• WELCOME TO PARADISE: Exploring Mount Rainier, p. 16
• INTERFAITH WORK IN CLARK COUNTY, p. 24
FEATURE ARTICLES
Meet a Few of Our Favorite Local “Kindie” Rockers
Learn why these popular local children's musicians love to make music for littles, how they find inspiration and where you can see them perform.
NW Getaway: Welcome to Paradise: Exploring Mount Rainier
Alpinists, casual hikers and visitors of all kinds agree: Mount Rainier is a mountain paradise. Explore the natural beauty of the biggest volcano on the west coast.
Interfaith Work in Clark County
Southwest Washington is home to a variety of faith groups who link arms to help those in need. Find out how they work together, despite their doctrinal differences.
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Social Trust
In 2014, a California man named Joe Cornell was living in a Salvation Army shelter, working hard to recover from a drug addiction and put his life in order after having been in jail multiple times. One day while he was at work, Cornell happened upon a bag containing $125,000 that an armored truck driver had left on a sidewalk. Cornell made headlines when he returned the money to the bank. When he was interviewed by news crews, Cornell explained his reasoning. “I thought about [keeping the money], it was a good-devil-bad-devil thing on your shoulder,” ABC News quoted Cornell as saying, “but taking the money wouldn’t compare to what my grandkids would think of me if I did something like that . . . This shelter is trying to change my life. I tried to do the right thing.”
In his 2022 book, “Collective Illusions” (Hachette Books), author and former Harvard faculty member, Dr. Todd Rose recounts Cornell’s story and posits that, rather than being rare, Cornell’s choice to act with integrity is not only noble, but is “far from exceptional.” With research studies to back up his claims, Rose suggests that people are far more trustworthy than we think they are, and that our belief to the contrary has dangerous consequences for our social fabric and individual lives.
Choosing to trust those around us first, rather than deeming them guilty before proven innocent, has the power, according to studies, to make us “healthier, more tolerant and productive, and generally happier.” And as it turns out, those who are trusted are more likely to be trustworthy, initiating a virtuous cycle.
Of course, in reality, not everyone can be trusted, and choosing whom to trust and when, especially when stakes are high, is an individual calculation each of us must make, often. But in small, daily interactions, might our extending a little more trust to both strangers and friends help to create a safer, higher quality of life for all of us?
In this issue, learn how leaders and members of different faith groups are coming together, despite their doctrinal differences, to relieve suffering in Clark County (page 24), meet local musicians who have dedicated their talents to bringing sonic joy to little ones (page 10) and explore the paradise that is Mount Rainier (page 16).
Siblings Paul and Mailo (ages 4 and 1 1/2 when this photo was taken) love all things sports and outdoors. They enjoy going to the park and zoo, reading books, and playing basketball. They also enjoy playing dress up and doing various arts and crafts projects.
As Vancouver’s cultural arts renaissance continues to unfold, a new faith-based theater organization aims to produce high quality entertainment, and to make it affordable for everyone to enjoy. Ekklesia Theatre was founded by a group headed by Chris Murphy of Vancouver, who dreamed for years, he says, about creating “a space where faith and storytelling can intersect in meaningful ways.” He recalls that at the very first meeting he held at a coffee shop to gauge interest in the idea, “I wasn’t sure if anyone would even show up, but about a dozen people came, all excited to be part of something where art and faith could interact locally. It lit a fire in me, because it finally gave me confirmation that this vision of mine wasn’t completely ridiculous (although, it feels like it sometimes). Others believed in it too.”
The organization’s name, “Ekklesia,” Murphy says, comes from the Greek word for “gathering,” typically in a religious context. “It felt right to reflect both the community and faith aspects of our mission in the name.” On top of their aim to put on shows with meaningful messages, the group is committed to removing financial barriers for audience members. This is accomplished by a special pay-it-forward pricing model. “For every ticket sold,” says Murphy, “we reserve a corresponding ticket for someone in need. Half of our seats for each show are set aside as free tickets, and anyone can request them by emailing us—no questions asked. This model also extends to our classes, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent anyone from participating. All tickets are available at will-call, guaranteeing privacy—whether you’ve
This
purchased a ticket or received a free one, no other patrons will know the difference.”
The theater troupe’s debut production will be “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Vancouver Christmas Show!” playing December 13-22 at The Coffee Church in Vancouver. Murphy says he and the Ekklesia board chose this quirky version of “A Christmas Carol” because “it’s hilarious, familyfriendly, and has a message that resonates with the Christmas spirit. Plus, it’s a flexible production that can be tailored to our city [through local Vancouver references inserted into the script].”
Murphy and the rest of the Ekklesia Theatre board plan to put on a spring 2025 production, along with monthly events like spoken word performances, clean comedy shows and music nights. “The vision for Ekklesia is to create a frequent cadence of shows and events that the community can rely on and look forward to,” says Murphy. “We want to be more than just a theatre company. We want to be a true gathering place, like our namesake, where families and individuals can connect and experience the arts together regularly.”
Interested in becoming involved with Ekklesia?
Murphy says there is a place for everyone. “Driven by our faith, we are passionate about using storytelling to connect people, regardless of their background or beliefs. Everyone is welcome at Ekklesia, and we’re here to serve our community through the arts in a way that fosters understanding and builds relationships . . . Our leadership is made up of faith-based artists and leaders, but our volunteers, cast members and community participants come from all walks of life. We believe in creating a space where everyone can gather, share stories and be part of something bigger.”
month, Ekklesia Theatre presents “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Vancouver Christmas Show!” starring Samantha Brown Hsu as Marley/Fezzi, Scott Rushford as Scrooge, Stephanie Crowley as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Sarah Ratcliff, Chris Hullender, Samantha Brown Hsu and Stephanie Crowley as the Ghosts of Christmas Yet to Come. Photos by Reeves Designs.
