📰 What's Making News

Grace Hidden: The Vancouver Pioneer You've Never Heard Of

You know the Hidden name — it's all over Vancouver. But Grace Huling Hidden, the woman behind the famous surname, has been largely invisible in the city's historical record. A new deep dive from The Columbian uncovers how she shaped century-ago Vancouver as a community builder, even as her contributions were overshadowed by her powerful husband. It's the kind of story that makes you see familiar landmarks a little differently. Read the full piece here.

Camas Student Emily Jiang Takes On Algae Bloom at Fallen Leaf Lake

Most people look at an algae-choked lake and shrug. Emily Jiang, a Camas student, looked at Fallen Leaf Lake and started building a solution. Her project aims to tackle harmful algae bloom — a problem that can feel impossibly large — through hands-on, individual action. It's a reminder that some of the best science happens when someone young enough to ignore "too big to fix" just gets to work. Learn about her approach here.

Grammy Winner Doug Smith Headlines Battle Ground's 5th Annual Music Fest

Mark your September calendar: Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church is hosting its 5th Annual Music Fest, and this year's headliner is Three Together, featuring Grammy Award-winning guitarist Doug Smith. The evening benefits the North County Community Food Bank, with a live auction, raffle, and a suggested donation at the door. Expect folk, soft rock, and covers spanning Simon and Garfunkel to John Denver. Get the details here.

Southbound I-5 Lane Closure Tonight — Exit 9 Off-Ramp Shut Too

If your evening commute takes you south on I-5, heads up: WSDOT crews are resurfacing a two-mile stretch tonight and tomorrow night, closing the right lane and the Exit 9 off-ramp near Northeast 179th Street. Work runs overnight, so daytime drivers should be fine, but late-night travelers will want to plan a workaround. Check the WSDOT mobile app for real-time updates before you head out. Full closure details here.

Raptors Drop Series Opener to Corvallis, But Playoffs Loom Large

The Ridgefield Raptors fell 8-5 to the Corvallis Knights on Sunday, managing just six hits in the opener of their final regular-season series. The good news? Both teams have already clinched postseason spots, so these last three games at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex are all about playoff positioning in the West Coast League. If you've been meaning to catch a game this summer, this is your last regular-season window. See the full recap here.

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⚡ Quick Bites

McDonald's Eyes New Location in the Heights

A new McDonald's is planned for Vancouver's Heights neighborhood as part of the chain's global expansion push. The Columbian has the details on what's coming to the corridor.

Clark County Fair Is Here — Plus a Packed Week of Local Events

This week's lineup includes the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival at Esther Short Park, the Clark County Fair, VSO on the lawn at Willful Wine, and an Arts and Vitality Panel at the Kiggins Theatre. A local Redditor compiled the full day-by-day rundown so you can plan ahead.

Wildfire-Affected WA Residents Get Insurance Grace Period

Washington residents impacted by wildfires across the state now have extra time to pay home and auto insurance premiums and are temporarily protected from policy cancellations for nonpayment. Read the full details here.

How to Help Spokane Wildfire Victims from Right Here

Looking for a way to support neighbors on the other side of the state? The Columbian put together a guide to donation options and volunteer efforts for those affected by the Spokane-area wildfires.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, August 4

