📰 What's Making News

Free Tool Library Takes Shape in Vancouver, Seeks Community Input

A group called VanWATL (Vancouver WA Tool Library) is building something Vancouver doesn't have yet — a free community tool library where anyone can borrow what they need for home projects. The organizers say they plan to go beyond lending, with workshops and skill-building events on the calendar once doors open. They're actively collecting suggestions from residents on what tools and programs to prioritize, and they're also looking for a local artist to design a logo. If you've got a drill press gathering dust or an opinion about what the library should stock, head to their Reddit thread to weigh in.

Ryan Dirksen's Six-Year College Football Odyssey Lands in Texas

Local athlete Ryan Dirksen has turned his college football career into a coast-to-coast adventure, and year six finds him suiting up for the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Dirksen's winding path — from the Pacific Northwest to programs on both coasts and now deep in the heart of Texas — is the kind of persistence story that doesn't come with a straight line. The Columbian's latest "Locals in College Football" feature traces every stop along the way.

1910: When Clark County Launched Its First Yacht Club on the Columbia

Long before paddleboard rentals and waterfront condos, thirteen charter members gathered at the Commercial Club in April 1910 to launch Clark County's very first yacht club. They elected C.C. Turlay as commodore, secured moorage just upriver from the new steel railroad bridge — then billed as the longest in the world — and got to work building boats and a boathouse. Seven members had already completed their vessels, with more promised. It's a fun slice of river-town history that reminds you Vancouver's relationship with the Columbia goes way, way back. Read the full history column from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Missing Reenactor Found Safe After 6 Days Near Yelm

A 54-year-old man who disappeared during a Civil War reenactment event near Yelm over Labor Day weekend has been located unharmed in Pierce County. Officials confirmed he was found after a six-day search. Read more

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Monday, September 14

• The Portland Maize & Pumpkin Patch — 10:00 AM at Sauvie Island, Portland. Almost two miles of pathways through the corn await — allow at least 45 minutes to solve the MAiZE. Open Friday through Monday in September, 10 AM–5 PM. More info
• Tiny Toppings Storytime — 11:00 AM at Copper Bell Bookshop, Ridgefield. Bring your little ones for story time, and every participant gets a coupon for a free kids ice cream scoop (with purchase) from Eight Cow Creamery. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Rotary Lunch Meeting — 12:00 PM at the AC Marriott Vancouver Waterfront. Community members are welcome to join the weekly lunch from noon to 1 PM. Free. More info
• Bigfoot Adventure on the Portland Spirit — 2:00 PM departing from Caruthers Landing Dock, Portland. An 80-mile roundtrip jetboat ride to Multnomah Falls with exclusive narration by Cliff Barackman of Animal Planet's "Finding Bigfoot." $64–$72. More info
• Early Learners Music and Movement — 2:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Songs, rhymes, rhythm, and dance for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Stained Glass Art — 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids K–5th grade can create faux stained glass using glue and paint. Accompanying adults should plan to attend and be engaged. Free. More info
• Adaptive Bicycling Summer Series — 6:00 PM at Portland International Raceway. Everyone is welcome for adaptive cycling — bring your own bike or try one of theirs. Helmets required. More info
• Story Explorers — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A book discussion group for 2nd–3rd graders and their adult. This month they're reading "Ratnip" by Cam Higgins. Limited to 12 spots; registration required. Free. 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-like patterns. No experience needed; all supplies provided. $35. More info

Tuesday, September 15

• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at various locations around Clark County. Free evidence-based exercise classes for adults 60 and older, tailored to each person's ability. No pre-registration required; first-timers should arrive early. More info
• Playgroup — 10:00 AM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. A safe indoor space for ages 9 months–6 years to run, play, jump, and climb while parents socialize. $7–$9. More info
• Camas Public Library Food Drive — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. Running all September, donations benefit the Camas School District's Family-Community Resource Center. Special need for lunchbox snacks, canned fruit, pantry staples, hygiene items, and laundry pods. More info
• Pink Lemonade Project Ribbon Cutting — 10:00 AM at 1207 Washington Street, Suite 125, Vancouver. Celebrate this organization supporting people affected by breast cancer throughout SW Washington and Oregon, with Breast Cancer Awareness Month just around the corner. More info
• Dough Zone Dumpling House Grand Opening — 11:00 AM in Vancouver. The beloved dumpling house opens its 30th location right here in Vancouver, with 24 tables and seating for 82. They're also bringing their Bao Buddies School Program with hands-on dumpling-making classes at local elementary schools. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library (also Wednesday at Cascade Park and Washougal libraries). Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game — 4:30 PM at various FVRL library locations. Create a character and play Dungeons & Dragons — beginners and experienced players welcome. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group — 5:15 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. A weekly gathering for writers of all levels with dedicated writing time — no readings or critiques. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group — 5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Geared toward adult beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info
• Canoe Journeys: Traveling with Our Cousins and Ancestors — 6:00 PM at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center. Sam Robinson, Mildred Robinson, and granddaughter Destany share the history of tribal canoe journeys with songs, dance, pictures, and videos. Free. More info
• Cover to Cover Book Club — 6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A general fiction book club for adults. Limited physical copies available for those who register. Free. More info

