📰 What's Making News

Donny's Dogs Serves Up Hot Dogs to Save Vancouver's Deaf Center

When the Washington Advocates of Deaf & Hard of Hearing (WADHH) lost its state funding, its leaders didn't close the doors — they fired up the grill. Donny's Dogs, a food venture born out of necessity and community love, is raising money to keep the Deaf Center open after more than three decades of serving as a gathering space and resource hub in Clark County. The center has been a lifeline for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community since 1991, and this scrappy, creative pivot is exactly the kind of story that makes Vancouver feel like home. Full story from The Columbian.

North-South Split Shakes Up 2A Greater St. Helens League Football

Friday-night lights are about to look different across Clark County. The 2A Greater St. Helens League has reorganized into North and South geographical divisions, which means division matchups now carry significantly more weight for playoff seeding. Teams like the Ridgefield Spudders, Hockinson Hawks, Washougal Panthers, and Columbia River Rapids will all be jockeying for position under the new format, and early-season results could matter more than ever. If you've got a high schooler on the roster — or you just love packed bleachers on a fall evening — this is the preview worth reading. Read the full breakdown.

The Columbian Wants Your True Stories (Yes, Yours)

School's back in session, and The Columbian is leaning into the back-to-school energy with a reader assignment: submit a true personal story. It's an open call to the community to share real-life moments — funny, meaningful, surprising — that capture what life in Clark County actually feels like. Think of it as the anti-social-media post: no algorithm, no comments section, just your story told well. Deadline details and submission info are in the link. Get the details here.

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💬 Community Buzz

Not enough strong community discussions surfaced today to fill this section — we'd rather skip it than pad it with filler. We'll be back with the good stuff tomorrow!

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⚡ Quick Bites

OnPoint Credit Union Opens Ninth SW Washington Branch in Camas

OnPoint Community Credit Union opened its newest location Thursday at 19542 S.E. Brady Road in Camas — its ninth branch serving Southwest Washington. To mark the occasion, OnPoint is donating $5,000 to the Camas-Washougal Community Chest and plans a community grand opening celebration on Oct. 3. Read more

WSU Marching Band Sits Out Apple Cup Halftime Tradition

Washington State University's marching band announced it won't participate in the traditional Apple Cup halftime exchange this year, walking away from one of the rivalry's most recognizable customs. Here's why

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, August 30

• Appletree Marathon, Half-Marathon, Sunset 5K and Hot Rods Classic Car Show — 7:00 AM at Officers Row, Vancouver. Why Racing Events presents a flat, fast and scenic Boston-Qualifying course through Fort Vancouver, Officers Row, the Army Barracks, Pearson Airport, Old Apple Tree Park and along the Columbia River. Stick around for food, a beer garden and live music. $54–$139. More info

• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps — 9:00 AM at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. The last Sunday of Northwest Personal Training's free summer bootcamp series — meet at the studio before heading to scenic outdoor locations for a full-body muscle and cardio workout. All fitness levels welcome. Fill out a waiver at nwpersonaltraining.com before class. Free. More info

• Kayaking Clinic for Visually Impaired — 9:00 AM. The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes hosts a free kayaking clinic for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, all ages and ability levels. Contact NWABA for specific time and location details. More info

• Downtown Vancouver Market — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, 8th & Esther St., Vancouver. The flagship Vancouver Farmers Market has been running since 1990 — swing by for Sunday shopping in the heart of downtown. More info

• Pop-Up History Museum: Meeting History — Exploring Ridgefield's Told & Untold Stories — 10:00 AM at The Greely Building, Ridgefield. Commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary, this exhibit explores Ridgefield's founding, the organizations that feed residents, and the little-known stories of Japanese farmers forcibly removed during WWII. Free. More info

• ROAD TRIP: Timberline Ladies Ride Days — 10:45 AM at Mt. Hood, OR. Meet at the gate entrance for a ladies' mountain bike day with light instruction from Timberline's Bike School, group tours of the bike park, and a 3:00 PM raffle in Y'Bar. Bring a friend and get buy-one-get-one half off day tickets. More info

• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 12:00 PM departing from Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Station, Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, and stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. Arrive 20 minutes early to pick up tickets. $16–$24. More info

• Bi-Zi Farms Sunflower Festival — 12:00–8:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Enjoy beautiful sunflower photo ops, adorable farm animals, a free hayride, and one cut sunflower included with every paid entry. Additional flowers and vases available for purchase. $12. More info

