Vancouver Family Magazine July 2022

Free July 2022

The

Wilderness Calls:

High Adventure Gets Teens Unplugged and Outdoors

y: a w a t e G W N

Walla Walla

Bulldogs at the Barbell:

Clark County’s Special Olympics Powerlifting Team

It’s your moment.

From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, to the moment you feel your baby kick, to the moment you see that precious face - the journey of motherhood is full of moments you cherish.

PeaceHealth is here for every moment, starting with helping you find the right OB-GYN for you.

Phoebe Whalen, MD, is known for her compassion and knowledge.

A Northwest native, Dr. Whalen is passionate about women’s health and family planning. Partnering with her also brings the support of the entire team at PeaceHealth Southwest Family Birth Center, the comfort of private birth suites, and the latest technology to keep you and baby healthy before, during and after pregnancy.

Learn more at peacehealth.org/obgyn or call 360-727-0848

2

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

Phoebe Whalen, MD PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center

Nikkei Neighborhoood Park Naming Celebration 7 to 8:30 p.m. on July 15

Free music, stories & games followed by a movie!

cityofvancouver.us/Nikkei Park

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

3

contents

July '22

FEATURE ARTICLES

12

The Wilderness Calls From snorkeling to skydiving, teens take on intense outdoor experiences and learn life skills along the way.

18

NW Getaway: Walla Walla Walla Walla's distinct flavor invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the subtleties of the senses.

26

Bulldogs at the Barbell With gyms open once more, Clark County’s Special Olympics powerlifting team is ready to make their comeback, competing at the state and regional levels.

Meet the athletes and their coaches.

26 IN EVERY ISSUE

8

6

Editor’s Notes

8

Couve Scoop • 4 Days of Aloha • Junior Market • iStem Academy

10

12

Mosaic Family Voyage The Messerschmidt family welcomes their first visitor to Mexico.

32 Calendar of Events & Activities

ON THE WEB

18 4

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

•

Talking to kids about sex

•

Take our reader survey and be entered for a chance to win a prize package from Vancouver Mall

•

Park of the Week: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to discover local parks we love: @VancouverFamily

Enrolling now for Fall!

SW Washington’s

Nature Preschool

www.preschoolstandrew.org 360-892-7210

Come CAMP with us!

• Summer Day Camps for ages 9-17 • Rustic Cabin Rentals for Group Camping • Group Tent Camping • Facility Rental for Special Events

360.931.3698 (Messages)

www.camphope-wa.org | 360-666-9136

www.awvchineseschool.us awvcs@yahoo.com

12800 NE Roper Rd., Battle Ground, WA 98604

5/5/22, 12:07 PM

(Across from Lewisville Park)

IMG_6330.JPG

學中文 Learn Chinese!

Classes starting in September (Call for details) https://mail.google.com/m

ail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGpFg

zqnwVWPkGgqWwxzDHrC

jnG?projector=1&messag

ePartId=0.3 1/1

Where are you headed this summer?

No matter what your plans we have what you need to get you there!

Summer events begin June 18th. Every Saturday this summer from 11-1.

Stay tuned for details!

13503 SE Mill Plain Blvd. #B-3 Vancouver, WA 98684

(360) 823-0123

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

5

Photo by Marie Pham Photography

EDITOR'S NOTES

Human Dignity

It’s hard to find any words to speak or write in the wake of a tragedy like the one that took place in Uvalde, Texas on May 24. As I write this just a week after the incident, I’m struggling to process what the horrific event means for our country, our schools, my own family, and of course for the families and loved ones of those who were killed. I don’t have the answers for how to prevent this from happening again—how to ensure that the schools where our precious children spend so much of their time are as safe as any place on earth. The only thing I know for sure is that while the solutions aren’t simple, we have to find them. We have to build on the sliver of common ground we all share amidst the political warfare: our children must be safe and free from violence at school.

www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com

Volume 21, Issue 7 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

I’m not an activist or a politician or a security specialist. But I am a parent, and a parent’s love is one of the fiercest forces in the universe.

I hope, as a parent, to play a role in counteracting the senseless violence that seems to be gaining momentum in our world, even if it’s starting only with my own children and family, and extending to others with whom I come into contact the dignity befitting every single human life.

In this issue, learn how a local coaching couple is bringing that kind of dignity to a very special powerlifting team in Vancouver (page 26), and how other local youth are gaining important life skills and confidence through intense outdoor experiences (page 12). Plus, come along with me on a getaway from the stresses of life as I explore the beauty of Walla Walla (page 20).

Kristen Flowers, Rachel Messerschmidt, Sarah Mortensen

Ad Sales

sales@vancouverfamilymagazine.com Vancouver Family Magazine is published monthly by Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC Address: PO Box 820264 Vancouver, WA 98682 Tel: 360-882-7762 Copyright 2002-2022. All rights reserved.

No portion of Vancouver Family Magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC and staff do not recommend or endorse any service, product, or content represented in this magazine or on our website.

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

Nikki Klock, Editor nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

On the Cover:

Taylor Darling graduated from Camas High School and now attends Boise State University where she’s majoring in nursing. She loves painting and snowboarding.

Photo by Jennifer Barnes JenniferBarnesPhotography.com 360-831-7310

6

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

7

Notable News, Events & Efforts in Clark County

JULY 2022

This month Clark County will welcome thousands of visitors from all

over the world to the 20th annual 4 Days of Aloha event at Clark College and Esther Short Park. The event was founded by the late Deva Yamashiro and others who wanted to preserve their native Hawaiian culture while living in the Pacific Northwest. “It’s easy to culturally disconnect from the Hawaiian culture and customs when you move away,” says Kaloku Holt, Yamashiro’s son and current executive director of Ke Kukui Foundation, the nonprofit that produces 4 Days of Aloha each year. “The group of founders wanted to keep the community connected through the arts and by bringing the aloha spirit to the community.” With humble beginnings of just two hula teachers and one arts and craft kumu (master teacher) from Hawaii, the event soon outgrew their original venue and was moved to Clark College, where workshops are now held, and Esther Short Park where the festival, live music and entertainment, vendors, activities, plus a 5K and 10K run take place.

Over 180

young entrepreneurs and their families braved the pouring rain on June 4 to participate in this year’s Junior Market, a culminating event in Greater Vancouver Chamber’s Lemonade Day initiative. Kids age 6-16 from all 23 zip codes in Clark County sold wares such as art, jewelry, toys and toiletries at the market. This was after after participating in Lemonade Day, a program that guides youth through the process of making a business plan, developing a budget and deploying a strategy for selling their product of choice, with the help of mentors. After completing the preparatory course, kids brought all of their newfound knowledge to bear at the main event: selling to real customers at the

This year’s 4 Days of Aloha event will kick off Thursday, July 21 with a free Pāʻina (Hawaiian style party) at Clark College Gaiser Hall 6-9:30 pm, with paid/ticketed events like hula and craft workshops, a Concert in the Park, Run 4 Aloha and Celebration of Cultures happening throughout the weekend. For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, go to 4daysofaloha.com.

4 Days of Aloha kicks off July 21.

Photos courtesy of Ke Kukui Foundation.

After a two-year absence due to COVID, iStem Academy is reopened and reimagined as a space for kids to discover and explore the sciences. Previously an after-school program held at several schools in Camas School District, iStem now has its own private, dedicated space on 192nd Ave. in Camas, full of microscopes, computers, a 3D printer, a telescope and other tools ready to be employed. iStem founder Jenel Cohen says she has always loved learning, but that when she was young, “it was more difficult for girls to be in the sciences.” So she turned to languages, joining the military after high school and working in language interpretation. In college, she learned the language of code as she studied digital technology and culture. Now, she speaks the language of discovery, by developing curricula that encourages young people to create through exploring the natural and digital worlds. “My philosophy is that art is in every part of [the sciences],” she says. “Art is informed by the sciences, and sciences inform art. It’s kind of circular in that way.”

8

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

We’ll help you get the coverage you need to protect it

ALL! Young entrepreneurs sold art, crafts, jewelry and much more at this year’s Junior Market, in partnership with Vancouver Farmers Market.

Photos courtesy Greater Vancouver Chamber.

Independent Insurance Brokers Auto, Home, Bonds, Commercial, Health, Group Benefits, Dental, Life and more!

real Junior Market, adjacent to Vancouver Farmers Market at Esther Short Park in Downtown Vancouver. Not only did the young entrepreneurs get to keep their profits, but judges awarded a number of participants prizes for having the best business pitches, and other prizes were awarded for making the highest profits on market day. All told, the Junior Market vendors earned a total of $25,000 in combined revenue in one day, with Love ‘N’ Stuff, a homemade craft business run by Louie Heikkinen and Oliver Deligio-Busha, winning the top revenue prize at $800. The Greater Vancouver Chamber plans to host the event again in 2023, expanding business and financial education for local youth.

