• LEADERSHIP CLARK COUNTY: Changing Lives Through Community Engagement, p. 22
FEATURE ARTICLES
Art for All
Discover local art spaces where kids unleash their creativity.
Backyard Beekeeping for Beginners
Check out the buzz on hosting bees in your very own backyard--and seeing the fruits of their labor in your garden.
Leadership Clark County: Changing Lives Through Community Engagement
Learn how a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic leadership program founded in 1993 has helped develop generations of community leaders.
• KXRW Gives Kids the Mic with KidCast Keepsakes
• Class of 2025 Grad Walks: A Win for Grads, Kids and Educators Alike
• Visit Vancouver WA Highlights History with Community Events Pass
Calendar of Events & Activities • Mom and Parent Groups in Clark County • Find and read archive issues of Vancouver Family Magazine
Kids These Days
If you watched the popular Netflix show, “Adolescence,” that was released in March, I commend you for picking yourself up afterward. If you haven’t, you’ve likely saved yourself from experiencing some serious mental anguish and perhaps a lot of tears. But whether you choose to watch the show or not, the themes of the story can’t be ignored. The 4-part series intimately tells the (fictional but could easily be based on a slew of real-life cases) story of a 13-year-old boy in the U.K. who is arrested for murdering a classmate. But this is not your usual crime drama. Each hourlong episode was filmed in one continuous take, with no cuts or transitions—compelling viewers to take in every moment off the fallout. The groundbreaking filming method is no gimmick. Instead, it services the show’s deep dive into the effects of the digital age on children, specifically how young boys are being shaped by a culture of violence and modern misogyny. I got a triple dose of the message as I watched the show, “Defending Jacob” (an American take on a similar theme—based on the book of the same name), read the nonfiction “The Anxious Generation” by psychologist Jonathan Haidt (Penguin Press, 2024) and watched “Adolescence” all in quick succession. Based on just these three works alone, it’s clear that the consequences of an unprecedented onslaught of images, ideas, ideologies and influences on our children is something we must take seriously. Whether that looks like holding off on allowing smartphones until kids are mature enough to use them properly (as recommended by the Wait Until 8th campaign) or increasing opportunities for kids to ditch the screens in favor of exploring the outdoors IRL (as recommended by Haidt), lives are on the line.
In this issue, discover local art spaces that are providing a place for kids to unleash their creativity (page 10), check out the buzz on hosting bees in your very own backyard (page 18) and learn how a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic leadership program founded in Vancouver in 1993 has helped develop generations of community leaders (page 22).
Five-year-old Sophie C. lives in Castle Rock. She is a bright, energetic young lady with a passion for art and unicorns, and wants to be a doctor when she grows up.
@fern.and.fable
Photo by Marie Pham Photography @VancouverFamily
Photo by: Amanda Caldwell Fern and Fable Photography www.fernandfablephotography.com
•
•
MAY 2025
KXRW Gives Kids the Mic with KidCast Keepsakes
What do you get when you bring kids together in a professional recording studio to record them telling their favorite jokes, memories, questions and musings? Lots of surprises. Local radio station, KXRW, recently began offering an experience that provides all that and more, called KidCast Keepsake. The experience includes a 2-hour session at KXRW Radio’s recording studio in Downtown Vancouver with skilled KXRW staff providing hands-on recording instruction, thoughtprovoking questions to spark conversation and KXRW goodie bags. Kids can even pick music they want edited into the finished product. After the recording session, each child in the group receives a thumb drive with the final 1-hour recording, which serves as a time capsule, capturing each participant’s personality and voice, frozen in time.
The idea for offering this came from KXRW advisory board member Melissa Beatty. KXRW president, Susan Galaviz says everyone loved the idea from the start. “We all immediately thought, ‘Wow, that’s an experience you would think any parent would love to give their kids to cherish for years to come and revisit and play for example at their graduation or milestone birthdays, etc.’ What’s cool about running a radio station is we have the capabilities to offer cool things like this because we have all the recording equipment in our studio already.” Beyond kids’ parties and experiences, KXRW also offers life story recording experiences for adults, parents, grandparents and others who want to record their own history to hand down to posterity or loved ones.
With a small studio, groups of up to 3-4 (or 5 if the group consists of only kids) work best. For kids’ groups, parents are encouraged to come watch the recording session from a viewing window outside the studio door. All private recording sessions are intended for private use only, and will not be broadcast publicly in any form on KXRW radio waves. To learn more about booking a KXRW KidCast Keepsake experience, go kxrw.fm/audio-kids-keepsake
Class of 2025 Grad Walks: A Win for Grads, Kids and Educators Alike
Class of 2025 graduates across Clark County are preparing for their big day next month, and part of the graduation festivities will include a walk down memory lane. In the coming weeks, soon-to-be graduates from several high schools in Evergreen and Battle Ground School Districts will visit local elementary schools, donning their caps and gowns, to be greeted and cheered on by elementary school students—a tradition called “grad walks.” It’s a huge logistical effort, but one that provides a major payoff for students and staff alike, says Heritage High School principal, Derek Garrison. “There are just so many available wins at all levels . . . The expense and time that goes into it—this is a positive for the little kids and for the graduates . . . [We’re also] trying to give some sense of victory to the [people and educators] who were instrumental along the way.”
It’s not uncommon at these events to see grads playing on playground equipment they may not have visited since their own
continued on next page
Kids record a KXRW KidCast Keepsake experience at the KXRW studio in Downtown Vancouver. Photos by Chandra Chase.
continued from previous page
days at the school, or high fiving a little sibling in the elementary school “cheering section.” The visits are sometimes quick, in order to avoid significant interruption to the elementary school students’ school day, but the event symbolizes the many years that go into the crowning achievement of a high school graduate’s K-12 educational experience. “It’s a story that takes 10 years to tell,” Garrison says.
Nicholas Santilli, now a counselor at Battle Ground High School, brought the tradition to Battle Ground Public Schools in 2023, collaborating with other staff members to plan and implement the event at schools around the district. After the success of the inaugural event, the district’s grad walks have continued to grow and get better each year. Yacolt Primary now has a tradition to gather all of their students, staff, parents and guardians in the school’s auditorium before the graduates arrive. The graduates, often former Yacolt students themselves, then have an opportunity to talk about their favorite memory or teacher from their time at the school. “When the graduates walk through the halls at each school, there are always a handful of students who seek out a teacher who made an impact on their academic journey,” says Santilli. “It’s really special to see the warm embrace between the teacher and the graduate.” Garrison saw a similar moment last year when Heritage graduates visited York Elementary School and a cluster of students quickly gathered with York principal, Dawn Harris, for a photo together.
Full circle moments like these are “the best of education,” Garrison says. Grad walks typically take place at a time of year when, frankly, educators are tired, so the reminder to staff about why they do what they do comes at an opportune time. Garrison likes to emphasize to graduates that “[Graduation day] is about you, but it’s not all about you.” It’s about the people who have helped them get to this point—from parents to family members to educators. All around, says Garrison, “it’s a great payoff for the grads and for the next generation.”
