📰 What's Making News

300 Original Artworks, $30 Each — Art4Art Returns This Weekend

Here's your excuse to come home with something beautiful on the wall. The Friends of the Vancouver Community Library host their annual Art4Art fundraiser this weekend, offering up to 300 small, original artworks — all priced at a flat $30 apiece. The sale supports library programming across the community, and the pieces go fast once doors open. If you've been meaning to start (or grow) an art collection without the gallery-level price tag, this is your moment. Full details from The Columbian.

Legacy Health, UnitedHealthcare Ink Last-Minute Deal for Clark County Patients

If you carry UnitedHealthcare insurance and use Legacy Health services — including Legacy Salmon Creek — you can breathe easy. The two organizations reached a new contract agreement Wednesday, just hours before the old one was set to expire. Without a deal, Clark County patients could have lost in-network access to Legacy providers. The eleventh-hour resolution means no disruption to care or coverage for local families. Read more here.

BirdFest, Bluegrass, Old Apple Tree Festival Top This Weekend's Calendar

Your weekend dance card is about to fill up. The Columbian rounded up five things worth doing this week, headlined by BirdFest & Bluegrass at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and Vancouver's beloved Old Apple Tree Festival. There's also a production of "The Women of Lockerbie" for the theater crowd. Whether you want live music, fall festival vibes, or a reason to explore North County, the lineup delivers. See the full list.

45 Assists, 22 Digs: Clarice Glover Powers King's Way Past Seton Catholic

Clarice Glover put on a clinic Thursday night, racking up 45 assists and 22 digs as King's Way Christian outlasted Seton Catholic in a five-set Trico League volleyball thriller. That kind of stat line from a single player is the stuff coaches build highlight reels around. It was a back-and-forth battle that rewarded the fans who stuck around for all five sets. Get the full recap.

Week 5 Prep Football: Camas at Battle Ground, Skyview vs. Union Headline Friday

Friday night lights are calling. The Week 5 slate features Camas heading to District Stadium to take on Battle Ground at 7 p.m., while Skyview and Union square off at McKenzie Stadium at 4:30. The Columbian's prediction crew went 14-1 last week — pushing their season mark to 51-16 — so their capsule previews and livestream links are worth a look before kickoff. See all the previews and predictions.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Jacobus Auto Body Plans Expansion in Central Vancouver

Dave Jacobus, carrying on the family business his father started, is expanding Jacobus Auto Body's operations in Central Vancouver. The shop owner is known for putting in 12-hour days and treating every customer like a neighbor — which, in many cases, they are. Full story here.

Downtown Cocktail Bar Proof Opens at 8th and Washington

Proof Cocktails and Lounge cut the ribbon yesterday at the corner of 8th and Washington in downtown Vancouver. Another sign that the downtown dining and nightlife scene keeps filling in — check out their menu and hours at the announcement thread.

Brown Nets Hat Trick as Winterhawks Top Kamloops

Portland Winterhawks forward Brown delivered a three-goal performance to power the team past the Kamloops Blazers last week. It's early-season hockey at its best for fans on this side of the river. Read the full weekly recap.

Ex-Winterhawk Seth Jarvis Nears NHL Return After Shoulder Surgery

Seth Jarvis, who starred in Portland before becoming Carolina's regular-season goals leader, is grinding through rehab from June shoulder surgery to fix an injury that dogged him for nearly three years. Hawks fans will be rooting for the hometown product's comeback. Catch the update.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, October 2

• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon ride to the patch, one free pumpkin (any size you can carry!), corn maze admission, and same-day entry to the Nighttime Corn Maze all included. $14–$16. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — 10:00 AM. A drop-in indoor play session for kids ages 9 months to 6 years with safe, clean toys while parents socialize. Self-monitored by parents. $7–$9. More info
• Memory Cafe at Prairie Tavern — 10:00 AM at Prairie Tavern, Brush Prairie. A welcoming space for people living with dementia and their caregivers to socialize, enjoy refreshments, and participate in activities. Free. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch — 11:00 AM–6:00 PM at Velvet Acres Gardens, Orchards. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, vendors, and food carts. $10. 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 1:00 PM. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. Free. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm — 12:00 PM at Whalen Oaks Farm, Woodland. A sprawling 40+ acre pumpkin patch with 60+ varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. Free parking and no admission fee. More info
• Signaling System Solutions Fire Safety Event — 12:00–4:00 PM at Signaling System Solutions, Camas. Bring your fire extinguisher for a free professional inspection in honor of Fire Safety Awareness Month. The Camas-Washougal Fire Department will also be on hand. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A weekly art group hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southwest Washington. Free. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery — 4:00–8:00 PM at AQUA Gallery, 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver. Artists Reception featuring Carson Legree's vibrant paintings of mythological characters and Abby Ketcham's expressive stuffies. Free. More info
• First Friday Art Walk — 5:00–8:00 PM in Downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses open their doors across downtown. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM. Ages 4+. An hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing with multiple difficulty levels for kids, teens, and parents. No experience necessary; all equipment provided. $33–$41. More info
• Pumpkin Pageant & Harry Potter First Friday in Downtown Camas — 5:00–8:00 PM. Vote on pumpkins decorated by local businesses, come dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character for the costume contest at 7:30 PM, and enjoy themed treats around town. Free. More info
• Between Page and Panel at Camas Public Library — 5:00–8:00 PM. Reception for an exhibit featuring original artwork by 15 children's book illustrators from Vancouver and Portland. See paintings, drawings, and sketches that became picture books and graphic novels. Free. More info
• Open Studios Preview Exhibit & Artists Reception — 5:00 PM at Art at the Cave Gallery, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Preview works from artists participating in the Clark County Open Studios Tour on Nov. 7–8. Mediums include painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and glass. Free. More info
• Luminescence Art Show — 5:00–8:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, 109 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. A showcase of artworks inspired by light, created by emerging and established Vancouver artists. On display through Oct. 4. Free. More info
• Battle Ground Art Alliance Show at A Hall Artworks and Studio — 5:00–8:00 PM at 210 W. Evergreen Blvd., Suite 300, Vancouver. First Friday reception featuring works by members of the Battle Ground Art Alliance. Free. More info
• Open Hearts, Big Dreams at Vancouver Arts Hub — 5:00–8:00 PM at 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See original artwork created for bilingual children's books set in Ethiopia, meet the authors and artists, and enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine by Sara's Catering. Free. More info
• After Hours Museum Take-Over: Clark County Historical Cemetery Association — 5:00–8:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Hear the histories behind local cemeteries and stories about some of their permanent residents. 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
• Live Music: Two Left Feet at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery — 5:30–7:30 PM in Ridgefield. All ages welcome, no cover, no reservation needed. Wine by the glass and bottle for the grown-ups. Free. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek — 6:00 PM at Salmon Creek Grange, Vancouver. Monthly first-Friday gathering with games, light snacks, and laughter for the whole family. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free. More info
• Bi-Zi Farm Nighttime Corn Maze — 6:00–10:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Navigate the corn maze after dark. Tickets sold in 60-minute time slots; last slot at 9:00 PM. $7.50–$9.50. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk — 6:30–8:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Sculpt up to two pounds of clay into mugs, vases, gnomes, or animal sculptures with guidance from a clay instructor. No experience needed. $50. More info
• Haunted Theme Park at Oaks Park — 7:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Immersive haunted houses, a Halloween theme park, food, drinks, and oddities vendors. $25–$33. More info
• Haunted Walking Tours — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead groups through downtown Vancouver sharing tales of lingering spirits, mysterious happenings, and forgotten tragedies. About one mile of walking. $15–$20. More info
• Spirit Tales of the Vancouver Barracks — 7:00 PM starting at The Grant House, Vancouver. Historian Jeff Davis leads a walking tour covering the haunted history of the Vancouver Barracks from 1849 to 2011. 1.5–2 hours, 1.5 miles. $17–$22. More info
• Water for Elephants — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The bestselling novel comes to life as a spectacle-filled Broadway musical, hailed as "stunning, emotional, and gorgeously imaginative" by The New York Times. More info
• Guys and Dolls — 7:30 PM at Winningstad Theatre, Portland. The classic musical comedy set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City. $48.25. More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Magenta Theater — 7:30 PM at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. A lightning-fast, 90-minute comedy romp that puts Bram Stoker's tale through a blender with Mel Brooks and Monty Python. Five actors play over a dozen roles. $28–$30. More info
• "Friday Frolic" Scottish Dance Class — 7:30–9:00 PM at Columbia Dance Center, 1700 Broadway, Vancouver. New dancers welcome; no partner or special clothing needed. First class free, then $8 at the door. More info
• Friday Live Music at Pour Choices Pub — 7:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Kick off October with a night of live music from the Pour Voices. More info

