📰 What's Making News

La Center Reimagines Its Downtown Around Historic Barnhart Homestead

La Center is dreaming big with "Downtown 2.0," a planned new downtown centered on the Barnhart property — a storied homestead purchased by William and Rose Barnhart in the early 1910s. The land once featured a working farm with cattle, apple orchards, two barns, and a popular public swimming hole on the East Fork Lewis River. Now it's being eyed as the centerpiece of a revitalized town center that could reshape how residents and visitors experience the small city. It's the kind of ambitious, identity-defining project that puts La Center on the map in its own right. Read more from The Columbian.

Magpie Dreams Collective Opens on Main Street, Crystals and All

A new retail shop called Magpie Dreams Collective has landed on Main Street, joining a growing wave of metaphysical stores popping up around Clark County. Think crystals, potion bottles, wands, incense, spellbooks, and plenty of moody woodland vibes — crows, owls, ferns, and foxes included. The store leans into the "witchy" aesthetic that's become a full-blown retail category in recent years. If your idea of self-care involves a good candle and a tarot deck, this one's worth a visit. Read more from The Columbian.

Evergreen's Jayden Baum Wins Week 2 Football Athlete of the Week

Jayden Baum of Evergreen High School earned The Columbian's Week 2 Football Athlete of the Week honor, sponsored by Killer Burger, pulling in 322 of 820 reader votes. That's nearly 40 percent of the total — a convincing win in a competitive poll. It's early in the season, but Baum is already making a name worth watching on Friday nights. Read more from The Columbian.

$4 Million Misstatement Flagged in Clark Emergency Services Audit

A state Auditor's Office report found that Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency understated $3.99 million in both revenue and expenses during the 2025 calendar year. The discrepancy was identified through routine state auditing, not any allegation of wrongdoing. CRESA provides 911 dispatch and emergency management services across Clark County, so accurate financial reporting matters to every household in the region. The agency will need to address the findings in its next reporting cycle. Read more from The Columbian.

Tuesday's Prep Sports Slate: Volleyball, Softball, Tennis Across the County

Monday's high school scoreboard brought results in slowpitch softball, boys tennis, and boys golf, and Tuesday's schedule is stacked with volleyball matchups across Clark County. Highlights include Battle Ground at Mountain View, Camas at Prairie, Columbia River at Washougal, and Woodland at Hockinson — all tipping off at 7 p.m. If you've got a student-athlete in the house, it's a great night to be in the bleachers. See the full schedule at The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Open Pickleball Near Mill Plain, 4th Plain? Locals Share Options

A Vancouver resident is hunting for drop-in pickleball courts accessible by the Vine bus line, since Firstenburg Community Center and Club Green Meadows don't always fit the schedule. The Reddit thread is filling up with suggestions — worth a look if you've been searching for the same thing.

Washington Baking-Staple Recall: Check Your Pantry for Allergens

A Washington-based company has recalled baking products due to an undeclared allergen. If you stock up on local brands, it's worth a quick pantry check — The Columbian has the details on which items are affected and what to do.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, September 22

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60 and older, hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. Instructors tailor movements to each person's ability. No pre-registration required; first-timers should arrive early. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — 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 socialize. Self-monitored by parents. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Running through Sept. 30, donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special needs include lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, pantry staples, hygiene items, and laundry pods. Drop off near the north entrance. More info
• Elite Recovery Northwest Opens in Vancouver — 10:00 AM at Elite Recovery Northwest, 1825 SE 164th Avenue, Vancouver. Celebrate the grand opening of this new wellness and performance space featuring Finnish steam saunas, cold plunges, and gym access. Tour the space and meet the team. More info
• Storytime at Be the Village in Kalama — 11:00 AM at Mountain Timber Market, Kalama. Every Tuesday, little ones can settle in for a free story and cozy reading time at Be The Village Children's Boutique. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Drop in for creative and interactive projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog at La Center Community Library — 4:00 PM at La Center Community Library, La Center. Kids ages 5–9 can build reading skills and confidence by reading 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 can design, build, and problem-solve through a surprise challenge using provided materials. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations (Ridgefield & Three Creeks). Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons with other players ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels featuring dedicated writing time, introductions, and wrap-up discussion. No readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. A weekly group for beginning Spanish speakers. Geared toward adults. No registration required. Free. More info
• Putting Your Garden to Bed — 6:00 PM. A free Fort Vancouver Regional Library workshop led by a Master Gardener covering steps to prepare your garden for fall, including tips to reduce next year's workload and ensure successful crops. No registration required. More info
• Clark County Genealogical Society: Fort Vancouver Daughters of the American Revolution — Who Are We? — 7:00 PM at Clark County Genealogical Society and Library, 3205 NE 52nd St., Vancouver. Peri Muhich shares information about this historic service organization and ways to get involved. Free. More info