Visit Vancouver WA Highlights History with Community Events Pass
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of Fort Vancouver. To commemorate this, Visit Vancouver WA is partnering with the City of Vancouver, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and Greater Vancouver Chamber to invite folks to discover Vancouver’s rich history and culture with a Community Events Pass. The pass is free, and can be obtained digitally by signing up at Visit Vancouver WA’s website. Upon signing up, users receive a confirmation email with pass access and a list of participating events. Some events may have an admission fee (the Community Events Pass does not waive any admission fees that may apply), but most are free. When passholders attend one of the participating events, they can “check in” via their pass or at a QR code on a poster at the event, which enters them into a prize drawing. Each month, a randomly drawn winner will receive a $100 Spend It Local e-gift certificate, which are “local only” gift certificates that are redeemable at 50+ local establishments throughout
Vancouver, including restaurants, salons, retail shops and even automotive and cleaning services. Those who check in at six participating events between now and November 8 will be entered to win a $1,000 Spend It Local e-gift certificate. The entire experience highlights local history and culture, while also supporting local business. “The Mayor is eager to get people out of their homes to experience all types of events that happen around the city that they may not know about,” says Erica Lindemann, Visit Vancouver WA’s director of marketing. Participating events from earlier this spring included presentations at Fort Vancouver and Clark College’s Sakura Festival. Upcoming participating events include Vancouver’s Pride Block Party, happening June 14, and 4 Days of Aloha happening July 24-27, with more Community Event Pass-eligible events being added throughout the spring, summer and fall. To learn more and to sign up for your pass, visit visitvancouverwa.com/community-events-pass
Left: 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of Fort Vancouver, and Visit Vancouver WA is celebrating with a new Community Events Pass. Photo by Matthew Smith, courtesy Visit Vancouver WA.
Right: 4 Days of Aloha, happening July 24-27, 2025, is one of the events included in Visit Vancouver WA’s new Community Events Pass. Photo by Aaron Hagen, courtesy Visit Vancouver WA.
2024 graduates from Prairie High School (top) and Heritage High School (middle and bottom) visit elementary schools leading up to their graduation.
Top photo by Chris Brown. Bottom photos courtesy Evergreen Public Schools.
WKids Unleash Their Imagination at These Local Art Spaces for
By Emily Corak
hether drawing stick figures with crayons or molding sculptures out of clay, art is a childhood staple. Kids of all ages thrive when given the opportunity to create, and it’s also crucial for their development. While children are having fun making a painting to display on the fridge, art is helping them develop motor and spatial skills, language development, critical thinking skills and cultural awareness. Art is more than a luxury or an extra—it’s vital!
In the past few years, more and more art spaces for children are popping up in our very own community, and kids are reaping the benefits. Elida Field, an artist and studio owner, says, “Art is for everybody, and the more spaces we have for people to try it, the better.”
Every creative space is going to offer something a little different, so try them out and see what works best for your kids. Who knows? You might end up enjoying it just as much as they do!
Walk into Medallion Art School and you will be busy trying to take it all in. The walls have been filling with gorgeous art from instructors and students alike since Judi and Bob Whiting opened the doors in 1993. While the Whitings are semi-retired, the studio still sees over 375 fine art students every week. “We like our slogan, ‘Art lessons are the gift that lasts a lifetime,’” says Bob Whiting, “because they really are a gift that keeps on giving back.”
“Art lessons are the gift that lasts a lifetime.”
—Bob Whiting
The studio offers classes for students of all ages. “We let people enroll at ages six through 96 but we’ll consider 97,” jokes Whiting. Beginning artists start with drawing fundamentals and then can progress to pastels, oil, acrylic and watercolor painting. Classes are purchased four at a time, and all students are taught individually with everyone working on their own project at their own speed.
“A lot of kids are shy and intimidated when they start, but after a couple of sessions they are jumping out of the car, anxious to get to class,” says Whiting. One standout element is the wall of photographs with students and their progression of projects, showing their incredible evolution. “The goal is to push students within reason to become good artists,” he says. “It excites them to have goals.”
The school’s popularity means many of the classes are full, but there are a few spots available, and you can always be added to a waitlist. Learn more about Medallion Art School at medallionart.com
Above photos by Jen Fowler at Arrows Photography.
Left and right: Artists work and progress on their own projects at Medallion Art, located in the Cascade Park neighborhood of Vancouver.
Photos courtesy Medallion Art School.
care for women
Keeping yourself healthy is one of the best gifts you can give to the many lives you touch — and to yourself. At Kaiser Permanente, you’ll find caring professionals who provide high-quality health care for women at every stage of their lives. We offer comprehensive treatment and a broad range of programs and services for women of all ages.
For all that is Clark County. For all that is you.
continued from page 10
George and Joanna Merkl always dreamed of opening a do-it-yourself art center, and when an opportunity presented itself in 2020, they took the chance.
“The first year was stark and scary,” says George, recalling how they survived mostly on selling art to-go kits and virtual classes. Luckily, Live Laugh Love Art Studio on the east side of Vancouver came back strong in 2021 and has been flourishing ever since. Both creative types, the Merkls wanted to offer a space with lots of variety and choices so people would enjoy coming back.
Mia Choi opened The Learning Garage in November of 2024 after seeing her own children’s need for creative outlets during the pandemic. Choi, who moved to the U.S. from Korea in 2017, then to Vancouver in 2021, says there is no concept of a garage in Korea. To her, garages represented the American dream as a space for projects, tinkering and innovation. “I want kids to have the tools and skills to develop their ideas,” Choi says. “The goal is for them to be creative and tinker!”
The Learning Garage has various stations set up for kids to create whatever their hearts desire. “We have paints, all sorts of craft supplies, cardboard and recycled items,” says Choi, and she adds that this is a space for kids to get messy! Artists can stop by any time for open studio sessions called Creative Jams, and they can also say hello to the real bearded dragon named Wrench.
In addition to open studio times, the Learning Garage also offers birthday parties and project-based classes to hone drawing and painting skills. But the studio is not limited to children. The most rewarding part of the job for Choi? “I love watching the process of parents and their kids creating together,” she says. “It’s the most fulfilling part!”
Bring your kids to explore and tinker and learn more about The Learning Garage at the-learning-garage.com
Always open to new ideas, the studio currently has eight offerings, five of which are drop-in and suitable for most ages. Families can choose to drop in for pottery painting, mosaic art, glass fusing, canvas painting and wood sign painting. Scheduled workshops include glass blowing for kids and adults ages 5 and up, candle making and paint pouring.
Intent on keeping the space fresh, George says, “We have lots of ideas and are always in conversation.” They’re hoping to offer more unique art techniques in the future, but for now they are enjoying seeing families thrive. “We sell smiles,” he says. “We’ve created a place that’s unique and we get to share our joy. It’s our happy place for sure.”
