The Hood River News staff endeavors to keep the information fresh. Please submit revisions or new information to P.O. Box 390, Hood River, OR 97031 or
e-mail to esmith@hoodrivernews.com

FOR KIDS

n Vacation Bible Schools — click here for listing.

n July 10 — Kids Safety Day, 10 a.m. to noon at Jackson Park in Hood River. This free event will teach kids about fire, water and bike safety, and teach parents about car seat safety. A bike obstacle course will be on highlight as firefighters, police officers and other safety providers will be on hand.

n Riverside Gymnastics offers summer session in TD

Riverside Gymnastics Academy is now enrolling boys and girls for its summer recreation program. Kids have a blast learning new gymnastic skills in a fun-filled, positive environment with their peers and well-trained staff.

Registration and session schedules are available at Riverside, 2221 River Road, The Dalles. Contact Sue on site between 4-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday or call 541-993-8625.

Riverside Gymnastics is a nonprofit organization providing gymnastics for all levels, boys and girls.

n Storytime at the Hood River County Library

Tuesdays
Pajama Story Time is on hiatus until September. The program is a fun pre-bedtime activity for children of all ages.

Wednesdays and Thursdays

10:30-10:50 a.m. — Itsy Bitsy Story Time: This is for toddlers up to age 3 who like to wiggle, dance, listen to stories, then wiggle some more. Parent or guardian must accompany child(ren).

11-11:30 a.m. — Big Kids Story Time: This is for kids aged 3-6 to have fun, sing songs and enjoy stories. A creative craft follows story time.

 n New Parent Services Playgroups

For more information, contact New Parent Services at 386-8433.

Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon: Newborn to age 5, at Riverside Community Church, Fourth and State streets.

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: newborn to age 5, Cascade Locks City Hall Gym.

Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon: newborn to age 5, at Mt. Hood Town Hall in Parkdale.

ON STAGE

n July 9-11, 12, 16-18, 19  — "Tick Tick ... Boom!", a musical by Jonathon Larson, who wrote "Rent," at CAST Theatre, directed by Mark Steighner.

Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on July 9-11 and 16-18 and at 2 p.m. on July 12 and 19.

 The play is a musical look at the courage it takes to follow your dreams.

 For more info visit www.columbiaarts.org.

EXHIBITS

n Bald Eagle Interpretive Program, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (except holidays) at 11 a.m. at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, 500 Discovery Drive in The Dalles. Included with paid admission to the museum; free to members. For more info call Tracie Hornung, (541) 296-8600 or tracie@gorgediscovery.org.

n July 3 — First Friday artists reception for “Art-A-Day,” the July show at Columbia Art Gallery, 6-8 p.m. The show features the works of five local artists: Dawn Elle, of Maupin; Georgette Jones, of Hood River; Mark Nilsson, of Hood River; Cathleen Rehfeld, of Hood River, and Cleo Sterling (shown), of Underwood, Wash.

n July 3 — Artist talk at SOLO studio and gallery, 5-8 p.m. during First Friday. Sorcha (sor.ah.ka) Meek will be showing new work from her “Water is Life” series along with the stunning wooden surfboards made by Lars Bergstrom of 42 Surfboards. SOLO is located at 512 Cascade Ave.

n July 3 — Atomic Salon, 108 Third St., joins First Friday for the first time with the opening of a new exhibit, one-of-a-kind handpainted photographs by the artist Delacube, aka Carl Granados.

n July 3 — Artists reception for Jean Blatner, batik watercolor artist, at Norman K. Vance Art Gallery, 202 Cascade Ave., Ste. E, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

n Through July — Works by Joan Chase at the Hood River County Library. Joan Chase is a digital artist who begins with a digital photo of natural forms or exotic places, then layers and manipulates them on the computer, then prints them on canvas or special paper.

COMMUNITY EVENTS 

 n Reunions — For a listing of class reunions click here:

n July 3 — Friday Night Youth at Soul Cafe, 1102 12th St., Hood River, 6-9 p.m. Each Friday features a theme, centered on issues which young people face today; also games and activities.

n July 3 — Line dancing lessons at the Cherry Park Grange in The Dalles, at Lambert and Old Dufur Road. Open to singles and couples of all ages. No experience necessary. Lessons start at 6 p.m. every Friday, and are followed by open dancing until 9 p.m.
Cost is $3 per person, $5 per couple or $6 for the whole family; free for first-time visitors. Call (541) 993-3540 for more information.