Indoor Play Time Opens at Play Street Museum
After two years of planning and building, Play Street Museum opened in Salmon Creek in October, welcoming families to come inside and play. The space is owned by Sara Mixer, a former special education teacher who was inspired by her now-8-year-old son to open a Play Street Museum franchise after she and her son drove frequently to the Play Street location in Beaverton for educational, indoor play time. “I really enjoyed the environment and the learning aspect of PSM,” says Mixer. “Once I learned it was a franchise, I realized that it would be a dream business and job for me as it encompasses working with children, being part of a larger community and focuses on learning through play.” Mixer and her team worked from March through October 2024 to create an “On the Go”-themed space with a pretend plane, a bed and breakfast, a pet boarding featuring a live bearded dragon, a gas station, an ice cream truck and other stations. The theme came naturally to Mixer. “Choosing the ‘On the Go’ theme was a no brainer for our family. Our backyard serves as an airplane taxiway, my operates trains for a and my parents have owned an automotive business my whole life. So this theme made sense for us.”
Play Street Museum’s 1.5-hour play times are by reservation every weekday from 8:30 am-6 pm, and cost $16 per child, per session. Play sessions are set at 8:30-10 am, 10:30 am-12 pm, 12:30-2 pm, 2:30-4 pm and 4:30-6 pm. “We love this play by reservation model,” says Mixer, “because kids come in all at the same time and almost become a cohort and a group in their 1.5 hours of play. Then everyone leaves and gets their snack at the same time, making the transition to leave much easier for the little ones. [The staff then] has 30 minutes to put all the toys back and clean surfaces before the next group comes, giving each group the same experience.” Walk-ins are always welcome as space allows, but reservations are recommended to ensure a spot. In addition to open play time, Play Street Museum hosts birthday parties and field trips, plus special events throughout the year. Mixer looks forward to families making memories in the new space. “I love the idea of getting to know the local families and creating events for people to get together and give their kids a truly joyful experience,” she says.
Play Street Museum is located at 14109 NE 10th Ave, Suite 713 in Vancouver.
Come Serve With Me Volunteer Fair Matches Helpers with Good Causes
ast month, over 250 people, including families, filled the gym at Seton Catholic High School to meet and greet with over 35 different nonprofit organizations. The event was the Come Serve With Me Volunteer Fair, the second annual event aimed at matching good causes in Southwest Washington with volunteers who are looking to make a difference in their community. Organizations set up booths throughout the Seton gym showcasing their work, and prospective volunteers had the opportunity to ask questions, and learn about upcoming projects, physical and age recommendations and other important considerations. Other fun activities such as a raffle, face painting and balloon art also made for a fun atmosphere
where connections were made all around. The event was sponsored by JustServe, a free, community service initiative that connects people with opportunities to help those in need. Individuals in communities across the world, including Clark County, can visit JustServe. org to search for volunteer opportunities near them. The event was co-sponsored by Good Works Clark County, a new Facebook page highlighting good things happening around Southwest Washington.
Seton Catholic High School in Vancouver hosted the second annual Come Serve With Me Volunteer Fair, where individuals and families got the opportunity to learn more about volunteering with a variety of local causes.
Recently opened in Salmon Creek, Play Street Museum hosts indoor play time, birthday parties, field trips and even a live bearded dragon, all with an “On-the-Go” theme. Photos by Sara Mixer.
Photos by Sabra Killen.
Mee t a Few of Our Favorite Local
By Nikki Klock
W hat music were you listening to as a kid? If you were a kid in the 80s like I was, your soundtrack was likely the usual suspects of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “B-I-N-G-O.” (Either that or you were absorbing AC/DC, or in my case, “Footloose,” by osmosis.) Those simple melodies may be fine for kiddos, but as we, their parents, are listening along with them, we crave some ear candy for ourselves too—without the adult content. It turns out, capturing the magic of childhood in song is anything but boring. Over the years, popular musicians such as Jack Johnson, Lisa Loeb and even Barenaked Ladies have detoured from their typical charttopping occupations to record music especially for littles. And the Pacific Northwest in particular is a haven for talented, local artists who understand childhood and are inspired to bring that special brand of innocence and magic to life through music. For example, Christopher Ballew, from the quirky 90s rock group, The Presidents of the United States of America (“Peaches,” anyone?), grew up in Seattle and released 19 children’s music albums between 2009 and 2021. I recently connected with a few of Ballew’s peers—fabulous, local “kindie” rockers, all—to learn why they’ve dedicated their talents to making music for children, how they find inspiration and where families can see them perform their catchy music live.
RED YARN
(AKA Andy Furgeson)
NK: When and how did you first take an interest in music?
RY: When I was in 3rd grade, I played Tiny Tim in a citywide production of “The Christmas Carol” in Austin. The actor who played Scrooge was a Renaissance man named Robert Rudié, and he would play fiddle for the kids during rehearsals. I decided that I wanted to play violin, which led me to guitar and other stringed instruments.
NK: Did your family of origin influence your love of music?
RY: For sure. My parents were music lovers with a big record collection, and my mom dabbled in piano and guitar. We sang a lot at church and at family gatherings. Plus, just being in Austin [where I grew up] was a huge inspiration. There was music everywhere. I started going to shows
at clubs when I was like 12. Some friends and I started a band our freshman year of high school and I’ve been performing ever since.
NK: How did you choose your stage name, Red Yarn?
RY: It came from a brainstorm I did way back in 2010, I think. I was looking for an easy-toremember stage name that worked on a few levels. I was playing with a whole bunch of interrelated words . . . red, barn, bard, yard, barnyard. Then I stumbled on Red Yarn! I like that yarn can mean an old story, like the folktales that originally inspired me, or a puppet-building material. Also Red Yarn is a loose anagram for Andy/Andrew. When I first started performing, I actually wore a beard made of red yarn, on top of my real beard! But that was too sweaty, and scared half of the kids, so now I just wear a red yarn hat band.
How has your own family influenced your
My wife Jessie and I have a 10- and 8-year-old, and they’re all part of the band! I first started performing for kids right when Jessie and I started dating, and we created a kids duo called Jelly Jar. Jessie is a wonderful singer. She also grew up singing in church, in a youth choir and as a summer camp counselor. When she started a masters program to become a teacher, I created Red Yarn, but she’s always been part of it, singing in our full band, recording vocals for all my albums, and appearing in many of our videos. Now our kids are into it too! They perform with me fairly often, and sing some lead vocals on our most recent album.
