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Middle Schoolers on Social Media • Journey of a Teen Mom • The Blind Woodsman

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contents

July ‘18

8

FEATURE ARTICLES

12

The Blind Woodsman Blind artist John Furniss brings life and light to Clark County through art

16

Middle Schools Sound Off on Social Media Students at Gaiser Middle School discuss navigating the digital world

22

Lilly’s Story Resources and support through the journey of a teen parent

22

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IN EVERY ISSUE 6

Editor’s Notes

8

The New Domesticity Perspectives on “old fashioned” living

10

Bit of HiStory History behind park names in Clark County

26

Calendar of Events & Activities

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EDITOR'S NOTES

Photo: Scarlette Richards – scarlette.squarespace.com

There is something mysterious, maddening and

magical about middle school. A mysterious force transforms your child into a pseudo-adult, her

judgment becomes maddening, and yet magical moments of clarity and wisdom (for her and

for you) occur often enough to keep the whole family moving forward. In this way, middle

school as a magical, mysterious and maddening

time and place never fully ends. As adults, we fumble, then we choose

well. We triumph, then we fail miserably. After all, as Adora Svitak

pointed out in her 2010 TED talk (given when she was just 12 years

old) adults are responsible for the world’s worst foibles and evils, not

www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com

Volume 17, Issue 7 Publisher

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

Editor

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

Graphic Designer

I-Shüan Warr Ishuan@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

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children. “The traits the word ‘childish’ addresses are seen so often

Philip Nerat Philip@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

it comes to criticizing behavior associated with irresponsibility and

Pat Jollota, Julianna Lawson, Brooke Strickland, Vivian Walikainen

in adults that we should abolish this age discriminatory word when

irrational thinking,” she said. “I think adults should start learning from kids . . . Learning between kids and adults should be reciprocal.”

Wise is the parent who gives his child a consistent, worthy role

model to learn from, while also gleaning wisdom from the unique

perspectives of his own children. This give and take strengthens the

whole family, as we navigate the messiness of life with grace, patience, and resilience.

Learn what middle schoolers have to say about social media, and how it reveals their perspective on life, on page 16, and discover one Clark County resident whose admirable resilience is exhibited through his magical art, on page 12.

Contributing Writers

Ad Sales

sales@vancouverfamilymagazine.com Vancouver Family Magazine is published monthly by Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC Address: PO Box 820264 Vancouver, WA 98682 Tel: 360-882-7762 Copyright 2002-2018. 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.

Visit www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com to view Adora Svitak’s full TED Talk.

On the Cover: Nikki Klock, Editor nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Reilly B., Jack K., Candler B. and Ryan C., friends, teammates, soccer state champions and Columbia River graduates are ready to take on the world!

Photo by Kristie Benson True North Portraits (360) 448-1896 Kristie@truenorthportraits.com www.truenorthportraits.com

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

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THE NEW DOMESTICITY

the

NEW DOMESTICITY

Raising Old-Fashioned Families

1

By Julianna Lawson

We gathered around the table with a common

goal: make it to Oregon. But would all six of us survive? It seemed doubtful. Embarking on our journey, we were optimistic, determined, hopeful. But as the dusty trail behind us grew, so did our doubts. The oxen were thirsty. Dysentery threatened. The wagon tongue broke. (Again.) The supplies we desperately needed couldn’t be replenished until we reached the next fort. One by one, family members dropped off. Starvation. Snake bite. Cholera. It was grim. Finally, Oregon Territory was in sight. Most of us had died, so it didn’t even seem to matter. One final move, and the last member was wiped out by dysentery. No Willamette Valley for us.

As we laughed and packed up the card game, relieved it was just that—a game—my mind drew pictures of what it might have been like, had these precious people of mine actually been crammed into a covered wagon. As a young girl, it was one of my favorite histories to study. The Oregon Trail: a path of romantic pioneering and adventure! I even wrote a story about it. I’m sure there was the occasional snake bite and stampede scare in my tween fiction, but no one died. I was likely more concerned about washing my cute calico dress and dancing with the rugged boy in the wagon circle.

(And, naturally, I made it to the Oregon Territory, where he and I lived happily ever after.)

My kids were charmed by the “vintage,” pixelated look of the card game. (Apparently the 80s is now vintage.) It has a funny, old-fashioned charm to it, remembering the original Oregon Trail computer game we played once upon a time. When I think of the term “old-fashioned,” my mind initially goes to this Westward-Ho era. I envision a century or so of time between the 1840s and 1950s, give or take a decade, and any practice, habit, or mindset that took place during that window is considered “old-fashioned” to me. I’m sure we all have different pictures of what “old-fashioned”

might mean, connotations that even determine whether we receive the term in a positive or negative light.

In the spirit of “The New Domesticity,” which is all about gleaning wholesome practices from the past and tailoring them for the growth and encouragement of today’s families, I recently asked some friends to share about “old-fashioned” ideas. It was interesting to note that their pictures of the past seemed to fall into three categories. They saw the highlights of days gone by in terms of simplicity, safety and spontaneity—values which, happily, we can still share with our children today.

Simplicity

How often have you found yourself wishing that life would just slow down? To some extent, we can take steps to make that happen. Help your child delight in slow, simple events, such as the arrival of the mail, waving at the school bus, walking through the neighborhood, and gathering as a family for meals, games, reading, and singing. A Sunday drive or picnic can help a child learn to delight in slow and simple activities. Life on the Oregon Trail wasn’t easy, but it was simple: the goal was to get the family safely to Oregon. Similarly, we can simplify our family’s focus.

Clear out activities and possessions that stray from your family purpose.

Safety

One friend remembers the past as a safer time. She loved roller skating around the neighborhood (skate key around her neck) and walking to the movies without needing parental supervision. We long to make the world a safer place for our children. One way we can do this is by making our homes safe. Encourage thoughtful conversation and learn to listen well to one another so family continued on next page

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

Nurse Midwife passionate about helping women through pregnancy.

