📰 What's Making News

Central Vancouver Card Shop Thrives While Retail Shrinks

While online shopping has gutted plenty of brick-and-mortar stores, central Vancouver's CCG House Games is bucking the trend — packed on a recent Wednesday afternoon with customers crowding gaming tables and lining up for cards in what's now a roughly $15 billion global industry. The shop's staying power is a testament to the in-person community that card games foster, something a screen just can't replicate. Read more from The Columbian.

Evergreen Habitat Raises $120K for 32 Cottage Homes on 132nd

Evergreen Habitat for Humanity's Taste of Home fundraiser pulled in more than $120,000 to support its 132nd Cottage Homes Project — a 32-unit development bringing affordable homeownership to Vancouver. The cottage-style homes will feature shared green space and operate under Evergreen Habitat's Home Trust program, which keeps prices within reach for qualifying families. Groundbreaking details are still to come, but the fundraising momentum signals the project is moving forward fast. Full story at Clark County Today.

Raptors Pitching Staff Dominates in Fourth Straight Win

Three Ridgefield Raptors pitchers combined to hold Yakima Valley to just four hits Monday night, powering a 4-1 victory that extended the team's winning streak to four games. The Raptors opened a three-game home series with the kind of pitching depth that makes mid-June baseball worth the drive to Ridgefield. If you've been meaning to catch a game at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, this hot streak is your sign. Recap at The Columbian.

Fort Vancouver's Spencer Tibbits Misses U.S. Open by One Shot

Fort Vancouver High alum and former Oregon State standout Spencer Tibbits came agonizingly close to punching his ticket to the U.S. Open, falling just one stroke short in a nine-hole playoff qualifier in Creswell, Oregon. It's a heartbreaker, but the fact that a kid who grew up swinging clubs in Vancouver nearly earned a spot in golf's toughest major is worth celebrating. Keep an eye on Tibbits — that kind of performance says more is coming. Full story at The Columbian.

Battle Ground, Ridgefield Engineers Talk ADA Transit Fixes June 12

Transportation engineers from Battle Ground and Ridgefield will sit down with the Clark County Commission on Aging on Thursday to discuss the real-world challenges smaller cities face meeting ADA transportation standards. The hybrid meeting — available in person at the Public Service Center and streamed on CVTV — is open to anyone interested in how our growing communities are planning for accessibility. It's part of the county's broader Aging Readiness Plan. Details at Clark County Today.

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💬 Community Buzz

The community conversation board was quiet this week — we'll be back with more local discussions worth your time in the next issue.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Lil Pig, Lil Pig Opens to Rave First Reviews

Vancouver's newest BBQ spot, Lil Pig, Lil Pig, held its grand opening June 5 — and early visitors are already comparing the pork belly and chicken to Grasslands, calling the green chili pork rice "a standout side." If you haven't grabbed a seat yet, the buzz suggests you should. Read more

Camas Farmers Market Moves to Birch Street for 2026

The Camas Farmer's Market is back for the season at a temporary location — Birch Street between 3rd and 4th — while downtown fire department construction wraps up. Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with live music, local vendors, and coffee. Read more

Cirque Kikasse, Open Mic, Run Club: This Week's Free Lineup

A handy roundup of free events running through June 12 includes Cirque Kikasse at Clark College (Monday at noon), an Open Mic night at Three Creeks Library, and the weekly Foot Traffic Run Club at 5:45 p.m. on Mondays. Read more

Esther Short Clock Tower Gets Its Rededication

The 69-foot bell tower at Esther Short Park — home to 25 cast iron bells, a glockenspiel, and a water feature — was officially rededicated June 5 after a multi-year repair effort. If you haven't strolled by to see the restored landmark, it's worth the trip downtown. Read more

Fort Vancouver Libraries Now Open Sundays, Extra Hours

Fort Vancouver Regional Library branches expanded their hours starting June 1, with at least one location in each county now open on Sundays and nearly every branch adding additional weekday time. Read more

