Downtown TD will be bustling tonight, Friday, Dec. 16 as some 25 businesses stay open until 8 p.m. for the Sip & Shop event. Pubs will follow this event with Santa Con on Saturday, Dec. 17 with special drink prices and contests for those holly and jolly enough to don a red and white suit.

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.

This week, I sat down with comedian Jon Bennett, an Australian storyteller who gives an amazingly sordid and bizarre story of his brother’s life with poignant reflection. Bennett will be performing twice this weekend - Tonight, Dec. 16, at the Granada in The Dalles and on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Bingen Theater. Tickets are still on sale. Click here to find out more.

“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.

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.

North Central Public Health will hold a COVID and flu vaccine clinic this Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 15-17, in The Dalles at 523 E. 3rd St., at the former Griffith Motors building, across from Sawyer’s and Grinders Coffee. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. No appointment, insurance, or ID is needed.

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. 

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.

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.

Portland musician Kathryn Claire's performance of “Winter Songs” set for tonight, Friday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at The Dalles UCC Church in The Dalles has been postponed to a date uncertain.

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!

Oregon Tradeswomen is now enrolling for our Laborer-focused pre-apprenticeship training for women and transgender individuals in The Dalles on Jan. 24th. The introductory class provides insight into the trades and students can elect to enroll in a 5-week course that could lead to an apprenticeship and good money.

North Wasco County Schools will be operating on a 2-hour delay, Monday, December 5th.

Rachel Carter with Columbia Gorge Motors reports that 220 participants showed up for the Second Annual Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk Family Fun Run. Not so simple. The run started at 8 a.m. But here’s the gravy. The Trot brought $8,760, Rachel Carter said today, Dec. 2.

Cascade Singers to spread the music with six concerts in TD