Vancouver Family Magazine July 2023

July '23

FEATURE ARTICLES

The Future is Now

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Next Steps

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What a Time to Be Alive

For this month’s Editor’s Notes, I decided to take a month off and let Chat GPT write the column for me, ignoring the nagging notion that I am now complicit in a slippery slope that could someday put me out of a job. Should I be afraid? Also, is this plagiarizing?

My prompt: Write a delightfully sarcastic, 300-word column about AI taking over content creation.

CHAT GPT:

Ah, yes, the magnificent era of artificial intelligence (AI) taking over content creation. What a time to be alive! Who needs human creativity and imagination when we can have soulless algorithms churning out generic, cookie-cutter content? It’s truly a dream come true.

Gone are the days of writers, artists and musicians pouring their hearts and souls into their work. Why bother with the unpredictable brilliance of human expression when we can have AI generate bland, formulaic content that appeals to the lowest common denominator? Who needs originality and nuance when we can have an AI analyze trends and optimize every piece of content for maximum viral potential?

Sure, AI-generated content may lack that certain je ne sais quoi, that magical spark that makes art and literature timeless. But who needs that when we can have an army of algorithms mindlessly churning out clickbait articles, generic blog posts and uninspired music that all sound eerily similar? It’s like a never-ending assembly line of mediocrity, and we’re all invited to the party!

And let’s not forget the delightful role AI plays in social media. Why bother engaging with real people when we can have AI bots comment, like and retweet our posts? Who needs genuine human interaction when we can have simulated conversations with lines of code? It’s a virtual utopia, devoid of authenticity and genuine connection.

Oh, and the joy of AI-generated movies and TV shows! Finally, we can have films and series that follow the perfect, formulaic structure designed to keep our attention spans intact. No need for pesky surprises or thought-provoking narratives. Just sit back, relax and let the AI spoon-feed us mindless entertainment.

So, let us raise a glass to the brave new world where AI reigns supreme in content creation. Who needs the messiness of human emotions, originality and artistic brilliance when we can have efficient, soulless algorithms generating content that’s as exciting as watching paint dry? Long live the content robots!

Nikki Klock, Editor nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Volume 22, 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 Kristen Flowers, Kate Hagan Gallup, Sarah Mortensen

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Vancouver Family Magazine is published monthly by Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC

Address: PO Box 820264 Vancouver, WA 98682 Tel: 360-882-7762

Copyright 2002-2023. All rights reserved. No portion of Vancouver Family Magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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

On the Cover:

Photo by Marie Pham Photography

Taylor Raisanen graduated from Battle Ground High School in 2018 and was BGHS’s first ever African American homecoming queen. Her mother, Yolanda Frazier, is NAACP Vancouver’s current president. Taylor now enjoys yoga and spending time outdoors with her husband and child.

Photo by Marie Pham mariephamphotography.com 360-907-6732 @MariePhamPhotography

JULY 2023

August 4-6, 2023

M usic and art lovers are in for a treat this summer as Vancouver USA Arts and Music Festival (VAMF) makes its debut downtown. Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA (VSO) and the City of Vancouver are partnering to put on three days of world-class music, art, dance, food and fun at Esther Short Park— all accessible for free. “Everyone is invited to learn, explore and experience the joy of connecting with arts and culture, without the barrier of ticket prices or entrance fees,” says Stacey Donovan, City of Vancouver’s cultural services manager. Local musicians and even internationally known Grammy winners will perform live on outdoor stages,

plus visual artists will participate as exhibitors and vendors. Also included in the event will be an acting workshop at Kiggins Theatre, an instrument petting zoo and other educational opportunities for kids, VSO performances, a youth art show and more. Other organizations supporting the festival include Columbia Arts Network, Vancouver Culture, Arts & Heritage Commission, Vancouver’s Downtown Association, Vancouver Farmers Market, Kiggins Theatre and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

The event was conceived, says VSO executive director, Igor Shakhman, “as the result of an in-depth arts ecology study of the area by former Kennedy Center CEO Michael Kaiser and his team, commissioned by the Murdock Trust. As one of the outcomes of the study, Kaiser suggested a creation of a multidiscipline arts festival to unite Vancouver’s creative community, increase the visibility of arts and culture and elevate the city to an arts destination.”

Vancouver Lake Rowing Club Takes First Place

Long term, Shakhman hopes VAMF will strengthen and enrich the Vancouver community at large. “This festival is something we want the local community to take pride in and embrace as an annual tradition,” he shares. “The arts truly are for everyone, and with this festival we can increase access for people of all backgrounds, both as audiences and as artists. I believe that together we can help Vancouver become stronger and even more vibrant . . . Access to the arts is not a luxury, but essential for healthy communities.”

A full schedule of events and performances can be found at VancouverArtsandMusicFestival.com

Vancouver Lake Rowing Club’s (VLRC) Mens Jr. 4+ rowing team recently won first place at Seattle’s Winderemere Cup, a prestigious rowing event that VLRC coach Conor Bullis is quite familiar with. “To attend the race in Seattle you must apply and be accepted based on your proven boat speed throughout the season,” Bullis says. “We were accepted as the second best crew that applied and were invited to race off in Seattle . . . I have been a rower in the event and I have coached many crews in this event [over the years]. Typically, the event draws 20,000 people to the shores of Montlake to watch the event . . . the largest event I have ever seen in rowing. This is the second time VLRC has entered the event, last year was the first. To win the Mens 4+ is very meaningful to our program to show that we are on track and developing athletes to train hard and go fast.” Those athletes range in age from 16-18 and practice year round,

Vancouver USA Arts and Music Festival, debuting in Downtown Vancouver this August, will feature hands-on activities for all ages, performances by Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and much more. Photos courtesy City of Vancouver.

Left: Spectators watch from Montlake Bridge as rowing teams compete at Seattle’s Windermere Cup. Photo courtesy University of Washington.

Right: Vancouver Lake Rowing Club's Mens Jr. 4+ team takes the podium in Seattle, winning first place. Left to right: Coach Kolya Kolobovnikov, David P., Eston G., Sasha K., Callum B., Jack S. Photo courtesy Conor Bullis.

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EXPLORE VANCOUVER WASHINGTON GUIDEBOOK

Are you a newcomer to Vancouver USA? Local author, Patty Grasher, recently published a 160-page, full-color guide to making the most out of your life and time in Vancouver and Clark County, Washington. The book, “Explore Vancouver Washington” (Turtle Place Press, 2023), dives deep into the very best entertainment spots, historical locations, events, parks and trails of our beloved region. Grasher teamed up with renowned Vancouver photographer Jonathon Kraft, talented Portland cartoonist Bernard McKenna and her friend, mapmaker Sasha Fedorova of Ukraine (now residing temporarily in Poland) to create the ultimate guide to all things Vancouver. After two years of extensive research and exploration, “Explore Vancouver Washington” is a great newcomers’ guide to the area, and a valuable source for longtime residents as well. “The book took on an even deeper meaning as I realized that it’s not just about travel, but about rediscovering the joy of exploring our own backyard and supporting local businesses and communities,” says Grasher. The guidebook is available now at Fort Vancouver Friends’ Bookstore, Vintage Books, Amazon and at USAVancouver.com.

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in all kinds of weather. “If the water is flat we will row in rain, snow, hail, cold temps and other tough weather,” says Bullis. “If the water is too rough to row, we will train indoors on rowing machines.”

