Tonkin of the Gorge Subaru proudly sponsored the 2024 Chenowith Elementary School Family Fun STEM Night on May 16th. Tonkin of the Gorge Subaru proudly sponsored the 2024 Chenowith Elementary School Family Fun STEM Night on May 16th. This event, aimed at engaging students and their families in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities, was made even more special by the generous contributions of Tonkin of the Gorge Subaru. The dealership provided funds for STEM games and activities, ensuring that every student could continue learning at home with their families. STEM education lays the foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, which is crucial in elementary school. According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who engage in STEM activities at a young age are more likely to pursue careers in these fields, which are projected to grow by 8.8% from 2018 to 2028. They are also 117% more lucrative than non-STEM careers. Early exposure to STEM can also help bridge the gender and minority gaps in these industries. Events like the Family Fun STEM Night at Chenowith Elementary are vital in sparking interest and enthusiasm in these subjects. They help to level the playing field and provide all students with the chance to thrive academically and personally. Tonkin of the Gorge Subaru's sponsorship of the 2024 Chenowith Elementary School Family Fun STEM Night underscores its role as a valuable community partner. Under the leadership of General Manager Nima Behboodi, they are dedicated to giving back to the community, with a particular focus on supporting children and their education. Tonkin of the Gorge Subaru demonstrates a commitment to fostering a love of learning and curiosity in young minds. Their partnership with Chenowith Elementary School highlights the dealership's ethos of community engagement and support.

The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce extends a heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, and local businesses who contributed to making the 2024 Northwest Cherry Festival a resounding success! Your unwavering support and dedication were instrumental in creating a memorable event for our community and visitors alike. We are thrilled to announce the dates for the 2025 Northwest Cherry Festival, which will be held from April 25 to April 27, 2025. This change comes as a result of Easter falling on our traditional third full weekend of April. By moving the festival one weekend later, we aim to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities without any conflicts. Our new schedule was made possible through the cooperation and support of Katie Kadlub, CEO of Visit Hood River Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful for their flexibility in moving their events forward, allowing us to utilize the fourth full weekend in April for our cherished festival. Get ready for a delightful experience with our 2025 festival theme: Cherryland! Inspired by the beloved Candyland game, Cherryland will turn our downtown into a magical wonderland. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating with creativity, fun, and community spirit. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting announcements as we prepare for the 2025 Northwest Cherry Festival. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information, please visit NorthwestCherryFestival.com or contact Events@thedalleschamber.com .

The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wasco County Farm Bureau invite you to the 2024 Wasco County Candidates Forum on October 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM (DOORS OPEN at 5:30pm) at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center . This forum offers a valuable opportunity for community members to hear directly from candidates running for public office this election, ask informed questions, and gain important insights into their positions on key local issues. For those unable to attend the live event, a recording of the forum will be available for viewing on October 17th.This ensures everyone in the community has access to this vital civic event, regardless of their ability to attend in person. As local elections have a significant impact on the future of the community, this forum serves as a critical platform for civic engagement. It allows residents to better understand each candidates vision, helping voters make informed decisions. The forum is free and open to the public, and all residents are encouraged to participate in this important community event. For further information or to submit questions for the candidates, please contact The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce at 541.296.2231 or via email at info@thedalleschamber.com . Event Details Date: October 15, 2024 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Mid-Columbia Senior Center, 1112 W 9th St, The Dalles, OR 97058 Admission: Free and open to the public