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Meet Lauren tvc.org/meet-lauren

continued from previous page

members can safely share about their feelings. Carefully guard the influences that are allowed to filter into your home. Media— movies, television, music, social—is a significant influencer of behavior and thought. Don’t take it lightly.

Spontaneity

A few friends noted that the past was more spontaneous. There wasn’t the same pressing need to set appointments and check calendars. Friends dropped by unannounced and lingered for a visit. If you have small children, especially an infant, you perhaps live in daily spontaneity: sure, you’re expected at the dentist by 1:00; but baby’s sudden diaper blow-out begs to differ. Guard your family’s time in order to leave room for the spontaneous. Surprise your kids with simple excursions to help them see the benefit of not falling prey to rigidity. Children who are tucked in bed on a summer night will be blown away when Dad and Mom suddenly pop back into the bedroom and announce that it’s time for an ice cream run.

Julianna Lawson and her husband Jamie (see: rugged wagon circle boy) make their home in Vancouver with their four children, ages 12 to 20.

Julianna has always been a fan of old fashioned habits and ideals. While she no longer dresses up like Laura Ingalls or Anne Shirley, she does enjoy a slow and simple afternoon cup of tea, accompanied by a good, old-fashioned read.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

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Bit of HiStory

The^ Stories^ Behind^ THE

By Pat Jollota

T

This summer, as we are drawn to enjoy the many dedicated parks and green spaces in Southwest Washington, we are exploring the history of the land and the names of these beloved local parks.

Davis Park, in the middle of Old Town Ridgefield, was the donation of one John W. Davis. A fascinating fellow he was, too. He came to Ridgefield as a rough and tumble cowboy, sometime around 1910. He captured the heart of the local society daughter, Birdie Shobert. In spite of family objections, they married in 1916. He bought Bachelor Island (located on what is now the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge) from the three bachelors who had run cattle on it. He followed their lead, also raising cattle, and became wealthy enough to buy a big red Cadillac that he’d drive around town. He was always alone. Why? It seems he chewed tobacco and would spit the juice into the passenger seat of the Cadillac. No one would ride with him.

Daybreak Park along the East Fork of the Lewis River was originally the farm of J.C. Roberts. He wanted the farm to be a perfect gentleman’s estate for his beloved wife, so they lived in Portland while he commuted to the farm. He stocked it with Guinea

III PARKS III hens and peacocks. Eventually, in 1892, he brought his wife to live on the farm. Unfortunately, at dawn each day the Guinea fowl would screech, the roosters would crow and the peacocks would begin to scream. That was too much.

“I’m moving back to Portland,” she told him, “I don’t like this daybreak place.”

Roberts kept the wife, got rid of the birds, and renamed the land Daybreak Farm. When the county dedicated the park there, they kept the historic name.

David Douglas Park, located near the intersection of Andresen Road and Mill Plain Boulevard, is the largest park in the City of Vancouver at 88 acres. And it’s named for one of the most influential people ever to visit our area. David Douglas started out as a gardener in Scotland, and later entered college to study botany.

His career moved ever upward, first as a professor of botany, then to the Royal Horticultural Society of London. He was sent abroad to catalog the plants and animals in North America. We know him best from the Douglas Fir, which he introduced into Britain.

Photos courtesy of Tom Erskine

continued on next page

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Daybreak Park Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

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He made three trips to our area, cataloging the wildlife and climbing the mountains. He’s been called the first mountaineer in the Northwest. We were not his only destination, however. He had briefly visited Hawaii on his way to Fort Vancouver in 1830.

As is true of most visitors to Hawaii, he was drawn back again.

He wanted to study the plants and animals and to climb Mauna Kea. It was on that volcano that he met his mysterious end, at just 35 years of age. He fell into a pit trap and couldn’t get out. Then a bull apparently stumbled into the same pit, crushing him. But there were, and still are, questions about that story. He was last seen at the hut of Edward “Ned” Gurney, who was an escaped convict. Gurney had found the body, and it was said that there was considerably less money on Douglas’s body than he had been known to carry. Investigators cleared Gurney though, finding his story credible.

Douglas was buried in an unmarked grave near Mission House in Honolulu. Later, a marker was erected on a wall at Kawaiahao Church Cemetery, and a monument was placed at the spot where

he died. The monument is called Ka Lua kauku, the “Doctor’s Pit,” and a small grove of Douglas fir trees has been planted there.

Pat Jollota retired from the Los Angeles Police Department and came to Vancouver to find a new career in historic preservation. She was curator of education at the Clark County Historical Museum for 22 years, while almost concurrently serving for 20 years on the Vancouver City Council.

David Douglas

Photo courtesy of Pat Jollota

Douglas Park

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

Park photos courtesy of City of Vancouver, Washington

That tree and other firs and pines transformed Britain’s landscape and timbering industry. Flowers, like the Penstemon and the California Poppy and others, appeared in European gardens and greenhouses as a result of Douglas’s reconnaissance. Throughout his career, he introduced about 240 species of plants to Britain.

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Feature: The Blind Woodsman

Photos courtesy of Anni Furniss

Bringing Life and Light to Clark County Through Art

By Brooke Strickland

ith an open heart

and a wild imagination, John Furniss of Washougal put his feet in the cold water of the ocean. He immersed himself in the calming sound of the waves and with the wind blowing on his face, he took a breath and imagined what the depth and breadth of the ocean was like. Furniss, who has been blind since the age of 16, stood alongside his loving wife Anni Furniss, who helped him experience the ocean in a way that touched his soul. While this is just a glimpse of the couple’s many life adventures together, their true adventure lies in the art and business they’ve created and Furniss’s ability to develop breathtaking art in the form of woodwork.

Furniss grew up in a tiny town in Colorado and when he was 13, he and his family moved to another small town in Wyoming.

He had a very difficult time as a teenager, struggling to fit in and feel accepted by his peers. When he was 16, Furniss attempted suicide, leading to his blindness. After this life-altering event, the outpouring of support from family and friends was overwhelming. Furniss shares, “My experience changed me so much, I might as well have been born when I became blind. I feel very blessed that I have adapted well to blindness.” His experience helped shape who he is, and now Furniss’s passion for life is evident to anyone he meets. “I’ve learned that you have to keep going even if it’s frustrating, because you

“Learning to laugh at myself is one of the best things I've ever learned to do.”

