Vancouver Family Magazine October 2023

Día de Muertos

With

Exploring Home

It’s a sad fact that many people neglect to widely explore the regions in which they live, even when they’ve lived in that region for decades. We often daydream of visiting exotic, far-off places before we think to explore our own backyard. It’s natural to need a distant escape from time to time, but much beauty and contentment can be found by discovering and rediscovering the areas we call home. A couple from Minnesota named Trent and Sarah Anderson has created a fun way to do just that. Through their company, Reach International Outfitters (RIO), they have created Adventure Bucket List cards for states throughout the U.S. Each state’s deck includes 50 scratch-off cards revealing adventures in regions throughout that state, categorized by cost, best time of day to visit and best duration to plan for, the best season to enjoy the adventure, whether it’s best enjoyed indoor or outdoor and whether it’s an active adventure or a relaxed one. As one who loves exploring my home state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest at large, I had to order the Washington deck. I was disappointed to find that Vancouver and Mount St. Helens are both conspicuously missing from the deck, but Yacolt made the list! Scratching off the Yacolt card’s silver coating revealed the suggestion to “Hike Moulton Falls and go for a swim. Bonus: Bring a fun floatie to blow up and float on!” I couldn’t agree more: Moulton Falls is truly a special place to visit any time of year, and especially in the summertime as the RIO card suggests. I hope to hit all 50 of the deck’s adventures in my lifetime, which include activities to enjoy from Anacortes to Winthrop.

In this issue, explore another beautiful Pacific Northwest destination, and a food and wine lover’s heaven on earth: Polk County, Oregon’s Great Oaks Food Trail (page 12). Plus, read how a local group of Star Wars enthusiasts are creating a force for good (page 18), and get tips from a local therapist on combatting seasonal affective disorder (page 22).

Volume 22, Issue 10

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, Emily Corak, Priscilla Gilbert, LMHC

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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:

Jet (age 8), Liberty (age 2), Remington (age 6) and Ari (age 4) recently moved from Vancouver to Camas and started home-schooling. Their mom says they “know how to live life to the fullest and all four of them have huge personalities.”

Nikki Klock, Editor nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

by Heidi Haden Velvet Owl Photography Lifestyle Family & Wedding Photographer www.velvetowlphotography.com

@VelvetOwlPhotography

@velvet_owl_photograph

Photo by Marie Pham Photography

Photo

Photo courtesy Nikki Klock.

We see you.

OCTOBER 2023

CITY PLAY FOR KIDS Brings Drop-In Fun to Fisher’s Landing

L aura and Greg Silva loved Portland Children’s Museum as kids growing up in the Portland/Vancouver metro area, so naturally the couple couldn’t wait to take their own kids there someday. “Truthfully,” says Laura, who grew up in Fisher’s Landing, where she and Greg now live with their two young kids, “we are still big kids ourselves and enjoy playing with our kiddos.” Unfortunately, PCM permanently closed in 2021, leaving the Silvas and thousands of other families wishing for more local, indoor, exploratory play spaces. So, one rainy afternoon last year, Laura and Greg found themselves talking about how someone should create “a place for kids to get away from the screens and have a safe, clean place to play and imagine.” What started as an off-hand comment turned quickly into a business plan and then a startup loan to bring what they loved as children to life in their very own community. After securing a space, and spending months designing and building, the couple opened City Play for Kids in Fisher’s Landing in July.

City Play offers drop-in playtime for kids ages 1-8 in 90-minute time increments, all within their mini indoor city for kids, built almost entirely by Greg, who is a contractor by trade. “Your kiddo can be a firefighter gearing up to jump in their firetruck to save the city,” says Laura, “an essential grocery store worker, a specialty chef and restaurateur, an important veterinarian helping an animal get back to health, or an exceptional homemaker, all in one visit.” The mini city is stocked with real tools for kids to pretend with, and sensory bins are filled with toys that rotate weekly “so there is always something fresh for kids to discover and enjoy.” The reception from the community when City Play opened in July was overwhelming, with a waitlist to get in on some days. “It’s been a crazy whirlwind!” says Laura. “Amazing, but lightning speed.” As the fall and winter weather turns more families indoors, City Play will likely become a family favorite for safe, imaginative play in Vancouver.

City Play for Kids is open 7 days a week, no reservations required, and is located at 16420 SE McGillivray Blvd., Suite #106. Check cityplayforkids.com for current hours and pricing.

Laura and Greg Silva recently opened City Play for Kids in Fisher’s Landing, giving families of little ones a perfect place to play indoors.

Photos courtesy Greg and Laura Silva

IDEAFest Event Aims to Foster Dialogue and Change

The founder of VANTalks, a TED-inspired event featuring Clark County-based speakers sharing powerful ideas on stage, is expanding his vision to kick off another event aimed at bringing community together to enact change. Kevin Hiebert is the owner of Resonate Consulting, a firm that facilitates communication and collaboration within boards and leadership teams. Building on the success of VANTalks, Hiebert is now additionally producing IDEAFest, a sister event that also centers on exchanging community-vitalizing ideas, but in a more collaborative environment. “During many COVID nights I began to ponder what is next for VANTalks,” Hiebert says. “My imagination turned to, what if our community could host a one-day gathering where we would bring together all of our changemakers, visionaries and general troublemakers into a room together where we could talk together and dream of what we as a grassroots movement could continue to do to bring local

change.” Hiebert’s imagination will soon become reality as the inaugural IDEAFest event takes place on November 4, 2023, 8:30 am-4:40 pm at Groove Nation Community Space in Downtown Vancouver. Attendees can expect a day focused on interactivity and dialogue around shaping our community from the grassroots level. “The participants there will set the agenda for what they want to talk about,” he adds. Hiebert says he hopes “the conversation and dialogue we have during this idea exchange will fuel networks and grow great partnerships together.” Cost to attend IDEAFest is $18 and includes lunch. Register at tickettailor. com/events/resonate2/920086

The inaugural IDEAFest will take place in November, and is being organized by the founder of VANTalks, Kevin Hiebert (pictured above and left at a VANTalks event at Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver).

Photos by Missy Fant Photography.

Volunteers Give More Than Just a Ride

By Sarah Mortensen

On June Meints’s 90th birthday, the table was set with her favorite dishes (the ones individually crafted to look like different flowers, including the teacups) that are normally kept in the tall glass cabinet for display. Her housekeeper helped her get everything in place. As the family arrived, they were greeted not just by grandma and the smell of her famous desserts, but the memories that cover the walls. It’s not just Meints’s home, it’s the family home where stories are shared and traditions treasured.