Call us at 360-726-6092 or scan to schedule an appointment online today!

www.appliedteamins.com 8513 NE Hazel Dell Ave. #101 Vancouver, WA 98665

Current summer morning and afternoon session offerings include robotics, game development, 3D modeling and aerodynamics, with more classes being added and coming in the fall, in the form of after-school sessions aligned with Camas School District’s schedule.

Tutoring is also offered at iStem for elementary, middle, high school and college levels, for both private/individuals and small groups. Learn more about iStem Academy’s programs at iStemkids.com. iStem Academy in Camas provides after school programs, camps and tutoring in their brand new space in Camas. Photos by Nikki Klock.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

9

MOSAIC FAMILY VOYAGE

ir s t V i si t o r F r u O

By Rachel Messerschmidt All photos courtesy of the author.

Before we would leave La Paz to head north into the Sea of Cortez for the summer, we had planned out a visit from our kids’ Oma. Brenden’s mom took two weeks of vacation and flew from Vancouver all the way down to San Jose del Cabo to meet up with us in La Paz! We rented a car to pick her up from the airport and have a few inland adventures while she was with us. She booked a cute little Airbnb just a block from the malecón (pier) and both of our kids stayed there with her for the entire two weeks. Brenden and I came into land by dinghy each morning and walked to her place for the day’s activities.

On her second full day in Mexico, we drove an hour or so from La Paz to Todos Santos to explore one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos. These are towns throughout Mexico that have been recognized for their cultural richness, unique experiences and beauty--well worth a visit! We loved

in Mexico the festive atmosphere and friendly people all walking the streets and touring the shops in Todos Santos. It was the best way to kick off her first visit to Mexico.

The following two weeks went by in a blur. It was uncommonly hot outside during the time she came to visit, so we often spent the afternoons relaxing and enjoying each other’s company in the air-conditioned Airbnb. We would go for a walk in the cooler mornings and then venture out again after the heat broke in the late afternoon. It was really fun to visit the street market one day and shop all the little vendor booths, trying to communicate in broken Spanish and English, respectively. My mother-in-law is big into crystals, gem and rocks and she found many amazing pieces among the local vendors to add to her collection.

On her second weekend in town, we took her aboard Mosaic and left La Paz behind for a couple nights out at anchor in nearby Bahia Balandra. Balandra is a popular tourist destination, and it was easy to see why so many people love the area when we continued on next page

Page 10, top: Enjoying the best ice cream and gelato spot in La Paz! Bottom inset: The author's husband and mother-in-law on the beach near Todos Santos.

Bottom: The author's children pose with their grandma with the La Paz sign on the malecon, a block from her vacation rental.

Page 11, left: The author's mother-in-law enjoying photographing the sights around La Paz one evening during her visit.

Right: The author's daughter enjoying some time ashore at Bahia Balandra near La Paz.

10

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

Open for Classes Sign Up at ngymnastics.com

Family Chiropractic Natural Care for All Ages Chiropractic is emerging as the premier strategy to age well and recover from injury.

Next to Vancouver Mall

In Salmon Creek next to Burgerville

360-314-2761

(360) 944-4444 continued from previous page

dropped anchor in gorgeous blue waters lined with pristine white sand beaches.

The entire cove is shallow. You can walk far out into the bay in waist-high water, swim, snorkel, or float and just enjoy the beauty of the area. Baja California Sur and the La Paz area specifically is known for gorgeous sunsets. We loved sharing each sunset with Oma and the kids were thrilled to have the opportunity to share another celestial event with her, as well: together, on the bow of Mosaic bobbing at anchor in Bahia Balandra, we witnessed a full lunar eclipse. It was nothing short of amazing!

As we approached the last day of her visit, we rented a car again for one more adventure away from La Paz. We trekked to the eastern edge of the Baja Peninsula to the small town of La Ventana. There, on recommendation from a local friend, we ate a delicious lunch at a palapa resort restaurant with an amazing ocean view. After lunch, we continued on to find a stunningly gorgeous sandy beach with spectacular water. We walked the beach and played in the water for an hour or two before returning to La Paz to wrap up the day.

On the final day of her visit, we took a scenic road trip through the mountains on Mexico’s Highway 1. This route offered stunning views, exhilarating winding roads, and ultimately dropped us out at San José del Cabo where we said tearful goodbyes and she headed back home to the United States.

After her visit, we took a few days to rest and get back into the swing of normal boat life. We provisioned for extended time away from bigger stores and made final preparations to leave the La Paz area. We were about to head north into the more remote regions of the Sea of Cortez.

Rachel Messerschmidt and her family are Clark County natives living and cruising full time aboard their 40-foot sailboat, Mosaic. They’ve traveled down the U.S. West Coast and have been cruising in Mexico since November of 2021. Rachel shares her family’s adventures on her blog at www.mosaicvoyage.com and on Facebook and Instagram @mosaicvoyage. She writes a monthly column in Vancouver Family Magazine.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

11

Feature: High Adventure: The Wildest Teens in SW Washington

the H

H I G H A DVENTURE H in

By Kristen Flowers

Teens

are told daily what they can’t do, whether from their parents, teachers or sometimes even their friends. Most of the time, they are restricted from doing something because of their age, like driving a car, voting or drinking alcohol. But, there are some activities that appeal to intrepid teenage tendencies, and there are no age limits!

High-adventure activities are not just for adults anymore. Teens are taking to the sky to fly airplanes, hiking through the wilderness for multi-day expeditions, snorkeling in ocean reefs and going white water rafting down turbulent rivers. All these feats are being conquered by teenagers—proving their skills are worthy of what was once considered adult activities.

Call to the Wild

Vancouver mom, Lori McKellar, sees this call to the wild nearly every day in her two teenagers. She needs only two words to describe it: “They’re fearless.” Her daughter Alison, age 15, and her son David, age 17, are no strangers to areas without cell service. They unplug from their computers and tap into nature instead. They head into the wilderness while other teens head into movie theaters. “They do things that I would never have dreamed of doing as a kid,” says McKellar, “and it’s kinda cool watching them be able to experience these things that a lot of kids don’t get to do.”

Both Alison and David participate in Scouts BSA, and McKellar credits the troop for helping them find their passion and giving them an outlet to try various activities. It’s become so commonplace for them to do things like throwing tomahawks and trekking through Alaska that she’s game for whatever they want to try next.

“Because they’ve been doing it for so long, it doesn’t faze me anymore with what they want to do or try,” she says.

Left and middle: Groups participate in GeoGirls, a 5-day, 4-night geology and technology camp for girls (cis and transgender) at Mount St. Helens.

Photos courtesy of Mount St. Helens Institute.

Right: David ziplines in Alaska in 2018 at age 14. Photo courtesy Lori McKellar.

Bottom: David (age 17) and Alison (age 15) pose in May 2022 in front of an airplane at Pearson Field where they both receive flying lessons.

So, when David announced he was taking to the skies to sit in the pilot’s chair in an airplane, McKellar was on board.

Taking to the Skies

Not long ago, David and his mom came across a year-long program at Hillsboro Flight School. The program was in partnership with Alaska Airlines, and after completing the curriculum, the students move right into a job with Horizon Airlines. It gives the student a goal to work towards and a path forward to move up in the airline industry. They also get to work with seasoned pilots from Pearson Field who go up with the students. David knew from the time he took that introductory flight that flying was in his future. He smiles while sharing what he noticed high up in the air. “You could see every tiny detail. You could see the cars and the buildings, and it looks like Lego pieces.”

But it’s not all soaring through the clouds in a Cessna 172, a one-engine plane.

David needs to learn everything about the aircraft, which requires a lot of ground study, and he inspects it thoroughly before taking off. There are continued on page 14

12

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

STEM SUMMER CAMP iSTEMKIDS.COM

GAME DEV COURSES ON JULY 18TH-22ND AND 25TH-29TH MORNINGS 9-1, AFTERNOONS 2-6 | $300/COURSE

GAME DEV WITH SCRATCH

GAME DEV WITH LUA

20 % DISCOUNT

IF ENROLLED

BY JULY 15TH. USE CODE ISTEMGD20

2005 SE 192ND, STE. 101, CAMAS

360-230-1995 | iSTEMKIDS.COM Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

13

Feature: High Adventure: The Wildest Teens in SW Washington (cont'd) continued from page 12

inherent risks in all high-adventure activities, and he knows it.

