Concert to benefit community garden for veterans

A variety of musical stylings will be represented in a Valentine’s Day concert.

The “Sweetheart Desserts & Valentine Concert” will begin Saturday, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m., with Art Miller, performing ragtime and blues, at the Gaiser Student Center, on the Clark College campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.

The event is a fundraiser for the Clark County Veterans Community Garden, located at 8101 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver.

The garden is expected to promote self-reliance, physical activity and social interaction, and contribute to the health and well-being of veterans. It will include raised beds for veterans with mobility issues. Advanced Drainage Systems, of Washougal, has donated materials for the project.

During the concert, Eric John Kaiser is scheduled to play Parisian Americana music at 4 p.m., followed by Amber Sweeney, at 5 p.m.

Norman Sylvester, a member of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, will appear with Sarah Billings, at 6 p.m. The Ricky Lee Jackson Band, featuring Shawna Quade, will perform country and pop music at 7 p.m.

The concert will also include an appearance by vocalist Rachel Len.

Admission will be $25 per person, if tickets are purchased in advance, at Beacock Music, 1420 S.E. 163rd Ave.; Hazel Dell Animal Hospital, 808 N.E. Minnehaha St.; all Riverview Community Bank branches and online at www.ClarkCountyVetsCourtBoard.org/events. Tickets will also be available for $30, at the door.

Admission will include unlimited desserts, beverages and appetizers. The desserts, many from the bakery at Clark College, will include pies, cakes and gourmet chocolates.

VIP tables, to seat eight people for $200, will also be available. To purchase that seating or inquire about volunteer opportunities, contact Lisa Biffle at 907-2391.

The event is co-sponsored by the Clark County Veterans Court Board and the Clark College Veterans Resource Center. Washougal Mayor Sean Guard and Camas Police Chief Mitch Lackey are founding members of the Veterans Court Board, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.

Donations for the garden can be made at any Riverview Community Bank branch or online at www.ClarkCountyVetsCourtBoard.org. Future plans for the site include additional raised garden beds that are wheelchair accessible and a covered picnic area.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Veterans-Garden/638085189640432.