Like Meints, most seniors in the United States plan on staying in the comfort and familiarity of their own home as long as they can before possibly moving to an assisted living community. This works well when they have family and neighbors nearby who check in regularly. Meints’s daughter comes to take her grocery shopping weekly and spends time afterward, watching shows and catching up with her mom. Meints’s neighbors are also helpful; one even installed handrails in the bathroom and garage when her late husband returned from the hospital. Those rails are now proving useful for Meints too. She knows she is blessed to have friends and family who watch out for her. Unfortunately, many seniors do not.

Community in Motion (CiM) is a local nonprofit that provides, among other services, a network, called Volunteers in Motion, that seniors and people with disabilities can call upon for rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, social events, meal distribution sites and more. “Seniors who are ‘aging in place’ often become isolated when they stop driving [and can’t] use public transportation or because they live in rural areas,” says Jessica Wilson, specialty transportation coordinator with CiM. “Through just 14 volunteer drivers, CiM fulfills roughly 80 rides per month.” While CiM caters to Clark County residents over age 65, anyone who has a disability and needs transportation can request help. “Unlike other agencies, for us having a disability means it could be temporary,

not permanent,” says Wilson. “A temporary disability, for example, might be an injury like a broken foot or when recovering from a surgery.”

While C-TRAN operates with specific public transportation guidelines and ADA standards, Volunteers in Motion has more flexibility to fill in service gaps. “For instance, [C-TRAN’s] eligibility process takes about 21 days,” explains Wilson. “Sometimes we provide transportation while someone’s paratransit application is processing. Additionally, we can help those who live where C-TRAN does not travel, such as North Clark County, or who need to travel during times of the morning or night that the bus does not run. Dialysis treatments are often given in the early hours of the morning and late hours of the night.”

Regular volunteer, Dolores L., was looking for somewhere to volunteer after her retirement. She chose Volunteers in Motion because, “I could see that there was a great need, but also volunteering with them, I had the flexibility to take on as many rides as I felt able to,” she says. After completing the trainings, she was given emergency roadside and first aid kits and an ID badge to ensure safety for both driver and rider. Passing the safe driving test even got her a car insurance discount. An answering service screens calls for rides and adds requests to a spreadsheet list accessed by volunteers. The list provides all the job details, such as pickup and drop-off location and time. “If a community member needs to go to the grocery store or somewhere else that doesn’t require an appointment like a walk-in medical lab or hair salon, listed instead is the expected activity duration, the hours and days of operation,” says Wilson. “This might include a client’s preferred times of the day or week and client’s availability.” Once a ride request is selected by a volunteer, it is removed from the spreadsheet.

Dolores has found that the flexibility works well with her schedule, “It’s a great way to serve,” she says, adding, “I am a voracious reader, belonging to two book clubs, so I often read waiting for the rider’s appointment to complete. I just find a comfortable parking spot, push back my seat and

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I am continually impressed by the wonderful, interesting people out there.

–Dolores L., CiM Volunteer

CiM volunteer, Dolores L., enjoys the company of the individuals she drives to appointments and errands. Photo courtesy Community in Motion.

Check out our FREE CLASSES:

Saturday 10/4, 10am-1pm

VIRTUAL CLASSES:

Saturday October 21, 1pm-3pm

Monday October 23, 5:30pm-7:30pm

www.learningtobuyahome.com

OCTOBER SELLER CLASS DATES: In-person class held at Firstenburg Community Center 700 NE 136th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684

Monday 10/16, 5pm-8pm

Saturday 10/28, 10am-1pm

VIRTUAL CLASS:

Saturday 10/21, 10am-12pm www.freesellerclasses.com

continued from previous page

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

Don’t want to go to the website? (Hey! It has other awesome blogs & videos on there too!), you can always email me at traciedemars@aol.com and I will email you the schedule.

...REal Talk with Tracie...

READ OUR LATEST BLOG POST... WHY DOES MY PREAPPROVAL CHANGE?

In case you haven’t noticed, the real estate market is pretty volatile right now....or in other words... uncertain, changing, up & down, crazy, and other words I can’t put into print. Be that as it may, one of the things that this affects is a buyer’s preapproval. I am doing a video blog (on the LearningToBuyAHome.com website) on why we are seeing SO many ‘Back on the Market’ homes right now, and this ties into this quite nicely.

First... remember that a preapproval is a SNAPSHOT of a buyer’s current financial situation. It is NOT a promise of a loan. All a preapproval says is that a lender ‘could’ give a buyer a loan IF the buyer gets an offer to purchase a home accepted & fully signed around, AND if nothing has changed (or changed for the worse) since the preapproval was first issued. Not all preapprovals are equal though....

relax.” Additionally, she enjoys the conversation and learning new things from those she drives. “I am continually impressed by the wonderful, interesting people out there. I drove one gentleman who we exchanged basic pleasantries with on the way to his appointment, but on the way back—it was about a 30-minute drive—we discovered we both loved watching cooking shows and he gave me some really good recipe ideas that I am incorporating in my meals. Another lady taught me some very clever gardening hints that I have used in my garden.”

“Lack of transportation can seriously affect a person’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being,” says Wilson. Dolores adds, “A lot of folks who need rides live by themselves, and in addition to the rides you can provide the attention and conversation that I think many of them enjoy.”

The need for more drivers is ongoing. To learn more about volunteering with Community in Motion, go to CommunityinMotion.org

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.

Anita, Andre, Jessica, Wayne and Lyn help in various roles within Community in Motion, including dispatcher and driver.

Bottom photo: AM dispatcher, Kandee, and shuttle service driver, Andre, both volunteer their time to get individuals where they need to go. Photos courtesy Community in Motion.

Top photo: Volunteers Dennis, Richard,

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio at pexels.com

GREAT OAKS FOOD TRAIL

WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON

By Emily Corak

Only an hour’s drive south of Vancouver is one of my new favorite weekend getaway spots. Truthfully, it doesn’t need to be a full weekend— even a day trip is well worth it. In Polk County Oregon, just west of Salem, lies a collection of small towns who have united to create Great Oaks Food Trail. The Food Trail consists of multiple restaurants, farms, dessert shops, wineries and cider houses, all dedicated to creating a true farm-to-table experience. To be considered a part of Great Oaks Food Trail, each business must use 35-50% of their ingredients from local sources in a concerted effort to support one another and forge community.

If you’re wondering how an entire vacation could be centered around food and drink, I’m not sure if we can be friends, but I can promise the region is home to some truly unique experiences. In addition to outstanding chefs, bakers and artisans, there’s a small-town charm and hospitality that any visitor will immediately notice. I’ve shared far and wide with anyone who will listen about my new favorite local destination, after which I'm often asked if I’m working on commission. I’m not, but I’m also not opposed to it! (Hints all around.)