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Red Yarn (AKA Andy Furgeson) has been recording and performing children’s music full time since 2012, touring all over the U.S. Photo by Aaron Hewitt.
continued from page 10
NK: What inspired you to dedicate your talents to children’s music?
RY: I was working in an after-school program and playing in a “grown-up” band, and several friends and colleagues suggested that I try performing for kids. Meanwhile I was doing a deep dive into old folksongs and dabbling in puppetry, so all of those interests converged when I started performing for kids. I met a few full-time performers and teaching artists and realized that I might be able to make a living doing this. So, after building up Red Yarn on the side for a couple years, I left my after-school job in 2012 and went full time with Red Yarn! I’ve been at it ever since!
NK: Where have you performed most recently?
RY: All over Oregon, Washington and Idaho, plus shows in California, Nevada, Texas and up and down the east coast.
NK: What are some of the most memorable experiences from performing?
inviting a diverse group of collaborators was part of the vision from the beginning. It was amazing getting to collaborate with so many guest artists, but also a lot of work! I recorded the foundations of the album with my producer Dean Jones in upstate New York in January of 2023, then we spent several months coordinating with guest vocalists and instrumentalists. A lot of it was done remotely, but all the parts cohered beautifully in the end.
NK: Did your family of origin influence your love of music?
RY: We got to perform at the Austin City Limits Festival the same year that Paul McCartney was headlining! Of course, we were on a small stage in the kids’ zone, but you could almost say that we opened for Paul McCartney! Locally, some highlights include playing at Pickathon [Experiential Music Festival] for several years in a row, and our huge album release show at the Crystal Ballroom last fall with more than 800 kids and parents singing and dancing with us. A few summers ago, I organized a big free show at Peninsula Park for Smith and Yarn, my collaboration with Aaron Nigel Smith, and the World Naked Bike Ride ended up meeting at the park at the same time. So, by the end of the show, we were completely surrounded by naked people. It was hilarious!
When did you release your latest album, “The Get-Together,” and what was the process like making that album and collaborating with so many guest artists?
We released “The Get-Together” in September of 2023. I wanted to make it sound like a big, inclusive, roots-rock dance party, so
JC: There was always a lot of music in the house growing up. My dad played in bands when he was younger, but I actually didn’t start playing in bands until college. Been playing music ever since!
NK: What inspired you to start writing and performing children’s music?
NK: What projects do you have planned in the coming year?
RY: I’m beginning to work on a musical, have some ideas for next albums, and am supporting my friend Aaron Nigel Smith on a folk opera that he is composing. I’ll be at Kiggins Theatre in Vancouver for Columbia Play Project’s Wiggles & Giggles series on Saturday, January 25 and hope to schedule more shows in Southwest Washington in the spring and summer.
ANTS ANTS ANTS
(AKA Johnny Clay, Dave Gulick and Nat Johnson)
NK: How did you meet and begin your musical partnership?
JC: I met Nat and Dave years ago in our other bands. I’m in a band called The Dimes and Nat and Dave are in a band called Derby. We’ve played many, many shows together over the years and always enjoyed it. Ants Ants Ants finally gave us the opportunity to play in a group together.
NK: How did you choose your band name, Ants Ants Ants?
JC: I think my daughters must have been watching “A Bug’s Life” or maybe “Beat Bugs,” so I had bugs on the brain. I think I suggested Ants Ants and when Dave brought Nat in we changed it to Ants Ants Ants for the 3 of us.
DG: I pushed Pants Pants Pants but it didn’t stick.
JC: For me it was definitely having kids and then having friends encouraging me to make a kindie record. We didn’t know it was going to turn into several records! It’s just such a positive experience and so much fun. We’ve loved putting this music out into the world and playing for kids and families all over the country.
DG: It’s so much fun to make creative, weird kidcentric music. Our hope is to always write music that the whole family can enjoy. I remember loving the Muppets and Sesame Street as a kid. That music was both weird/creative but also catchy and accessible. I think that’s where we hope to be with Ants Ants Ants. I would also say there are so many wonderful family/kid musicians here in our area too. It’s a hotbed for awesome kids’ musicians and performers.
NK: What are some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had performing?
JC: I’ve personally always loved the touring experience. I had the chance to play in Japan with The Dimes and that was definitely one of the most memorable experiences. Our trip to Washington, D.C. with Ants Ants Ants to play at Wolf Trap and at SiriusXM was also one of my favorite experiences I’ve had.
NK: When did you release your latest album, “The Campfire” EP, and what was the process like making that album?
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Dave Gulick (left), Nat John son (center) and Johnny Clay (right) came together from different Portlandbased bands to write and perform children's music under the moniker Ants Ants Ants. The trio performs around the Pacific Northwest and has performed as far away as Washington D.C.
Photo by Dylan VanWeelden.
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JC: We released “The Campfire” EP earlier this year (2024). The experience making those songs was such a joy. I must give the majority of the credit to Dave for seeing that through; the song “Mr. Grey” was one of the first songs we wrote for Ants, and it just hadn’t found its way out into the world yet. Dave would bring that song up every few months and kept insisting that we finish it. He had so much confidence in that song and its ability to connect with people. It wound up being one of the songs played on the radio by Kids Place Live on SiriusXM. So— Dave was right.
NK: What projects do you have planned in the coming year?
JC: We’re working on several new projects so look for a lot of new music from us in 2025. We’ve also got a brand-new holiday single out this month called “Christmas Time Again.” And we’ll be playing two shows (a morning show and an afternoon show) at Kiggins Theatre in Downtown Vancouver on February 8, 2025.
THE ALPHABETICIANS
(AKA Jeff Inlay [AKA Mr. Hoo], Eric Levine [AKA Mr. E], Matt Lynch and Dan Elliott)
NK: How did you meet and begin a musical partnership with your bandmates?
JI: Eric and I were roommates at Pomona College in Southern California in the mid 80s. We’ve been playing music together ever since.
NK: How did you choose your band name, The Alphabeticians, and your individual stage names, Mr. Hoo and Mr. E?
JI: The original idea for the band was that we were going to do a lot of alternate alphabet
songs, so The Alphabeticians seemed like an obvious name, plus we liked the way it sounds like musician or magician. Mr. Hoo is a shortened version of a nickname I’ve had since college. Mr. E just seemed like an obvious name for Eric (especially because it sounds like “mystery”).
played in lots of other bands over the years.
