📰 What's Making News

Washougal Sophomore Addison Paul Fires Her Way Into State Golf Contention

Washougal's Addison Paul has a thing for peaking at exactly the right moment. The sophomore put herself squarely in the mix after Day 1 of the Class 2A state golf championships at Riverside Golf Club in Chehalis on Tuesday, continuing a pattern of strong late-season finishes. She's among several Clark County golfers competing at state this week across multiple classifications. Keep an eye on Wednesday's final round — Paul has shown she knows how to close. Read more from The Columbian.

NAMI Volunteers Bring Real Talk on Mental Health to Local High Schools

Serenity Scerbo remembers feeling completely alone as a teenager — a feeling that spiraled into panic attacks and a deep sense of worthlessness. Now a volunteer with NAMI Southwest Washington, Scerbo is one of several people sharing their personal mental health journeys directly with high school students in the Vancouver Public Schools system. The program aims to normalize asking for help and show teens that recovery is real, told by people who've lived it. It's community-driven work happening right here in the Salmon Creek and Felida area. Read the full story.

4A All-League Track Honors Go to Union's Leilani Mays, Camas Stars Cohen Butler, Cameron Roy

The 4A Greater St. Helens League has announced its track and field all-league teams, and Clark County athletes dominated both rosters. On the girls' side, Union's Leilani Mays and Camas' Ella Thompson earned top honors. The boys' team is headlined by Camas senior Cohen Butler as track athlete of the year and Union junior Cameron Roy as field athlete of the year, with Skyview sophomore Kyle Zimmerman earning first-team nods in both the 100 and 200 meters. Congrats to every athlete who made the list. See the girls' team | See the boys' team.

Prairie Sophomore Tavin Timperley Named 3A Boys Track Athlete of the Year

Prairie's Tavin Timperley is only a sophomore, and he's already the 3A Greater St. Helens League's boys track athlete of the year. Heritage senior Jonas Ferguson and Mountain View sophomore Halo Neal also picked up first-team recognition, along with Prairie's Deven Vigue, who earned nods in both the 100 and 200. It's a strong showing for Clark County programs across the 3A ranks heading into the postseason. Full all-league roster here.

Wednesday's Can't-Miss Matchups: Skyview, Columbia River, Hockinson All Host or Play State Soccer

It's a massive Wednesday for local boys soccer. Skyview hosts Lincoln in a 4A state round-of-16 match at 7 p.m., while Columbia River welcomes Steilacoom for a 2A round-of-16 kickoff at 6 p.m. Hockinson travels to Pullman for another 2A state match at 5, and Mountain View heads to Federal Way to face Decatur in the 3A round of 20 at 6. Four Clark County teams still alive in state — mark your calendars. Full scoreboard and schedule.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Heathen Brewing Thrives After Downsizing to Salmon Creek

Heathen Brewing reports rising sales after consolidating to its single Salmon Creek location — proof that sometimes less really is more. Full story here.

Coffee Shop Owner Survives Blood Clot, Reopens Former Java House Site

A local coffee shop owner is taking over the old Java House location in West Vancouver after a harrowing health scare involving a blood clot. It's a comeback story worth reading over your next cup. Read the full story.

Vancouver Student Wes Hopkinson Needs $4,500 for National Deaf Leadership Camp

Wes Hopkinson, a junior at the Washington School for the Deaf, is one of just 64 Americans invited to the Deaf Youth Leadership Camp in Stayton, Ore., this summer. A GoFundMe is live to help cover the $4,500 cost. Learn how to help.

Swift Dam Closes to Public Saturday After Vandalism

PacifiCorp will shut down public access to Swift Dam on May 23 after vandals tampered with fish collector equipment critical to dam operations. Swift Forest Camp visitors should plan accordingly. Details here.

