Happy Monday, Vancouver!

This week’s news cycle somehow includes all three pillars of modern civilization: ham, government meetings, and fewer chances of being clipped by a car at the waterfront. Nature is healing.

In today’s edition, we’ve got a permanent Honey Baked Ham store headed to Vancouver (because apparently we’re becoming a city that takes glazed meats seriously), a summer update that will turn Waterfront Way into a pedestrian-only weekend zone, and a reminder that the State of the County address is happening tomorrow night for anyone craving live updates about budgets, planning, and civic infrastructure…PLUS a packed events calendar.

So, you know...just your average May in the greatest little city on the Columbia.

Anyways, here's what to expect in today's edition of The PNW Report (Vancouver):

📰 Local News
☁️ Weather
🎉 Events & Things To Do
🤔 Lateral Thinking Puzzle

Let's get started!

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🍖 Vancouver is Getting a Permanent Honey Baked Ham Store

Big news for people who suddenly become extremely passionate about ham between Thanksgiving and New Year’s: Vancouver is getting a permanent Honey Baked Ham store on Chkalov, right next to Ace Hardware.

No news yet about whether or not the pop-up seasonal Honey Baked Ham will keep appearing at the Vancouver Mall or if this new store will take home the bacon, so to speak. Opening date TBD, but we will keep you updated as soon as we know more.

🚸 Vancouver Waterfront Way Will Be Closed to Pedestrians on the Weekends

Big news for anyone who has ever taken a peaceful waterfront stroll and been mildly traumatized by a passing vehicle: thanks to a new pilot program from the City of Vancouver, Waterfront Way will officially be closed to traffic on weekends this summer, making the stretch along the Columbia River a fully pedestrian and cyclist-friendly zone. Bring your coffee, your dog, your roller skates, your jogging shoes, or just your willingness to exist outside on a weekend.

📣 State of the County Address: TOMORROW NIGHT, May 19th

Tomorrow is your chance to hear directly from Clark County Chair Sue Marshall about what's actually happening in your county government...and it's free! The event is at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., sixth-floor hearing room. Topics include the Charter Review Commission progress, the Comprehensive Plan Update, the county's budget, and more. Can't make it in person? It streams live on CVTV channel 23/323 and at CVTV.org.

WEATHER

Look, all we’re saying is that…your tomato plants are going to be so happy this week.

Monday, 5/18: 70/46 🌥️ Partly Cloudy
Tuesday, 5/19: 71/49 ⛅️ Mostly Cloudy
Wednesday, 5/20: 72/50 🌥️ Partly Cloudy
Thursday, 5/21: 80/51 ☀️ Mostly Sunny

EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO [5/18 - 5/21]

Looking for something fun to do this week? You’re in the right place! 🎉 

Stay tuned for Thursday morning’s newsletter, where we’ll give the lowdown on all the cool upcoming weekend events!

MONDAY, MAY 18th

🏘️ Two Towns, One History @ Camas Public Library | 12PM (FREE)
Vancouver and Camas: neighboring cities, friendly rivals, and (it turns out) deeply intertwined histories that go way back. This free lunchtime talk at the Camas Public Library digs into the shared roots of both communities and the stories that connect them. 

🏃‍♂️ Run Club @ Foot Traffic | 5:45PM (FREE)
Looking for an excuse to be active but mostly just want to socialize? This run club is 50% chatting, 50% running, and 100% a good time. They meet at the Trader Joe’s on Chkalov, you know, just in case you wanna grab some cheese for the drive home.

🤣 Chicks & Giggles @ Donnell’s | 6PM - 8PM (FREE)
Mondays don’t have to be so miserable…laugh your way into the week at Donnell’s! Grab a drink, find a good seat, and get ready for an evening of raw, unfiltered comedy from some of the funniest locals around.

🗣️ Get to Know Inspire Vancouver @ Fourth Plain Community Commons | 6:30PM (FREE)
Inspire Vancouver is the City's new grant program that supports arts, culture, heritage, and science in the community. Tonight's info session at Fourth Plain Community Commons is your chance to learn how to apply, what qualifies, and how to get your creative project funded. Free to attend and (no big deal) potentially life-changing for your practice.

🤣 Open Mic Comedy @ Underbar | 8PM - 10PM (FREE)
Underbar’s Open Mic, hosted by Juan Duran, is the place to be to beat the Monday blues. Their drink selection doesn’t hurt either tbh…sip sip hooray!

