📰 What's Making News

Vancouver's Bulldogs Baseball Academy Punches Ticket to Babe Ruth World Series

Brent Monahan built the Bulldogs Baseball Academy on a philosophy he first spotted on his parents' Dodge Dakota license plate frame: "Baseball is Life." That whole-player approach — emphasizing character alongside curveballs — has carried the Vancouver-based program all the way to the Babe Ruth World Series. It's a remarkable run for a local academy competing on a national stage. Read the full story.

La Center's Peter Rosenkranz Wins Top Honor from State School Administrators

La Center School District Superintendent Peter Rosenkranz picked up a statewide administrator award at the Washington Association of School Administrators' summer conference in Spokane. The recognition spotlights the kind of steady, under-the-radar leadership that smaller districts like La Center rarely get credit for. If you know a La Center family, they're probably already proud — now the rest of the state knows why. Read more here.

Leah Nichelson Takes the Helm at Downtown Camas Association

Leah Nichelson remembers being dropped off at the Liberty Theatre as a kid and driving home past boarded-up storefronts. Now she's the Downtown Camas Association's new executive director, promoted from her role as events manager. Nichelson has watched downtown Camas transform from a pass-through into a destination, and she'll be steering the next chapter of that evolution. Full story from The Columbian.

60 Years In, Vancouver Swim Club Fights for Pool Time

The Vancouver Swim Club — Clark County's first and oldest competitive swim team — is celebrating six decades in the water, but the party comes with a catch. Rising costs and a genuine shortage of available practice pools are making it harder for the club to keep its lanes. Board members are working to chart a path forward so the next generation of local swimmers has somewhere to train. It's a story about a beloved institution doing what it takes to stick around. Read more.

New Documentary Celebrates Kiggins, Liberty Theatre as Indie Cinema Survivors

Seattle documentarian Rustin Thompson has traveled through plenty of towns where the local movie house is long gone — which makes Clark County's two thriving independents stand out. The Kiggins Theatre in Vancouver and the Liberty Theatre in Camas both earn starring roles in a new film about small cinemas that refuse to go dark. From blockbusters to art house picks to live community events, the doc highlights how these venues stay relevant by doing a little bit of everything. Check out the story.

Help a friend stay in the loop on Vancouver — forward this issue.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

Oregon Interstate Shut Down 70 Miles by Wildfire

A wildfire forced a small-town evacuation and closed a major Oregon interstate for 70 miles on Monday — worth knowing if you're planning any road trips south this week. Multiple blazes are burning across the state, so check conditions before you go. Read more from The Columbian

Waterfront Concerts, Bad Art Night, Free Run Club: Your Week at a Glance

A handy Reddit roundup covers this week's Vancouver happenings, including the Waterfront Concert Series, an Adult Bad Art event at Cascade Park Library, a free Run Club at Foot Traffic, and "The Last Picture Shows" at Liberty Theatre — all running Monday through Friday. See the full list on Reddit

Smith-Njigba Eyeing Bigger 2026 Season with Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba says he's ready to "turn up" his game heading into the 2026 season, regardless of where coaches line him up. Camp is underway in Renton. Read more from The Columbian

Know a fellow Vancouverite who'd enjoy this? Send them a copy.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, July 28

• Youth Backpacking: Mt. Hood with Opal Creek Center — 8:30 AM / Roaring River Wilderness, Oregon. Calling all 10–12 year olds for a backpacking adventure in the Mount Hood National Forest featuring old-growth forests, lake basins, rocky peaks, and low-mileage days with plenty of swimming. More info
• Reptile Man: The Fascinating World of Reptiles — 9:00 AM / Hazel Dell Elementary School (and other FVRL locations). Scales, slithers, and surprises with the Oregon Reptile Man — live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters. Free. More info
• StoryWalk at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM / Dorothy Fox Park, Camas. Follow the path to read So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner on this outdoor reading adventure. Free. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM / Oaks Park, Portland. Tuesday morning fun for ages 6 and under — kiddie rides, family rides, and snack-and-story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. More info
• The Chiro Clinic Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting — 10:00 AM / 104 Grand Blvd, Suite 102, Vancouver. Meet the team, tour the new clinic, and learn about their personalized chiropractic care services. More info
• Sensory Storytime at Ridgefield Community Library — 10:30 AM / Ridgefield. An interactive storytime with sensory play and freedom of movement, designed for smaller groups and reduced noise. Ages 3–9. Free. More info
• Kids Axe Academy at Firehouse Axes — 12:00 PM / Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. A 90-minute session for ages 10–14 with an Axepert Coach covering all the ins and outs of axe throwing, ending with a tournament. $15. More info
• JuggleMania — 2:00 PM / Cascade Park Community Library. A stunt-tacular comedy juggling show full of hilarity and dexterity. Free. More info
• Preschool Color Scavenger Hunt at Camas Public Library — 4:00 PM / Camas Public Library (5th Avenue entrance). Head outdoors to find the colors of the rainbow in nature. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM / Various FVRL Library Locations. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E with other players. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM / Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A weekly group for writers of all experience levels — introductions, dedicated writing time, and a closing session to share breakthroughs. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM / Camas Public Library. A casual group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info

