📰 What's Making News

240 Families, 35 Years: Evergreen Habitat for Humanity Marks a Milestone

Evergreen Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 35 years of building affordable homes in Clark County — and the numbers tell a remarkable story. The nonprofit has helped more than 240 families become homeowners, with projects stretching from East Vancouver's 132nd Cottages to the North Image neighborhood in West Vancouver. The organization is gearing up for its Raising the Roof Benefit Breakfast at the downtown Vancouver Hilton, plus a block party on St. Johns Road to mark the anniversary. If you've ever popped into the Clark County Habitat Store, you've already been part of the mission. Full story here.

Pioneer Drinking Habits Get the Museum Treatment

Volunteer historian Sam Busick has been digging into the surprisingly boozy past of America's early settlers, and he's ready to share what he found at the Clark County Historical Museum. His upcoming talk paints our forefathers less as stoic trailblazers and more as — his words — "a nation of drunkards." It's the kind of quirky, well-researched local history that makes the museum one of Vancouver's underrated gems. Read more from The Columbian.

5 Things to Do This Week, From Vintage Finds to a Marathon

The Columbian's weekly "Try This" roundup is out, and it's packed: a Vintage and Art Faire, Treat Day, a Treble Tones performance, Pencils and Pints (beer plus sketching — yes please), and the Appletree Marathon. Whether you're browsing for one-of-a-kind treasures near Fort Vancouver or lacing up your running shoes in North County, the long weekend has options for every energy level. See the full list here.

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💬 Community Buzz

Columbia Springs Marks 25 Years with Hooked on Nature Gala

If you missed Columbia Springs' 25th anniversary celebration, the photos alone are worth a scroll. The nonprofit just posted a gorgeous recap of its Hooked on Nature 2026 gala, capturing a quarter-century of environmental education right here in Vancouver. They've also shared chef spotlights featuring the culinary talent behind the event — a fun behind-the-scenes look at the local chefs who made the evening memorable. Twenty-five years of connecting our community to the natural world along the Columbia is no small thing.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Ridgefield Lands 11,000-Sq.-Ft. Goodwill Superstore, Free Career Training

Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette just cut the ribbon on a new Ridgefield superstore and community training center staffed by 40 employees. Beyond the retail floor, the site offers free career coaching, hiring events, and skills training through on-site Employment Specialists. Full story here.

PeaceHealth Southwest Earns No. 4 Ranking Statewide

U.S. News & World Report just named PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center the fourth-best hospital in Washington state — a nice bit of recognition for Vancouver's hometown hospital. See the full rankings.

Fat Dave's Reopens Under New Ownership, Drops the Bar

After nearly a year dark, Fat Dave's in Vancouver is back with new owners — but the bar is gone, making it a food-focused operation now. Locals are already weighing in on the changes. Join the conversation on Reddit.

Dr. Brianna da Silva Bhatia Steps In as Clark County's Interim Health Officer

The Clark County Board of Health unanimously appointed Dr. Brianna da Silva Bhatia to lead public health operations as Dr. Alan Melnick heads into retirement. She previously served as deputy health officer and holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Washington. Read more.

High Lava Fire Reaches 2,771 Acres Between St. Helens, Adams

The wildfire burning in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest has grown to 2,771 acres with containment at 25 percent. Worth keeping an eye on if you have late-summer plans in the backcountry. Latest update here.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, August 28

