📰 What's Making News

Glynn's Styling Center Closes After Nearly 70 Betty Boop-Filled Years

If you ever drove past that unmistakable Betty Boop-themed salon on Vancouver's east side, you know there was nothing else quite like Glynn's Styling Center. After nearly seven decades of cuts, colors, and community, the beloved shop has officially closed its doors. The salon became a neighborhood institution — the kind of place where regulars didn't just get their hair done, they got a dose of genuine connection. It's a bittersweet farewell to a business that made people feel special for generations. Read the full story at The Columbian.

La Center Launches Junior Council to Put Students at the Table

La Center just did something worth watching. Mayor Tom Strobehn has formed a Junior Council, giving local students a formal seat in city government — inspired by similar programs he learned about at an Association of Washington Cities event last year. It's a structured way for young people to weigh in on decisions that shape their hometown, and it positions La Center as a small city thinking ahead. If you've got a student in the La Center School District, this one's worth knowing about. Full details from The Columbian.

Canaan Moore, Boise State Nearly Topple Mighty Oregon

Vancouver-area product Canaan Moore made some noise on the national college football stage this weekend, helping Boise State push heavily favored Oregon to the brink. The Broncos came up just short, but Moore's performance had local fans buzzing. It's always a thrill to see a Clark County kid compete at that level — and hold his own against one of the top programs in the country. Catch the recap at The Columbian.

Fort Vancouver's Surgeon Who Attended Two Dying Presidents

Here's a Clark County history gem you probably haven't heard. Before the Civil War, Dr. Joseph K. Barnes served as post surgeon right here at Fort Vancouver. He went on to become the only physician in American history to attend two presidents on their deathbeds — a remarkable arc from our local outpost to the highest corridors of power. It's one of those stories that reminds you how deeply this corner of Washington is woven into the national narrative. Read the history at The Columbian.

Washington State Rides the Matcha Wave

Matcha is having a moment nationwide, and Washington state has a surprisingly deep connection to it. The story traces back 130 years to when Seattle welcomed the Miike Maru, a Japanese cargo steamship that opened the first shipping lane between Tokyo and the U.S. Now, Washington growers and producers are capitalizing on the green-tea boom with a distinctly Pacific Northwest spin. If you've noticed matcha popping up on every café menu from Felida to Camas, this explains the bigger picture. The full story from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Mount Rainier's White River Campground Reopens After Summer Wildfires

Good news for anyone itching to squeeze in one more camping trip before fall: White River Campground in Mount Rainier National Park reopened Saturday after wildfire closures earlier this summer. Other sections of the park are also welcoming visitors again — worth checking current conditions before you load the car.

Huskies Edge Cougars in a Nail-Biter Apple Cup

Washington held on for a one-score win over Washington State in Saturday's Apple Cup in Seattle, surviving a rash of penalties and a spirited Cougar rally. Full recap here — plenty of water-cooler fodder no matter which side of the rivalry you're on.

Fall Reading Picks from Your Clark County Librarians

Fort Vancouver Regional Library staff shared a curated list of spine-tingling reads perfect for the season — the kind you finish with every light in the house flipped on. Browse the recommendations here and put a few on hold before everyone else beats you to it.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, September 7

• Clark County Parks & Nature – Fee Free Day: Labor Day – 7:00 AM at Clark County regional parks. Enjoy FREE access to your regional parks this Labor Day — pack a picnic, reserve a shelter, and soak in the scenery. More info
• The Portland MAiZE & Pumpkin Patch – 10:00 AM on Sauvie Island, Portland. Almost two miles of corn maze pathways plus pumpkin patch fun — allow about an hour to solve the maze. Open Fridays through Mondays in September. More info
• 40 et 8 Labor Day Car Show: Custom, Classy and Classic – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at 2809 NE 78th St., Vancouver. All makes and models, music, raffles, vendors, food, prizes, and trophies. Free admission for spectators; vehicle registration $20 at the gate. More info
• SWWDSC Community Walk About – 10:00 AM at Stewart Glen Trailhead off Fruit Valley Road. The SW Washington Down Syndrome Community invites families, self-advocates, caregivers, and friends for a relaxed, family-friendly walk focused on connection and fresh air. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: "Meet Me at the Art Workshop" – 11:00 AM–12:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Guided by art instructor Tricia Hall, participants with dementia explore hands-on projects. Free, but note: the September date has moved to 9/14. More info
• Clark County Genealogical Society Research Book Club – 12:00 PM–1:30 PM, online. September's book is The Family Tree Problem Solver by Marsha Hoffman Rising. Members and non-members welcome. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit – 2:00 PM from Caruthers Landing Dock, Portland. An 80-mile round-trip jetboat ride to Multnomah Falls with exclusive Bigfoot narration by Cliff Barackman of "Finding Bigfoot." $64–$72. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop – 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and nebula-like splatter techniques. No experience needed; all supplies provided. $35. More info

