The Columbian: Community

The Columbian: Community https://www.columbian.com Sat, 14 Nov 2026 04:18:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/columbian-insignia-2025-1-150x150.png Community – The Columbian https://www.columbian.com 32 32 Washougal paraeducator named Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/nov/07/washougal-paraeducator-named-washington-state-classified-school-employee-of-the-year/ Sat, 07 Nov 2026 14:00:36 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2812059 WASHOUGAL — Dana Wilson, a multilingual learner paraeducator with the Washougal School District, has been named the 2026 Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The statewide honor recognizes Wilson’s exceptional dedication to student success, her advocacy for multilingual learners and their families, and her commitment to fostering a school culture in which every student feels supported and empowered to succeed.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/1022160387-Nov7Truckies_103-1024x683.jpg Vancouver honors 2026 Volunteer Coach of the Year https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/nov/07/vancouver-honors-2026-volunteer-coach-of-the-year/ Sat, 07 Nov 2026 13:59:17 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2812061 VANCOUVER — Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services has named youth soccer coach Marc Pongon the 2025-26 recipient of the Dave Miletich Volunteer Coach of the Year Award. The annual award recognizes volunteer coaches who embody the compassion, encouragement and community spirit of the late Dave Miletich, a longtime city employee, dedicated volunteer coach and cherished mentor.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/1022160387-Nov7Truckies_102-1024x768.jpg Furry Friends celebrates successful annual auction https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/nov/07/furry-friends-celebrates-successful-annual-auction/ Sat, 07 Nov 2026 13:58:26 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2812063 VANCOUVER — The Furry Friends cat rescue raised $155,000 during its Oct. 17 fundraiser, the annual Butch Catsidy and the Sundance Kit Dinner and Auction.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/1022160387-Nov7Truckies_101-1024x683.jpg VFW Auxiliary recognizes Washougal students https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/oct/31/vfw-auxiliary-recognizes-washougal-students/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 12:41:17 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2810835 WASHOUGAL — Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 4278 presented awards to several Washougal students for artwork they submitted to the VFW Auxiliary’s Illustrating America art competition.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1022152953-Oct31Truckies_102-1024x682.jpg Assistance League provides fall fun for preschoolers https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/oct/31/assistance-league-provides-fall-fun-for-preschoolers/ Sat, 31 Oct 2026 12:41:16 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2810837 VANCOUVER — On Oct. 20, volunteers from the Assistance League of Southwest Washington brought fall fun to the preschoolers at Strive Northwest. Ninety-seven children enjoyed a maze, sticker crafts and story time, and each child went home with a fall-themed story book and a fall coloring book and crayons.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1022152953-Oct31Truckies_101.jpg Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools breaks ground on new building https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/oct/24/foundation-for-vancouver-public-schools-breaks-ground-on-new-building/ Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:55:31 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2809454 NORTH SALMON CREEK — The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools, VPS staff, students and community partners gathered Sept. 29 at Skyview High School for the groundbreaking of a new applied trades building.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1022137586-Oct24Truckie_101-1024x682.jpg Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation breaks fundraising record https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/oct/17/fort-vancouver-regional-library-foundation-breaks-fundraising-record/ Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:15:24 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2807442 ESTHER SHORT — On Oct. 6, a sold-out crowd of more than 700 library lovers filled the Vancouver Hilton to celebrate 35 years of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation. The event raised a record-breaking $370,000 for the programs, collections and spaces that make Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries such welcoming places across Southwest Washington.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1022115015-Oct17Truckies_102-1024x819.jpg Pleasant Valley Schools celebrate 50th anniversary https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/oct/17/pleasant-valley-schools-celebrate-50th-anniversary/ Sat, 17 Oct 2026 11:16:18 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2807450 BATTLE GROUND — Pleasant Valley schools have a long legacy of learning. First, there was Pleasant Valley District No. 60 in the mid-1800s. That district was consolidated into the Battle Ground School District in 1957. Community-approved bonds later financed the current Pleasant Valley campus, which opened in 1976.

