Around the Area Dec. 4

VANCOUVER

Applicants sought for legislative page posts

Now is the time for students ages 14-16 to apply to serve as a page in the 2009 Legislature.

The weeklong program gives students a chance to learn firsthand about state government and politics.

Pages are paid employees and work a regular business day, delivering messages, handing out documents on the floor and running other errands.

They also attend Page School for two hours during the workday, where they learn important concepts about civics. The highlight of the week is writing and presenting their own bills as they play legislators in a mock committee hearing.

For students from distant parts of the state, private housing is available through host families living in the Olympia area.

Students who would like to apply for a one-week position should apply as soon as possible. Pages can work for the Senate or House of Representatives.

The session begins Jan. 12 and ends in April. Visit www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/StudentsPage for more information and to download an application.

CLARK COUNTY

County commissioners set to pass new budget

Clark County’s commissioners expect to pass a final version of the county’s two-year budget today.

Though the budget is growing — this year’s will be the first to top the $1 billion mark — expenses are expected to grow faster, forcing the county to cut services across all its departments.

They’ll meet at 9 a.m. in the sixth-floor hearing room of the county Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., to discuss the budget.

VANCOUVER

Firefighters auction to raise funds for needy

Vancouver firefighters are teaming up with the Northwest Culinary Institute and the International Air and Hospitality Academy to raise money for food and toys for needy families.

A holiday dinner and auction is set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. It will be held at E.B. Hamilton Hall/Red Cross building at the Vancouver Historic Reserve, 605 Barnes Street. Call Anne Pinney at 360-281-7946 or John Thompson at 360-356-4549 to make reservations.

The buffet-style dinner will include roast baron of beef, honey glazed ham, fresh salads, sides and desserts. Ninety seats are available at the dinner, which costs $35 per guest. Wine and microbrews are available at additional cost.

The Vancouver Fire Department’s Volunteer Firefighters Association will use all proceeds to help local families and children this holiday season.

Those unable to attend can donate items to be auctioned or canned food or new toys to contribute to the drive.