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

will get there eventually. I don’t allow my disability to ‘disable’ me because there are ways around most anything. I don’t let my lack of sight scare me out of doing things that I want to do.”

In his mid-20s, Furniss learned woodworking at a school for the blind in Salt Lake City. Over time, he honed his skills and in 2011, he moved to Vancouver to attend the Emil Fries School of Piano Technology for the Blind. He completed the piano tuning and rebuild program in 2013 and ran a piano rebuilding business for about two years. But, his heart was pushing him to pursue something more creative, so he decided to revisit woodworking in order to express himself through art and to nurture his desire to create beauty.

Furniss met his wife Anni, who is also an artist, at the Piano School in July 2012. continued on page 14

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Feature: The Blind Woodsman (cont’d) continued from page 12

She was working on painting a piano for a fundraiser in the same room that he was working in as a student. He put his hand on the wet paint of the piano she was painting, they shared a laugh together about it, and the rest was history. Furniss knew that Anni loved to garden, so their first date was in a community garden plot where they harvested peas. Three years later, they were married in the same spot.

For the last two years, Furniss has been selling his artistic woodwork locally, and online through his Etsy site, TheBlindWoodsman. He explains, “I specialize in lathe work. I love it because it is like sculpture with power tools. I have made all types of things out of wood using different techniques, but the lathe is where my true passion is. I have a very visual imagination and memory, so when I design something I can see it right in front of me as if it was a computer program in my mind. I love that I can take that image that only I see and make it into a real object.”

Furniss seems to have a sixth sense for his medium, and he creates with the uniqueness of the raw material in mind. “I let the wood tell me what it wants to do. . . I will know what I want to end up with, such as a bowl or a cup, but not the design yet. When rounding out the wood, there

14

are usually grooves and things that show up just because rounding out the wood is sort of a rough and imprecise process. I use those imperfections as a guide to a design.”

Furniss goes on to share that he keeps a level head by being patient and reasoning with himself when things get frustrating.

He says, “It has helped me to be a very go-with-the-flow guy and has made me realize I’m a blind man in a sighted world, which means I have to adapt to it.” He also explains that humor is very important to him and helps him get through each day with a smile. “Learning to laugh at myself is one of the best things I’ve ever learned to do. There have been times I have had accidents while walking and laughed so hard at the image of it in my mind I had to stop walking for a minute. I could have gotten mad and all worked up about it but laughing about it turns it into a funny story to tell others. Humor is a very important part of my life.”

Furniss’s story illustrates that even out of tragedy, there can be triumph. He encourages people— especially artists—to

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

push through insecurity, take risks, and embrace their own sense of style, which is unique and not anyone else’s. He says, “What’s yours is yours and what’s theirs is theirs. The world would be very boring if people hadn’t taken a chance.”

Furniss’s work will be featured in a gallery show in July at Cellar 55 in Vancouver.

He and Anni are also excited about other upcoming projects and events that will be announced regularly through their monthly newsletter. Visit www. vancouverfamilymagazine.com for more information and to see videos of Furniss at work.

A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Brooke Strickland is a full-time freelance writer and social media specialist. She is also the co-author of “Hooked on Games,” a book about technology and gaming addiction. When taking a break from writing, she can be found reading a historical fiction novel on her front porch swing, trying a new recipe in the kitchen, or spending time with her husband and two kids. Visit her website at brookestrickland.org.

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Feature: Middle-Schoolers Sound Off on Social Media

Middle-Schoolers Sound Off on

a i d e SOCIAL M

By Nikki Klock and Gaiser Middle School Seventh-Graders

The middle school years are notoriously difficult to navigate. For young teens, physical, emotional, and mental development often clash with new responsibilities and expectations.

Likewise, navigating social media in today’s digital world inevitably exposes novice users to complicated situations for which there is no textbook or manual.

Middle schoolers are often just beginning to use forms of social media such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook (the latter far less popular among young users), even as they find themselves at the crossroads of childhood and teenhood, and experimenting with different forms of who they want to become. It’s a heavy load that brings with it the opportunity for both social enrichment and social detriment, as I learned recently while talking with students at Gaiser Middle School in Vancouver.

and prepare students for college and careers. My goal was to work with the students to compose an article as a team.

Step one was to select a topic, and that’s where the students first surprised me.

They didn’t shy away from serious subjects like bullying, drugs, abuse and other intense themes. Eventually we landed on the subject of social media, and set out to combine their own valuable insights with those of expert sources.

Here’s what we found. To start, teens often spend a considerable amount of time using social media. Before exploring whether this is harmful or helpful, it’s important to understand why many (though certainly not all) teens live so many hours each day in this online parallel universe. The short answer? FOMO, or fear of missing out. “Most teens don’t

I was there to work with students through a program called GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), which provides mentoring and resources to boost academic performance

[want to be off social media] because all the cool kids are doing it and they don’t want to end streaks and stuff because you don’t want to be looked down on,” said Spencer F. Streaks are consecutive daily snaps between friends on Snapchat. “You don’t want to be the one without a phone, or stuck in the 90s,” he added with a smile.

Alberto R. agreed. “People can say, ‘Did you see that one video or that Instagram account?’ but you wouldn’t know,” he said.

Fitting in has always been an integral part of adolescence, and in today’s digital world, social media participation is, for some teens, as compelling as wearing the “right” clothes or being seen with the “right” crowd.

With all this in mind, however, time away from social media can be beneficial.

Common Sense Media, a popular resource that educates parents about media content and trends, recommends giving children a break from social media time. “Take a time-out,” says their website. “With constant access to texting and posting online, kids don’t get a break from the back and forth that can keep digital drama continued on page 18

16

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

17

Feature: Middle-Schoolers Sound Off on Social Media (cont’d) continued from page 16

going. Have some device-free time to give kids a chance to cool off.”