In addition to studio time and workshops, Live Laugh Love Art also hosts theme nights, birthday parties and summer camps for kids to try all the activities. To learn more visit livelaughloveart.com/vancouver
When Faith Odman opened Kilnfolk three years ago, she wanted a family-friendly space for people to gather and share their love of art and
continued on page 14
Mia Choi opened The Learning Garage in Salmon Creek in November 2024.
Photo courtesy Mia Choi.
A mother and daughter create a mosaic art piece at Live Laugh Love Art in east Vancouver.
Photo by George Merkl.
A family enjoys an art project at Live Laugh Love Art in east Vancouver.
Photo by George Merkl.
Families can enjoy creating or painting pottery together at Kilnfolk in Downtown Vancouver.
Photos by McKenna Olson.
continued from page 12
pottery. Located in Downtown Vancouver, Kilnfolk is a hub that’s both welcoming and beautiful, designed for beginners and seasoned potters alike. “Our instructors are super encouraging,” says marketing director, McKenna Olson. “We’re here to celebrate the little wins.”
Pottery painting is one of the most popular activities for kids and families at Kilnfolk, but there are also opportunities to learn new skills. Every Sunday is a family wheel class for kids ages 8 and up to make a project on the pottery wheel and have it glazed. For younger children, parents can sign them up for toddler clay, a class full of clay, stamps, rollers and more for sensory play. “When my daughter gets to play with the clay here, she just dials in and it’s such a unique experience,” says Olson.
“It’s such a peaceful and creative space here, and it’s really a chance to disconnect from screens and responsibilities.”
—KATE Pitts
Kilnfolk offers plenty of workshops which can potentially accommodate kids, so just ask! This summer, they are offering several three-day summer camps, for three hours each, for kids to create multiple projects. If art at home is more your style, they sell a variety of take-home art kits and books as well. Manager Kate Pitts adds, “It’s such a peaceful and creative space here, and it’s really a chance to disconnect from screens and responsibilities.”
To sign up for a class, summer camp or to learn more, head to Kilnfolk’s website at kilnfolkclay.com
Portside Pottery
Portside Pottery is set to open its doors this month, and studio manager Eric Matulich is excited for the studio to grow into something special. “It’s been really fun,” he says. “I feel like it’s a place that will be a great
landing spot for all potters who want to be part of the growing potter community,” says Matulich.
A potter since high school, Matulich wants to offer a spot for both adults and kids to experiment and develop a hobby or prepare for studying or professional pursuits. The studio will offer memberships, classes and workshops for kids, teens and families. The weekends will feature a wheel-throwing class for families where kids age 8 and up can learn alongside their parents. “It’s really cool for a kid to see their parents learning,” says Matulich.
Looking toward the summer, high school students will be able to purchase a flat-rate summer pass to make use of the studio anytime Monday through Friday, and summer camps will be available for kids to work on new and exciting projects. Matulich designed the space with plenty of creature comforts like refrigerators, coffee makers and laundry equipment to create a hang-out space perfect for community building.
“It’s really cool for a kid to see their parents learning.”
—Eric Matulich
Head to portsidepottery.com to learn more or check out their grand opening on May 10 from 4-7 pm. Portside Pottery is located on the far west side of Vancouver at 2121 St. Francis Lane.
“Let’s try and see what happens,” has been Katie Wright’s mantra as she opened the popular Drip Drop Art Studio across the street from Esther Short Park. With a background degree in art education, Wright was a graphic designer but says she has always had a heart for teaching kids. Craving art options for her children but seeing most studios were across the river, Wright wanted a space in Vancouver for kids of all ages to
continued on page 16
Ana the Artist painted the mural on the outside wall of Portside Pottery, opening in west Vancouver this month. Photo courtesy Eric Matulich.
Drip Drop Art Studio, located across the street from Esther Short Park in Downtown Vancouver, offers family paint nights, open studio times, tween and teen nights and more. Photo courtesy Katie Wright.
continued from page 14
stretch their creativity and express themselves. “Come be messy here!” says Wright.
Drip Drop Studio offers a wide variety of experiences for all ages from sensory art classes for infants and toddlers to monthly creative nights for tweens. Tween nights can look like making anything from room banners and canvas paintings to mini magnets. “We don’t focus on a specific medium,” says Wright, who says there are opportunities for all types of art ranging from drawing and painting to sewing and paper mâché.
With constant requests for new classes and classes geared toward teens, Wright is open to expanding and providing quality art education to all. “I wanted to bridge the gap between what kids might learn at home and school and what they might learn in a fine art school,” says Wright.
Classes and camps fill up fast, so learn more and reserve a spot at dripdropartstudio.com
“Come be messy here!”
—Katie Wright
Elida Field has three main principles for her art studio and classes: nobody dies in art class, there are no mistakes in art, and have fun! “I’m screaming from the top of the hilltops that art is important for everyone,” says Field. “It’s transformative and allows the mind to reset and stop worrying about making mistakes,” she adds.
“It’s transformative and allows the mind to reset and stop worrying about making mistakes.”
—Elida Field
Several decades ago, Field had an art degree and three young children to take care of, so she started afterschool art programs in a minivan she called “Art Van-Go.” The after-school programs and her own art career
evolved, and she opened Elida Art Studios in Camas in 2009 and has been going strong ever since.
One of the main ways she connects kids to art is through community education programs in the Camas and Ridgefield school districts. Her programs, Art Van-Go Just Drawing and Art Van-Go Just Paints, meet weekly at a few local elementary schools and are open to all elementary students in Clark County. “Kids who engage in art are much more willing to take risks and have an open and empathetic approach to life,” says Field.
Middle and high school students can take weekly classes in her studio to hone their skills and participate in an annual teen art show celebrating their work. Summer camps are also incredibly popular and allow students to create numerous projects across multiple modes of art. Field says, “I have the same philosophy whether you’re in kindergarten or 85; everyone can rise to the occasion!”
“Kids who engage in art are much more willing to take risks and have an open and empathetic approach to life.”
—Elida Field
To sign up for camps, online or in person classes and learn more, visit elidaart.com
Emily Corak has lived in the Pacific Northwest for the past three decades. A former educator with Vancouver School District, Emily is now a freelance writer, photographer and mom to two young kids with big personalities. She recently earned her MFA in creative writing and, if given the choice, she would spend all her spare cash on travel and books.
Left and right: Elida Field tells students there are no mistakes in art. Photos of students courtesy Elida Art Studio.
q Does your child need speech therapy?
