Vancouver Family Magazine December 2022

It’s your moment.

From the moment you find out you’re pregnant to the moment you see that precious face – the journey of motherhood is filled with moments you cherish. PeaceHealth is here for every moment, starting with the moment you choose your pregnancy doctor.

Toren Davis, DO, is a family medicine doctor who specializes in obstetric care. He also focuses on osteopathic medicine to treat the whole person – not just their symptoms. Partnering with Dr. Davis means you get the support of the PeaceHealth Southwest Family Birth Center, which has been named one of the best maternity hospitals in the U.S. by Newsweek magazine for three years in a row.

Learn more at peacehealth.org/vancouvermom or call 360-334-3973.

Toren Davis, DO

PEACEHEALTH FAMILY MEDICINE SOUTHWEST 100 E. 33rd St. Suite 100 Vancouver, WA 98663

FEATURE ARTICLES

The Audacity

October 2022 marked the long-awaited comeback of VANTalks, a local TED-style event founded in 2016 by entrepreneurs Kevin Hiebert and Dan Wyatt. It’s been a long three years since the last event in 2019, but this year’s talks were definitely worth the wait. With a wide range of life experiences, professional expertise and personal insight, each speaker brought a totally different view and vibe to the stage, and all of them were inspiring. Stunt motorcycle rider, Nathan Tanzman Jr., brought us on a journey of self-discovery that commenced with a bike accident that could have ended his life, but instead challenged him to change his self-destructive behaviors and channel his passions into helping others. Kurt Miller is not only the funniest climate advocate you’ll ever see on stage, but he may also be the most passionate about the future of clean energy. Tyler Monk serenaded us with spoken word poetry, describing his difficult past and his decision to break cycles of generational suffering. Kathy Ann Carlisle explained how her devastating Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis changed everything—sometimes for the better. Paul Iarrobino shared about his work with vulnerable seniors during COVID, and how the pandemic’s change of pace compelled him to rearrange his personal priorities. Sarah Desjarlais related her personal experience fostering and adopting children with her husband, and how it evolved into her professional mission to improve the lives of kids entering foster care. And Mike Nieto urged us all to get uncomfortable in all the right ways by allowing and encouraging vulnerability, curiosity and expression in the workplace. I left the event feeling energized by the sheer audacity of these leaders to break down barriers and blaze new trails, and proud of our Southwest Washington community that fosters this kind of creativity and altruism.

In this issue, we are highlighting similarly altruistic (and audacious) organizations and leaders—some prominent and some completely unseen—who make Vancouver and the surrounding area such a special place. Meet M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust’s new CEO, Romanita Hairston, and learn how, with her leadership, the Trust is poised to deeply impact Southwest Washington for the better for decades to come (page 12). (Sarah Desjarlais makes an appearance there too!) Plus, learn how unpaid volunteers of various faith groups bring relief to those in need (page 24) and explore Washington’s capitol city in our Day Trip: Olympia travel feature (page 18).

Publisher Julie Buchan

Julie@vancouverfamilymagazine.com (360) 882-7762

Editor Nikki Klock Nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com (360) 882-7762

Associate Editor Sarah Mortensen Sarah@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Graphic Designer I-Shüan Warr Ishuan@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Rachel Messerschmidt, Carrie Lynn, Emily Corak, Sarah Mortensen

Ad Sales sales@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Vancouver Family Magazine is published monthly by Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC Address: PO Box 820264 Vancouver, WA 98682 Tel: 360-882-7762

Copyright 2002-2022. All rights reserved. No portion of Vancouver Family Magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC and staff do not recommend or endorse any service, product, or content represented in this magazine or on our website. The sole purpose of this publication is to provide information on available services and/or products. It is the consumer’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of information given. Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC, and/or Julie Buchan and Nikki Klock and staff do not assume and disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by error or omission in this magazine or on our website. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

by Marie Pham Photography mariephamphotography.com 360-907-6732

Nikki Klock, Editor nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

On the

Photo by Marie Pham Photography

Photo

Riverside Performing Arts Provides Scholarships for Teen Performers

Riverside Performing Arts (RPA) in Hazel Dell has provided acting lessons and directed performing arts productions since 2007. Typically, lessons or camps come with a cost, but a new program with RPA’s nonprofit partner, Northwest Performing Arts Alliance, is opening opportunities for young actors to pursue their passion of performing arts now and after high school graduation. The winter theater production by RPA is now a scholarship program for local students. “All those who auditioned and were cast are actually being paid via scholarship money for college, trade school or performing arts education,” explains RPA owner and artistic director Annie Warf. “The actors and their families don’t have to pay any fees or come to any required classes. Its 100% free.” Cast members were selected in September and will rehearse each week until the performances in February. This season’s production will be “Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery.” Warf is hoping to award between $500 and $1,000 for each student. “We rely on sponsorships and ticket revenue to help get these kids the most money we can. It’s a truly unique program.” While this year’s show is already cast, auditions will be held again in September 2023. “This program gives local middle school and high school students the opportunity to be part of a professional production and earn scholarship funds doing something they love,” continues Warf, adding, “There’s nothing like it in the community.” To become a sponsor, go to northwestpaa.org

Teens performing in an upcoming production of “The Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery” are earning scholarship funds for their performance work. Photo courtesy Northwest Performing Arts Alliance.

R ecently, the suicide prevention line (1-800-273-TALK) simplified to the easy-to-remember number 988. Nationwide, 988 is now the number to call if you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis and/or thoughts of suicide. However, if the crisis is immediate, you should still call 911

In addition to 911 and 988, other short dials are available for accessing a variety of services. For example, the non-emergency fire and police line is 311. This is the best number to call for noise complaints, abandoned vehicles, or even to report an earthquake. Anything that is not an immediate safety issue, call 311. Both 311 and 911 calls are answered in the same location, but dispatchers are able to see which number has been dialed, helping them to prioritize calls during busy hours.

211 is the number to call for essential community services, such as access to food, health, utility/ housing assistance, disaster relief and even language translation and interpretation services. 211 also helps veterans connect to services specific to them.

Though used less often, 411 is a phone number directory. Due to the prevalence of cell phones with data plans, AT&T cancelled this service for its users in November of 2021. For cell phone carriers still offering the service, a fee is normally charged.