Washington Launches Statewide Invasive Pest Survey

The state's annual hunt for more than 130 invasive insects, weeds, and plant pathogens is underway — worth knowing if you're a Clark County gardener wondering about unusual bugs or plant damage this summer. Read more

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, June 10

• Marine Park Beach Cleanup – 9:30 AM at Marine Park. Join the Water Resources Education Center to remove litter from the beaches and keep the Columbia River clean. All tools provided; expect a 2.5-mile walk on sandy terrain. Registration required. All ages welcome. Details and sign-up
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House on Officers Row, Vancouver. Free tours of this beautifully preserved historic home featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and an interpretation of General George C. Marshall's study. Walk-ins welcome. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free tours by reservation or for small walk-in groups. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary new location on Birch Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh regional produce, artisan goods, and community vibes every Wednesday. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create: Origami – 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in and fold a selected monthly origami pattern. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups all welcome. $5–$10. More info
• John & Margrette Coop Park Cleanup – 6:00 PM. Join the City of Vancouver's Adopt-A-Park volunteers for an evening of weeding and trash cleanup. Family-friendly; gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. More info
• Online Workshop: Butterfly Ecology and Evolution – 6:00 PM online with Bird Alliance of Oregon. Learn about butterfly life histories, caterpillar defenses, mimicry, and more. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team! Tickets and schedule
• Educated Guess: Combustions + Eruptions at OMSI – 6:30–8:30 PM at OMSI's Theory Restaurant, Portland. Trivia night covering science, pop culture, and more. Teams of up to 4; prizes for the top three. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting – 6:30–8:00 PM at the 40 et 8, 2809 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Free. More info
• Clark College Spring Jazz Band Concert – 7:00 PM at Gaiser Student Center on the Clark College campus, Vancouver. Jazz Bands I and II perform, including two world-premiere Clark College compositions. Free admission; donations welcome. More info
• The Music of SQUARE ENIX – Magic, Memories, and Melodies – 7:30 PM at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland. A symphonic concert celebrating iconic video game soundtracks from FINAL FANTASY, CHRONO TRIGGER, KINGDOM HEARTS, NieR, and more. $39–$197. More info

Thursday, June 11

• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses with farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• How It's Done, Done, Done @ The Library – 3:30–5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. A K-POP Demon Hunters-inspired party with sing-alongs, crafts, and activities for grades 1–5. Registration required. Free. More info
• Hike with Pacific Peaks Mountain Top Fitness – 3:30–4:30 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge. An adaptive fitness program for those with neurodevelopmental differences, featuring a group warm-up and walk along the Heritage Trail. Registration and fee required. More info
• The Savvy Sipper Grand Opening – 4:00 PM at 1113 SE Rasmussen Blvd., Battle Ground. Join the Greater Vancouver Chamber for a ribbon cutting at this brand-new classic cocktail lounge. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, snacks, and hanging out. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Junk Journal Meet Up at Barnes & Noble – 5:00 PM at Barnes & Noble, Vancouver. Bring your journal and crafting supplies — basic materials and scrapbooking supplies provided. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 – 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for fun beginner-friendly group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles at 10 mph on flat terrain. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting – 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 N.W. 129th St., Vancouver. Meeting includes dinner. Free. More info
• Inspire Vancouver Information Session – 6:00 PM at the Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Learn about this new grant program investing $6 million a year in public arts, culture, heritage, and science experiences. Free. More info
• Emerald Ash Borer and Emerging Pests Workshop – 6:00 PM. Join Urban Forestry and Cassie Knavel of the Washington State Department of Agriculture to learn about invasive pests threatening our trees. More info
• Singer Songwriter Showcase at Caps N Taps – 6:30–9:00 PM at Caps N Taps, 337 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas. Original songs by local performers. No cover charge. More info
• Line Dancing Lessons – 7:00–9:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Instructor Kat Nichols leads — beginners welcome, all ages. $10. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic Featuring Jason Arias – 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Oregon poet Jason Arias headlines; guests can also share their own original poetry. $5 suggested donation. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting – 7:00–9:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W. 20th St., Vancouver. Open to experienced and novice woodturners. Free. More info
• Clark College Treble Ensemble & Chorale Spring Concert – 7:30 PM at First United Methodist Church, 401 E. 33rd St., Vancouver. Directed by Dr. Jacob Funk, featuring the Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun," Sarah Quartel's "All the Way Home," and more. Free admission; donations accepted. More info
• The OBT Collection – 7:30 PM at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. Oregon Ballet Theatre's season finale showcasing bold West Coast choreography. $65.50–$98.50. More info