Know the signs
AGE 2-5
q Uses more babbling or physical gestures than words or signs to communicate
q Finds it hard to communicate with or play with peers
q Struggles to grasp simple concepts or follow basic directions
q Frequently gets upset when others can’t understand what they are trying to say
q Parents often have to “interpret” their child’s speech for others
q Has difficulty expressing their basic needs, such as hunger or bathroom needs
AGE 5 AND OLDER
q Teachers, friends, or strangers understand less than 90% of the child’s speech
q Needs frequent reminders to complete simple directions or routines
If you have concerns about your own or your child's communication, please don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation. info@bookmarkspeech.com www.bookmarkspeech.com 360-602-1515
q Makes mistakes with grammar, such as incorrect word order, pronouns, or missing words (e.g. “Hims goed to store”)
q Struggles to speak up for themselves in school or with peers
q Experiences difficulty with academic tasks, such as reading, writing, or spelling
q Stuttering persists for over one year or worsens
B A C K Y A R D
F
O R B E G I N N E R S
By Sarah Mortensen
I began digging up a spot in the backyard for a vegetable garden just one month after we bought our home. Even though my husband wasn’t totally on board to begin with, he loved the fresh produce I pulled up and was soon building a beautiful path and constructing a fence to keep the neighborhood bunnies at bay. A few years later, he removed sod to make room for more rows and even agreed to adding an apple tree.
As my garden has grown, I have thought about ways to increase pollinators to my yard. I started with planting more flowers, but didn’t notice a significant difference in how many bees were visiting. As I looked for answers specific to our area, I was lucky to find a spring Mason Bee Workshop hosted by the Clark County Master Gardeners. One of the first things I learned from presenter, Anne Bulger,
is that if my goal is early spring pollination, I should definitely be focusing on attracting mason bees in my backyard.
MASON BEES
Honeybees have a pollination rate of just 5%, while mason bees boast a 95% pollination rate. Eighty-five percent of plants rely on insect pollination, and mason bees do their part without much recognition. When I heard that they are often mistaken for houseflies, I realized I had made that very mistake, and I likely had more bees in the garden than I originally thought.
After the workshop, Bulger told me she loves teaching others how to care for bees because she finds bees and insects to be “magical.”
“They are such powerhouse contributors to our food chain in such a small package.”
Bulger first began housing mason bees in the ‘90s after joining the Clark County Beekeepers Association. Her family lived on five acres in Brush Prairie with a large garden and orchard, so she naturally wanted to bring bees to it.
Bulger had inherited some honeybee equipment and was learning about them while getting to know other local beekeepers.
“One group member was hosting mason bees. At that time, he was selling a wooden block with the right sized holes, and it was full of cocoons, so I bought some for five dollars each,” she recalled, adding that, “Compared
to the honeybees, they were almost effortless to host.”
In 2022, Bulger fulfilled her dream of becoming a Master Gardener and was asked to rejuvenate the mason bee project at Heritage Farm. “It had been neglected,” she said. After sprucing up the bee homes that were still salvageable, Bulger added a few more. The farm now has eight houses in the fruit orchard.
“Mason bees are a much more environmentally sound bee as they are native,” Bulger informed me. In Washington, there are over 600 native bee species (honeybees are non-native). They are also solitary bees, which means that all females are queens and take care of their own nest. Each female will only lay 15-20 eggs in a lifetime, but once you get started hosting cocoons, it is extremely easy and inexpensive to increase your number of bees if that is your goal.
The best time to start is in the early spring. Since mason bees are among the first bees to emerge in the spring, they will need early blooming plants with nectar and pollen when they emerge from their cocoons. Bulger says “heavy hitter” trees that provide a great nectar and pollen source include the big-leaf maple, willow, apple and cherry. She also recommends shrubs such as red elderberry and Indian plum, as well as the perennials winter heath and Lenten rose. Edgeworthia, a non-native early bloomer is one of her favorites, as they are highly fragrant. The bees need these blooms within 300 feet of their nests.
The next step is to find a good place for your bee home—ideally facing southeast where the morning sun will shine on it. The bees will
continued on next page
Photo
continued from previous page
also need a mud source within 25 feet of the house because the females use this mud to build chambers around each egg she lays, hence the name mason bees. It’s fairly simple to build a home yourself using PVC piping, which has a 2-3-inch overhang to protect the nesting materials from the rain. Nesting materials should have openings of 8 mm and be 6 inches in length.
While it’s possible to simply put up a home and hope that mason bees will move in, purchasing cocoons is the best route to get started immediately. Local shop Joyful Honey and Beekeeping Supplies in Battle Ground sells supplies, as do many online suppliers who ship cocoons. Cocoons are placed in the tubes in late March or early April, and from there it’s easy. After about five days of 55-degree weather, you should see mason bees coming and going. They will begin to fill the tubes with their eggs, so if you notice the tubes getting full, you may need to add more tubes, or another house!
In early June, place the nesting materials into a mesh bag to protect the cocoons from predators and store them in a protected, shaded and ventilated outdoor area. “Your job is to check these bags every week for any insect activity noted in the bag in case those pesky critters got into the nesting cavities.” explained Bulger. In October, you should harvest the cocoons. Bulger offers a fall presentation that includes a harvesting, cleaning and storage demonstration.
If the removal, storing or cleaning process is intimidating, there is help. Joyful Honey and the Clark County Beekeepers Association both host classes, in addition to Clark County Master Gardeners. Another option is to rent cocoons from Rentmasonbees.com based in Bothell, Washington. They will send you cocoons and you simply ship them back in June. The company handles all the cleaning and storage and makes certain that parasites are not infecting any bees. They also supply leaf-cutting bees which are active in the fall and can use the same home as the mason
bee. This is what I plan to do to have more pollinators around when my vegetables are growing.
Bulger wants beginning mason bee hosts to know that “native bees, such as the mason bees, are not interested in hurting you in any way. They have a gentle nature. Your understanding of how our Mother Earth supports us becomes more evident as you work with these generally unknown and often unnoticed native bees.”
HONEYBEES
After learning all about mason bees, I went to visit a dear friend and fellow gardener, Jenifer Mathews, who four years ago added honeybees to her yard. When I asked why she and her husband, Dean, decided to embark on a beekeeping adventure, Jen told me it was her love of nature and that bees are the key to everything they have on their land. While we spoke, Dean was upgrading their chicken coop and Jen had just finished preparing her garden for spring planting.
Edgeworthia
Red Elderberry
Lenten Rose
Big Lea f Maple
Cherry Tree
Photo by Shimizusatzuki, Creative Commons
Photo by Robert Flogaus-Faust, Creative Commons Photo by Rafael Minguet Delgadoat pexels.com
Photos by Keith Edkins (top) and Robert FlogausFaust (bottom), Creative Commons
continued from page 19
Since honeybees are a lot trickier to take care of, the Mathews strongly advise taking a class first. Penn State University offers a highly recommended self-paced course which covers bee behaviors and treatments for common ailments like chalkbrood disease and varroa mites. “It’s harder than it sounds. Year one was understanding what to look for,” shared Dean. “You want so badly to do everything right, but it’s really hard to do it right.” Jen added, “You have all these dreams of being like the lady at the farmer’s market and having all this honey, but everything is against the honeybee.”
Year two, they said it was much easier to find the eggs and see if they were healthy or not. They also had a better understanding of what was happening in their hives and what not to
stress over. During my visit, Jen and I suited up to take a peek in the hives to determine who had survived the winter. A hive can consist of sixty thousand bees at the peak of summer, but in the winter will drop down to about ten thousand. In late winter, those that are still alive will take a cleansing flight to excrete since they haven’t left the hive in months. Jen had noticed only one of her three boxes looked active on a recently warm day and was worried they had lost their other two hives.
