The Hood River News staff endeavors to keep the information fresh. Please submit revisions or new information on your nonprofit group’s regularly scheduled meeting to P.O. Box 390, Hood River, OR 97031 or e-mail to esmith@hoodrivernews.com.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Al-Anon: meets Fridays at noon and Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 11th and Eugene streets in Hood River. Family and friends of alcoholics are welcome.

Alcoholics Anonymous: meets every Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. at the Mt. Hood Town Hall, 6575 Highway 35, Parkdale.

Alcoholics Anonymous: meets every Sunday from 6-7 p.m. at the Parkdale Fire Department, 4895 Baseline Drive, Parkdale.

Alzheimer’s Support Group: meets from 2-3 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at Providence Brookside Manor, 1550 Brookside Drive, Hood River. Contact: 541-387-6370.

Bereavement Group sponsored by Heart of Hospice: meets Tuesday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. in the fourth floor family dining room at Providence Down Manor, 1950 Sterling Place, Hood River. Contact: 541-386-1942.

Bereavement Support: meets the second and fourth Thursdays, 9 a.m., in the conference room of the Hospice of the Gorge, 1610 Woods Court. Take 12th Street to Pacific, turn east and take a left on Woods Court. Enter the building off the west parking lot. An evening bereavement group can meet by arrangement; call Hospice at 541-387-6449.

Cancer Support Group: meets first and third Tuesdays of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at Down Manor. For information call Marianne Durkan at 541-386-6520.

Cancer Caregiver Group: meets the third Tuesday of each month at Celilo Cancer Center, 1800 E. 19th St., The Dalles, from 2-3 p.m. in the Columbia Room. This is an ongoing, committed support group for adults who are the primary caregiver for someone with cancer. For more information call 541-296-7205.

Chronic disease support group: Do you suffer from a chronic disease such as diabetes or heart disease? Are you alone much of the time? Would you feel more comfortable knowing that someone was going to be checking on you on a regular basis? If so, consider joining our phone tree. For more information, call Joan McReynolds at 541-386-3634.

Columbia Gorge GLBTA: meets when needed at the United Church of Christ in The Dalles. For more information go to yahoo groups, Columbia Gorge GLBTA.

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous/HOW: meets at Brookside Manor, 1550 Brookside Drive, Hood River.  For meeting days and times, contact Heidi, 541-490-8689.

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Survivors Support Group: meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. Call Helping Hands for meeting location and other information, 541-386-4808, or the 24-hour crisis line, 541-386-6603.

Gamblers Anonymous: meets on Thursdays at 6 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 11th and Eugene streets, Hood River.

Mid-Columbia Lyme Disease Support Group: meets the first Tuesday of each month at Cascade Acupuncture Center, 104 Fifth St., Hood River, from 6-7:30 p.m. Each meeting will have a time for planned informational exchanges, with occasional guest speaker. Contact: Pam Ritzenthaler, 541-386-5658 or pritz@gorge.net.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group: Call Shannon Pulliam at 541-354-2208 for details.

Overeaters Anonymous: meets Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Ninth and Sherman streets.

Sexual Behavior/Pornography: A faith-based 12-step recovery group for men who struggle with inappropriate sexual behavior and use of pornography meets regularly. For details on locations and times, call Lud at 541-308-5339.

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly): meets Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m., downstairs at Hood River Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Road.

Women’s Cancer Support Group: open to all women with cancer, meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and third Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at Celilo Cancer Center, 1800 E. 19th St. on the campus of Mid-Columbia Medical Center. For more information call 541-296-7205.

BUSINESS

Business After Hours: First Thursday of each month, 5-7 p.m., at different locations. Call Hood River Chamber of Commerce for details, 541-386-2000.

Carpenters Local Union No. 306: has informational meetings which are open to all carpenters regardless of their union affiliation. The purpose is to discuss job opportunities and issues pertaining to apprenticeship and training. The meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at Spooky’s Pizza, 3320 W. Sixth St., The Dalles, at 7 p.m. Contact: 541-548-4447.

Columbia Gorge Chapter, Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM): meets every other month on the third Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Members and nonmembers are welcome to attend. For information call Sandy Smith at 541-354-4017.

Downtown Hood River Business Association: meets at 8 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Sage’s Cafe. Contact: 541-490-0022 or downtown@gorge.net.

Heights Business Association: meets first and third Thursdays of each month, 8-9 a.m. The first Thursday meeting is held at Columbia Gorge Community College, and the third Thursday meeting is held at varying locations. Contact: Jack Trumbull, 541-386-1000 or atc@gorge.net.

