📰 What's Making News

Ruby N. Lewis Now Heads Vancouver's Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission

Ruby N. Lewis was appointed president of Vancouver's Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission back in January, replacing Brad Richardson, the longtime executive director of the Clark County Historical Museum. Lewis, 43, also leads the nonprofit Please Don't Die Black Men (PDDBM), which hosts the annual Black History Month Fashion Show and runs creative after-school programs for Clark County youth. Her dual roles put her at the intersection of arts advocacy and community mentorship — exactly the kind of energy the commission needs heading into a busy fall season. Read more at The Columbian.

Influencer Noey Thomas Spotlights Vancouver's Food and Tattoo Scene

Content creator Noey Thomas is on a mission to eat and get inked her way across Vancouver, and the city's small businesses are reaping the attention. Thomas has been documenting local restaurants, food trucks, and tattoo shops for her growing audience, giving hometown spots the kind of organic buzz that money can't buy. If you've been looking for your next lunch spot or wondering which local artists are booking, her feed is worth a follow. Read more at The Columbian.

Ridgefield's Lee Knottnerus Retires After Shaping Downtown's Identity

Lee Knottnerus, Ridgefield's deputy city manager, will retire in September after a tenure that reshaped the small city's community life. She helped found the Ridgefield Main Street Program, which revitalized the downtown business corridor, and spearheaded the city's dragon boat program on Lake River — now a beloved tradition. Her fingerprints are on marquee events like First Saturdays and the Multicultural Festival, making her departure a genuine end-of-era moment for Ridgefield. Read more at Clark County Today.

Three QBs, Three Programs: Dog Days Episode 5 Previews Friday Night Lights

High school football practices are officially underway, and the latest episode of The Columbian's Dog Days series sits down with three starting quarterbacks: Graydon Burns at Heritage, Dugan Logue at Skyview, and Matteo DiGiocomo at Washougal. Each signal-caller breaks down what he's working on before the season opener, giving fans an early read on which programs might surprise this fall. If you're already counting down to kickoff, this one's for you. Read more at The Columbian.

WSUV Field Construction Stirs Concern — Then Relief — on Reddit

A viral post on the r/vancouverwa subreddit sounded the alarm about public fields at WSU Vancouver being torn up for a C-TRAN construction project. The original poster worried the green space was gone for good — but fellow Redditors quickly surfaced a state environmental document showing detailed restoration commitments once the project wraps. The poster updated with a full retraction and a thank-you to the community, turning a moment of anxiety into a reassuring example of neighbors doing their homework together. See the thread on Reddit.

Clark County's Own Bigfoot History Gets a Fresh Look

Think Bigfoot is all about blurry footage and campfire tales? A new Clark County History column in The Columbian traces the region's sasquatch lore back to 1904, when settlers in the coastal range between Coos Bay and Brookings reported encounters with a "hairy wild man." The piece explores how those early Pacific Northwest sightings shaped the legend that still draws curiosity seekers to our corner of the state. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, it's a fun deep dive into local folklore. Read more at The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Buoy 10 "Coho Rodeo" Enters Its Final Week

Salmon fishing near the mouth of the Columbia River is still firing on all cylinders, with coho action drawing crowds to the Buoy 10 fishery through the end of August. If you've been waiting for the right weekend to hit the water, this is it.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, August 24