Friday, June 12

• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party – 9:00 AM at the SWWA Victory Garden. Join the Friday morning shift with Urban Abundance for a community gardening session — great people, good cause, gorgeous weather. More info
• Ridgefield – Learn to Kayak Tour – 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. Practice skills with an experienced guide while spotting birds and wildlife. 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
• Pick It Up, Vancouver! – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Join SOLVE for a litter cleanup — meet near the clock tower. Bags, gloves, grabbers, and vests provided. All ages welcome. Register here
• Forest Canopy Walk at Plas Newydd – 10:00 AM at Plas Newydd Farm. Hosted by Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan, explore beautiful corners of the farm through a guided walk. Registration required. More info
• Homestead Park Volunteer Work Party – 10:00 AM. Join the City of Vancouver for mulching, weeding, and park beautification. Family-friendly; tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies – 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. A musical on the big screen on the second Friday of every month. $10. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00–6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, authors, bakers, food vendors, and live music. Free. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, snacks, and fun for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-in at Alderbrook Park – 4:00–8:00 PM at 24414 N.E. Westerholm Road, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more — all included in admission. $5–$10. More info
• Kindred Vancouver Advocacy Potluck – 5:00–8:00 PM at Kindred Vancouver, 2213 Main St. Enjoy a meal, meet local advocacy groups, and bring a dish to share. Free. More info
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle – 5:30–8:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 109 W. Seventh St., Vancouver. Bring your knitting or crochet projects (or unfinished ones to share). Free. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Aging Well Workshop – 5:30–6:30 PM at East Woods Presbyterian Church, 16210 N.E. 20th St., Vancouver. Andrew Funka leads discussions on finding purpose, brain health, and intergenerational connection. $35. More info
• Teen Late Night: Nerf Wars – 6:00–8:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. After-hours fun for ages 13–19 with pizza and snacks. Free. More info
• Kalama Harbor Lodge Shows FIFA World Cup (USA vs. Paraguay) – 6:00 PM at Kalama Harbor Lodge Cove Bar. Watch the game on the big screen with beer, burgers, and tots. Free, all ages. More info
• Grease Night in Downtown Camas – Starting at 6:00 PM. Karaoke at Drop the Mic, trivia at Caps N Taps at 8 PM, and a 10:05 PM showing of Grease at the Liberty Theatre. Dress as your favorite character! More info
• Vancouver Movement Collective Presents: East of the Sun & West of the Moon – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Movement Collective. An original choreographic work by Artistic Director Chloe Mason. More info
• Magenta Theater Talent Show – 6:30–7:15 PM at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Perform before opening night of The Bridges of Madison County — participants see the play free. All skill levels welcome (PG-13 material). More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at 12514 N.W. 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, local wine, and live local music on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served. More info
• The Bridges of Madison County – 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. The Tony Award-winning musical based on the beloved novel — a sweeping romance about the roads we travel and the doors we open. $32. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert Series: Pour Voices – 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Local favorites Sarah, Bee, Grace, Dolan, and Colin bring harmonies and great vibes. More info
• Alex Warren: Finding Family on the Road – 7:30 PM at Moda Center, Portland. The breakout pop sensation performs anthemic hits and soulful ballads. $58–$155. More info