• BIPOC Backpacking Trip with Opal Creek Center — 8:30 AM / Three-day backpacking expedition into the Mount Hood National Forest with the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center. Enjoy old-growth forest, stunning views, and new friendships. More info
• American Legion Fundraising Rummage Sale — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM / American Legion Smith-Reynolds Post 14, 4607 NE St. James Road, Vancouver. Proceeds support veterans, military families, and local school supplies. Also running Aug. 29. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning at SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM / Help keep the community garden growing at 2311 NE 68th Street, Vancouver. Harvested produce goes to LULAC food distribution. A partnership with Urban Abundance. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour — 9:30 AM / Bring your four-legged companion on a guided walk through Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Learn park history through the lens of our canine friends. Free. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge — 9:30 AM / Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket at Timberline Bike Park. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. More info
• Fruit Harvest at Raymond Shaffer Community Park — 10:00 AM / Join the City of Vancouver's volunteer program to gather fruit from park trees. Much of the harvest supports local food banks, and volunteers get to take some home too. Gloves, tools, and snacks provided. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00–1:00 PM / Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Musicians in the Park — 12:00 PM / Live lunchtime music at Davis Park in downtown Ridgefield, presented by the Ridgefield Art Association. Bring a picnic or grab takeout from a downtown restaurant. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM / Drop in for art at the NAMI Southwest Washington office, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30–4:30 PM / Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9 at Washougal Community Library. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00–5:30 PM / Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In — 4:00–8:00 PM / Friday night cruise-in at Alderbrook Park, 24414 NE Westerholm Road, Brush Prairie. Admission includes disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10. More info
• Jack-O-Lantern Textured Wall Art Class at Craft Warehouse — 5:00 PM / Create a festive Halloween wall art piece using sculpting medium and acrylic paint. $30. More info
• The Stuff of Legends Reception at AQUA Gallery — 5:00–7:00 PM / Meet artists Abby Ketcham and Carson Legree at the opening reception for their exhibit featuring vibrant mythological paintings and expressive stuffies. 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver Waterfront. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM / Try dragon boat paddling for free at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Wine for Wildlife at the Oregon Zoo — 6:00 PM / Sample offerings from 30 wineries while strolling the zoo's forested grounds after hours. Live music and winemaker meet-and-greets. Portland. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00–8:00 PM / Live music from local singer-songwriter Brenna Larsen plus the Venue 1903 food truck at 17806 SE First St., Vancouver. Free admission. More info
• English Country Line Dancing — 6:30 PM / Learn a new dance at Fern Prairie Grange in Camas. All experience levels welcome. $5 per person or $10 per family. More info
• Friday Night Movies in the Park — 6:30 PM / Free movies in a different Vancouver park each Friday in August. All ages, all movies captioned. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM / Enjoy food, cocktails, and live music on the pet-friendly patio at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. First come, first served seating. More info
• Treble Tones Present "The Gift to Sing" — 7:00 PM / Reprise Choir's 17-voice summer ensemble performs choral music by women composers from the 16th to 21st centuries at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Free. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series: Drifter — 7:30 PM / Live music at Pour Choices, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Free admission. More info

Saturday, August 29

• Summit Climb on Mt. St. Helens — 6:00 AM / Single-day guided scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides. Designed for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. More info
• Kerry Island Volunteer Workday with Columbia Land Trust — 8:00 AM / Help preserve access at Kerry Island in Westport, OR, with vegetation control using brush cutters and hand tools. More info
• Veterans' Work Party at Seminary Hill with WTA — 8:30 AM / Washington Trails Association hosts a trail work party for veterans and service members. Build camaraderie and maintain hiking trails at this 73-acre urban natural area. More info
• TSMC WA Mulching Stewardship Party — 8:30 AM / Join the Camas Earth Day Society for late-summer mulching in preparation for a fall tree planting at the rewilding site near Skyridge Middle School. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM / The flagship market at Esther Short Park, running since 1990. Shop local produce, goods, and more. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM / Free weekly 5K community event at Salmon Creek Trail, 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. Walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages, all abilities. Register at parkrun.us. More info
• 17th Annual Camas Vintage & Art Faire — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM / 60+ vintage and local art vendors fill the charming streets of Downtown Camas. Furniture, clothing, paintings, woodworking, glass art, handmade jewelry, live music, and food. Free. More info
• Wander Clark County: Washougal Memorial Cemetery Tour — 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM / Discover the stories of Washougal's pioneers on this walking tour led by Clark County Historical Museum guides. $10. More info
• Kayaking Clinic for the Visually Impaired — 9:00 AM / Northwest Association for Blind Athletes hosts a free kayaking clinic for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. All ages and ability levels. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Become a Nature Detective — 9:00 AM / Hands-on STEAM fun for ages 3–5 and families at OMSI in Portland. $22.50–$30.50. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15–10:30 AM / Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play at the Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM / STEAM education through aviation with flight simulators, a wind table, and historic airplanes on display. Free for all ages. More info
• Pop-Up History Museum: Ridgefield's Told & Untold Stories — 10:00 AM / Explore Ridgefield's founding, local organizations, and lesser-known stories at The Greely Building. Free. More info
• Garden Gnomes Workshop at Kilnfolk Clay Studio — 10:00–11:30 AM / Make a ceramic garden gnome using the pinch pot method. Ages 8+. 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. $65. More info
• Saturday Volunteer Day at LUYF Farm — 10:00 AM / Help Latinos Unidos Y Floreciendo prepare the community farm at 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver, for the fall season. All experience levels welcome. More info
• MAMAzamas Kids Hike at Mount Tabor — 10:00 AM / A gentle family wander around Mount Tabor in Portland. Babies in carriers and big kids on foot all welcome. Great for families new to hiking together. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 points) — 11:00 AM / Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10. More info
• Chunky Blanket Workshop — 11:00 AM–2:00 PM / Learn hand-knitting basics and create an oversized chunky knit blanket at Craft Collective, 21506 NE 83rd St., Vancouver. No needles or experience needed. $89. More info
• Summer Style Social — 11:00 AM–5:00 PM / Analee Styling hosts a sip, shop, and swim event at a private garden and pool in Vancouver Heights. Pop-up shops, curated fashion, small bites, music, and mocktails. $25 (includes a $25 gift card). More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 12:00 PM / Depart from Yacolt through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, with a stop to visit Yacolt Falls. $16–$24. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Sunflower Festival — 12:00–8:00 PM / Photos with beautiful flowers and farm animals at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Every admission includes one cut sunflower, a free hayride, and animal visits. $12. More info
• Treat Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill — 12:00 PM / Cookies, cakes, muffins, and more at the historic water-powered grist mill, 43907 NE Grist Mill Road, Woodland. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult K-Beauty and K-Drama — 2:00 PM / Cascade Park Community Library hosts Portland State University Professor Jungmin Kwon and Yoo Be Skin Care esthetician Yooseon Hwang. Mask samples, trivia, and activities. Free. More info
• Vancouver Community Library Radio Theater — 3:00 PM / Light melodrama, old-time radio style. Read from a script or provide sound effects. 1930s attire optional. Free. More info
• Blacktail Deer Foundation Annual Fundraising Banquet — 5:00–9:00 PM / Raffles, games, auctions, and prizes at the Heathman Lodge, 7801 NE Greenwood Drive, Vancouver. $27.09+. More info
• PeaceHealth Appletree Sunset 5K & Hot Rods Classic Car Show — 6:00 PM / Kick off race weekend with the Sunset 5K, a classic car show, food, a beer garden, and live music at Officers Row, Vancouver. More info
• TRAIN — Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere — 6:30 PM / Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Grammy-winning hit at the Cascades Amphitheater in Ridgefield. $45–$184. More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance & Beginners Lesson — 7:00 PM / A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing of all styles until 10 PM at VanCity Ballroom in Hazel Dell. No partner needed. $10. More info
• Horsing Around: Equestrian Safety at Battle Ground Lake — 7:00–8:00 PM / Meet senior park aide Mindy Lahti-Phillip's horses and learn equestrian trail safety at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Bring a folding chair. Free (Discover Pass required for parking). More info
• Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM / Let your inner entertainer shine at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. More info