511 is a transportation and traffic information hotline that provides regularly updated local travel conditions detailing delays, weather, accidents and closures.

Finally, 811 is the number to call if you plan to dig into the ground, deeper than one foot. Every dig requires a call. Or Call811.com can direct you to fill in an online request form as a contractor or homeowner.

Great River Arts Festival (GRAF) Brings 12+ New Murals to Downtown Vancouver

Over the summer and fall of 2022, Vancouver’s Downtown Association (VDA) partnered with Local Boy Tatau to bring the Great River Arts Festival (GRAF) to Downtown Vancouver. As part of the festival, 15 artists worked during August, September and October to complete over a dozen murals that celebrate art, culture, history and community throughout Vancouver’s downtown core, from 5th-11th Streets.

The goal of GRAF is to strengthen unity through diversity by showcasing Northwest and world-renowned artists. Curating and growing a visual multicultural historic arts district experience will build and enrich the future through the arts. 2021 was the first year of the event. This year, Local Boy Tatau and related artists won VDA’s HeART of Downtown Award.

out these mural artists and locations:

Bernadette L., 6th & Washington

Dion Rollerson, 6th & Broadway

Alex Chiu, 6th & Main

Manuael Villagran, 7th & Broadway

Andrew Sumner, 6th & Broadway (adjacent to Vancouver sign) Catya Elise, 6th & Washington

Farewell for Now

By Rachel Messerschmidt All photos courtesy of the author.

After our first season cruising in Mexico, we’ve been back in the Pacific Northwest since mid-August. We’re visiting family, friends and trying to determine the next steps in our family’s journey.

We’ve managed to pack a lot into our time here: hiking Beacon Rock, visiting Mount St. Helens, sight-seeing in Bend and Astoria, and a trip to Medford which included a drive to Crater Lake. We’ve reconnected with friends and been given opportunities to explore new interests. Our daughter even got the chance to ride a friend’s horse on several occasions.

Being back here has me thinking a lot about what “home” means to me, to us. Should we keep living aboard? We want to buy land for a small homestead at some point. But what about traveling? We’re not really ready to settle down long term just yet.

Our sailboat, Mosaic, has been our home for the past six years. She’s part of who we are now, but boats take a lot of effort, time and money to maintain to safety standards. And, after a hard year of cruising in Mexico, Mosaic needs some well-deserved

TLC before we can put her back in the water and get back out cruising. We’re not sure exactly how much attention she needs, or how costly the updates and repairs will be. We need to spend some time investigating and poking into things before we’ll know if getting back in the water this year is even feasible.

So, our current plan is to spend the month of December in Puerto Penasco where the boat is being stored. We’ll rent a small apartment and tear into boat projects to determine if we can get it ready to go back into the water. We need to either accomplish that by January or change gears for the time being.

If we can’t get back out cruising for this upcoming season, we’ll likely shift our plans and turn instead to traveling via pet-sitting. We recently purchased a membership with Trusted Housesitters, a service that connects house- and/or pet-owners with families, couples or individuals who are willing to care for a home and pets in exchange for a place to stay while the owners travel.

There are house-sits available around the world and we think it could be a fun and financially feasible way to travel whenever we’re not on the boat. At the time of this writing, we’ve completed five sits from Portland to Seattle and east to Bend. We have sits

Page 10, top: The author and her mom pose in front of Wizard Island at Crater Lake in southern Oregon during a weekend trip to Medford to visit more extended family.

Bottom: The author's son and her mother-in-law pose atop the Astoria Column during a day-trip to the coast.

Page 11, top: The author's daughter, Kali (8), rides a friend's horse, Clue, at R&R Equestrian Center in Woodland. The stable is owned by a friend and former drillriding team-mate of the author's.

Bottom left: The author's two children enjoy being reacquainted with their cousins while back in Vancouver.

Bottom right: The author's daughter, Kali, looks out at Mt. Saint Helens. The whole family enjoyed learning, again, the history that lies right in our very own corner of the world.

continued from previous page

arranged for Sacramento and Phoenix as we head back south toward Mosaic.

In the future, we’re considering Europe and even Australia, hopefully for several months at a time when traveling further afield. But, just as our first season cruising Mexico has come to an end, so too does this monthly column. We live a life that keeps us on the move and somewhat difficult to pin down, and we like it that way, at least for now. For the future? Only time will tell. Thanks for coming along as I’ve shared our journey for the past two years. I hope you’ve enjoyed the stories.

M.J. Murdock CHARITABLE TRUST

Moves Forward with Fortitude and a New CEO

By Emily Corak

A quick check of the news or a lazy scroll through social media these days can often leave us feeling discouraged. It’s all too easy to convince ourselves that the onslaught of negative stories proves that goodness is diminishing in the world. But, Romanita Hairston, new CEO of M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, believes that if we look around at our own communities, we can find inspiration as well as a place to enact change. The Murdock Trust is one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest charitable trusts which provides funding to private organizations in Alaska, Oregon, Washington,

Idaho and Montana, and its headquarters are right here in Downtown Vancouver, Washington.

Founded in 1975, the Trust has spent over 1.2 billion dollars on nonprofit efforts in the areas of arts and culture, health, education, human services and scientific research. It aims to serve local organizations with financial grants and collaborative opportunities in order to strengthen the skills of their leaders to help them create the most impactful programs. Since last year alone, The Murdock Trust has served dozens of organizations, including the Nehemiah Project, Alaska Institute for Justice, numerous Boys and Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, and Vancouver’s very own Fosterful.

“I have always been a big believer in starting where you are with what you have and doing what you can,” says Romanita Hairston, whom the Trust welcomed as their first female CEO earlier this year. She is brimming with ideas and eager to carry on The Murdock Trust’s mission of spreading collective good. Coming in with

an impressive resume of philanthropy and business, including 20 years at World Vision, Hairston holds a special place in her heart for providing services to vulnerable children and their communities. Moving into her new role and home in Vancouver, Hairston has been committed to creating a smooth transition that maintains stability for the projects the Trust funds, as well as making time to listen. She is keen on understanding what makes the Trust so successful and familiarizing herself with the landscape of the communities being served.