]]> Vancouver Public Schools receives support from Dick Hannah Dealerships https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/oct/10/vancouver-public-school-receives-support-from-dick-hannah-dealerships/ Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:22:12 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2805840 VANCOUVER — As summer counted down, donation bins across the Vancouver area filled with new school supplies. The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools’ Write from the Start school supply drive accepted both physical and monetary donations.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1022066430-Oct10Truckies_103-1024x768.jpg Ridgefield Lions receive special award and welcome new members https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/oct/10/ridgefield-lions-receive-special-award-and-welcome-new-members/ Sat, 10 Oct 2026 23:23:05 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2805837 RIDGEFIELD — The Ridgefield Lions Club recently received a special award for the organization’s support for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a charity that provides food, clothing and household staples for needy families and individuals. Neighbors Helping Neighbors Treasurer Judy Chipman presented the award to Ridgefield Lions President Stacy Mueller at a recent meeting of the Lions.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1022066430-Oct10Truckies_102-1024x722.jpg Port of Vancouver maritime education program wins awards https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/oct/10/port-of-vancouver-maritime-education-program-wins-awards/ Sat, 10 Oct 2026 12:14:02 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2805815 FRUIT VALLEY — The Port of Vancouver USA received port industry awards for partnering with Cascadia Technical Academy to launch the region’s first Maritime Technology Program for high school students in the 2025-2026 school year.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/1022066430-Oct10Truckies_101-1024x683.jpg WSU Vancouver expands food access through new partnership https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/oct/03/wsu-vancouver-expands-food-access-through-new-partnership/ Sat, 03 Oct 2026 12:58:49 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2804144 SALMON CREEK — Washington State University Vancouver has officially been approved as a partner agency within the Clark County Food Bank network, marking a significant expansion of support for students.

]]> Vancouver Dance Theatre celebrates 50 years https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/oct/03/vancouver-dance-theatre-celebrates-50-years/ Sat, 03 Oct 2026 12:57:28 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2804254 VANCOUVER — Vancouver Dance Theatre recently announced its landmark 50th performing season. The nonprofit has remained completely independent of any single dance studio. It’s driven by a single, powerful mission: to unite dancers of all backgrounds and studios into a collaborative, magical production of “The Nutcracker.”

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1022017640-Oct3Truckies_101-1024x575.jpg Columbia Credit Union members raise $25,000 for Doernbecher https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/oct/03/columbia-credit-union-members-raise-25000-for-doernbecher/ Sat, 03 Oct 2026 12:56:30 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2804258 VANCOUVER — Columbia Credit Union recently announced the successful completion of its 2026 Credit Unions for Kids fundraising campaign benefiting OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The campaign raised $25,000 to support local children and families receiving care at Doernbecher.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1022017640-Oct3Truckies_102-1024x664.jpg Enspire Arts announces 2026-27 arts ambassadors https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/sep/26/enspire-arts-announces-2026-27-arts-ambassadors/ Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:19:58 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2802637 VANCOUVER — Enspire Arts recently announced its 2026-2027 arts ambassadors. The Arts Ambassador Program is a comprehensive, yearlong mentorship initiative for Clark County young artists dedicated to using the power of creativity for good.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1021960323-Sept29Truckies_101-1024x683.jpg Clark College student named 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/sep/26/clark-college-student-named-2026-chime-workforce-scholar/ Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:13:27 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2802700 CENTRAL PARK — Clark College recently announced that student Namika Miyagi has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.

]]> Battle Ground business owner named 2026 Women in Printing Award winner https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/sep/26/b-g-business-owner-named-2026-women-in-printing-award-winner/ Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:11:09 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2802629 Jamie Young, owner and founder of Uptown Screen Printing in Battle Ground, has been named one of six recipients of the 2026 Women in Screen Printing Awards, presented by Screen Printing Magazine.