n July 3 — Columbia Gorge Lions Bingo, 7 p.m. at Cascade Locks City Hall. Early Birds start at 6 p.m. Jackpot is $250; progressive jackpot $900.

n July 4 — Leos Club bottle/can collection, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Rosauers parking lot near the Lions newspaper recycling trailer. Monies raised from return deposit containers will be donated to various nonprofit groups in the community. The Leos will hold a collection on the first Saturday of each month. Containers do not need to be sorted.

n July 4 — Fourth of July Extravaganza at WAAAM, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebration includes L-Birds from across the West Coast flying in to join the Hood River parade formation fly-by; World War II jeep clubs; veterans sharing their memories; barbecues, picnics and fun for the whole family. Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum is located at 1600 Air Museum Road (off Tucker near Windmaster Corner).

n July 4 — Fourth of July parade on the Heights in Hood River, followed by festivities in Jackson Park. Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Pacific and 12th St.
Participants are encouraged to decorate their entries in patriotic colors and to incorporate the theme of “One for All and All for One,” and line up by 9 a.m. Enter the parade route at Eliot and 12th streets next to Nelson Tire.

n July 4 — Fourth of July parade in Odell; staging begins at 3:30 p.m. at Mid Valley Elementary School and the parade begins at 4 p.m.

n July 4 — Eyeopener Lions Fireworks Show at the Hood River waterfront, begins at dusk.

n July 5 — Hood River Church of Nazarene invites the community to help them welcome new pastors Joel and Mindy Alsworth and their son, Carter, at a 9:30 a.m. worship service followed by a community barbecue at noon. The church is located at 2168 Belmont Ave., Hood River.

n July 5 — Free community dinner at the Soul Cafe, 5-6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. The meal is free to anyone who would like to drop in and donations are always welcome. The Soul Cafe is located at 1102 12th St. on the Heights in Hood River.

n July 5 — First Sundays series at Consciousness Cafe, 5 p.m. at HeartGate Sanctuary, 2121 Reed Road, Hood River. A teaching, experience and discussion led by Elle Collier Re. Suggested donation $5-$10; no one turned away. R.S.V.P. to 541-387-5554 or www.heartgatesanctuary.org.

n July 6 — Tai Chi at the Park, Mondays at 6-7 p.m. at Wilson Park (east end of May Street), weather permitting. All are invited; no charge to attend. Beginners welcome with instruction available. Anyone may lead their preferred tai chi form; variety is encouraged.

n July 7 — Big Bingo at the Hood River Valley Adult Center, 6-9 p.m. Doors open at 4:30. All proceeds go toward the center’s Meals on Wheels program. Early Bird pots start at $20 and later games award bigger money. Refreshments available. The center is located at 2010 Sterling Place, Hood River.

n July 8 — Family Bible Night at Odell Baptist Church, 3081 Odell Highway, 6-8 p.m. Games and activities for the whole family. All are welcome.

n July 8 — Women Stay Watered in the Word, 7-9 p.m. at the Hood River Alliance Church youth center, on Rand and Montello streets in Hood River. The second in a series of seven speakers from seven churches. Refreshments and visiting begins at 6:30 p.m.

 n July 9 — Gorge Grown Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m. at Hood River Middle School, 17th and May streets in Hood River. Gorge growers and purveyors will sell vegetables, berries, fresh-cut herbs, grass-fed beef, fresh bread, cut flowers and more. There will also be live music by Martin Weiner, kids activities by the Mid-Columbia Children’s Council and an information booth.

 n July 10 — Friday Night Youth at Soul Cafe, 1102 12th St., Hood River, 6-9 p.m. Each Friday features a theme, centered on issues which young people face today; also games and activities.

n July 10 — Line dancing lessons at the Cherry Park Grange in The Dalles, at Lambert and Old Dufur Road. Open to singles and couples of all ages. No experience necessary. Lessons start at 6 p.m. every Friday, and are followed by open dancing until 9 p.m.
Cost is $3 per person, $5 per couple or $6 for the whole family; free for first-time visitors. Call (541) 993-3540 for more information.

n July 10-12 — Gorge Days in North Bonneville, Wash., featuring citywide garage sales, barbecue dinner, sock hop street dance, and classic car cruise. For a full schedule of activities visit www.gorgedays.com  or call 800-989-9178.

n July 11 — Proctor Family Reunion at the Mosier Grange Hall, 3 p.m. The community is invited to view a family history DVD and enjoy dessert. Picture books on Mosier history will also be on display.

 n July 11-12 — Hood River Lavender Daze at Hood River Lavender Farm, 3801 Straight Hill Road in Odell.

