Free
December 2023
www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com
Holiday Events
page 28
Winter
PAGE
12
Adventures
at Mount St. Helens
Also:
Expanding Recreation Coming to our Favorite Volcano • 5 Local Influencers You Should Be Following, p. 18
• Tips for Finding Financial Wellness, p. 24
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contents
December '23
FEATURE ARTICLES
12
Winter Adventures and Expanding Recreation Coming to Mount St. Helens Find out why winter is a great time to explore our favorite volcano, plus check out exciting changes that will expand recreation in the region.
18
Five Local Influencers You Should Be Following From comedy, to art, to mental health support--see why these unique content creators from Clark County are getting lots of attention.
24
Money Matters: Tips for Finding Financial Wellness Let’s talk about money, with a local financial therapist.
12
IN EVERY ISSUE
16
20
6
Editor’s Notes
8
Couve Scoop
• C-TRAN Offers Safe, Free Transit on New Year’s Eve
• Marshall Pool Staff Tests WAVE Drowning Prevention Technology
10
Helping Hands Red Cross Southwest Washington Wants Your Blood
28 Calendar of Events & Activities
8
4
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
ON THE WEB •
Ho Ho Holiday Events Happening in Vancouver and Beyond
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Vancouver Family Magazine’s 2023 Year in Review
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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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Photo by Marie Pham Photography
EDITOR'S NOTES
The Simplest Solution After years of running six days a week, my left foot had finally had enough. It started in my heel, feeling slightly bruised but nothing I couldn’t run on. I kept my running routine but consulted with my massage therapist, my chiropractor and a few friends about what might help. I tried more stretching, shoe insoles and adding yoga to my workouts. Some days were better than others, but my foot got progressively worse, and the pain eventually spread to other parts of my foot. I was contemplating seeing a medical doctor and even wondered about the possibility of surgery when I strained my back one evening while moving some things around in my garage. As I limped around my house and in public for a few days, it finally dawned on me to try the absolute simplest solution to healing my damaged body: take a break from running. I hadn’t wanted to face the prospect of losing my favorite ritual of the day—mornings when I could breathe in the cool, fresh outside air, pound the pavement and work up a sweat, all while listening to my favorite podcasts, alone. But, convinced by my own body’s protests, I ultimately took an earnest hiatus from running, replacing it with pilates and long walks instead. After a few weeks of avoiding running, and a couple of chiropractic adjustments, my back and foot are both pain free. I now find it amusing that the most obvious solution evaded me for so long. Why did I consider invasive surgery before simply stopping the running? Of course, the reason is I didn’t want to give up my precious morning custom, the habit that got my endorphins flowing every day and kept my body in good physical condition. But, as it turns out, it was perfectly possible for me to keep all of those benefits by simply pivoting to a new workout routine. I hope to return to running at some point, but in the meantime my mind and body are doing just fine without it. We often complicate things more than necessary, but sometimes the simplest solution is the best. In this issue, meet five local influencers you simply must follow (page 18), check out the simple pleasure of winter adventures on Mount St. Helens, plus big changes coming to the mountain (page 12) and simplify your money game with financial wellness tips and tools from a local licensed independent clinical social worker who specializes in financial therapy (page 24).
Nikki Klock, Editor nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com
www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com
Volume 22, Issue 12 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
Sarah Mortensen; Kristen Flowers; Emily Corak; Kristin Hayden, MSW
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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 2002-2023. 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.
On the Cover:
The McKelvey family’s favorite tradition is baking holiday cookies for the family gathering. Sojourner (4) enjoys putting up the family’s miniature Christmas house display with cotton snow before Santa comes on Christmas. Photo by Mera Eishell Meraeishell.com @meraeishellphotography Hellomeraeishell@gmail.com
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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
7
Notable News, Events & Efforts in Clark County
C-TRAN
DECEMBER 2023
Offers Safe, Free Transit on New Year’s Eve
Demonstrating its commitment to community safety,
C-TRAN will provide free service on New Year’s Eve on all routes starting at 6 pm, with extended hours on select routes to help citizens celebrate safely. Free service applies to all C-TRAN bus routes, including all local, regional and express routes, from 6 pm through the end of service on the same day. Routes with extended hours will operate until approximately 2 am. This service is provided by C-TRAN in partnership with People’s Community Credit Union, the Port of Vancouver, ilani and the Washington State Department of Transportation. Find more information, route details and schedules at C-TRAN.com. C-TRAN can also be found celebrating the holiday season at the December 7 Washougal Lighted Christmas Parade with a Washougal-themed bus, decked out for the holidays. Later that same month, C-TRAN will join hundreds of other volunteers to deliver gifts and food donations to families in need across Clark County through Santa’s Posse.
C-TRAN staff celebrates the holiday season in Washougal. Photos courtesy C-TRAN
Marshall Pool Staff Tests WAVE Drowning Prevention Technology
8
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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wimmers and pool users at Marshall Community Center may have noticed some new tech floating around the aquatics center. Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is operating a trial of the WAVE drowning detection system at Marshall Pool from November 6 to December 15, 2023. WAVE is a new technology designed to support lifeguards and reduce the risk of drowning. Water safety is always the highest priority for aquatics staff and even with comprehensive lifeguard training and certification in place, the risk of drowning is always present. WAVE monitors swimmers in real time and uses an alert system to notify lifeguards if a swimmer’s face has been fully submerged for a dangerous length of time. This ensures that aquatics staff can investigate and intervene quickly if needed.
The WAVE trial period will give aquatics staff the opportunity to become familiar with the technology over the course of six weeks at Marshall Pool. Community participation in the WAVE trial will provide aquatics staff with the most complete understanding of the system. It will also give community members the chance to share their personal experiences using the system to inform future decisions about whether WAVE is a good fit for Vancouver pools.
scheduled public swim and paying the associated drop-in fee ($3-$8 per person) or by attending the Bauman Family Swim on Saturdays from 10-11 am ($2 per person).
Want to check out WAVE for yourself? Firstenburg Community Center members have free access to Marshall Pool through the end of 2023. Show your Firstenburg membership card at the Marshall front desk for entry to the pool. People who are not community center members are welcome to participate in the trial by visiting Marshall Pool during a regularly
Kids wear WAVE drowning detection devices that alert lifeguard staff of safety risks in the water. Photo courtesy WAVE Systems Inc..