“Thankfully, a pilot next to me can take over if need be . . . I’m really excited to do it, but I’m also nervous that I might mess something up.” He can’t rent a car yet, but he’s getting ready to fly you to Seattle for the weekend.

Teamwork and Personal Growth

While David, who’s found his literal and metaphorical wings in the sky, other teen explorers prefer to stay closer to the ground. But don’t let that fool you. These kids are not just going for a walk in the park; they are taking on some serious challenges. Mick Pearson from Kaf Adventures says this is a good thing. “It’s about trust,” he asserts. “It’s about trusting yourself to build confidence in your own abilities and gaining an appreciation for the outside world and learning how to work with other people.”

Kaf Adventures offers a wide variety of outdoor experiences including mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, backpacking and hiking. Pearson has noticed that climbing is very popular with teens and that families attend class together to assist their children in their climbing goals. His classes are for beginners and experienced climbers alike, but Kaf Adventures still attracts a young clientele anxious to move beyond the basics. While acquiring the equipment and the knowledge to climb mountains can be costly, Pearson believes it’s worth the investment. “There is a lot of personal growth going on, and there is also other human interaction that’s happening. The outdoors makes you rely on other people.”

A high-adventure activity can be life-changing for a teenager. It can build confidence and provide them with enriching knowledge, but it does come at a cost. Niles C., age 14, is a member of the same Scout troop as David and Alison. He took advantage of Scout fundraisers to fund some of his high adventure trips, raising money through working Christmas tree lots and tree recycling

Above: Lori McKellar and her daughter, Alison, along with Alison’s Scout troop, go white water rafting on the White Salmon River in 2021. Photo courtesy Lori McKellar.

Bottom: Mount St. Helens photo by JL Howarth at pexels.com

programs to help pay his way. He especially enjoyed snorkeling and whitewater rafting. Before jumping in the water, there was safety training and a swim test. Niles believes it was worth the effort, especially when he went snorkeling on a non-Scout related trip and saw the coral reef and massive sea turtles in the ocean.

“It was fun seeing all the colorful things underwater.” Niles plans to attend BSA Sea Base next spring with his troop, where they will sleep on a sailboat for a week and snorkel in the Bahamas.

Explore Outside (Your Comfort Zone)

Despite groups like Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts, these adrenaline-inducing field trips can be financially out of reach for many families. That’s where Sonja Melander comes in. Melander, science education manager for Mount St. Helens Institute, says financial assistance is available for their camps and programs.

Plus, their GeoGirls geology and technology camp is always free.

Mount St. Helens Institute is a private, nonprofit organization which provides teens with the opportunity to experience expertled field seminars and guided exploration programs across Mount continued on page 16

14

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

‘Tis the season for Summer Cleaning & Junk Removal!

Clark County Junk Removal is your professional & eco-friendly junk hauler. We’ll always try to donate your items first. When that’s not possible, we’ll do our best to repurpose and recycle as much as we can!

YOU CALL - WE HAUL! LOCAL & FAMILY-OWNED (360) 736-6825 Free estimates Licensed & Insured Senior & Veteran DISCOUNTS 5-star reviews

www.360removal.com

% (360)-REMOVAL Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

15

Feature: High Adventure: The Wildest Teens in SW Washington (cont'd) continued from page 14

St. Helens and the surrounding area. Melander hopes that teens can find their place in nature through the programs they offer.

Some of their former students have even moved on into careers dedicated to the environment and wildlife. “We try to provide a space where campers are challenging themselves but staying safe,” she explains. “Just finding that place where they’re going a little bit past their comfort zone, but with us and our resources by their side.”

Alison, David’s sister, decided she wanted to unplug and tackle nature head-on in her pilot brother David’s footsteps. Challenging her then 12-year-old comfort zone, she decided to make a 4-day, 50-mile white water rafting trip. Her group would raft for about 1012 miles a day, then set up camp, make dinner, sleep, break down camp and go back to the river for more strenuous rafting. “We had no place to shower, so we were all very sweaty,” she laughs.

The lack of technology didn’t bother her either because the group of teens played board games to connect and relax at the end of a hard day. This was much more refreshing compared to scrolling through social media or playing on apps. Through this experience, she walked away with a newfound appreciation of the outdoors. “I realized how much I liked camping after that because it was a lot of fun.” It was so fun that she, like her fellow Scout Niles, plans to attend their troop’s sailing trip in the Bahamas. Oh, and she’s also learning to fly a plane. Not bad for someone who doesn’t even have their driver’s license yet.

Melander from Mount St. Helen’s Institute says this love of adventure is typical in teenagers. “They are getting outside into nature and finding ways they can connect with it.” Sometimes, this doesn’t result in a love of camping like Alison or a desire to fly like David. There can be more subtle changes, she says.

“It’s just developing a sense of comfort in the outdoors and finding how it can benefit them—whether that’s learning they like to take photos, that they like to learn about plants or they like to enjoy the quiet and the sound of nature.”

Phoebe H., age 17, learned this lesson well after going white water rafting with the Girl Scouts when she was only 13 years old. While on the raft, it tipped over and half of the group fell out, getting minor scrapes and bruises. The experience is one that Phoebe will never forget. “It was a lot of exercise that I’m not used to, but it was really cool. I liked it,” she remembers. She said the best part of the trip was after the rafting. Her friends just spent time together outdoors with no phones to distract them. Despite the mishap, Phoebe’s experience has not put her off to high-adventure activities. She plans to try skydiving next. Melander believes that giving these activities a try is what matters. “They are really proud of themselves for going farther than they thought they could.”

Happier Unplugged

Looking over the last two years, it’s easy to see why more teens like David, Alison, Niles and Phoebe are eager to be out in the wilderness. OutdoorIndustry.org, an organization that looks to increase outdoor participation, recently found that 53% of Americans ages 6 and over did some outdoor activity at least once during 2020, which is the highest participation rate since keeping track. As the pandemic swept through the nation, many people found solace outdoors. Time spent in the sunshine and fresh air is good for all of us, but it might be even more critical for teenagers. A study done at the University of Michigan of 10th- and 11th-graders showed that those teens who spent less time in front of a screen were happier. It also found that their psychological well-being decreased the more time they spent texting, gaming, scrolling through social media or video chatting.

For teens like David, he finds his happy place up in the clouds. For Alison and Phoebe, they find it in the laughter surrounding a campfire. And for Niles, he finds it lurking in the reef. So, the next time you’re in nature, be on the lookout. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot one of these fearless kids in the wild.

Kristen Flowers is the host of the morning show, Nick and Kristen in the Morning on 99.5 The Wolf. She lives in Vancouver and currently blogs for her own website, www.AccordingtoKristen.com.

She moderates the Positive Parenting Posse group on Facebook, a page dedicated to sharing positive and helpful tips about parenting.

In her spare time, she’s working on her debut novel and making everything she possibly can on her new Cricut maker.

Left: A camper climbs a cliff face in Vantage, Wash. in April 2022 with Kaf Adventures. Photo courtesy Mick Pearson.

Right: David climbs a rock wall at The Source Climbing Center in Vancouver in 2019. Photo courtesy Lori McKellar.

16

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

17

WW WW

Feature: NW Getaway: Walla Walla

WW

NW GE

TAWAY

WW

Walla Walla

WW

WW WW

WW WW

WW WW

WW WW

WW WW WW

WW WW WW

grandparents’ comfortable home, which they only lived in for a few short years, I was oblivious to the beauty and richness of the broader Blue Mountain valley that has transformed Walla Walla in the years since they lived there into a seriously stunning vacation destination.

My husband and I visited there in May—a welcome getaway for just the two of us. We noted no high rises as we approached the city of Walla Walla, but instead a skyline of

Ra nu

WW

Washington, my second favorite thing about the town of Walla Walla, about four hours south of us, was saying the words Walla Walla. It sounded more like a mythical chant or a cartoon character than an American city. My very favorite thing, though, was that my grandparents lived there. The words “Walla Walla” were synonymous with dips in their pool and seeing the dogwood tree bloom in their backyard. Beyond the world of my

re nz o

When I was a child living in Colville,

zzi a

WW

WW

t pe x els.com

By Nikki Klock

oto Ph

by

Lo

historic buildings like The Marcus Whitman Hotel, built in the 1920s, a water tower and a handful of churches—all backdropped by the Blue Mountains to the east. It’s not what rises above the ground that makes this place special, but what’s in the ground.

WW

WW

Wide Open Spaces Located about four hours east of Vancouver, Walla Walla has become famous for its most celebrated export: fine wine.