NK: What are some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had performing?
NK: Do you have a family of your own? If so, how have they influenced your music?
JI: I have 4 kids (all adults now). When they were little, my kids were the source of many songs. One of our most popular songs, “Evil Doctor Ladybug,” came directly from my youngest son getting out of bed late one night and telling me that he’d named his ladybug Pillow Pet “Evil Doctor Ladybug.” He went back to bed and I wrote the song.
NK: When and why did you first take an interest in music?
JI: I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. I was a huge Elton John fan as a little kid (still am), started taking piano lessons because I wanted to be him.
NK: What instruments do you play, and when and how did you learn to play each one?
JI: I mainly play guitar, bass and ukulele (and sing). I started learning how to play guitar informally my freshman year in college from the guy across the hall from me in my dorm. I picked up bits and pieces from many other guitar playing friends over the years, but never took any lessons. I taught myself ukulele and bass.
NK: What kinds of groups and styles of music have you played with and performed in the past?
JI: I played with a pretty successful alternative rock band in the 90s called Hummingfish. I’ve
JI: By far the most memorable experience was watching a child take their very first steps while I was performing. Every time I play a show, I’m very aware that there might be someone in the audience who is experiencing live music for the first time. That makes every show memorable!
NK: What projects do you have planned in the coming year?
JI: I perform regularly as Mr. Hoo all over the Portland area, and the last Saturday of every month at Junebug Play and Learning Space in Ridgefield. Our bass player, Matt Lynch, does shows by himself as Tallulah’s Daddy/Make Music with Matt. Our drummer, Dan Elliott, has an awesome kindie band called Pointed Man Band.
Nikki Klock has been the editor and co-owner of Vancouver Family Magazine since 2006. She played the flute in high school, taught herself how to play piano in college and has never performed in a rock band.
From left to right, Matt Lynch, Eric Levine, Jeff Inlay and Dan Elliott make up The Alphabeticians, as well as other solo and group musical projects. Inlay performs regularly as "Mr. Hoo" at Junebug Play and Learning Space in Ridgefield. Photo courtesy Jeff Inlay.
Enjoy a special 1:1 moment— bring your camera for magical photos!
Warm up with free hot chocolate and cookies. Don’t miss the holiday fun! All children who visit Santa will receive a free gift!
Sunday, Dec. 1: 1:00pm 2:40pm 4:20pm 6:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 7: 2:00pm 3:40pm 5:20pm
Friday, Dec. 13: 9:00am 10:40am 12:20pm 2:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 21: 2:30pm 4:10pm 5:50pm
1 hour 30 minutes @ $45.00. Adults are free (max 2 per child). Infants do not need a ticket if accompanied by a paying sibling; otherwise, a ticket is required. All ages welcome.
NW GETAWAY Mount Rainier Welcome to Paradise:
This past summer my family visited four national parks in three different states. We started out at the Grand Canyon North Rim in Arizona where we watched the sunset and the Milky Way cross the sky. The next stop was Zion National Park in southern Utah so my kids could experience the beauty of the desert I grew up near for the first time. Both parks were unforgettable and it’s no question as to why they are two of the most visited national parks in the United States. After coming home, we camped at Seaquest State Park here in Southwest Washington. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center near Seaquest showed a fascinating documentary about the 1980 eruption which got us even more excited to visit the biggest volcano on the west coast the very next weekend: Mount Rainier.
Elbe & Ashford
We left early one Friday morning and stopped in the charming town of Elbe, population 39, where an enormous statue of Bigfoot welcomed us outside of Elbe Market. The flower-flanked store was full of old-fashioned snacks and drinks we stocked up on for the hike we planned to do the next morning. Just across the street was the historic Heisler steam engine (more on that later) and a little white church built in 1906 which still holds regular services. Though the doors were closed, a staircase next to the window allowed us to look inside at the old wooden pews.
Further up SR 706, we stopped at Recycled Iron Spirits metal sculpture garden in the city of Ashford. Created by artist Dan Klennert and his son-inlaw Jay Bechtold, the beautiful yard welcomes public visitors. A life-size giraffe visible from the highway was perfectly positioned, making it look almost alive. The front yard held a variety of larger-than-life bugs, fish and deer. In the backyard we met some members of a jazz band who just happened to hold the same
By Sarah Mortensen
continued on page 18
Clockwise from top: View of Mount Rainier from Myrtle Falls on the Skyline Trail, the author's family pretends to play with metal sculptures at Recycled Iron Spirits, The Little White Church of Elbe, the author and her kids outside Elbe Market. Photos courtesy Sarah Mortensen.
READ OUR LATEST BLOG POST... YOU WIN SOME... YOU LOSE SOME...
In real estate, Realtors spend a lot of time talking about our successes. We talk about homes that go pending and homes that close. We talk about our upcoming listings. One thing we do not talk about is our failures. No one wants to talk about the times we fail, the deals that don’t close, the clients we lose, or the listings that go to someone else. I mean, failure sucks, and who wants to dwell on that? Also, maybe Realtors are afraid if we talk about our failures, then you won’t hire us when it is time to buy or sell your home. Well, I believe in being human, so I am going to share with you a few of my failures, why? Because I fail, but failing is also learning.
I met with a possible client earlier this year who was referred to me by a mutual friend who was concerned that they would be taken advantage of because they are older and have some health issues. I met with them regarding selling their home, their future plans (they were moving out of the area), and the listing paperwork. I encouraged them to talk to a few other Realtors before we moved forward as it is important to speak to a few people before you choose someone to work with. Realtors are self-employed contractors, and while we all ‘basically’ do the same thing, it is HOW we do things that make us different. Every Realtor runs their business differently and offers a different level of service and options. After a few days, they contacted me again as they chose me to represent them during the sale of the home that they had lived in for a long time. I am always honored, and grateful, to receive these phone calls. We set up a time to meet again where we went through and signed all the paperwork regarding getting their home on the market
(Hey! It has other awesome blogs & ideas on there too!) You can always email me at traciedemars@aol.com and I will email you the schedule.