Many of VLRC’s competitive rowers started out at a VLRC summer camp. Kids as young as age 7, as long as they pass a swim test for safety, can participate in camps where they learn the basics of boating in kayaks, canoes, dragon boat and stand up paddle board. The next level is Learn to Row for ages 10-17, where kids learn to row in beginner boats. “The final group,” says Bullis, “is our experienced rowers that sign up for each season—we have teams for fall, winter, spring and summer. This group competes at regattas from Canada to California and nationals in Florida if we make it. This year we qualified four boats for nationals—the most VLRC has ever qualified!”

Bullis has been rowing for years, coaching at University of Washington before moving south to Camas and being recruited to take over VLRC as head coach a year and a half ago. One of his most memorable moments so far happened at the final week of spring practice in May. “We voted for most inspirational as a team using a ballot system. I explain to the team that the most inspirational person is someone that motivates you, makes your experience better, a person that makes you want to come to practice when you’re tired and worn down, a person that pushes you to be your best. Typically, I see 2-3 names on the ballots, this year I saw votes for 17 different people. I was shocked to see so many different people that are important to the rowers. I learned that we are cross-motivated many times over, meaning it’s not just one or two people leading, it’s the team that is pushing us forward. It’s an indication for me that we are working together and everyone is valued.”

Learn more about Vancouver Lake Rowing Club’s summer camp and competitive team programs at VancouverLakeRowingClub.com

Patty Grasher (left) partnered with photographer Jonathon Kraft to publish a guide to all things Vancouver USA. Photos courtesy Patty Grasher.

VLRC’s U15 Women's 4x+ won gold in Canada. Left-right Lainey T., Hadley C., Anorah A., Katie M. and Atticus B. in front. Photo courtesy Conor Bullis.

Neighborson Watch

By Sarah Mortensen

One night in a Vancouver grocery store parking lot, Tom Kent and his wife, Jan, sat in their car observing their surroundings. As they watched people coming and going, they noticed some drivers parked but did not exit their cars or enter the store. Together, they came up with possible plausible explanations of why someone would stop in a grocery store parking lot if they didn’t need to shop. The Kents had been taught this exercise during a special training focused on observing what is out of place and why—part of becoming Neighbors on Watch (NOW) volunteers with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). A core principle of NOW training teaches that there are no suspicious persons, only suspicious behaviors. The exercise the Kents were taught is meant to challenge their observation skills. As they took turns writing down vehicle descriptions, they noticed two vehicles do a driver-to-driver hand off, then one car quickly left. This was exactly the kind of suspicious behavior they were on the watch for. “We called it in to our dispatch, giving them vehicle descriptions and plates for both cars,” remembers Kent. “VPD response arrived in less than a minute. Questioning the teens in the parked car, VPD learned that they had purchased illegal drugs from a woman [who] sold drugs to high school students. Using the [vehicle description] information eventually led to the arrest of a mid-level dealer and the seizure of drugs, money and weapons.”

The NOW program was introduced to VPD in 2008 under Chief Clifford Cook, who served 2007-2012. Fifteen years later, some volunteers who have been helping since the beginning are still on watch. “[NOW volunteers] serve as a bridge between the department and the community and help VPD build meaningful connections,” explains Jordan Macfarlane, police volunteer coordinator with VPD. “They contribute to VPD’s communitybased policing philosophy—community safety is a team effort.”

As a highly visible, but nonconfrontational presence in Vancouver (especially at large community events such as Vancouver Farmers Market), NOW volunteers help make the City of Vancouver safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Like the Kents, many NOW volunteers are retired residents who want to help their community. The Kents say the two main reasons they decided to volunteer was first, “to proactively show support for the police,” and second, “to have a greater understanding of Vancouver and gain awareness skills.” However, the part they “unexpectedly” enjoy most is engaging with other like-minded volunteers who are “willing to step up and help make things better,” shares Kent. “Our participation over the years has resulted in several friendships.”

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Page 10: Top: NOW volunteers pose with neighborhood police officers at Esther Short Park, Vancouver.

Bottom: Cpl. Jeremy Free and Ofc. Nicole Vigil, neighborhood police officers, walk with NOW volunteers at Esther Short Park, Vancouver.

Page 11: Cpl. Sean Metevia, neighborhood police officer, and NOW volunteers walk together at Vancouver Waterfront Park. Photos courtesy Andrew Jeffers/City of Vancouver.

“

“[NOW volunteers] serve as a bridge between the department and the community and help VPD build meaningful connections”

–Jordan Macfarlane, police volunteer coordinator with VPD

Neighbors on Watch Stats:

• 2008-2023 value of volunteer time: $2.9 million (source: independentsector.org)

• 154 stolen vehicles/plates identified by volunteers since 2018

• 2,000+ vehicles identified as Vancouver residents with unregistered Washington plates (of those vehicles, nearly 50% changed their plates after receiving a flyer and letter from volunteers)

• Volunteers observed and reported hand-to-hand drug deal; search warrant obtained, 15 guns, cocaine, mushrooms and $21K drug proceeds recovered.

• 2,200+ reported volunteer hours for 2023 as of May 25.

• 70+ current NOW volunteers

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After completing the initial training academy, NOW volunteers continue to learn new skills from police officers who teach classes on a variety of public safety topics. “The monthly briefings have included CPR refresher classes, fentanyl and Narcan explanations, personal safety tips in physical confrontations and how to be a good witness,” shares Kent. Macfarlane adds, “And they become experts of Vancouver’s roadways, layout and landmarks. This is a fantastic program to join whether you are a lifelong resident or have just moved to the area.”

NOW volunteers self-select four hours of service per month or 12 hours per quarter. Roles include vehicle, walking and bike patrols, mentors for other volunteers, call out team and base operator. “While our main function is to serve as the extra eyes and ears for police during community patrols, we also have long and shortterm projects to suit all skills and physical abilities. [There are] sign-ups for administrative projects, outreach events, trainings and meetings,” explains Macfarlane. VPD support includes things like intra-office mail delivery and patrol fleet detailing team. If you have a desire to support the VPD, Macfarlane will help you choose what best fits your interests and abilities. For example, the base operator role works entirely from home (with a radio checked out from the precinct).

Though NOW volunteers work to support public safety, a byproduct of their time is the morale boost they give to police officers who typically deal with people who are not happy to see them. Kent notices when an officer walks into the precinct, gets a friendly

greeting from a NOW volunteer and their “game-face” comes off. He recalls that it took a few years after the program began to build relationships between the officers and volunteers, but today there is a definite respect. The entire VPD views volunteers as part of the team. During a training after Kent had called in the parking lot drug deal, a patrol officer awarded him with the “Observer of the Year Award” symbolized by a pair of Dollar Tree binoculars spray painted gold.

If you are interested in joining the team, visit CityofVancouver.us/ police/page/neighbors-watch-now-program for more information and to complete an application. Volunteers must pass a background check, be over age 21, have a valid Washington driver’s license and live in Vancouver city limits. The 6-week, 28-hour training academy is held twice a year with graduation dates in May and October. Applications are now being accepted for NOW Academy #24, which will take place September 21-October 26, 2023.

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

The Future is Now: Two Groups Expand Access to STEM

By Kristen Flowers

Jobs in science, technology, engineering, math and manufacturing (STEM, sometimes called STEAM or STEM+Arts, depending on the organization) continue to rise across the county, including here in the Portland metro. However, a recent report by the Committee on STEM Education of the National Science and Technology Council found only 20% of high school graduates are prepared to take on STEM majors in college. The rigors of the coursework can feel especially intimidating or sometimes unrealistic to a student who has no background or support to pursue those fields.