Hood River Rotary: meets at noon every Thursday, usually at the Hood River Inn, Gorge Room. To check location and special events visit www.hoodriverrotary.org.

COMMUNITY

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention Coalition: meets the third Wednesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. at China Gorge Restaurant. The mission of the coalition is to reduce the use of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and other drugs by youth and ultimately adults through identifying the factors in our community, schools, families and selves that increase risk of drug abuse. Contact: 541-386-2500, option 3.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters: Advisory Board meets on the second Wednesday of the odd-numbered months (May, July, etc.) at varying locations around the Mid-Columbia. Contact Kristin Reese to find out how you can help youth in your community by being an active advisory board member, 541-308-2231 or kristinr@nextdoorinc.org.

The Columbia Gorge Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen: meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Hood River Saddle Club on Belmont and Country Club Road. This is a nonprofit group dedicated to maintaining and riding trails on our public lands. For more information call Peggy at 541-352-7500 and leave a message or e-mail my2p8nts@yahoo.com. 

Columbia Gorge Genealogical Society: meets the second Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles. For details call Shirley Karr at 541-352-6463.

Columbia Gorge Lions Bingo: Every first, third and fifth Friday at Cascade Locks City Hall, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Early Birds), $250 jackpot; $900 progressive jackpot.

Columbia River Fellowship for Peace: Steering committee meetings are open to all and take place on fourth Tuesday/Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., alternating between Hood River (Riverside Church) and White Salmon (Library). For more information, call 541-387-3956 (Theresa), or e-mail members@columbiariverpeace.org.

Delta Kappa chapter: Epsilon Sigma Alpha International meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. The purpose is to be of service and promote friendship. Meetings are held in members’ homes. Call Betty Draper, 541-386-1018, for details.

Duplicate Bridge Club: meets every Tuesday evening at the Hood River Inn. New players are welcome. Call Carole Murphy, 541-490-6657, or Sam Asai, 541-386-1974, for more information.

Friday Night Movies: Parkdale Community Church hosts family movie nights at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of each month. There is no admission, and popcorn and drinks are free. Call to see what is playing next: 541-352-7747.

Friends of the Hood River Library: meets on the second Tuesday of the month at noon in the Jean Marie Gaulke Meeting Room at the Hood River County Library. Contact: 541-386-2535.

Gorge Boomer Women: newly forming group to develop a sense of community with other women who’ve shared the milestones of this unique generation. Call Michelle for dates and locations, 541-387-0114.

Gorge Home Learners: meets at the Grange Hall in Underwood, Wash., on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the fall and winter. Admission is free, and open to all home-schoolers. For more information call Lynn Lewis at 541-386-7175.

The Heroes Club: meets at the Hood River Armory, 1590 12th St., on the fourth Wednesday of each month, 5:30 p.m., to assemble care packages for the troops. All interested community members are welcome to help support deployed military personnel. Contact: gorgeheroesclub@yahoo.com.

Hood River Care Center Family Council: meets on the third Monday of every month at 4 p.m. at the care center. The group works to improve the quality of life for residents of the center and give support to their families and caregivers. Contact: Debbie Medina, 541-490-1575, or Carol Daniel, 541-490-6136 or hrccfc551@gmail.com.

Hood River County Commission on Children and Families: meets the first Tuesday of every month at 5:15 p.m. at the Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital's second floor board room. Local agencies and community members plan together to provide programs that address the needs, strengths and assets of Hood River County. Youth and adults work together to make Hood River County a better place for children and their families to live and prosper. Contact: 541-386-2500, option 3.

Hood River Valley Chorus: a women’s four-part a cappella harmony chorus meets Thursdays, 6:30-9 p.m. at Hood River Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Drive. Guests always welcome. Call Judy at 541-490-2481 or 509-493-2006 for more information.

Library Story Time: Toddler and Preschool Story Time, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. for toddlers ages birth to 3 years: wiggle, dance, listen to stories, then wiggle some more, in the library Meeting Room. Parents must accompany child.

11 a.m.: preschoolers ages 3-6 will sing songs, and enjoy stories, and a creative craft following story time, in Story Book Theatre.

Mid-Columbia Provider Resource Organization (PRO): meets monthly. Child care professionals are welcome. Invitations are sent out by mail. Contact: Cyndi Adams, 541-442-5024.