Tuesday, September 8

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise for adults 60+, tailored to every ability level. No pre-registration needed — just arrive early to sign up on-site. More info
• Playgroup – 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 9 months–6 years can run, climb, and explore indoors while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Take Your Genealogy Search Beyond with Free Research Guides – 10:00 AM–11:30 AM at Clark County Genealogical Society, 3205 NE 52nd St., Vancouver. Discover resources beyond Ancestry and MyHeritage to find family data and stories. $20. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Running all September, donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special need for lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, hygiene items, and laundry pods. More info
• I Got You Poo Ribbon Cutting – 10:00 AM at the Salmon Run Bell Tower in Esther Short Park. Meet this veteran-owned Vancouver pet waste removal and lawn deodorizing business at their official ribbon cutting. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library and Three Creeks Community Library. Ages 9–19 can create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons — beginners welcome. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Dedicated writing time with fellow writers of all levels — no readings or critiques, just focused creative time. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward beginning adult Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info

Wednesday, September 9

• Build Garden Boxes for the Community Pollinator Garden – 9:00 AM–11:30 AM at Curtin Springs Wildlife Habitat. Volunteers aged 13+ can help build garden boxes. Wear closed-toe shoes; all tools supplied by Clark County. 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 fluid sculptures. On view through September 30. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour the stunning 1873 neo-Georgian brick building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Free, by reservation. More info
• Wearable Art at Art at the Cave — Artists Talk & Runway Show – 1:00 PM–2:00 PM at 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. See 60 hand-crafted garments by 25 local artists plus work from eight jewelers in this open-call exhibit inspired by the World of Wearable Art. Free. More info
• Serving Up Civic Engagement: City Boards and Commissions Open House – 2:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Chat with current City commissioners and staff over sandwiches and refreshments. Fall applications open through September 30. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00 PM–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, local food, and artisan goods every Wednesday. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM–6:00 PM at Cascade Park and Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create: Origami – 4:00 PM. Drop in for creative origami projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try this exciting team sport — no experience needed, equipment provided, ages 14+. Free. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art – 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on leathercraft session for all skill levels. $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
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting – 6:30 PM–8:00 PM at 40 et 8, 2809 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Free. More info
• Moving a Loved One into Memory Care – 6:30 PM–7:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Tami Calais guides attendees through helpful questions about the right time to transition. Free; register at camaspl.org. More info

Thursday, September 10

• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Over 50 small businesses with farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this gorgeous Queen Anne home featuring stained glass, decorative woodwork, military memorabilia, and a round turret. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Michael Walker, Ruby Life Master, instructs beginning and intermediate players. $10–$50. More info
• GRO Parade of Homes – 10:00 AM–7:00 PM in the Emerald Grove community of Salmon Creek. The Building Industry Association of Clark County showcases eight custom homes with smart-home tech, wellness amenities, and energy-efficient design. $20. More info
• Soil Health & Cover Crops Workshop – 11:00 AM with the Clark County Conservation District. Learn practical soil health practices, see a rainfall simulator demo, and take home fall cover crop seed. More info
• Menchie's Hazel Dell Fundraiser for Naydenov XCEL Booster Club – 3:00 PM. Grab froyo and support local gymnasts — every cup counts toward competition expenses. More info
• Preschool Shape Detective – 3:30 PM–4:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Ages 3–5 use shape finders as magnifying glasses to explore the library. Free; register at CamasPL.org. More info
• Grand Opening of Exit 16 Sips & Scoops – 4:00 PM at 305 NW Pacific Highway, La Center. Celebrate this new hometown destination for food, craft beverages, and handcrafted ice cream — including alcohol-infused flavors for adults. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:30 PM–6:30 PM. Ages 13–19 can play games, craft, and chat. Snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• "Take Learning Outside" Kick-Off Event for Educators – 4:30 PM at 28908 NW Main Ave., Ridgefield. Year 4 of the workshop series connecting educators with outdoor teaching ideas. Free; earn up to 2 STEM clock hours. More info
• Composting: Find the System That Works for You – 4:30 PM. A free workshop from the Clark County Composter Recycler program covering indoor and outdoor composting options to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil. More info
• Scarecrow Making Workshop at Pomeroy Farm – 5:30 PM–7:30 PM at 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. Learn the art of scarecrow making with longtime "Pumpkin Lane" expert Martha Todd and take your creation home. $35. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting – 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 NW 129th St., Vancouver. Dinner included. Free. More info
• Backpacking 101: Adventure by Bicycle – 6:00 PM on Main St., Vancouver. Wild Camp Goods hosts this free workshop led by local cyclist Jasmine "Tater Tot" Baker on the basics of bikepacking. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W. 20th St., Vancouver. Open to experienced and novice woodturners alike. Free. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic Featuring Adrienne Awen – 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Awen blends harp melodies, vocals, and nature-inspired poetry. Suggested $5 donation. More info