Though teens rarely admit it, most of them appreciate a break from time to time.

Alberto acknowledged that his productivity is boosted when he’s not gaming. “When I get my games taken away I clean my room a lot,” he said. When I asked the group if their academic performance tends to improve as they spend less time on social media, the kids gave an audible affirmative. Christian W. mentioned an annoyance that time away from social media prevents: “When new movies come out, people spoil it [on social media].”

Professional sports scores, special events, and other collective experiences can also be watered down when mass information is indiscriminately delivered.

The bottom line is, when they are freed from the constant distraction of social media, teens have more time to pursue other interests and strengthen in-person relationships. The “cool-off” period gives them an opportunity to reflect and reevaluate their relationships and time management—and hopefully prompts them to make changes needed to develop as a friend, student, citizen, and son or

daughter. These changes can enable them to reenter the world of social media better prepared for inevitable difficult situations.

Spencer had some vivid advice for parents in terms of limiting social media: “You’ve got to have a little bit of leash but not a lot of collar.”

Our group of students at Gaiser agreed that too much time on social media can be harmful, but they pointed out that the volume of time spent there is only the beginning of the risks involved in navigating the waters of digital communication. They surprised me again by ardently sounding off on the pitfalls. For example, the age-old vice of bullying has taken on new form as anonymity protects perpetrators. “You can bully someone easily by creating a fake account,” Julean M-I said. False identities can also be used to lure unsuspecting victims into money scams or even deceitful relationships.

“People end up catfishing people,” Riona P. said. “Catfishing is pretending you’re one person and you’re really not in order to trick them into giving you money.” Spencer even criticized social media platforms’ permissiveness. “I don’t think social media has a lot of restrictions,” he said. “They can only block certain people, not certain

things.” On most platforms, inappropriate content can be reported, but only after the damage of exposure has been done. “If my brain was like a computer,” said Spencer, “I would clear it of all the inappropriate stuff I saw on social media.”

But the kids were also quick to reflect on social media’s benefits, especially in terms of enriching friendships: “If you have long distance friends that you haven’t seen in a while, you can connect with them,” said Spencer.

“You can have a private account and control who sees you,” said Avi L. “You can use different filters,” said Julean.

“You can see your friends’ stories,” said Alberto R-F. “You can chat with your friends when you haven’t seen them in years,” Rachel L. It’s easy to see what’s fun about social media, but not every teen is interested in having a social media account, even if or when their parents allow it. “I’d rather just talk to people face to face,” McKenna continued on page 20

parent s, teac hers and me ntors p lay a big r ole in guidin g teen s along the pat h of resp onsible online behavio r.

18

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

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Feature: Middle-Schoolers Sound Off on Social Media (cont’d) continued from page 18

M. said, indicating that she has no desire as of yet to have a social media account.

Avi even declared that if she could, she would go back in time and erase it from existence. She does currently use social media, but for her, the negative effects sometimes outweigh the positive. She keeps her accounts, however, because she still enjoys interacting in fun ways with her friends, playing games, and combating boredom. And the truth is, even kids who don’t yet have their own social media accounts are often subject to the tides of the digital world—other kids can post about them with or without their consent or approval.

So what can teens themselves do to mitigate the hazards and capture the rewards of social media?

Middle schoolers today are savvy to the technological abilities that can create a custom social media experience.

Disabling comments on certain posts, blocking individuals and organizations, and reporting inappropriate or dangerous material are all tools familiar to the group of students I spoke with at Gaiser.

Beyond curating their own experience, they can commit to making others’ experiences positive by refraining from bullying, teasing, exposing or shaming anyone behind the veil of a social media profile. Because middle schoolers are still learning, however, parents, teachers and mentors play a big role in guiding teens along the path of responsible online behavior. Common Sense Media recommends the following basic social media rules for middle schoolers (the violation of which should result in predetermined consequences enforced by parents):

20

Many social sites have an age minimum of 13 for both legal and safety/privacy reasons.

Encourage kids to stick with age-appropriate sites.

Follow s. the rule

Tell your kids e to think befor they post.

Remind them that everything can be seen by a vast, invisible audience (otherwise known as friends-offriends-of-friends). Each family will have different rules, but, for middle school kids, it’s a good idea for parents to have access to what their kids are doing online, at least at first, to be sure that what’s being posted is appropriate.

Parents can help keep kids from doing something they’ll regret later.

Make sure kids set their privacy settings.

Privacy settings aren’t foolproof, but they can be helpful.

Take the time to learn about default settings and how to change privacy settings on your kids’ favorite sites, and teach your kids how to control their privacy.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

Lots

of

sites have anonymous applications such as “bathroom walls” or “honesty boxes” that allow users to tell their friends what they think of them. Rule of thumb: If your kids wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, they shouldn’t post it.

Kindness counts.

Gaiser students and Common Sense Media agree: Setting boundaries sets kids up for success online and IRL*.

Nikki Klock is a wife, mother of two teenage daughters, and editor of Vancouver Family Magazine. She loves working with teens through her church and other volunteer work, and hopes to be able to continue doing so for many years to come.

Gaiser Middle School student contributors: Celeste H., Alberto R., Spencer F., Julean M-I., Avi L., Kylee A., Rachel L., McKenna M., Riona P., Christian W.

*Translation: In Real Life.

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21

Feature: Lilly’s Story: Resources and Support through the Journey of a Teen Parent

Lilly’s Story:

Resources and Support through the Journey of a Teen Parent

By Vivian Mattila Walikainen

9 Lilly K. knows only too well the ups and downs of being a pregnant homeless teen.

Today she is in a safe place, studying to be an EMT, with a healthy toddler at her side, but it was only a short time ago that she felt all alone and completely desperate.

Each and every parent embarks on a unique journey and Lilly eagerly shares hers, hoping it will make a difference for others.