Mosier Grange: First Tuesday, business meeting, 7 p.m.; third Tuesday, potluck at 7 p.m.

Mt. Adams Chapter, Back Country Horsemen: meets the second Monday of each month at the Columbia River Bank in White Salmon, Wash. For more information call Dave Welch at 509-493-1014.

Mt. Hood Town Hall Board: meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Town Hall, Mt. Hood. Contact: 352-1078.

Oregon Retired Educators Association: Unit 20 meets every third Tuesday alternating between Hood River and The Dalles. Call president Merrijo Gredler at 541-296-5004 or first vice president Frank Wall, 541-354-1505 for details. All retired school personnel from Hood River, Wasco and Sherman counties are welcome; no dues for first-year retirees.

Rockford Grange: meets on the second Monday of each month, 7 p.m., at 4250 Barrett Drive, Hood River. Contact: Gene Wright, 541-386-3286.

Teen Court Training: Sessions for youth interested in volunteering as Teen Court jury members are held twice a month at The Next Door, 212 Second St. Times and dates change; call for details Contact: Sky Vaday at 541-387-2367 or e-mail skyv@netdoorinc.org.

Toastmasters: meets at 6:35 a.m. every Thursday at the Charburger Restaurant in Hood River. All are welcome. The purpose is to enhance public speaking skills in a fun and supportive environment. Contact: Amy, 541-387-4360 for more info or visit www.toastmasters.org.

Vegans and Vegetarians of the Gorge: group forming now, to meet monthly at a location to be determined. Contact: Dayna, 541-386-2321.

Waterfront Community Park Association: meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Nunamaker Realty, 2495 Cascade Ave., Hood River. The WCPA raised funds for the Waterfront Park and interested parties are welcome. Contact: Gorgeview@gorge.net or visit www.hoodriverwaterfront.com.

CULTURE

Afro-Brazilian dance class: meets most Saturdays at Columbia Gorge Dance Academy, 2600 May Ave., at 10 a.m. The last Saturday of each month, there is live music by Samba Hood Rio. For information, call 541-387-2523.

Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta: meets Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. in the Hood River Valley High School music room; open to all instrumentalists. Directed by Mark Steighner. No audition. Call 541-386-4826 for more information.

The Gorge Strings: rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Hood River Valley High School music room. Conducted by Deniese Sajdak, the string ensemble welcomes beginning and intermediate string players. For more info visit http://w3gorge.net/mdstg/stringorchestra.htm.

Hood River Valley Art Club: has weekly painting sessions Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hood River Alliance Church, 2650 Montello (off Rand) in modular building M-1. This is for anyone who likes to work on their own painting (any medium) while enjoying the fun and camaraderie of being with other artists. Bring a sack lunch; $1 is collected to offset expenses. You do not have to be a member to attend monthly meetings or weekly paintings, but only members may participate in group shows. Annual dues are $15. For more information call Pat Toy, 541-352-6631 or Carolyn Peyton 541-354-1522.

Life Drawing open studio: meets most Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River. $10 fee. Interested persons call: Todd Smith, 541-296-4040 or the CCA office, 541-387-8877, or e-mail ttsmith41@yahoo.com.

Portrait open session, (one long pose): meets 9 a.m. to noon Fridays beginning Oct. 16 at the Columbia Center for the Arts. $10 fee. For more information, call the CCA office, 541-387-8877.

HANDCRAFTS

Busy Fingers: Handcrafts for Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital meets the first Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Down Manor, 1950 Sterling Place, Hood River.

Dog River Quilters: meets every second and fourth Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the craft room at Down Manor, 1950 Sterling Place, Hood River. Dog River Quilters make the quilts for the WIC program. Contact Ellen Larson at the HR Co. Health Dept., 541-386-1115, for additional information.

Gorge Knitters, an informal group of knitters of all levels, meets on the second Sunday of the month, excluding the months of December and August. Meetings are held from 2-4 p.m. at the Bingen Station Coffee House, 213 W. Steuben, Bingen, Wash. For further information, contact Val Parish, 509-493-2429.

Lutheran World Relief Quilts: meets at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1140 Tucker Road. Contact: Elaine Kirby 541-352-6600.

MEOW (Machine Embroiderers of Oregon and Washington) chapter: meets at 10 a.m. on the second Friday of each month, at varying locations in the Mid-Columbia. Call Barbara Frasier at 541-352-6774.

Northwest Regional Spinners Association: meets on the fourth Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hood River Alliance Church. Call Mary Alice, 509-493-5062, or Jane, 541-352-7761 for details.

