📰 What's Making News

Hazel Dell Parade of Bands Celebrates 60 Years Saturday

Mark your calendars and plan your route — the 60th annual Hazel Dell Parade of Bands steps off this Saturday with the theme "Honoring Our Nation, Celebrating Our Neighbors." Road closures in the Hazel Dell area will bring some traffic disruptions during the event, so if you're heading that way, give yourself extra time or better yet, grab a curb-side spot and enjoy the show. Six decades of marching bands, community floats, and neighborhood pride is worth celebrating. Full details on closures and the route here.

Union's Leilani Mays Ditches the Game Plan, Runs a 14.26 in 100 Hurdles

Sometimes the best strategy is throwing the strategy out the window. Union High School's Leilani Mays posted a personal-best 14.26 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles at the 4A district track and field meet — a time she wasn't even planning to chase. She then doubled back to outkick Skyview's Paris Ackerman in the 100 meters, crossing the line in 12.15 seconds. It was the kind of afternoon that makes you want to show up and see what she does next. Read about her breakout day in The Columbian.

Mountain View's Jonathan Moloney Keeps Climbing in Pole Vault

Three years ago, Jonathan Moloney picked up a pole vault because he figured it was his easiest way onto a track and field roster. Turns out, he's a natural. The Mountain View athlete continues to learn and win, turning what started as a casual experiment into one of the more compelling stories on the 3A circuit this spring. There's something wonderfully Vancouver about picking something up on a whim and quietly getting great at it. The Columbian has the full profile.

Tyler Head Throws Complete-Game Shutout, Sends Columbia River to District Title Game

Columbia River's Tyler Head delivered the kind of pitching performance coaches dream about — a complete-game, eight-hit shutout that lifted the Rapids to a 2-1 win over W.F. West in the 2A district semifinal. Greg Blau scored the go-ahead run as the Greater St. Helens League champs punched their ticket to Friday's district championship against Tumwater, with a trip to state on the line. Both teams scored in the first inning before Head settled in and slammed the door the rest of the way. Catch the full recap here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Vancouver Swaps Coin Meters for Tap-to-Pay Parking Stations

The city of Vancouver is rolling out more coinless, paperless parking pay stations across its streets, moving toward a fully touchless system downtown. If you've been hoarding quarters for the meter, consider this your heads-up to download the app instead. Full details here.

Lewisville Regional Park Reopens One Day After Picnic Shelter Fire

Lewisville Regional Park in Battle Ground welcomed visitors back Wednesday, just 24 hours after a fire destroyed the central picnic shelter. The park is fully accessible again, though the shelter itself remains out of commission. Read more from The Columbian.

C-Tran Board Votes 7-2 to Keep Light Rail in Downtown Vancouver Plans

On Tuesday evening, the C-Tran board passed a resolution urging the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program to maintain the original plan for light rail service into downtown Vancouver. Here's how the vote broke down.

Spring Playoffs, Burgers, Career Pivots: New Study of Sports Pod Drops

Paul Valencia, Cale Piland, and Tony Liberatore are back on the Study of Sports podcast, covering Washington high school spring playoffs and chatting about Vancouver's newest burger spot. Give it a listen.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, May 14

• Gardening with Compost Workshop – Learn how to ditch the fertilizer and build healthy soil using Bokashi, vermicompost, trench compost, and more. 1:00 AM at 9411 NE 94th Ave, Vancouver. More info
• General Federation of Women's Clubs – Battle Ground – Enjoy social time followed by a presentation on scam awareness by Laurie Hansen at 2:00 PM. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Battle Ground. Free. More info
• On the Road Tour: Hidden Ridgefield – WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead a full-day tour (8:30 AM–4:00 PM) visiting Shovel and Thumb, Millennium Farms, and All Seasons Plants, with lunch in Ridgefield. Meet at 78th Street Heritage Farm. $35. More info
• Beacon Rock Trail Day Work Party – Spend the day helping Washington Trails Association maintain trails at Beacon Rock State Park. 8:30 AM, with optional overnight camping if you want to volunteer both days. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – Brush up on slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more with Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. 10:00 AM–noon at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. $10–$50. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Round Table Discussion – Noon at Cascade Park Library, 600 NE 136th Ave, Vancouver. More info
• Clark Native Plant Center Spring Plant Sale – Native plants grown by Clark College students, perfect for pollinators and beneficial insects. Noon–6:00 PM at Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – Kids ages 5–12 can spark their imaginations with LEGO bricks, blocks, and other building materials. 3:30–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – Ages 9–19 can create characters and dive into Dungeons & Dragons. 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Free. More info
• Color Their Worlds Gala & Auction – Educational Opportunities for Children & Families' biggest event of the year kicks off at 5:00 PM at ilani Cowlitz Gathering Room, Ridgefield. More info
• Art Exhibiting Workshop – Artist Sharon Svec leads a free one-hour session at the Vancouver Arts Hub at 5:30 PM, helping artists prepare work and statements for exhibition opportunities, including the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival. More info
• Mid-Century Modern Vancouver – State Architectural Historian Michael Houser explores mid-century architecture and the local designers who shaped Vancouver, including Day W. Hilborn, Donald Stewart, Keith Bradbury, and William D. Cassady. 6:00 PM at the Red Cross Building. Free. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting – Dinner and fellowship at 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 NW 129th St., Vancouver. Free. More info
• Online Watercolor Painting with Ronna: The Burrowing Owl – Bird Alliance of Oregon hosts this online workshop at 6:00 PM. Paint the quirky, ground-dwelling Burrowing Owl with step-by-step guidance. More info
• Why Your Goals Don't Stick Workshop – Northwest Personal Training digs into the subconscious reasons change doesn't last, plus a vision exercise and goal-setting strategies. 6:45 PM at 1011 Broadway, Vancouver. Free. More info
• Line Dancing Lessons – Kat Nichols teaches line dancing at Ashwood Taps and Trucks in Washougal. 7:00–9:00 PM, all levels welcome. $10. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic Featuring Janet Steward – Hosted by Christopher Luna and Morgan Paige at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. 7:00 PM. $5 suggested donation. More info
• Willy Wonka Jr – Heritage High School Thespian Society – The Heritage High School students bring Roald Dahl's classic to life under the direction of Brenna Roach. 7:00 PM at Heritage High School, Vancouver. $8 students/seniors, $12 adults. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting – Open to experienced and novice woodturners alike. 7:00–9:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W. 20th St., Vancouver. Free. More info