• ROAD TRIP — MS Backpacking & Rafting: Mt. Jefferson/McKenzie River with Opal Creek Center — 8:30 AM / Oregon. Explore Three-Fingered Jack in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness with the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center team — glacial moraines, mountain hemlock, and a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM / Oaks Park, Portland. Little ones (age 6 and under) enjoy kiddie rides and select family rides, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours with WSU Extension Master Gardeners — 10:00 AM / 78th St., Hazel Dell. A Master Gardener docent leads a tour of this historic 79-acre property, on the Washington Historic Register since 2012. More info
• Columbia Springs "Explore with the Interns" — Rocks & Fossils — 10:00 AM / 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Stop by the lawn across from the fish feeding pond for hands-on activities all about rocks and fossils. More info
• Art Chat at Ridgefield Community Library — 10:30 AM / Ridgefield Community Library, Ridgefield. Bring a piece or two of your own art to share, or just come to enjoy the conversation about art in our area. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off — 10:30 AM / Three Creeks Community Library. Put your creativity to the test — use provided materials to design, build, and problem-solve your way through a surprise challenge. Free. More info
• Kids Axe Academy at Firehouse Axes — 12:00 PM / Firehouse Axes, Vancouver. A 90-minute session for ages 10–14 with an Axepert Coach covering all the ins and outs of axe throwing, ending with a tournament. $15. More info
• English Conversation Group for Adults — 12:30 PM / Camas Public Library, Camas. Practice speaking, listening, and expressing yourself confidently in a supportive environment. Free. More info
• Estate Planning Seminar with Pettis Webber Pacific — 2:30 PM / Cogir at The Quarry, Vancouver. Attorney Karen Webber presents "When Do You Need Legal Lemonade?" — a free seminar on how estate planning helps when life gives you lemons. In-person and virtual; registration required (360-696-2069). More info
• Teen & Tween Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure: Character Creation Workshop — 3:00 PM / Three Creeks Community Library. Learn the basics of Dungeons and Dragons character creation from step one. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM / Various FVRL Library Locations. Whether you want to learn or are an experienced player, come play Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM / Vancouver Arts Hub, Vancouver. A weekly group for writers of all experience levels — introductions, dedicated writing time, and a concluding session to talk breakthroughs. No readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM / Camas Public Library, Camas. A weekly group geared toward beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Kitchen Confidence for Youth with Vision Loss — 5:30 PM / Clark County Food Bank, Vancouver. Chef Debra Erickson of The Blind Kitchen teaches safe cooking techniques, labeling, organization, and more for young people ages 8–22 (with a parent or guardian). Free. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball Home Game — 6:30 PM / Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, Ridgefield. Cheer on Clark County's hometown baseball team under the lights. More info
• Page Turners Book Club — 6:30 PM / Camas Public Library, Camas. A monthly book club for kids in grades 4–6 and their adults. Register, pick up the book, and keep it for free after the meeting. More info
• FVRL Workshop: Gardener Gathers — 6:30 PM / OSU Hood River Extension Master Gardeners welcome home gardeners of all abilities for an interactive presentation to aid your growth as a gardener. Free. More info
• Science Pub: This Is Your Brain on Tech — 7:00 PM / OMSI, Portland. Psychologist and author Doreen Dodgen-Magee explores how our technology use shapes our brains, relationships, and sense of self. $8. More info
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child — 7:30 PM / Keller Auditorium, Portland. The six-time Tony Award–winning Broadway spectacular brings the next chapter of the wizarding world to the stage. More info

Wednesday, August 5

• Rebecca Anstine Gallery presents Impressions of the Pacific Northwest — 8:00 AM / Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Vancouver. Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji celebrate the region's moody landscapes and vibrant spirit. Free. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM / Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+) with classes at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM / OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this stunning 3D impressionism exhibit. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM / Providence Academy, Vancouver. Explore this beautiful historic building with a guided tour. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM / Marshall House, Vancouver. A free 30-minute guided tour of this historic landmark. More info
• The Henrik Bothe Library Circus — 11:00 AM / Various FVRL Library Locations. Physical comedy, juggling, magic, and mesmerizing plate spinning — prepare to be dazzled! Free. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20 PM / St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. Quiet music and contemplative prayer from 12:20 to 12:45 PM. Free. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM / Downtown Camas. Every Wednesday from 3–7 PM — fresh produce, local vendors, and community vibes in the heart of downtown Camas (note the new temporary location on Birch Street). More info
• Preschool Suncatcher Chains at Camas Public Library — 3:30 PM / Camas Public Library, Camas. Preschoolers ages 3–5 and their adults make suncatcher chains out of jelly paper. Registration required. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 4:00 PM / Washougal Community Library, Washougal. Drop in for creative and interactive projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM / FVRL Library. Open game play with decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog at Cascade Park Community Library — 4:00 PM / Cascade Park Community Library. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM / Vancouver Community Library. Open game play for ages 13–19. Decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens STEM Lab — 4:00 PM / Vancouver Community Library. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• 100 Women Who Care Clark County Quarterly Meeting — 5:00 PM / The Hammond Kitchen and Craft Bar, Camas. Members vote to select one local nonprofit to receive the evening's donations. Optional social hour at 5 PM; meeting at 6 PM. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM / Ridgefield Public Boat Launch, Ridgefield. Try dragon boat paddling at no cost — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM / The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on leathercraft session — beginner-friendly and fun. $40–$45. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM / The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop style — intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. $5–$10. More info
• Wild Wednesdays at the Oregon Zoo — 6:00 PM / Oregon Zoo, Portland. A 21+ after-hours evening with themed cocktails, keeper chats, live entertainment, and no daytime crowds. More info

