📰 What's Making News

Kenyon Johnson Switches to Receiver, Thrives at Linfield

Here's a local athlete worth keeping on your radar. Kenyon Johnson, a Clark County product now playing for Linfield University, made the leap from his previous position to wide receiver — and he's looked like he's been playing the position his whole life. The transition has been seamless, with Johnson contributing right away for the Wildcats. It's the kind of story that makes you proud of the talent coming out of our corner of Washington. Read the full story in The Columbian.

Mystery Business Opens on St. Johns — Can You ID the Logo?

A new business has popped up on St. Johns Boulevard near Carol's, and the Vancouver subreddit is buzzing trying to figure out who it is. One Redditor posted the company's logo, swearing they've seen it around town before — possibly a brewery? — but can't quite place it. If you've driven past and recognized the signage, the thread could use your sleuthing skills. New openings on St. Johns are always worth watching. Join the guessing game on Reddit.

Waterfront Dock Access Still a Question Mark for Boaters

If you've tried to pull up to Vancouver's Waterfront public dock by boat recently, you may have found it blocked off. A local boater took to Reddit asking whether the dock has reopened, noting they've been turned away on their last couple of visits. It's a fair question — the Waterfront is one of Vancouver's crown jewels, and dock access makes it a true river destination. No definitive answer yet, but the thread is worth following if you're planning any fall outings on the Columbia. Check the latest updates on Reddit.

After-Dark Ruck Routes: Veterans Seek Loop Trails for Evening Hikes

A group of military veterans new to Vancouver is looking for 5- to 12-mile loop trails suitable for weekly rucking sessions after 8 p.m. They're open to paved paths or well-worn dirt but need routes that won't require technical footwork under heavy packs. The Reddit thread is filling up with solid suggestions from locals who know the trail network inside and out — and it doubles as a handy list for anyone who likes evening walks. If you've got a favorite after-dark route, these folks would love to hear it. Share your trail picks on Reddit.

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💬 Community Buzz

Columbia Springs Explores What Fire Means for Our Local Landscape

With smoke season fresh on everyone's mind, Columbia Springs just published a thoughtful piece on how fire has always been woven into the Pacific Northwest landscape — and what that means for those of us living here now. The article digs into the ecological role fire plays in our region and the real challenges communities like ours face in adapting to it. Worth a read if you've ever wondered why "fire season" feels like a permanent fixture on the calendar these days. Read the full piece from Columbia Springs here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Drew Lock Tosses 3 TDs to Smith-Njigba in Seahawks Rout

Filling in for injured Sam Darnold, Drew Lock threw for 235 yards and connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for three touchdowns as the Seahawks rolled past the Arizona Cardinals 31-7 on Sunday. A strong start for the backup — and a fun day for PNW football fans. Full recap here.

Toy Recall Hits Washington: Check Your Kids' Bins

A children's toy sold in Washington has been recalled due to an ingestion hazard. If you've got little ones at home, it's worth a quick scan of the toy box this week. See the recall details.

Amway Pays $225 Million After FTC, Washington Settlement

Washington state and the Federal Trade Commission reached a $225 million settlement with Amway over what regulators called "unfair and deceptive" business practices tied to its seller training programs. Read the full story.

State Hospital Patients Face Lengthy Waits After Discharge Dates

Patients cleared for release from Washington's state psychiatric hospitals are spending extra time waiting — even after their treatment windows of 14, 90, or 180 days have closed. The Columbian has the details.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, September 21

