Vancouver Family Magazine January 2022

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January 2022

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COLLEGE OR CAREER:

High School Students Prepare for the World of Work

Navigating an IEP: How to Access Special E ducation Services for Your Child

The Man Behind the Voice of Amateur Radio in Clark County

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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contents

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FEATURE ARTICLES

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College or Career High school programs teach students in-demand trades.

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Take Notes as You Travel the IEP Path IEP and 504 special education plans explained.

24

The Man Behind the Voice A prominent player in Clark County’s amateur radio community, Don Mitchell shares decades of experience connecting people all over the world.

IN EVERY ISSUE

18 8

January '22

24

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Editor’s Notes

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Couve Scoop

• Last chance to see "Fighting for the

Right to Fight" exhibit

• City of Vancouver creates Safe Stay Community

• Clark County Historical Museum 3D Digital Exhibits

• Columbia Gorge Photo Contest

10 Mosaic Family Voyage

Cruiser’s Paradise Found: Bahia

Santa Maria 30 Calendar of Events & Activities

ON THE WEB • Not Getting Enough Zzzzs? 15 Tricks for Better Sleep.

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

Make their dreams reality Washington College Savings Plans can help you prepare for your student’s dreams.

GET enrollment now open DreamAhead open year-round

Learn more at wastate529.wa.gov GET and DreamAhead are qualified tuition programs sponsored and distributed by the State of Washington. The Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment and College Savings administers and the Washington Student Achievement Council supports the plans. DreamAhead investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. If in-state tuition decreases in the future, GET tuitionFamily units may lose value.

Vancouver Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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Photo by Marie Pham Photography

EDITOR'S NOTES

Radio World Back in October, I applied for and received my General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), including my very own call sign (WROF646). The license grant was the result of an invitation from within my church community to participate in an emergency preparedness plan for our congregation. Before attending a meeting where a few of us were given a basic overview of how to work

www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com

Volume 21, Issue 1 Publisher

Julie Buchan Julie@vancouverfamilymagazine.com (360) 882-7762

Editor

Nikki Klock Nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com (360) 882-7762

Associate Editor

the GMRS radio units (including an amusing test run) and a brief

Sarah Mortensen Sarah@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

summary of the various amateur radio frequencies and uses, I had

Graphic Designer

no idea how deep and essential the world of amateur radio is, even in our modern world of internet connectivity and smart devices. Sure, I’ve seen the “Stranger Things” gang and the family in “A Quite Place” use radio communication to save the world, but little did I know (and little I still know) of how radio waves really do hold the power to connect our world, even in the case of dire catastrophes.

Broadband internet cables and telephone lines will always be susceptible to physical attack or damage, but radio waves are a part of

I-Shüan Warr Ishuan@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Ad Designer

Philip Nerat addesign@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Kristen Flowers, Kate Hagan, Rachel Messerschmidt, Sarah Mortensen

Ad Sales

sales@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

our natural environment—as long as we have the proper equipment

Vancouver Family Magazine is published monthly by Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC

and knowledge to harness their power. As radio talent and morning

Address: PO Box 820264 Vancouver, WA 98682 Tel: 360-882-7762

show host, Kristen Flowers, notes in her article in this month’s issue, Clark County is home to a vibrant community of individuals with that broad radio knowledge base, including one brilliant radio operator who could be said to be the voice of amateur radio in Clark County.

Who knows? Perhaps he and his fellow radio operators could save the world one day. In the meantime, the rest of us can simply try to avoid that scenario completely.

In this month’s issue, read more about amateur radio on page 24, plus

Copyright 2002-2022. All rights reserved.

No portion of Vancouver Family Magazine may be reproduced without the written permission from the publisher.

Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC and staff do not recommend or endorse any service, product, or content represented in this magazine or on our website.

The sole purpose of this publication is to provide information on available services and/or products. It is the consumer’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of information given. Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC, and/or Julie Buchan and Nikki Klock and staff do not assume and disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by error or omission in this magazine or on our website. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

discover programs in Clark County that are preparing high schoolers for future in-demand jobs (page 12) and learn how to navigate the IEP path to help your child succeed in school (page 18).

Nikki Klock, Editor nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

On the Cover:

Payton Souza, a graduate of Skyview High School and Cascadia Tech's aviation program, flew an airplane before she drove a car.

She's now living her dream restoring vintage planes at RARE Aircraft in Minnesota.

Photo by Tara Thackeray Photography www.TaraThackeray.com 360-524-4878

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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Notable News, Events & Efforts in Clark County

JANUARY 2022

Photos by Troy Wayrynen

Digital History Exhibits: From Clark County Historical Museum to Your Home Experiencing events and exhibits from home has become a hallmark of the COVID

era, and Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) has waxed creative to meet that need in the Southwest Washington community throughout 2020 and 2021. Museum members and nonmembers alike can now view a variety of digital history exhibits for free on any device, thanks to a partnership between the museum and students from Washington State University’s Digital Technology and Culture program.

CCHM’s outreach and public programs manager, April Buzby, explained that the museum’s digital exhibits fall into a few categories, including fully digital exhibits, 3D renderings and virtual companions.

3D renderings offer viewers the chance to explore specific artifacts from the museum’s collection from all angles. Items in this digital exhibit include an Interstate Bridge souvenir from 1917 and a GOP “Women for Reagan” pin from 1980. Virtual companions are intended to be an extension of physical exhibits found at the museum. “The photo or objects [in these virtual companions] are generally pulled from the physical exhibit itself,” said Buzby. Fully digital exhibits, such as the current “Quilts: A Story Written in Fabric and Thread,” are intended to be fully experienced online. This particular exhibit takes viewers through a series of slides showing photos and accompanying historical details about notable quilts, quilt patterns and quilters from Clark County, dating back to the 19th century, including a hexagonstyle quilt hand-pieced by Esther Short herself. The exhibit, Buzby says, “was curated by a volunteer who was Quilt by Esther Short researching the history behind quilts from our community.”

Photo by Missy Fant Photography

Buzby said the museum’s current plan is for these digital exhibits to remain on the museum’s website indefinitely, and that more exhibits will be added over time.

Check them all out at cchmuseum.org/digital-exhibits.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Expands Virtual and On-Site Field Trip Programs Fort Vancouver National Historic Site recently received an Open OutDoors

for Kids grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF) that will allow the site to expand both virtual and on-site field trip programs. For the first time, Fort Vancouver is adding virtual field trip programming options, which, like on-site programs, correlate with state educational standards and meet the needs of the populous metropolitan community surrounding the park.