Friday, September 11

• Patriot Day Ceremony – 9:00 AM at Downtown Vancouver Waterfront Park. A solemn community gathering to honor the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001, joined by local first responders and community members. Free. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft & Chat at La Center Community Library – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Bring your knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, or any fiber arts project for a relaxed social circle. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• GRO Parade of Homes – 10:00 AM–7:00 PM in Emerald Grove, Salmon Creek. Eight custom homes showcasing innovative architecture and design. More info
• Book Swap at Kindred Vancouver – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at 2213 Main St., Vancouver. Bring clean, gently used books and take home as many new-to-you reads as you like — no trade required. Free. Also Saturday and Sunday. More info
• Canopy Time at Plas Newydd Farm – 10:00 AM. A monthly walk exploring beautiful corners of the farm — part nature journaling, part phenological adventure. More info
• Fall Watercolor Workshops – 10:30 AM–12:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Kathryn Garcia-Stackpole of Kathryn By Design teaches florals, apples, and pumpkins. Beginners welcome. $125, all materials included. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal – 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Home School Rides at Oaks Park – 12:00 PM at Oaks Amusement Park, Portland. Unlimited ride bracelets for the annual home school event. $21.50. More info
• Blood Drive at Magenta Theater – 12:00 PM–5:00 PM at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Donors get a $5 discount on Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors tickets plus a free Hello Kitty item. Sign up at redcrossblood.org (code: magentatheater). More info
• Rose City Comic Con – 1:00 PM at Oregon Convention Center, Portland. A fun, family-friendly three-day pop culture celebration with creators, cosplay, and fandoms galore. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free, every Friday. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies – 1:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. A different musical each month on the big screen. $10. More info
• Base Camp at Mount St. Helens – 3:00 PM at the Science and Learning Center above Coldwater Lake. Camp on the north side of the volcano, join guided hikes, and enjoy dinner and evening programs. $275. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00 PM–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more included with admission. $5–$10. 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 led by expert geologists and mountain guides. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed, equipment provided, ages 14+. Free. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour – 7:00 PM starting at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Uncover the strange, peculiar, and unexplained side of downtown Vancouver's history. $20. More info
• The Weeds: Trio of Innovative Original Irish Melodies – 7:30 PM at Old Liberty Theater, Ridgefield. This family trio from Carmel, California blends traditional Irish melodies with innovative originals on fiddle, mandolin, banjo, Celtic harp, and more. $22. More info

Saturday, September 12

• VAS BirdBlitz 2026 on iNaturalist – 6:00 AM. Team up with Vancouver Audubon Society to document birds across Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties by uploading photos and recordings to iNaturalist. More info
• Summit Climb on Mt. St. Helens – 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit led by professional mountain guides — designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship year-round market, operating since 1990. More info
• Vancouver Peace & Justice Fair – 9:00 AM at Esther Short Park. A community fair showcasing the creative spirit of local organizations, artists, performers, and environmental activists. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun – 9:00 AM at 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. A free, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. Register online before your first visit. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team at OMSI – 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Curious kids and families use their five senses to explore and wonder about Sasquatch. More info
• Litter Pickup at Frenchman's Bar Regional Park – 9:00 AM–11:30 AM. Volunteer to help keep this beloved park beautiful. Wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. More info
• Uptown Vancouver Community Cleanup – 9:00 AM at Kindred, 2213 Main St., Vancouver. Gloves, picker-uppers, and buckets provided — help keep Uptown beautiful! More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM in Vancouver. STEAM education through aviation with flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free for all ages. More info
• Dandelion Wish Fair – 10:00 AM at Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary, Vancouver. An outdoor popup makers market featuring local vendors with skincare, plants, jewelry, quilts, and more. More info
• 2026 Catio Tour – 10:00 AM in SE Portland. Peek into some of the most creative outdoor cat enclosures, from simple builds to standout backyard showpieces. $15. More info
• Flower Bouquet Workshop at OMSI – 10:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Learn flower arranging with Lexie Criscola of Fruits of Orange using locally grown, seasonal flowers. Take home your creation. $55. More info
• Nature Days at Columbia Springs: Fire, Fungi & Other Community Builders – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Free exploration of the natural world with volunteer-led activities, games, and guided walks. More info
• Bird Stories of Plas Newydd Farm Writing Workshop – 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. Author Kate Gray leads a writing workshop inspired by the farm's feathered friends. No writing experience necessary. Coffee, tea, and water provided. More info
• Sensory Storytime – 10:30 AM–11:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Smaller group sizes and reduced noise levels with sensory play and visual aids for ages 3–9. Free; registration required. More info
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides – 12:00 PM from Yacolt. Ride through the tunnel, across the East Fork of the Lewis River, and stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. $18–$24. More info
• Paper Collage at Art at the Cave – 12:00 PM–5:00 PM at 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Greg Bee hosts a free, stress-free, social paper collage session — bring supplies or don't. More info
• OMSI Public Star Party: Autumn Night Sky – 8:00 PM at Stub Stewart State Park, Buxton, OR. Hosted by OMSI, Rose City Astronomers, and Oregon Parks — view planets, stars, and celestial sights through telescopes. Parking $10/vehicle. More info

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