Quickly becoming a contender on par with California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys, wine is now the region’s main event. Walla Walla is found on every list of top U.S. wine destinations, and a visit to the region

WW

WW WW

WW

continued on page 20

WW

WW

Top: Eritage Resort in Walla Walla is seen here at sunset.

Bottom: Downtown Walla Walla is full of shops, restaurants, wine tasting rooms and more.

All photos courtesy Nikki and JR Klock unless otherwise noted.

WW

WW

18

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

19

WW

W Beyond the wine tourism, Walla Walla is a beautiful place for anyone to visit, with a deep history, wide open spaces, unique agritourism experiences, delicious food and the perfect escape from big city life. We found this escape right away at Eritage Resort, the place just a few minutes outside of town that we would call home for the next two nights. Nestled on a vast 300 acres of rolling vineyards and farmland with no city in sight, Eritage is small and intimate, yet new and modern,

Downtown Walla Walla Our first full day in Walla Walla was jam packed, starting with a quick morning visit to Walla Walla Farmers Market. With the abundant nearby farmlands, the Farmers Market, which operates May through October, is the perfect place to pick up fresh produce and prepared foods, plus artisan crafts and goods. Even on a rainy day like the one we experienced, the market is protected by a huge pavilion, shading vendors and shoppers from rain or shine. The rest of the downtown district is full of shops, showrooms, restaurants, bakeries and, of course, wine tasting rooms. Walla Walla General Store displays and sells beautiful home goods,

exels at p

ro wn oto Ph

An by

The Showroom on Colville houses various shops in one historic building, Inland Octopus is the quirky hometown toy store, and Out West Trading Co. sells clothing and accessories befitting the wild west history of Southeast Washington. Before we could explore all of this though (that would come later that afternoon), we had a truly unique experience awaiting us 30 miles away.

Agritourism at Monteillet Fromagerie Monteillet Fromagerie is a 32-acre farmstead in the Dayton area, outside of Walla Walla, founded by husband and wife, Joan and Pierre-Louis Monteillet, who met in Mexico 40 years ago. PierreLouis had been born and raised in France, just 20 miles from Roquefort, a town renowned for its limestone caves and cheesemaking tradition. Joan had grown up on a farm in Walla Walla. He followed her home to Walla Walla and the two have continued on page 22

WW

WW

Top left: Eritage Resort faces a large lawn, a small pond and rolling hills of vineyards.

Bottom left: Chef Andrae Bopp founded AK’s Mercado in Downtown Walla Walla.

WW

WW

Middle and right: Pierre-Louis Monteillet of Monteillet Fromagerie serves samples of cheese made with milk from his farm’s sheep and goats.

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW WW

WW

ti B

with just over 20 rooms, including a few stand-alone bungalows on the property’s manmade lake. The property was built in 2018, operating for just a couple of years before COVID changed everything. The resort has emerged from the pandemic with new owners, a new staff and the same natural, beautiful surroundings, which are showcased by windows everywhere in the public spaces and patios or balconies for every room. The pool is heated, and the on-site restaurant serves delicious dishes created by Walla Walla native Executive Chef Arturo Tello. Hint: Don’t miss the charred cauliflower!

dr et

reveals why: the climate and environment make the land exceptionally fertile, especially for vineyards—a combination of factors known as terroir. Once known for its onions and wheat, which still thrive in the rolling farmlands, the grape has assumed its place among crops as the center of tourism in Walla Walla County.

Home to more than 100 wineries, the rest of the region’s economy follows suit: wine tasting events and establishments, vineyard tours, restaurants and more revolve around the wine center, making it a wine lover’s dream. Even my phone recognized we were in “spirited” country— upon entering the city limits, an Instagram ad for Courvoisier Cognac popped up in my feed, though I don’t drink.

.com

continued from page 18

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

Feature: NW Getaway: Walla Walla (cont'd)

20

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

JUNE 15–AUGUST 15 • 2022

THANK YOU SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!

Vancouver-North F

V

R

L Fort Vancouver Regional

Library Foundation

Friends of

FVRLibraries

Portrait Photography

WWW.SHONDAROCHELLE.COM

PDX/ VAN

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

21

WW

W continued from page 20

WW

WW

Dining and Shops With our palates whetted, we headed back into Downtown Walla Walla for a proper lunch at AK’s Mercado, a newer restaurant founded by Chef Andrae Bopp, whose previous venture, Andrae’s Kitchen was described by Food & Wine Magazine as “without any question the best restaurant located in a (working) gas station in the U.S.” A blend of smokehouse barbecue and Mexican cuisines, the establishment also sells baked goods and features a plant shop right inside the restaurant.

After lunch, we treated ourselves to ice cream at Pine Cone Creamery (which we deemed the Salt & Straw of Walla Walla) and headed to our next sight to see: Fort Walla Walla Museum.

WW

WW

WW

k

&

So hn

Ku

nstv erlag Meißen

as he served up the samples. “Cheese is alive,” he told us. It’s continually developing as it ages, much like the wine it’s often paired with. Monteillet Fromagerie offers farmstead cheese workshops in addition to tastings and farm stays, and their cheeses can be found at Downtown Walla Walla’s Farmers Market.

Br

üc

been farming in the region ever since, first focusing on wheat and then pivoting in 2001 to cheesemaking, with milk from their herd of 50 French Alpine goats and 50 Fresian-Lacaune sheep. We arrived at Monteillet for our cheese tasting to find another group also scheduled during our time slot: three women from San Diego on a ladies’ farm stay weekend experience.

The women had slept in the Monteillets’ “gite” (French for a holiday home for rent), helped milk the sheep and goats earlier that morning, and would go on to help with making a batch of cheese after we left.

During our time together, we sampled a variety of unique cheeses developed by the Montelleits through “timing, culture, trial and error,” Pierre-Louis shared with us

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

Feature: NW Getaway: Walla Walla (cont'd)

oto Ph

by

Historical Sites Reminiscent of our own beloved Fort Vancouver, Fort Walla Walla is located on the grounds of a 19th-Century military fort, and features artifacts that tell the story of Walla Walla’s rich Indigenous, military, farm and family cultures and histories through indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a pioneer village full of historic structures situated into a “town.”

The museum sits adjacent to a military cemetery and a World War II Memorial, plus a playground, a remote control airplane field, a paved walking trail and a golf course, making it a great spot for anyone to spend a day. Admission to the Fort Walla Walla Museum ranges from $4$9 per person, with kids under age 6 free.

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

WW

Outdoor Sculpture Walk From one educational experience to another, we couldn’t visit Walla Walla without a brief stroll through the Whitman College campus, at least if you find college campuses as magical as I do.

The private institution’s historic buildings and beautiful grounds make a perfect setting for an Outdoor Sculpture Walk on campus that showcases a diverse range of art, including pieces commissioned by graduated classes, created by Whitman College alumni and forged from local materials. We chose to explore on our own, but a full map and sculpture images

Top right: Fort Walla Walla in 1906.

WW

Top left: Fort Walla Walla Museum showcases historic farm and auto equipment.

WW

WW

WW

WW

continued on page 24

Bottom left: Eritage Resort in Walla Walla sits on 300 acres of rolling vineyards.

Right: Whitman College in Walla Walla features more than 20 outdoor sculptures throughout its campus.

22

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

NT! FREE FAMILY EVE

PROUDLY PRESENTS th 5 1 CHILDREN’S ANNUAL

Saturday, September 24, 2022 10am - 3pm at Vancouver Mall

Free balloon art, activities, games, performances, prizes and more!

SPONSORED BY:

WW WW

Feature: NW Getaway: Walla Walla (cont'd)

WW

WW WW

WW WW

WW WW

WW WW

WW WW

WW

Farm Visit and More Local History The following day, on our way home from our weekend in Walla Walla, we visited the delightful Frog Hollow Farm, which features a farm store, greenhouses full of plants and even a chance to see and pet the farm’s goats, pigs and turkey—a fantastic spot for a family to stop. And we discovered even more local history at Whitman Mission National Historic Site, which commemorates Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, for whom Whitman College and The Marcus Whitman Hotel are named. A visitor center houses exhibits about the settlers and their ultimately tragic (on both sides) interactions with Indigenous peoples of the region and a short but steep paved trail that leads to a hilltop monument and a panoramic view of the region.

