📰 What's Making News

Five Clark County Seniors Land National Merit Scholarships

Here's a round of applause for five local high schoolers who just earned one of the most prestigious academic honors in the country. Five Clark County students — from Camas, Evergreen, and Vancouver public schools — have been selected as National Merit Scholars, a recognition that places them among the top academic achievers nationwide. It's the kind of news that reminds you just how much talent is growing up right here. Congratulations to every one of them and the families and teachers who helped get them there. Full story from The Columbian.

Raptors Roll to 6-0 on the Road After Salem Sweep

The Ridgefield Raptors are looking like the team nobody wants to host right now. Justin Brown dealt six scoreless innings Saturday night as Ridgefield hammered the Marion Berries 11-4 in Salem, completing a three-game series sweep. A five-run seventh inning blew the game wide open at 9-0 before Marion managed some late scoring. At 6-0 away from home, the Raptors are making a serious early-season statement. Catch the full recap at The Columbian.

Fireworks Season Approaches — Furry Friends Wants Your Cat Ready

The Fourth of July is barely three weeks away, and Furry Friends volunteer writer Nomi Berger is already sounding the alarm for cat owners. Her latest column outlines practical steps to reduce fireworks-related stress for felines — from pheromone products like Feliway to making sure your cat's microchip info is up to date in case they bolt. If you've ever spent a July evening chasing a spooked kitty, this one's worth bookmarking now while you still have time to prepare. Read the tips at Clark County Today.

Star Wars vs. Star Trek Trivia Tomorrow at Brothers Cascadia

Pick your franchise and bring your A-game. The Gentle Strength Project is hosting a sci-fi trivia night tomorrow, June 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Brewing Pub in Vancouver. The evening kicks off with a casual meet-and-greet at 6, then splits into a Star Wars round and a Star Trek round before winners are crowned. It's free, it's nerdy, and it comes with craft beer — hard to beat that on a Monday. Details on Reddit.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Ballmer Group Pledges Forgivable Loans for 10,000 Washington Homes

Steve Ballmer's philanthropic arm announced plans to offer developers forgivable loans aimed at building at least 10,000 affordable homes with two or more bedrooms across Washington state — targeting the shortage of family-sized housing that persists even as studio and one-bedroom apartments boom. Read more from The Columbian.

Marine Corps Pilot Ejects Safely After F/A-18 Crash Near Rimrock Lake

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet went down Saturday afternoon east of Mount Rainier in Yakima County. The pilot ejected safely and was hospitalized; the wreckage sparked a wildfire on the south side of Rimrock Lake that the Naches Fire Department responded to. Full story at The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, June 15

• Early Learners Play to Learn — 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library, Battle Ground. Fun hands-on activities and early literacy tips for little ones ages 0–5 and their grownups. Free. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Mall, Vancouver. Kick off a summer-long adventure — complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter to win prizes as you explore, shop, and dine your way through the mall now through August 14. More info
• HOPE Walk at Sarah's Gardens — 10:00 AM. A peaceful, creative morning walk for people living with dementia and their care partners, hosted by HOPE Dementia Support. More info
• Storytime in the Park — 10:30 AM at Crown Park (120 NE 17th Ave.), Camas. Bring a blanket and join the Camas Library for an outdoor family storytime — a different park each week all summer long. Free. More info
• Camas Library Storytime in the Park Series — 10:30 AM at Crown Park (120 NE 17th Ave.), Camas. Camas Library staff lead an outdoor family storytime. All ages welcome — just bring a blanket! More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party — 12:00 PM at Big Al's, Vancouver. Vancouver, WA is an Official Fan Zone of the FIFA World Cup 26 — catch the match on massive screens with stadium energy at Big Al's, presented by the Greater Vancouver Chamber and Visit Vancouver WA. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome to join for the weekly lunch gathering, noon to 1 PM. Free. More info
• Line Dancing — 1:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Grab whatever shoes you've got and learn line dances for fun and exercise — Mondays through August. Free. More info
• Vancouver Chrysanthemum Society Meeting — 2:00 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Visitors and fellow chrysanthemum enthusiasts are welcome at this monthly gathering, 2–3:30 PM. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for kids ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Tomorrow Never Dies at Kiggins Theatre — 5:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Celebrating the Kiggins' 90th birthday with a 90s film series — tonight it's Pierce Brosnan as 007, sponsored by the Rekindling Our Bonds podcast. $12. More info
• Summer Lecture Series with the Humane Society — 5:30 PM at Humane Society for Southwest Washington (East Vancouver location). Learn about animal welfare trends and shelter medicine from HSSW experts Jenn Rylander and Dr. Sydney Lee. Free. More info
• Story Explorers at Camas Public Library — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A book discussion group for 2nd–3rd graders and their adults — this month they're reading Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes. Free. More info
• Monday Night Trivia at Pour Choices Pub — 6:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Gather your smartest friends and try to dethrone reigning champs Goon Sauce. Great food, drinks, and bragging rights await. More info