Oregon Glass Guild, Gorge Chapter: meets second Monday of every month; locations vary. Contact Robin, 509-493-8686 for more info.

Project Keep Warm: ongoing project seeks donations of yarn from community, for making hats, scarves, mittens and blankets for low-income children’s programs in the Columbia Gorge. Contact: Sue Craig, 541-298-2937, for drop-off locations or for more info.

Rather Bees Quilters: meets every Monday to hand-quilt from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Contact: Elizabeth Garber, 541-387-2950.

HOME AND GARDEN

Have you wondered about what kinds of trees and shrubs do well in the Gorge? Looking for ways to protect and conserve the planet’s natural resources in your garden? Want to learn more about flower arranging? Seeking a group of gardeners to share knowledge with? There are three garden clubs in Hood River County that would love to have you as a member or guest. All gardeners welcome. For more information on a club near you, contact District Director Norma Curtis, 541-386-6635 or nlcurtis@hrecn.net.

Hood River Valley Evening Garden Club: meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Location varies. Contact: Janis Gaylord, 541-387-3314 or randj@gorge.net, or Pam Crider, pamcrider@email.com. Members from both Oregon and Washington are welcome.

Odell Garden Club: meets the second Tuesday of each month, at 9:30 a.m. at the Community Building of the county fairgrounds in Odell. For more information call Norma Curtis at 541-386-6635 or e-mail nlcurtis@hrecn.net. All gardeners welcome.

Parkdale Garden Club: meets the first Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Parkdale Fire Hall. July, August and December are potlucks in members’ homes. All gardeners are welcome. Call Mary Lou Larson, 541-352-7742, for details.

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

Chair and Foot Massage: Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. by appointment, Hood River Valley Adult Center.

Consciousness Cafe: meets on the first Sunday evening of each month at the HeartGate Sanctuary, in the old schoolhouse in Oak Grove Park (where Country Club Road and Portland Drive meet); arrive before 5 p.m. Core teachings on spiritual enlightenment practices; refreshments and discussion afterward. $10 suggested donation. Contact: elle@inei-re.org. 

Foot care: Wednesdays 2:30-5 p.m. by appointment; Hood River Valley Adult Center, 541-386-2060.

INEI-RE Gate of Return, an open-minded, open-hearted center for divine at-one-ment studies. Offerings include: daily morning meditation, 7:30-8:30 a.m.; spiritual discourses and experientials of the awakened state. For details, call 541-387-5554 or visit www.INEI-RE.org, or come by: INEI-RE is located at 2121 Reed Road, Hood River.

Lunch-Time Yoga: meets Wednesday and Friday, noon to 1 p.m. by appointment; Hood River Valley Adult Center, 541-386-2060.

Messianic dance class: meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Tucker Road Baptist Church, 1455 Tucker Road, Hood River. Beginners are encouraged to come at 5:30. Contact: Sheila Gonzalez, 541-571-1372.

Mid-Columbia Center for Living: Board meeting is held the first Monday of each month, at 419 E. Seventh St., #207, The Dalles, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Call Amy Conner at 541-296-5452, ext. 272, for details.

One River Dances of Universal Peace: meets monthly on third Fridays, alternating between the Hood River Valley Adult Center, 2010 Sterling Place, and the White Salmon Grange, at the corner of Estes and Main. A multicultural experience for the family honoring all spiritual traditions with simple circle dances, fully taught. $5 suggested donation. Contact: 509-493-2514.

Reflexology: meets every first Monday of the month from 12:30-3 p.m. by appointment; Hood River Valley Adult Center.

Reiki Circle: meets first and third Monday evenings, 7-9 p.m., at the Hood River Adult Center. The gentle art of Reiki draws on universal life energy to benefit people of any age in any state of health. Reiki offers comfort, nurturing and support for the good health and balance of mind, body and emotions. Open to all Reiki practitioners. The public is invited for a free 15-minute treatment. Contact: Peggy Murphy, 490-1017.

Silverfit: Elderly exercise class meets Wednesdays and Fridays, 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., Hood River Valley Adult Center, 2010 Sterling Place; 541-386-2060.

Sunshine Club: Non-denominational respite and activity program for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss, meets Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Brookside Manor in Hood River. Call 541-387-6370 for details and rates.

Tai Chi in Wilson Park: meets Mondays throughout the summer, from 6-7 p.m. (weather permitting) at Wilson Park. All are invited; beginners are welcome and instruction is available. Variety is encouraged; anyone may lead their preferred tai chi form. There is no charge to attend. Wilson Park is located at the east end of May Street in Hood River.