• Paddleboarding Clinic with NW Assoc. of Blind Athletes — 12:00 PM. A free paddleboarding clinic for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Contact Anneliese Hugo at [email protected] or 360-448-7254 for details. More info

• Back to School Swim & Social at Goldfish Swim School — 2:00–3:30 PM at Goldfish Swim School, Vancouver. Kick off the school year with a splash — open swim, family fun, and a chance to connect with the community. Free. More info

• Board Game Social Club — 2:30–5:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop in for board games — play an old favorite or learn something new. Free. More info

• Berry Bowls Workshop — 3:30–5:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Make your own ceramic berry bowl — beginner-friendly, ages 8 and up. Bowls are fired and glazed, ready for pick-up in about a month. $55. More info

• Celebrate National Park Week! — 4:00 PM. Wrap up National Park Week (Aug. 22–30) at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Explore nature and history, join ranger programs, and earn your Junior Ranger badge. More info

Monday, August 31

• Storytime in the Park — 10:30–11:00 AM at various Camas parks. Bring a blanket and enjoy a family storytime outdoors with the Camas Library. All ages welcome. Free. More info

• Camas Library Storytime in the Park Series — 10:30 AM at Louis Bloch Park, 160 NE Joy St., Camas. This week's outdoor storytime spot — bring a blanket and settle in. All ages. More info

• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00–1:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome at this weekly gathering. Learn more at vancouverrotaryclub.org. Free. More info

• Line Dancing — 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Grab any shoes you've got 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, Portland. A high-speed jetboat takes you 80 miles roundtrip to Multnomah Falls with exclusive narration by Cliff Barackman of Animal Planet's "Finding Bigfoot." $64–$72. More info

• ROAD TRIP — Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series — 6:00–8:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Adaptive Sports Northwest welcomes everyone — bring your own bike or try one of theirs. Helmets required. Volunteers on site for training and assistance. More info

• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques to create nebula-like patterns. No experience needed, all supplies provided. $35. More info

Tuesday, September 1

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60 and older, tailored from seated to full mobility. No pre-registration required — first-timers arrive early to register on-site. More info

• River Nutrient Enhancement Season — Volunteer Salmon Carcass Placement — 9:00 AM. The Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group needs volunteers to place salmon carcasses in streams, returning vital marine nutrients to local watersheds. Physical work with rewarding time outdoors. More info

• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Step back to April 1912 and assume the role of a passenger. More than 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site bring the stories behind the voyage to life. More info

• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals, rushing waves, and sculptures that seem to move before your eyes. On view through Sept. 30. More info

• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Littles ages 6 and under enjoy kiddie rides and select family rides, then visit Chipper the Squirrel for snack and story time. One adult rides free per child. $13.50 per child. More info

• Playgroup — 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 9 months–6 years. A safe indoor space for kids to run, climb, and explore while parents meet and socialize. $7–$9. More info

• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Running Sept. 1–30, donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special needs include lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, pantry staples, hygiene items, and laundry pods. Drop-off box near the north entrance. More info

• Vancouver Wellness Studio Celebrates 10 Years! — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Wellness Studio, 301 W. Columbia Way, Vancouver. A ribbon-cutting celebration honoring a decade of collaborative healthcare and community wellness. More info

• English Conversation Group for Adults — 12:30–2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking, listening, and expressing yourself confidently in a supportive environment. Free. More info

• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Ages 9–19 — create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons, whether you're brand new or experienced. Free. More info

• OutdoorAfro's Little CampOut — Virtual Campfire Storytelling — 5:00 PM. A live virtual campfire experience for families with stories, laughter, curiosity, and connection from across the country. More info

• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels — introductions, dedicated writing time, and a closing discussion. No readings or critiques. Free parking. Free. More info

• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward adults who are beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info

• Pencils and Pints — 6:00–7:30 PM at A Beer at a Time, 216 N.E. Third Ave., Camas. Sketch, paint, doodle, and sip a local craft brew in this low-key art meet-up co-hosted by the Artisans Guild of Camas and the Camas Public Library. Paper, pencils, and clipboards provided, or bring your own supplies. Free. More info

• Page Turners Book Club — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. For kids in 4th–6th grade and their adults. Register at CamasPL.org/pageturners, pick up the book at the library, and keep it for free after the meeting. More info