]]> Vancouver artist selected for Pastel Society of America’s annual exhibition https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/sep/19/vancouver-artist-selected-for-pastel-society-of-americas-annual-exhibition/ Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:11:07 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2801083 VANCOUVER — American contemporary artist and Clark County resident Steven Palmer has been selected for inclusion in the Pastel Society of America’s 54th annual exhibition: “Enduring Brilliance!”, open online now and running through Sept. 24 at the historic National Arts Club on Gramercy Park in Manhattan.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1021908029-Sept19Truckies_102-1024x940.jpg Greater Vancouver Chamber names 2026 Youth Entrepreneur of the Year https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/sep/12/greater-vancouver-chamber-names-2026-youth-entrepreneur-of-the-year/ Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:36:43 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2799419 CAMAS — The Greater Vancouver Chamber recently announced Emma Turner as the 2026 Southwest Washington Lemonade Day Youth Entrepreneur of the Year.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1021849985-Sept12Truckies_103-1024x576.jpg Rose Society enjoys annual in-house rose show and supper https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/sep/12/rose-society-enjoys-annual-in-house-rose-show-and-supper/ Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:33:12 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2799445 SHUMWAY — The Fort Vancouver Rose Society kicked off its fall/winter season of meetings and events Sept. 3 with its annual in-house rose show, themed “Wings and Roses,” along with a chicken wing potluck supper. The show highlighted the beauty of popular rose classes, including hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas, miniatures/mini-floras, old garden roses and shrub roses.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1021849985-Sept12Truckies_101-1024x768.jpg Saving Grace Church provides 37 free haircuts at Community Cuts event https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/sep/12/saving-grace-church-provides-37-free-haircuts-at-community-cuts-event/ Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:32:21 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2799447 BATTLE GROUND — Saving Grace Church of the Nazarene hosted its second-annual Community Cuts event, which provided 37 onsite haircuts, plus gift cards for four more at local salons. That’s 14 more than last year’s 23 onsite haircuts.

]]> Evergreen Habitat for Humanity celebrates 35 years https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/sep/05/evergreen-habitat-for-humanity-celebrates-35-years/ Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:56:48 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2797863 WEST MINNEHAHA — Evergreen Habitat for Humanity celebrated its 35th anniversary with a community block party Aug. 30 hosted at their office location at its West Vancouver Habitat Store, 3200 N.E. 52nd St.

]]> Ridgefield Lions club welcomes new member weekly In Your Neighborhood community truckie stories https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/sep/05/ridgefield-lions-club-welcomes-new-member/ Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:46:27 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2797988 RIDGEFIELD — The Ridgefield Lions welcomed a new member at the club’s Aug. 26 meeting. Jennifer Fletcher was the new initiate. She is joined by her sponsor, T.J Wilcox-Olson, Ridgefield Lions President Stacy Mueller and officiant Stephen Staudinger from the Battle Ground Lions, who is Past District Governor. The Ridgefield Lions Club is open to new members who want to help the community.

]]> https://www.columbian.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1021807722-Sept5Truckies_102-1024x722.jpg Dick Hannah surprises Walnut Grove Elementary teachers with $10,000 donation https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/sep/05/dick-hannah-surprises-walnut-grove-elementary-teachers-with-10000-donation/ Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:03:14 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2797854 WALNUT GROVE — Dick Hannah Subaru surprised teachers at Walnut Grove Elementary School with a celebratory lunch to kick off the new school year, during which the dealership presented a $10,000 contribution and school supply kits. The donation was made through the Subaru Loves Learning initiative in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org.

]]> North County Community Food Bank receives new canopy https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/aug/29/north-county-community-food-bank-receives-new-canopy/ Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:41:25 +0000 https://www.columbian.com/?p=2796675 BATTLE GROUND — The North County Community Food Bank provides food assistance and resources to 30,000 individuals each year. The organization’s ability to serve the community is made possible through donations, community partnerships and the dedication of its 85 hardworking volunteers.

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