Sunday, August 30

• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp — 9:00 AM / Full-body muscle and cardio workout at scenic Vancouver locations. Meet at Northwest Personal Training, 1011 Broadway. All fitness levels welcome. Free. More info
• Timberline Ladies Ride Days — 10:45 AM / Women's mountain bike day at Timberline on Mt. Hood. Bring a friend for buy-one-get-one half off. Light instruction, guided park tours, and a 3 PM raffle. More info
• Paddleboarding Clinic with NW Association of Blind Athletes — 12:00 PM / Free paddleboarding clinic for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Contact NWABA for location details. More info
• Back to School Swim & Social at Goldfish Swim School — 2:00–3:30 PM / Free open swim and social for families at Goldfish Swim School, Vancouver. A fun way to wrap up summer. More info
• Board Game Social Club — 2:30–5:00 PM / Drop in at Vancouver Community Library to play old favorites or learn something new. Free. More info
• Berry Bowls Workshop at Kilnfolk Clay Studio — 3:30–5:00 PM / Make a ceramic berry bowl for storing and washing berries. Ages 8+, beginner-friendly. 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. $55. More info
• Celebrate National Park Week — 4:00 PM / Wrap up summer exploring nature and history at national park sites. Join ranger programs, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and more. More info

Monday, August 31

• Storytime in the Park — 10:30–11:00 AM / Join Camas Library staff for outdoor family storytime at a different Camas park each week. Bring a blanket! All ages. Free. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00–1:00 PM / Weekly meeting at the AC Marriott on the Vancouver Waterfront. Community members welcome. Free. More info
• Line Dancing at Cascade Park Community Library — 1:30–3:30 PM / Learn line dances for fun and exercise. Any footwear welcome. Free. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit — 2:00 PM / 80-mile round-trip jetboat tour from Portland to Multnomah Falls with exclusive Bigfoot narration by Animal Planet's Cliff Barackman. $64–$72. More info
• Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series — 6:00–8:00 PM / Adaptive Sports Northwest hosts cycling at Portland International Raceway. All participants welcome. Bring your own bike or try one of theirs. Helmets required. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM / Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. No experience needed. $35. More info

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