Music, arts, barbecue, wine, u-pick lavender and more. Free admission and parking.

 Hours 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more info visit www.lavenderfarms.net.

n July 12 — Free community dinner at the Soul Cafe, 5-6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. The meal is free to anyone who would like to drop in and donations are always welcome. The Soul Cafe is located at 1102 12th St. on the Heights in Hood River.

n July 13 — Tai Chi at the Park, Mondays at 6-7 p.m. at Wilson Park (east end of May Street), weather permitting. All are invited; no charge to attend. Beginners welcome with instruction available. Anyone may lead their preferred tai chi form; variety is encouraged.

n July 14 — Relay For Life team captains meeting, 5:30 p.m. at the Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Road, Hood River. Those who are interested in forming a team are welcome to attend. For more info, call Terry Joyer, 386-5467.

n July 14 — Big Bingo at the Hood River Valley Adult Center, 6-9 p.m. Doors open at 4:30. All proceeds go toward the center’s Meals on Wheels program. Early Bird pots start at $20 and later games award bigger money. Refreshments available. The center is located at 2010 Sterling Place, Hood River.

n July 15 — Women Stay Watered in the Word, 7-9 p.m. at the Hood River Alliance Church youth center, on Rand and Montello streets in Hood River. The third in a series of seven speakers from seven churches. Refreshments and visiting begins at 6:30 p.m.

n July 16 — Gorge Grown Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m. at Hood River Middle School, 17th and May streets in Hood River. Gorge growers and purveyors will sell vegetables, berries, fresh-cut herbs, grass-fed beef, fresh bread, cut flowers and more. There will also be live music by Gadzooks with Roger Gadway, kids activities by Our Children’s Place and an information booth.

 n July 17 — Friday Night Youth at Soul Cafe, 1102 12th St., Hood River, 6-9 p.m. Each Friday features a theme, centered on issues which young people face today; also games and activities.

n July 17 — Line dancing lessons at the Cherry Park Grange in The Dalles, at Lambert and Old Dufur Road. Open to singles and couples of all ages. No experience necessary. Lessons start at 6 p.m. every Friday, and are followed by open dancing until 9 p.m.
Cost is $3 per person, $5 per couple or $6 for the whole family; free for first-time visitors. Call (541) 993-3540 for more information.

n July 17 — Columbia Gorge Lions Bingo, 7 p.m. at Cascade Locks City Hall. Early Birds start at 6 p.m. Jackpot is $250; progressive jackpot $900.

n July 18 — Benefit golf tournament for All Animal Care Clinic, at Indian Creek Golf Course. The event features a full round of golf, a barbecue lunch at Divots and an awards and prize ceremony for top golfers. Pre-registration is encouraged; all forms received after July 7 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Keely Coxon at 541-296-5189.

 n July 18 — Ring Kings car club annual car show, opening 9 a.m. at Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum,1615 Tucker Road, Hood River. This year and in the future the show is being held as a fundraiser for cancer research in conjunction with Relay For Life. The show will feature a barbecue, music, raffles and vendors. Admission is free; show entrants pay entry fees of $10 in advance; $12 at the gate (includes one half-price admission to WAAAM). For more info contact Dennis Bailey at 541-478-3467 or denkare@gorge.net.

n July 18 — Nights in White Salmon, the fifth annual "Art and Wine Fusion" event in White Salmon, Wash., 5-9 p.m. For more events info visit www.whitesalmonarts.org.

n July 18-19 — American Cancer Society Relay For Life at Hood River Valley High School's football field.

n July 18-19 — Trout Lake Festival of the Arts, 14th annual event at The Farm B&B. Fifty artists will be jury selected to display fine art in the rustic barn, outdoors or garden setting. Also live music, food, brew and wine. Free admission and parking. Hours: Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info visit www.troutlake.org.

n July 19 — Free community dinner at the Soul Cafe, 5-6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. The meal is free to anyone who would like to drop in and donations are always welcome. The Soul Cafe is located at 1102 12th St. on the Heights in Hood River.

n July 20 — Tai Chi at the Park, Mondays at 6-7 p.m. at Wilson Park (east end of May Street), weather permitting. All are invited; no charge to attend. Beginners welcome with instruction available. Anyone may lead their preferred tai chi form; variety is encouraged.

