📰 What's Making News

Camas Alum Nikko Speer Keeps Powering Idaho's Giant-Killing Run

If you went to school with Nikko Speer — or cheered for him under the Friday night lights in Camas — you'll want to keep tabs on what he's doing in Moscow. The former Papermaker is helping the University of Idaho football team rack up upsets in the Big Sky Conference, and the Vandals are building a reputation as the league's most dangerous squad. It's the kind of post-high-school trajectory that makes the whole community proud. Read the full breakdown from The Columbian.

Two Officers Row Chestnuts Outlived a Species-Wide Catastrophe

Flanking the O.O. Howard House on Vancouver's Officers Row stand two American chestnut trees that have quietly defied the odds for more than 130 years. Grown from seeds likely planted before 1890 — possibly during Howard's command of the Vancouver Barracks — the pair survived the devastating blight that nearly wiped their species off the map in the early 20th century. They're now listed among Clark County's Heritage Trees, living landmarks most of us walk right past without knowing their story. The Columbian digs into the history.

Hazel Dell's Ad-Covered Barn: A Racing Family's Time Capsule

Development has swallowed up farmland all around the Cherington family property in Hazel Dell, but brothers Dan and Joe Cherington's barn still stands — plastered in vintage advertising that reads like a love letter to an earlier era. The brothers made their names lapping tracks and collecting championships at Portland International Raceway and River City Speedway in St. Helens, and their barn tells that story in paint and signage. It's the kind of local landmark that deserves a slow drive-by and a good long look. See the full feature in The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Spooky Season Film Picks From Your Local Library

Fort Vancouver Regional Library staff curated a list of scary movies for every comfort level — from family-friendly chills to full-on frights — just in time for Halloween. Whether you're a horror devotee or a "watches-through-fingers" type, there's something on the list for you. Browse the full recommendations here.

I-5 Rose Quarter Project Complete, Lanes Now Open

The long-running I-5 Rose Quarter improvement project in Portland has wrapped up and new lanes opened earlier this month. For Vancouver commuters who've white-knuckled that bottleneck for years, the smoother southbound merge should shave real minutes off the drive. See the r/VancouverWA discussion here.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, October 19

• Scary Story Walk at Camas Public Library — Celebrate the winners of the Scary Story contest by strolling downtown Camas and reading winning stories displayed in business windows. Free. More info
• The Portland MAiZE Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM at Sauvie Island, Portland. Almost 2 miles of corn maze pathways plus a full pumpkin patch experience. More info
• Preschool Ghost Salt Painting — 11:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Little ones and their grown-ups create ghostly apparitions using salt water in this combined science and art activity. Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome to join this weekly gathering. Free. More info
• Vancouver Chrysanthemum Society Meeting — 2:00 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm. Visitors and chrysanthemum enthusiasts welcome. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 3:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Ages 5–9 can build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Tales with Tails — 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Grades 1–5 read to a therapy dog in 15-minute sessions. Registration required. Free. More info
• Finding Balance: Self-Care in Birding — 4:00 PM. Join Birdability Captains Eric Clow and Jayme Boucher for an open community discussion about self-care and accessibility in birding to kick off Birdability Week 2026. 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. No experience needed; all supplies provided. $35. More info

