📰 What's Making News

Raptors Romp Past Nanaimo 15-3, Claim Opening Series

Summer baseball is back in Clark County, and the Ridgefield Raptors wasted no time making a statement. The Raptors hammered the Nanaimo NightOwls 15-3 on Saturday at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, taking two of three games to win their season-opening series. If you haven't made it out to RORC yet this year, the early energy suggests this squad is ready to put on a show all summer long. Full recap here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Mariners Ride Six-Game Win Streak Back Into Contention

Seattle is finally playing the baseball everyone expected this season, with pitcher Bryce Miller returning from a left oblique injury to join a surging club that has rattled off six straight victories. If you're planning a trip up I-5 for a game, the energy at T-Mobile Park is worth it right now. Full story here.

Needle-Threading Robots Steal the Show at Tokyo Summit

The Humanoids Summit Tokyo opened Thursday with mechanical hands precise enough to thread a needle, plus dancing robots and adult-sized units designed for delivery work. It's a fascinating peek at where robotics is heading. See the details.

New Pill Extends Survival for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Researchers reported May 24 that a novel oral medication helped people with advanced pancreatic cancer live longer — a meaningful step for one of the hardest-to-treat cancers. Read the full report.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, June 1

• First of the Month Bird Walk — 7:30 AM. A casual morning of spring birding with the Vancouver Audubon Society. Great for all levels — work on bird ID by sight and sound, practice your eBird app, and enjoy the company of fellow birders. Check the VAS web page for this month's location. More info
• SWWDSC Community Walk Abouts — 10:00 AM at Softball Fields parking area. The SW Washington Down Syndrome Community kicks off a new monthly series hosted by Anna Herbig and Rachel Cristaudo. Families, self-advocates, caregivers, siblings, and friends are all welcome for a relaxed, family-friendly walk. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support Creative Art Experience — 11:00 AM at CDM Caregiving Services Building, Vancouver. Art instructor Tricia Hall guides participants with dementia through hands-on projects encouraging expression, connection, and joy in HOPE's new studio. Free; register at Eventbrite or call 360-513-5754. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome to join the Rotary Club of Downtown Vancouver for its weekly lunch. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Monthly Potluck — 1:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Bring a dish and enjoy the company. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Line Dancing — 1:30–3:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Lace up whatever shoes you've got and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free and open to all. More info
• Summer Lecture Series: Animal Sheltering & Shelter Medicine — 5:30–7:30 PM at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (East Vancouver location), 1100 NE 192nd Ave. Hear from HSSW's Jenn Rylander and Dr. Sydney Lee on trends and best practices in animal welfare, daily care routines, and veterinary protocols. Free. More info

Tuesday, June 2

• Who Do You Think You Are? Discovering Your Family Tree — 10:00–11:30 AM at Clark County Genealogical Society, 3205 NE 52nd St., Vancouver. Professional genealogist Hannah Allan walks you through steps and tools for researching your family history. Free; register at ccgs-wa.org or call 360-750-5688. More info
• Mobility City Grand Opening — 10:00 AM at 9301 NE 5th Ave., Suite 104, Vancouver. Join the Greater Vancouver Chamber for a ribbon cutting celebrating Kristin and Bill Babby's new locally owned mobility-equipment shop. Tour the showroom and enjoy refreshments. More info
• Art Chat at Ridgefield Community Library — 10:30 AM–12:00 PM, Ridgefield. Bring a piece or two of your own art to share, or just come for the camaraderie. A monthly gathering to talk techniques, local art events, and creative connections. Free. More info
• 2026 Annual Luncheon — Community Foundation of Southwest Washington — 12:00 PM (11:30 AM–1:30 PM) at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. An annual celebration of philanthropy honoring the region's culture of giving and community engagement. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults — 12:30–2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Practice speaking, listening, and expressing yourself confidently in a supportive setting. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30–6:30 PM at various FVRL library locations (Ridgefield, Three Creeks, and more). Ages 9–19 can create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. All experience levels welcome for dedicated writing time — no readings or critiques, just focused creative work. Free parking. More info
• Pencils and Pints — 6:00–7:30 PM at A Beer at a Time, 216 NE Third Ave., Camas. Sketch, paint, or doodle while sipping a local craft brew. Co-hosted by the Artisans Guild of Camas and the Camas Public Library. Paper and pencils provided, or bring your own. Free; no registration needed. More info
• Page Turners Book Club — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A monthly book discussion for 4th–6th graders and their adults. Register at CamasPL.org/pageturners or call 360-834-4692, then pick up your free copy of this month's book at the library. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball — 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown team under the lights. More info
• Mamma Mia! — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The beloved ABBA musical comes to life on a Greek island paradise. Tickets from $68. More info
• Clark College Orchestra Spring Concert: "Connections" — 7:30 PM at Joyce Garver Theater, 1500 NE Garfield St., Camas. Directed by Dr. Rafael Rodriguez, the program features violin soloist Erasmo Solerti performing the Gutierrez Violin Concerto, plus Schumann's Manfred Overture and Brahms' Symphony No. 3. Free admission. More info