• The Portland Maize Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM at Sauvie Island, Portland. Almost two miles of corn maze pathways, plus the pumpkin patch — a perfect fall outing. Allow 45 minutes to an hour to solve the maze. Open Friday–Monday through September, daily in October. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. The Rotary Club of Downtown Vancouver welcomes community members to its weekly lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Free to attend. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit — 2:00 PM departing from Caruthers Landing Dock, Portland. An 80-mile round-trip jetboat ride to Multnomah Falls with exclusive Bigfoot narration by Cliff Barackman of Animal Planet's "Finding Bigfoot." $64–$72. More info
• Vancouver Chrysanthemum Society Meeting — 2:00 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Visitors, non-members, and anyone who loves growing fall's showiest flower are welcome. Runs 2–3:30 p.m. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 3:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Kids ages 5–9 can build reading confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Tales with Tails — 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Fifteen-minute reading sessions with a therapy dog for grades 1–5. Registration required. Free. More info
• Teen & Tween Hangout: Pizza & Games — 5:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Games, crafting, and free pizza for ages 9–19. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Women's MTB Adventure — 5:30 PM at Gateway Green, Portland. Mt. Hood Dirt Divas host a women's mountain bike meetup. Rain cancels — watch for a reschedule. More info
• Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series — 6:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Adaptive Sports Northwest welcomes everyone to try adaptive cycling, 6–8 p.m. Bring your own bike or try one of theirs. Helmets required. Free. More info
• Holiday Chorus Kick Off Night with Northwest Harmony — 6:30 PM at Vancouver United Church of Christ. Love singing holiday music? Drop in to learn about joining the Holiday Chorus. Free. More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques to create nebula-inspired coasters. No experience needed; all supplies provided. $35. More info
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub — 6:30 PM. Host Don Elliott brings the questions — bring your smartest crew and try to dethrone last week's champs, Mr. Roger's Trophy Wives. More info

Tuesday, September 22

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various Clark County locations (Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Camas, Washougal). Free evidence-based exercise for adults 60 and older, tailored from seated to full mobility. No pre-registration — just show up early your first time. More info
• Playgroup — 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. A safe indoor play space for kids ages 9 months–6 years while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Donations benefit Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special need for lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, pantry staples, hygiene items, and laundry pods. Drop the box is near the north entrance through Sept. 30. More info
• Elite Recovery Northwest Grand Opening — 10:00 AM at 1825 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver. Tour this new wellness and performance space offering Finnish steam saunas, cold plunges, and gym access. Meet the team and learn about contrast therapy. More info
• Storytime at Be the Village in Kalama — 11:00 AM at Mountain Timber Market, Kalama. Free weekly storytime at Be The Village Children's Boutique — bring the littles and their imaginations. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Ages 5–9 read aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off — 4:30 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Ages 5–12 design, build, and problem-solve through a surprise challenge with provided materials. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL locations (Ridgefield and Three Creeks). Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons — newcomers and experienced players welcome. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. A weekly drop-in for writers of all levels — dedicated quiet writing time with no critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. An informal group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration needed. Free. More info
• Putting Your Garden to Bed — 6:00 PM at a Fort Vancouver Regional Library location. Master Gardener class on fall garden prep — learn tips to reduce work next year and set up successful crops. Free, no registration required. More info
• Clark County Genealogical Society: Fort Vancouver DAR — Who Are We? — 7:00 PM at Clark County Genealogical Society Library, Vancouver. Peri Muhich shares the history and community work of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Free. More info
• Liverpool Legends: The Complete Beatles Experience — 7:00 PM at The Reser Center for the Arts, Beaverton. Four world-class musicians recreate the Beatles' catalog in a Grammy-nominated show curated by the late Louise Harrison. $65–$85. More info

Wednesday, September 23

• Free Financial Planning Day — 9:00 AM at Johnson Bixby, 275 W. Third St., Suite 600, Vancouver. Complimentary 30-minute one-on-one sessions with a certified financial planner — in person or on Zoom. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into stunning animal sculptures that seem to move before your eyes. On view through Sept. 30. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour the stunning 1873 neo-Georgian building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Free, by reservation. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge — 1:30 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Naturalist-led activities for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Free; register at Eventbrite or call 360-513-5754. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Local farms, food, and artisan vendors every Wednesday, 3–7 p.m. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park and Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Hands-on science, tech, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Pokemon Club — 4:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Learn, play, and connect through the Pokemon Trading Card Game. All levels welcome. Free. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres — 5:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Sing karaoke and sip wine, 5–8 p.m. Ages 21+. Free admission. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Vancouver Public Schools Understanding and Insight Tour — 5:30 PM at Hudson's Bay High School, Vancouver. Superintendent Rocky Torres-Morales shares updates on student performance and invites community input. Spanish, Russian, and other language support available. Free. More info
• Poetry Street PNW — 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library (Totem Pole Room). Read your original or favorite poems and listen to monthly featured poets. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6, beginner lesson at 7, social dance 8–9:30 p.m. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Nexus Nights — Riftbound Weekly Play at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Three rounds of Swiss-format constructed play with Nexus Pack prizes for all participants. More info
• Port Lecture Series: "Taming the Mouth" Documentary Screening — 6:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Free screening of a new documentary exploring the Columbia River jetties that enabled safe passage to the Pacific. Q&A to follow. More info
• Free Gospel Concert with The Needhams — 6:00 PM at Mountain View Christian Center, Ridgefield. The Tennessee-based gospel group performs from 6–8 p.m. Free dessert social follows. More info
• Waltz and Salsa Classes — 6:00 PM at Clark College O'Connell Sports Center, Vancouver. Julieann and Joseph Platt teach beginning waltz (6–7 p.m.) and salsa (7–8 p.m.) in a five-week session starting Sept. 23. $69 per person. No experience needed. More info
• Sonic Live In Concert — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. Celebrate 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog with a live ensemble performing iconic music from across the franchise. $54.90. More info

