So many things to take part of, we’ll keep you up to date the best we can on all that’s “Happ’ning” here in the Valley!!
CAPITOL THEATRE SHORTY’S TOUR
Yakima’s Capitol Theatre has launched “Shorty’s Tour of the Capitol Theatre,” a fundraising campaign inviting the community to explore the historic venue with its resident ghost, Shorty. The Capitol Theatre, a cultural cornerstone since 1920, hosts an average of 175 events annually, a release said. Tours are available Wednesday March 26th at 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday, March 29th, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Each tour is limited to 12 people, with a suggested donation of $10 per person. Participants can sign up online or by calling the box office. The theatre encourages community members to join the tour and support the arts in Yakima. For more information, contact Sierra Hutton at 509-317-7704 or sierra@capitoltheatre.org.
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STORYTIME TOUR
The Yakima Valley Libraries invites families to its Storytime Tour which features a special furry friend from a popular children’s book. Mouse from “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” will be hosting YVL’s Storytime Tour. He will be touring 10 different libraries throughout the week. The event is free. Each Storytime Tour will feature stories, songs, games, crafts and an appearance from Mouse. A free picture with Mouse will be offered. Spanish-speaking staff will be available for assistance.
Event dates, times, and locations include:
Terrace Heights Library Tuesday, March 25 at 10:00AM
Yakima Central Library Tuesday, March 25 at 1:30PM
West Valley Library Wednesday, March 26 at 11:00AM & 3:30PM
Selah Library Thursday, March 27 at 10:30AM
Toppenish Library Thursday, March 27 at 3:30PM
Sunnyside Library Friday, March 28 at 11:00AM
Zillah Civic Center Friday, March 28 at 2:30PM
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ANNUAL LONG-SLEEVE SHIRT DRIVE
The Association of Farm Worker Opportunity Programs, with OIC of Washington as a partner, has once again launched its annual long-sleeve shirt drive, aimed at improving the health and safety of farm workers across the nation. The initiative, which began in 2014 as part of National Farm Worker Awareness Week, provides protective gear to workers facing extreme heat, pesticide exposure, and harsh working conditions. The campaign’s focus on lightweight, long-sleeved shirts is designed to shield workers from the sun’s harsh rays while also preventing skin irritation caused by branches and other obstacles encountered. Donations of lightweight, long-sleeved shirts can be dropped off at participating locations from now until March 31.
Below are the drop-off locations at OIC locations:
OIC Admin Office Education & Career Training Center: 815 Fruitvale Blvd, Yakima 98902
OIC Logistics, Warehouse & Distribution Training Center: 1419 Hathaway St, Yakima 98902
Henry Beauchamp Community Center: 1211 S. 7th St, Yakima 98901
Additional drop-off locations that OIC is partnering with:
La Oficina: 904 N 4th St, Yakima
WorkSource Sunnyside: 1925 Morgan Rd, Sunnyside 98944
Sunnyside CDL School: 508 E Edison Ave, Sunnyside 98944
Maria’s Tax & Trucking Services: 2010 Yakima Valley Hwy, Ste 2, Sunnyside 98944
Nuestra Casa: 301 S 7th St, Sunnyside 98944
Inspire Development Center: 1751 Washington Ct, Sunnyside 98944
Inspire Development Center: 1005 Grandridge Rd, Grandview 98930
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STATE PARKS OF WASHINGTON CAMPGROUNDS
Campers will have more same-day reservation opportunities at all parks with campgrounds starting Monday March 24th. Rather than gambling on a first-come first-serve basis, campers can secure a site the same day until 2 p.m. that day, according to a Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission news release. First-come, first-serve camping will still be available for any unreserved sites after 2:30 p.m. Reservations will be for campground sites and will not apply to vacation rentals and day-use facilities such as picnic shelters, according to the release. The improvement will open opportunities for campers to experience state parks overnight and will improve the experience for day-of planners, as well as help agencies fill sites after cancellations, according to the release. Same day reservations can be made on the Washington State Parks website or by calling (1-888)-226-7688.
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OIC OF WASHINGTON
O.I.C. of Washington has introduced two new financial assistance programs designed to support first-time homebuyers and local entrepreneurs. The Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) offers up to $20,000 in funding for eligible first-time homebuyers who complete required housing counseling sessions. OIC’s Down Payment Assistance Program is designed to help first-time homebuyers with up to $20,000 or 20% of the home’s purchase price, whichever is lower. To qualify, applicants must meet local income guidelines and demonstrate they are purchasing a home for the first time. Those interested in applying for the program can contact Antonia Mende at OIC at 509-731-5332. OIC has also partnered with the Vizions Economic Development Center, a nonprofit based in Central Washington, to offer financial assistance to local business owners. The program provides loans of up to $50,000 for new entrepreneurs and up to $250,000 for established businesses that meet specific criteria. For more information on business loans or to apply, individuals can contact the Vizions Economic Development Center at 509-453-5133.
