📰 What's Making News

Jenisch, Blau Power Columbia River Past R.A. Long in League Opener

Spring is officially here, and so is high school baseball. Columbia River kicked off 2A Greater St. Helens League play with a 6-4 road win over R.A. Long in Longview on Friday night. Junior Luke Jenisch was the story on the mound, tossing 5.2 solid innings, while Greg Blau went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI to pace the offense. It's the kind of early-season statement that gets the whole program buzzing. Read the full recap at The Columbian.

Friday Night Scoreboard: Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Tennis Results

Columbia River wasn't the only local squad in action Friday. It was a packed night across the region with baseball, softball, boys soccer, and tennis all underway. If your kid played — or your neighbor's kid played — the full scores are all in one place. Bookmark-worthy for the busy spring sports season ahead. Check all the results at The Columbian.

Blazers Drop Below .500 After Dallas Hands Them 100-93 Loss

It was a tough Friday night for Trail Blazers fans. Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg put up 24 points while Marvin Bagley III came off the bench for 26 to lead the Mavericks to a 100-93 win, snapping their own five-game losing streak in the process. The loss pushes Portland's record below .500 — not the momentum you want heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Full game recap at The Columbian.

Luke Raley Goes Deep Again as Mariners Grab First Win of 2026

The Mariners can finally exhale. Luke Raley homered for the second straight game as Seattle topped the Cleveland Guardians 5-1 on Friday night for their first victory of the young season. After an 0-start had fans reaching for the paper bags, this one felt like a deep breath of fresh air. Here's hoping it's the start of a streak. Get the details at The Columbian.

💬 Community Buzz

Columbia Springs Hits 25 Years — and Vancouver's Backyard Gem Deserves a Victory Lap

A quarter century of environmental education right here in Vancouver, and Columbia Springs is marking the milestone with a look back at how a small conservation vision grew into one of Clark County's most beloved nature destinations. Their anniversary post traces the arc from early days to the thriving community hub it is now — a story of curiosity, hands-on learning, and neighbors who believed in protecting this stretch of land along the Columbia. If you've ever taken a kid to see the salmon or wandered the trails on a quiet weekday, this one's worth a read. Read the full anniversary reflection.

Why "Paying Attention" Might Be the Most Underrated Outdoor Skill

Columbia Springs' "Lessons That Stick" series tackles something deceptively simple: the act of actually noticing what's around you. Their latest installment argues that attention isn't just a personality trait — it's a learnable skill, and time in nature is one of the best classrooms for building it. It's a short, thoughtful piece that might change how you approach your next walk through a park or greenway. Check out the full lesson.

Fix It Before You Toss It: Columbia Springs' Monthly Repair Tips Keep Rolling

Columbia Springs has been quietly publishing a monthly "Repair Tip of the Month" series, and the February 2026 edition is the latest installment encouraging folks to mend rather than replace. It's a small, practical nudge toward sustainability that fits right in with the organization's conservation mission — and a nice antidote to throwaway culture. If you missed January's tip, they've got that one archived too. See the February repair tip.

⚡ Quick Bites

Vancouver's Ron Haye Outpaces Multiple Sclerosis Through 16 Years of Movement

Since his 2010 diagnosis, Vancouver resident Ron Haye has fought back against MS with a disciplined regimen of exercise and diet — a strategy he calls his "new normal." His story is a powerful reminder that stubbornness and sneakers can be a potent combination. Read more in The Columbian.

Kevin Bergstrom Named Camas-Washougal's New Fire Marshal

The city of Camas has tapped Kevin Bergstrom to lead the Camas-Washougal Fire Department as its next fire marshal. Full story here.

Columbia River Coach Bre Smedley Launches Mental-Training Business for Young Athletes

Columbia River volleyball coach Bre Smedley co-founded The Elite Competitor, a Vancouver-based business offering mental-performance training for players, parents, and coaches navigating the pressure of youth sports. Learn more at Clark County Today.

Washington Schools Must Align Early Reading Curricula With Research Starting September

A new Washington state requirement means public schools purchasing or updating K–4 literacy materials starting next September must choose curricula grounded in evidence-based reading instruction. It's a shift that could reshape how Clark County kids learn to read. Details from The Columbian.

Share Welcomes Interim Executive Director April 2

Share, Vancouver's largest provider of homeless services, will bring on a new interim executive director starting April 2 following the departure of its current leader. Read the full story.

