📰 What's Making News

Vancouver Lake Dragon Boat Team Heads to France — and Every Paddler Is a Survivor

The Catch 22 Ospreys, a dragon boat team out of the Vancouver Lake Rowing Club made up entirely of local breast cancer survivors, are packing their paddles for France. The team will compete in the 2026 International Breast Cancer Paddler Commission Participatory Dragon Boat Festival, representing Vancouver on a global stage. It's a story of grit, sisterhood, and the kind of community bond that only forms when you've been through something together. We'll be cheering from 5,000 miles away. Read more from The Columbian.

Heritage, Skyview, Washougal: "Dog Days" Goes Inside the Families Behind Friday Night Lights

High school football practices kick off Wednesday, and Episode 4 of The Columbian's "Dog Days" docuseries is dropping just in time. This installment digs into the families, volunteers, and communities powering the programs at Heritage, Skyview, and Washougal — the people who never make the highlight reel but make the whole thing run. If you've ever washed 40 jerseys in one night or driven the snack bar at an away game, this one's for you. Watch Episode 4 here.

Clark County's Forgotten "Pickle Prince" and the Deal That Went Sour

Did you know Clark County once called itself the "Prune Capital of the World"? A new Clark County History column from The Columbian traces the region's agricultural heyday — prune dryers running around the clock, a cooperative cannery humming in Vancouver, and a so-called pickle prince whose big deal didn't exactly pan out. It's a delightful reminder that this county's roots go way deeper than strip malls and subdivisions. Dig into the full story.

Weeds Winning? Allen Wilson's Mid-August Battle Plan

If your garden beds look more like a nature preserve than a landscape right now, you're not alone. Local gardening columnist Allen Wilson tackles the exact problem plaguing half of Clark County this month: weeds that got away from you. His advice covers lawns, vegetable patches, and shrub beds, with practical tips for reclaiming ground before fall planting season arrives. Consider it your permission slip to stop feeling guilty and start pulling. Get the game plan.

Hunting for a Birthday Dinner Spot? Vancouver Has Opinions

A newcomer to the area hit up the Vancouver WA subreddit asking for birthday dinner recommendations — "intimate, family-owned, hole-in-the-wall types" with outstanding food — and the thread is delivering. From sushi spots to steakhouses, the suggestions stretch from downtown Vancouver up to Battle Ground. If you've been defaulting to the same three restaurants, this crowd-sourced list is worth bookmarking. Browse the recommendations.

Need a "Moody" Bouquet? Local Florist Recs Are Blooming on Reddit

One Vancouver husband is on a mission: find a local florist who can create a dark, dramatic flower arrangement for his wife's 40th birthday. The Reddit thread is filling up with names of florists in Vancouver and Portland who specialize in non-traditional, richly toned designs — the kind that look like a Dutch still-life painting. If you've ever wanted something beyond the standard grocery-store bouquet, this thread is a goldmine. See the suggestions.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Honestly, today's wire was thin on local news — so we kept this section short rather than pad it with stories that don't matter to your morning. We'll be back tomorrow with more from Vancouver and Clark County.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, August 17

• Paddle For Life – 8:00 AM at the Port of Ridgefield. Dragon boating fun supporting the physical and emotional empowerment of women in Clark County who have experienced breast cancer. More info
• Camp Hope of SW WA – Summer Camps for Kids – 9:00 AM. Outdoor discovery camps for ages 6–17 featuring science explorations, creative crafts, and nature adventures. More info
• Pomeroy Farm Kids Workshops – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm in Yacolt. Today's theme: How to Homestead! Workshops run through Aug. 21 and are best for ages 6–12. $35 per class or $150 for the whole series. More info
• Storytime in the Park – 10:30 AM at various Camas parks. Bring a blanket and join the Camas Library staff for an outdoor family storytime. Free and open to all ages. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting – 12:00 PM at the AC Marriott on the Vancouver waterfront. Community members are welcome to join the weekly meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Free. More info
• Washington State International Kite Festival (Road Trip) – 12:00 PM at Bolstad Beach Approach. Choreographed kite ballets, mass ascensions, workshops, competitions, and activities for all ages at the shoreline. More info
• Line Dancing – 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Grab your dancing shoes and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit – 2:00 PM departing from Caruthers Landing Dock in Portland. An 80-mile roundtrip jetboat tour to Multnomah Falls with exclusive narration by Cliff Barackman of "Finding Bigfoot." $64–$72. More info
• Vancouver Chrysanthemum Society Meeting – 2:00–3:30 PM at the 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Visitors and non-members welcome. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement – 2:30–3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Preschool Restaurant – 3:30–4:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers and their grown-ups can cook, serve, and pretend through imaginative dramatic play. Free, no registration required. More info
• Summer Lecture Series with the Humane Society – 5:30–7:30 PM at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (East Vancouver location). Free. More info
• Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series (Road Trip) – 6:00–8:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Everyone is welcome — bring your own bike or try one of theirs. Helmets required. 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, August 18

