Stories have the power to heal. Personal stories especially have the power to change lives. In an effort to find more common ground between artists and community members, MediaRites presents The -Ism Storytellers Project, an afternoon of personal stories from the heart, hosted and curated by Larry Toda, MediaRites’ Board Member, who has a family history in The Dalles.

Earlier this month, Tom Peterson posted what the Walldogs are up to now. It’s titled “Little Art City Strikes Again with Umatilla House Restoration.” Simultaneously I was organizing a dozen friends to do a walking tour of murals in the east end of The Dalles. A moment of synchronicity.

Thanks to generous support from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Columbia Gorge STEM Hub - a department within Columbia Gorge Education Service District - has opened its Microgrant program for the 2025–2026 school year.