When we opened the first box, it was clear there was no activity. We pulled up a few frames and it was truly amazing to see what the bees had done. The honey cells were the most obvious and some had been capped for long storage. The second box had a little activity, but we quickly realized these were “robber”
“ Next time you put a teaspoon o f honey in your tea you can appreciate that it was the li f e ’ s work o f 12 honeybees and their colony. ”
bees from the only surviving box taking honey from a dead hive. When we opened the last box, Jen added some sugar to feed them. It was like watching children jumping into a pile of snow, the bees immediately began burying themselves and became very active, despite it being a cold evening.
“Everyone has a job,” Dean went on, “You think the queen is in charge, but she’s not, the worker bees are. They know what to do to make sure the hive survives.” He then described how a queen, who lays around two thousand eggs a day, can choose if she will lay male or female eggs. But, if she is not laying enough healthy eggs, the workers will make several queen cups. The queen cup is a larger cell where the larvae are fed extra days of a special “royal jelly” to produce a new queen. The first one to hatch will kill the other queens.
“Here’s where it gets crazy,” continued Dean. “After hatching, the queen will fly five miles away despite never before leaving the hive. The drones from her colony will only go one to two miles away to a drone congregation area and that’s why the queen goes five miles, to [mate with males from other colonies] to ensure genetic diversity . . . No one knows how they find each other.” For comparison, mason bees will only travel 300 feet from their nest.
continued on next page
continued from previous page
Marveling about the work bees do, Jen added, “Next time you put a teaspoon of honey in your tea you can appreciate that it was the life’s work of 12 honeybees and their colony.
‘BEE’ grateful and teach your kids not to kill the honeybees!”
The Mathews’ fascination for their bees was contagious. I quickly realized how ungrateful I
had been for the work they do—both the bees and their keepers. The boxes were heavy and sealed with bee resin (the stickiest stuff on earth according to Jen), requiring a crowbar to break open. Just putting the suits on correctly and not panicking when bees began swarming were things I had never thought about while enjoying my morning English muffin with honey.
Speaking of the honey, some years the Mathews have not had a great harvest, but they soldier on just like their bees.
SUPPORTING BEES
Like my garden, which has grown slowly overtime, I’ve learned that beekeeping is very much a learn-as-you-go endeavor. Some years are better than others, but each obstacle is a lesson that increases your expertise and your deference for nature. And while not everyone would like to take care of their own bees, anyone can help to make Clark County more bee friendly. “Pesticides are a real
problem for bees, so using less in our yards is important,” reminds Bulger.
Simply planting a flower garden can make a difference, too. Clark College, a certified bee campus, is a great place to get inspiration for what types of flowers to plant. Being educated about bees is also important, which is why classes from multiple disciplines there at Clark study bees. “Our native bees need our support in promoting their population by protecting their habitat,” reiterates Bulger. “The food we eat depends on these tiny creatures as well as the beauty we enjoy that contributes to our good health.”
Sarah Mortensen holds a degree in marriage and family studies and works for Vancouver Public Schools as a paraeducator in addition to her role as associate editor of Vancouver Family Magazine. When Sarah is not reading to her kids or students, she is probably in her backyard taking care of her garden. She also enjoys hiking, hot chocolate and dressing up for Halloween. She lives in Vancouver with her husband, son and daughter.
Page 20: Dean Mathews cares for honeybees on his property. Photo courtesy Jen Mathews.
Page 21: Dean Mathews holds a frame covered in honeycomb and filled with honey. Photo courtesy Jen Mathews.
Changing Lives Through Community Engagement
By Kristen Flowers
Eddie Allen remembers October 20, 2013 well. He sat outside, noticing it was a beautiful day, with the sun reflecting off the Columbia River, and feeling the envelope in his hand that had the potential to change his entire future.
The letter contained the results of his Birkman test, a personality assessment that measures various personality traits and provides career suggestions. He was given the test at the Leadership Clark County retreat he attended with the rest of his 2014 class.
Allen carefully slipped the paper out and examined his results. They showed him that, for his personality, he should be working in social services and that he was best suited to connect others to their community. The results described him as a champion for the greater good.
“And I swear you could just see the light bulb moment,” says Allen. He told himself he wanted to be a nonprofit executive director or development director. “And four months later, I was.”
Today, Allen is the owner and lead guide of Pacific Northwest Fundraising. He spends his days working with nonprofit clients to boost their fundraising and development initiatives, helping them strategize to raise more money so they can help more people, providing guidance on grant writing and supporting organizations as they grow. Together with his advisory board, they have raised over $75 million for nonprofits that might have been forced to end their mission without his company’s help.
And he says he owes his success to the 9-month leadership development program, Leadership Clark County. “The Leadership Clark Country program changed my life,” says Allen.
Leadership Clark County (LCC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic leadership program founded in 1993 by a group of community leaders who discovered that it was the same people serving on all the nonprofit boards. The organization’s mission is to develop new, compelling leaders to enrich a thriving community. Over the past three decades, LCC has produced over 900 alumni who actively contribute to various sectors, including nonprofit organizations, civic groups, businesses and public offices. LCC continues to value and incorporate its core values of community, leadership, inclusion and service with every class that goes through the training.
Tina Krause, the executive director of Leadership Clark County, describes the program as a community leadership program. “It runs nine months, the same as the school year, so we start in September and end in June. We do one session a month on a different system in Vancouver or the community, and we dive deep into the current issues. Who are the businesses, the key players and the individuals that are doing the work? We hope our participants find something they’re passionate about, get more involved and give back.”
continued on page 24
Left: Eddie Allen graduated from the Leadership Clark County program in 2014, leading him to his current role as executive director of Pacific Northwest Fundraising. Photo courtesy Eddie Allen.
Bottom: Leadership Clark County executive director, Tina Krause, poses at the organization’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Event in June 2024. Photo courtesy LCC.
continued from page 22
These are not sessions where adult learners sit in a class with a pencil and notebook. Participants engage in monthly full-day sessions incorporating classwork, group discussions, site tours and peer-to-peer learning. These sessions provide practical and experiential learning opportunities, facilitating direct communication and interaction with key decision-makers across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Krause completed the program in 2012 and immediately fell in love with its mission. She joined the Curriculum Committee, which helps plan future sessions. She led that committee for 10 years, and then, three years ago, when the position of executive director opened up, she jumped on it and landed the role.
A key component of LCC’s mission is fostering community partner projects. Participants are grouped into project teams and collaborate with specific community partners, ranging from nonprofits to public-sector organizations. These projects have supported significant community initiatives such as “Give More 24!” and the Aviation Technology program at the Cascadia Tech Academy. LCC students have contributed to over 150 community partner projects, positively impacting the communities where they live, work and play.
