📰 What's Making News

Battle Ground's Thomas Avery Already Anchoring a College Defense

True freshman Thomas Avery is making his presence felt at Montana Western — fast. The former Battle Ground High School standout notched eight tackles on Saturday against Eastern Oregon, matching a career high he first set back on Oct. 10 when he led the entire team in tackles against Carroll College. For a first-year player to earn that kind of defensive responsibility this early speaks volumes about the foundation he built right here in Clark County. Keep an eye on this one. Read more from The Columbian.

Year-Round Daylight Saving Time? UW Researchers Flag the Trade-Offs

With clocks falling back this weekend, the perennial "can we just pick one and stick with it?" debate is alive and well — but a new University of Washington study suggests permanent daylight saving time comes with real downsides. Researchers found that locking in DST year-round would mean darker winter mornings across the Pacific Northwest, with ripple effects on sleep patterns and daily routines. It's a useful reality check for anyone who's ever sworn they'd do anything to skip the time change. Read more from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Beef Demand Holds Strong as Protein-Heavy Diets Reshape Grocery Carts

Even with higher price tags at the meat counter, Americans are buying more beef than ever — driven by a nationwide shift toward protein-rich eating habits. The Columbian has the full breakdown.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, November 2

• HOPE Dementia Support: "Meet Me at the Art Workshop" — 11:00 AM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. Guided by art instructor Tricia Hall, participants with dementia explore hands-on projects that encourage expression, connection, and joy. Free, but registration required. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome at this weekly lunch meeting running noon to 1 p.m. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Monthly Potluck — 1:00 PM. All are welcome (ages 50+) for a monthly potluck and social. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for children ages 0–5 and their parents or caregivers. Free. More info
• Tales with Tails — 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in grades 1–5 can boost reading confidence with 15-minute sessions reading aloud to a therapy dog. Registration required. Free. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques to create nebula-inspired coasters. No experience needed; all supplies provided. $35. More info
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub — 6:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Gather your crew and test your knowledge with host Don Elliott. More info

Tuesday, November 3

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60+, tailored to each person's ability. No pre-registration required; first-timers should arrive early. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — 10:00 AM. A safe indoor space for kids ages 9 months to 6 years to run, climb, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• ReTails Holiday Store Opens — 10:00 AM at ReTails Thrift Store, Vancouver. The holiday store is packed with bargains on decor, ornaments, home goods, vintage items, and more — open daily through the holiday season. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special need for lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, pantry staples, hygiene items, and laundry pods. More info
• Hi There Juice Co. Food Drive — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at 1701 1/2 Broadway, Vancouver. Drop off food and warm winter gear for adults, kids, and pets through Nov. 8. 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. More info
• Aging Solo in Clark County — 1:30 PM at 40 et 8 Boxcar Room, 2809 NE 78th St., Vancouver. A monthly gathering for seniors 50+ exploring a different topic each month. Free; donations welcome. Contact Christina Keys at [email protected]. More info
• Wildwood at OMSI — 4:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. LAIKA's handcrafted epic fantasy film about a girl's quest to save her baby brother in a forbidden forest full of enchanted creatures. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Ages 9–19 can create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons — beginners and experienced players welcome. Free. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe — 5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Polynesian dance and narration from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand with authentic costuming and interactive audience dancing. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels featuring dedicated writing time and discussion — no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward beginning adult Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Well and Septic System Maintenance Workshop — 6:00 PM online via Zoom. Led by Clark County Public Health, learn to maintain and self-inspect your septic system and safely care for well water. $18. More info
• Page Turners Book Club — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Fourth through sixth graders and their adults read and discuss a book together — and keep it for free. Register at CamasPL.org/pageturners. Free. More info
• Vancouver Audubon: Conserving the California Condor — 6:30 PM at Evergreen Public Schools District Office, 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Dr., Vancouver. Oregon Zoo specialist Hayley Brazier discusses the zoo's condor recovery program, which has helped grow the population from just 22 birds in 1982 to nearly 600 today. Free. More info