FAVORITE STOPS

One of my favorite places to stay overnight in this area is Independence Hotel where the incredibly friendly staff helped me plan out my whole

itinerary. The hotel is situated right on the Willamette River and across the street from Brew Coffee and Taphouse, making it the perfect spot for a beverage and a walk along the river, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing color. Or you can enjoy the scene from on-site restaurant Territory, also part of Great Oaks Food Trail (try the Brussels sprouts, they’re killer). However, for my next overnight trip I’m planning to try something new and stay at MaMere’s Historic Guesthouse in Monmouth—a quirky and charming home where each room has its own distinct personality and décor.

For more casual dining, I recommend the pizza and beer at Gilgamesh Brewing in Independence. There is also Grain Station Brew Works in Monmouth where I listened as the owner spoke with immense pride about not only his house-made hamburger buns, but the loyalty and comradery of the staff, describing everyone there as family. Or for food and fun there is West Valley Taphouse in Dallas where on one memorable trip a friend of mine found her way onto one of their pinball scoreboards.

Another Food Trail favorite I’ve visited multiple times is Xicha Brewing in West Salem. The Pacific Northwest’s only Hispanic-owned brewery has both house-made beers and fresh Latin American food in a laid-back yet

continued on page 14

All photos courtesy of the author.

Left: Eola Hills Winery in Salem offers live music in the summertime and hiking trail access year-round.

Right: MaMere’s Historic Guesthouse in Monmouth features unique guestrooms throughout the historic home.

Feature: NW Getaway: Great Oaks Food Trail (cont'd)

continued from page 12

vibrant setting. On my first trip, I opted for their beer, but most recently I tried a flight of their margarita samplers and some out-of-this-world empanadas. This place can get busy, but it is worth the wait.

As a dessert lover, there are plenty of options to choose from, but one of my absolute first stops when I’m in the area is Jubilee, a champagne and dessert bar that converted me into a cupcake lover. The adorable storefront welcomes you with deliciously dainty displays, like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. It’s fitting because the story of Jubilee’s founding could be made into a Hallmark movie. Owner Dana Heuberger will gladly tell you that she previously worked as a waitress when she was asked one day by some longtime customers what her dream would be, to which she replied, “I would probably open a sweets shop.” Much to her shock and excitement, they came to her later with unexpected financial support and said, “We want to make someone’s dream come true and we want it to be you.” And while there were some twists and turns and hard decisions to be made, Jubilee is now a place to celebrate with champagne and cocktails, enjoy brunch or devour a wide array of delicious treats. Make sure you take a moment to chat with Dana—she’s delightful, and you will highly regret it if you leave without a cupcake.

TAKE A TOUR

If you’re looking for a personalized (and stylish) way to visit the various wineries and cider houses in the area, I recommend booking a tour through Crush Wine Tours. Owner John Bracken is recognized by all the locals for his in-depth knowledge of regional wine specialties. With just a

few quick questions, he can personalize a tour to your liking, chauffeured in a swanky limo bus. This October he is relaunching a Joinable Tour, which runs on Sundays and means you only buy the number of seats needed while visiting new places each week. Fair warning: there are extra fees if you lose your lunch in the bus.

From the comfort of the limo bus, we were able to explore numerous wineries, all of which I loved for various reasons. One of our first stops was Left Coast Estate Winery, a gorgeous sprawling vineyard and tasting room dedicated to sustainable wine making, as well as restoring and protecting the native great white oak trees. I have to mention their artisanal pizza that had me questioning why I’d never tried pumpkin on a pizza before.

Next we visited Eola Hills Winery on a quiet day and had a chance to chat with a friendly local kindergarten teacher who works at the winery on occasional weekends. I quickly became obsessed with both their dessert wines and their patio, a perfect relaxing spot overlooking the vineyards. I was informed that summer is one of the best times to come back to enjoy the live music. Both Eola and Left Coast have created “wiking” trails so you can enjoy hiking whilst partaking in a glass of wine.

And finally, we visited the award-winning Brooks Winery and had a farm to table dinner that will go down as one of my favorite meals of all time. The produce and ingredients brought together by local farmers and chefs (plus some fantastic wine) were truly spectacular. Each winery had something unique to offer and made it too hard to choose a favorite. All I can say is that I would visit any and all of them again.

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Top left: Jubilee in Independence serves champagne and desserts. Bottom clockwise from left: Left Coast Estate in Rickreall maintains “wiking” trails for guests to enjoy a glass of wine while strolling in nature. Salt Creek Cider House offers flights of seasonal house-made ciders. The Pacific Northwest’s only Hispanic-owned brewery, Xicha Brewing in West Salem, offers margarita samplers.

Feature: NW Getaway: Great Oaks Food Trail (cont'd)

continued from page 14

Based on numerous recommendations, I tried another popular spot on the Food Trail and had one of my first in-depth experiences with hard cider. Situated on picturesque farmland just outside of Dallas is Salt Creek Cider House, a rustic barn complete with chickens waddling nearby, play equipment and games for kids, live music and the loveliest owners. Before committing to an entire glass, I tried a flight of their seasonal house-made ciders and spent over an hour relaxing and enjoying the view.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Eating, drinking, and chatting can take up the bulk of your itinerary if you want it to, but there are options other than dining, including visiting farms and parks or outdoor spaces like Basket Slough Wildlife Refuge. And if you’re really in the mood for some uniquely curated experiences, Polk County is for you.

During one of my trips, I learned about the Vonhelmick Knife Company located in quiet Falls City, Oregon. Owners Gordon and Dusty Rose Hanson own an Air BnB space and teach others how to forge their own knives. I spent the day in their shop, working with Gordon, an experienced bladesmith, learning how to use anvils and hammering my own slab of steel. The day started with some nerves and more than a little self-doubt, but ended with a feeling of strength and empowerment. I now have a knife in my drawer that I made myself! Gordon was calm and patient throughout the process, and both Hansons were welcoming and proud of what they have to offer. “We love being a part of this community and getting to offer a unique dynamic,” they say. “We get to learn about people and cultures from all over the USA and we get to help people forge a memory they can share with family and friends forever.”

Lastly, I have yet to try goat yoga, but I can now say that I’ve hiked with an alpaca. Wings and a Prayer Alpacas in Amity offers the one-of-akind opportunity to traipse through beautiful landscapes all while taking an alpaca along for the journey. Alpacas are cute and this was, simply put, so much fun. I’m now the proud owner of a cozy pair of alpaca wool socks that remind me of that quirky adventure.