“I had a wonderful childhood up until the time we found out my mama was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer when I was 10,” Lilly begins. After about a year, Lilly’s mom passed away and she was devastated. “I was young and lost and the oldest of five living siblings and I started going down the wrong path.” Lilly shares that she was silently crying out for help, but no one seemed to be listening. She remembers, “I struggled with self-harm, opiates, alcohol, weed. Trial after trial and mistake after

mistake, then I slowly started trying to get stable.” She moved to South Dakota to live with relatives, hoping for a fresh start.

However, things did not go as planned.

“Once I got a little freedom, I started dating a guy and went for it. Smoking, drinking, pills, sex, bar hopping, couch hopping and making my way toward the lifestyle I thought was meant for me. Drugs, alcohol, Hell’s Angels, partying, I wanted all of it. I was still in school and the last two months my boyfriend and I became homeless.”

They were living in a car. Lilly shares, “By the grace of God,” she focused on her schoolwork and graduated, and she and her boyfriend made their way back to Washington where they fell into old habits.

“Once we got to Washington, we moved around a lot and I started getting involved with drugs again. The day everything changed for me was when I thought I just had the flu but my aunt knew what was going on. She brought home a test and I

took it. It was positive. I had no words. I wasn’t shocked, surprised, disappointed or excited. The only thing that ran through my head was, I needed to change my lifestyle. I needed to get myself ready to be a mother to the baby I was now carrying.”

For those who find themselves in Lilly’s shoes, many of the school districts in Clark County provide assistance for teens who are pregnant or parents. For example, Hudson’s Bay High School hosts Vancouver School District’s GRADS teen parent program. Katie Siewert is Vancouver School District’s point person for the program. She explains, “This program provides a very critical need for many of our teen parents . . . students have access to licensed childcare, parenting education from a certificated family and consumer science teacher, case management and access to community resources, along with nursing support for continued on next page

Clark County Teen Talk: 360-397-2428 22

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

continued from previous page

prenatal and child development screening.

Students can focus on managing the role of being a parent as well as focusing on graduating from high school.”

Approximately 10-12 students and babies are currently supported by the Vancouver School District GRADS program.

Finding available and much needed resources is one of the challenges facing teen parents. Talking to a school counselor or a DSHS representative will put teens into contact with available programs. Lilly eventually got connected with necessary resources, but only after experiencing many hurdles along the way. “There was fighting, talking to other women, drugs, dishonesty, everything that a relationship should not be. We were engaged but so far from actually being ready. I tried holding on to things and making them work. A

month before my little boy was born, some friends tried helping me get into a home that helps teen mothers.” Lilly had an interview at Mom’s Place Maternity Home in Battle Ground but resisted the offer of a home; she believed her situation would change. Later, she had two interviews at Vida’s Ark, a shelter for teen moms in Vancouver, and still refused the offered assistance.

After some time, a big change took place in Lilly’s life. She shares, “I finally got the strength to leave my relationship and call off the engagement. I knew that’s what I had to do but I also didn’t know how to mentally and emotionally deal with it all. I was living in a basement, no job, no car, no nothing except my son. I started getting high and drinking again and self-harming.”

For those who would consider the drastic

measures that Lilly took in an effort to cope, help in healthier forms is available.

Sharice Lee, intervention specialist at Prairie High School in Battle Ground School District offers these resources: Clark County Teen Talk can be reached at 360-397-2428 and the Clark County crisis line is 360-696-9560. Lee says that teen-help apps are becoming more prominent. She also points out that many of the hotlines and websites have chat and text options, which many teens prefer.

Knowing that someone else is listening can make all the difference for a teen who is struggling.

Lee reports that Battle Ground School District’s alternative high school, Summit View, offers a teen parenting class on an individual basis for those who need it. A traditional group class is no longer in high continued on page 24

Clark County Crisis Line: 360-696-9560 Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

23

Feature: Lilly’s Story: Resources and Support through the Journey of a Teen Parent (cont’d) continued from page 23

demand since teen pregnancy is down in Clark County and nationwide. According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2015, a total of 229,715 babies were born to women aged 15–19 years, for a birth rate of 22.3 per 1,000 women in this age group. This is another record low for U.S. teens and a drop of 8 percent from 2014.

Lilly is part of the “teen pregnancy” statistic, but she and her son are so much more than a number. In the following months, she says, changes began to take place. “There were a few different things that happened one after the next that showed me I was going to end up in jail or have my son taken away from me.

I broke down and called Vida’s Ark again and begged for a place to go.” Within a few

days, she was moved in. “The calmness I had the first night of knowing my son and I were safe was beyond words. I had a bed to sleep in and wasn’t sleeping in a car, or on a couch,” Lilly recalls through tears.

Vida’s Ark, recently acquired by a Christian organization called Transitional Youth, serves young moms ages 14-25 and their babies. The mission of Vida’s Ark is to provide a safe and supportive home to young mothers, while teaching them life and parenting skills. The environment provides girls a place for hope, healing, and restoration on their journey to selfsufficiency.

Each girl who lives at Vida’s Ark helps with household chores and must attend

counseling sessions to gain positive coping skills. At the home, the young women are supported by house mom Donna Cologna, who lives on-site. They learn skills in hands-on ways through responsibilities such as planning meals, buying ingredients and preparing food.

They also need to be able to negotiate living with other teen moms and children.

Cologna is there to assist them as they develop these self-sufficiency skills.

Teen fathers also have local help available to them. In addition to Vida’s Ark, Transitional Youth provides support to young men, some of whom have been teen fathers, through their Ritz Family Ranch Home in Yacolt and Junction House in Vancouver, which serve males ages 1830. The GRADS program through local school districts also assists young men in their efforts to become educated and supportive fathers.

In conjunction with Vida’s Ark, the Lighthouse Community Resource Center is a resource for baby clothes and equipment, run by Eboni Twitty, who was once a teen mom herself. For the better part of 20 years, Twitty worked to support herself, her children and their dreams, sometimes working two jobs. They worked as a team—through Twitty going back to school and the children’s school and sports. Slow cooker meals, help from friends and late-night study sessions were part of the norm at their home. Both of her children have attended college and now work in fulfilling jobs and have successful lives. She says what could be called by some as her two biggest mistakes turned out to be her two biggest blessings.