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
9
HELPING HANDS
Red Cross Southwest Washington
Wants Your Blood
By Sarah Mortensen
Every Thursday afternoon, Frank settles into his favorite chair to watch
the next movie on his watch list. But first, the friendly staff at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Vancouver connect Frank’s veins to the apheresis machines separating his red blood cells and plasma from his platelets. The blood is then returned to him in his opposite arm. The whole process takes about two and half hours, the same length as the movie he had planned to watch anyway, but the service he is giving provides lifesaving blood components to cancer patients and others with life threatening diseases and injuries. Platelets, plasma, power red and whole blood are different types of donations used for different types of patient needs. The platelets are crucial for cancer patients going through chemotherapy, while plasma is used to treat burn victims and those with liver disease. Whole red and power red are the most common types of donations and are used for all kinds of patients. Often a single donation can save more than one life. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, but only about 3% of eligible Americans donate. Consequently, the blood supply at hospitals is something the staff constantly worry about. Red Cross Southwest Washington, officially called the Cascades Region of the American Red Cross, supplies between 62 and 70 hospitals with blood. “But blood is shared because sometimes some areas are low and others are high,” explains David Hunt, team supervisor with the Washington State Red Cross. “We want to make sure that anyone, anywhere, anytime gets the blood they need.” Whole blood cannot be frozen and is good for only 45 days. “Very rarely do we keep blood past three days because it is used so quickly. We are always right on the edge of disaster,” shares Hunt. He says that during the COVID lockdowns, the supply was more stable because there were fewer surgeries and accidents, and more people came out to donate
since they were at home. But lately there has been a drop-off in blood drives filling up. “We had to go on a national critical appeal for the first time in two years because we are not able to fulfill requests by hospitals,” says Hunt. The crisis appeal has included large email and social media campaigns as well as going on the news to encourage people to donate. Finding new donors and making the experience as convenient as possible is the heart of Hunt’s job. At the Red Cross Southwest Washington center near Vancouver Mall where Frank donates, volunteers and staff are ready with a large TV, blanket and headphones to make his experience as comfortable as possible—and they supply his movie snacks. Often donors receive free T-shirts or Amazon gift cards too. While Frank’s platelets donation takes upwards of two hours, a regular whole blood donation only takes about an hour, from start to finish, with the actual blood donation part of the visit taking only 30 minutes. The blood mobile van visits multiple locations in Clark County for a fast way to donate close to home, and blood drives hosted by other organizations help to bring in a larger number of donors. Many eligible potential donors may like to help but have a fear of needles or other concerns. Hunt reassures that, “Our team goes through inhouse training to learn how to do a stick for a donation. It is much different than going to the doctor and having tests done. It is also the only thing they do all day, every day, so they are very good at it. Almost everyone has a fear of needles or doesn’t like to get stuck. I would say to remember two things. First, the stick is only half of a second of the entire process. It is quick and easy. And second, try to remember the person on the opposite side that is receiving the blood. They are not only afraid of the needle, but fearful of what is happening to them and their life. They would probably give anything to be in a situation to be able to donate and not receive.”
“
continued on next page
The person on the opposite side...would probably give anything to be in a situation to be able to donate and not receive.
”
–David Hunt, team supervisor with the Washington State Red Cross
10
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
Photo by Tim Douglas at pexels.com
Check out our FREE CLASSES: DECEMBER HOME BUYER CLASS DATES:
In-person classes held at Marshall Community Center Conference Room 1009 E McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)
Saturday 12/2, 10am-1pm VIRTUAL CLASSES:
Saturday 12/9, 1pm-3pm Tuesday 12/12, 5:30pm-7:30pm
www.learningtobuyahome.com DECEMBER SELLER CLASS DATES: In-person class held at Firstenburg Community Center 700 NE 136th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684
Saturday 12/16, 9am-12pm VIRTUAL CLASSES:
Thursday 12/7, 5:30pm-7:30pm
www.freesellerclasses.com Email traciedemars@aol.com for virtual classes Zoom link.
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 & videos on there too!), you can always email me at traciedemars@aol.com and I will email you the schedule.
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READ OUR LATEST BLOG POST...
THE 3 BEST, AND WORST, WORDS IN REAL ESTATE What are the 3 best words for anyone to hear? I think many people would say, “I love you”, or “I am sorry”, but in Real Estate, the 3 best words a REALTOR® can hear are, “Clear to Close”. What does Clear to Close mean? This means that the buyer is past the loan and underwriting process, and docs have been sent out. At this point, we are 99% sure that the transaction will close. Selling, and buying a home is stressful. REALTORS® try to take as much of the stress out of the process as possible, but there are a lot of cooks in a real estate transaction kitchen. There are 28 people involved in a real estate transaction and while the seller/buyer may only see about 4 of them, and hear about another 2... there are a lot of moving parts going on behind the scenes for a transaction to close. Clear to close means we have jumped most of those hurdles. Now... can a deal still die?
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continued from previous page The Red Cross blood donor app is the easiest way to find a date and time that works for you to donate, but Hunt encourages walk-ins as well. “Our goal is to never turn away a donor . . . And if you don’t have a drive in your area, contact me and we can build one together.” Hunt explains why these community-led drives are often the best way to get new donors out. “When a business or a group hosts a drive, the donors are making a commitment to that group or business when they sign up to donate. Social media is easy to scroll past, emails are easy to delete. What we call our ‘show rate’ [is] the people that sign up [and] show up. It goes way up when a business or a group is hosting and asking.”
Go to
VancouverFamilyMagazine.com for more information about the benefits of specific types of blood donations, and to schedule a blood donation with Red Cross Southwest Washington.
Fitting one more thing into our busy lives can seem impossible, but without volunteer donors, lives would be lost. “Of all of the ways we are asked to give back today and of all the things we can do,” says Hunt, “I believe blood is one of the best ways to give back. It is free, it is easy and it has direct and immediate impact on people’s lives.”
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.
