📰 What's Making News

Beacock Music Marks 50 Years With a Broadway-Style Celebration

Half a century in the music business is no small feat, and Beacock Music is marking the milestone in style. The beloved East Vancouver shop is planning a nostalgic revue inspired by the Broadway musicals that were filling theater seats during America's bicentennial year. If you've ever wandered the aisles for guitar strings, piano books, or your kid's first instrument, you already know this place is a Clark County institution. Here's to 50 more years of keeping our community in tune. Read more from The Columbian.

Waterfront Way Car-Free Zone Could Expand After Strong Summer Run

Remember those summertime road closures along Waterfront Way? Vancouver city leaders are calling the car-free experiment a success and say they plan to continue it — and possibly expand it. The bustling mixed-use waterfront district saw enough foot traffic and positive feedback to justify another go. It's the kind of incremental move that keeps shaping Vancouver's downtown identity on its own terms. Full story here.

Skyview Girls Soccer Rallies After Five-Loss Start, Injury Wave

Skyview's girls soccer squad opened the season with five straight losses and a roster thinned by injuries — not exactly the script anyone drew up. But this very young Storm team has started to gel, turning their rough early stretch into a legitimate turnaround story. It's the kind of resilience that makes high school sports worth following even when the record doesn't pop off the page right away. Read more from The Columbian.

Derrick Deloney Earns Week 8 Football Player of the Week Honors

Evergreen's Derrick Deloney earned The Columbian's Week 8 high school football player of the week nod, pulling in 647 of 1,343 votes cast — nearly half the total. It's a well-deserved spotlight for a Plainsman who's been making plays all season. If you haven't been keeping tabs on Evergreen football this fall, Deloney is a good reason to start. See the full feature.

Amazon Brings 1,500 Jobs to Cowlitz County With Massive Kelso Facility

A one-million-square-foot warehouse in Kelso that was built nearly two years ago without a named tenant now has a very big one: Amazon. The facility is officially open and bringing 1,500 jobs to Cowlitz County, making it one of the region's largest single-site employers. While Kelso is outside Clark County, the economic ripple from a facility this size tends to travel — especially for Southwest Washington job seekers. Details from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Ground Kontrol Arcade Locks In 5,500-Sq-Ft Downtown Vancouver Spot

Portland's beloved Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar is officially heading north. The retro-gaming destination is building out a massive ground-floor space in downtown Vancouver, bringing its signature mix of classic cabinets, neon glow, and craft beer to our side of the river. Full details here.

Evergreen Schools Eyes Consolidation of Three Elementary Campuses

The Evergreen Public Schools Facilities Review Committee presented four scenarios on November 2 for potentially consolidating Riverview, Hearthwood, and Burnt Bridge Creek elementary schools in response to shifting enrollment and facility utilization. Read the full breakdown.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, November 3

• 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. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center – 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. 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 – 10:00 AM at ReTails Thrift Store, Vancouver. The holiday store is back, 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, Camas. Donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special need for lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, pantry staples, and hygiene items. More info
• Hi There Juice Co. Food Drive – 10:00 AM at Hi There Juice Co., 1701 1/2 Broadway, Vancouver. Drop off food and warm winter gear for adults, kids, and pets through Nov. 8, 10 AM–4 PM. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults – 12:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Practice speaking, listening, and expressing yourself confidently in a supportive environment. Free. More info
• Aging Solo in Clark County – 1:30 PM at the 40 et 8 Boxcar Room, Vancouver. A monthly gathering for seniors 50-plus exploring a new topic each month. Free; donations welcome. 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 through an enchanted forest full of adventure. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations (Ridgefield and Three Creeks). Create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons for ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe – 5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library, Washougal. Polynesian dance and narration from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand with authentic costuming, music, and audience interaction. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, Vancouver. A weekly group 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, Camas. Geared toward beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Well and Septic System Maintenance Workshop – 6:00 PM online via Zoom. Clark County Public Health teaches you how to inspect your own septic system and maintain your well water. Hosted by WSU Clark County Extension. $18. More info
• Page Turners Book Club – 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. A monthly book club for kids in 4th–6th grade and their adults. Register, pick up the book, and keep it for free after the meeting. More info
• Vancouver Audubon: Conserving the California Condor – 6:30 PM at Evergreen Public Schools District Office, Vancouver. Oregon Zoo Wildlife Conservation Specialist Hayley Brazier discusses the zoo's condor recovery efforts, which have helped bring the population from 22 birds in 1982 to nearly 600 today. Free. More info
• The House Pilates Restore Room Opening and Workshop – 6:30 PM at The House Pilates, 2008 S.E. Eighth Ave., Camas. Celebrate the opening of the new Restore Room featuring a red light bed, with an open house and workshop. Free. More info