Thursday, September 24

• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free parking. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this stunning Queen Anne home where General George C. Marshall once lived, featuring stained glass, period furnishings, and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. A six-week class for beginning and intermediate bridge players, taught by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM (and again at 6:00 PM) at Craft Warehouse in Hazel Dell. See new fabrics, get project ideas, and bring a current project for shared inspiration. All skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• Artstra Open House at RedDoor Gallery — 3:00 PM at RedDoor Gallery, 411 NE Dallas St., Camas. Complimentary wine, charcuterie, desserts, and door prizes while you view local art and learn about Artstra's programs. RSVP to [email protected]. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30 PM. Games, crafting, and snacks for ages 13–19, courtesy of the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Free. More info
• Zero Waste: Everyday Ways to Cut Household Trash — 4:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Clark County's Solid Waste Division shares practical tips on smart shopping, reuse, and recycling. Free. More info
• Scarecrow Making Workshop at Pomeroy Farm — 5:30 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Learn the art of scarecrow making with longtime "Pumpkin Lane" expert Martha Todd, then take your creation home. $35. More info
• Silent Book Club — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Bring your own book or borrow one, enjoy an hour of quiet reading, then socialize. Light snacks provided. No registration needed. Free. More info
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting — 6:00 PM at American Legion Post 176, Vancouver. Learn about tying flies and fishing, and connect with fellow anglers. Food available for purchase. More info
• The Sound of Music — 6:00 PM at Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal. Columbia Theater Arts Foundation presents the beloved musical, running Sept. 18–26. All tickets are pay-what-you-will. More info
• Salvation Army "Share the Joy" Fundraising Dinner — 6:00 PM at Royal Oaks Country Club, Vancouver. Doors open at 6 for mingling and hors d'oeuvres; program at 6:30. Proceeds support Hope Market food pantry, Say Klub afterschool program, and holiday assistance. $85. More info
• Hidden Layers: Women's Undergarments and How They've Shaped Ladies' Liberties — 6:00 PM at the Red Cross Building, Vancouver. A fun, fascinating talk on how comfort, freedom, and function in women's undergarments mirrored broader social changes. Free. More info
• Mushroom Hunting for Beginners — 6:00 PM at a Fort Vancouver Regional Library location. Go beyond a slideshow — learn real skills and tools for accurate mushroom identification. Free, no registration required. More info
• Volcano Views and Brews: Under the Ash with Michael Cairns — 6:30 PM at Heathen Brewing and Kitchen, Vancouver. Veteran pilot Michael Cairns shares his firsthand experience flying helicopter rescue and recovery missions after the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption, with never-before-seen photos. Presented by Mount St. Helens Institute. $10. More info

