Vancouver USA:  Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Draws Blood The new Red Cross Clark County Blood Donor Center is having their grand opening celebration March 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The new center is close to Westfield Shopping Center (that’s Vancouver Mall to us natives!) at 5109 NE 82nd Avenue.  Mayor Royce Pollard will be there, as will Jolly Molly the Clown, Burgerville, and radio stations KUPL and KINK.  You can even donate blood that day, and receive a special commemorative pin.  For more information, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit NW Red Cross online.

Hazel Dell:  Detour I cringe whenever I see that sign, especially since I am usually in a hurry.  Well, plan ahead, because NE 88th Street between St. John’s Road and Andresen Road will be closed beginning today (March 9) until FALL!  Local access will remain open for residences and businesses.

Vancouver USA:  Yes We Can! That is the theme for this years Annual Paddy Hough Parade.  The 18th Annual Parade will take place on March 17, 12:30 sharp and will begin in front of Hough School.  Click for more information on the 18th Annual Paddy Hough Parade.

Hazel Dell:  Northside Barber Moving to Salmon Creek Just found out that Northside Barber at 9100 NE Hwy 99, will be moving to Salmon Creek.  They will open their new shop on March 30th, behind the Wayside Market, 1311 NE 134th St.  More information posted at www.SalmonCreekLive.com.

Ridgefield:  Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is Hiring If you are between the ages of 15 and 19 the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Youth Conservation Corps. (YCC)  is looking for you.  They are accepting applications until April 15 for full time summer employment.  Visit the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge for more information.

Hazel Dell:  Play Ball Those two words mean the beginning of spring!  Hazel Dell Little League opening day is March 14 at HB Fuller Park.  There will be a Jamboree, pictures and Hit-a-Thon.  Visit Hazel Dell Little League for more information.

Ridgefield:  Home & Garden Idea Fair The 18th Annual Clark Public Utilities Home and Garden Idea Fair will be April 24-26 at the Clark County Fairgrounds Event Center.  Friday and Saturday hours are 9 am – 8 pm, and Sunday is 10 am to 5 pm.  Parking is $5, but admission is free.

Vancouver USA:  There’s a New Game in Town Vancouver-Clark Disc Golf (VCDG) will be starting a Monday Night League on March 9.  This league is for all ages and skill levels.  Registration begins at 5:45, cost is $3, prizes awarded each night.  Visit Vancouver-Clark Disc Golf for more information.

Clark County:  Coffee Talks Perk Interest The Superintendent of  Battle Ground Public Schools, Shoony Bria, will reinstate “coffee talk” meetings beginning March 4.  These meetings will be open to parents and the public to discuss any school related issues.  The meetings will run from 9:30 to 11:00 am.  March 4, Daybreak Primary; April 8, Tukes Valley; May 6, Glenwood Heights; June 3, Yacolt Primary.  For more information, please visit Battle Ground Public Schools.

Salmon Creek:  We’ve Moved! After many long hours, tons of packing and moving, Salmon Creek Neighbors has moved to their new home: www.SalmonCreekLive.com.  It’s all about news, notes, and happenings in the Salmon Creek Neighborhood.  We’ve also added printable merchant coupons, and so much more.  So, if you are ready to move to Salmon Creek, or already live there, check out this great site.  Or, if you are just ready to move, be sure to check out www.Search360Homes.com.

Ridgefield:  Visit with Harriet Tubman Learn about the life  Harriet Tubman through stories and songs at The Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield, Friday Feb. 27 at 7:30.  Click here for more information.

Vancouver USA:  Chinese Immersion Comes to Franklin Beginning next year, Franklin Elementary School will add a Chinese Immersion program for incoming Kindergartners.  The class is available for all Vancouver School District kindergartners, and will be a full day program.  Parents are invited to attend one of three informational meetings offered: Feb. 24, March 24, April 21.  For more information, click here.

Vancouver USA:  State of the City Mayor Royce Pollard will give his annual State of the City address on Thursday Feb. 26, at 10 am.  It will be held at the Hilton, Vancouver, WA in the Heritage Ballroom; doors open at 9:30.  Registration is required by calling the City Manager’s office at 487-8600.  A non-perishable food donation for the Salvation Army Stop Hunger Warehouse is suggested.

Clark County:  More Parks in Clark County The Greater Clark Parks District was approved by voters in 2005 and 21 new parks have been completed, or are under construction.   According to Clark County Public Works Director, Pete Capell,  “The park district program improves the quality of life for our residents, provides more outdoor recreation opportunities, and supports private-sector jobs by putting construction dollars back into the local economy.”  Visit Clark County, Washington for more information.