n July 21 — Big Bingo at the Hood River Valley Adult Center, 6-9 p.m. Doors open at 4:30. All proceeds go toward the center’s Meals on Wheels program. Early Bird pots start at $20 and later games award bigger money. Refreshments available. The center is located at 2010 Sterling Place, Hood River.

n July 22 — Women Stay Watered in the Word, 7-9 p.m. at the Hood River Alliance Church youth center, on Rand and Montello streets in Hood River. The fourth in a series of seven speakers from seven churches. Refreshments and visiting begins at 6:30 p.m.

n July 22 — “Rabbit-Proof Fence,” part of the Columbia Arts Film Series, 7:30 p.m. at the arts center, 215 Cascade Ave., Hood River. Set in Australia in 1931, the film tells the story of the “half caste” children who were taken from their homes to be trained as servants. Admission $5.

n July 22-25 — Hood River County Fair, at the fairgrounds in Odell. Family day is Wednesday; $12 per carload. Thursday is senior citizens day; seniors pay $3. For a full schedule of music and attractions pick up a fair book at various locations including the Hood River County Library, the county fair office and the HR Chamber of Commerce.

n July 23 — Gorge Grown Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m. at Hood River Middle School, 17th and May streets in Hood River. Gorge growers and purveyors will sell vegetables, berries, fresh-cut herbs, grass-fed beef, fresh bread, cut flowers and more. There will also be live music by Theresa North & Rod Kreibel, kids activities by Kindred Montessori and an information booth.

 n July 24 — Friday Night Youth at Soul Cafe, 1102 12th St., Hood River, 6-9 p.m. Each Friday features a theme, centered on issues which young people face today; also games and activities.

n July 24 — Line dancing lessons at the Cherry Park Grange in The Dalles, at Lambert and Old Dufur Road. Open to singles and couples of all ages. No experience necessary. Lessons start at 6 p.m. every Friday, and are followed by open dancing until 9 p.m.
Cost is $3 per person, $5 per couple or $6 for the whole family; free for first-time visitors. Call (541) 993-3540 for more information.

n July 25 — 2009 Vintage Prom Night, 7 p.m. at the Mt. Adams Elks Lodge in White Salmon, Wash. Come dressed in the styles from the year you attended your senior prom (or not; vintage attire not required). Space is limited; tickets $15 single or $25 couple; call 509-493-3630 for more info.

n July 26 — Free community dinner at the Soul Cafe, 5-6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. The meal is free to anyone who would like to drop in and donations are always welcome. The Soul Cafe is located at 1102 12th St. on the Heights in Hood River.

n July 27 — Tai Chi at the Park, Mondays at 6-7 p.m. at Wilson Park (east end of May Street), weather permitting. All are invited; no charge to attend. Beginners welcome with instruction available. Anyone may lead their preferred tai chi form; variety is encouraged.

n July 28 — Big Bingo at the Hood River Valley Adult Center, 6-9 p.m. Doors open at 4:30. All proceeds go toward the center’s Meals on Wheels program. Early Bird pots start at $20 and later games award bigger money. Refreshments available. The center is located at 2010 Sterling Place, Hood River.

n July 29 — Women Stay Watered in the Word, 7-9 p.m. at the Hood River Alliance Church youth center, on Rand and Montello streets in Hood River. The fifth in a series of seven speakers from seven churches. Refreshments and visiting begins at 6:30 p.m.

n July 30 — Gorge Grown Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m. at Hood River Middle School, 17th and May streets in Hood River. Gorge growers and purveyors will sell vegetables, berries, fresh-cut herbs, grass-fed beef, fresh bread, cut flowers and more. There will also be live music by Paul Blackburn, kids activities by Little Learners and an information booth.

 n July 31 — Friday Night Youth at Soul Cafe, 1102 12th St., Hood River, 6-9 p.m. Each Friday features a theme, centered on issues which young people face today; also games and activities.

n July 31 — Line dancing lessons at the Cherry Park Grange in The Dalles, at Lambert and Old Dufur Road. Open to singles and couples of all ages. No experience necessary. Lessons start at 6 p.m. every Friday, and are followed by open dancing until 9 p.m.
Cost is $3 per person, $5 per couple or $6 for the whole family; free for first-time visitors. Call (541) 993-3540 for more information.