Wednesday, September 16

• On the Road Tour: Hidden Gems of the Columbia River Gorge — 8:15 AM, departing from 78th Street Heritage Farm, Vancouver. The WSU Extension Master Gardener program takes you to an old apple orchard, a historic homestead, Columbia Gorge Landscape for forest bathing, and J & J Flowers dahlia farm. Bring a sack lunch. $40. More info
• HR Excellence Lab — 9:00 AM. A 3-part pilot program equipping business leaders with practical HR strategies, templates, and AI-driven tools. More info
• Seaside SandFest — 9:00 AM in Seaside, Oregon. Head to the coast for a sandy adventure! More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms discarded plastic objects into soaring animals, rushing waves, and sculptures bursting with motion and color. On view through September 30. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Tour this striking Queen Anne-style home honoring General George C. Marshall, featuring period furnishings and military memorabilia. Free. More info
• Providence Academy Tours — 10:00 AM at Providence Academy, Vancouver. Explore the 1873 building constructed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, featuring neo-Georgian architecture across four stories. Free; by reservation. More info
• C.A.L.M. Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Training — 11:00 AM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A free presentation on understanding mental health crises, practical de-escalation techniques, and reducing stigma. Especially valuable for businesses and community organizations. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Local produce, artisan goods, and community vibes every Wednesday through 7 PM. More info
• Trout Hatchery Tour at Columbia Springs — 3:00 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Tour the Vancouver Trout Hatchery and learn how it all works. Best for older kids and adults. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Shadow Puppet Craft — 3:30 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Design, cut out, and assemble your own custom shadow puppets. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Perler Bead Play — 3:30 PM at Camas Public Library. School-age kids get creative with colorful fuse beads and take home finished creations. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog — 4:00 PM. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Cascade Park & Vancouver Community Libraries. Open game play with decks provided, or bring your own. Free. More info
• Art and Craft Swap at Caps N Taps — 5:00 PM at Caps N Taps, Camas. Bring your lovingly used art supplies and trade them for something new. Half-finished project leftovers welcome! Stick around for a beer and a snack. 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
• Dome Ring Workshop — 5:30 PM at Craft Collective, Vancouver. Instructor Shelby Evans of Modeco Jewelry teaches ring-making with traditional silversmithing techniques. Make your own sterling silver dome ring. Ages 18+. $160. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. Singles, partners, and groups welcome. $5–$10. More info
• We Compost: Community Action for Zero Food Waste — 6:00 PM at Washougal United Methodist Church. Learn about Clark County's free We Compost Community Hubs and get tips for odor-free composting. Free kitchen compost pail while supplies last. More info

