Vancouver Family Magazine May 2021

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Annual

SUMMER CAMP Guide

Year Round Fun in

Central Oregon

Fostering a

Freedom Loving

Child

Help Hopeful Parents

become a Family

Surrogates help hopeful parents become a family. If you are willing to carry a baby for a family in need, benefit packages range between $38,000 - $45,000. Surrogates must be between the ages of 23 - 39 and have previously carried a full, healthy pregnancy to term.

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360-254-7750 Open Monday - Friday, 8:00 to 5:00 Evening Urgent Care available Monday through Friday by appointment

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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contents

May '21

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FEATURE ARTICLES

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Summer Camp Guide Summer Camp Guide: Fun day camp options for ages 3 through teen.

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Fostering Cinnamon's Freedom One mom learns to help her foster daughter discover who she was meant to be.

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NW Getaway: Central Oregon From snowshoeing to kayaking, central Oregon has it all, all year round.

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IN EVERY ISSUE 6

Editor’s Notes

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Couve Scoop

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Mosaic Family Voyage The spring run up

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Calendar of Events & Activities

ON THE WEB • Surrogacy Stories • Local Business Spotlight: Tracie DeMars Free Home Buying and Selling Seminars • Attention Class of 2021: Enter for a chance to win a gift basket just for you!

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

It’s your moment.

The moment you decide to start a family, your journey to parenthood begins.

PeaceHealth is here for every moment along the way.

The first step is choosing an obstetrician as your pregnancy partner. Nathan Amrine, MD, is our newest PeaceHealth OBGYN team member.

Partnering with Dr. Amrine means compassionate care and peace of mind knowing your bundle of joy will be delivered at PeaceHealth Family Birth Center – named one of the best maternity hospitals in the U.S. by Newsweek magazine two years in a row.

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

Nathan Amrine, MD PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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Photo by Scarlette Richards

EDITOR'S NOTES

“When You Lift Up Women, You Lift Up Humanity” Around the world, the health of women impacts the health of entire communities. In her book, “The Moment of Lift” (Flatiron Books, 2019), Melinda Gates compares the takeoff of a rocket (the moment of lift) to the action of empowering women around the world. “As I’ve traveled the world for twenty years doing the work of the foundation I co-founded with my husband, Bill,” she writes, “I’ve wondered: How can we summon a moment of lift for human beings—and especially for women? Because when you lift up women, you lift up humanity. And how can we create a moment of lift in human hearts so that we all want to lift up women?

Because sometimes all that’s needed to lift women up is to stop pulling them down.” Her book goes on to begin to answer these

www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com

Volume 20, Issue 5 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

Ad Designer

Philip Nerat addesign@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Rachel Messerschmidt, Muyoka Mwarabu

questions by addressing some of the critical pieces to empowering women worldwide: improving maternal and newborn health, making family planning widely available, educating girls, creating familyfriendly workplaces and more. When these issues are approached with compassion, caring and sometimes a fresh perspective, true transformation can take place. “Women must leave the margins,” Gates concludes, “and take our place—not above men or below them, but beside them—at the center of society, adding our voices and

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sales@vancouverfamilymagazine.com Vancouver Family Magazine is published monthly by Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC Address: PO Box 820264 Vancouver, WA 98682 Tel: 360-882-7762 Copyright 2002-2021. All rights reserved.

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

making decisions we are qualified and entitled to make.”

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this month, let’s take the time to honor the many kinds of mothers in our lives, and do all we can to lift them up, and the rest of our community with them.

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.

In this issue, read as one local mom shares her experience fostering freedom in her teen foster daughter (page 20), discover year round family fun in Central Oregon (page 24), and find fantastic summer camp options for ages 3 through teen (page 12).

Nikki Klock, Editor nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

On the Cover:

Evelynn (4) and Emery (7) are sister & brother and live in Vancouver. Evelynn enjoys ballet, makeup and painting.

Emery loves strawberries, art and riding scooters. This photo was taken at Lux Rae Loft Studio in Battle Ground by their photographer mother, Justine Hebblethwaite of Grow + Bloom PNW Photography.

Photo by GrowandBloomPNW.com IG @growandbloompnw FB @growandbloomPNW

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

Make their dreams reality Washington College Savings Plans Can help you prepare for your student’s dreams.

Enroll in GET by May 31 DreamAhead open year-round

Learn more at wastate529.wa.gov GET and DreamAhead are qualified tuition programs sponsored and distributed by the State of Washington. The Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment and College Savings administers and the Washington Student Achievement Council supports the plans.

DreamAhead investment returns are not guaranteed and you could Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • Maylose 2021 money by investing in the plan. If in-state tuition decreases in the future, GET tuition units may lose value.

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MAY 2021

Dozer Day is Back with a Brand New Drive-Thru Experience!

The Nutter Foundation is excited to announce that its signature event has been reimagined for 2021 and will be featured as a drive-thru experience for the entire family! With exciting, earth-moving displays, 2021 Dozer Day® Drive-Thru will feature lots of heavy construction equipment, public safety messaging, fun contests, sponsor giveaways and much more offered within careful health/safety protocols. Event attendees will feel like their family car has landed in the middle of an active construction zone as they wind through displays of both static and “in-action” machines.

QR codes in the event program will connect participants directly to pre-recorded messages and videos about the equipment on display, safety messaging and construction-industry operations and careers.

Dozer Day ® Drive Thru May 15-16, 2021, 9 am - 4 pm Clark County Fairgrounds, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield, WA 98642 Tickets: $35 per vehicle More info, including ticket sales at

vancouver.dozerday.org

Local Therapist and Local Educator Combine Forces to Create Children’s Book for Mindfulness

Clark County Builder Tackles Childhood Cancer through the Building of a St. Jude Home

Macey, now a healthy middle schooler, was treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Photo courtesy of her mom, Courtney.

When Tony Marnella of Marnella Homes was approached with the idea of building a St. Jude Dream Home Showplace house, he didn’t hesitate before saying “Yes!” As a cancer survivor himself, Tony is passionate about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital because it is one of the only institutions that offers care at no-cost to the family. At St. Jude, no family receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food, because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

Jude Dream Home Showplace being built

by Marnella Homes.

As one of the first Showplace homes in the Pacific Northwest, the goal is to donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the home to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support their mission: Finding Cures. Saving Children.

Marnella Homes has spearheaded the appeals for donations of labor, materials, and/or services with the assistance of the Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA).

Macey is a local St. Jude patient.

Diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, called a Craniopharyngioma, at just 5 years old, she underwent initial surgery at Doernbecher. But when the tumor returned just eighteen months later, her parents turned to St. Jude, where doctors see her type of tumor on a regular basis—more cases than anywhere else in the world.

Macey’s mom Courtney says that when she reached out, the oncologist called her back within minutes. They quickly made arrangements to get Macey and her mom to Memphis, where Macey was treated with proton beam radiation. The hospital is home to the only proton beam radiation machine calibrated especially for children.

Macey is now a happy, healthy 7th- grader here in Clark County. Her family is excited to see support for St. Jude in their home community through projects like the St.

“The Sedona” is a Southwestern inspired, net-zero, 3-bedroom 2.5 bath, 2,827 square foot home. Individuals interested in purchasing this home and supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital should attend the NW Natural Parade of Homes, to be held September 10-26, 2021 and/ or contact Marnella Homes at 503-6546642.

The BIA is proud to report the following members are among some of the top donors to-date: All County Plumbing 100% donated plumbing installation Breaking Ground Excavation 100% donated sitework Gale Contractor Services 100% donated insulation James Hardie with assistance from FiberMount 100% donated siding materials NW Custom Electric Donation of electric labor Willamette Carpentry 100% donated trim labor Trade partners interested in assisting in the build of the home should visit www. marnellahomes.com/stjude to make a donation or contact Marnella Homes at 503-654-6642 to provide more assistance.

