Mary White is Retiring

Mary White started her employment with the City of Vancouver March 1, 1980, where she worked in the word processing department until April 5, 1993, when she was promoted into the position of council secretary. White continues to serve her role as council secretary until March 31, 2010. A celebration to honor White will be held 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, in City Hall Council Chambers, 210 E. 13th Street. RSVP no later than 5 p.m. Monday, March 22, to Alexis Bafus at 487-8607 or alexis.bafus@ci.vancouver.wa.us.

Public encouraged to submit applications for 2011 Gifford Pinchot National Forest project funding

The public is encouraged to propose projects designed to improve Gifford Pinchot National Forest lands and the rural economies of local counties. The submitted projects will be considered for 2011 project year funding. Project funding was made available through Title II funds under the reauthorized Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Public Law 110-343.) Completed project applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked by 5 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2010.

Project application forms are available at the Forest’s website at www.fs.fed.us/gpnf, or from Gifford Pinchot Forest Headquarters, 10600 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver, Washington 98682. Instructions for completing the required Title II form also are available online. Applicants for Title II funds are encouraged to submit their forms electronically. Email Title II applications to Sue Ripp at sripp@fs.fed.us. Proposals may also be mailed to Forest Headquarters in care of Ripp, Gifford Pinchot Forest Headquarters, 10600 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver, WA 98682.

“Our strengthened partnership with county commissioners and community members is a highlight of our work under the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Act,” said forest supervisor Janine Clayton, Gifford Pinchot National Forest. “The Resource Advisory Committees’ work reviewing and recommending Title II projects benefits forest health, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat on the national forest in addition to enhancing local economies,” added Clayton. Individuals, nonprofit organizations, and local governments can submit Title II project applications. The funds for approved projects are available for 2011 implementation.

Additional information concerning Title II projects is available at the national Forest Service website: www.fs.fed.us/srs, as well as the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Website at: www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/. Applicants may also contact Ripp, partnership coordinator, Gifford Pinchot National Forest at 891-5153.

Visions of recovery poster contest set

Entries for the third annual “Visions of Recovery” poster contest will be accepted Monday, April 19, through Friday, April 30. The event, hosted by Clark County’s Regional Support Network (RSN), is part of an ongoing effort to promote mental health recovery and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Anyone who lives or works in Clark County is eligible to compete in the contest and share their vision of what mental health recovery means to them.

A $100 gift card will be awarded to each of the top five entries.

Winning entries will be placed at select locations throughout the year beginning in May as part of national Mental Health Month. All participants will receive a letter of recognition and certificate of appreciation for submitting their work.

The community will have an opportunity to view and vote on their favorite entries from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, at The Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. The artwork will be accompanied by a few words describing the message that the artist was attempting to convey.

Contest rules and entry forms may be found at http://www.clark.wa.gov/mental-health/recovery/index.html or by calling the Department of Community Services at 397-2130.

County urges residents to participate in federal 2010 Census for complete count

Forms for United States Census 2010 will start arriving in mailboxes next week, and Clark County urges all households to fill out the 10-question form and return it as soon as possible. Mailing is free.

Conducted once every 10 years, the census collects data that affect the following: distribution of more than $400 billion per year in federal financing to state, local and tribal governments; number of seats Washington will have in the U.S. House of Representatives; and redistricting of state and local governments for proportional representation.

The federal money is distributed among 170 programs, including public works projects such as roads, bridges and tunnels and social service programs such as medical assistance and nutritional programs for women and children, including school lunches. The data also are used by local planners to determine such things as the locations of schools, senior centers and hospitals.

Citizens are encouraged to return census forms by April 1. If someone’s form is not received by April 9, a second form will be mailed. If forms are not returned, a Census worker, identifiable by a badge and bag, will come knocking.

“That’s the expensive part,” says Michelle Danley, partnership specialist, U.S. Census Bureau. “Returning questionnaires by mail saves $60 to $70 per form.”

Clark County also is coordinating with Leadership Clark County and other groups to inform community members, especially those who may be difficult to count, about Census 2010.

To have someone from Leadership Clark County’s Complete Count Committee speak to a group, please contact Noah Blanton at 241-8951 or noah.blanton@stewart.com. To have Danley speak, call her at 689-4611.

News Briefs

Today, March 12, is the last day to register for the 26th annual Women of Achievement celebration. For over 25 years, Clark College and YWCA Clark County have honored local women and young women for their outstanding leadership, community involvement, and inspirational achievement in volunteer and professional roles in the Women of Achievement celebration. This year, on Friday, March 19, at the Hilton Vancouver, one has the opportunity to celebrate Writing Women Into History along with YWCA Clark County, Clark College, Women of Achievement honorees, and emcee Kelley Day from KOIN TV, local channel 6. Together, they will recognize a legacy of strength, commitment, service, and leadership of the outstanding women in our community. <> Art Conversation will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, featuring Linda Kliewer, at Sixth Street Gallery, 105 W 6th Street, Vancouver. For more information, email artconversations@gmail.com.

Calendar

Magenta Theater will perform "Blind Date," a one act staged reading written by Jaynie Roberts and directed by Bonnie Littleton, at 9 p.m. tonight, March 12, Rosemary's Cafe, 1001 Main Street. Bethie Duvall and Dave Roberts will be performing. Cost is $5 at the door. Call 635-4358 for more information. <> Magenta Theater is having a large band concert featuring jazz standards, swing, musical, classical, rockabilly, spy movie themes and even a little Led Zeppelin; vocal line-up featuring Bonnie Littleton, Dorinda Toner and Dirk Wallace; and musicians Devon Rowe, Dorinda Toner, Steve Goodwin, Carson Goss, Rocky Blakewood, Mike Lambe, Eddie Martinez, Eric Toner, Brandon Smith, Deb Blakewood and Mike McNaughton, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 13, Magenta Theater, 606 Main Street. Tickets are $6 and will be available at the door, or email tickets@magentatheater.com. <> Second Saturday at the Water Center will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 13, in the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way. Visit http://www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter.asp for more information. <> Vancouver City Council meets for workshops from 4 to 6 p.m. followed by a regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, March 15, in City Council chambers. <> Washougal City Council meets at 7 p.m. Monday, March 15, in City Council chambers.

  Friday on the air

Clark County Code Enforcement Appeal Hearings (3-11)--4 p.m. CVTV 

City/County Telecommunications Commission (3-3)--7 p.m. CVTV 

City Council Workshop (3-8)--9 p.m. CVTV

       Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber

• City of Vancouver Calendar

 

Friday, March 12, 2010 Headlines

 

Links to news of local & national significance

Science Guy wows students--Columbian, Erik Robinson

'Tis time for singin' o' the green--Columbian, Brett Oppegaard

Columbia crossing sponsors drive toward agreement--Columbian, Columbian Staff

Port of Longview hits revenue record in 2009--Columbian, Columbian Staff

It's time to spring forward--Washington Post, Emily Tsao