iQ Credit Union named one of 100 best companies to work for

iQ Credit Union was recently honored by Seattle Business Magazine as one of Washington’s 100 best companies to work for in 2009.

“We’re honored to be included on this list,” said iQ Credit Union CEO Roger Michaelis. “We’re proud that our employees find this a wonderful place to work, grow and serve the community.”

The credit union was ranked at number 4 out of eight organizations listed in the nonprofit organization category. More than 9,500 employees of nominated companies filled out surveys about their employers based on criteria such as leadership, communications, work environment, benefits and training. A panel of judges chose the top companies. Winning companies are organized into four categories: large companies, mid-sized companies, small companies and nonprofit organizations.

Vancouver firefighters begin winter coat and blanket drive

For the sixth consecutive year, City of Vancouver firefighters are collecting coats for needy people. The drop-off site is at Westside Fire House, 400 E. 37th St. (adjacent to the Safeway store on Main). This year they are also seeking donations of blankets.

According to Capt. Duane Schuman, the city firefighters want clean, usable coats in all sizes, and notes that children's coats are in greatest demand. During a typical day running emergency calls, firefighters meet people who need warm coats and can't afford them. Those interested in donating can drop off the items from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., each day of the week, through Jan. 1.

Last year this firefighter-led community project collected over 3,000 coats for needy people. In 2004, the first year of this effort, they collected 700 coats. Leftover coats and blankets will be delivered to local shelters, schools and the YWCA in January.

Brighten the holidays for families in need

Share's Winter Cheer Program invites individuals and businesses to “adopt a family” at one of Share's four shelters, from Share's Outreach program or from ASPIRE, Share's transitional housing program.

"Last year, Share served 2,188 individuals and 451 families through our adopt-a-family program and distributed 12,556 gifts," says Diane Christie, executive director of Share. "This year the increased need of individuals and families is expected to surpass those numbers—all donations are truly appreciated and will sincerely brighten the lives of men, women and children in our community."

New gift items that are needed include women's, men's, teen's and children's clothing, including underwear and socks (all sizes), linens, house wares (dishes, pots and pans, towels, etc.), personal hygiene items (soap, lotion, razors, combs, toothbrushes, etc.), sleeping bags, blankets, backpacks and age-appropriate gifts and toys for teens and children. Gift cards from any grocery store, clothing store, music store, movie theatre, etc., are also a wonderful gift, as well as phone cards, bus passes and gas cards.

A point of emphasis for the adopt-a-family drive is clothing of all sizes for men, women and teens, as well as clothing for children under age 2.

All donations should be delivered to the Share Service Center, 2306 NE Andresen Road, Friday, Dec. 11. Donations can be delivered 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To donate items, adopt a family or make a financial contribution, contact Susan Oberst, director of volunteers, at 750-4436 ext. 309.

Tracy Leagjeld’s "New Works" to open at Art on the Boulevard

Art on the Boulevard, a fine art gallery in the Vancouver Marketplace, will open "Tracy Leagjeld-New Works" on Friday, Dec.4, and will continue to show until Dec. 31. Leagjeld will be showcasing her latest collection of monotypes, which are bold and vibrant works that.combine northwest landscapes.

Tracy says her art is a way to communicate and share with others her love and reverence for nature. She creates layered, subtly textured landscapes as well as architectural forms. She says: "I love being outside surrounded by nature. Forests, meadows and deserts all have a different kind of energy. While exploring these areas I try to soak in this energy, and hopefully this energy is transferred to the painting or print which I am working on. If this has been accomplished, I am satisfied with my work. I am not so concerned with capturing correct shape and color. I strive to create paintings and prints that allow the viewer to put themselves into the painting and feel the spirit of the place."

Tracy was also recently selected as the artist for the label for the Deschutes Brewery seasonal ale "JubeAle."

The First Friday evening reception will be from 4 to 9 p.m., at 210 W Evergreen Blvd. The reception is open to the public at no charge and includes an opportunity to meet Leagjeld and enjoy complimentary refreshments and live music. For further information, call 750-4499, or visit www.artontheboulevard.org.

 

News Briefs

Southwest’s Spiritual Care Services invites all those who have experienced the death of a loved one to a community memorial service, featuring Words of Reflection from Chaplain Jason Dong, with music by Celtic Muse, from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, Southwest Washington Medical Center, 400 NE Mother Joseph Place, Health Education Center, auditorium A/B. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to Spiritual Care Services at 514-2257.

Calendar

Port of Ridgefield is holding its regular meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, in the Port Office, 111 W Division Street. <> Dream Big Community Center is sponsoring a blood drive from 1 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Clark County Donor Center, 5109 N.E. 82nd Avenue. To schedule an appointment, contact Darren Goan, American Red Cross, at 989-2921, or Nathan Webster, Dream Big CC, at 904-5539.

Tuesday on the air

 

Vancouver Housing Authority: Housing Matters (11-1)—4:58 p.m. CVTV

VPD All Access: Neighborhood Police Officers—5:30 p.m. CVTV

Clark County Land Use Hearings (live)—5:55 p.m. CVTV

2010 Clark County Budget Proposal Preview (11-20)—10 p.m. CVTV

Clark County Board of Health (10-28)—10:59 p.m. CVTV

 

 

Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber

• City of Vancouver Calendar

 

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Headlines

 

Links to news of local & national significance

Free ride for a tough journey--Columbian, Kathie Durbin

City will mull tax increase--Columbian, Andrea Damewood

Vancouver eyes creation of youth program--Columbian, Andrea Damewood

Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin dies at 85--Washington Post, Pater Perl

Obama says he intends to 'finish the job' in Afghanistan--New York Times, Jeff Zeleny and David Stout