in charge of loan production. In his new capacity, Michalek is responsible for all Riverview loan production. He is an 11-year Riverview employee with 40 years of banking experience. Michalek earned an MBA degree from Seattle University and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School.

“His many years of business experience and leadership have proven invaluable, and will continue to serve the bank and our customers as we expand products, services, and outreach throughout the region,” said Wysake. “This promotion will make it possible for him to help guide us to an even brighter future as the only bank headquartered in Clark County and one of the few community banks left in the region.”

Riverview Bancorp, Inc., is headquartered in Vancouver. With assets of $873.5 million, it is the parent company of the 89-year-old Riverview Community Bank, as well as Riverview Asset Management Corp. There are 17 branches, including twelve in the Portland-Vancouver area, and three lending centers, with an 18th branch currently under construction in Gresham, Oregon. Riverview was named one of the “Top 100 Best Companies to Work For” in Oregon and Washington this year, and was honored as one of the “Top 75 Corporate Philanthropists” in Washington for 2011. For more information, visit www.riverviewbank.com.

Clark County Historical Museum First Thursday Museum After Hours 2012 Kick-Off Feb. 2

Posted January 27th, 2012

Bertha Baugh and Jane Elder Wulff

First Thursday Museum After Hours at the Clark County Historical Museum kicks off the 2012 season on Thursday, Feb. 2, with a celebration of the First Families Project book preview, featuring Bertha Baugh and author Jane Elder Wulff. Four years ago, Vancouver’s NAACP Branch #1139 agreed to sponsor a history, First Families of Vancouver’s African American Community: From World War II to the Twentieth Century. At the group’s most recent annual meeting in December, plans were finalized to release the book early this year.

Wulff identified the first African American families who came to Vancouver to work at the Kaiser shipyard and in other wartime industries. She interviewed family members and wove their voices together into the story of Vancouver’s African American community. Project sponsors include Humanities Washington, the Clark County Historical Promotion Program, and Black United Fund of Oregon. “We hope this book will encourage others, especially young people, to preserve their cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations,” says Cornetta Smith, First Families Project director.

CCHM First Thursdays are held from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month from February through November. Museum admission applies, although Clark County Historical Society members may attend for free. The museum is located at 1151 Main St. in downtown Vancouver. For more information, see www.cchmuseum.org.

Town Tabloids

News Briefs

  • Park shelter reservations open Feb. 1

    Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation will begin taking picnic shelter reservations starting at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, for events occurring this year. Reservations can be taken by phone at 360-487-7100, or in person at the Marshall Community Center, at 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. Reservations cost $25 to $100 per day, depending on the size of the shelter. The fees are used to help pay for parks maintenance and operations. Shelters not reserved will remain available on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. For more information, including reservation fees for specific shelters, visit www.vanclarkparks-rec.org. Select “Picnic Shelter Reservations” from the “Parks & Trails” menu.

  • Evergreen Public Schools saves taxpayers by refinancing remaining bonds

    Evergreen Public Schools today announced the refinancing of the last of its 1999 and 2002 bonds. The lower interest rates mean a savings of $1.9 million for district taxpayers over the next ten years. Combined with previous refinancing efforts, taxpayers are keeping a total of $11.6 million for themselves. The lower-interest bonds were sold Jan. 25 after being approved by the district’s board of directors. During a competitive bidding process, the district received bids from 15 underwriting firms from across the country, ensuring the lowest possible interest rates. The cost of the new bonds will be 1.9 percent, significantly lower than the five percent on the old bonds. Following the refinancing, Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed the district’s credit rating of Aa2, citing sound financial operations, manageable debt profile, and community support in the form of maintenance and operations levies. For more details, call Mike Merlino at 360-604-4020. .

  • BookKeeping Express to open in Vancouver

    BookKeeping Express, the first U.S. franchise focused solely on bookkeeping services, recently opened its first office in Washington, serving businesses throughout Vancouver. Owner Myron Hertel will operate the business with his daughter, Janelle. “We are excited about serving Vancouver and setting our roots deep in the small business community,” says Hertel. Most recently, Hertel opened a Liberty Tax business in Vancouver but wanted to take his business further by using his 35 years of professional bookkeeping experience. BookKeeping Express’s services include setting up charts of accounts and general ledgers, monthly data entry, processing and managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, producing monthly reports and tax reporting. BookKeeping Express utilizes a “custom flex pricing” model that is based on the clients’ needs instead of a one-size-fits-all, hourly billing approach. The expansion into the Vancouver area is part of the company’s aggressive national development plans, which call for more than 400 new territories throughout the United States. To learn more about BookKeeping Express, visit www.bookkeepingexpress.com.