WW

WW

The Barn B&B We enjoyed one final surprise on our way home: The Barn B&B is a beautiful, bright bed and breakfast that stands out starkly in the surrounding farm hills. We pulled over to check it out and the owners and caretakers

WW WW

WL

son Ja

by

oto

WW

WW Picnic at Tranche Estate and Sunset at Eritage After some local shopping, a few lessons in history and a renewed appreciation for the arts on a college campus, our evening plans were sure to be a true Walla Walla experience: a picnic dinner prepared by TMACS Epicurean Kitchen in Downtown Walla Walla for us to enjoy at Tranche Estate, a winery that hosts a family friendly outdoor live music series on Fridays and Saturdays April through December.

Blankets and lawn chairs dotted the breathtaking vineyard grounds as visitors listened to the band while sampling wine for sale by the bottle or the glass. We enjoyed the music and our picnic in the evening sunshine that had poked through after the morning’s pouring rain. There is no cover charge to attend Tranche’s outdoor live music series, and outdoor food is welcome (no outside alcohol permitted).

After dinner and a busy day playing tourist, we returned to Eritage to relax and enjoy the sunset. I read a book from our room’s porch looking out onto the lake and the vineyard with my feet propped, while my husband took photos and video footage of the property and surrounding countryside.

Ph

WW

WW

can be found at WallaWalla.org/thewhitman-college-outdoor-sculpture-walk.

Best of all, the walk is free!

acey

continued from page 22

graciously let us inside to see the property’s Southeast Asian-inspired interior of the common area lounge, the outdoor heated pool, a vast yard for outdoor events and the private Garden Suite rooms that each feature an outdoor shower and zen garden. The Granary bungalow is a siloinspired separate structure that comes with a complimentary vineyard tour with each stay. We made a note to consider staying at The Barn B&B on a future trip to Walla Walla.

As we left the Blue Mountain Valley to head west for home, my husband and I both agreed that our final evening in Walla Walla, enjoying sunset at Eritage, was our favorite part of the trip—simply being in Walla Walla is truly something special.

Perhaps that’s what the Walla Walla culture invites and fosters best: it beckons us to slow down, enjoy the subtleties of our senses, and refresh before returning back to the “real world.”

To learn more about Walla Walla’s distinct flavor, go to WallaWalla.org.

WW

WW WW

WW

Nikki Klock has been the editor of Vancouver Family Magazine since 2006. She reads obsessively, runs daily and loves to explore the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters.

WW

WW Top left: A trail at Whitman Mission National Historic Site leads up a hill to a monument marking the life and death of Dr. Marcus Whitman and his wife Narcissa, and a panoramic view of the Blue Mountain Valley.

WW

WW

Bottom left: Frog Hollow Farm, just outside Walla Walla, sells plants, flowers, produce, plus invites visitors to pet the farm’s goats and pigs.

Bottom right: Tranche Estate in Walla Walla invites the public to enjoy live music and wine tasting Fridays and Saturdays April through December.

WW

WW

24

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • June 2022

25

Feature: Bulldogs at the Barbell: Special Olympics Powerlifting

Bulldogs at the Barbell: Special Olympics Powerlifting

By Sarah Mortensen

Hardcore Barbell in Hazel Dell is the gym where the heavy lifters gather. With a conspicuous lack of cardio machines, most of the floor space is filled with free weight racks and benches. Only three treadmills are tucked into a corner and there are no televisions, but these items aren’t missed in the slightest. Patrons choose to lift at Hardcore because of the tight-knit community they’ve created. They come not only to work out, but to encourage and learn from each other. However, on Monday and Wednesday nights at 5:30, everyone instinctively makes space for a unique team they know is soon to arrive.

The Clark County Bulldogs Special Olympics powerlifting team requires two entire racks for their training sessions, especially after the whole team qualified to compete at the State Special Olympics competition at Fort Lewis-McChord air force base in June.

Married coaches Kyle and Tori Sharpe have recently taken over coaching the Bulldogs, but they are not new to the team.

Kyle was completing his student teaching in special education when he overheard one of his co-workers talking about

taking their daughter to Special Olympics powerlifting. The Special Olympics is a worldwide nonprofit organization providing competitive athletic opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. As a dedicated weightlifter himself, he was intrigued by the idea, so he asked how he could get involved. Tori, also a teacher and an award-winning bodybuilder, was excited to help the Bulldogs, too. Seven years later, they are now the head coaches, and their team is stronger (literally) than ever.

Integrated Community This is the team’s first year training at Hardcore. The Bulldogs needed a new space after the pandemic shuttered gyms for a time, and owner Craig Recore was happy to accommodate them, despite it being a busy hour for his paying patrons.

Arriving by C-Van or with family, they do make a bit of a motley crew inside a gym known for hosting interstate competitions for the U.S. Powerlifting Association (USPA). But, according to Kyle, “It didn’t take long for [everyone] to rally behind our team. Immediately we had all kinds of questions about how to help out, and when we’re there, it’s not just us celebrating each lift. You can hear the applause for our athletes in every corner of the gym.” This kind of integrated community is one of the core purposes of the Special Olympics.

Tori and Kyle Sharpe co-head coach the Clark County Bulldogs Special Olympics powerlifting team.

Photo courtesy Tori Sharpe.

26

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

For many Hardcore Barbell regulars, it is the first time they’ve consistently been around people with intellectual disabilities.

Yet, getting the opportunity to have social interaction with the team, “allows [others] to see that they are competent in their sport and that they love lifting weight just the same as [everyone else there],” explains Tori. “We live in a world of first impressions, and the Bulldogs being present in a mainstream gym dispels the perceptions, judgments and social decisions made about people with intellectual disabilities.” More than once, she has been approached by other gym attendants expressing that they didn’t expect her team to show that much strength.

A Team of Coaches Coaching is also not new to Kyle and Tori Sharpe. The Skyview girls and Prairie boys wrestling teams are continued on page 28

“...an imaginative place where dentistry happens by pure magic!”

Brighter, Healthier Smiles Anxiety-Free Procedures

Emergency Appointments Warm, Supportive Staff

360-216-1130

Dr. Ronald Hsu DDS, M.S. (Board Certified Pediatric Dentist)

2115 SE 192nd Avenue, Suite 106 Camas, WA 98607 contact@storybookdental.com

Caring for infants, children and adolescents in the Vancouver area since 1978!

We are accessible to you every day!

Phone advice line available 24/7 Compassionate, comprehensive care

Main Office

• Open 7 days a week • Weekday evenings open until 7pm • Sat & Sun morning for Urgent Care

Salmon Creek Office

• Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm

Call Us Today!

(360) 892-1635

Evergreen Pediatric Clinic PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center 505 NE 87th Avenue, Suite 120 Vancouver, WA 98664

Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital Medical Building 2101 NE 139th Street, Suite 370 Vancouver, WA 98686

www.evergreenpediatrics.com Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

27

Feature: Bulldogs at the Barbell: Special Olympics Powerlifting (cont'd) continued from page 26

coached by Tori and Kyle, respectively, in the winter before powerlifting begins in the spring. In the past, they coached unified soccer teams—Tori at Skyview and Kyle at Fort Vancouver—which combines people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, playing as equals. Each of these teams and sports are different, but the love they have for their athletes and joy in their accomplishments is the same.

“The things I love most about coaching for the Bulldogs are the same things I love about coaching high school sports,” shares Tori. “You get to watch a person overcome some of the most difficult mental and physical feats right before your eyes.”

Kyle agrees. “I love getting to know the athletes,” he says, “helping them achieve their goals and watching their faces light up when they’re able to hit a lift that might have seemed impossible the first day they showed up for practice.” But there are differences as well. “The biggest difference is knowing that they have intellectual disabilities that sometimes affect their balance,” explains Tori. “[But], they never complain or blame their failure [on a lift] on those things. Watching them rise to the challenge and overcome that hardship is something I will never truly understand as a neurotypical person. That, to me, is so inspiring and uplifting.”

The team’s previous head coach, Amy Cheng, is a weightlifting world record holder and had been with the team for 12 years. “Everything we do now is possible because of her passion for the sport and the dedication she showed to her athletes,” says Kyle. He admits it was a bit intimidating trying to fill the shoes of a legend like Cheng. “Amy’s enthusiasm and positivity made the experience as an assistant coach one that I wanted to be a part of,” adds Tori. Thankfully, Cheng hasn’t quite left the team yet. One of the Bulldogs was chosen to compete in the national Special Olympics competition in Florida and Cheng came out of her

retirement to take him. She has continued to participate in the meets leading up to regional and state competitions just for him.

In addition to Kyle and Tori, there are eight assistant coaches to help the seven men and three women team. A one-coach-toone-athlete ratio may at first seem excess.

