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Find out what's new in Vancouver neighborhoods this week!
Find out what's new in Vancouver neighborhoods this week!
Vancouver Office of Neighborhoods
Office of Neighborhoods Weekly Update
September 18, 2014

Greetings Neighborhood Leader

City of Vancouver Joins Nextdoor

The City of Vancouver has joined Nextdoor (www.Nextdoor.com) to improve citywide and neighbor-to-neighbor communications. The City is now able to share important news and updates, services, public events and emergency notifications that are relevant to specific neighborhoods on Nextdoor. Several different City departments will have the capability to send information, including the Neighborhood Police Officers.
Vancouver’s Nextdoor page will not be monitored, and should not be used to report crimes, utility problems, to request city services or to submit public records requests. We ask our neighbors to call 911 for emergencies, or contact the appropriate City department to request services. A listing of City department contact information is available on the Web at: www.cityofvancouver.us/directory.
Nextdoor is a private social network for neighborhoods. Nextdoor is free for residents and the City. Each site is private, accessible only to residents who verify that they live in the neighborhood. Neighborhoods establish and self-manage their own Nextdoor websites. While the City will be able to respond to comments directly related to city posts, it will not be able to access residents’ Nextdoor sites, contact information or content. Information shared on Nextdoor is password protected and cannot be accessed by search engines.
Those interested in joining their neighborhood’s Nextdoor website can visit www.Nextdoor.com and enter their address. If residents have questions about their Nextdoor website, please visit www.help.Nextdoor.com.
For more information about the City’s Nextdoor activities, contact Judi Bailey, Neighborhoods Program Manager at 360.487.8608 or judi.bailey@cityofvancouver.us; or visit http://www.cityofvancouver.us/cmo/page/stay-connected-vancouver.

New Signs for the Neighborhoods

As a benefit of being a recognized neighborhood association in Vancouver, the City has provided up to three signs that are placed at key points, welcoming people to the neighborhood. Over time, many of these signs have become damaged, faded and worn, and are in need of replacement. So the neighborhood signs across the city are being replaced.
The new neighborhood signs have an updated look and help create a sense of place consistent throughout the community. A survey of the neighborhood leaders was taken and the new design won a 70% approval rating. Signs will be replaced throughout the fall and winter months, with priority given to those neighborhoods who self-identified as having signs in poor condition, or in need of replacement. The new signs will have an anti-graffiti coating, as a way to keep them from becoming targets for graffiti vandals. Look for new signs in your neighborhood by the spring of 2015.
Funding for this project is coming from a one-time savings in the neighborhoods program budget, and is being done in cooperation with Vancouver Public Works.

Neighborhood News

Neighborhood Leadership Training Series

Refreshing Solutions Hidden in Plain Sight

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6 to 8 p.m.
City Hall, Aspen Room, 415 W. 6th St., Vancouver, WA 98660
Do the same problems keep coming up in your neighborhood again and again? Shifting the focus to a neighborhood's strengths can reveal hidden solutions.
Come have a light supper with other Vancouver neighborhood association leaders and learn about the Appreciative Inquiry process. You'll get a chance to practice with real examples that you can take home and put to work right away.
Let us know you're coming so we can be sure to have enough food for everyone!
RSVP by September 22 to neighborhoods@cityofvancouver.us

CERT Training Begins Sept. 25

Ask yourself…
...Are you ready for a disaster?
...Can your neighborhood be self-sufficient for at least three days after a disaster?
...Who will help the injured and rescue trapped victims in your neighborhood if rescuers are not available?
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training can help you and your neighbors be better prepared. CERT is a 20 hour training course taught by professional first responders. Deadline for registation is Friday, Sept. 19.

Fall is Here: Time for Free Leaf Coupons

The popular Free Leaf Disposal Coupons are ready and can be requested as an attachment to your neighborhood newsletter. The coupons are good from October 1 – December 20 and are good for up to five cubic yards of LEAVES ONLY, at three local area drop-off sites. (Yard debris or mixed loads will be charged at the regular price). These coupons encourage prevention of street flooding in your neighborhood by offering your neighbors an alternative to raking leaves into the street.

