Vancouver Family Magazine December 2025

• FAMILY VOLUNTEERING: Ways to Give Back and Make a Difference Together, p. 16

• WHERE WORDS GATHER: Exploring the Local Poetry Scene, p. 22

Education Opens Doors.

e Community Foundation for Southwest Washington o ers scholarships and resources to improve access to college, career and technical education opportunities for all students—no matter where they start. Plus, our application makes it easy by automatically lling in shared answers across scholarships.

Have a high school senior? Encourage them to take our quick Eligibility Quiz today. In about 15 minutes, they’ll see which scholarships they qualify for.

FEATURE ARTICLES

Winter Nature Adventures with Kids in Clark County

Discover simple, low-cost ways to explore nature with kids this winter, from birdwatching to cozy picnics under covered shelters.

Family Volunteering: Ways to Give Back and Make a Difference Together

Learn how families can volunteer together at food banks, animal shelters and more, allowing kids of all ages to give back and create lasting memories.

Where Words Gather: Exploring the Poetry Scene in Southwest Washington

Discover the thriving local poetry scene where every voice has a place and every word matters.

• Little Otters Play Café Opens in Washougal

• New Clark County Food Access Guide Centralizes Local Resources

• OMSI Animal Exhibit “Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present” Now On Display

Calendar of Events &

• Brushing Up on Dental Health for Kids: 4 Tips From a Pediatric Dentist by Kaiser Permanente

• Give the Gift of Education with GET: A Small Present with a Big Impact

• Real Talk with Dr. Krista Bacon: Intergenerational Trauma - How It’s Passed Down in Families and What It Means to Break the Cycle

Celebrating Family, Community and Holiday Magic

December is one of my favorite times of the year. The coziness of the season and the celebrations more than make up for the colder weather, and this season always feels extra special with family and friends.

One of our favorite traditions has always been driving around to see the dazzling holiday light displays. These sparkling decorations are fun for the whole family and a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the beauty around us.

Even as winter weather sets in, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors with your children. In our feature on winter outdoor adventures with kids (page 10), we share simple, low-cost ideas, from birdwatching and short nature hikes to cozy picnics under covered shelters. Don’t forget to bundle up and bring the snacks!

Next, we showcase family volunteering opportunities on page 16, giving parents and kids ways to make a difference together. Whether it’s neighborhood cleanups, helping at a food bank to taking care of pets at a local animal shelter, these experiences are rewarding for everyone involved.

Finally, we celebrate the local poetry scene on page 22 where Ghost Town Poetry and Poetry Street PNW bring neighbors together to share words and stories. These creative gatherings are welcoming to all and a wonderful way to connect with the community.

And of course, the season is alive with holiday events—Nutcracker performances, festive musical shows, sparkling light displays and family celebrations that fill our communities with magic. Turn to page 28 to discover holiday events in our area. We also have an online exclusive holiday event roundup "Ho Ho Holiday Events in Vancouver and Beyond" that you won't want to miss.

Wishing all in our community a happy, healthy and safe new year!

Catherine Stacks, Editor/Owner catherine@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com

Volume 24, Issue 12

Editor/Publisher

Catherine Stacks Catherine@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Graphic Designer

I-Shüan Warr Ishuan@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Jessica Becker, Emily Corak, Emily Cruz

Ad Sales sales@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

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

Address: PO Box 820264 Vancouver, WA 98682 Tel: 360-605-0168

@VancouverFamily

Copyright 2002-2025. All rights reserved. No portion of Vancouver Family Magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC and staff do not recommend or endorse any service, product, or content represented in this magazine or on our website. The sole purpose of this publication is to provide information on available services and/or products. It is the consumer’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of information given. Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC, and/or Catherine Stacks 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.

Photo by Crystal Chavez CrystalChavezPhoto.com crystalchavezphoto Crystal Chavez Photography On the Cover:

Crystal Chavez is a wedding and family photographer. She and her husband, Luis, pastor at Life Center Vancouver in Salmon Creek. They homeschool their four children and are expecting their fifth child this January.

DECEMBER 2025

When local art teacher Nicole Butterfield heard a young mother say, “parenting is so lonely,” the words stuck with her. That moment inspired the vision for Little Otters Play Café (3307 Evergreen Way Suite #604), a new boutique playroom in Washougal where parents can find community while their children play, explore and create. With coffee in hand and kids within sight, families are discovering a new gathering place designed to make parenthood feel a little less lonely.

Little Otters Play Café is catered toward families of children ages 0-6. Parents can stay on site with their children, but the playroom is designed so they can be seen from anywhere. Parents can sit at the counter, grab a coffee or get work done and have eyes on their little ones at all times.

“We’ve got some gross motor equipment for the kiddos to get their energy out, and some imaginative play for those kids who prefer quieter play and a little book nook with the cutest children’s books,” said Butterfield. “There’s a little bit of everything. We’re also part studio and part community hub for parents and caregivers. Our goal is to offer parents a place to connect with other parents in their same stage of life (what we call ‘finding your raft’) while children play, create and explore in a safe, supervised environment.”

Little Otters offers $18 play passes that include 90 minutes of playtime and free coffee for parents. They offer memberships for families

Where Play Meets Connection: Little Otters Play Café Opens in Washougal

who visit often – both a month-to-month membership which features a 20% discount on visits and a Rainy Season Pass which covers nine months of indoor play (October through June). Little Otters also offers a 10play pass and gift cards.

In addition to open play, Little Otters offers a Drop ‘n Shop service. During certain hours, parents can drop their kids off for up to two hours while they run errands in the nearby Evergreen Marketplace Plaza.

They also offer a little art studio called The Den that hosts after-school art classes for children aged 7 and up, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3pm and 4pm.

“I’ve been an art teacher for over 10 years, and teaching art is truly my passion. We have so many fun and creative projects planned!” said Butterfield.

The Den transforms into an Otters After Hours space on Thursday evenings from 6–7:30 p.m. Parents can gather for crafts or other planned activities while their kids enjoy supervised playtime in the playroom. There’s even a window between the two rooms so parents can easily check in on their little ones.

Little Otters can be rented for private celebrations, which includes 90 minutes of party time plus setup and cleanup.

“We’ll host monthly community events and members-only gatherings, all of which are

shared on Instagram, Facebook and our website calendar. As we settle into our rhythm, we’ll continue adding new and exciting opportunities for families to connect and play!” said Butterfield.

Butterfield said that although the space is quite boutique, they have a variety of activities to keep the little ones occupied. “We have four play structures that can be climbed or jumped on to really get out some energy. Our Jungle Jumparoo is a fan favorite for sure! We also have tons of sensory stuff around the playroom, from spinny seats to funny mirrors. And then we have some areas for imaginative play,” she said.

Toys and themes inside Little Otters will be rotated out every couple months or so. “I have so many ideas for what these can be, and I’m hoping my older art students can be a part of their creation at some point,” said Butterfield.

“I am just so excited to be a part of the community and grateful for the heartfelt welcome we’ve received so far! Thank you so much, Clark County!” she said.