However, after attending a meet it becomes clear why all of them are needed. The twohour meets begin the moment they arrive, as there is a lot to accomplish. Kyle comes prepared with the plans and keeps track of the athletes’ goals and previous lifts, while Tori typically handles the paperwork and directs those who are preparing for their turn. Even though the assistant coaches are there to assist the athletes in their workout, they are moving a lot of weight and squatting and standing repeatedly as they help the team. “It’s all hands on deck,” says Kyle. “During any given gym practice, our coaches might move and re-rack over 10,000 pounds! The sport of powerlifting requires three spotters for each attempted lift and wraps to prevent injury. Those wraps are tight and have to be taken off between each lift. Whoever’s wrapping knees at practice is going to get a great workout,” he quips. Each athlete takes turns doing one lift, with at least three attempts per athlete. The weight for everyone is different, which is why the weights have to constantly and quickly be reset. This could not be done without experienced coaches.

“One of our assistant coaches was even an athlete on the Bulldogs a few years back,” says Tori. They bring a picture of his face and post it at the top of the squatting rack to help

Kyle Sharpe (coach, left) and Kyle Howell (athlete, right) wait outside Hardcore Barbell for C-Van. Photo courtesy Tori Sharpe.

28

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

the team remember to look up as they lift and to keep a good form.

Great Expectations All the expectations for the Special Olympic athletes are identical to what you would see at any other powerlifting competition.

“We treat every practice like a meet,” says Tori. “If an athlete misses a command, we don’t count the lift. It’s important that the athletes have high standards during practice so that they’re not surprised during competition.” This means that they must show control throughout the lift.

For example: waiting for the continued on page 30

T

SCHAUERMANN THAYER

REPRESENTING NORTHWEST FAMILIES AND THEIR LOVED ONES FOR OVER 30 YEARS Free Consultations

We Handle: • Wrongful Death • Car Accidents • Motorcycle Crashes • Dog Bites • Slip & Falls

• Personal Injury • Trucking Accidents • Defective Products • Insurance Claims • Bicycle Accidents

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

w w w.W ASH I N G T ON O R E GON L AW Y E RS .c o m Contact Us Today Phone: (360) 695-4244 • Fax: (360) 696-0583 1700 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. • Vancouver, WA 98661

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

29

Feature: Bulldogs at the Barbell: Special Olympics Powerlifting (cont'd) continued from page 28

command to squat and then rack the weight. In powerlifting, there are only three lifts: squat, deadlift and bench press. “The squat is a technical lift that requires a lot of coordination and strength,” explains Kyle.

Because of the difficulty, only athletes who have been with the team for at least a year are able to participate in the squat. This is mainly due to safety concerns, for the coaches to be sure the athlete can perform the lift correctly and without injury. “One of our seasoned athletes, [nicknamed] ‘Queen B,’ started squatting this year, but due to her disability, she has issues with spatial awareness. We have been doing box squats with her this season to train her to feel the depth of a squat done correctly.

We will start slowly adding weight to her routine until she is able to perform the lift correctly with the weight of an Olympic bar. Then she’ll be ready to perform this lift in competition.”

Earning the chance to do the squat is what motivates 29-year-old team member “War Hammer” (nickname). This is his first year on the team, and he says practices are the highlight of his week. “War Hammer,” who lives in an adult group home in Vancouver, says he’s grateful for the “supportive coaches” that teach him about nutrition

and to stay active every day. He now walks for at least one hour every morning, drinks more water, eats all his vegetables and even turns down dessert on occasion. A sticker chart helps him keep track of these at-home goals. His lifting goals are simple too: “To step up to the plate and go with the highest weight with good form.”

#Goals At the beginning of the season, each team member makes their own personal health or weightlifting goals. Those goals range from losing 20 pounds, to deadlifting 300 pounds by the end of the season, or to just have fun. The coaches check in weekly to ask how their goals are going and how they can help. “We also give time to share their triumphs from the week,” adds Tori.

“Other athletes have social, emotional and behavioral goals,” continues Kyle. “While they aren’t the focus of our sport, we have high expectations about sportsmanship, etiquette and appropriate pro-social behaviors [during] practice.” Having the athletes take ownership of their own goals helps to foster their independence. An additional expectation the Sharpes have for their team is for them to participate without a caregiver present. Sometimes newer athletes are nervous or shy and want a family member to stay with them during meets.

The coaches work with them to feel comfortable and confident so they can enjoy practice on their own.

“Each practice is an opportunity for those individuals to grow with their team. Our veterans possess amazing poise and character to help

our younger developing athletes,” says Kyle. “Powerlifting is such an individual sport—it’s you and the bar. Either you can move it, or you can’t. . . It’s not you against the other competitors, it’s you improving yourself. Without the Special Olympics, many of our athletes would never have the opportunity to see what they’re truly capable of.”

The Special Olympics were created to increase inclusion and awareness for people with intellectual disabilities. Part of their mission is to give them opportunities to “demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship.” For those who help coach or simply observe the Bulldogs, they immediately see what the athletes can do instead of what they can’t do. Through sport, they are able to be seen and known for more than just their disabilities. Tori hopes that the Special Olympics will show everyone that their abilities don’t define them. “Just take the time to get to know them.”

Sarah holds a degree in English and Marriage and Family Studies from BYUIdaho. She works for Vancouver Public Schools as a paraeducator in addition to her role as associate editor of Vancouver Family Magazine. When Sarah is not reading to her kids or students, she is probably in her backyard taking care of her garden. She also enjoys hiking, hot chocolate, and dressing up for Halloween. She lives in Vancouver with her husband, son and daughter.

Clark County Bulldogs with a few of their coaches.

Photo courtesy Tori Sharpe.

30

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

& ENDURANCE SPORTS FESTIVAL

HAGG LAKE TRIATHLON & TRAIL FESTIVAL July 16-17, 2022 • Olympic & Sprint Tri/Du/Aquabike/Paddle • Off Road Sprint Tri/Du/Aquabike/Paddle • Trail 5K & Half Marathon Benefiting multiple school programs and clubs

COOL SWAG FOR ALL REGISTERED: TECHSHIRT, MEDAL AND ATHLETE GIFT!

COLUMBIA RIVER TRIATHLON FESTIVAL

August 12-13, 2022 • Kids Triathlon • Sunset 10K & 5K • Olympic & Sprint Tri/Du/Aquabike/Paddle

Benefiting Our City Cares

COOL SWAG FOR ALL REGISTERED: TECHSHIRT, MEDAL AND ATHLETE GIFT!

SAVE 10% USING PROMO CODE WHYVANCOUVERFAMILY KIDS 12 AND UNDER RACE FOR FREE AGES 13-17 RACE FOR 50% OFF

SAVE 10% USING PROMO CODE WHYVANCOUVERFAMILY KIDS 12 AND UNDER RACE FOR FREE AGES 13-17 RACE FOR 50% OFF

REGISTER & DETAILS AT WHYRACINGEVENTS.COM

REGISTER & DETAILS AT WHYRACINGEVENTS.COM

GIRLFRIENDS TRIATHLON & FITNESS FESTIVAL August 14, 2022

PEACEHEALTH APPLETREE

MARATHON, HALF & 5K

• 5K • Olympic • Sprint Tri • Du/Aquabike/Paddle

September 17-18, 2022

• Sunset 5K • Marathon & Half Marathon • Health and Wellness Expo • Beast Coin for racing both days!

Benefiting Our City Cares & Ainsleys Angels

Benefiting Police Activities League

COOL SWAG FOR ALL REGISTERED: TECHSHIRT, MEDAL AND ATHLETE GIFT!

COOL SWAG FOR ALL REGISTERED: TECHSHIRT, MEDAL AND ATHLETE GIFT!

SAVE 10% USING PROMO CODE WHYVANCOUVERFAMILY KIDS 12 AND UNDER RACE FOR FREE AGES 13-17 RACE FOR 50% OFF

SAVE 10% USING PROMO CODE WHYVANCOUVERFAMILY KIDS 12 AND UNDER RACE FOR FREE AGES 13-17 RACE FOR 50% OFF

REGISTER & DETAILS AT WHYRACINGEVENTS.COM

REGISTER & DETAILS AT WHYRACINGEVENTS.COM

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

31

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Calendar July '22

S M T W T F 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 31

S 2 9 16 23 30

1 FRIDAY

Yacolt Rendezvous Days at Yacolt Town Park, 409 W Jones St., Yacolt. Block party, kickball tournament, Bigfoot Fun Run, sidewalk chalk art contest, outdoor vendor market, office chair races, field games, Hellz Bellz Ultra Marathon, Independence Day Parade and more. Full schedule at townofyacolt.com/ general/page/2022-rendezvous-days. 6-10 pm

2 SATURDAY

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.

favorite treats. All ages welcome, admission is free. 11 am-11 pm Go Fourth Festival at Lake Sacajawea Park (1102 Kessler Blvd, Longview).