Wednesday, June 3

• TOPS WA 1056 — 8:15 AM weigh-in, 9:30 AM meeting at Fourth Plain Nazarene Church, 16807 NE Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A supportive weekly wellness group. Call 206-915-4627 for info. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program for adults 60+. More info
• Lyle Cherry Orchard Day Trail Work Party — 8:30 AM. Help Washington Trails Association build a new staircase and install check steps on a tricky section of trail. Note: poison oak is present — take precautions. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Free tours of this stunning historic building. Walk-ins welcome, though availability may change due to private reservations. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Explore period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. Free; reserve a spot or walk in. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. A midday pause with quiet music. Free. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, local food, and artisan goods every Wednesday. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic: The Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00–5:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Ages 5–9 can build reading confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Teen Magic: The Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19; decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• All Ages Bingo — 6:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Bring the whole crew for friendly competition, snacks, and a chance to win fantastic prizes. $10 residents / $12 non-residents. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing — 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. More info
• Allen Ginsberg Centennial Reading — 7:00–9:00 PM at Mother Foucault's Bookshop, 715 SE Grand Ave., Portland. Hear Dan Raphael, Christopher Luna, and a dozen other poets read Ginsberg's work on what would be his 100th birthday. Free. More info

Thursday, June 4

• 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. Season opener! More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours; book ahead or walk in. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Instructor Michael Walker (Ruby Life Master) covers opening bids, slam bidding, takeout doubles, and more. $10–$50. More info
• Go With the Flow: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour — 10:00–11:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. See what happens after you flush — an indoor-outdoor tour for ages 8+. Closed-toed shoes required. Free. More info
• WNPS Wildflower Hike — Falls Creek Falls — 10:00 AM. A 4-mile out-and-back hike (750 ft. elevation gain) with the Washington Native Plant Society, featuring shade-loving wildflowers and lunch at one of the largest waterfalls in southern Washington. Contact Ron Klump at klumpron@gmail.com to sign up. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group — 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Join a lively crew of creatives for writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping. Free. More info
• Card-Making Club at Craft Warehouse — 1:00 PM at 9307 NE Fifth Ave., Hazel Dell. See new paper crafting products, try the latest techniques, and bring a recent project to share. Door prizes! Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 5–12 can spark their imagination with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Free. More info
• Nature Lovers Book Group — 4:00 PM with Fort Vancouver Regional Library. This month's title: Close to Home by Thor Hanson. Register online to receive the virtual link; a copy of the book may be sent to your nearest library. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, conversation, and snacks (provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library). 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; fill out a character creation form before attending. Free. More info
• Recycling 201: Beyond Curbside — 5:00–6:30 PM at Waste Connections, 9411 NE 94th Ave., Vancouver. Learn local recycling and reuse options for plastic bags, appliances, bulky items, and household hazardous waste. Free (Recycling 101 is a prerequisite). More info
• Clark County Youth House Art Show: "Beautiful Bonds" — 5:00–8:00 PM at 1012 Esther St., Vancouver. Canvas paintings, photography, multimedia work, handmade cards, and a coloring book — all by young artists supported by the Youth House. Light refreshments. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join Vancouver Bicycling Club ride leader Charla Burke for fun group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and bike-friendly roads. 5–10 miles, 10 mph, flat terrain. Bring a bike in good working order and a helmet. More info
• Journey Theater Presents Seussical — 6:00 PM at Manor Church, Battle Ground. The Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant in this joyful musical for young audiences. $16–$18. More info
• Vancouver Audubon: The Extraordinary Lives of Common Nighthawks — 6:30 PM at Evergreen Public Schools District Office, 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Dr., Vancouver. Science writer and biologist Gretchen Newberry reveals the mysterious world of nighthawks. Free. More info
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM (doors at 6 PM) at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free, all ages. Bring your own dauber or use theirs — win prizes including an overnight lodge stay for the blackout round. More info
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society Meeting — 7:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Consulting rosarian Leslie Mowers addresses black spot and other Pacific Northwest rose-care challenges, plus a recap of the 2026 Rose Show. Free. More info
• Clark College Theatre Presents [title of show] — 7:30 PM at Decker Theatre, Clark College, Vancouver. A witty, heartfelt musical about the joy of collaboration and creating something new. $12 (students free). More info

