Southwest Washington's Got Talent

It only takes one video on the internet to make a previously unknown talent an international superstar. But even if world fame does not come, someone will be $3,000 wealthier this summer when Southwest Washington’s Got Talent concludes its inaugural competition.

Southwest Washington’s Got Talent, produced by the Rotary Club of Vancouver Sunrise, invites anyone, regardless of age, residence or amateur status, to enter the performance competition. Any performing art—singing, dancing, juggling, balancing a spoon on your nose—is welcome. Online voting will determine the top finishers.

The top 10 vote-getters will be invited to perform at the finals before a live audience, Aug. 1 at Vancouver Landing. The top three places will be determined by a combination of celebrity judges, online voting and the response of the live audience. Second and third places will be awarded $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

Michelle Missfeldt, who is coordinating the competition for the Rotary Club of Vancouver Sunrise, says that net proceeds from Southwest Washington’s Got Talent will be used to support the Rotary Club’s contribution to Santa’s Posse and the Vancouver Police Activities League.

To enter, competitors need to submit a video on the contest Web site, www.southwestwashingtonsgottalent.com, with a $25 entry fee. Voting for the favorites is also online at the site and costs $1 per vote.

The final, live performance will be Aug. 1, at Vancouver Landing. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. Food vendors and a beer and wine garden will be available when the gates open. Tickets are $10 per person, $8 for seniors and $25 for families of up to five. Performers are admitted free.        

Vancouver coalition for out of school time

Out of school? Want to join a sports team in your neighborhood? Looking for a dance program? Need a place to do homework after school? There is a new City of Vancouver website to find after school and summer programs www.schoolsoutletsgo.com.

The National League of Cities has commended the local Coalition for Out-of-School Time on the launch of its “School’s Out…Let’s Go” website. The website provides youth and parents ways to find after school and summer-time activities.

Creating the coalition and website also fulfills one of Vancouver mayor Royce Pollard’s key goals for the Mayors’ Action Challenge for Children and Families.

KMac and Associates offering
power breakfast format

Learning Curve Business Seminars created by Kathy McDonald, KMac and Associates will kick off at 7 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, in the E.B Hamilton Hall/Red Cross Building at the Fort Vancouver National Reserve.

This inaugural event will feature Vancouver native Brian M. Westbrook who translates baffling technology topics into easy-to-understand guidance for radio and television audiences nationwide. A 1994 graduate of Columbia River high school Westbrook now covers technology for News radio 750 KXL.

The hands-on seminar begins with breakfast and culminate with Westbrook discussing ways of reaching markets using twitter and Face book, The cost is $45.00 per person prepaid or $50.00 at the door. For further information, call Jim Mains, 513-8529.

Final Master Gardeners tour June 18

The final “Master Gardeners on the Road “ tour of the year will give Clark County residents an up close look at four farms and gardens that offer community supported agriculture memberships as a way to be self supporting.

The four tours stops are:

Garden Delights, a Brush Prairie farm run by a mother-daughter team who enjoy working in the gardens and flower beds, then sharing delightful edibles and crafts. They feature dried herbs and flowers grown without herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Wisteria Gardens is a picturesque small family farm nestled on 20 acres of gently rolling meadows and groves of shady trees. Guests will enjoy strolling around the formal farmhouse landscape, visiting the peacocks in the cottage garden and relaxing in the shelter of the park pavilion.

Rosemattels CSA Farm, located in Vancouver, has had such success that they have expanded to a second growing field in Felida. This part of the tour includes a catered luncheon.

NW Organic Farm The owners purchased their farm in Ridgefield, and since no pesticides had ever been used on the land, were able to "go organic". No land reclamation or purification was needed. Their goal is to help educate the consumer.

The tour is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 18. A $35 registration fee includes a catered luncheon prepared from local ingredients by Anna Petruolo of “A Dinner Together.” For further information, call

Carolyn Gordon at 397-2232, extension. 7718.

BIA Parade of Homes
Aug 14 through 30

Camellia, a gated community in Battle Ground has been selected by the Building Industry Association of southern Washington’s 2009 Parade of Homes.

Four luxury, custom designed homes will be will be on display, Aug. 14, through Aug. 30.  Admission ranges to $12. For further information, call 694-0933, or go to www.ClarkCountyParadeofHomes.com.

Calendar

The Green Mountain School District graduation that was canceled Thursday due to the power outage and downed trees from thunderstorms, has been rescheduled to today, June 5, at 7 p.m. <> The northwest’s most talented hip hop dancers, all under one roof. Crews from all over Portland and Vancouver, B.C., 7 p.m. Saturday, June 6, in Skyview High School, 1300 NW 139^th Street. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tickets sold online at www.groovenationdance.com only $10/ticket.  

Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber

• City of Vancouver Calendar