Go to

www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com/ teen-parent-resources to learn more about the teen parent resources mentioned here.

24

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

Safely living in the stability of Vida’s Ark, Lilly’s story continued to unfold. “I will continued on next page

, S T H LI G E R A , CA M T I O N !

AC Be a part of a series of videos that VFM is creating to highlight how local families connect with their community.

Join us at Orchards Park on

Saturday, July 14 at 4 pm

to participate in our short filming party, and maybe even be featured in the video!

Enjoy refreshments, kids’ activities, and tons of fun, all while connecting with other families in our community.

For more information, visit

www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com/ video-party continued from previous page

never forget fall of 2017. The founders of Vida’s Ark decided to step down from their positions, and Transitional Youth took over.

I was invited to a baptism at Crossroads Community Church. I was so scared and

nervous because I hadn’t been to a church in years and could have easily not gone but something pushed me to go.” One thing led to another and Lilly felt God moving in her life; she “finally said ‘yes’ to following the Lord and since that day things have been so different.” Lilly now feels that God “is with me and always has been, but I had to reach out and trust. I have had so many blessings since then.”

Lilly envisions her future life-journey to include more time at church, more time with her son, finishing up her EMT

training, and counseling to “deal with things from my past.” She offers hope to others who have experienced struggles similar to hers: “If I can say or do anything or encourage anyone who might be struggling and feeling hopeless it’s this: I have been there. I know what it feels like to want to give up because everything hurts, and you have no one and you don’t think you are strong enough. But you are, even if you don’t think so.”

Vivian Mattila Walikainen and her husband are parents to six children and grandparents to seven sweet little cherubs. Vivian writes and paints, enjoying the merry-go-round of life.

She recently obtained her master’s degree in management and leadership and holds a bachelor’s degree in human development.

She stays involved in the community by substitute teaching and through various volunteer activities.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

25

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Calendar July ‘18

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

3 TUESDAY

Steve’s Creature Feature at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Live, intimate look at some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. For ages 4 and up. 11 am

4 WEDNESDAY Annual 4th of July Rendezvous Parade at Yacolt Town Hall, 202 W Cushman St., Yacolt. 10 am-12 pm

Vancouver Rodeo at Clark County Saddle Club, 10505 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver. Mutton bustin’, pee wee barrel racing, pony rides, main performance, and more. Tickets: $8-$25 at www.vancouverrodeo.com. 1 pm Vancouver’s Fireworks Spectacular at Fort Vancouver.

Pack a snack and a

activities

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.

blanket, come to the Fort, and stake out your spot to watch the biggest fireworks show in the region. Free entry. Donations will be accepted from those who want to support next year’s Fireworks Spectacular, with a portion of proceeds going to support the Lower Columbia Veterans Coalition. 6-11 pm

5 THURSDAY

Reading in the Wild-Storytime with Nature every Thursday at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. Join this free weekly outdoor reading series for kids ages 3-6. We read, and your little ones explore! Sit under a tree, listen to a story, then roam around our garden to play with plants, rocks, water or critters in the dirt. 10-11 am BJ the Clown at Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE

Check out our website for even mo re local events .

8th Way, Battle Ground. One of the Northwest’s best-known clowns performs an exciting mix of physical comedy, magic, juggling, music, storytelling and puppetry. 11 am

open their doors to celebrate opening night of various art exhibits. Visit www.vdausa.org/ vdas-firstfridaydowntown for a downtown art gallery list and walking map. 5-9 pm

Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Enjoy colorful and original dances highlighting Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian and New Zealand cultures. 11 am

Movies in the Park: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at Fort Vancouver. The City of Vancouver is proud to provide free movies at parks around the city this summer! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy big screen entertainment.

All movies are family friendly.

Pre-movie activities start at 7 pm. Movies start at dusk (exact time will vary). 7-10 pm

Vancouver Rodeo at Clark County Saddle Club, 10505 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver.

(See Jul. 4) 7 pm

6 FRIDAY

Downtown Camas First Friday in downtown Camas. Activities, art, dining, after-hours shopping, local art exhibits, family games, gift basket raffles and more for the whole family. 5-8 pm Vancouver Downtown Association First Friday in downtown Vancouver.

Every first Friday of the month throughout the year, participating art galleries, merchants and restaurants in downtown Vancouver

Vancouver Rodeo at Clark County Saddle Club, 10505 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver.

(See Jul. 4) 7 pm

7 SATURDAY

Kids Dig at Fort Vancouver.

This popular program introduces kids age 8-12 to the fascinating world of archaeology. Kids excavate a site with trowels, screen dirt, measure and map their finds, and discover the historical secrets that lie below our feet. Kids also learn about the importance of protecting archaeological sites for future continued on next page

Photography

Photo by Robert Holcomb, Terra Design

4

AY

WE

S DNE D

of events

26

There’s something for everyone at Vancouver’s Fireworks Spectacular. The fireworks show has been a tradition for over 50 years.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

Camas Car Show in Downtown Camas. Live music, dance performances, awards, food, raffles, and more.

Admission is free to spectators.

Bring two cans of food and receive a free raffle ticket.

4-8:30 pm

Louie Foxx: Mineral Magic, a Show about Rocks that Rocks at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 North Main Ave., Ridgefield. Magic, comedy, juggling and more, by awardwinning magician and two-time Guinness World Record Holder Louie Foxx. 2:30 pm

Twilight Half Marathon at Vancouver Lake Park, 6801 NW Lower River Rd., Vancouver.

Beginner and walker-friendly; pick from 4 distance options: 1/2 marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kid’s Mile.

The

W

generations. Space is limited to 20 kids. Reserve your spot at the reconstructed fort on the day of the program or call 360-8166250 to make reservations in advance. The Kids Dig program is free with admission.