Zen Meditation group: meets the second and fourth Sunday of every month at Cascade Acupuncture Center, 105 Fifth St., 3-5 p.m. Beginners are welcome; please arrive 15 minutes early. For additional information, contact Kyri, 541-386-3181, or visit: www.hoodriverzen.org.

SERVICE

AARP Tax Aide: Free tax preparation help for seniors and low/middle income clients, Mondays and Tuesdays at Hood River County Library, 4-8 p.m., and Thursdays at Providence Down Manor, fourth floor, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a copy of your 2007 taxes plus all 2008 information, including any property tax paid.

FISH Food Bank: Office hours are Monday 4-5 p.m., Wednesday 4-5:30 p.m., Friday 4-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, for distribution of emergency food supplies. FISH is located in Concordia Lutheran Church, 11th and Pine streets, and Monday, 4-6 p.m. at the Parkdale Community Church.

Eye Opener Lions: meets every Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. at the Charburger Restaurant in Hood River; the last meeting of the month is held at various locations. Contact: Paul Zastrow, 541-354-1002.

Hood River Lions: meets at noon the first through fourth Tuesdays, Down Manor.

Hood River Watershed Group: meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Hood River Oregon State University Extension Center, 2900 Experiment Station Road (off Tucker Road near Your Party and Rental Center). Open to the public.

Odell Lions Club: meets the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Odd Fellows Lodge, 3051 Odell Highway. For details, call Ted Weber at 541-354-1079.

Upper Valley Lions: Potluck dinner meeting held the first and third Thursday of each month (except July and August) at 6 p.m. at Parkdale Community Center. The club furnishes the meat entree. Contact: Roger Nelson, 541-354-1592.

Soroptimists: meets at noon on the first, third and fourth Wednesdays at Providence Down Manor.

SPORTS/RECREATION

Columbia Gorge Off-Road Association: meets the second Wednesday of each month at Pietro’s Pizza in Hood River, 6 p.m. Call Duane Schneeburg for details at 541-490-1755.

Hood River Saddle Club: meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Saddle Club, corner of Belmont and Country Club. For information, call Ken Hansen at 541-386-5913.

Sailing: Hood River Yacht Club hosts twice-monthly social and informational meetings on HRYC and sailing in general, 5 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays, at CEBU Lounge at Best Western Hood River Inn.

WORSHIP

“The Course of Miracles” study group: meets twice a month on Sundays, 2-4 p.m. at Bethel United Church of Christ in White Salmon. For more information or specific dates contact Marcy, 509-395-2500.

Faith Connection Coalition: meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 3 p.m. at the courthouse in the first floor conference room. This is an opportunity for faith groups to learn more about collaborating with other faith groups and the community on drug and alcohol prevention activities. Contact: 541-386-2500, option 3.

Hood River Alliance Church: offers a women’s Bible study every Thursday: Morning study, 9-11 a.m. (child care is available), and evening study, 7-9 p.m. For details, call 541-386-2812. The church is located at 2650 Montello St.

Hood River Foursquare: meets Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m., at the church, 3875 Barrett Drive, Hood River, for  Bible study. Everyone is welcome. Contact: 541-490-0549.

Lighthouse Chapel: The Christian, non-denominational intercultural service meets at 10 a.m. Sundays at Wind River Place Apartments Community Room, located off Sieverkropp in the Heights. For details, call Dale Royce at 541-490-6305 or Joe Castilla at 541-386-3565.

Methodist Women: meets third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m., in the Isumi Room of Asbury United Methodist Church, 616 State St. Open to all women; please bring a reading to share.

Mid-Columbia Unitarian Universalist Fellowship: meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. for adult and children’s programs. The fellowship welcomes visitors to its meeting location at the Rockford Grange, 4250 Barrett Drive. General information about the fellowship is available at: www.mcuuf.org.

Mosier First Christian Church Bible Study: meets Tuesday afternoons at 2 p.m. in the homes of members. Call 541-478-3338 for the next location. All are welcome.

Public Bible meetings: meets Sundays at 4 p.m. at Hood River Adult Center. Call 541-296-6647 for details.

Summit Church welcomes all to attend Wednesday night Bible study beginning at 7 p.m. and Sunday worship and the Word at 10:30 a.m., at our location at 4201 Barrett Drive, Hood River; www.gotothesummit.org.