TUESDAY, MAY 19th

✍️ Shut Up and Write! @ The ARTS Centered | 5:15PM (FREE)
Calling all writers (yes, even you with the half-finished novel hiding in Google Docs)! This is focused weekly writing time to just show up, get words on the page, and meet some fellow word nerds. Write, write, write!

♻️ Recycling 101 @ Water Resources Education Center | 6PM (FREE)
Confused about what actually belongs in the recycling bin? You’re soooo not alone. This free Recycling 101 class breaks down the basics of our regional garbage and recycling system…what goes in the curbside bin, what definitely doesn’t, and where it all goes after pickup.

🚲 Urbanism Happy Hour @ Tap Union | 6:30PM (FREE)
Grab your helmet and your happy hour appetite…it’s time for Cycle Vancouver’s Urbanism Happy Hour at Tap Union! Meet fellow two-wheeled enthusiasts, swap stories from the bike lane, and toast to better mobility, stronger community, and fewer potholes.

🎱 Autumn Pinny Cup Tournament @ Silver Ball Social Club | 7PM ($12)
Ready to have a ball? Head over to Silver Ball Social Club for a flippin’ cool pinball tournament. Players will be matched together on teams, regardless of skill levels, so get ready to roll over your opponents!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20th

 ♻️ Recycling 101 @ Water Resources Education Center | 6PM (FREE)
Confused about what actually belongs in the recycling bin? You’re soooo not alone. This free Recycling 101 class breaks down the basics of our regional garbage and recycling system…what goes in the curbside bin, what definitely doesn’t, and where it all goes after pickup.

Wednesday, May 20th

🖇️ Meet the Employer: ilani @ Worksource Vancouver | 10AM - 12PM (FREE)
ilani (the Ridgefield resort and casino that employs thousands of Clark County residents) is hosting a free employer meet-and-greet at WorkSource Vancouver this morning. If you or someone you know is in the job market, this is a low-pressure, high-opportunity way to learn about open positions directly from the people doing the hiring. No appointment needed. Just show up, introduce yourself, and bet on yourself. (Sorry. We had to.)

 🐟 May Hatchery Tour @ Columbia Springs | 3PM (FREE)
Looking for a reely fintastic day? Come learn about how the Vancouver Trout Hatchery works, and don’t forget to wear good walking shoes, because you’re going to be walking allllll around Columbia Springs.

🪡 Open Craft @ Hook & Needle Fiber | 4PM - 7PM (FREE)
For when you’re feeling crafty, but also a little too lazy to follow official directions. Bring your supplies, hang out, and make something beautiful at this open craft session...or a tangled mess. We don’t judge!

🎺 Music Night @ Willful Wine | 5PM – 7PM (FREE)
Sip wine and sway awkwardly at this delightful evening of music and merlot. Willful Wine knows how to pair a Pinot with a trumpet solo. Wine not?!

🃏 Tabletop and Taps @ Vault31 Bar | 6PM (FREE)
Board games are always a good idea. Join your fellow nerds at this board game meet-up and get ready to pwn some n00bs at Catan. Bring your A-game, or just bring yourself and let the dice and drinks (or both?!) decide your fate.

♻️ Recycling Done Right @ Waste Connections | 6PM (FREE)
Turns out, you've probably been recycling wrong. Come fix that in this free workshop sponsored by Clark County Composts and earn smug eco karma points (or something).

🤣 Leave Your Troubles at the Door @ Orchards Tap | 6PM (FREE)
At this free comedy show, comedians don’t vent about their own baggage…they roast yours!! Anonymously jot down your woes before the show, toss ’em in the box, and watch some of the Pacific Northwest’s sharpest comics turn your pain into punchlines.

🆘 Be Ready Vancouver @ Firstenburg Community Center | 6PM (FREE)
Emergencies happen...earthquakes, floods, power outages, the occasional invasive hornet situation (see above). Be Ready Vancouver is a free community preparedness event hosted by the City of Vancouver and Clark Regional Emergency Services to help residents know exactly what to do when things go sideways. RSVP required! 

🤣 Comedy Night @ Shanahan’s | 8PM (FREE)
Grab the mic (literally) every Wednesday! In-person sign-ups kick off at 7:30, and the stage lights blaze at 8:00. Hosted by the one and only Sean Grace, this is your chance to shine, stumble, or just watch others do both.

