Commuter Van option rolling into Gorge; Ensure employees make it to the job
Commute Options of Bend, Ore., rolls out Vanpool program in Hood River County, providing a low-cost opportunity for employers to ensure employees have a dependable ride back and forth to the job. Cost can be as low as $100 per employee per month with the right recipe. Check out the details here.
The Dalles, Ore., Jan 9, 2024 - Ever get this phone call?
“Hey, it’s Emily; I’m having trouble getting my car started this morning. I…uh… I won’t be able to make it in.”
It’s not unusual. And now, as a boss, you’re picking up the pieces. Or if you’re an employee, you missed a day’s wages.
This is especially true when people are living in rural areas such as the Gorge and are commuting 15 or 20 miles each way to work.
But what if there was a way of ensuring employees could make it safely to work, on time, and ready to contribute?
That’d be pretty sweet.
Well, it’s happening in The Gorge as Commute Options is rolling out Vanpool. It’s aimed at 5 to 15 employees that are commuting about 20 plus miles in a single direction, said Kim Curley.
The vanpool must either end or begin in Hood River County to be eligible. For example, a vanpool could start in Hood River and end in The Dalles or vice versa. Or it could pick up riders in Parkdale for a commute to a Hood River business.
Curley is a great resource for getting an economical Vanpool on the road. She is the Community Engagement Coordinator at Commute Options in Bend that can tap into the ODOT funds that provide employers subsidies to lease commuter vans.
Kim Curley
“This is a great way to use transit vans when a transit bus does not run, which is in a lot of places in rural areas,” Curley said. “We have 30 busses running in Bend and they take people to resorts, bullet factories. Even the Bend-La Pine School district has several vans going because the district extends to La Pine.
How It Works
Essentially an employer can call Curley and talk through the specifics, and if it meets the criteria, she can tap into a $500 subsidy that an employer can use to lower the cost of a leased van, that comes with insurance, roadside assistance and an easy-to-discontinue, month-to-month contract.
Columbia Area Transit or CAT is also using ODOT dollars to buy down the van leases to make the cost pencil for employers.
Curley said overall lease costs can run as low as $1,100 to $1,400 per month - so the cost to the employer is around $600 to $900 per month with the subsidy - that could be as low as $100 per employee per month.
Pretty cheap for reliable help, especially now when it is so difficult to get good workers.
Need a Driver
Curley said the program works on volunteer drivers - an employee who is 25 years or older with a US Drivers License and a “fairly clean” driving record.
Where Does The Money Come From?
The Oregon Department of Transportation subsidy for Vanpool comes from the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund, which is derived from payroll taxes. Essentially, employee taxes are being poured back into ensuring employees can get to work. The money was appropriated in 2017.
Penny saved is a Penny earned
Curley said studies have shown that people live in rural areas to reduce their housing costs, but for every $1 saved on housing, residents, on average put 77 cents into transportation to get to work.
A 20-mile commute could spur the purchase of a used vehicle and costly repair bills, and the employee is still missing a reliable way to get to work to earn a paycheck. Vanpool intends to correct that situation while also cutting back on traffic and pollution.
“I’ve been reaching out to Cardinal Glass and Providence Hospital staff,” Curley said, “as Commute Options is rolling out the Vanpool program in Hood River County.”
“We can support seasonal vans,” she added, noting they had talked with Duckwall Fruit in Hood River. “We’d like to have year-round employees too.”
Click here to learn more about Vanpool
Kim Curley, Community Engagement Coordinator at Commute Options, is at (541) 408-6111.
For individuals seeking rides right away, check the Get There Oregon rideboard here.
More About Commute Options
Commute Options is a nonprofit operating out of Bend, Ore., and was established in 1990 with the following a mission: We envision communities using safe, convenient, and reliable transportation options that result in healthier individuals, a cleaner environment, and a stronger economy.
Most of its services are FREE! Please, check out the links below:
Get There Oregon is the ODOT sponsored (free to use) ridematching platform. It's available to anyone who lives or works in Oregon and is 18+. You can ask for or offer a ride on the Rideboard feature.
Get There Rewards is the year-round incentive program where employees earn a $20 gift card for logging 45 trips to and from work on Get There Oregon. (Current partners are CGCC, MCMC, and MCEDD in the gorge!)
Get There Challenge is every October! ODOT hosts this statewide competition to log all transportation options trips you make during the first two weeks of October each year. Great prizes and this is a free event for all Get There registered users. Every trip counts!
