Saturday, March 8, 2014

Save Washington daylight

Picturesque, antique astronomical clock.


Remember to advance your clocks one hour tonight. We'll do our best to do the same at where apples get wet.

In exchange for the loss of sleep, you'll gain more daylight in the evening and the warm fuzzy feeling of participating in an antiquated ritual that is essentially obsolete in modern society. But what the hey.

Have a great season.

When it's 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, although it will feel much like 7:00 a.m. (because it will be), we'll see you here at where apples get wet, no matter what time it is.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

WSSB looks for innovative approaches to serving the blind

Dr. Dean O. Stenehjem, Superintendent pf WSSB searches for candidates to fill open positions,

Since its inception in 1886, The Washington State School for Blind (WSSB) has a solid history of providing excellent services to thousands of students both inside and outside the State of Washington.

A little over ten years ago, the school entered the world of online learning with the goal of making online resources accessible and creating usable online learning systems. A key person in the development of the learning program was digital research and development coordinator Sherry Hahn. Hahn retires at the end of the current school year, but her work, and that of the school's many partners, sets the stage to continue innovative learning practices.

In addition to conducting a nationwide search for Hahn's replacement, Superintendent Dr. Dean O. Stenehjem.is also in the process of hiring a Statewide Coordinator of Early Intervention Services for children who are blind and visually impaired (BVI).

"Our goal is that this person will help coordinate services among multiple agencies," says Stenehjem.

He wants the school to guarantee that BVI youngsters throughout Washington are connected with appropriate services, and realizing that the state has limited resources, insure they are used wisely. Stenehjem will look to the new coordinator to explore ways to create new partnerships that support the school's services.

"This is an exciting time and we look forward to helping improve the quality of these important services," says Stenehjem.

This month WSSB also revisits their Strategic Plan. Their goal is to establish a solid direction for the next five to ten years that will increase innovation and expand sustainable, yet diverse, services for students, their families and local school districts. The school's board of trustees will be joined by stakeholders to assess what has gone well during past years,what needs more attention, and what additional services are needed to support student success.

"Our goal is to continue to try new ways of doing business, new ways in reaching out in service delivery and creative solutions in bringing partners together toward a common goal of building high quality sustainable services for blind/visually impaired students."

Sunday, March 2, 2014

John Doan's guitar music inspires Celtic renewal

John Doane, performs minutes from Southwest Washington.
Master harp guitarist, storyteller, and historian John Doan performs on his renowned harp guitar this March in two churches within minutes of Southwest Washington.

John Doan’s new program is called Celtic Pilgrimage and transports the listener back to the time St. Patrick began his mission work in Ireland. This was a period of spiritual renewal for the island, when the arts and literature flourished and Ireland experienced relative peace.

Doan's music, entertaining stories and nicely crafted videos give listeners a chance to make their own Celtic pilgrimage. This new work is responsive to the themes and emotions of the Emerald Isle and promises to inspire and usher in a joyful renewal of its own.

John Doan's March Concert Dates:


Friday, March 7th, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
Living Way Fellowship Church
39300 Dubarko Rd.
Sandy OR 97055
Approximately 42 minutes southeast of Vancouver, Wash.

Admission $15

For more information, call Living Way Fellowship: 503-668-8088.


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Sunday, March 16th, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
Gateway Foursquare Church
525 Idylwood Dr. SE
Salem OR 97302
Approximately one hour south of Vancouver, Wash.

Suggested donation at the door $15, children and seniors $10.


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Purchase John Doan DVDs and CDs


John Doan's recordings can be purchased on his website: www.johndoane.com.