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

This region, full of wonderful people and incredible food, is really a choose-your-own-adventure vacation. Bracken says that the values and the people are by far the best part of this community. “People are so polite to each other here,” he says, adding, “This area has lots of farmers, so hard work and integrity are really high in this demographic.” Eden Olsen, the owner of Lucky Crow Farm agrees, saying, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentorship and friendship of fellow farmers in the midWillamette Valley. We support, share knowledge and help each other when we can.” Emily Bradley, who relocated to the area within the last few years says, “The best way to describe Polk County and the Food Trail is heart. The businesses have this passion for what they do that is unmatched and inspiring . . . Food brings people together, and the business owners welcome you in such a way that you really feel like you’re a part of the family and the community.”

Whether for a day, a weekend, with children or without, self-guided or on a tour, there is so much to explore here and a warmth that feels refreshing. And as a final suggestion, whether on your way in or on your way out, make a stop at Blue Raven Farmstand for a life-changing pie. You won’t regret it.

Emily Corak has lived in the Pacific Northwest for the past three decades. A former educator with Vancouver School District, Emily is now a freelance writer, photographer and mom to two young kids with big personalities. She is set to graduate with her MFA in creative writing this fall and, if given the choice, she would spend all her spare cash on travel and books.

Left: John Bracken operates Crush Wine Tours in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Right: Salt Creek Cider House in Dallas, Oregon serves cider by the glass, flights, bottles and growlers to go.

Feature: A Galaxy Far, Far Away Comes to Southwest Washington

A Galaxy Far, Far Away Comes to Southwest Washington

By Kristen Flowers

In2016, Michael Halstead walked past a Star Wars Stormtrooper at Rose City Comic Con. It was not a particularly unusual sight at the convention for pop culture and sci-fi fans, but he froze in his tracks. A stormtrooper nearby said something, and the voice came out metallic, through a speaker, and had the click-pop at the end, just like in the movies. He knew at that moment he had stumbled upon something special.

“How do I get into this?” he asked himself, laughing.

Almost six years later, the insurance claims manager from Salmon Creek moonlights as the commanding officer for the Cloud City Garrison, the Oregon and Southwest Washington region of the 501st Legion.

The 501st Legion is a worldwide costuming organization made up of about 15,000 people across the entire globe. Because it’s so large,

money for charity. The 501st Legion represents the bad guys in the films, like Stormtroopers, Darth Vader, Boba Fett and Kylo Ren.

The costumes might have piqued Halstead’s interest, but the philanthropy is what kept his attention. Wanting to give back, he reached out to the garrison. He was greeted by welcoming, friendly, like-minded people who told him about the charitable aspects of the organization and how he could begin building his own costume.

The process is quite intense, Halstead explains. “It has to be movie-accurate. There are requirements and it has to be approved. So, you’ve got to submit pictures of the costume front, back, side, side, action shot and helmet off so that someone can look at

standards so that we’re still allowed to play in the Disney sandbox. They allow us to do what we do because of the accuracy of our costumes and the charity work we do.”

Typically, Disney doesn’t like anyone using their trademarked property (especially Star Wars), but they make a huge exception for the 501st. The executives allow it because their brand is represented accurately and is used to do good in the community.

The costumes are so realistic that when producers for the television show The Mandalorian needed more stormtroopers for a scene and didn’t have enough outfits, they called the Los Angeles garrison of the 501st to see if anyone could volunteer their time. A chance for a Star Wars fan to end up in continued on page 20

Top: Costumed members of the Cloud City Garrison visit Salish Ponds Elementary School in Fairview for a yearend assembly in June 2022.

Bottom left: Michael Halstead, Chris Anderson, Steve Vibbard and Daryl Doak visit Randall Children's Hospital in costume in August 2023. Photos courtesy Michael Halstead.

Josh Becket as Chewbacca and Michael Halstead as a Rebel Pilot visit Rose City Comic Con in 2022.

Photo courtesy Michael Halstead.

continued from page 18

an authentic Star Wars show was a dream come true. Unsurprisingly, the producers had more than enough volunteers. The Mandalorian came face to face with an army of stormtroopers who were no doubt grinning from ear to ear underneath their helmets.

However, making a movie-quality costume without experience or fashion background intimidates most people. The group hosts building parties to alleviate some of the stress of this enormous project. The members gather to share patterns, tips and tricks for building specific costumes. They also have a costuming tag on their website, www.501st. com. There, you can find a drop-down menu of the requirements needed for the outfits. Luckily, some companies specialize in building kits. They will ship you the plastic required for the costume, but after that, you are on your own. The builder cuts the plastic, fits it to their body shape, glues it together and ensures it straps to the body and won’t slip or fall off during an event or appearance.

Like most intense hobbies, this one can get pricey.

“There are some costumes that are cheaper and an easier way to get into the Legion,” explains Halstead. “So, there is the imperial officer, where you have your face shown and you’re from a Star Destroyer. If you want to build a stormtrooper, you’re looking at around $1,000 to $1,500. If you want to build a Darth Vader, those can cost $6,000. Again, they’ve got to be movie-accurate, so you can’t just go get something from the Halloween store.”

For the members, there is joy and pride in the building process itself. Often, members of the Cloud City Garrison make more than one, including Halstead. “I’ve got a stormtrooper, a biker scout from Return of the Jedi, the guys on the speeder bikes. I’ve

got Boba Fett from Return of the Jedi. I’ve got a Gamorrean Guard, the pig guard in Jabba’s Palace, and I love wearing that one because people who recognize it react to it. I’ve got a Muftack, one of the little aliens in the cantina scenes. I’ve got a Wampa, the seven-footten ice creature, a Kylo Ren, a Cad Bane from the cartoon series, and Zuckuss, the bounty hunter.”

If there is a baddie from the Star Wars universe you identify with, then there is a place for you in the Cloud City Garrison. Even if they already have that character, they ’re happy to have another. Being bad can be so much fun. “Bad guys are funny. They’re really not mean,” says Halstead. “The stormtroopers themselves are not really bad.” And their aim is often subpar.

There is another, more practical reason Halstead likes playing characters with helmets. It allows him some emotional space when making hospital appearances at Randall’s Children’s Hospital, which he visits monthly, and on occasion Doernbecher. “The pediatric oncology unit can be very tough. We’ve been to the burn unit. We’ve gone to the ICU and things like that. I like wearing the helmet because it’s hard to keep your face in a certain way when seeing these kids through challenging times.”

Despite the emotional toll, charity work is what fuels the members. Some of their most memorable events involve Make-A-Wish. If the child wishes to visit Disneyland to visit Galaxy’s Edge, the members will meet them at the airport or escort them to their gate in full costumes to give them a proper Star Wars send-off. Members of the Cloud City Garrison will consider all event requests, especially if it has a charitable aspect. Stormtroopers have popped up at birthday parties, trunk-or-treats, fun runs, weddings

A Galaxy Far, Far Away Comes to Southwest Washington (cont'd)

Top: Cloud City Garrison members Steve Maguire, Tee Winters, Michael Halstead, Jim Downing and Laura Downing visit Rose City Comic Con in 2022. Photo courtesy Michael Halstead.

