Clark County Fire District 3 is planning two meetings to share information about a proposed fire levy lid lift, which is on the November 7 General Election ballot. Community members with questions are invited and encouraged to attend. Meetings are Monday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m., at District Headquarters Station, 17718 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie; and Saturday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m., at Station 33, 21503 NE 227th Ave., in Battle Ground. Fire District 3 is asking voters to restore funding for emergency services to $1.42 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The fire levy has fallen to $1.29 per $1,000, which happens as property values rise. The 13-cent fire levy lid lift equates to an additional $4.33 per month ($52 per year) for a property valued at $400,000. More information on Fire District 3 can be found on its website www.fire3.org.

The Historic Trust presents its annual Fall Harvest Tea at the Red Cross Building on the Fort Vancouver Historic Site. Tea enthusiasts of all ages are invited to enjoy a delightful fall menu that includes seasonal sweet treats and delicious savories, along with Harney and Sons Fine Teas.

Musical entertainment will be provided by local pianist, Mac Potts. The Fall Harvest Tea is Saturday, Oct. 21. There are two seating times to choose from; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Reserve a teapot today, and enjoy a special day with family and friends. Tickets are $36 per person and are available by clicking on the ad on the right side bar. For additional details, call Debbie Garbe at 360-737-7785.

Join community leaders, elected officials, business leaders and early learning advocates for a one-day Early Learning Summit to learn about gaps and barriers for this important group of “students” in Southwest Washington, including Clark, Skamania, Klickitat, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum and Pacific counties.

The Summit will be a working gathering of a cross section of the community to chart the next steps to close the opportunity gaps for all children birth to five years of age.

Attendees can stay for the day, or register for lunch only. Lunch time guests are Trudi Inslee, the first lady of Washington State, and Alan Cohen, CEO of Thrive Washington. The event is Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch is 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Warehouse ’23, 100 Columbia St., #102. To learn more and register, visit selfwa.org.

Clark College invites the community to attend the Grand Opening for its new Penguin Pantry on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 3 to 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. 

Launched this summer, the pantry provides students with free food and hygiene products, as well as some clothing and school supplies. Almost half of Clark’s student body is classified as lower-income, according to data from the college’s Office of Planning & Effectiveness. As of the first week in October, the pantry has had 90 visits and provided almost 1,000 items to students. 

The event will include remarks by Clark College President Bob Knight and a thank-you to the pantry’s donors. Staff will be on hand to answer visitors’ questions and guide them through the pantry’s offerings.

Food and personal-item donations will be collected during the event. Visit the Penguin Pantry web page at www.clark.edu/cc/penguinpantry for a list of suggested items or to learn about making a financial contribution.