Friends and fellow mothers, Jocelyn Fitzgerald, a board certified art therapist, and Heather McClelland, a public school behavior intervention teacher, had already tossed around the idea of combining mindfulness and art in schools prior to the onset of COVID-19. But when the added anxiety and stress on kids of dealing with a worldwide pandemic became clear, the two Clark County women accelerated their efforts to publish a book designed to guide children in breathing and body awareness through deliberate text and colorful illustrations, plus “art recipes”—simple art activities kids can do to develop skills for managing stress and expand imagination. “Colorful Place: Mindful Story and Art for Kids” was released in January 2021. “We hope that this book creates a pause, a cozy connection between adults and children, and starts teaching kids a new way to manage stress,” says Fitzgerald. Find “Colorful Place” on Amazon or at breatheartcalm.com.

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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MOSAIC FAMILY VOYAGE

ing Run Up r p S e Th

By Rachel Messerschmidt All photos courtesy of the author.

At the beginning of April,

after months tied to the dock during our harsh Pacific Northwest winter, we brought our sailboat, Mosaic, back to life like a bear coming out of hibernation.

The tarps came off. The lines and rigging were cleaned and inspected for any wintertime damage. The deck and cockpit were washed. More than a month’s worth of provisions purchased, catalogued and painstakingly stashed into the boat’s nooks and crannies. The dinghy, lovingly named “Tile,” was dropped back into the water to once again serve her purpose as our primary means of getting to shore.

On top of our normal springtime routine, we also had to manage a plethora of larger improvement projects. These projects will improve life at anchor for us this summer as we sail and explore here in the Puget Sound, but they’re also essential projects for safety this autumn when we take the boat back out onto the Pacific Ocean and sail down the west coast to California and then onward to Mexico.

First and foremost, we worked with my brother for months to design and fabricate a new stainless steel support tower for our solar panel array and radar dome. This new tower allowed us to double our solar intake which should make us completely power independent. Power is life aboard a sailboat, so this was a big deal.

Along with the installation of the new tower, though, came a whole heap of work. We had to build supports for the new solar array, install the panels and run the wiring. It was the same story with the radar dome, too.

We also hired a rigger in Olympia to inspect our standing rigging— all the various cables that hold the mast up on the boat. Our forestay, the furthest forward cable holding up the mast, had to be measured precisely and replaced due to a previously discovered flaw. We need all of those cables to be rock-solid reliable and able to handle anything that the Pacific Ocean throws at us this fall. continued on next page

Photos: Page 10, top: The solar panel support frame during installation aboard the author’s 40-foot sailboat, Mosaic.

Bottom: The author's two children, Kali (6) and Evan (11), enjoy life on the water.

Page 11: Installation complete! The author's sailboat now boasts 640 watts of solar power capture ability which allows the family full power independence.

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

Archer. Nature lover.

Pediatric psychologist.

Meet Andrew tvc.org/meet-andrew continued from previous page

Besides these big, critical projects, we also spent weeks before leaving the marina working on dozens of smaller side projects to prep the boat, on top of both of us working full time jobs and homeschooling the kids. It was an insanely busy run up to leaving the marina. I don’t know how many nights we were late serving dinner because we’d been delayed by that day’s project problems.

But it’s all worth it when we get to share the adventures that we do with our children. This life is amazing, but it takes a lot of hard work and maintenance of the boat to keep it all running smoothly.

Living aboard a boat, sitting directly on the water and feeling the immediate effects of each change in the weather, current, and tide . . . it’s a connection to the earth unlike anything I’ve ever known before. Being grounded to the earth in this way is wholly aweinspiring. It’s a love that I know I want to pass on to my children, and that continues to grow as we prepare for our upcoming adventures.

Rachel Messerschmidt and her family are Clark County natives currently living and cruising full time aboard their sailboat, Mosaic, in the Pacific Northwest, and preparing to leave for Mexico in August or September of this year. Rachel blogs about her life and journey at www. mosaicvoyage.com and shares her family’s adventures in a monthly column in Vancouver Family Magazine.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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Feature: Summer Camp Guide 2021

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Liz Borromeo Dance Summer Session 2021 Location: 404 East Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98660 (The Cottage at Providence Academy) Phone: 360-281-3280 Website: lizborromeodance.com Ages: 3 to adult Days/Times: July 5-August 13 (see website for weekly schedule) Cost: See website for tuition rates

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Liz Borromeo Dance: Dance & Art Explorations Location: 404 East Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98660 (The Cottage at Providence Academy) Phone: 360-218-3280 Website: lizborromeodance.com Ages: 5+ Days/Times: June 28-July 2, MondayFriday, 9 am-1 pm Cost: $230 Description: At this year’s dance camp, we’ll be learning about great artists and art through the centuries as we explore dance and its connection to visual art.

Each day will be full of dance technique, stories, dancing games, social time, art projects and lots of fun. On our last day, we will share our gallery of art works as well as dances inspired by our theme.

Description: We are excited to offer a range of classes during our six-week session this year. Ballet, Modern Dance, Creative Dance, Tap and much more!

We have classes available for all ages and levels of experience.

Columbia Dance Superhero Training Camp Location: 1700 Broadway St., Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98663 Phone: 360-737-1922 Website: columbiadance.org Ages: 3-6 Days/Times: July 12-16, Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Calling all imaginations! We need new recruits to protect Vancouver and uphold the values of the famous superheroes we love! In our Superhero Training Camp, kids will learn about a special superhero characteristic each day. We will get physical with stretching, dancing, and lots of exercise. We’ll play games that encourage teamwork, perseverance and fairness. Crafts and snack time won’t be forgotten!

Enroll today for a fantastic week of fun!

Columbia Dance Level 1 & 2 Intensive Location: 1700 Broadway St., Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98663 Phone: 360-737-1922 Website: columbiadance.org Ages: 7-9 Days/Times: July 12-16, Monday-Friday, 9:15 am-1 pm Cost: $215 Description: Make new friends, but keep the old! Our Level 1 & 2 Intensive will most certainly improve your ballet training by leaps and bounds. It will also introduce you to some new friends – jazz and Nutcracker

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Make camps a part of your family’s summer this year! Check out our complete guide for kids and teens ages 3 and up. Camps are listed in chronological order within categories.

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rehearsal! Each morning will start with ballet technique class. Five back-to-back days of ballet will have you feeling like you made real progress and mastered some new details. Then it’s on to jazz class and rehearsal where we will explore musicality and movement phrases.

Riverside Performing Arts Puppy Patrol Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 3-5 Days/Times: July 12-16, Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Woof! Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini hip hop production of Puppy Patrol! Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show. The last day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes. Come learn about the performing arts with experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts Spy Squad Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8 Days/Times: July 12-16, Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini hip hop production.

Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great

introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show.

The last day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes. Come learn about the performing arts with experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp!

Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Columbia Dance Ocean Adventure Camp Location: 1700 Broadway St., Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98663 Phone: 360-737-1922 Website: columbiadance.org Ages: 3-6 Days/Times: July 19-23, Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Let’s dive into dance this summer! From pirates and mermaids to dolphins and sharks, join us for some wild adventures in an imaginary sea.

We will dance through the ocean and explore the shore. Grab your friends by the fins and swim on over to Columbia Dance!

Riverside Performing Arts Royal Ball Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 3-5 Days/Times: July 19-23, Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini ballet production of the Royal Ball!

Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show.

The last day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes. Come learn about the performing arts with continued on page 14

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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VISIT cityofvancouver.us/camps Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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Feature: Summer Camp Guide 2021 (cont’d) continued from page 12

Riverside Performing Arts PJ Tumblers Dance Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 3-5

Riverside Performing Arts Hip Hop World Tour Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 3-5 Days/Times: August 2-6, MondayFriday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Hip Hop World Tour is back by popular demand! Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini hip hop production of the themes below. Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show. The last

Riverside Performing Arts Music Video Pop Star Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8 Days/Times: August 2-6, Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini hip hop & singing production as a Pop Video Music Star. Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show. The last day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes. Come learn about the performing arts with experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts Tappy Feet Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 3-5 Days/Times: August 9-13, MondayFriday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini tap dance production. Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show. The last day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes. Come learn about the performing arts with experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts Tappy Feet Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8

Days/Times: August 9-13, MondayFriday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini tap dance production. Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show. The last day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes. Come learn about the performing arts with experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts Ice Queen Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 3-5 Days/Times: August 16-20, MondayFriday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Ah-ah-Ah-ah! Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini ballet production of the Ice Queen! Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show. The last day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes. Come learn about the performing arts with experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

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Riverside Performing Arts Superheroes in Training Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8 Days/Times: July 26-30, Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Look, up in the air! Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini acro-dance production about Superheroes in Training! Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show. The last day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes.

