Stories by Monika Spykerman

Columbian staff reporter

(360) 735-4556

Monika.Spykerman@columbian.com

Models needed for Kwanzaa fashion show at Clark County Event Center

October 15, 2024, 7:48am Clark County Life Free

Models needed for Kwanzaa fashion show Read story

Volunteer Madison Glenn lends a hand in the kitchen at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Cooking it old school: Fort Vancouver kitchen gives a lesson in 1840s kitchens

October 12, 2024, 6:13am Clark County Life Subscriber Exclusive

I could smell woodsmoke from Fort Vancouver’s kitchen as soon as I got out of my car in the Fifth Street visitor lot. The aroma led me to the weathered wood building behind the reconstructed Chief Factor’s House, where John McLoughlin and his family would have lived in the fort’s… Read story

A female common merganser is seen in the Burke Slough near Woodland during a recent Saturday morning birding trip with the Vancouver Audubon Society.

Try This: World Migratory Bird Day, Terry Robb and David Vest, Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum

October 10, 2024, 6:05am Clark County Life

Five things to try this week Read story

With rolled oats, apples, applesauce, cranberries, pecans and maple syrup, this baked oatmeal is a sweet way to start your day.

Prepare to seize the day, even when you don’t want to, with Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

October 9, 2024, 6:05am Clark County Life Subscriber Exclusive

I’ll tell you a secret: I very nearly didn’t show up for my first day at The Columbian. After several years of working part-time at home, I didn’t know whether I still had the interpersonal skills or temperament to work in an office. Read story

Transportation continues to be the main source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vancouver, according to a report recently released by the city.

Transportation continues to be main source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vancouver

October 8, 2024, 5:39pm Clark County News Subscriber Exclusive

Transportation and travel are responsible for half of Vancouver’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the city’s recently released greenhouse gas inventory. The city undertook the assessment as part of its plan to become carbon neutral by 2040. Read story

Lentils – with love: Easy slow-cooker meal versatile, packed with hearty goodness

This rich, flavorful chili uses lentils instead of beans or meat.

My grandmother Esther’s lentil soup was one of my favorite things. It was like most of her cooking: simple, but with hidden depths. I liked it so much you’d think I’d have made it many times in adulthood, but I never have. I’m not sure why I’ve spent most of… Read story

Clark County has a bumper crop of pumpkin spots

Cassidy Forsburg, 2, of Battle Ground, sits in the pumpkin patch at Pomeroy Farm in Yacolt on Oct. 15, 2022.

September 28, 2024, 6:13am Clark County Life

Autumn is all about pumpkins. It’s practically a pumpkinpalooza out there, with pumpkins piled on porches, perched on patios and painted in pretty colors — not to mention the preponderance of pumpkin pies. We present you with pleasing news: Local pumpkin patches are presently primed for pumpkin-picking, where people can… Read story