Tuesday, June 16

• Columbia River Volleyball Future Rapids Camp — 9:00 AM at Columbia River High School, Vancouver. First through fifth graders train with state champion players, 9 AM–3 PM through June 18. Bring a lunch. $200 (includes camp t-shirt). More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Breakfast at Kitchen Table Cafe — 10:00 AM at Kitchen Table Cafe, 705 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. A friendly breakfast gathering for seniors. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Ages 9–19 can create characters and play Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E — experienced players and newcomers both welcome. Free. More info
• Pints and Pottery at Brothers Cascadia — 5:00 PM at Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Pub, 108 W. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Kilnfolk Clay Studio brings a pottery-painting pop-up — $32 includes one piece and all materials. Demo starts at 5:15 PM. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A weekly drop-in for writers of all levels — focused writing time, no readings or critiques. Free parking. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A casual weekly gathering for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Learn to Granny Square Crochet at Craft Collective — 6:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Beginner-friendly — learn foundational crochet stitches and create your own modern granny square with instructor Becka of Radiant Beans. $60. More info
• Aram Arslanian at Kascadia Public House — 6:00 PM at Kascadia Public House, Washougal. Catch original music from Aram Arslanian (aka Orphan Train) on the second Tuesday of the month. Free. More info
• 78th St. Heritage Farm Walking Tours — 6:00 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Stroll the 79-acre historic property with Master Gardener docents and learn about its role in horticulture education, agricultural research, and food security. Free. More info
• Back to the Future: The Musical — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The beloved film is now a Tony-nominated Broadway musical by the original creators Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis. Tickets from $58. More info

Wednesday, June 17

• TOPS 1056 — 8:15 AM at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver. Weigh-in from 8:15–9:15 AM, meeting from 9:30–10:30 AM. Call 206-915-4627 for details. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise classes for adults 60+ — sessions at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Camp Hope of SW WA — Summer Camps for Kids — 9:00 AM. Outdoor discovery camps for ages 6–17 featuring science explorations, creative crafts, and confidence-building adventures in nature. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe — 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Community Library. A joyful, all-ages performance celebrating the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand through dance and authentic music. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Marshall House, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Explore period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. Walk-ins welcome. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour this historic gem by reservation or walk-in for small groups. Free. More info
• Summer BBQ with the Vancouver Chinese Association — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Blue Lake Regional Park, Shahala Shelter A, Fairview. Grilled meats, local specialties, and a warm welcome for newcomers and long-time residents alike. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, artisan goods, and community vibes every Wednesday. More info
• Hatchery Tours & Forest Walks at Columbia Springs — 3:30 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Learn about the Vancouver Trout Hatchery or join a guided nature walk with knowledgeable staff and expert volunteers. Free. More info
• June Forest Walk at Columbia Springs — 3:30 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Discover native plants and local wildlife on a staff-led guided walk. Great for all ages (trails are not stroller-friendly). More info
• Trainer in the Park — 3:30–5:30 PM at Lucky Dog Park, 10100 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie. Free dog-training advice from Julie Mills of Paws Down Pets — look for the green DogPaw flags. Free. More info
• Tummy Time — 3:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A special session for babies under 18 months. Register at CamasPL.org/tummytime or call 360-834-4692. Free. More info
• Forest Walk at Columbia Springs — 3:30 PM at 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. A guided hike exploring the trails and wildlife of Columbia Springs. All ages welcome. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative, hands-on projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Kids ages 5–9 build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open play for ages 13–19 — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Introduction to Sewing Machines — 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn to thread a machine, select stitches, and create a drawstring pouch. Ages 9+, space limited to eight. Free. More info
• Teen STEM: Solar Oven at Camas Public Library — 4:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Grades 6–12 turn a pizza box into a working solar oven — and maybe make s'mores. Registration required. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Ripple Impact NW Giving Pop-up — 5:30 PM at the Hurley Building, 275 W. Third St., Vancouver. Meet leaders from local nonprofits including Ballet Folklorico, EOCF, Listen Line Community Services, NW Furniture Bank, and Urban Abundance. $15 registration, $100 suggested donation. More info
• Heritage Farm Wetland Restoration Celebration — 5:30 PM. Join Clark County Public Works to celebrate the completion of the Heritage Farm Wetland Restoration and learn how the project restored Cougar Creek's headwater wetlands. 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 welcome. $5–$10. More info
• The Butterflies of Oregon — Online Workshop — 6:00 PM. Bird Alliance of Oregon explores how to identify Oregon's roughly 150 butterfly species, when they emerge, and which plants they love. More info

