📰 What's Making News

Hurley Development Plans Retail Building Near Union High School

Vancouver-based Hurley Development has filed plans for a new single-story retail building near Union High School, adding another commercial footprint to one of the city's growing corridors. Details on tenants haven't been announced yet, but the filing signals continued developer confidence in the area's foot traffic and growth potential. If you drive that stretch regularly, keep an eye out — the landscape is about to change. Read more from The Columbian.

Camas Couple Launches Private Luxury Cruises Down the Columbia

A Camas couple is turning the Columbia River into a fine-dining destination with a new luxury charter cruise service — complete with a personal chef and bartender on board. The private voyages offer an intimate, high-end experience along one of the most scenic stretches of water in the Pacific Northwest. It's the kind of business that makes you say, "Wait, we have that here?" Clark County's food-and-drink scene just got a whole lot more nautical. Read more from The Columbian.

Your Fall Garden Starts Now, Says Columnist Allen

If you've been eyeing those late-summer garden beds and wondering what's next, gardening columnist Allen has your answer: it's time to plant for fall harvest and winter blooms. His latest column walks through which vegetables and flowers to get in the ground right now for the best results as the seasons turn. Late August is prime planning time, and procrastinating even a week or two can mean the difference between a bountiful fall bed and bare soil. Read more from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Mount St. Helens License Plates Now Available Statewide

Tired of repping Mount Rainier on your bumper? Washington motorists can now order a Mount St. Helens specialty license plate — a long-overdue nod to Southwest Washington's most iconic landmark. Previously limited in availability, the plates are open to everyone as of this week.

130 Canoes Unite for Intertribal Gathering on the Salish Sea

An intertribal canoe journey brought 130 vessels together on the Salish Sea this week, with paddlers moving in unison against a backdrop of Mount Rainier and a surfacing whale. The event celebrates Indigenous culture and maritime tradition across the Pacific Northwest. Full story here.

Hanford Safety Records Return to Public Access

Safety reports covering hazards and accidents at the Hanford nuclear site are once again publicly available after the Department of Energy resumed its classification reviews. Hanford, located in Eastern Washington, remains one of the region's most closely watched environmental sites.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Sunday, August 23

• Free Outdoor Fitness Bootcamps — 9:00 AM at Northwest Personal Training, Vancouver. Every Sunday through Aug. 30, Northwest Personal Training offers a free full-body muscle and cardio workout at scenic locations around Vancouver. All fitness levels welcome — fill out a bootcamp waiver at nwpersonaltraining.com before you go. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park (8th & Esther St.), Vancouver. Our flagship farmers market has been running since 1990 — grab your Sunday morning produce, local goods, and good vibes in the heart of downtown. More info
• Saving Grace Church Community Haircuts — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Battle Ground. Free haircuts from licensed stylists and barbers for all ages, plus a free community meal with hamburgers and hot dogs. No strings attached — just a great neighbor moment. More info
• Pop-Up History Museum: Exploring Ridgefield's Told & Untold Stories — 10:00 AM at The Greely Building, Ridgefield. Free. Commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary with a fascinating look at Ridgefield's founding, industries, cultural forces, and lesser-known stories. More info
• Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival — 11:00 AM–9:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The final day of this beloved annual fest featuring internationally acclaimed jazz, blues, gospel, and pop musicians alongside northwest wines, fine art, and food. Kids under 12 get in free with a paid adult. Tickets $25–$110. More info
• Soroptimist International of Clark County Fundraising Sale — 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at 4704 Rolling Meadows Drive, Washougal. Furniture, home décor, collectibles, and household items — all proceeds go to scholarships and career resources for women. More info
• Tween & Teen Creative Crafts: Map Masterpieces — 1:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 9–19 can learn cartography basics and create maps of real or imagined places. Free. More info
• Changing Hearts Foundation Backpack Giveaway — 2:00 PM at Bagley Community Park, 4607 Plomondon St., Vancouver. Free backpacks loaded with school supplies, plus bounce houses, face painting, barbecue, raffles, and free haircuts. More info
• Ceramic Coaster Workshop — 3:00–5:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Create a set of four ceramic coasters and a matching holder using hand-building techniques. $65 — register at kilnfolkclay.com. More info

