The list of Clark County residents appearing on “Wheel of Fortune” has grown with the recent addition of Troy Carpenter. Carpenter, who graduated last month from Washington State University Vancouver and is looking for work in human resources, won $13,000 in cash in an episode of “Wheel” that aired Jan. 7.
He had a viewing party with about 60 family members and friends at a Round Table Pizza in Vancouver to celebrate. Although he didn’t make it to the bonus round, Carpenter has no regrets.
“It was a blast. I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” said the 38-year-old Orchards resident.
Carpenter has long been a “Wheel” fan.
“My mom, when I was about 7, had me start watching ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to help me do better on my spelling and pronunciation of words. By the time I was 12, I was beating her at (solving the puzzles),” he said.
Most of the winnings will provide a financial cushion while Carpenter looks for work, and will go toward paying bills and student loans. He does have one splurge in mind though for wife Tonia, who encouraged him to apply for the show. He plans to take her for a day of shopping.
“It was her idea, so I want to do that for her,” he said.
Search beings for new leader of Vancouver Symphony
Richard Brase, the Vancouver Symphony’s marketing director, is helping lead the search for a new executive director.
Brase on Dec. 23 posted the job details on LinkedIn, a professional social networking Web site.
“We’re looking for someone with background in development, someone who knows the area and who is plugged in,” said Brase, 57. The symphony’s priority is finding a strong leader, but someone with a music background would be a plus, added Brase, who lives in Northeast Portland. The full-time position pays $50,000 a year.
The symphony’s top job has been open for about seven months after Celia Gesting resigned. Gesting took over the post in 2007. She had been executive director of the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra in Texas.
The Vancouver Symphony is one of Clark County’s flagship arts organizations and has an annual budget of about $650,000.
Woodland man’s passion for outdoors influences career
Dave Lanphear followed his passion for outdoor recreation into business. The 47-year-old Woodland man and his wife, Debi, purchased Pacific Boatland on Highway 99 in Salmon Creek in May 2007. Before that, Dave Lanphear was in the car rental business in Portland and Seattle.
“You might as well do what you love to do,” Lanphear said.
He expanded the business — and its name — to include motosports and marine, adding a line of Arctic Cat snowmobiles and ATVs. “If it has to do with outdoor recreation, we probably have it,” Lanphear said.
This weekend, he’ll be spending at least 12 hours a day at his booth at the Portland Boat Show in the Portland Expo Center, with fiberglass boats from Four Winns and aluminum fishing boats from Duckworth. The long hours at the show are worth it, he said.
“This is the beginning of a lot of relationships,” Lanphear said. “It’s a great place to meet and greet and see everybody.”
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