This is a batch of our Twitter posts from the past 24 hours…

• 16:09 so bummed that after all the hoops we jumped through, the seller (a Bank) failed (imagine!) to deliver doc on time… closing pushed back

Clark County:  Dog Park Closing The Dakota Memorial Off-Leash Dog Park will be closed for maintenance from 7:30 am to 3 pm Wednesday and Thursday, Feb 18-19.  Clark County is making improvements to the trail inside the park.  The rest of Pacific Community Park will remain open.  Click for more information about Off-Leash Dog Parks in Clark County.

Vancouver USA:  Firstenburg Bridal Show Getting married, got questions?  Find helpful information at the Firstenburg Community Center’s Free Bridal Show on Feb. 22, from 12 noon to 4 pm.  Photographers, caterers, boutiques and more will be on-site to answer your questions.  For more information call (360) 487-7005.

Vancouver USA:  Earth Day The Vancouver Marshall Center and Columbia Springs will be partnering for an Earth Day community event.  Held at the Marshall Center, April 18, from 9 am – 3 pm.  Displays, presentations, activities, games, crafts and more.  Call Columbia Springs at 885-7737 for more information.

Vancouver USA:  Lantern Tour Join in a tour of Fort Vancouver after dark.  Each adult will carry a lantern on this tour of Fort Vancouver with a Park Ranger and learn what life was like and what activities occurred at the Fort after the sun went down.   Saturday, February 21 at 7 pm.  Call the Vancouver National Historic Visitor Center at 360-816-6230 for more information.

Lakeshore:  Building Blocks Building Blocks to Successful Learning programs are fun for young children and their parents or caregivers.  The program includes games, storytime, and more and meets Wednesdays at 10 am at  Lakeshore Elementary School.  Call Barbara at 571-9696 for more information.

Clark County:  Change Your Clock The time to set your clocks ahead will be Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. It’s also a good time to change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Then,  since you already have your ladder out, why not change your old light bulbs to new energy efficient ones.  Click here for information on Daylight Savings Time, and information on lighting rebates and discounts.

Clark County:  St. Vincent DePaul The St. Vincent DePaul Society is in need of rice, toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors and deodorant.  Cash is also happily accepted!  Donations can be dropped off at 2456 Stapleton Rd, Vancouver; or at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Vancouver USA:  Vancouver Girls Softball Association The VGSA Auction will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, 6 pm.  Dinner provided by Olive Garden, Live Auction, Raffle, Silent Auction and more.  For more information on how to join the fun, click here.

Vancouver USA:  Vancouver Home Connection Have you considered Home Schooling?  The Vancouver Home Connection (VHC) offers educational opportunities for a creative, personalized learning experience.  There are Parent Preview Meeting coming up beginning Feb. 23.  Call 313-4990 or click for Vancouver Home Connection.

Hazel Dell:  Panthers at Burgerville Grab your family and friends and head to the Burgerville on Hwy 99 on February 17 from 5-7 pm.  A portion of all proceeds will go to the Jason Lee Middle School PTA.  What a tasty way to support the school.

Felida:  Pick Me, Pick Me Thomas Jefferson Middle School PTSA is seeking candidates for the 2009-2010 Executive Board.  If you are interested, or would like to nominate someone (just get their permission first), send an email to contact@tjmsptsa.org or click here for more info.

Felida:  Felida Red Barn is closed for the season.  They are scheduled to re-open in May.  I can hardly wait!

Vancouver USA:  Lincoln’s Birthday Party Join the City of Vancouver in celebrating the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday.  This event will be Feb. 21 from 1-4 p.m., at the Pearson Air Museum, is free and open to the public.  There will be games, crafts, birthday cake and more.  Call 258-3289 or click City of Vancouver or Pearson Air Museum for more information.

Vancouver USA:  First Tuesday on Thursday The Vancouver Planning Commission First Tuesday Event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m., at Clark College Gaiser Hall.  This special session is in conjunction with Clark College’s Global Warming Teach-In.  Call 487-7955 or click here for more information

Hazel Dell:  Hazel Dell Little League Tryouts Hazel Dell Little League (HDLL) will be holding Make-up Tryouts on Feb. 7th, at 10 am for all ages at the Kiggins Clubhouse.  Visit HDLL website for more information.

Clark County:  Spirit of Clark County Awards 2009 These awards will be presented Feb. 12, 3:30-5:30,  at the Camas High School Theater.  There is no fee to attend, but reservations are required.  Please call 397-2232 for more information, or visit Clark County, Washington.