Building a Dementia-Friendly Community in Wasco County Presenters: Scott McKay, Circles of Care Liaison - Dementia Friendly Wasco Co. Tracy Morgan, Executive Director of OR & Southwest WA Alzheimer's Association. Key Insights from The Dalles Area Chamber Community Affairs Meeting This weeks Community Affairs meeting, hosted by The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, featured an engaging discussion on dementia awareness and community support, led by Scott McKay of Circles of Care and Tracy Morgan, Executive Director for the Alzheimer's Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington. The session covered a broad spectrum of community updates, including local resources, support systems for caregivers, and the importance of early detection in Alzheimer's and other dementias. Key topics included Dementia-Friendly Wasco County Initiative Scott McKay provided an overview of the Dementia-Friendly Wasco County initiative, which has been working to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and provide quality support for individuals living with dementia. Highlights included: The initiatives history and re-energization post-COVID. The success of a six-part educational series on dementia led by Ronnie Hyde. The Circles of Care project, which supports individuals with dementia and their caregivers. A recent fundraiser that raised over $10,000 for community support efforts. The Alzheimer's Associations Role & Outreach Efforts Tracy Morgan detailed the ongoing work of the Alzheimer's Association and the critical role it plays in education, advocacy, and caregiver support. Key points covered: The staggering statistics: 79,000 people in Oregon currently live with Alzheimers, with Latino populations at higher risk. The importance of early detection and new treatments available for those in the early stages of Alzheimers. Upcoming outreach efforts, including monthly education presentations, volunteer recruitment, and faith-based community engagement. The introduction of a 24/7 helpline and other free resources available for individuals and caregivers. Community Action & Upcoming Initiatives The discussion also touched on ways to deepen community engagement and ensure accessibility to essential resources. Key action points included: Increasing outreach to the Hispanic/Latino community by identifying trusted bilingual partners. Expanding support groups, including caregiver respite programs and Memory Cafs. Partnering with local businesses and organizations to provide educational workshops on dementia awareness and prevention. How You Can Get Involved The Alzheimer's Association and Circles of Care are actively seeking volunteers to support local efforts in Wasco County. Opportunities include: Becoming a community educator or support group leader. Participating in upcoming outreach events and awareness campaigns. Helping connect local businesses and community groups with Alzheimers education and support resources. Join our Next Community Affairs Zoom Meeting HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86986531533... Every Thursday morning from 7AM - 8AM

Doors : 5:30PM Forum Starts : 6:00PM The Dalles Area Chamber to Host 2025 Special District Election Candidate Forum (The Dalles, Oregon) The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Wasco County Farm Bureau and the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, will host the 2025 Special District Election Candidate Forum on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, located at 1112 W. 9th Street, The Dalles. This public forum provides voters a valuable opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for contested local special district positions within The Dalles proper. Doors open at 5:30 PM for a meet-and-greet with candidates, followed by the forum starting promptly at 6:00 PM. Candidates running for the following contested positions have been invited to participate: North Wasco County School District #21 Zone #4 (Portions of Precincts 1, 2, & 3) / 4-year term: David Polehn | John T Nelson Zone #5 (Portions of Precincts 2 & 3) / 4-year term: Kevin A Kramer | Shannon Wilkinson Zone #7 (Portions of Precincts 3, 4 & 7) / 4-year term: Steve Lawrence | Katie Kelley Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue Position #2 / 4-year term: Corey Case | Mike Erland Position #4 / 4-year term: David Jacobs | Chris Schanno The moderated forum, led by Rodger Nichols, will present questions pre-submitted by community members. Candidates will introduce themselves briefly, then respond to moderated questions with equal time allocated. No direct audience interaction will be permitted during the forum. Community members can submit their questions in advance to events@thedalleschamber.com or by calling 541-296-2231 . The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce invites all residents to attend this essential civic event to become better informed voters ahead of the May 20 election deadline. For further details, please contact The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce at 541-296-2231 or visit www.thedalleschamber.com .