Traffic Calming Yard Signs: Now available for Neighborhood Associations

The City of Vancouver, in conjunction with the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Alliance (NTSA), now offers four new yard signs for residents to remind passing motorists to obey the posted speed limit. The signs are designed to be placed on private property, within front and side yards, and act as an educational and awareness tool. Sign slogans include:
• Check Your Speed
• It’s Your Neighborhood, Drive 25
• Slow Down, Watch for Children
• What’s Your Hurry?
Each Vancouver neighborhood association recognized by the City is eligible to receive up to eight signs for use along their neighborhood streets. Association representatives may contact Jennifer Campos directly at (360) 487-7728 or Jennifer.campos@cityofvancouver.us to make arrangements to pick up the signs.
Adopt Your Park: Reap Strong Bonds and a Beautiful Neighborhood
Vancouver Parks and Recreation works with the City Public Works departments to keep parks, trails and open spaces clean and well maintained. We cannot always address aesthetic issues between our regularly scheduled maintenance times and that is where volunteers can help keep the parks at a high level of quality by "adopting" the park of their choice.

Participants help with a variety of different projects based on the needs of their chosen park.  Typical projects include; raking leaves, removing litter, cleaning play equipment, removing weeds, and other projects that keep the parks looking their best.  We ask that park adopters make a minimum six month commitment and work collaboratively with the city to improve your parks.  Adopters receive an Adopt-A-Park sign that is posted in the park to celebrate their commitment.  Volunteer park adopters enjoy giving back to the community, improving their parks and building bonds with their neighbors through service to the community.  To learn more visit www.tinyurl.com/COVAAP or call 360-487-8344.  
GRANTS for Neighborhoods
The Vancouver Watersheds Alliance offers  Neighborhood Sustainability Grants up to $1,500 available for this year. This program is newly expanded. They are awarded on a first-come first-served basis, so please apply quickly!
Please send the completed application to:
Jeannie@VancouverWatersheds.org, PO Box 177, Vancouver, WA 98666
We all want to be better neighbors — or at least have better neighbors. But what can we do? How do you build a better community for yourself and your family? The answer is actually quite simple: Get to know your neighbors. Just interacting with the people you live near can significantly strengthen your community and spur organization. 
Ashe Urban, a community outreach coordinator at the SE Uplift Neighborhood Coalition in Portland, Oregon, has seen firsthand how community involvement leads to better neighborhoods.

City News & Events

Parks and Rec September Special

Join in September and get one month free!
Sturgeon Festival
Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Every year the Water Resources Education Center recognizes sturgeon and Columbia River ecosystems. This free, fun event offers opportunities for the entire family to learn about fish and other plants and animals in and around the Columbia River. New this year is an amazing Birds of Prey show presented by Raptor House. Other highlights still include the popular fish dissections and colorful Eartha the Ecological Clown. The festival is sponsored by the City of Vancouver's Water Resources Education Center and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Free Birds of Prey Show at 10:30 a.m.
  • Fish Dissection at 11:30 a.m.
  • Eartha the Ecological Clown at 1 p.m.
All events take place at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 Columbia way. Call 360-487-7111 or visit http://www.cityofvancouver.us/watercenter for more information. 
Looking for tree enthusiasts for NeighborWoods Program
NeighborWoods Stewards receive free education from local arboriculture experts on a variety of topics like: tree identification, tree biology, proper tree care, Vancouver tree regulations, tree planting, native trees and shrubs, and the overall benefits of trees. Stewards then serve as liaisons to their neighborhood associations, providing tree-related advice and conducting tree plantings or tree-related educational projects in their neighborhoods. 
The next NeighborWoods training sessions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, from Sept. 25 through Nov. 6, at City Hall, 415 W. Sixth St. Participants must register in advance and attend every session. Participation is limited to the first 20 applicants. 
For applications, information or questions, call 360-487-8308, email urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us or visit the Urban Forestry website at www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry.
Applications may also be downloaded from the City's website at www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry, through the NeighborWoods link.
Clark County Arts Commission open position
The City of Vancouver is seeking applicants interested in volunteering to serve as the City’s representative on the Clark County Arts Commission. The City must receive completed applications by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26.
Applicants for the position must live within the city limits and represent one of the following art disciplines: architecture, dance, digital, heritage or cultural, literary, music, theater or visual arts. The candidate appointed to fill this position will begin serving immediately and the term would expire in 2018.
Applicants may apply online at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards, or they may request a copy of the application by contacting Amanda Delapena at Vancouver City Hall by phone at (360) 487-8605, or by email at amanda.delapena@cityofvancouver.us.  
The Clark County Arts Commission is an 11-member volunteer body that works to enhance and support the growth of the local economy through collaborations among arts patrons, artists, the business community, service groups, schools and cultural groups. The Arts Commission comprises both artists and members of the business community. Guidelines for Committee membership are set by Clark County. The Commission’s work expands the opportunity and accessibility of citizens to experience art in public places and works to create a more visually pleasing environment throughout the county.
The Arts Commission meets from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.
For more information about the Commission, visit www.clarkcountyartscommission.org.