• Family Nature Walk at La Center Community Library – 10:00–11:30 AM at Heritage Park in La Center. A guided family walk exploring local forest and wetlands. Free. More info
• Sherlock Holmes Mystery at Three Creeks Community Library – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Test your sleuthing skills with a Holmesian-style mystery — play solo or in a small group. Free. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM in Portland. Kiddie rides and select family rides for ages 6 and under, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child. More info
• Startup Conversations in the Couve – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Vancouver Innovation Center. North Bank Innovations hosts marketing partner Caroline Caswell of Operator Collective. $10. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours – 10:00 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Hazel Dell. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead tours of this historic property on the Washington Historic Register. More info
• Meaningful Movies at Three Creeks Community Library – 1:00–3:00 PM. Catch a compelling documentary followed by an open discussion. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30–6:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Ages 9–19 can create characters and play Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Writers of all experience levels gather for dedicated writing time — no readings or critiques, just focused writing and community. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A relaxed group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info

Wednesday, August 19

• Impressions of the Pacific Northwest at the Rebecca Anstine Gallery – 8:00 AM–5:00 PM on the sixth floor of the Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. Work by Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji celebrating the region's landscapes. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program for adults age 60+. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – Starting at 9:30 AM in Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into stunning animal sculptures — 3D impressionism meets environmentalism. More info
• "Meet Me at the Museum" by HOPE Dementia Support – 10:00–11:00 AM at the Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Interactive exhibits, guided tours, and engaging activities. Free; register on Eventbrite. More info
• Teen Escape Room at Ridgefield Community Library – 1:00 PM. Navigate an underwater-themed escape room with clever clues and puzzles. Designed for teens of various skill levels. Free. More info
• Silver Trails Community Walk – 2:00 PM. A walking program for adults 65+ in partnership with Parks Foundation of Clark County, Vancouver Parks, and Community in Motion. Easy 1–2 mile walks through beautiful local parks. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00–7:00 PM in downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Local farms, food vendors, and artisan products every Wednesday. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies – 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Make your own squishy stress-busting toys. Free. More info
• Forest Walk at Columbia Springs – 3:30 PM in Vancouver. A guided hike exploring native plants and local wildlife along the trails. Great for all ages (trails are not stroller friendly). Free. More info
• Tummy Time – 3:30–4:45 PM at Camas Public Library. For babies under 18 months. Register at CamasPL.org/tummytime. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM. Open game play with decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog – 4:00–5:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Ages 5–9 can build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Introduction to Sewing Machines – 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn to thread a sewing machine and create a potholder. Ages 9+; space limited to eight participants. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+ can try dragon boating at no cost — no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art – 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on session for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. $40–$45. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM in Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• End of Summer Concert on the Lawn – 6:00–7:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring a picnic dinner and blanket for a free evening of live music featuring the Vancouver Community Jazz Band. More info