Bottom: Missy Thingelstad poses in Jedi attire with her husband, Scott, who is dressed as a 212th Battalion Phase 2 clone trooper. Photo courtesy Missy Thingelstad.

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“My favorite events are when we go to hospitals and tour the pediatric units. That’s always gratifying and fun to be just a bright spot in the day of somebody going through a really challenging time. And I really enjoy just putting a smile on people’s faces.”

— Missy Thingelstad

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and even funerals. However, since the group comprises of volunteers, a member must be available on the appearance day.

But some are not seduced by the dark side; some wish to channel their inner Luke Skywalker instead of the Emperor. Like in the Star Wars galaxy, there must be a balance. The Rebel Legion’s Kashyyyk Base, run by Missy Thingelstad, achieves that. They are the sister organization to the 501st Legion and handle all the good guys like Jedis, X-Wing pilots, Han Solo, Leia and even some aliens.

Thingelstad got involved because her husband was in the organization. While he dressed in costume, Thingelstad worked as a spotter, assisting the costumed characters up and down stairs, ensuring they had what they needed for an event, or helping to physically dress the character. “It really starts because we all have a baseline love of Star Wars, but we want to be able to share with others,” says Thingelstad.

While Thingelstad also has an Empire costume, she prefers her Rebel attire. She has a Master Jedi, Resistance pilot and Mon Mothma costume. “I love both the Empire and the Rebellion. I prefer the style and everything that is the Rebellion. I like the fabric costumes. I like to sew, so that’s a great way to bring out my creativity. Who doesn’t want to be a good guy and throw around a lightsaber and battle evil?”

But don’t join the Kashyyyk Base because you think putting the costumes together will be less challenging; the opposite is true despite having the force on your side. “It’s just as difficult, if not harder, because many of the good guy costumes are fabric-based, and there are no patterns that we can use to develop those. My husband has a number of armored costumes, and the great thing about those costumes is that, most often, somebody has gone before you and has created a great kit that you can customize for yourself. But for

most Rebellion costumes, you must make a pattern, source the fabric, and figure out many embellishments. They aren’t any easier. They both present an equal level of challenge and creativity.”

While Halstead and Thingelstad have not been asked to be part of a Star Wars movie or show, they still have experiences they will never forget. “I think, for me, the standout experiences aren’t necessarily the highprofile events,” says Thingelstad. “The events and experiences that I love and what draws me to continue with this group are when we can make a personal connection. It could be a child or an adult who identifies with Star Wars. My favorite events are when we go to hospitals and tour the pediatric units. That’s always gratifying and fun to be just a bright spot in the day of somebody going through a really challenging time. And I really enjoy just putting a smile on people’s faces.”

And nothing puts a smile on someone’s face like a lightsaber.

“Kids of all ages are drawn to light sabers, from infants to kids of all ages and adulthood. It’s really just kind of fun,” explains Thingelstad.

It’s all about the fun for both groups and they want to share it with new members. Don’t be intimidated, says Halstead. They will ensure you walk the dark or light side with others if you want in. “We’ve got people that are more than happy and willing to try to help as much as possible because our goal is more troopers equals more troops that can go to events, which equals more money given to charity. And that’s what it’s really all about is trying to get these charities some help.”

The Cloud City Garrison and Kashyyyk Base can be reached on their websites, www.501st. com and www.rebellegion.com. It’s a chance to learn more about the organization, the costume requirements and how to request members to attend an event.

No matter what side you fall on . . . may the force be with you.

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.

By Priscilla Gilbert,

The Pacific Northwest is beautiful!

I love the greenery and flowers. I love the accessibility of the rivers and streams. I love that I can plant bushes, trees, flowers and gardens and not have to worry too much about watering them. At various times in my life, I have tried to convince myself to move to other states that were closer to friends or family, but then the brown terrain of other areas inevitably convinces me otherwise. Our area is too beautiful to give up! Spring and early fall capture the most magical colors and transformations, and our summers have long inviting days to play outside.

The trade-off of living in such a verdant landscape, of course, is the months of rain and the darkness. During the summer we have about 14-15 hours of daylight to play, adventure or meet up with friends outdoors; in the winter our shortest days have about 7 hours of sunlight. The dark days can be hard and long.

Sunlight leads to more productivity, energy, opportunity, creativity and adventure. Conversely, the prolonged darkness can negatively affect energy, thinking and mood. Increased symptoms of depression that match the earth’s seasonal patterns is known as seasonal affect disorder or S.A.D.

SYM PTO M S O F S.A .D. A RE:

• Decreased energy

• Decreased motivation to do your normal and favorite activities

• Feeling sluggish

• Feeling more depressed

• Increased agitation

• Changes in eating habits and weight gain

• Changes in sleeping habits

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Increased isolation and social withdrawal

Winter depression can be worsened by other events and transitions that commonly lead to increased feelings of depression or anxiety, like starting school, changing jobs, holidays or relocation from sunnier locations. However, don’t lose heart. There are many tools, resources and coping strategies that you can use to help you and your family through the Pacific Northwest’s dark and rainy months.

STRATEG IES A N D TOO LS

Enjoy the moments of sunshine.

• Enjoy the magic of the summer and fall. Don’t jump too early into the preemptive gloom about the rainy season and loss of daylight hours. Soak in every moment of sunshine.

• Capture the moments of rain breaks. There are almost always breaks in the weather during your day. Utilizing the sunbreaks will help you to feel the mental and physical freedom of the outdoors and the fresh air. You are not captive to the indoors and alternative lights.

• Know the various rain patterns, as well as your window of tolerance. Once you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for a while, you get familiar with the broad range of rain vocabulary and precipitation intensity levels that include cloudy days, misting, drizzles, sprinkles, rain and downpours. Everyone needs to find their “window of tolerance” for how much rainfall they are comfortable with. My personal bias is that we can still

continued on page 24

Soak in every moment of SUNSHINE

LMHC

continued from page 22

make outdoor plans on most days that are cloudy, misty, drizzly and sprinkling. On completely rainy days we will stay inside. However, the unexpected downpours are also favorite times for my kids to run outside and dance in the rain through shrills of laughter.

• Plan walks, hikes or outdoor adventures during the light rain patterns. Lacamas Lake Heritage Trail offers easy walking routes under the covering of tree branches, reducing the splatter of raindrops in your face.

