📰 What's Making News

Romano Properties Takes Over 100-Acre East Vancouver Development

A major shake-up for one of east Vancouver's biggest projects: Romano Properties has acquired nearly 100 acres near the Camas border from Hurley Development, inheriting plans for a massive mixed-use community. The land swap puts a new team at the helm of a development that could reshape the eastern edge of the city. If you've been watching that stretch of road and wondering what's coming — new housing, retail, and more are still in the pipeline, just under new ownership. Read more from The Columbian.

What 30 Clark County Teens Say Worries Them Most

The Clark County Youth Commission just released a report that's worth every parent's attention. Thirty local young people identified their biggest day-to-day obstacles: the lingering effects of the pandemic, pressure to perform academically, difficulty building healthy relationships, and a lack of safe places to simply hang out. It's a candid, ground-level snapshot — not from national surveys, but from kids right here in our community sharing what their lives actually look like. Read the full report coverage from The Columbian.

Vancouver Firefighters Stop Bedroom Blaze in Minutes

Vancouver firefighters earned their keep over the weekend, knocking down a bedroom fire at a home near NE 75th Street and NE 124th Avenue within minutes of arriving on scene. The quick response kept the blaze from spreading through the rest of the structure. No injuries were reported, and the fire is under investigation. A good reminder of what a fast, well-coordinated crew can do. Full details from Clark County Today.

Airbnb Offers Free Stays to Washingtonians Displaced by Wildfires

If you know anyone affected by the wildfires burning across Washington, here's something worth passing along: Airbnb is offering free short-term stays to displaced residents through its emergency housing program. The home-sharing platform activated the program in response to the state's ongoing fires, giving families another option while they figure out next steps. It's available statewide, so spread the word — especially to anyone in hard-hit areas who may not have seen the announcement. Details from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Seahawks Trim Roster to 53 Before Season Opener

The Seattle Seahawks met Sunday's 3 p.m. NFL deadline, cutting from 91 training-camp players down to the regular-season maximum of 53. See who made the cut.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, September 1

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60 and older, tailored to every ability level. No pre-registration required; first-timers should arrive early to sign up on-site. More info
• River Nutrient Enhancement Season — Salmon Carcass Placement Volunteers — 9:00 AM. The Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group needs volunteers for this highly physical (and highly rewarding) work placing salmon carcasses in streams to return vital marine nutrients to local watersheds. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Step back to April 1912 and explore more than 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wrecksite in this immersive exhibition about the people aboard history's most famous voyage. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals, rushing waves, and fluid sculptures in this stunning blend of 3D impressionism and environmentalism. On view through September 30. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM at Oaks Park, Portland. Little ones age 6 and under enjoy kiddie rides and select family rides, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. More info
• Playgroup — 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 9 months to 6 years. A safe indoor space for kids to run, climb, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Running all month long (Sept. 1–30), donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special need for lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, pantry staples, and hygiene items. Drop-off box is near the north entrance. More info
• Vancouver Wellness Studio Celebrates 10 Years! — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Wellness Studio, 301 W Columbia Way, Vancouver. Join the ribbon-cutting celebration honoring a decade of collaborative healthcare in our community. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults — 12:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking, listening, and expressing yourself confidently in a supportive environment. Free; no registration required. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Ages 9–19 can create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons — beginners and experienced players welcome. Free. More info
• Outdoor Afro's Little CampOut — Virtual Campfire Storytelling — 5:00 PM. A live virtual campfire experience where families gather for an evening of stories, laughter, curiosity, and connection. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at the Vancouver Arts Hub, Vancouver. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels featuring dedicated writing time — no readings or critiques, just focused productivity. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward beginning Spanish speakers. No registration needed. Free. More info
• Pencils and Pints — 6:00 PM at A Beer at a Time, Camas. Sketch, paint, draw, or doodle while sipping a local craft brew. Co-hosted by the Artisans Guild of Camas and the Camas Public Library. Supplies provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Page Turners Book Club — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in 4th–6th grade and their adults read and discuss a book together — and keep it for free! Register at CamasPL.org/pageturners. More info
• Vancouver Audubon: "The Wildlife Center of the North Coast" — 6:30 PM at Evergreen Public Schools District Office, Vancouver. Speaker Annie Cahill explores the role of wildlife rehabilitation centers in conservation, disease monitoring, and environmental education. Free. More info