Wednesday, July 29

• Rebecca Anstine Gallery: Impressions of the Pacific Northwest — 8:00 AM–5:00 PM / Sixth Floor Gallery, Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. A new exhibit featuring Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji celebrating the region's moody landscapes and vibrant spirit. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM / Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+) on Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM / OMSI, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this stunning 3D impressionist exhibit. On view through September 30. More info
• Wednesday Wanders at the Water Resources Education Center — 9:30 AM / Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A guided nature walk exploring ecosystems along the Columbia River and adjacent wetland — native plants, wildlife, and waterways. Great for adults and families with kids ages 6+. Free; registration required. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM / Camas Public Library. The annual Second Story Gallery showcase of artwork from Camas School District high school students, featuring painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books — 10:00 AM / Autumn Leaf Books, Downtown Camas. Pick up a passport and hunt for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses throughout the month of July. Completed passports earn prizes! Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild: Reptiles & Amphibians — 10:00 AM / Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6 — listen to a story under a tree, then explore the native plant garden. This week's theme: Scales and Tales. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM / Marshall House at Fort Vancouver, Vancouver. Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row, featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20 PM / St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Quiet music and prayer from 12:20 to 12:45 p.m. Free. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM–7:00 PM / Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). A weekly celebration of the region's agriculture, artisan goods, and community. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM / Vancouver Community Library. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM / Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM / The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on session for beginners and seasoned crafters alike — leave with a cool leather piece. $40–$45. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM / The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop lessons at 6 and 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• The Bird Days of Summer: Full Moon Forest Therapy with POCO — 7:00 PM / Portland-area Wildlife Sanctuary. People of Color Outdoors hosts a gentle, guided evening walk to greet the July full moon. This event is reserved for BIPOC community members. More info
• The Last Picture Shows — 7:30 PM / Camas Liberty Theatre. Director Rustin Thompson introduces his film exploring over 100 rural movie theaters across the American West, followed by Q&A. $10. More info

Thursday, July 30

• Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower — Peak night of July 30–31. The Southern Delta Aquariids are active through August 23 — head outside after dark for a chance to catch some shooting stars. More info
• Volunteer: Painting Park Signs at Lewisville Regional Park — 9:30 AM / Lewisville Regional Park, north of Battle Ground. Help Clark County Parks & Nature spruce up picnic tables at this historic park. Tools provided; wear closed-toe shoes. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM / Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM / Marshall House at Fort Vancouver, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this beautifully preserved historic home. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM / Camas Public Library. The 6th annual Tiny Art Show is back — come see what the Camas community has created. Free. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class — 10:00 AM / Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 Mill Plain Blvd. A six-week class for new players. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM / Craft Warehouse, Hazel Dell. See new fabrics and notions, get project inspiration, and bring a current project to share. All skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• Pasta Paleontology at Camas Public Library — 3:00 PM / Camas Public Library. Kids (K–5th grade) can pretend to be paleontologists and bring prehistoric creatures to life with pasta shapes. Registration required. Free. More info
• Lux X Charters Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM / 909 N Hayden Island Drive, Portland. Tour a luxury yacht, meet the captain and crew, and enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and appetizers dockside. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM / Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30 PM / Cascade Park Community Library. Play Dungeons & Dragons with other adventurers ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Pollinators & Pints: Invasive Insects — 5:30 PM / 6th St., Downtown Vancouver. Vancouver Bee Project's casual monthly gathering features a talk on the Yellow-Legged Hornet and Spotted Lanternfly over food and drinks. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM / Vancouver. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for a fun, beginner-friendly group ride exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles at 10 mph. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Trash Pickup at Wintler Park — 6:00 PM / Wintler Community Park, Vancouver. Join Riparian Media for a community cleanup at their newly adopted park. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series — 6:30 PM / Vancouver Waterfront Park. Free live music on the north shore of the Columbia River — bring a picnic or grab food from a nearby waterfront restaurant. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00 PM / Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Line dancing with Kat Nichols — all ages, beginners welcome. $10. More info
• Jason Aldean: Songs About Us Tour 2026 — 7:30 PM / Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield. With Chase Matthew, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Dee Jay Silver. Starting at $65. More info