Photo by DNE Stock project at pexels.com
...REal Talk with Tracie...
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instruments my family plays, so we decided to join them in their jam session. There were hundreds of individuals pieces, each one so carefully crafted, it was easy to forget they were made of scraps.
As lunchtime rolled around, we stopped at Rainier Base Camp Bar and Grill. We arrived a little before opening so we decided to look around Whittaker Mountaineering where real rock climbers buy gear. It was there I learned that almost every alpinist begins with Mount Rainier before trying K2 or Mount Everest; and though it is certainly smaller than those two giants, only 45% of those who attempt Rainier reach the top. The covered outdoor seating kept us cool from the summer sun while we ate, and life-sized photos of climbers traversing glaciers on the buildings kept the conversation on hiking. Ice cream after lunch at Whittaker Bunkhouse Café was refreshing, and again, every piece of décor inside was dedicated to climbing. Even the chains of the light fixtures featured carved men belaying. Outside, a kid-sized climbing rock beckoned us all to give it a try.
Each of these stops built up our anticipation to see the mountain itself. As we drove toward the Nisqually entrance, my kids were especially hyped because I had been telling them for months that Mount Rainier was the most beautiful place I had ever been. After visiting three other spectacular national parks, they were understandably skeptical. Since we had hiked many trails near Mount St. Helens, I think they expected Rainier to simply be a bigger Saint Helens. They were wrong.
A Beautiful Behemoth
What makes Mount Rainier special is that it was the first national park to have a master plan. The roads were specifically designed to help visitors enjoy the mountain’s beauty, not just placed to get people from point A to point B, or where it would be easiest from an engineering aspect. As you drive through the entrance, all at once you become engulfed in an old growth forest, and the winding roads compel you to look all directions so you don’t miss a single view. My husband and I were both surprised by how different a river valley created by the melting glacier looked in the late summer compared to the last time we came in early summer.
Our first stop in the park was at the Historic Longmire District. The museum there holds a collection of taxidermy wildlife and information on how glaciers continually shape the mountain which answered some of our questions. Outside was a slice of a cedar trunk with different historical events labeled on the rings showing us just how old the forest really was. The short Trail of Shadows interpretive path just across the road was where we saw the coolest mushrooms and found more information on the history of that area.
Driving further into the park, the snowy peak of Mount Rainier finally came into view around one particularly deep turn and my husband yelled out “BOOM!” We stopped at the trailhead for Comet Falls to take a short hike to the top of Christine Falls. The parking for Christine Falls fills up fast, and in my opinion
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Clockwise from top: Sculpture and light fixture at Whittaker Bunkhouse Café, the author and her family outside Mount Rainier’s Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise, view of the mountain behind Myrtle Falls, a marmot perches on a rock.
Photos courtesy Sarah Mortensen.
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the view from the top was much better than from the bottom. Narada Falls was just a few more miles up the road and always wears a rainbow on sunny days.
By then it was late afternoon, so we checked into the historic Paradise Inn Lodge next to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. We calculated that it had been 16 years since my husband and I had last visited the park, so we re-created the photo we took back then for my 21st birthday trip. Our room did not have TV or internet, but when I asked my kids if they were disappointed, my son who had loved everything we had seen so far said, “No, let’s watch window!” quoting from “The Croods: A New Age.” Tired from our full day, we opted to eat at the Paradise Inn restaurant where we tried bison meatloaf and forager mushroom pasta.
We went to bed early, knowing that the Skyline Trail Loop, our destination for the following day, gets busy. The last time we had tried the hike, snow still covered the path and we didn’t make it very far, so I fell asleep excited for what I would finally get to see. The next morning, we grabbed a to-go breakfast from the café and started out. Going clockwise, we had a beautiful view of the mountain keeping us motivated to keep climbing. I was sad I had forgotten our binoculars but was shocked at how close we still got to the glaciers. We could both hear and feel the power of one enormous waterfall flowing down the Nisqually glacier. Wildflowers were everywhere, as were small creeks and animals. My daughter said she felt like she was in the Shire.
At the end of the 5.5-mile hike, we got the perfect photo of the mountain from Myrtle Falls, and we also saw two black bears in the distance. My husband and I are now two for two on seeing bears at Mount Rainier! And though the hike was one of the harder hikes we had done as a family, both my kids were happy to have completed it and agreed that Mount Rainier truly is paradise.
Interactive History
We had seen a trail of old train cars converted into the Mount Rainier Dining Company restaurant in Elbe the previous day and decided to head there for lunch. It was a good thing we were all hungry from our hike because my chicken fried steak was the size of a sasquatch footprint! From the window we watched a wood carver painting his chainsaw sculptures, so we stopped to check out his work afterwards. Artist David Franz told me that he left the construction business only a few years ago to carve full time. His shop, Old Calico, featured classic black
bears and beautiful tables, as well as Christmas ornaments created by his mother. At the same time, a steam engine began whistling and lots of people were climbing on. I walked over to see how to get a ride only to find out that the rail bike trip my family had booked for that afternoon was part of the same organization.
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Clockwise from top: Hikers on the Skyline Trail walk toward Mount Rainier, artist David Franz paints a wood sculpture of a bee, a deer is spotted in the brush at Mount Rainier. Photos courtesy Sarah Mortensen.
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The Western Forest Industries Museum is dedicated to preserving and restoring the historical train routes running through Elbe, Eatonville and Mineral. The 100-year-old working museum/train ride helps to fund their vision of preserving the history of the area which has relied on trains and the lumber industry since the founding of the towns.
I learned that our rail cycle trip would take place on the same historic tracks as the steam engine, but farther up and going the opposite direction. None of us were quite sure what to expect, but we absolutely loved the ride! When it came time to stop and turn the cycles around, our guide gave a history lesson about the forest industry. He told stories of young teens coming to Washington to become lumberjacks even though the death rate was one in three, until more technology became available like the chainsaw and donkey engine. He also explained how after the attack at Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans, who were unfortunately sent to internment camps in Eatonville, worked the railroad, and that a new exhibit they plan to build will feature their powerful stories.