“Field trips to Fort Vancouver are a highlight of elementary education for thousands of local students every year,” said Fort Vancouver National Historic Site superintendent Tracy Fortmann. “Educational opportunities create memories for students which last a lifetime. As a unit of the National Park Service, educational programs at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site provide students with an understanding of the national and international significance of our community’s history. This grant will allow Fort Vancouver National Historic Site to reach more students by expanding educational programming, both in-person and virtually.”

Educational opportunities at Fort Vancouver are woven into school curriculum and help children process how local history, including difficult topics like colonialism and trade, affects our community today. Educational programs at Fort Vancouver encourage deeper personal connections with history, creating unique memories that shape the way local children view our community and heritage. The National Park Service preserves nationally significant places for the inspiration, education, and enjoyment of this and future generations. Expanding on-site and virtual educational programming allows students better access to meaningful experiences in the national park.

On-site field trips currently serve over 20,000 students at the park each year.

The Open OutDoors for Kids Grant allows Fort Vancouver National Historic Site to provide transportation reimbursement to Title 1 schools visiting the park. The funding supports expanding outreach to Title 1 schools beyond Clark County, Washington into the Portland, Oregon metro area. Virtual programming also amplifies the reach of field trip programs to regional and national audiences, as there are no geographical limitations to virtual programming. On-site and virtual field trip programs for Spring 2022 will be offered Tuesday, March 1 through Friday, June 3, 2022, and reservations are now open.

Last Chance to See “Fighting for the Right to Fight” This month marks the last chance for visitors to view The Historic Trust’s exhibit entitled “Fighting for the Right to Fight,” a traveling exhibit curated by the National WWII Museum which chronicles the experiences of African Americans in World War II. “The exhibit features artifacts, photograms and oral histories to highlight some of the extraordinary achievements and challenges of African Americans during World War II,” said Amy VanCamp, director of marketing and events for The Historic Trust in Vancouver. Some of the highlighted historic experiences include the stories of Army medic Rothacker Smith who spent time as a German prisoner of war and whose shrapnel-damaged uniform is on display, and Willie James and Edward Carter, Jr., whose posthumously earned Congressional Medal of Honor medals

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are also on display. One visitor to the exhibit, Graham M., commented, “I read in the paper about the WWII Fighting for the Right to Fight exhibit; I took a friend last weekend to check it out and found that to call this an ‘exhibit’ doesn’t do it justice. It tells such a powerful, emotional and still very timely story. Everyone, young and old, should go before this important piece of history goes back to the WWII Museum.”

The exhibit opened in October 2021 and runs fittingly through January 15, just before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Exhibit hours and location are Wednesday-Saturday, 10 am-4 pm at the Artillery Barracks, 600 Hathaway Rd, Vancouver. Tickets are $10 per adult and children over 13, and free for veterans and families receiving SNAP benefits.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

"Fighting for the Right to Fight" Photos courtesy The Historic Trust

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Friends of the Columbia Gorge Launches ‘Our Gorge Connections’ Photo Contest Friends of the Columbia Gorge—a Portland-based conservation organization dedicated to protecting, preserving,

and stewarding the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area—is now accepting submissions for its seventh annual photo contest, centered on the theme of, “Our Gorge Connections,” which acknowledges the multitude of ways those who love the Columbia Gorge feel connected to its unique natural environment and distinct communities contained within. Added together, these connections result in a widely shared desire to see the Gorge protected as a vibrant place to visit and live, both now and for future generations to come.

“When I first moved to the Gorge, I was just blown away by its beauty and couldn’t help but take as many photos as I could,” said Paloma Ayala, a Hood River-based photographer and graphic designer who will be serving as a volunteer contest judge for the third year in a row. “Serving as a contest judge gives me the privilege to see the different ways people use their cameras to express how they connect to the Gorge.”

This year Friends will honor winning photos in seven categories—Community & Culture, Scenic Eastern Gorge, Scenic Western Gorge, Waterfalls, Wildflowers, Wildlife, and Youth Photographer (age 18 and under)—in addition to the grand prize winner. The grand prize winner will be chosen from all of the submissions and can come from any category.

The contest opened for entries on December 1, 2021. The deadline to submit is February 6, 2022, at 11:59 pm (Pacific). All photos must be owned by photographer and taken within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The winning photographs will be announced on or around June 1, 2022.

For the complete list of contest rules, photo requirements and prizes, or to submit photos, visit gorgefriends.org/ photocontest.

Top: Northern harrier in flight by Bill Kirkland, photo taken Feb. 2020 at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Clark County), Wildlife category winner of Friends' sixth annual (2020) photo contest.

Bottom: Dry Creek Falls by Dan Hawk, photo taken 2019, Grand Prize winner of Friends' sixth annual (2020) photo contest.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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MOSAIC FAMILY VOYAGE

By Rachel Messerschmidt All photos courtesy of the author.

er’s Paradise: s i u r C

Bahia Santa Maria

We arrived

in Ensenada, Mexico on Thursday the 4th of November and stayed there for nearly two weeks. We discovered just how real a culture shock can be and it took us some time to get our feet back under us. We’ve been studying Spanish but quickly realized how poor our communication skills were. We had trouble with our banks and gaining access to funds. It took several days to sort out phone numbers and cell data packages so that I could continue working my remote job.

through remote stretches of wilderness with only the occasional touch of cell service.

But, through all the stress and discomfort we endured in Ensenada, we kept reminding ourselves that this is what we’d signed up for when we’d decided to live and work full time aboard our sailboat home and move that home permanently to a foreign country. We had jumped deep out of our comfort zone and this, too, was part of the adventure. We knew there would be struggle and we gave each other grace and comfort when needed.

Bahia Tortugas was another one of those spots where we were suddenly struck with the realization of a change in the landscape.

From our boat, we gazed up at stark, red mountains and desolate terrain with few plants in sight—almost nothing green at all.

The view was vastly different from California’s palm trees and manicured lawns, and even more so from the dense greens of the Pacific Northwest. And yet, the foreign landscape was inarguably beautiful in its own rugged way.