10:30 am & 2 pm

ED-S

AT

Photo Credit: Vancouver Rodeo

continued from previous page

4-7

course is pancake flat, making for a fast, easy run, maybe even a PR! Benefits Children’s Cancer Association. Registration: $20$99 at www.eventsbyaxiom.com/ twilighthalf.html. 4-10 pm

Main Ave., Ridgefield. One of the Northwest’s best-known clowns performs an exciting mix of physical comedy, magic, juggling, music, storytelling and puppetry. 2:30 pm

Vancouver Rodeo at Clark County Saddle Club, 10505 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver.

(See Jul. 4) 7 pm

11 WEDNESDAY

10 TUESDAY

Alex Zerbe: Professional Zaniac at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver.

The Zaniac takes a tornado of juggling skills, combines it with a whirlwind of in-depth physics knowledge and sends it crashing directly into your child’s brain.

11 am BJ the Clown at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 North

Jugglemania: Rhys Thomas delights all with juggling, magic, interactive comedy and Stunteddy the “bear devil.” Rhys shares his talents, humor and the books that have taken him around the world. 10:30 am at La Center Community Library, 1441 NE Lockwood Creek Rd., La Center. 1 pm at Woodland Community Library, 770 Park St., Woodland.

Science in the Park at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Prior to and during every Noon Concert in the park, children can try hands-on crafts and science

continued on page 28

For 47 years, the Vancouver Rodeo has been ropin’, ridin’ and buckin’! Over 8,000 people attend the Rodeo each year.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

27

Calendar of Events & Activities (cont’d) continued from page 27 experiments, all designed for fun and learning about water, nature and the environment.

11 am-1 pm Japanese Taiko Drums at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. Enjoy a fun and amazing performance by en Taiko, a group of dedicated youth drummers. The group carries on a centuries-old musical tradition from Japan, performing Japanese traditional style taiko. 2 pm The Knightstream at Washougal Community Library, 1661 C St., Washougal. The Knights of Veritas put history in your hands with a show that is exciting, fast-paced and familyfriendly. Chock full of audience participation, Q&A, facts versus myths, and a unique display of authentic medieval artifacts!

For ages 5 and up. 2 pm Eric Ode-Any Way You Rock It at Vancouver Mall Library, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. High-participation concert with call-and-response songs, movement songs, rhythm instruments and more. 3 pm

12 THURSDAY

Reading in the Wild-Storytime with Nature every Thursday at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. (See Jul. 5) 10-11 am

TURDA

SA Photo Credit: Water Resources Education Center

28

Y

14

Colors of the Jungle at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. The Oregon Bird Man presents an entertaining and educational experience featuring fifteen different parrot species, including several endangered species and representing four continents!

Hosted by zoologist Karl Anderson. 11 am Japanese Taiko Drums at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Enjoy a fun and amazing performance by en Taiko, a group of dedicated youth drummers. The group carries on a centuries-old musical tradition from Japan, performing Japanese traditional style taiko. 11 am Magic Mama Music at Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE 8th Way, Battle Ground Magic Mama performs original, interactive music with an Earthfriendly message for all. Enjoy a musical geology lesson, an improvised collaboration with the audience using books from the library and upcycled instruments to create a song together. For ages 2-12 with their families.

11 am Officers Row Trees & History Walk at O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver.

Vancouver’s urban forest is rooted in history. Join this guided walk through tree-lined Officers Row and learn the history of

our community and our trees.

Urban Forestry staff will discuss characteristics of both native and ornamental trees throughout the historic site as National Parks Service staff will share the long history of Officers Row. Please RSVP at www.cityofvancouver. us/publicworks/webform/ officers-row-trees-history-walk.

1-3 pm

13 FRIDAY

Movies in the Park: “The LEGO Ninjago Movie” at Fisher Basin Community Park, SE 192nd Ave., Vancouver. The City of Vancouver is proud to provide free movies at parks around the city this summer! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy big screen entertainment.

All movies are family friendly.

Pre-movie activities start at 7 pm. Movies start at dusk (exact time will vary). 7-10 pm

14 SATURDAY

Design Zone Day: Engineer Your Creativity at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. Design Zone is a highly interactive, hands-on exhibition where visitors can explore concepts highlighting the importance of science and mathematical thinking in areas critical to building creativity and innovation, especially in art, music and engineering. Explore the new Design Zone exhibit and also participate in design challenges, demonstrations and hands-on science-based learning. 1-4 pm Saturdays Rock at Washougal Community Library, 1661 C St., Washougal. Drop in Saturday afternoons for a wide range of creative and interactive projects for all ages.

July 14 – Kaleidoscope Creation July 21 – Get Your Dance On July 28 – BreakOut Kit (older kids, teens and adults) 2-3 pm Second Saturday Science at Kazoodles, 13503 SE Mill Plain Blvd. #B-3, Vancouver. Monthly science project for kids in grades 2 and up. Something different each month. $2 per person.

2-3 pm

17 TUESDAY

Jugglemania at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver.

Rhys Thomas delights all with juggling, magic, interactive comedy and Stunteddy the “bear devil.” Rhys shares his talents, humor and the books that have taken him around the world.

11 am Steve’s Creature Feature at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 North Main Ave., Ridgefield.

Live, intimate look at some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. For ages 4 and up.

2:30 pm

18 WEDNESDAY Science in the Park at Esther Short Park, Vancouver.

(See Jul. 11) 11 am-1 pm

The Henrik Bothe Library Circus at Vancouver Mall Library, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. Henrik will amaze you with his physical comedy and juggling skills. 3 pm

19 THURSDAY

Reading in the Wild-Storytime with Nature every Thursday at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. (See Jul. 5) 10-11 am continued on page 30

Participate in hands-on interactive learning opportunities at the Water Resources Education Center’s Design Zone Day. Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

29

Calendar of Events & Activities (cont’d) continued from page 28

Movies in the Park: “Transformers: The Last Knight” at Fruit Valley Park, 3200 Fruit Valley Rd., Vancouver. The City of Vancouver is proud to provide free movies at parks around the city this summer! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy big screen entertainment.

All movies are family friendly.