Family & Kids

• Playgroup — 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Indoor play for ages 9 months to 6 years. $7–$9. 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, available on Zoom or in person. Schedule covers budgeting, debt, education planning, and more. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this 3D impressionist exhibit. On view through Sept. 30. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour this stunning 1873 neo-Georgian building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Open Wednesday–Friday, 10 AM–2 PM by reservation. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge — 1:30 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Ridgefield. 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). Over 50 vendors of farm, food, and artisan products every Wednesday through 7 PM. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park & Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play with decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library, Washougal. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Pokemon Club — 4:00 PM at La Center Community Library, La Center. Learn, play, and connect through the Pokemon Trading Card Game. All experience levels welcome. Free. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres — 5:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, 2411 NE 244th St., Ridgefield. Sing karaoke and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Ages 21+. 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+. More info
• Poetry Street PNW — 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. An open mic night where every voice is heard. Read your original or favorite work and listen to featured poets. Doors at 6:15, readings 6:30–7:45. All ages. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop style — intermediate lesson at 6, beginner lesson at 7, social dance 8–9:30. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Nexus Nights at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Riftbound weekly constructed play with three rounds of Swiss and prizes for all participants. More info
• Port Lecture Series: Taming the Mouth Documentary — 6:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Free screening of a new documentary exploring the power of the Columbia River and the extraordinary story of the jetties that enabled safe passage to the Pacific Ocean. Q&A to follow. More info
• Free Gospel Concert with The Needhams — 6:00 PM at Mountain View Christian Center, 2810 NE 259th St., Ridgefield. The Tennessee-based gospel group performs from 6–8 PM. 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 PM) and salsa (7–8 PM). Five-week session is $69 per person. No experience required. More info
• Sonic Live In Concert — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. Celebrate 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog with live musicians performing iconic music from the games alongside on-screen moments. $54.90. More info

Thursday, September 24

• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses with farm, food, and artisan products. Open until 2 PM. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this beautiful Queen Anne home with stained glass, decorative woodwork, period furnishings, and military memorabilia honoring General George C. Marshall. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A class for beginning and intermediate players taught by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM (and again at 6 PM) at Craft Warehouse, 9307 NE Fifth Ave., Hazel Dell. See new fabrics, notions, and quilting books. Bring a current project and swap 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 viewing local art and meeting gallery artists. RSVP to [email protected]. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Spark your imagination and build STEM skills with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. 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. Free. More info
• Zero Waste: Everyday Ways to Cut Household Trash — 4:30 PM at Camas Public Library, 625 NE Fourth Ave., Camas. Learn practical waste reduction habits including smart shopping, reuse techniques, and recycling tips. Free. More info
• Scarecrow Making Workshop at Pomeroy Farm — 5:30 PM at Pomeroy Farm, 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
• Silent Book Club — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. An hour of silent reading followed by optional socializing. Bring your own book or borrow one. Light refreshments provided. Free; no registration needed. More info
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting — 6:00 PM at American Legion Post 176, 14011 NE 20th Ave., Vancouver. Learn about tying flies and fishing. Food available for purchase. More info
• The Sound of Music at Washburn Performing Arts Center — 6:00 PM at Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., Washougal. Columbia Theater Arts Foundation presents the beloved musical. 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. Proceeds support Hope Market food pantry, Say Klub afterschool program, and holiday assistance. $85. More info
• Mushroom Hunting for Beginners — 6:00 PM. A free FVRL workshop covering skills and tools for accurate mushroom identification. 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 helicopter pilot Michael Cairns shares firsthand stories and never-before-seen photos from rescue and recovery missions after the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. $10. More info

Friday, September 25

• Washington Outdoor Women — Fall Workshop Weekend — 9:00 AM in Stanwood, WA. Three hands-on, 4-hour outdoor skills classes over the weekend with expert instructors and all equipment provided. Ages 18+. $395. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft & Chat at La Center Community Library — 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library, La Center. Bring your fiber arts project — knitting, crochet, spinning, quilting, cross-stitch, even mending — and make connections. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Costume Swap at Kindred Vancouver — 10:00 AM at Kindred Vancouver, Vancouver. Bring clean costumes, accessories, or Halloween decor and swap them for something fresh. Free. More info
• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM on Sauvie Island, Portland. Almost 2 miles of corn maze pathways plus a pumpkin patch. Open Friday–Monday in September, 10 AM–5 PM. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. 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 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly art group from 1–3 PM. Free. More info
• Oktoberfest at Oaks Park — 4:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Authentic German food and beer, Kinderplatz children's activities, cooking shows, wiener dog races, and rides. Runs through Sunday, Sept. 27. More info
• Live Music: Gina de Noble at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery — 5:30 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery, 2411 NE 244th St., Ridgefield. Live music in the tasting room. All ages, no cover, no reservation needed. More info
• Ricotta Gnocchi and Ragu Cooking Class — 5:30 PM at Class Cooking, Vancouver. Chef Fabiola Donnelly teaches dough and sauce technique with hands-on practice and a shared meal after. $100. 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
• Pleasant Valley Schools 50th Anniversary Celebration — 6:00 PM. All alumni, families, staff, and community members are invited to celebrate with memorabilia, music, and connections. Alumni musicians can volunteer for an alumni band. Free. More info
• English Country Line Dancing — 6:30 PM at Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. Fun for all ages and experience levels — dances are walked through first. Suggested donation $5/person or $10/family. More info
• Haunted Walking Tours — 7:00 PM starting at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead groups through downtown Vancouver sharing tales of lingering spirits and mysterious happenings drawn from historical research and Pat Jollota's Darkness Next Door. About one mile. $15–$20. More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Magenta Theater — 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. A lightning-fast, laugh-out-loud, 90-minute 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. A multi-sensory live concert experience under the gentle glow of candlelight. $42.50–$66. More info

Saturday, September 26

• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day — 7:00 AM. No Discover Pass needed! Celebrating National Public Lands Day, explore millions of acres of Washington state parks for free. More info
• Camas Plein Air Event & Tribute to Marquita — 8:00 AM at Red Door Gallery, Camas. A premier outdoor art competition with $2,800 in cash prizes, honoring the legacy of Camas Plein Air founder Marquita Call. $30 entry. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship market since 1990, open Saturday 9 AM–3 PM with farm, food, and artisan vendors. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, 800 NE 117th St., Vancouver. A free, fun, friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate. Register online before your first visit. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Design and Discover at OMSI — 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3+ and families build, test, design, and improve through playful hands-on engineering challenges. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs — 9:00 AM at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Help remove invasive species, maintain trails, and improve the natural area. Tools, gloves, and guidance provided. Free. More info
• National Public Lands Day: Ivy Pull at Covington Historical House — 9:00 AM at North Main St., Vancouver. Join the City of Vancouver's Volunteer Program to remove ivy from natural areas around the historic Covington House. More info
• NW Trail Sisters Guided Falls Creek MTB Ride — 9:00 AM in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. A guided mountain bike ride on the spectacular Falls Creek trail with groups divided by ability. More info
• Annual Lacamas Lake Cleanup — 9:30 AM in Camas. Join Lacamas Watershed Council and the 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 at 1605 N Devine Rd., Vancouver. A guided walk along the Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway highlighting native species in restored landscapes, with tips for 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, historic airplanes, and STEAM learning for all ages. Free. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, one free pumpkin you can carry, plus corn maze admission. $14–$16. More info
• Oregon Trail & Cider Press Family Day — 10:00 AM at Camp Hope, Battle Ground. Your family becomes a wagon train — cross rivers, find food, push wagons over mountains, and avoid dysentery on this interactive adventure. $50. More info
• Cleanup at Operation Understanding — Couve Collective — 10:00 AM in Vancouver. Join SOLVE and Couve Collective for a litter cleanup (11 AM–noon) as part of a block party with food, live music, and local vendors running until 5 PM. 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 for nature photography. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community 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 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
• Sensory Storytime — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver. Interactive storytime with sensory play, visual aids, and freedom of movement in a smaller group setting. Ages 3–9. Registration required. Free. More info
• Native Plant & Seed Library Opening Day with Vancouver Bee Project — 11:00 AM. Pick up free native plants, seeds, and resources for pollinator habitat. Available while supplies last. More info
• Cedar Creek Grist Mill Cornbread Day — 1:00 PM at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, 43907 NE Grist Mill Road, Woodland. Tour the historical water-powered mill, watch demonstrations, and enjoy fresh cornbread. More info

Adults

• 2026 CCHM Fundraising Dinner and Auction: Spooky Soiree — 5:00 PM at Summit Grove Lodge, La Center. An evening of eerie elegance and Clark County history presented by the Clark County Historical Museum & Society. More info

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