After a couple weeks, we were ready to move onward south in search of warm waters and beautiful beaches. We sailed out of Ensenada on a two-night passage to Bahia Tortugas. Leaving Ensenada in our wake, we also left behind the land of internet connectivity. For the following two weeks, we would be passing

On our arrival in Bahia Tortugas, we were greeted by a couple of humpback whales breaching nearby and dozens upon dozens of dolphins frolicking around our sailboat. We cruised into the anchorage, joining about a dozen other cruising sailboats, and dropped our anchor for much needed rest.

Still, Bahia Tortugas didn’t grab our attention for long. The water, while warmer, was a sort of muddy brown and we knew this wasn’t yet the place we’d been searching for. After a full day of rest, we set off yet again sailing on another two-night passage toward Bahia Santa Maria another 240 miles south.

We passed very few other ships or boats of any kind off the coast of Baja. The days were endless sea in all directions, as we were often too far offshore to even see land. The nights were gorgeous, though, with a bright nearly-full moon to light our path. Just a continued on next page

Page 10, top: Dolphins swimming at the bow of the author's sailboat, Mosaic, as they approached Bahia Tortugas.

Bottom left: The author's sailboat, Mosaic, at anchor in Bahia Santa Maria.

Page 11: The coastline and view of the water in Bahia Santa Maria on the West Coast of the Mexican Baja Peninsula.

Inset: Family and friends from four different cruising sailboats in Bahia Santa Maria, a few days after Thanksgiving 2021.

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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couple of days before Thanksgiving, we arrived right at dawn to beautiful Bahia Santa Maria.

There were six other sailboats anchored in the bay, four of which were friends of ours. Scattered on the shoreline, we spotted a small spattering of rough buildings and nearby, a gorgeous white sandy beach. And the water! The water as we anchored was a gorgeous deep turquoise and we could see schools of fish swimming in the boat’s shadow. Clearly and immediately, we knew we’d arrived someplace special.

We spent time swimming off the boat that first morning, and in the afternoon, we joined friends at the beach for boogie boarding. Our kids played with their friends for hours, while the adults swapped stories of the adventures coming down the coast thus far. In the evening, we shared a meal of fresh-caught fish tacos and marveled up at the night sky full of bright stars. Without the populated world’s light pollution, we pointed out the Milky Way to our kids and

talked about life and our adventures of the past months.

We spent nearly a full week in Bahia Santa Maria. We hiked the hills and beaches, swam off the boat and near shore, snorkeled small reefs and rocks and enjoyed our first Thanksgiving away from home but with friends, old and new.

This was very much what we have been searching for. It’s what we’ve put so much effort, work, blood, sweat and tears into finding.

It’s been magical and I’m so thankful to be sharing this with my husband and kids, and sending pictures and stories back home.

And, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Rachel Messerschmidt and her family are Clark County natives living and cruising full time aboard their 40-foot sailboat, Mosaic. This past summer, they traveled down the U.S. West Coast and into Mexico.

Rachel blogs about her life and journey at www.mosaicvoyage.com.

She shares her family’s adventures in a monthly column in Vancouver Family Magazine.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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Feature: College or Career

COLLEGE OR

CAREER: Work-Based Education

Provides Both

By Sarah Mortensen

High school students practice skills in various fields including automotive, business, cosmetology, aviation, engineering and healthcare sciences at Cascadia Tech. Photos courtesy Cascadia Technical Academy.

A recent survey looking at the personal financial and graduation plans for American high school students found that 25% of respondents were delaying college due to the pandemic. The onset of COVID-19 seemed to increase a trend of young people pushing back against the repeated narrative that college is the best path for a successful future. With frequent decrying of the student debt crisis, it is no wonder that the cost of college is a major concern for high schoolers. Are four more years and tens of thousands of dollars of debt worth the investment that college is supposed to be?

Robert Russell, a financial algebra teacher at Columbia River High School, helps students answer that question for themselves, individually. Despite being a math course, the intended outcome of financial algebra is for students to “become responsible and self-reliant consumers.”

The course dedicates an entire week for each of the main types of debt students will encounter in their future, including student loans, car loans, mortgages and credit cards. According to Russell, the greatest surprise to students is “the speed at which the debt increases in a short period of time.” However, his students also learn about compounding interest for savings accounts and that “compound interest is the engine that makes your money work

for or against you.” Unlike many other math teachers, Russell has never had to answer the question, “When am I ever going to use this in the future?” Instead, “I start from day one explaining that everything in Financial Algebra is about learning how to make and keep money.”

With this background, Russell’s seniors can face graduation with a better grasp on the true cost of college, including opportunity cost. Four years of full time college oftentimes means four years of little to no income and a large amount of debt. Fortunately, school districts in Clark County offer programs to help high schoolers prepare for future highpaying careers, whether they choose to attend higher education or not. In fact, many programs offered on the campuses themselves teach students real work skills and even offer industry-recognized certifications to secure in-demand jobs, often immediately after graduation.

Career-Based Classes At Hudson’s Bay High School, Ben Brewer teaches both Business Marketing and Entrepreneurship. He also leads the DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) club and helps students run the school store during lunch hours. The purpose of the school store is to teach students all about running a small business.

Students run cash registers, make drinks, provide customer service and balance the financial books. These skills can be added to resumes and Brewer has often been a job reference for students entering the job market. Before becoming a teacher, Brewer worked as a professional marketer and maintains business connections that he draws upon to make sure what he is teaching is up to date, rather than “relying upon outdated textbooks,” he told me. The latest textbook the school has is from 2019, but the world of marketing is constantly changing.

Many businesses are now using TikTok to reach a broader audience. To advertise the school store, Brewer recently invited his students to employ the four Ps of marketing (product, place, promotion, price) to create an advertising campaign for the school store in TikTok videos. But beyond business, marketing is a lifelong skill all his students will need as they enter the workforce. Ben hopes they learn how to market themselves for a job or college once they leave school. Sales skills are not always acknowledged in the trade skills category, but if you were to ask Brewer, he would tell you marketing is the trade.

Horticulture is another practical skills class that is available to students at some local high schools. As one of the fastest growing continued on page 14

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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Feature: College or Career (cont'd) continued from page 12

industries in the U.S., horticulture has a wide range of career applications. The course offered through Vancouver Public Schools is aligned with the standards for “plant science and horticulture practicum” at the college level and does offer college credit if passed with a sufficient grade.