Little Otters recently opened in Washougal and is a wonderful place to bring your children aged 0-6.

OMSI Live-Animal Exhibit “Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past

Now

+ Present”

On Display

T

he Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)’s new exhibit “Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present” is now open and runs through Feb. 16, 2026. The exhibit features live animals, real fossils and educational programming that will bring visitors back in time to explore what lurked within the ocean.

The exhibit has nine living animal habitats, bilingual info panels, life-sized animal sculptures and more. At the exhibit you can view full replicas of mosasaurs, a Spinosaurus and other prehistoric creatures and meet their present-day descendants.

“Monsters of the Abyss takes visitors on a journey spanning millions of years, from prehistoric oceans to the present day, through real fossils, live animals and hands-on, interactive experiences,” shares Akiko Minaga, OMSI’s vice president of learning experiences. “In this exhibition, guests will learn about extinction-level events, dig for fossils and see the aquatic ‘monsters’ in our own oceans, rivers and lakes that still exist today.”

The exhibit welcomes families of all ages. It includes educational programming and animal encounters from expert educators ready to answer questions. The exhibit takes visitors through prehistoric periods so they can learn about mass extinction events that have given rise to today’s diverse ecosystems.

Live animals in the exhibit include:

Asian Water Monitor

Asian Water Dragon

Pixie Frog

Diamondback Terrapin

Eastern Garter Snake

Caiman Lizard

False Water Cobra

The exhibit was developed by the Canadian-based Little Ray’s Nature Centre, which is one of the largest exotic animal rescue organizations in North America. All the live animals in the exhibition were rescued by Little Ray’s or born into human care. Their conservation work emphasizes the importance of animal welfare, habitat preservation and inspiring action through educational experiences.

New Clark County Food Access Guide Centralizes Local Resources in One

Public Directory

Anew, public-facing Clark County Food Access Guide is available to all, bringing together local food resources in one place to make it easier for residents to find help fast and for providers to stay coordinated. Curated by Dusti Arab, founder of Hearth & Hollow, a Vancouver micro-nursery and plant CSA, the guide is available at this QR code here, or online at thereinventionco.notion.site/clarkcountyfoodaccess

The guide is a simple, continuously updated directory that consolidates Clark County food access information in one searchable page. It’s designed to be shared broadly by all. In the guide, there are public, nonprofit and community-based food resources. Each entry has essential details (how to access, who is eligible, when/where).

Arab built this guide in August, and web traffic to the guide has increased since. “If this could help you or someone you love, please share it. No one in our community should go hungry,” said Arab.

Organizations and volunteers are encouraged to review their listings and submit updates so hours, eligibility, languages served and distribution details stay accurate. To request an addition or correction, contact: Dusti Arab at support@hearthandhollow.org.

Winter Nature Adventures with Kids in Clark County

By Jessica Becker

We all spend a lot of time indoors during our Pacific Northwest winters. The gray skies, rain and early sunsets make it seem less appealing to get outside with our kids. Despite the weather, spending time outside in nature in the winter can be a lot of fun and great for our mental health. When my daughter was younger (and even now that she is older), I noticed a positive difference in her mood on days we got outside, even when it was cold and pouring rain. I also felt better, and winter eventually became one of my family’s favorite seasons to get outside.

It can be daunting dealing with wet gear, but I hope you can also make winter one of your favorite seasons to get outside with your kids. During this time, trails and parks are less crowded, migratory birds are in the area and waterfalls and rivers are full. Better yet, getting outside in the winter can be low-cost too! Read on for tips on how and where to get outside with kids while minimizing costs.

How do you prepare for a winter nature outing?

1. Embrace the weather and the mud. The weather is what it is - acceptance and preparation are key. Bring protection from cold and rain and pack backup clothes just in case. Rain boots and a rain suit or rain jacket/pants combo are essential. Warm insulating layers underneath (like fleece or wool), warm socks, hats and gloves are too. You don’t need to buy the latest fashions - thrift stores, Ebay and

stores like Target and Walmart usually have affordable gear for the whole family. An umbrella can also be a lot of fun for kids - just teach them how to use it safely!

2. Keep bellies full. Snacks and water are must-haves for any outing with kids. Hard stop!

3. Keep it short. Get outside for a short time and stay close to home. Be prepared to quit while everyone is still having fun and warm/ dry. Be sure to pay attention to earlier sunsets!

4. Be prepared for the unexpected. Heavy rain or freezing temperatures can lead to flooded or damaged trails, trail closures or road hazards. Have a back-up plan, keep an eye on the weather and follow all trail/road closure signs.

5. Take advantage of cold, clear days. We do get dry days in winter. These days are often cold and windy, but they can still be quite en joyable. Make sure to bring wind and sun pro tection on these days.

6. Add on something warm to do. Pair your outing with a dry/warm destination like a li brary or a museum or stop to get hot tea or cocoa.

How and where can you get outside in nature with kids in the winter?

Picnic and sit spot under a dry shelter

Our local parks’ picnic shelters are first-come, first-serve and free this time of year, and they

make a perfect hangout spot for winter nature watching and picnicking. Some shelters even have fire pits for roasting s’mores. You can see a lot of nature from the comfort of a dry picnic shelter, where you can practice sitting quietly and noticing birds, plants and weather, all while documenting them in nature journals. There are many great resources online about nature journaling with kids, as well as sitting quietly as part of a sit spot experience. In addition to a picnic, consider bringing some paper and pencils/crayons, as well as some naturerelated books to read aloud.

Here are some great spots for watching nature from a picnic shelter:

● Vancouver Lake and Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park - These parks have multiple shelters between them, and both are great places for watching birds in the winter. continued on page 12

continued from page 10

They also have playgrounds and either the Columbia River or Vancouver Lake to view when you’re ready to pop out of the shelter. There is a $3 parking fee or you can purchase a Clark County Annual Parks Pass online.

● Lewisville Regional Park - This park features 13 picnic shelters and is home to a diverse array of birds, rabbits, squirrels and native plants to observe. A quick pop out of many of the shelters will also get you good views of the rushing East Fork Lewis River (use extra caution near the river’s edge). There are several playgrounds at Lewisville and flush restrooms. There is a $3 fee to park or you can purchase a Clark County Annual Parks Pass online.

Visit the Clark County Public Works website for information about all of the county’s picnic shelters.

Birdwatching from your vehicle

One of our favorite things to do as a family in winter is go birdwatching. However, sometimes the weather is too prohibitive, or maybe someone is sick but still wants a nature connection. Thankfully, there are some great places in Clark County to watch for birds from your vehicle.

Here are two of our favorite spots to birdwatch from a vehicle:

● Ridgefield Auto Tour Loop - This route is a four-mile driving loop through the River S unit of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. On this route, you’ll use your vehicle to watch for birds, coyotes and deer. Early

in the drive, there is a stopping place with vault toilets and a short walk out to a wildlife viewing blind. Be sure to pay attention to what you see on the drive so that kids can write down their observations at the volunteer station at the end of the loop. The tour requires a $3 entry fee, but many passes also work.

● Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge - The parking lot here is also a great place to watch for birds like harriers, egrets, herons and ducks. There is no fee to park here, and there is a vault toilet located a short walk from the parking area.

Binoculars are helpful when looking for birds, but even two empty toilet paper rolls taped together into binoculars can help kids narrow and focus their vision.

Hit the trail

There are many fantastic places to hike in Clark County during the winter. For some ideas, search “winter hikes” on www.littlefeethiking.com.

My favorite local trails for winter hiking with kids are:

● Columbia River Renaissance TrailThere are many ways to access this 5-mile long paved waterfront trail. We love walking here in the winter because of all the birdwatching opportunities and the accessible and stroller-friendly paved trail. Marine Park and Wintler Park are our preferred entry points. On clear or high-cloud winter days, you will get great views of snowy Mount Hood.

Try Geocaching

Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt using GPS technology. People set up containers with small trinkets and a log book, and then post the geocache online. When people find the containers, they can take something. It is good etiquette to leave something too (look online for ideas).

● Whipple Creek Trail - This trail takes you through pretty forest, which doubles as cover from the rain. You’ll still get wet, but it will be less than if you were hiking out in the open. The trails can get muddy, especially if horses have come through recently. Learn more about this trail in the September issue of Vancouver Family Magazine.

The easiest way I’ve found to geocache with kids is by downloading a free app at geocaching.com and signing up for a free account. This account is limited, but you can still use it to find many geocaches around the Vancouver area. When looking on the app for a geocache, go to the map, input your preferred area and click

continued on page 14

on the filter to hide the premium filter. When looking at the available free geocaches, make sure the last found or logged date was recent. Otherwise, you may be looking for something that isn’t there. You can also read any hints or details that will help you find the cache once your cell service helps you navigate to the general area.

Parents should open the caches and look inside first. Also be sure to note on the app if you can’t find a cache or if it is damaged.

Here are a few places with some free geocaches:

● Lacamas Heritage Trail - This trail is gravel and accessible for walkers, strollers and bikes. There are also restrooms and a playground.

● Salmon Creek Greenway Trail - This trail is paved and very accessible for all walkers, strollers and bikes. There are also restrooms and a playground.

● The area around Fort Vancouver - The trails and sidewalks around the fort are a mix of gravel and pavement, and they are accessible for walkers, strollers and bikes. There are also restrooms and a playground at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center.

Neighborhood Noticing Walk

We all get so busy that sometimes we forget to slow down and notice what’s happening around us. This is a key component of mindfulness. Winter is the perfect time to practice mindfulness in nature. If you don’t have a lot of time, if there is a break in the weather, or if you just want to stay close to home, consider a slow-moving walk around your neighborhood or a nearby park. Even 15 minutes is enough time to ground you in the present. Fitting this into your weekly routine and across different seasons can also help you notice patterns and feel more connected to where you live.

When chatting with kids about noticing with our senses, I suggest doing the following:

● Listen for the quietest and loudest sounds

● Look for the littlest and biggest, brightest and lightest, highest and lowest things visible

● Notice different smells

● Look for shapes

● Try to find things with different textures

You can make your noticing walks specific to nature too. Nature is everywhere, even in parking lots, yards and sidewalk cracks! If you

Winter is the perfect time to practice mindfulness in nature.

need help knowing what to look for, there are a lot of winter nature scavenger hunt ideas online.

You can take all this even further by journaling or drawing what you see when you get home. At home, you could sit in an open garage or on a porch or stoop to quietly listen and watch for things too.

Our PNW winters offer families an excellent opportunity to slow down and connect with each other and the outdoors. I hope these ideas inspire you to get outside with your kids and make some outdoor memories!

Jessica Becker is the author of the “little feet hiking” series of kids hiking guides, as well as the new accessible trail guide Strolling and Wheeling Around Vancouver, WA. Her main reasons for writing these guides are to help families get outside in an easy, fun, and safe way, as well as learn about nature. Jessica has been leading family-focused hikes and teaching families about nature in the Clark County area for over 10 years. Jessica is also a homeschooling mom, incorporating local trails into her nature and science studies as much as possible. Jessica lives in the Clark County foothills with her husband, daughter and two dogs. continued from page 12

Ways to Give Back and Make a Difference

By Emily Corak

N ow more than ever, people are recognizing the importance of looking out for one another. As prices rise and needs grow, taking care of our neighbors and community is something many want to prioritize. I believe people genuinely want to help each other, and we don’t want to watch our neighbors struggle.

Volunteers are quite literally responsible for keeping many agencies running and our community could not survive without them. And while the holidays tend to inspire greater numbers of volunteers, unfortunately, those numbers start to taper off once January arrives. Even though many people may want to do more for their community, it can be difficult to make the time while managing family, jobs and responsibilities. With young kids in tow, carving out a few hours to head to the local food pantry or clean up a neighborhood park might feel impossible. But if there’s a way to incorporate our kids into this volunteer time, everyone reaps the rewards.

Plenty of studies show the benefits for kids who volunteer – it boosts everything from empathy, responsibility, a sense of purpose and even improves mental health and wellbeing. Kids of any age who participate in volunteer activities will be more likely to be continue when they’re older, and the good news is they are never too young to start.

Feeding People

Michele Richardson has worked at the Clark County Food Bank for over ten years since she started as a volunteer herself with young children

before joining the staff. “We literally could not do what we do without volunteers,” she says, citing the 10 million pounds of food that get distributed throughout Clark County every year.

148,000 people are served annually which is roughly 30% of Clark County residents. “Every year, the needs keep rising,” says Richardson. The food bank is not only committed to providing food to the people of Clark County but also alleviating hunger and its root causes. “We don’t want to just put a band aid on the problem; we are very passionate about helping in all areas.”

Because of this philosophy, the food bank not only gathers, packs and distributes food to over 40 sites across the county, but they offer courses and resources in financial literacy,

Plenty of studies show the benefits for kids who volunteer – it boosts everything from empathy, responsibility, a sense of purpose and even improves mental health and wellbeing.

workforce development, nutrition, taxes and more.

While Clark County Food Bank had more child-centric volunteer opportunities pre-pandemic, they are hoping to bring those opportunities back. “I have great memories of taking my kids to volunteer at the food bank through their preschool,” says Vancouver resident Barrett Brenner. “Even at such a young age, they knew they were helping others, and they took a lot of pride in the potatoes they boxed.”

For adults and kids aged 14 and up, there are plenty of opportunities to sort and pack food in the warehouse or drive food to the sites. “Every volunteer role is different, and we try to keep it really flexible,” says Richardson.

If you want to include younger children, one option is to drive boxes of food to residents who are homebound and unable to make it to any of the food sites. Or, if you have active little helpers who need space to move, harvesting season generally runs from May through October and needs volunteers for picking fruits and vegetables, and kids of any age are welcome to join.

“We have an amazing community that wants to help,” says Richardson, “and even if you can’t donate or volunteer, you can share about us.” In 2024, 4,625 people volunteered their time and the

continued from page 16

food bank hopes to continue adding to that number. “We also want people to know that the food bank is for everyone,” Richardson says. “Even if you’re just having a hard month, we want to get rid of the stigma that food banks are only for certain people.”