  • Clark County paramedics get new life-saving tool: video

    Clark County Fire District 6 firefighter/paramedics now have an extra tool to help save lives. The video laryngoscope uses a tiny camera and high-definition screen to help paramedics place breathing tubes into the airways of critical patients. Before, paramedics had to look from outside the mouth down the patient’s throat. Now, with the tiny camera and display screen, they’re able to get an enlarged view of the airway and opening of the lungs, reducing chances of improper tube placement and increasing chances of survivability for patients. Fire District 6 is the first agency in Clark County to use the video laryngoscope. By April, Clark County hopes to have all paramedics using the tool. The laryngoscopes were paid for with a grant through Clark County EMS District #2. For more information, contact Dawn Johnson at 360-356-6040 or Dawn.Johnson@ccfd6.org.

  • Free dental care for uninsured children Feb. 4

    A free dental care clinic will be offered on Saturday, Feb. 4, to uninsured children ages two to 19 in Clark and Skamania Counties. Eligible children can receive X-rays, sealants, fluoride treatment, fillings and extractions. Cleanings are not provided. Children will be seen by appointment only. For an appointment, call 360-397-8000, ext. 7371, or 360-397-8020. The clinic runs from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Clark College Dental Hygiene Clinic, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way. Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps. Volunteers will provide parents with oral health information, including answers to questions such as when to start brushing and what kind of toothpaste is best. Services are donated by Clark College, Clark County Dental Society, Clark County Public Health, Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, and Greater Southwest Washington Dental Hygiene Association. Funding is provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities and Washington Oral Health Foundation. For more details, click here.

  • Free master composter/recycler training starts Feb. 2

    Columbia Springs invites Clark County residents to join others in the community with a passion for sustainability and become a master composter/recycler. Applications are being accepted for free training in composting, recycling, and other waste reduction and sustainability techniques. This comprehensive volunteer training will include backyard composting, vermicomposting, green building, recycling, and more. Sessions will be held Thursday evenings, Feb. 2 through April 5, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in Vancouver, at a location to be determined. Registration is required. To download an application, visit www.columbiasprings.org/mcr. For more information, call 360-882-0936, ext. 224, e-mail mcr@columbiasprings.org or visit www.columbiasprings.org.

  • Volcano Views & Brews rescheduled for Jan. 31

    The Mount St. Helens Institute’s last “Volcano Views and Brews,” originally scheduled for Jan. 17, was cancelled due to snow. The event has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 31. The institute’s popular speaker series brings entertaining and informative speakers to a new location in downtown Vancouver, Tommy O’s Pacific Rim Bistro, 801 Washington St. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Happy hour begins at 5 p.m., and the presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. On Tuesday, Keith Aubry will present “The Cascade Red Fox: Washington’s Unique and Little-Known Carnivore.” For more information, visit www.mshinstitute.org.

  • Vote for the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society!

    Support the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS) by voting for the nonprofit organization at The Animal Rescue Site. The Animal Rescue Site is awarding $300,000 in grants to eligible Petfinder.com member rescue organizations. The grand prize in each voting round is a $5,000 grant. WCGHS is currently in fourth place for the Washington state prize of $1,000. WCGHS supporters can vote once a day until the March 18 cut-off date. You do not have to register on the site in order to vote, and voting is free. For more information, visit WCGHS at www.wcghumanesociety.org.

  • Northwest Association for Blind Athletes hosts benefit dinner and auction Feb. 4

    The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) will host its third annual benefit dinner and auction, “Enrich a Life, Provide an Opportunity,” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. Fifth St., near Ft. Vancouver. Guests will enjoy a catered buffet dinner by Beaches Restaurant and Bar, wine, testimonials from program participants, live and silent auctions, and a keynote address by Rachael Scdoris. The event will be emceed by Kim Capeloto, executive vice president of Riverview Community Bank. Auction items include a “golf extravaganza” package, a trip to Emerald Downs, beer and wine baskets, autographed sports memorabilia, and restaurant gift cards. To order tickets, call 360-448-7254 or visit www.nwaba.org. Tickets are $35 per person, or $250 for a table of eight. For more information, contact Executive Director Billy Henry at 360-448-7254 or visit www.nwaba.org.

