📰 What's Making News

Walkie-Talkie Romance Puts Washougal Couple on National Stage

Adam and Julianne Heil's love story sounds like a movie pitch: they met over a random walkie-talkie frequency in 1999, graduated to emails and chat messages, and eventually built a life together. Now the Washougal couple is competing to be named America's Favorite Couple. Their journey from accidental radio connection to marriage is the kind of only-in-real-life tale that's hard to top. Read more from The Columbian.

27 Years of Hats: Marilyn Holden Takes Her Final Bow at the Clark County Fair

If you've been to the Clark County Fair in the last three decades, you've probably seen Marilyn Holden — better known as the Hat Lady. Marilyn and her husband Scott are officially retiring after 27 and 22 years at the fair, respectively. The couple became fixtures of what fairgoers call "Summer's Best Party," building deep bonds with fellow workers they consider family. It's the end of an era at the Clark County Event Center. Read their story at Clark County Today.

Boys & Girls Clubs Land First Dedicated Space Inside Evergreen Public Schools

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington is planting a new flag at Evergreen High School with a portable classroom dedicated to its Outreach program — a first for the Evergreen Public Schools district. The space gives the organization a physical home base to connect with students right on campus. It's a meaningful expansion for a program focused on reaching young people where they already are. Full details from The Columbian.

Vancouver Bulldogs Represent at Babe Ruth World Series

The Vancouver-based Bulldogs Baseball Academy brought local talent to the national spotlight at the Babe Ruth World Series, and came home with something better than hardware — connections and memories that will last. The tournament lived up to its "World" Series billing, giving the young players a chance to compete against teams from across the country and beyond. It's a proud moment for the program and the families behind it. Read more from The Columbian.

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⚡ Quick Bites

Wine, Jazz, Symphony: Vancouver's Week Is Stacked

The Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival takes over Esther Short Park this week, the Symphony Series continues at Grant Street Pier, and Startup Conversations returns at The VIC. A full rundown of events running Aug. 17–21 includes a Women's HerStory Walking Tour through downtown and a summer lecture at the Humane Society for SW Washington.

Orchards Tap Hosts "Leave Your Troubles at the Door" This Week

The neighborhood taproom on the east side is throwing a midweek gathering worth marking on your calendar. Details are in the community events roundup.

What Counts as "Middle Class" in Washington? New Study Puts a Number on It

A SmartAsset study breaks down middle-class income thresholds by state, and Washington's cost of living shifts the range higher than the national average. The Columbian has the local breakdown.

Oregon Ducks Ranked No. 2 in AP Preseason Football Poll

The Ducks landed right behind Ohio State in the AP Top 25 — the first time in 65 years the Big Ten has held both top spots. For the many UO fans in Clark County, kickoff season just got a lot more interesting. Full poll here.

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📅 Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, August 18

• Family Nature Walk at La Center Community Library – 10:00 AM at Heritage Park, 525 E Heritage Loop, La Center. Venture into the outdoors on a guided family walk exploring the local forest and wetlands. Free. More info
• Sherlock Holmes Mystery at Three Creeks Community Library – 10:00 AM at Three Creeks Community Library, Meeting Room. Test your sleuthing skills with a Holmesian-style mystery — play solo or with a small group. Free. More info
• Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park – 10:00 AM at Oaks Park, Portland. Little ones ages 6 and under enjoy kiddie rides and selected family rides, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. One adult rides free. $13.50 per child. More info
• Pomeroy Farm Kids Workshops: Watercolor Painting – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt. Today's workshop focuses on watercolor painting — part of a weeklong series featuring local experts. Best for ages 6–12. $35 per child per class or $150 for the series. More info
• Startup Conversations in the Couve – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Vancouver Innovation Center, 18110 SE 34th St., Vancouver. North Bank Innovations hosts speaker Caroline Caswell, marketing partner at venture capital firm Operator Collective. $10. More info
• 78th Street Heritage Farm Walking Tours with WSU Extension Master Gardeners – 10:00 AM at 78th Street Heritage Farm, Hazel Dell. A Master Gardener docent leads a tour of this historic property on the Washington Historic Register, featuring demonstration gardens and deep local history. More info
• Meaningful Movies at Three Creeks Community Library – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at Three Creeks Community Library, Meeting Room. Catch a screening of a compelling documentary or thought-provoking film, followed by open discussion. Free. More info
• Tween & Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game – 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at various FVRL Library locations. Create a character and take on challenges in Dungeons & Dragons 5E and Pathfinder 1E. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Shut Up and Write! Writers Group – 5:15 PM–6:45 PM at the Vancouver Arts Hub, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. A weekly drop-in for writers of all experience levels featuring dedicated writing time — no readings or critiques. Free parking. Free. More info
• Spanish Conversation Group – 5:30 PM–6:30 PM at Camas Public Library. A relaxed conversation group geared toward beginning Spanish speakers. No registration required. Free. More info