Four -Legged Friends

Many Humane Societies have age restrictions on volunteers due to safety concerns, but if you have any feline-loving kids, the Washougal Humane Society allows volunteers to work with cats if they are eight years old and up and supervised by an adult. And there are other ways for animal lovers to help their furry friends. Eight-year-old Amorah has been wanting a cat to play with at home but her mom, Arieshia Williams, says it’s just not in the cards. Luckily, they discovered Second Chance Companions (SCC) in need of volunteers to help find homes for animals.

There are plenty of ways to support Second Chance Companions, but Arieshia and Amorah found that the “companion hour” twice a month worked best for them. “It’s something simple we can do together, and she gets her fill of cats,” says Williams. Their volunteer time started as taking the cats out of their cages to play with them, and now Amorah’s responsibilities include feeding, watering, sweeping, changing litter and cleaning cages.

Williams even supports the SCC by creating flyers for the organization to distribute. “Amorah talks about being a veterinarian, so this is great exposure for her, plus it’s bonding time for us and she gets to see what it’s like to give back to the community,” says Williams.

“I really like hanging out with my mom and the cats,” says Amorah. “I learned how to take care of cats and it’s a lot of work!”

cause we all had kitten fever, but we did not need any more cats,” says Martinez.

Furry Friends provides all the supplies needed to take care of kittens, including food, litter and all medical care. “I feel like we have the easy fun job,” she says, but adds that while she and the kids love snuggling kittens, there’s a deeper motivation at play. Martinez says when she’s holding a new kitten she often thinks, “If this little guy wasn’t here, he’d be out on the streets and his likelihood of survival would be slim.”

Martinez and her three kids have all shed tears when it’s time to give the cats to their new family, but they get to be a part of the process when deciding on prospective adopters. “We know we can’t keep them all,” says Martinez. “And for every cat we find a loving family, that means there’s room for another cat we can help.”

If fostering animals would be right for you and your animal-loving children, Second Chance Companions, the Humane Society and I Paw’d It Forward are always in need foster family volunteers.

S upporting M embers of O ur C ommunity

And for families who are in a position to foster animals while they wait for their forever home, Furry Friends of Washington is a perfect opportunity. Tina Martinez and her family have fostered five litters of kittens through the organization and don’t see themselves stopping anytime soon. “We originally got involved be -

For those experiencing houselessness, extra support and connection is invaluable. Share is a nonprofit committed to providing

food, supplies, rental assistance and more to individuals living on the streets or in danger of losing their home.

Nikki Klock, the former editor and owner of Vancouver Family Magazine, has fond memories of volunteering at Share with her children while they filled bags with food for kids to take home from school over the weekends. “The staff and the volunteers were welcoming and happily showed us the ropes,” Klock says. “It was really important for me to involve my kids when they were young to help them understand that different people have different life experiences, and we have a responsibility to help lift each other.”

Now that Klock’s kids are older, she sees them actively involved in their community through Winter Hospitality Overflow and other opportunities through their church, local schools and extended family in need of care. “I think involving kids in volunteering gives them a lifelong sense of service and a trust in their community if they ever find themselves in hard times,” she says.

Opportunities to volunteer with Share include the Hot Meals Program, serving over 10,000 meals per month and a backpack program that provides food-filled bags to children and their families throughout the school year. For one of the best opportunities to volunteer with children, Share needs volunteers to stock and prepare kits in the warehouse that are then set to be delivered to folks in the community.

The Many Rewards of Volunteering

The gifts of volunteering can be both surprising and rewarding, shared Klock. “When my kids were in high school and middle school respectively, we decided to volunteer for a City of Vancouver Saturday morning cleanup of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Memorial Plaza on Phil Arnold Way in Downtown Vancouver. The task was to scrub the murals, sweep the path and weed the surrounding landscaping to keep the memorial clean and show respect for the veterans remembered there,” she said.

One of the murals is simply a wall with handwritten names of veterans all over it. At one point, her oldest daughter called out, “Mom, I see great-grandpa’s name!”

continued on page 20

continued from page 18

“My husband, other daughter and I rushed to the wall of names and sure enough, there was my grandfather’s name, date of service and military branch. To this day, we have no idea who handwrote his name on that wall, but it was delightful to see him memorialized there with other veterans who bravely served their country,” Klock shared.

“If we had never volunteered on that day, we never would have known his name was there. Since then, we’ve visited the wall many times to honor him. Since he is buried in a different state, this has become our makeshift memorial for us to visit and remember the grandfather and great-grandfather whom we loved,” she said.

In the summer, I had the unique opportunity of teaching and creating a program for a group of exchange students visiting from Japan. Part of the program involved community outreach, and we ended up visiting the nursing home, Oaks at Timberline, which many kids cited as one of the highlights of their entire trip. (It did not, however, top Dairy Queen blizzards.)

We spent our time playing card games, crafting and the kids showed off their unique sets of talents. A resident pulled me aside to say, “Keep bringing the kids. We need more young energy in here.” For those that do get visitors, and some who sadly don’t, the gift of time, attention and youthful enthusiasm can be an extraordinary way to make a difference.

My daughter, Zoe, got to be a part of our time there and says, “It was fun getting to hear

about their childhoods and their stories.” She adds, “They asked me lots of questions and one woman said I reminded her a lot of her grandkids that live across the country. I think it made them happy that I was there.”

JustS erve

If you’re wanting to be more involved in the community, but unsure of what contribution might be the right fit for you, JustServe (JustServe.org) is a platform hard at work to make it easier for you. Tina Fronk has been volunteering with JustServe through her church for the past two years and says it’s truly an honor to help offer this entirely free, volunteer-run website. “We contact different organizations to find out about their volunteer needs and post it on our platform” says Fronk. “It provides easy, free access and it’s a onestop shop for finding volunteer activities.”

By using different filters, JustServe allows interested volunteers to seek out dates, environments and causes to find out what will be the perfect fit. “I’ve been so amazed by how many grassroots operations we have. People see a need and start organizing to make a difference.” The site allows visitors to sift through and find out which opportunities will be open to children so your family can find what will work best for you. “It really just brings community together,” says Fronk. “There’s so much kindness and goodness in other people and what better way to get to know someone by working shoulder to shoulder with them doing something good.”

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 recently earned her MFA in creative writing and, if given the choice, she would spend all her spare cash on travel and books.

Ways to Involve Your Child This Season and Beyond

Have kids help select canned foods and items to set out for the Walk & Knock event (now called Drive & Drop) on the 1st Saturday of December

Let kids choose a toy that will go to another child in need this holiday season

Look up outdoor events on your city’s website and bundle up to head to local parks and clean up litter, plant trees and more

Make cards or write letters for children’s hospitals, soldiers, local shelters or senior centers

Give the gift of baked goods and create treats and care packages for neighbors, local fire stations, house

less individuals or anyone who could use a little cheer.