Oregon Friendly Driver is a 75-minute online course to help improve roadway safety in your community. It teaches drivers how to be more friendly when people walking and biking are present.
National study seeks participants in TD, HR to receive free cancer early detection test
What is being done to find cancer and treat it early? You need to look no further than One Community Health in The Dalles and Hood River to participate in a new national study that screens for early-stage cancer. It may save your life and the test is free.
These early detection tests for cancer are being studied in our area and are free to qualifying participants. You might just help yourself by helping others through volunteering for the study.
By Tom Peterson
Cancer affects us all.
We either have dealt with it ourselves or know others who have.
Personally, I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer when she was 63 in 2002.
I felt cheated to lose her that early. I’m not the only one.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and it took the lives of more than 600,000 in 2022 according to the National Cancer Institute.
Early Detection of Cancer Can be Key to Treatment
What is being done to find cancer and treat it early?
You need to look no further than One Community Health in The Dalles and Hood River to participate in a new test that screens for early-stage cancer. Multi-cancer early detection tests, or MCEDs, are tests that have the potential to find more than one type of cancer from a single sample of blood. Too often, cancer isn’t found until it’s advanced and harder to treat. MCEDs may detect cancer when it is in a lesser stage and more treatable. Increasing early detection of cancer is part of the national Cancer Moonshot initiative, which has the goal of cutting the death rate from cancer by at least 50% over the next 25 years.
One Community Health, in collaboration with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, is recruiting volunteers in the Columbia River Gorge for the PATHFINDER 2 study. The study is testing a MCED test called Galleri, designed to detect many types of cancer. The goal of the PATHFINDER 2 study is to recruit more than 20,000 participants nationally. PATHFINDER 2 was created to follow up the initial PATHFINDER 1 study on a broader scale with more participants, including people from diverse and underrepresented populations. This is an opportunity for rural Oregonians to be part of something bigger in the development of cancer detection strategies.
One Community Health Site Director Jason Bradley
One Community Health Site Director Jason Bradley says: “Cancer does not care what color you are, where you come from, or what you believe in. This research needs to include everyone to ensure the test is accurate for all.” The study team includes coordinators that are fluent in Spanish and English and participants do not have to be One Community Health patients to be in the study.
Bradley says: “Access to healthcare and resources is different for rural populations compared to those that live in urban areas. Including rural communities in this important research not only provides better diversity in research, it can also help to determine limitations in treatment, where and how resources may best be targeted, and provide better understanding of rural health needs.”
Kate McKenna, M.D., M.P.H.
Kate McKenna, M.D., M.P.H. is a family medicine physician at One Community Health. She says: “Cancer screening is a crucial aspect of primary care and even more important to catch up on after years of being in a pandemic that has delayed care for everyone. As a rural community, we are lucky to have access to cutting-edge cancer screening technology through the study from Oregon Health & Science University. I am glad that the researchers are specifically making efforts to reach our Spanish-speaking community in The Gorge.”
The PATHFINDER 2 study provides opportunities for volunteers to contribute to the scientific development of MCEDs and learn about the latest tests being developed. This research includes people from all walks of life - including those who live in rural areas, are underserved or are underrepresented.
Laura Ferrara, a Research Project Manager
Laura Ferrara, a Research Project Manager who works for the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network, collaborates with a team from One Community Health and the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute to manage the study in The Dalles and Hood River. As a resident of Hood River, Ferrara says she understands the challenges and barriers to access healthcare and innovative clinical trials. “For years I have dreamed of increasing access to highly innovative clinical trials in the Gorge and I'm living the dream working on this one,” she says. “The response from the community has been incredible, with friends telling friends and family about the study.”
How You Can Help
Study participants must be 50 years or older, have never been diagnosed with cancer or be cancer free for the last 3 years, and be willing to come to One Community Health in Hood River or The Dalles for a scheduled study appointment that includes surveys and a blood draw. You do not need to be a One Community Health patient to participate.
How to enroll
Contact the Gorge Pathfinder Team via phone or email to see if you are eligible.
Call (541) 399-9059 or email Gorgepathfinder@gmail.com
Participants will receive a $50 gift card for travel to One Community Health in Hood River or The Dalles.
Estudio nacional busca participantes en TD, HR para recibir prueba de detección temprana de cáncer gratis
Escrito por Tom Peterson
El cáncer nos afecta a todos.
O hemos tenido que manejarlo nosotros mismos o conocemos a alguien que lo ha hecho.