Hairston believes much of the work to be done lies in collaboration and partnership. “It’s impossible for one group or one person to tackle the complex changes facing our communities,” she says. Given the polarization communities are facing right now, she believes it is critical to utilize leadership that brings people of differing ideals together to a common table.

“Long term solutions require discussion and collaboration from unconventional partners that would not otherwise collaborate to find common ground,” she says. It is this reciprocal relationship that will help create impactful change, and she adamantly believes that “transformation happens at the speed of relationship.”

Top: In 2021, The Murdock Trust helped support the Mt. Adams Institute as the nonprofit began work on new facilities to expand their career development and educational programs. Photo credit: Mt. Adams Institute.

Left: Romanita Hairston was recently named M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust’s first female CEO. Photo courtesy The Murdock Trust.

“I have always been a big believer in starting where you are with what you have and doing what you can.”

-Romanita Hairston

Hairston takes the work of caring for your own people seriously and holds herself to the same standard. Guided by her faith, Hairston says that her time with God, her family, community, and engaging in spiritual practices are all sources of renewal for her and afford her the great privilege of serving others. Her personal mission statement is “to know God, as love, and to make God, as love, known through a life of humble commitment, unquestioned integrity and bold service.”

Since relocating from Seattle, Hairston also takes time to explore Vancouver and has found pleasure in spending time on the waterfront, which she says has been amazing to watch grow from a few empty parking lots to an impressive community hub. She especially enjoys some of the alluring gluten-free treats that so many of the new restaurants and cafés offer regularly.

Staff members can affirm that the new CEO’s transition has been an impressive and inspiring display of balance. “Coming

in as a CEO can be tricky as there can be pressure to take action on certain topics, yet you need time to learn and understand the organization and the team,” says Colby Reade, director of communications at the Trust. “ But,” he adds, “Romanita has balanced this so well, investing in really digging in to understand why M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has thrived since 1975, but also finding the ways her unique background and outside perspective can help us continue to adapt and grow.” He also adds that staff are grateful for her energy and passion, and it’s clear she wants to get to know her staff as individuals and people.

Committed to the Community:

Local Organizations Supported by M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Sarah Desjarlais, executive director of Foster ful, can attest to Hairston’s commitment to the whole nonprofit model. Formerly known as Office Moms and Dads, Fosterful is based out of Vancouver but has offices throughout Washington and Idaho. The organization utilizes volunteers to stay with children in child welfare offices to keep them occupied while their cases are being discussed and sorted.

Desjarlais says this helps to soften the blow for children and creates a smoother transition. Fosterful has been a recipient of grants from The Murdock Trust for the past three years, and the funding has enabled greater fundraising capabilities and a full-time in-house development director. The most recent grant, however, was awarded specifically to support the staff themselves.

Leaders at the Trust recognize that those in the nonprofit and service sectors (especially with the added strain of the pandemic), are often giving and working to the point of burnout; they know it’s impossible to pour from an empty cup. Desjarlais feels impressed that an organization like M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust “allotted money to care for the emotional, spiritual and mental well-being of [her] staff.” Because of those funds, the staff and board members of Fosterful were able to take a weekend retreat in nature where they focused on strategic planning, but most importantly, connection and selfcare.

While the Trust makes significant contributions to uplift vulnerable groups

Feature: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust (cont'd)

Top: Every year, hundreds of college students gather to present and discuss scientific research at the annual Murdock College Science Research Conference. Photo credit: The Murdock Trust.

Left: Vancouver-based nonprofit, Fosterful, has received funds from M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to care for the emotional, spiritual and mental well-being of Fosterful staff, furthering their mission to help kids experiencing foster care.

Photo of Fosterful founder, Sarah Desjarlais, courtesy Fosterful.

and communities, it also recognizes the impact that a vibrant arts and culture scene can have on a community. Because of the collaborative efforts of the Trust and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), Vancouver will soon have even more to offer its residents and visitors alike, in the form of a multi-day international arts and music festival that will be debuting in August of 2023. Igor Shakhman, executive director of VSO, says that with the financial support of the Trust over the next three years, this festival will combine art, music, theater, dancing, education and something for children. “After years of the symphony’s hard work, this is the logical continuation,” he says. Nationally recognized artists and musicians will be invited to attend and perform, but the VSO will serve as the anchor for this immersive artistic experience. Shakhman says the experience of working with the Trust was fantastic. “They are so thorough, they work with you so closely, and they really want to make sure you know what you are doing. By the end of the process, you’ve learned so much,” he says. He also feels proud that the Trust valued the symphony enough to head such a big undertaking and knows this will be a vital asset for everyone.

Collaboration is Key

After years of working to make communities better, Hairston knows you do not need to found a nonprofit or even have access to significant funds to make a difference. “For some, this will mean starting small,”

she says. “This may mean helping one individual, one family or organization in need in the community.” We do not need unlimited time and resources to make tiny impacts, and those small differences amount to something substantial over time.

Greater than ever, she adds, is the need for communication and collaboration with each other. When asked about the book Hairston most often recommends to others, she says that although she is an avid reader with a library of at least twelve bookcases, her greatest recommendation is to spend more time reading the person across the table right now. “I feel a deep need to focus myself and others on human interactions as a source of learning and delight after the period we’ve just faced,” she says. When we connect with others, stop to take note of what’s around us; there is much good to be found.

As local nonprofit leaders work with M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, they are often invited back to grow their network with other leaders. Desjarlais shares that she has been invited to speak to other patrons of the Trust as well as at online board meetings; she appreciates that she is being included in those conversations. It speaks to both Romanita Hairston and the members of the Trust to not only provide resources, but to listen and learn from the organizations with boots on the ground. Desjarlais says that she feels immensely proud to live and work in Clark County as

it’s a place full of generous donors and nonprofit organizations that work so well together to support one another.

We need only look around our own community to notice we are surrounded by generosity and people who aim to make the Pacific Northwest a better place for everyone. When those willing to engage in creating positive changes are brought together, we can begin to chip away at our most severe community challenges. As Hairston states, “The more you see something work, the easier it becomes to keep that work moving forward, even when faced with a few steps backward.”