Monday, August 24

• Audiobook Walking Club — 9:30 AM, Camas Public Library. Bring your audiobook and meet the group for a 60-minute walk at a new outdoor location, followed by optional social time. All paces welcome. Free. More info
• Storytime in the Park — 10:30 AM at a Camas park (check schedule for this week's location). Bring a blanket and enjoy a family storytime outdoors with the Camas Library. All ages, free. More info
• Tiny Toppings Storytime — 11:00 AM at Eight Cow Creamery, Ridgefield. Copper Bell Bookshop hosts a kids' story time — every participant gets a coupon for a free kids' ice cream scoop with purchase. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott, Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome to join this weekly lunch. Free. More info
• Line Dancing — 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Grab any shoes you've got and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit — 2:00 PM from Caruthers Landing Dock, Portland. An 80-mile roundtrip high-speed jetboat tour to Multnomah Falls with exclusive Bigfoot narration by Cliff Barackman of "Finding Bigfoot." $64–$72. More info
• Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series — 6:00–8:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Everyone is welcome for adaptive cycling — bring your own bike or try one of theirs. Helmets required. More info
• Running Wild: Special 3D Screening — 6:30 PM at OMSI, Portland. A stunning 3D film about Pacific salmon with an introduction by Wild Salmon Center CEO Guido Rahr. Pay what you can ($0–$15). More info
• Cosmic Watercolor Splatter Coasters Workshop — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Learn wet-on-wet blending and splatter techniques to create nebula-inspired coasters with Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art. $35. More info
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub — 6:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Hosted by Don Elliott — gather your team and compete for bragging rights. More info

Tuesday, August 25

• Federal Public Lands Fee Free Day — All day. In honor of the 110th birthday of the National Park Service, entrance fees are waived at federal public lands across the country. A perfect excuse to explore! More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various Clark County locations (Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Camas, Washougal). Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60+, tailored from seated to full mobility. No pre-registration needed. More info
• Sherlock Holmes Mystery — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. Test your detective skills with a Holmesian-style mystery — play solo or with a small group. Free. More info
• Chipper's Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Portland. Little ones (age 6 and under) enjoy kiddie rides, then visit Chipper the Squirrel for snack and story time. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. More info
• AFC Urgent Care Grand Opening in Minnehaha — 10:00 AM at 6713 NE 63rd St., STE C102, Vancouver. Tour the new clinic, meet the team, and enjoy coffee, cookies, and giveaways at the ribbon cutting. More info
• Teen & Adult DIY Cat Castles — 4:00 PM at Battle Ground Community Library. Build a custom cardboard castle for your cat (or small pet). All supplies provided. Ages 13+, free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30–6:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Ages 9–19 can create a character and jump into Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E. Free. More info
• Pints and Pottery at Brothers Cascadia — 5:00–7:00 PM at Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Pub, 108 W. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Kilnfolk Clay Studio brings the clay — you bring the creativity. Make a bowl, mug, plate, or vase. $32 includes all materials. Demo at 5:15 PM. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A welcoming weekly group for writers of all levels — dedicated writing time with no critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward beginning adult speakers — just show up, no registration needed. Free. More info
• Women's Mountain Bike Clinics — 5:30 PM at Rocky Point and Gateway Green, Portland. NW Trail Sisters and Brave Endeavors host advanced skills and jump clinics for women riders. Check event pages for registration and fees. More info

Wednesday, August 26

• Impressions of the Pacific Northwest at Rebecca Anstine Gallery — 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Clark County Public Service Center sixth floor, Vancouver. Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji celebrate the region's moody landscapes and vibrant moments. Free. More info
• Free Financial Planning Day — 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at Johnson Bixby, 275 W. Third St., Suite 600, Vancouver. A complimentary 30-minute one-on-one session with a certified financial planner — on Zoom or in person. More info
• Glass Blowing & Weaving Workshop with Confluence — 9:00 AM at Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Washougal. A three-day workshop filled with education, community, and collaboration. Sliding scale pricing available. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this stunning 3D impressionist exhibit, on view through Sept. 30. More info
• Wednesday Wanders — 9:30–11:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Explore Columbia River ecosystems, discover native plants, and search for wildlife on a 2-mile guided walk. Great for adults and families with kids 6+. Free. More info
• Volunteer: Paint Park Signs at Lewisville Park — 9:30–11:30 AM, Battle Ground. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water and a snack, and help spruce up the park. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this beautifully restored historic home. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Stewardship Day — 10:00 AM. Join Mount St. Helens Institute for invasive-species removal, plus a free optional 2.4-mile guided Hummocks Trail hike after lunch. Ages 10+. Free, registration required. More info
• Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce Luncheon — 11:30 AM at Washougal Times, 1826 E St., Washougal. Port of Washougal CEO Trang Lam presents with guests from RKM Development. $30 members / $40 non-members, includes buffet lunch. Register at cwchamber.com. More info
• Musicians in the Park — 12:00 PM at Davis Park, Ridgefield. Enjoy a lunchtime performance by local musicians in the Downtown Arts Quarter. Bring a picnic or grab takeout from a nearby restaurant. Free. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Quiet music and reflection midday. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge — 1:30–3:30 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 — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh farm products, artisan goods, and a celebration of regional agriculture. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Hands-on science, tech, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling at no cost — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. Create a cool leather piece in this beginner-friendly hands-on workshop. $40–$45. More info
• Poetry Street PNW — 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Read your original or favorite work and listen to featured poets. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups all welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Nexus Nights at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 6:00 PM, Vancouver. Three rounds of Swiss-format constructed play with Nexus Packs for all participants. More info
• Wine School with Ben: Zinfandel — 6:00 PM. Join Dovetail Cellars winemaker Ben Stuart for education and a blind tasting of five Zinfandels from around the world. Sign up at dovetailcellars.com/events. More info