See gofourthfestival.org for more details.

4 MONDAY

Go Fourth Festival at Lake Sacajawea Park (1102 Kessler Blvd, Longview).

See gofourthfestival.org for more details.

Yacolt Rendezvous Days. See July 1 for more details. 9 am-9 pm

Yacolt Rendezvous Days. See July 1 for more details. 10 am

Pomeroy Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt. The first weekend of the month June through August, Pomeroy Farm is hosting an open farm weekend featuring their historic grounds, farm animals, and many local artisans and vendors.

Spend the day getting some fresh air and connecting with your local community! Kids can enjoy various yard games and a fun iSpy activity around the grounds. Free parking. Pets must stay in Parking Area. Food available for purchase. Admission is free, but donations to the nonprofit farm are appreciated.

11 am-5 pm

4th of July Celebration at Port of Camas Washougal, 24 S A St., Washougal. 6-11 pm

Go Fourth Festival at Lake Sacajawea Park, 1199 Kessler Blvd., Longview.

See gofourthfestival.org for more details. .

Summer Playground Program at parks around Battle Ground and Ridgefield. Summer is the perfect time for kids to get creative and stay active! This week’s theme is Flower Power. Schedule: Mon: Kiwanis Park, Battle Ground 10 am-12 pm Tue: Davis Park, Ridgefield 12-2 pm Wed: Kiwanis Park, Battle Ground 10 am-12 pm Wed: Horse Thief Park, Battle Ground 2-4 pm Thur: Florence Robison Park, Battle Ground 10 am-12 pm Thur: Fairgrounds Park, Battle Ground 2-4 pm Fri: Whispering Pine Park, Battle Ground 10 am-12 pm

3 SUNDAY

Yacolt Rendezvous Days/Hellz Bellz Ultra Marathon. See July 1 for more details. 6 am Pomeroy Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt. See July 2 for more details. 11 am-5 pm SummerFest at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (1501 E. Evergreen Boulevard, Vancouver). Food, live music, lawn games, movie at dusk, BBQ and other summertime

32

activities

5 TUESDAY

Summer Play Date Series at Vancouver Mall. Summer is here and the mall is hosting free events for kids every Tuesday in July! All free and family friendly. Hang out with Batman and Spiderman, draw your own superhero and make a dog tag necklace of your favorite superhero. At the Center Court near Forever 21. Kids (and parents) are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes. 11:30 am-1 pm

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

Check out our website for even mo re local events .

Fri: Kiwanis Park, Battle Ground 2-4 pm

6 WEDNESDAY

Musicians in the Park at Overlook Park, 113-131 S Main Ave, Ridgefield. A music filled lunch hour with Mckinney Green: Americana.

12 pm

7 THURSDAY

OMSI: Lights, Camera, Reaction! (Online through FVRLibraries). This show has it all - solutions that instantly change color, giant piles of foam, great balls of fire and more!

You will see a variety of types of chemical reactions and learn how to recognize when chemical reactions are happening. To join this online program, you will need a computer, tablet or phone. The link to join the event will be emailed to registrants. Only one registration necessary per household: https:// fvrl.librarymarket.com/omsi-lights-camerareaction. 6-7 pm Concerts in the Park at Crown Park, NE Everett Rd. & NE 17th Ave., Camas. Join Camas Parks and Recreation as we toe tap our way into our 28th year of offering free concerts in the park. Bring your favorite picnic dinner to enjoy in the park or purchase from our on-site food vendor. All concerts will be held in July, rain or shine, so come prepared!

No alcohol or animals are allowed in the park.

This week: CJ Mickens. 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

8 FRIDAY

Main Street Day at Overlook Park, 113-131 S Main Ave, Ridgefield. Activities and specials throughout Downtown Ridgefield. 10 am-2 pm Waterfront Park Concert Series at Vancouver Waterfront Park, 695 Waterfront Way. Music sounds even sweeter with sweeping views of the Columbia River! Arrive early for a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants along the waterfront or bring picnic continued on next page

Penny for your thoughts?

Take our Reader Survey and be entered for chance to win a prize package!

Vancouver Family Magazine is inviting readers to share with us a little bit about you, your family, your interests, what you love reading about in Vancouver Family Magazine and what you’d like to see more of.

As a “THANK YOU” for taking the survey, one lucky responder will be selected at random to win a family entertainment prize package from Vancouver Mall, valued at $150!

Explore products from the entire mall online at ShopVancouverMall.com

Scan QR code to go straight to the survey!

Or go to VancouverFamilyMagazine.com/reader-survey-2022 S PO

N SO R E D B Y Survey and contest will be open May 1, 2022August 31, 2022. One entry per household, please.

continued from previous page fare to enjoy during the show. This venue also offers the unique opportunity to enjoy the concerts on the water for boat owners.

This week’s performance by Bobby Torres Ensemble. 6-8 pm Friday Night Movies in the Park at National Park Service Parade Grounds, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. The City of Vancouver is proud to present six movies at parks around the city this summer, free to you! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy big screen entertainment. “Encanto” will be playing this week. 7 pm Friday Night Flicks at the Port of Ridgefield, 111 W Division St, Ridgefield. Enjoy a drive-in movie and support local nonprofits! Tickets range from $25-$40 and include snacks. This week’s film: “Soul” benefitting PAL of SWWA. Purchase tickets at palofswwa.org. 7:30 pm

9 SATURDAY

Saturday in the Park Pride Event at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver.

Saturday in the Park is Vancouver’s PRIDE Event since 1993! Enjoy family friendly activities, vendor booths and more. 10 am Autism Empowerment Potluck at Salmon Creek Park/Klineline Pond, 1112 NE 117th St., Vancouver. Open to the public.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, chips and snacks are provided. We invite participants to bring a dessert, snack or side dish to share with others and to bring the seating or comfort items that make you feel comfortable at a picnic. Cost: $3 for parking, otherwise free to get into the park and the event.

11 am-2:30 pm

10 SUNDAY

Sunday Sounds Concerts at Columbia Tech Center, 1498 SE Tech Center Dr., Vancouver.

Check out the beautiful new amphitheater while enjoying an eclectic mix of music in east Vancouver. A few vendors may have food and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Attendees are welcome to bring their own pre-prepared food and picnic fare.

This week: Hit Machine. 6 pm

12 TUESDAY

Summer Play Date Series at Vancouver Mall. Join Captain Hook and Ariel for a scavenger hunt and craft session decorating a mermaid bag or treasure box! See July 5 for more details. 11:30 am-1 pm

13 WEDNESDAY

Musicians in the Park at Overlook Park, 113-131 S Main Ave, Ridgefield. A music

filled lunch hour with Richie Bean and Chris Ochsner – Hits from 60s, 70s and beyond.

12 pm

14 THURSDAY

Concerts in the Park at Crown Park, Camas. See July 7 for more details. This week: Louie “King Louie” Pain.

6:30 pm-8:30 pm

15 FRIDAY

Harvest Days in Downtown Battle Ground.

Friday night Cruise-In, Saturday parade and vendor market. 6 pm Waterfront Park Concert Series at Vancouver Waterfront Park, 695 Waterfront Way. See July 8 for details. This week’s performance by Pride of the Northbank.

6-8 pm Friday Night Movies in the Park at Nikkei Neighborhood Park, NE 52nd St & NE 137th Ave., Vancouver. See July 8 for more details.

“Sing 2” will be playing this week. 7 pm Friday Night Flicks at the Port of Ridgefield, 111 W Division St, Ridgefield. Enjoy a drive-in movie and support local nonprofits! Tickets continued on page 34

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

33

Calendar of Events & Activities (cont’d) continued from page 33 range from $25-$40 and include snacks. This week’s film: “Mr. Holland’s Opus” benefitting Hough Foundation. Purchase tickets at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/friday-night-flicks-withhough-tickets-256313509607. 7:30 pm

16 SATURDAY

Harvest Days in Downtown Battle Ground.

See July 15 for more details. 10 am-10 pm “Grease” Sing-a-Long at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. The annual summer tradition continues with the 1978 musical classic “Grease” starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John! Dig out your black leather jackets and poodle skirts and join the T-birds and the Pink Ladies at Rydell High for some Summer Lovin’ on our big screen! Dressing up is highly encouraged. The Denton Delinquents will be on hand to shadow cast the show, and there will fun surprises! All seats for this show are $12. 8 pm

17 SUNDAY

Sunday Sounds Concerts at Columbia Tech Center, 1498 SE Tech Center Dr, Vancouver.

