📰 What's Making News

Clark County Nonprofit Enspire Links Creative Pros with Kids Who Need Them

Here's a problem worth solving: Clark County is home to hundreds of creative professionals — artists, musicians, designers — with knowledge to share, but no easy way to connect with students and young people hungry for mentorship. That's where Enspire, a local nonprofit, steps in. The organization is building a bridge between working creatives and arts programs across the county, filling gaps that traditional school budgets often can't cover. If you know a local artist looking for a meaningful way to give back, this one's worth a read.

Felida Terrace: Three-Story Apartment Plan Stirs Neighborhood Debate

A proposed three-story apartment complex called Felida Terrace is raising eyebrows — and voices — among Felida residents who say the project doesn't match the single-family character of the neighborhood. The development would bring denser housing to an area that has long been defined by its quieter, residential feel. Neighbors are making their concerns heard as the planning process moves forward. Read the full rundown from The Columbian.

I-5 Southbound Closure Week 1: Vancouver Commuters Dodge the Dreaded Gridlock

Remember all those worst-case predictions about the five-week southbound I-5 closure in Portland backing traffic into Vancouver? So far, so good. WSDOT reports that the first weekday morning brought light, free-flowing traffic — a pleasant surprise for commuters who braced for the worst. It's early days, of course, and patterns could shift as word spreads that the roads are manageable. Stay flexible and keep checking conditions via WSDOT's updates.

Washougal Football Grinds Out OT Win, Coach Hajek Sees Identity Taking Shape

Washougal head coach Dave Hajek believes his Panthers found something in Friday's 25-19 overtime thriller over Heritage at McKenzie Stadium. Last season, Week 2 was the turning point — and Hajek is hoping history repeats itself with this squad. The win gives Washougal early-season momentum heading into league play. Catch the full notebook, including notes on Evergreen and Hudson's Bay, over at The Columbian.

Want a Say in Clark County's Bike and Walking Routes? Two Committee Seats Open

Clark County is looking for volunteers to serve on the Clark Communities Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and there's a twist: one of the two open seats is reserved for a youth member ages 11-17. Adult members serve four-year terms, while youth members commit to one year, with both positions starting January 1. If you (or your kid) care about trails, bike lanes, and walkability, this is a real seat at the table. Applications and details are available through The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Dough Zone Dumpling House Opens in Vancouver Today

The popular Seattle-born dumpling chain Dough Zone Dumpling House opens its Vancouver location today, and locals have been counting down. Check their site for hours and expect a crowd — this one's been on wishlists for a while.

I-5 Night Lane Closures Through Friday Near Ridgefield

Granite Construction is closing right and center lanes nightly on I-5 between mileposts 9.5 and 21.5 (Ridgefield to Woodland) through Sept. 19 to replace damaged concrete panels. Plan for reduced speeds and delays if you commute north after dark.

The Sipp Adds Encore Dungeon Crawler Carl Night After Sellout

The Sipp in Hazel Dell sold out its Dungeon Crawler Carl–themed event so fast they've added a second night — but only 60 tickets are available. Fans of the book series can grab theirs at pnwsipp.com before they disappear again.

Nine Free Composting, Green-Cleaning Workshops This Fall

Clark County's Composter Recycler Program is hosting nine free hands-on workshops at locations in Vancouver, Camas, and Washougal covering backyard composting, worm bins, Bokashi, food waste reduction, and eco-friendly cleaning. Browse the full schedule and sign up here.

Vote for Week 2 High School Football Player of the Week

The Columbian's Killer Burger–sponsored Player of the Week poll is live, with nominees from Camas, Evergreen, La Center, Stevenson, and Washougal. Cast your vote now — it's a nice way to cheer on a local kid.