Celebrating Dreams: La Golosa Postre y Mas Grand Opening 623 E. 2nd St, The Dalles, OR On the sunny evening of May 13, 2025, the heart of downtown The Dalles buzzed with excitement as friends, family, and community members gathered to celebrate the grand opening of La Golosa Postre y Mas a delightful new addition to our local business family. Located at 623 E. 2nd Street, this charming spot marks a meaningful milestone in the journey of its founder, who has been winning hearts and taste buds with her homemade sweets for years. La Golosa isnt just a bakery; its a dream realized. What started in a home kitchen, shared through local events and word-of-mouth joy, has grown into a permanent storefronta sweet hub where passion, culture, and flavor come together. Every treat is crafted with love, showcasing a dedication to both tradition and creativity. The grand opening ceremony included a festive ribbon cutting, symbolizing both new beginnings and the strong support of our local community. Surrounded by local leaders, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce was honored to be part of this celebration, reinforcing our shared commitment to uplifting small businesses and the dreams behind them. Guests of all ages visited La Golosa to sample its mouthwatering offerings. A fan favorite? The famous strawberries and cream with cheesecake a layered dessert thats as beautiful as it is delicious. Each pastry and dessert is made from scratch, highlighting an impeccable attention to flavor, texture, and heart. More than just a place for sweets, La Golosa Postre y Mas offers a full menu of savory Mexican cuisinefrom comforting pozole and crisp tostadas to supreme nachos, house made chips, shrimp tacos, and fresh ceviche. Its a delicious fusion of dessert dreams and savory staples that reflect the richness of Mexican culinary tradition. La Golosa is also a gathering spacebuilt for connection, celebration, and shared joy. As The Dalles continues to grow, its places like this that create the warm, welcoming environment that keeps our community thriving. We encourage everyone to stop by La Golosa Postre y Mas and explore the delicious menu. Whether youre looking to mark a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, La Golosa is ready to greet you with a smileand a slice of something extraordinary. As we celebrate this grand opening, lets continue to support our local entrepreneurs and the unique stories they bring to life. Because every sweet treat purchased at La Golosa helps build the strong, connected community we all love. Welcome to the neighborhood, La Golosa Postre y Mas! Heres to many more years of delicious moments and community spirit!

A Dream Rooted in Healing: The Story of The Wellsprings Medical Massage & Spa Tucked into the heart of downtown The Dalles is a hidden gem, built on heart, grit, and the deep desire to serve others. The Wellsprings Medical Massage & Spa is more than a businessits the realization of a bold vision from local therapist Missy Gallegos, who dreamed of creating a sacred space where healing, restoration, and peace could live under one roof. That dream wasnt easy. When Missy first stepped into the former real estate office at 301 Court Street, she saw what it could becomebut getting there took relentless determination. The walls needed remodeling, permits needed approval, plumbing had to be reimagined. Timelines shifted, contractors changed, and the financial risk was real. But Missy kept going. Fueled by her purpose to help others heal, she showed up day after day, pushing through setbacks to build something meaningful from the ground up. And she did it. The doors to The Wellsprings quietly opened in 2024, offering a tranquil escape from the busy streets outside. From the moment you walk in, you feel the differencesoft lighting, flowing water, calming music, and a palpable sense of peace. Its a place that feels like an exhale. Over the past year, The Wellsprings has continued to grownot just in services, but in spirit. As the vision expanded, Missy invited her longtime friend Christl to join her in the work. With a strong friendship rooted in trust and mutual respect, the two now work side by side, each bringing years of experience and a shared passion for helping others heal. While Missy laid the foundation and brought the spa to life, Christls presence has added a new layer of warmth and energy. Together, they create an atmosphere that feels deeply welcoming, nurturing, and aligned with the heart of the original vision. This Is More Than Self-CareIts Soul Work At The Wellsprings, every offering is rooted in healingdesigned to calm the nervous system, relieve physical tension, and renew the spirit. Among the most-requested services: Therapeutic Massage for stress, pain, and trauma recovery Lymphatic Drainage Massage & Facials to support the bodys natural detox pathways Sports Massage to aid performance, mobility, and muscle recovery Pre & Post Natal Massage for comfort, connection, and holistic maternal care Infrared Sauna Sessions to gently detox and release deep layers of tension Giant Soaking Tubs & Cold Plunge to relax the body and awaken circulation Reflexology Detox Foot Baths to ground the body and clear energetic blocks Couples Massage for shared healing and reconnection in a peaceful setting Coming soon: A Sound Lounge with vibrational sound therapy and red-light treatment Explore the full wellness menufrom facials and scrubs to craniosacral therapy and curated healing packagesat thewellspringsspa.com Join the Celebration! On Wednesday, August 14 at 5:15 PM , join us in celebrating The Wellsprings 1-Year Anniversary with a ribbon cutting and reception at their peaceful downtown retreat. Enjoy refreshments, meet Missy and Christl, tour the space, and enter to win a 60-minute massage (must be present to win)! 301 Court Street, The Dalles, OR thewellspringsspa.com Come experience the space that healing built.