Personalmente, yo perdí a mi mama al cáncer del páncreas cuando ella tenía 63 años en 2002.
Sentí que no fue justo perderla tan temprano. No soy el único.
El cáncer es la segunda causa destacada de muerte en los estados unidos, y ha tomado las vidas de más de 600,000 en 2022 según el instituto nacional de cáncer.
La detección temprana de cáncer puede ser la clave para tratamiento
¿Que se está haciendo para encontrar cáncer y tratarlo temprano?
No necesitas buscar más lejos de la clínica One Community Health in The Dalles y Hood River para participar en una prueba que busca señales de cáncer en etapas tempranas. Pruebas de detección de varios tipos de cáncer, también conocidas como MCEDs por sus siglas en inglés, son pruebas que tienen el potencial para encontrar más de un tipo de cáncer de solo una muestra de sangre. Demasiadamente, el cáncer no se encuentra hasta que ya está avanzado y más difícil para tratar. MCEDs pueden detectar cáncer cuando está en una etapa más temprana y más tratable. Aumentando la detección temprana de cáncer es parte de la iniciativa nacional llamada el Cancer Moonshot Initiative, que tiene la meta de cortar la tasa de mortalidad de cáncer por lo menos 50% durante los próximos 25 años.
One Community Health, en colaboración con el instituto de cáncer de Knight en OHSU, está reclutando voluntarios en el Columbia River Gorge para el estudio PATHFINDER 2. El estudio está investigando una prueba MCED que se llama Galleri, diseñada a detectar varios tipos de cáncer. La meta del estudio PATHFINDER 2 es reclutar más de 20,000 participantes nacionalmente. PATHFINDER 2 fue creada como seguimiento al estudio inicial PATHFINDER 1 pero en escala amplia con más participantes, incluyendo gente de populaciones diversas y subrepresenteda. Esto es una oportunidad para Oregorianos rurales para ser parte de algo más grande en el desarrollo de estrategias de detección de cáncer.
Director de sitio de One Community Health Jason Bradley dice: ‘Al cáncer no le importa que color tu eres, de dónde vienes, o en que crees. Este estudio necesita incluir a todos para asegurar que la prueba es precisa para todos.’ El equipo del estudio incluye coordinadores que hablan inglés y español con fluidez y no es necesario ser paciente del One Community Health para participar en el estudio.
Bradley dice: ‘Acceso a cuidado de la salud y recursos es diferente para populaciones rurales en comparación a esos que viven en áreas urbanas. Incluyendo comunidades rurales en esta investigación importante no solo provee mejor diversidad para el estudio, también puede ayudar determinar las limitaciones a tratamiento, donde y como recursos deben ser concentrados, y proveer un mejor conocimiento de las necesidades de la salud rural.
Kate McKenna, M.D., M.P.H. es una doctora de medicina familiar en One Community Health. Ella dice: ‘la revisión de cáncer es un aspecto crucial de cuidado primario y aun más importante para ponerse al corriente después de años de estar en una pandemia que ha atrasado el cuidado para todos. Como una comunidad rural, estamos afortunados de tener acceso a tecnología innovadora de detectar cáncer por el estudio de la Universidad de Salud y Ciencias de Oregon. Estoy contenta que los investigadores están haciendo un esfuerzo especifico en alcanzar nuestra comunidad que habla español en el Gorge. ‘
El estudio PATHFINDER 2 provee oportunidades para voluntarios a contribuir al desarrollo científico de MCEDs y aprender sobre las últimas pruebas que se están desarrollando. Este estudio incluye gente de todas etapas de su vida – incluyendo ellos que viven en áreas rurales, son subrepresenteda o subservidas.
Laura Ferrara, una manager de proyectos de investigaciones, que trabaja para el Red de Investigaciones basadas en prácticas rurales de Oregon, colabora con el equipo de One Community Health y el Instituto de Cáncer de Knight en OHSU para manejar el estudio en The Dalles y Hood River. Como residente de Hood River, Ferrara dice que ella entiende los retos y las barreras en obtener acceso al cuidado de la salud y ensayos clínicas innovadoras. ‘Por años he soñado en aumentar el acceso a ensayos clínicos que son sumamente innovadoras aquí en el Gorge y ahora estoy viviendo ese sueño con este estudio,’ dice ella. ‘La respuesta de la comunidad ha sido increíble, con amigos diciéndole a sus amigos y familia sobre el estudio.’