La Center's Donny Reed Helps Veterans Find Footing After Service

La Center resident Donny Reed, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 2001 to 2008, now directs Veteran Rites, a Tacoma-based nonprofit helping service members transition to civilian life. Read more about his story and mission in The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, September 15

• 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 needed — just show up early your first time. Classes available in Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Camas and Washougal. More info
• Playgroup – 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. A safe indoor space for kids ages 9 months to 6 years 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, Camas. Running through Sept. 30, this drive benefits the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special needs include lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, pantry staples, hygiene items and laundry pods. Drop donations inside the library near the north entrance. More info
• Pink Lemonade Project Kicks off Pink October – 10:00 AM at Pink Lemonade Project, 1207 Washington Street, Suite 125, Vancouver. A ribbon cutting spotlighting the Pink Lemonade Project and their work supporting people affected by breast cancer throughout SW Washington and Oregon. More info
• Dough Zone Dumpling House Opens – 11:00 AM in Vancouver. Dough Zone Dumpling House opens its 30th location right here in Vancouver, bringing signature dumplings, noodles and Chinese comfort food to a 2,950-square-foot restaurant. They're also launching their Bao Buddies School Program with hands-on dumpling-making classes at local elementary schools. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive projects for ages 5–12. Use your imagination, stretch your creativity or practice a new artistic skill. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations (Ridgefield and Three Creeks). Create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons with other players ages 9–19. Beginners and experienced players welcome. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A welcoming weekly group for writers of all levels — introductions, dedicated writing time and a wrap-up chat about breakthroughs. No readings or critiques. Free parking. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. A casual conversation group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Canoe Journeys: Traveling with Our Cousins and Ancestors – 6:00 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center, Ridgefield. Sam Robinson, Mildred Robinson and granddaughter Destany share the history of tribal canoe journeys through songs, dance, pictures and videos. Free. More info
• Cover to Cover Book Club – 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. A general fiction book club for adults. No registration required to join the discussion — though you can register ahead to reserve one of the library's limited copies. Free. More info

Wednesday, September 16

• Hidden Gems of the Columbia River Gorge Tour – 8:15 AM, departing from 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. The WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program leads a full-day tour featuring an old apple orchard at St. Cloud, a historic homestead at Sam's Walker, Columbia Gorge Landscape and J & J Flowers dahlia farm. Bring a sack lunch and wear sturdy shoes. $40. More info
• HR Excellence Lab – 9:00 AM. A 3-part pilot program equipping business leaders with practical HR strategies, templates and AI-driven tools. Learn why behind HR, create policies that fit your business and avoid costly mistakes. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animal sculptures in this stunning exhibit where 3D impressionism meets environmentalism. On view through Sept. 30. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this stunning Queen Anne home where General George C. Marshall once lived. Tours run Wednesday–Friday, 10 AM–2 PM. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour this four-story neo-Georgian brick landmark built by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1873. Free, by reservation. More info
• Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Training – 11:00 AM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A free one-hour C.A.L.M. presentation on understanding mental health crises, practical de-escalation techniques and reducing stigma. Especially valuable for businesses and community organizations. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh local produce, artisan goods and community vibes every Wednesday through 7 PM. More info
• Trout Hatchery Tour at Columbia Springs – 3:00 PM at Columbia Springs, 12208 S.E. Evergreen Highway, Vancouver. Tour the Vancouver Trout Hatchery and learn how it all works. Best for older kids and adults. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Shadow Puppet Craft – 3:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library, Ridgefield. Kids ages 5–12 design, cut out and assemble custom shadow puppets, then practice bringing them to life. Free. More info
• Perler Bead Play – 3:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Kids in grades 1–5 get creative with colorful Perler fuse beads and take home finished creations. No registration required. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog – 4:00 PM. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. For ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen & 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
• Art and Craft Swap at Caps N Taps – 5:00 PM at Caps N Taps, 337 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas. Clean out your craft stash and trade lovingly used art supplies for something new. Half-finished project leftovers welcome. Stick around for a beer and a snack. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch, Ridgefield. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14 and up. More info
• Dome Ring Workshop – 5:30 PM at Craft Collective, 21506 N.E. 83rd St., Vancouver. Instructor Shelby Evans of Modeco Jewelry teaches the basics of silversmithing — sizing, filing, soldering, shaping and finishing — and you'll take home a sterling silver dome ring. Ages 18+. $160. 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
• We Compost: Community Action for Zero Food Waste – 6:00 PM at Washougal United Methodist Church, 4020 M St., Washougal. Learn about Clark County's free We Compost Community Hubs and pick up a free kitchen compost pail while supplies last. Free. More info