On a weeknight in Downtown Vancouver, the lights inside local art gallery, Art At The Cave, illuminate Evergreen Boulevard. Inside, the room hums with the creative energy of seasoned and beginner poets alike. Listeners lean forward in their chairs, primed to welcome the words of their neighbors.

Across town, at the Camas Public Library, another gathering has formed. A microphone, rows of chairs and the heartfelt words from neighbors are all that’s needed to transform an ordinary evening into something special.

Two different spaces and gatherings, both sharing a common purpose: to make space for the living, breathing art of poetry here in Southwest Washington.

“Poetry uses our ordinary voices and the words and images from daily life to create an emotional experience for the listener,” says local poet, Susan Dingle. “Poetry has a generous heart.”

A Shared Language

Poetry can often be thought of as private, and in many ways, it is. Thoughts scribbled in journals and the notes app on a cell phone, sometimes read only in solitude. But here in Southwest Washington, poetry is communal. It’s a shared language, an act of listening as much as it is reading.

“Poetry is the rhythm and rhyme of a chant, prayer, an anthem or a fight song,” says local poet Julie Sparling of Poetry Street PNW. “It

Exploring the Poetry Scene in Southwest Washington

By Emily Cruz

unifies otherwise disconnected people and helps us march forward in whatever we need to accomplish together.”

Open mic gatherings and poetry readings across Clark County offer a unique sense of belonging, where stories unfold in real time. Strangers nod in understanding, as a collective sense of belonging fills the space. Courage shows up in the form of a mic in one hand and a poem in the other, in a cup of coffee resting on a knee and a listening ear.

Local Spotlights

Ghost Town Poetry

Founded over twenty years ago by local poet Christopher Luna, Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic is one of the region’s most enduring crecontinued on page 24

continued from page 22

ative gatherings. Now hosted monthly at Art At The Cave in Downtown Vancouver, the event brings together writers and listeners of all backgrounds, whether it’s students, veterans, retirees or first-time readers.

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Luna describes it as a space where vulnerability is met with applause, free of judgement. All are welcome and accepted, and Luna says the event has been open to all ages and uncensored since 2004.

“Everyone needs to be seen and heard,” he says. “What I love about the energy of our readings is that each reader receives a lot of love from the audience, especially if they’re reading for the first time. Whenever someone shares a poem, they’re making themselves vulnerable, and the community does such a great job of holding that space.”

Ghost Town began in 2004 at local favorite Ice Cream Renaissance. Luna saw a need for a literary outlet like this in town, something to connect creative voices. At the very first gathering, the place was full.

Since then, the event has grown into a cornerstone of the local arts scene, seamlessly weaving together the visual beauty of the art gallery with spoken word. Each month showcases a featured reader from across the Pacific Northwest, along with an open mic. Each month’s reading is co-hosted by Luna and Morgan Paige, who is Luna’s equal partner in the planning and execution of the event.

In addition, Christopher Luna and Toni Lumbrazo Luna launched Printed Matter Vancouver in 2011, which has published several debut volumes of poetry by Clark County authors.

“Because our event takes place once a month,” Luna explains, “people look forward to it, and often write new material just for that night’s reading.”

The result is a space that feels alive with energy, celebrates diversity and moves forward with purpose. For two decades, Ghost Town Poetry has been this for our community, a reminder that words have the power to move us and unite us.

Poetry Street PNW

Poetry Street PNW, another prominent local poetry gathering, is an open door for every voice.

The series first began before the pandemic, led by Elmo Shade, and survived through virtual readings on Zoom. In early 2024, local poets Susan Dingle and Julie Sparling took on the job of co-presenters so he could move into other projects in the poetry community. Since then, it’s become a welcome home for poets of all ages and levels of experience.

“Community is the heart of poetry,” Dingle says. “Poets come from communities and return to communities, where their voices are nurtured and heard.”

Monthly meetings at Poetry Street PNW are family-friendly gatherings where participants can take turns reading in a relaxed, supportive environment. Guests are invited to read aloud their original or favorite work and listen to featured poets.

“Poetry is the most compact and efficient way to express the complexity of being human,” Sparling adds. “A novel is a gallon of story and emotion. A short story is a pint. But a poem is a distilled extract—one spray of essence that captures it all.”

At Poetry Street PNW, that distilled essence often carries laughter, courage or reflection. Dingle says what she notices most is “the courage and vulnerability of poets, and the generosity and listening of audiences.” Families come to listen together, and beginning writers are always welcome to read.

“Pick up a pen and trust your voice will find you,” Dingle encourages. “Then join us—at Poetry Street PNW, or Ghost Town.”

The Voices Behind the Mic

Whether at an art gallery or a library, a coffee shop or a restaurant, poetry gatherings share

continued on page 26

Photos from top: Ghost Town Poetry’s 20th Anniversary celebration happened on November 14, 2024. Toni Lumbrazo Luna and Christopher Luna are standing at the mic, and Clark County Poet

Laureate Susan Dingle can be seen to their right. Photo courtesy Morgan Paige.

Julie Sparling and Susan Dingle took on the job as co-presenters of Poetry Street PNW in 2024. Photo courtesy Julie Sparling.

Eugene “Unique” Cosby IV performs at Poetry Street PNW. He and his family were the featured poets in August 2025. Photo courtesy Jacob Salzer.

Diego Giovanni shares his poetry at Poetry Street PNW. Photo courtesy Jacob Salzer.

December 2025

continued from page 24 Feature: Where Words Gather: Exploring the Poetry Scene in Southwest Washington (cont'd)

a similar rhythm. A hush spreads through the room as someone steps to the microphone, a deep breath, and the sound of vulnerability fills the room.

Some poets write about love and loss, nature, life, faith and so much more. Lately, Sparling notes, more Poetry Street PNW readers have been using their poems to express political dissent, a reflection of the times.

Luna observes the power in this, too. “Often poets will share work with the same word or subject without planning it,” he says. “It’s like the collective energy of the moment comes through in the poems.”

These moments highlight the importance of connection, the beauty of finding your voice, sharing it and then listening when someone else does the same.

Why Poet ry Mat t er s Here

Poetry matters in Clark County because it reminds people of listening as an act of caring for one another. These open mic gatherings offer a gentle space to slow down, breathe, connect and be creative. Parents come to support their kids, friends cheer for one another and oftentimes, the strangers sitting next to one another leave as friends.

“Poetry gives everyone a place to breathe,” says Dingle. “It reminds us that words can heal and bring us together.”

At Ghost Town and Poetry Street PNW, readings aren’t practiced performances, they’re an honest glimpse of the heart of our neighbors. A love letter, a protest, a prayer, a laugh. Together, they form a mosaic of a community’s belief in the power of words.

How to Get Involved

You don’t need to be a professional to take part, all you need is a curiosity for words and for people.

Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic: Monthly at Art At The Cave (108 E. Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver). Arrive at 6:30 p.m. Readings begin at 7:00 p.m. Find more info at printedmattervancouver.com.