Thursday, August 27

• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses with farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A class for beginning and intermediate players with Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM (also 6:00 PM) at Craft Warehouse, 9307 N.E. Fifth Ave., Hazel Dell. See new fabrics and notions, swap ideas, and bring a current project. All skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• Wheels & Wings — 4:00 PM to dusk at Grove Field Airport, 632 N.E. 267th Ave., Camas. The Port of Camas-Washougal's community appreciation event features vintage cars and planes on the airfield, plus a free hot dog lunch. More info
• Experience Lightly Spiced Gallery — Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM at 500 Washington St., Vancouver. Tour this new photography gallery and studio, try the "Make Your Own Rainbows" bubble experience, and take home a printed keepsake. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, snacks, and chatting for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Ages 9–19 can play Dungeons & Dragons — fill out the Character Creation Form ahead of time. Free. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw — 6:00–8:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. $20 gets you 10 games — bring your pup and play on the covered patio while supporting local off-leash dog parks. More info
• Vancouver Waterfront Symphony Series: String Quartet — 6:00–7:00 PM at the Grant Street Pier, Vancouver Waterfront. A free evening performance by a Vancouver Symphony Orchestra string quartet along the Columbia River. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert: Mizar 5 & Three Minutes of Fame — 6:00–9:00 PM at Pour Choices Pub, Vancouver. Live music fundraiser benefiting the Fruit Valley Boys & Girls Club. More info

Friday, August 28

• BIPOC Backpacking Trip with Opal Creek Center — 8:30 AM. A three-day backpacking expedition into the Mount Hood National Forest for adults who identify as BIPOC. Old-growth forest, stunning views, and new friends. More info
• American Legion Fundraising Rummage Sale — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Smith-Reynolds Post 14, 4607 N.E. St. James Road, Vancouver. Proceeds support veterans, their families, and community programs including school supplies for Truman Elementary. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning at SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Help tend the community garden — harvested produce goes to local food banks through Urban Abundance. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour — 9:30 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Bring your four-legged companion for a volunteer-led walk through park history — plus earn your pup a BARK Ranger tag. Free. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge — 9:30 AM on Mt. Hood. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket or season pass. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. More info
• Fruit Harvest at Raymond Shaffer Community Park — 10:00 AM, Vancouver. Join the City of Vancouver and Urban Abundance to harvest fruit from park trees — much of it goes to local food banks, and volunteers get to take some home too. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal — 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free Friday lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A welcoming creative space every Friday. Free. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout — 4:00–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, snacks, and fun for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In — 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 includes park amenities. More info
• Jack-O-Lantern Textured Wall Art Class — 5:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Create a festive Halloween wall art piece using sculpting medium and acrylic paint. $30. More info
• The Stuff of Legends Reception at AQUA Gallery — 5:00–7:00 PM at 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver Waterfront. Meet artists Abby Ketcham and Carson Legree and see vibrant mythological paintings and expressive stuffies. Free. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed, equipment provided, ages 14+. Free. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00–8:00 PM at 17806 S.E. First St., Vancouver. Live music from local singer-songwriter Brenna Larsen, plus food truck Venue 1903. Free admission. More info
• Wine for Wildlife at the Oregon Zoo — 6:00 PM, Portland. Sip offerings from 30 wineries while strolling the zoo's forested grounds after hours, with live music and winemaker meet-and-greets. More info
• English Country Line Dancing — 6:30 PM at Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. All ages and experience levels — dances are walked through first. $5/person or $10/family. More info
• Free Movies in the Park: Despicable Me 4 — 6:30 PM at a Vancouver park (check schedule for this week's location). Pre-movie activities, food vendors, and a movie at dusk. Free, all ages. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at 12514 N.W. 36th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and local wine with live music on the pet-friendly patio. More info
• Treble Tones Present "The Gift to Sing" — 7:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. This 17-voice ensemble from Reprise Choir performs choral music by women composers spanning the 16th to 21st centuries. Free. More info

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