• Audiobook Walking Club — 9:30 AM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Bring your audiobook of choice and meet up for a 60-minute community walk followed by optional social time. Walkers of all paces welcome. Free. More info
• Storytime in the Park — 10:30 AM at various Camas parks. The Camas Library heads outdoors for a family storytime at a different park each week. Bring a blanket and enjoy 30 minutes of stories for all ages. Free. More info
• Tiny Toppings Storytime — 11:00 AM at Eight Cow Creamery, Ridgefield. Copper Bell Bookshop hosts a kids story time, and every participant scores 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 the weekly lunch meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Free. More info
• Line Dancing — 1:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Lace up whatever shoes you've got and learn line dances for fun and exercise. All skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit — 2:00 PM departing from Caruthers Landing Dock, Portland. An 80-mile round-trip jetboat tour to Multnomah Falls with exclusive narration by Cliff Barackman of Animal Planet's "Finding Bigfoot." $64–$72. More info
• Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series — 6:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Everyone is welcome to ride at this adaptive cycling evening hosted by Adaptive Sports Northwest. 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 documentary about the life of 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. Susan Soltau of Dragon Half Art teaches wet-on-wet watercolor blending and splatter techniques to create nebula-inspired coasters. No experience needed, all supplies provided. $35. More info
• Monday Trivia Night at Pour Choices Pub — 6:30 PM at 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Hosted by Don Elliott — grab your smartest friends 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 U.S. A perfect excuse for a day trip. More info
• 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. No pre-registration required. More info
• Sherlock Holmes Mystery at Three Creeks Community Library — 10:00 AM. Test your detective skills with a Holmesian-style mystery — play solo or with a small group. Free. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM at Oaks Park, Portland. Little ones ages 6 and under enjoy kiddie rides and family rides, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $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 your cat (or small pet) a custom cardboard castle. All supplies provided. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons 5E or Pathfinder 1E. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Pints and Pottery at Brothers Cascadia — 5:00 PM at Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Pub, 108 W. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Kilnfolk Clay Studio brings the wheel to the pub — create a bowl, mug, plate, or vase while you sip. $32 includes one piece and all materials. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. A weekly drop-in for writers of all levels: set your intentions, write together, and share breakthroughs. No readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A casual weekly gathering for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Women's MTB Jump Clinic — 5:30 PM at Gateway Green, Portland. Brave Endeavors leads this intermediate-and-up clinic designed to build confidence in the air, in partnership with NW Trail Sisters. More info

Wednesday, August 26

• Impressions of the Pacific Northwest at Rebecca Anstine Gallery — 8:00 AM–5:00 PM on the sixth floor of the Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. A free exhibit showcasing Pacific Northwest landscapes by artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji. More info
• Free Financial Planning Day — 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at Johnson Bixby, 275 W. Third St., Suite 600, Vancouver. Get a complimentary 30-minute one-on-one session with a certified financial planner, in person or on Zoom. More info
• Glass Blowing & Weaving Workshop with Confluence — 9:00 AM at Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Washougal. A three-day workshop filled with educational components, community, and collaboration. Sliding scale available. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this stunning 3D impressionism-meets-environmentalism exhibit. More info
• Wednesday Wanders — 9:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Explore ecosystems along the Columbia River and adjacent wetland 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 AM–11:30 AM at Lewisville Regional Park, Battle Ground. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water and a snack, and help spruce up park signs. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this beautifully preserved historic home, available Wednesday–Friday from 10 AM–2 PM. More info
• Mt. St. Helens Stewardship Days — 10:00 AM. Join Mount St. Helens Institute for invasive-species removal followed by an optional guided Hummocks Trail hike. 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 shares project updates with special guests RKM Development. $30 members, $40 non-members (includes buffet lunch). More info
• Musicians in the Park — 12:00 PM at Davis Park, Ridgefield. Enjoy a lunchtime performance by local musicians in this summer series presented by the Ridgefield Art Association. Bring a picnic or grab takeout from a downtown restaurant. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Wildlife Refuge — 1:30 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Naturalist-led activities for individuals living with dementia and their care partners to explore nature and see local wildlife. Free, registration required. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Over 50 vendors with farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open game play with decks provided or bring your own. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try this team-oriented sport at no cost — no experience needed and equipment is provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. Create something genuinely cool in this beginner-friendly hands-on leather crafting session. $40–$45. More info
• Poetry Street PNW — 6:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Read your original or favorite work aloud and listen to monthly featured poets at this open mic. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance from 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Wine School with Ben: Zinfandel — 6:00 PM at Dovetail Cellars. Join winemaker Ben Stuart for education and blind tasting of five different Zinfandels from around the world. 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 offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM (and again at 6:00 PM) at Craft Warehouse, Hazel Dell. See new fabrics and notions, get project ideas, and bring a current project to share. All skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• Starting with the Earliest Years: Advancing Nature in Pre-Natal to 3-Year-Olds — 11:00 AM online via Children & Nature Network. A look at how nature supports healthy development in the earliest years, plus a preview of emerging research findings. More info
• Wheels & Wings — 4:00 PM–Dusk at Grove Field Airport, 632 NE 267th Ave., Camas. The Port of Camas-Washougal's community appreciation day features vintage cars and planes on the airfield plus a free hot dog lunch. Free. More info
• Lightly Spiced Gallery Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM at 500 Washington St., Vancouver. Tour this new photography gallery and studio, participate in a "Make Your Own Rainbows" soap-bubble photo experience, and take home a printed keepsake. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Jump into Dungeons & Dragons for ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw — 6:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Play 10 games with 3 cards each to win prizes — all proceeds support local off-leash dog parks. Bring your pup! $20. More info
• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra String Quartet at Grant Street Pier — 6:00 PM at the Vancouver Waterfront. Enjoy a free hour of live music along the Columbia River as the VSO String Quartet performs. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert Series: Mizar 5 and 3 Minutes of Fame Fundraiser — 6:00 PM–9:00 PM at Pour Choices Pub, Vancouver. Two great bands, one great cause — this show benefits the Fruit Valley Boys & Girls Club. More info

