Partnership with local vintage radio society offers a unique opportunity to get your antique, tube-containing electronics diagnosed and tested for free
VANCOUVER — The Repair Clark County program announces a special addition to their regular program offerings for the month of October: testing and diagnostics for tube-containing electronics.
What: Repair Clark County event, where you can bring your broken household items to be fixed, for free
When: Tue., Oct. 22, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Battle Ground Community Center, 912 Main St, Battle Ground
Columbia Springs’ offsite program, Repair Clark County, is all about service and conservation of resources. This program, with more than 170 volunteers, serves about 100 community members at each of their monthly events, by diagnosing and repairing roughly 85 percent of the items brought to them. To increase service, RCC partners with other local groups to expand what they can do. One of these groups is the Northwest Vintage Radio Society.
“I met them early on in this role and just loved what they do.” says Terra Heilman, the program coordinator. “We’ve worked together to restore a few vintage radios and they’ve graciously offered to come to our event in October and test and diagnose antiques that have tubes.”
The NWVRS antique radio club is an educational organization that is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of vintage radio.
“What better way to start enjoying your family’s treasured radio than to bring it to the repair clinic where we can perform a first response radio triage.” says Pat Kagi, the current president of the society. “At this clinic, we will safely test and diagnosis your radio or other vintage item using standardized processes to isolate the problem area. Our goal is to get the radio up and running again, but if the problem is not solved using first aid techniques, we will refer you to a qualified radio technician.” concludes Kagi.
“I’m a bit of an antique nerd.” says Heilman. “I really enjoyed attending one of the radio society’s meetings and seeing all the art deco and other era radios, some fully restored and some still needing a little love. If we can help someone with a sentimental item, that’s great! It means resources that won’t be trashed and we had a part in preserving the history and story of the piece.” says Heilman.
The Repair Clark County program is no stranger to antiques and sentimental items, “but this addition for October will give us more tools to help our clients” says Heilman.
The next repair event takes place at the Battle Ground Community Center on Tue., Oct. 22 from 6-8 p.m.. Clients can bring knives and other blades needing sharpening, sewing projects, bicycles and of course, their antique (and modern) appliances and electronics. Volunteer “fixers” will diagnose and attempt to repair items during the two hour event.
About Columbia Springs
Columbia Springs, founded in 2001, provides tens of thousands of children and their families the opportunity to fall in love with nature. We continue to build a community of life-long learners and land stewards through our educational opportunities, walking trails, events and workshops.
Located on a 100 acre natural area in the city of Vancouver, Columbia Springs is dedicated to providing outdoor recreation and science education close to home. The Repair Clark County program is primarily an “off site” program for the community, offering free fixing events, repair skills workshops and other waste reduction programming throughout Clark County.
Information provided by Columbia Springs.
