📰 What's Making News

Seton Catholic's Violet Heidt Sweeps Three Events, Heads to State

Here's a name to remember: Violet Heidt. The Seton Catholic junior won the 200, the 400 and the triple jump at the 1A District 4 track and field meet Thursday, punching her ticket to next week's state meet in Yakima. What makes it even more interesting? Heidt holds the fifth-best long jump mark in the state for Class 1A this season — but she won't be competing in that event at state, opting for the three she dominated at districts instead. That's the kind of depth that makes a program dangerous. Full story from The Columbian.

Who Else Made the Cut? Thursday's Prep Scoreboard

Heidt wasn't the only local athlete making moves Thursday. Results from softball, boys soccer and track and field across Clark County are now posted — a handy roundup if you're tracking a team or a kid headed to postseason play. It's that time of year when every score matters a little more. Check the full scoreboard at The Columbian.

National Poppy Day Comes to Yacolt Today

If you're up in North County today, swing by the Yacolt Trading Post. American Legion Auxiliary Tum Tum Unit 168 is hosting a National Poppy Day outreach ahead of Memorial Day weekend, offering the iconic red poppies that have honored fallen service members since World War I. Andi Schwartz and the unit's volunteers use the poppy program to support military families and fund patriotic education efforts including ALA Girls State. It's a small-town tradition with deep roots. Read more at Clark County Today.

Clark County Parks Face a Funding Gap That Could Affect All 10 Regional Parks

If you love Daybreak, Lacamas Lake or any of Clark County's other regional parks, this one's worth watching. County officials say the parks system isn't generating enough revenue to meet its existing needs, and all 10 regional parks could be affected without new funding sources — whether through fee changes or other mechanisms. It's a conversation that's just getting started, but the stakes are high for anyone who considers our green spaces part of what makes Clark County worth living in. Details from The Columbian.

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💬 Community Buzz

The community discussion boards were quiet this week — we'll be back with more local chatter soon!

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⚡ Quick Bites

Skyview Students Collect 300+ Items for Local Foster Kids

Twenty-two AVID students at Skyview High School gathered more than 300 items — clothing, bedding, personal-care supplies — for Vancouver foster children after a classmate shared their own foster care story. The donations went to Cloth and Foster, the local nonprofit run out of a SW Washington warehouse.

42 Foster Kids Later, the Clapps Now Stock a Warehouse for Caregivers

Brittany and Aric Clapp have personally fostered 42 children — and turned that experience into Cloth and Foster, a nonprofit warehouse supplying diapers, formula, clothing, and bedding to hundreds of SW Washington caregivers every year. Read their full story here.

Columbia River Opens Extra Spring Chinook Fishing Days

Grab your gear: the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife just added more open days for spring Chinook salmon fishing on the Columbia River. Details on dates and regulations here.

Cash No Longer Accepted at WDFW Offices Starting June 11

If you buy your hunting or fishing licenses in person, heads up: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife offices will stop taking cash for license purchases beginning June 11. Card and digital payments will still be accepted. Here's what to know.

Where Does Washington Rank for Veteran Retirement?

With Memorial Day around the corner, two new national studies rank Washington state and its major cities for veteran-friendly retirement. See where the state landed and how local cities compared.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Friday, May 22

• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (60+), with sessions at 8:30 and 10 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Volunteer Clean-Up at Downs Neighborhood Park – 10:00 AM at Downs Neighborhood Park, Vancouver. Pitch in from 10 AM to noon picking up litter and removing invasive plants. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided — just wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Free. More info
• Flora & Fauna Friday at Downs Neighborhood Park – 10:00 AM at Downs Neighborhood Park, Vancouver. Roll up your sleeves for this weekly work party with Vancouver's Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces — hands-on service while learning about the local ecosystem. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch served noon to 1 PM 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, Vancouver. Drop in for a creative afternoon every Friday from 1–3 PM. Free. More info
• Preschool Dancing Caterpillars – 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Preschoolers and their grown-ups can craft a dancing caterpillar using paper and straws. All materials provided. Free; register at CamasPL.org/dancingbug. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-in at Alderbrook Park – 4:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool access, and more every Friday through September 11. Spectator admission $5–$10; vehicle registration $8–$10 (cash only). More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Ages 9–19 can create a character and dive into Pathfinder 1E with fellow players. No experience needed. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try the exciting sport of dragon boat paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Open to paddlers 14+ through October 3. Free. More info
• Pasifika & Asian American Community Science Night at OMSI – 6:00 PM at OMSI, Portland. Museum exploring, science demos, vendor tables, and cultural entertainment celebrating the local Pasifika and Asian American community. $8–$17. More info
• English Country Line Dancing – 6:30 PM at Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. All ages and experience levels welcome — dances are walked through first. Suggested donation $5/person or $10/family. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts Presents: Footloose – 7:00 PM at Metropolitan Performing Arts, Vancouver. The beloved musical about a teen who fights a small-town dancing ban. $30. More info
• Union High School Presents: Eurydice – 7:00 PM at Union High School, Camas. Union Theatre Players stage Sarah Ruhl's modern reimagining of the classic myth, told through the heroine's eyes. $8–$12. More info
• Enspire Arts Presents: Stories and Song – 7:00 PM at Fuel Medical, Camas. Singer/songwriter Owen Kortz and visual artist Jennifer Neal lead an evening of music and journal-making. Suggested donation $15. More info
• Milagro Presents: Brown Face – 7:30 PM at Milagro Theatre, Portland. A world premiere by Carissa Atallah, opening each night with a 15-minute open-mic slam prologue. Ages 13+. $22–$30. More info
• Ekklesia Theatre Presents: Every Brilliant Thing – 7:30 PM. A funny, heartfelt story about finding hope through life's small joys — with plenty of audience participation. $15. More info

Saturday, May 23

• Vancouver Audubon Young Birders at WSU Vancouver – 7:30 AM at WSU Vancouver. A guided two-mile walk on easy trails through natural areas. Binoculars provided if needed. Free. More info
• Bird Walk at Ridgefield NWR with Backyard Bird Shop – 8:00 AM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Join guide Elaine for a 2–3 hour walk. Advance reservations required — call the Vancouver shop at 503-445-2699, press 5. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Market – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. The flagship farmers market, running strong since 1990, with local vendors galore. More info
• Exploring the Intersection of Cosmology, Ecology, and Spirituality – 9:00 AM in Ridgefield. A unique retreat led by Portland poet Jeff Howard exploring how Earth's life systems have arisen through physical processes. More info
• Wildflowers & Watersheds Festival (Road Trip) – 9:00 AM at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Guided wildflower walks, a hands-on stream table, pollinator activities, yoga, and more. Free admission all day, no registration required. More info
• Thrillium Mt. Bike Trail Maintenance Work Party – 9:00 AM at Larch Mountain trailhead in Yacolt Burn State Forest. Help maintain trail tread and improve water management with Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. Bring water and lunch. More info
• Ridgefield Learn to Kayak Tour – 9:00 AM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Paddle the Columbia River Water Trail near the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Free bridge lesson from 9:15–10:30 AM followed by assisted play. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Step back to 1912 and explore more than 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site. More info
• NWCT Presents: Mad Hatter's Tea Party – 10:00 AM at The Judy, Portland. An interactive extravaganza with music, magic, and tea treats. Costumes and tea party attire encouraged! Ages 4+. $20–$25. More info
• Classic 7 MX Series Event – 10:00 AM at Washougal MX Park. Motocross racing action with camping available. General admission $20–$40. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Vancouver. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free for all ages. More info
• Community Planting Day – 10:00 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. Plant crops, care for beds, and complete essential farm tasks with Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Black History Fashion Show – 10:00 AM at Generations Church, Vancouver. Student fashion show, West African hair and cultural history exhibit, African American fashion designer exhibit, interactive cultural exhibits, and a complimentary meal. $40–$80; free for Clark County students. More info
• LeRoy Haagen Adopt-a-Park Volunteer Clean-Up – 10:00 AM at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park, Vancouver. Pick up litter and remove invasive plants from 10 AM to noon. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Free. More info
• KATvisions Doll Show – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at American Legion Smith-Reynolds Post #14, Vancouver. Browse vendor tables of collectible dolls, toys, and bears, plus have items identified and evaluated. Free admission. More info
• Highway 14 Wildflower Project Volunteer Day – 10:00 AM near Camas/Washougal. Help the East County Citizen's Alliance maintain 8,000 square feet of native wildflowers along the Gateway to the Gorge. More info
• Spring Geology Hike to Larch Mountain Crater – 10:00 AM. Join Friends of the Columbia Gorge board member Jayson Moorman for a moderate 6-mile hike through old-growth forest. Registration required. More info
• Bookmark Contest Celebration – 11:00 AM at Ridgefield Community Library. Find out the branch winners, grab a new bookmark, and enjoy refreshments from the Ridgefield Friends of the Library. Free. More info
• Northwest Children's Theater Presents: Into the Woods – 11:00 AM at Northwest Children's Theater, Portland. NWCT's Youth Company performs the iconic Sondheim musical. $10–$15. More info
• Play Bridge (0–150 Points) – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. $10. More info
• Art Exhibiting Workshop – 11:00 AM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Sharon Svec leads a free, one-hour session on preparing artwork and artist statements for exhibition opportunities, including the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival. More info
• Beginner Art Class with Pamela Gunn – 1:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. Drawing Part 2 focuses on still life and shading with graphite. Ages 10+. $20. More info
• Live Music at Windy Hills Winery – Cellar Rats – 2:00 PM at Windy Hills Winery, Ridgefield. Celebrate the winery's 9th anniversary with live music in the tent from 2–5 PM. No cover, all ages welcome. More info
• Columbia Dance Spring Showcase – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM at Skyview Concert Hall, Vancouver. The 2 PM show features the studio's youngest dancers; the 5 PM show highlights intermediate and advanced students in ballet, jazz, and modern. $15–$20. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Waterfront Taphouse – 3:00 PM at Waterfront Taphouse, Vancouver. Happy hour meetup for seniors. More info
• NWCT Presents: Camp Granada – 6:00 PM at The Judy, Portland. The Kids Co. cast rehearses and creates lovable chaos on the way to a summer camp talent show. $10. 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
• Candlelight: 90s Unplugged – 6:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. Acoustic renditions of 90s hits performed by candlelight. 60 minutes. $46.50–$71.50. More info
• VanCity Saturday Social Dance & Beginners Lesson – 7:00 PM at VanCity Ballroom, Hazel Dell. A 45-minute lesson followed by social dancing in all styles until 10 PM. No partner needed. $10. More info
• The Music of John Williams – 7:30 PM at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland. The Oregon Symphony performs fan-favorite scores from Jurassic Park, E.T., Harry Potter, and more. $35–$145. More info