Wednesday, September 2

• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free tours available Wednesday through Friday, 10 AM–2 PM. Check in at Suite 103 inside the front door. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this beautifully preserved historic home, available Wednesday through Friday, 10 AM–2 PM. More info
• Musicians in the Park — 12:00 PM at Davis Park, Ridgefield. Enjoy live lunchtime music in the Downtown Arts Quarter, presented in partnership with the Ridgefield Art Association. Bring a picnic or grab takeout from a downtown restaurant. Free. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Quiet music and contemplative prayer from 12:20–12:45 PM. Free. More info
• Vesta Hospitality Celebrates 30 Years — 1:00 PM at Vesta Hospitality, 15605 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. Help mark three decades of growth and innovation for this Vancouver-rooted hospitality company. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Every Wednesday 3–7 PM at the temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues. Fresh produce, artisan goods, and community vibes. More info
• Tween Bad Art — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Random supplies, zero rules, total creative freedom. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00 PM. Ages 5–9 build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at various FVRL library locations. Open game play with decks provided (or bring your own). Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Speed Friending — 5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. A fun, low-stress way for adults to meet new people with conversation prompts and quick rounds. Registration required at CamasPL.org/SpeedFriending. Free. More info
• Grow and Arrange Cut Flowers Year-Round — 5:00 PM. WSU Extension Master Gardeners and FVRL present tips for growing your own beautiful cut flower garden, including a flower arrangement demonstration. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try this exciting team sport at no cost — no experience needed, equipment provided. Paddlers must be 14+. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on session for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. $40–$45. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups all welcome. $5–$10. More info
• All Ages Bingo — 6:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Friendly competition, fantastic prizes, delicious snacks, and fun for the whole family. $10–$13. More info
• Vaux Swifts 101 — 6:00 PM. Learn the fascinating life history of these tiny, incredible migratory birds before the annual spectacle of thousands of swifts descending into Portland's Chapman Elementary chimney each September. More info
• VanPort Jazz Open Rehearsal — 7:00 PM at Cascade Inn Assisted Living Center, Vancouver. Listen to and dance along with VanPort Jazz during their free open rehearsal. More info

Thursday, September 3

• Mount Adams Mystery Backcountry Trip — WTA Backcountry Response Team — 8:30 AM. An adventure for flexible spirits — the work could be logout, bridge building, or treadwork in the beautiful Indian Heaven Wilderness. Sign up if you thrive on surprises! More info
• Communicating Through Supply Chain Disruption — 9:00 AM. Led by Kayla Anderson of Riparian Media, this workshop covers social listening, publishing under uncertainty, and drafted response language for businesses. More info
• Native Plant Tending and Traditional Ecological Knowledge — 9:30 AM at Thousand Acres Road. Join the Confluence Project NW, Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, local Indigenous partners, and the US Forest Service for hands-on land tending and habitat rehabilitation at the Sandy River Delta. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Runs Thursdays 10 AM–2 PM through September. More info
• Go with the Flow: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free 90-minute walking tour showing what happens after you flush. Ages 8+. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this Queen Anne gem with stained glass, decorative woodwork, period furnishings, and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. A class for beginning and intermediate players covering opening bidding, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• Card Making Club at Craft Warehouse — 1:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. First Thursday gathering for paper crafting enthusiasts of all levels. Discover new products, swap techniques, and make cards. Free. More info
• Reading Dragons Kickoff — 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Pick up a reading tracker, receive a mystery card pack, and enter for a chance to win a prize. Register at CamasPL.org/RD2026Kickoff. Free. More info
• WEO Celebrates 30 Years of Women Empowering Women — 4:00 PM at Visiting Angels, 603 Officers Row, Vancouver. A ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring three decades of inspiring and supporting women in business throughout Southwest Washington. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30 PM. Ages 13–19 can hang out, play games, craft, and chat. Snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Wintler Beach Clean-Up — 6:00 PM at Wintler Park. Join Riparian Media and the City of Vancouver for a beach clean-up through the Adopt-A-Park program. RSVP for a head count so they know how many supplies to bring. More info
• Bird Language: Learning to Read the Landscape Through Birds — 6:00 PM (virtual). Local naturalist Rey Snyder leads this immersive class exploring how to interpret bird behavior and reconnect with an ancient way of reading the landscape. More info
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Doors at 6 PM, bingo at 7 PM. Fun prizes plus a chance to win an overnight lodge stay in the blackout round. Free and all ages welcome. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00 PM in Washougal. Kat Nichols leads this all-ages, beginners-welcome line dancing session. $10. More info
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society September In-House Rose Show — 7:00 PM at St. Luke's-San Lucas Episcopal Church, Vancouver. The annual in-house rose show plus a "Wings and Roses" chicken wing supper. Open to the public. Free. More info
• Clark County Historical Museum: "Brewing and Distilling in the Pacific Northwest" — 7:00 PM at the Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Sam Busick explores how alcohol shaped the region's history, from the fur trade and Fort Vancouver to 19th-century saloons, Prohibition, and today's brewing boom. $5. More info