Wednesday, November 4

• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this gorgeous Queen Anne–style home once occupied by General George C. Marshall. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour the stunning 1873 neo-Georgian building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Free. More info
• Toddler Open Gym (Ages 0–3) – 11:00 AM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Soft mats and age-appropriate activities for little ones and their grown-ups. 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
• Friendship Club – 1:00 PM at Camas United Methodist Church, Camas. Board games, card games, snacks, and music for intellectually disabled adults. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library, Washougal. Drop-in creative 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. For ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at various FVRL Library locations (Cascade Park and Vancouver Community Libraries). Open game play with decks provided. Free. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres – 5:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Sing karaoke and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Ages 21+. Free. More info
• 100 Women Who Care Clark County Quarterly Meeting – 5:00 PM at The Hammond Kitchen and Craft Bar, Camas. Philanthropic women hear about local nonprofits and vote to direct donations. Optional social hour at 5 PM, meeting 6–7 PM. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop lessons followed by social dancing. 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 a small group through Andrea's Spanish School. No homework, no tests. $25. More info
• Gardening with Compost Workshop – 6:00 PM. Learn how to use compost — Bokashi, vermicompost, leaf mulch, and more — to build healthy soil and move toward a fertilizer-free garden. Free. More info

Thursday, November 5

• Youth Partnership Day Fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington – 8:00 AM at the Clinton and Gloria John Clubhouse, Vancouver. This year's theme is "Together We Show Up." Choose the breakfast program (8–9 AM) or lunch program (noon–1 PM). 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 behind the scenes of Vancouver's Marine Park facility. Ages 8+. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this beautifully restored Queen Anne home with stained glass, decorative woodwork, and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, Vancouver. A class for beginning and intermediate bridge players led by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Stuffed Animal Sleepover – 10:00 AM–6:00 PM drop-off at Camas Public Library, Camas. Drop your stuffed animal off during the day or bring them to the Family PJ Storytime at 6 PM. Pick them up the next day to see what adventures they had overnight. Ages 3+. Free. More info
• Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) – 11:30 AM at Minnehaha Church of Christ, Vancouver. Weigh-ins followed by a supportive group meeting. 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 the month, plus a Welcome Home Kit with food, treats, and toys for every adopted pet. More info
• The Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington Chapter #19 Meeting – 12:30 PM at Salmon Creek United Methodist Church, Vancouver. Member Pepper Kim discusses Southwest Native American art. Bring your own lunch for optional social time. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Build your STEM skills with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Storytellers Scene Workshop – 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Learn the building blocks of a great scene through playful storytelling and TTRPG-inspired adventures. Grades 3–5 with an adult. Registration required. Free. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Cocktails and Canvas: Owls! – 6:00 PM at The Neighborhood Refuge, Ridgefield. Artist Elida Field guides you step-by-step to create an 11"x14" owl painting. Ages 21+. $85. More info
• Symbol of Freedom Fundraising Dinner – 6:30 PM at The Heathman Lodge, Vancouver. CDM Caregiving Services hosts a Veterans Day celebration with a gourmet dinner, raffle, and keynote by Navy veteran Will Chesney of Seal Team Six. $125. More info
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge – 7:00 PM (doors at 6 PM) at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge, Kalama. Free, all-ages bingo with fun prizes — and a chance to win an overnight stay if you hit the blackout round. More info
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society Meeting – 7:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Vancouver. Consulting rosarian Mary Hoover shares her experiences caring for the Memory Rose Garden at Longview Public Library. Free. More info