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 is set to graduate with her MFA in creative writing this fall and, if given the choice, she would spend all her spare cash on travel and books.

Top: The Murdock Trust has provided support to the Alaska Native Heritage Center over two decades as the nonprofit works to preserve and strengthen the traditions, languages and art of Alaska’s Native People through statewide collaboration, celebration, and education. Photo credit: Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Bottom: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs at the Skyview Concert Hall in Vancouver in September 2022 under the baton of Maestro Salvador Brotons.

Photo Credit: Lisa Kuhlman

Feature: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

DAY TRIP:

By Nikki Klock All photos by Nikki Klock except as noted

ashington’s capital city is known for its indie rock scene (Portlandia star Carrie Brownstein’s 90s band, Sleater-Kinney, was named for the road that cuts through Olympia and Lacey), The Evergreen State College, and of course, the center of state government. But beyond the musical angst, the college coming-of-age and the politics, Olympia is a fantastic place for Southwest Washington families to spend a day exploring, especially during the rainy fall and winter months. I took a friend and her young daughter and niece to see the sights on a beautiful fall day in October.

Hands On Children’s Museu m

Our first and most important stop was Hands On Children’s Museum on downtown Olympia’s waterfront. Hands On traces its history all the way back to 1987, but the current state-of-theart facility opened in 2012, and has since drawn families from all over the Pacific Northwest to experience science and art with all of their senses. The museum’s vision includes commitments to “foster a sense of inquiry” and to “provide a place where children

and parents can learn together,” and both are obviously happening at Hands On. As the name suggests, kids are encouraged to touch, handle, manipulate and experiment with the exhibits. The “Emergency!” exhibit encourages kids to sit in a real police car and fire engine and treat baby doll patients in the mock hospital. “Good for You” demonstrates farm-to-table food, from a colorful home garden to a pizzeria ready for role play. “Our Puget Sound” showcases the power of Washington’s waterways with a two-story cargo ship and an 8-foot Ballcano Vortex that shoots balls through a whirlpool funnel. Upstairs, “Move It!” is housed in a high-ceiling water tower with a paper rocket launcher and a 25-foot transparent Airways Maze through which to send scarves and yarn balls. The Arts and Parts Studio is a young artist’s dream, with clay, paper,

Clockwise from left: The Washington State Capitol grounds and building are free to visit. Sofie’s Scoops Gelateria offers gluten- and dairy-free options at 222 Market. Hands On Children’s Museum invites families to explore science and art through play. Last photo courtesy of Hands On Children’s Museum.

Hands On Children’s Museum

markers, recycled materials, and plenty of other supplies to create a unique masterpiece. “Fabulous Forest” invites kids to perform on stage and ascend into a Tree House. Snug Harbor is a safe and fun spot especially for toddlers and preschoolers. Connecting the floors of the huge museum is a play place-style climbing structure and slide. Because the day we visited was a sunny one, we got to spend a good chunk of our midday in the Outdoor Discover Center, a half-acre space featuring a lighthouse and schooner, children’s garden, dino dig, log scramble and even trikes and helmets available to borrow. On top of all of the exhibits and activities, the museum contains a café, lockers, nursing nooks and lots of grownup seating throughout, to keep families comfortable. Our girls loved the Ballcano Vortex and the dino dig—both tactile experiences that invited them to get their hands wet and dirty, in all the right ways! We probably could have stayed and played all day long, but we had more to explore, and just one day to do it.

Kno w Before Yo u Go

Hands On Children’s Museum HOCM.org 414 Jefferson St. NE Olympia, WA 98501 360-956-0818

Tickets: General Admission (Timed Start Tickets): $15.95 Military/First Responder/Foster Family/Senior: $14.95 Babies 0-17 months: Free

Hours:

Museum: Monday-Saturday: 9am -5pm Sunday: 10am -5pm Play Day Café: 11am -2pm

Sensory Friendly Hour & Art Time: Sunday: 9am -11am

The Museum is closed on the following days: Easter, April 17 Independence Day, July 4 September 12-16 for Annual Cleaning & Maintenance Thanksgiving, November 24 Christmas Eve, December 24 (early closure - 3pm) Christmas Day, December 25 Occasionally the museum closes early for special events and holidays. Check HOCM.org to see hours for the day. Contact Hands On for information about reciprocal memberships and special/holiday events.

Right next door to Hands On, there’s even more to explore at WET Science Center. We didn’t have time to visit, but it’s free and open Monday through Saturday, 10am -4pm

Hands On Children’s Museum

Sa v o ry an d Sw ee t Cuisine

We left the museum and stopped for lunch at Dos Hermanos Mexican Kitchen, a gem we found by accident while driving around the downtown area looking for parking. The restaurant is housed within 222 Market, an indoor collective of shops and restaurants just a few blocks away from Hands On. The mahi mahi fish tacos were delicious, and right next door, also inside 222 Market, Sofie’s Scoops made a perfect sweet ice cream treat for dessert. Both eating establishments offered gluten- and dairy-free options (important for my travel companions).

Feature: Day Trip: Olympia (cont'd)

Feature: Day Trip: Olympia (cont'd)

continued from page 20

Wa shington St ate C apitol Buildin g

After lunch we headed less than a mile away to the most visible building in Olympia: the state capitol. With stately steps worthy of Rocky Balboa’s workout, and surrounded by beautiful gardens, the state capitol is a must see, especially for older kids who are learning about government and civics. It’s open to the public to peek inside, and guided tours are offered on the hour (see sidebar for details). We walked around inside with our littles who loved to hear their voices echo inside the cavernous rotunda. We explored the flower garden (with reminders to stay on the path and not pick the flowers), the World War I memorial statue and the fountain on the manicured grounds before calling it a day.

The 90-minute drive back home to Vancouver made it a great day trip, very doable for little ones, and with plenty to see, even on a rainy day. Next time, we hope to explore more of the city’s outdoor attractions and natural wonders, especially the Puget Sound waterways.