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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Feature: Winter Adventures and Expanding Recreation Coming to Mount St. Helens
Winter Adventures and Expanding Recreation Coming to
Mount St. Helens By Emily Corak
Photo by Dominic Ivey at pexels.com
Winter is here! And for outdoor
enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest, the opportunities for recreation are endless. According to local guides from Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI), the volcano should be high on your list for winter activities. Dave Wheeler, manager of guided adventures for the Institute, says that locals sometimes underestimate just what phenomenal amounts of good quality snow the volcano accrues yearly. “Mount St. Helens in the winter rivals the summer experience for excellent recreation and beautiful views,” he says. Because of the vast forests, Wheeler says that, “it really is a landscape where you can
create your own adventure,” adding, “The snow parks are so well-maintained that there is something for everyone.” Only an hour and a half drive from Vancouver, Mount St. Helens is an idyllic spot for hiking, family play, snow mobiles, cross country skiing, ice climbing and snowshoeing. Staying on or off the path is up to you. Wheeler, who has been a guide for the past three years, is looking forward to this year’s guided snowshoe tours the Institute offers. Wheeler counts himself as extremely fortunate to be able to guide and spend time on Mount St. Helens on a regular basis. “I figured out too late in life that one of the greatest treasures
is sharing the outdoors with someone who is discovering it for the first time,” he says. Retired from the Navy, Wheeler was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail one day while reflecting on thirty years of outdoor adventures. On this very hike he met people from the Mount St. Helens Institute, a nonprofit founded in 1996 that aims to protect and connect people to the Pacific Northwest’s youngest and most active volcano. The Institute soon hired Wheeler as an assistant guide which snowballed into a lead guide position and then program manager. He now guides and manages programs of his own, of which he says, “I can’t believe I get paid to do this. It’s almost too good to be true.”
Explore with Skilled Guides Guided snowshoe tours with MSHI typically take place between February and March and details about this year’s offerings are available now at mshinstitute.org. When asked about what these tours entail and why going with a guide would enhance the experience, Wheeler is emphatic that using a guide is the best way to go, especially for beginners. “Anytime you go with a guide, you’re getting a truly immersive experience. We hire and train our guides with an aptitude for interpretation,” he says. Not only will the guided experience include the stunningly beautiful and iconic continued on page 14
Hikers take a guided snowshoe trip near June Lake with Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI) staff. Photo courtesy MSHI.
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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
July 25 -28, 2024
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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Feature: Mount St. Helens (cont'd) continued from page 12 landscapes, but Wheeler assures you will come away with more than that. “You’ll be able to observe and learn about the geology, biology, wildlife and the deep history of the Cowlitz people,” he says. “You’re getting an entire package of historical interpretation, and you’re going to come away having learned something about yourself.” While the knowledge and the beauty both sound personally appealing, I’ve always considered myself more of a “hot chocolate in the lodge” kind of person. Being mildly nervous and skeptical about snowshoeing, Wheeler assures me that no experience or gear is necessary. “This is for everyone, whether or not you’ve ever touched a snowshoe, as long as you’re in moderate physical shape,” he says. The guided tours typically include groups of 10-12 people for an approximately five-mile trek around June Lake, and all gear is provided. One of the number one questions he gets is about the safety of the snowshoeing tours, but each guide is thoroughly prepared for the trip and terrain. “All of our guides have their Wilderness First Responder certification, have radio communication and are able to cater the trip to the groups’ needs,” assures Wheeler. The Institute collects feedback after each and every guided experience, to which participants have responded with rave reviews. After the trek around June Lake, one participant wrote, “I was very nervous at first having never hiked in the snow but Dave and [the volunteers] made me feel very comfortable right from the beginning.” They go on to say, “Dave’s knowledge of the mountain and the surrounding area was pretty incredible and I never once felt afraid or intimidated by the whole adventure.” This particular adventurer was inspired by snowshoeing and has since signed up for a Glacier Outlook hike and an Into the Crater Adventure.
Inset: Amy Hendershot on the summit of Mount St. Helens, July 9, 2017. Photo courtesy Amy Hendershot.
Top: Amy Hendershot on the Hummocks Trail, March 6, 2021. Photo by Phil Linden.
Numerous participants highlighted learning about the Cowlitz tribe and its significance to the land, and so many spoke of the sheer beauty of the entire experience. One participant in particular stated, “Walking across the lava field in the snow then stopping to look up at the mountain was pretty amazing,” while another added that, “the view of the mountain from an overlook on our route was breathtaking.” Everyone I spoke with at the Institute has such an immense amount of passion for the volcano, the land and its uniqueness, that I’m almost feeling convinced to put my skepticism aside and venture into the snow with them. Amy Hendershot, an avid outdoorswoman and environmentalist based in Portland, wholeheartedly agrees that Mount St.
Helens is worth your while. Having spent time on the mountain in both summer and winter, Hendershot says, “It’s a really special place. You get to see how the environment heals and rebuilds itself after a catastrophic natural event.” Hendershot also notes that snowshoeing is definitely challenging but it's surprisingly fun. She says, “It’s a really great way to get exercise while also seeing places that a lot of other people don’t get to see this time of year.” As an added bonus, she says that the views are spectacular and it’s a great way to get some quiet and enjoy nature in a really unique way. While Wheeler is excited about this upcoming season, he knows there have been some challenges in the past that prevented the tours from happening. Due to plowing issues, a continued on next page
“You’ll be able to observe and learn about the geology, biology, wildlife and the deep history of the Cowlitz people . . . You’re getting an entire package of historical interpretation, and you’re going to come away having learned something about yourself.” — Dave Wheeler, manager of guided adventures for MSHI 14
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
continued from previous page few winter adventures had to be canceled in previous years, but the Forestry Service has assured the Institute that there should be no such obstacles this year. The Institute also assures that road closures will not affect winter recreation either. Last spring, a landslide, known as the South Coldwater Slide, caused significant damage on State Route 504, eliminating access between mile markers 45 and 51. Because of severed power, the Johnston Ridge Observatory remains closed, but this does not impact MSHI Winter Adventures in any way. While there is no known date that the road will be fully repaired, access to Mount St. Helens is still widely available and people should not be deterred from visiting this winter and beyond.