The rich curriculum “piques the interest of students,” according to Heather Mardon, horticulture teacher at Columbia River High School. “If our students [choose to] attend college, they usually study environmental science which is available at most local schools. Some have opened their own landscape businesses, work in grocery services, construction, recycling, culinary and animal services.” Even if her students do not go on to work in a related field, the skills they learn are valuable in many other ways. As adults, they will likely have a yard to take care of and maybe even a vegetable garden. After leaving school, Mardon told me she hopes her students will “notice plants, appreciate them and be able to grow and care for them [while] understanding their importance in our environment.”

credit. “Our child development courses also have an articulation agreement with Clark College where student can earn 12-20 college credits within the Early Childhood Education field,” said Katie Siewert, assistant director of career and college readiness for VPS. Students work hands on with a mentor teacher in an elementary or middle school to experience all aspects of a classroom from a teacher’s perspective. Students help create lesson plans and set goals for the younger students. Additionally, the program gives interview preference to students who complete the program and apply to be paraeducators with Vancouver Public Schools.

In the Culinary Arts program, students learn many sides of the culinary industry. “[They] participate in an internship at the JPC Passport Café, which is a café and coffee cart operated by students and open to the public,” continued Siewart. Students have opportunities to provide catering for small to large groups and learn about the operations of the school cafeteria. Similar to horticulture, even if a student does not go on to work in a food industry, they benefit from the lifelong skill to cook for themselves and their loved ones.

Formerly the Welding and Fabrication program, Advanced Manufacturing is

Programs of Choice: Vancouver Public Schools In December of each year, ninth grade students in Vancouver Public Schools receive a flyer giving a brief overview for education options during their high school years. Each “program of choice” hosts an open house where families can attend to learn more about the curriculum. Each is a half day program focusing on a specific in-demand trade, including Careers in Education, Culinary Arts and Advanced Manufacturing.

With today’s shortage of early childhood educators and paraeducators, Vancouver Public Schools’ Careers in Education magnet program is a timely option for students who may be interested in working in a school setting. The program offers five college credits through Lower Columbia College for free, as well as high school

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Culinary students practice their skills at Cascadia Tech.

Photo courtesy Cascadia Technical Academy.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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keeping pace with industry standards to prepare students for today’s welding and manufacturing jobs. “The program added CNC machining equipment such as a CNC plasma cutting table, commercial Tormach CNC machine, CAD lab and 3D printers, in addition to refurbishing the manual mills and lathes,” said Tracey Scharmann, business outreach for VPS’s career and technical education department. “There are virtual welders as well as new energy efficient welding units,” she boasted. The new Core Plus Manufacturing curriculum now allows students to earn math equivalency within the course as well as an OSHA-10 certification.

Through the programs of choice and magnet programs, “VPS has many workbased learning opportunities [such as] unpaid and paid internships with local companies like SEH-A, LSW Architect, TechSmart and Holt homes. Students are eligible to earn three credits at Clark College if they receive a B or better in

their internship,” explained Scharmann.

These school-business connections help students not only network, but think about their future beyond the classroom in a more tangible way that allows them to explore careers at no risk. Those who may not have known what working in a trade would be like, work side-by-side with professionals and see for themselves if it would be a good fit for them. “We are always looking for new partners that are interested in hosting students in the opportunities.”

Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School HeLa High School, as it’s more commonly referred to, is a specialty high school within Evergreen School District. Similar to the programs of choice options with VPS, HeLa students participate in “work-site learning experiences” in their field of study. As the name implies, the programs at HeLa focus on the healthcare sciences including Pharmacy, Public

Health, Nursing and Biotechnology and Engineering. While careers in these fields will require higher education, students at HeLa get real experience in the field using modern technology. For example, students work with robotic prosthesis, extract DNA or measure growth rates of disease, depending on their program of study. Students who complete the Nursing and Patient Care program will have completed enough practical hours and study to be able to take Washington’s certified nursing assistant examination and skills competency test.

Cascadia Tech Academy Cascadia Tech Academy is home to sixteen programs which prepare students for in-demand jobs including Dental Assisting, Information Technology and Construction Technology. From Washougal to Woodland, Cascadia is open to high school students in any of the school districts in Clark County or Educational Service District 112. Students attend their continued on page 16

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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Feature: College or Career (cont'd) continued from page 15

program at Cascadia for half the day, then take a bus back to their home high school for the rest. All of Cascadia’s programs are considered preparatory, not exploratory.

The difference is that exploratory classes give students an overview of the field, whereas a preparatory program ensures they are fully ready to enter the occupation upon graduation. Each graduate at Cascadia receives an industry-recognized certification for their program. This means that Cosmetology students are fully licensed cosmetologists after taking the final exam and Automotive and Diesel Technology students are ready to work as certified mechanics. Unsurprisingly, the unemployment rate for graduates of Cascadia is very low at 5%, less than one third the average rate for 18-yearolds in Clark County. “With the skilled workforce understaffed, our students are in high demand,” Joan Huston, director of Cascadia Tech Academy said. “The trend in high schools for many years has been a university track focus, leaving

high paying jobs empty. Fortunately, the career and technical education movement is swinging back towards favorable as people recognize the unmet needs of high-paying jobs.” Founded in 1983 as a state-funded public school, students do not pay to attend Cascadia. “It’s still the best kept secret,” Huston told me during my visit to the school.

in the Aviation program said. “This year we’ve designed and built some rockets.

Next time we have any good weather we’ll be launching them, and hopefully they’ll get up to at least 800 ft. We’re also [working on] an electrical unit and flying on the simulators. I would recommend it to anyone that’s even slightly interested in aviation.”

Students are typically informed of Cascadia’s programs through their high school, though home-schooled students are welcome to apply as well. They are invited to open houses to tour the facilities and once they see the campus, many decide that Cascadia is the place for them.

Every program uses industry standard equipment including a flight simulator for the Aviation Technology program and a professional kitchen for the Culinary, Baking and Pastry Arts.

Every teacher at Cascadia has worked in their field. Sometimes, they take a break from teaching and go back to work to keep their skills relevant for their students. Students refer to their teachers by their first name and see each other as co-workers, or as boss and employee to foster professionalism among the cohort.

This is especially true for the students participating in Construction Technology.

Each year, they build a house from start to finish with their instructor. The house is then sold on the market and the profits are used to purchase a plot of land for next year’s students. In every program,

“I chose the program because the simulators looked cool,” Brock W., a senior

continued on next page

Go to VancouverFamilyMagazine.com for more information about magnet programs and open house dates for Vancouver Public Schools and Evergreen Public Schools, and for information about Cascadia Tech Academy’s program offerings.