THURSDAY, MAY 21st

✍️ The Craft of Writing @ Vancouver Library | 10:30AM (FREE)
This writer’s group dives into the craft of writing with a mix of exercises, book discussions, and friendly workshopping. Explore published gems across memoir, fiction, and non-fiction, then test-drive your own stories in a supportive, collaborative setting.

🍷 Sip and Fold with Holly @ Burnt Bridge Cellars | 4:30PM (FREE)
Come twist, fold, and glitter your way to a set of dazzling 4-piece modular boxes while you sip on some delicious vino. These Masu-style bottoms keep it classic while letting single-sided paper shine. Drop in, fold up, and leave with something clever! Wine not?!

🎤 Open Mic Night @ Dovetail Cellars | 6PM (FREE)
Round out your Thursday with an open mic night at one of Vancouver's most beloved wineries. Dovetail Cellars' open mic is a warm, welcoming way to spend a weeknight. Support local voices. Sip local wine. Be a local person doing local things. Mic-drop.

🏃‍♀️ Vancouver Run, Grub, and Chug @ The Vancouver Waterfront | 6:45PM (FREE)
Run for your health, and drink for...well, fun. Kind of like a race but with fewer rules and more rewards. This run club meets weekly, so if this is your vibe, guess what? You can do it next week, too!

WEEKLY EVENTS

Note: please call or visit each establishment’s website before visiting for a particular event in case details have changed.

BINGO

[MONDAY] Music Bingo Monday @ Ghost Runners Brewery | 7PM (FREE)
[TUESDAY] Bingo @ Grapes n Hops | 6PM (FREE)
[WEDNESDAY] Not Boring Music Bingo @ Fortside Brewing | 6PM (FREE)
[WEDNESDAY] Bar Card Bingo @ Vancouver Elks Lodge | 6PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] 5 Star Bingo @ Doomsday Brewing Pub | 6PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] Adult Bingo @ Underbar | 7PM (FREE)

TRIVIA

[MONDAY] Monday Night Trivia @ Shorewood Restaurant and Bar | 6PM (FREE)[MONDAY] Trivia Night @ Pour Choices Pub | 6:30PM (FREE)
[MONDAY] 5 Star Trivia @ Gossip in the Grain | 6:30PM (FREE)
[MONDAY] Trivia Night @ Thirsty Sasquatch | 8PM (FREE)
[MONDAY] Trivia Monday @ Full Heart Irish Pub | 9PM (FREE) 
[TUESDAY] Trivia Night @ Oak Tree Station | 6PM (FREE)
[TUESDAY] Last Call Trivia @ Tip Top Tavern | 7PM (FREE)
[TUESDAY] 5 Star Trivia @ Playmakers Hazel Dell | 7PM (FREE) 
[TUESDAY] Trivia Tuesday @ Underbar | 7PM (FREE)
[TUESDAY] 5 Star Trivia @ JB’s Taphouse and Grill | 7PM (FREE)
[TUESDAY] Trivia Night @ Ole’s Outpost | 7PM (FREE)
[WEDNESDAY] Not Rocket Science Trivia @ Coral Club | 7:30PM (FREE)
[WEDNESDAY] 5 Star Trivia @ Grapes n Hops | 6PM (FREE)
[WEDNESDAY] Last Call Trivia @ Victor23 | 7PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] 5 Star Trivia @ Doomsday Brewing Pub and Pizza | 6PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] 5 Star Trivia Night @ Ghost Runner Brewery | 7PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] 5 Star Trivia Night @ Grady’s Public House | 7PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] Not Rocket Science Trivia @ Brickhouse | 7PM (FREE)
[THURSDAY] Trivia Thursday @ Breakside Vancouver | 6PM (FREE)

Lateral Thinking Puzzle of the Day

🧠 Time to put your thinking cap on!

Welcome to our Lateral Thinking Puzzle section, where things aren’t always as they seem. Ready to challenge your brain with some tricky scenarios and unexpected twists? Let’s see if you can crack the puzzle!

We’ll give you the answer in Thursday’s edition of The PNW Report (Vancouver)!

Today’s Puzzle: What kind of band never plays music?

Last Thursday’s Question + Answer: What has no beginning, middle, or end? [Answer: A doughnut 🍩]