Nikki

Kno w Before Yo u Go

Washington State Capitol

Admission: Free Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30am -5pm Saturday, Sunday: 11am - 4pm Holidays (except Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas and New Year’s Day): 11am -4pm

Daily public tours are given Monday-Friday at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3 pm, and Saturday-Sunday at 11:30am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm. For groups of 10 or more, reserve space in advance by calling the State Capitol Tour Office at 360-902-8880. Advanced reservations are limited to 20 spaces per tour. For more information, call Visitor Service at 360-902-8880.

Klock has been the editor of Vancouver Family Magazine since 2006. She loves reading and running and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family and friends.

Washington St ate

Capitol Buildin g

UNPAI D & UNSEEN: How Volunteers Make Vancouver Better

By Carrie Lynn and Sarah Mortensen

Volunteering is like an invisible web that both builds and binds communities together. From Meals on Wheels and food banks, to diaper dispensaries and homeless shelters, these vital programs could not function without the time of dedicated volunteers—and the benefits go far beyond the dollars spent or the individuals helped. Dividends accrue as new friendships are forged and those who receive help “pay it forward” down the road. Plus, helping others increases one’s own happiness, too. Here in Clark County, there are multiple ways to get involved, for an hour or an afternoon.

Rori Dicker is one local volunteer who enjoys her time serving. She is not affiliated with any specific group, organization or faith community, yet you can find her serving wherever there is a need. Dicker lived in California before moving to Clark County. Her personal outreach to homeless and traumatized individuals began with Project Homeless Connect in Santa Cruz. Today, she helps coordinate Thrive2Survive while also volunteering at Winter Hospitality Overflow Shelters (WHO), Vancouver Farmers Market, YWCA and Share. Across these organizations, Rori has worked with volunteers from diverse backgrounds who are totally united in their desire to help others. She’s seen that amazing things happen when people of different beliefs bring what they have to the table to accomplish a common goal. Dicker says, “If I could create the poster

of the perfect volunteer, it would be a set of hands extending outward in a circle of all sizes, ages and colors.”

Dicker knows that despite the negativity and divisiveness that seem to be everywhere, there are countless untold stories of people helped and lives changed for the better through the work of unpaid volunteers. They may not be known to many, but they are heroes to those whose lives they touch. While volunteer opportunities come from many secular sources, Clark County’s faith community is often at the forefront of aiding those in need. Here are just a few of those stories and their impact in Clark County.

WHO – Winter Hospitality Overflow Shelters

In 2002, churches across Clark County launched a winter-only overnight homeless shelter program.

The purpose was to provide a safe, dry, indoor place to sleep. As the need to help shelter homeless individuals and families expanded, the WHO model branched out to other churches in the county, including Living Hope, Immanuel Lutheran, Beautiful Savior and Riverside churches. Nearly a dozen churches now host some form of WHO or inclement weather operation. Each location offers protection from the elements, a safe place to sleep, and often food. Every one of these shelters is run by volunteer support.

Sidel, volunteer coordinator of WHO, remembers an early experience which

Jane

Left: WHO founding member Geri Hiller greets guests, or "my guys" as she has calls them. Photo courtesy WHO Task Force.

Right: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Vancouver North Stake donates most of WHO’s non-perishable food for the season. Photo courtesy WHO Task Force.

“forged” her commitment to helping the homeless population. She shares, “I opened the door to our guests. I looked down and there were lots of lowered heads and sleepy folks. Being unsheltered in the U.S. is hard work. I greeted them as they came in; some I knew by name and some not. They were mostly all smiles. I realized in that moment that this might have been the first time today that someone greeted them, by name or otherwise. We often overlook or ignore those unsheltered people we see day to day. I saw what a difference a simple greeting could make.” Sidel has seen other volunteers experience that same eye-opening moment when they realize just how important the work they do is. She recalls another time in which, “A guest asked a volunteer if a plate of food could be set aside for her husband as he would be coming in late due to his work schedule. The volunteer obliged of course, and got the meal heated up when he arrived. Later, she happened to pass by the room where he was eating and observed the husband and wife seated [and] going over their day together. She was so struck by this homely scene and realized the importance of the WHO and other shelters. They provide shelter, yes, but more importantly a space for individuals and families to have some sense of normalcy and dignity. It changed her outlook on the WHO from only a place of shelter . . . to a place of shelter and dignity.”

Treasure House

Fifty-two years ago, in 1970, a coalition of churches in Camas and Washougal created a food pantry and thrift store named Inter-Faith Treasure House. Today it is the primary food bank and life resource center on the east side of Clark County. Site coordinator Nancy Wilson says their volunteers fill 65 individual food backpacks that schools distribute to students in need weekly. They also fill 350

food box requests monthly for individuals and families to pick up at Treasure House. Much of the funding for the operation comes from purchases made at their thrift store and private donations. Wilson and her team had a great rhythm until COVID struck. “Our doors had been open daily for 50 years until lockdowns,” she says.

As the world began to open, it became apparent that winter weather had destroyed the aging roof of the thrift store, a side of the organization needed to fund their operations. Sadly, the only answer was to keep the doors locked and create a new way to fulfill their promise to feed people. “Our commitment to the community is as strong as ever,” says Wilson. “We want no one to go without.” Backpacks are still packed, as are food boxes with canned goods, USDA dairy products and healthy proteins. Not wanting to miss any need while the roof waits for repairs, the volunteer team keeps shopping carts outside the door stocked with extra items such as chips, juice boxes and cereal that any passerby can collect. “Volunteers are key to any nonprofit’s success,” explains Wilson. “It is community helping community. We depend on volunteers to help us feed the hungry in our community, from toddlers to seniors.”

Battle Ground Adventist Community Services

Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church hosts a similar operation to Treasure House in northeast Clark County: Battle Ground Adventist Community Services (BG ACS). BG ACS is housed in a former retirement home which offers plenty of space for the “store” where people come to get both clothes and food. “Early in 2021 we returned to a shoppingstyle pantry for all our clients,” says Maury Parrish, lead coordinator.

Behind the space where patrons “shop” for things they need are rooms where volunteers sort and organize donations. There is even a small appliance repair area which makes minor repairs on small items for the thrift store. The final room is aptly named the diaper room. Parrish knows

They provide shelter, yes, but more importantly a space for individuals and families to have some sense of normalcy and dignity.

