Clark County Republican Party
holding Vancouver Mayoral Forum

The Clark County Republican Party will hold a Vancouver Mayoral Candidates forum Tuesday, July 28, at 7 p.m. in the Clark Public Utilities community center, 1220 Fort Vancouver Way.

“There is a tremendous amount of interest in this year’s mayoral race,” says Ryan Hart, chairman of the Clark County Republican Party. “We want to provide our party members and the public at large an opportunity to hear from the mayoral candidates.”

All three candidates running for mayor will attend the forum. The field of candidates include incumbant Royce Pollard, Councilman Tim Leavitt, and Charlie Stemper.

 

History still alive after 160 years

The 160th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Army post known today as Vancouver Barracks will be commemorated through several living history events this weekend at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver, WA. All activities are free of charge. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is the heart of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve. The Vancouver National Historic Reserve brings together a national park, a premier archaeological site, the region's first military post, an international fur trade emporium, one of the oldest operating airfields, the first national historic site west of the Mississippi River, and a waterfront trail and environmental center on the banks of the Columbia River. The partners of the Reserve teach visitors about the fur trade, early military life, natural history, and pioneers in aviation, all within the context of Vancouver’s role in regional and national development. The Reserve's vast array of public programs -- including living history events, festivals, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, active archaeology, and other special activities -- create a dynamic tourist destination for people of all ages.

Events include a one-time only dramatic performance "The Life and Times of General George E. Pickett” at Clark College's Foster Auditorium (1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663). Vintage Base Ball Match Game, Whiskey Flats Band, and ladies of the 1860s trying their hand at the new game of the time, croquet.

For a full schedule of events, visit www.nps.gov/fova or call the Visitor Center at 360. 816.6230.

Uncorked, a summer “fun raiser”

On Friday, August 14, First Independent is sponsoring a “Summer Fun Raiser ” for the Vancouver School District Foundation at the Bethany Vineyard, 4115 NE 259 Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642. There will be live music performed by 5 Guys Named Moe, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Cost is $45 per person ($25 of ticket price is tax deductible), and because tickets are limited they must be purchased by August 7. To purchase tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/67902, or call 1-800-838-3006. Proceeds from this event benefit the Vancouver School District Foundation.

Meet the Candidates

The Forum at the Library and the League of Women Voters present an opportunity to meet candidates for the Vancouver City Council and for Vancouver mayor. Those interested in meeting the Vancouver City Council candidates Jack Burkman, Bart Hansen, John Jenkins, and Bill Turlay for position 1, David Michael Heywood and Jeanne E. Stewart for position 2, Jeanne Harris, Don Houston, Anne McEnerny-Ogle for position 3, can plan on meeting them this coming Thursday, July 16, 7 p.m., in the Community Room at Clark Public Utilities, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way.

Mayoral candidates Tim Leavitt, Royce E. Pollard, and Charlie Stemper will also meet in the Community Room at Clark Public Utilities, but on July 23, 7 p.m. For more information for on either meeting, please call 360-695-1566.

Editor of Vancouver Business Journal leaving to become asset manager

Megan Patrick-Vaughn, editor of the Vancouver Business Journal for the past three years, is leaving to become an asset manager for Second Step Housing, a Vancouver-based nonprofit that works to foster self-sufficiency for at-risk women and families through affordable housing linked with community services.

YWCA Clark County and Umpqua Bank launch community garden on July 16

YWCA Clark County has teamed up with Umpqua Bank’s Click for a Cause program to build a community garden. On Thursday, July 16, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., local elected officials and community members will join the YWCA and Umpqua for a groundbreaking ceremony at the YWCA, 3609 Main Street, in Vancouver, WA.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will include a presentation about the garden, a chance to “click” for the YWCA, a groundbreaking by local elected officials, and refreshments.

The YWCA, which is one of three nonprofits selected to participate in the Click for a Cause campaign, will work with Umpqua now through Sept. 2 to raise the $10,000 necessary to build and launch the community garden. Residents of Clark County are encouraged to help raise money for the YWCA by visiting www.savehardspendsmart.com and clicking to vote in support of the cause.

“We envision the YWCA Community Garden to be a place where magic happens – where kids can learn about growing vegetables; victims of abuse can seek solace; and neighbors work side by side to create a community treasure,” says Kathy Kniep, YWCA Clark County executive director. “It will not be just a place to grow food, but also place where people from all walks of life find healing, enjoyment, and community.”

“As individuals reevaluate their spending and saving habits, it is important not to forget about the financial needs of the nonprofit organizations that serve our communities,” says Nicole Stein, vice president of community responsibility for Umpqua Bank. “We are excited to work with YWCA Clark County to build this garden, and to help our communities grow through today’s challenging economic times.”

How it all works: Umpqua Bank will donate $1 for each click, or vote, YWCA receives between July 13 and September 2, 2009, up to $10,000. The nonprofit with the most votes on September 2 will receive an additional $5,000. Voting is open to Umpqua Bank customers and non-customers alike. Individuals can cast one vote per week throughout the eight week throughout the eight-week campaign. In addition to weekly voting, community members can earn an additional donation for their nonprofit of choice by using the site's "pass the cause" function and inviting others to participate.

For more information on Click for a Cause and to cast a vote, visit www.savehardpendsmart.com.

Applebee’s Accepting Books to Benefit FVRL Foundation

All four of the Applebee’s restaurants in Clark County are celebrating a combined 30 years of doing business in the area by hosting a special promotion that will benefit the Fort Vancouver Regional Library (FVRL) Foundation. Anyone donating three new or used books at any of the local Applebee’s will receive a $3.00-off certificate toward the purchase of any regular-priced menu item. This special offer is good through July 30, 2009.

The books that are collected will be evaluated to see what can be added to the 13 Fort Vancouver Regional Library branches collection. From there, the remaining books will be sold at local Friends of the Library book sales. Proceeds from the book sales are reinvested in library programs, services and building projects.

Participating Clark County Applebee’s locations include the following: Mill Plain, 12717 SE 2 Circle; Orchards, 5111 NE 112 Avenue; Hazel Dell, 816 NE 98 Circle; and Salmon Creek, 13006 NE Highway 99.

Calendar

The first Turtle Place Farmers Market is from noon to 5 p.m. today. <> Urban Forestry Commission meeting, Wednesday, July 15, 6 to 8 p.m., Esther Short Building, 610 Esther Street. <> Patrick Lamb Band playing Thursday, July 16, 5 to 9 p.m., Esther Short Park, 8th and Esther Streets. Cost to sit in Park Pub VIP is $25 per person or $250 per table; reservations can be made by calling Angie Laughlin at 360-992-7060 or by emailing alaughlin@realvestcorp.com. <> City Center Redevelopment Authority meets at City Hall Council Chambers, 210 E 13th Street, July 16, noon to 1 p.m. <> Downtown Redevelopment Authority meeting, City Hall Council Chambers, 210 E 13th Street, July 16, 11:30 a.m. to noon. <> Cascade Inn presents its 30th Anniversary celebration with Big Band Gala event tonight, July 15, 4 to 7 p.m. at 11613 SE 7th Street, event is free to the public. For more information on this event, call 360-254-3555.

Wednesday on the air

Vancouver Planning Commission (7-14)—4:30 p.m. CVTV 23

Columbia River Crossing tolling listening session (6-30)—9:30 p.m. CVTV 23

City Minutes-Columbia River Crossing update (6-28)—11 p.m. CVTV 23

Election 2009: Primary Video Voters’ Guide —11:30 p.m. CVTV 23

  Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber

• City of Vancouver Calendar

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 Headlines

Links to news of local & national significance