Poetry Street PNW:

Special date this month: December 10 In 2026, Fourth Wednesday of the month at the Camas Public Library (625 NE 4th Ave, Camas). Arrive at 6:15 p.m. Readings begin at 6:30 p.m. Find more info at cityofcamas.us/ library.

“Just show up,” Luna says simply. “That’s all it takes.”

For those looking to start with poetry at home, Sparling offers a few simple entry points. “Read a little every day. Start with Maya Angelou, Pablo Neruda, E. E. Cummings or Billy Collins. Take a workshop or just start writing.”

When the final poem of a gathering ends and applause fills the room, something else lingers. A shared quiet fills the space, an invisible string connecting strangers. A sense that no matter what, every single person has a place in the room, in this community.

Poetry here isn’t just an art form, it’s a conversation. An invitation to community. Neighbors gathering in the name of truth, vulnerability, rediscovering language and listening to one another.

When asked for a quote that encapsulates what poetry means to them, Dingle shared this from poet Pablo Neruda: “Poetry arrived in search of me. I don’t know, I don’t know where it came from, from winter or a river. I don’t know how or when, no, they were not voices, they were not words, nor silence.”

Here in Southwest Washington, it seems poetry is still arriving in search of people, finding readers and listeners alike, in libraries and art galleries. Open rooms filled with light.

Emily Cruz is a writer and author who spends her days in nonprofit marketing and development, and her nights crafting stories filled with heart, hope, and a touch of magic. A proud mom and devoted coffee lover, she believes in the power of storytelling, both through community work and on the page. She loves spending time with family and friends, as well as contemplating her next hair color. You can follow her creative journey on Instagram: @emilycruzwrites.

Getting Started with Poet ry at Home

Try these simple ways to incorporate poetry into your family’s rhythm:

1 Read together.

Choose a short family-friendly poem and take turns reading aloud. Turn your living room into an open mic night.

1 Keep a poetry favorites jar. Write down favorite poetry lines you hear or read and pull one out every so often to have a fun discussion about it.

1 Try a five-minute poem challenge. Pick a word (rain, home, family, etc) and have everyone write a few lines, then share them over dinner.

1 Visit a local open mic gathering. Ghost Town and Poetry Street PNW both welcome listeners and readers of all ages!

1 Remember the heart. You don’t need perfection, just your voice.

Pick up a pen and t r ust your voice will fi nd you .

—Susan Dingle

READ OUR LATEST BLOG POST... HOW’S THE MARKET?

Ugh... the dreaded question that every Realtor is asked in every conversation. When you are talking with someone, and it comes up that they are a Realtor (and it will within the first minute or two), admit it... this is the first question you ask. Honestly, it’s okay, though. Two questions, or statements, follow, but that’s a topic for another blog entirely.

So, why is it a ‘dreaded’ question?

Sometimes it is because someone really does want to know how the real estate market is doing because they are thinking about buying, and/or selling. Sometimes it is to make polite conversation. Sometimes it is because they already have a preconceived notion of what the real estate market is doing because of a friend, or relative, or because of what they read on the internet, or saw on the news. Sometimes it is because they just want a good argument. Either way... let’s talk about it...

First, if you know me or have been reading my blogs, you know that real estate has a tendency to follow a familiar cycle through the year....usually... There are outside events that shift the cycle, as nothing is set in stone with real estate. So what is our ‘familiar ’ cycle? Quickly... The best time of the year to be a seller tends to be February to late May. This is when people are getting their income tax refunds. During February and March, there tend to be fewer homes on the market, and buyers become more active. Most sellers choose to list their homes between Spring Break to Memorial Day, so we start seeing a higher supply of homes on the market for buyers to look at.... also known as more competition for sellers. Buyers also tend to be looking during this period of time, so they can move when schools get out for summer vacation.

Once the schools let out for summer, real estate trends slow down... with June, July, & August moving more slowly. I know, I know... many people still think that Summer Time is the best market for selling, but that hasn’t really been true for the last 10 years...especially as summers have been getting warmer...so, so, much warmer...

Calendar

December '25

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 MONDAY

Lights and Leashes at Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd., Portland. A dogfriendly walking event where anyone can experience the magic of Winter Wonderland at their own pace. Take a leisurely stroll and see over a million holiday lights up close. Tickets at portlandraceway.com. $5-$18. Dec. 1 and 2 from 4:15-9:30 pm

ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland. Every year, ZooLights dazzles visitors of all ages with wildlifeinspired light displays and a whole lot of seasonal fun. Visit oregonzoo.org for tickets. $1335. Various dates and times through Jan. 4, 2026.

Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore St., Portland. Experience one of the Northwest’s premier Christmas celebrations. See millions of Christmas lights across the sanctuary grounds, a music program in the Chapel of Mary, enjoy sweet treats, children’s events and more. Tickets available at thegrotto.org or at the gate. $8$19. Through Dec. 30 (except Christmas Day) 5–9:30 pm.

An Elf Christmas Experience with Santa at Vancouver Mall

of events activities

Have a community event that you want to share? Go to vancouverfamilymagazine.com/submit-event to submit your event. Deadline for print calendar submissions is the 1st of the month prior to the issue.

For more holiday events happening in our area, scan to check out our Ho Ho Holidays 2025 roundup! + Events are subject to change. Please contact organization directly to confirm.

Step into the Elf™ Christmas Experience with Santa at Vancouver Mall and make magical holiday memories! Walk-ups are always welcome. Bring your loved ones for a joyful photo experience surrounded by festive décor, twinkling lights and more. Through Dec. 24 (closed Thanksgiving Day)

Sunshine Division’s Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd., Portland. Bring the whole family to see over a million lights from the comfort of your own car. There will also be several brand-new surprises. Find tickets and details at winterwonderlandportland.com. $38-$165. Various dates and times through Dec. 25

North Pole Adventureland at the Jantzen Beach Shopping Center, 12435 N Starlight Ave., Portland. The North Pole Experience is a holiday event like no other. Meet a friendly Elf who will guide you through the North Pole journey. Other activities include strolling through Candy Cane Lane, sending letters to Santa through the Magic Mailbox, craft reindeer food and more. Book tickets at holidayadventurecompany.com. $30-35. Dates and times vary.

Oliver! at Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland. Stumptown Stages brings Charles Dickens’ novel, Oliver Twist, to life. This Academy Award-winning musical is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece. Tickets start at $54 at portland5.com. Various dates through Dec. 21

Polar Express™ Train Ride at Mount Hood Railroad, parking location 113 Portway Avenue, Hood River. This train experience will capture the magic and the spirit of the Christmas season with its warmth and charm. Visit mthoodrr.com for more details and pricing. Various dates and times through Jan. 3

2 TUESDAY

Ben Folds at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway Ave., Portland. The genre-bending, multi-platinum selling artist joins the Oregon Symphony to perform everything from beloved fan-favorites to exciting new music. Tickets start at $44 at portland5.com. 7:30 pm

4 THURSDAY

Washougal Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting at Reflection Plaza, Washougal. Kick off the holiday season with the Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. Entertainment will include performances from the Washougal High School band and choir. Santa will give out candy canes and is available for photos. Free. 5-8 pm

Clark College Treble Ensemble and Chorale Concert at First United Methodist Church, 401 E 33rd St., Vancouver. The Clark College Treble Ensemble and College Chorale perform their Fall Quarter Concert while Dr. Jacob Funk directs and Dr. Jeongmi Yoon accompanies. Free admission. 7:30-9 pm

Christmas Ships at the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Since

1954, the Christmas Ships Parade has been a beloved Pacific Northwest tradition that brings joy, wonder and holiday spirit to families across the region. See christmasships.org for times and locations. Free. Dates and times vary.