New Recreation Coming to the Mountain In addition to winter adventures, Mount St. Helens Institute is in the thick of planning and preparing for new and other promising additions. As it currently stands, the Science and Learning center serves as a visitor portal and hosts many youth outdoor education and guided exploration programs, but the Institute is anxious to expand. Ray Yurkewycz,
executive director of the Institute, cites the lack of overnight access for youth and other visitors as one of the greatest future changes to be made to the monument. The only way to currently stay overnight at the volcano is through backcountry/dispersed camping MSHI programs, but the new expansion project aims to make it more widely continued on page 16
Teens snowshoe in the woods of Mount St. Helens. Photo courtesy MSHI.
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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Feature: Mount St. Helens (cont'd) continued from page 15 available. Yurkewycz, who has been working on Mount St. Helens since graduate school, says, “It’s one thing to go up for a day, but it’s another thing to go and stay and look at the stars at night.” He adds, “The night sky is amazing up there in the shadow of a volcano and to wake up and hear the elk bugling down below by the lake is a new experience entirely.” While the Institute and the Forest Service have been envisioning ways to expand and create more accessibility for years, the planning and funding received the green light in 2020 and
will include three phases. The first phase of adding a yurt village is underway, which will include 130 beds complete with showers and restrooms. The goal is to expand access to outdoor education and overnight outdoor school so more students can participate and learn from this iconic landscape. The first phase also aims to include pilot programs with primitive camping and kayak rentals for the general public. As it is currently projected, the first phase should be completed in spring of 2025.
To increase overnight opportunities for everyone, a developed campground is planned for phase two, which will ideally be opened for public camping in the spring of 2026. The campground will include approximately 40 sites for RVs and tents and is expected to host 5,000 visitors each year. Additionally, hiking and biking trails will be improved to increase access for fishing, boating and picnicking. The final phase will be a remodel of the existing visitor’s center to create a more optimal education center and include more sustainable dining features. While securing funding and working with the federal government, Yurkewycz says this process will take patience, but they are hoping for a completed project between 2027 and 2028. continued on next page
Left: Winter in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest provide breathtaking views unique to this time of year. Below: Mount Adams and Spirit Lake are visible from the rim of Mount St. Helens. Photos courtesy I-Shüan Warr
“It’s a really great way to get exercise while also seeing places that a lot of other people don’t get to see this time of year.” — Amy Hendershot
16
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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www.evergreenpediatrics.com continued from previous page Yurkewycz is optimistic that these improvements will increase jobs, tourism and recreation, and will allow more people to interact with the geological wonder that is Mount St. Helens. “People visit but then leave right away,” he says. “This is a way for people to more fully appreciate and experience the land.” When asked about what he likes about Mount St. Helens in the winter, Yurkewycz says he personally loves cross country skiing and thinks snowshoeing around June Lake is an awesome opportunity for families to get out and explore in a new way. A mention of Mount St. Helens to anyone who has been there will elicit responses of awe and
fascination. We are lucky enough to be living within driving distance of a legendary natural monument that attracts people from all over the world. Whether on a guided snowshoeing tour or a family adventure at your own leisure, let Mount St. Helens be on your radar this winter and keep your eyes open for adventures to come. It might be time for this writer to brave the elements and discover what everyone is raving about. I’m promised it will be worth it.
creative writing and, if given the choice, she would spend all her spare cash on travel and books.
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
Go to
VancouverFamilyMagazine.com/Mount-St-Helens-Adventures to learn about summertime adventures at Mount St. Helens Base Camp. Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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5
Feature: Five Local Social Media Influencers You Should Be Following
Local
SOCIAL MEDIA
Influencers
B e Following d l u o h S u o Y By Kristen Flowers
Photos courtesy respective influencers.
Pause your scrolling! Many of us follow and consume digital content from a host of celebrities, artists and influencers whether through YouTube, Instagram or TikTok. Their messages (hopefully) give us a new perspective, a sense of community or maybe just a good laugh. Meet these five local influencers and content creators who are doing all that and more, reaching thousands or even millions of viewers from their home bases in Southwest Washington.
John and Anni Furniss Content Creators, Artists and Authors
@theblindwoodsman @theblindwoodsman @theblindwoodsman furnissstudios.com
more impressive since, after a failed suicide attempt at age 16, John lost his sight and sense of smell. Facing mental health challenges, financial ruin and debilitating substance abuse, he fought his battles bravely into adulthood. He triumphed over his troubles with the help of a woodworking class dedicated to teaching the blind this new skill. Working in the medium invigorated him with a new passion. Another love soon came to his life through his wife, Anni, whom he met one day while tuning a piano. Anni understood the challenges of navigating mental health and the healing power of art, and together, the two became a digital power couple. Anni, also known as “HoneyBee” to their followers, realized that social media could help and enrich people’s lives, and so together, they began to create inspiring content. With over two million followers between Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, the Clark County couple uses their social media following to spread their love of art and awareness about blindness, mental health and the healing nature of art. They pull back the curtain on what it is like to be blind and the daily challenges John faces. Their videos also show John’s impressive, self-proclaimed amateur baker skills. The couple has been featured on BuzzFeed, LADbible and even The Kelly Clarkson Show, but their fans were hungry for more. That desire for content inspired the Furnisses to write a book about their story. “The Blind Woodsman: One Man’s Journey to Find His Purpose on the Other Side of Darkness” (Fox Chapel Publishing, 2024) will be available nationwide next March. Between the pages, the couple chronicles their love and desire to help others.
John Furniss, also known as The Blind Woodsman, spends his days making art of the physical and digital variety with his wife, Anni, and their dog, Pickle. This is made even
18
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
As artists, John and Anni also sell their beautiful creations on their website at FurnissStudios.com. However, getting an original Furniss piece takes a lot of work and patience, with most art pieces selling out within minutes of being posted online. continued on next page
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360-314-2761 continued from previous page The two are an inspiration to couples and artists everywhere, as each brings their own unique strengths to the marriage and to the brand. They manage a massive media following, while still showcasing the love that they have for each other and the art that they create. Learn more about John’s journey at VancouverFamilyMagazine.com/ the-blind-woodsman.