Come learn about the performing arts with experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes. Come learn about the performing arts with experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

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Riverside Performing Arts Dragons, Unicorns & Fairies Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8 Days/Times: July 19-23, Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini ballet production about Dragons, Unicorns and Fairies! Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show. The last day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes. Come learn about the performing arts with experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Days/Times: July 26-30, Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini acro-dance production of PJ Tumblers! Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show. The last day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes.

Come learn about the performing arts with experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM

by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

JUST

experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp!

Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Camp Hope of Southwest Washington Outdoor Discovery Day Camp Location: 12800 NE Roper Rd, Battle Ground, WA 98604 Phone: 360-666-9136 Website: camphope-wa.org Ages: 10-17 Days/Times: Monthly, March-November - Please see website for camp dates and times.

Cost: $40/Camper - $30/Camper Family & Discount Rate - Scholarships Available!

Description: Come Experience. . .

History Challenge Course, Nature Walks & Hiking, Horseback Riding, Orienteercontinued on page 16

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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VA N C O U V E R T E N N I S C E N T E R

Summer Junior Tennis Camps June 21 - August 27 / Monday-Friday / 1 Week Sessions Morning and Afternoon Times Available Ages 5-18, Prices begin at $144 per session Keep your child active this summer by enrolling them in one of our summer tennis camps! Tennis is a lifelong sport that fosters mental, physical, and emotional growth, especially in children. Players will learn agility, balance, and coordination while receiving instruction on tennis technique and fundamentals. All in a positive and fun enviornment. All equipment is provided.

Learn more and register: www.pnwtenniscenters.com/vancouver/vfm vancouvertc @vancouver_tc Vancouver Tennis Center 360-773-5038 | vtc@pnw.usta.com 5300 E 18th St. Vancouver, WA 98661

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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Feature: Summer Camp Guide 2021 (cont’d) continued from page 14

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Vancouver Tennis Center Green Ball 1.0 Junior Tennis Camp Location: Vancouver Tennis Center, 5300 E 18th St., Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: 360-773-5038 Website: PNWTennis Centers.com/Vancouver Ages: 10-13 Days/Times: Weekly from June 21August 27, 9-11 am and/or 11:30 am-1:30 pm Cost: $156/week Description: Players will focus on learning the fundamentals of tennis strokes and will learn the basics of keeping score and rallying.

Vancouver Tennis Center High School 1.0 - 3.0 Junior Tennis Camp Location: Vancouver Location: Vancouver Tennis Center, 5300 E 18th St., Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: 360-773-5038 Website: PNWTennisCenters. com/Vancouver Ages: 14-18 Days/Times: Weekly from June 21-August 27, 2-4 pm Cost: $180/week Description: For high school students from beginners to Varsity. Players will focus on all aspects of being a successful high school player.

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National Inventors Hall of Fame Camp Invention – Recharge!

Location: Site TBA (Vancouver Elementary School) Phone: 360-624-5152 Website: campinvention.org Ages: K-6 Days/Times: July 12-16, 9 am-3:30 pm Cost: $265 - discounts and scholarships available Description: Spark your kid’s creativity and confidence at Camp Invention® this summer! At a Vancouver Elementary School during the week of July 12-16, campers in grades K-6 will team up to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. In the Recharge program, children will take apart their own microphone, explore solar powered crickets and create duck-launching devices. The week is designed to give your young innovator an unforgettable summer experience!

Social distancing and sanitization practices will be upheld.

fundamentals and proper technique of each tennis stroke.

FITNESS PS AM C

Kids Club Fun & Fitness Kinder Camp Location: 13914 NW 3rd Ct., Vancouver, WA 98685 Phone: 360-546-5437 Website: kidsclub4fun.com Ages: 4-6 Days/Times: Monday-Friday, 7:45 am3 pm / Half-day options available Cost: $225/week Description: Our Kids Club Kinder Camp is a great opportunity for your little one to prepare for school! All our games and activities are meant to practice motor skills, teamwork, sportsmanship; all of

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Kids Club Fun & Fitness Day Camp Location: 13914 NW 3rd Ct., Vancouver, WA 98685 Phone: 360-546-5437 Website: kidsclub4fun.com Ages: 7-11 Days/Times: Monday-Friday, 7:45 am3 pm Cost: $225/week Description: Our Kids Club Day Camp is packed full of games, activities and crafts to keep your kiddo busy all summer long! Each week is dedicated to a special theme and all our activities will follow that theme. Each morning will begin with an academic morning activity and every day after lunch we will participate in our Kids Club Summer Reading Bingo Challenge, to try to prevent that summer slide. Our activities rotate every 30-45 minutes. Join us for a fun-filled summer!

which are important for school! We kick off every morning and afternoon with an academic activity to get the kids excited for the theme as well as help them grow and learn while they are at Camp.

While playing games, we will practice our teamwork and sportsmanship. Arts & crafts will help your little one practice their motor skills by practicing drawing and using scissors and glue.

SPORTS

ing, Archery, Arts & Drafts Projects, Woodworking, Outdoor Survivor Skills & Team Building, Scavenger Hunts, Fire Starting, Caving, Plant Identification, Games, Making New Friends & Memories. (Different Workshops Monthly) Snacks & Lunch Provided

Vancouver Tennis Center Red Ball 1.0 and Orange Ball 1.0 Junior Tennis Camps Location: Vancouver Tennis Center, 5300 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: 360-773-5038 Website: PNWTennisCenters. com/Vancouver Ages: 5-10 Days/Times: Weekly from June 21-August 27, 9-11 am and/or 11:30 am-1:30 pm Cost: $144-$156/week Description: For beginners ages 5-10, learn to play tennis with age-appropriate balls, racquets and nets! Focus is on the ABCs of tennis (agility, balance and coordination) and the

Metropolitan Performing Arts 2-Week Musical Theater Intensive: Winnie the Pooh KIDS Location: Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: 360-975-1585 Website: MetropolitanPerformingArts.org Ages: 6-12 Days/Times: June 21-July 2, MondayFriday, 9 am-3 pm, Performances July 2 & July 3 Cost: $600 Description: Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit and Owl, but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As

they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship and, of course... sharing snacks. This musical theater intensive is designed for beginning and intermediate performers! Spend two weeks immersing yourself into music, dance, and acting rehearsals. Camp ends with 3 fully staged performances on July 2 and 3! Daily activities include theater games, rehearsals, and opportunities to learn/help with set design, painting, props, lighting, costuming and more!

Metropolitan Performing Arts 3-Week Musical Theater Intensive: Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure Location: Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: 360-975-1585 Website: MetropolitanPerformingArts.org Ages: 8-18 Days/Times: July 5-23, Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm. Performances July 23, July 24 & July 25 Cost: $900 Description: How can you march to the beat of your own drummer when you’re still writing the song? Everyone’s search for one’s authentic self is at the heart of Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure. Carroll’s beloved, poetic tale of self-actualization is brought to life by a cast of actors/musicians who create an eclectic, live rock soundtrack as 7-1/2-year-old Alice searches for her own inner musical voice. Along the way, Alice faces challenges and fears, but she meets the ultimate test in the form of the Jabberwocky, an insidious monster made up of the dark thoughts and self-doubt that lurks inside us all.

In learning to believe in the impossible, Alice learns to believe in herself.

Throughout her journey, the actors surround Alice in a live musical tapestry ranging from classic rock to punk to ska and even a little bit of Bollywood.

Rock concert meets live theatre as Alice continued on page 18

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

YO YOU

PUT THE

IN BE SPONTANEOUS Small detours. Little adventures.