Pre-movie activities start at 7 pm. Movies start at dusk (exact time will vary). 7-10 pm

21 SATURDAY Battle Ground Harvest Days Parade & Festival on Main Street, Battle Ground.

Food, vendors, games, and more for the whole family.

Fire in The Park at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Meet your local firefighters and see fire engines up close. Complete the safety stations and get a free all sport helmet. 10 am-3 pm Saturdays Rock at Washougal Community Library. (See Jul. 14) 2-3 pm

24 TUESDAY

Science in the Park at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. (See Jul. 11) 11 am-1 pm Ian Dobson’s Steel Drum Party at Woodland Community Library, 770 Park St., Woodland.

Dance, clap, and stomp along to live steel drum music. This rhythmical journey explores the roots of rock ’n’ roll and uses music, dance, and movement to inspire resourcefulness, creativity, confidence, and an interest in exploring languages and cultures. 3:30 pm

26 THURSDAY

Reading in the Wild-Storytime with Nature every Thursday at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. (See Jul. 5) 10-11 am Rock & Roll (& Laugh) with Angel Ocasio at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Zany comedy, music, magic, juggling and audience participation for ages 3-12 and their families.

11 am

27 FRIDAY

Camas Days. Kids’ parade on Friday and main parade on Saturday, arts & crafts vendors, live music, ducky derby, kids’ activities, softball tournament, bathtub races and more.

3 Days of Aloha–Hapa Haole Hula Competition at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Enjoy this free event, a throwback to the early modern era of hula and music. Winning soloists and groups will be showcased at the following day’s Ho‘ike and Hawaiian Festival. 6-9 pm Movies in the Park: “Wonder Woman” at Columbia Tech Center, 1498 SE Tech Center Dr., Vancouver. The City of Vancouver is proud to provide free movies at parks around the city this summer! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy big screen entertainment.

All movies are family friendly.

Pre-movie activities start at 7 pm. Movies start at dusk (exact time will vary). 7-10 pm

3 Days of Aloha–Ho’Ike and Hawaiian Festival at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Come sway to the rhythm of hula dancers and Polynesian singers filling the park with the heartbeat of their cultures. Raffles, keiki (kids’) activities, arts and crafts, business and delicious food vendors and more. Bring a low backed chair or blanket and enjoy the tropical festivities. Free admission, all ages. 10 am-7 pm Kids Dig at Fort Vancouver.

(See Jul. 7) 10 am & 2 pm OMSI Discovery DomeWorld in Motion at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry’s portable, museum-quality planetarium brings the night sky inside. Experience the solar system close-up and be amazed. *Tickets required for each show. Tickets available one hour before show-time at the 3rd level Children’s desk.

Showtimes: 1 pm: ages 6 and up 2 pm: ages 6 and up 3 pm: ages 9 and up Saturdays Rock at Washougal Community Library. (See Jul. 14) 2-3 pm

28 SATURDAY

Camas Days. Kids’ parade on Friday and main parade on Saturday, arts & crafts vendors, live music, ducky derby, kids’

3 Days of Aloha– Pa’Ina at Clark College Gaiser Hall, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.

The first event of 3 Days of Aloha will

Hula and craft workshops, hula competitions, live music, food and more! Find the tropical spirit at 3 Days of Aloha in the Pacific Northwest.

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activities, softball tournament, bathtub races and more.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2018

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Summer Nature Walk at Woodland Community Library, 770 Park St., Woodland. Join us for an interactive storytime experience as we take a walk through the park. We will meet in the library and walk together to Horseshoe Lake Park, reading a book as we go. All ages are welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. 11 am

OMSI React-o-Blast at La Center Community Library, 1441 NE Lockwood Creek Rd., La Center. The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry comes to you with experiments that vividly demonstrate the predictable (and sometimes unpredictable) reactions of matter, including some that have explosive results. For ages 5 and up.

10:30 am

include exceptional hula dancers along with live music. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Wear your best Aloha attire, feel free to get up and dance and enjoy the fun. This is a free event for all ages. 6-9 pm

Photo credit: Ke Kui Foundation 3 Days of Aloha

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The Reptile Man at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver. Live reptiles!

Educational excitement! Learn more about these amazing reptiles, up-close and personal.

For ages 4 and up. 11 am

FVRLibraries Rock!

SUMMER

JUNE

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2018

AUGUST

We’d like to thank this year’s sponsors for their generous support:

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Sign up online www.fvrl.org • For all ages Visit us or call 360-906-5000 for more information.

Friends of

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FVRLibraries

Library Foundation

FORT VANCOUVER REGIONAL LIBRARIES

advertiser index Camps, Parties & Entertainment Mountain View Ice Arena................................17 Naydenov Gymnastics...................................13 Vancouver Parks and Recreation...............2, 32

Events Family Fun Fest..............................................27 FVRL Summer Reading.................................31 Journey Theater.............................................17 Vancouver Parks and Recreation...............2, 32 YWCA Empower Luncheon..............................2

Financial iQ Credit Union.................................................3

Fitness Mountain View Ice Arena................................17 Naydenov Gymnastics...................................13 Soccer Shots..................................................19 World Class Martial Arts...................................5

Health Adventure Dental............................................23 Barnick Chiropractic.......................................17 Child and Adolescent Clinic..............................3 Evergreen Pediatrics......................................15 Harmony Family Dentistry..............................15 Pain Relief Partners.......................................21 Priority Life Chiropractic and Massage...........13 Storybook Dental............................................13 Vancouver Clinic...............................................9 Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists.................29 Vancouver Vision Clinic....................................5

Legal Schauermann, Thayer, Jacobs, Staples & Edwards PS.....................................7

Resources ANC Movers...................................................13 Cowlitz Indian Tribe Child Care......................11 EOCF................................................................2

Retail Kazoodles.........................................................2 Vancouver Mall...............................................15

Schools & Education EOCF................................................................2 The Gan Jewish Preschool..............................5

Vancouver Vancouver FamilyFamily Magazine Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December • July 2016 2018

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