📰 What's Making News

Union Senior Samuel Perez Discovers a Singing Voice He Didn't Know He Had

Sometimes a dream starts with a nudge — or, in Samuel Perez's case, some loving pressure from his older sister. The Union High School senior has found his voice through mentors and Enspire Arts, a local performing-arts organization that's helped him grow from a kid who never sang publicly into a confident performer. It's the kind of Clark County story that reminds you talent is everywhere when someone bothers to encourage it. Read his full story in The Columbian.

Ridgefield Lands $70K Grant to Unclog Permit Bottleneck

If you've been watching Ridgefield grow — and who hasn't — this one matters. The city is receiving a $70,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce aimed at speeding up the review of residential building permits. For a fast-growing community where new rooftops keep popping up, shorter wait times on permits could mean smoother construction timelines for builders and future homeowners alike. Details here.

Battle Ground's Sophia Rogers Voted Athlete of the Week

Battle Ground cross-country runner Sophia Rogers earned The Columbian's Week 2 high school athlete of the week honor, pulling in 135 of 293 votes in the reader poll. Rogers has been a standout on the course for the Tigers this fall, and the recognition — sponsored by Killer Burger — puts a well-deserved spotlight on one of Clark County's rising distance runners. See the full feature.

Main Street Block Party Hits Downtown Vancouver Oct. 7

Mark your calendar for next Wednesday: a public block party is coming to downtown Vancouver on October 7 as part of the Main Street Promise reopening celebration. Expect light refreshments, live local music, and stage performances — all free and open to everyone. It's a great excuse to stroll downtown and see what's new on Main Street. Get the details.

Tuesday's Prep Slate: Volleyball, Golf, Tennis Across Clark County

Monday night brought results across volleyball, boys golf, boys tennis, and slowpitch softball for local high schools — and tonight's schedule is stacked. Camas heads to Kelso, Heritage visits Prairie, Mountain View takes on Evergreen, and Woodland travels to Ridgefield, among other matchups tipping off at 7 p.m. across the region. Check all of Monday's scores and tonight's full schedule.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Free Senior Dog Meds Available in Vancouver

A Vancouver pet owner who recently lost her senior dog is offering leftover medications and supplements — including Vetoryl, Cosequin chewable tablets, choline, and urinary tract drops — free to anyone whose older pup could use them. If you've got a senior dog on expensive meds, this could save you a couple hundred bucks. See the full list on Reddit.

Looking for Your People? Vancouver Meetup Thread Has Answers

A newcomer on the Vancouver WA subreddit asked about recurring social meetups — trivia nights, board games, pottery, hiking groups — and the replies are a goldmine of suggestions for anyone trying to build a friend circle north of the river. Browse the recommendations here.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, September 29

• 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
• Playgroup at Firstenburg Community Center — 10:00 AM. A safe indoor space for kids ages 9 months to 6 years to run, climb, and explore while parents socialize. Self-monitored by parents. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library, Camas. Donate non-perishable food items (especially lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, and pantry staples) and hygiene items through Sept. 30. Donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. More info
• Vancouver Pumpkin Patch — 11:00 AM–6:00 PM at Velvet Acres Gardens, 18905 NE 83rd St., Vancouver. Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hay bale pyramid, hayrides, apple cannon, farm animals, food carts, and more. $10 Tues–Fri, $12 Sat–Sun. More info
• Here for Good 20th Anniversary Luncheon — 11:30 AM–1:00 PM at the Heathman Lodge, Vancouver. Meals on Wheels People celebrates 20 years with KGW Meteorologist Rod Hill emceeing. Tickets $50/person or $500/table, with proceeds benefiting Meals on Wheels People. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 3:30–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Drop in for creative and interactive projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen Sewing 101 — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Learn to use a sewing machine and create a simple project. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library and Three Creeks Community Library. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons with other players, ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15–6:45 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels featuring dedicated writing time and discussion — no readings or critiques. Free parking. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A casual group for beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Letterboxing Workshop — 6:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Learn the fun pastime of letterboxing, create a simple stamp, and hunt for hidden letterboxes on the library grounds. Ages 5+. Free. More info
• Vancouver Wildlife League Monthly Meeting — 6:00–7:00 PM at Smith-Reynolds American Legion Post 14, 4607 NE St. James Rd., Vancouver. Learn about the pheasant release program and hear a guest speaker discuss the Ridgefield project. Free. More info
• Water for Elephants — 7:30 PM at Keller Auditorium, Portland. The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to life as a spectacular Broadway musical. More info

