Quick Takes: Jan. 9, 2024

Published 3:00 am Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Power House gets geeky with film screening

WALLA WALLA — Described as an emotional rollercoaster, “Film Geeks” will be screened Jan. 17, 7 p.m. at Power House Theatre. 111 N. Sixth Ave.

Award-winning director Richard Shepard shares the moving and personal documentary about fathers and sons and the movies that bind them. It features film clips from more than 200 movies, as well as Shepard’s personal archives.

Reserved seats are $15 for adults and $10 for students. For tickets or more information, visit www.phtww.org or call 509-529-6500.

Wildhorse hosts Prince tribute act, Craig Ferguson

MISSION — Tickets went on sale Dec. 29 for a pair of shows in the Rivers Event Center at Wildhorse Resort & Casino — a Prince tribute group and comedian Craig Ferguson.

Prince fans won’t want to miss Purple Xperience on Feb. 18. Hailing from the musician’s birthplace in Minneapolis, the five-piece act was founded in 2011 by frontman Marshall Charloff and Dr. Fink.

Also, comedy fans can catch Craig Ferguson during “The Fancy Rascal Tour” on March 14. In addition to his decade-long run hosting “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” he has performed before sold-out crowds across the country.

Both shows are open to ages 21 and older. Premium reserved seats for Purple Xperience are $39 and general reserved are $29. Tickets for Craig Ferguson are $79/premium and $69/general. Both events start at 7 p.m., with the doors opening at 6 p.m.

Wildhorse is located off Interstate 84, exit 216, near Pendleton. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/3GJ6IpX. For questions, call 800-654-9453.

Halfway crab feed is March 9

HALFWAY — Tickets are on sale for the 56th annual crab feed organized by the Halfway Lions Club. The event is March 9, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets are $60 for the all-you-can-eat meal, and free for ages 10 and younger. Tickets are available at Halfway Feed and Seed and Halfway Sober, Ryder Bros. in Baker City and online at halfwaycrabfeed56.eventbrite.com. For information, call 541-742-4025.

Winter Fishtrap runs Jan. 12-14

ENTERPRISE — This year’s theme for the 27th annual Winter Fishtrap is “Can We Talk?” The gathering runs from Jan. 12-14 at Fishtrap, 107 W. Main St., with conversations, presentations and workshops.

The weekend is offered either in-person for $150 or free for students. An online option is available for $75. Fishtrappers receive a 15% discount — to learn more about this membership program, visit fishtrap.org/fishtrapper.

Individual event tickets are also available. Learn more and register at fishtrap.org.

The weekend begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, with an opening reception and keynote presentation by Kristine Hoover of Gonzaga University, chair of the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program.

Saturday starts at 8 a.m. and sessions continue throughout the day. For a detailed schedule, visit fishtrap.org.

Winter Fishtrap concludes Sunday, Jan. 14, with a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m., plus Fishtrap’s Writer in Residence, Jason Graham (aka MOsley WOtta) leads a conversation and performance centered on the title, “What Are We Willing to Risk?” from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Area veterans meet for Dave’s Journey

HERMISTON — Area veterans and their spouses are invited to participate in Dave’s Journey. The round table discussion offers an opportunity to build camaraderie with fellow veterans.

It features a mutual exchange of insights, and an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns. Bring ideas for special speakers for the coming year.

The gathering is Monday, Jan. 15, 7-8 p.m. at Agape House, 500 Harper Road, Hermiston. The monthly event is coordinated by the Pacific Northwest Veterans’ Alliance.

For additional information about the nonprofit organization, search www.pnwveteransalliance.org or Facebook via bit.ly/3QkQvuy. For questions, contact 541-701-8006 pnwveteransalliance@gmail.com.

Free class focuses on digital cameras

HERMISTON — A class presented by Hermiston Parks & Recreation will assist shutterbugs of all skill levels with taking better photos.

Discovering Digital Camera Settings is Thursday, Jan. 18, 6-8 p.m. at the Harkenrider Senior Activity Center, 255 NE Second St. Participants need to bring their camera. The session focuses on digital cameras and not smartphones.

Although the class is free, space is limited. It’s open to ages 16 and older. To register, visit bit.ly/hermistonrecreation. For questions, call 541-667-5018.

Carnival planned at Veterans Memorial Pool

LA GRANDE — Veterans Memorial Pool, 401 Palmer Ave., is planning a carnival on Friday, Jan. 12, from 7-8:30 p.m. The evening, which is for all ages, includes snacks, pool games and prizes.

Admission is free for members and children younger than three, $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and veterans, and $4 for ages 3-17.

For information or updates on pool activities, visit the Facebook page or lagrandeparks.org.

Come laugh with Andy Woodhull

BAKER CITY — Stand-up comedian Andy Woodhull is bringing his show to Baker City on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St. Doors open at 6 p.m., and musician Andy Zikmund opens at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance at churchillbaker.com or $22 at the door. Entry is free for age 15 and younger who come with a paid adult.

Woodhull has recorded six albums, and said his material turns over every two years. The main source of his comedy is from his own experiences. His newest is titled “Pumpkin Spice Season.” To see clips of his shows, visit andywoodhull.com.

Breakfast and a bazaar at the grange

JOSEPH — The Hurricane Creek Grange will have breakfast and a bazaar on Saturday, Jan. 13. The meal is from 7-11 a.m. (requested donation of $10) and the vendors will be set up from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event happens on the second Saturday of each month at the grange, located at the intersection of Hurricane Creek Road and Airport Lane.

Switchback NW to play Wildhorse bar

MISSION — Switchback NW will perform a pair of shows on Jan. 12-13, 8 p.m. to midnight in the Wildhorse Sports Bar. There is no cover charge.