• Capitalize on the one or two weeks of “fake summer” that typically comes in late January or February. The Pacific Northwest has a fun and misleading pattern of adding a random week or two of warm sunshine during the winter months. You’ll notice that everyone starts wearing shorts and emerging from their winter hiding. It’s a beautiful period of time that offers joy, relief and warmth before returning back to the months of more significant rainfall.

Identify the purpose and reason for your “suffering.”

• S.A.D. and winter depression can feel like a time of suffering and gloom. Knowing the reason for suffering can alleviate some of the pain by giving you purpose and direction. For me it’s easy to name the benefit of rain. I love the flowers and deciduous trees in this area, plus I am forgetful when it comes to watering my plants, so I thank the rain for keeping this area beautiful.

• Practicing gratitude is another habit that reduces stress, anxiety and depression. So many people are drawn to living in this region and much of the draw comes from the benefits of the rainfall and the varying seasonal patterns. Take time to notice and name what you appreciate such as the rivers, lakes or access to drinking water.

Capitalize on the months of being captive indoors.

• The dark and rainy months create great excuses to slow down, calm down and find cozy indoor activities.

It’s easy to find an excuse to curl up with a book, good music, a favorite TV show or a puzzle when the weather is not as fair. The rain is a really nice excuse to not go outside to pull the weeds or mow the lawn.

• Join a group of friends or strangers for board games or trivia nights. BatCave Games on east Mill Plain and Fate & Fury Games on Burton Road are two local places that sell specialty board games. 3Peaks Public House in Ridgefield and Loowit Brewing and Vancouver Brickhouse, both in Downtown Vancouver are local options for trivia nights and/or live music.

• Across the river, OMSI offers fun evening events like OMSI After Dark and Science Pubs that give adults an easy evening of hanging out and possibly learning something new.

• Spend reflective time at home by yourself or with your partner. Reflect on what’s happened in your past year, as well as ideas or goals for the upcoming year. My husband and I have a tradition of remembering and writing down all the events, changes and challenges that occurred over the previous year; this is added to a running list that catalogues all of our years together. Additionally, we write down all the dreams or goals for the upcoming year; we try to stretch our imaginations, naming things beyond what we’re currently able to do, and typically we only accomplish about 50% of our goals. We have a collection of papers that list our yearly goals. It’s pretty interesting

Practice

to wonder, like a spectator of my own life, what goals will come to fruition and be accomplished over the coming year.

• Press into your own work of selfhelp, growth and development. Dr. Brené Brown has written amazing and easily recommendable books that are great places to start, like “Daring Greatly” (Avery, 2012) and “The Gifts of Imperfection” (Hazelden, 2010).

• Create an environment of hygge in your house. “The Little Book of Hygge” (Penguin UK, 2016) by Meik Wiking explores the many ways the Danish culture capitalizes on the long days of darkness with the use of candles, rugs, music and good food. Danes often excel at creating cozy times with their friends and family.

Other Coping Skills and Resources

• Connect with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor about your well-being to explore if there are any additional supplements or prescription medications that can support your body through the experience of winter depression. Vitamin D deficiencies are common in this area and many people have a fall/ winter routine of adding an additional Vitamin D supplement to their regimen.

• Connect with a mental health counselor. Counselors are great advocates in partnering with you to

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GRATITUDE

Feature: Preparing for the Winter Blues (cont'd)

continued from page 24

assess your symptoms and distress, as well as working towards your personal treatment goals. During the spring and summer, we are often able to stay busy enough to “forget” about our mental health concerns or symptoms of anxiety or depression. Slowing down in the fall and winter can be hard for many individuals as they start to experience more stress and symptoms.

• Maintain healthy habits and routines. Eating regularly, staying hydrated and prioritizing a healthy sleep rhythm are the three easiest ways to stay ahead of your depression and anxiety. Once you’ve tackled those three basics you can move on to incorporating exercise or body movements into your schedule. Then assess your social needs. Both introverts and extroverts need some degree of social connection, however the activities and amount of time will vary for every person.

• Increase your light exposure. Light therapy tools, well-lit houses, opening the window shades and going outside are a few local and easy ideas. Others find that they need to plan trips to sunnier and warmer climates during the gloomy and darker months.

• Have grace for yourself and others. During the fall and winter months, people are more likely to be cooped up inside, feel sick or under the weather, experience stress or feel rushed from starting school or feel stress about the upcoming

holidays. There’s a lot happening, and we don’t always know the full story of what’s happening for other people. Hold grace and compassion as we’re all making mistakes and not having the most favorable reactions to others.

Create a bucket list of indoor experiences that you want to try. This list can either be something that you spontaneously access or that you plan into your schedule to experience the positive benefits of anticipation. A few local ideas to get you thinking:

• Christmas and winter scenic train rides on Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Yacolt

• Listening and dancing to The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra at Providence Academy Ballroom (they typically play the first Friday of each month)

• Learning swing dancing at The Valiant Ballroom in Downtown Vancouver

• Rock climbing at The Source in Downtown Vancouver

• Rain-friendly restaurants with covered and heated seating like WildFin American Grill and Twigs Bistro, both on the Vancouver Waterfront

• Vintage shopping in Downtown Vancouver at House of Vintage or thrift shopping at Secondhand Solutions Thrift Store, benefitting Open House Ministries

• Escape rooms at NW Escape Experience in Hazel Dell

• Axe throwing at Firehouse Axes in Downtown Vancouver

• Mountain View High School Holiday Bazaar, taking place this year on November 11, 9 am-4 pm

• Pottery making, glass blowing or canvas painting at Live Laugh Love Art in east Vancouver or Kilnfolk in Downtown Vancouver

• Laser tag or miniature golf at Laser Blasters, Vancouver Mall

• Pearson Air Museum in Downtown Vancouver (admission is free!)

• Family dessert at Ice Cream Renaissance in Downtown Vancouver or Angel’s Donuts (2 Vancouver locations)

• For a nearby overnight getaway, sleep in a treehouse at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson.

Though the days are long and dark, there are many ways that you can take care of yourself and possibly even find enjoyment in the days to come.

Priscilla Gilbert is a licensed mental health counselor and the owner of Lacamas Counseling in Camas, WA. She specializes in supporting people through perinatal and postpartum distress, identity, work/ life balance, grief, anxiety, depression and life transitions. Connect with Priscilla by email at priscilla@lacamascounseling.com or at lacamascounseling.com/counselors/ priscilla-gilbert-lmhc.