Wednesday, September 30

• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals, rushing waves, and fluid sculptures in this 3D impressionism-meets-environmentalism exhibit. Final day! More info
• Wednesday Wanders — 9:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A guided nature walk exploring ecosystems along the Columbia River and adjacent wetland. Great for families with kids 6+ and nature-loving adults. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Tour the stunning 1873 neo-Georgian building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, featuring stained glass, period furnishings, and military memorabilia. Free, by reservation. More info
• Harvest Tours at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery — 12:00–5:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, 2411 NE 244th St., Ridgefield. Walk the vineyard during harvest time, includes a glass of wine. Ages 21+. $60/person. More info
• Contemplative Prayer — 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St., Vancouver. Quiet music and prayer midday. Free. More info
• Camas Farmers Market Harvest Festival — 3:00–7:00 PM in downtown Camas along Fourth Avenue. The season finale features live pan music by NW Pan Man Terry Baber plus free family activities including cider sips, pumpkin bowling, scarecrow photo ops, cornhole, and more. More info
• La Ratoncita Presumida / The Vain Little Mouse Puppet Show — 3:00 PM at various FVRL Library locations. A bilingual (Spanish/English) puppet show from Venezuela presented by Melissa and Carlos Bertran. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00–6:00 PM at Cascade Park and Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Teen Make Your Own Merch — 4:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Design custom prints and buttons, and learn how artists turn handmade items into a business. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Wined Down Wednesdays: Karaoke Night at 14 Acres — 5:00–8:00 PM at 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery, Ridgefield. Sing karaoke and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. Ages 21+. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Giving Pop-Up in the Ripple Space — 5:30–7:30 PM at The Ripple Space, 275 W. Third St., Suite 400, Vancouver. Meet five local nonprofits — including Clark County Historical Society, Elevate Youth, Enspire Arts, Jane Weber Arboretum, and PEACE NW — and donate directly. Donations of $100+ unlock a $2,000 grant boost per organization. $15 admission. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6, beginner lesson at 7, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Waltz and Salsa Classes — 6:00–8:00 PM at Clark College O'Connell Sports Center. Waltz 6–7 PM, salsa 7–8 PM with instructors Julieann and Joseph Platt. No dance experience required. $69/person for the five-week session. More info
• DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaners Workshop — 6:00–7:00 PM at Waste Connections of Washington, 12115 NE 99th St., Vancouver. Clark County Green Neighbors teaches you to make your own all-purpose spray, window cleaner, and gentle scrub. Ingredients and reusable containers provided. Free. More info
• Let's Bug Out: A Beginner's Guide to Packing an Essentials Bag — 6:00 PM on Main St., Vancouver. Wild Camp Goods founder Leland Duck walks you through building a basic essentials bag. Free, space is limited — registration required. More info