-Jane Sidel, Volunteer coordinator of WHO

Battle Ground Adventist Community Services client Bernice and her nephew after completing shopping for supplies. Photo courtesy BG ACS.

how important this particular section is. “A young mom came in to shop with her baby girl,” he recalls. “She was diapered in a kitchen towel while the mother searched for a diaper among our items. We scrounged for a few but didn’t have many.” The moment struck a chord. “At first, we sought [diaper] donations, then we discovered The National Diaper Bank Network; we applied for membership and were approved. Stacks of boxes of diapers and wipes fill the room from floor to ceiling. All baby diapers are purchased and then made available free of any charge to financially struggling parents. We provide cases of diapers for families all over the county through places such as Salvation Army, Clark County Health, Evergreen School District, and several other food pantries in the county.” It is another success made available to the community through an all-volunteer team.

Babies in Need

Toward the western side of the county in Hazel Dell is the service-centric All Saints Episcopal Church. Of all the programs they provide in the community, one has a building of its very own: the Babies in Need ministry. In 1999, the church received word from a local hospital of a young mother who had no supplies to take her baby home in. Without a second thought the women of the church gathered all the necessary items from clothes to a car seat for the new family. Thus began a 23-year ministry in infant and newborn support.

Today, volunteers gather each month in the building built behind the church to organize layette bags filled with everything a baby could need during the first few months of life. These bags are delivered to local hospitals where social workers get the bags to new families in need. Most of the time, the volunteers who sew blankets and collect items never meet those they are helping. But Mona Pocha, assistant director of Babies in Need, recalls one day that

she did. “One winter afternoon during our monthly assembly we heard a timid knock on the door. When [we] answered we met a young mom with two young children under two who had recently relocated to Vancouver and were living in their car. We put together diapers, wipes and several warm blankets to help this young family.

The mom was limited in what gifts she could accept due to her living conditions. When I asked her why she came that day, she said she felt God telling her to come. When I explained we were only there very few days per month, we both agreed that God had sent her to us on that day and that time.”

GIFT Clark County

GIFT, short for Give It Forward Together, is a project of the Jewish Business Network, which was founded “to give families and individuals in our local community the opportunity to get together for the purpose of enhancing lives of those around us.” Each month they participate in a volunteer project where anyone can sign up to help. The project can change from month to month, but they typically support local nonprofits such as Bridge the Gap and Share, or prepare hamantash or challah and deliver to senior centers. At GiftClarkCounty.com, volunteers can sign up for updates on upcoming opportunities such as their new ongoing project, Acts of Routine Kindness.

“We all inherently want to be contributors. We all inherently want to be making a positive impact in our world,” shares Tzivie Greenberg who works with GIFT and Chabad Jewish Center “For some people, coming up with ways they can contribute is easy and comes naturally, others (kids especially) need to be guided towards opportunities where they can experience first-hand just how good it feels, how important it is, and how they need to be contributing part of society. We formed GIFT to be that opportunity for individuals, families and kids. The obvious additional benefit are the organizations and people we gather around to assist.”

Sarah Mittelman (left) and Marilyn Gilbert (right) volunteer for Jewish Business Network’s Give It Forward Together (GIFT).

Photo courtesy Chabad Lubavitch of Clark County.

We all inherently want to be contributors. We all inherently want to be making a positive impact in our world.

-Tzivie Greenberg

How to Help

Like Greenberg shares, most people have the desire to do more to help others, but it can be difficult to find the time, and to find an organization that fits. The simplest way to find both short- and long-term volunteer opportunities is at JustServe.org. The website and free app guides users to find organizations of all kinds near their zip code (or remote opportunities), who are looking for volunteers. Users can even search specific opportunities that are open to all ages, allowing parents to bring kids along to participate in the service. Other search filters include group opportunities, indoors, wheelchair accessible, or item or money donations rather than time.

As doctor and author Maxwell Maltz once wrote, “One of the most pleasant thoughts to any human being is the thought that he is needed, that he is important enough and competent enough to help and add to the happiness of some other being.” It’s clear that many communities of faith are doing just that, right in Clark County.

Carrie Lynn is an avid reader and emerging writer living in Vancouver. Her first memoir, “Finding Fitzgerald,” is now available. When not reading or writing, she can be found coordinating Vancouver’s nonprofit Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO) or traveling with her family.

Sarah Mortensen holds a degree in English and Marriage and Family Studies from BYUIdaho. She 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 enjoys hiking, hot chocolate, and dressing up for Halloween. She lives in Vancouver with her husband, son and daughter.

Southwest Washington thrives because of simple human kindness and unpaid effort from thousands of unseen volunteers.

In 2023, Vancouver Family Magazine will regularly be highlighting a variety of volunteer opportunities and experiences, and their impact on our community. We hope to inspire you and your family to find joy and purpose in serving our community however and whenever you can, and to highlight the efforts of local organizations who are making a difference. As best-selling author and leadership expert, Simon Sinek says, “There is a difference between offering a service and being willing to serve. They both include giving, but only one is generous.”

Let’s make 2023 a year full of generosity.

One of the most pleasant thoughts to any human being is the thought that he is needed, that he is important enough and competent enough to help and add to the happiness of some other being.

-Maxwell Maltz

of events activities

1 THURSDAY

Visits & Photos with Santa at the Elf Holiday Experience at Vancouver Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. Santa’s new home for the holidays at Vancouver Mall is on the lower level near H&M through December 24. The set, based on the movie “Elf,” is free and open to the public to visit, and professional photos are available for purchase. Children will be able to talk with Santa to share their wish lists, or place a letter in Santa’s mailbox for him to read later. “Santa Paws” pet photos with Santa, plus sensory-friendly visits with Santa are available. Reservations are recommended at ShopVancouverMall.com/events.

Washougal Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Parade beings at 6 pm on Main Street and proceeds to Reflection Plaza. 6-8 pm

History on Tap at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Come raise a glass with Clark County Historical Museum and Kiggins Theatre as we explore the history of the Pacific Northwest. 7-9 pm

Marlon Wayans Live at ilani, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield. 8 pm

2 FRIDAY

First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Vancouver. Visit a wide array of gallery spaces and artcentric businesses throughout Vancouver’s Downtown. 4-8 pm

Hometown Holidays in Downtown Camas. Visit Santa to tell him your wish list and pose for photos. Holiday entertainment, tractor hayrides, crafts for the kids and food vendors will be on hand. 5-9 pm

Christmas Ships on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Watch as boats decked out with Christmas lights and music cruise along

river past Vancouver Waterfront Park, Camas/ Washougal, Steamboat Landing and other sites along the river route. Find the full schedule at ChristmasShips.org.