Time to yourself. A day out and about. Impulse stroll. Shopping around. Dining out. Quick trips turned into hours of fun.

ShopVancouverMall.com 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, Vancouver, WA 98662 Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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Feature: Summer Camp Guide 2021 (cont’d) continued from page 16 reflects the vulnerabilities of all kids and then confidently finds her own inner voice. This musical theater intensive is designed for intermediate and advanced performers! Per the nature of the show there will be a ton of dancing. Also, performances will be with a live band!

Spend 3 weeks immersing yourself into music, dance, and acting rehearsals. Camp ends with 5 fully staged performances on July 23, 24 and 25!

Daily activities include theater games, rehearsals, and opportunities to learn/ help with set design, painting, props, lighting, costuming and more!

Riverside Performing Arts The Not So Mysterious Disappearance of Cinderella Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8 Days/Times: July 12-16, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm Cost: $180 Description: Alas don’t stop performing because it’s the summer! Join Riverside Performing Arts for a summer of performing! You’ll put on a play called “The Not So Mysterious Disappearance of Cinderella”, with costumes, props, a lighthearted script, stage lights, and friends! Family and friends are invited on the last day of camp to watch the performance! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts The Land of Stories Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 9+ Days/Times: July 12-23, Monday-Friday, 10 am-12 pm Cost: $225 Description: Don’t stop performing because it’s the summer! Join Riverside Performing Arts for a summer of performing! You’ll put on a play entitled “The Land of Stories” with costumes, props, a lighthearted script, stage lights, and friends! Family and friends are invited on the last day of camp to watch the performance! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts Who Kidnapped the Alien from Area 51?

Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8 Days/Times: July 19-23, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm Cost: $180 Description: UFO just sighted! Join Riverside Performing Arts for a summer of performing! You’ll put on a play

with costumes, props, a lighthearted script, stage lights, and friends! Family and friends are invited on the last day of camp to watch the performance! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp!

Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts Dragon Troubles Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8 Days/Times: July 26-30, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm Cost: $180 Description: Do you have a pet dragon?

Join Riverside Performing Arts for a summer of performing! You’ll put on a play called “Dragon Troubles” with costumes, props, a lighthearted script, stage lights, and friends! Family and friends are invited on the last day of camp to watch the performance! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp!

Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts Wizard School Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 9+ Days/Times: July 26-August 6, Monday-Friday, 10 am-12 pm Cost: $225 Description: Don’t stop performing because it’s the summer! Join Riverside Performing Arts for a summer of performing! You’ll put on a play called “Wizard School” with costumes, props, a lighthearted script, stage lights, and friends! Family and friends are invited on the last day of camp to watch the performance! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Metropolitan Performing Arts Harry Potter Acting Camp Location: Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: 360-975-1585 Website: MetropolitanPerformingArts. org Ages: 7-18 Days/Times: August 2-6, MondayFriday, 9 am-12pm OR August 9-13, Monday-Friday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $150 Description: School is in at the MPA

School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

Come get sorted and explore the magical world of acting by creating scenes inspired by the Harry Potter universe. The week will surely make the front page of the Daily Prophet!

Camp includes theater games, acting exercises, wizarding themed crafts and quidditch! Family members are invited to an outdoor scene performance on the last day of camp at 3 pm. Masks required!

Metropolitan Performing Arts Wizard Magic School LARP Camp Location: Metropolitan Performing Arts, 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: 360-975-1585 Website: MetropolitanPerformingArts.org Ages: 11-18 Days/Times: August 2-13, MondayFriday, 5-9 pm Cost: $300 Description: The owl post is in! Sign up to receive your acceptance letter. Live out your fantasy of being a wizard in magic school. (It’s kind of like being in your own movie, only you are the main character in your own story.) Be sorted into one of the four houses. Study ancient runes, potions, charms, care of magical creatures, transfiguration, defense against the dark arts, divination and more! Attend the sorting ceremony feast (first night of camp) and wizard ball (last night of camp). Join clubs like the Basilisk Belters, Gobstones or Art. Play magical sports like quidditch. Engage in discussions, study, socialize, stir up shenanigans or stay out of trouble.

Make a difference in the story’s outcome with the decisions you make! Every day is a new adventure at wizarding school.

Returning students will experience a totally new curriculum with their grade.

Riverside Performing Arts Alice In Wonderland Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8 Days/Times: August 2-6, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm Cost: $180 Description: There’s no place like RPA! Don’t stop performing because it’s the summer! Join Riverside Performing Arts for a summer of performing! You’ll put on the play “Alice in Wonderland”, with costumes, props, a lighthearted script, stage lights, and friends! Family and friends are invited on the last day of camp to watch the performance! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 continued on next page

18

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts Wizard of Oz Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8 Days/Times: August 9-13, MondayFriday, 1-4 pm Cost: $180 Description: There’s no place like RPA camp! Join Riverside Performing Arts for a summer of performing! You’ll put on the play “Wizard of Oz”, with costumes, props, a lighthearted script, stage lights, and friends! Family and friends are invited on the last day of camp to watch the performance! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts Superhero Support Group Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 9+ Days/Times: August 9-20, MondayFriday, 10 am-12 pm

Cost: $225 Description: Heroes need help too sometimes! Don’t stop performing because it’s the summer! Join Riverside Performing Arts for a summer of performing! You’ll put on a play called “Superhero Support Group”, with costumes, props, a lighthearted script, stage lights, and friends! Family and friends are invited on the last day of camp to watch the performance! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts The Pint Sized Pirate Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8 Days/Times: August 16-20, MondayFriday, 1-4 pm Cost: $180 Description: Arg me matey! Don’t stop performing because it’s the summer!

Join Riverside Performing Arts for a summer of performing! You’ll put on a play called “The Pint Sized Pirates”, with costumes, props, a lighthearted script, stage lights, and friends! Family and friends are invited on the last day

of camp to watch the performance! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp!

Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Riverside Performing Arts Ice Queen Location: 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: 360-694-8662 Website: riversidepa.com/summer Ages: 6-8 Days/Times: August 16-20, MondayFriday, 9 am-12 pm Cost: $180 Description: Ah-ah-Ah-ah! Dance, sing, and play in a world of make believe as you learn a mini ballet production of Ice Queen! Children will sing, dance, dress up and create a themed craft each day. A great introduction to the performing arts and what it takes to put on a wonderful show. The last day of camp will be a small in-studio performance for family and friends in the final 15 minutes. Come learn about the performing arts with experienced and professional instructors! *Mention this listing in VFM by May 30 and get a $15 discount on any camp! Multiple camp & family discounts apply.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

19

Feature: Fostering Cinnamon’s Freedom

ALBERT EINSTEIN. I had just given my 16-year-old foster kid, Cinnamon (not her real name), a personality test and I was thrilled. It said she had the same personality as Albert Einstein—a deep thinker, able to solve complex problems. I felt like I had discovered a golden nugget everyone else had overlooked. My mind went into overdrive: booking a tutor, finding out about early college admittance, giving her her own room to have space to quantify the universe. Cinnamon regarded the personality test with much less enthusiasm, then asked if we could go to McDonald’s.

Fostering

Cinnamon’s FREEDOM

By Muyoka Mwarabu

Photos: Left/top: The author, her daughter, and Cinnamon at Union Street Bridge in Salem.

Right/bottom: The author and Cinnamon making chapatis, an African food, on New Year’s Eve. Photos courtesy of the author

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After a summer of changing diapers, I had asked the Department of Child and Family Services for a 16-year-old girl. I had made a master plan. For the next two years, I would teach her everything I had learned in corporate America and help her get to college. In exchange, I would get more help around the house with cleaning and cooking. The department flooded my inbox, and I painstakingly read through each profile. I picked Cinnamon because of her story. She should have entered foster care three years earlier, when her sister did, but she had stayed loyal to her sick mom. She had been left behind to endure more, and then entered into a system that highly favored younger children. When I called to speak with her on the phone, she said, “I don’t eat that much, so if you let me come to your house, you won’t have to buy that much more.” I called her social worker and said yes.

