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

On December 14th, The Next Door partnered with One Community Health and the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance - Portland Chapter to hold a flu, covid, and mpox vaccine clinic geared towards serving the LGBTQIA2S+ community and Queer and Trans Pacific Islanders at the First Methodist Church in The Dalles.

Haven Executive Director Marcee Kukal Manning and advocate Angelica Mendoza, who passed away unexpectedly last year, have both been awarded special honors for the work they’ve accomplished with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Meet Wyld Lee, known as the Feral Oracle of Parkdale, Oregon. As a seer, reiki (energy healing) practitioner, map maker, priestess and Tarot reader she offers a unique blend individually tailored services to help individuals heal, grow, reinvent themselves, and find their path in life.

Like most foster children, Christopher arrived at the Klahre House, one of The Next Door's two alternative schools, with severe trauma, a challenging family life, and drug addictions. He needed treatment, support, and a place he felt he belonged. The Klahre House Alternative School was that place.

The Hares have been spearheading a collaborative effort between local restaurants and musicians to bring live music every night to The Dalles. It’s getting noticed. And now it’s getting statewide coverage.

The app and web-based platform, allows users to easily view and fulfill the needs of Mid-Columbia Community Action Council clients in their communities by purchasing items or making monetary donations. 

Jennifer Joseph, of Windermere Real Estate and Kata McNulty of Kiddie City Child Care have raised $1,000 for Mid-Columbia Community Action Council with their “Photos with Santa” fundraiser.

The announcement of Bamba’s Indian Food Bar has been posted on the former site of Pho Sai Gon restaurant at 312 Court St. in The Dalles.

Five years ago as I packed my belongings to move from a large house into a small apartment, I counted over one hundred nativity sets. Good grief. My movers were undocumented refugees from El Salvador and belonged to a local Christian church. When I asked how many families were in their congregation the men shrugged their shoulders but their wives knew. I quickly was able to unload thirty sets. They were delighted, and I was happy too.

The Steltzer family recently purchased the former Chronicle building at 315 Federal Street with the intent of renovating the building for a natural food grocery and deli as well as creating space for six other like-minded businesses. The project will transform the building which has been shuttered since the summer of 2018. They hope to be open in late spring or early summer of 2023.

Kathryn, answers local questions about the holidays in her new advice column.

As we write to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season, we find ourselves pondering the current and future existence of Local News here, and across the region

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.

Hood River, OR - In November, Lake Taco, an authentic family Mexican restaurant run by Maria and Enrique Ortega, was in danger of closing down forever. Now, thanks to donations from the community, Lake Taco now is in the process of moving into a new location in downtown Hood River.

The National Weather service has issued a winter storm warning for the central and western Columbia River Gorge from 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on December 8th. The storm warning does not extend into the Eastern Gorge, as only a half inch of snow is forecasted to fall in The Dalles, OR today. 

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.

A community member who is experiencing houselessness has been hospitalized due severe hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the winter weather. City of The Dalles Police, community members, local health services, the Department of Human Services, and Mid-Columbia Community Action Council responded to the incident in a timely manner resulting in the administering of lifesaving care and securing shelter for the individual.

Mary and Dennis Davis have greeted a lot of people in their service with The Dalles Floozies and Friends. And this year was no different as some 150 boats brought thousands of tourists to the community. Estimates put the total drop in our community around $700,000. But Dennis and Mary’s commitment to teasing tourists? Priceless!