Heritage's Makayla Lawrence Tops 3A Girls Track All-League Team

Heritage High School's Makayla Lawrence earned top honors on the 3A Greater St. Helens League girls track and field all-league team, alongside Kelso's Macy Swanson. See the full roster.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, May 20

• TOPS 1056 – 8:15 AM at Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver. Weekly weigh-in and meeting for this supportive wellness group. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes – 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (age 60+) looking to stay active. More info
• Marshall House Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver. Free tours of the historic Officers Row home featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. More info
• Providence Academy Tours – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM in Vancouver. Free tours by reservation or walk-in of this beautiful historic landmark. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: "Meet Me at the Museum" – 10:00–11:00 AM at Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver. Interactive exhibits, guided tours, and engaging activities exploring Clark County's history. Free admission; register on Eventbrite. More info
• Family Storytime: Ages 0–5 – 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Stories, songs, and fun activities for little ones and their caregivers. Free. More info
• Community Storytime in the Park – 10:30 AM in White Salmon. Join Fort Vancouver Regional Library outdoors for stories, songs, and activities for ages 0–5. More info
• Fort Vancouver Kiwanis – 11:30 AM at Brothers Cascadia Evergreen Pub, Vancouver. Lunch, fellowship, and a local speaker presentation. More info
• Military Officer Association of America Luncheon – 11:30 AM at Cascadia Tech Center Culinary Academy, Vancouver. Guest speaker Peter Vogelaar of Lutheran Community Services NW. $25 to attend. More info
• Contemplative Prayer – 12:20–12:45 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vancouver. A midday moment of quiet music and prayer. Free. More info
• Music Therapy Song Circle – 1:00–2:00 PM at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Felida. Licensed music therapist Kelly Aloia leads this free, open-to-all song circle. More info
• Community Kitchen Plant Swap – 1:00 PM. Clark County Food Bank hosts a gathering focused on gardening, seed swapping, and learning about Seed to Supper and financial empowerment resources. More info
• Hatchery Tours & Forest Walks at Columbia Springs – 3:00–4:00 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Explore how the Vancouver Trout Hatchery operates and discover local wildlife on guided trails. Free; register at columbiasprings.org. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Vancouver Pointe – 3:00 PM at 4555 N.E. 66th Ave., Vancouver. Social gathering for seniors. Call 360-892-8944 for details. More info
• Tummy Time – 3:30–4:45 PM at Camas Public Library. For babies under 18 months. Register at CamasPL.org/tummytime. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 4:00–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog – 4:00–5:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library, Vancouver. Build reading confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Nature Walk Bouquet – 4:30–5:30 PM at Camas Public Library. Teens in grades 6–12 take a walk around the library and collect flowers to fill a cardboard vase. Registration required. Free. More info
• Live Music at The Grant House – 5:00–7:00 PM at Willful Wine inside the Grant House on Officers Row, Vancouver. Solo musicians perform every Wednesday evening. Free. More info
• Free "How to Pay for College" Workshop – 5:30 PM, online via WSU Vancouver. Learn about grants, scholarships, savings, and financial aid strategies. More info
• Art Exhibiting Workshop – 5:30 PM at Vancouver Arts Hub. Sharon Svec leads a free workshop on preparing artwork and artist statements for public exhibitions, including the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival. More info
• Clark-Skamania Fly Fishers Monthly Meeting – 5:30–8:30 PM at Prairie Tavern, Brush Prairie. Guest speaker Jeff Ziller, ODFW fish biologist, on alpine lakes trout stocking. Family-friendly and open to all. Free. More info
• Women's Advanced Mountain Bike Training – 5:30 PM at Rocky Point. NW Trail Sisters hosts clinics on riding steeps — braking, body position, and line choice — led by Brave Endeavors. More info
• Swing Dancing at The Valiant Ballroom – 6:00 PM at 109 W. Ninth St., Vancouver. Intermediate lesson at 6 PM, beginner lesson at 7 PM, social dance 8–9:30 PM. $5–$10. More info
• Recycling Done Right: Curbside and Beyond – 6:00–7:30 PM at Waste Connections of Washington, Vancouver. Learn what goes in the blue cart, glass bin, and how to handle hazardous waste. Free; register at clarkcountycomposts.org/workshops. More info
• Poetry Street PNW Open Mic – 6:15–7:45 PM at Camas Public Library. Read your own poetry, share a favorite poet's work, or just listen. All ages welcome. Free. More info

