Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) was pleasantly surprised by $35,000 in early annual fundraising donations this month presented by two local banks, helping the Community Action Agency jump-start its end-of-year fundraising campaign.

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) hopes to reach 300 children from families in need this holiday season through the Tree of Joy program that provides essential winter items like cold-weather coats, clothing, hats, gloves, and boots, with a special gift item or toy that brightens a child’s holiday season.

Firefighters are working to contain the Top of the World Fire after windy conditions caused the prescribed burn to escape its perimeter Monday afternoon, spreading to approximately 240 acres in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area between Bingen and Lyle.

Community members are invited to contribute to a Community Voting Zine, a unique project put together by Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) to capture the stories, reflections, and artwork of local individuals around the themes of voting, health equity, and civic engagement.

Beginning October 1 at 8:00 a.m., Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) will begin taking calls to schedule appointments for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for low-income residents in Skamania and Klickitat counties who need assistance paying their heating bills.

The Sense of Place program announces the Bingen Centennial Gameshow, an interactive event to celebrate a century of history, community spirit, and Bingen locals. Hosted by Sarah Fox of Sense of Place, the event swaps traditional festivities for a lively mix of storytelling, trivia, and friendly competition. 

In a move planned nearly two years ago, the Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) Board of Directors announced that Jennifer Pauletto will be the new executive director as of July 1, 2024. Juan Reyes has been selected to join her as the new associate director.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently released an analysis based on Bank Secrecy Act reports that indicate in a one-year period, from 2022 to 2023, financial institutions reported roughly $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder financial exploitation.

The Skyline Health Foundation has awarded Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) $8,000 as part of its 2024 Community Health Grant, which supports non-profit organizations within the Columbia River Gorge that work to improve the health and well-being of the community within its service area. 

2024 marks the 60th year since the Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty. Over 1,000 agencies across the country are working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors, making communities stronger and helping families across the US thrive.

Mark your calendars! The community is invited to celebrate the City of Bingen’s centennial on Saturday, April 13.  That's right, it's time to say Happy 100th Birthday to Bingen! 

What are the blue pinwheels in Bingen and Goldendale all about? Throughout April, Programs for Peaceful Living is bringing attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Houselessness can happen to anyone at any age. Just ask Teri Hounslow.  Following a divorce, Hounslow kept houselessness at bay—well, kind of. She had been running a campsite with her husband before that job and their marriage dissolved. Then, at over 60 years old, she found herself without a place to stay.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Teen dating violence doesn’t just affect teens. It also affects parents, teachers, friends, and communities. Around 12% of adolescents report being a victim of physical violence in their dating relationships, according to WhiteHouse.gov, highlighting why it is important for youth to understand how setting boundaries early on can be a great start to a healthy relationship.

Bingen City Council gives Craig Trummel the nod to fill the vacant council seat. The insurance underwriter has a background as a private practice lawyer and currently works for WFG National Title Insurance. Trummel expressed his interest in the city’s street and water systems, praising the recent work done on Humboldt Street and noting the unique relationship between the Bingen and the City of White Salmon.

One step at a time is how Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is ensuring a deliberate and thorough approach to its dedicated Equity and Inclusion program. Sasha Bentley is leading the charge as the new Equity and Inclusion director. She is working from the inside out, starting with bringing people together in an equitable and safe work environment.

As the winter months quickly approach, Insitu, Washington Gorge Action Programs, and The Next Door Inc. are teaming up to host a coat drive for local area youth and we need our community’s help! Now through February, you can donate new or like-new outerwear ranging in all sizes from toddlers to teens, with an urgent need for coats and boots for older kids from 12-18 years of age. 

“A lot of cities are finding that they are overrun with STRs, and they have to establish limits because they haven’t planned accordingly, and we did not want to be in that position,” Krista Loney said. This ordinance will limit the number of STRs/vacation rentals allowed in the city to 32 units or 10 percent of the existing housing stock, whichever is less.

The call for donors is in high gear to meet the demand for the Tree of Joy holiday gift project in Klickitat and Skamania counties. The goal is to help families in need by providing new essential items, such as winter coats, hats, gloves, clothing, and shoes, with other gifts and toys to brighten a child’s holiday season.

Skamania and Klickitat County seniors can apply to receive assistance to pay their energy bills through local events held in an ongoing partnership with Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), local PUDs, and the Skamania and Klickitat County Senior Services.