n July 31 — Groove in the Gorge, a quarterly freestyle dance event for adults with world beat, oldies and goodies for everybody, 7:30 p.m. at the Paris Fair Event Space, 315 Oak St., Hood River. No prior experience required. Sponsored by Cascade Acupuncture Center. Bring canned food and receive extra raffle tickets (one for each two cans donated). Tickets are $10 in advance, available at www.cascadeacupuncture.org (click dance event) or at the acupuncture center office, 104 Fifth St. in Hood River or 414 Washington St. in The Dalles.

n Aug. 1 — Leos Club bottle/can collection, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Rosauers parking lot near the Lions newspaper recycling trailer. Monies raised from return deposit containers will be donated to various nonprofit groups in the community. The Leos will hold a collection on the first Saturday of each month. Containers do not need to be sorted.

 n Aug. 2 — Free community dinner at the Soul Cafe, 5-6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. The meal is free to anyone who would like to drop in and donations are always welcome. The Soul Cafe is located at 1102 12th St. on the Heights in Hood River.

n Aug. 3 — Tai Chi at the Park, Mondays at 6-7 p.m. at Wilson Park (east end of May Street), weather permitting. All are invited; no charge to attend. Beginners welcome with instruction available. Anyone may lead their preferred tai chi form; variety is encouraged.

 n Aug. 4 — Big Bingo at the Hood River Valley Adult Center, 6-9 p.m. Doors open at 4:30. All proceeds go toward the center’s Meals on Wheels program. Early Bird pots start at $20 and later games award bigger money. Refreshments available. The center is located at 2010 Sterling Place, Hood River.

n Aug. 5 — Women Stay Watered in the Word, 7-9 p.m. at the Hood River Alliance Church youth center, on Rand and Montello streets in Hood River. The sixth in a series of seven speakers from seven churches. Refreshments and visiting begins at 6:30 p.m.

n Aug. 7 — Friday Night Youth at Soul Cafe, 1102 12th St., Hood River, 6-9 p.m. Each Friday features a theme, centered on issues which young people face today; also games and activities.

n Aug. 9 — Free community dinner at the Soul Cafe, 5-6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. The meal is free to anyone who would like to drop in and donations are always welcome. The Soul Cafe is located at 1102 12th St. on the Heights in Hood River.

 n Aug. 11 — Big Bingo at the Hood River Valley Adult Center, 6-9 p.m. Doors open at 4:30. All proceeds go toward the center’s Meals on Wheels program. Early Bird pots start at $20 and later games award bigger money. Refreshments available. The center is located at 2010 Sterling Place, Hood River.

n Aug. 12 — Women Stay Watered in the Word, 7-9 p.m. at the Hood River Alliance Church youth center, on Rand and Montello streets in Hood River. The last in a series of seven speakers from seven churches. Refreshments and visiting begins at 6:30 p.m.

n Aug. 14 — Friday Night Youth at Soul Cafe, 1102 12th St., Hood River, 6-9 p.m. Each Friday features a theme, centered on issues which young people face today; also games and activities.

n Aug. 16 — Free community dinner at the Soul Cafe, 5-6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. The meal is free to anyone who would like to drop in and donations are always welcome. The Soul Cafe is located at 1102 12th St. on the Heights in Hood River.

n Aug. 18 — Big Bingo at the Hood River Valley Adult Center, 6-9 p.m. Doors open at 4:30. All proceeds go toward the center’s Meals on Wheels program. Early Bird pots start at $20 and later games award bigger money. Refreshments available. The center is located at 2010 Sterling Place, Hood River.

n Aug. 21 — Friday Night Youth at Soul Cafe, 1102 12th St., Hood River, 6-9 p.m. Each Friday features a theme, centered on issues which young people face today; also games and activities.

n Aug. 23 — Free community dinner at the Soul Cafe, 5-6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. The meal is free to anyone who would like to drop in and donations are always welcome. The Soul Cafe is located at 1102 12th St. on the Heights in Hood River.

n Aug. 25 — Big Bingo at the Hood River Valley Adult Center, 6-9 p.m. Doors open at 4:30. All proceeds go toward the center’s Meals on Wheels program. Early Bird pots start at $20 and later games award bigger money. Refreshments available. The center is located at 2010 Sterling Place, Hood River.

n Aug. 28 — Friday Night Youth at Soul Cafe, 1102 12th St., Hood River, 6-9 p.m. Each Friday features a theme, centered on issues which young people face today; also games and activities.

n Aug. 30 — Free community dinner at the Soul Cafe, 5-6:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. The meal is free to anyone who would like to drop in and donations are always welcome. The Soul Cafe is located at 1102 12th St. on the Heights in Hood River.