5 FRIDAY

Society of Washington Artists & GALLERY 360 Pop-Up Artisan Holiday Market at the Valiant Ballroom, 111 W. 9th Street, Vancouver. Visit the Pop-Up Artisan Holiday Market that features unique gifts from local PNW artists. Dec. 5-7, times vary

Hometown Holidays: Camas Tree Lighting in Downtown Camas. This event will include photos with Santa, crafts & activities, entertainment, free hot cocoa, holiday shopping, art shows and more. The tree will be lit at 5pm for the evening festivities and snow will fall. Free. 5-8 pm

Holiday Tree Lighting and Celebration at the Battle Gound Event Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground. Enjoy the 36th annual celebration. The event will begin at 5:30pm, as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to help light the tree. Free. 5:30 pm

It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play at Coffee Church, 10311 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver. This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds on that

continued on next page

continued from previous page

fateful Christmas Eve. Tickets are $15 at ekklesiatheatre.com. Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7 pm

Descendants the Musical, Prairie High School Auditorium, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver. River Home Link Theatre is proud to present Descendants: The Musical, a tale of friendship and discovery. Visit the magical world of Auradon with villains and royals. $5-$10. Dec. 5 at 7 pm, Dec. 6 at 2 pm and 7 pm.

Little Women the Musical at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel is brought to glorious musical life in this tale of the indomitable March girls of Concord, Massachusetts. Tickets are $30 at magentatheater.com. Dec. 5-21, dates and times vary

Narnia Presented by Journey Theater at Washburn Performing Arts Center, Washougal High School 1201 SE 39th St, Washougal The first and most famous story of The Chronicles of Narnia has become a musical presentation of this unique, enchanted

world. Tickets $17-$21. Dec. 5-13, dates and times vary

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St. Portland. A sparkling winter tale set to Tchaikovsky’s festive score. When Marie’s mysterious godfather gives her a magical Nutcracker that comes to life, Marie and her Nutcracker Prince set off on an unforgettable Christmas Eve adventure. Tickets start at $35 at portland5.com. Dec. 5-24, times vary

6 SATURDAY

NW Children’s Theater Presents: The Wizard of Oz, The Judy, 1000 SW Broadway, Portland. Spend the holidays with your favorite foursome for a trip down the yellow brick road. With a shortened run time, this youth edition version of The Wizard of Oz is accessible for young theatergoers and the perfect introduction to the world of Oz, Wicked and many other iterations of this iconic story. Find tickets at nwcts.org. $30-$40. Show dates and times vary from Nov. 29 –Jan. 4.

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Special Trains, 207 N. Railroad Ave., Yacolt. Enjoy a special seasonal excursion to create lasting memories on the rails. $16-22. Dates and times vary

Cinnamon Bear Breakfast Cruise at Salmon Springs Dock, 1010 SW Naito Pkwy., Portland. Join the 20th year anniversary of a beloved holiday event. The whole family will enjoy reserved seating and a plated breakfast while whimsical characters entertain the kids with storytelling, music and magic. Tickets are available at portlandspirit.com. $60-85. Dates vary, 9:30 –11:30 am

Hometown Celebration in Historic Downtown Ridgefield. Enjoy a day of festivities including a visit with Santa, performances by local school groups, a tree lighting, crafts, a bazaar and more. Visit ridgefieldwa.us/356/ December-First-Saturday for details and times.

Winter Festival: Musical Performances by Local Schools at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C Tenney Road, Vancouver. Bring the family and enjoy holiday music performed by students from local middle and high schools. The cheerful sounds begin at 10 am. Free. 10-11:30 am

Wreath Making Workshop at the Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. Celebrate the winter season by making a beautiful wreath. Greenery, wire and framework are provided (or bring your own). Free. 2-4 pm

Hockinson Community Tree Lighting at Hockingson Comcontinued on page

continued from page 29

munity Church, 15918 NE 182nd Ave., Brush Prairie. Join in for the 6th annual event with crafts, carolers, holiday treats, the Hockinson Middle School Band and a very jolly special guest. The tree will be lit at 6:30 pm. Free. 6-7:30 pm

A Celebration of Light with Vancouver Master Chorale at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver. From ancient carols to contemporary songs of celebration, this concert will lead audiences on a mindful and celebratory journey for the winter holidays. Visit vancouvermasterchorale.org for tickets. Dec, 6 at 7 pm, Dec. 7 at 3 pm

Star Wars Holiday Special at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Enjoy the annual screening of the cult “classic” The Star Wars Holiday Special. Admission is free, reserve tickets before they are gone at kigginstheatre.com. 7:30 pm

7 SUNDAY

3D Print Winter Holiday Ornaments at Vancouver Community Library, 901 C Street, Vancouver. Learn how to design custom decorations for your winter festivities. Use free online tools to create ornaments, table set pieces and more. Free. 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Fourth “Playn” Indoor Play Space, Fourth Plain Community Commons, 3101 East 4th Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Columbia Play Project provides free play for the community. Today’s event features a Markerspace: Make your own flying object. Other activities may include blocks trains, and a camping and farmer’s market. 1-4 pm

Clark College Concert Band Fall Quarter at Skyview Concert Hall. The Clark College Concert Band performs their Fall Quarter concert while Dr. Doug Harris directs. Free Admission. 3-4:30 pm

8 MONDAY

La Center Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown La Center. Illuminate the season with an enchanting tree lighting cer-

(cont'd)

emony. Transform the ordinary into a winter wonderland officially starting the most wonderful time of the year. lacenterchristmasfestival.com Free. 4:30 pm

Sleigh Rides on the Explorer at Caruthers Landing, 110 SE Caruthers St., Portland. Join the 71st annual Christmas Ship Parade. This one-and-a-halfhour cruise on the Explorer Jetboat runs during Portland’s Christmas Ship Parade and comes with hot chocolate and cookies. Tickets available at portlandspirit.com. $54-60. Dates and times vary

9 TUESDAY

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy at Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview. Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean and Dr. Seuss… grab your teacups. Combining British propriety with an unabashed love for the unexpected, London’s 3-time Impresario Award-winning duo steep an outrageously funny and brilliantly inventive show. Find tickets for this family-friendly show at columbiatheatre.com. $52-85. 7:30-9 pm

10 WEDNESDAY

Gingerbread Creations at the Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. A house, a boat, or whatever you want to make out of gingerbread. Decorate a beautiful gingerbread creation. Check fvrl. org for more locations and dates. 3-5 pm

Merry-achi Christmas with Mariachi Sol de México ® de José Hernández at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway Ave., Portland. Moving among classical, pop, jazz, swing and show tunes, conductor José Hernández leads Mariachi Sol de México® in a musical tribute to Mexico’s Christmas traditions. Tickets are available at orsymphony.org. $34-$87. 7:30 pm

11

THURSDAY

Ballet Victoria Nutcracker at Columbia Theater, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview. Ballet Victoria presents Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s

Scan to check out our website for even more local events.