Thursday, September 17

• Federal Public Lands Fee-Free Day — All day. In honor of Constitution Day, entrance fees are waived at National Park Service sites and other federal public lands. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Explore this Queen Anne gem with stained glass, decorative woodwork, and a round turret. Free. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. A six-week class for beginning and intermediate players, instructed by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker. $10–$50. More info
• Essential Estate Planning Conversations for Families — 10:00 AM at The Ripple Space, Vancouver (also available online). Johnson Bixby hosts a workshop on starting family conversations about estate planning. Free. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab — 11:00 AM at Clark County Public Service Center, Vancouver. A new topic every month covering building permits, land use, and more. Free. More info
• Recycling 101: Learn the Basics — 12:00 PM at Vancouver Fire Station 2. Learn what to recycle curbside and where items go after pickup. Optional Organics 101 follows. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It — 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library (also 4:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library). Build with LEGO bricks, blocks, boxes, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen Art Chat — 4:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Share your art, learn techniques, and network with creative peers. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Constitution Day: Founding Ideas, Modern Voices — 4:00 PM at Fort Vancouver Artillery Barracks, Vancouver. The Historic Trust and League of Women Voters of Clark County host speakers, trivia, a write-your-own-constitution exercise, and discussion. First 100 guests get free pocket Constitutions. Free. More info
• LEGO Club — 4:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids K–5th grade can play with the library's LEGO collection. Free. More info
• Welcome to 440 West Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM at 440 W Columbia Way, Vancouver. Tour Vancouver's newest luxury waterfront apartment community and enjoy refreshments. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, chatting, and snacks provided by the Friends of Vancouver Community Library. Ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Family Trivia Night — 6:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Gather your crew and put your trivia prowess to the test — prizes for the top champions, plus snacks and refreshments. $25–$31. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars — 6:00 PM at Dovetail Cellars, Vancouver. Host Jeff Keddie welcomes a supportive lineup of songwriters and small groups, broadcast live on KXRW. Sign-ups at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Adaptive Outrigger Canoe Paddling Volunteer Training — 6:00 PM in Portland. The Columbia River Outrigger Canoe Club hosts training for OTs, PTs, adaptive sports staff, and anyone interested in supporting adaptive athletes ahead of their Sept. 19 paddling clinic. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks — 7:00 PM in Washougal. Kat Nichols leads line dancing for all ages and skill levels. Beginners welcome. $10. More info

Friday, September 18

• Dutch Bros Buck for Kids — 5:00 AM–11:00 PM at all seven Vancouver Dutch Bros locations. For every drink purchased, $1 goes to Deaf Education Advocates Foundation and Children's Center. More info
• Growing Vegetables Without Soil Workshop — 10:00 AM. Learn how to grow vegetables from seedling to harvest with just a container and a nutrient solution, presented by the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener Program. Registration required. More info
• Plas Newydd Farm Excursion & Canopy Time — 10:00 AM in Ridgefield. Explore beautiful farm landscapes, observe migratory birds, and feel the rhythms of the land with hosts Abby Braithwaite and David Morgan. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM at 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
• Adaptive Lower Deschutes Multi-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip — 1:00 PM, departing for the Deschutes River (Sept. 18–20). Navigate Class II–III rapids through Oregon's high desert with expert guides. More info
• Realms Unknown Festival — 2:00 PM at Lewis River Golf Course, Woodland. A 3-day, all-genre fantasy festival with camping on 50 acres — knights, mystical creatures, and adventure around every corner. $40–$120. More info
• 7th Annual Elktoberfest — 4:00 PM at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823. Two days of bands, brats, and brews featuring Robby Mayer and Lip Bomb on Friday, with Same Old Schmidt polka and Smoke Show dance hits on Saturday. Local craft beer, German fare, kids' carnival games, and vendor marketplace. $10. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies — 4:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library, Vancouver. Make your own squishy stress-busting toys. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• EOCF Battle Ground Garden Grand Opening — 4:30 PM in Battle Ground. Tour Educational Opportunities for Children & Families' new outdoor classroom and educational garden with greenhouses, sensory play areas, and raised beds. Free community BBQ included. More info
• Family Bingo Night — 5:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Winners receive their choice of Reading Dragon prize. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with the Mt. St. Helens Institute — 5:00 PM. A bucket-list adventure into the crater of an active volcano with expert geologists and mountain guides, past lava beds, waterfalls, wildflowers, and the youngest glacier in the world. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Free community paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe — 6:00 PM in Vancouver. Bring your hero and roll the dice in this thrilling weekly battle game. More info
• Cookie Decorating with Bear Hug Bakery — 6:00 PM at Lacamas Lake Lodge, Camas. Heather walks you step-by-step through decorating 6 large sugar cookies with royal icing. Ages 16+ (ages 8–15 welcome with a paid adult). $60. More info
• PassinArt Open House & Block Party — 6:00 PM at Albina Arts Center, Portland. A weekend of art workshops, exhibitions, performances, DJ sets, and dance. Free with registration. More info
• Haunted History Walking Tour — 7:00 PM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Guides lead you along Main Street and beyond to uncover tales of what haunts the buildings and streets of Downtown Vancouver. $20. More info

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