Tuesday, October 20

• 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. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze — 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon rides, a free pumpkin you can carry, corn maze, and harvest festival fun. $14–$16. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — 10:00 AM. Ages 9 months to 6 years can run, play, jump, and explore while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Donate non-perishable food, lunchbox snacks, hygiene items, and pantry staples to benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch — 11:00 AM at Velvet Acres Gardens, Orchards. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, vendors, and food carts. $10–$12. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm — 12:00 PM in Woodland. Over 60 varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds on 40+ acres with u-pick fields, free parking, and no admission fees. More info
• National Share the Warmth Day at Vancouver Mall — 3:00 PM. Donate a new or gently worn coat and enjoy Spin-to-Win prizes, hot cocoa, coffee, and craft activities. More info
• Tween and Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Ages 9–19 can create a character and play Dungeons and Dragons. Free. More info
• Family Arts and Crafts Supply Swap — 5:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Swap your extra fabric, beads, and yarn for new-to-you treasures. Donating isn't required to participate. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Writers of all experience levels gather for dedicated writing time — no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A casual group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Adult and Teen Creative Crafts: Felted Pumpkins — 6:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Learn to needle felt an adorable seasonal pumpkin. Ages 13+. Registration required. Free. More info
• Star Trek Trivia at Firehouse Axes — 6:30 PM at Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. All things Trek from the 90s onward, with prizes for top teams and themed drinks. More info
• Cover to Cover Book Club — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A general fiction book club for adults. No registration required to attend the discussion. Free. More info
• Science Pub: Fear and the Brain — 7:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. Radhika Reddy, PhD from Portland State University, explores why your brain's fear system works the way it does. Doors at 6:00 PM. More info
• Le Patin Libre Roller Disco — 7:00 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Montreal-based contemporary skating company Le Patin Libre hosts a roller disco performance and workshop. Bring your own skates or rent through Skatemobile for $15. Admission is free. More info

Wednesday, October 21

• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this stunning Queen Anne home where General George C. Marshall once lived. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Explore the historic 1873 building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Free. More info
• Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Training — 11:00 AM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A free presentation focused on understanding mental health crises and practical de-escalation techniques. More info
• Military Officer Association of America Luncheon — 11:30 AM at Cascadia Tech Center Culinary Academy, Vancouver. Featuring Dennis Fisher, Marine photographer during the Vietnam War. $25. More info
• October Forest Walk at Columbia Springs — 3:30 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. A guided walk to discover wildlife and native plants along the trails. Great for all ages. Free. More info
• Kids Monster Buttons — 3:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Ages 5–11 design silly monster buttons using paint, googly eyes, and colorful materials. Registration required. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Create — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00 PM. Ages 5–9 build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Teen and Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park and Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play with decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Plaza Dedication — 4:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Join The Historic Trust for the official dedication of Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square, featuring a ribbon cutting with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and unveiling of a new interpretive exhibit. Free. More info
• Intro to Sewing Machines — 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn to thread a machine, select stitches, and sew a Trick-or-Treat bag. Ages 9+. Space limited; registration opens one week before. 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. Ages 21+. Free. More info
• Coco Screening in Spanish — 5:30 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Sepia Language Study presents the Oscar-winning animated film in Spanish with English subtitles. A portion of concession sales supports their scholarship fund. $10–$12. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6, beginner lesson at 7, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Waltz and Salsa Classes — 6:00 PM at Clark College O'Connell Sports Center. Julieann and Joseph Platt teach beginning waltz (6–7 PM) and salsa (7–8 PM). No experience required. $69 per person for the five-week session. More info
• Online Spanish Conversation Classes, Levels I and II — 6:00 PM via Zoom. Practice speaking Spanish with a native speaker from Andrea's Spanish School in small groups. $25 per session. More info
• Worm Bin Composting Workshop — 6:00 PM. Join Clark County Composter Recyclers to learn how to care for your pet worms and choose the right worm bin. Free. More info
• Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights — 7:00 PM at The Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. Grand Kyiv Ballet reimagines Tchaikovsky's classic with vivid light design and illuminated costumes. $55–$65. More info
• Cinema of Horrors Drive-In Movies — 7:30 PM at Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Drive-in horror movies with in-car audio, Hollywood-quality makeup monsters, and food and drinks. Tickets from $78.22. More info