Fall Webworms Come with Season Change

Fall webworms are being seen throughout the region, a sure sign that fall is around the corner. Fall webworms infest a variety of plants and can be seen in large, tent-like masses along branches in many trees and shrubs.
Vancouver Urban Forestry wants residents to know that these insects and their nests may look unsightly, but they’re relatively harmless. Despite the aesthetic nuisance of webworms, most plants will survive.
The best management strategy is to let nature take its course. If property owners find the infestation is too unsightly, the nests can be physically removed.
The webworm pupa spends the winter in leaf litter left at the base of trees. To help reduce or prevent webworms next year, rake and dispose of leaves in yard debris bins, or take advantage of the free leaf disposal coupons in most neighborhood newsletters this fall.
For more information on fall webworm, contact Washington State University Extension Service at 360-397-6060. For more information on Vancouver’s Urban Forestry Division and what you can do to improve our urban forest visit www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry, or call (360) 487-8308.
CITY SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR POSITION ON AVIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The City of Vancouver is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy on its Aviation Advisory Committee. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13.

This nine-member group of volunteers is appointed by the Vancouver City Council and is responsible for advising the City on matters related to Pearson Field Airport and aviation issues in general.

There is no city residency requirement for this position. This recruitment is for a mid-term vacancy that expires December 2016. The committee meets at Pearson Field Airport Pilot's Lounge, 105 East Reserve St. in Vancouver, at noon on the second Tuesday of each month. The time commitment monthly varies from two to six hours, which includes meeting time and other duties.

Interested applicants may apply online at www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. To have an application mailed to you, or for further information, contact Amanda Delapena at Vancouver City Hall by phone at (360) 487-8605, by email at amanda.delapena@cityofvancouver.us, for by mail at City of Vancouver, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995. 
Applicants sought for the Animal Control Advisory Board 
The Board of County Commissioners is seeking applicants for a position on the volunteer Animal Protection & Control Advisory Board. Applicants can live anywhere in Clark County. The position is a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2015. 
Advisory board meetings are held quarterly on the fourth Thursday of the month. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. and typically are held at Clark County Operations Division, 4700 N.E. 78th St. Duties of the 10-member advisory board include:
Reporting to the Board of County Commissioners and Vancouver City Council at least once a year to recommend any modifications to county code and general operations of the Animal Protection & Control Program.
  • Acting as an appeals hearing board.
  • Volunteering at outreach and fundraising events.
  • Promoting the program and its licensing of all dogs and cats.
For an application, go to www.clark.wa.gov/pets/advisory.html. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 2014. Applications must be mailed to Animal Protection & Control, P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810 or dropped off at the department office on the third floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
For more information, please contact Paul Scarpelli at Animal Control, (360) 397-2375 ext. 4705 or Paul.Scarpelli@clark.wa.gov.