After a day of exercise, and looking for a quiet place for dinner, we chose Paradise Village
Hotel and Restaurant near the park entrance. Not having a reservation, we did have to wait a bit to be seated, but the grounds were so beautiful and the late summer night so nice, we didn’t mind one bit. My kids and I sat on a swinging wooden bench and talked about our favorite moments from the trip before being seated and enjoying our dinner. I highly recommend the shish kabobs and the cherry perogies, but if it hadn’t been summer, I would have gone for the Ukrainian borscht.
Rainier was the perfect end to an epic summer with our kids, and with so much we didn’t see, we want to go back this winter to experience the mountain with snow. Park Rangers give guided snowshoeing tours, the Mount Rainier Railroad has winter rides and I definitely haven’t forgotten about that borsht!
Sarah Mortensen holds a degree in marriage and family studies and works for Vancouver Public Schools as a paraeducator. 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.
Go to VancouverFamilyMagazine.com for links to most of the locations we visited on our weekend at Mount Rainier.
Go to VisitRainier.com to check out itineraries for all seasons, lodging options, attractions near the mountain, travel alerts, events and more.
Clockwise from top: The author’s family with the historic Heisler Steam Engine preserved by the Western Forest Industries Museum, the author’s husband climbing a rock wall outside Whitaker Mountaineering, Bigfoot chicken fried steak at Mount Rainier Dining Company, the author and her family on Rail Cycle Mt. Rainier.
Sidebar: A mural inside the Elbe Market.
Photos courtesy Sarah Mortensen.
By Catherine Stacks
O
ne year on Christmas Day, Sue Meyer, former president of Congregation Kol Ami Jewish congregation in Vancouver, was volunteering at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Downtown Vancouver as she did many times. She recalled that on that particular day, “a guest wrangled a couple of the other guests to attend the Christmas service at St. Paul. When they came back, they commented on the service, the congregation and the beautiful sanctuary with its incredible stained glass windows. Hearing their enthusiasm for the shared experience has become a cherished Christmas Day memory of mine,” she said.
A Jewish congregation president commenting on a cherished Christmas memory may sound like the beginning of a joke, but in Clark County, the vital work done by members and leaders of various faith communities is anything but. In fact, our region is home to a large variety of faith groups who, despite their doctrinal differences, come together as neighbors and friends to help those in need.
Compassion is the Answer
Linda Marousek is the pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Downtown Vancouver and shared with me about her congregation’s community service work. “This work is a gift; it is stretching me in ways I would never have thought possible. After almost five years of daily contact with these vulnerable and beat-up folks, I have learned something. An old friend recently asked me how to talk to homeless people. And this is a summary of everything I know now: Ask them their name.”
St. Paul is currently home to a year-round men’s shelter, originally established in 2003 as part of the short-term Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO). From November through March each year, individuals from different faith groups and service organizations volunteer to staff the facility daily. “A look back at our volunteer contact list over all of these years reveals that our volunteers came from over 50 churches, synagogues, service organizations and groups of individuals,” said Marousek.
The men who have previously stayed at the men’s shelter have come back to St. Paul regularly, helping the church in a variety of ways. Marousek shared, “One guy, Nick, always says, ‘I’m one of your success stories.’ He is . . . I think that doing this kind of work with other faith and service groups is not only good for the people we serve, it is very
good for people of any and all kinds of faith. So many people have helped with this work that the citizens of Vancouver know that compassion, not punishment, has to be the answer.”
Meyer shared what motivates her to continue her work of relieving suffering, alongside people of different faiths. “One of the tenets of Reform Judaism is tikkun olam, ‘repair the world,’” she
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Top left: Trish Merrill, from Church on the Rock in Battle Ground, sets up for giveaways at St. Paul Lutheran Church in
“This work is a gift... After almost five years of daily contact with these vulnerable and beat-up folks, I have learned something. An old friend recently asked me how to talk to homeless people. And this is a summary of everything I know now: Ask them their name.”
—Linda Marousek, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church
Top right: Members of Jewish Congregation Kol Ami participate in various mitzvah projects throughout the year, such Evergreen Habitat for Humanity builds. Photo courtesy Sue Meyer.
Center: Geri Hiller from St. Paul Lutheran Church, who is one of the founders of the Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO) program, assists Church on the Rock from Battle Ground with its monthly St. Paul “Church on the Porch” giveaway event for people camping in the area. Photo courtesy Pastor Linda Marousek.
Downtown Vancouver. Photo courtesy Pastor Linda Marousek
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said. “Leaving the world a better place for my having been here motivates me to do what I can to help others.” Meyer has frequently represented Kol Ami in interfaith activities. She works closely with Marousek as a member of St. Paul’s WHO Committee, among a variety of other volunteer work she does in the community. In the case of the St. Paul-WHO guest who enjoyed the Christmas services when Meyer was volunteering, Meyer shared that she ran into that same guest years later at a local grocery store. “We recognized each other, and he told me of his successful transition to his own apartment, a car and satisfying employment helping others through [a] faith-based program. It was the ideal ‘ending’ to what we had hoped to accomplish when Winter Hospitality Overflow was established—to bridge the gap for warm, safe shelter for people experiencing homelessness in our community over the five coldest months of the year.”
Becky Harrington is the communications director for the West Vancouver Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In her role, she reaches out to other organizations who are doing good in the community to see if there are ways she and her fellow Latter-day Saints can help.
“The members of our local congregations have had the opportunity to support a supply drive for the YWCA Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter and provide evening meals to the men’s shelter located in St. Paul Lutheran Church [among other projects],” she shared.
Working side-by-side with a diverse group has been a highlight for Harrington. “When I have the opportunity to learn more about what other faith organizations are doing for others in need, I am humbled and grateful for their grace and love for others,” she said.
“Room for Everybody Around the Table”
Pastor Cindy Bauldree of St. Andrew Lutheran Church shared about their shelter for women and families. “People come from all types of faith traditions and no tradition at all to help; it’s a wonderful human experience,” she said. “When people with different experiences in life come together to offer love, care and support to the most vulnerable in our community, that jazzes me. Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Catholics, Jewish and [Latter-day Saints] are all participating.”
Bauldree shared a special story about an Eagle Scout who volunteered to help the church’s
LISTEN UP!
