📰 What's Making News

Ridgefield's Opal Ruddy Voted Athlete of the Week

Ridgefield girls soccer standout Opal Ruddy has been named The Columbian's 2026-27 Week 3 high school athlete of the week, sponsored by Killer Burger. Ruddy pulled in 199 of 474 total votes to claim the honor — a solid margin that shows the Spudder faithful were out in force. It's a well-earned spotlight for a player making an impact early in the season. Read more from The Columbian.

YWCA Clark County Plans 90-Unit Housing Redevelopment at HQ Site

YWCA Clark County is partnering with a Portland-based nonprofit to redevelop its headquarters and create up to 90 affordable housing units for low-income families. The project aims to expand the organization's footprint while deepening its mission of building community connection and belonging. It's a significant undertaking for one of Clark County's longest-serving nonprofits, and one worth watching as plans take shape. Read more from The Columbian.

Leaf Season Is Here — Clark County Shares Disposal Rules

The annual leaf drop is officially underway, and Clark County and City of Vancouver officials are reminding residents how to handle the mess properly. Improper disposal — think sweeping leaves into storm drains or burning piles in your yard — can cause real problems for local waterways and air quality. The good news: curbside yard debris pickup and area transfer stations make it easy to do the right thing. If your gutters and lawn are already disappearing under a blanket of gold and red, now's the time to brush up on the guidelines. Read more from The Columbian.

Packed Tuesday Night for Clark County Prep Volleyball

It's a wall-to-wall volleyball slate tonight across Clark County, with matches tipping off at 7 p.m. from Camas to Ridgefield and everywhere in between. Highlights include Battle Ground at Camas, Skyview at Union, and Hudson's Bay visiting Ridgefield — plenty of rivalry-level energy to go around. Mountain View heads to Heritage while Columbia River travels to Mark Morris, giving fans no shortage of options. Check out the full schedule and Monday's results. Read more from The Columbian.

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💬 Community Buzz

Saint Martin's University Farm Shares Nearly a Decade of Free Produce

Here's a feel-good story worth knowing about: Our Common Home Farms, managed by Saint Martin's University, has been quietly feeding the community for close to ten years now. Faculty, staff, students, and volunteers all pitch in to grow and share fresh produce — turning campus land into a genuine neighborhood resource. For a university that's spent more than 125 years "feeding hungry minds," the leap to feeding hungry neighbors feels like a natural fit. If you've been looking for a way to get involved or simply want to learn more about where local bounty comes from, read the full story on Clark County Talk.

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⚡ Quick Bites

It's a light news day in Vancouver — we'll be back tomorrow with more local updates worth your time.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, October 6

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60 and older, tailored to every ability level from seated to full mobility. No pre-registration required; first-timers should arrive early. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze – 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon ride to the patch, one free pumpkin (any size you can carry!), corn maze admission and more. $14–$16. More info
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center – 10:00 AM. A drop-in indoor play space for kids ages 9 months to 6 years while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive – 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Drop off non-perishable food items, hygiene products and laundry pods — donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch – 11:00 AM at Velvet Acres Gardens, Orchards. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, vendors and food carts. $10 on weekdays. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm – 12:00 PM at Whalen Oaks Farm, Woodland. A 40-plus-acre pumpkin patch with 60-plus varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds, free parking and no admission fee. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults – 12:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Practice speaking, listening and self-expression in a supportive environment. Free. More info
• New Aging Solo Program Community Meeting – 1:30 PM at Keller Williams, 2211 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Villages Clark County launches this new program for adults 50-plus who are aging solo — find local resources, support and practical info. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Ages 9–19 can create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons — beginners and experienced players welcome. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch – 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19 design custom prints and buttons and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. 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 — dedicated writing time, no critiques. Free parking. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. A relaxed group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Living on the Land Class Series – 6:00 PM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Hazel Dell. WSU Clark County Extension's program for small-acreage landowners covering pasture management, soil health, stormwater and more. Runs Tuesdays through Dec. 8. $60. More info
• Page Turners Book Club – 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. A book club for fourth through sixth graders and their adults — register, pick up the book, keep it for free after the meeting. More info
• VAS: "Amazing Adaptations: How Birds Survive Stormy Weather" with Dr. Jamie Cornelius – 6:30 PM at 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive, Vancouver. The Vancouver Audubon Society welcomes Dr. Jamie Cornelius of Oregon State University for a free talk on how birds cope with storms. All are welcome. More info
• Disney's Worlds Collide Concert Tour – 7:00 PM at Moda Center, Portland. An arena spectacular bringing together Descendants, ZOMBIES and Camp Rock with a lineup of Disney stars. Tickets from $59.65. More info
• Science Pub: Smoke and Mirrors – 7:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. Professor Danny Schreiber explores how 19th-century magicians used glass mirrors to create entirely new illusions. More info