• Vancouver Audubon: "The Wildlife Center of the North Coast" — 6:30 PM at Evergreen Public Schools District Office, 13413 N.E. LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive, Vancouver. Speaker Annie Cahill explores the role of wildlife rehabilitation in conservation, disease monitoring, and environmental education. Free. More info

Wednesday, September 2

• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free tours available Wednesday–Friday inside the front door at Suite 103. More info

• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this stunning Queen Anne home where General George C. Marshall once lived. Book your time online. More info

• Musicians in the Park — 12:00 PM at Davis Park, corner of Mill St. and Main Ave., Ridgefield. Enjoy live lunchtime performances by local musicians in the Downtown Arts Quarter. Bring a picnic lunch or grab takeout from a downtown restaurant. Free. More info

• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Quiet music and prayer midday. Free. More info

• Vesta Hospitality Celebrates 30 Years — 1:00 PM at 15605 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A ribbon-cutting recognizing three decades of hotel development, acquisition, and management from this Vancouver-rooted hospitality company. More info

• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh regional produce, food, and artisan goods every Wednesday. More info

• Tween Bad Art — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Random supplies, zero rules — create something perfectly ugly, awkwardly brilliant, or anything in between. Free. More info

• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00–5:00 PM. Ages 5–9 build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info

• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park & Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info

• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info

• Speed Friending — 5:00–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A fun, low-stress way for adults to meet new people with quick conversation rounds and provided prompts. Registration required at CamasPL.org/SpeedFriending. Free. More info

• WSU Extension & FVRL: Grow and Arrange Cut Flowers Year-Round — 5:00 PM. Learn how to grow your own beautiful cut flower garden and enjoy a flower arrangement demonstration. Free. More info

• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14 and up — no experience needed, equipment provided. A fun, team-oriented activity offered free through October 3. More info

• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on leathercraft session for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. $40–$45. 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 welcome. $5–$10. More info

• All Ages Bingo — 6:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Friendly competition with fantastic prizes, snacks, and refreshments. $10–$13. More info

• Vaux Swifts 101 — 6:00 PM. Learn the fascinating life history of these tiny migratory birds before September's spectacular chimney roosting season — where they go, what they eat, and how they navigate. More info

• Vanport Jazz Open Rehearsal — 7:00 PM at Cascade Inn Assisted Living Center, Vancouver. Listen and dance along as VanPort Jazz rehearses. Free. More info

Thursday, September 3

• Mount Adams Mystery Backcountry Trip — WTA Backcountry Response Team — 8:30 AM. A mystery volunteer trail project in the Indian Heaven Wilderness — it may be logout, a bridge project, or miles of tread work. Camp is no more than 5 miles in. Sign up if your spirit comes alive with adventure. More info

• Communicating Through Supply Chain Disruption — 9:00 AM. A workshop led by Kayla Anderson, Founder & CEO of Riparian Media, covering social listening as an early signal on disruption and publishing frameworks under uncertainty. Includes discussion and networking. More info

• Native Plant Tending and Traditional Ecological Knowledge — 9:30 AM at Thousand Acres Road. Join the Confluence Project NW, Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, local Indigenous partners, and the US Forest Service to work on repatriation of the Sandy River Delta through traditional land tending practices. More info

• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info

• Go with the Flow: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free 90-minute walking tour of the Marine Park facility — learn what happens to all the water that goes down your drains. Ages 8 and up, closed-toe shoes required. More info

• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour the Queen Anne home of General George C. Marshall, featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and stained glass. Free. More info

• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Instructor Michael Walker (Ruby Life Master) covers opening bidding, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info

• Card Making Club at Craft Warehouse — 1:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. First-Thursday gathering for paper crafting fans — discover new products, share techniques, and get inspired. Free. More info

• Reading Dragons Kickoff — 3:00–4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Pick up a reading tracker, receive a mystery card pack, and enter for a chance to win a prize. All ages. Register at CamasPL.org/RD2026Kickoff. Free. More info

• WEO Celebrates 30 Years of Women Empowering Women — 4:00 PM at Visiting Angels, 603 Officers Row, Vancouver. A ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring three decades of the Women Entrepreneurs Organization inspiring and supporting women in business throughout Southwest Washington. More info

• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30–6:30 PM. Ages 13–19 — games, crafts, chatting, and snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info

• Wintler Beach Clean-Up — 6:00–8:00 PM at Wintler Park. Riparian Media and the City of Vancouver host a volunteer beach clean-up. RSVP for a head count so supplies are ready. More info

