📰 What's Making News

Clark County Students Win National Architecture Award Through LSW Internship

Here's one to make you proud: local high school students from Evergreen, Hockinson, Ridgefield, and Vancouver public schools just earned an award of excellence in the SchoolsNEXT Design Competition — a national contest for aspiring architects and civil engineers. The students got there through LSW Architects' Design CoMission program, a hands-on internship that gave them real-world experience in the field. Walking away with a top national distinction before they've even graduated? That's the kind of pipeline Clark County should be known for. Full story from The Columbian.

Reliques Revival Market Place Now Open Downtown on Evergreen

A new two-floor antique and vintage destination called Reliques Revival Market Place has opened at 222 E. Evergreen Blvd., kitty-corner from the downtown library and right next door to Terrain Coffee. Expect antiques, vintage clothing, and plenty of browsing-worthy finds spread across two levels. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — perfect for a post-coffee wander. Details here.

110 Runners Tackle Hellz Bellz Ultra in Yacolt

More than 110 runners hit the trails Sunday for the Hellz Bellz Ultra running events in Yacolt. Madalyn Nones, Erik Hillier, and Joshua Bibbee each took top honors in their respective races. The ultra draws runners to some of Clark County's most rugged terrain, and this year's turnout shows the event keeps growing. Results from The Columbian.

Bigfoot Fun Run Draws Racers to Yacolt for 5K, 10K

Yacolt had a full weekend of running — Saturday's Bigfoot Fun Run brought out competitors for 5K and 10K races through the area. Trae Copper and Sasha Pasha claimed victories in the shorter distance, while Ethan Mattila and Hannah Tully topped the 10K field. It was a big weekend for small-town Yacolt, hosting back-to-back race events that put the east county community on the map for trail and road runners alike. See the full results.

Improperly Disposed Fireworks Damage Two Ridgefield Homes

Two homes in Ridgefield were damaged early Sunday morning after a fire started from improperly disposed fireworks — a sobering reminder as Clark County fire agencies continue tallying holiday-weekend blazes. The fire spread between the two properties before crews brought it under control. If you're still cleaning up from the Fourth, soak spent fireworks in water before tossing them; it only takes one hot shell in a dry bin to cause real damage. More from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Crunch Fitness Takes Over Former Regal Theater Near Vancouver Mall

Vancouver's last remaining Crunch Fitness location is expanding into the closed Regal Theater next door, near the Target and Barnes & Noble shops by Vancouver Mall. The gym is undergoing a major remodel as it moves into the larger space — welcome news for members who'd been dealing with aging equipment in the old footprint. Read more

Fourth Plain Commons Hosts Civic Action Fair, Seeks Local Orgs

50501 Clark County is pulling together a Civic Action Fair at Fourth Plain Commons, running 4–8 p.m. on an upcoming date, and they're looking for local organizations and community groups to table at the event. Groups don't need to stay the full four hours — just show up and share what you do. Details and sign-up here

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, July 7

• Takohachi Duo – 9:30 AM at Three Creeks Community Library. This vibrant Japanese street theater tradition brings the ancient art of kamishibai to life, weaving folktales into a dynamic, interactive experience for all ages. Free. More info
• Storywalk at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Dorothy Fox Park, Camas. Follow the path to read So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner on this outdoor reading adventure. On display all month long. Free. More info
• Art Chat at Ridgefield Community Library – 10:30 AM at Ridgefield Community Library. Bring a piece or two of your own art to share, or just come for the camaraderie and conversation about art in our area. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies – 10:30 AM at La Center Community Library. Make your own squishy toys using fun, simple materials and take home a stress-busting creation. Free. More info
• Q-Tip Painting Kids Camp Make & Take – 11:00 AM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Create blooming flower art using Q-tips instead of paintbrushes — a cheerful, hands-on activity for kids and families. $5. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults – 12:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking, listening, and expressing yourself confidently in a supportive environment. Free. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe – 2:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Feel the rhythm of the Pacific with this joyful performance celebrating the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand through dance and authentic music. Free. More info
• Teen & Tween Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure: Character Creation Workshop – 3:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. Learn the basics of Dungeons and Dragons character creation from step one to finish. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Teen Hangout: Introduction to Stop Motion Animation – 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Make storyboards, sets, and learn how to shoot a short film using stop motion. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Play Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E — beginners and experienced players welcome. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, Vancouver. A weekly gathering for writers of all experience levels featuring dedicated writing time, introductions, and a concluding session. No readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A conversation group for beginning Spanish speakers — no registration required. Free. More info
• Page Turners – 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A book club for kids in 4th through 6th grade and their adults. Register, pick up the book at the library, and keep it for free after the meeting. Free. More info