Thursday, September 17

• Federal Public Lands Fee-Free Day – In honor of Constitution Day, entrance fees are waived at national parks and other federal public lands across the country. A great excuse for a day trip! More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food and artisan products. Free parking. Open until 2 PM. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Explore this Queen Anne gem with stained glass, decorative woodwork and military memorabilia from General George C. Marshall's time. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Instructor Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master, leads a class for beginning and intermediate players. $10–$50. More info
• Essential Estate Planning Conversations for Families – 10:00 AM at The Ripple Space, 275 W. Third St., Suite 400, Vancouver (also available online). Johnson Bixby leads a workshop on navigating family conversations about inheritance, fairness and legacy. Free. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab – 11:00 AM at Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. Monthly session covering topics from building permits to land use review, with Q&A. Free. More info
• Recycling 101: Learn the Basics – 12:00 PM at Vancouver Fire Station 2, Vancouver. Learn what goes in the bin and where it ends up. Stick around for an optional Organics 101 session afterward. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 3:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations (Vancouver Community Library and Three Creeks Community Library). Spark your imagination with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes and more for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen Art Chat at Ridgefield Community Library – 4:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library, Ridgefield. Monthly gathering for ages 13–19 to share art, learn techniques and connect with fellow creatives. Bring a piece or two of your work, or just come to enjoy the camaraderie. Free. More info
• Constitution Day: Founding Ideas, Modern Voices – 4:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Artillery Barracks, 600 Hatheway Road, Vancouver. The Historic Trust and League of Women Voters of Clark County host speakers, trivia, a write-your-own constitution exercise and discussion. First 100 guests get free pocket Constitutions. Free. More info
• LEGO Club – 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to play with the library's LEGO collection. Free. More info
• Welcome to 440 West – 4:00 PM at 440 W Columbia Way, Vancouver. Ribbon cutting for Vancouver's newest luxury apartment community on the Waterfront. Tour the property and enjoy refreshments. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Games, crafts, chatting and snacks for ages 13–19, courtesy of the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Family Trivia Night – 6:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. An all-ages evening of brain-teasing fun with prizes for the top trivia champions. Snacks and refreshments provided. $25–$31. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars – 6:00 PM at Dovetail Cellars, 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Jeff Keddie hosts a supportive lineup of songwriters and small groups — live on KXRW, Vancouver's local independent radio station. Sign-ups at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks – 7:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Line dancing with Kat Nichols — all ages, beginners welcome. $10. More info
• Musical Bingo at Pour Choices Pub – 7:00 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Test your music knowledge with friends, great drinks and friendly competition. More info

Friday, September 18

• Dutch Bros Buck for Kids – 5:00 AM–11:00 PM at all seven Vancouver Dutch Bros locations. For every drink purchased, Dutch Bros donates $1 to Deaf Education Advocates Foundation and Children's Center. More info
• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch – 10:00 AM at Sauvie Island, Portland. Nearly 2 miles of corn maze pathways plus a pumpkin patch — allow at least 45 minutes to solve the maze. Open Friday–Monday through September, daily in October. More info
• Growing Vegetables Without Soil Workshop – 10:00 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Learn the Kratky method of container gardening from seedling to harvest. Bring one opaque lidded container (half-gallon to 5 gallons). $10. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support at Kit-Tea Cafe – 10:00 AM at Milky & Coco's Kit-Tea Cafe, Vancouver. A cozy get-together designed for adults with dementia. Drinks and baked goods available for purchase. Free to attend; register at 360-513-5754 or [email protected]. More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time – 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. A guided walk through the farm to observe migratory birds, native plants and the rhythms of the land. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noon–1 PM. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly creative session. Free. More info
• Preschool Dot Art – 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Preschoolers and their adults play with shapes and colors using dot art. No registration required. Free. More info
• Realms Unknown Fantasy Festival – 2:00 PM at Lewis River Golf Course, 3200 Old Lewis River Road, Woodland. A 3-day, all-ages fantasy festival with camping, cosplay, jousting, live music, artisan makers, food vendors and magical creatures galore. Runs Sept. 18–20. $40–$120. More info
• 7th Annual Elktoberfest – 4:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823, 11605 S.E. McGillivray Blvd., Vancouver. Two days of bands, brats and brews — live music from Robby Mayer, Lip Bomb, Same Old Schmidt and Smoke Show. Local craft beer and German fare. Also open Sept. 19, 2–9 PM. $10 entry (21+). More info
• Kids Create at Washougal Community Library – 3:30 PM at Washougal Community Library, Washougal. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies – 4:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Make DIY squishy toys using fun, simple materials. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• EOCF Battle Ground Garden Grand Opening – 4:30 PM in Battle Ground. Educational Opportunities for Children & Families celebrates its inaugural outdoor classroom and educational garden with a free community BBQ, greenhouse tours, interactive sensory play areas and raised garden beds. More info
• Family Bingo Night at the Camas Public Library – 5:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. All ages welcome — winners take home a Reading Dragon prize. Free. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with the Mt. St. Helens Institute – 5:00 PM. A bucket-list adventure into the crater of an active volcano with expert geologists and mountain guides. See the youngest glacier in the world up close. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddles in Ridgefield – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe – 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Bring your hero and battle it out in this weekly dice game night. More info
• Cookie Decorating with Bear Hug Bakery – 6:00 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge, Camas. Heather from Bear Hug Bakery walks you through decorating 6 sugar cookies with royal icing. Ages 16+ (ages 8–15 with a paid adult). $60. More info
• PassinArt Open House & Block Party – 6:00 PM at Albina Arts Center, Portland. A weekend of art workshops, exhibitions, performances, DJ sets and dance. Free with registration. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour – 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead you through downtown Vancouver's spookiest tales and most peculiar local history. $20. More info

