📰 What's Making News

Salmon Creek Routs Glenwood in District 6 Little League Play

Summer ball is heating up across Clark County. Salmon Creek rolled past Glenwood 11-2 on Sunday at the La Center Little League complex, eliminating Glenwood from the District 6 8-10 baseball tournament. Meanwhile, at Propstra Stadium, Kelso claimed the Babe Ruth U16 state title with a 12-2 win over the SWW Bulldogs in just six innings. Championship games continue today — a great week to grab a lawn chair and catch some hometown baseball. Read the full scoreboard.

Woody Guthrie's Forgotten Song About the Vanport Flood

Most folks know Woody Guthrie wrote "Roll on, Columbia" while working for the Bonneville Power Administration, but a lesser-known chapter ties him right back to our stretch of the river. Seven years after leaving his BPA songwriting gig, Guthrie penned "Vanport's Flood" from Brooklyn, capturing the darker side of the Columbia's power — and the government's. He wrote it as early symptoms of Huntington's disease began to surface. It's a fascinating piece of Clark County-adjacent history worth a few minutes of your morning. Read the full story.

Raptors Drop Second Straight to Walla Walla at Home

The Ridgefield Raptors couldn't hold an early three-run lead on the Fourth of July, falling 10-7 to the Walla Walla Sweets. Sam Kane powered the comeback with two home runs for the visitors. It's back-to-back losses for the Raptors, who will look to reset as the West Coast League season rolls deeper into July. If you haven't made it out to the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex yet this summer, there's still plenty of baseball ahead. Get the full recap.

Washington Crabbing Season Opens — Here's What's Different This Year

Summer crabbing season launched Thursday across Washington, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife says it should look similar to last year's haul — with a few twists already making 2026 unique. Whether you're a seasoned pot-puller or thinking about your first trip to the coast, the season-specific rules and tips are worth reviewing before you load up the car. It's one of those quintessential Pacific Northwest summer traditions that never gets old. Read the full guide.

Know a fellow Vancouverite who'd enjoy this? Send them a copy.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

Rattlesnake Pays a Visit to Spokane's Beloved Auntie's Bookstore

Customers at Auntie's Bookstore in downtown Spokane spotted a rattlesnake slithering along the sidewalk last week. Events coordinator Terri Ness went out to investigate but wisely left the wrangling to someone else — "I certainly wasn't gonna catch it myself," she said.

Three-Armed Spacecraft Rockets Skyward to Rescue Falling NASA Telescope

Northrop Grumman launched Katalyst Space Technologies' Link spacecraft from the Marshall Islands on Friday, kicking off a mission to intercept a NASA telescope that's losing altitude and at risk of crashing back to Earth. The craft's three robotic arms are designed to grab and reboost the telescope to a safe orbit.

Road Trips Over Passports: Small Businesses Report a Strong Summer

Small-business owners in U.S. tourist destinations say more Americans are swapping overseas vacations for closer-to-home road trips this summer, opting for day excursions and cooking their own meals to stretch the budget. The shift is giving domestic tourism spots a welcome boost heading into peak season.

What's as American as Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie?

The Columbian's latest "Check It Out" column traces a fun thread back to Chevrolet's iconic 1975 jingle that had the whole country singing along. Worth a read if you're still riding that post-Fourth nostalgia wave — dig into the full piece here.

Help a friend stay in the loop on Vancouver — forward this issue.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, July 6