Clark County:  Adventures in Boating Looking to obtain your Boater Education Card?  The Clark County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Unit will be offering the one day class on Feb. 14 and March 21.  For more information, please call 397-2211 ext. 5306, or click here.

Vancouver USA:  Who is Charity Water? Actually, Charity Water is an organization dedicated to building wells in Africa.  The Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (VSAA) will be having a benefit concert and silent auction for Charity Water on Fri. Feb. 6th at 7pm.  Admission is free and open to the public.  Call 313-4600 or click here for more information.

Salmon Creek:  Sweetheart Dinner Mr. and Ms. Skyview Candidates will be hosting an Italian Dinner to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation.  For more information on this event, as well as other happenings in Salmon Creek, click to visit Salmon Creek Live.

Vancouver USA:  Books By Mail The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District Board of Trustees will hold a workshop to discuss details of the cutbacks to the Books By Mail services.  Please visit FVRL News or call (360)695-1566 for more information.

Ridgefield:  Ridgefield Library Closed Due to the road conditions, the Ridgefield Library will be closed today, Jan. 27; and there will be no Klickitat or Clark County Bookmobile runs.

Vancouver USA:  Kids Day Out-Superbowl Sunday Kids ages 7-11 will have a ball, and so will parents, on Superbowl Sunday.  Supervised activities from 12-6 pm on Feb 1 at the Firstenburg Center, include sports, swimming, games, pizza and more.  Click here for the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Rec information

Hazel Dell:  What Kids Know and Parents Wish They Did Presented by the Safe Communities Task Force, Feb 28, at The Boys and Girls Club.  Guest speaker Ossco Bolton, a National Speaker and former gang member who works with law enforcement and community programs to combat the influence of gangs.  Visit Vancouver Public Schools for more information.

Vancouver USA:  Bookmark This The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District 2009 Bookmark Contest is now under way.  Entries must be received by Jan 31.  Entry forms and complete guidelines are available at Fort Vancouver Regional Library District libraries.

Lakeshore:  Lakeshore Neighborhood Park Final design and permitting should be completed soon, and construction should start for the Lakeshore Neighborhood Park Spring 2009.

Clark County:  Urban Livestock The Clark County Urban Livestock Task Force will meet Jan 14 and Jan 28 at 6pm at the Public Service Center.  Visit Clark County, Washington for more information.

Salmon Creek:  Salmon Creek Goodwill Opening It’s official.  The new Goodwill Store in Salmon Creek will be having their grand opening Thursday, Jan 22.  Doors open at 7 am at 14300 NE 20th Ave, next to Albertsons.  Visit Goodwill Industries for more information.

Salmon Creek:  Skibus to Mt Hood Supervised bus transportation to Mt Hood Meadows from Salmon Creek Elementary School.  From Beginner to Black Diamond, check out the great programs they have available at Vancouver SkiBus

Salmon Creek:  Honor Roll Breakfast for Alki 7th and 8th graders will be Fri., Jan 9, at 7:45 am.  Congratulations!

Salmon Creek:  Document Damage The Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) released this statement: “Please document damage to homes and property.  Photographic documentation can be valuable proof to show damages after a winter storm.  If your home or property is damaged in the January 2009 storm, please take a photograph of the damage, if it is safe to do so. Then keep the photos. They may be needed at a future date to assist in damage assessment after the storm.”

Clark County:  Regional Emergency Operations Center Activated (EOC) Due to flooding concerns throughout Clark County the EOC was activated Jan 7, 2009.  Call 9-1-1 for life threatening situations, 2-1-1 for less urgent situations.  Click here for information on road closures, sand bags, and to report flood/road problems.

Clark County:  Jazz Festival Clark College 47th Annual Jazz Festival will take place Jan 29-31 in Gaiser Hall.   Forty-five jazz ensembles and fifteen vocal jazz ensembles are scheduled to perform in this year’s high school competition.  Click here for more information.

Clark County:  Running Start Info Night for Fall 2009 entry at Clark College Jan 21, 7 pm.  This class is intended for current high school sophmores and juniors; learn how earn college credits while you finish high school.  Click for more information from Clark College.

Salmon Creek:  Mothers of Twins (or more).  Columbia Mothers of Twins Club meet the first Thursday of the month at St John Lutheran Church in Salmon Creek.  Visit Columbia Mothers of Twins site for more information.

Vancouver USA:  Vancouver Farmer’s Market Enjoy a relaxing day in a kid and pet friendly environment with over 200 vendors.  The 2009 season opens March 21.  Member registration is Feb 19 and 21.  Check out Vancouver, WA Farmers Market site for more information.