Thursday, May 21

• Cook Hill Loop Hike with Mazamas – 7:00 AM in the Columbia River Gorge. A quieter alternative to Dog Mountain with abundant spring wildflowers and solitude on unofficial trails. More info
• 78th St. Road Cleanup with Clark County Public Works – 9:30 AM at 4000 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver. Help pick up litter along a short stretch of road. Tools and snacks provided; wear closed-toe shoes. More info
• Advanced Competitive Bridge Bidding – 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Instruction by Ruby Life Master Michael Walker covering takeout doubles, slam bidding, and more. $10–$50. More info
• Clark County Community Development Learning Lab – 11:00 AM–noon at the Public Service Center, Vancouver. Monthly drop-in session with expert staff covering building permits, land use, and more. Free. More info
• Pairs and Spares Seniors at Golden Corral – 2:00 PM at 11801 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Social gathering for seniors. Call 360-892-8944 for info. More info
• Art Student Annual at Archer Gallery – Opens 3:00 PM at Clark College, Vancouver. More than 100 works of photography, metal arts, computer imagery, and painting by Clark College students. Free; on view through June 18. More info
• Kids & Tweens Build It – 3:30–5:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Spark imagination and build STEM skills with LEGO bricks, blocks, and more. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Level Upkes Launch and Ribbon Cutting – 4:00 PM at the Greater Vancouver Chamber, 1111 Main St., Vancouver. Celebrate the rebrand and next chapter of this business support organization. More info
• For Educators: Take Learning Outside — Schoolyard Stewardship – 4:30 PM in Longview. Strategies for turning school gardens into hubs of learning and community connection. More info
• Winemakers Celebration with Humane Society for SW Washington – 6:00 PM at The Cove Restaurant, Vancouver. An elegant evening of food and wine pairings curated by Luke Bradford of COR Cellars. $150; proceeds benefit the Humane Society. More info
• "Our Mr. Matsura" Documentary Screening and Talk – 6:00 PM at Old Liberty Theater, Ridgefield. The Clark County Historical Museum presents this History on Tap event featuring Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Beth Harrington and her documentary about Japanese-born photographer Frank Matsura. $5. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars – 6:00–7:30 PM at 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Host Jeff Keddie welcomes songwriters and small groups; live on KXRW radio. Sign-ups at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• "Hike the State 2026" — WTA's Online Summer Kick-Off – 6:00 PM, online. Washington Trails Association staff share 10+ hike ideas and tips for a great hiking year. Free. More info
• The Circle: An Immersive 360° Experience – 7:00 PM at OMSI's Kendall Planetarium, Portland. A 45-minute cinematic odyssey of psychedelic soundscapes and surrealist imagery under the dome. $31.50. More info

Friday, May 22

• Volunteer Clean-Up at Downs Neighborhood Park – 10:00 AM–noon at 3217 N.E. 62nd Ave., Vancouver. Help pick up litter and remove invasive plants. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks provided. Great for adults and teens. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal – Noon–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+ sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A welcoming creative space every Friday. Free. More info
• Preschool Dancing Caterpillars – 3:00–3:45 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids and their grown-ups make a dancing caterpillar with paper and straws. All materials provided. Register at CamasPL.org/dancingbug. Free. More info
• Friday Night Cruise-in at Alderbrook Park – 4:00–8:00 PM at 24414 N.E. Westerholm Road, Brush Prairie. Classic cars, disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool access, and more. Runs every Friday through September 11. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure – 4:30–6:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Create a character and play Pathfinder 1E with other players ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed — equipment provided. Free and open to paddlers 14+. Runs through October 3. More info
• Pasifika & Asian American Community Science Night at OMSI – 6:00 PM in Portland. Museum exploring, science demos, vendor tables, and cultural entertainment for all ages. $8–$17. More info
• English Country Line Dancing – 6:30 PM at Fern Prairie Grange, Camas. All ages and experience levels welcome — every dance is taught first. $5 per person or $10 per family. More info
• Metropolitan Performing Arts Presents: Footloose – 7:00 PM in Vancouver. The beloved musical about a city kid who shakes up a small town. $30. More info
• Union Theatre Players Presents: Eurydice – 7:00 PM at Union High School, Camas. Sarah Ruhl's modern retelling of the classic myth through the heroine's eyes, with breathtaking visual effects. $8–$12. Also showing May 23 at 2 PM and 7 PM. More info
• Enspire Arts Presents: Stories and Song – 7:00–8:30 PM at Fuel Medical, Camas. Singer/songwriter Owen Kortz performs while visual artist Jennifer Neal guides you in decorating a personal journal. Suggested donation $15. More info
• Milagro Presents: Brown Face – 7:30 PM at Milagro Theatre, Portland. A world premiere by Carissa Atallah, opened by 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 small joys and human connection, with audience participation. $15. More info

