Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is expanding operations of the Mobile Food Bank in Klickitat County with a new route to Roosevelt from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of the month.

The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) and the Snowden Community Council (SCC) are asking rural residents of Klickitat County to visit the FCC Broadband Map and verify their residential internet service information before Friday, January 13th, 2023. The FCC Broadband Map information will help determine which areas get included in federal broadband funding worth over $42 million.

Games abound in this week’s round-up of local social events, music offerings and local shows. Scrabble, pool and poker options sit along side productions such as Dancing with the Gorge Stars at The Dalles High School Auditorium or “Ripchord” at the Bingen Theater.

People are being trafficked every day throughout the world and even here in your own home town. Do you know how to identify a trafficked victim? Read this story to learn the signs.

Goldendale City Council approved $1,700 in tourism funding for Goldendale’s 3rd annual LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration which has drawn hundreds of people from around the region two years in a row. But not before one councilor called the Pride event an attempt to erode and destroy traditional values and morals. 

I hit 183 pounds this winter, and I thought a fight with my stomach might help me out. Well, kinda. But I’m still 183 pounds. Oh, and 5’5. I lost a few inches over the years. It got me thinking. Not about the extra weight, but why?  I came up with this, Move. It’s my one-word anthem for the year - move. Anyways, the thought prompted this question of the week as we are six days into the new year. What is your focus for 2023? In one word. 

Comedy, music, a fundraiser for a friend. It’s all happening in the Gorge. Check out our latest listings here.

It’s time to blow the doors off 2023. Jim Drake gives us a nice little tour of what is happening in the Gorge to ring in the new year. Check out the shows and parties coming up this Saturday, Dec. 31.

Santa has sent us letters and drawings from local 2nd and 3rd graders to help us rekindle the magic of this holiday season through these innocent and hopeful writings. Santa has quite a group of pen pals from The Dalles, Dufur, Mosier and Lyle. Check them out here.

With a major uptick in flu cases, the U.S. Center for Disease Control has sent out a Health Advisory to healthcare providers regarding the importance of prescribing antiviral medications for patients with the flu this year. Flu shots are available. Click here to find out more.

All that shopping and sweating the little stuff needs to take a break. Find a live show or a movie in this week’s roundup of Gorge Entertainment. Jim Drake also offers a little New Year’s Eve Planner to get you thinking.

Entertainment in the Gorge is hitting a fevered pitch in the next couple of days as opportunities for live music, entertainment, comedy and local concerts are coming down the chimney like a bag of toys. Check out the offerings and opportunities for holiday fun here.

The pandemic has taken a toll on Second Hand Rose thrift store in Bingen, Washington.

“During her tenure, she has served hundreds of hours, volunteering her time to inspire others with ShelterBox’s global humanitarian work. From constructing tents and displays to delivering inspiring presentations at Rotary Clubs and conferences, Lora has raised more than $100,000 in donations,” said ShelterBox USA President Kerri Murray

In a surprise announcement this week, WAGAP learned that effective immediately, Second Harvest is discontinuing service to food assistance programs across rural communities in Washington.

Two outstanding youth vocalists, Emma Ortega, and Wren Greeley-Havard from the Columbia River Gorge have been selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City as a part of the 2023 Carnegie Hall Honors Performance Series. The young women are currently raising money on GoFundMe to cover the costs of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

We’re coming into a manic weekend as the days count down to Christmas. And the presents are already dropping as art, music and entertainment are piling up like packages at the post office. This weekend brings us Brewer’s Grade, Anna Veimeister and Aaron Myer to name just a few. Check our latest here and stuff your stocking with some good times.

Moe Dixon and Tess and Patrik Barr will play a free show at Riverside Community Church in Hood River on Friday, Dec. 2nd at noon. Dixon will also play The Pines in HR starting at 6 p.m. Miles From Nowhere, a four-piece band from Central Oregon will bring a set filled with Classic Rock, Blues, Country and Alternative to Zim’s in TD on Saturday, Dec. 3, starting at 7 p.m.

The Snow Sisters and Goldendale Reindeer Farm are creating a ton of holiday magic for local youths this Christmas Season as they offer events around the Gorge. Tegan Shermikas takes along for the ride as the Sisters work their magic. Sounds pretty fun. We wish we were 5 again.