The experience was heightened further when he shared the videos with his kids and saw their faces light up when they recognized his voice. Since then, he has gone on to voice more animated children’s stories that can be heard worldwide and has provided his talents for major companies like Intel and Toyota. Philbrook also extends his skills to local companies looking to make their radio and television spots as professional as possible. Being signed to talent agencies in Los Angeles and Chicago, Philbrook continues auditioning and providing voices from his home studio in Southwest Washington. His future goals include voicing national spots and video game characters. When he isn’t behind a microphone, he continues to exercise his comedic chops, writing scripts on TikTok and Instagram. In addition to funny skits, his TikTok channel is the place to go for all sorts of voice actor shenanigans and behind-the-scenes insights.
Ryan Philbrook
continued on page 20
Voice Actor and Video Content Creator
@ryanphilbrookvo @ryanphilbrook @ryanphilbrookvoiceover theryanphilbrookshow.com From his first upload on YouTube in 2006, Philbrook knew that digitally creating comedy was something he wanted to do for a career, but would the videos be enough to make a living? It wasn’t until a friend who started a video production company contracted him as a freelance scriptwriter and video editor that he realized it was time to leave his corporate job and start creating digital content full-time. Collaborating with others proved successful and fun for Philbrook, but he still wanted more. In 2019, he made another significant step in his career when he began his next venture: voice acting. One of his memorable gigs came around only a short time into his career. Philbrook had the opportunity to voice two characters in an animated children’s story called “But First We Nap” produced by Vooks narrated storybooks.
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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Feature: Five Local Social Media Influencers You Should Be Following (cont'd) continued from page 19
Mental Health Digital Creator and Podcast Host
@karrisamarieofficial @findingyourmindpodcast @karrisamarie @karrisamarieofficial karrisamarie.com
Cardenas continues to grow her audience, and one day, she hopes to accomplish her dream of arranging a meet-up so all her digital friends, who have grown so close to each other, can meet in person. Another big goal she hopes to achieve is to create a nonprofit around normalizing mental health. Until then, she welcomes those struggling into her community in the hopes that her stories will remind others that they are not alone.
Penny Tovar
Karrisa Cardenas, of Longview, started sharing her mental health journey on Facebook in 2015. In the videos she shared, she told the stories of her struggles with depression, ADHD and anxiety. She took to social media at a time in her life when she couldn’t afford therapy and didn’t know who to trust or if what she was feeling was normal. It was an outlet for her to share what was on her mind and to see if there was anyone out there listening who could relate. Not only were there people listening, but her message resonated with her audience in a big way. As the demand for her content grew on Instagram and YouTube, Cardenas also created a podcast called Finding Your Mind, which comes out every Wednesday. She has garnered such a committed group of fans that they call themselves the Finding Your Mind Community, and they aren’t shy about how they feel about her videos. Cardenas has received thousands of emails, messages and letters from people who thank her for normalizing mental health concerns. While her goal was to reach younger people to let them know they were not alone, Cardenas says she gets letters from every age group. When her audience exploded during the COVID pandemic, Cardenas’s content went viral, being seen millions of times. It was then that she realized this was what she was meant to do.
20
RN, BSN
Nurse, Educator and Speaker
@pennytovar @pennytovar @pennytovar Penny Tovar was only 17 when her boyfriend (now husband) encouraged her to make YouTube videos. After much resisting, she gave in, and together they made a video. From that moment, she was hooked and began to make videos about curly hair care while finishing her last year of nursing school. Tovar had long, beautiful, curly hair, and she wanted to show others how to take care of it with product ideas and styling techniques. Her channel exploded and caught the eye of the curly hair product company DevaCurl. They flew her out to New York for an influencer trip, and it was there she met other influencers who, realizing how much of a novice she was, began to teach her ways to monetize her content. With this new information, she began to be more strategic and frequent when it came to her content, and she quickly caught the eye of an agent and manager. Social media soon began to pay the bills, but Tovar still wanted to become a nurse, a dream she had since high school. continued on next page
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
Photo by Leon Bennett via Getty Images.
Karrisa Cardenas
As a multi-talented content creator, Cardenas writes and performs music for her audience. Cardenas’ songs tell the story of her struggles emotionally and melodically. Inspirational in every form, she works as an in-home nursing assistant during the day and then comes home to create content that teaches life lessons on mental health, cooking and fashion to a like-minded community that continues to support and lift each other up.
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continued from previous page Not only did she accomplish that dream, but she also made it her mission to help others get into the nursing field. She now works at PeaceHealth Southwest as an RN, is a pro-tem member of the Washington Board of Nursing and is the director of the Applied Medical Science program at Cascadia Technical Academy. If that wasn’t enough, she is also in the process of becoming a nurse aid evaluator. Her social media looks a little different these days. After cutting off her hair and moving her content away from curly hair care, she began to share more of her life, talking about being a nurse and a member of the Latino/Latina community to her 800,000+ subscribers on YouTube and almost half a million on TikTok. Still hilarious and compelling in her own videos, she also uses her skills to help the Washington Board of Nursing with their social media and to attract more representation in the program. Tovar credits social media with giving her a platform to use her voice and inspire the Latina community. She is now able to reach out to more people in underserved communities and use the skills she has learned in other areas of her life that she really cares about. Privacy is something that Tovar is beginning to crave as she begins to envision a life away from the social media spotlight, but armed with her vast knowledge, she is using what she has learned to help other people and companies reach their goals.
