Three specialists will discuss septic systems and how to keep them from degrading surface and groundwater. The Clark County Clean Water Commission will host the discussion during its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, in the sixth-floor training room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. in Vancouver.

A septic system not properly sited, designed, installed or maintained can cause water pollution and a health hazard. Wednesday’s presentation will cover a number of topics, including how local agencies are trying to address failing septic systems. Presenters will include:

• Steve Bacon, a professional engineer who serves as development planning engineer for Clark Regional Wastewater District.
• Sheryl Hale, a professional engineer who manages the City of Vancouver Sewer Connection Incentive Program.
• Aaron Henderson, environmental health program manager for Clark County Public Health.

To ensure adequate seating, RSVP to Earl Rowell at 360-397-2121, ext. 4580, or earl.rowell@clark.wa.gov.

The Clark County Republican Convention, to be held tomorrow, March 31, at the Hilton Vancouver, is expected to draw almost 1,000 delegates and most of the 700 alternates elected at the March 3 caucuses. The doors open at 8 a.m. for registration. The cost is $15 for delegates, alternates, and observers up to the capacity of the facilities—about 1500. Attendees will be welcomed by county Republican Chairman Brandon Vick and notables from the Republican Party. Statewide Republican candidates, local Republicans up for reelection, and several announcing their candidacy will make brief remarks. Delegates will then caucus by legislative district to elect a total of 94 delegates and an equal number of alternates to the Washington State Republican Convention slated for Tacoma on May 30 through June 2. Vick thinks the unprecedented turnout at the caucuses and the convention bodes well for both local and national Republicans in November.

Close to 300 elementary school children from The Junior Joy Team and Hough Elementary will come together on Wednesday, April 11, to give personalized notes of appreciation to everyone working for the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). Hough will hold a special assembly at 1:30 p.m. on April 11. Four Junior Joy Team members who attend Hough will speak at the assembly, as well as Hough Resource Officer Tina Smith of the VPD. The personalized notes will be stuffed by The Junior Joy Team into “Happy Packets,” and within a couple of weeks every person employed at VPD will receive his or her own packet. The VPD, along with several other organizations vital to the health and vitality of our community, was selected by the kids during a January meeting. Learn more at www.thejoyteam.org, “like” The Joy Team on Facebook.com/TheJoyTeam or follow the organization on Twitter @TheJoyTeam.

From now until Monday, April 16, Clark College is accepting clothing donations for the Clark College Career Clothing Closet to help Clark students as they take the next step from education to the workplace. For the past eight years, the Clothing Closet has supported students’ efforts to further their career and educational goals by providing them with professional clothing for job interviews, scholarship interviews, and other occasions requiring appropriate attire. During the past three years, the Career Clothing Closet has welcomed nearly 1,900 Clark students, helping them dress for success.

Organizers say that donors should think about clothing that they would feel comfortable wearing on an interview. All donations for men and women should be in excellent condition and ready for use, already laundered and dry-cleaned or ironed. If the size of the garment is not clearly marked, it should be labeled. Spare hangers are welcome. Tax receipts will be available for donors. To donate clothes or for more information, call 360-992-2902 or e-mail service_learning@clark.edu.

The Clothing Closet will open its doors to Clark students on April 19 and 20, providing one free outfit per person. The Clothing Closet will be held in connection with Clark’s “Career Days,” to be held from April 23-26. Donations will be accepted weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Career Services office in room 108 of Gaiser Hall on the college’s main campus. Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.