Sunday, May 24

• Ridgefield Bachelor Island Circumnavigation Kayak Tour – 9:00 AM from Ridgefield. A full-day, 10-mile paddle around Bachelor Island with Alder Creek, exploring waterways rich with birds and wildlife. More info
• NW Trail Sisters' Women's Beginner Ride (Road Trip) – 10:00 AM at Gateway Green, Portland. A chill, guided mountain bike ride for beginners — ride at your own pace and maybe find a new riding buddy. More info
• Garden Gnomes Workshop – 3:30 PM at Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver. Create a ceramic gnome using the pinch pot method, complete with hats, flowers, and button noses. Ages 8+. $65. More info

Monday, May 25

• Federal Public Lands Fee-Free Day – Memorial Day – All day. No entrance fees at federal public lands in honor of Memorial Day. More info
• Audiobook Walking Club – 9:30 AM, hosted by Camas Public Library. Bring your own audiobook and join a 60-minute walk at a different outdoor location each month, followed by optional social time. Free. More info
• Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Fort Vancouver – 9:30 AM flag raising, 10:00 AM ceremony at Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds. Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, with hot dogs and snacks served after. Free. More info
• Memorial Day Commemoration – 11:00 AM at American Legion Post 14, Vancouver. A ceremony with music, taps, and a wreath-laying featuring Scouts from Troop #320 and American Legion family members. Cookies, coffee, and punch provided. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Art Association Monthly Meeting – 5:00 PM at the TMI Building, Ridgefield. Everyone is welcome at this monthly gathering for local artists. Free. More info

Tuesday, May 26

• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Red Robin – 12:00 PM at Red Robin, Vancouver Mall Drive. Seniors lunch outing. More info
• Shut Up & Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Co-working for writers of all levels — focused writing time followed by a casual chat. Free. More info
• Vancouver Wildlife League Monthly Meeting – 6:00 PM at Smith-Reynolds American Legion Post 14, Vancouver. Learn about new volunteer registration for Washington State Fish and Wildlife, and register for the league's annual dinner on June 5. Open to the public. Free. More info
• Clark County Genealogical Society: Finding African Ancestors – 7:00 PM at Clark County Genealogical Society and Library, Vancouver. A presentation on clues for African American genealogy research with historical and cultural context. Members and guests welcome. Free. More info