But, when kids are given access to STEMrelated activities where they already spend their time, like school and in their local communities, it can be a huge head start for them. Add on a STEM mentor introduced to them at a young age, and new doors to the future are opened. Local organizations iUrban Teen and Airway Science for Kids

(ASK) are doing everything they can to get all students’ hands on the latest and greatest technology and tools for learning. They especially seek out teens from disadvantaged and systematically excluded backgrounds to give them a chance to compete in a highly sought-after and highly paid industry.

iUrban Teen

iUrban Teen is a nationally recognized program in Washington, Oregon, California and Texas that is working to bring what they call STEM+Arts careerbased education to underrepresented teens. Founder and chief innovator, Deena Pierott, created iUrban Teen in 2011 after seeing the need for more diversity in her field. She set off on a mission to help youth who have historically been excluded or discouraged from going into STEM careers. That year, she launched her first-ever event for iUrban Teen at WSUVancouver. The programs have since

grown to provide hands-on programs and experiences to African American, Latino, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, female and special needs students.

iUrban Teen has a three-pillared approach. The first step is called iEngage, a full-day hands-on experience with activities from industry professionals that spark students’ interest in STEM arenas. The next step is iLearn that includes 1-2-week camps, after-school and summer programs, and monthly STEM tours for youth, helping them dive into specific pathways such as engineering, advanced manufacturing and coding or cybersecurity. Students work together and with instructors/mentors to learn about STEM+Arts careers as well as strengthen communication, problem solving and leadership skills.

“We take field trips to places like Intel and Nike so they can see what engineers,

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Top: A child visits Airway Science for Kids (ASK)’s Open Saturday at Pearson Field in Vancouver. Photo courtesy ASK.

Bottom: Teens participate in iUrban Teen’s iEngineer program. Photo courtesy iUrban Teen.

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designers, technicians and other professionals do in the real world,” shares Erin Hamilton, iUrban Teen managing director for Oregon and SW Washington. “Not only does this benefit the students, but the company also.” Hamilton explains that companies who care about inclusion are always looking for ways to diversify their workforce. Exposing middle and high school students to careers in STEM will allow them to choose from a bigger pool of jobs in the future. Hamilton believes it’s all about preparation. “Many of the jobs of the future have yet to be invented, so we want to prepare our students for anything.”

The third and final step is iSucceed. Armed with passion, education and resilience, iUrban Teen students have opportunities to participate in internships and job shadowing opportunities and, with families, fill out FAFSA forms or learn about alternatives to college funding through scholarships. “Family participation is critical because they know their student’s strengths and interests

best, and they are an important part of the student learning and understanding what career pathways, choices and postsecondary options are available,” explains Hamilton. iUrban Teen funds scholarships as well, having given out 22 last year to graduating seniors. Students also have access to post-secondary scholarships and continued support while in college through the iUniversity program. “We focus on long-term career pathways and support, not a one-and-done approach to learning or coursework.”

With grants, partnerships, foundations and private donations, all iUrban Teen programs are free in order to be inclusive and available to everyone. With an 86% retention rate, Hamilton says that even if a student was registered for an iUrban Teen event by a friend or family member, the odds are high that they will have fun, and discover something new about themselves, the STEM world and what possibilities await them to reach their dreams.

Airway Science for Kids

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Like iUrban Teen, Airway Science for Kids (ASK) looks to change the lives of Southwest Washington, Multnomah and Washington Counties’ youth of color and students who are living on low incomes by removing barriers to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education and careers. Guillermo Rebolledo is the community engagement lead for ASK, and he believes that through their programming, ASK ignites a passion for the world of aerospace and aviation. This passion can launch a student toward an aviation or aerospace career. Before Rebolledo became a full-time staff member at ASK, he had been volunteering with them for eight months. He remembers walking into

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the building and seeing the impressive equipment and tools that he never previously had the chance to experience himself. He now watches kids using those tools and sees their excitement when they successfully land a plane on the flight simulator for the first time.

During the pandemic, many pilots took early retirements as pilots were not in demand. Once people began taking more trips, airlines found themselves in need of pilots. They implemented many resources to increase their numbers such as pay and training opportunities. Rebolledo says, “Pilots are always in need, which also means that people working on planes are going to be in high demand. It is the same for people working at airports, so the world of aviation and aerospace will continue to grow which means we will continue to look for folks to go into those fields.”

ASK’s programs are for youth age 7-21 to explore the technology ASK has in their

building such as flight simulators, drones and 3D printers. “Our dream would be to see more youth of color, more queer folks, more women in the world of aviation,” says Rebolledo. The programs are offered in various ways and in three different locations, through in-person, online and hybrid programs. In their Education Center on Pearson Field in Vancouver, they offer Open Saturday every Saturday from 10 am-3 pm, where families are invited to check out the space and engage in STEAM-related activities.

Other programs through ASK include the TakeFlight program where students at partnering schools use hands-on activities like making paper airplanes and parachutes to learn about ASK’s “badge topics”: aeronautics, commercial space travel, living in the solar system, drones and robotics. ASK staff hope to spark an interest in aviation and aerospace in younger kids who may continue to explore those interests through other ASK programs. ASK also provides curriculum and training to partner schools in aerospace and aviation that they can use independently. These partnerships allow ASK to benefit from their programs.

In the TeenFlight program, students exercise their team-building skills and work with mentors to build a two-seat RV-12 aircraft. Students who want to participate in TeenFlight need to make a significant commitment, coming to ASK’s Hillsboro location every Saturday during the school year for two years. During these 6-hour Saturdays, they get a hands-on technical and interpersonal experience while learning the ins and outs of airplanes.

The Aerospace College and Career Exploration and Selection System (ACCESS) is a program for teens and young adults between the ages of 14-21. In ACCESS, students are introduced to the same essential topics as TeenFlight. It’s a 10-hour self-guided program comprising eight weekly in-person and virtual meetings where they can connect with industry professionals. There is also a weekly 30-minute check-in with a student success coordinator to ensure the student has everything they need to succeed.

If teens want to dip their toes into the aviation world before committing, ASK also offers after-school programs and summer camps. “For us, it’s super important to talk to these students about the possibilities in aviation,” explains Rebolledo. “Whether it’s talking about internships, or higher education, or just offering a program where you can discover six different topics

Airway Science for Kids (ASK)’s headquarters (bottom) are in Portland, but they also serve Southwest Washington at their Open Saturday events at Pearson Field (top). Photos courtesy ASK.

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around aviation and aerospace.” The programs allow students to identify career and education goals and staff will be there to support them to achieve those goals.

Rebolledo understands that only some of the kids will be going into the field, but at least they have the chance to learn and play in the space instead of never knowing it existed. “We just want kids to come in, be themselves while they are learning,” he says.

The future looks bright for Washington’s kids, technically speaking.

Kristen Flowers hosts the morning show, Nick and Kristen in the Morning on 99.5 The Wolf. She lives in Vancouver with her husband, daughter and two cats. She loves crafting, making pottery, eating ice cream, reading and watching documentaries. She’s also currently in graduate school to become a marriage and family therapist.

ByNikkiKlock

Grants Pass

Grants Pass (no apostrophe) is a small community in the Rogue River Valley, just outside the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, about 260 miles south of Vancouver. The town’s surrounding mountains and river flowing through town are similar to Bend, but with a unique small-town charm.