The Pacific Northwest cover band plays classic rock and country favorites, including songs of Fleetwood Mac, Boston, Tom Petty, the Eagles, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, The Wreckers and more. They invite people to dance and sing along.

The bar is located at Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off Interstate 84, exit 216. For more information, call 800-654-9453.

Education foundation serves student support

HERMISTON — Get ready to Follow Your Art during the annual winter fundraiser of the Hermiston Education Foundation.

Enjoy a surf and turf dinner of salmon and beef on Feb. 3, 5 p.m. at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road. The event also features live/silent auctions, including the creative works of Hermiston students and community members, as well as gift baskets, tickets to area events and donations from local businesses.

Tickets are $50 each and are available at the Hermiston School District office, 305 SW 11th St. For questions, call 541-667-6010.

Head to the library for books, games and more

LA GRANDE — Cook Memorial Library, 2006 Fourth St., has story time every week on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Story Circle. Each session includes stories and a craft.

The Dungeons & Dragons and gaming group meets Thursdays — Jan. 11, 18 and 25 — from 3:30-5:30 pm. This free activity is open to all ages. For information, contact Ryan at 541-962-1339.

Storytellers meets Saturday, Jan. 13, now at 2 p.m. This group is a casual setting for sharing life stories, practicing compassionate listening, and fostering a sense of community.

The Spells and Stars book club for adults meets Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. The book up for discussion is “All Systems Red” by Martha Wells.

All library activities are free. Visit cookmemoriallibrary.org, follow the library’s social media pages, or call 541-962-1339 for details.

Celebrate sci-fi at the Hermiston library

HERMISTON — The Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave., has a writing display up for National Science Fiction Day, which was Jan. 2. The exhibit continues through Jan. 20.

The library is inviting patrons up to age 18 to submit a science fiction story to be on display. Those who need help deciding what to write can stop by the library and grab a writing prompt.

The library has special events planned throughout the month. On Jan. 17, grades 6-12 can join a special STEM jam session. Starting at 6 p.m., participants will transform everyday fruit into musical instruments using Micro:bits.

Also, the library offers Saturday kids crafts every week for young patrons from preschool to grade 5, and on Friday, Jan. 19, a family movie is planned for 2 p.m.

Parks and Rec plans Teen Night Jan. 12

PENDLETON — Pendleton Parks and Recreation is hosting a Teen Night every other Friday for ages 12-18 at the Rec Center, 362 SW Sixth St. The next session is Jan. 12.

From 6-8 p.m., teens can snack on pizza, play video games, play basketball or dodgeball in the gym and more. Admission is free.

Teen Night is also planned for Jan. 26, and Feb. 9 and 23. For a complete list of dates, visit the Facebook page for Pendleton Parks and Recreation.

Open stage happens every Thursday at HQ

LA GRANDE — Starting on Thursday, Jan. 11, HQ, 112 Depot St., will have open mic from 7-10 p.m. for 10-minute sets. Although most of the acts are music, this stage has also hosted poets, spoken word performances, comics and magic. As for music, the genre ranges from rap and metal to folk and bluegrass. Admission is free.

Native fibers workshop is Jan. 20 in Cove

COVE — A native fibers workshop is set for Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Coe-Kerr Building, 1104 Church St. Participants will learn to process and make cordage/string from native perennial fiber plants such as showy milkweed and dogbane hemp. The cost is on a sliding scale from $50 to $100 (pay what you can). Contact Bobby Fossek at lovinthisland@gmail.com to register.

All proceeds from the event will support the continuation of the program in the year ahead.

Escape Rooms offer group fun at EOTEC

HERMISTON — Hermiston Parks & Recreation invites residents to unlock an adventure with three Escape Rooms of different skill levels. The activity, recommended for ages 10 and up, is available on Feb. 9 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road, Hermiston.

Groups can register — a minimum of two people; recommended eight — for a one-hour experience for $50 via bit.ly/hermistonrecreation. Time slots include 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3TK4nle or call 541-667-5018.

Huddle up for flag football in Umatilla

UMATILLA — Registration is now open for youth co-ed flag football (ages 5-14) through Umatilla Parks & Recreation. The early registration fee (by Feb. 24) is $50 per player. Late registration, accepted through March 15, is $65. The fee includes a jersey.

Join the huddle for player evaluation on March 23 with games beginning April 13. Those interested in volunteering as a coach should email luke@umatilla-city.org. The initial meeting for coaches is March 22.

For more information or to register, visit www.umatilla-city.org/parksrec. For questions, call 541-922-3226.

Fun nights out planned for families

JOHN DAY — Calling all families! The John Day Canyon City Parks and Recreation District is planning two events in February, and tickets are on sale now. Register online by Feb. 5 at jdccparksandrec.org.

A father and daughter dance with the theme of “Boots and Belles” is happening Friday, Feb. 9, at the Grant County Fairgrounds from 6-9 p.m. The evening includes dancing, games, activities, refreshments, concessions and a 5×7 photo. Tickets are $50 per couple plus $10 per additional daughter.

Family Fun Night is set for Feb. 10, 6-9 p.m., at the Grant County Fairgrounds. This evening, for grades K-6, is themed “Jungle Adventure.” Pizza and refreshments will be served, and the event features dancing, laser tag and more. A 5×7 photo keepsake is included in the cost. Tickets are $50 per couple, plus $10 per additional child.

Apply now for ‘Concerto + Aria Competition’

EASTERN OREGON — The Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra is again hosting the “Concerto + Aria Competition.” Instrumentalists and vocalists are invited to submit applications to perform with the orchestra in 2024 — May 29 for the student category and November for the open category.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in three categories: young student, advanced student and open.

The deadline to submit an application and videos is Feb. 1. For information, visit granderondesymphony.org.

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