Diversity, equity and inclusion play a massive part in the LCC organization. LCC developed an equity plan to create a more diverse and inclusive environment by removing systemic and institutional barriers that may hinder equitable access to the LCC program. They do this by including diverse alumni for discussions, creating targeted recruitment plans with inclusive activities, and ensuring all committees incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion improvement opportunities into their work plans.
Krause believes that there is a seat at the table for everyone. “Our participants are very diverse, and we like it that way,” she says. If the participant has not served on a board before, that’s OK because those fresh eyes are needed when looking at a community in need. “Pretty much everybody that goes through is like, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize that that was going on, and that’s something I’m passionate about, and I want to get more involved.’ And so we really give them the tools to get involved as well . . . It has developed a lot of leaders.”
It certainly has. The core value of leadership continues to help guide current LCC classes, especially after seeing the alumni who have gone on to hold elected official positions, and spots on school boards and city council boards. Even the mayor of Vancouver, Anne McEnerny-Ogle, is an alumnus of Leadership Clark County.
Leadership Clark County is not only for adults. Recognizing the importance of nurturing future leaders, LCC introduced the Youth Leadership Summit, an empowering program tailored for high school students eager to cultivate their leadership potential and positively impact their communities. This initiative aims to foster emerging young leaders’ growth by honing their leadership skills while offering valuable insights into the infrastructure and services that sustain and uplift Clark County.
So, how does it all work? How does this small group of emerging leaders connect with nonprofits that need support?
continued on page 26
Leadership Clark County Youth Leadership Summit Class of 2024 visits Clark County Historical Museum. Photo courtesy LCC.
Leadership Clark County Class of 2025 heads to Olympia for a State Government session in January 2025. Photo courtesy LCC.
clark.wa.gov/public-health/abcd-program
continued from page 24
It’s a process that’s months in the making.
Over the summer, Leadership Clark County begins soliciting nonprofits in the community, who submit a need or a challenge for the group. LCC selects about six projects to take on every year, and then LCC members decide what project they would like to work on and help with. Those class members begin to work with those partners from October to May, and then they present their projects.
An example of this is a current project being worked on for Cascadia Tech Academy’s fashion design program. The idea for a storefront was pitched, and it serves two purposes: to teach kids the business side of fashion, and how to make alterations to the clothes. LCC is working with the students on everything that goes into having a business.
One of the best parts of being part of an LCC class is that no prior experience is necessary. All that is required is passion and a desire to learn.
Krause says that the group only considers three things when selecting applicants for the next LCC class: “a desire to give back to the community, someone who wants to learn more about their community, and someone who wants to make connections.”
LCC accepts applications March-June for its 9-month leadership development program which begins in September each year, and they accept up to 36 participants annually. The program offers tiered tuition, allowing applicants to choose the level that best fits their financial situation without asking questions. Additionally, LCC offers scholarship support contingent on funding availability, ensuring financial constraints
do not hinder potential leaders from participating. “We really try to work with our participants to make sure they can afford to go through the program,” says Krause.
As a nonprofit organization, LCC relies on sponsors to sustain its programs and initiatives. Sponsorships are vital in supporting class sessions, activities and events, all of which aim to build strong leaders for the community’s future.
However, for people like Eddie Allen, the amount he paid for tuition was minimal compared to what he received during the process. He continues to credit LCC for giving him a new direction in his life. “If you allow it, the program can change your life. Not only did LCC give me direction and purpose, but all my best friends are alumni of LCC. You just get connected to the community. You find other people passionate about community, and it’s always been one or two people who can change the world, right? There isn’t this iteration of Eddie Allen without LCC. It’s kind of a cool thing.”
Kristen Flowers lives in Vancouver with her husband and daughter, Lilly. You can hear the whole family on 99.5 The Wolf during the Nick and Kristen Morning Show. When she is not working and writing, Kristen loves crafting, watching documentaries and going to escape rooms.
If you are interested in applying as a Leadership Clark County participant, or if you are involved with a nonprofit and would like to know more about how your organization could collaborate with Leadership Clark County, go to leadershipclarkcounty.com or contact Tina Krause at director@leadershipclarkcounty.com.
Leadership Clark County Board Members (left to right) Danny Orrantia, Shawn Walker, Angilo Fletcher, Tina Krause, Josh Jones and Jessica Murchison attend an annual Bowl-A-Thon Scholarship Drive Fundraising event in May 2024. Photo courtesy LCC.
LCC Class of 2024 alumni, Marisol Aguirre and Alison Bullock, pack food at Clark County Food Bank for the social services session. Photo courtesy LCC.
READ OUR LATEST BLOG POST... DO I NEED A 20% DOWN PAYMENT?
In the past few months, I have seen a lot of social media posts and discussions about down payments and loans and what someone needs to buy a home.
In 20+ years of real estate I can tell you that not many people have a 20% down payment... at least not for their first home. When they sell their first home for their next ‘move up’ home, they usually do, but still not always even then. Sometimes they have 20% (or more), but still go with a FHA loan. Everyone’s home adventure follows a different path. You can’t judge yours, or theirs.... because there is no one path for everyone.
You absolutely do NOT need that! I mean... it would be nice... but it would also be nice to be a size 5 again. LOL... some things just aren’t going to happen, and for many people, having that much money in savings is like fitting into your high school jeans again.
There are a lot of options for buyers, and many people buy a home with less money than it takes to get into a new rental.
Will it be your ‘dream home’? Well, most likely not, but it is a start. It is better to start somewhere and start working towards your dream home than to be stuck in the rental cycle.
I always tell people that my favorite thing about owning my own home is that if I feel like getting crazy and painting a wall ... I can. I want to bring home ‘another ’ cat? I can. (just don’t tell the hubby!) If my kid ‘accidentally’ throws the ball that she isn’t supposed to and it hits the candelabra into the wall and puts a hole into it... well, I am not freaking out about a landlord!
Having a down payment (any down payment) is terrific and if you do, then kudos to you! It is hard to save with family & kids. However, you do not need 20% down...
We would love to be the ones you call when you are thinking about buying, or selling, or refinancing, and we hope that you will. However, the classes are non-promotional, and informational only.
Don’t want to go to the website? (Hey! It has other awesome blogs & ideas on there too!) You can always email me at traciedemars@aol.com and I will email you the schedule.
Photo by Joslyn Pickens at pexels.com
Calendar
of events activities
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
1 THURSDAY
Queer Night Out at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Live music, drag performances and a silent auction featuring items from local Vancouver businesses! All benefiting Washington State’s trans community, presented by White Oak Books and the Queer Youth Resource Center. Tickets $25-$500 at kigginstheatre.com. 7 pm
2 FRIDAY
Gnome & Fairy Backyard Adventure in Downtown Camas. Gnome- and fairy-themed games, art shows, after-hours shopping, prizes, crafts, live music and more. 5-8 pm
Vintage & Antique Flea Market at The Valiant Ballroom, 111 W 9th St., Vancouver. Discover a curated selection of true vintage home décor, clothing, accessories, collectibles and more. Happening Friday 5-8 pm, Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra at Providence Academy, 400 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Come to dance or just to listen at
Have a community event that you want to share? Go to vancouverfamilymagazine.com/submit-event to submit your event. Deadline for print calendar submissions is the 1st of the month prior to the issue.