Wednesday, July 8

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI – 6:00 AM. Embark on a single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides and certified volunteer climbing stewards, designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Rebecca Anstine Gallery presents "Impressions of the Pacific Northwest" – 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Vancouver. A new exhibit showcasing Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji, celebrating the region's moody landscapes and vibrant moments. On view July through September. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program helping older adults (age 60+) become more active, with two classes at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Marine Park Beach Clean-up – 9:30 AM at Marine Park, Vancouver. Volunteers will walk approximately 2.5 miles along the shoreline to collect litter and debris, preventing pollution from entering the Columbia River. All tools provided. Registration required. Free. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Experience Sayaka Ganz's stunning 3D art where discarded plastic objects transform into soaring animals and rushing waves. On view July 1–September 30. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus – 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library. A uproarious physical comedy show filled with laughs, juggling, magic, and the mesmerizing art of plate spinning. Free. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. The Second Story Gallery's annual exhibition showcasing artwork from Camas School District high school art students in painting, sculpture, and mixed media. On view all July. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books – 10:00 AM at Autumn Leaf Books, Camas. One of only 300 participating bookstores nationwide! Pick up a passport and search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local Downtown Camas businesses all month long. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Marshall House, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Free tours featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and an interpretation of General George C. Marshall's study. Walk-ins welcome. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tours available by reservation or for small walk-in groups. Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild – 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6, pairing stories with nature activities. This week's theme: Mammal Mania! Free. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, and more. More info
• Berry Days at Camas Farmers Market – 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas. Berry-themed kids crafts, trivia, temporary tattoos, and a community vote for Camas' Favorite Berry. Complimentary berry shortcake for the first 300 customers at 4:30 PM! More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open game play for ages 13–19 — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create: Origami – 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in to fold a selected monthly origami pattern. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try the exciting sport of dragon boat paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided, and paddlers must be 14+. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop style with an intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, and social dance from 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Gemstone Necklace Workshop – 6:00 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Learn how to design and knot a necklace using colorful gemstones and silk cord — no prior experience needed. $65. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting – 6:30 PM at the 40 et 8, Vancouver. Monthly meeting of DAV Chapter 4. Free. More info

Thursday, July 9

• Coldwater Lake – WTA Backcountry Response Team – 8:30 AM at Coldwater Lake, Mount St. Helens. Volunteer trail work along the gorgeous Lakes Trail with views of St. Helens. 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
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute guided tours of this historic home on Officers Row. Free. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. The beloved Tiny Art Show is back for its 6th year — come see what the Camas community has created. On view all July. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. A class for beginning and intermediate players instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Lookout Mountain Wildflower Hike – 10:00 AM. Join the Washington Native Plant Society for a moderate 2.6-mile wildflower hike at Lookout Mountain in Hood River County with forest, meadow, and rocky outcrops. NW Forest Pass required. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Planning Meeting – 12:00 PM. Monthly planning meeting for the Pairs and Spares Seniors group. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info
• Dinosaur Garden in a Jar at Camas Public Library – 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Build a tiny prehistoric world with your very own mini dinosaur garden in a jar. All materials provided. Registration required (opens June 13). Free. More info
• Lumos Hearth & Home Grand Opening at New Location – 4:00 PM at 12709 NE 115th Avenue #112, Vancouver (Brush Prairie). Ribbon cutting for this locally owned business's new showroom featuring fireplaces, stoves, hot tubs, and outdoor living products. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Hang out with friends, play games, craft, and chat. Ages 13–19. Snacks provided. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Play Dungeons & Dragons with other players ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Reptile Man – The Fascinating World of Reptiles – 5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Join the Oregon Reptile Man for a creepy, crawly adventure featuring live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 – 5:30 PM. Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Ride Leader Charla Burke for fun Thursday night rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles at 10 mph on flat terrain. All levels welcome. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting – 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Monthly meeting including dinner. Free. More info
• Pints for Alzheimer's Disease – 6:00 PM at Prairie Tavern, Brush Prairie. Prairie Tavern donates $1 per pint all day to raise funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer's SW Washington. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park. Enjoy an eclectic mix of music from around the world in this free, all-ages Thursday evening concert series. Bring a picnic or grab a bite at a waterfront restaurant. Free. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs (Online) – 6:30 PM. Learn to draw beautiful wildflowers with colored pencils in this online class with botanical artist Crystal Shin, hosted by the Washington Native Plant Society. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting – 7:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, Vancouver. Open to experienced and novice woodturners alike. Free. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Ghost Terrestrea – 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave, Vancouver. Featured poet Ghost Terrestrea, author of Labyrinth of Mind. Other poets welcome to read original works. $5 suggested donation. More info