Vancouver Family Magazine editor, Nikki Klock, recently interviewed Sue Meyer and Pastor Linda Marousek on an episode of “The Common Good” radio show on KXRW 99.9 fm, to learn more about their experiences with interfaith work. Check out the full episode on demand at kxrw.fm/the-common-good.
sleeping space become more private and welcoming for the families who were staying in the WHO shelter. With funding from the Ed and Dollie Lynch Foundation for supplies, and a team of helpers for the labor, the scout coordinated the effort to assemble the new dividers and attach colorful fabric in gentle designs. “The new dividers and enhancements are part of a trauma-informed care design to help guests feel welcome and more comfortable,” said Bauldree.
Melody Finn is the director of operations at River City Church in Vancouver. “We focus on meeting real needs in our community,” she shared. “Some of our volunteer work includes offering winter weather shelter/services to our unhoused neighbors and organizing a free Holiday Toy Shop for immigrant and refugee families. We also organize family-friendly events like our ‘Love Rocks’ initiative, where we paint rocks with encouraging messages to hide across the city.”
River City Church leaders regularly collaborate with other local churches, other faith-based nonprofits, and many non-faith-based nonprofits. “There is room for everybody around the table we’ve built,” Finn said. Volunteers will frequently bring their children and serve together. “It’s beautiful to see kids learn early on that they can make a difference, and it’s
powerful to witness families strengthening their bonds by serving others,” she said.
A Focus on What Unites
Are you inspired by so many different organizations coming together to help those in need, both during the holiday season and throughout the year? Whether you affiliate with a faith community or prefer more secular avenues, we all have opportunities to help relieve suffering and bring a sense of belonging to our neighbors. “When we work together with those of different faith backgrounds,” said Finn, “we focus on what unites us, like our love for our community and the individuals in need, as opposed to what may divide us.”
Catherine Stacks is a writer, editor and content manager living in Clark County. She earned her M.A. in journalism at the University of Southern California and her B.A. in Communications at Washington State University. After starting her career in Southern California, she moved back to Washington in 2021. She enjoys frequenting local restaurants and exploring what the area has to offer with her family.
Left: Becky and Mark Harrington currently serve as communications director and media specialist, respectively, for the West Vancouver Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They frequently work with members of other faiths to carry out large service projects and events.
Bottom: A group of volunteers at River City Church pose in August 2024 after assembling 100 backpacks for Harney Elementary, The Plaza and Pasitos Gigantes. Photo
Upper right: Ryan H. shows off “Blessing Bags” he put together to be given out to River City Church’s houseless neighbors. Photo by Clarissa Sidhom
Photo by Rob Babb.
by Clarissa Sidhom.
Calendar
of events activities
Events are subject to change. Please contact organization directly to confirm. Have a community event that you want to share? Go to vancouverfamilymagazine.com/submit-event to submit your event. Deadline for print calendar submissions is the 1st of the month prior to the issue.
1 SUNDAY
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Special Train Rides at 207 N Railroad Ave., Yacolt. Enjoy a unique journey through lush forests, rolling hills and picturesque farmlands. Christmas special trains and winter finale run select days Nov 30-Dec 22. Check times and tickets at tickets.bycx.org.
North Pole Adventureland at 12435 N Starlight Ave., Portland. The Countdown to Christmas has begun! Experience the magic of the season at the brand-new North Pole Adventureland at Jantzen Beach. Stroll down Candy Cane Lane, write a letter to Santa and send it through the Magic Mailbox at The North Pole Post Office, make your very own toy at Santa’s Wood Shop, visit Santa’s reindeer barn and craft your own reindeer food to take home, hop in Santa’s sleigh, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies from Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, shop Bauble’s Christmas Boutique for the perfect holiday keepsakes and of course, meet the big man himself, Santa! Tickets $30-$47 at holidayadventurecompany.com. Event happens Nov 22-Dec 24, days and times vary.
This year the Christmas Ships Parade celebrates seven decades of bringing holiday cheer to the waters of the Greater Portland/ Vancouver metro areas. See christmasships. org for the full fleet schedule.
Meet and Greet with Santa at Chicky Play Museum, 8109 NE Vancouver Mall Dr. Suite A, Vancouver. Enjoy a special 1:1 moment—bring your camera for magical photos! Plus, warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. Tickets $45 at chickyplaymuseum. com. Event happens Dec 1, 13, 21, times vary.
Santa Visits at Vancouver Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr. Visit Santa and get keepsake photos at Vancouver Mall! Open 7 days a week, with special dates for Sensory Santa and pet photos. See full times and details at shopvancouvermall.com/events.
Journey Theater presents “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. Tickets $16-$21 at journeytheater.org. 2 pm
Love Street Playhouse Theater presents “LIVE in 3, 2, 1” at 126 Loves Ave., Woodland. Travel back to yesteryear when Hollywood begins dabbling with the cuttingedge technology of television. A famous director and his trio of larger-than-life stars come to RCA in NY to perform the first-ever televised transmission of their Western serial. Things go hilariously wrong as personalities clash, the director falls ill and film effects have to be created on the fly! The audience of this madcap farce gets to witness the inperson antics going on behind the scenes while also watching the broadcast the camera sees. Tickets $25 at jlovestreetplayhouse. com. Playing Nov 15-Dec 8, showtimes vary.
4 WEDNESDAY
Christmas Teas at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. Join Pomeroy Farm on select dates in December for a
Check out our website for even more local events.
festive Christmas themed tea. Menu will feature assorted savories/sandwiches, various desserts, scones and of course tea! Tickets $42 at pomeroyfarm.org/teas. Happening Dec 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21. 12 pm
5 THURSDAY
Washougal’s Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Downtown Washougal. Santa appearance, performances from local school groups, free cookies and hot cocoa, parade, tree lighting and more. 5-8 pm
Christmas Ships Parade-Columbia Fleet. Enjoy boats adorned with Christmas decorations parading along the waters of the mighty Columbia River! Happening Dec 5-22. Full schedule at christmasships.org.