Thursday, October 22

• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this beautifully preserved 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. A class for beginning and intermediate bridge players with instructor Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master. $10–$50. More info
• Xeriscaping: Landscaping for Dry Conditions — 10:00 AM. Learn how xeriscaping reduces irrigation and conserves water, soil, and time, with Xerces Society specialists Kaitlin Hasse and Elliott Gordon. More info
• Dine the Couve — 11:00 AM at locations around Clark County. Now in its 11th year, enjoy three dishes for $35 or $50 at participating restaurants, cafes, brewpubs, and tasting rooms throughout the month. More info
• Preschool Trick or Treat — 2:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids and grown-ups can practice trick-or-treating in a playful environment with dramatic play, sensory activities, and Halloween safety tips. Costumes welcome. Free. More info
• Walton Farms Pumpkin Patch — 3:00 PM in Camas. Corn maze, train ride, and one pumpkin any size included with admission. Dogs allowed on leash. $13. More info
• Kids and Tweens Great Build Off — 3:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Design, build, and problem-solve your way through a surprise challenge. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Build It — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Spark your imagination with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen Bad Art — 4:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. A hilariously fun art program where perfection is not allowed. Make your worst art and vote for the most impressively bad piece. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Mac's Auto and Diesel Repair Moves to a Larger Location — 4:00 PM at 6309 NE St Johns Rd, Vancouver. Celebrate Mac's Auto and Diesel Repair's growth with a ribbon cutting at their new, larger space. Light snacks, drinks, and raffle prizes. More info
• LCNN's Seeds for Education — 4:00 PM at Good Year Farms in Washougal. Join the Lower Columbia Nature Network for seed sorting and packing to support hands-on learning in local schools. 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
• Silent Book Club — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. No assigned reading — just an hour of silent reading followed by optional socializing. Light snacks and beverages provided. Free. More info
• Atlas Community High School Information Night — 5:30 PM at Clark County Food Bank, Vancouver. Learn about this new small, Montessori-informed high school. Free. More info
• Native Plant Seed Saving with Vancouver Bee Project — 5:30 PM at Grays Restaurant and Bar at the Hilton, downtown Vancouver. October's Pollinators and Pints topic is native seed saving. More info
• Online Workshop: Recycling 101 — 6:30 PM via Microsoft Teams. Learn the basics of curbside recycling and where items go after pickup. Free. 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

Friday, October 23

• Tree and Shrub Pruning 101 — 5:00 PM. An ISA Certified Arborist leads this beginner-friendly Master Gardener class on proper pruning for healthier plants and safer landscapes. In partnership with Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free. More info

Saturday, October 24

• Columbia CX Harvest Cross Cyclocross Race — 8:00 AM at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Races for all ages and abilities, including Kiddie Cross on a separate course. Expect grass, dirt, gravel, pavement, and the fan-favorite sand pit. More info
• Stewardship Saturday — 9:00 AM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Spend a morning removing invasive species, maintaining trails, and improving the natural area. Tools, gloves, and guidance provided. More info
• Make a Difference Day: Wetland Restoration and Native Planting — 9:00 AM. Join the Water Center and Clark Public Utilities to plant native trees and shrubs across 3.6 acres of wetlands. More info
• Mason Bees Unwrapped: Cocoon Harvesting Workshop — 9:30 AM. WSU Master Gardener Anne Bulger leads an interactive workshop on these gentle, non-stinging native pollinators and how to support them in your backyard. More info
• Mushroom Foraging with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 10:00 AM at Pine Creek Information Station. Learn to identify wild edible and inedible mushrooms, then cook them into delicious dishes. More info
• Volunteer Gathering and Orientation for Plas Newydd Farm Programs — 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. Tour the house and farm, enjoy refreshments, and learn about volunteer opportunities. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park — 10:00 AM. Help remove ivy and non-native plants to support forest health. Family-friendly; tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. More info
• Nature Days at Columbia Springs — 10:00 AM. A free exploration of the natural world with guided activities and presentations for all ages. More info
• How to Winterize Your Garden for Spring Success — 10:30 AM. Learn tips to protect your plants, enrich your soils, and care for irrigation systems. In partnership with Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free. More info
• Bat Class at Nature's Haven Nursery — 11:00 AM in Camas. Learn about Pacific Northwest bat species, why they matter, and how to make your yard bat-friendly. Bat houses available for sale. More info
• The Resilient Yard: Battling Climate Change at Home — 4:00 PM. Learn actions you can take in a typical suburban yard to reduce your carbon footprint. In partnership with Fort Vancouver Regional Library. Free. More info
• The Rocky Horror Pet Show — 4:30 PM. A Halloween event for dogs (and brave cats) with nosework, bobbing for Frankenfurters, photo booth, and build-your-own Trick or Treat bag. Pre-sale $18 through Oct 22, $20 after. More info
• Pink After Dark: Karaoke for a Cause — 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Grab the mic and celebrate women and breast cancer survivors. Proceeds from special edition hats and donations support women during treatment. More info

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