Wednesday, August 19

• Rebecca Anstine Gallery: Impressions of the Pacific Northwest – 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Clark County Public Service Center, 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 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie. An evidence-based group exercise program for adults age 60-plus, with sessions at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI – 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animals and rushing waves in this stunning exhibit on view through September 30. More info
• HOPE Dementia Support: "Meet Me at the Museum" – 10:00 AM–11:00 AM at the Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Explore Clark County history with interactive exhibits, guided tours, and engaging activities. Free; register on Eventbrite. More info
• Musicians in the Park – 12:00 PM at Davis Park, Ridgefield. Enjoy live lunchtime music in the Downtown Arts Quarter, presented in partnership with the Ridgefield Art Association. Bring a picnic or grab takeout from a downtown restaurant. Free. More info
• Teen Escape Room at Ridgefield Community Library – 1:00 PM at Ridgefield Community Library. Navigate an underwater-themed escape room, find clever clues, and solve the puzzle before time runs out. Designed for teens of various skill levels. Free. More info
• Silver Trails Community Walk – 2:00 PM. Parks Foundation of Clark County, Community in Motion, and Vancouver Parks team up for easy 1–2 mile walks through beautiful local parks and trails for adults 65-plus. More info
• Camas Farmers Market – 3:00 PM–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Local farms, food, and artisan vendors every Wednesday. More info
• Kids & Tweens Creative Crafts: DIY Squishies at Vancouver Community Library – 3:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Make your own squishy stress-busting toy using fun, simple materials. Free. More info
• Forest Walk at Columbia Springs – 3:30 PM at Columbia Springs, Vancouver. Join knowledgeable staff on a guided hike to discover native plants and local wildlife. Great for all ages (trails are not stroller friendly). Free. More info
• Tummy Time – 3:30 PM–4:45 PM at Camas Public Library. A session for babies under 18 months. Register at CamasPL.org/tummytime or call 360-834-4692. Free. More info
• Kids & Tweens Create – 4:00 PM–5:00 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop in for creative, interactive projects — stretch your imagination and practice a new artistic skill. Ages 5–12. Free. More info
• Teen & Adult Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM–6:00 PM. Open game play of Magic the Gathering — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Kids Read to a Dog at Cascade Park Community Library – 4:00 PM–5:00 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Kids ages 5–9 build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Free. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club – 4:00 PM–6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Open game play for ages 13–19 — decks provided or bring your own. Free. More info
• Introduction to Sewing Machines at Vancouver Community Library – 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Learn to thread a machine, select stitches, and create a potholder. Ages 9-plus; space limited to eight participants. Free. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle – 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling at no cost — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14-plus. Free. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art – 5:30 PM at theARTcentered, Vancouver. A hands-on leathercraft session for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. $40–$45. More info
• End of Summer Concert on the Lawn – 6:00 PM–7:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring a picnic dinner and blanket for an evening of live music featuring the Vancouver Community Jazz Band. Free. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom – 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

Thursday, August 20

• Plein Air Painting Workshop with Scott Gellatly – 8:00 AM at Plas Newydd Farm, Ridgefield. A two-day workshop exploring the fundamentals of plein air painting with a focus on strategic color concepts to capture light, atmosphere, and emotion. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: Foley Pear Orchard – 9:00 AM. Help Urban Abundance share fresh, local food with neighbors across Clark County. Bring boxes, water, and sun protection. More info
• Gorge Morning Walks – 9:00 AM at Mosier Totem Pole Plaza. A casual, no-frills 3.5-mile hike in the Columbia Gorge with 600 feet of elevation gain. All are welcome, including babies in carriers. No registration needed. More info
• On the Road Tour: Herbs, Seeds and Spores – 9:45 AM–4:45 PM. WSU Extension Master Gardeners lead a guided tour visiting Garden Delight Herb Farm, Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum, and Pacific Spore urban mushroom farm. Meet at 78th Street Heritage Farm. $40. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm, food, and artisan products. Free parking. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Vancouver Bridge Club, 6503 Mill Plain Blvd. Part of a six-week series for new players. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• The Craft of Writing: Workshop & Writers Group – 10:30 AM at Vancouver Community Library. Writing prompts, craft discussion, and workshopping for aspiring and published writers alike. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Family Story Time at the Wildlife Refuge – 10:30 AM–11:00 AM at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Community Nature Center, 28908 NW Main Ave., Ridgefield. The Nature Center is open 10 AM–noon and nearby trails are open for walking. Free. More info
• Paddlesport Clinic with NW Association of Blind Athletes – 12:00 PM. Try paddlesports with the NW Association of Blind Athletes. Contact [email protected] or 360-682-1662 for details. More info
• Graze Craze Grand Opening – 4:00 PM at 14313 NE 20th Avenue, Ste A 102, Vancouver. The Greater Vancouver Chamber celebrates the grand opening of Graze Craze, specializing in handcrafted charcuterie boards and grazing experiences, with a ribbon cutting. More info
• Teen Hangout – 4:30 PM–6:30 PM at 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–6:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Play Dungeons & Dragons with a team of fellow adventurers. Ages 9–19. Free. More info
• Bingo Nights Supporting dogpaw – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar, Vancouver. Play 10 games of bingo on the covered patio — bring your pup along! Proceeds support local off-leash dog parks. $20. More info
• Open Mic Night at Dovetail Cellars – 6:00 PM–7:30 PM at Dovetail Cellars, 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. A dedicated lineup of songwriters and small groups perform live on KXRW, Vancouver's local indie radio station. Sign-ups at 5:30 PM. Free. More info
• Symphony Series at the Grant Street Pier: Brass Quintet – 6:00 PM–7:00 PM at Grant Street Pier, The Waterfront Vancouver. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet performs along the Columbia River. Free. More info
• History on Tap: The Campbells and The Columbian – 7:00 PM at the Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Learn about the Campbell family's newspaper legacy and the future of The Columbian with fourth-generation owner Will Campbell. Doors at 6 PM. $5; registration required on Eventbrite. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps & Trucks – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Beginners welcome! Led by Kat Nichols. $10. More info
• Musical Bingo at Pour Choices Pub – 7:00 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Test your music knowledge with hosts Juels & Marissa — sing along and see if you can shout BINGO first. More info