Thursday, August 20

• Plein Air Painting Workshop with Scott Gellatly – 8:00 AM at Plas Newydd Farm in Ridgefield. A two-day workshop exploring strategic color concepts to capture light, atmosphere, and emotion in the landscape. More info
• Mount Adams Car Camp Logout (WTA Backcountry Response Team) – 8:30 AM on the southwestern corner of Mount Adams. Stay at a central car camp and venture out to clear trails by day. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: Foley Pear Orchard – 9:00 AM. Help Urban Abundance share fresh, local food with neighbors across Clark County. Bring boxes and water. More info
• Gorge Morning Walks – 9:00 AM at Mosier Totem Pole Plaza. A casual 3.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain — no registration needed. All welcome, including babies in carriers and leashed dogs. More info
• On the Road Tour: Herbs, Seeds and Spores – 9:45 AM–4:45 PM. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead visits to Garden Delight Herb Farm, Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum, and Pacific Spore mushroom farm. Meet at 78th Street Heritage Farm. $40. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Classes – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Vancouver Bridge Club. Both introductory and advanced competitive bidding classes available. $10 per lesson or $50 for six. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group – 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping for aspiring and published writers. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Family Story Time – 10:30–11:00 AM at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center. The nearby nature center is open 10 AM–noon and trails are open for walking. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab – 11:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Public Service Center, Vancouver. A new topic each month — from building permits to land use review. Free. More info
• Paddlesport Clinic with NW Association of Blind Athletes – 12:00 PM. Contact Anneliese Hugo at [email protected] for details. More info
• Graze Craze Grand Opening – 4:00 PM at 14313 NE 20th Avenue, Suite A 102, Vancouver. The Greater Vancouver Chamber celebrates the grand opening of this handcrafted charcuterie board shop with a ribbon cutting. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Dungeons & Dragons for ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw – 6:00–8:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Play 10 games with your pup on the covered patio — $20 supports local off-leash dog parks. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars – 6:00–7:30 PM at Dovetail Cellars, 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Live on KXRW with host Jeff Keddie. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Symphony Series at the Grant Street Pier: Brass Quintet – 6:00–7:00 PM at the Vancouver waterfront, north of the Grant Street Pier. A free evening performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet along the Columbia River. More info
• Portland Urban Wildlife Information Network Workshop (Road Trip) – 6:30 PM at Bird Alliance of Oregon, 5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland. Celebrate a year of urban wildlife discoveries with food, drinks, and a look at what's ahead. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks – 7:00–9:00 PM in Washougal. Kat Nichols leads the fun — beginners welcome, all ages. $10. More info
• History on Tap: The Campbells and The Columbian – 7:00 PM at the Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Learn about the Campbell family's newspaper legacy with fourth-generation owner Will Campbell. Doors at 6 PM. $5; registration required on Eventbrite. More info
• Musical Bingo at Pour Choices Pub – 7:00 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Test your music knowledge with hosts Juels & Marissa. More info

Friday, August 21

• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th Street, Vancouver. Help Urban Abundance tend the community garden — produce goes to LULAC and other local organizations. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge (Road Trip) – 9:30 AM on Mt. Hood. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult ticket or season pass. Bike rentals available on-site. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project for a no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this historic property. More info
• Homestead Park Volunteer Work Party – 10:00 AM. Join the City of Vancouver for weeding, mulching, and park cleanup. Family-friendly; tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. More info
• Plant & Seed Swap at Kindred Home – 10:00 AM. Bring plant starts, saved seeds, or plants you no longer need and swap with fellow gardeners. No plants to bring? Everyone is welcome to browse. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free Friday lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: Women's Herstory – 12:00 PM starting at the Clark County Historical Museum. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly explores the homes and buildings where women in Vancouver first charted paths to suffrage, public office, and professional life. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A welcoming weekly art group. Free. More info
• STEM Design Challenge – 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. K–5th graders solve a STEM challenge using surprise items from a mystery bag. Free. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Creative and interactive projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival – Gates open at 3:30 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Opening night features Terry Robb & Adam Scramstad, Norman Sylvester Blues Band, and headliner Too Slim & The Taildraggers. $25–$110. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00–8:00 PM in Brush Prairie. Disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, a pool, and more. $10 general admission; $5 for kids 4–13, veterans, and seniors. More info
• Family Bingo Night at Camas Public Library – 5:00–6:00 PM. Winners receive their choice of Reading Dragon prize. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb – 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4+ enjoy an hour and forty-five minutes of unlimited climbing at multiple difficulty levels. No experience necessary. $3–$41. More info
• ZooNights at the Oregon Zoo – 5:00 PM in Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears on a gorgeous summer evening. $13–$26. More info
• Summer Concert Series: Huckle Buck Highway – 5:30 PM at the O.O. Howard House, Vancouver. A free outdoor concert featuring high-energy country and classic rock covers from The Historic Trust. Food and beverages available for purchase. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles – 5:30 PM at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling for ages 14+ — no experience needed, equipment provided. More info

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