Wednesday, November 4

• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this stunning Queen Anne–style home where General George C. Marshall once lived, featuring stained glass, decorative woodwork, and military memorabilia. Free; 30 minutes. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Explore the four-story neo-Georgian brick building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1873. Free; by reservation. More info
• Toddler Open Gym (Ages 0–3) — 11:00 AM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Soft mats and age-appropriate activities for toddlers and their grown-ups. Free. More info
• Friendship Club — 1:00 PM at Camas United Methodist Church, 706 NE 14th Ave., Camas. A monthly social for intellectually disabled adults with board games, card games, snacks, and music. Free. Call Carol Richards at 218-444-5548. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative, interactive projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00 PM. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at various FVRL library locations (Cascade Park & Vancouver Community Libraries). Open game play with decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres — 5:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, 2411 NE 244th St., Ridgefield. Guests 21+ can sing karaoke and enjoy wine. Free. More info
• 100 Women Who Care Clark County Quarterly Meeting — 5:00 PM at The Hammond Kitchen and Craft Bar, 4857 NW Lake Road, Suite 200, Camas. Philanthropic women hear about local nonprofits and vote to select one to receive donations. Optional social hour at 5 p.m.; meeting 6–7 p.m. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop style — intermediate lesson at 6 p.m., beginner lesson at 7 p.m., social dance 8–9:30 p.m. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• All Ages Bingo — 6:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Friendly competition with fantastic prizes, snacks, and refreshments. $10–$13. More info
• Online Spanish Conversation Classes (Levels I & II) — 6:00 PM via Zoom. Practice speaking Spanish with a native speaker in small groups of four to seven through Andrea's Spanish School. No homework, no tests. $25 per session. More info
• Gardening with Compost Workshop — 6:00 PM. Join Clark County Composter Recyclers to learn how to use compost — bokashi, vermicompost, trench compost, leaf mulch, and more — for a fertilizer-free garden. Free. More info

Thursday, November 5

• Youth Partnership Day for Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington — 8:00 AM–1:00 PM at Gloria and Clinton John Clubhouse, 409 NE Anderson St., Vancouver. This year's theme is "Together We Show Up." Choose the breakfast program (8–9 a.m.) or lunch program (noon–1 p.m.). Free; donations encouraged. 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 that takes you behind the scenes of how water gets cleaned. Ages 8+; closed-toe shoes required. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Explore period furnishings, military memorabilia, and the Queen Anne architecture of General George C. Marshall's former home. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A class for beginning and intermediate bridge players instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) — 11:30 AM at Minnehaha Church of Christ, 3217 NE 54th St., Vancouver. Weigh-ins 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., meeting 12:30–1:30 p.m. Free. More info
• Craig Stein Yappy Hour — 12:00 PM at Humane Society for Southwest Washington, Vancouver. Waived adoption fees on the first Thursday of each month. Adopters receive a bandana and a Welcome Home Kit with food, treats, and toys. More info
• Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington Chapter #19 Meeting — 12:30 PM at Salmon Creek United Methodist Church, 12217 NE Highway 99, Vancouver. Member Pepper Kim discusses Southwest Native American art. Bring your own lunch for optional social time; meeting starts at 1 p.m. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Spark imagination and build STEM skills using LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Storytellers Scene Workshop — 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in grades 3–5 (with an adult) learn the building blocks of a great scene through playful storytelling and TTRPG-inspired adventures. Registration required. Free. 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
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM (doors at 6:00 PM) at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free and all ages welcome — win fun prizes, and the final blackout round winner scores an overnight stay at the lodge. More info

Friday, November 6

• 60+ Senior Community Meal — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noon to 1 p.m. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Early Bird Holiday Bazaar — 2:00 PM–7:00 PM (also Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) at Battle Ground Event Center. Dozens of local crafters and artisans with display-ready decor and gift-worthy creations. Free admission. More info
• Vega Gymnastics Open Gym — 4:00 PM at VEGA Gymnastics, Camas. Ages 2–6 enjoy 45 minutes of open gym time. $12 per athlete. More info
• First Friday Art Walk — 5:00 PM in downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses open their doors for this beloved monthly tradition, most locations 5–8 p.m. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM. Ages 4+ get unlimited climbing for an hour and 45 minutes across multiple difficulty levels. No experience necessary. $33–$41. More info
• "Thankful for YOU! (and Pie)" Multicultural Celebration — 5:00 PM in downtown Camas. Pie tastings, pie raffles, a "Pie Walk Dance Party," multicultural displays, and more. Free. More info
• Stocking Stuffer Market — 5:00 PM–8:00 PM (also Saturday 11 a.m.–4 p.m.) at The Valiant Ballroom, 109 W 9th St., Vancouver. Locally made gifts that fit in a stocking, all $35 or less. Free admission. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts Presents: Lost — 5:00 PM at Metropolitan Performing Arts, Vancouver. Staged readings of short plays including Words Words Words, Sure Thing, and more. More info
• Live Music: Forest Ray at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery — 5:30 PM at 14 Acres, 2411 NE 244th St., Ridgefield. All ages, no cover, no reservation needed. Wine for the grown-ups, vineyard views for everyone. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek — 6:00 PM at Salmon Creek Grange, Vancouver. Games, light snacks, and plenty of laughter on the first Friday of every month. Free; children must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• Vega Gymnastics: Parents Night Out — 6:00 PM–9:00 PM at VEGA Gymnastics, Camas. Drop off kiddos ages 5–14 for an evening of fun. Pre-registration required by noon on Saturday. $36. More info
• Journey Theater Presents: Newsies — 7:00 PM at Fort Vancouver High School. The rousing, Tony Award-winning musical about newsboys who rally together and fight for what's right. $20–$22. More info
• The Rocketeer at Kiggins Theatre — 7:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. The thrilling 1991 Disney classic wraps up the "We Love the 90s" series — a full-throttle blast of 1930s Hollywood adventure. $10. More info