Thursday, October 1

• PCTA Trail Work Project at Big Huckleberry Mountain — 8:00 AM in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Carson, WA. Join the Pacific Crest Trail Association's Mount Hood Chapter for a volunteer trail work day. 3.6-mile round trip with ~1,000 ft elevation gain. Max 6 volunteers; registration required. Contact Steven Jones at [email protected]. More info
• Go with the Flow: Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free 90-minute walking tour behind the scenes of the Marine Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. Ages 8+. Closed-toe shoes required. More info
• Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze — 10:00 AM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Wagon ride, pick-your-own pumpkin (any size you can carry!), corn maze, and same-day nighttime maze admission. $14–$16. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour the beautifully restored Queen Anne home of General George C. Marshall, featuring stained glass, decorative woodwork, period furnishings, and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. A six-week class for beginning and intermediate players, instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Dine the Couve Kicks Off — 11:00 AM at locations around Clark County. Now in its 11th year, Dine the Couve offers three dishes for $35 or $50 at participating restaurants, cafes, brewpubs, and tasting rooms all month long. Grab the free mobile Dine the Couve Pass to browse menus and earn points. More info
• The Patch at Whalen Oaks Farm — 12:00 PM at Whalen Oaks Farm, Woodland. A family-sized pumpkin patch on 40+ acres with 60+ varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. U-pick field, free parking, no admission fee. More info
• Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington Chapter #19 Meeting — 12:30 PM (social/lunch), 1:00 PM (meeting) at Salmon Creek United Methodist Church. Speaker Dina Saunders discusses her ancestors' journey to the Oregon Territory. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30–5:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Spark your imagination with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Great Build Off — 4:00 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Use provided materials to design, build, and problem-solve through a surprise challenge. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Proof Cocktails & Lounge Grand Opening — 4:00 PM at 801 Washington Street, downtown Vancouver. A locally owned cocktail and whiskey lounge featuring crafted cocktails, a seasonal menu from Executive Chef Carl Henderson, and more than 2,000 bottles of whiskey and spirits. More info
• Teen Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:30–6:30 PM. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Puppets in the Park with Camas Public Library — 4:30 PM at Fallen Leaf Lake Park, 2911 NE Everett St., Camas. A family storytime and puppet show with Mr. Elliot — rain or shine (there's a covered area). Free, no registration needed. More info
• 2026 Friend Raiser — 5:00 PM at the Friends of the Children – SW Washington Clubhouse, Vancouver. An evening of food, cocktails, silent and live auctions, and inspiring stories from youth and mentors. $100. More info
• Cascade Park Kiwanis 37th Birthday Meeting — 5:30–7:00 PM at Leonardo's Pizzeria, 16505 SE First St., Vancouver. The club celebrates its birthday and plans its upcoming Baby Food Drive benefiting the Clark County Food Bank. Free. More info
• Vancouver Audubon Guest Speaker: Annie Cahill — 6:30 PM at 13413 NE LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive, Vancouver. Annie Cahill from the Wildlife Center of the North Coast in Astoria discusses wildlife rehabilitation, disease monitoring, and environmental education. Free. More info
• Family Bingo at Kalama Harbor Lodge — 7:00 PM (doors at 6:00 PM) at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Free, all ages welcome — bring your own dauber or use theirs. Win prizes including an overnight lodge stay for the blackout round. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00–9:00 PM in Washougal. Beginner-friendly line dancing with instructor Kat Nichols. All ages. $10. More info
• Fort Vancouver Rose Society Meeting — 7:00 PM at St. Luke's-San Lucas Episcopal Church, 426 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Rachel Burlington, curator at Portland's International Rose Test Garden, shares the history of the world's oldest continuously operating rose garden. Visitors welcome. Free. More info
• Built, Not Broken: A History of the Feed You Can't Leave — 7:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center (doors at 6:00 PM). Clark County Historical Museum Speaker Series features Kayla Anderson of Vancouver-based Riparian Media tracing the history of the social media feed. Free, registration required. More info
• Haunted Theme Park at Oaks Park — 7:00 PM at Oaks Park, Portland. Two immersive haunted houses, a Halloween theme park, food, drinks, and oddities vendors. $25–$33. More info
• Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors — 7:30 PM at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Five actors play over a dozen roles in this bloodcurdlingly hilarious 90-minute send-up of the Bram Stoker classic. $28–$30.20. More info

