VFM Editor, Nikki Klock, recently sat down with Joe Clemons, host of KXRWvancouver’s local radio show, The Common Good, to talk about our mission to cultivate community through positive stories, how we got started 20+ years ago and our gratitude to our readers and advertisers for supporting us and making Clark County a fantastic place to live. Check out the 30-minute episode on-demand at the link below, or listen live on 99.9 FM on Tuesday 9/3/24 at 6:30 pm!
https://kxrw.fm/the-common-good-vancouver-family-magazine-8-22-24/
We’re gonna be on the radio! This week, Vancouver Family Magazine editor Nikki Klock visited the KXRWvancouver studio in Downtown Vancouver to record a couple of radio spots that will soon air on Vancouver’s local station. Check out KXRW on 99.9 FM and on their website and XRAY.FM app to hear a wide variety of local voices broadcasting right here in Clark County. And be sure to listen for Nikki’s voice during the ad breaks! (Plus, rumor has it she may be guest hosting a show in the future. 🤫.)
New playground alert‼️ Just in time for the early spring sunshine ☀️, Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services has completed construction on a brand new playground at Columbia Lancaster Park in Central Vancouver. Check out the STEM-themed activities like “Hide the Numbers,” giant gear systems and outdoor xylophones, plus climb the play structures and enjoy bright yellow slides and swings. Benches and walking paths are on site, but no restrooms. Columbia Lancaster Park is located at 6000 Idaho St., just off Mill Plain between Andresen and Devine. Have you visited yet? 🛝
New playground alert! Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services just put the finishing touches on a brand new playground at Van Vleet Park in Central Vancouver. Check out the funky swings, climb the jungle gym and find the critters hiding throughout the playground. Picnic tables and walking paths are on site, but no restrooms. Van Vleet Park is located at 900 Flint Ave., adjacent to David Douglas Park and just a couple blocks off Mill Plain.
Have you played here yet? 🤸
Fashion Forward: Black History Month Takes Center Stage:
When Vancouver mom Ruby Lewis watched her daughter struggle with racial bullying, her solution to fight discrimination was to start a fashion show. Find out how it all began and the impact the show is having on youth in Clark County. Plus, get details on how to snag your seat at this year's event, coming up this Saturday.
https://vancouverfamilymagazine.com/black-history-month-fashion-show/
Article by Kristen Flowers-Steele
The disappearance of Elizabeth Smart in 2002 captivated the nation. In the years following her months in captivity and her eventual rescue, she has become an advocate for abuse prevention and a voice for survivors everywhere. Her personal and professional work serves as an example of how healing is possible in the wake of extreme trauma. On March 8, 2024, Smart will visit The Heathman Lodge in Vancouver to speak at National Women's Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation (NWCAVE)'s Java for Justice Brunch, a fundraising event to help further the Vancouver-based organization’s efforts to inform, educate and prevent violence while advocating for justice and accountability. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/java-for-justice-brunch-tickets-751833001747
This year we are proud to celebrate 20 years of serving Southwest Washington! 📰 We’ve come a long way, baby. 🙌🏽 Here’s to many more years of stories! 🥂
Esther Short Park’s brand new inclusive playground is now open! Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission member Jeremy Robbins spoke at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, both noting Vancouver, Washington City Government’s investment in spaces that welcome individuals and families of all abilities to play together. Along with Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, Harper's Playground also played a significant role in developing the new space. “The future is accessible,” Robbins said. 🤸🏼👩🏽🦽🛝
Check out the new playground at the west side of Vancouver’s living room!
Live with WA529 College Savings Plans
Join Vancouver Family Magazine editor Nikki Klock & Jackie Ferrado of Washington’s 529 Education Savings Plans - GET and DreamAhead to learn about Washington’s prepaid education tuition plans, how they work and how they can help your child (or grandchild!) build their future, whatever that might look like. 💫
Learn more about WA529 here: https://wastate529.wa.gov/
Check out Ridgefield’s brand new DeMelo Park! 🛝 Dedicated in January 2023, the outdoor play space is dedicated to Joe Melo, a project manager for Hinton Development who died suddenly in August 2021. (DeMelo is the original Portugese version of Melo’s family name.) Features of the park, such as the silo-style gazebo, pay homage to Melo, who grew up on a farm. Melo also enjoyed exercise, which prompted park developers to include a Fitness Zone with interactive equipment throughout the 5-acre plot. The park also features a playground, a pavilion with picnic tables, a music station, paved paths and open grass. No bathrooms or parking lot are on site. To access, park along 32nd Ave & enter at a slightly hidden paved path on 32nd Ave near McCanta Way.