Wednesday, October 7

• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this stunning Queen Anne home where General George C. Marshall once lived. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour the 1873 neo-Georgian building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Free. More info
• Contemplative Prayer – 12:20 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Quiet music and prayer from 12:20 to 12:45 PM. Free. More info
• Friendship Club – 1:00 PM at Camas United Methodist Church, Camas. Board games, card games, snacks and music for intellectually disabled adults. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library, Washougal. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog – 4:00 PM. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic: The Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM at various FVRL library locations. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Main Street Promise Reopening Celebration – 5:00 PM at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. Celebrate the completion of the $21 million Main Street rebuild with Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, live music from Liz Joy and Midnight Theory, a Metropolitan Performing Arts performance and light refreshments. Free. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres – 5:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Guests 21-plus can sing karaoke and enjoy wine. Free. More info
• Caps N Taps Costume and Holiday Decor Swap – 5:00 PM at Caps N' Taps, 337 NE Fourth Ave., Camas. Bring gently used Halloween costumes or holiday decorations and swap for something new to you. 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 lessons followed by social dancing. Singles, partners and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• All Ages Bingo – 6:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Friendly competition, fantastic prizes, snacks and refreshments. $10–$13. More info
• Waltz and Salsa Classes – 6:00 PM at Clark College O'Connell Sports Center, Vancouver. Beginning waltz (6 PM) and salsa (7 PM) — no experience required. $69 per person for the five-week session. More info
• Low-Waste Chef: Reduce Food Waste, Save Money – 6:00 PM at Waste Connections of Washington, Inc., Vancouver. Clark County Green Neighbors shares meal-planning ideas, food-storage tips and creative ways to maximize ingredients. Free. More info
• FVRL: Backyard Birdwatching – 6:00 PM. A free beginner-friendly workshop on equipment, ethical bird feeding, identification tools and common backyard species. No registration required. More info
• An Evening with Jeff VanderMeer – 6:30 PM at Foster Auditorium, Clark College, Vancouver. White Oak Books presents the bestselling author of the Borne trilogy and the Southern Reach series. $20 ticket includes a chapbook. More info
• Budget Bites Workshop – 6:30 PM at PeaceHealth Specialty Clinic, Vancouver. PeaceHealth Weight Loss for Life hosts Sarah Sterling for budget-friendly cooking tips. $35. More info
• Cinema of Horrors Drive-In Movies – 7:30 PM at Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Drive-in horror films with in-car audio, Hollywood-quality monsters and food available. Tickets from $78.22. More info

Thursday, October 8

• On the Road Tour: Putting the Garden to Bed – 8:15 AM, departing from 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. WSU Master Gardeners visit Marcia Sparling's 37-acre LaCenter farm, Battle Ground Blooms cut flower business and more. Lunch stop at Margarita Factory (not included). $40. More info
• Quiltfest Northwest Golden Jubilee – 10:00 AM at Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield. The 50th annual show features 500-plus quilts, the Cherrywood Challenge Exhibit, a vibrant vendor mall and door prizes. Runs Oct. 8–10. $10. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Explore this Queen Anne gem with period furnishings and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A six-week class for beginning and intermediate players with instructor Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master. $10–$50. More info
• Dine the Couve – 11:00 AM at locations around Clark County. Now in its 11th year, enjoy three dishes for $35 or $50 at participating restaurants, cafes, brewpubs and tasting rooms throughout October. More info
• Walton Farms Pumpkin Patch – 3:00 PM at Walton Farms, Camas. Admission includes corn maze, train ride and one pumpkin any size. $13 ($11 for seniors 55-plus). More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Spark your imagination and build STEM skills with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen Bad Art – 4:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Ages 13–19: make your worst art, talk about your process and vote for the most impressively bad piece. Free. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting and snacks for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Potions Classes – 4:30 PM at Camas Public Library, Camas. First through fifth graders and their adults make four magical concoctions. Registration required. Free. More info
• Take Learning Outside — Session 1: Birds as a Window to Science – 4:30 PM. Educators earn free STEM clock hours with Vancouver Audubon's Cameraderie Youth Program — hands-on binoculars and field guide experience. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting – 6:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 NW 129th St., Vancouver. Meeting includes dinner. Free. More info
• FVRL: Attracting Worms to Your Garden – 6:00 PM. Discover the benefits of worms and learn how to attract them to your soil beds. Free, no registration required. More info
• FVRL: The Mazamas — 133 Years of Adventure, Science and Culture – 6:30 PM. Matthew Brock of the Mazama Library shares the 133-year history of the Pacific Northwest's premier mountaineering organization. Free. More info
• Flynn Creek Circus: The Cricket and the Wren – 7:00 PM at Clark College, Vancouver. An all-human circus with aerialists, jugglers, knife throwers and laugh-out-loud comedy under the big top. Runs Oct. 8–12. $27–$98. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting – 7:00 PM at Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W. 20th St., Vancouver. Open to experienced and novice woodturners alike. Free. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Genevieve DeGuzman – 7:00 PM at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. DeGuzman is the author of Karaoke at the End of the World and an Oregon Literary Fellowship recipient. $5 suggested donation. More info
• Haunted Theme Park at Oaks Park – 7:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Immersive haunted houses, a Halloween theme park, food, drinks and oddities vendors. $25–$33. More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at the Magenta Theater – 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. A 90-minute gender-bending romp through Bram Stoker's classic, channeling Mel Brooks and Monty Python. $28. More info

