Local News
COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS
Sparked by the recent publication of a
book telling their story, some of Vancou-
ver’s earliest African American residents are
inviting “First Families and Friends” to a
community picnic starting at 1 p.m. Satur-
day, Sept. 8 at the city’s historic David
Douglas Park.
The event celebrates families chronicled
in the book, “First Families of Vancouver’s
African American Community: From World
War II to the 21st Century.”
People are asked to bring their own picnic
fare, plus potluck dishes if desired. The
planners will have extra plates, flatware,
napkins and water on hand if needed. The
park has no cooking facilities and does not
allow alcohol.
In a brief program starting at 2 p.m., Bob
Knight, Clark College president and early
friend and supporter of the First Families
book project, will deliver a personal wel-
come to the families. Musical performances
and other activities will take place through-
out the afternoon.
Members of Vancouver NAACP Branch
#1139, which was founded by the original
community in 1945, will be selling “First
Families” books at the picnic.
For more information, call Ralph Griffin,
360-980-6203; or Juanita Young 360-921-
9482.
Applications Accepted
for State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is preparing to
hire for several recruit trooper positions
starting September 13, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.,
when the Department will begin accepting
applications using the State of Oregon’s E-
Recruit electronic application system.
The Department’s first use of the State of
Oregon’s E-recruit electronic application
system proved very successful in October
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2011 when the goal of 800 applicants was
exceeded in just six hours. Because of how
quickly the application goal was reached
the first time OSP used the E-recruit elec-
tronic application system, Evans said
persons interested in applying should start
the process now by going to the Oregon
State Police recruiting website at www.osp-
trooper.com to learn about what it takes to
successfully apply.
Those who believe this is the opportunity
they have been looking for can create an
account to start building a profile, but
please follow the instructions detailed on
the website to apply.
Find out more at www.osptrooper.com.
Questions about the application process
can be directed to the OSP Recruitment
Unit at 503-378-4175.
Meles Memorial
Vancouver NAACP to
Co-Sponsor Mini-
Leadership Advocacy
Training
NAACP Branch 1139 and YWCA Clark
County co-sponsor a free mini-leadership
advocacy training on Saturday, Sept. 15, 10
a.m. – 12:30 p.m., in the YWCA Communi-
ty Room, 3609 Main Street, in Vancouver.
This training will take place during the
NAACP monthly membership meeting time
and is open to the public. Light refresh-
ments will be available.
Emijah Smith, Community Organizer for
the Children’s Alliance, will conduct the
training, which will cover how to commu-
nicate with lawmakers, get your message in
the media, build community and get others
involved, and related topics. Her presenta-
tion will focus on advocating for children,
but the knowledge and skills can be applied
to any issue.
Anyone interested in learning about basic
grassroots advocacy is welcome at this
training. The NAACP is especially eager to
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PHOTO BY JERRY FOSTER
‘First Families’ Social in
Vancouver
Ethiopians all over the world mourned the passing of Prime Minister Meles
Zenawi, who died Aug. 20 in Belgium. In Portland, community members
held a memorial services at the June Key Delta House, Sunday, Sept. 2.
Meles is credited with rebuilding the Ethiopian economy after a
devastating civil war and making it one of the United States’ most
important allies in Africa.
involve people of color, lower income com-
munity members, and others who tend to be
under-represented in the electoral and leg-
islative process.
For more information, please contact
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Emijah Smith, Community Organizer at
emijah@childrensalliance.org or 1-800-
KIDS (5437) x25.
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P ORTLAND 2012
B ULLETIN B OARD
If you have an event you want to share
with the community, email it two weeks
in advance to The Skanner at
info@theskanner.com
Thursday September 6
THE STANDARD VOLUNTEER EXPO. The Standard
supports many local and regional non-profit
organizations at the Standard Volunteer Expo, the
Portland community has the opportunity to learn
about them all. Come sign up to volunteer with
Page 2 The Portland Skanner September 5, 2012
the organization of your choice. 11 a.m. – 1:30
p.m. Pioneer Courthouse Square.
begins at 6 p.m. in the Oregon Historical Society
Pavilion. Free Admission
Saturday September 8
Saturday September 15
THE GIFT OF LITERACY 2012. Come celebrate
International Literacy Day with organizations that
can help you with reading, citizenship, GED
preparation & learning English. Central Library,
801 SW 10th Ave. 1 – 4 p.m.
STURGEON FESTIVAL. This free, fun family event
offers opportunities for the entire family to learn
about fish and other animals in and around the
Columbia River. Join us from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at
the Water Resource Center, 4600 Columbia Way,
Vancouver, WA
MADISON FESTIVAL IN THE PARK. This is a fundraiser
that will benefit participating organizations in
Madison High School. Enjoy a concert, craft fair,
and a families market and much more things for
kids to do and enjoy some good food too. Noon
– 5 p.m. Glenhaven Park.
Thursday September 13
OREGON VOICES CONVERSATION PROJECT SERIES
CONTINUES. Elliot Young, Borderless Migration
Globalization and Changing Communities event
Sunday September 16
PORTLAND CENTER FOR THE PEFORMING ARTS 25TH
ANNIVERSARY FAMILY DAY. Celebrate 25 years of
Portland’s premier arts venues with free
performances theater tours and a variety of
children’s activities. This is a free event. Noon –
5p.m. 1111 SW Broadway (at SW Main). Portland.