Nutcracker. Directed by artistic director Paul Destrooper, this magical adventure tells the story of Clara who falls asleep on Christmas Eve and dreams of a magical adventure. Find tickets at columbiatheatre.com. $45-50. 7:30-9:30 pm

12 FRIDAY

Light Up the Night at the Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway Ave., Portland. Portland Gay Men’s Chorus presents Light Up the Night, a late-night choral show featuring a rich mix of choral treasures, pop gems and hilarious parodies. From moody moonlit melodies to radiant anthems of hope, PGMC’s signature style and spirit warms the heart. Tickets start at $27 at porltand5.com. Dec. 12 and 13 at 8 pm. Dec. 14 at 3 pm.

13 SATURDAY

Santa’s Holiday Hustle 5k, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Join the 6th Annual Holiday Hustle 5k run/ walk to celebrate the holidays in an active and festive way. Cookies, cocoa and Santa will follow the race. Visit whyracingevents.com for tickets. $61+. 9 am

Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration and Karamu at The Arts Centered, 1007 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Experience the vibrant spirit of Kwanzaa and come together to celebrate African culture and traditions. Immerse yourself in a day of music, dance, art and delicious food. Tickets $0-$39.99 at pddbm.org. 9 am-5 pm

Heritage Holiday at Fort Vancouver, 1101 E 5th St., Vancouver. Experience the joy of the season with fun activities in a festive, oldfashioned atmosphere. 10 am –2 pm

Holiday Tea at Marshall House, 1301 Officer’s Row, Vancouver. With a delicious menu, delightful teas and holiday décor this is a special holiday event not to be missed. Register at thehistorictrust. org. 11 am and 2 pm

Pet Portraits with Santa at ReTails Thrift Store, 5000 E. 4th Plain Blvd., Vancouver. Saint Nick is coming back to kick off the holiday season. He’ll be making a special

stop at ReTails to pose for a photo with you and your pet. Free. Dec. 13-14, 11 am – 5 pm

The Amazing Bubble Man at Old Liberty Theater, 115 N Main Ave., Ridgefield. The Amazing Bubble Man has been thrilling audiences around the world for nearly 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. Visit oldlibertytheater.com for tickets. $15. 11:30 am – 12:30 pm and 1 pm – 2 pm

Kids and Tweens Money Makers: Children’s Craft Fair at Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver. FVRL is hosting its first Children’s Craft Fair. All items will be handmade by kids and priced $5 or less. This festive event is fun for the whole family. Support kids learning about financial literacy and small business. Please bring small bills, sales are cash only. 1-3 pm

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Presents: Holiday Pops 2025 with Liz Callaway at the Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. A holiday music celebration featuring long-standing audience favorites and Broadway selections with GRAMMY-nominated sensation, Liz Callaway. Tickets are $15-$63 at vancouversymphony.org. Dec. 13 at 7 pm, Dec. 14 at 3 pm

Junior Symphony of Vancouver Presents: JSV Holiday Concert at Cascades Presbyterian Church, 9503 NE 86th St., Vancouver. The JSV was founded in 1999. Celebrate Christmas and support the future of music in the Vancouver community. Tickets are $15 at the door. 7:30 pm

15 MONDAY

Tales With Tails, Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas.

continued on next page

continued from previous page

Improve reading skills by reading to a therapy dog. The 15-minute sessions can boost reading confidence. Registration is required at cityofcamas.us/library. Free. 4-5:15 pm

Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! At Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway Ave., Portland. Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! brings to life an exciting original story. Featuring incredible puppets, dynamic staging, a talented live show cast and songs from the beloved series. Tickets start at $61 at portland5. com. 6 pm.

17 WEDNESDAY

Forest Walk at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable staff person or expert volunteer, discover the magic that the Columbia Springs trails have to offer and learn what makes them unique. Register at columbiasprings.org/events/guided-tours. Free. 3:30-5 pm

19 FRIDAY

Drive-Thru Nativity at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 11101 NE 119th St., Vancouver. Experience the miracle of the Savior’s birth from the comfort of your own vehicle. This live reenactment is free and takes 15 minutes to drive through. Dec. 19-21 from 6-8 pm

Columbia Dance Presents: Fort Vancouver Inspired Nutcracker at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. Local Fort Vancouver history is weaved into the plot of a classic ballet featuring beavers fighting fur trappers, dancing wapato plants and Oregon Trail children arriving via covered wagon. Visit columbiadance.org for more information. Dec. 19 at 6 pm. Dec. 20 and 21 at 1 pm and 5 pm.

20 SATURDAY

Evergreen Tree Communities

Nature Day at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver. Enjoy a day of hands-on science and nature experiences exploring evergreen tree communities. Free. 10 am – 1 pm

Portland Choir and Orchestra

Presents: Everlasting Light at the Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway Ave., Portland. Featuring Encore Youth Choir, Everlasting Light – Christmas in the New World will bring beautiful classics into a concert of joy and celebration. Tickets available at musicinportland.org. $27-$54. 2 pm and 7 pm

Oregon Symphony Presents: Elf in Concert at Arlene Schnitzer Hall, 1037 SW Broadway Ave., Portland. Relive this heartwarming

holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live. Tickets start at $44 at portland5. com. Dec. 20 at 2 and 7:30 pm, Dec. 21 at 2 pm.

25 THURSDAY

Christmas Day Cruise at Salmon Springs Dock, 1010 SW Naito Pkwy., Portland. Join a festive cruise on the Willamette River. Enjoy a delicious buffet with holiday classics as you cruise down the river taking in views of Portland and the historic Milwaukie Waterfront. Tickets available at portlandspirit.com. $45-$90. 11:30 am and 4:30 pm

27 SATURDAY

Tween STEM Lab Skyview Robotics at Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C Tenney Road, Vancouver. Explore science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities. For ages 9–12. In partnership with Skyview Stormbots. Free. 10 am – 12 pm

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage at Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St. Portland. This critically acclaimed holiday celebration brings the Peanuts gang together live on stage as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas and perform songs from the unforgettable musical score of legendary composer Vince Guaraldi. Tickets start at $40 at portland5.com. 3 pm

28 SUNDAY

Candlelight: Coldplay and Imagine Dragons at The Old Church Concert Hall, 1422 SW 11th Ave, Portland. Candlelight concerts bring

the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. Discover the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons under the gentle glow of candlelight. $41+ at feverup.com. 6:30 pm

31 WEDNESDAY

Noon Year’s Eve Party at the Cascade Park Community Library and La Center Community Library. Join in for a family friendly party with a countdown to NOON. Crafts, music, dancing and more. Refreshments provided. 11:30 am – 12:30 pm