See July 10 for more details. This week: Prom Date Mixtape. 6 pm

18 MONDAY

“Encanto: The Sing Along Film Concert” at RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater, 17200 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. Get ready to sing along to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”, “Surface Pressure”, “All of You” and the rest of the “Encanto” soundtrack as they come to life.

Brought to you by Disney Concerts, it’s a oneof-a-kind concert and film experience where a live band leads audiences in performing “Encanto”’s hit soundtrack in sync with the film, while the audience is highly encouraged to sing along. Tickets starting at $58 at ridgefieldamphitheater.com. 7:30 pm

19 TUESDAY

Summer Play Date Series at Vancouver Mall. Check out the PortLug display of Lego bricks, make Lego friendship bracelets, and participate in a group Lego build. See July 5 for more details. 11:30 am-1 pm

20 WEDNESDAY

Musicians in the Park at Overlook Park, 113-131 S Main Ave, Ridgefield. A music filled lunch hour with Larry Lotz – Americana Guitar/ Harmonica. 12 pm

21 THURSDAY

4 Days of Aloha! Vancouver’s premiere event of the summer serves as a benefit for local nonprofit, Ke Kukui Foundation. The 4-day festival welcomes people of all backgrounds to join a celebration of Hawaiian arts and culture through various events and workshops at Clark College and Esther Short Park. Details and schedule at 4daysofaloha.com.

Concerts in the Park at Crown Park, Camas.

See July 7 for more details. This week: Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes. 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

22 FRIDAY

4 Days of Aloha! See July 21 for details.

Camas Days in Downtown Camas. Arts and craft vendors, a gated wine & microbrew street, a food street, concerts in the park, two parades (kids parade on Friday and main parade on Saturday), a ducky derby, the kids’ activities street, a softball tournament and the famous bathtub races in front of City Hall.

For full schedule visit cwchamber.com/camasdays.

Waterfront Park Concert Series at Vancouver Waterfront Park, 695 Waterfront

Way. See July 8 for details. This week’s performance by Conjunto Alegre. 6-8 pm Friday Night Movies in the Park at Bagley Community Park, 4607 Plomondon St., Vancouver. See July 8 for more details.

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” will be playing this week. 7 pm Friday Night Flicks at the Port of Ridgefield, 111 W Division St, Ridgefield. Enjoy a drive-in movie and support local nonprofits! Tickets range from $25-$40 and include snacks.

This week’s film: “A League of Their Own” benefitting Ridgefield Main Street. Purchase tickets at ridgefieldmainstreet.com/friday-nightflicks. 7:30 pm

23 SATURDAY

4 Days of Aloha! See July 21 for details.

Camas Days in Downtown Camas. See July 22 for details.

Ride Around Clark County at Bike Clark County, 1604 Main St., Vancouver. Offering four scenic routes this year, including: “The Century”, “The 89er”, “The Metric”, and the “Lacamas Loop”. Plenty of food, mechanic, and support-and-gear to keep you going throughout the ride. Proceeds from this annual ride support Bike Clark County, Clark County Food Bank, and Share. Registration is $25$65 at vbc-usa.com.

24 SUNDAY

4 Days of Aloha! See July 21 for details.

Picnic in Color in Downtown Camas. Free, family arts and crafts event hosted by the Downtown Camas Association to celebrate having fun with art! Local artists will be on hand assisting, plus collaborative art projects, lots of color, music and more! Bring your picnic continued on next page

It’s time for outdoor summer events all over Clark County!

Get outside and check out a concert, movie, bike ride, festival, farm, craft fair or parade near you!

34

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

CHIROPRACTOR: Mignon Cejalvo DC (Dr. Min)

mention this ad and receive a

Free Exam and Consult Dr. Min is passionate about helping mothers make natural choices about their pregnancy and the health of their family.

Dr. Min is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and has been certified in the Webster Technique since 2006. Focusing on: Pre/Postpartum Care, Newborns, Infants, Children and Pregnancy Massage.

continued from previous page or purchase a meal and experience artful creative activities for all.

Don’t forget to wear bright colors! 11 am-4 pm Sunday Sounds Concerts at Columbia Tech Center, 1498 SE Tech Center Dr, Vancouver. See July 10 for more details. This week: Dancehall Days. 6 pm

26 TUESDAY

Summer Play Date Series at Vancouver Mall. Get crafty in the Hogwarts Bead bar, participate in Hogwarts Trivia Show, and have fun at the Harry Potter photo station with robes, props, sorting hat, and more. See July 5 for more details. 11:30 am-1 pm

ept we acc ajor most m health plans!

3401 SE 192nd Ave #107 Vancouver, WA 98683

360-882-7733

www.prioritylifechiro.com

Sequoia Cir at SE Tech Center Dr., Vancouver. See July 8 for more details. “Jungle Cruise” will be playing this week. 7 pm

27 WEDNESDAY

Musicians in the Park at Overlook Park, 113-131 S Main Ave, Ridgefield. A music filled lunch hour with Sun City Players – Contemporary Pop, Soft Rock, Blues, Country. 12 pm

Friday Night Flicks at the Port of Ridgefield, 111 W Division St, Ridgefield. Enjoy a drive-in movie and support local nonprofits!

Tickets range from $25-$40 and include snacks. This week’s film: “Rock Dog” benefitting Rocksolid Teen Center. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friday-night-flicks-with-rocksolidtickets-256292426547. 7:30 pm

28 THURSDAY

Concerts in the Park at Crown Park, Camas. See July 7 for more details. This week: Shades of Huey. 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

30 SATURDAY

29 FRIDAY

Waterfront Park Concert Series at Vancouver Waterfront Park, 695 Waterfront Way. See July 8 for details. This week’s performance by Curtis Salgado. 6-8 pm

Journey Theater presents “The Little Mermaid” at Parkrose High School, 12003 NE Shaver St., Portland. Tickets $15-$24 at journeytheater.org. 2 pm & 7 pm

31 SUNDAY

Journey Theater presents “The Little Mermaid” at Parkrose High School, 12003 NE Shaver St., Portland. Tickets $15-$24 at journeytheater.org. 7 pm Friday Night Movies in the Park at Columbia Tech Center Park, SE

Sunday Sounds Concerts at Columbia Tech Center, 1498 SE Tech Center Dr, Vancouver. See July 10 for more details. This week: Jessie Leigh. 6 pm

advertiser index Camps & Classes Camp Hope......................................................5 iSTEM Kids.....................................................13 Journey Theater.............................................17 The Little Gym................................................19 Naydenov Gymnastics Fun Center................11 Events 4 Days of Aloha................................................7 Children's Festival..........................................23 Columbia River Triathlon Festival...................31 FVRLibraries..................................................21 Girlfriends Triathlon and Fitness Festival.......31 Hagg Lake Triathlon and Trail Festival...........31 PeaceHealth Appletree Marathon, Half & 5k..31 Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services..............................................3 Fitness The Little Gym................................................19 Naydenov Gymnastics Fun Center................11

Health All Star Orthodontics......................................25 Barnick Chiropractic.......................................11 Child and Adolescent Clinic..............................3 Evergreen Pediatrics......................................27 PeaceHealth.....................................................2 Priority Life Chiropractic and Massage...........35 Storybook Dental............................................27 Legal Schauermann Thayer.....................................29 Resources Applied Team Insurance...................................9 Clark County Junk Removal...........................15 ESD112......................................................9, 27 FVRLibraries..................................................21 Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Seminars.............17 Shonda Rochelle Photography.......................21

Restaurants Laughing Planet.............................................25 Retail Kazoodles Toys................................................5 Vancouver Mall...............................................33 Schools, Education & Child Care AWV Chinese School.......................................5 ESD112......................................................9, 27 St. Andrew Preschool.......................................5 Southwest Washington Learning Center........36

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • July 2022

35

Where LifeLong Learning Begins

Southwest Washington Learning Center Exceptional care and education provided by highly qualified staff Infant to 12 years Convenient Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. M-F

Infants 5 days Full-Time only $1455/mo (335.77 wk) Current Openings won’t last long!

Toddlers 5 days Full-time (13mos to 35 mos) $1225/mo (282/wk)

e Part-tim lso a s e t a r le! availabat:

visit us s.com earn www.swl

Preschool—through Schoolage (36 mos. To 12 years) $1055/mo (243.67/wk)

Minutes from Downtown Vancouver,Felida, and Salmon Creek Easy access to I-5 and 205

Schedule a Tour or Pre-register Online!!

360-573-7007 www.swlearns.com