EnglishSpanish
CCC Logo 1_4 Rainbow No1.png

Welcome, friends.

Columbia Community Connection was established in 2020 as a local, honest and digital news source providing meaningful stories and articles. CCC News’ primary goal is to inform and elevate all the residents and businesses of the Mid-Columbia Region. A rising tide lifts all boats, hop in!

6 Ways to Celebrate Love Locally This Valentine's Day!

6 Ways to Celebrate Love Locally This Valentine's Day!

Looking for a way to celebrate a wintery Valentine’s Day this year? Here are some ways you can show your community, yourself, and your partner some love this Valentine's Day. 

6. Win a Free Boudoir Photo Shoot 

An intimate portrait taken by Joy Reyneke Photography

An intimate portrait taken by Joy Reyneke Photography

Joy Reyneke enjoys seeing her clients feel beautiful in their own skin.

Joy Reyneke enjoys seeing her clients feel beautiful in their own skin.

Get treated to a magazine style photoshoot experience!

Enjoy the ultimate self-love and beauty experience and enter to win a free boudoir photo shoot from local award winning photographer Joy Reyneke!

Her ability to relate with and direct clients allows her to create the most authentic and incredible images you’ve ever seen.  

“This is my way of spreading love and giving back to the community this Valentine’s Day,” said Joy Reyneke. “I think sometimes we can get so caught up in the whole you have to have a partner on V-Day or you’re nobody mentality- I know I did when I was younger and single. So I really wanted to give something back to the single people on Valentine's Day this year.”

A stunning portrait from Joy Reyneke. View more examples of Joy’s work here.

A stunning portrait from Joy Reyneke. View more examples of Joy’s work here.

“A boudoir photo shoot is a great way to show yourself and your body some self-love. Plus it’s a lot of fun! We do costuming, hair, make-up, and post photo editing- the whole shebang so that our clients get the full body positive glamour experience.”

Screen Shot 2021-02-12 at 12.09.59 PM.png

About Joy Reyneke Photography

Joy Reyneke is a magazine style photographer for the everyday person. She has been a portrait photographer for over 15 years. Her award-winning work, acclaimed style, and service-focused approach have quickly distinguished Joy as the go-to gal for clients who want extraordinary images. 

How to Enter to win a fabulous $1250 boudoir photography shoot GIVE-AWAY for a lucky SINGLE woman or man.

1. Comment on Joy’s Giveaway Post on FB and say why you think you deserve an amazing photoshoot experience. What do you love about yourself?
2. LIKE Joy Reyneke’s FB page if you haven't already.
3. SHARE with a Friend
4. The most IMPORTANT go to my website and fill out my Contact form, and copy and paste in your message of self love. Link.: https://www.joyreynekephotography.com/contact.html

Rules are pretty simple.
You must be over 21 years.
And the shoot is for only one person.
The shoot will take place at 421 E 2nd Street, The Dalles OR.
The shoot will take place before April 15, 2021.

Cost: FREE ($1,250 value)

5. Stay Present, Build Intimacy, and Reclaim Desire with Couples Counseling

Making your partner a delicious breakfast can be a great way to show them that you care about their well being.

Making your partner a delicious breakfast can be a great way to show them that you care about their well being.

This Valentine’s Day Give the gift of staying present, building intimacy, and reclaiming desire in your relationship. 

Present Tense Relating works with couples to make the relationship work for EVERYONE involved.

Whether you’re going through a hard time or just want to do a check-in on your relationship goals Jonathan Chiaravalle, MA, LPC licensed professional counselor) with a compassionate ear and answers that are helpful. 

I provide non-denominational counseling and focus on relationships, sexuality, trauma care, and depression.” said Jonathan Chiaravalle. 

Relationships are fulfilling yet challenging. 

Valentine’s Day can bring a lot of pressure and sometimes create confrontation in relationships. 

“I teach relationship skills, help couples process emotions and have a style of "Caring Confrontation" to make their relationships the most successful they can be. I help and encourage my clients to develop tools and skills for success in their life and relationships.”

Relationships can be difficult. Let’s start working together to make them better.” said Jonathan Chiaravalle. 

Schedule a free 15 minute consultation today by calling (541) 705-7045. 

About Jonathan Chiaravalle

Jonathan Chiravalle Portrait.jpg

Jonathan Chiaravalle, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Present Tense Relating in The Dalles. He has studied relationships and sexuality for over a decade and who’s worked in the field of human services since 1988. He works with straight and LGBT+ couples and clients to help them improve their lives and achieve their relationship goals. 

Please check out PresentTenseRelating.com to learn more.

For a fun Valentine's Day activity go to 5LoveLanguages.com to take the quiz and learn more about yourself and your partner.

4. Treat Yourself to 5 Star Fine Dining at Home

Baldwin Saloon’s Valentine’s Day Meal Kit. Choose from Slow Roasted Cod or Pork Tenderloin.

Baldwin Saloon’s Valentine’s Day Meal Kit. Choose from Slow Roasted Cod or Pork Tenderloin.

