Until recently, “gluten-free” often meant tough and tasteless foods. Now, with so many locally made, high-quality products on the shelves and recipes available from chefs and nutritionists, gluten-free eating is healthy, convenient and delicious. In recognition of the growing awareness of gluten-related health issues, New Seasons Market is holding a Gluten-Free Food Fair from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, at the Fisher’s Landing store, S.E. 164th Ave. and McGillivray Blvd. in Vancouver. This is a family friendly event, with games, activities and snacks for children.

Certified nutritionists will present information and advice on topics, including repairing digestive health, feeding gluten-free kids and eating gluten-free on-the-go. Sample sweet and savory products, taste gluten-free homemade dishes prepared by New Seasons Market’s deli, and get inspiration on meal planning.  Meet local cookbook writer Laura Russell, author of Gluten Free Asian Kitchen, and learn how she converts the cuisines of China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam into gluten-free favorites.

New Seasons Market is locally owned and operated. Each year, the company donates 10 percent of its after-tax profits to hundreds of nonprofits, schools and community organizations. Last year, New Seasons Market partnered with 650 nonprofits, donating to a variety of causes with special focus on those that protect the environment, end hunger and educate youth. Each store is involved in its community and committed to helping organizations and individuals create neighborhoods that are healthy, safe, vibrant and just. To learn more, visit www.newseasonsmarket.com or www.facebook.com/NewSeasonsMarket.

Janice Kaski will meet you at the Station.

Dana Damara goes with the Flow.

Jesse Larimer helps you eat smarter.

After three full days of exciting vocal and big band jazz, the outstanding musician awards and the evening finals results for the 50th Anniversary Clark College Jazz Festival have been announced. In recognition of the “uncompromised vision” that led to this milestone event, two honorary Legacy Sweepstakes Awards were presented to Dale Beacock (posthumously), jazz festival coordinator from 1970 to 1984, and Chuck Ramsey, festival coordinator from 1985 to 2007. In a fitting tribute for his contributions to the Clark College Jazz Festival, the coveted Sweepstakes Award was renamed “The Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes Award.” This year, the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes trophy was awarded to Vancouver’s Mountain View High School. Ridgefield High School took first place in the A Division, Hockinson High School won the AA Division, and Seattle’s Garfield High School won the AAAA Division, with Battle Ground High School coming in second.

Former Weber Gunn PLLC members Michael Roe and Alison Greene recently announced the opening of their new firm, Roe & Greene PLLC. With more than 48 years of collective experience, Roe and Greene will focus their practice in all aspects of family law. Roe and Greene will offer a “news” section on their website, www.roegreenelaw.com, to keep clients informed of emerging family law issues. The site will also contain helpful resources for those who cannot afford formal legal representation. Roe & Greene PLLC will be located in Vancouver at 7700 N.E. 26th Ave.

A recent state auditor’s report found $1.8 million in costs for cell phones that were minimally used. Included in that amount is $500,000 for phones that are not being used. Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, has introduced legislation to limit agency use of state-paid cell phone service. Senate Bill 6527 would require agencies to follow a statewide cell phone use plan that matches actual use and need to the most cost-effective service. In addition, the bill limits the distribution of cell phones to department heads and employees who must have them to do their jobs or for safety reasons. Finally, the bill directs the use of pre-paid cell phone services when financially beneficial. SB 6527 is before the Senate Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections Committee for consideration.

High schools, colleges and job training programs might soon be paid for achieving specific results, not just for enrolling students. Boosting graduation rates and helping students land decent jobs would drive state funding for these programs, under House Bill 2265, sponsored by Rep. Tim Probst, D-Vancouver. It is co-sponsored by Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland, and 12 additional House members, both Democrats and Republicans, have signed onto the Probst-Haler bill. The new payment system also unifies pieces of the education system that have long been kept separate. High schools, colleges and job training programs would all earn a “Washington Works” score based on their students’ success, and the scores would be used in distributing payments. The money for the program would be phased in as state revenues gradually grow during economic recovery. To learn more, click here.

Vancouver Fire Department’s Fire Corps inaugural training academy starts Thursday, Feb. 2. Fire Corps volunteers are critical for non-emergency support functions focusing on education and prevention. Subjects include smoke alarm awareness and installation, home safety and small hazard house training, and fire extinguisher training. Each volunteer in the program will receive CPR, AED and First Aid training. Click here for information on how to register.

The spring session of Clark County Fire District 6 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training will start on Thursday, Feb. 16. This 20-plus-hour course will follow the national curriculum and help Clark County citizens become more prepared to survive disasters and help their community respond in times of great need. The cost is $30. Applications must be submitted with payment. Click here to register.

Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff tomorrow, Jan. 31, in memory of U.S. Marine Corp. Capt. Daniel B. Bartle, 27, of Ferndale. Bartle died of injuries he suffered in a helicopter crash on Jan. 19 while serving in Afghanistan. Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business Tuesday, or first thing Wednesday morning, Feb. 1. Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join in this recognition.