Friday, June 5

• Flora and Fauna Friday at Downs Neighborhood Park — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at 3217 NE 62nd Ave., Vancouver. Help distribute mulch, pick up litter, and remove invasive plants. Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Free; register at cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-8344. More info
• Coldwater Lake MTB Trail Work Party & Campout — 10:00 AM. Join Northwest Trail Alliance and the Mt. St. Helens National Monument for a day of trail work with an optional weekend of primitive camping and group rides near the shores of Coldwater Lake (June 5–7). Space is limited. More info
• 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+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A creative gathering every Friday. Free; call 360-695-2823 for details. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Clark County Food Bank Presents: Tacos & Taps — 4:00 PM. A 21+ evening of gourmet tacos, craft beer, live music, raffle prizes, and games — all supporting 250,000+ meals for the community. $60 general admission / $70 early access. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In — 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $10 adults / $5 kids 4–13, veterans, seniors / free for ages 3 and under. More info
• Discover Downtown Ridgefield: First Friday — 4:00–8:00 PM. Shops, restaurants, and businesses stay open late. Explore downtown with a new app, enjoy specials, tastings, and pop-ups. Free to attend (VIP packages available). More info
• First Friday Sidewalk Open Mic at Magenta Theater — 4:00–6:00 PM at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Use the karaoke monitor or bring your own instrument. Anyone is welcome to perform. Free. More info
• Friends of Ridgefield Community Library Used Book Sale — 5:00–6:00 PM (members-only preview; memberships available at the door). The sale continues Saturday 9 AM–3 PM. More info
• First Friday Art Walk — 5:00–8:00 PM in downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses open their doors. Check the website for an interactive map of participating locations. Free. More info
• Unicorns, Rainbows & Mythical Beasts — First Friday in Camas — 5:00–8:00 PM in downtown Camas. Grab a passport for the sticker scavenger hunt, come in costume for prizes, and enjoy art receptions, after-hours shopping, crafts, and treats. Free. More info
• New Mini Art Gallery Ribbon Cutting at Gallery 408 — 5:00 PM at 408 NE Fourth Ave., Camas. Gallery 408 celebrates the opening of its Mini Art Gallery — a detailed miniature version of the gallery featuring tiny artworks by participating artists. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4+ can tackle multiple difficulty levels for an hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing. No experience necessary; all equipment provided. $33 resident / $41 non-resident. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+ can try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, all equipment provided. More info
• Family Fun Night at Salmon Creek Grange — 6:00–9:00 PM at 1900 NE 154th St., Vancouver. Games and light snacks for the whole family. Free; children must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk — 6:30–8:00 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, 108 W. Sixth St., Vancouver. Sculpt up to two pounds of clay into mugs, vases, gnomes, or animal sculptures with instructor guidance. No experience needed; staff fires and glazes your piece. $50. More info

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