Our first stop as we entered rural Josephine County (nickname Jo Co) was Rogue Creamery, west of town. The creamery was founded in 1933 and makes a variety of cheddar and blue cheeses. In 2019, their Rogue River Blue Cheese won world champion at the World Cheese Awards in Italy, and locally the creamery’s grilled cheese sandwiches were awarded “The Cheesiest” in a cookoff. The cheese itself is made at a different facility, but we visited the dairy farm where it all starts, and where free guided tours are offered twice daily, no reservations required. Our guide, Chris, treated us to some delicious

blue cheese samples, then took us to meet the cows, which she endearingly called “the girls.” The girls are each milked twice a day, using surprisingly advanced technology. Each cow is tagged with radio frequency identification (RFID) that is scanned any time she approaches the milking area, which they are free to do at their own discretion—any time they want some relief from their full udder or some extra snacks that are placed strategically

I love a good road trip. While obviously not as fast as flying, the opportunity to admire natural wonders and changing scenery from the ground is often worth the time. Plus, my husband insists on doing all the driving, and I don’t get motion sickness. As long as we don’t encounter a flat tire (like we did in 2002 on a road trip from Utah to Las Vegas), a screaming baby (like we did in 2003 while moving from Utah to Vancouver with our 2-month-old baby) or a road-crossing bison (like we did in 2006 on a trip to Yellowstone—don’t worry, we narrowly missed hitting it), road trips are pure relaxation for me. Thankfully we experienced no mishaps on our recent road trip to Grants Pass in Southern Oregon, and our weekend stay there was a delight.

in the milking area. If the scan reads that this cow has too recently been milked, a barrier gently guides her away from the milking stall. If she’s ready to be milked, she is gently guided through to the robotic milker that takes six minutes to express about three gallons of milk. The milk then flows through to a chilled storage tank that is emptied frequently and transported to the creamery’s Central Point location about 30 miles away where it’s made into award-winning cheese that can be found at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and as ingredients in many restaurants’ menu dishes. We ended the tour back at the farm stand, said goodbye to the cows and drove just 5 miles up the road to meet some very different kinds of creatures at Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center.

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Top: A mural in historic downtown Grants Pass features flora, fauna and attractions of the Southern Oregon area.

Bottom: Cows eat contentedly at Rogue Creamery’s dairy farm outside Grants Pass.

JULY SELLER CLASS DATES:

In-person class held at Firstenburg Community Center 700 NE 136th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684

Saturday 7/22, 9am-12pm

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Saturday 7/15, 5pm-7pm

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READ OUR LATEST BLOG POST... BUYING/SELLING...& MOVING WITH PETS

June brings weddings, roses, strawberries, graduations, graduation parties, and starts the season of community events.... parades, walks, gatherings, farmers markets, community markets, fairs, and so much more. Every weekend has something fun going on. June is also that time that we start seeing more homes come on the market as kids get out of school, and people start thinking about moving.

Dante said that there are 9 levels of hell, and I think 7 of them must be moving. I know people who like to move, and I think they are crazy. There is so much that goes into moving...whether it just yourself, or the entire family.... and when I say ‘entire family’ .... let’s include your four-legged babies in that too.

One of the questions I get most when a client is thinking about selling is what to do with their pets...

Photo by Monica Silvestre @ pexels.com

Feature: NW Getaway: Grants Pass (cont'd)

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Rather than caring for domesticated cows, Wildlife Images seeks to restore wild and endangered animals to health. The center keeps a large variety of animals on display—from birds of prey to reptiles to wolves and even a brown bear (quite the sight when we spotted her ambling out of the enclosure’s wooded area). We happened to visit during a special preview the day before the grand opening of the center’s brand-new Discovery Farm, a sort of large petting zoo, bringing visitors up close and personal to goats, pigs, a donkey, a tortoise, an alpaca and more. The goats absolutely loved my husband, even without food to entice them to snuggle. Other recent developments to the 24-acre property is a pavilion for special events and Bindi’s Critter Creek, a covered stream area made possible by a partnership between Wildlife Images and the Irwin family (of Crocodile Hunter fame). Adjacent to Wildlife Images’s display enclosures is a wildlife hospital, whose efforts to rehab injured animals is funded in part by income generated by the display portion of the center—injured animals are protected and not on display.

After a day with the animals, we drove into town and checked into the Redwood Hyperion Suites (so named for the nearby redwood forests that we would soon explore) and had dinner at one of Grants Pass’s most noteworthy establishments— Taprock Northwest Grill, a large log cabinstyle building on the banks of the Rogue River that serves American pub fare and

Want

to

takea

walk

onthewildside?

Southwest Oregon is the perfect place to encounter wild animals up close. Within a 100-mile radius, tourists to the region can visit Wildlife Images in Grants Pass, Great Cats World Park in Cave Junction and Wildlife Safari in Winston (near Roseburg). All three of these parks feature wild animal encounters and active conservation efforts.

offers a wonderful zero proof drink menu (try the fresh mint blueberry lemonade if you’re not a drinker), in addition to regular cocktails and beers on tap. The perfect way to spend a sunset.

After sunset, we enjoyed our final activity of the day: an all-American drive-in movie at Jo Co Fairgrounds. If you’ve ever been to a drive-in, you know that half the fun is hanging out in the twilight before the movie begins, when everyone is arranging their truck beds for maximum comfort, filling up on treats from the snack bar or tossing a ball around—all in anticipation of the main event, in this case “Back to the Future Part II” (1989). We snagged a front row parking spot, and as a bonus to all the nostalgia, a couple in a classic yellow convertible slid up right next to us, completing the tableau.

Claim to Fame:

The Birthplace of Dutch Bros.

If you know, you know: popular coffee shop, Dutch Bros. was founded in the 90s by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma in their hometown of Grants Pass, Oregon. Today, Dutch Bros. locations in Grants Pass outnumber Starbucks locations three to one.

home to historic buildings, eclectic shops and a “bear-y” special public art project: life-size, whimsical bear sculptures placed all over downtown during the summer, and indoors at Evergreen Federal Bank’s “Bear Hotel” during the winter.

After a morning of exploring downtown, we hit the road again, driving southwest on US-199 to Cave Junction, the gateway to the Siskiyous. Cave Junction is named for nearby Oregon Caves, a natural phenomenon that would be the highlight of our trip. But first, we stopped for lunch at Taylor’s Sausage Country Store, a popular spot that was hopping on the day we visited, which is saying something in a town of just 2,000 residents. The place is spacious though, and is sort of a mix between a deli, a gift shop, a butcher shop, a market and a restaurant. At one point while we ate lunch, one of the elderly employees who had taken our order walked over to a piano and played a series of upbeat ragtime tunes before returning to her regular work.

The car theme continued the next morning when we came upon a vintage car show happening in the blocks surrounding our breakfast spot in downtown Grants Pass. That small-town charm was on full display along with Corvettes, classic trucks and even a Delorian (zoomed in from last night’s drive-in screen?), and Grants Pass Growers’ Market was just a short walk from the car show. In addition to events like these, downtown Grants Pass is

The entrance to Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is located about an hour away from Grants Pass (about 15 miles from Cave Junction, along a very windy mountain road) and is a must-see for any tourist or local. A visitor center near the cave entrance is impressive

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Top: Taprock Northwest Grill serves American pub fare on the banks of the Rogue River in Grants Pass.

Middle: A bald eagle watches visitors from its perch at Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center outside Grants Pass.

Bottom: A vintage car show features classic autos in historic downtown Grants Pass.

