A guest of President Barack Obama’s at the White House. Two tours in Afghanistan. Testifying before Congress.
Oscar Vasquez’s story is one you’ll want to hear when he tells it from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in room 110 of the Dengerink Administration Building at Washington State University Vancouver, 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver; free. Vasquez, who grew up in the United States as an undocumented immigrant, returned to Mexico after high school, re-entered the country legally, joined the U.S. Army, and served two tours in Afghanistan. He also was a guest of Obama’s at the 2016 State of the Union address, and testified for immigration reform in front of Congress, making this lecture a timely one. Vasquez has a degree in engineering from Arizona State University, and has a film, “Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream,” partially based off his experiences. 360-546-9788 or events.vancouver.wsu.edu.
With winter beginning to wind down, and the sun starting to peek out, it’s time to gather garden supplies. There’s no better place to do that than at the Portland Home & Garden Show, which takes place Feb. 22 through Feb. 25 at the Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive, Portland; $8 to $10, free for children 12 and younger. Learn about the latest home and garden products and services from more than 300 local companies. The show runs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 22, 23 and 24; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 25. homeshowpdx.com.
Lower Columbia College students will tackle heavy subject matter in their production of “The Wrestling Season,” which will run Feb. 23 through March 2 at the Rose Center for the Arts, 1528 Maple St., Longview; $10, free for LCC students, staff and faculty. The play is an examination of what it means to be a teen today. Matt and Luke are close friends on a high school wrestling team, and rumors spread about the nature of their relationship. Matt concocts a plan to end those rumors that backfires, and Luke finds himself bullied while he struggles with his sexuality. Must be 13 or older to attend. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, 24, March 1, 2 and 3; 2 p.m. Feb. 25. lowercolumbia.edu/theatre.