Thursday, June 18

• Planters Days in Woodland — All day in Downtown Woodland. The 2026 theme is "Woodland, Washington — A Legendary Spirit. America 250." Today features a Kids Parade, Pet Parade, Coronation, and fireworks. Runs through June 21 with frog jumps, bed races, a car show, and more. More info
• Trapper Creek Wilderness — WTA Logout Backcountry Response Team — 8:30 AM. Spend four days with fellow volunteers removing fallen logs and keeping the Observation Trail open through old-growth forest. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this beautifully preserved historic home on Officers Row. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A class for beginning and intermediate players with Ruby Life Master instructor Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Join a lively crew for writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping. Submit fiction and nonfiction for feedback. Free. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab — 11:00 AM at Clark County Public Service Center, 6th floor, Vancouver. A new topic each month with expert staff and Q&A. Free. More info
• Creature Teachers at FVRL — 11:00 AM. Meet cool reptiles and creepy crawlies and learn about the wild, weird, and wonderful world of animals with Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Golden Corral — 2:00 PM at Golden Corral, 11801 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A social gathering for seniors. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Preschool Show & Tell — 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers ages 3–6 can bring a toy, photo, or special item to share. Register at CamasPL.org/showtell. Free. More info
• Woodland Planters Days — 3:00 PM at Horseshoe Lake Park, Woodland. Tonight's festivities run 3–10:30 PM with fireworks at 10 PM. Full schedule at planters-days.com. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Mall Library. Design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Free. More info
• Hike with Pacific Peaks Mountain Top Fitness — 3:30 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge. An adaptive fitness walk along the Heritage Trail for those with neurodevelopmental differences. Registration and fee required. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 13–19, every Thursday through summer. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join Vancouver Bicycle Club ride leader Charla Burke for fun group rides exploring trails, parks, and bike-friendly roads. 5–10 miles at 10 mph on flat terrain. Bring a bike and helmet. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars — 6:00 PM at Dovetail Cellars, 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. A dedicated lineup of songwriters and small groups perform live — broadcast on KXRW radio. Sign-ups at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• SpongeBob Trivia at Firehouse Axes — 6:30 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. Dust off your spatula and test your Bikini Bottom knowledge. Party size 1–8. Free. More info
• Circle of Light: The Love of Rumi & Shams — 7:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. An immersive 360° dome experience featuring Persian architecture, mystical symbolism, and the voice of vocalist Shahram Nazeri. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County — 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. The Tony Award-winning musical based on the best-selling novel — a sweeping romance about the roads we travel. $32. More info
• Switchfoot with Fuel and Lit — 8:00 PM at The Cowlitz Ballroom, Ridgefield. Three iconic bands, one night — hear "Dare You to Move," "Hemorrhage," "My Own Worst Enemy," and more. $50–$93. More info

Friday, June 19

• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day — Juneteenth — All day. No Discover Pass needed! Explore millions of acres of Washington state parks for free. More info
• Friends of Washougal Library Book Sale — 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at Bethel Community Church, 1438 B St., Washougal. Thousands of gently used books — paperbacks $1, hardcovers $2, kids' books $1 or less. Proceeds support a new Washougal Library building. More info
• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party — 9:00 AM. Join Urban Abundance for a Friday morning volunteer shift at the SWWA Victory Garden — good people doing good things outdoors. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour — 9:30 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Bring your four-legged companion for a guided walk learning about the park's history and the BARK Ranger program. Free. More info
• Road Trip — Cannon Beach Sand Castle Festival — 10:00 AM. Head to the coast for Oregon's oldest sandcastle contest, drawing thousands of visitors since 1964. More info
• Campus Community Garden Flora & Fauna Friday — 10:00 AM. Roll up your sleeves for a mid-day volunteer event with the City of Vancouver's Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces — hands-on service, snacks, and nature education. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noon–1:00 PM. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Kalama Harbor Lodge Shows FIFA World Cup — 12:00 PM at Kalama Harbor Lodge, Cove Bar. Catch USA vs. Australia on the big screen with beer, burgers, and tots. All ages. Free. More info
• Lions Club Charity Golf Tournament — 12:00 PM at Fairway Village Golf Course, Vancouver. Four-person scramble, raffles, a $7,500 hole-in-one contest, and an awards dinner at 4 PM. $70 per person / $280 per team. More info
• Book Launch for "Pip, the Old Apple Tree" — 1:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd. Fort volunteer Richard V. Wing and illustrator Pamela Gunn celebrate their new book telling the 200-year story of the Pacific Northwest's first apple tree. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly creative gathering, 1–3 PM. Free. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00 PM. Games, crafts, snacks, and fun for ages 9–12 every Friday through the summer. 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, a pool, and more. $10 general / $5 kids, veterans, seniors / free for kids 3 and under. More info
• ZooNights at Oregon Zoo — 5:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears — the quintessential summer Friday night. $13–$26. More info
• "It's the Little Things" Artist Reception — 5:00 PM. Featuring textile art by Eva Kelley and nostalgic still lifes by Maxine Swodeck — a celebration of life's little joys. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Voices of the Enslaved and the Free: The Road to Juneteenth — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. A one-night-only community readers theater by Msanii Creative Expressions — spoken word, music, and poetry bringing to life Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and more. Free. More info

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