Feature: NW Getaway: Grants Pass (cont'd)

continued from page 20

all on its own—a chalet with bark siding patterned after mighty redwoods. The underground “Marble Halls of Oregon” have been developed over the decades with concrete walking paths and dim lighting that illuminates the cavernous formations—all in an attempt to balance vital preservation of the cave with accessibility to people who can witness its wonder. Our 90-minute/.9-mile cave tour was guided by a park ranger who regaled us with stories of Elijah Davidson—the first known person to have entered the cave while out hunting with his dog in 1874—as well as explanations of how the various formations materialize over time as the cave continuously changes. The underground views were truly stunning, from small sediment patterns to huge caverns carved out of the mountain by powerful natural forces. As we emerged from the cave at the conclusion of the tour, we took an optional detour trail from the cave exit up to a bluff overlooking the beautiful Siskiyou Mountains and rounding back to the visitor center, experiencing the mountain from the inside out and spotting a deer along the way.

Back in Grants Pass after our spelunking adventure, we ate dinner at Wild River Brewery & Pizza ($6.50 for a mini pizza, great deal!), then ended the night with dessert at House of Glory, an artisanal dessert shop and café that appears to be straight out of an HGTV episode. Get out your cameras if you visit this delightful gem—it’s begging to be Instagrammed. And definitely order the bubble waffles (waffles crowned with gelato and toppings)!

The next morning, our last stop in Grants Pass offered the best food we ate the whole weekend: breakfast at Ma Mosa’s, a lovely indoor/outdoor café specializing in breakfast/brunch fare like biscuits and gravy, egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, waffles and pancakes, plus lunch sandwiches and salads. We knew it had to be great when we saw a line forming outside before the place even opened at 8 am. It was worth the wait: the breakfast burritos were heavenly!

We left Grants Pass with one more bonus attraction on our minds: the mighty redwood forests of northern California. With Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park just 75 miles south, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see another

natural wonder and check off a bucket list item. And the redwoods of SimpsonReed Grove did not disappoint. As Pacific Northwesterners, we are accustomed to forests, but the redwood forests even smell different. The felled fragments and full majestic trees have now become ecosystems of their own, sprouting up flora from their unique bark surfaces. If you go, don’t forget to look up—these giants tower over an ocean of ancient organisms that give you the feeling that the forest could be watching you.

Filled with awe for nature’s beauty and charmed by the hospitality of Grants Pass, we hope to visit Southern Oregon again soon!

Oregon Caves—Know Before You Go:

On a tour of Oregon Caves, you will experience heights, darkness, steps and slightly confined spaces, though a slight crouch is all that’s needed to pass through. It’s a good idea to review fitness and ability requirements before booking a tour in advance, which is recommended, as tours frequently fill up in the spring and summer months when the cave is open (it’s closed during the winter due to snow).

Bring warm clothing to wear inside the cave, as it remains at 44 degrees year-round, and wear good, close-toed walking shoes. Shoes or clothing that have been worn in any other cave cannot be worn in Oregon Caves, in order to protect bats from disease.

The Oregon Caves Visitor Center hours vary slightly depending on time of year, but typical hours are 9:30 am-5 pm seven days per week.

No food except gift shop snacks are available at the park. Pack a lunch or plan on eating in town before coming to the park.

For safety, children must be at least 42” (107cm) tall to take a tour. Infant carry packs and strollers are not permitted.

The Oregon Caves are only accessible by one of these rangerguided tours:

Discovery Cave Tour: $5-$10 per person

Candlelight Cave Tour: $7-$10 per person

Kids and Family Cave Tour: $5-$10 per person

Off-Trail Caving Tour: Call 541-592-2100 for information.

Nikki Klock has been the editor of Vancouver Family Magazine since 2006. She reads obsessively and loves exploring the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two grown daughters.

Top: Visitors explore Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, just 75 miles south of Grants Pass.

Bottom: An Oregon Caves park ranger describes rock formations to visitors during a tour.

NEXT STEPS: Young Adults Find Support and Mentoring on Their Career Path

By Kate Hagan Gallup

Note: This article briefly mentions suicidal ideation.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 93% of Clark County residents age 25 and older have at least a high school diploma. Many have higher education or advanced vocational skills as well; therefore, teens and young adults approaching the career stage of their lives are likely to face stiff competition for the best local jobs. A program called Next, offered through Workforce of Southwest Washington (WSW), seeks to prepare young people age 16-24 to compete for these jobs, whether they are in or out of school. “Next is essentially a one-stop center for young adults . . . we basically help them wherever they’re at in their life,” says Next’s director, Haley Hansen. “Whatever their next step might look like for them, we help them get there.”

What’s Next?

The name Next refers not only to the sequential steps in career progress, but all the supports young adults need to keep moving toward their goals. Described as “holistic support and training,” clients can get guidance on resume writing and practice interviewing, plus connections to internships within our region. In addition to job support, the career coaching aspect helps young adults develop soft skills like time management that employers

are looking for. “[We offer] young adults a foot in the door to growing industries by partnering with local businesses to fill open jobs and create internships,” says Hansen.

For many young adults seeking a job, unique challenges such as transportation and childcare can make their search extra difficult. Next addresses these barriers by connecting them to services, and even to basic needs like showers or housing if necessary. Food assistance, as well as financial guidance like creating a budget or balancing a checkbook, are also available. Director of communications at WSW, Julia Maglione, says, “We’ve been told that some youth hear about Next and don’t check it out because it sounds ‘too good to be true.’ We want them to know that it’s real.”

Next was founded by Workforce Southwest Washington in 2018 in collaboration with Educational Service District 112, Partners in Careers, Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region, Equus Workforce Solutions and Job Corps. Maglione explains that as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, WSW is awarded “federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) [funds] from the federal government, and then we put those out into the community.” In other words, Next is the boots on the ground team in Clark and Cowlitz counties working to increase employment for our region’s young people (though job placement may extend to Wahkiakum and Multnomah counties as well).

The Need for Support

One lesson learned from the pandemic years is that the younger generation needs

continued on page 26

Team members at Next mentor, support and encourage youth to pursue rewarding career paths.

Photo courtesy Next.

places to gather and socialize to build their confidence. With this in mind, Next was built to provide “a clear pathway to work, training or post-secondary education” along with that “safe space to connect”— and eligibility is broader than other WSW services, making it very accessible.

While teens are included in these services, a study by The Brookings Institute identifies the importance of making sure young adults age 20-24 do not become “disconnected,” meaning neither employed nor in school. The findings note that many young persons are “missing key educational and employment experiences” that can lead to increased risks of lengthy unemployment, poverty, criminal behavior and substance abuse. Disconnected young adults, sadly, can have a negative impact on the community, so preventing the problem with community support is a logical solution. While some may focus on how these youth came to need support in the first place, that’s not the mission of Next. Instead, Next works to provide the missing connections and help move young adults forward.

Highlight on Mental Health

While the education and career services at Next are best known, extensive mental health support is available too. Over the pandemic, National Institutes of Health declared mental health problems and impairments for youth and adults had

reached “crisis” levels. Many experts believe the pandemic brought more awareness to an already elevated problem. Lead author Jean Twenge, PhD was quoted by the American Psychological Association in 2019 as saying, “More U.S. adolescents and young adults in the late 2010s, versus the mid-2000s, experienced serious psychological distress, major depression or suicidal thoughts, and more attempted suicide.”

“I definitely think one of the services that we offer that is very underutilized is our mental health services,” shares Hansen, who adds that she thinks these services “are very much needed.” Mental health services are available at Next via a partner representative who comes in on a weekly basis providing drop-in support. While this service can be for diagnosis or ongoing conditions, sometimes young adults simply need someone to talk to about things they are going through. “They want to talk about it, and they have that safe space here. They have that person that they can connect with on a weekly basis if needed,” explains Hansen. All these services are free through Next as part of the organization’s commitment to holistic support.