Saturday, November 7

• NW's Largest Mega Sale & Vintage Sale — 8:00 AM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Early bird entry at 7 a.m. ($25), general admission 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ($8). Kids under 12 free. Cash only. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover — 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Children ages 3–5 and their families build, test, design, and improve through playful hands-on engineering challenges. More info
• Thornton's Treeland Grand Opening — 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at 7617 NE 119th St., Vancouver. Hayrides, petting zoo, Christmas barn store, s'mores pit, tree maze, and fun zone. $10. More info
• Esther Short Park Cleanup — 9:00 AM at Esther Short Park. Join the City of Vancouver's Adopt-A-Park program and Vancouver's Downtown Association for a litter cleanup and beautification morning. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly. Advance registration required. More info
• Marine Park Beach Cleanup — 9:30 AM. Help remove plastic, styrofoam, and litter from the beaches to keep it out of the Columbia River. Expect a 2.5-mile walk on uneven sandy terrain. All tools provided. Registration required. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Perfect STEAM learning for youth of all ages. Free. More info
• Shaffer Stormwater Site Tree Planting — 10:00 AM. Join the City of Vancouver's Urban Forestry Department for a morning of planting trees. Family-friendly; gloves, tools, guidance, and light refreshments provided. RSVP required. More info
• Adaptive Birding Hike at Tualatin River NWR — 11:00 AM. Adventures Without Limits and a USFWS biologist lead an inclusive, accessible birding hike open to all abilities. Free (suggested $10 donation). More info
• Adopt-A-Park: Ellsworth Springs East Native Planting — 1:00 PM. Help plant over 700 native species in an area cleared of ivy earlier this year, reestablishing 40+ plant species that support pollinators, wildlife, and people. No planting experience needed. More info
• Mason Bee Cocoon Cleaning Workshop with Vancouver Bee Project — 1:00 PM. Learn mason bee biology, fall stewardship, and hands-on cocoon cleaning to reduce parasites and prepare healthy cocoons for spring. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

Sunday, November 8

• Photos with Santa Yeti at Civilized Wolf — 10:00 AM. Skip the traditional Santa photos and bring your pets (and people!) for an abominable Christmas photo with Santa Yeti. By scheduled appointment — ask about special times for reactive dogs. More info

Tuesday, November 10

• "In the Range of Fire & Ice" with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 6:30 PM. Award-winning Seattle author David B. Williams discusses his new book blending human and natural history of Washington's Cascade Range. More info

Wednesday, November 11

• Vancouver Audubon Birding Trip: Woodland Bottoms — 6:30 AM, meeting at Salmon Creek Park & Ride. Led by Randy Hill, this mostly-driving trip scouts for waterfowl, raptors, cranes, and songbirds along the Lewis and Columbia Rivers. Register by emailing [email protected]. More info
• Washington & National Parks Fee-Free Day — 7:00 AM. No Discover Pass needed! Celebrate Veterans Day with free entry to Washington state parks and federal public lands. More info
• 38th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Parade presented by Gesa Credit Union — 11:00 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Join the community to honor our veterans at this beloved annual tradition. More info
• Science on Tap: Archaeology of Ice Age Oregon — 7:00 PM on Main St., Vancouver. Archaeologist Dr. Katelyn McDonough explores how scientists uncover stories from more than 12,000 years ago, when mammoths, giant ground sloths, and camels roamed Oregon. More info

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