Students practice medical assistant, auto mechanics and firefighting skills at Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School and Cascadia Tech Academy.

16

Photo courtesy Henrietta Lacks High School and Cascadia Tech.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

continued from previous page

more than 50% of the time is dedicated to working in the lab (or job site) compared to time spent in the classroom.

In addition to the industry certifications, an advantage to attending Cascadia is the networking connections students are able to make within the local business community. Business Principles students spend at least 60 hours in an industry internship, Fire Science students spend time at fire stations with local firefighters and many automotive students take advantage of a partnership with Dick Hannah Automotive. These connections often lead students to jobs shortly after graduation.

Running Start Another option which helps offset both the time and cost of college is Washington State’s Running Start program. Running Start is a way for students to begin college early by enrolling in a local community college during their junior and/

or senior years of high school. Students in Southwest Washington attend Clark College for some of the school day, and their local high school for the rest.

Those who plan appropriately are able to complete an Associate Degree and high school diploma simultaneously. The tuition is covered through a partnership with their school district, making it mostly free for the student (some general fees apply).

This is the perfect option for diligent students who are ready to take on college level coursework, allowing them to get the standard prerequisites for a four year degree out of the way. When completed, they are able to transfer to a university and register as a junior in their field of study.

In the board game Life, players choose a path early on that will take them toward college or immediately into a career. If you choose the career path, you move more quickly through the game, but risk drawing a lower salary than the college path. The winner of the game is the player

with the most money when they reach the retirement space, but anyone who has played the game knows it is essentially a game of chance—no matter which path you chose initially. However, in today’s world with a shortage of skilled workers, the tables seem to be turning and more trades are paying as much, if not more, than the beginning salary for new college graduates. The respect for trade skills also seems to be increasing in American culture. While college is still the right path for many students, it’s certainly not the only one, and students in Clark County have more opportunities to learn about those paths thanks to programs like these.

Sarah Mortensen holds a degree in English and marriage and family studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho and works for Vancouver Public Schools as a paraeducator.

When Sarah is not reading to her kids or students, she is probably in her backyard taking care of her vegetable garden. She also enjoys hiking, hot chocolate and dressing up for Halloween. She lives in Vancouver with her husband, son and daughter.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

17

Feature: Take Notes as You Travel the IEP Path

Take Notes as You Travel

the

IEP Path

While parenting my child with developmental differences, I frequently come back to the famous poem by Robert Frost: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by.”

By Kate Gallup

Children with different learning and developmental needs are simply on a different path. An individual education plan (IEP) provides a roadmap along that lesser traveled road as the child navigates school. An IEP is designed to have the parent, special education teacher and providers, general education teachers and a district representative all in agreement for a child’s individual goals, accommodations and even a discipline plan if necessary.

Yet, obtaining an IEP can require some perseverance and advocacy on the parent’s part.

public education” for all students despite these conditions. Within Vancouver Public Schools (VPS) alone, roughly 3,000 students receive special education services, or about 13% of the total student population. This may seem like a large percentage at face value, until one understands that ADHD is considered an “other health impairment” and the specific learning disability category covers things like dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. The goal of an IEP is to maximize the student’s learning outcomes by providing additional services.

Understanding my struggle, which for us began at a speech delay and has plateaued at a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has helped me recognize the benefits of early access to services as soon as a need is identified. I’ve also discovered that so few parents know where to start or what to expect as they traverse the world of special education services.

Students who do not qualify for IEPs may instead qualify for a 504 plan, which is a federal civil rights law. It expands the definition of disability, but does not require academic improvements like IDEA. However, it does provide individual accommodations unique to the student’s needs. While an IEP may change the content of curriculum for a student, a 504 plan does not. Instead, a 504 plan can change the delivery method of the curriculum such as providing a quiet space to work, more breaks during a test or fewer questions. The goal of a 504 plan is to provide equal access for students with disabilities and remove barriers to their learning. “For Section 504, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities,” explains Jamie Phelps, special services specialist for VPS.

IEPs vs 504s Special Education services are provided to students through an IEP in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To obtain an IEP, a student must have at least one of 13 federally recognized disabilities. Those disabilities are deafness, visual impairment, deafness/ blindness, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairment, hearing disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, autism spectrum disorder, a specific learning disability, other health impairment and multiple disabilities.

IDEA guarantees a “free and appropriate

Both IEPs and 504 plans are a written record with goals for tracking progress and both specify delivery of services. “For Section 504, a group of people knowledgeable about the child, the meaning of the evaluation data and placement options continued on page 20

18

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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19

Feature: Take Notes as You Travel the IEP Path (cont'd) continued from page 18

makes decisions around eligibility and services,” explains Phelps.

“For special education, an IEP Team [including] the parent and a host of other designated members makes decisions regarding the student’s programming and placement.” The laws for both educational plans have unique deadlines and formats that the school must abide by. For example, parents must be informed of any changes beforehand if a new evaluation is to be performed.

Everything must be documented at regular intervals. Additionally, students are entitled to participate in school “in the least restrictive environment” for their educational needs.

Parents with children who do not qualify under IDEA or for a 504 plan may still be able to discuss accommodations on an individual and personal basis with their teacher. School counselors may suggest referrals for families to seek private medical therapies or behavioral services; but these supplementary services will not have legal binding within the school system.

What Age Do IEPs Apply To? Understanding whether you need a written plan for your child is generally a process, not a single event. The idea becomes apparent when a student is identified as “struggling” in one or more areas and may benefit from additional support. For my child, we became aware of language processing issues in early toddlerhood and had an IEP by age 3. For others, these learning differences may not be noticeable until preschool or even later on in elementary school. “At age 4 we noticed that our child had really high energy, short attention span and was very distractible,” says Vancouver mom and fellow contributing writer for Vancouver Family Magazine, Claire Curtis. Curtis didn’t seek intervention for her child immediately, but instead decided to be patient.

time to see if they are able to catch up. If after a specified time period they do not make progress, a school team may assess for a learning disability. Phelps reiterates, “Families are always able to request an evaluation or inquire about support if their child is not making progress in their grade-level classroom.”