Columbia Springs Shares Rain-or-Shine Field Lessons for Local Kids

Columbia Springs' latest "Lessons That Stick" post explores how outdoor education thrives even on soggy Pacific Northwest days — proof that a little drizzle never stopped a curious kid. Check it out on their blog.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, March 28

• Easter Cookie Decorating Class – Decorate 6 royal icing sugar cookies in a guided "Sip & Decorate" session. Red Leaf Organic Coffee, Vancouver. $50.
• Metropolitan Performing Arts Gala – Celebrate MPA's move to a new space with performances, tributes, and a look back at its history. 6–9 PM, Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Ages 21+.
• English Country Line Dancing – No experience needed; walk-throughs provided. 7:30 PM, Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. $5/person or $10/family.
• Attack on Titan – Beyond the Walls World Tour Concert – Iconic anime soundtrack performed live with immersive visuals. 8 PM, Keller Auditorium, Portland. Starting at $90.95.
• Young Birders Walk at Steigerwald Lake NWR – Vancouver Audubon leads a free birding outing for ages 10–18 (with parent/guardian). Binoculars provided. 8 AM, Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Washougal.
• Jump for Joy Horse Show – Fox Hills Pony Club hosts a full day of equestrian competition. 9 AM–5 PM, Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield.
• Potting Parties with Clark Conservation District – Volunteer to pot bare root native plants for riparian restoration projects. 9 AM–Noon, Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education (CASEE), Brush Prairie. Free.
• American Legion Family Fundraiser Rummage Sale – Proceeds support veterans, military families, and school supplies. 9 AM–3 PM, American Legion Post 14, 4607 NE St. James Rd., Vancouver.
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – Free lesson followed by assisted play. 9:15–10:30 AM, Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver.
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – Free STEAM fun with flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display. 10 AM–3 PM, Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver.
• Vancouver Farmers Market – Fresh produce, flowers, artisan goods, baked treats, and prepared foods from 250+ vendors. 10 AM, Esther Short Park, Vancouver.
• Plant and Garden Marker Workshop at Kilnfolk Clay Studio – Decorate pre-cut clay markers with carving, stamps, and color glazes. Beginners welcome. 10–11:30 AM, Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. $55.
• Free Paper Shred Event – Safely destroy sensitive documents; donations support the Lions Sight Foundation. 10 AM–1 PM, Salmon Creek United Methodist Church parking lot, Vancouver.
• Project Cinderella at Evergreen High School – Free formal attire — dresses, menswear, shoes, and accessories — courtesy of the National Honor Society. 10 AM–3 PM, Evergreen High School Commons, Vancouver.
• Dream Walk Spring Fashion Show Fundraiser – Soroptimist International presents fashion by JOJO + COCO plus refreshments, raffles, and vendor shopping. 10:30 AM–1 PM, The Neighborhood Refuge, Ridgefield. $25, ages 21+.
• Camas SpringFest & Egg Scramble – Free all-day festival with bunny photos, spring crafts, hay rides, DJ Linus, food trucks, and egg scrambles. 11 AM–4 PM, Crown Park, Camas.
• Saturday Storytime: Judgy Bunny – Read "Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach" plus more fun stories. 11 AM, Barnes & Noble, Vancouver. Free.
• Play Bridge (0–150 Masterpoints) – 11 AM, Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. $10.
• Local Musicians Meet-Up – Drop-in jam session for all skill levels; bring your instrument. 11 AM–1 PM, Jam Session, Vancouver. Free.
• Author Talk with Dede Montgomery – The sixth-generation Oregonian discusses her novel A Map of Her Own, set in Astoria and early 1900s Camas. Noon, Covington House, 4201 Main St., Vancouver. Free.
• Heritage High School Thespians: "Are We There Yeti?" – A comedic play with music set in 1905 Vancouver, WA. 1:30 PM, Heritage High School, Vancouver.
• Union High School: The Little Mermaid, Jr. – Disney's beloved undersea adventure performed by Union theater students. 2 PM (and 7 PM), Union High School, Camas. $8–$12.
• Columbia Theater Arts Foundation: Guys and Dolls – Pay-what-you-will community theater classic. 2 PM, Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal High School, Washougal.
• Get Involved Ridgefield – Connect with local nonprofits, civic groups, and volunteer opportunities. 2–5 PM, Ridgefield Administrative & Civic Center, 510 Pioneer St., Ridgefield. Free.
• Camas High School: Urinetown – The Musical – A witty, satirical musical that doesn't take itself too seriously. 2 PM and 7 PM, Camas High School, Camas. $15.
• He Lives! An Easter Celebration – A 70-voice SW Washington Easter Choir with guest baritone Matthew Erickson, violinist Tianna Byrtus, and saxophonist Breegan Arnett. 4 PM, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 21720 NE 29th Ave., Ridgefield. Free.
• La Center Bottoms Bird Walk – Free guided birding tour of 314-acre wetlands with naturalist Elaine Murphy, hosted by Backyard Bird Shop of Vancouver. 8 AM, La Center Bottoms, La Center.
• Marine Park Beach Cleanup – Help remove litter from the Columbia River shoreline. Tools provided; expect a 2.5-mile walk. 9:30 AM, Marine Park (by the playground), 4501 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver.
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Community Park – Remove ivy and non-native plants and spread mulch. Training, tools, and snacks provided. Family-friendly. 10 AM, 13200 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Dr., Vancouver.
• Nature Art Resin Jewelry Studio with Bri – Short nature walk at Columbia Springs followed by hands-on UV resin jewelry making. Leave with 3+ finished pieces. 10 AM, Columbia Springs, Vancouver.
• Evening of Jazz with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra – Award-winning vocalist Halie Loren, pianist John C. O'Leary III, and percussionist Charlie Doggett perform over dinner with riverfront views. Doors 5:15 PM, dinner & music at 6 PM, AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront. $150.
• A Night Among the Stars – Columbia Gorge Museum Gala – Dancing, silent auction, dinner by Skamania Lodge, and craft cocktails. 6–10 PM, Columbia Gorge Museum, Stevenson. $75.
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance & Beginners Lesson – 45-minute lesson at 7 PM followed by social dancing until 10 PM. No partner needed. VanCity Ballroom, 9212 NE Hwy 99, Hazel Dell. $10.
• Prom with a Purpose Fundraiser for Fosterful – "Never Grow Up — An Enchanted Evening in Neverland" benefits kids in foster care. 7–9 PM, Keller Williams Premier Partners, 2211 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. $35/person, $55/couple. Ages 21+.
• Stumptown Stages: Avenue Q – Tony-winning musical that's part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart. 7:30 PM, Brunish Theatre, Portland. $43–$79.