Friday, July 31

• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM / 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Help Urban Abundance keep the community garden growing — harvested produce is donated to the LULAC food program. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge — 9:30 AM / Mt. Hood, OR. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket or season pass. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. More info
• Summer Craft & Play at Drip Drop Art Studio — 10:00 AM / Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Sensory bins, art projects, and a Maker Station packed with recyclables and craft supplies for open-ended fun. Starting at $18. More info
• A Positive Approach to Dementia Care — 10:00 AM / The Foundation Family Resource Center, Vancouver. Mike Davis of Highgate Senior Living shares Teepa Snow's practical strategies for connecting with individuals living with dementia. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM / Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noon–1:00 PM. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM / NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Vancouver. A weekly creative gathering. Free. More info
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers — 1:30 PM / Three Creeks Community Library. Kids ages 5–9 and their caregivers team up to battle monsters, avoid traps, and discover treasure in this intro to tabletop gaming. Free. More info
• Teen Art Roulette at Camas Public Library — 2:00 PM / Camas Public Library. A fast-paced art challenge where canvases keep changing and every round brings a new surprise. Grades 6–12. Free. More info
• Washougal Community Market — 2:00 PM–6:00 PM / Reflection Plaza, Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, authors, bakers, food vendors, and live music. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Favorite Wizard's Birthday Party — 3:00 PM / La Center Community Library. Find your house, make a wand, tackle a Harry Potter escape room, and test your wizarding trivia knowledge. Free. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30 PM / Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative, interactive art projects. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00 PM / Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Parkersville Heritage Fair — 4:00 PM / Parker's Landing Historical Park, Washougal. This year's "Shared Roots & Legacy" theme features the Van Vleet Detective Quest, the Clark County Historical Museum, Two Rivers Heritage Museum, and more. The first 200 quest finishers earn a treasure bag. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In — 4:00 PM–8:00 PM / Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10. More info
• Family & Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM / Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. An hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing for ages 4+ at multiple difficulty levels. No experience necessary; all equipment provided. $33–$41. More info
• ZooNights at Oregon Zoo — 5:00 PM / Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears — plus local beer and wine for adults. $13–$26. More info
• Tornadoes Swim Team Mystery Meet Fundraiser — 5:00 PM / Clark County Family YMCA, Vancouver. Sponsor a swim event and watch swimmers draw surprise races from the Mystery Bucket. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 5:00 PM / Mt. St. Helens. A bucket-list guided adventure past hummocks, lava beds, waterfalls, and the youngest glacier in the world — led by geologists and professional mountain guides. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddles in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM / Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• 2026 AMC Rendezvous Car Show: Friday Night Cruise-In — 6:00 PM / Prairie Tavern, Brush Prairie. Open to all AMC heritage vehicles including Nash, Hudson, Rambler, and AMC through 1987. More info
• Laser Red Hot Chili Peppers at OMSI Planetarium — 6:00 PM / OMSI, Portland. A heart-pounding laser experience set to RHCP's funk-rock anthems inside the Kendall Planetarium. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00 PM / English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Singer-songwriter Raeann Phillips performs live on the patio with food from Venue 1903 on-site. Free admission. More info
• Summer Concert at Marina Park — 7:00 PM / Marina Park, Washougal. 5 Guys Named Moe perform live — plus food vendors and the Camas Lions Club beer garden. Free. More info
• Journey Theater Arts Presents: Into the Woods — 7:00 PM / Heritage High School, Vancouver. Sondheim's beloved musical brings fairy-tale characters together on a journey of wishes and consequences. $22–$26. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM / Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and local wine on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Sunset Kayak Paddle — 7:00 PM / Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe leads a three-hour guided sunset paddle on the Columbia River with snacks on the beach. All skill levels; reservations required. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert Series: Benj — 7:30 PM / Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. An intimate evening of original music, great drinks, and laid-back vibes. 21+. More info
• Birds, Bats & Bugs Evening Walk — 8:00 PM / Portland area. Watch birds settle in for the night, then switch gears as bats emerge overhead and moths gather at a UV light sheet — with a bat detector to hear echolocation. More info

Got a neighbor who'd appreciate this? Pass it along.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.