A week later a 5’4” bundle was dropped at my door.

I had read books on teenagers and the social worker had given me

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

pamphlets, but the real thing was different.

At the park, Cinnamon didn’t play on the structures with the other kids. Instead, she would sit next to me and tell me stories about her life. She was easy to talk to, humble and absolutely hilarious. Her life had not been easy, but she had this inner strength and beautiful personality that had withstood a harsh environment. She was beautiful on the outside too. Strangers frequently stopped us to tell her how beautiful she was. So it didn’t take long for the boys to come calling.

One day she told me she had met a guy on the internet and wanted to meet him in person. Rico Suave had offered to take her to a Ramen restaurant after hearing that I forbid Top Ramen in my house. I saw his game from a mile away and wanted to lock her in her room till she was 18. But, locking a kid in their room until 18 was apparently against DCYF protocol, so I compromised.

I needed his home address, parent’s phone number and high school transcript. Rico Suave showed up with my requests and flowers. Letting her go was nerve racking.

I sat on the couch for the next three hours completely restless. She was supposed to be home by 8 p.m. When the clock hit continued on page 22

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

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Feature: Feature: Fostering Cinnamon’s Freedom (cont'd) continued from page 20

8:30, I considered reporting her missing but didn’t think law enforcement would take me seriously. Cinnamon strolled in at 8:35 saying her phone had died. I took her phone and told her to go to her room with no intention of ever letting her out again.

Of course, I did let her out, and as the months rolled on, we started to bond and the good memories that make all the hard work worthwhile started to happen. One time my 9-year-old daughter and I were playing a game of Memory in the hallway before bed and I invited Cinnamon to join us. Cinnamon refused. I told her, “You can be here, or you can be square,” and she said, “I’ll be square.” My daughter’s and my mouths both dropped in shock—no one had ever chosen to be square before.

Cinnamon started laughing, seeing our mock fear in her life choices, and then we all started to laugh. Cinnamon left the safety of her room, removed her teenage “I-don’t-care” armor and joined us in the hallway for one quick game of childhood innocence before bedtime.

Soon enough the school year started and Cinnamon set about her studies. My plan with getting Cinnamon to Harvard was rolling along quite nicely. There was just one problem. Cinnamon did not want my plan for her life. She would be mowing the lawn while I trimmed the bushes, and she would start singing “We shall overcome.”

Cinnamon’s history teacher gave the

class an assignment asking if the U.S. was now a fairer place to live than in the past. Cinnamon wrote an essay likening the foster care system to slavery; she was Harriet Tubman and slavery had not been abolished in 1865. She wrote that as a teenager she had spent time in a juvenile facility when she had done nothing wrong, while a younger white kid who was in foster care would never experience that. She wrote about her long list of chores and how she didn’t have a choice. I thought back to the Facebook foster page where every day kids were posted and families picked out who they wanted to join their home. All the foster parents I knew were great people who were passionate about helping kids, but Cinnamon’s essay was touching on a deep human need: the right to choose and to have freedom. As healthy for her as my spinach broccoli smoothies were, she missed the fresh baked cinnamon cookies her mom used to make for her.

Cinnamon would wake up every morning and sit at a table for eight hours of online school, then spend two hours with a tutor.

She was so restless at that table, confined to a life that wasn’t organic to her true spirit.

Cinnamon had arrived at my house with a 1.5 GPA, due in part to multiple bouts of homelessness. The Albert Einstein personality test results had given me the deep-seated belief that Cinnamon could

achieve, but hadn’t had the opportunity. But as we sat at that table for hours graphing equations, Cinnamon’s heart wasn’t there.

One day Cinnamon dropped a note on my desk while I was on a conference call. It said, “I don’t like school.” She might as well have told me she did drugs. I was devastated. I felt like my dream of cheering her on as she walked across the stage at Harvard was being suctioned from my hands. That dream was the reason I had wanted to foster.

I had picked Cinnamon like a puzzle piece to fit into my life—someone I could teach to be successful in corporate America, who could help with the cooking and cleaning, who could be a big sister to my daughter. But Cinnamon was not a blank puzzle piece ready to be bent and stretched to fit my likings. She was already made. I started to see more of who she was each month. One time we were at Project Lemonade where foster kids could pick 20 free clothing items. I encouraged her to stuff what she wanted into the bag.

Cinnamon picked three items and then said she wanted to make sure there was enough for all the kids. Next, we were at the hospital and my daughter did not want her shot. Cinnamon held her in a hug and rubbed her back and the needle went in without even a whimper. She was good at caring for people. I set up a bank account continued on next page

Photos, Far left: Cinnamon dropped off self-care baskets she made for teenage girls staying at Open House Ministries in downtown Vancouver.

Left: The author, her daughter, and Cinnamon at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl during Christmastime.

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

continued from previous page

for Cinnamon to save money for her future, but it kept going to zero—Cinnamon kept giving the money away, buying stuff for her siblings and the girls still at the juvenile facility. Then the final incident: Cinnamon said when she became successful, she wanted to find her birth mom and help her with her health issues. Help the person who hurt you the most? After my own professional years in corporate America, Cinnamon’s oversized heart was a foreign personality trait to me. It came across as a liability to her success, but it was refreshing to be around and contagious in our home. She had the DNA of a human services manager. Who Cinnamon was naturally, was more beautiful than who I had planned her to be.

Cinnamon’s freedom was going to come at the cost of my purpose for fostering. To me, a college degree was safety. Black women have to work harder to operate in a system not designed to make us win.

As Cinnamon’s foster mother, I wanted to give her the best protection I knew: an education. Cinnamon’s chance of ending up in poverty would decrease from 43% to 9% with a college degree, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

But it was her life to choose. I sat her down and told her I found a 10-week CNA nursing program at the community college so she didn’t have to go to college for four years. She looked at me and said, “Mom, I am going to go to college, just not Harvard.

After I graduate I am getting my own place and I am not taking the spinach broccoli smoothie with me.” A feeling of relief went through my body and I reached out to hug her and I got a rare teenage treat: she hugged me back! And it hit me, in that instant: Black girl with a tough childhood, deep thinker, likes to help people and give away money. Oprah. I was hugging a little Oprah.

The next day I cancelled the tutoring session. I told Cinnamon we could drop off a gift basket at a homeless shelter.

Cinnamon’s eyes lit up and she asked if we could make three baskets for teenage girls. She started writing letters for the baskets and spraying them with perfume.

I saw a glimpse of who she was going to become, and I wanted to be a part of her story. We walked to the car and I gave Cinnamon the keys. I told her whichever way she decided to go, I would support her. She released the break, smiling ear to ear and took off. Cinnamon was free.

Muyoka Mwarabu lives in Vancouver with her daughters, Ajuna and Cinnamon. She works in B2B sales and writes after bedtime.

In February 2021, Cinnamon was one of 15 youth selected to serve on the Steering Committee on Youth Homelessness for the state of Washington

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

23

Feature: NW Getaway: Year Round Fun in Central Oregon

NW GETAWA Y:

Year Round Fun in Central Oregon

By Nikki Klock

All photos courtesy of the author

View of Mount Washington from Cascades Highway

Sometime between the one year I lived in

Bend as a child, and the times I recently visited Central Oregon with my own family 30 years later, the area blossomed to become a major Pacific Northwest tourist destination that promises adventure in both summer and winter seasons. The region is full of natural wonder, stunning scenery, culinary pleasure and a vibe you just don’t get anywhere else. My family and I recently explored Central Oregon twice over the course of a few months—once during the summer season, where we splashed in the pool and kayaked down the Deschutes River, and once during the winter season where we snowboarded at Hoodoo Ski Area and snowshoed over several feet of snowpack on Mount Bachelor. We found that Central Oregon is a place defined by opposites: high desert and national forest, river valleys and mountain peaks, summer heat and winter snow—all waiting to be explored at any time of year. Here’s what we discovered while we were there.

Summer Season A trip to Central Oregon from Clark County starts with a drive right over Mount Hood—a fitting beginning to a destination in the heart of the Cascade Mountains.