• Camp Hope of SW WA — Summer Camps for Kids at 9:00 AM — Outdoor discovery camps for ages 6–17, packed with science explorations, creative crafts, and confidence-building adventures in nature. More info
• Early Learners Play to Learn at 10:00 AM — Fun, hands-on early literacy activities for you and your little ones ages 0–5. Free at the Battle Ground Community Library. More info
• The Great Summer Dash at Vancouver Mall at 10:00 AM — Complete fun challenges, earn points, and enter to win prizes all summer long as you shop, dine, and explore Vancouver Mall. More info
• Community Harvest Volunteer Day at 10:00 AM — Join Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo for a weekly volunteer gathering rooted in stewardship, shared labor, and food access. More info
• Storytime in the Park at 10:30 AM — The Camas Library heads outdoors for a family storytime at Dorothy Fox Park (2023 NW 23rd Ave.). Bring a blanket! Free and open to all ages. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Art Workshop at 11:00 AM — Guided by art instructor Tricia Hall, participants with dementia explore hands-on projects encouraging expression and connection. Free at the Vancouver Arts Hub. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting at 12:00 PM — The Rotary Club of Downtown Vancouver meets for its weekly lunch at the AC Marriott on the Vancouver waterfront. Free and open to community members. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Monthly Potluck at 1:00 PM — Monthly potluck at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Line Dancing at 1:30 PM — Grab your dancing shoes and learn line dances for fun and exercise. Free at Cascade Park Community Library, 1:30–3:30 PM. More info
• Summer Movie Mondays at Camas Public Library at 2:00 PM — This week's film is Ice Age, shown upstairs in the Community Rooms. Free, but registration is required at CamasPL.org/movies. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement at 2:30 PM — Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free at Vancouver Community Library. More info
• Sodas and Stories at 4:30 PM — Teens in grades 6–12 make a dirty soda and explore new Young Adult releases at the Camas Public Library. Free; register at CamasPL.org/sodas. More info
• Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party at 5:00 PM — Vancouver is an Official Fan Zone for the FIFA World Cup 26! Head to Big Al's for massive screens, stadium energy, and world-class soccer. More info
• Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series at 6:00 PM — Everyone is welcome to try adaptive cycling at Portland International Raceway, 6–8 PM. Bikes and training provided; helmets required. More info

Tuesday, July 7

• Takohachi Duo at 9:30 AM — Experience the vibrant Japanese street theater tradition of kamishibai, weaving folktales into an interactive experience for all ages. Free at Three Creeks Community Library (with an 11:00 AM show, too). More info
• StoryWalk at Camas Public Library at 10:00 AM — Follow the path at Dorothy Fox Park to read So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner. Free and ongoing through July. More info
• Art Chat at Ridgefield Community Library at 10:30 AM — Bring a piece or two of your art to share, or just come to enjoy the camaraderie. Free, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies at 10:30 AM — Make squishy stress-busting toys using fun, simple materials at the La Center Community Library. Free. More info
• Q-Tip Painting Kids Camp Make & Take at 11:00 AM — Create colorful floral artwork using Q-tips at Craft Warehouse in Vancouver. $5 per participant. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults at 12:30 PM — Practice speaking and listening skills in a supportive setting at the Camas Public Library. Free. More info
• Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe at 2:00 PM — Celebrate the living traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand through dance and music. Free at Cascade Park Community Library. More info
• Teen & Tween Tabletop RPG: Character Creation Workshop at 3:00 PM — Learn Dungeons and Dragons character creation from step one. Ages 9–19. Free at Three Creeks Community Library. More info
• Teen Hangout: Introduction to Stop Motion Animation at 4:00 PM — Dive into storyboards, sets, and shooting a short film. Free at Cascade Park Community Library, 4–6 PM. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game at 4:30 PM — Play D&D 5E or Pathfinder 1E — beginners and experienced players welcome. Ages 9–19. Free at various FVRL locations. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group at 5:15 PM — A weekly drop-in for writers of all levels at the Vancouver Arts Hub, 5:15–6:45 PM. Dedicated writing time, no critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group at 5:30 PM — Geared toward beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free at the Camas Public Library. More info
• Page Turners Book Club at 6:30 PM — Fourth through sixth graders and their adults read, discuss, and keep the book for free. Register at CamasPL.org/pageturners. More info