Understanding the Evaluation Experience The idea that your child may need special services can cause significant stress for parents. Missing milestones can, from my experience, cause significant anxiety, especially over wondering what is causing the issue. Our journey was structured around when and why speech was delayed, though the formal diagnosis came a number of years later.

For Curtis, who is also a parent of a child with ADHD, the journey began differently. “We stressed a lot about what to do for our child.

We knew there was a stigma associated with being ADHD and being on medication. It took a lot of talking, a lot of compromise and the worst teacher ever to get us to the point that we were ready to [move things forward],” she shares.

Curtis and her husband sought a formal medical evaluation of their child and, subsequently, a diagnosis. Evaluations for missed milestones and/or other issues can be done at a private therapist’s office, through a medical provider or sometimes within the school system. To obtain educational services for your child, the school system will use outside medical summaries in addition to any school evaluation to ensure the proper education plan is applied. You can expect an epic amount of paperwork, so it’s important to keep notes as you go through the process. The results of an evaluation will help identify where

“There is not a common age or grade for a student to be found eligible for special education services and then to receive an IEP as it is determined on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with the family and school team,” explains Phelps. “Many of our students are evaluated and made eligible for special education before their third birthday.”

Other students however, don’t necessarily jump directly to an IEP and may try inclass supports or a 504 plan first.

Schools will typically attempt a “Response to Intervention” (RTI) plan before looking into special education services. For example, a student who may be struggling with reading will be provided extra help for a Claire Curtis on an adventure with her family.

Photo courtesy Claire Curtis.

20

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

continued on page 22

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

21

Feature: Take Notes as You Travel the IEP Path (cont'd) continued from page 20

and how your student may need support for academic success, but also where they excel.

As a former teacher herself, Curtis has a unique perspective.

“Sometimes it’s very difficult for parents to accept their child isn’t perfect or has difficulties in the classroom. Know that the teacher has been trying multiple ways, multiple times before it got to this point.” It’s important to remember that this process is voluntary and free of charge through the school system. It is not a reflection on who your child is as a person nor who you are as a parent. It’s also important to note that not all students who get an evaluation will be referred for services. Sometimes, an RTI is all that is necessary.

Parents’ Perspectives I feel passionately that there is no downside to giving a child the tools they need for success. What exactly those tools are differs from person to person. Correct diagnosis of disabilities helps protect against the incorrect labels of things like lazy, mean or dumb. An unavoidable reality, though, is that being an IEP mom means I’m sometimes drowning in extra meetings, appointments and paperwork.

Yet, the extra support we received with our IEP helped my student, both behaviorally and socially, to come out of the pandemic with manners and additional coping skills. It was amazing for my kindergartner, especially considering what many typicallydeveloping peers experienced during 2020 with remote school and social isolation. But after all, an IEP is only a reflection of how we learn, not what we learn. Kindness, character and inclusivity have no limit for any ability.

Curtis notes, “A possibility [to seeking special services] is that they might be removed from a general classroom for part of their day.”

She knows from experience it can be a long process but, “it will be for the best for your child,” she emphasizes. “They will get the help they need to be successful in life. There is still some social stigma that goes with 504 plans and IEPs, but the more we talk about them, normalize them and utilize them, the more understanding there will be. 504s and IEPs help—it just takes time, effort and work.” Curtis likes having a say on what supports will be best for her child. She continues, “It causes me to be more involved in their education and in close contact with educators.”

An Administrator’s View In the eyes of educators and administrators, IEP students are equally deserving of the same opportunities as every other student.

Unfortunately, the child (or other children) may notice that they are getting different instruction than their peers at some point. Phelps reassures that, “[Our] staff and teams work hard to not stigmatize students who are receiving additional supports through an IEP,

22

but there can be times when students feel singled out or do not want to receive additional support.” If this does happen, VPS staff is prepared. “The school team works with the family, building staff and students to strengthen the collective understanding around the need for additional support,” says Phelps.

And while there will always be a risk to drawing individual attention, providing students with the services they need is beneficial overall. Phelps agrees, “All IEPs are designed to support a student in accessing the grade level content in their general education classrooms. So many students have benefited from the supports provided through an IEP and have learned things like how to regulate their emotions when frustrated, identify an academic reading strategy to support comprehension or when to request a break during class time.”

IEP Takeaways An IEP is a plan created after a parent or teacher requests an evaluation, or a student is otherwise found eligible. It is guided by federal law, as are 504 education plans.

IEPs can be developed as young as age 3, or at any time as needs and supports are recognized. IEP needs may also change over time.

The IEP process can cause anxiety and worry for families, but most families eventually understand and appreciate the benefits of additional support.

IEPs and other supportive services are tools you have as a parent to help your child succeed. Curtis shares some parting words, “Be loud and proud! You know your kid better than anyone else and you will need to be their voice. Involve your child in the discussion.

Make them aware of the diagnosis and the supports they will need.”

And don’t forget to take notes!

Kate Hagan Gallup is a Vancouver mom, wife, writer, digital strategist and self-described geek. A University of Washington graduate with a master’s degree in information management, Kate is a widely published writer specializing in parenting, food and natural living. Find Kate at Ripley K8 Digital.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

23

Feature: The Man Behind the Voice of Amateur Radio in Clark County

The Man Behind the Voice of Amateur Radio in Clark County

By Kristen Flowers

Part 1 of a 2-Part Series on Local Radio Read Part 2 in our upcoming February issue!

Don Mitchell

remembers being a young student at the Oregon School for the Blind in Salem when a classmate introduced him to a piece of technology he had never seen before. It was a small, unassuming electronic device, but it forever transformed how Mitchell communicated with and saw the world. He explored this new item with a passionate thrill and the last bit of functioning eyesight he had left.

Mitchell will never forget the day he saw his first radio.

Now 72, and completely blind, radio is one of the things that brings him the most joy.

“It’s magic to me. It’s just magic. I really get excited about it,” he says.

fun. He had a blast playing with it, turning the dials and listening to the different stations. That’s when he turned the radio around and looked at the back.

His enthusiasm for amateur radio is infectious, and if you stop and think about it, it’s easy to see why.

“There were little holes for the hot air to come out, and I could see glowing lights in there. And when I turned the station, there was this thing that moved, and I thought, ‘Wow, that is so cool. I wonder what that does. I wonder how that works.’ It was just that little event in my life that fueled my love of radio.”