Como Usted Puede Ayudar
Participantes del estudio tienen que tener 50 años o más, nunca haber sido diagnosticado con cáncer o ser libre de cáncer por los últimos 3 años, y ser dispuestos a venir a One Community Health en Hood River o The Dalles para una cita del estudio que incluye encuestas y una muestra de sangre. No necesita ser paciente de One Community Health para participar.
Como Inscribirse
Contacte al equipo de Pathfinder del Gorge por teléfono o correo electrónico para ver si califica.
Llame al (541) 399-0959 o mande un mensaje a GorgePathfinder@gmail.com.
Participantes recibirán una tarjeta de $50 para el viaje a One Community Health en Hood River o The Dalles.
Entertainment: Cody Ricks Fundraiser on tap at Eagles/Elks in TD
A fundraiser for TD’s Cody Ricks who has undergone surgery and chemotherapy for cancer is on tap at The Dalles Eagles/Elks on Saturday, Jan. 21. The Ruby Friedman Orchestra plays Trout Lake Hall the same night. Comedian Sean Jordan will headline at the Bingen Theater on Friday, Jan. 20. Read the most complete entertainment listing for the Mid-Columbia Gorge here.
This Week in Gorge Entertainment
By Jim Drake
Cody Ricks fundraiser at TD Eagles on Sat., Jan. 21
Cody Ricks
The Dalles Eagles/Elks host a fundraiser event for Cody Ricks on Saturday, Jan. 21, to help with medical expenses. Sign up for a Doubles Cornhole Tournament, starting at Noon. Fundraising efforts continue with a Rib Night Special Dinner from 5-7 p.m. Ricks, an Apprentice Lineman, has undergone surgery and chemotherapy treatments since September. To learn more about Cody’s situation, click here.
Last Stop Saloon celebrates
Saturday, Jan. 21, Last Stop Saloon celebrates Cheers to 4 Years from 7-10 p.m. with live music, a sled and snowboard raffle, and more.
Friday, Jan 20, Jeff Carrell, 7 p.m.
Last Stop Saloon in The Dalles features live music with local favorites and NW regional bands.
Pink Martini plays HR Education Fundraiser
Pink Martini
Portland pop-jazz phenoms Pink Martini play the Hood River Middle School Auditorium on Saturday, April 22, at 7:30 p.m. The show is a benefit for the Hood River County Education Foundation. Main floor and balcony seating options available based on donation level. “Pink Martini was founded by bandleader Thomas M. Lauderdale in 1994 to provide beautiful and inclusive performances at fundraisers and galas for progressive causes, with a style inspired by Latin, big band, classical, and the Golden Age of Hollywood.”
Tickets available at:
Marbach photos celebrate 100 Years of State Parks
Photographs by Local photographer Peter Marbach celebrate “A Century of Wonder: 100 Years of Oregon State Parks,” on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. at the Hood River County Library.
“For 100 years, Oregon State Parks have provided spaces for recreation and enjoyment in various natural environments across the state. In celebration of the centennial of the state parks system, the Oregon Historical Society commissioned photographer Peter Marbach to document the beauty and geographic diversity that can be found throughout Oregon’s natural spaces. This talk will highlight a selection of Marbach’s contemporary photographs, showing numerous ways that Oregon State Parks have preserved natural and historic sites for Oregonians and visitors to appreciate for many years to come.”
Trivia Night at Double Mountain
Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River welcomes local and regional acts to the stage:
Wednesday, Jan. 18, Humpday Trivia with hosts Nikki and Whitney (aka Whikki). Sign-ups start at 6 p.m., and trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. No cover charge.
Eagle Watch Jan. 21
The Dalles Dam Visitor Center presents the 13th annual Eagle Watch on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a free, family-fun event with easy access to viewing areas.
‘Great Gatsby’ awards show Jan. 19
The Dalles Chamber of Commerce presents the Distinguished Citizens Awards show on Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. “Expect a 1920's themed gala: show off your best Great Gatsby impression, your Peaky Blinders wardrobe, your 3-piece suit, your sequins, furs, and Deco bling and celebrate the outstanding folks who make living here so special.” Tickets can be purchased at:
https://mms.thedalleschamber.com/mem.../evr/reg_event.php...
Growlerzz at Mt. Hood Meadows
See the “best jam band in the Gorge,” The Growlerzz, at Mt. Hood Meadows in the Vertical Room on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Growlerzz is: Scott Denis, Mike Turley, Mike Rockwell, Steve Alford, and Paul Huffman.