Friday, September 25

• Washington Outdoor Women — Fall Workshop Weekend — 9:00 AM in Stanwood, WA. Three hands-on, four-hour outdoor skills classes over the weekend with expert instructors. All equipment provided. Ages 18+. $395. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft & Chat — 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Bring your fiber arts project — knitting, crochet, spinning, quilting, cross-stitch, even mending — and connect with fellow crafters. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Costume Swap at Kindred Vancouver — 10:00 AM at Kindred Vancouver. Bring clean costumes, accessories, or Halloween decor and swap for something fresh. Sustainable, free, and fun. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free Friday lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noon–1 p.m. Sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A weekly art group open every Friday, 1–3 p.m. Free. More info
• Oktoberfest at Oaks Park — 4:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Authentic German food and beer, Kinderplatz kids' activities, cooking shows, wiener dog races, and more. Runs through Sunday, Sept. 27. More info
• Ricotta Gnocchi and Ragu Cooking Class — 5:30 PM at Class Cooking, Vancouver. Chef Fabiola Donnelly teaches you to make the dough and sauce from scratch — then you eat it. $100 includes all supplies. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Free community dragon boat paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• English Country Line Dancing — 6:30 PM at Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. Fun for all ages and experience levels — every dance is walked through first. 40–80 people usually attend. $5/person or $10/family. More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Magenta Theater — 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. A 90-minute, laugh-out-loud romp through Bram Stoker's vampire tale — think Mel Brooks meets Monty Python. $28. More info
• Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift — 8:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. Taylor Swift's catalog performed by a live ensemble under the glow of candlelight. $42.50–$66. More info

Saturday, September 26

• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day — 7:00 AM statewide. No Discover Pass needed — explore Washington's state parks for free in honor of National Public Lands Day. More info
• Camas Plein Air Event & Tribute to Marquita — 8:00 AM at Red Door Gallery, Camas. A premier outdoor painting competition honoring Marquita Call, with $2,800 in cash prizes. Artist entry fee $30. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM at Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship market, running since 1990. Saturdays 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.–3 p.m. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. A free, fun, friendly 5K every Saturday — walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. Register online before your first time. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover at OMSI — 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Ages 3–5 and families tackle playful hands-on engineering challenges together. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs — 9:00 AM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Volunteer to remove invasive species, maintain trails, and improve the site. Tools, gloves, and guidance provided. Free. More info
• National Public Lands Day: Ivy Pull at Covington House — 9:00 AM at North Main St., Vancouver. Help the City of Vancouver remove ivy from natural areas around the historic Covington House — the oldest Euro-American structure in the area. More info
• NW Trail Sisters Guided Falls Creek MTB Ride — 9:00 AM in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Groups divided by ability for a shuttle ride from Oldman Pass through McClellan Meadows to the spectacular Falls Creek Trail. More info
• Annual Lacamas Lake Cleanup — 9:30 AM in Camas. Join the Lacamas Watershed Council and City of Camas for litter picking and ivy pulling around Round, Fallen Leaf, and Lacamas Lakes. Registration required. More info
• Burnt Bridge Creek Native Plant Walk with WREC — 9:30 AM starting at 1605 N. Devine Rd., Vancouver. City educators lead a guided walk along the Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway highlighting native plants you can bring to your own yard. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM at Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes — hands-on STEAM fun for all ages. Free. More info
• Cleanup at Operation Understanding — Couve Collective — 10:00 AM in Vancouver. SOLVE and Couve Collective host a litter cleanup (11 a.m.–noon) as part of a block party that continues until 5 p.m. with food, live music, and local vendors. More info
• Cameraderie: VAS Youth Birding Photography Walk — 10:00 AM. Vancouver Audubon Society's youth program connects ages 8–18 with experienced birders and photographers. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park — 10:00 AM at 13200 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Dr., Vancouver. Help remove ivy and non-native plants. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Family-friendly; youth under 18 need a signed minor consent form. More info
• Weed Pulling Rodeo at Mt. St. Helens — 10:00 AM at Science and Learning Center at Coldwater. Remove invasive species, then enjoy a free guided hike on the Hummocks Trail with Mt. St. Helens Institute staff. Snacks provided. More info
• Native Plant & Seed Library Opening Day with Vancouver Bee Project — 11:00 AM. Pick up free native plants, seeds, and resources to create pollinator habitat in your yard, patio, school, or community space. More info
• Cedar Creek Grist Mill Cornbread Day — 1:00 PM at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Woodland. Watch the water-powered mill in action and enjoy fresh cornbread. Free. More info

Adults

• 2026 CCHM Spooky Soiree Fundraising Dinner and Auction — 5:00 PM at Summit Grove Lodge, La Center. An evening of eerie elegance presented by the Clark County Historical Museum & Society — think macabre amusements, gorgeous setting, and a love letter to Clark County history. 5–8:30 p.m. More info

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