Thursday, August 6

• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM / Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Runs 10 AM–2 PM every Thursday through September. More info
• Go With the Flow: First Thursday Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour — 10:00 AM / Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. See what happens to all the water that goes down your drains — indoor-outdoor tour for ages 8+. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM / Vancouver Bridge Club. A class for beginning and intermediate players with instructor Michael Walker, a Ruby Life Master. $10–$50. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class — 10:00 AM / Vancouver Bridge Club. A six-week introductory class — perfect for learning the game. $10–$50. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group — 10:30 AM / Vancouver Community Library. Editing practice, writing exercises, and craft discussion for aspiring and published writers alike. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Family Story Time at the Wildlife Refuge — 10:30 AM / Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center, Ridgefield. Storytime from the Ridgefield Community Library crew, with the Nature Center open and nearby trails available for walking. Free. More info
• Kids Camp Classic Tie Dye Shirt Make & Take — 11:00 AM / Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. Twist, scrunch, and splash your way to a one-of-a-kind wearable masterpiece. $10. More info
• Card Making Club at Craft Warehouse — 1:00 PM / Craft Warehouse, Vancouver. A free monthly gathering for paper crafting enthusiasts of all levels — discover new products, swap tips, and make cards together. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies — 2:00 PM / Battle Ground Community Library. Make DIY squishy toys using fun, simple materials. Free. More info
• Create a Tiny World: Miniature Shadow Box Workshop with artist Lara Blair — 4:00 PM / Build a unique miniature scene inside a shadow box. Ages 8+. $7. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM / Vancouver Community Library. Hang out with friends, play games, craft, and chat — snacks provided by Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30 PM / Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Cascade Park Kiwanis Meeting — 5:30 PM / Leonardo's Pizzeria, Vancouver. A presentation about the Kiwanis International Convention in Manila — visitors welcome. Free. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw — 6:00 PM / Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Play 10 games of bingo (3 cards per game) under the covered patio — bring your pup! Prizes for winners. $20. More info
• Family Bingo at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM / Kalama Harbor Lodge, Kalama. Free bingo with fun prizes — win the blackout round and score an overnight lodge stay. All ages welcome. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00 PM / Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Kat Nichols leads line dancing — all ages, beginners welcome. $10. More info

