Fishtrap Fireside season opens Nov. 5

ENTERPRISE — A special online November episode of Fishtrap Fireside will feature readings from three Wallowa County writers: Lauren MacDonald, Randi Movich, and Amy Zahm. The next episode is available for streaming beginning Friday, Nov. 5, at www.fishtrap.org and on Fishtrap’s YouTube Channel.

Fishtrap Fireside is a monthly reading series designed to feature diverse voices from local writers. Each month offers a fresh look at what people of the West are thinking about and writing down.

Ornaments, gift items sought for Crossroads show

BAKER CITY — Crossroads Carnegie Art Center will again have an ornament expo and The Gift of Art shows this holiday season. The expo opens Nov. 5.

Those interested in entering ornament art or gift pieces for the the December show can stop by the center at 2020 Auburn Ave., visit the Quick Forms link at www.crossroads-arts.org, or contact Alyson Spiering at 541-523-5369 or alyson@crossroads-arts.org.

Oregon East Symphony returns with a bang

PENDLETON — The 2021-22 Oregon East Symphony concert season launches Sunday, Nov. 7, with “Blow It Up, Start Again,” a concert Executive Director J.D. Kindle describes as “explosive.”

“Blow It Up, Start Again!” begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Vert Auditorium, 470 SW Dorion Ave.

This concert will test a new feature for the Oregon East Symphony: free seating. Through the support of the Pendleton Foundation Trust, free concert passes are available from multiple businesses and organizations in Pendleton. Those passes will be used for free admission — first-come, first-served — at the concert.

In addition to the free general seating, balcony and reserved floor seats are available for purchase online or by contacting the Symphony office. Reserved seats are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $15 for students or $65 for a family (two adults and children of the same household).

Face coverings are required for all audience members. Find more information and a list of complimentary ticket locations at oregoneastsymphony.org.

Fair Trade Sale benefits artisans worldwide

PENDLETON — People can get a jump start on their Christmas list by shopping at the Fair Trade Sale, hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of Pendleton, 201 SW Dorion Ave.

The sale kicks off Friday, Nov. 5, from 5-7 p.m. and continues Saturday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Shoppers are reminded to wear a mask.

A fundraiser for the Presbyterian Women Mission efforts, the sale helps support artisans in developing countries across the globe. Many of the handmade items — including jewelry, toys, ornaments, baskets, home decor and Nativity scenes — are upcycled or made from materials local to their region. In addition, a selection of coffee, chocolate, olive oil and more will be available.

The soup supper portion of the event has been canceled but people can take home and enjoy the homemade noodles. They will be dried, packaged and available for purchase.

For more information, contact the church at 541-276-7681, fpcp@pendletonpresbyterian.com or search Facebook.

Martin Gerschwitz to perform in Echo Nov. 6

ECHO — Multi-instrumentalist Martin Gerschwitz plays everything from classical music to psychedelic rock — and he’s returning to Eastern Oregon for a performance in Echo.

Gerschwitz is said to provide a versatile and unique experience for audiences. See for yourself — Saturday, Nov. 6, 3:30 p.m. at Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main St., Echo. Food and beverages will be available.

Known for his mastery of the keyboards and violin, the musician has performed with Iron Butterfly, Eric Burdon and the Animals, Meat Loaf, Walter Trout Band and more. Honing his classical training and rock influences, Gerschwitz created his own style.

For more information, call 541-376-0421 or visit www.facebook.com/snoroadwinery.

Oldies Night features British Invasion

MILTON-FREEWATER — While The Beatles led the way, the British Invasion included many other pop musicians that breached the United States market in the mid-1960s. BJ the DJ will spin dozens of hits from that era during Oldies Night in Milton-Freewater.

In addition to the Fab Four, tunes by The Dave Clark Five, The Searchers, The Rolling Stones, and Herman’s Hermits will certainly be blasted through the speakers. The event is Saturday, Nov. 6, 7-10 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 816 S. Main St., Milton-Freewater. Before the clock strikes 10 p.m., you’ll also hear the likes of The Zombies, The Moody Blues, The Kinks and the Yardbirds, as well as facts about the artists, the songwriters and the times.

Admission is free. For more information, contact Jones at dubuquer70@gmail.com or 541-938-7028.

Veterans Day breakfast salutes those who served

HERMISTON — The city of Hermiston is hosting the annual Veterans Day Breakfast.

While the meal is free, tickets are required because of capacity limits. Each veteran may bring one guest with them.

The breakfast is Thursday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. at the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395. People are invited to come early and mingle — the doors open at 8 a.m.

For more information or to reserve a ticket, call 541-667-5018 or stop by the community center.

Writing workshop: ‘The Secret of Energy’

ENTERPRISE — Karen Auvinen will lead an online writing workshop titled “The Secret of Energy” on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration is $120 or $110 for Fishtrappers. Writers of all levels are welcome. Register online at www.fishtrap.org.

Learn how to make no-sew banners

BAKER CITY — Ginger Rembold will lead a one-night workshop on how to turn fabric scraps into colorful wall hangings using iron-on adhesive. The class will be Thursday, Nov. 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn Ave.

All bonding materials are provided, plus plenty of fabric — but feel free to bring scrap fabric to add to the mix and an old iron if available. Participants can use the provided patterns or create an original. For ages 12 and older, or 8 and older with a paid adult. Cost is $16 members, $24 nonmembers. Pre-registration is encouraged by going to www.crossroads-arts.org.

M-F craft sale in 40th year

MILTON-FREEWATER — Homemade, handmade and upcycled items are available at the 40th annual Mary Stewart Christmas Craft Sale.

In its 40th year, the event is Saturday, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Milton-Freewater Community Building, 109 N.E. Fifth St. Admission is free. Bring a hearty appetite, as Rhonda’s Catering will be on hand for hungry shoppers.

For more information, contact 509-386-3875 or pamw@bmi.net.