• Bird Language: Learning to Read the Landscape Through Birds — 6:00 PM (virtual). Local naturalist Rey Snyder leads an immersive class on tuning into bird behavior and interpreting what birds are saying about their surroundings. More info

• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM (doors at 6:00 PM) at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free, all ages — fun prizes for bingos and a chance to win an overnight stay in the final blackout round. Bring your own dauber or use theirs. More info

• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00–9:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Kat Nichols leads the fun — all ages, beginners welcome. $10. More info

• Fort Vancouver Rose Society September In-House Rose Show — 7:00 PM at St. Luke's-San Lucas Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Enjoy a chicken wing supper ("Wings and Roses") alongside the annual in-house rose show. Open to the public. Free. More info

• Clark County Historical Museum: "Brewing and Distilling in the Pacific Northwest" — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Sam Busick explores the region's alcohol history from the fur trade and Fort Vancouver to 19th century saloons, the temperance movement, Prohibition, and today's brewing boom. $5. More info

Friday, September 4

• ROAD TRIP — Backpacking Fundamentals: Mount Hood with Opal Creek Center — 8:30 AM. A three-day beginner backpacking expedition through old-growth forest, meadows, and trout-filled lakes with the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center. Build confidence in backcountry skills like water filtration, food prep, and route finding. More info

• The Portland MAiZE & Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM on Sauvie Island, Portland. Almost 2 miles of corn maze pathways — allow 45 minutes to an hour to solve. Open Fridays through Mondays in September. More info

• Fall Watercolor Workshops — 10:30 AM–12:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Kathryn Garcia-Stackpole of Kathryn By Design teaches you to paint florals, apples, and pumpkins. Beginners welcome. $125 includes all materials. More info

• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free Friday lunch for low-income seniors age 60 and older, 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. A creative gathering every Friday. More info

• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In — 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, 24414 N.E. Westerholm Road, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, volleyball, mini golf, bounce houses, play structures, and the pool — all included with admission. $5–$10. More info

• Discover Downtown Ridgefield — 4:00–8:00 PM in downtown Ridgefield. Shop, dine, stroll, and explore as participating businesses stay open later with sales and activities. Free (VIP packages available). More info

• First Friday Art Walk — 5:00 PM in downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses open their doors — most participating locations are open 5–8 PM. Free. More info

• Celebrate Art First Friday in Camas — 5:00–8:00 PM in downtown Camas. Art shows, receptions at four galleries, hands-on art experiences including quilling, basket weaving, pottery, and fabric weaving, plus a self-guided mural tour, live music, and after-hours shopping and dining. Free. More info

• Between Page and Panel — 5:00 PM at Camas Public Library's Second Story Gallery. Original artwork by 15 local children's book illustrators — paintings, drawings, and sketches that became picture books and graphic novels. On view through Oct. 17. Opening reception 5–8 PM. Free. More info

• Aurora Gallery presents "Around Vancouver" — 5:00–8:00 PM at Aurora Gallery, 1004 Main St., Vancouver. Celebrating 23 years in business with work by local artists depicting recognizable Vancouver scenes, plus Cortney Firstenburg's first exhibit, "She Who Works." Free. More info

• Into the Crater Hike with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 5:00 PM. A bucket-list adventure into the crater of an active volcano led by geologists, professional mountain guides, and certified volunteer mountain stewards. See the youngest and fastest-growing glacier in the world. More info

• MSHI GeoGirls Art Display — 5:00 PM at 210 W. Evergreen Blvd., Suite 300, Vancouver. See what middle schoolers discovered and created at GeoGirls, a free 5-day overnight geology and technology camp at Mount St. Helens. More info

• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14 and up, no experience needed, equipment provided. Free community paddling through October 3. More info

• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek — 6:00 PM at Salmon Creek Grange, Vancouver. Games, light snacks, and shared laughter — free for all, first Friday of every month. Children must be accompanied by an adult. More info

• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery, 17806 S.E. First St., Vancouver. Live music from Shirley Van Paepeghem, plus wine and food from on-site food truck Venue 1903. Free admission. More info

• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk — 6:30–8:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Sculpt mugs, vases, gnomes, or animals with guidance from a clay instructor. No experience needed. $50. More info

• Haunted Walking Tours — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead groups through downtown sharing tales of lingering spirits, mysterious happenings, and forgotten tragedies drawn from historical research and Pat Jollota's "Darkness Next Door." Approximately one mile. $15–$20. More info

• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, 12514 N.W. 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, local wine, and live music on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served seating. More info

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