Events are subject to change. Please contact organization directly to confirm.
the historic Academy Ballroom! Since 2016, The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra has been delighting audiences with the music of the roaring 20s and Depression Era 30s. Under the leadership of master showman Sammuel Murry-Hawkins, the ensemble transports audiences to the golden age of Hot Jazz and Sweet Dance Music, specializing in the tunes of Cab Calloway, Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington and George Gershwin. Tickets $15 at the door or online at historicmusic.org. 7-9 pm
Magenta Theater presents “Silent Sky” at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Tickets $26 at magentatheater.com. Playing May 2-18, showtimes vary.
Love Street Playhouse presents “Moon Over Buffalo” at 126 Loves Ave,. Woodland. A madcap comedy centered on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does go wrong, abetted by a visit from their daughter’s clueless fiancé and hilarious uncertainty about which play they’re actually
Check out our website for even more local events.
performing, caused by Charlotte’s deaf, old stage-manager mother who hates every bone in George’s body. Tickets $26 at magentatheater.com. Playing Apr 25-May 18, showtimes vary.
3 SATURDAY
Uptown Flea Market at Kindred Vancouver, 2213 Main St., Vancouver. Explore and shop goods from 15+ local makers, plus enjoy fun family activities. Happening May 3, 17, 31, 11 am-4 pm
Ridgefield Spring Festival in Downtown Ridgefield. Enjoy a lively vendor market, lawn games, sidewalk sales, outdoor concerts, craft station, delicious food from local vendors and more. 9 am-2 pm
Walk/Run for the Animals benefiting Humane Society for Southwest Washington at Vancouver Waterfront Park. Choose a 3-mile walk or 5K run with scenic views of the Columbia River. Registration $50 at southwesthumane.org. 10 am
Washougal Studio Artists Spring Tour at studios throughout Washougal. Enjoy a unique chance to explore artists’ studios, meet them in their element, and discover
continued on next page
Run or walk along the Columbia River to help raise money to support the work of the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. Celebrate spring with music, activities and food at the Ridgefield Spring Festival.
Photo by Kat Smith
a variety of original artwork, from fused glass, to textiles, bronze sculpture, painting, jewelry, mixed media and more. Along the tour, guest artists will also showcase their work, providing opportunities to purchase art directly from the creators. Find a tour map at WashougalStudioArtists.org. Happening May 3-4, 10 am-4 pm
NW Children’s Theater presents Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at The Judy, 1000 SW Broadway #T-100, Portland. You are cordially invited to join the Hatter for tea. Travel through the looking glass to enjoy an interactive extravaganza filled with music, magic and just a touch of madness. Enjoy tea and treats as the Hatter
June 29-30, 2024
5K • 10K • Trail Challenge • YS Benefiting City of Yacolt
COOL SWAG FOR ALL REGISTERED: TECHSHIRT, MEDAL AND ATHLETE GIFT!
takes you through interactive stories, songs and a magic show. Costumes/ tea party attire encouraged! Tickets $20-$25 at nwcts.org. Happening May 3-18, times vary.
SAVE 10% USING PROMO CODE WHYVANCOUVERFAMILY KIDS 12 AND UNDER RACE FOR FREE AGES 13-17 RACE FOR 50% OFF
Vancouver Master Chorale presents “From Haydn to Basin St” at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets $30 at vancouvermasterchorale.org. 7 pm continued from previous page REGISTER & DETAILS AT WHYRACINGEVENTS.COM
3 SATURDAY
El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver. Join us for bilingual story hour, traditional folkloric dance, festive art activities, and delicious treats in celebration of El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day). Commonly known as Día, it is a celebration of children, families, and reading. Día emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds, linking children and their families to diverse books, languages, and cultures. Únete a nosotros para la hora de los cuentos bilingües, danzas folclóricas tradicionales, actividades artísticas festivas y bocadillos deliciosos en la celebración del Día de los niños/Día de los libros. Conocido comúnmente como El Día, es una celebración de los niños, las familias y la lectura. El Día hace énfasis en la importancia de la alfabetización de los niños de todos los orígenes lingüísticos y
4 SUNDAY
Doktor Kaboom keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. He tours worldwide with his original science comedy shows.
culturales, vinculando a los niños y a sus familias con diversidad de libros, idiomas y culturas. 1-3 pm
continued on page 30
Photo courtesy Doktor KABOOM
4 SUNDAY
Doktor KABOOM Under Pressure at Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview. In this show, Doktor Kaboom, along with a magnificent cast of volunteers, demonstrates the power of pressure, something all around us, which although we cannot see it, affects us all. Tickets $11.50 at columbiatheatre.com. 2 pm
6 TUESDAY
Science on Tap: Bomb Cyclones to Renewable Energy at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Speaker Mark Ingalls will discuss how the Pacific Northwest’s diversity of weather is a significant renewable energy asset, with numerous companies scrambling to harness the power of Columbia Gorge wind and Columbia Basin sunshine. As our energy infrastructure becomes more weather-dependent, it is more important than ever to understand and tackle these regional issues to maintain a reliable electrical grid during North America’s transition to green energy sources. Tickets $15-$45 at kigginstheatre.com. 7 pm
9 FRIDAY
MPA Mainstage presents “Alice By Heart” at Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Tickets $12-$25 at metropolitanperformingarts.org. Playing May 9-23, showtimes vary.
archaeologist Doug Wilson to learn more about the fascinating world of archaeology, discovering the history of Vancouver that lies just beneath our feet. Entrance fees to the reconstructed Fort Vancouver apply. 10-11:30 am
Local Children’s Author Fair at Woodland Community Library, 411 Lakeshore Dr., Woodland. Join the fun with local authors who will read their books. 10:30 am
11 SUNDAY
Master Gardener Mother’s Day Plant Sale at 78th Street Heritage Farm, 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Shop perennials and annuals, vegetables and herbs, houseplants and hanging baskets, mixed flower pots, used tools and garden supplies and more. Brought to you by Master Gardener Foundation of Clark County. Proceeds support the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener Program and horticulture education grants in Clark County. Proceeds support the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener Program and horticulture education grants in Clark County. 10 am-1 pm
15 THURSDAY
17 SATURDAY
Our Time to Shine 2025 5K at WSU Vancouver, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver. Proceeds support maternal mental health and family wellness. Registration $20-$45 at runtheday.com/ register/detail/seedling-psychological5k-2025. 8:30 am
Kids Fishing Fest 2025 at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Fishing for kids ages 5-14 with an expert fishing mentor, plus a fishing pole for registered fishers, opportunity for registered fishers to catch and take home up to two fish, hands-on science and nature activities, BBQ lunch and more. Tickets $8 per person, kids under 5 are free. Register at columbiasprings. org/KFF. 8 am-3 pm
BARK Ranger Day at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 E 5th St., Vancouver. Visit the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center to pick up your map and participate in a self-guided activity that explores Fort Vancouver’s canine history. This official Bark Ranger program honors the legacy of dogs at Fort Vancouver and celebrates the longstanding bond between humans and their best friend. 9 am-4 pm
Laugh to End Alzheimer’s at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. A little hilarity for a great charity: a no-holdsbarred panel of hilarious women dishing out the good, the bad and the ridiculous of womanhood-all to support the Alzheimer’s Association of OR & SW WA. Tickets $40$60 at kigginstheatre.com. 6 pm
continued from page 29 continued on next page
Journey Theater presents “Peter/Wendy” at Manor Church, 17913 NE 72nd Ave., Battle Ground. Based on J.M. Barrie’s original Peter and Wendy and The Little White Bird, rather than the Disney version of Peter Pan, this lyrical, interactive interpretation strips the familiar story down to its emotional essence. The story focuses on Wendy Darling as Peter lures her away from her nursery to the magical world of Neverland, where she joins his adventures with Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily and the menacing Captain Hook. Tickets $13-$16 at journeytheater.org. Playing May 9-17, showtimes vary.