Journey Theater presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at Washington Grange, 7701 NE Ward Rd., Vancouver. In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids—probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem—and the fun—when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on! Tickets $13-$15 at JourneyTheater. org. 7 pm

The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra live at Providence Academy Ballroom, 400 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra is teaming up with The Historic Trust to bring live music and dancing to Vancouver, with the music of the roaring 20s and Depression-era 30s. Tickets $10-$11 at historicmusic.org or at the door. 7-9 pm

Vancouver Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. Bring the entire family and experience the magic of the Nutcracker this holiday season! Tickets $14 at VancouverDanceTheatre.com. 7 pm

“A Nice Family Gathering” at Love Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave., Woodland. It’s Thanksgiving Day and the first family gathering at the Lundeen household since Dad died. At the gathering, Dad (played by Lou Pallotta) comes back as a ghost with a mission; to tell his wife (played by Sharon Mann) of 35 years that he loved her, something he neglected to tell her while he was alive. This hysterical comedy will kick off your holiday season with a smile. Tickets $22 at LoveStreetPlayhouse.com. 7:30 pm

“Holiday Out” at Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. ‘Tis the Holi-gay season in a small town, in a small

county, in the small state of Vermont. The hustle and bustle of the season can sometimes be stressful; and the adults of the town are feeling it. So, when the children of this small town, in that small county, in the small state of Vermont, start making wishes on the Northern Star… they call forth a larger-than-life fairy named Mary Christmas. Her magic is unleashed onto the town and wrongs are righted, financial troubles are wiped away, and bigots are put in their place. This show has everything: people singing and dancing, for no real reason, other than furthering the joy of the season; a cute gay couple, queers galore, unredeemable villains, elves, quiche waffles, and a 6’5” fairy with a huge talent . . . wink wink . . . for quirky mischief. This Christmas is going to “sleigh.” Tickets $5-$20 at MetropolitanPerformingArts. org. 8 pm

3 SATURDAY

Walk & Knock food drive throughout Clark County. Put non-perishable food donations labeled and visible on your front porch by 9 am for volunteers to pick up. 9 am

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Special Train Rides in Yacolt. Capture views of the Lewis River atop our hillside vantage point, then return to Moulton Station. At our station stop, enjoy warm cider and cocoa, and hot coffee. Santa has a gift for each child! Plus, dress in your most atrocious holiday attire for the Ugly Sweater Contest. Tickets $12-$18 at Tickets.BYCX.org. 9:30 am & 12 pm & 2:30 pm

Hometown Celebration in Downtown Ridgefield. Holiday food & gift vendors, Circle of Trees Decorating Contest, visits with Santa, band and choir performances, tree lighting ceremony and more. 9 am-7 pm

Vancouver Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. See December 2 for details. 2 pm & 7 pm

Journey Theater presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at Washington Grange, 7701 NE Ward Rd., Vancouver. See December 2 for details. 3 pm & 7 pm

“A Nice Family Gathering” at Love Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave., Woodland. See December 2 for details. 7:30 pm

Junior Symphony of Vancouver Concert at Cascades Presbyterian Church, 9503 NE 86th St., Vancouver. Featuring winter selections including music by Henry Purcell, Arcangelo Corelli, Victor Herbert, Yukiko Nishimura and others. Tickets $10 at the door. 7:30 pm

“Holiday Out” at Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See December 2 for details. 8 pm

4 SUNDAY

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Special Train Rides in Yacolt. See December 3 for details. 9:30 am & 12 pm & 2:30 pm

“A Nice Family Gathering” at Love Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave., Woodland. See December 2 for details. 2 pm

“Holiday Out” at Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See December 2 for details. 2 pm

Vancouver Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. See December 2 for details. 2 pm

8 THURSDAY

Shared Hope International Christmas Breakfast: “Celebrate the Magic of Christmas” at The Heathman Lodge, 7801 NE Greenwood Dr., Vancouver. Event benefits Shared Hope’s work to restore and empower survivors of sex trafficking. Join us in song with friends, service providers, survivors, leaders, and advocates from around the Pacific Northwest as we sing Christmas carols in celebration of the season. 7 am

Walk & Talk: The Sisters of Providence Arrival in the PNW at Fort Vancouver Waterfront Park, 111 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. On December 8, 1854, five brave French-Canadian Catholic nuns stepped off a seamer ship an began the important mission to provide care, education and spiritual support to the most vulnerable people in this western outpost. For this tour we will honor the anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters of Providence starting at the Columbia River where the sisters arrived, visiting the site of the sisters first mission ending at beautiful Providence Academy. Register at TheHistoricTrust.org. 10-11:30 am

“A Nice Family Gathering” at Love Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave., Woodland. See December 2 for details. 7:30 pm

9 FRIDAY

DanceWorks presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. Featuring a live cast of over 75 local dancers from Clark County, this is one tradition that you won’t want to miss out on. Tickets $25 at DanceWorksPerformingArts. com. 7 pm

Journey Theater presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at Washington Grange, 7701 NE Ward Rd., Vancouver. See November 2 for details. 7 pm

“A Nice Family Gathering” at Love Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave., Woodland. See December 2 for details. 7:30 pm

“Holiday Out” at Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See December 2 for details. 8 pm

SATURDAY

Special Saturday: Santa at The Marshall House at 1301 Officers Row, Vancouver. Santa is here at the beautiful Marshall House, traditionally decorated for the holidays to take photos and receive hand delivered letters and wish lists. Guests can make holiday crafts, listen to a holiday story and simply enjoy some quality family time. All children will receive goodie bags with hot chocolate and a treat to enjoy at home. 10 am-2 pm

DanceWorks presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. See December 9 for details. 2 pm & 7 pm