The Cascades are a major part of the identity and appeal of Central Oregon; peaks such as The Three Sisters, Mount Washington, Mount Bachelor and Broken Top not only offer an amazing backdrop visible from almost anywhere in the region, but the mountains also provide endless opportunities for outdoor escapades. The average 300 days of sunshine per year

24

Floating the Deschutes River

help too; in Central Oregon there’s rarely a reason to stay inside.

Situated in the middle of Bend is a mini member of the many mounds in the area: Pilot Butte, a cinder cone I was excited to summit by car since I remembered it from my youth. When we visited in summer 2020, the butte was closed to vehicle traffic, but the foot path was open for hiking to the top to take in spectacular views of the Cascade Mountain Range, and a monument pointing out the name of each peak. We didn’t have time this day for that hike, but we would find many more opportunities for mountainous views on our upcoming adventures.

On this trip, we stayed at Tetherow, a resort bordering Deschutes National Forest, with lodging ranging from hotel-style rooms and suites to full sized homes. We unloaded our stuff into our hotel room, had dinner at The Row, the resort’s restaurant overlooking the golf course (their burgers were the best!), then took a sunset bike ride along the resort’s extensive trails. The quiet was unlike anything I’d heard in a long time—a welcome encounter.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

The next day, we headed from Tetherow just a few miles west to Bend’s Old Mill District, a collection of shops, restaurants and entertainment right along the Deschutes River, and on the site of a historic pine lumber mill whose smokestacks still mark the spot for miles around. We planned to explore the shops and restaurants, but headed first to Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe for a kayak rental and orientation.

The Deschutes River runs right through Bend, and is the lifeblood of the city.

During the summer months, thousands of people float, paddle and kayak through town. There’s even a special spot in the middle of the river at McKay Park with a whitewater channel where surfers in wetsuits practice their skills all year long.

A trip down the river—whether by raft, kayak, canoe or paddleboard—is essential to truly experiencing Bend Old Mill District in the summer. The two-mile roundtrip route from Tumalo Creek at the Old Mill District to the Reed Market Bridge and back took us a little over an hour. Of course, paddling upriver required a bit more strain and was slower going, continued on page 26

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

www.evergreenpediatrics.com

Hop on in to see why

WELCOME

WELCOME

TO THE LIBRARY

TOfavorite THE LIBRARY readers have voted us Vancouver’s toy store 12 years in a row.

LIMITED SERVICES

Kazoodles

T YS

kid-powered fun

are now available in-person at your library • • • •

toy store serving families sin r ’s independent ce 2006 Vancouve 10 AM- 7 PM MON-SAT, NOON-4 ON SUNDAYS 13503 SE MILL PLAIN BLVD. #B-3 VANCOUVER, WA 98684 360.823.0123 FB@KAZOODLESTOYS

Browse the library collection Use computers Print/copy/scan documents Pick up your holds*

Visits are limited to 30 minutes or less and building capacity is reduced. For your convenience, you can schedule your visit at www.fvrl.org or by calling 360-906-5000. *Curbside or walk-up services are still available without an appointment.

FVRLibraries FORT VANCOUVER REGIONAL LIBRARIES

WWW.KAZOODLESTOYS.COM Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

25

Feature: NW Getaway: Year Round Fun in Central Oregon (cont'd) continued from page 24

but the river is wide enough to share with fellow paddlers and the wonderful scenery switches from cityscape to craggy cliffs along the way, giving floaters a completely unique perspective of the area.

closed December through March each year). Devils Lake is quite shallow, making it safe for little ones to play near, but curiously it was even colder than Elk Lake.

This didn’t stop our teenage daughters from paddle boarding along its surface, dressed in sweatshirts as the sun was getting low in the sky.

Following our river run, we walked straight from returning our kayaks to Tumalo Creek to the shops and restaurants of the Old Mill District, where we had lunch Devils Lake at Greg’s Grill on the Deschutes, an upscale restaurant with huge windows displaying a lovely river view. We finished off our lunch down the walkway with ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s before getting back in the car to drive out of town for more natural exploring.

Nestled within the Cascade Mountains of Central Oregon, about an hour outside Bend, is a cluster of lakes collectively and fittingly called the Cascade Lakes. Our first stop along these lakes was Elk Lake Resort, a popular spot in the summertime with a full service restaurant (our dinner that evening) and ice cream shop which even features live “Music on the Water” on weekend evenings. Parking ($5) fills up fast, so arrive early to stake your claim. The clear blue lake is great for swimming, with floating docks to jump off, and sailing, with many boats calling this marina home. We found the water just a tad too chilly for comfort on the day we visited, but our fellow visitors didn’t seem to mind at all. The cooler water temps are no wonder, as the Cascade Lakes are fed by snow runoff from the Alpine ecosystem of the mountain range. During the wintertime, access to Elk Lake Resort property is limited to snowcat or snowmobile; rentals are available through Elk Lake Resort.

After dinner, we left Elk Lake and resumed our exploration of the Cascade Lakes region at Devils Lake, whose turquoise blue color caught our eyes as we drove past it on Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway (a road that in some parts is

26

available to the public and non-guests are multiple restaurants, golf courses and a spa. In between all of these activities and facilities are acres of beautiful, open space with stunning views of the Cascades. It’s truly a special place that we thoroughly enjoyed exploring, by bike and by kayak on the final day of our summertime trip to Central Oregon.

One our way home, we stopped at the magnificent Smith Rock State Park, a huge attraction for rock climbing enthusiasts and hikers. We watched climbers scale the cliff face and made a mental note to visit the site again, which we did on our next visit to Central Oregon.

Smith Rock

The following day we checked out of our room at Tetherow and headed northwest of Bend, through the charming little western-themed town of Sisters and on to Black Butte Ranch, an 1,800-acre property in the shadow of nearby Black Butte. In 2020, the Ranch celebrated 50 years of recreation, lodging, dining, special events, entertainment and so much more for generations of Pacific Northwest families. Lodging options at Black Butte Ranch consist of cabins and homes that are privately owned and available as vacation rentals. Guests who stay in one of these homes can enjoy a huge range of activities and amenities, including 18 miles of paved biking/walking paths, two separate pool areas, kayaking or paddle boarding on the resort’s own Phalarope Lake, horseback riding, a fitness facility and more. Other amenities

Winter Season Several months later, after a few COVIDrelated interruptions to travel plans, my family and I happily found ourselves back at Black Butte Ranch, this time staying two nights in a vacation rental home on the Ranch at the tail end of the winter season. Most of the snow was gone by the time we got there, but during the high winter season, the golf courses are regularly groomed for cross country skiing or snowshoeing and a few hills are primed for sledding. The Ranch is also the official lodging partner for Hoodoo Ski Area—a historic spot that has been open for skiing since the 1930s, and located just 13 miles west of the Ranch. Hoodoo was our destination on our first full winter day in Central Oregon.

Boardwalk Trail at Black Butte Ranch

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

continued on page 28

RMLS #21653049

Thinking of Buying, or Selling a Home in 2021?

20118 NE Bridlewood Road, Battle Ground

Real Estate Education Classes are the best places to begin your Home Adventure. Classes are Free, and Non-Promotional!

Home Buying Classes & Home Selling Classes Currently ALL classes are Virtual.

Classes are 2 hours, and will start on time. We will update the website when the community centers re-open to resume in-person classes.

Please email traciedemars@aol.com, or Chris.berg@cardinalfinancial.com, or sean.demars@comcast.net with the class date you’d like to attend. We will send you a class link for the class.

Not sure about classes? Looking for some information? There is an education blog & videos for home Buyers & home Sellers at www.

LearningToBuyAHome.com.

We would love to be the ones you call when you are thinking about buying, or selling, or refinancing.. and we hope that you will. However, the classes are non-promotional, and informational only.