Photo credit: August de Richelieu at pexels.com

It’s easy to use library eResources for homework help, school projects, and more. Get started by selecting your subject and grade level to find the right eResource for you. fvrl.org/connect

1 SUNDAY

Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch at 9504 NE 119th St., Vancouver. Admission includes wagon ride, one pumpkin, corn maze, pumpkin launchers, one hot drink, kids’ activities, live music on weekends, fresh apple cider sampling. Food, drink and cotton candy available for extra fee. Hours: ThursdayFriday 1-6 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm (closed Monday-Wednesday). Nighttime Corn Maze hours: Friday-Saturday 6-10 pm

Pumpkin Patch at Walton Farms, 1617 NE 267th Ave., Camas. Enjoy a corn maze, train ride and one pumpkin any size. Admission $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, age 2 and under free (no pumpkin). Hours: Thursday-Friday 3-5 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm (closed Monday-Wednesday).

of events activities

Have a

Events are subject to change. Please contact organization directly to confirm.

Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. Take a hayride down Pumpkin Lane where you’ll see dozens of “pumpkin people” scenes. Plus, pick out the perfect pumpkin, enjoy photo-ops and explore the historic farm grounds including farm animals and kids’ activities. Coffee and food vendors will be on site. Admission $7 for adults, $5 for kids age 3-11 (2 and under free). Weekends in October, 10 am-4 pm

The Patch at 636 Whalen Rd., Woodland. Corn maze, pumpkin bowling, hay rides, photo-op props, pony rides, food vendors and more! Admission is free, with separate costs for pumpkins, select activities and food vendors. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-6 pm, Sunday 12-6 pm (closed Mondays).

Get To-Gather Farm Pumpkin Patch at 1913 SE 303 rd Ave., Washougal. Walk the farm’s nature trails, feed the chickens, check out cider making demonstrations, climb the hay bale pyramid, find pumpkins and many other produce and décor items available for purchase at the farm store. Leashed dogs welcome. Guests are welcome to bring blankets and picnic lunches and enjoy the grounds, set high in the hills with a beautiful view. Admission is free. Hours: FridaySunday 10 am-4 pm

“Who Stole My Dead Husband?” Interactive Musical Comedy Dinner Theatre at Cloverlane Mercantile & Event Center, 16391 NE 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie. Enjoy four courses, twelve songs, a million laughs and one dead guy! Tickets $64-$69 at lovestreetplayhouse.com. (includes family style Italian dinner and the show). 2 pm

4 WEDNESDAY

Sip & Shop at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, 1535 E St., Washougal. Shop local vendors and enjoy food and drink on site. 5-8 pm

5 THURSDAY

CCHM Speaker Series at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. Historian Matthew Avery Sutton presents “Double Crossed: The American Missionary Spies of World War II.” Learn the extraordinary story of missionaries, priests and rabbis who played an outsized role in leading the United States to victory in World War II. Admission is free. 7-8 pm

6 FRIDAY

Vancouver’s Downtown Association Friday Friday Art Walk. Enjoy art, music and more all over Downtown. Go to vdausa.org/first-friday for a list of events and offerings.

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Free Costume Swap at Kindred Homestead Supply, 606 Main St., Vancouver. Drop off your used Halloween costumes and pick up a new-to-you costume! (Please only costumes in good shape.) 10 am-8 pm

Pumpkin Pageant and “Nightmare Before Christmas” Costume Contest in Downtown Camas. Vote for your favorite pumpkin designs from Camas businesses, enter the “Nightmare Before Christmas”-themed costume contest, plus enjoy kids’ crafts and games, art shows, live music and more. 5-8 pm

Haunted Walking Tours at Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver. A mix of stories, memories, research and personal experiences, these tours are a fascinating glimpse through the darker side of history. Many of our tales of history and terror are drawn from the book “Darkness Next Door,” penned by Clark County historian, Pat Jollota. General admission $18 at cchmuseum. org. 7 pm

The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra at Providence Academy Ballroom, 400 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Live music and dancing to the tunes of the roaring 20s and Depression-era 30s. Tickets $16 at the door or online at historicmusic.org/upcoming-events. 7-9 pm

7 SATURDAY

Birdfest and Bluegrass in Ridgefield. Spend time Downtown and on the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge during this annual Friends of the Refuge festival! Enjoy birding activities at the Refuge, a Walk for the Wild 5K, marketplace vendors and family crafts/activities, bluegrass musical performances and more. See ridgefieldfriends.org for full details and schedule. 9 am-9 pm

Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm. See Oct 1 for details. 10 am-4 pm

Dozer Day at Clark County Fairgrounds, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. Kids get to sit in the drivers’ seat of heavy-construction machinery, plus enjoy activities like the tire crawl, kids’ dig, prizes and more. Tickets $15-$20 at vancouver.dozerday.org. 11 am-4 pm

Old Apple Tree Festival at Old Apple Tree Park, 112 Columbia Way, Vancouver. Free, family friendly event with activities for children, food, live music, cider pressing and walking tours of Fort Vancouver Village and the Land Bridge. 11 am-3 pm

Haunted Walking Tours at Clark County Historical Museum. See Oct 6 for details. 7 pm

Metropolitan Performing Arts presents “Previously Performed Privately” at 6403 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Check out performances by theater artists, teachers, volunteers and parents from the Metropolitan Performing Arts Community! For one night only, benefitting MPA. Tickets $5-$20 atmetropolitanperformingarts.org. 7-9 pm

8 SUNDAY

Girlfriends Run Half Marathon, 10K & 6K at Vancouver Waterfront Park, Columbia Way, Vancouver. This event is designed specifically for women to get together to do something good for themselves and to help support breast cancer research. Registration $50-$92 at whyracingevents.com. 8:30 am

Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm. See Oct 1 for details. 10 am-4 pm

Dozer Day at Clark County Fairgrounds. See Oct 7 for details. 11 am-4 pm

12 THURSDAY

The Historic Trust’s 25th Anniversary at the Artillery Barracks, 600 E Hatheway, Vancouver. Celebrate 25 years of preserving some of our community’s most important

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Calendar of Events & Activities (cont'd)

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historic buildings and connecting our community through shared celebrations and civic engagement. Dinner, drinks, remarks by Washington Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and more. Tickets $75 at thehistorictrust.org. 5:30 pm

Cinema of Horrors at Clark County Fairgrounds, 17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield. A live-action, drive-in horror movie experience where monsters from the screen come to life. With 15 different horror thrillers, guests are guaranteed to scream this Halloween! Family night movies showing Oct 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26. Tickets $49-$69 per car. Go to ridgefield. cinemaofhorrors.com/tickets for full schedule and to purchase tickets. 7 pm

13 FRIDAY

Haunted Walking Tours at Clark County Historical Museum. See Oct 6 for details. 7 pm