Friday, August 7

• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM / 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Lend a hand at this community garden — harvested produce is donated to LULAC. More info
• Fintastic Fish at the Water Resources Education Center — 9:30 AM / Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Discover how salmon and lamprey make incredible ocean journeys through hands-on indoor and outdoor activities. Families with kids ages 6–10. Free; registration required. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Family Mt. Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge — 9:30 AM / Mt. Hood, OR. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket or season pass at Timberline Bike Park. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. More info
• Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival — 10:00 AM / Esther Short Park, Vancouver. A three-day celebration (Aug. 7–9) with outdoor stages, local art vendors, a festival art exhibition, family activities, and concerts by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Free. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat — 10:00 AM / La Center Community Library, La Center. Bring your current craft project and enjoy a relaxed, no-stakes session. Ages 13+. Free. More info
• Clark County Fair Opens — 10:00 AM / Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Blast Off to Fun! Rides, food, entertainment, barn visits, and more through Aug. 16. $8.50–$11.50. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM / Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ served noon to 1 PM, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: The Big Fire & How Downtown Changed — 12:00 PM / Meet at Esther Short Park Waterfall Fountain. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly explores how the 1910 fire shaped downtown Vancouver, plus the backstory of the Pioneer Mother Statue. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00 PM / NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A weekly art group — all are welcome. Free. More info
• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Panel: Arts and Community Vitality — 3:00 PM / Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver. A free panel with OPB president Rachel Smolkin and others exploring the impact of the arts on Southwest Washington. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-in at Alderbrook Park — 4:00 PM / Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool access, and more. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Discover Downtown Ridgefield — 4:00 PM / Downtown Ridgefield. Shop, dine, stroll, and explore as participating businesses stay open late with sales and activities. Free. More info
• FVRL: Adult Nature Lovers Book Group — 4:00 PM / Online and in-person. Discuss Ocean by David Attenborough. Adults 18+. Free. More info
• Camas Comic Con — 5:00 PM / Downtown Camas. A fan-fueled, family-friendly First Friday celebration of comics, sci-fi, cosplay, anime, and fantasy. Passports, trivia, cosplay bingo, lightsaber lessons, and more. Free. More info
• Free Movies in the Park: Fantasia (1940) — 5:00 PM (movie at dusk) / Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Arrive early for family-friendly activities and food vendors. Free. More info
• Lost and Found: Inner Light Photographic Society Exhibit at Art at the Cave — 5:00 PM / Art at the Cave Gallery, Vancouver. Over 20 photographers celebrate the society's 40th anniversary with work shot on everything from vintage cameras to smartphones. Opening reception 5–9 PM. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — 5:30 PM / Ridgefield. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00 PM / English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Live music from local singer-songwriter Shiloh Mae plus the Venue 1903 food truck. Free admission. More info
• First Friday Open Sculpting at Kilnfolk — 6:30 PM / Kilnfolk Clay Studio, Vancouver. Sculpt up to two pounds of clay into a unique creation with guidance from a clay instructor — no experience needed. $50. More info
• Journey Theater presents Into the Woods — 7:00 PM / Heritage High School, Vancouver. The beloved Sondheim musical follows a baker, Cinderella, Jack, and a witch on an unforgettable journey. $26. More info
• Midland at the Clark County Fair — 7:00 PM / Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. Grammy-nominated Americana country band Midland takes the Toyota Grandstands stage. Reserved seating $38–$48 (includes fair admission). More info

Saturday, August 8

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI — 6:00 AM / Mt. St. Helens. A single-day non-technical scramble with professional mountain guides — designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Columbia River Triathlon with NW Association for Blind Athletes — 8:00 AM / Join this exciting inclusive event. Contact Katie Vroman at 360-448-7254 for details. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR — 8:00 AM / Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Robert Vanderkamp leads a second-Saturday birding walk at the Carty Unit — all levels welcome. More info
• Animal Tracking Workshop — 9:00 AM / Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Learn to interpret footprints, scat, and feeding signs. Great for beginners. Registration required. More info
• ROAD TRIP: Multorpor Mountain Loop with the Dirt Divas — 9:30 AM / Mt. Hood, OR. A 5-mile mountain bike loop from Mazama Sno Park — all are welcome! More info
• Smokey Bear's 82nd Birthday Celebration — 10:00 AM / Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, Vancouver. Free fun for kids and families — activities, wildfire prevention education, and a chance to wish Smokey a happy birthday in person. More info
• Second Saturday Summer Series: Molly Coston Community Garden Celebration — 10:00 AM / Washougal. A free, family-friendly event highlighting community stewardship and local parks through the City of Washougal's Parks Passport Program. More info
• Sunflower Festival at O'Keefe Farms — 10:00 AM / Brush Prairie. Stroll through acres of vibrant sunflower fields, enjoy live music, food, local vendors, and take home fresh-cut blooms. More info
• Family Fun Day at the Grant House — 11:00 AM / Grant House, Vancouver. Live music from Angel Ocasio, Make Music w/ Matt, magician John Stevens, and roaming entertainer Spencer Sprocket, plus crafts, face painting, and lawn games. Free. More info
• Washington State Museum Day: Free Tours at Providence Academy & Marshall House — 11:00 AM / The Historic Trust opens both venues for free docent-led tours from 11 AM–3 PM in honor of America 250. More info
• Exhibit Opening: Moments That Made Us — 11:00 AM / Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. A new exhibit exploring the defining moments of Clark County's history. Free. More info
• Art & Nature in the Park — 11:00 AM / Vancouver. Free art and nature activities brought to you by Fourth Plain Forward and community partners. More info
• Adult Garden Chat with FVRL — 2:00 PM / Join this monthly gathering to discuss the best gardening techniques for our neck of the woods. Free. More info
• Second Saturday Jazz Duos at English Estate Winery — 6:00 PM / Enjoy live jazz from Annie Averre (vocals) and Tim Gilson (stand-up bass) with wood-fired pizzas and wine. More info
• Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM / 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

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