News and Views

Ridgefield Events - February 2010

Annual Refuge Volunteer Training schedule is listed below. You can also find it on the refuge calendar at http://www.ridgefieldfriends.org.

Orientation and Refuge tour:
Tuesday, March 16th; 5:30 Tour; 7-8 Refuge Presentation
Ridgefield Community Center (both tour and presentation will meet at the community center)
Plankhouse Training
Saturday, March 20th; 9:00am-3:00pm
Ridgefield Community Center (In Plankhouse 12:00 to 3:00)
Working with Kids
Tuesday March 30th; 9:00am-12:00pm
Ridgefield Community Center
Environmental Education
Tuesday March 30th; 12:30pm-3:00pm
Carty Unit of the Refuge
Habitat Restoration
Saturday April 10th; 9:00am-12:00pm
River S Unit of the Refuge
Visitor Services (Greeting visitors and giving information)
Tuesday April 13th from 9-12 at the River S Unit.
Contact: Josie Finley, (360) 887-4106 or josie_finley@fws.gov

This next information was forwarded to me from Mayor Ron Onslow, and it talks about the upcoming census.

Are you up for the "Take 10" challenge?

During each Decennial (every ten years) Census, the Census Bureau undertakes the count of every person residing in the United States, as mandated by Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. To encourage everyone to take 10 minutes to answer the 10 simple questions on the 2010 Census form, we are launching the "Take 10" campaign. Through "Take 10," you can visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/ to get updates on the proportion of households that have mailed back the 2010 Census forms. You also will be able to view differences between your community's participation rates and those of neighboring communities or other areas across the country.

The "Take 10" Challenge - Tools to Inspire the Mail Back Participation Rates for the 2010 Census

During the 2000 Census, 72% of occupied households mailed back their forms. In 2010, we are challenging communities to do even better. The Census Bureau's "Take 10" campaign has a wide range of tools to inspire your community to meet our challenge. These include an interactive, map-based, "Take 10" Web site that allows local areas to track and compare their 2010 Census mail-back participation rates, which will be updated on a daily basis at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/, and to look up their 2000 Census participation rates.

The 2010 Census questionnaires are delivered from March 15-17, 2010. The stakes are high; an accurate count of the local population helps to ensure that constituents receive their fair share of federal funding. This funding includes resources for services, such as health care, education, and roads.

The census forms must be mailed back between March 15, 2010 and April 15, 2010. The good news is that the 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest in history-just 10 questions that only take about 10 minutes to complete.

Clark County Fire and Rescue is trying to collect 3000 blankets for Haiti before the rainy season begins. Please donate durable, new or gently used blankets. They may be dropped off at any of the Clark County Fire and Rescue fire stations in Battleground, Ridgefield and LaCenter. Addresses are listed at www.clarkfr.org. The blanket drive will run from February 15 through the 25th. Online donations for Haiti may be made at www.deltaministries.com.

Did you hear about the prehistoric tusk found at the new Ridgefield interchange?

Tapani Underground workers became archaeologists for the day recently after a prehistoric tusk was uncovered at the construction site of the new Ridgefield interchange with Interstate 5. The tusk is believed to be from a mastodon or woolly mammoth, both of which roamed this part of the world eons ago. The tusk has been sent to experts at the University of Washington for study and identification, and Tapani has gone back to performing its $21 million construction contract.

Mountain View Christian Center (259th St & 29th Ave) is ramping up their community outreach program called, 'In Touch.' They assist families in need of food and necessities in our immediate Ridgefield area. They have been working with Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Battle Ground taking their Ridgefield requests, and assisted eight families last week alone! Their mission is to become a major community resource for such needs and others as they grow and develop the outreach program.

On February 25th 12:30-6:15 they will have a blood drive with the SW WA Blood Program/Puget Sound Blood Center, at the church in the West Wing Rm 8, it will be easily marked and easy parking Call Julie Shea 360.606.4545 for an appointment or information. If 18 donors give, it can potentially help 54 people. The blood donated to this drive is used in our area.

The members of the church also would like to extend a request for donations of non-perishable food, and household items: anything that would be appropriate to help a family in need. Donations can be made at the church office or call Julie Shea 360.606.4545 for arrangements.

Ridgefield Community United Methodist Church is hosting five raised bed gardens for income-qualified households through the Clark County Homegrown Gardens project. There is no cost to participants, and all supplies including seeds, plants, a few simple tools, and the 'All New Square Foot Gardening' book are provided. On-site mentors help and encourage the gardeners, so no gardening experience is necessary. For more information or to receive an application, contact Kris Alexander at 695-5627 or familygardening@gmail.com

Thanks to Dennis Zimmerly for donating equipment to the weight room at Ridgefield High School. RHS offers Step Aerobics, Toning and Weight Training, Physical Education I and I and Weights and Conditioning.

The Old Liberty Theatre presents Chris Kokesh with Brokentop, this weekend, Saturday, Feb. 20th. 7:30 pm
Chris Kokesh is a songwriter with an eye for the hard detail, the grit and dirt of real life. A renowned fiddler and singer, Chris has been touring festival stages with northwest folk stars Misty River for years. Chris Kokesh combined with the Band Brokentop will insure an evening of original songs, high-caliber instrumentation and tight vocals.
www.chriskokesh.com. Showtime: 7:30 pm Admission $12 Tickets available by phone at (360) 887-7260. Also at the door.

My apologies to Kenny Rea and his family for mis-spelling his name last week. Luckily, the spelling error was found before the press release went to the local papers.

Upcoming events:
First Friday in downtown Ridgefield March 5, 5-8 pm

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Reception for artists exhibiting at Heron Gate Building (2 South 56th Place) March 5, 6-8 pm

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3 Leg Torso will be at the Old Liberty Theatre, Saturday, March 6th. 7:30 pm Showtime: 7:30 pm Admission $12

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The American Veterans Traveling Tribute will be in La Center, August 4 through August 8. The main focus of the exhibit is the Wall which is a replica of the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, DC. The exhibit is 80% of the size of the original which is 8 feet tall and 380 feet long. We encourage you and your family to support and attend this patriotic event.

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Democratic Legislative District Caucuses, Sunday, March 14 - locations to be announced. Information: Kathleen Arthur, 360-687-2555.

Looking for an inspirational or funny or thoughtful or beautiful note card? Stop by Alcove Art Gallery, 328 Pioneer Avenue, and check out our wide selection! (Blatant blurb)

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