Friday, July 10

• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party – 9:00 AM. Join the Friday morning garden shifts with Urban Abundance at the SWWA Victory Garden — good people doing good things outdoors. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour – 9:30 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. A guided walk for you and your four-legged companion to explore the park's history while learning about the BARK Ranger program. Free. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat – 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project and join in for a no-stakes craft session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Summer Craft & Play with Drip Drop Art Studio – 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Stretch your kids' creativity with art projects and a Maker Station packed with recyclables, pom poms, wood items, and more. $18. More info
• Drip Drop Art Craft & Play – 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Sensory bins and art for ages 1–5, plus a Maker Station add-on for ages 5+. $24. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noon to 1:00 PM, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. Free. More info
• Magic of Reading – 12:00 PM at Overlook Park, Ridgefield. Jay Frasier's Magic of Reading Show proves the most powerful magic of all is found between the pages of a good book. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A weekly art group open to all. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies – 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. A musical screening on the second Friday of every month. $10. More info
• Washougal Community Market – 2:00–6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, authors, musicians, bakers, food vendors, and live musical performances. Free. More info
• Family Adventure Camp on Mt. St. Helens – 3:00 PM at Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center. Traverse scenic trails, engage in playful activities, unleash creativity through art, and revel in hands-on experiences for the whole family. $275. More info
• Amboy Territorial Days – 3:00 PM–Midnight at Amboy Territorial Park. The 66th annual celebration kicks off with artisan vendors, food vendors, a kid's zone, live music, a beer garden, and the Grand Marshal presentation at 6 PM. Free admission. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive projects. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Preschool Summer Scribbles – 3:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers and their adults practice early writing skills with summer-themed activities. Registration required. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, and hangout time. Ages 9–12. Snacks provided. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus park amenities including disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10. More info
• Amboy Territorial Days Car Show – 4:30 PM at Amboy Territorial Park. Registration opens at 4:30 PM for an evening of classic cars, muscle cars, and custom builds. Spectators free; vehicle registration $10. More info
• 50+ Climb Night – 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. A fun and active evening of climbing for ages 50 and over — no prior experience or special gear needed. $19–$24. More info
• Reception & Artist Talk: High School Art Exhibit – 5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Celebrate the talent of local high school artists and hear students speak about their artwork. Free. More info
• ZooNights – 5:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Summer Friday evenings with live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, elephant ears, and local beer and wine for adults. $13–$26. More info
• Tween Night: Bracelet Making at Drip Drop Art Studio – 5:30 PM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Learn to make Kandi bracelets with beads, charms, and shrinky dink charms. Pizza and drinks provided. Ages 9–14. $45. More info
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle – 5:30 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, Vancouver. Bring your projects or unfinished scraps for others to use. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed, equipment provided, paddlers must be 14+. Free. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Live music by Guatemalan-American singer and songwriter Idea The Artist, plus an on-site food truck. Free admission. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown baseball team! More info
• Friday Fun Nights: Mario Mayhem at Kids Club – 6:30 PM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. Kids race through obstacle courses, collect coins, dodge Goombas, and tackle Mario Kart-inspired challenges. Drop-off event. $39.99. More info
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music – 6:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Modern Christian music performed on acoustic instruments. Free (donations encouraged). More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro – 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Live performances on the pet-friendly patio with food, cocktails, and local wine. More info
• Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra at Providence Academy – 7:00 PM in the historic Academy Ballroom, Vancouver. An evening of roaring '20s and Depression-era dance music under the leadership of master showman Sammuel Murry-Hawkins — music of Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin. $16. More info

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