Friday, September 4

• Backpacking Fundamentals: Mount Hood with Opal Creek Center — 8:30 AM. A three-day beginner backpacking trip through old-growth forest, meadows, and trout-filled lakes. Build confidence in backcountry skills like water filtration, food prep, and route finding. More info
• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM on Sauvie Island, Portland. Almost 2 miles of corn maze pathways, plus the pumpkin patch. Open Fridays through Mondays in September, 10 AM–5 PM. More info
• Fall Watercolor Workshops — 10:30 AM at the Vancouver Arts Hub. Kathryn Garcia-Stackpole of Kathryn By Design teaches you to paint florals, apples, and pumpkins. Beginners welcome. $125 includes all materials. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ served noon to 1 PM, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A weekly creative space for connection and expression. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In — 4:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more — all included in admission. $5–$10. More info
• Discover Downtown Ridgefield — 4:00 PM in Downtown Ridgefield. Shop, dine, stroll, and explore as participating businesses stay open late with sales and activities. Free (VIP packages available). More info
• First Friday Art Walk — 5:00 PM in Downtown Vancouver. A wide array of gallery spaces and art-centric businesses open their doors. Most locations open 5–8 PM. Free. More info
• Celebrate Art First Friday in Camas — 5:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Art shows, demos, hands-on experiences including quilling, basket weaving, pottery, and fabric weaving, plus after-hours shopping, dining, and live music. Free. More info
• Between Page and Panel — 5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Opening reception for this exhibit featuring original artwork by 15 local children's book illustrators. On view Sept. 4–Oct. 17. Free. More info
• Aurora Gallery Presents "Around Vancouver" — 5:00 PM at Aurora Gallery, 1004 Main St., Vancouver. Celebrating 23 years in business with local artists depicting recognizable Vancouver scenes, plus Cortney Firstenburg's debut exhibit "She Who Works." Free. More info
• Attic Gallery: Curator's Choice — 5:00 PM at Attic Gallery, 419 NE Cedar St., Camas. First Friday reception with paintings and sculptures selected by gallery owners, plus live music, wine, and light refreshments. Free. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 5:00 PM. A bucket-list adventure into the crater of an active volcano with professional mountain guides. See the youngest glacier in the world and mountain goats up close. More info
• MSHI GeoGirls Art Display — 5:00 PM at 210 W Evergreen Blvd, Suite 300, Vancouver. See what middle schoolers discovered and created at this free five-day geology and technology camp at Mount St. Helens. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek! — 6:00 PM at Salmon Creek Grange, Vancouver. Games, light snacks, and laughter on the first Friday of every month. Free; children must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Live music by Shirley Van Paepeghem plus an on-site food truck. Free admission. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk — 6:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver. Shape up to two pounds of clay into mugs, vases, gnomes, or animal sculptures — no experience needed. Staff fires and glazes your piece. $50. More info
• Haunted Walking Tours — 7:00 PM at the Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead groups through downtown sharing tales of lingering spirits, mysterious happenings, and forgotten tragedies drawn from historical research. $15–$20. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and live music on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served seating. More info
• Scottish Dance Party — 7:30 PM at Columbia Dance, Vancouver. An evening of easy Scottish dancing — no partner or experience needed. All dances taught and called. $5. More info
• Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons — 8:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. A multi-sensory tribute concert experience under the gentle glow of candlelight. $49.50–$81.50. More info

Saturday, September 5

• Summit Climb on Mt. St. Helens — 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides. Designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship market founded in 1990, open Saturdays 9 AM–3 PM and Sundays 10 AM–3 PM through October. More info
• Ridgefield Multicultural Festival — 9:00 AM at Overlook Park, Ridgefield. Performers, games, food, and vendors celebrating the Ridgefield community. Free. More info
• Heritage Choir Fall Street Fair — 9:00 AM at Heritage High School, Vancouver. Handmade crafts, food vendors, live music, and community fun supporting the Heritage Choir program. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages and abilities welcome. Register at parkrun.us for your personal barcode. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover — 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Ages 3+ and their families tackle playful hands-on engineering challenges together. More info
• Sons of The American Legion Squadron 168 — Amboy — 9:00 AM at American Legion Tum Tum Post 168, Amboy. Monthly meeting supporting veterans and their families in North Clark County. Free. More info
• NWTA "Good Dirt!" Mountain Bike Event — 9:00 AM at Cascade Locks. The last Good Dirt ride of the season with green, blue, and black trails and scenic Columbia River Gorge views. Northwest Trail Alliance leads beginner, women's intermediate, and co-ed intermediate groups. More info
• Bird Language: Sit Spot & Habitat Mapping — 9:00 AM at Whitaker Ponds, Portland. A field-based class with naturalist Rey Snyder exploring how bird behavior reveals what's happening in the landscape. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play — perfect for learning. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM at Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes — hands-on STEAM education through aviation for all ages. Free. More info
• Pop-Up History Museum: Exploring Ridgefield's Told & Untold Stories — 10:00 AM at The Greely Building, Ridgefield. The last day to explore Ridgefield's founding, community organizations, and the little-known stories of Japanese farmers forcibly removed during WWII. Free. More info
• The American Legion Tum Tum Post 168 — Amboy — 10:00 AM at 21400 NE 399th St., Amboy. Monthly meeting for veterans and community members who want to get involved. Free. More info
• Mushroom Hunting for Beginners — 2:00 PM. FVRL presents a beginner-friendly class on skills and tools for accurate mushroom identification — more than just a slideshow of edible species. Free; no registration required. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

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