Friday, October 2

• Memory Cafe at Prairie Tavern — 10:00 AM at Prairie Tavern, 14925 NE Caples Rd., Brush Prairie. A welcoming space for people living with dementia and their caregivers to socialize and enjoy activities. Free; sign up at Eventbrite or call 360-513-5754. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free Friday lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Signaling System Solutions Fire Safety Event — 12:00–4:00 PM in Camas. In honor of Fire Safety Awareness Month, professional technicians will inspect fire extinguishers for free — businesses and residents welcome. The Camas-Washougal Fire Department will be on hand too. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A weekly creative gathering. Free. More info
• First Friday Art Walk — 5:00 PM in downtown Vancouver. Galleries and art-centric businesses open their doors for the monthly art walk. Most locations open 5–8 PM. Free. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM. Ages 4+. Multiple difficulty levels for an hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing — no experience needed. All equipment provided; closed-toe shoes required. $33–$41. More info
• October Pumpkin Pageant & Harry Potter Costume Contest — 5:00–8:00 PM in downtown Camas. The 20th annual Pumpkin Pageant features decorated pumpkins from local businesses (vote for your favorite!), a Harry Potter costume contest with prizes, and fall-themed fun. Free. More info
• Live Music: Two Left Feet at 14 Acres Vineyard & Winery — 5:30–7:30 PM at 14 Acres, 2411 NE 244th St., Ridgefield. Live music in the tasting room with vineyard views. All ages, no cover, no reservation needed. More info
• Ridgefield Dragon Boat Paddles — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Family Fun Night in Salmon Creek — 6:00 PM at the Salmon Creek Grange, Vancouver. Games, light snacks, and laughter on the first Friday of the month. Free for all; children must be accompanied by an adult. More info
• Bi-Zi Farm Nighttime Corn Maze — 6:00–10:00 PM at Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver. Navigate the corn maze after dark. Last timeslot at 9:00 PM. $7.50–$9.50. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour — 7:00 PM starting at the Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Museum guides lead you along Main Street and beyond to uncover tales of what haunts downtown Vancouver's buildings and streets. $20. More info
• Guys and Dolls — 7:30 PM at Winningstad Theatre, Portland. The perfect musical comedy set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City — gamblers, romance, and show-stopping numbers. $48.25. More info
• Friday Live Music at Pour Choices Pub — 7:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Kick off October with the Pour Voices — Sarah, Noah, Grace, Dolan, and Colin bringing live music to the pub. More info

Saturday, October 3

• Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day — 8:00 AM. Join the NW Trails Alliance for a fun-filled kids' mountain biking day. More info
• WTA BIPOC Trail Work Party at Beacon Rock — 8:30 AM at Beacon Rock State Park. Join the Washington Trails Association for a trail work party — learn the trail building process, tools, and put that knowledge to use in the stunning Columbia River Gorge. More info
• OnPoint Community Credit Union Camas Grand Opening — 8:45 AM at 19542 SE Brady Rd., Suite 101, Camas. Ribbon cutting for OnPoint's ninth Southwest Washington location, featuring a $5,000 donation to the Camas-Washougal Community Chest, plus complimentary food and coffee. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship year-round market with local produce, artisan goods, and more. More info
• BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival in Ridgefield — 9:00 AM in Ridgefield. Celebrate the return of the endangered Sandhill Crane to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with bluegrass music, nature activities, and more. More info
• Downtown Longview Harvest Fest — 10:00 AM in downtown Longview. The Downtowners host their annual Harvest Fest. More info
• Adaptive Fall Foliage Kayak Tour with Adventures Without Limits — 10:00 AM on the Willamette River. An inclusive, accessible kayak tour open to people of all abilities. Ages 6+ (under 18 with adult). Sliding scale: $50/$85/$115. More info
• Open House: East Vancouver Community Park Concepts — 10:00 AM. The City of Vancouver invites you to review early design concepts for a new 14-acre community park near 192nd Ave. and 20th St. All ages welcome, light refreshments provided. More info
• Mushroom Foraging with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 10:00 AM at Pine Creek Information Station. Learn to identify wild edible and inedible mushrooms, then harvest and cook them into delicious dishes. Registration required. More info
• Vancouver's Old Apple Tree Festival — 11:00 AM at Old Apple Tree Park, 112 Columbia Way, Vancouver. Celebrate the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest (planted in 1826!) with food, music, history, and free cuttings from the tree. More info
• The Stuff of Legends Artist Talk at AQUA Gallery — 1:00–2:00 PM at AQUA Gallery, 403 Quayside Place, Vancouver. Meet artists Carson Legree (vibrant mythological paintings) and Abby Ketcham (expressive stuffies). Free. More info
• River Superstars: Salmon and Lamprey — 1:00–2:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A drop-in program for kids ages 5–12 with hands-on activities exploring the life cycles of salmon and lamprey. Free, no registration required. Youth must be with an adult. More info
• Saturday Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at 1919 Main Street, Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or with friends. More info

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