10 SATURDAY
Camas Plant & Garden Fair in Downtown Camas. Shop a huge selection of plants, trees, garden art and supplies, and more from local growers and vendors. Plus, enjoy kids’ activities, raffle prizes, live music, fresh food and the shops and restaurants of Downtown Camas. 9 am-4 pm
Archaeology Walking Tour of Fort Vancouver at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 E 5th St., Vancouver. Join
What Style is It? The Historic Architecture of Washington State at Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes St., Vancouver. Join long-time State Architectural Historian Michael Houser for an engaging presentation on the rich architectural history of Vancouver and surrounding communities in a statewide context. 6:30 pm
16 FRIDAY
Mom Prom Camas/Washougal 2025 at Washougal Times, 1834 E St., Washougal. The ultimate event for all the amazing moms out there who deserve a night to let loose and have a blast. Tickets $60 at eventbrite. com/e/mom-prom-camaswashougal-2025tickets-1252001673709. 7-10 pm
Stunt Dog Experience at Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview Meticulously choreographed performances showcase the exceptional talent and training of canine athletes. Tickets $22.50-$28 at columbiatheatre.com. 7:30 pm
Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver. A day of STEAM education through aviation, including a flight simulator lab, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes and collections on display. Admission is free for all ages. 10 am-3 pm
Conscious Consumption Series: Trashion Show at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver Calling all designers! Are you passionate about upcycling materials and reducing waste? Showcase your skills
17SATURDAY
Kids are invited to Columbia Springs to enjoy a day of fishing and fun activities. Fishing gear and mentors provided!
Photo courtesy Columbia Springs
continued from previous page
by entering our third annual Trashion Show! Participants will create a wearable garment or accessory to showcase on our runway. All entries must be made from reused or recycled materials. 2-4 pm
18 SUNDAY
Reflection Run at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. This half marathon, 10K and 5K race honors the brave men and women who have or are currently serving in our Armed Forces and remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedom. Registration $50-$102 at whyracingevents.com. 8:30 am
Micah’s Mini-Marathon at Frenchman’s Bar, 9216 Lower River Rd., Vancouver. An inclusive event for people of all abilities: Just 2.62 miles of walking, rolling or running. Registration $45 at micahsmiles.org. 9 am
Family STEM Lab: Tech Petting Zoo at Fourth Plain Community Commons, 3101 E Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Come play with different STEAM-focused learning tools, practice engineering, coding, robot programming skills and more. For ages 3–19. 1-3 pm
VSO Chamber Orchestra with Philippe Quint at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Hear multi-Grammy Award nominee violinist, Philippe Quint, alongside the VSO Chamber Orchestra. Tickets $15-$30 at vancouversymphony.org. 3 pm
Southwest Washington Wind Symphony: Colors of the Midnight Sun at Union High School, 6201 NW Friberg-Strunk St., Camas. The Southwest Washington Wind Symphony’s 20th anniversary season continues with Principal Conductor Patrick Murphy, from the University of Portland, sharing the podium with two guest conductors and showcasing works by local composers. 3 pm
21 WEDNESDAY
Hatchery Tour at Columbia Springs 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Have you ever wondered how old the fish are in the round ponds or how the hatchery operates? Learn all about the Vancouver Trout Hatchery at this free tour. Register at columbiasprings. org. 3 pm
23 FRIDAY
Parenting & Play Community at St. Andrew Nature Preschool, 5607 NE Gher Rd., Vancouver. Free community gatherings for
29 THURSDAY
families with young children. 2nd Fridays: playgroup / 4th Fridays: enrichment class, childcare (for ages 12 mo-5 yrs) provided with RSVP. May 2025 enrichment class topic: Emotional health of children. More details at preschoolstandrew.org/resources. 10-11:30 am
Friday Night Cruise In at Alderbrook Park, 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. Fun for the whole family with a café, snack shacks, food trucks, beer gardens, vendors, DJ, disc golf, mini golf and more. Admission $5-$10. Every Friday through September 12 at 4-8 pm
26 MONDAY
Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 E 5th St., Vancouver. Presented by Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC), this event honors men and women who have lost their lives in service of our country. Visitors may view the garrison flag raising, Washington Army National Guard Howitzer cannon firing, and a wreath laying ceremony in honor of fallen heroes, plus hear guest speakers. Free of charge. 11 am
26 MONDAY
28 WEDNESDAY
Poetry Street PNW – A Poetry Open Mic Where Every Voice is Heard at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Read aloud your original or favorite work, and listen to monthly featured poets. All ages welcome. 6:15-7:45 pm
29 THURSDAY
Ridgefield Raptors Opening Home Baseball Game at the RORC, 3101 S Hillhurst Rd., Ridgefield. Watch Clark County’s hometown baseball team face off against teams from all over the Pacific Northwest. Season and single ticket info at ridgefieldraptors.com. 6:30 pm
30 FRIDAY
Journey Theater presents “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at Manor Church, 17913 NE 72nd Ave., Battle Ground. Set in 1840 Missouri, this is the tale of young Tom Sawyer and the neverending mischief of which he so often finds himself a part; whether it’s matching wits with Aunt Polly, tricking his friends into white-washing a fence for him or narrowly escaping the clutches of a murderous villain. Tickets $13-$16 at journeytheater.org. Playing May 30-Jun 7, showtimes vary.
Join the community in honoring fallen servicemen and women at Vancouver’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony.
The Ridgefield Raptors take on the Cowlitz Black Bears in their opening game.
Photo by Steshka Willems at pexels.com
Photo by Chad Madden at
We take pride in this community.
After all, we live here too.
For over 90 years, OnPoint has been a part of the Pacific Northwest. In that time, we have empowered people from all walks of life to achieve their financial goals. Drop by one of our 57 branches. We’d love to introduce you to the financial tools and resources that can help you, your family, and your community thrive.
With 7 convenient branches in the SW Washington area