Family & Kids

• Girls on the Rock – All-girls climbing event for ages 6–13; no experience or equipment needed. Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. $19–$24.
• 17th Annual Children's Festival – Free face painting, games, balloon art, prizes, and activities for families. 10 AM–3 PM, Vancouver Mall, Vancouver.
• Sensory-Friendly Easter Egg Hunt – Designed for individuals with disabilities and their families. See the Easter Bunny and enjoy sweet treats. 10 AM, Prune Hill Elementary School, 1601 NW Tidland St., Camas. Free.
• Easter Egg Hunt at Memorial Lutheran Church – Egg collecting, cookie decorating, and a puppet show for toddlers through fifth-graders. 10–11:30 AM, 2700 E. 28th St., Vancouver. Free.
• Northwest Children's Theater: Alice in Wonderland – An original jazz musical tumbling down the rabbit hole. Noon and 3 PM, The Judy, Portland. $25–$35. Best for ages 6+.
• Spring LEGO Happy Hummingbird Build Event – In-store build for LEGO fans ages 10+. 2 PM, Barnes & Noble, Vancouver.
• Floating Easter Egg Hunt at Kids Club – Easter egg float in the pool, goody bags, open swim, and meet the Easter Bunny. Ages 0–12. 3:30–4:30 PM, Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. $20.

Teens

• Tween Night: Painted Corkboards – Decorate corkboards and make custom push pins; pizza and cookies served. Ages 9–14, drop-off only. 5:30–7:30 PM, Drip Drop Art Studio, 1007 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver.
• Young Birders Hike at Steigerwald NWR – Vancouver Audubon guides youth grades 6–12 on a birding adventure. Binoculars provided. 8 AM, Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge, Washougal. Free.

Adults

• Live Music Friday with Colin Fox & Kenton Dolan – Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options in a welcoming atmosphere. 7:30 PM, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver.