📰 What's Making News

Legacy Salmon Creek Volunteers Keep the Hospital Humming

Behind every smoothly running hospital shift, there's often a volunteer restocking rooms, guiding a lost visitor, or delivering a meal tray with a smile. A new feature from The Columbian spotlights the volunteer corps at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, where community members quietly fill critical support roles that free nurses to focus on patient care. It's the kind of story that reminds you how much of what works in this town runs on generosity. Read the full piece here.

All-League Golf: Rigby, Schmidt Earn Top Honors

Two Vancouver golfers are leading the way as the Greater St. Helens League announces its girls golf all-league teams. Mountain View's Alyssa Rigby tops the 3A squad, while Skyview's India Schmidt claims the top spot on the 4A roster. Both selections cap strong spring seasons for programs that continue to produce standout talent on the course. See the 3A team and the 4A team.

Girls Tennis All-League Teams Packed With Local Names

Vancouver's tennis courts produced plenty of all-league talent this spring. Sophia Andrushko of Mountain View headlines the 3A Greater St. Helens League selections, while Union's Shreya Andey and Skyview's Evelyn Stana and Nyah Nelson lead a strong 4A group. If you know a young player on one of these lists, this is a great excuse to send a congratulatory text. See the 3A picks and the 4A picks.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Columbia River Boys Soccer Enters State Bracket as No. 3 Seed — Sound Familiar?

The Columbia River Rapids drew the same 3-seed in the Class 2A state tournament that they held the year they won it all. The Rapids open against Squalicum with a roster that includes standout Lucas Walborn. Full state tournament breakdown here.

Minari Market Brings Instant Ramen Bar to Main Street

A new ramen-focused spot called Minari Market has opened on Main Street in Vancouver, serving up elevated takes on the instant noodle bowls you know and love. Get the details from The Columbian.

83% of Local Households Priced Out of a New Home

New data shows more than 83 percent of households in the Vancouver-Portland metro can't afford the median-priced new home. It's a stark number that puts the region's affordability crunch into sharp focus. Read the full report.

Fire District 3 Hosts Wildfire Prep Event in Battle Ground

Clark County Fire District 3 is holding a community wildfire preparedness event at the Battle Ground Event Center. Fire Chief Chris Drone says wildfire risk in East Clark County is no longer a distant concern — it's local. Find event details and how to attend.

Meta Cuts 1,395 Jobs in King County

A state filing reveals Meta's recent layoff round eliminated 1,395 positions in King County, part of a broader wave of tech workforce reductions across Washington. Read more from The Columbian.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, May 27

• TOPS 1056 — 8:15 AM at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver. Weekly weigh-in and support meeting for anyone on a wellness journey. Weigh-in runs 8:15–9:15 AM, meeting 9:30–10:30 AM.
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Free group exercise classes designed for adults 60-plus, hosted by the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. Sessions at 8:30 AM and 10 AM.
• Free Financial Planning Day — 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at Johnson Bixby, 275 W. Third St., Suite 600, Vancouver. Free one-on-one sessions with a certified financial planner — budgeting, debt payoff, education planning and more. Book a 30-minute slot on Zoom or in person.
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver. Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. Walk-ins welcome.
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free tours by reservation or for small walk-in groups. Open during construction of Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square.
• Wednesday Wanders — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Free guided nature walk exploring Columbia River ecosystems and adjacent wetlands. Great for families with kids ages 6 and up. Registration required.
• Community Storytime in the Park — 10:30 AM at Rheingarten Park, White Salmon. Stories, songs, and fun activities for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Outside near the play structure on sunny days, in the gazebo if it rains.
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Makoto Japanese Buffet — 11:30 AM at Makoto Japanese Buffet, 1119 S.E. 163rd Pl., Vancouver. Social lunch gathering for seniors.
• Sing-alongs with Coyote Moon Band — 12:00–2:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, 1700 N.E. 136th Ave., Vancouver. Free sing-along fun with vocalist Yvonne Mancini and guitarists Jim Moody and Cliff Butler.
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. A brief midday service with quiet music. Free.
• Music Therapy Song Circle — 1:00–2:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 N.W. 129th St. (Felida), Vancouver. Licensed music therapist Kelly Aloia leads a free, open-to-all song circle.
• NEW Silver Trails Community Walk — 2:00 PM at Orchards Park, Vancouver. Parks Foundation of Clark County launches a new walking program for adults 65-plus, with easy 1–2 mile walks through beautiful local parks all summer long.
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Free hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12.
• Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop – Part 1 — 4:30–6:30 PM. Free workshop for WA State certificated educators to earn 5 STEM clock hours. Attendance at both Part 1 (May 27) and Part 2 (May 30) is required.
• Live Music at The Grant House — 5:00–7:00 PM at Willful Wine inside the Grant House, 1101 Officers Row, Vancouver. Free live solo musician performances every Wednesday.
• Fort Vancouver Kiwanis — 5:30–7:00 PM at Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Pub, 108 W. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Fourth-Wednesday evening meeting with a presentation by a local speaker.
• Poetry Street PNW — 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library (Totem Pole Room). Free open mic where you can read original or favorite works and hear featured poets. Doors at 6:15, readings 6:30–7:45 PM. All ages.
• Swing Dancing at The Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, 109 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10.

Thursday, May 28

• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instruction from Ruby Life Master Michael Walker covering opening bids, slam bidding, takeout doubles and more. $10–$50.
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, 9307 N.E. Fifth Ave. (Hazel Dell), Vancouver. See new fabrics and notions, swap ideas, and bring a current project. All skill levels welcome. Free.
• General Federation of Women's Clubs Meeting — 2:00–4:00 PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 14208 NE 249th St., Battle Ground. Social time, a presentation by Dustin Waliezer from Fire District 3, and club business including Ladybug Bazaar prep.
• Preschool Flower Shop — 3:00–4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Little ones can sort colorful flowers, take pretend customer orders, and arrange bouquets — great for social skills, creativity, and early math. Free.
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library (Children's Program Room). Spark your imagination building with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free.
• National Burger Day at Bless Your Heart Burgers — 4:00–9:00 PM at 7910 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Suite 120, Vancouver. Free classic single burger for everyone, plus merchandise giveaways, an on-site DJ, and raffle prizes.
• Library Trivia Nights — 5:00–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library (Columbia Room). Play solo or with a team, enjoy refreshments, and make new friends. Family friendly. Free.
• Oak Gall Ink Making Workshop — 5:00 PM at 105 E. Jewett Blvd., White Salmon. Artist Molly Holmlund leads a hands-on workshop making ink from oak galls and other natural ingredients, hosted by Columbia Land Trust. Ages 12+. $50.
• The Understory Northwest Film Fest — 5:30 PM doors, 6:30 PM show at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Conservation films including The Grand Salmon, Speaking Eep!, The Lost Fish, and Living Legacies, hosted by Cascade Forest Conservancy. $22–$30.
• Salmon Creek Flyfishers Club Meeting — 6:00 PM at American Legion Post 176, 14011 N.E. 20th Ave., Vancouver. Learn about tying flies and fishing. Food available for purchase.
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 6:30 PM at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team under the lights.
• Line Dancing Lessons — 7:00–9:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal, with instructor Kat Nichols. Beginners welcome, all ages. $10.

Friday, May 29

• Homeschool Open House at Pomeroy Farm — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM in Yacolt. Hands-on program for 2nd–5th graders themed "Children's Work & Play on a Pre-Electric Farm." Perfect for families and small co-op groups (under 20 students). $8.
• Ridgefield – Learn to Kayak Tour — 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle the winding Columbia River Water Trail near Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. No experience needed.
• Volunteer Clean-Up at Countryside Park — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at 15204 N.E. Seventh St., Vancouver. Pick up litter and remove invasive plants. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Free.
• 2026 Columbia Credit Union Tour of Homes: New & Remodeled — 11:00 AM at various Clark County locations. Tour beautifully finished homes, meet top local builders and remodelers, and see the latest design trends.
• Paint, Sip and Celebrate the Stars and Stripes — 11:00 AM–1:30 PM at Founders Coffee and Mercantile, 317 E. Main St., Battle Ground. A July 4-themed watercolor painting experience with picnic boxes and Firecracker Fizz sparkling lemonade. $60 (registration required).
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60 and up, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry.
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Cameo Cafe — 12:00 PM at Cameo Cafe, 7703 N.E. 72nd Ave., Vancouver. Social senior lunch outing.
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free weekly creative art session.
• Friday Night Cruise-In at Alderbrook Park — 4:00–8:00 PM at 24414 N.E. Westerholm Road, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10 admission.
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30–6:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Create a character and play Pathfinder 1E with other players ages 9–19. Free.
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4 and up can tackle multiple difficulty levels for an hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing. No experience needed. $33–$41.
• Collaborative Art at Rebecca Anstine Gallery — 5:00–7:00 PM artist reception on the sixth floor of the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. Two exhibits by Vancouver School of Arts and Academics students. Free.
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling at no cost — ages 14 and up, no experience needed, equipment provided.
• Inspire Vancouver Information Sessions — 5:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Learn about the new $6 million annual grant program for public arts, culture, heritage, and science experiences. Free.
• Cake, Canvas and Coffee — 5:30–8:00 PM at Founders Coffee and Mercantile, 317 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Decorate a cake canvas with frosting, sprinkles, and expert tips, plus a fruit pizza dessert bar. $50 (registration required).
• Catalyst Spring Musical Revue — 6:00 PM at The Judy, Portland. Northwest Children's Theatre's youth company performs Broadway's greatest hits. $5.
• Hockinson Fun Days — 6:00–8:30 PM Friday night bingo for prizes at Hockinson High School, kicking off a full weekend of festivities including a pancake breakfast, marketplace bazaar, parade, and carnival on Saturday. Free.
• Fort Vancouver Antique Equipment Association Meeting — 6:00 PM at Old Town Burgers and Breakfast, 813 W. Main St., Battle Ground. A gathering for anyone who loves vintage power farm equipment — parades, fairs, and new activities on the agenda.
• Evergreen Dance Center Presents: Coppelia — 6:30–8:45 PM at Columbia Theatre, Longview. The timeless ballet classic brought to life. $18–$25.
• Jesus and Friends: An Evening of Acoustic Christian Music — 6:30–8:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Modern Christian music on acoustic instruments. Free (donations welcome).
• Journey Theater Presents: Seussical — 7:00 PM at Manor Church, Battle Ground. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton and the Whos in this beloved musical for young audiences. $16–$18.
• Drunken Shakespeare — 7:00–9:00 PM at Tap Union Freehouse, 1300 Washington St., #200, Vancouver. A 21+ fundraiser for Metropolitan Performing Arts' free summer production of As You Like It. Craft brews, bites, and bard. Suggested $25 donation.
• God of Carnage by Starbird Theatre — 7:30 PM at the Sherman Auditorium, 2289 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. A Tony Award-winning dark comedy about two couples whose civilized discussion spirals into hilarious chaos. $23–$25.
• Clark College Theatre Presents [title of show] — 7:30 PM at Decker Theatre, Clark College, Vancouver. A musical love letter to collaboration, following two writers racing to create something new. $12.
• Live Music Fridays at Pour Choices Pub — 7:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Live music with Jeremy Ross — grab your friends and a craft beer for a great Friday night downtown.

Saturday, May 30

• Our Time to Shine Family Festival — 8:00 AM at WSU Vancouver. A 5K fun run, 1K kids trot, resource fair, bounce house, face painter, and free food donated by local partners. Proceeds support free and low-cost mental health services for families.
• Veterans' Trail Work Party — 8:30 AM. Washington Trails Association hosts a trail work party tailored to veterans and service members — build camaraderie, enjoy the outdoors, and earn volunteer credit.
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, 8th & Esther St., Vancouver. Our flagship farmers market since 1990, with local produce, artisan goods, and community vibes.
• Move With MADD Vancouver — 9:00 AM at Frenchman's Bar Park, Vancouver. A fundraising walk supporting safe roads. Registration at 9 AM, ceremony and walk to follow. $35.
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at 12208 S.E. Evergreen Hwy., Vancouver. Help remove invasive species, maintain trails, and improve accessibility. Tools and gloves provided. Free.
• Secret Spaces Tour: Post Hospital — 9:00 AM. Step inside the 1903 Post Hospital at Fort Vancouver — one of the first in the nation with purpose-built X-ray facilities. Part of Preservation Month 2026. $35.
• 3rd Annual Coyote-palooza! — 8:30 AM in Portland. A family- and pet-friendly day of discovery about one of nature's most adaptable creatures, with hands-on activities, booths, and safety tips.
• Weave a Willow Market Basket — 9:00 AM in Ridgefield. Two-day class with artist Robin Brady, weaving a round handled basket from cultivated and wild willows grown locally.
• Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop – Part 2 — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. Continuation of the free educator workshop (both sessions required for 5 STEM clock hours).
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lesson followed by assisted play — perfect for newcomers.
• Pollinators and Predators: Beneficial Insects for the Garden — 9:30–10:30 AM at Founders Coffee and Mercantile, Battle Ground. Take a bug safari, learn about native pollinators and predator insects, and log sightings on iNaturalist. $15.
• Birds and Blooms of Burnt Bridge Creek — 9:30 AM. Join City of Vancouver staff for a springtime walk identifying native wildflowers and listening for migrating songbirds. Registration required. Great for adults and families with kids 8+.
• Bookmark Contest Celebration — 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Celebrate branch winners, pick up new bookmarks, and enjoy refreshments from the Friends of the Library. Free.
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, Vancouver. Free STEAM education through aviation — flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display. All ages welcome.
• Mural Dedication at Two Rivers Heritage Museum — 10:00 AM in Washougal. Celebrate the unveiling of a stunning 24×8-foot historic mural by local artist Travis London depicting early life in Camas and Washougal. Free.
• 2026 Multicultural Resource Fair — 10:00 AM. Music, dance, cultural demonstrations, and community resources from nonprofit organizations and state agencies.
• Northwest Children's Theater Presents: You'll See — 11:00 AM at Northwest Children's Theater, Portland. James Joyce's epic Ulysses brought to life for ages 8 and up with paper design, an original score, and live performance. $15–$20.
• NAMIWalks — 12:00 PM at Marine Park, Vancouver. The signature mental health fundraising walk celebrating community and well-being.
• Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Summer Train Rides — 12:00 PM departing 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.
• Hiking Clinic – NW Association of Blind Athletes — 12:00 PM. An inclusive hiking clinic for athletes who are blind or visually impaired — all ages and ability levels welcome.
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society's 71st Annual Rose Show — 1:00–4:00 PM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. Free admission to "A Rosy Affair" with stunning displays, photography entries, a Garden Market with local vendors, and rose care tips from on-site experts.
• Bread Day at Cedar Creek Grist Mill — 1:00 PM in Woodland. Taste fresh bread made from flour milled on-site at this historic, water-powered grist mill.
• Sidewalk Chalk Day with British Swim School — 1:00 PM at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park, Vancouver. Chalk provided — just bring your creativity! Free.
• Celebrating 121 Years at Oaks Park — 1:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Birthday bash with unlimited ride wristbands for $19.05 online, beer tasting, the unveiling of updated Willamette Willy game, and free cake and balloons around 2 PM.
• NPS Book Launch: "Ellie May and the Midnight Search" — 1:00 PM at Fort Vancouver. Meet search-and-rescue hound Ellie May and handler JW Jones at the launch of their beautifully illustrated children's book. Great for all ages.
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Showcase — 1:30 PM at 6403 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Broadway Mini's 3–6 year olds sing, dance, and act their way through this beloved story. Free to watch.
• Blueprint Arts Presents: Dreamers of Dreams — 2:00 PM at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, Portland. Sapphire Wind Symphony performs in a pay-what-you-want concert (including free!).
• Karaoke Theme Night: Studio 54 Costume Party — 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Sequins, disco, and karaoke — compete for best costume while singing your heart out.

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