Community News

As school starts so does School Zone enforcement
Schools has started in both the Vancouver and Evergreen School Districts and Vancouver Police are conducting extra enforcement in-and-around schools. Here are a few reminders to make sure the school year starts off safely. 
Vancouver Library Locations Closed Sept. 30 One Day Only
All branches, bookmobiles and headquarters offices of Fort Vancouver Regional Library District will be closed to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 30 for a day of staff training in Vancouver. The district’s website, www.fvrl.org, will continue to offer many library services that day. All FVRL locations will resume normal open hours on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Anyone with questions about the closures prior to Sept. 30 should talk to staff at their local branch or call 360-906-5106. Please note that the Sept. 30 closure does not include the independent Camas Public Library.
Friends of Trees turns 25, offers $25 street trees
To commemorate its 25th anniversary, Friends of Trees is offering residents a wide variety of street trees for just $25 to residents in Vancouver, Portland, Eugene, and Salem while inventory lasts. 
The price includes inspection, permits, delivery of a healthy young tree, and planting the tree in the strip between the sidewalk and the street. Street trees are regularly priced at $35-$75. Residents may sign up for trees at www.FriendsofTrees.org/plant  or call 503-595-0212. 
Once signed up, a city inspector will visit the resident’s home to assess planting space and conditions. Residents then order trees from a list of approved species and may show up to help on their neighborhood’s planting day, when Friends of Trees organizes volunteers to plant. A video of the entire process can be found here: http://bit.ly/1tMnIhk
Friends of Trees invites residents to match their tree purchase by sponsoring additional $25 trees for residents who can’t afford them. 
For more information contact Brighton West, Deputy Director, Friends of Trees; BrightonW@friendsoftrees.org  404-247-0189 cell
Back to School Safety 
It’s back to school time in Clark County. Here are some important safety tips to review with your kids to help make sure your kids are safe while walking and biking to school: 
  • Always cross the street with an adult until age 10 
  • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks 
Car Seat Safety Reminders for School-Age Kids 
Your school-age child needs to use a child restraint system (car seat or booster) until the adult lap/shoulder belt can fit properly. When your child reaches age 8 or 4’ 9" tall – use this "Seat Belt Readiness Test" to determine if they are ready to ride in an adult seat belt: 
  • Can your child sit comfortably against the vehicle’s seat back? 
  • Can your child’s knees bend at the edge of the seat? 

Drug Take Back Event: Get Rid of unwanted meds safely

Free drop-off of all out-of-date and unused medications. We take all medications (including narcotics, prescription medications, controlled substances, over the counter (OTC), and pet medications) Just drive up and hand them over to local law enforcement officers.
 
When:  Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: 4 Drop off locations.
•Clark College Purple Parking Lot #1
•Cascade Park Kaiser
•Salmon Creek Kaiser
•Battle Ground Police Dept.
Community Events
Volunteer for Harvest Fun Day: An Old Fashioned Good Time
The Clark County Historical Museum is holding the 11th Annual Harvest Fun Day and Food Drive on September 27 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the 78th St. Heritage Farm.  This free event provides opportunities for families to celebrate farming heritage through activities like pumpkin decorating, corn shucking, draft horse demonstrations, fiddlers, carrot picking contests and much more!
For more information contact: Katie Anderson, Executive Director, Clark County Historical Society & Museum, 360-993-5679 or director@cchmuseum.org
Fort Vancouver hosts Tree Climbing Championship 
The 2014 PNW ISA Regional Tree Climbing Competition (TCC) will be on the historic grounds of Fort Vancouver. Conveniently located at 1501 E 5th St, this is a destination for competitors and spectators alike. Preliminary events begin at 8 a.m., Saturday, September 27. Top qualifiers compete in the master’s challenge Sunday, September 28. Spectators are welcome to cheer on these exceptional athletes during all event times.
Winners will represent the PNW-ISA at the 2015 International Tree Climbing Championship. All climbers must meet regulations and pre-register at www.pnwisa.org or by calling 503-874-8263. 
For a complete listing of activities, including times and locations, visit the PNW-ISA webpage at pnwisa.org or call Scott Clifton, Chair of the TCC, at 360-696-9610. 
 
View City Street Sweeping Schedule
Upcoming Meetings:            
Sept. 22 - City Council Meeting & Citizen Forum: 6:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers
Sept. 24 - Neighborhood Leadership Training Series: 6 p.m., City Hall Aspen Room
Sept. 29 No City Council Meeting; Fifth Monday in the month
City Hall: 415 W. 6th St.
Visit the Meetings Calendar for more information.
Thank You to all the volunteers who are involved with their neighborhood association.
You are making a difference in Vancouver!
You don't have to move to live in a better neighborhood!
Looking for Volunteer Opportunities?
Click here for more info
Contact Us:
Office of Neighborhoods
City Hall, 415 W. 6th St., 2nd flr
Vancouver, WA 98660
Mailing address:
P O Box 1995
Vancouver, WA 98668-1995
Phone: 360.487.8608
TTY: 360.487.8602
Fax: 360.487.8625
City/Community 
Events Calendar
415 W. 6th St. | P.O. Box 1995 | Vancouver, WA 98668-1995
(360) 487-8600 | TTY: (360) 487-8625 | cityinfo@cityofvancouver.us 
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