Wednesday, May 27

• Wednesday Wanders with the Water Resources Education Center – 10:00 AM. A guided nature walk along the Columbia River and adjacent wetlands, discovering native plants and wildlife. Great for families with kids 6+ and adult nature lovers. More info
• Community Storytime in the Park – 10:30 AM at Rheingarten Park, White Salmon. Stories, songs, and activities for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers — outside near the play structure on sunny days, in the gazebo on rainy ones. More info
• Silver Trails Community Walk (Launch!) – 2:00 PM at Orchards Park, Vancouver. A brand-new walking program for adults 65+ from Parks Foundation of Clark County, Community in Motion, and Vancouver Parks. Easy 1–2 mile walks with monthly outings all summer. More info
• Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop – Part 1 – 4:30 PM. Free workshop for WA State certificated educators, earning 5 STEM Clock Hours. Attendance at both Part 1 (May 27) and Part 2 (May 30) required. More info

Thursday, May 28

• Oak Gall Ink Making Workshop (Road Trip) – 5:00 PM at 105 E. Jewett Blvd., White Salmon. Local artist Molly Holmlund leads a hands-on workshop making ink from oak galls and other natural ingredients, hosted by Columbia Land Trust. Ages 12+. $50. More info
• Understory: NW Film Festival – 5:30 PM (doors) / 6:30 PM (show) at Kiggins Theatre, downtown Vancouver. Stories of adventure, conservation, and our connection to the natural world, presented by Cascade Forest Conservancy. More info

Friday, May 29

• Flora & Fauna Friday at Countryside Park – 10:00 AM. Join Vancouver's Volunteer Programs and Naturespaces for a hands-on work party supporting local ecosystems. More info

Saturday, May 30

• Veterans' Trail Work Party at Whistle Punk – 8:30 AM. WTA hosts a trail maintenance day tailored to veterans and service members — form up, build camaraderie, and earn volunteer credit. More info
• 3rd Annual Coyote-palooza (Road Trip) – 8:30 AM in Portland. A family- and pet-friendly day of discovery about coyotes, with booths, hands-on activities for kids and adults, and tips for keeping pets safe. More info
• Secret Spaces Tour: Post Hospital – 9:00 AM. The Historic Trust opens the doors of the 1903 Post Hospital at Fort Vancouver — one of the first in the nation built with dedicated x-ray space. $35. More info
• Stewardship Saturday at Columbia Springs – 9:00 AM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Remove invasive species, maintain trails, and improve site accessibility. Tools and gloves provided. More info
• Girls on the Run End of Season 5K (Road Trip) – 9:00 AM in Portland. A celebratory 5K for all program participants, bursting with positivity and high fives. Volunteers welcome. More info
• Portland Rose Festival (Road Trip) – 9:00 AM in Portland. The beloved annual celebration kicks off — parades, events, and plenty of Rose City fun. More info
• Weave a Willow Market Basket – 9:00 AM in Ridgefield. A two-day class with Ridgefield artist Robin Brady, weaving a round handled basket using cultivated and wild willows grown locally. More info
• Seeds to Salmon Educator Curriculum Workshop – Part 2 – 9:00 AM. The second required session for WA State certificated educators (Part 1 is May 27). More info
• Birds and Blooms of Burnt Bridge Creek – 9:30 AM. A springtime walk with City of Vancouver staff, identifying native plants and listening for migrating songbirds. Families with kids 8+ and adults welcome. Registration required. More info
• 2026 Multicultural Resource Fair – 10:00 AM. Enjoy music, dance, cultural demonstrations, and connect with community organizations and resources. More info
• Hiking Clinic – NW Association of Blind Athletes – 12:00 PM. Open to athletes of all ages and ability levels who are blind or visually impaired. More info
• Cedar Creek Grist Mill Bread Day – 1:00 PM near Woodland. Watch the historic water-powered mill in action, plus take home fresh-milled flour and cornmeal. Free. More info
• NPS Book Launch: "Ellie May and the Midnight Search" – 1:00 PM at Fort Vancouver. Meet search and rescue hound Ellie May and her handler JW Jones for the launch of their picture book about a real SAR mission. Fun for all ages. More info

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