Live music at Tabby’s Hole in One
Tabby’s Hole in One Clubhouse at the Hood River Golf Course presents live music with local and regional bands.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, Open Mic with Kerry Williams, 5-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 21, Willy & Nelson Band, 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 28, Growlerzz Band, 7-10 p.m.
Art Class at TD Library
Learn how to make a Silver Clay Leaf Pendant on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 5:30 p.m. at The Dalles Library. If you want to bring a specific leaf, small leaves with a lot of texture work the best.
Teen Beach Party at HR Library
On Saturday, Jan. 21, kids ages 11-20 can attend the Teen Beach Party at the Hood River County Library. Expect beach games, snacks and a beach themed movie. The fun starts at 11 a.m.
‘Earth Portrait’ project at White Salmon Library
The White Salmon Library is featuring a collection of images by White Salmon artist Cyndi Strid in an exhibition titled, The Earth Portrait Project: "All Hands on Earth." On display now through Jan. 31.
‘Nerve Damage’ headlines punk-rock show
The River City Saloon in Hood River hosts a Punk Rock event on Friday, Jan. 27, with headline band Nerve Damage, onstage with a new album “Justice.” Also on the bill: Worms PDX (Artcore Punk), Los Mal Hablados (Latin Skacore) and Hired Hounds (Punk Rock). Music starts at 8 p.m., 21+, $5 cover.
Listen to Nerve Damage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tccVYin1Ly4
Stephanie Schneiderman Trio at TD Art Gallery
Stephanie Schneiderman Trio
The Stephanie Schneiderman Trio brings an evening of folk, Americana and trip hop to The Dalles Art Center on Saturday, Jan. 28, starting at 7 p.m. “Schneiderman is one of the Pacific Northwest's most diverse and celebrated singer-songwriters, combining elements of folk, Americana, trip hop, and pop—into a beautifully dark and deeply introspective sound that is as fresh as it is compelling, Her acoustic trio features Jenny Conlee (Decemberists) on accordion and Keith Brush (Blue Cranes) on upright bass who lend their melodic, indie-rock sensibilities to her songs to create a magnetic live performance that old and new fans will revere.
Tickets at: https://www.thedallesartcenter.org/events/stephanie-schneiderman-trio
Live Music at Zim’s
Zim’s Brau Haus in The Dalles presents live local music.
Tuesday, Jan. 17, The Reddy Black Trio, 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 20, Rich & Blonde, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 21, Gunshy, 7 p.m.
Live music at Working Hands
Working Hands Fermentation in Hood River presents live music, trivia nights and more.
Friday, Jan. 20, Red Robe Revival (Orecana Bliscograss), 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 21, Tyler John Hartman (pictured) & Christina Cortez-Bannick (Folk/Singer-songwriter), 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 22, Open Mic hosted by Tim Decker, 6 p.m.
Live Music at Trout Lake Hall
Trout Lake Hall in Trout Lake, Washington is bringing live music back to the Historic building’s stage.
Saturday, Jan. 21, Ruby Friedman Orchestra, 7 p.m. (Free Show)
“The electrifying singer-songwriter Ruby Friedman has drawn acclaim with her bravura, stops-out club performances at Portland venues like Alberta Rose Theatre, Mississippi Studios, and LaurelThirst Public House.” Her music has appeared on programs for Disney+, PBS, Netflix, and FX. She has twice appeared at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and has toured with rock ’n’ roll legend Brian Wilson and Oscar-winning actor-musician Jeff Bridges.
Music and Movies at Mid Columbia Senior Center
The Mid-Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles presents the Movie of the Week Schedule for Fridays in January. Movies start 12:45 p.m.
Jan. 20: Father Goose (Cary Grant & Leslie Caron)
Pillow Talk with Doris Day and Rock Hudson
Jan. 27: Pillow Talk (Doris Day & Rock Hudson)
Mid-Columbia Senior Center
January Music Schedule; Music starts at 11 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 17, Jim Gordon
Wednesday, Jan. 18, Homeschool Group Skits
Thursday, Jan. 19, Tom Graff
Tuesday, Jan. 24, George Forya
Wednesday, Jan. 25, Billy Taylor
Thursday, Jan. 26, Tom Graff
Tuesday, Jan. 31, Jim Gordon
Scrabble Tournament at White Salmon Library
Scrabble enthusiasts are invited to participate in this fun and lightly competitive tournament on Thursday, 19, from 2-4:30 p.m. at the White Salmon Library. Two-player teams can sign up at www.fvrl.librarymarket.com/events. If you don't have a teammate, sign up anyway and they’ll pair you up.
Live Music at The Pines
The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River brings live music to the stage on Fridays from 6-9 p.m. with musical artists from around The Gorge.
Friday, Jan. 20, Ravin’ (Blues)
Friday, Jan. 27, Richard & Tova TIllinghast (Folk)
Chamber Music at HR Valley Christian
The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association presents “Chamber Music in the Afternoon” at HR Valley Christian Church in Hood River on Sunday, Jan. 22, starting at 1:30 p.m. Expect “relaxing, intimate and inspiring soloists and small groups.” Programs will include string quartets, solo cello with piano, duets and a special appearance by the Riverside Community Church Chancel Choir performing Eric Whitacre’s “Sing Gently,” accompanied by a string quartet. Free admission/donation at the door.
The Dalles Art Center announces 2023 Exhibitions
The Dalles Art Center has announced its 2023 Exhibition lineup, starting with February’s “Bringing Out Our Best: Member Exhibition,” billed as “an exhibition of TDAC's artist members from the Gorge and the region.” The show will be juried by Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield. Don’t miss the Opening Reception on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 5:30 p.m.
Author Talks hosted by The Dalles Library
Virtual Author Talks is a series of author interviews hosted by The Dalles Library and the Library Speakers Consortium. Sign up to join in these informative online seminars with Notable and Best Selling authors.
Next session: Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 11 a.m. with Dana K. White, author of “Organizing for the Rest of Us.”
https://libraryc.org/wascocountylibrary/21883
Tuesday, Jan. 31, 11 a.m. with Randall Munroe, author of “What If 2.”
https://libraryc.org/wascocountylibrary/22090
Thursday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m., with Lana Harper, author of “Back in a Spell.”
Kivett Bednar at 64oz. Taphouse
On Wednesday, Jan. 18, Hood River’s 64oz Taphouse welcomes guitarist Blues-artist-producer Kivett Bednar. “Bring your dancing shoes for a grooving dancing good time.” Music starts at 7 p.m.
Sean Jordan Comedy at Bingen Theater
The Sean Jordan Comedy show makes a stop at the Bingen Theater on Friday, Jan. 20, featuring Sean Jordan, Dianna Potter and Thomas Lundy. Jordan has been named Portland’s Funniest Person by Willamette Week Magazine, has written for Comedy Central, and was named one of the “Comics to Watch” by Splitsider Magazine. Tickets at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-the-bingen-tickets-490695241677?aff=erelexpmlt
Live music at Solera
Glitterfox
On Tuesday, Jan. 17, Solera Brewery in Parkdale welcomes live music with Glitterfox. Glitterfox is an indie Americana project named one of Portland’s “Best New Bands” by Willamette Week in 2022. Music starts around 6 p.m. Minors are welcome until 8 p.m.
Jazz at Hood River Hotel
The Hood River Hotel in Hood River presents Jazz in the Lobby from local and regional players on Saturday nights, 7:30 - 10 p.m.
Big Britches presents ‘Ripcord’
The 2023 live theater season for Big Britches Productions kicks off on Friday, Jan. 27, with “Ripcord.” Critics say David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Ripcord” is “an entertaining story of two elderly women thrown together by a comic cosmic force, possessed of a wicked sense of humor.” Directed by Joe Garoutte. Performances at The Bingen Theater, Bingen, Wash. Performances continue Jan. 28, 29, Feb. 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11. Tickets and Season Passes on sale at:
https://www.bigbritches.org/season-tickets
Live Music Mondays at Everybody’s Brewing
Live Music Mondays at Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon showcases the best in local and regional bands. Music is 6-8 p.m.
Jan. 23, Forrest VanTuyl (Acoustic Country-Folk)
Jan. 30, Al Hare (Guitarist, Singer-songwriter)
LOR Watch Party at HR Library
The Lord of the Rings Watch Parties are scheduled to start on Friday, Jan. 13, at 4 p.m. at the Hood River Library. The Trilogy continues on Jan. 20 and Jan. 27.
Eagles Tribute Band is the ticket for Labor Day Weekend
Eagles tribute band Hotel California is set to hit the stage in The Dalles on Saturday, Sept. 3rd, smack dab in the middle of Labor Day weekend. So, if you're running down the road, trying to loosen your load, remember to lighten up while you still can. Don’t even try to understand. Just buy some tickets and make your stand and take it easy … at Lewis & Clark Festival Park in The Dalles. Doors open at 4 p.m. Music starts at 5.
