Vader City Council report

Multiple community events and achievements were discussed during the July 2 Vader City Council meeting.

City Clerk Jill Nielson reported the city had been given a Claims Free Award by the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) for having had no insurance claims during the last year, a first since Vader joined AWC in 2006.

Vader was one of 31 member cities to receive the award out of 91 cities within the association, and was the only Lewis County city other than Mossyrock to survive 2012 without an insurance claim.

"Each year, when we have no claims, they will give us another little certificate," said Nielson, showing off the city’s plaque, which is now on display at City Hall.

Nielson, showing off the city’s plaque, which is now on display at City Hall.

Nielson also spoke on behalf of Mayor Ken Smith, who was not able to attend the meeting that night due to a family emergency.

"The mayor was excited and very proud, as he should be," said Nielson.

Resident Judy Costello announced a city-wide yard sale is being organized to take place Saturday, Aug. 3.

She said participants would not have to leave the comfort of their garages and front lawns for the sale, but would simply work as a community to promote and support the event. For more information, contact Costello at (360) 295-3036.

Vader’s second Gravity Races are less than a month away, and potential entrants are being told to expect more prizes and trophies than last year.

First organized by Council Member Kevin Flynn, the second annual Gravity Races have already seen a greater turnout in participants and sponsors than before. Flynn said a new category will be used this year to determine the best of the best, pitting the winners of the children’s category (up to 15 years old), youth category (16 and 17 years old) and adult category (18 years old and up) against each other to see who is the fastest of all. The speediest racer during last year’s event was Robert Charlton, who was clocked at 31 mph, setting a high bar for this year’s racers to beat.

The 2013 Gravity Races are expected to take place Saturday, July 27, on SR 506 in Vader and all those able to build and/or pilot a downhill derby car are welcome to participate. There is no age restriction except that the driver be able to safely control their vehicle. For more information, contact Flynn at (360) 295-0873.

The next council meeting is scheduled for July 16 at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. Those with questions or in need of accommodations can call (360) 295-3222.