Tyler Monk Inspirational Storyteller
@the_underdogmentality @the.underdog.mentality @tyleremonk theunderdogmentality.net Fifteen years ago, Tyler Monk discovered that he had a natural gift of inspiring others, but he needed help figuring out how to deliver his message effectively. He began to work on his craft as the director of a Clark County leadership and scholarship program called Ready to Rise, which helped young people transition from high school into college. This particular work was important to Monk, as he often shares in his presentations that he struggled academically throughout high school but eventually became a first-generation college graduate. Because of the continued on page 22
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
21
Feature: Five Local Social Media Influencers You Should Be Following (cont'd) continued from page 21 nature of his position at Ready to Rise, he was asked to speak at many different events, so he started crafting his story and studying the art of public speaking to engage with audiences. Using his past as a storyteller and musician, speaking in front of a crowd came naturally to Monk. From there, it was about gaining confidence as he transitioned his ability to inspire to his full-time career. A challenging conversationalist and inspirational storyteller, Monk is there to motivate and inspire people through fundamental topics and to create an inclusive environment and brave spaces. Tapping into people’s potential is Monk’s specialty, but don’t come to him looking for advice because that’s not what he is about. Monk’s goal is not to “fix” anyone. He is more interested in your “why” and “why does it matter?” His approach is holistic in nature, and his goal is to uncover the true desires of a person or a company and help them decide if maximum effort is given to that goal. Monk believes that the brain does not serve the best interest of the person sometimes, so he teaches others to combat negative self-talk, increase the verbalization of goals out loud, and surround themselves with people who will hold them accountable for those goals. For him, growth is a life-long process, and social media has helped him spread his message. What once was a toxic place for him, social media has quickly become a conduit to spread his positive message. He knows that if you want to be a leader, you need to influence people, so being his authentic self is essential to him. If you are looking for a beautiful aesthetic with perfect lighting that many vloggers use, that’s different from what you will find with Monk. He points and shoots, and shares his message, and it’s that authenticity has connected him to his audience. Monk shares his message freely on social media, so getting inspired to live your best life is only a click away, but he can be hired by organizations and companies to help environments that need a fresh eye. When he meets with large groups, he looks to create a link between the culture and the group’s vision and then curates a message to inspire a new way of thinking among the members. Kristen 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.
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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
HO HO HOLIDAY EVENTS HAPPENING IN CLARK COUNTY & BEYOND The holiday season is here! From community Christmas tree lightings, to visits with Santa, to performances and bazaars— find them all in one place! Go to
bit.ly/ho-ho-holiday-2023 or scan the QR code to find this year’s holiday events happening in Clark County and beyond.
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
23
Feature: Money Matters: Tips for Finding Financial Wellness
Money Matters: Tips for Finding Financial Wellness
By Kristin Hayden, MSW, LICSW, CFSW
Money is one of the biggest
stressors most people experience. Symptoms caused by money-related stress can include irregular sleep patterns, high blood pressure, muscle tension and headaches. Studies have even shown that a person struggling with financial stress is more likely to experience panic attacks, depression and suicidal ideation. Are you tangled in a web of debt and uncertain how to get untangled? As a financial therapist, I help clients understand that they hold the solution to their money problems and improving their own quality of life. Let’s talk about money.
Money Mindset You may be surprised to learn that making more money is not the solution to financial wellness. Contrary to popular belief, money problems are present in all socioeconomic backgrounds. Money is simply a tool, and we need to talk about it.
What would your life be like if you had no financial stress? How would you change the narrative of your money story? Conversations around money can feel vulnerable, unsettling and uncomfortable, but identifying our money story can help you begin to unpack the integrated messages in your mind around money. This includes your thoughts about money, how you spend, how you earn and how you borrow money. The messages that we learn about money begin as young as the age of 7, and can be handed down to us generationally, even sometimes showing up as financial trauma. Do you have a scarcity mindset, or an abundance mindset? What was the message you received growing up about money? How has that impacted your relationship with money today? Did you grow up with your parents who fought about money? Was there a “no talk rule” around money in your household? If so,
has that made asking for more money in your career uneasy? What is the message you’ve internalized? Your values are as unique as you are, and you need to honor your values when connecting to the emotional side of money. Creating financial wellness is good for your overall health, and your relationship with money does not have to be complicated. Here are some ideas to start creating financial wellness in your life: For those with a life partner: Schedule a date night and talk about money with your partner. This is especially important for those who struggle to have conversations about money. Set aside just an hour of that date night to talk about your feelings, thoughts and emotions about money. Later on, pay the bills together! Remember that each of you has a money story that might be incredibly different from what your partner experienced growing up. Share those stories with each other. Give yourself permission to be uncomfortable when you talk about money. Write a money mission statement. This can be helpful to create a visualization when thinking about your financial goals. What do you want your money to do for you? What are your spending, saving and planning triggers around money? Remember to include positive words when writing your mission statement. Journal. Write down any emotional triggers you may notice when you’re shopping, paying bills or looking at your bank account. You can easily journal on your smart phone and connect your emotions to an emoji. What are your emotions telling you? continued on page 26
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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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GET and DreamAhead are qualified tuition programs sponsored and distributed by the State of Washington. The Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment and College Savings administers and the Washington Student Achievement Council supports the plans. DreamAhead investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. If in-state tuition decreases in the future, GET tuition unitsMagazine may lose value. Vancouver Family • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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Feature: Money Matters: Tips for Finding Financial Wellness (cont'd) continued from page 24 Start a spending plan. A spending plan can include the things that you value and do not need to give up! Be sure to include the thing that you really enjoy, whether that is your coffee time with your friends, a mani/pedi, a night out on the town and even going shopping for that seasonal outfit. You do not need to give up the things you love to feel good about your relationship with money. Remember we are all in a different place when it comes to money. Allow yourself time to feel good about making a change. Change takes time.
Teaching Kids About Money Since money mindsets develop at an early age, being intentional about teaching our own children about finances is essential for their future well-being. And it is never too early to start cultivating positive feelings towards money. Our region is full of financial wellness resources geared toward youth, such as Columbia Credit Union’s free online financial literacy program with educational videos designed for teenagers from 7th through 12th grade. Columbia CU even has a financial coach on staff. Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has curated a list of online programs for ages kindergarten through 12th grade—most are specifically for educators, but some are free, accessible and appropriate for parents to adapt. Remember that we can’t know everything about everything and that’s alright. Recognize when your child is becoming overwhelmed or overloaded with too much information.
More Resources Some of my own personal favorite resources include Savvy Ladies, a nonprofit that empowers women to take control of their finances and includes a free financial helpline. The Washington State Treasurer’s website has additional educational information on topics such as understanding your finances, financial caregiving, growing your small business, preparing for retirement and financial planning. The Northwest Access Fund has free one-on-one financial coaching available to individuals with a disability living in Washington or Oregon. The ARC of Oregon has developed a financial literacy project which includes free money management training with a focus on navigating disability service systems. Clark College has a financial wellness program which offers educational services.
