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Author: Vivian Mattila Walikainen

Vivian Mattila Walikainen is blessed with a husband of 25 years, six children and three grandchildren who keep her learning, growing, and slightly off-balance. She lives in Battle Ground and recently earned a bachelor's degree in human development from Warner Pacific College.

Baaing, mooing, and chirping sounds fill the animal barns at the Clark County Fair. Fans whir as dust swirls and sweat drips down happy faces. These faces belong to youngsters who have worked long and hard to prepare their animals

Pets and their owners abound in Clark County. According to the Clark County website, over 100,000 dogs call it home! But many places of business don’t allow pets on their property, so where are the best places to play, explore

In the summer of 2014, Ridgefield School Board members dreamed of a large sports and recreation hub that would benefit Ridgefield School District sports teams, as well as enhance recreation for general residents. Five years later, the field of dreams

Lilly K. knows only too well the ups and downs of being a pregnant homeless teen. Today she is in a safe place, studying to be an EMT, with a healthy toddler at her side, but it was only a

"We believe in the simple but revolutionary idea that remarkable things happen when moms come together," informs the website for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), an international moms’ group with local chapters found all over the world. Indeed, many local mothers

Being a teenager is hard. And today’s world is all the more difficult for teens to navigate when they have been affected and disadvantaged by childhood trauma, neglect and abuse. In response to youth suicides and depression specifically in Battle

“Who could resist those fluffy bundles of joy?” asks Diane Stevens of Furry Friends in Vancouver, a nonprofit, no-kill, cat adoption agency. Who indeed? Fluffy kittens are definitely one of the agency’s most popular adopted pets, affirms Stevens. Denise Barr of

"Rehabilitation, or fixing, Neva isn't our goal," says Neva’s mother, Alicia. "We build on the strengths and gifts that she has, what she's interested in—just like any other 14-year-old." After a reflective pause, she continues, "And one of those interests

Both daunting challenges and exciting opportunities exist for many in our community who have recently re-entered the workforce after an extended absence. While the venues and reasons for returning to work vary greatly, the common thread seems to be in

On April 15 over 600 people will hit the streets of Vancouver armed with shovels, paintbrushes, and theater costumes. This is not a new reality show or live entertainment, but a community event of love in action. What started in 2002