Saturday, September 19

• ilani Wine & Food Festival 2026 – At ilani, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield. A premier festival featuring hundreds of award-winning wines, beers and spirits plus gourmet bites from local restaurants and live cooking demos. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship market, operating since 1990, runs until 3 PM with all the local produce, baked goods and artisan finds you love. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, 800 NE 117th Street, Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Register online before your first time. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and their families build, test, design and explore through playful hands-on STEAM challenges. Bilingual program. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Step back to April 1912 and explore more than 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site, plus immersive stories of the people aboard. More info
• Columbia Springs Repair Event – 10:00 AM at Fourth Plain Community Commons, 3101 E. 4th Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Bring broken household items to be fixed by experienced volunteer fixers — for free! Check-in ends at 12:30 PM. More info
• Perennial Propagation Workshop – 10:00 AM in Battle Ground. Master Gardener Julie Carlsen demonstrates how to multiply your favorite perennials through stem cuttings and root division. $15 (free for NatureScaping members). Registration required. More info
• SOLVE Litter Pick-Up at Vancouver's Waterfront – 10:00 AM at Waterfront Park, Vancouver. Roll up your sleeves for a community clean-up along downtown and the Renaissance Trail. Advanced registration suggested. More info
• Vancouver Audubon's 3rd Annual Migratory Bird Celebration – 10:00 AM along Columbia Drive. Celebrate the tens of millions of birds migrating through SW Washington. Free and family-friendly. More info
• Benefits of Mulch in the Landscape Garden – 10:00 AM. A free WSU Extension Master Gardener and FVRL workshop on how mulching keeps your soil healthy and your plants happy. More info
• Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery Open House – 10:00 AM. View adult salmon, watch spawning, see fish jumping the ladder and enjoy kids' activities like Migration Golf, fish printing and chalk art. More info
• WSU Extension Harvest Celebration – 10:00 AM. The Clark County Master Gardeners celebrate the harvest season. More info
• Vancouver Bee Project Native Plant & Seed Library Opening Day – 11:00 AM. Pick up free native plants, seeds and resources to create pollinator habitat in your yard. Available while supplies last. More info
• Bridge of the Gods 100-Year Anniversary Celebration – 12:00 PM at Cascade Locks Marine Park in the Columbia River Gorge. Food, vendors, music, beer garden, Sternwheeler rides and fireworks at dusk. More info
• On the Move: Incredible Animal Journeys at WREC – 1:00 PM at Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. Free drop-in program for kids ages 5–12 exploring animal migrations through interactive activities. No registration required. More info
• How to Winterize Your Garden for Spring Success – 5:00 PM. A free FVRL and Master Gardener workshop on putting your garden to bed this fall for a head start on next year. No registration required. More info
• Het Meer CX – Cyclocross Race – 8:00 PM at Vancouver Lake, 8601 NW Erwin O. Rieger Memorial Hwy., Vancouver. Races for all ages and abilities featuring grass, dirt, gravel, sand pits and barriers. A great intro to cyclocross! More info

Adults

• 27th Annual Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic – 9:00 AM at Cape Kiwanda on the Oregon Coast. A legendary longboard surfing competition running Sept. 18–20. Spots fill up fast — join the waitlist if registration is full. More info

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