The coronation of the 2012 Riverview Community Bank Clark County Fair Court will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Clark County Fairgrounds inside the Main Exhibit Hall at the Clark County Event Center, 17402 N.E. Delfel Rd. in Ridgefield. The 2012 coronation will be an evening of fine food and entertainment, including a silent auction and a new game show activity. Advance tickets are $12 per person, or $15 per person at the door. To RSVP, call 360-397-618. All proceeds go towards the court to offset the cost of rodeos, parades, civic events, and promotional activities. The Clark County Fair will celebrates Clark County’s rich agricultural heritage, local businesses, and entertainment. The Clark County Fair has grown into the largest single-location event in the Vancouver/Portland area. For more information, visit www.ClarkCoFair.com.

First Thursday Museum After Hours at the Clark County Historical Museum kicks off the 2012 season on Thursday, Feb. 2, with a celebration of the First Families Project book preview, featuring Bertha Baugh and author Jane Elder Wulff. Four years ago, Vancouver’s NAACP Branch #1139 agreed to sponsor a history, First Families of Vancouver’s African American Community: From World War II to the Twentieth Century. Wulff identified the first African American families who came to Vancouver to work at the Kaiser shipyard and in other wartime industries. She interviewed family members and wove their voices together into the story of Vancouver’s African American community. CCHM First Thursdays are held from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month from February through November. Museum admission applies, although Clark County Historical Society members may attend for free. The museum is located at 1151 Main St. in downtown Vancouver. For more information, see www.cchmuseum.org.

Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation will begin taking picnic shelter reservations starting at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, for events occurring this year. Reservations can be taken by phone at 360-487-7100, or in person at the Marshall Community Center, at 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. Reservations cost $25 to $100 per day, depending on the size of the shelter. The fees are used to help pay for parks maintenance and operations. Shelters not reserved will remain available on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. For more information, including reservation fees for specific shelters, visit www.vanclarkparks-rec.org. Select “Picnic Shelter Reservations” from the “Parks & Trails” menu.

Evergreen Public Schools today announced the refinancing of the last of its 1999 and 2002 bonds. The lower interest rates mean a savings of $1.9 million for district taxpayers over the next ten years. Combined with previous refinancing efforts, taxpayers are keeping a total of $11.6 million for themselves. The lower-interest bonds were sold Jan. 25 after being approved by the district’s board of directors. During a competitive bidding process, the district received bids from 15 underwriting firms from across the country, ensuring the lowest possible interest rates. The cost of the new bonds will be 1.9 percent, significantly lower than the five percent on the old bonds. Following the refinancing, Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed the district’s credit rating of Aa2, citing sound financial operations, manageable debt profile, and community support in the form of maintenance and operations levies. For more details, call Mike Merlino at 360-604-4020.
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J.R. Martinez

J.R. Martinez, the U.S. Army veteran whose life story has inspired millions through his work as an actor, performer and motivational speaker, will be the keynote speaker at Clark College’s 2012 commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. on June 21 at the Sleep Country USA Amphitheater, 17200 N.E. Delfel Rd. in Ridgefield. A highly sought-after motivational speaker, Martinez was grand marshal in the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade. Martinez was nationally recognized as the champion of season 13 of TV’s Dancing with the Stars. He first became widely known through his continuing role as a military veteran on the Emmy® Award-winning All My Children.

“We are proud to welcome J.R. Martinez, whose life and service to our country is an inspiration,” says Clark College President Robert K. Knight. “We know that his story of resilience, optimism and hope will inspire our students as they celebrate this milestone in their education and their lives.”

BookKeeping Express, the first U.S. franchise focused solely on bookkeeping services, recently opened its first office in Washington, serving businesses throughout Vancouver. Owner Myron Hertel will operate the business with his daughter, Janelle. “We are excited about serving Vancouver and setting our roots deep in the small business community,” says Hertel. Most recently, Hertel opened a Liberty Tax business in Vancouver but wanted to take his business further by using his 35 years of professional bookkeeping experience. BookKeeping Express’s services include setting up charts of accounts and general ledgers, monthly data entry, processing and managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, producing monthly reports and tax reporting. BookKeeping Express utilizes a “custom flex pricing” model that is based on the clients’ needs instead of a one-size-fits-all, hourly billing approach. The expansion into the Vancouver area is part of the company’s aggressive national development plans, which call for more than 400 new territories throughout the United States. To learn more about BookKeeping Express, visit www.bookkeepingexpress.com.

Clark County Fire District 6 firefighter/paramedics now have an extra tool to help save lives. The video laryngoscope uses a tiny camera and high-definition screen to help paramedics place breathing tubes into the airways of critical patients. Before, paramedics had to look from outside the mouth down the patient’s throat. Now, with the tiny camera and display screen, they’re able to get an enlarged view of the airway and opening of the lungs, reducing chances of improper tube placement and increasing chances of survivability for patients. Fire District 6 is the first agency in Clark County to use the video laryngoscope. By April, Clark County hopes to have all paramedics using the tool. The laryngoscopes were paid for with a grant through Clark County EMS District #2. For more information, contact Dawn Johnson at 360-356-6040 or Dawn.Johnson@ccfd6.org.

