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!!
YAKIMA VALLEY LIBRARIES WINTER READING BINGO
Yakima Valley Libraries’ (YVL) highly anticipated Winter Reading Challenge begins January 1, 2025, and runs until January 31, 2025. This year, it is a Bingo game for all ages!
The annual Winter Reading Challenge is a call to the community to join their local libraries and spend some time reading ‘together’. Participants are encouraged to read books that fit into the various sixteen categories outlined in this year’s virtual book Bingo game.
Library customers who wish to participate can download the Beanstack app for an easy way to track their reading on their phone or tablet. Patrons are encouraged to find Beanstack in their app store, locate Yakima Valley Libraries, sign up, and access the Winter Reading Bingo Challenge.
Challengers who participate may enter into drawings for chances to win some great prizes. One drawing entry per book completion. Drawing prizes include $15 gift cards to Amazon, Target, Walmart, Inklings, Safeway, Roblox, Dominoes, and McDonalds. A squishmallow & board book prize is on the line for young readers.
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YAKIMA VALLEY COLLEGE GLASS RECYLCE DRIVE
Don’t throw your champagne bottles out from New Year’s Day, because Yakima Valley College’s STEM program is once again partnering with Yakima Recycles Glass for a recycling drive. On Saturday January 18, you can bring your glass recyclables to the YVC campus where they will dispose of it properly. You do have to pay five dollars though for every cubic foot. 16 wine bottles, or 30 beer bottles, makes up one cubic foot.
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WAPATO HIGH SCHOOL BEAN FEED
Tickets are available for the 66th Annual Wapato High School Bean Feed, happening in the Wapato High School Commons Area. All proceeds will go to the North Star Lodge Cancer Care Center. The bean feed has raised nearly $170,000 to help cancer patients. Tickets can be purchased in the main office at Wapato High School. They will also be available for purchase on the evening of the event, January 24, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the High School’s Commons Area. The cost is $7.00-per plate for adults/$5.00-per plate for student/child.
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CHAIN UP ON SNOQUALMIE PASS
The Washington State Patrol is reminding drivers to chain up their tires when needed, especially through Snoqualmie Pass along I-90. WSP notes that drivers that don’t use chains when required to will see a $500 fine.
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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:
Jan. 29, Feb. 15, March 12, April 30, May 21
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Deccio Higher Education Center, Building 8, Room 210
Grandview sessions:
Jan. 21, Feb. 11, March 4, 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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YWCA EMPOWERMENT GALA FUNDRAISER
The YWCA is proud to announce its 1st annual Empowerment Gala Fundraiser, taking place on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Yakima Convention Center, beginning at 5:30pm. This premier event brings together community leaders, advocates, and supporters to celebrate and advance the vital work of the YWCA Yakima in providing services and support to survivors of domestic violence. This event is replacing the historical Leadership Luncheon. Retired NYPD Detective Katrina Brownlee is a sought-after speaker regarding her triumph over domestic violence and her story has been profiled in many places including The NY Times and CBS 48 Hours. For more information on YWCA Yakima’s 1st annual Empowerment Gala Fundraiser, or to support their mission, please visit www.ywcayakima.org.