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FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION
In an effort to support local families, a free food distribution event is scheduled to take place in Grandview next week. Second Harvest will host a drive-through mobile market on Wednesday, March 26th, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will be held at the Grandview School District on Market Street and aims to provide enough food for 250 families.
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CULTURAL UNITY FAIR
Wapato Middle School presenting the 42nd annual Cultural Unity Fair. Taking place Thursday, Mar. 27, From 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Wapato Middle School. The event celebrates diversity and rich cultures present in the Yakima Valley. The event will feature foods from many different cultures including Indian fry bread salmon pansit lumpia tacos cinnamon rolls baklava and Cheese Zombies. Tickets on sale now. They can be purchased in advance at the Wapato Middle School office from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Or online here. Tickets will also be available to purchase at the door for the event.
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YAKIMA RIVER CANYON MARATHON MARCH 29TH
Runners in the Pacific Northwest are gearing up for the scenic Yakima River Canyon Marathon and Half Marathon. The event features USATF Certified courses through the picturesque Yakima River Canyon, stretching from Ellensburg to Selah. Registration is available online only, with no in-person registration on race day or the day before. Awards will be presented in real time at the finish line. Participants can pick up their race packets on Friday, March 28, from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at the Selah Civic Center, or on Saturday morning at designated locations. For more details about the course, maps, and records, participants are encouraged to visit the official website.
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WELCOME HOME VETERANS DAY
Yakima Warriors Association invites the public to honor Veterans for Welcome Home Veterans Day. Saturday, Mar. 29, at 1 p.m. at Sarg Hubbard Park Yakima Warriors Association will host an event to honor Vietnam Veterans. Veterans from all campaigns and the public are encouraged to attend. The event will feature speakers from several Veterans organizations.
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CAR SEAT CLINIC
Ellensburg Police Department to host a Car Seat Clinic. According to EPD, this is the first Car Seat Clinic of 2025. Saturday, Mar. 29. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ellensburg Police Department. Several certified car seat technicians will be on-site to help with any child passenger safety questions. The technicians will help you install a car seat or check to make sure the current car seat is properly installed. For those in need a limited number of car seats will be available.
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UNION GAP COMMUNITY MEETING
The Friends of Union Gap Library and Community Center, alongside the City of Union Gap and Yakima Valley Libraries, will host a community meeting to discuss the new library and community center. Residents are invited to attend this informational session on Thursday, March 27, at 5:00 p.m. at the new Union Gap Community Center. The Friends are collaborating with the USDA Rural Development to wrap up project details. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ask questions about the facility. In addition to learning about the new center, visitors can participate in a survey to express their preferences for future developments. Refreshments will be available, and attendees can apply for library cards. T-shirts and Legacy Bricks will be on sale, and donations are welcome. There will also be a drawing for Mercy Theatre movie passes and more.
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YAKAMA CARES
Legends Casino Hotel is now accepting applications for the annual Yakama Cares grant distribution. Nonprofit organizations have until March 31 to apply for funding, which will be distributed in May. The Yakama Cares Charitable Contributions Fund provides several hundred thousand dollars in grants each year to area nonprofits. Past beneficiaries include senior services, veteran services, food banks, and shelters in Benton, Franklin, Kittitas, Klickitat and Yakima counties. Nonprofits interested in applying can find the application on the Legends Casino Hotel website under Yakama Cares. Applicants must provide proof of nonprofit status, and tribal nonprofits are not eligible.
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YWCA WOMEN’S SHELTER TOILETRY ITEMS
The YWCA Women’s Shelter is running a toiletry drive from now through March, collecting new and unopened toiletry items. Items can be dropped off at the front desk of the Harman Center, located at 101 N. 65th Ave. Requested items include but are not limited to:
-Shampoo/conditioner
-Soap
-Deodorant
-Toothpaste
-Shaving cream/razors
-Clothing
-Disposable plates/silverware
-Towels
-Paper towels
-Toilet paper
-Detergent
-Disinfecting wipes
-Sheets/pillows
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Terrace Heights Grange “Safety First” Community Open House on 4/2.