Friday, November 6

• American Legion Post 14 Holiday Market and Bake Sale – 9:00 AM at 4607 N.E. St. James Road, Vancouver. Shop gifts from local makers and enjoy baked goods from the Auxiliary's annual bake sale. Free admission. 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 and enjoy activities. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noon–1 PM. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM at the NAMI office, Vancouver. A weekly art group open to all. Free. More info
• Early Bird Holiday Bazaar – 2:00 PM at Battle Ground Event Center, Battle Ground. Dozens of talented local crafters and artisans with decor and gift-worthy creations. Continues Saturday 9 AM–4 PM. Free admission. More info
• Vega Gymnastics Open Gym – 4:00 PM at VEGA Gymnastics, Camas. 45-minute open gym for ages 2–6. $12. More info
• First Friday Art Walk – 5:00 PM in Downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses throughout downtown open their doors, most from 5–8 PM. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb – 5:00 PM. Ages 4+. Unlimited climbing for an hour and 45 minutes across multiple difficulty levels. No experience necessary. All equipment provided. $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 at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. All items locally made, stocking-sized, and $35 or less. Continues Saturday 11 AM–4 PM. Free admission. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts Presents: Lost – 5:00 PM at Metropolitan Performing Arts, Vancouver. Staged readings 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 Vineyard & Winery, Ridgefield. Live music in the tasting room. All ages, no cover, no reservation needed. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek – 6:00 PM at Salmon Creek Grange, Vancouver. Games, light snacks, and good times for the whole family. Free; kids must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• Vega Gymnastics: Parents Night Out – 6:00 PM at VEGA Gymnastics, Camas. Drop off kids ages 5–14 for three hours of fun. Pre-registration required by noon Saturday. $36. More info
• Journey Theater Presents: Newsies – 7:00 PM at Fort Vancouver High School, Vancouver. The rousing, Tony Award-winning musical about newsboys who rally together to fight for what's right. $20–$22. More info
• The Rocketeer at Kiggins Theatre – 7:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. The 1991 Disney classic wraps up the "We Love the 90s" series — jetpack thrills set in glamorous 1930s Hollywood. $10. More info

Saturday, November 7

• NW's Largest MEGA Sale & Vintage Sale – 8:00 AM (Early Birds at 7 AM) at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Treasure hunting on a grand scale. General admission $8; Early Bird $25; kids under 12 free. Cash only. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Hands-on engineering challenges for ages 3–5 and their families. More info
• Thornton's Treeland Grand Opening – 9:00 AM at Thornton's Treeland, 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, Vancouver. Join the Adopt-A-Park program and Vancouver's Downtown Association for a community litter cleanup and beautification morning. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly. More info
• Marine Park Beach Cleanup – 9:30 AM. Help remove plastic, styrofoam, and litter from the beach to protect the Columbia River. Expect a 2.5-mile walk on uneven sand. Registration required. All ages welcome. 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 on display. Free for all ages. More info
• Fort Vancouver Holiday Book Fest – 10:00 AM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, Vancouver. Meet 12 local authors — including five who write for children — and browse books perfect for holiday gift-giving. Free. More info
• Shaffer Stormwater Site Tree Planting – 10:00 AM. Join Vancouver's Urban Forestry Department for a morning of planting new trees. Gloves, tools, guidance, and refreshments provided. Family-friendly. RSVP required. More info
• Adaptive Birding Hike at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge – 11:00 AM. Adventures Without Limits and a USFWS biologist lead an inclusive, accessible birding hike. All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Free (suggested $10 donation). More info
• Ellsworth Springs East Native Planting – 1:00 PM. Help plant over 700 native species — including edible and medicinal plants — in an area volunteers cleared of ivy earlier this year. No experience needed. More info
• Mason Bee Cocoon Cleaning Workshop – 1:00 PM. The Vancouver Bee Project hosts their annual fall workshop on mason bee care, including a presentation on biology, parasites, and hands-on cocoon cleaning. More info
• Mushroom Hunting for Beginners – 2:00 PM. More than just a slideshow — this beginner-friendly class teaches the skills and tools you need for accurate mushroom identification. Free. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine. More info

Sunday, November 8

• Photos with Santa Yeti at Civilized Wolf – 10:00 AM at Civilized Wolf, Vancouver. Skip the traditional Santa photos — bring your pets (and yourself!) for festive photos 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 newly published book exploring the human and natural history of Washington's Cascade Range. More info

Wednesday, November 11

• Vancouver Audubon Society Birding Trip: Woodland Bottoms – 6:30 AM, meeting at Salmon Creek Park & Ride. Leader Randy Hill takes the group out for waterfowl, raptors, cranes, gulls, and songbirds. Mostly driving with short walks. Registration required via email. More info
• Washington & National State Parks Fee-Free Day – 7:00 AM. No Discover Pass needed! Explore state and federal public lands for free on Veterans Day. More info
• 38th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Parade – 11:00 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver. Presented by Gesa Credit Union. More info
• Science on Tap: Archaeology of Ice Age Oregon – 7:00 PM on Main St., Vancouver. Archaeologist Dr. Katelyn McDonough explores how researchers uncover stories from Oregon more than 12,000 years ago — when mammoths, giant ground sloths, and camels still roamed the land. More info

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