For some, the idea of “entertainment” conjures up the taste of popcorn while in an IMAX theater. For others, it’s the feel of the latex headphone pads that slide over your ears as you dive into the latest true crime podcast. But, it’s easy to forget that none of those could have existed without the invention of the radio.

In the late 1800s, the first wireless radio was presented by Nikolai Tesla. By now, it should have fallen out of fashion for such an old piece of technology. Instead, the opposite has happened. It remains the most utilized piece of entertainment in the United States. It reaches more people monthly than the use of television, tablets, PCs, and smartphones.

But for Mitchell, all those decades ago with his classmate’s radio in hand, it was just Don Mitchell in front of his Vancouver home with his service dog, Relay. The home’s roof supports a large antennae that enables Mitchell to broadcast and receive radio signals and messages from all over the world.

Photo by Renee Watts.

24

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

In his 30s, Mitchell went on to get his general class radio license, but the mystery of the radio never went away. “Science has tried to understand it, and they have come up with a lot of good theories [for how radio signals work]. But none of the theories explain it perfectly.” Mitchell continues, “I don’t think we really understand it. And it’s that mystery to me, I just love it. I feel happy when I push that button.”

There is happiness in his voice as he talks about this passion, but for Mitchell, being an amateur radio enthusiast is more than pushing buttons and broadcasting his voice to the world. Being an amateur radio operator allows him and others to be a hero to people in need. He can help people who are hundreds of miles away while never leaving his house. continued on page 26

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

25

Feature: The Man Behind the Voice of Amateur Radio in Clark County (cont'd) continued from page 24

According to Mitchell, one of the primary principles of amateur radio is to create “a core group of radio operators who are skilled at operating a radio station and do all the things you need to do to maintain and keep it functioning. So in times of emergencies, there [will] be people to help.”

This is something he has experience in.

“There was a boy scout that got lost up by Mount St. Helens and I assisted, not in the actual search, but in communications.”

The search took place before cell phones were readily available and the apprehension was significant among those conducting the search. The concern was that when some trees toppled over, they left gaping holes that got covered in ash, making them hard to see. Search and rescue teams were worried that the child had fallen into one, creating a highly complex rescue mission.

“I was on my radio and we communicated with people who were out on the search.

They had a radio station out there at their camp. If they needed to communicate with anyone, they would pass a message and then we would pass it to the emergency control center in Vancouver.”

Luckily, the search had a happy ending.

Crews at the mountain asked the radio operators to message the family that the boy had been found safe.

Each week, amateur radio operators connect to each other in case their help is needed in natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. If a significant emergency happens, Mitchell knows how to jump on his radio to ask for help.

[Radio] remains the most utilized piece of entertainment in the United States. It reaches more people monthly than the use of television, tablets, PCs, and smartphones.

air simply to visit. It’s called a Roundtable, and when Mitchell hosts one, he creates a topic based on a question. For example: talk about the town in which you were born.

Every member takes a turn explaining their connection to the place. It’s a meaningful conversation and draws the group to a single focus.

Country Cousins is another group. Mitchell explains that in this group, a user pops on to talk about whatever is going on with their life. It’s also a chance to troubleshoot and ask questions about modifying the radio or to get answers to specific questions about the equipment. “It’s fun!” Mitchell says.

Amateur radio operators even create contests to participate in. Members are challenged to try to talk to a person in every state or every country, or to try to find people to talk to in famous locations.

One of these extraordinary locations can even be out of this world.

There is also a deeply personal connection that can be made through amateur radio.

“The people up in the International Space Station have amateur radio licenses, and they have a station up there,” Mitchell explains. “They get on the air and they talk to people.”

Mitchell is part of several groups that go on

Schools can connect with the ISS, giving

children a chance to talk and ask questions to astronauts floating in space. It also gives people like Mitchell an opportunity to listen in and learn along with the kids. “There’s just all kinds of things you can do with an amateur radio.”

There is no doubt that a call to a friend would be much more accessible, but it’s not the same for Mitchell. “I can go into my radio station, turn on the equipment, push down a button and speak. My words can be heard in England or Samoa.”

The potential to make a new friend is constantly growing, especially in Southwest Washington. “We have one of the biggest clubs, maybe on the west coast, here in Clark County,” says Mitchell. There are currently over 380 local members of the amateur radio club. New radio lovers are welcome to join at www. w7aia.org. You’ll find all the information you need to get involved in the community and start your first broadcast on the site.

If you join, make sure to say hello to N7ETR. That’s Don Mitchell’s call sign.

There’s excitement in Mitchell’s voice as he describes the additional FCC radio license he plans to get. The advancement in technology piques his curiosity and continued on page 28

26

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

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27

Feature: The Man Behind the Voice of Amateur Radio in Clark County (cont'd) continued from page 26

feeds his appetite to learn more about his favorite hobby.

But, there is a practical reason too.

The extra class license will allow him to broadcast on more frequencies, and to someone who is now completely blind, it will open up a world of opportunities to him.

“In my older age, I have to keep a chart in front of me to remember what frequencies I’m legal to operate on and which ones I’m not legal to operate on. So I figure I get my license, then I won’t have to remember as many things.” He laughs, but it’s one of the many challenges Mitchell faces as a blind amateur radio operator.

“Throughout my career in amateur radio, we’ve always had to come up with gimmicks. You’d mark the dial you tune the radio with. You know if you turn the dial this many times, you would turn it this much.

Then you just need to keep track. ‘OK, to get here, I need to turn it three times, and to get back here, I need to go two-and-aquarter times.’”

Because a lot of the equipment is menudriven, most visually impaired, amateur radio operators will memorize the steps to get to a particular desired outcome.

But the task is tedious and requires great awareness and memory. It’s enough to discourage the average person, but Mitchell doesn’t let any of that get in the way.

Read Part 2 of this 2-part series on local Clark County radio in our upcoming February 2022 issue!

I’ve been a radio talent for over a decade now and have pushed the on-air mic hundreds, if not thousands, of times. Still, when something breaks or needs a tuneup, I dial up the engineers hired by the station and leave it in their capable hands.

Left to my own devices, I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to fix any of the equipment in the studio.

Yet, here in our community is a man whose passion for radio outweighs most professionals I know. Not many of us can say that they know more about a job than the people getting paid to do them, but then again, they haven’t met Don Mitchell.

Through decades, he acquired knowhow most don’t possess, and he did it for free.