Friday, August 28

• BIPOC Backpacking Trip with Opal Creek Center — 8:30 AM. A three-day expedition into the Mount Hood National Forest for those who identify as BIPOC. Enjoy old-growth forest, stunning views, and new friendships while building backpacking skills. More info
• American Legion Fundraising Rummage Sale — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at American Legion Post 14, 4607 NE St. James Rd., Vancouver (also Saturday the 29th). Proceeds support veterans and community programs including school supplies for Truman Elementary. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Help tend the community garden — harvested produce goes to support local food banks through a partnership with Urban Abundance. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour — 9:30 AM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. A volunteer-led guided walk where you and your four-legged companion explore park history while learning to protect park resources. 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. Help harvest fruit from the park's trees in partnership with Urban Abundance — much of it goes to local food banks, and volunteers take some home too. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. 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+, 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 creative weekly gathering every Friday. Free. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative, interactive art projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00 PM. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In — 4:00 PM–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $10 adults, $5 kids/veterans/seniors, free for ages 3 and under. More info
• Jack-O-Lantern Textured Wall Art Class — 5:00 PM at Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Get a head start on Halloween with a fun wall art piece using sculpting medium and acrylic paint. $30. More info
• The Stuff of Legends Artist Reception at AQUA Gallery — 5:00 PM–7:00 PM at 403 Quayside Place on the Vancouver Waterfront. Meet artists Abby Ketcham and Carson Legree and explore 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 PM at 17806 SE First St., Vancouver. Live music from local singer-songwriter Brenna Larsen with food truck Venue 1903 on-site. 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. Beginners welcome — every dance is walked through first. Usually 40–80 people on the floor. $5/person or $10/family. More info
• Friday Night Movies in the Parks: Moana 2 — 6:30 PM at Centerpointe Park, Vancouver. Family-friendly activities before the movie, food vendors on-site, and the film rolls at dusk. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at 12514 NW 36th Ave., Vancouver. Food, cocktails, and local wine on the pet-friendly patio with live music. More info
• Treble Tones present "The Gift to Sing" — 7:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. A 17-voice ensemble from Reprise Choir performs choral music by women composers spanning five centuries, directed by April Duvic. Free. More info

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