Holiday Spending During this time of year, one of the most common financial stressors is holiday spending. The decorating, the hosting, the gatherings, the fancy dinners, the holiday parties and the gift giving can put an enormous amount of pressure on individuals and families. If you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, it’s not too late to set some boundaries for yourself and set up a spending plan. Consider a dollar amount that you’re comfortable with and that won’t cause you to experience regrets tomorrow. Practice pausing the completion of making that purchase. For example, if you’re
shopping online and you’ve added items to your cart that add up to a dollar amount that you’re uncomfortable with, walk away for 24 hours before you purchase. You can also limit the amount of time you will spend online shopping. Do you have unused gift cards that you can utilize to purchase gifts, go out to dinner or even regift? Set a boundary and decline a holiday party. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, feel free to turn it into a potluck to decrease the stress of cooking and purchasing the entire meal. Set aside cash that you’re willing to utilize while holiday shopping. The holidays do not need to be stressful; it just takes some extra planning.
Final Thoughts Connect with your money, be oriented to the present, plan for the future and let go of your past feelings towards money. Give yourself permission to take a wrong turn from your financial path, then be willing to get back on. By planning, you can create steppingstones towards financial wellness and hope for a fabulous future.
Kristin Hayden is a licensed independent clinical social worker with a certificate in financial social work and owner of Mind, Money & Mental Health PLLC in Vancouver. She specializes in providing individual and group financial therapy for individuals experiencing anxiety and stress related to financial health. Kristin can be reached at mindmoneymentalhealth.com.
Financial Wellness and Literacy Resources: Columbia Credit Union Youth Education Center:
columbia-credit-union.everfi-next.net/welcome/columbia-achieve
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Financial Education Resources for Elementary: dfi.wa.gov/financial-education/educators/elementary
Savvy Ladies: savvyladies.org Washington State Treasurer: www.tre.wa.gov/personal-finance Northwest Access Fund: nwaccessfund.org The ARC of Oregon: thearcoregon.org Clark College Financial Wellness:
clark.edu/enroll/paying-for-college/financial-wellness 26
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Calendar
December '23
S M T W T F S 1 2 3 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 FRIDAY
Vancouver’s Downtown Association First Friday Art Walk. Enjoy art, music and more all over Downtown. Go to vdausa.org/firstfriday for a list of events and offerings. Santa Experience at Vancouver Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. Santa’s home for the holidays at Vancouver Mall is on the lower level in H&M Court through Dec 24. The set is free and open to the public to visit, and professional photos are available for purchase. Children can talk with Santa to share their wish lists, or place a letter in Santa’s mailbox for him to read later. Pet photos with Santa, plus sensory-friendly visits with Santa are available. Reservations are recommended at ShopVancouverMall.com/ events.
of events
Have a community event that you want to share? Go to www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com and click on “Calendar” 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.
Zoo Lights at Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland. Walk through tunnels of sparkling lights, pose next to colorful animals, take a ride on the zoo train and more. Runs through Jan 7, times vary by date. Tickets $12$26 at oregonzoo.org/lights. Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd., Portland. View over 250 colorful light set pieces and many fully animated scenes. Proceeds benefit Sunshine Division. Runs through Dec 31, times vary by date. Tickets sold by vehicle $48-$155 at winterwonderlandportland.com. Hometown Holidays in Downtown Camas. Photos with Santa, crafts and activities, entertainment, free hot cocoa sponsored by Journey Church, holiday shopping, art shows and more! The community tree will be lit for the evening festivities and snow will fall. 5-8 pm Battle Ground Holiday Tree Lighting and Celebration at Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E Main St., Battle Ground. Festivities will begin outdoors with caroling led by the Battle Ground High School Choir and continue indoors with hot cocoa and cookies, coloring sheets, letters to Santa and an opportunity to get a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Plus, the community tree will be lit up for the season. 5:30 pm
Photo by Kristina Paukshtite at pexels.com
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.
Find details for local Christmas tree lightings all over Clark County, and many more festive events at VancouverFamilyMagazine.com/calendar. 28
activities
Beacock Music presents “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” The Musical with a Live Orchestra at Beacock Music,
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
Check out our website for even mo re local events .
1420 SE 163rd Ave., Vancouver. Proceeds benefit Daryle Rustvold MusicForLife Scholarship Foundation. Tickets $25 at beacockmusic.com. 7 pm Vancouver Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. Tickets $14 at vancouverdancetheatre.com. 7 pm Metropolitan Performing Arts & Community Theater present “1940’s Radio Hour, A Christmas Carol” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. After a series of mishaps, a group of actors improvises an ending to Charles Dickens’ classic. Tickets $16-$20 at metropolitanperformingarts.org. 7:30 pm
2 SATURDAY
Ridgefield Hometown Celebration in Downtown Ridgefield. Holiday food and gift market, Circle of Trees decorating contest, visits with Santa, musical performances, community tree lighting ceremony and more. 9 am-7:30 pm Holiday Tea at The Marshall House, 1301 Officers Row, Vancouver. A delicious menu and delightful teas provided by Dandelion Teahouse, plus, live music from Celtic Muse. Tickets $60. Choose from one of two seatings, 11 am or 2 pm. Chum Salmon Celebration hosted by Columbia Springs at Wood’s Landing, SE Riverwood Ln., Vancouver. Welcome our returning salmon home in this free familyfriendly event. 2-4 pm Vancouver Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School. See Dec 1 for details. 2 pm & 7 pm continued on page 30
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For more information or to subscribe, call 360-882-7762 or visit www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com. Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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Calendar of Events & Activities (cont'd)
Beacock Music presents “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” The Musical with a Live Orchestra at Beacock Music. See Dec 1 for details. 7 pm Vancouver Master Chorale Christmas Concert at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets $5-$25 at the door or at vancouvermasterchorale.org. 7 pm Metropolitan Performing Arts & Community Theater present “1940’s Radio Hour, A Christmas Carol” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See Dec 1 for details. 7:30 pm