Journey Theater presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at Washington Grange, 7701 NE Ward Rd., Vancouver. See November 2 for details. 3 pm & 7 pm

Vancouver Master Chorale presents “Christmas Joy” at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Accompanied by orchestra, harpsichord and pipe organ, the Vancouver Master Chorale performs selections from Handel’s Messiah as well as beloved traditional carols. Tickets $25 at VancouverMasterChorale.org. 7 pm

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. Bring the whole family to enjoy classic holiday favorites alongside exciting pops hits, including the beloved works of film score legend John Williams. Tickets $48 at VancouverSymphony.org. 7 pm

“A Nice Family Gathering” at Love Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave., Woodland. See December 2 for details. 7:30 pm

“Holiday Out” at Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See December 2 for details. 8 pm

11 SUNDAY

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Special Train Rides in Yacolt. See December 3 for details. 9:30 am & 12 pm & 2:30 pm

“A Nice Family Gathering” at Love Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave., Woodland. See December 2 for details. 2 pm

DanceWorks presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. See December 9 for details. 2 pm

Vancouver Master Chorale presents “Christmas Joy” at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. See December 10 for details 3 pm

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. See December 10 for details 3 pm

14 WEDNESDAY

Gingerbread House Workshop at La Center Community Building, 1000 E 4th St., La Center. Kids, come decorate your own gingerbread house! All materials provided, while supplies last. 3:30-5 pm

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Series at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Featuring VSO musicians Stephen Shepherd, Dieter Ratzlaf, Angelika Furtwangler and Igor Shakhman with Orli Shaham. Tickets $25 at VancouverSymphony. org. 7:30 pm

15 THURSDAY

The O’Jays Live at ilani, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield. Throughout their career, The O’Jays have achieved 10 Gold albums, 9 Platinum albums and 10 #1 hits. It’s been a long journey but, thanks to the fans, the Love Train is still going strong! Tickets $59-$79 at ilaniResort. com. 8 pm

16 FRIDAY

Columbia Dance presents “A Fort Vancouver Nutcracker” at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. There will be tutus and Tchaikovsky, magic and mystery— necessary ingredients for all Nutcrackers. However, this one-of-a-kind production will also feature beavers fighting fur trappers, dancing wapato plants, and Oregon Trail children arriving via covered wagon as local Fort Vancouver history is weaved into the plot of a classic ballet. December 2022 marks the debut of Columbia Dance’s brand-new Nutcracker for Clark County. Tickets $18-$30 at ColumbiaDance.org or at the door. 6 pm

“Holiday Out” at Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See December 2 for details. 8 pm

17 SATURDAY

Santa’s Posse 5K Run/Walk in Downtown Camas. Celebrate the holidays in an active and festive way while raising funds for Kindness 911, a nonprofit support organization connecting local law enforcement agencies with those they directly serve. Registration $50 at WhyRacingEvents.com. 8 am

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Special Train Rides in Yacolt. See December 3 for details. 12 pm & 2:30 pm

Columbia Dance presents “A Fort Vancouver Nutcracker” at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. See December 16 for details. 1 pm & 5 pm

Northwest Performing Arts Alliance and Riverside Performing Arts present “A Tale of the Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. This retro 1950s-themed production is inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and is directed by RPA’s Dance Director Josh Murry-Hawkins. Join us at a party on Christmas Eve at the Williams residence where Clara eagerly awaits the arrival of her favorite aunt Debra Meiers who is bringing a new line of toys from Meier and Frank for the children, including a Nutcracker. What magic will occur as Clara dreams of human sized mice, enchanted soldiers, snow fairies, and a land of dancing sweets? Blending acrobatics, classical ballet, jazz, tap, and more with music by Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington this production brings something for everyone. Tickets $25 at NorthwestPAA.org. 6 pm

Finnegan Blue at Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview. Sibling duo, Anna Lee and Willie Fleming, is joined by their dad Bill Fleming on guitar accompanied by band mates; Malcolm Jones on sax, Kevin Higuchi on percussion, and bassist Oskar Beckmann. Finnegan Blue pays homage to Irish music by adding their own modern twist. Join us for an evening of hard-driving, ballads, jigs and reels. Tickets $22.50-$49.50 at ColumbiaTheatre. com. 7:30 pm

“Holiday Out” at Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See December 2 for details. 8 pm

18 SUNDAY

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Special Train Rides in Yacolt. See December 3 for details. 12 pm & 2:30 pm

Columbia Dance presents “A Fort Vancouver Nutcracker” at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. See December 16 for details. 1 pm & 5 pm

Northwest Performing Arts Alliance and Riverside Performing Arts present “A Tale of the Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. See December 17 for details. 6 pm

continued from previous page

19 MONDAY

Gingerbread House Making at Woodland Community Library, 770 Park St., Woodland. Create a graham cracker winter wonderland house. All supplies provided. 3-5 pm

22 THURSDAY

"The Polar Express” at Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview. Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Tickets $9.50 at ColumbiaTheatre.com. 2 pm

30 FRIDAY

Community Pancake Breakfast at Washougal Community Center, 1681 C St., Washougal. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, orange juice, coffee and hot chocolate on the last Friday of each month. $5. 7:30-10:30 am

advertiser index

Camps & Classes

The Little Gym 36

My Gym Fisher's Landing 2 Oregon Children's Theatre 13

Events

Columbia Play Project 23

Journey Theater 17

Ku Kukui Foundation 31

Magenta Theater 27 Santa's Posse 5k 33

Financial

OnPoint Community Credit Union 25 WA529 7

Fitness

The Little Gym 36

My Gym Fisher's Landing 2 WA529 7

Health

Adventure Dental 27

All Star Orthodontics 17

Barnick Chiropractic 11 Child and Adolescent Clinic 2

Evergreen Pediatrics 29 PeaceHealth 3

Priority Life Chiropractic and Massage 33

Storybook Dental 21

Vancouver Clinic 19

Vancouver Direct Primary Care 5

Resources

Applied Team Insurance 13 ESD 112 13, 21

Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Seminars 21 WA529 7

Retail

Kazoodles Toys 15 Vancouver Mall 35

Schools, Education & Child Care ESD 112 13, 21

St. Andrew Preschool 11 WA529 7