North Clark County & Woodland
La Center: University of Idaho senior Samuel Spence of La Center was a member of an engineering design team honored during an innovation showcase. The seven-member team won a Booth Award for its remote wildlife camera system, which automatically takes pictures of animals entering and leaving tree cavities. The camera was on display during the 17th annual Engineering Design Expo on April 30.
Amboy: More than 100 guests enjoyed a lively birthday party for the North Clark Historical Museum on May 22. The Fern Prairie String Band played and the Vancouver Heritage Ambassadors portrayed Amboy’s great citizens of the past — including Dora Young, organizer of the Amboy United Brethren Church (which became the museum), and architect and builder Emanuel Jensen. Ringing of the old Amboy School bell signaled the unveiling of a bronze plaque noting the building’s entry on the National Register of Historic Places. A congratulatory letter from Gov. Chris Gregoire was read, and a fried chicken luncheon was served in the basement. A commemorative postcard designed by Dan Gerges is available at the museum during open hours, Saturdays noon to 4 p.m. The museum is at 21416 N.E. 399 St.
Ridgefield & Fairgrounds
Fairgrounds: It’s been open for business since Christmas, but neighborhood leaders, park planners and county dignitaries threw an official dedication party for Fairgrounds Community Park on May 22. About 100 people, including dignitaries, parks staff and neighborhood leaders, braved intense weather to attend the dedication. Approximately 30 of the park’s 88 acres were developed as part of the Greater Clark Parks District; there’s a master sports fields plan for the rest, too, but wetlands and other environmental issues may block it — leaving the landscape pristine. The developed eastern acreage now features paved walking trails, a large playground, two covered picnic shelters with tables, basketball courts, open lawn play areas, restrooms and a parking lot. The park project was completed three months early and more than $1 million under budget. It’s at 216 N.W. 164th St.
Battle Ground, Meadow Glade & Hockinson
Battle Ground: Cherry Grove Friends Church recently held its 30th annual Mother-Daughter Tea for Prairie High School senior girls. More than 75 senior girls and their mothers, grandmothers and aunts gathered in the sanctuary-turned-tea room. The luncheon speakers were Trey Doty of George Fox Evangelical Seminary, followed by Prairie High School seniors Kayla Reed and Taylor Bear. Prairie junior girls acted as servers. Music was provided by Debbie and Grace Skinner, mother and daughter from Cherry Grove.