Community Partners

The benefits of supporting area young adults aren’t just seen by these youth and their families—their employers notice it

too. Jordache Perozzo, CFO of SellerSlice is a firm believer in “the importance of investing in the next generation.” As one of the organizations who hires Next interns, Perozzo says, “We recognized the immense potential and fresh perspectives that young individuals bring to the table. By hiring these young people, we created opportunities to gain practical experience, develop crucial skills and explore their career interests.” SellerSlice offers digital services to online retailers, providing Next interns with skills in tech and e-commerce.

Perozzo believes that hiring interns from this program has helped make their organization better and would recommend it to other business owners. The Next experience helps “foster a culture of learning and growth within the organization, where both Next interns and existing employees could benefit from the exchange of ideas and knowledge.”

These ideas aren’t mere buzzwords either. As the average marketer (including this author) will tell you, digital success requires an understanding of your audience. Perozzo and team continue to be impressed by Next interns’ “fresh perspectives and eagerness to learn” as well as “their diverse backgrounds and creative mindsets.” Anyone watching these future professionals quickly adapt to new technologies and rapidly learn new

continued from page 24 continued on next page

While some may focus on how these youth came to need support in the first place, that’s not the mission of Next. Instead, Next works to provide the missing connections and help move young adults forward.

continued from previous page

skills sees the positive outcomes of the Next program in action.

For businesses considering hiring young adults, Perozzo shares, “Individuals from Next provide a valuable pool of talent from which you can potentially identify future full-time employees.” The experience provides additional opportunities to assess their skills, work ethic and cultural fit— valuable knowledge prior to hiring on a fulltime basis.

The Next Experience

A quick scroll through the Next social media comments will show you how much the experience and mentors resonate with participants. These accolades are likely due to the highly personalized services they received from the staff. Maglione describes the team as, “dedicated and passionate about helping young people determine their path, set their own education and career goals and reach them.” Hansen says, “We sit with them and have a conversation

Salmon Creek Office

• Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm

about what their goals and interests are and then we can help connect them with paid trainings.” This industry training includes opportunities in healthcare, technology or information technology, manufacturing, constructions, as well as transportation and logistics. Or, if the client discovers they want to complete a GED or pursue higher education, “We set them up for education,” continues Hansen. “[One] of our job[s] here is to help get them connected with colleges. We can bring in college partners and representatives, we can do college tours.” A common educational service is filling out the FAFSA form. However, “We tailor decisions for each young adult depending on what their need might be. That’s really a big thing with Next is to meet the young adult where they’re at because it could be so different for each of them that come through our doors.”

Next is far more than a starter job placement, or college readiness program. Next’s mission is to help young adults take

the steps needed to achieve a successful and fulfilling career. The team provides follow-ups and check-ins even after a client is hired. “I feel like especially with today’s young adults, they want something that’s meaningful and impactful, but we also want to correlate that with whether it’s sensible,” says Hansen. “Is it going to lead to a quality job and help you become self-sufficient in the long run?”

It’s that goal of long-term growth and success that helps Next stand out from other programs, and helps Southwest Washington set up our young adults for the future. Learn more about Next and all their services at nextsuccess.org.

Kate Hagan Gallup is a Vancouver mom, wife, writer, digital strategist and self-described geek. A University of Washington graduate with a master’s degree in information management, Kate is a widely published writer specializing in parenting, food and natural living. Find Kate at RipleyK8.com.

1 SATURDAY

Yacolt Rendezvous Days 2023 in Yacolt. Celebrate summer in Yacolt with activities all day July 1-2!

Wander Clark County Historic Walking Tours – Esther Short Neighborhood at Slocum House, 605 Esther St., Vancouver. From beautiful Craftsman homes to towering Gothic churches, the residential neighborhoods of Downtown Vancouver are full of wondrous sights and stories. This Saturday we’ll explore one of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhoods, Esther Short. Tickets $8 at cchmuseum.org. 9-11 am

Downtown Market and Street Fair in Downtown Ridgefield. Kick off a celebratory, patriotic weekend with Farmers Market, vendors and street sale. 9 am-2 pm

Metropolitan Performing Arts presents “Seussical Kids” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Free for the whole family, but space is limited so reserve your tickets in advance at metropolitanperformingarts.org.

11 am & 2 pm

Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. Open farm weekend, featuring Pomeroy’s historic grounds, farm animals, iSpy children’s activity, and local artisans. Admission is free, donations encouraged. 11 am-5 pm

Venardos Circus at Vancouver Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. Broadwaystyle animal-free circus “Let’s Build a Dream” tour. Tickets $16.95-$27.95 at venardoscircus. com. 11 am & 2 pm & 5 pm

Summer Fest Picnic in the Park at Fort Vancouver, 1501 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Live music, games, magicians, face painting, food and fun for the whole family. 11 am- 8 pm

La Center Saturdays in the Park Concert Series at Sternwheeler Park, 100 W 4th St., La Center. Enjoy live music in the

of events activities

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.

Sternwheeler Park amphitheater Saturdays through August 5. 5:30-8 pm

2 SUNDAY

Go 4th Festival at Lake Sacajawea Park, 1199 W Kessler Blvd., Longview. Carnival, food vendors, marketplace, live entertainment, cardboard boat regatta, parade, fun run and, of course, fireworks on the 4th! Full schedule at go4thfestival.com.

Yacolt Rendezvous Days 2023 in Yacolt. Celebrate summer in Yacolt with activities all day July 1-2!

Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm, See Jul 1 for details 11 am-5 pm

Venardos Circus at Vancouver Mall. See Jul for details. 11 am & 2 pm

3 MONDAY

Go 4th Festival at Lake Sacajawea Park, 1199 W Kessler Blvd., Longview. Carnival, food vendors, marketplace, live entertainment, cardboard boat regatta, parade, fun run and, of course, fireworks on the 4th! Full schedule at go4thfestival.com.

4 TUESDAY

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game at Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex (RORC), 3101 S Hillhurst Rd., Ridgefield. Tickets $8-$20 at ridgefieldraptors.com. 3 pm

4th of July Celebration at Port of CamasWashougal, 24 S A St., Washougal. Music starts at 6 pm, fireworks start at 10 am

Go 4th Festival at Lake Sacajawea Park, 1199 W Kessler Blvd., Longview. Carnival, food vendors, marketplace, live entertainment, cardboard boat regatta, parade, fun run and, of course, fireworks on the 4th! Full schedule at go4thfestival.com.

5 WEDNESDAY

Musicians in the Park at Overlook Park, 113131 S Main Ave., Ridgefield. A weekly series

Check out our website for even more local events.

of lunchtime performances by local musicians. 12-1:30 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 6:30 pm

6 THURSDAY

Reptileman at Hazel Dell Elementary, 511 NE Anderson Rd., Vancouver. Live reptile presentation! The Reptileman presents, entertains and teaches about reptiles with humor and patience. 11 am

Camas Concerts in the Park at Crown Park 120 NE 17th Ave., Camas. Toe tap your way into the 29th year of free Camas Concerts in the Park! All concerts are held Thursdays in July, rain or shine. 6:30 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 6:30 pm

Vancouver Waterfront Park Concert Series at Waterfront Park, Columbia Way and Esther Street, Vancouver. Free, family friendly outdoor concerts in the park Thursdays through August 10. 6:30 pm

7 FRIDAY

Family Fun Fridays with Camas Parks & Recreation and Columbia Play Project at Crown Park, 120 NE 17th Ave., Camas. Exploratory play, toys, giant bubbles, stomp rockets, chalk art and more.