Saturday, October 3

• PCTA Trail Work Project at Big Huckleberry Mountain — 8:00 AM. Join the Pacific Crest Trail Association's Mount Hood Chapter for a volunteer day in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Hike 3 miles, clean trail drains, and cut vine maple. Registration required; max 7 volunteers. More info
• WTA BIPOC Trail Work Party: Beacon Rock — 8:30 AM at Beacon Rock State Park. A trail-building work party for folks identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Learn the tools of trail work and put that knowledge to use. More info
• OnPoint Community Credit Union Camas Grand Opening — 8:45 AM at 19542 SE Brady Rd., Suite 101, Camas. Ribbon cutting for OnPoint's ninth Southwest Washington location, plus a $5,000 donation to the Camas-Washougal Community Chest. Complimentary food and coffee. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship market has been running since 1990 — shop local produce, artisan goods, and more. More info
• BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival — 9:00 AM in Downtown Ridgefield. Guided birding, hikes, family activities, crafts, art and photo contest displays at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, plus bluegrass performances lasting until 9:00 PM. Free. More info
• Native Plant Sale — 9:00 AM in Ridgefield. The Ridgefield Garden Club's fall sale features all native plants that support local birds and pollinators, held during the BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival weekend. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team — 9:00–10:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Curious kids and families use their five senses to explore how we interact with our environment, with a Sasquatch twist. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Park Run — 9:00 AM at Klineline Pond and Salmon Creek Regional Park, Vancouver. A free weekly 5K — walk, jog, or run. All ages, abilities, and dogs welcome. First-timer orientation at 8:50 AM. Free. More info
• Vancouver Audubon Society's Young Birders at BirdFest — 10:00 AM at Ridgefield NWR Visit Center. Young Birders will be manning spotting scopes — a great chance to learn about the program. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Perfect for young aviators and curious minds of all ages. Free. More info
• Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM in Yacolt. Tractor-pulled hayrides past dozens of pumpkin-people scenes, pumpkin picking, farm animals, kids' activities, and photo ops. $6–$8. More info
• Walton Farms Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM in Camas. Admission includes the corn maze, train ride, and one pumpkin any size. Dogs welcome on leash. $13 ($11 seniors 55+). More info
• Whalen Oaks Farm Fall Fest — 10:00 AM–6:00 PM in Woodland. Food trucks, drinks, and local vendors on the farm. Free. More info
• Open House: East Vancouver Community Park Concepts — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Vancouver Innovation Center. Help design a new 14-acre community park near 192nd Avenue and 20th Street. Light refreshments provided; no registration required. Free. More info
• Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at EasyCLIMB trail system, Cascade Locks. Skills stations, activities for all levels, bike games, and a raffle. Bring bikes, helmets, and water. More info
• Mushroom Foraging with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 10:00 AM at Pine Creek Information Station. Learn to identify edible and inedible mushrooms, then harvest and cook them into delicious dishes. More info
• Adaptive Fall Foliage Kayak Tour with Adventures Without Limits — 10:00 AM on the Willamette River. Inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities. Ages 6+. Sliding scale pricing ($50–$115). More info
• Dozer Day — 11:00 AM–4:00 PM at Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Operate real construction equipment under expert supervision — bulldozers, excavators, and more. Kids under 48 inches ride with an experienced operator; taller kids and adults can go solo. $15. More info