Friday, May 15

• Enhance Fitness Classes – Evidence-based group exercise for adults 60+. Sessions at 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie. More info
• Whole Life, Whole Community Conference – A full-day conference (9:00 AM–5:00 PM) supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and professionals. Clark College Gaiser Student Center. Free. More info
• Ridgefield – Learn to Kayak Tour – Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe guides you through the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. More info
• Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival – Road trip! Fat bikes, trikes, scooters, e-bikes — if you can pedal it on sand, you're welcome. Scenic beach cruises and community gatherings in Cannon Beach. 9:00 AM. More info
• Tools for Dementia Care Partners – HOPE Dementia Support presents a free workshop with educator Joyce Beedle covering communication strategies, self-care, and more. 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. More info
• GFWC Battle Ground Costume Jewelry Fundraiser – Browse rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces — all $5 or less — to support community service projects. 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Urban Basics, 209 E. Main St., Battle Ground. More info
• Urban Basics Outdoor Market – Handcrafted products, vintage finds, and artisan vendors set up outdoors. 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at 209 E. Main St., Battle Ground. More info
• Campus Community Garden Clean-Up – Help distribute mulch, pick up litter, and pull invasive plants. 10:00 AM–noon, NE Campus Drive, Vancouver. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Free. More info
• Campus Community Garden Flora & Fauna Friday – The City of Vancouver's Naturespaces hosts hands-on volunteer work to build and support natural systems, with snacks and community connection. 10:00 AM. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – Free lunch for seniors age 60+ served noon–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group – Creative expression for all at the NAMI Southwest Washington office, 4201 NE 66th Ave, Suite 105, Vancouver. 1:00–3:00 PM. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Vancouver Station – Meet for lunch at the Vancouver Station food carts, 1817 SE 164th Ave. 1:00 PM. More info
• Family Bingo Night at Camas Public Library – All ages welcome for bingo fun in the Totem Pole Room. Winners pick a Reading Dragon prize. 5:00–6:00 PM. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – Try dragon boat paddling for free! No experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Amboy Bingo Night – Bingo from 6:30–8:30 PM at 21400 NE 399th St., Amboy. All are welcome. More info
• Cascades Pika Watch Training Workshop – Road trip! Learn to survey for pikas in the Columbia River Gorge. 6:30 PM. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts Presents: Footloose – The beloved musical hits the stage at 7:00 PM at Metropolitan Performing Arts, Vancouver. $30. More info
• Milagro Presents: Brown Face – A world premiere by Carissa Atallah, with a 15-minute open-mic slam prologue before each show. 7:30 PM at Milagro Theatre, Portland. $22–$30. Ages 13+. More info
• Ekklesia Theatre Presents: Every Brilliant Thing – A funny, heartfelt story about finding hope, told with warmth and audience participation. 7:30 PM. $15. More info
• Live Music Friday at Pour Choices Pub – Colin Fox and Abigail Judge perform live. 7:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. More info
• Beat That Level w/ DJ-J-Rad – Spin a wheel, conquer a retro video game level, win prizes. Bring friends for co-op and versus rounds. 8:00 PM at Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free. More info

Saturday, May 16

• Columbia Springs Kids Fishing Fest – Kids ages 5–14 fish with expert mentors and take home up to two fish, plus hands-on science activities and a BBQ lunch. 8:00 AM–3:00 PM at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. $8. More info
• Ivy Pull at Abrams Park – Help the City of Ridgefield and the Ridgefield Garden Club remove invasive English ivy and restore native habitat. Sign-in at 8:45 AM, work 9:00 AM–noon. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – The flagship market returns next to Esther Short Park, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Fresh produce, local vendors, and community vibes in the heart of downtown. More info

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