Nearly 700 nativities on display today
through Saturday at Festival of Nativities

Nativities, more than 600, from North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe, are being displayed during the sixth annual Festival of Nativities at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Vancouver Stake Center, 10509 SE 5th Street, through 9 p.m. tonight, and from noon until 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2.

There is no charge for viewing the elaborate eclectic collection of nativities offered by the women of the church. In fact there are no donation boxes on the premises.

"This is our Christmas gift to the community," says Fran Rutherford, spokesperson for the church volunteers who help put together the annual event, which last year drew more than 4,000 people.

In addition to what is believed to be the largest display of nativities in the Pacific Northwest, there are two rooms devoted to children's hands-on activities.

The festival is a show for the entire family, according to Rutherford. Live musical performances are scheduled throughout each day.

Culminating the amazing display are two outdoor live nativity performances at 7 and at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.

The church is two blocks south of Mill Plain Boulevard at 105th Avenue. For further information, call Lisa Brownie, 882-7731.

Keyser and Whitney take on new
jobs at Lifeline Connections

   
            Rick Keyser                   Brandy Whitney

Lifeline Connections' CEO Lynn Samuels has announced the appointment of Rick Keyser as director of Medical Services, and the appointment of Brandy Whitney as program manager for Mental Health.

Keyser had been director of mental health and Psychiatric Services at Lifeline Connections since 2005. He is an advanced registered nurse practitioner, psychiatry and mental health. Keyser previously was with PacifiCare of Oregon and the Southwest Washington Medical Center. Keyser, a graduate of the University of Portland, is a retired Navy Lieutenant Commander.

Whitney, a graduate of the University of Wyoming, holds a masters degree from Western Oregon University. She is fluent in American Sign Language.

Port looking for communications manager

The Port of Vancouver is seeking a communications manager, who will report to the port’s director of public affairs. This is a management position responsible for overseeing development of communications, public relations and media strategy for the port, participating in the port’s decision-making processes, strategic planning, and communications and media issues; and developing and maintaining contacts with media representatives. A bachelors degree from an accredited university with emphasis in journalism, communications, or related field, or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience, is required. Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, journalism or related activities are also required. The salary range is $49,198 to $71,335.

Candidates are asked to submit letters of application, response to supplemental questions, resume and completed application form to: Human Resources, Port of Vancouver USA, 3103 Lower River Road, Vancouver WA 98660. An application form and list of supplemental questions are available at www.portvanusa.com. Submission of electronic applications will not be accepted. Applications must be received by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12. The port is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

News brief

For the second time in as many months, PHOENIX, the Clark College student art and literary magazine, has received a national award for excellence. This latest award, First Place with Special Merit, was one of six presented nationally by the American Scholastic Press Association. In October, PHOENIX won second place in the literary magazine category in the Pacific-Western Division of the national Community College Humanities Association's Literary Magazine Competition. The 2004 edition of PHOENIX also received first place with special merit honors in the ASPA competition. Rita Carey, professor of English, is the student magazine's literary advisor. Kathrena Halsinger, professor of arts, is the art advisor. Student staffers are business manager Daniel Borgen, graphics assistant, Anne Carpenter, literary editor, Shane Cone, photography editor, Mary Hammond and graphics editor Kindra Kepler. The entire 76-page issue of the 2006 PHOENIX can be found by going to http://www.clark.edu/student_services/phoenix/2006Phoenix.pdf.

Calendar

The Vancouver Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker performances are at 7 p.m. this evening through Saturday, Dec. 2, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3, in the auditorium in Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th Street. General admission is $12. For further information, call 601-1804.

Thursday headlines

Cheryl Swearingen had already raised three children when she first saw Brianna--Columbian, Stephanie Rice

Portland's Rose City Printing and Packaging coming to Columbia Tech Center--Columbian, Cami Joner

Camas schools to put technology levy on ballot--Columbian, Howard Buck

Ridgefield to put school levy on Feb. 6 ballot--Columbian, Howard Buck

Bush says calls for troop drawdowns unrealistic--Washington Post, Michael Abramowitz

Iowa Democratic Governor Tom Vilsack launches campaign for president--USA TODAY, AP

Catch and Shoot: The perils of "contagious shooting--Slate, William Saletan