The Terrace Heights Grange invites you to their “Safety First” Community Open House. On Wednesday, April 2 from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy FREE Soup or Chili Dinner with bread, desserts and drinks! Door prize drawings every 15 minutes. New paid Grange members will be entered to win $100 cash! Fun games and entertainment for the kids. The Terrace Heights Grange has been recently designated as a Red Cross emergency evacuation shelter! Come meet with:
· The Red Cross
· The East Valley Fire Department
· Moxee City Police
· East Valley Enhancement Association
· Terrace Heights Community Association
· Yakima Valley Regional Libraries
· And The East Valley School District
Plan to Attend The “Safety First” Community Open House at The Terrace Heights Grange Wednesday April 2nd from 5 to 7pm… Located at 3701 W. Birchfield Rd. at the intersection of University Parkway in Terrace Heights. See you at the Grange!
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5TH ANNUAL COPS AND BOBBERS IN ELLENSBURG
The fifth annual Cops and Bobbers fishing event comes next month for youth fishermen to spend time with members of local law enforcement agencies. Cops and Bobbers honors Kittitas County Deputy Ryan Thompson and builds relationships with children and law enforcement who call the county home, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office. The fishing event will be on April 12 at the Ryan Thompson Memorial Park, east of Ellensburg, according to KCSO. Those interested in volunteering can contact Sergeant Nate foster at (509)962-7525, and donations can be dropped off at the Sheriff’s Office.
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RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR BURNING
Residential outdoor burning has kicked according to the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA). The agency reminds residents that smoke in the distance is likely from a controlled burn rather than an emergency. It is advised to verify the source of smoke before contacting emergency services. Residents are encouraged to ensure they are burning safely and legally by checking regulations and permit requirements with Yakima Clean Air. For those looking to avoid the risk of fire spreading, the “Chip it, Don’t Burn it” events offer an alternative. Yard waste can be brought to these events, which will be held throughout the spring and summer on the following dates and locations:
April 26 at Station 51
May 31 at Station 52
June 28 at Station 53
July 12 at Station 54
August 2 at Station 53
September 13 at Station 51
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VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
One of Yakima’s local colleges is offering to help with filing your taxes. Heritage University Enactus is taking appointments for its annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. VITA is being held in the community training and business center on the university’s campus on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. The program will end on April 5th. Make sure to bring your tax documents, photo ID and Social Security card to the appointment. Space is limited and walk-ins will not be accepted so be sure to schedule an appointment.
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YVCC FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPS
Yakima Valley College will host multiple financial aid workshops over the next several months aimed at helping students complete the FAFSA and WASFA. The sessions will take place at both the Yakima Campus at the Deccio Higher Education Center and the Grandview Campus at the Grandview Main building. Staff will be in attendance to answer questions in English and Spanish.
Yakima sessions:
April 30, May 21
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Deccio Higher Education Center, Building 8, Room 210
Grandview sessions:
April 22, May 13
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Grandview Main, Building 56, Room 123
Students will need to bring:
Social security number or card (if applicable)
DACA work authorization number or card (if applicable)
Driver’s license or state identification card (if applicable)
2023 tax return and parent(s) 2023 tax return if born after Jan. 1, 2001
2023 income data (W-2s and 2023 tax return) if born before January 2001, are married, have dependents, are serving in active duty or a veteran
Valid email address for establishing Federal Student Aid ID
Parents/guardians will need to bring:
Social security numbers or cards and dates of birth (if applicable)
Income tax returns and W-2s for 2023
Valid email address for establishing Federal Student Aid ID
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GRAPE TO GLASS GALA
Yakima Valley College (YVC) is set to host its 16th Annual Grape to Glass Gala. This event, held at YVC’s Kaminski Conference Center, aims to raise funds for scholarships for students in the Vineyard and Winery Technology Program. The gala will feature a winemaker’s dinner with a gourmet meal by The Lion Chef and desserts from Scratch Bakery, YVC said in a release. This year’s theme is “African Safari,” and attendees can enjoy wine pairings from YVC’s own Yakima Valley Vintners. Alumni from Treveri Cellars and Wheel Line Cider will also contribute to the happy hour offerings. Tickets for the gala on Saturday, May 17, at 6:00 p.m. are priced at $110 per person or $600 for a table of six. They can be purchased online or at Yakima Valley Vintners Tasting Rooms. Sponsorship opportunities are available for those who wish to make a larger impact. For more information, contact Annette Wattenbarger, the Tasting Room Coordinator, at 509.574.4906.
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SUNNYSIDE SUMMER ALE FEST
The 9th annual Sunnyside Summer Ale Fest will return on June 21, bringing brews, food and live music to downtown Sunnyside. The event will be held in Centennial Square from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on summer ale fest dot com.