Get ready to deliver a fine dining experience in your own home that takes only minutes to prepare. 

Baldwin Saloon is back at it again with not one but TWO NEW Take-Home Meal Kits specially made for a delicious and nutritious Valentine’s Day. 

This is the perfect option for even the most cooking-phobic person who wants to do something truly unique and nourishing this Valentine’s Day. 

Valentine’s Day Meal Kit #1

Enjoy Slow Roasted Cod with sauce piquant, confit potatoes, mustard onions and perfectly creamy Truffled Cauliflower Soup, with roasted cauliflower, cream, and black truffles. Followed by a very special dessert of Red Velvet Cake with dark chocolate glaze and strawberry coulis that will have you feeling the romance in every one of your tastebuds. 

Cost: $38

Not into fish?

Get Valentine’s Day Meal Kit #2

Enjoy delicious Pork Tenderloin with roasted brussels sprouts and apples, delightful almost sinful bacon carrot jam, and chimichurri. The tenderloin pair perfectly with Truffled Cauliflower Soup, with roasted cauliflower, cream, and black truffles. Followed by a very special dessert of Red Velvet Cake with dark chocolate glaze and strawberry coulis that will have you feeling the romance in every one of your tastebuds.

Cost: $38.

Screen Shot 2021-02-12 at 6.45.29 AM.png

Each Take-Home Meal Kit comes with simple instructions that are so easy to follow it’s almost ridiculous. Follow them to the ‘T’ to impress your partner, your friends, and your loved ones with savory and sweet fresh-from-the-farm foods, gorgeous plating, and flavor combinations you didn’t even know you needed.

Order Here to pick-up your meal kit on Saturday February 13th.

Not sure what they like to eat? Get them a gift card!
Learn more about Baldwin Saloon’s upcoming Madri Gras King Cake Special and more at Entreez.com

Baldwin Saloon Logo.png

About Baldwin Saloon

The Baldwin Saloon has a long history of satisfying tastebuds in The Dalles, stretching back to the original Baldwin Brothers who originally established the saloon in 1876. To learn more read CCC News article about the new owners and check out CCCNew’s review on the Baldwin Saloons Meal Kits to see for yourself just how easy it really is to have fresh five-star food-FAST. 

3. Dress Up and Stress Down with Acupuncture and Swarovksi Crystal Ear Bling! Auriculotherapy

An ear that has been treated to a special auriculotherapy treatment!

An ear that has been treated to a special auriculotherapy treatment!

Dressing up can add a special feeling to any experience.

Get your glow on for days and give your ears a sparkly boost on this special date of healing and relaxation.

Treat yourself and loved ones to the healing powers of acupuncture and auriculotherapy with a special Valentine’s date for one (or two) at Cascade Acupuncture Center

Love Yourself Acupuncture and Auriculotherapy for One or 

Valentine’s Day Acupuncture for Two

Give the gift of health to yourself and loved ones. Relax and heal the body, mind and spirit with Cascade Acupuncture’s very special Valentine’s Package for singles, couples and BFF’s. 

Enjoy ease as experienced professionals utilize a simple technique to place sparkling Swarovski ear seeds onto special pressure points of each ear. The non-invasive application lasts for days to calm your anxieties and invite relaxation. 

After a great session of healing and relaxation, taking home a gift bag of delectable non-GMO chocolates - to share or not to share - will be your only question!!

Purchase Your Package Experience today or learn more here.

Cost: $37.50 - $75

Give a gift certificate that gives back to the community.

For every $25 gift certificate purchased, Cascade Acupuncture Center will donate 20 items to the local food bank.  

For every $50 or more gift certificates, Cascade Acupuncture Center will donate 40 items to the local food bank and the purchaser will receive a Free Happy Hour acupuncture treatment!

Purchase Gift Card Here.

Schedule your special healing experience today at CascadeAcupuncture.org or by calling 387-HEAL.

About Cascade Acupuncture

CACLogo.png

Cascade Acupuncture Center is based in The Dalles and Hood River. Their health care approach is based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is an ancient medical system that has been practiced for more than five thousand years. TCM is a holistic medical model that always addresses both the physical and emotional areas of health imbalances at the same time. TCM includes Acupuncture, Chinese Medical Pulse Diagnosis, and Chinese Herbal Medicine and has the unique capacity to effectively diagnose and cure illness without the possible side effects of many other medications and procedures. 

2. Give the Gift of Migraine Relief 

Daith piercings may help with migraine relief! To learn more about Daith piercings and what to expect by checking out this helpful information from Heathline.com.

Daith piercings may help with migraine relief! To learn more about Daith piercings and what to expect by checking out this helpful information from Heathline.com.

Does Valentine’s Day gifting feel like a real headache? 

Give the gift of a migraine relieving piercing!

Msfitz in The Dalles is home to professional piercers that are waiting to get you or your loved one the migraine relief they need this Valentine’s Day. 

This is a perfect gift for the person who’s tried everything to get migraine relief and is ready to embrace alternative treatment options and get some shiny new jewelry in the process.