3 SUNDAY
Metropolitan Performing Arts & Community Theater present “1940’s Radio Hour, A Christmas Carol” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See Dec 1 for details. 2 pm Vancouver Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium. See Dec 1 for details. 2 pm Vancouver Master Chorale Christmas Concert at First Presbyterian Church. See Dec 2 for details. 3 pm La Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown La Center. 4:30 pm
5 TUESDAY
Meet Santa at City Play for Kids, 16420 SE McGillivray Blvd. # 106, Vancouver. 1-hour play session and meet and greet: kids can play until and after their turn to meet the big guy. Tickets $30 at cityplayforkids.com. Time slots available 2-7 pm
6 WEDNESDAY
A Caregiver Christmas at Clark County Event Center, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. A gift giveaway for local caregivers. Learn more and register at lovingthemforward.org. 12-5 pm Meet Santa at City Play for Kids. See Dec 5 for details. 2-7 pm
7 THURSDAY
Washougal Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting at Reflection Plaza, 1703
30
DNESD
Vancouver Community Chanukah Celebration and Grand Menorah Lighting at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Details at jewishvancouverwa.com. 5:30-7 pm
6
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio at pexels.com
Yacolt Christmas Tree Lighting at Old Yacolt Town Hall, 105 E Yacolt Rd. 6 pm
Main St., Washougal. Selfies with Santa, parade, musical performances, tree lighting and more. 5-7:30 pm
AY
Lights on Wheels Holiday Parade in Downtown Battle Ground. 6 pm
WE
continued from page 28
8 FRIDAY
Beacock Music presents “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” The Musical with a Live Orchestra at Beacock Music. See Dec 1 for details. 7 pm Friends of DanceWorks presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. Tickets $25-$35 at danceworksperformingarts.com. 7 pm Journey Theater presents “The Wizard of Oz” at Washougal High School, 1201 39th St., Washougal. Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. Tickets $15-$20 at journeytheater.org. 7 pm Metropolitan Performing Arts & Community Theater present “1940’s Radio Hour, A Christmas Carol” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See Dec 1 for details. 7:30 pm
9 SATURDAY
Friends of DanceWorks presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School. See Dec 8 for details. 2 pm & 7 pm Journey Theater presents “The Wizard of Oz” at Washburn Performing Arts Center. See Dec 8 for details. 2 pm & 7 pm Beacock Music presents “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” The Musical with a Live Orchestra at Beacock Music. See Dec 1 for details. 7 pm Vancouver Symphony Orchestra-VSO Holiday Pops at Skyview High School, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. Classic holiday tunes and beloved pops hits. Tickets $42-$55 at vancouversymphony.org. 7 pm Junior Symphony of Vancouver Holiday Concert at Cascades Presbyterian Church 9503 NE 86th St., Vancouver. Selections by Mozart, Percy Faith, Grainger, plus traditional sing-alongs. Ticket $15 at the door. 7:30 pm Metropolitan Performing Arts & Community Theater present “1940’s Radio Hour, A Christmas Carol” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See Dec 1 for details. 7:30 pm
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
Loving Them Forward celebrates the work of local caregivers at A Caregiver Christmas.
10 SUNDAY
Beacock Music presents “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” The Musical with a Live Orchestra at Beacock Music. See Dec 1 for details. 2 pm Friends of DanceWorks presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School. See Dec 8 for details. 2 pm Metropolitan Performing Arts & Community Theater present “1940’s Radio Hour, A Christmas Carol” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See Dec 1 for details. 2 pm Vancouver Symphony Orchestra-VSO Holiday Pops at Skyview High School. See Dec 9 for details. 3 pm
15 FRIDAY
Columbia Dance presents “The Nutcracker” at Skyview High School, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. A whimsical holiday adventure with a uniquely Vancouver twist. Dec 15 performance is sensory friendly. Tickets $18-$23 at columbiadance.org. 6 pm Journey Theater presents “The Wizard of Oz” at Washburn Performing Arts Center. See Dec 8 for details. 7 pm Metropolitan Performing Arts & Community Theater present “1940’s Radio Hour, A Christmas Carol” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See Dec 1 for details. 7:30 pm
16 SATURDAY
Santa’s Holiday Hustle 5K in Downtown Camas. Run or walk in the 3rd annual race to celebrate the holidays. Registration $50-$52 at whyracingevents.com. 9 am continued on next page
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Columbia Dance presents “The Nutcracker” at Skyview High School. See Dec 15 for details. 1 pm & 5 pm Journey Theater presents “The Wizard of Oz” at Washburn Performing Arts Center. See Dec 8 for details. 2 pm & 7 pm
A Living Nativity at Living Hope Church, 2711 NE Andresen Rd., Vancouver. Experience a drama filled with actors and live animals, including Curly the Camel. 6 pm Metropolitan Performing Arts & Community Theater present “1940’s Radio Hour, A Christmas Carol” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See Dec 1 for details. 7:30 pm
A Living Nativity at Living Hope Church. See Dec 16 for details. 9 am & 11 am
30 SATURDAY
Columbia Dance presents “The Nutcracker” at Skyview High School. See Dec 15 for details. 1 pm & 5 pm
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. A family friendly party with a countdown to noon! Crafts, music, dancing and more. All ages welcome. 11 am-12:30 pm
Riverside Performing Arts presents “A Tale of the Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School. See Dec 16 for details. 1 pm Metropolitan Performing Arts & Community Theater present “1940’s Radio Hour, A Christmas Carol” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See Dec 1 for details. 2 pm
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Riverside Performing Arts presents “A Tale of the Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. A retro 1950s-themed production inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” Tickets $25-$35 at northwestpaa.org. 6 pm
and celebrate the winter solstice as it ushers in the return of the light and longer days. 3 pm
17 SUNDAY
16-17
SA
Kids Holiday Market at Vancouver Farmers Market at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Kids age 5-15 become vendors for a day and sell their handmade and homegrown products at the market. 10 am-2 pm
19 TUESDAY
Cocoa & Cookies Party at My Gym, 1825 SE 164th Ave., Ste 112, Vancouver. Winterthemed activities, games, rides, treats and more. Tickets $25 at mygym.com/ fisherslanding. 2:30-3:30 pm
21 THURSDAY
Winter Solstice Winter Walk at Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. Take an afternoon walk along the banks of the Columbia River,
Living Hope Church brings the Nativity story to life with actors and live animals at their free family event.
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2023
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