My use of this space is organic, it’s a living thing – forever changing. Along those lines, I thought of devoting the space on occasion to the theme I have used as my headline – Things I love in north Clark County.
The Reflector’s reach seems to be growing with each day. It has certainly expanded in recent years. Our circulation area has largely remain unchanged, but through our website, social media and paid subscriptions, we have evidence that many who reside outside of our free delivery area have gravitated to us and we are thankful for that.
So, while our “community’’ grows, we still remain a community newspaper with a predominantly local focus. We have a particular affinity to those who reside in Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Hockinson, Ridgefield, La Center, Woodland, Amboy, Yacolt and the areas around and in between.
I started working for The Reflector Newspaper in the fall of 2007. Since 1986, I was a resident of Vancouver. Recently, I made the plunge and now reside in Battle Ground. Over the years, I have grown to appreciate what our circulation area in north Clark County has to offer. It’s that appreciation that has given me the idea to share with you from time to time, Things I love in north Clark County.
Woodland’s Love Street Playhouse
I’m almost ashamed to admit that the first time I visited the Love Street Playhouse in Woodland – which is actually just across the Clark County border in south Cowlitz County but still firmly inside The Reflector’s circulation area – was in December when I enjoyed their version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.’’ It was a perfect outing for me to add some joy to my holiday season.
By the time you are reading this, I will have made my second visit to the venue. This time, I’m headed to the opening night of “The Odd Couple.’’ I grew up watching the television version of “The Odd Couple’’ with Jack Klugman and Tony Randall (I’m definitely more of an Oscar than a Felix) but I’ve never taken in a performance of Neil Simon’s classic comedy that has been entertaining audiences for nearly 50 years.
“The Odd Couple’’ will mark the opening of the 2016 season at Love Street Playhouse. It will be directed by Tony Bump and stars Richard Barr (of Vancouver) as sloppy sportswriter Oscar Madison and Gary Corbin (of Camas) as uptight neat freak Felix Unger. Oscar and Felix’s poker buddies include Murray the cop (played by Matt Brown), Speed (played by Mark Raynor), Vinnie (played by Wayne Yancey) and Roy (played by Tom Golik of Woodland). Their neighbors, the Pigeon sisters Gwendolyn and Cecily, (played by Lynn Greene of Vancouver and Corrie Graham of Ridgefield) are said to offer extra spark and laughter to the production.
“The Odd Couple’’ runs through Feb. 28. Visit www.LoveStreetPlayhouse.com or call (360) 907-9996 for times and ticket information for this performance and what’s planned at the playhouse for the rest of the year. I could have waited a week to share this information with you after I took in opening night but it would have robbed you of a weekend’s worth of opportunities to join in the fun.
Love Street Playhouse is housed in a quaint building constructed in 1940 by the Open Bible Church congregation and has survived many changes over the years. Owned and operated by the wonderful Melinda Leuthold since 2007, the church building has been fully restored and is also available to rent for special occasions.
The Love Street Playhouse is a true treasure and definitely one of the many things I love in north Clark County.
Battle Ground Rotary
I am constantly amazed by the number of service organizations and their members in our communities.
The Reflector Newspaper had the honor of hosting the Battle Ground Rotary Monthly Social last week and a great number of Rotarians and guests showed up for the event. As was the case when we held our Open House in our new building in November, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and visiting with so many of you.
I’ve said many times, the lifeline of The Reflector is you, our loyal and engaged readers, and the community is blessed by service organizations such as the Battle Ground Rotary. For more information on the Battle Ground Rotary, visit www.BattleGroundRotary.com. The site also has a section entitled “Find A Club,’’ which can help direct those interested to a Rotary club in their community.
I’m told that service organizations are struggling to find members these days, even though that wasn’t evidenced by the wonderful turnout by the Battle Ground Rotary. I’m told folks are more comfortable volunteering for specific events or projects rather than making a more open-ended commitment.
I am scheduled to join the Battle Ground Lions Club for their next meeting on Thu., Feb. 11 at Rocky’s Pizza. The meetings are open to members of the public. For more information on the Battle Ground Lions Club, contact Ken Steinke at (360) 903-0830 or kensteinke3@gmail.com.