We'd also like to introduce:

Gideyn DeMars with ReMax Equity Group. He's a 2nd generation realtor and can be reached at 360-601-0868 (cell) and GideynD@gmail.com (email)

Tracie DeMars/ REMAX Equity Group traciedemars@aol.com

$689,900

Come home to High Valley with walking & horse trails, neighborhood parks,covered bridge, & ponds. You will love this Magical home in the woods with 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, & an office. Generous master on main has 2 closets (1 is massive) & bay window.

4 bedrooms upstairs-2 with walk in closets, 2 jack’n’jill baths, & a SECRET room! There is so much storage here & space. Country kitchen with new quartz counters & pull out drawers. Living room with french doors, family room/dining room with bay window & pellet stove. Oversized 3 car garage, room for RV parking, and on 2.61 acres.... it really is magic!

Upcoming Classes Home Buyer Classes

Thursday, May 6th, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm (Virtual Class by zoom) Saturday, May 8th from 9am - 12pm

*If Marshall isn’t open for community classes yet, then this class will be by zoom and be from 9am - 11am Marshall Community Center Conference Room, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA

Saturday, May 15th, from 10am - 12pm (Virtual Class by Zoom) Monday, May 17th, from 5pm - 8pm (ish)

* If Marshall isn’t open for community classes yet, then this class will be by zoom and be from 5pm - 7pm Marshall Community Center, Conference Room, 1009 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA

Saturday, May 22nd from 11am - 2pm (ish)

* If the YMCA isn’t open for community classes yet, then this class will be by zoom and be from 11am - 1pm Vancouver YMCA, Conference Room, 11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver WA

Free Seller Classes

These classes will be taught virtually through zoom until things open up. If you would like an in-person session, please email me at traciedemars@aol.com, or call/text me at 360-903-3504.

Saturday, May 1st, from 9am - 11am Saturday, May 15th, from 1pm - 3pm Wednesday, May 19th, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm Saturday, May 29th, from 9:30am - 11:30am

Class schedule for more class dates and locations available at:

www.learningtobuyahome.com

www.traciedemars.com (link for upcoming classes)

360.903.3504

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

27

Feature: NW Getaway: Year Round Fun in Central Oregon (cont'd) continued from page 26

On our way to Hoodoo that first morning, we stopped at Sisters Coffee Company for breakfast, trying the fittingly named and outrageously delicious Hoodoo Burrito. We arrived at Hoodoo and got fitted with our rental equipment before getting oriented with a wonderfully patient instructor, Dominic. While our oldest daughter had been snowboarding once before, and my husband is an experienced skier, my husband, younger daughter and I were all trying snowboarding for the first time. It was a beautiful sunny day on the slopes, with many people skiing and snowboarding in short sleeves. We enjoyed the snow and the sunshine all day, a few of us even getting sunburned to prove it. Later that evening, we had dinner at Three Creeks Brewing in Sisters.

tours, snow bonfire experiences, brewery tours, snow camping, lava tube cave tours and even Crater Lake excursions (and that’s just their winter offerings). We checked in at the office dressed in full winter gear, confirmed our waivers were signed, and hopped into the Wanderlust van for our friendly guide, Katie, to take us up to Mount Bachelor’s ski area parking lot and snowshoeing trailhead (about a half hour from the Wanderlust office). This location is also the starting point for a dogsled tour attraction (not affiliated with Wanderlust), so we enjoyed watching the dogs get ready for a ride as Katie helped us into our rented snowshoes. Later on, we watched as the dog team and their musher and a passenger passed by us toward the end of our route.

A new adventure awaited us on our second day of this trip: snowshoeing on Mount Bachelor, or Bachelor Butte, as it is geologically named. We checked in for the snowshoe tour at Wanderlust Tours, whose office is in Bend’s city limits, but whose tours take guests all over the Central Oregon area for all types of excursions, including daytime snowshoe tours, moonlight and starlight snowshoe

Congratulations, Clark County High School Class of 2021 — YOU MADE IT! And to celebrate, we’ve got a prize giveaway just for you.

After spending time as a family in Central Oregon during both the summer and winter seasons, it was easy to see why she loves it so much.

Our family did too, and we hope to visit again as soon as possible.

Nikki Klock has been the editor of Vancouver Family Magazine since 2006. She loves exploring the Pacific Northwest with her husband of 20 years, and their two teenage daughters.

Go to VancouverFamilyMagazine.com to see more photos of my family’s trips to Central Oregon.

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28

Katie is a full time outdoor guide, and we were all impressed by her knowledge of the region’s natural wonders. I noticed that she referred to the many nearby mountains as “he” and “she”—a sign that she truly loves the land she traverses with guests and friends daily.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Go to VancouverFamilyMagazine.com/giveaways to enter for a chance to win a prize package worth $200, including gift cards for local restaurants, clothing boutiques and entertainment.

Giveaway ends June 30, 2021. Must be 18 or older to enter.

After a few pointers from Katie for trekking efficiently and safely through the snow, we were off. Along the 1.25-mile roundtrip course atop 100+ inches of snowpack, Katie stopped occasionally to tell us about the flora and fauna of Bachelor Butte’s old growth forest. At our halfway point, she even busted out some hot cocoa for us, served in Hydroflask mugs (a company founded in Bend) and complete with marshmallows.

ept we acc ajor most m health plans!

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

3401 SE 192nd Ave #107 Vancouver, WA 98683

360-882-7733

www.prioritylifechiro.com

REFLECTION R UN

HAAG HAAG LAKE LAKE

REFLECTION REFLECTION RUN RUN

June 5-6, 2021

May 23, 2021

Triathlon & Trail Festival

5K 10K Half Marathon

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

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REGISTER & DETAILS AT WHYRACINGEVENTS.COM

REGISTER & DETAILS AT WHYRACINGEVENTS.COM

2021 SCHEDULE

3.56x4.8_VFad_v01PRESS.indd 5

4/2/21 10:43 3.56x4.8_VFad_v01PRESS.indd AM 6

4/2/21 10:43 AM

TRIATHLON | DUATHLON | AQUABIKE | MARATHON | HALF | 10K | 5K | TRAIL | KIDS

• Ball Drop Half, 10K & 5K Dec. 31, 2020–Jan 10, 2021

• Race to Equality February 1–28

• Notorious 5K

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

March 15

• Couve Clover Run March 21

• Spring Classic April 18

• Reflection Run

Brighter, Healthier Smiles

May 23

Anxiety-Free Procedures

• PDX Triathlon

Emergency Appointments

June 6

• Pacific Crest Endurance Sports Festival

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

June 18-20

• Haag Lake Triathlon & Endurance Sports Festival July 19 & 20

• Lucky Triathlon Festival July 31 & Aug 1

• Columbia River Triathlon & Endurance Sports Festival August 13 & 14

• Girlfriends Triathlon & Fitness Festival August 15

• PeaceHealth AppleTree September 18 & 19

• Girlfriends Run For A Cure October 10

• Scary Run October 31

• Leftovers 5K November 21-28

• Santa’s Posse 5K December 19

• Ball Drop Half, 10K & 5K Dec. 31, 2021-Jan. 9, 2022

REGISTER & DETAILS AT WHYRACINGEVENTS.COM

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021 3.56x4.8_VFad_v01PRESS.indd 8

29

4/2/21 10:43 AM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Calendar May '21

S M T W T F S 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 SATURDAY

Humane Society for Southwest Washington’s Walk/Run for the Animals in downtown Vancouver. Safely help homeless dogs and cats in our community on a socially distanced circular route through downtown Vancouver for this year’s celebration.

Registered walkers can begin at 9 am or start later in the day up until 3 pm. Masks are required for all participants. Event partners will have stops with available food, beverages, great giveaways and entertainment on the dog- and kid-friendly route. Or register to run a 5K wherever you choose the week leading up to May 1 and submit your time online.