All for the love of it.

As the writer of this article, my goal was to share Don Mitchell’s story. Still, it’s hard not to interject because my day job is as a professional broadcaster on terrestrial radio. To say that I’m blown away by Mitchell’s skill and expertise is an understatement.

Don Mitchell operates his amateur radio equipment from his home in Vancouver. Mitchell, now totally blind, has been fascinated with radio since childhood.

Photo by Renee Watts.

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

I may be a radio talent who gets paid to broadcast over the airwaves every day, but it’s safe to say that Mitchell, who goes live from his home in Vancouver, is more of a skilled radio professional than I am.

Now, as I gear up for another show, I’ll think of Mitchell and let his enthusiasm for radio inspire me to be my very best.

Kristen Flowers is the host of the morning show, Nick and Kristen in the Morning on 99.5 The Wolf. She lives in Vancouver and currently blogs for her own website, www.

AccordingtoKristen.com. She moderates the Positive Parenting Posse group on Facebook, a page dedicated to sharing positive and helpful tips about parenting. In her spare time, she’s working on her debut novel and making everything she possibly can on her new Cricut maker.

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

29

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Calendar

January '22

S M T W T F S 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 SATURDAY

Sunshine Division’s Winter Wonderland at 1940 N Victory Blvd., Portland. Enjoy the most spectacular drive-through light show in the region from the comfort of your own vehicle, viewing over 250 colorful light set pieces and many fully animated scenes along the way. $46 admission per car, tickets at winterwonderlandportland.com. 4:15-9:30 pm ZooLights at Oregon Zoo. See the zoo come alive in animal-themed holiday lights! Walk through night, adult admission $29, kids $24.

Tickets at oregonzoo.org/visit/ZooLights.

5-9 pm

2 SUNDAY

ZooLights at Oregon Zoo. Walk through night (See January 1 for more details.) 5-9 pm

3 MONDAY

ZooLights at Oregon Zoo. Walk through night (See January 1 for more details.) 5-9 pm

4 TUESDAY

ZooLights at Oregon Zoo. Drive through night, $65 per car (See January 1 for more details.) 5-9 pm

of events

Have a community event that you want to share?

Go to www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com and click on “Calendar” to submit your event. Deadline for print calendar submissions is the 1st of the month prior to the issue.

Events are subject to change. Please contact organization directly to confirm. All library events are free and open to the public.

that are ready to welcome you. Support local artists! For details and map visit vdausa.org/ first-Friday.

Downtown Camas First Fridays. First Fridays feature activities, art, dining, and after hours shopping—fun for the whole family!

Local art exhibits, themed family games and activities, and free-to-enter gift basket raffles are part of each First Friday line-up! 5-8 pm

8 SATURDAY

Board Game Club for Adults at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave, Camas. Join a casual group of adult board game enthusiasts for an afternoon of fun! Games will vary. Some will be provided, or you may bring your own.

Registration required. 12-3 pm

22 SATURDAY

Twilight Trivia Night at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave, Camas. Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Join us for this night of trivia about your favorite vampires!

Trivia will be based on both the book series as well as the movie franchise. Costumes are encouraged! Teens and Adults, up to 4 people per team or play on your own. 6:30-8:30 pm

ZooLights at Oregon Zoo. Drive through night, $65 per car (See January 1 for more details.) 5-9 pm

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Elgar’s Enigma Variations. Elgar’s fascinating and mysterious series of musical portraits will intrigue and enchant you, and this season’s three Gold Medalists of the 28th Annual Young Artists Competition will take the stage to perform their selections under the baton of Maestro Brotons. ** Masks and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours will be required** Purchase tickets and find more information at vancouversymphony. org. 7-9 pm

7 FRIDAY

23 SUNDAY

5 WEDNESDAY

ZooLights at Oregon Zoo. Drive through night, $65 per car (See January 1 for more details.) 5-9 pm

6 THURSDAY

First Friday Downtown Art Walk.

Vancouver’s downtown is home to a wide array of gallery spaces and art-centric businesses

30

activities

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Elgar’s Enigma Variations. (See January 22 for more details.) 3 pm

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

Check out our website for even mo re local events .

28 FRIDAY

Race for Warmth Virtual Race in support of Operation Warm Heart. The race will take place January 28-30. Registration for this event is $30 and all funds go directly to Operation Warm Heart. A virtual run is just like running a race with thousands of other people . . . just not all at the same place! Raffle drawings leading up to and through the weekend of the race and giving out prizes. This year for only $5, you can register your pet to participate with you and they will receive a Race for Warmth pet bandana! More information and registration at clarkpublicutilities.com/event/race-for-warmth.

“Heathers” the Musical presented by Metropolitan Community Theater.

See metropolitanperformingarts.org/ mpaseasontwelve.html for updated details.

7:30 pm

29 SATURDAY

Race for Warmth Virtual Race in support of Operation Warm Heart. (See January 28 for more details) “Heathers” the Musical presented

by Metropolitan Community Theater.

See metropolitanperformingarts.org/ mpaseasontwelve.html for updated details.

7:30 pm

30 SUNDAY

Race for Warmth Virtual Race in support of Operation Warm Heart. (See January 28 for more details) “Heathers” the Musical presented

by Metropolitan Community Theater.

See metropolitanperformingarts.org/ mpaseasontwelve.html for updated details.

7:30 pm

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advertiser index Camps & Classes Journey Theater.............................................27 The Little Gym..................................................2 Oregon Children’s Theatre...............................9 Events Couve Clover Run..........................................29 Financial WA529..............................................................5 Warner Brown Financial...................................7 Fitness The Little Gym..................................................2

Health All Star Orthodontics........................................7 Barnick Chiropractic.......................................11 Child and Adolescent Clinic..............................2 Evergreen Pediatrics......................................27 PeaceHealth.....................................................3 Priority Life Chiropractic and Massage...........31 Storybook Dental............................................29 WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine......19 Legal Schauermann Thayer.....................................25

Resources Applied Team Insurance.................................15 ESD112....................................................17, 29 Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Seminars.............13 KeepUsOpen.us.............................................21 WA529..............................................................5 Retail Kazoodles Toys..............................................13 Vancouver Mall...............................................31 Schools, Education & Child Care Clark County Montessori Schools..................23 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School...............7 St. Andrew Preschool.....................................11 Southwest Washington Learning Center........32

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • January 2022

31

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