Wednesday, July 8

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI at 6:00 AM — A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides, designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Impressions of the Pacific Northwest at the Rebecca Anstine Gallery at 8:00 AM — A new exhibit showcasing Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji, celebrating the region's moody landscapes and vibrant moments. Free on the sixth floor of the Clark County Public Service Center. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes at 8:30 AM — Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+) at Bethel Lutheran Church in Brush Prairie. Sessions at 8:30 and 10:00 AM. More info
• Marine Park Beach Clean-Up at 9:30 AM — Volunteer to walk the shoreline and collect litter to keep pollution out of the Columbia River. Tools provided; registration required at cityofvancouver.us. Free. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI at 9:30 AM — Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves. On view July 1–September 30 in Portland. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus at 10:00 AM — A whirlwind of physical comedy, juggling, magic, and plate spinning at the La Center Community Library. Free. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library at 10:00 AM — The annual Second Story Gallery showcase featuring painting, sculpture, and mixed media by Camas School District students. Free and on view all July. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books at 10:00 AM — Pick up a passport from Autumn Leaf Books in Downtown Camas and search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses all month long. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tours at 10:00 AM — Free tours of the historic Marshall House on Officers Row featuring period furnishings and military memorabilia, 10 AM–2 PM. More info
• Providence Academy Tours at 10:00 AM — Explore the stunning Providence Academy with tours from 10 AM–2 PM by reservation or walk-in. Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild at 10:00 AM — A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6 at the Water Resources Education Center. This week's theme: Mammal Mania! More info
• Camas Farmers Market at 3:00 PM — Find fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, live music, and kids' activities in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street), 3–7 PM. More info
• Berry Days at Camas Farmers Market at 3:00 PM — Berry-themed kids crafts, trivia, and a community vote for Camas' Favorite Berry. Complimentary berry shortcake for the first 300 customers at 4:30 PM! More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club at 4:00 PM — Open game play with decks provided (or bring your own). Free at Cascade Park Community Library, 4–6 PM. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create: Origami at 4:00 PM — Drop in to fold a monthly origami pattern. Ages 5–12. Free at Washougal Community Library. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle at 5:30 PM — Try dragon boat paddling for free at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom at 6:00 PM — East Coast and Lindy Hop style with lessons at 6 and 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. $5–$10 in Vancouver. More info
• Gemstone Necklace Workshop at 6:00 PM — Learn to design and knot a necklace using colorful gemstones and silk cord at Craft Collective in Vancouver. No experience needed. $65. More info
• Disabled American Veterans Monthly Meeting at 6:30 PM — DAV Chapter 4 meets at the 40 et 8, 2809 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Free. More info

Thursday, July 9

• Coldwater Lake Trail Work Party at 8:30 AM — Volunteer with the WTA Backcountry Response Team along the gorgeous Lakes Trail near Coldwater Lake, with views of Mt. St. Helens. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market at 10:00 AM — Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products at the Columbia Tech Center, 10 AM–2 PM. More info
• Marshall House Tour at 10:00 AM — Free 30-minute tours of the historic Marshall House at Fort Vancouver, 10 AM–2 PM. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library at 10:00 AM — The beloved Tiny Art Show is back for its 6th year. See what the Camas community has created, on view all July. Free. More info
• Lookout Mountain Wildflower Hike at 10:00 AM — Join the Washington Native Plant Society for a moderate 2.6-mile wildflower hike east of Mt. Hood with forest, meadow, and rocky outcrops. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors Planning Meeting at 12:00 PM — Monthly planning meeting. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Dinosaur Garden in a Jar at Camas Public Library at 3:00 PM — Build a tiny prehistoric world in a jar. All materials provided. Free; registration required. More info
• Lumos Hearth & Home Grand Opening at 4:00 PM — Ribbon cutting at the new Brush Prairie showroom (12709 NE 115th Ave. #112) for this locally owned fireplaces, stoves, hot tubs, and outdoor living business. More info
• Teen Hangout at 4:30 PM — Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 13–19 at Vancouver Community Library, 4:30–6:30 PM. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop RPG Adventure at 4:30 PM — Play Dungeons & Dragons for ages 9–19 at Cascade Park Community Library, 4:30–6:30 PM. Free. More info
• Reptile Man — The Fascinating World of Reptiles at 5:00 PM — Live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters with the Oregon Reptile Man at Washougal Community Library. Free. More info
• Road Cycling 101 at 5:30 PM — Join the Vancouver Bicycling Club's Charla Burke for fun 5–10 mile group rides exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. All levels welcome. More info
• Vancouver Sons and Daughters of Italy Meeting at 6:00 PM — Dinner and meeting at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3500 N.W. 129th St. Call 360-521-5584 for info. More info
• Pints for Alzheimer's at Prairie Tavern at 6:00 PM — Prairie Tavern in Brush Prairie donates $1 per pint all day to support the Walk to End Alzheimer's SW Washington, 6–8 PM. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series at 6:30 PM — Free live music on the Vancouver waterfront with an eclectic global mix. Bring a picnic or grab dinner from a waterfront restaurant. More info
• Drawing Wildflowers from Photographs (Online) at 6:30 PM — Learn botanical drawing with colored pencils, guided by Crystal Shin, hosted by the Washington Native Plant Society. More info
• Southwest Washington Woodturners Monthly Meeting at 7:00 PM — Open to experienced and novice woodturners alike. Free at Friends of the Carpenter, 1600 W. 20th St. More info
• Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic featuring Ghost Terrestrea at 7:00 PM — Hear from the author of Labyrinth of Mind and share your own original works at Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd. $5 suggested donation. More info