  • Free presentation on student financial aid Feb. 1 at WSU Vancouver

    Washington State University Vancouver will celebrate its 10th Annual Public Affairs Lecture Series with a keynote address from National Association of Financial Aid Administrators President and CEO Justin Draeger at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the Firstenburg Student Commons. Draeger will discuss the effects of recent cuts in financial support for higher education. The event is free and open to registered guests on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up, visit http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/pals. WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th St. exit from either I-5 or I-205 and is accessible via C-TRAN bus service. Parking passes are available on the website at time of registration. Please print the pass, display it on your dashboard and park in Orange lot 2.

  • Nonprofit Economic Forecast Jan. 31

    The Nonprofit Economic Forecast from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, features two presentations that will encourage attendees to look at the economy through the lens of nonprofit corporations. Economist John Mitchell, principal of M & H Economic Consultants of Portland, will talk about the general outlook for our area, including major donors and foundations. Policy analyst Kim Justice, of the Washington Budget and Policy Center, will focus on how the ongoing withdrawal of government funding affects nonprofits, clients, and communities. The event, sponsored by Pacific Continental Bank and The Columbian, will be held at the Red Cross Community Room, 605 Barnes St., Vancouver. The cost is $20 for Nonprofit Network members and $25 for non-members. The price includes a continental breakfast. Register online at NonprofitNetworkWA.org, e-mail together@NonprofitNetworkWA.org, or leave a message at 360-735-7110.

  • State of the County address Feb. 2

    County Commissioner Marc Boldt is scheduled to present the 2012 State of the County address from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School, 1201 39th St., Washougal. Boldt will speak about community needs and public issues after the commissioners recognize volunteers for extraordinary efforts in 2011. The event is open to the public at no charge. For those unable to attend, the program may be viewed later on CVTV (Clark-Vancouver Television) channels 21 and 23. Boldt and his fellow commissioners urge attendees to bring non-perishable food for local food banks. The Washougal Salvation Army will have representatives on hand to collect donations and make food available to families in that area. For more information, contact Mary Keltz at 360-397-6012, ext. 4, or mary.keltz@clark.wa.gov, or visit www.co.clark.wa.us.

  • Chinese New Year at Vancouver Community Library Jan. 29

    Celebrate Chinese New Year at the Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St. in downtown Vancouver, on Sunday, Jan. 29, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Columbia Room, Level 1. Participants will learn about Chinese New Year customs and history. Performances include singing, dancing, martial arts demonstration, gu zheng (a Chinese musical instrument), and the lion dance. Craft activities will be available on Level 3 after the program. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.fvrl.org/events/va.cfm.

  • Property tax foreclosure auction Feb. 3

    Doug Lasher, Clark County treasurer, recently announced that a property tax foreclosure auction will be conducted on Friday, Feb. 3, at 9 a.m. in the 6th Floor Hearing Room, Clark County Public Service Center Building, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. As of Jan. 20, there are 53 parcels subject for sale, although this could change before the auction date. Interested persons may obtain a foreclosure property list at www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer/salesinfo.html or from the treasurer’s office at 1300 Franklin St., second floor. Cash, cashier’s check, or a money order is required at the time of purchase. Personal or business checks will not be accepted. Registration will be held in the Clark County Treasurer’s Office on the following dates: Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 30 and 31, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. t0 5 p.m.; and Friday, Feb. 3, from 8 to 9 a.m. Registration is required in order to bid.

  • “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Prairie High School starts Feb. 2

    A Midsummer Night’s Dream, perhaps Shakespeare’s most popular comedy, opens Thursday, Feb. 2, for a two-weekend run at Prairie High School, 11500 N.E. 117th Ave., off State Highway 503. Subsequent performances are Friday, Feb. 3, Saturday, Feb. 4, Thursday, Feb. 9, Friday, Feb. 10, and Saturday, Feb. 11. The showtime for all six performances is 7 p.m. Reserved-seat tickets are available online at www.seatyourself.biz/prairiehighschool. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. For more information about Battle Ground School District, visit www.battlegroundps.org.

  • Free wellness workshop Jan. 31 at Larimer Chiropractic

    Vancouver’s Larimer Chiropractic and Wellness, 700 S.E. 160th Ave., Suite 113, is hosting a free wellness workshop, “Simple Nutrition for Huge Results,” at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Dr. Jesse Larimer, local chiropractor and wellness expert, will demystify the complicated topic of nutrition by showing workshop participants some simple and delicious strategies for losing weight and feel great. Larimer will demonstrate that good nutrition doesn’t have to be about deprivation, starvation, or eating flavorless food. Larimer Chiropractic and Wellness is located in the Mill Plain/164th Target Shopping Center, just behind The Old Spaghetti Factory. More information is available at www.larimerchiropractic.com or on Larimer Chiropractic’s Facebook page. RSVP by calling the office at 360-334-5051.

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