Registered walkers and runners will receive an event bag as well as a custom 30-year anniversary commemorative medal! You can also fundraise from home or donate to the event. All proceeds go to support shelter dogs and cats. 9 am–3 pm Vancouver Farmers Market in Downtown Vancouver, at 8th St and Esther St. Fresh produce, flowers, prepared food, artisans and more! Go to vancouverfarmersmarket.com for up-to-date safety guidelines. Saturdays and Sundays through October 31. 9 am-3 pm Farm Days at Pomeroy Farm, hosted the first weekend of every month throughout summer (May-August). Tour the Pomeroy Farm grounds, enjoy the wonderful fresh air, and support and connect with your local community! Admission is free, donation is suggested. Free parking. Pets must remain in parking area. 11 am–5 pm (Gate will close at 4 pm) There’s No Place Like Home: A Journey Theater Virtual Gala & Auction. An evening of top-notch entertainment, heart-warming testimonies and the thrills of live bidding hosted by local radio personality, Georgene Rice. Since 2002, thousands of patrons have enjoyed Journey Theater’s musicals and plays performed by hundreds of local

30

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.

Check out our website for even mo re local events .

Events are subject to change. Please contact organization directly to confirm. All library events are free and open to the public.

youth. Journey’s mission is to grow youth and their families in character and purpose to be difference-makers in their world.

This event is free to view; registration required. Registration opens March 29 at journeytheater.org.

Auction opens online April 24. Optional Dinner: $50 per person, and can be purchased for groups of 6, 8 or 10. Includes catered meal, delivery, dessert and decor.

5:30-8 pm

2 SUNDAY

Farms Days at Pomeroy Farm (See May 1) 11am–5 pm (Gate will close at 4 pm) Vancouver Farmers Market in Downtown Vancouver. (See May 1) 10 am-3 pm

7 FRIDAY

Mother’s Day Tea To-Go at Pomeroy Farm.

The perfect way to treat the important women in your life: Celebrate Mother’s Day with a delicious tea to-go featuring three savories, four assorted desserts, & scones. Your tea will be beautifully wrapped up and ready to be enjoyed at home or dropped off with a loved one. The event takes place on May 7 and May 8 during the following times: 11:30 a.m., noon, and 12:30 p.m. both days. The cost is $27 for single tickets, $50 for Tea for Two. Go to pomeroyfarm.org to purchase tickets.

11:30 am-12:30 pm Downtown Camas First Friday – Gnome and Fairy Gala. Gnomes, fairies and fun will be the theme! Art shows, after-hours shopping, games, prizes, and more will all be a part of the First Friday event in Downtown Camas in May. Virtual activities start on Monday, May 3 and in-person First Friday activities are on May 7. Downtown businesses will be open and have specials at select locations as well. More info at downtowncamas.com. 5-8 pm

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

The Clark County Historical Museum’s Speaker Series (online). A monthly exploration of Clark County history with industry experts, community members, and local artists. For the 2021 season, the Speaker Series central theme is “The Stories that Shape Our Community: Past, Present, Future.” Explore the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the various people that call Clark County home. Attendance is free for members, $5 for non-members. Find viewing instructions and purchase tickets at cchmuseum.org. May’s theme: “The Legacies of our African American Women ~ An Honor for this Mother’s Day.” 7-8:30 pm

8 SATURDAY

Vancouver Farmers Market in Downtown Vancouver. (See May 1) 9 am-3 pm Mother’s Day Plant Sale at Garden Delights Herb Farm, Scented Acres Lavender Farm, and Half Moon Farm. Visit these three farms (each with a different plant selection) safely in person to find local plants! With the usual large plant sales cancelled for the second year in a row, this event can help you get what your garden and green thumb need to make for a great growing season! Each farm location will have additional local vendors.

Parking is limited at each farm location.

COVID protocols will be in place. 9 am-3 pm Mother’s Day Tea To-Go (See May 7) 11:30 am-12:30 pm

9 SUNDAY

Vancouver Farmers Market in Downtown Vancouver. (See May 1) 10 am-3 pm

15 SATURDAY

Dozer Day Drive-Thru Experience at Clark County Fairgrounds. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to feel like your continued on next page

continued from previous page family car has landed right in the middle of an active construction site with heavy construction machinery in operation. Public safety messaging, fun contests, sponsor giveaways and much more will be provided all within careful health/safety protocol. Please understand, however, that Dozer Day 2021 must be viewed entirely from your car. Get tickets ($35 per vehicle) and sign up for a time slot at Vancouver.DozerDay.org. 9 am-4 pm Vancouver Farmers Market in Downtown Vancouver. (See May 1) 9 am-3 pm Pink Glow: Live Stream Event and Online Auction. Celebrate Pink Lemonade Project’s 10th Birthday with a live stream event on Saturday, May 15. Pre-show starts at 6 pm.

Go here for more details and to register: pinklemonadeproject.org. 6–8 pm

16 SUNDAY

Dozer Day Drive-Thru Experience. (See May 15) 9 am-4 pm Vancouver Farmers Market in Downtown Vancouver. (See May 1) 10 am-3 pm

22 SATURDAY

Vancouver Farmers Market in Downtown Vancouver. (See May 1) 9 am-3 pm

Camp Hope Discovery Day Camp at Camp Hope, Battle Ground. Come experience: History challenge course, nature walks and hiking, horseback riding, orienteering, archery, arts & crafts projects, woodworking, outdoor survivor skills and team building, scavenger hunts, fire starting, caving, plant identification, games, making new friends and memories.

Snacks and lunch provided. $40/Camper (Regular rate), $30/Camper (Family/Discount).

9:30 am-3:30 pm

the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedom.

The half marathon, 10K & 5K running and walking courses will travel along the mighty Columbia River with views of Mt. Hood and the Gorge. The routes will be lined with local hero posters of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and the event will benefit various Northwest Battle Buddies & various military organizations and n0on-profits.

Veterans and those actively serving race Reflection Run for free, as do kids. 8:45 am

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Classical Concert Live Stream. Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey performs Haydn’s C Major Cello Concerto, regarded as one of the greatest concertos of the classical era. Live stream from Skyview Concert Hall to your viewing devices on the VSO website Saturday, May 22 at 7 pm (pre-concert show at 6:30 pm) and Sunday, May 23, at 3 pm. (pre-concert show at 2:30pm). Tickets: Free with season subscription/Single tickets are $30. Available online at vancouversymphony. org or by calling 360-735-7278.7 pm (preconcert show at 6:30 pm)

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Classical Concert Live Stream. (See May 22) 3 pm (pre-concert show at 2:30pm)

23 SUNDAY

Vancouver Farmers Market in Downtown Vancouver. (See May 1) 10 am-3 pm

29 SATURDAY

Vancouver Farmers Market in Downtown Vancouver. (See May 1) 9 am-3 pm

30 SUNDAY

Vancouver Farmers Market in Downtown Vancouver. (See May 1) 10 am-3 pm

Reflection Run at Port of Camas-Washougal.

Honoring the brave men and women who have or are currently serving in our armed forces and remember those who have given

advertiser index Events Haag Lake Triathlon and Trail Festival...........29 Reflection Run................................................29 Riverside Performing Arts...............................19 Vancouver Parks and Recreation...................13 Why Racing Events........................................29 Financial WA529 College Savings Plans.........................7 Warner Brown Financial.................................15 Fitness Vancouver Tennis Center...............................15

Health Adventure Dental............................................23 Barnick Chiropractic.......................................15 Child and Adolescent Clinic..............................2 Evergreen Pediatrics......................................25 Pacific Park Family Dental.............................13 PeaceHealth.....................................................5 Priority Life Chiropractic and Massage...........28 Storybook Dental............................................29 Tristar Family Chiropractic..............................27 Vancouver Clinic.............................................11 Legal Gevurtz Menashe...........................................21 Schauermann, Thayer, Jacobs, Staples & Edwards PS.....................................9

Resources All Families Surrogacy......................................2 Applied Team Insurance.................................19 ESD 112.........................................................21 FVRLibraries..................................................25 Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Seminars.............27 Natura Pest Control..........................................3 WA529 College Savings Plans.........................7 Retail Kazoodles Toys..............................................25 Vancouver Mall...............................................17 Schools, Education & Child Care ESD 112.........................................................21 St. Andrew Preschool.....................................15 Southwest Washington Learning Center........32

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2021

31

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 rates a ! le availas bat:

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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