11:30 am-1:30 pm

Vancouver’s Downtown Association First Friday Art Walk. Art, culture, food and more in Downtown Vancouver. Go to vdausa. org/first-Friday for an interactive map of participating organizations.

Friday Night Cruise In at Alderbrook Park, 24414 NE Westerholm Rd., Brush Prairie. Enjoy all kinds of cars, old and new, every Friday, all summer long. $5-$8 at the door. 4-8 pm

CCHMuseum AfterHours at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver.

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July 1-2, 2023

5K • 10K • Trail Challenge • 26.2M/50M R

July 15-16, 2023

• Olympic & Sprint Tri/Du/Aquabike/Paddle

• Off Road Sprint Tri/Du/Aquabike/Paddle

• Trail 5K & Half Marathon Benefiting Banks HS XC team/FGHS Dance team

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

REGISTER & DETAILS AT WHYRACINGEVENTS.COM

COOL TECHSHIRT, MEDAL AND ATHLETE GIFT! POST RACE FOOD AND BEER GARDEN

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

Have you ever wondered where the PNW’s love for hops and IPAs began? Or who was the first female riverboat captain on the Columbia? Have fun and meet others every First Friday while exploring our community’s history during Clark County Historical Museum’s #CCHMuseum AfterHours!

Each monthly event showcases a different theme with experiences such as pop-up exhibits, workshops, live performances, author readings, and more. 5-8 pm

Downtown Camas First Friday – Alice in Wonderland Style Camas Poker Tour & Game Night. Games, activities, after-hours shopping, dining, prizes, art show and more. 5-8 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 6:30 pm

Vancouver Friday Night Movies in the Parks. July 7: “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” at Bagley Community Park, 4607 Plomondon St., Vancouver. Movies begin at dusk, between 9-9:30 pm (exact time will vary due to weather conditions). Preshow activities start at 7 pm. All movies are family friendly and will be closed captioned. Restrooms are available. A few vendors may have snacks and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase in some locations. Attendees are welcome to bring their own pre-prepared food and picnic fare to

enjoy during the movie; smoking, alcohol and BBQs are not allowed in parks. 7 pm

8 SATURDAY

Downtown Alley Flea Market at Kindred Homestead Supply, 606 Main St., Vancouver. With over 30 vendors, support your local community of collectors, makers, movers and shakers. 9 am-4 pm

Wander Clark County Historic Walking Tours – Parkersville at Parkersville National Historic Site, 24 S A St., Washougal. Explore one of Clark County’s oldest incorporated communities, Parker’s Landing. Tickets $8 at cchmuseum.org. 9-11 am

Comedy for the Kids with Angel Ocasio / Comedia Para Los Niños con Angel Ocasio at La Center Community Library 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Rd., La Center. Nationally recognized as a top physical comedian in the Pacific Northwest, Angel Ocasio family entertainment combines physical comedy, magic, juggling, music and his unique style of comedy.

Conocido nacionalmente como el mejor comediante de físico en el Pacifico Noroeste, el entretenimiento familia de Angel Ocasio combina la comedia física, magia, malabarismo, música, y su estilo único de comedia. 10 am

Vancouver Elks Car Show at Vancouver Elks Lodge #823, 11605 SE McGillivray Blvd., Vancouver. Come admire cars of the past, meet the owners and enjoy lunch in the Elks’ big back yard! 10 am-3 pm

Vancouver USA Pride Saturday in the Park at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver. Open to the public—raffles, giveaways, entertainment, vendors and more! 10 am-5 pm

Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe at Overlook Park, 113-131 S Main Ave., Ridgefield. Go on a musical tour of the Pacific Islands! Paradise of Samoa is a fast paced and exciting dance troupe composed of youths and adults. This musical tour of Samoa, Hawaii, New Zealand and Tahiti is narrated with information on the islands, their cultures and dance performances in colorful and authentic handmade costumes. For all ages. 10:30 am

Talewise – Science Heroes: Saving the Earth Together at Washougal Community Library, 1661 C St., Washougal. Science and stories collide in this interactive STEM program. In this action-packed story, two unlikely heroes work together to save their town (and the planet) from a super-polluting mastermind. Throughout the adventure, volunteers help the performer conduct several

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Calendar of Events & Activities (cont'd)

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exciting science experiments that bring this story to life! For ages 3–11 and their families.

11 am

La Center Saturdays in the Park Concert Series See Jul 1 for details. 5:30-8 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 6:30 pm

9 SUNDAY

Gather Arts Market at Hockinson Community Center, 17912 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie. Makers, growers and artists convene for shoppers to find unique art, gifts and plants.

10 am-2 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 1 pm

Sunday Sounds Concert Series at Columbia Tech Center Park, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Free, family friendly concerts from some of the Pacific Northwest’s most talented artists. 6-8 pm

10 MONDAY

Hiroya Tsukamoto: Cinematic Guitar Poetry at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver

Enjoy the transcendent music of this Japanese-born fingerpicking guitarist.

5:30 pm

11 TUESDAY

Talewise – Science Heroes: Saving the Earth Together at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver

See Jul 8 for details. 9:30 am & 11 am

Museum of Curious Things at FVRLibraries. Mobile curiosity museum filled with oddities from around the world.

11 am-1 pm at Ridgefield Community Library, 210 N Main Ave., Ridgefield.

5-7 pm at Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE 8th Way, Battle Ground.

12 WEDNESDAY

Creature Teachers at La Center Community Library, 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Rd., La Center. Live reptiles and more! In an increasingly technological world, Creature Teachers aims to stir up a passion for our natural world. Meet the creatures and learn about conservation, saving wildlife and exotic pet responsibilities. Creature Teachers’ animal ambassadors include reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. 10 am

Comedy for the Kids with Angel Ocasio / Comedia Para Los Niños con Angel Ocasio at Woodland Community Library, 770 Park St, Woodland See Jul 8 for details. 10:30 am

Musicians in the Park. See Jul 5 for details. 12-1:30 pm

Science on Tap at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Amazing Adaptations: How Birds Cope with Hardships, a presentation by Dr. Jamie Cornelius. Tickets $15-$45 at kigginstheatre.com. 7-9 pm

13 THURSDAY

Camas Concerts in the Park. See Jul 6 for details. 6:30 pm

Vancouver Waterfront Park Concert Series. See Jul 6 for details. 6:30 pm

14 FRIDAY

Border Collie International Performance at Fallen Leaf Softball Field, 325 NE 23rd Ave., Camas. Join Camas Public Library for a performance by a team of rescued border collies to entertain and educate. 10:30 am

Ridgefield Community Library’s 2nd Birthday at Davis Park, Main Ave. and Mill St., Ridgefield. Special performers, art bar, bubble machines, balloons, a free book (for the kids), cookies and more. 12-2 pm

Friday Night Cruise In at Alderbrook Park. See Jul 7 for details. 4-8 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 6:30 pm

Vancouver Friday Night Movies in the Parks. July 14: “Jurassic World Dominion” at Columbia Tech Center Park, 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. See Jul 7 for details. 7 pm

15 SATURDAY

Wander Clark County Historic Walking Tours – Washougal Memorial Cemetery at 3329 Q St., Washougal. Hear the stories of the visionaries who built Washougal—their struggles and triumphs in building a new life for their families. Tickets $8 at cchmuseum. org. 9-11 am

Chayag En Familia – Andean Music, Culture and Dance at Vancouver Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. Enjoy this amazing performance as Chayag plays music and shares the stories and traditions of the Andean people and culture from whom they come. See unique dances, listen to unique instruments and learn the history and legends behind them, including the Indigenous, European, and African influences. For all ages. 11 am

