De izquierda a derecha están Ofelia Sánchez, Irma Luna, Silvia Hierta, Sarahi Olvera y Keeratiya Sucharitakul. La clase de Zumba, celebrada en White Salmon, celebró su primer aniversario a principios de septiembre.
From left to right are Ofelia Sanchez, Irma Luna, Silvia Hierta, Sarahi Olvera, and Keeratiya Sucharitakul. The Zumba class, held in White Salmon, celebrated its first anniversary in early September.
De izquierda a derecha están Ofelia Sánchez, Irma Luna, Silvia Hierta, Sarahi Olvera y Keeratiya Sucharitakul. La clase de Zumba, celebrada en White Salmon, celebró su primer aniversario a principios de septiembre.
From left to right are Ofelia Sanchez, Irma Luna, Silvia Hierta, Sarahi Olvera, and Keeratiya Sucharitakul. The Zumba class, held in White Salmon, celebrated its first anniversary in early September.
WHITE SALMON — White Salmon’s free Zumba class, held weekly on Fridays at the Mt. View Grange hall at 6 p.m., is celebrating its first anniversary in September.
One year ago, Mary Alejandre, a community health worker with the Pathways Health Connect team at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), had an idea to bring her clients, who were members of the Hispanic community, together through dance and socialization as a method of healing.
The idea has grown, becoming multicultural with both Spanish and English speakers. Alejandre says there is one person in particular who has been the inspiration, volunteer instructor Sarahi Olvera.
“Something that caught my attention when I first met Sarahi was how charismatic and friendly she was. She made me feel as if she were an old friend,” Alejandre said. “I knew that she was the right person for this project.”
Olvera formed her first Zumba group in 2016 when living in Texas. When she came to Oregon in 2019, she began working with One Community Health, teaching Zumba as a student, and became an instructor officially in 2022 before volunteering to help WAGAP in 2024.
“Volunteering has changed my life by showing me how powerful community and positivity can be,” Olvera said. “It’s given me confidence, a sense of purpose, and the joy of knowing I’m helping others feel stronger and happier — and in turn, it’s made me happier too.”
Each week, Olvera and her substitute instructors have volunteered to keep it going, no matter the obstacles. Alejandre said it has become a well-oiled machine with everyone pitching in. She said the group has expanded their friendships and even cook together and go out socially after class. She is happy that Zumba continues to promote positive mental and physical health.
“Throughout Sarahi’s year of volunteer service, I have seen her dedication and passion for the well-being of the community,” Alejandre said, “especially after she has spent so much time at our weekly Zumba event building community and friendship.”
“I saw a perfect opportunity to help others while still doing what I love to do,” Olvera said. “I really love the energy this group brings. They show up, they put in the effort, and it creates such a fun and motivating atmosphere.”
Olvera said she’s very grateful for the whole group offering its support, and added extra thanks to Sylvia, Irma, and Ning for pitching in to keep things running. The class continues to draw 16-18 people regularly, and together they make every effort to keep the doors open even during challenging weather and events such as the Burdoin Fire. With the events to the east of Bingen, she kept the doors open to keep people connected.
Others in the community have supported the idea, and One Community Health is getting on board. The local health care company aims to expand the initiative by offering additional fitness classes and assisting WAGAP in financing these classes.
Free Zumba classes continue into this second year on Friday evenings at 6:00 p.m. at the Mt. View Grange No. 98, located at 1085 N. Main Ave., White Salmon. Community members are welcome to join in; no registration is required.
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