Friday, October 9

• Adult & Teen Craft & Chat at La Center Community Library – 10:00 AM at La Center Community Library. Bring your fiber arts project — knitting, crochet, spinning, quilting, needlepoint, cross-stitch or mending — and connect with fellow crafters. Ages 13-plus. Free. More info
• Game & Puzzle Swap – 10:00 AM at Kindred Vancouver, Vancouver. Swap board games, card games and puzzles — or just browse and take something new-to-you home. Free. More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time – 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. Explore one of the most beautiful spots on the farm with hosts Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan — observe migratory birds, native plants and the rhythms of the land. More info
• Gardner School Book Swap – 11:00 AM. Bring gently used books, puzzles and games to trade. This year also features a chili cook-off and cornbread competition. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60-plus, served noon to 1 PM. More info
• Girls on the Rock – 5:00 PM. An all-girls climbing event for ages 6–13 — build confidence, make friends and try something new with experienced staff. No prior experience needed. $19–$24. More info
• Pumpkin Lane After Dark – 5:30 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. An evening hayride down scarecrow-adorned Pumpkin Lane, a beverage token, s'mores, BBQ from Mosscrowe and wine. $40. More info
• Live Music: Owen Kortz at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery – 5:30 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery, Ridgefield. All ages, no cover, no reservation needed. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles – 5:30 PM in Ridgefield. Try dragon boat paddling at no cost — ages 14-plus, no experience needed. More info
• Bi-Zi Farm Nighttime Corn Maze – 6:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Navigate the maze after dark every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 30. $7.50–$9.50. More info
• Friday Live Music at Pour Choices Pub – 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Robby Mayer makes his Pour Choices debut. More info

Saturday, October 10

• Washington State Parks Fee-Free Day – 7:00 AM. No Discover Pass needed — explore Washington's state parks at no cost in honor of World Mental Health Day. More info
• Water Center Backyard Habitat Garden Cleanup – 9:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center. Volunteer to weed, trim and remove blackberries in the certified habitat gardens. Tools and gloves provided. Registration required. All ages welcome. More info
• Walk with a Doc – 9:30 AM. A free monthly walking program — hear a short health topic from a healthcare provider, then enjoy a healthy walk at your own pace. More info
• NatureScaping Perennial, Bulb and Seed Swap – 10:00 AM at the Wildlife Botanical Gardens, 11000 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie. The 10th annual swap — bring divided perennials, extra bulbs or seeds and trade for something new for your garden. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at St. Helens Park – 10:00 AM. Help beautify St. Helens Park by removing ivy and spreading mulch. Family-friendly; great for teens. Tools, gloves, water and snacks provided. More info
• Wild Edibles: Native & Non with the Backyard Habitat Certification Program – 10:00 AM at Good Year Farms, 29610 SE 23rd St., Washougal. Learn ethical harvest practices, sample plant-inspired dishes and get recipes. More info
• Classic Cocktail Sessions Class at The Elbow Room and Book Signing – 2:00 PM. James Beard Award-winning bartender Toby Maloney leads a cocktail class (2–4 PM), followed by a happy hour and book signing with author Jim Meehan (4–6 PM). Books available via White Oak Books. More info
• Second Saturday Jazz with Lukas Gienapp and Max LaCour – 6:00 PM. This piano and bass duo plays traditional jazz, fusion and original compositions. Tony's wood-fired pizzas will be made on-site. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub – 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Show up solo or with friends and let your inner entertainer shine. More info

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