La Center Saturdays in the Park Concert Series See Jul 1 for details. 5:30-8 pm

Metropolitan Performing Arts Community Theater presents “The Merry Wives

of Windsor” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Enjoy MPA’s annual summer Shakespeare touring show, plus their season announcement party. 6 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 6:30 pm

“Grease” Sing-a-long with the Denton Delinquents at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Enjoy the classic musical with a live shadow cast. Tickets $15 at kigginstheatre.com. 8 pm

16 SUNDAY

Wellness in the Park at Esther Short Park, Vancouver. Visit local gyms, healthcare and wellness providers in the park! Take an exercise class, listen to music and more. 8 am-4 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 1 pm

Metropolitan Performing Arts Community Theater presents “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” See Jul 15 for details. 6 pm

Sunday Sounds Concert Series. See Jul 9 for details. 6-8 pm

18 TUESDAY

Jugglemania at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver Hilarious physical comedy for family audiences, JuggleMania showcases juggling, magic, science, and feats of hilarity and dexterity. 9:30 am & 11 am

Comedy for the Kids with Angel Ocasio / Comedia Para Los Niños con Angel Ocasio at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver See Jul 8 for details. 6 pm

19 WEDNESDAY

Jugglemania at La Center Community Library 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Rd., La Center. See Jul 18 for details. 10 am

Musicians in the Park. See Jul 5 for details. 12-1:30 pm

20 THURSDAY

4 Days of Aloha at Clark College and Esther Short Park. Cultural workshops, live performances, art and food vendors, keiki (kids) zone, raffles, giveaways, 21+ beer garden and more, all celebrating Aloha in the Pacific Northwest! Full schedule at 4daysofaloha.com. 8 am-9:30 pm

Talewise – Science Heroes: Saving the Earth Together at Yale Valley Community Library, 11700 Lewis River Rd., Ariel. See Jul 8 for details. 10 am

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continued from previous page

Creature Teachers at Cascade Park Community Library 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. See Jul 12 for details. 11 am

Camas Concerts in the Park. See Jul 6 for details. 6:30 pm

Vancouver Waterfront Park Concert Series. See Jul 6 for details. 6:30 pm

History on Tap – Identity and the New Thought Philosophy at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Come raise a glass with Clark County Historical Museum and Kiggins Theatre as we explore the history of the Pacific Northwest. This month: a look at Alzamon Ira Lucas. Tickets $12-$18 at kigginstheatre.com. 7 pm

21 FRIDAY

4 Days of Aloha at Clark College and Esther Short Park. See Jul 20 for details. 8 am-9 pm

Camas Days in Downtown Camas. Festival, parade, arts vendors, food, live music and more. Full schedule at facebook.com/ camasdays. 12-11 pm

Friday Night Cruise In at Alderbrook Park. See Jul 7 for details. 4-8 pm

Vancouver Friday Night Movies in the Parks. July 21: “Coco” (Spanish subtitles) at Fruit Valley Park, 3200 Fruit Valley Rd., Vancouver. See Jul 7 for details. 7 pm

22 SATURDAY

Ride Around Clark County scenic bike ride. Starting at Bike Clark County, 1604 Main St., Vancouver. Multiple route options, plus food, music and beer at the end of the ride. Register at vbc-usa.com. 6 am

Wander Clark County Historic Walking Tours – Arnada Neighrborhood at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Explore one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, characterized by vintage homes, beautiful gardens and mature trees. Tickets $8 at cchmuseum.org. 9-11 am

4 Days of Aloha at Clark College and Esther Short Park. See Jul 20 for details. 10 am-10 pm

Comedy for the Kids with Angel Ocasio / Comedia Para Los Niños con Angel Ocasio at Overlook Park, 113-131 S Main Ave., Ridgefield. See Jul 8 for details. 10:30 am

Camas Days in Downtown Camas. See Jul 21 for details 11 am-11 pm

La Center Saturdays in the Park Concert Series See Jul 1 for details. 5:30-8 pm

Metropolitan Performing Arts Community Theater presents “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” See Jul 15 for details. 6 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 6:30 pm

23 SUNDAY

4 Days of Aloha at Clark College and Esther Short Park. See Jul 20 for details. 10 am-5 pm

Picnic in Color in Downtown Camas. Free family arts and crafts event: tie-dye activity, puppet show, fun with clay, painting station, colorful fitness with My Gym, DJ Linus and more. 11 am-4 pm

Book Fun in the Sun at Covington Historical House, 4201 Main St., Vancouver. Meet local authors, play games, enjoy food and prizes. Admission is free. 12-3 pm

Metropolitan Performing Arts Community Theater presents “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” See Jul 15 for details. 6 pm

Sunday Sounds Concert Series See Jul 9 for details. 6-8 pm

25 TUESDAY

Chayag En Familia – Andean Music, Culture and Dance at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver. See Jul 15 for details. 9:30 am & 11 am

Twilight Tuesday Nature Walk at Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. As the summer sun sets and the heat dissipates, movement begins along the water’s edge. Join a Water Center educator to explore the twilight in and around the Columbia River and its wetlands. Look for signs of animals, learn about plants, look for bats, and identify the twilight stars and planets that appear in the early evening sky. Advanced registration required at cityofvancouver.us. 7:30 pm

26 WEDNESDAY

Chayag En Familia – Andean Music, Culture and Dance at La Center Community Library, 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Rd, La Center. See Jul 15 for details. 10 am

Jugglemania at Woodland Community Library, 770 Park St, Woodland. See Jul 18 for details. 10:30 am

Musicians in the Park. See Jul 5 for details. 12-1:30 pm

27 THURSDAY

Camas Concerts in the Park. See Jul 6 for details. 6:30 pm

Vancouver Waterfront Park Concert Series. See Jul 6 for details. 6:30 pm

28 FRIDAY

Our Days Steamboat Celebration at Holley Park, 1000 E 4th St., La Center. Celebrate the community of La Center with a parade, movies in the park, car show, bingo and more! 2023 theme: Hollywood. Details at lacenterourdays.com.

Friday Night Cruise In at Alderbrook Park. See Jul 7 for details. 4-8 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 6:30 pm

Vancouver Friday Night Movies in the Parks. July 28: “Wakanda Forever” at LeRoy Haagen Park, NE 9th St., Vancouver. See Jul 7 for details. 7 pm

29 SATURDAY

Our Days Steamboat Celebration See Jul 28 for details.

Wander Clark County Historic Walking Tours – Downtown Camas at 4th and Adams, Camas. Started as a company town in 1883 for what would become the Papermakers, Camas is one of the few towns in Clark County that was designed and built with such a purpose in mind. Take a step back in time and learn of the businesses and residents that called this place home. Tickets $8 at cchmuseum.org. 9-11 am

Talewise – Science Heroes: Saving the Earth Together at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver See Jul 8 for details. 2 pm

La Center Saturdays in the Park Concert Series See Jul 1 for details. 5:30-8 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 6:30 pm

30 SUNDAY

Sunday Sounds Concert Series See Jul 9 for details. 6-8 pm

Ridgefield Raptors baseball home game. See Jul 4 for details. 6:30 pm

Vancouver Arts & Music Festival

August 4-6 in Vancouver, Washington

• Three days of world-class music, art, dance, food & fun!

Open to all ages!

• Diverse lineup of local artists, performers and GRAMMY winning musicians.

• Three outdoor stages in Esther Short Park and downtown Vancouver.

• Hands-on family activities including hip hop dance classes, an instrument petting zoo, a youth art show and an outdoor movie at Fort Vancouver.

Presented by

vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com