Hotel California, A Salute To The Eagles, the only authorized Eagles Tribute band, will be bringing some California Country Rock to Lewis & Clark Festival Park on Saturday, Sept. 3, smack dab in the middle of Labor Day weekend. Nolan Hare was able to pull off the booking with support from Matt Larsen and Steve Kane and a ton of great local businesses. Tickets are on sale now.
By Tom Peterson
The Gorge is in for some easy-going California Country Rock as Eagles tribute band Hotel California is set to hit the stage in The Dalles on Saturday, Sept. 3rd, smack dab in the middle of Labor Day weekend.
So, if you're running down the road, trying to loosen your load, remember to lighten up while you still can. Don’t even try to understand.
Just buy some tickets and make your stand and take it easy … at Lewis & Clark Festival Park.
Doors open at 4 p.m. Music starts at 5 p.m.
“A spirited blend of originality and the pursuit of excellence have taken Hotel California, “A Salute to the Eagles” to a level of recognition normally reserved for Gold and Platinum recording artists,” according to the band’s press information.
“By respectfully and accurately reproducing the Grammy award-winning sounds of our generation’s Greatest American Songbook, this legendary Southern California group, has touched the hearts of fans all over the world,” it continues. “It is the most successful and longest-running show of it’s kind, and the ONLY show to have ever received “Official Authorization” to perform the Eagles catalog of music.”
Nolan Hare
Nolan Hare, Steve Kane, and Matt Larsen are the push behind the show, which is being heavily supported by local businesses.
“The Eagles have a unique sound,” said Nolan Hare today, Aug. 10. “It is just really relatable to just about anybody,” noting the great storytelling. “And the production on this tribute band's sound, lights, and video is top notch. It’s the whole thing. It’s the whole experience.”
With a vast catalog of songs that includes Wasted Time, I Can’t Tell You Why, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Desperado, One of These Nights, Lyin’ Eyes, it is easy to see how The Eagles were able to catapult to one of the most successful bands in history in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
And it is from this incredible well of music that Hotel California drinks and rekindles the cool evening California dessert magic that makes time disappear and sends a shiver up your spine like a welcome breeze.
“We are so excited to do another big event since everyone got locked down,” Hare said.
It takes a village to bring this kind of talent and performance to The Dalles and Mid-Columbia.
PRESENTED BY:
Bishop Sanitation
with Explore The Dalles
Great Skot Productions
& Discover Rentals
STAGE SPONSOR:
Columbia Gorge Affordable Homes
HOSPITALITY SPONSORS:
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15 Mile Winery - Featured Wine
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Grit Row’s Pothier outpaces pandemic, looks to lift others
This kid’s got moxie. Who starts an exercise business in a pandemic? In a city park, no less. Kathy Pothier, that’s who. And she’s not hoarding that energy. The operator of Grit Row, which has moved to The Dalles Athletic Club, is promoting local business and programs to both improve the economy and our quality of life. The Dalles is starting to crest, she said.
By Tom Peterson
It’s an average Monday at Grit Row next to The Dalles Gorge Athletic Club on Pomona Street.
But it’s anything but average.
Kathy Pothier is wearing her ball cap, electric-orange spandex and chatting up her class as they work through an hour of rowing and upper- and lower-body work.
Black lights have turned the room a dark hue of purple as bright colors pop and rowing machines whir.
Michael Jackson's Thriller jams in the background.
“This is a lot more fun,” said Maggie Justesen, a 19-year-old college student who attends Mount Hood Community College. “Nice atmosphere. Good People.”
And none of the sense that people are watching you.
It’s kind of freeing, she said.
“It’s a little dark. So, no one can see me. That’s kind of nice.”
Carmen Toll feeling great.
Two rows away, Carmen Toll, former director at The Dalles Art Center, is stretching out.
The 65-year-old has been working out with Grit Row for 18 months.
“I thought you had to be young to do this,” she said, noting she had not exercised much before meeting Pothier. “I’ve never done sports or anything. I was raised a proper woman and a minister’s wife. And I am a darn good cook and seamstress. I am an expert. But at 65, you have to keep moving, or lose it.”
“I feel great,” she said. “When I was off for a month, I felt a big difference. I used to get brain fog. Not now.”