6 FRIDAY
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 at Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E Main St. The 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. 5:30-8:30 pm
Hockinson Community Tree Lighting at Hockinson Community Church, 15918 NE 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie. Outdoor event with crafts, carolers, holiday treats, live HMS student band and a very jolly special guest. The church doors will be open for crafts, music, photo booth and more. Tree lighting at 6:30 pm. 6-7:30 pm
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La Center Community Christmas Festival Holiday bazaar, pictures with Santa, musical performances, Santa Stride 5K run/walk, gingerbread contest, Christmas tree lighting and more. Happening Dec 6-8, times and locations vary.
Metropolitan Performing Arts presents “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring wellknown standards, “White Christmas” is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages. Tickets $16-$25 at metropolitanperformingarts.org. Playing Dec 6-21, showtimes vary.
Magenta Theater presents “Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story” at 1108 Main St., Vancouver. An inspired adaptation of the holiday classic, reimagined through highly theatrical storytelling. Actors whimsically transform from narrators into characters, and beloved carols are sung to alternately joyful and sinister effect, giving this familiar Christmas story a fresh and energetic feel.
Tickets $25-$28 at magentatheater.com. Playing Dec 6-22, showtimes vary.
7 SATURDAY
Walk & Knock Food Drive. Walk & Knock solicits charitable donations of food, supplies and money, which in turn are given to the Clark County Food Bank for providing food to those in need across our community. To volunteer, visit walkandknock.org.
Ridgefield Hometown Celebration in Downtown Ridgefield. Holiday market, Circle of Trees, visits with Santa, main stage musical performances, tree lighting ceremony, holiday hayride, Ugly Sweater 5K/10K and more. 9 am-2 pm
Santa at The Marshall House, 1301 Officers Row, Vancouver. Meet Santa at the beautifully decorated Marshall House. Guests can make holiday crafts, write a letter to Santa, 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. Reservations are free, but required at thehistorictrust.org. 9 am-3 pm
Vancouver Master Chorale Christmas Concert at First Presbyterian Church 4300 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets $30 at
vancouvermasterchorale.org. Playing Dec 7-8, showtimes vary.
Celebrate the season with friends, family and community at a festive Christmas Tree Lighting event near you.
Photo by
12 THURSDAY
Holiday Sip & Shop in Downtown Camas. Festive holiday shopping, cocktail tastings, holiday music and more. Tickets $25 at downtowncamas.com. 4-9 pm
Christmas with The Celts at Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview. Enjoy a combination of ancient Irish Christmas Carols and lively Irish dance with modern contemporary songs mixed with Irish instrumentation. Tickets $22.50-$55 at columbiatheatre.com. 7:30 pm
13 FRIDAY
Ekklesia Theatre presents “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Vancouver Christmas Show!” at The Coffee Church, 10311 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver. Five actors portray a variety of characters in this laugh-out-loud Dickens mash-up with a comedic twist and nods to the Vancouver area. Tickets $15 at ekklesiatheatre.com. Playing Dec 13-22, showtimes vary.
Friends of DanceWorks presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver. More information at danceworksperformingarts.com/ nutcracker. Playing Dec 13-15, showtimes vary.
14 SATURDAY
Santa’s Posse at Clark County Event Center, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. Santa’s Posse is a partnership between the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the local community, working together to collect and distribute toys and food to make a special Christmas holiday for families in need in our community.
Register to help with sorting and deliveries at santaspossse.org. 8 am-5 pm
Santa’s Holiday Hustle 5K at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Celebrate the holidays in an active and festive way, plus enjoy cookies, cocoa and visiting Santa after the race. Registration $50-$57 at whyracingevents.com. 9 am
Kwanzaa Celebration of Family, Community and Culture at Clark County Fairgrounds, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. Experience the vibrant spirit of Kwanzaa as we come together to celebrate African culture and traditions. Immerse yourself in a day of music, dance, art and delicious food. Tickets $20 at pddbm.org/events. 9 am-6 pm
December Nature Day at Columbia Springs at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. A drop-in day of hands-on science and nature experiences exploring connections in nature. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. Just bring your curiosity and be prepared for some nature fun! 10 am-1 pm
Vancouver’s Heritage Holiday at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 E 5th St., Vancouver. Learn about the history of the Hudson Bay Company, participate in family fun activities, plus enjoy cultural demonstrations in the kitchen, Blacksmith shop, Bakehouse and Carpenter shop. Admission $10 per person, kids age 15 or younger are free. 10 am-3 pm
Holiday Tea at The Marshall House, 1301 Officers Row, Vancouver. Enjoy a delicious menu and delightful teas provided by Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, plus, music from Celtic Muse. Tickets $65 at thehistorictrust.org. 11 am & 2 pm
clarinetist David Shifrin. Tickets $15-$60 at vancouversymphony.org. Playing Dec 14-15, showtimes vary.
Junior Symphony of Vancouver Holiday Concert at Cascades Presbyterian Church, 9503 NE 86th St, Vancouver. Tickets $15 at the door, reception following. 7:30 pm
15 SUNDAY
Visit Santa at Ashwood Taps & Trucks, 1535 E St, Washougal. Christmas tunes, hot chocolates and photos with Santa. 4-6 pm
20 FRIDAY
Columbia Dance presents “The Nutcracker” at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. Enjoy this whimsical holiday classic with a uniquely Vancouver twist. Tickets $20-$25 at columbiadance.org. Sensory friendly performance Dec 20 at 6 pm. Playing Dec 20-22, showtimes vary.
21 SATURDAY
Riverside Performing Arts presents “A Tale of the Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver Enjoy this retro 1950s-themed dance production inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The show includes ballet, tap, jazz, acro and character roles. Tickets $25-$35 at northwestpaa.org. 12 pm & 5 pm
Cocoa & Cookies Party at My Gym, 1825 SE 164th Ave., Ste 112, Vancouver. Winterthemed activities, games, rides, treats and more. For ages 4 months-10 years. Tickets $25 at mygym.com/vancouver/events. 2-3 pm
31 TUESDAY
Noon Year’s Eve at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Enjoy a family friendly party with a countdown to noon! Crafts, music, dancing and more. All ages welcome. 11:30 am-12:30 pm 14 SATURDAY
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. Vancouver’s favorite holiday music extravaganza, guest conducted by the internationally renowned Maestro Farkhad Khudyev. Also, featuring Columbia Dance with Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake along with award winning guest