Friday, August 21

• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden – 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th St., Vancouver. Help keep this community garden growing — harvested produce is donated to neighbors in need. More info
• Adult & Teen Craft and Chat – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Bring your current craft project and join a no-stakes crafting session. Ages 13-plus. Free. More info
• Marshall House Tour – 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this historic property at Fort Vancouver. More info
• Homestead Park Volunteer Work Party – 10:00 AM at Homestead Park, Vancouver. Help with weeding, mulching, and park cleanup. Family-friendly — tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Youth under 18 need a signed minor consent form. More info
• Plant & Seed Swap – 10:00 AM. Kindred Home hosts a joyful swap — bring plant starts, saved seeds, or extras, and discover new-to-you plants. Everyone is welcome even if you have nothing to bring. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program – 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60-plus, sponsored by the 5&2 Food Pantry. More info
• Lunchtime Walking Tour: Women's Herstory – 12:00 PM starting at the Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly leads a one-hour walk exploring the homes and buildings where women in Vancouver forged paths to suffrage, public office, and professional leadership. Free. More info
• NAMI Art Group – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, 4201 NE 66th Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver. A welcoming weekly art group. Free. More info
• STEM Design Challenge at Camas Public Library – 2:00 PM–3:00 PM. Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade (with their adults) solve a STEM challenge using surprise items from a mystery bag. All materials supplied. No registration required. Free. More info
• Kids Create – 3:30 PM–4:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival – Gates open 3:30 PM at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Opening night features blues guitarists Terry Robb & Adam Scramstad, the Norman Sylvester Blues Band, and headliners Too Slim & The Taildraggers. Festival continues Saturday and Sunday. Kids under 12 free with a paid adult. $25–$110. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library – 4:00 PM–5:30 PM. Games, crafts, and chatting for ages 9–12. Snacks provided. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In – 4:00 PM–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, 24414 NE Westerholm Road, Brush Prairie. Admission includes disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, the pool, and more. $5–$10. More info
• Family Bingo Night at Camas Public Library – 5:00 PM–6:00 PM in the Totem Pole Room. Winners receive a Reading Dragon prize. All ages welcome. Free; register at CamasPL.org/BINGO. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb – 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. An hour and forty-five minutes of unlimited climbing with multiple difficulty levels for ages 4-plus. All equipment provided. $3–$41. More info
• ZooNights at the Oregon Zoo – 5:00 PM at the Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, and animal encounters — experience the zoo after hours on a summer evening. $13–$26. More info
• Historic Trust Summer Concert Series: Huckle Buck Highway – 5:30 PM at the O.O. Howard House, Vancouver. The final concert of the 2026 series features this high-energy country and classic rock cover band. Food and beverages available for purchase. Free. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddle in Ridgefield – 5:30 PM at the Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. No experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14-plus. Free. More info
• Dice Throne Fridays at Contrarian's Game Cafe – 6:00 PM at Contrarian's Game Cafe, Vancouver. Bring your hero and unleash powerful abilities in this weekly dice battle game night. More info
• Songwriters Showcase Open Mic at Kalama Harbor Lodge – 6:00 PM at McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge. Hosted by Casey O'Neill of the band Drifter, with a focus on original music and real connection. Free. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery, 17806 SE First St., Vancouver. Live acoustic music, bluegrass, and folk rock from Free Range, plus food from on-site food truck Venue 1903. Free admission. More info
• Friday Night Movies in the Parks: Zootopia 2 – 6:30 PM at Bagley Community Park. Pre-movie activities, then a free screening at dusk. Food available for purchase or bring a picnic. Free. More info
• Friday Fun Night: The Great Toy Escape at Kids Club – 6:30 PM at Kids Club Fun & Fitness, Vancouver. A Toy Story-themed adventure with obstacle courses, team challenges, crafts, and gymnastics room fun. $39.99. More info
• American Legion Post 168 Amboy Bingo Night – 6:30 PM–8:30 PM at 21400 NE 399th St., Amboy. An evening of bingo supporting local veterans and their families. All are welcome. More info
• Pour Choices Summer Concert Series – 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, 1919 Main St., Vancouver. Featuring Marilyn Swagger and the Band of My Dreams, with The 821 Crew and Marlin and the Magic Potion. More info

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