During the workout, Pothier challenged the class to a 100-meter rowing sprint, and they all dig, bending legs and pulling back on the handle.
Paddles spin against water inside the rowing machines at Grit Row, providing resistance as students pull for meters on the electronic readout.
At the end of the challenge, Pothier points to the neon 4 written in marker on her forearm. The student with a time ending in 4 has won some free swag - a bar of custom made honey soap from La’Don Homestead - made by another local female entrepreneur - to kick off her “BEE engaged initiative to continue supporting services and organizations that serve The Dalles.
“Rowing is an amazingly effective low impact + full body workout,” Pothier said. “Every stroke utilizes 86% of your muscles allowing you to build aerobic endurance, increased range of motion and muscular strength in a way that is easy on your joints. Grit row pairs rowing intervals with resistance training on the mat, using light weights or bodyweight, for a full body workout.”
Pothier is not only here to pump up her class, but she’s also in The Dalles to pump up the local economy. She buys gift cards and gifts from local businesses to give away to her students for participating in Grit Row and for working on building their own strength.
Win-win, she said.
People have taken notice of her business of late.
She has also been asked to move her studio to Hood River, even Seattle.
And it would mean more money for her.
She gave a “solid no.”
She’s believes in creating and supporting businesses where she lives in The Dalles. Pothier noted there is a strong group of female business owners who are helping to invigorate the area. Pothier pointed to the Workshop, Studio Fit, Sunshine Mill and a number of other businesses with strong women pushing The Dalles forward.
Brenna Campbell proudly points out that she has surpassed the 100,000-meter mark in rowing after class. Campbell owns and operates Brenna’s Mosier Market.
After class, Brenna Campbell points to the wall. She has rowed more than 100,000 meters, and she proudly displays the milestone written on a mirror at the front entrance of the room.
Brenna operates Mosier Market and is also a big supporter of homegrown businesses.
“It’s addicting,” Campbell said of attending class. “I looked around trying to find the right thing. Then I found Kathy and rowing, and I love it. It’s an individual workout where you focus on yourself. And we all talk and have a good time and you don’t have to be self-conscious.”
Pothier also calls out for group rows during the session, where all of the students get into the same cadence of rowing. They sync up.
“It’s intense. It’s great,” said Mo Burford, 34.
And it’s a total workout, he said. On this day students were not only rowing but then going to the mats for lunges, squats and crunches.
“It’s a full body workout,” he said. “I’m a runner and the cardio is pretty good. Sarah (Cook) and I come together. It’s guaranteed exercise.”
Sarah said she was hooked.
“On some level, I'm sure it's just my body telling me it likes being exercised, lol, but I think you're right when you mention some kind of special tone or vibe in the room, and I think that's a huge part of why I'm committed now. There's a way that Kathy instructs that is just innately body positive: there's constant emphasis on listening to your body, and any sense of challenge has to do with our own metrics.”
Students also work together to pick a charity and raise money for a nonprofit which she now calls BEE Engaged, buy local and support services and organizations that support The Dalles community.
If one photo could say it all, this might be it for Kathy Pothier.
Pothier said they were able to donate almost $3,000 in total to Haven + SafeSpace last year and hundreds in cash and in gifts for the holidays to The Next Door from Grit Row along with donations from many who row with her.
And here’s something Pothier would never tell you.
She’s too humble.
So, I will.
The kid’s got moxie.
Who starts an exercise business in a pandemic? In a city park, no less.
Kathy, that’s who.
That’s because it takes stamina, character, and, well … grit. She comes by it rightly.
The former division1 NCAA rower for the University of Massachusetts has been digging in since July 2020 with the business, pouring profits back into the community and more equipment. And recently, she moved her studio, which now includes 10 WaterRower machines and 9 stationary bikes, to The Dalles Gorge Athletic Club, 731 Pomona St.
New Owners of The Dalles Athletic Club, Colleen and Tim Dahle. Photo by Kathy Pothier.
She is leasing the old dance studio at The Dalles Athletic Club. She said of new owners, Tim and Colleen Dahle,
“They have been doing great work here,” noting courts had been resurfaced, the parking lot re-paved and they were looking to work with Denae Manion to paint a mural in the near future.
“The Dalles is rapidly changing,” Pothier said. “It feels like The Dalles is cresting. People are getting energized, engaged and inspired. I am proud to be a part of that.”
Grit Row offers three different classes: Grit Row, Grit Ride & Grit Power.
For more information click here - Grit Row.