If your significant other has been hinting about jewelry or wanting a new piercing this is an easy way to impress them by nailing both categories at once. 

Migraine relieving piercings are called ‘Daith’ piercings and are a fun way to decorate your ears and benefit your health! 

To learn more about Daith piercings and what to expect by checking out this helpful information from Heathline.com.

Not interested in piercings? 

Msfitz has an incredible range of other miscellaneous items like jewelry, vapes, kratom, lamps, toys, movies and more!

About MsFitz

Msfitz is an established head shop that supplies vape, kratom, and piercings to The Dalles, OR. They also have an incredible supply of miscellaneous items such as lamps, toys, movies and more!

1. Wine & Dine Your Valentine and Enjoy a View of the Columbia River

146137855_1769633469877500_7791539376854691508_o (2).jpg
Pair s’mores with your and your favorite wines with your Valentine!

Pair s’mores with your and your favorite wines with your Valentine!

Celebrate the love and romance in your life by pairing cozy fireside wine with love (and s'mores)!

Pair s’mores with your and your favorite wines with your Valentine!

Whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day or something else- no gift pairs quite as classily with a romantically set table on a winter afternoon like locally grown wine from a boutique winery, with humble roots; and high end flavor that is uncanningly fearless, wild and free spirited as the land on which it grows and the wolves that grace it’s bottle. 

Join Tierra de Lobos at their winery in The Dalles on Saturday Feb 13th at 1:00 PM and Sunday Feb 14th at 12:00 PM for a celebration on their covered outdoor patio, illuminated by the firelight of cozy firepits, for an intimate (and social distancing safe) winter winery experience. 

Enjoy a lovingly curated charcuterie board, bottle of wine, and s'mores at your private table with the person or person(s) you most want to spend time with.

Tickets are $39 per couple or pair and tables are available by reservation ONLY. Tickets are almost sold out but are available now at TierradeLobos.com.

Reserve your wine and dine experience today while supplies last!

Come Dressed for Winter!

For Your Protection Tierra de Lobos has also provided the following covid-19 Guidelines for those who attend. Be sure to dress according to the weather and bring a blanket and you’ll have a great time!

Cheers to you Valentine!

Cheers to you Valentine!

Give the Gift of Luxury Wine Club Membership

Enjoy local wine when where and with whom you want with a special wine club membership from Tierra de Lobos. Two tiers of membership are available:

Valiente Club

Wolves are fearless creatures. Regardless of the situation, they don't let anyone intimidate them. If you are highly courageous and stay unique to yourself, then you are truly a wolf. This club is for those wolves that don't let anyone tell them what to drink, because you get to choose your own wines.

  • 6 Bottles 3x/Year (member chooses wines)

  • 20% OFF Wine

  • 30% OFF Case Purchase

  • 20% OFF Tasting Room Rental

  • Free tastings for member + 3 guests (4 total)

  • $25 Sign-Up Fee includes 2 Logo Glasses

Silvestre Club

Wolves are wild and free-spirited. If you live your life on your own terms without letting others interfere, then you are one of us. This club is for those that are happy and able to adapt to whatever life throws at them and know they'll enjoy anything that comes from Tierra De Lobos.

125531633_1711243792383135_5882183117653408439_o (1).jpg
  • 4 Bottles 3x/Year (winery chooses wine, customer may substitute 1 wine)

  • $70 Billed Automatically Every Pick-Up Month (March, July & October)

  • 20% OFF Wine

  • Free tastings for member + 1 guest (2 total)

  • $25 Sign-Up Fee Includes 2 Logo Glasses

Pick-up months are: March, July & October.
Both options include:

  • Exclusive invitation to members-only events and pick-up parties.

  • Access to members-only wines.

Visit Tierra de Lobos at their tasting room in The Dalles OR to sign up or learn more and contact them here

Need a good last minute gift? 

Treat your Valentine to a hot glass of mulled wine! Tierra de Lobos mulledwine package for $23 comes with everything you need to make a fresh batch at home! Love is in the glass.

Treat your Valentine to a hot glass of mulled wine! Tierra de Lobos mulledwine package for $23 comes with everything you need to make a fresh batch at home! Love is in the glass.

Get a Mulled Wine Kit to take home or Give Your Special Someone a Tierra de Lobos Gift Card and get 15% off your gift card purchase when you set the gift card amount at $20 or more.

About Tierra De Lobos

Tierra De Lobos Winery is a small operation from Dallesport Washington with a tasting room in The Dalles Oregon. Their winery is a 500sqf converted garage and is operated by 2 wolves, Adolfo and Gabino, who aim to make wines as purely as possible with minimal intervention or additives and to treat the land with respect and refrain from using any chemicals or fungicides in their vineyard. In appreciation for all the love and support they receive from our customers all around Oregon and Washington, they also donate a portion of their net sales to different non-profit organizations on a monthly basis.



Interested in having your event or special advertised with CCC News?
Give us a call or email Tiffany Carr at tiffany@columbiacommunityconnection.com




Harlee's Ride

Harlee's Ride

Here's the Scoop

Here's the Scoop

\ EnglishSpanish