Saturday, June 13

• Pollinator Festival Week BioBlitz – Starting at 6:00 AM. Join the Vancouver Bee Project's BioBlitz on iNaturalist! Record observations of pollinators, plants, birds, fungi, and more across Clark County during Pollinator Week. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR – 8:00 AM. Join Robert Vanderkamp for a guided birding walk at the Carty Unit. Robert brings decades of birding passion and a "care and share" philosophy. More info
• Get Outdoors Day – 8:00 AM. This national celebration encourages active, nature-connected lifestyles — the U.S. Forest Service often waives day-use fees at national forests. Activities include hiking, kayaking, fishing, and more. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship year-round market with local produce, artisan goods, and community energy. More info
• DogPaw Community Vendor Event – 9:00 AM–2:00 PM at Pacific Community Park (Dakota Dog Park area), Vancouver. Learn about local services for dogs and their people, plus Clark Conservation District's Poop Smart Clark program. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: Old City Cemetery Tours – 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at Old City Cemetery, Vancouver. Walk through Vancouver's cemetery established in 1867 and hear stories of pioneering families, Civil War veterans, and influential figures like Esther Short. $10 (CCHM members free with RSVP). Early tour | Late tour
• Neighborhood Parking Lot Sale – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church, 5701 MacArthur Blvd. Find clothing, books, glassware, household items, toys, electronics, and more. More info
• Ridgefield Bachelor Island Kayak Tour – 9:00 AM. A full-day 10-mile paddle around Bachelor Island with Alder Creek — spot birds and wildlife along the Columbia River Water Trail. More info
• Frenchman's Bar Beach Cleanup – 9:00 AM at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park. Join Clark County Public Works for a litter pickup — all tools supplied. Wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by play with assistance available. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Hands-on STEAM education through aviation — flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display. Free for all ages. More info
• Founders Coffee and Mercantile Dude Market – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 317 E. Main St., Battle Ground. The inaugural Dude Market features live music, food, and gifts for guys. Free admission. More info
• USFWS Workshop: Window Bird Collisions & Making Buildings Bird-Safe – 10:00 AM at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center, 28908 NW Main Ave. Learn about bird-safe building practices and help add window treatments to the new center. More info
• Uptown Neighborhood Cleanup – 10:00 AM. Meet at Kindred Vancouver, 2213 Main St. Gloves, grabbers, and buckets provided — help beautify Uptown Vancouver. More info
• 2026 Second Saturday Summer Series: Water Safety Day – 10:00 AM in Washougal. The City of Washougal's free, family-friendly event focused on water safety, part of the Parks Passport Program. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 10:30 AM–12:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Build with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Blueprint Gala and Music Festival – 11:00 AM–7:00 PM. A day of entertainment, music, fun, and food — pay what you want (including free). More info
• Adult Nature Identification Walk at Steigerwald NWR – 11:00 AM. Join naturalist Rebecca Lexa for a guided walk through Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge to identify local plants and animals. Free. More info
• Get Outdoors Day Movie Matinee: The Little Things That Run the World – 1:00–3:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A Bee City USA celebration featuring a documentary about pollinators and their vital role in local ecosystems. Free; registration required. More info
• Artist Talk with Emily Pratt – 1:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Hear about Emily Pratt's metal collage work, "Topographic Passage," inspired by rambling hillsides and the rhythmic pace of traffic. Free. More info
• Denim-Inspired Jean Jacket Card Make & Take at Craft Warehouse – 2:00–4:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Create trendy denim-inspired handmade cards with stencils and embellishments. $2; register in advance. More info
• Adult Garden Chat with FVRL – 3:00 PM. A monthly community gathering to discuss the best gardening techniques for our region. Free. More info
• Pour Choices Karaoke: 90's Pop Stars Night – 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Channel your inner Britney, NSYNC, or Spice Girls and take the stage for a night of iconic 90s hits. More info

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