The United Way of the Columbia Gorge (UWCG) held its “Viva Las Vegas Benefit Gala” on Oct. 5 at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn. This was…

A concert Sunday honors one of Hood River’s true musical friends, the late Tim Ellis. Violinist Aaron Meyer will dedicate Sunday’s annual holiday concert to guitarist Ellis, his long-time “musical sidekick,” arranger, and musical director.

Dinora Trejo has only been volunteering with United Way of the Columbia Gorge since March 2013, but she’s already made a big impact in the organization’s fundraising campaign.

Parkdale native Gordy Sato is something of a volunteer recruitment specialist: He believes that everyone has gifts to share, and likes to connect people with volunteer opportunities when the topic arises. In other words, don’t tell Sato you’re bored unless you’re looking for a new pastime. “My goal is to get everyone to do whatever it is they’re passionate about,” he said. “There’s a plethora of things to volunteer for, right?”