Saturday, May 23

• Vancouver Audubon Young Birders at WSU Vancouver – 7:30 AM. A guided two-mile walk on easy trails through the campus natural areas. Binoculars provided if needed. Free. More info
• Bird Walk at Ridgefield NWR with Backyard Bird Shop – 8:00 AM. Join guide Elaine for a 2–3 hour walk through the wildlife refuge. Advance reservations required — call the Vancouver shop at 503-445-2699, press 5. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Our flagship market with local produce, artisan goods, and community vibes. More info
• Cosmology, Ecology, and Spirituality Retreat – 9:00 AM in Ridgefield. Portland poet Jeff Howard leads a one-of-a-kind day exploring how science and spirituality intersect. More info
• Wildflowers & Watersheds Festival – 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 Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance Work Party – 9:00 AM at Larch Mountain Trailhead in Yacolt Burn State Forest. Help the SW Chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance with trail tread and water management. 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. Practice skills with an experienced guide. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play – 9:15–10:30 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Free lesson followed by assisted play — perfect for newer players. More info
• TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition at OMSI – 9:30 AM in Portland. Step back to April 1912 with more than 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site. More info
• Black History Fashion Show and Cultural Experience – 10:00 AM–4:30 PM at Generations Church, Vancouver. Enjoy student fashion designs, West African hair and cultural history exhibits, an African American fashion designer exhibit, and a complimentary meal. $40–$80; free for Clark County students. More info
• NWCT Presents: Mad Hatter's Tea Party – 10:00 AM at The Judy, Portland. An interactive extravaganza of music, magic, and teatime madness. Costumes encouraged! Ages 4+. $20–$25. More info
• Classic 7 MX Series Event – 10:00 AM at Washougal MX Park. Motocross racing with spectator admission, camping options, and a full weekend of action. $20–$40. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center – 10:00 AM–3:00 PM in Vancouver. Flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes on display. Free admission for all ages. More info
• Community Planting Day at 78th Street Heritage Farm – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM in Hazel Dell, Vancouver. Hosted by Latinos Unidos y Floreciendo — plant crops, care for beds, and prep for the growing season. All ages welcome. Free. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Event at LeRoy Haagen Community Park – 10:00 AM in Vancouver. Remove ivy and invasive plants and spread mulch. Family-friendly; tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. More info
• Highway 14 Wildflower Project Volunteer Day – 10:00 AM near Camas/Washougal. Help the East County Citizens' 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. Friends of the Columbia Gorge leads a moderate six-mile hike through old-growth forest ablaze with spring color. Registration required. More info
• Bookmark Contest Celebration – 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Branch winners revealed, new bookmarks available, and refreshments from the Ridgefield Friends of the Library. Free. More info
• NW Children's Theater Presents: Into the Woods – 11:00 AM at Northwest Children's Theater, Portland. Performed by NWCT's Catalyst Youth Company with all the beloved Sondheim songs. $10–$15. More info
• Drawing Part 2 Beginner Art Class – 1:00 PM with Pamela Gunn at Fort Vancouver. Learn still life drawing and graphite value techniques. Ages 10+. $20. More info
• Live Music at Windy Hills Winery — Cellar Rats – 2:00–5:00 PM in Ridgefield. Celebrate the winery's 9th anniversary with live music in the tent. No cover; all ages welcome. More info
• Columbia Dance Spring Performance – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM at Skyview Concert Hall, Vancouver. Students showcase everything they've learned this year. Also showing Sunday, May 24. $15. More info
• NWCT Presents: Camp Granada – 6:00 PM at The Judy, Portland. A talent-show-themed performance packed with humor and heart from NWCT's Kids Co. $10. More info
• Ridgefield Raptors Baseball – 6:30 PM at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex. Cheer on Clark County's hometown summer collegiate team. More info
• Candlelight: 90s Unplugged – 6:30 PM at The Old Church Concert Hall, Portland. Acoustic 90s hits performed under the glow of candlelight. 60 minutes. $46.50–$71.50. More info

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