• Old Apple Tree Festival — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at Old Apple Tree Park, Vancouver. Celebrate the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest, planted at Fort Vancouver in 1826. Fun, food, music, and tree-cutting giveaways from Urban Forestry Commissioners. Free. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. $10. More info
• La Center Historical Museum — 12:00–4:00 PM in La Center. Free admission; run by volunteers and donations. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Fall Leaves Special — 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM departures from Yacolt. The train chugs through a 330-foot rock tunnel to the Heisson area with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $16–$22. More info
• La Ratoncita Presumida / The Vain Little Mouse Puppet Show — 12:00 PM at various FVRL Library locations. A bilingual (Spanish/English) puppet show from Venezuela presented by Melissa and Carlos Bertran. Free. More info
• River Superstars: Salmon and Lamprey — 1:00–2:00 PM at Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Drop-in hands-on program for kids ages 5–12 exploring the life cycles of salmon and lamprey. Free; no registration required. More info
• The Stuff of Legends Artist Talk at AQUA Gallery — 1:00–2:00 PM at AQUA Gallery, 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver. Hear from artists Carson Legree and Abby Ketcham about their work in the current exhibit. Free. More info
• The Golem's Gift by Northwest Children's Theater — 2:00 PM at The Judy, Portland. A world premiere musical inspired by Jewish folklore about a man made of clay determined to repair the world. Best for ages 8+. $25–$35. More info
• Meet NASA Astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt at OMSI — 2:00–3:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. A short presentation and meet-and-greet with the NASA astronaut who began his journey right here in the Pacific Northwest. Free; RSVP required. More info
• Steins & Swines Oktoberfest Block Party — 2:00–7:30 PM at Grains of Wrath Brewery, Camas. Award-winning German-style lagers, fresh hop IPA, and all-you-can-eat classic Oktoberfest food. Three ticketed sessions available. $55–$90. More info
• Unleash Your Heart Gala & Auction — 5:00 PM at ilani, Ridgefield. An evening supporting animals in need throughout Southwest Washington, with a cocktail reception, live auction, and more. More info
• Birds of a Feather Art Show Opening Reception — 5:00–7:00 PM at Ridgefield Art Gallery, 104 N. Main Ave. Featuring nature photography by Chris Bidleman plus work by 12 gallery members and guest artist Jamie Regina. Free. More info
• Live Music: Deni Herrmann at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery — 5:30–7:30 PM in Ridgefield. All ages welcome, no cover, no reservation needed. Free. More info
• Southern Fried Chicken and Biscuits Cooking Class — 5:30–7:30 PM at Class Cooking, 110 E. 15th St., Vancouver. Chef Fabiola Donnelly teaches the secrets to the crispiest chicken and flakiest biscuits. $100. More info
• Living History Performance at Lelooska Cultural Center — 6:00–8:00 PM in Ariel. Northwest Coast masks brought to life through traditional stories, songs, and dances in the cedar ceremonial house. Grounds and museum open at 5:00 PM. $16–$18. More info
• VanCity's Saturday Social Dance & Beginners Lesson — 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10:00 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

Sunday, October 4

• Weed Pulling at Grandmother Camus Pollinator Garden — 9:00 AM. Join the Vancouver Bee Project to care for a local pollinator garden in partnership with the City of Vancouver's Naturespaces program. Bring gloves and digging tools; light refreshments provided. More info
• Preparing Soil for Dahlia Planting in Spring — 10:00 AM at 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Master Gardeners share how to select healthy tubers, prepare soil, and set the stage for a vibrant dahlia season. More info
• Autumn Nature Walk with a Master Naturalist — 11:00 AM at Plas Newydd Farm. A relaxed walk exploring migrating birds, plants preparing for dormancy, and fall fungi. Coffee, tea, and light snacks provided; bring a water bottle and lunch. More info

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