14 SATURDAY

Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing Party with FVRLibraries at Horseshoe Lake Park, Woodland. View the partial solar eclipse beginning at 8 am, plus enjoy fun activities and crafts and a supply of eclipse viewing glasses. 8-11 am

Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm. See Oct 1 for details. 10 am-4 pm

Haunted Walking Tours at Clark County Historical Museum. See Oct 6 for details. 7 pm

15 SUNDAY

Gather Arts Market Fallfest 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

Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm. See Oct 1 for details. 10 am-4 pm

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver.Open to young artists up to age 18, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra awards $24,000 in cash prizes and gives winners of each category the opportunity to perform with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in January 2024. 2 pm

Soup-er Heroes Soup’s On Benefitting Share at ilani, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield. Taste soups from top chefs and vote for your favorite. Tickets $85 at sharevancouver.org. 4 pm

16 MONDAY

Pumpkin Painting Party at Woodland Community Library 770 Park St., Woodland. All supplies provided! 3-5 pm

17 TUESDAY

Pumpkin Carving Advanced Workshop at Children’s Home Society, 1702 C St., Washougal. Join FVRLibraries to learn tips and tricks of pumpkin carving with threetime jack-o’-lantern grand champion Luke McLaughlin. Advanced: Oct 17, Intermediate: Oct 18, All Levels: Oct 23. 4:30-6:30 pm

Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation’s Authors and Illustrators Dinner and Silent Auction at Hilton Vancouver, 301 W 6th St., Vancouver. International bestselling author David Baldacci will be the keynote speaker. The evening includes a private reception with David Baldacci (tickets sold separately), auction, dinner and book signing. Tickets $120 at fvrlfoundation.org. 5:30 pm

18 WEDNESDAY

Pumpkin Carving Intermediate Workshop at Children’s Home Society. See Oct 17 for details. 4:30-6:30 pm

Cinema of Horrors Family Night at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. See Oct 12 for details. 7 pm

History on Tap: Campfire Tales V at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Listen as local historians Pat Jollota, Brad Richardson and Jeff Davis explore the darker side of Clark County, including never before heard haunting accounts as well as tales of vice and crime! Tickets $12-$18 at kigginstheatre.com. 7 pm

19 THURSDAY

Cinema of Horrors Family Night at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. See Oct 12 for details. 7 pm

20 FRIDAY

Halloween Party at My Gym, 1825 SE 164th Ave., Ste 112, Vancouver. Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy Halloween-themed songs, games and spooky (not scary) fun! Each child will go home with a goody bag. Registration $25 at mygym.com/fisherslanding/ events. 3 pm - Little Kids (ages 4 months-2 years old), 4 pm - Mixed Ages, 5 pm - Mixed Ages.

Haunted Walking Tours at Clark County Historical Museum. See Oct 6 for details. 7 pm

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “Spider” at Curious Comedy Theater Annex, 5225 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland. Written by an alumni of OCT’s YP Company, this powerful new play about iPad kids, collective trauma and what we trust AI to do will stick with you long after the final bows. Content Warning: this play has mature themes, content and language. Age recommendation: 14+. Tickets $15-$20 at octc.org/spider.

7:30 pm

21 SATURDAY

Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm. See Oct 1 for details. 10 am-4 pm

Washougal Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Hathaway Park, 799 25th St., Washougal. More info at cityofwashougal.us. 12-3 pm

Haunted Walking Tours at Clark County Historical Museum. See Oct 6 for details. 7 pm

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “Spider” at Curious Comedy Theater Annex, Portland. See Oct 20 for details. 7:30 pm

22 SUNDAY

Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm. See Oct 1 for details. 10 am-4 pm

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “Spider” at Curious Comedy Theater Annex, Portland. See Oct 20 for details. 2 pm

23 MONDAY

Pumpkin Carving Workshop at Children’s Home Society. See Oct 17 for details. 4:306:30 pm

25 WEDNESDAY

Downtown Camas Boo Bash. Dress up and enjoy trick-or-treating at Downtown Camas businesses, rain or shine! 3-5 pm

Cinema of Horrors Family Night at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. See Oct 12 for details. 7 pm

Harvest Festival at La Center Community Library, 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Rd., La Center. Enjoy harvest festival games and crafts. Costumes are encouraged but not needed. 4-5:30 pm

26 THURSDAY

Cinema of Horrors Family Night at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield. See Oct 12 for details. 7 pm

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GIRLFRIENDS

October 8, 2023

• 6K • 10K • Half Marathon

WASHOUGAL October 29,

2023

• 5 K • 10K • Half Marathon

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27 FRIDAY

Haunted Walking Tours at Clark County Historical Museum. See Oct 6 for details. 7 pm

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “Spider” at Curious Comedy Theater Annex, Portland. See Oct 20 for details. 7:30 pm

28 SATURDAY

Apple Cider Pressing at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, 43907 NE Grist Mill Rd., Woodland. Step back in history and watch around 10,000 pounds of applies be pressed the oldfashioned way. Donations accepted

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to take some cider home with you. Play an instrument? Come join the Bluegrass Jam on the back deck. 9 am

Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm. See Oct 1 for details. 10 am-4 pm

Booville at Vancouver Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. Mini pumpkins and decorating, visits with Chester Cheetah, selfie photo area, face painting, balloon art, library book give-away and more!

11 am-2 pm

28 SATURDAY

Fall Festival at St Andrew Lutheran Church, 5607 NE Gher Rd., Vancouver. Trick-or-Treating, costume contest and parade, carnival games and prizes, crafts, face painting, plus food and beverages available for purchase.

2-5 pm

Booots & Bow Ties Benefitting Mount St Helens Institute at ilani, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield. Silent auction and drinks, plus costumes encouraged! Tickets $100 at mshinstitute.org. 5:30 pm

Cedar Creek Grist Mill will press around 10,000 pounds of apples at their annual Apple Cider Pressing.

Haunted Walking Tours at Clark County Historical Museum. See Oct 6 for details. 7 pm

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “Spider” at Curious Comedy Theater Annex, Portland. See Oct 20 for details. 7:30 pm

29 SUNDAY

Scary Run at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. Get out your Halloween costumes and be prepared to be scared out of your wits. If the running doesn’t increase your heart rate, being chased by monsters, zombies and psycho freaks will! Festive food and drink to follow the race! Registration $50-$92 at whyracingevents.com. 8 am

Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farm. See Oct 1 for details. 10 am-4 pm

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “Spider” at Curious Comedy Theater Annex, Portland. See Oct 20 for details. 2 pm

31 TUESDAY

Friday Fun Night at Living Hope Church, 2711 NE Andresen Rd., Vancouver. Tons of candy, games, food vendors and more. This is a free event and no signup is necessary. 5-7 pm