Friday, July 10

• SW WA Victory Garden Work Party at 9:00 AM — Join the Friday morning garden shift with Urban Abundance at the SWWA Victory Garden. Great people doing good things outdoors for a good cause. More info
• BARK Ranger Led Tour at 9:30 AM — Take a guided walk with your four-legged companion through Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and learn about the park's history. Free. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat at 10:00 AM — Bring your current craft project for a no-stakes craft session. Ages 13+. Free at La Center Community Library. More info
• Summer Craft & Play with Drip Drop Art Studio at 10:00 AM — Sensory bins, art projects for ages 1–5, and a Maker Station for ages 5+ at Drip Drop Art Studio in Vancouver. $18–$24. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program at 12:00 PM — Free lunch served noon–1:00 PM for low-income seniors age 60+ at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. More info
• Magic of Reading at 12:00 PM — Jay Frasier's magic show proves the best trick of all is found between the pages of a book. Free at Overlook Park in Ridgefield. More info
• NAMI Art Group at 1:00 PM — A creative gathering hosted by NAMI of Southwest Washington, 1–3 PM at 4201 N.E. 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. Free. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: Meet Me at the Movies at 1:00 PM — Catch a musical on the big screen at the Kiggins Theatre on the second Friday of every month. $10 per person. More info
• Washougal Community Market at 2:00 PM — Small businesses, artisans, live music, authors, bakers, and food vendors at Reflection Plaza, 2–6 PM. Free admission. More info
• Family Adventure Camp at Mt. St. Helens at 3:00 PM — Explore trails, play, create art, and bond as a family on the volcanic landscape. At the Mt. St. Helens Science and Learning Center. $275. More info
• Amboy Territorial Days at 3:00 PM — The 66th annual celebration kicks off with artisan vendors, food, a silent auction, kids' zone, live music, car show (4:30 PM), and Queen Coronation (6:15 PM). Free admission. More info
• Kids Create at 3:30 PM — Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9 at Washougal Community Library. Free. More info
• Preschool Summer Scribbles at 3:30 PM — Preschoolers and adults practice early writing skills with summer-themed activities at Camas Public Library. Free; register at CamasPL.org/summerscribble. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library at 4:00 PM — Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks for ages 9–12, 4–5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Friday Night Cruise-In at 4:00 PM — Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more in Brush Prairie. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Project Huddle Knit/Crochet Circle at 5:30 PM — Bring your projects (or your scraps for others!) to Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, 5:30–8 PM. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles at 5:30 PM — Free community paddling at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Ages 14+, no experience needed, equipment provided. More info
• Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra at Providence Academy at 7:00 PM — Sammuel Murry-Hawkins leads this roaring '20s hot jazz ensemble in the historic Academy Ballroom. Dance the night away. $16. More info

Got a neighbor who'd appreciate this? Pass it along.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.