Karen Livingston says Di Tazza Café is deliciously different.

Ryan Pheil and Annika Horlings are kickin’ it, Steampunk-style.

Chuck Ramsey knows Dale Beacock can hear the jazz.

Princess Alexa Valdez, Queen Marisa Hermance, and Princess Sierra Durado

The coronation of the 2012 Riverview Community Bank Clark County Fair Court will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Clark County Fairgrounds inside the Main Exhibit Hall at the Clark County Event Center, 17402 N.E. Delfel Rd. in Ridgefield. The 2012 coronation will be an evening of fine food and entertainment, including a silent auction and a new game show activity. Advance tickets are $12 per person, or $15 per person at the door. To RSVP, call 360-397-618. All proceeds go towards the court to offset the cost of rodeos, parades, civic events, and promotional activities.

Queen Marisa Hermance is a junior at Battle Ground High School. She is involved in 4-H and is a member of the Battle Ground Equestrian Team. She plans to obtain her associate’s degree at Clark College, then transfer to a university and get a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine. Princess Alexa Valdez is a senior at the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics. She is a member of the Galloping Glory 4-H Club and a member of the Clark County Saddle Club. After high school, she plans to attend a four-year university to major in architecture. Princess Sierra Durado is a senior at La Center High School. She is a member of the Radiant Riders 4-H Club, the La Center High School Equestrian Team, and the American Paint Horse Association. After high school, she plans to join the Air Force.

This summer, the Clark County Fair will celebrate 144 years as a showcase for Clark County’s rich agricultural heritage, local businesses, and entertainment. The Clark County Fair has grown into the largest single-location event in the Vancouver/Portland area. For more information, visit www.ClarkCoFair.com.

The Port of Vancouver USA launched its centennial website yesterday to share its history with the community. Founded on April 6, 1912, the port has served as a global gateway for the past century, creating jobs and economic growth through leadership, stewardship, and partnership in marine and industrial development. The website, themed “A Century of Possibilities,” was created in addition to the port’s current website, highlighting the port’s first 100 years. As part of the port’s year-long celebration, the site invites visitors to share their personal stories and photographs of the port by clicking the “send us your port memory” icon. These documents may be displayed on the website’s front page to generate discussion.

Over the next 12 months, the centennial website aims to immerse visitors in the port’s history with a visual timeline of milestones, encouraging visitors to think about the future while honoring the past. Community members can visit the site and add their voices to the discussion by going to www.portvanusa.com/centennial, or by going to www.portvanusa.com and clicking on the centennial website icon on the home page. Comments can also be e-mailed to info@portvanusa.com.

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a dependable labor force, and an exceptional level of service to its customers and its community. For more information, visit www.portvanusa.com.

Dick Michalek

Riverview President and Chief Operating Officer Ron Wysake yesterday announced the appointment of Dick Michalek to senior commercial team leader in charge of loan production. In his new capacity, Michalek is responsible for all Riverview loan production. He is an 11-year Riverview employee with 40 years of banking experience. Michalek earned an MBA degree from Seattle University and is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School.

“His many years of business experience and leadership have proven invaluable, and will continue to serve the bank and our customers as we expand products, services, and outreach throughout the region,” said Wysake. “This promotion will make it possible for him to help guide us to an even brighter future as the only bank headquartered in Clark County and one of the few community banks left in the region.”

Riverview Bancorp, Inc., is headquartered in Vancouver. With assets of $873.5 million, it is the parent company of the 89-year-old Riverview Community Bank, as well as Riverview Asset Management Corp. There are 17 branches, including twelve in the Portland-Vancouver area, and three lending centers, with an 18th branch currently under construction in Gresham, Oregon. Riverview was named one of the “Top 100 Best Companies to Work For” in Oregon and Washington this year, and was honored as one of the “Top 75 Corporate Philanthropists” in Washington for 2011. For more information, visit www.riverviewbank.com.

Bertha Baugh and Jane Elder Wulff

First Thursday Museum After Hours at the Clark County Historical Museum kicks off the 2012 season on Thursday, Feb. 2, with a celebration of the First Families Project book preview, featuring Bertha Baugh and author Jane Elder Wulff. Four years ago, Vancouver’s NAACP Branch #1139 agreed to sponsor a history, First Families of Vancouver’s African American Community: From World War II to the Twentieth Century. At the group’s most recent annual meeting in December, plans were finalized to release the book early this year.

Wulff identified the first African American families who came to Vancouver to work at the Kaiser shipyard and in other wartime industries. She interviewed family members and wove their voices together into the story of Vancouver’s African American community. Project sponsors include Humanities Washington, the Clark County Historical Promotion Program, and Black United Fund of Oregon. “We hope this book will encourage others, especially young people, to preserve their cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations,” says Cornetta Smith, First Families Project director.

CCHM First Thursdays are held from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month from February through November. Museum admission applies, although Clark County Historical Society members may attend for free. The museum is located at 1151 Main St. in downtown Vancouver. For more information, see www.cchmuseum.org.