Campus Life swooshes to Ski Bluewood

HERMISTON — The next youth skiing and snowboarding trip to Ski Bluewood is Saturday, Jan. 18, departing at 8 a.m. from Hermiston Campus Life, 595 S. First St., with an anticipated return at 7 p.m.

The activity is open to students in eighth through 12th grade. The $20 registration fee covers transportation by Campus Life staff, equipment rentals and gear, a lift ticket, lunch and lessons (if needed). Participants need to bring money for dinner.

Students must register in advance, including completing liability and lesson/rental forms, via www.hermistoncampuslife.squarespace.com. For questions or to request financial assistance, call/text 541-969-1017.

The faith-based youth organization provides mentorship, offers a safe place to hang out and coordinates activities and outings. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3woxg9P.

Foundation serves surf-and-turf dinner

HERMISTON — Get your fill of crab during the 14th annual winter fundraiser for the Hermiston Education Foundation. The dinner and auction is Feb. 1, 5 p.m. at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road.

Tickets are $50 per person for the surf-and-turf dinner. In addition to a meal of crab and tri-tip beef, the evening includes live and silent auctions, door prizes and raffles.

For more information about the foundation and a link to buy tickets, visit www.hermiston.k12.or.us/92626_2. Tickets also can be purchased at the door and the district office, 305 SW 11th St. For questions, call 541-667-6000.

Day of Service planned at arts center

PENDLETON — Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., will have an MLK National Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 20.

Volunteers can gather between 9:30-10 a.m. at the center for coffee and pastries, then divide into work groups to sweep, dust, clean, paint and perform other small tasks. The group will break at noon for a lunch of Great Pacific pizza.

Those who are planning to attend are asked to email director@pendletonarts.org.

Contra dance planned for Jan. 18

MILTON-FREEWATER — Walla Walla Friends of Acoustic Music will have a contra dance on Saturday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. at the Timberrib, 84847 Winesap Road. Live music will be provided by the Wednesday Night Band. All dances, contras, squares and other dances will be taught by local callers.

Admission is $5 or $3 for WWFAM members. Those attending are welcome to bring finger foods to share. For more information, email Howard Ostby at htostby@gmail.com or Dan Clark at clarkdn@charter.net.

4-H plans basic car knowledge workshop

BAKER CITY — The Baker County 4-H program invites youth to free “Shift into Gear: Basic Car Knowledge for Youth” STEM workshop on Feb. 7, Feb. 21, March 7 and March 21 from 1-2 p.m. at the Baker County Fairgrounds, 2600 East St. in Baker City.

Participants will learn the basics of car maintenance, how to stay safe on the road and essential tips to keep a car running smoothly.

The workshop is led by Earl Blizzard from NAPA Auto Parts and designed to provide confidence and skills needed to drive smarter and safer. It is free but spaces are limited. Participants do not have to be a 4-H member. Registration closes Feb. 5. Register at https://beav.es/pB4.

Those interested in learning more as a participant or a future STEM program volunteer, call OSU Extension in Baker County at 541-523-6418.

New improv class starting in La Grande

LA GRANDE — Mnemosyne Studios is offering an ongoing monthly inclusive space, Chosen Family Improv!, with the first event happening on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at 102 Depot St. Classes are the fourth Wednesday of each month through March 26.

The first class is free for new students and afterward, each individual class is $20 or $75 for the complete series with payment plans available.

This session is created by Rikki Jo Hickey, locally renowned teacher and actor, especially with the LGBTQ+ community in mind. The gathering is open to adults 18 and over and offers a way to dive into the world of stage acting and improvisation.

Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yc3eed4u. For more information, visit www.holisticacting.com, email Mnemosyne97850@gmail.com or rikkijohickey@holisticacting.com, search Facebook or call 541-663-1009.

HQ presents Tylor & the Train Robbers

LA GRANDE — Gracing the HQ stage at 112 Depot St. on Thursday, Jan. 16, starting at 8 p.m., Tylor & the Train Robbers will entertain fans with their trademark roots country and Americana music.

Forming the core of this musical powerhouse are Tylor Ketchum as the band’s frontman, rhythm guitarist and songwriter, Jason Bushman on bass and backup harmonies, and Tommy Bushman on drums and vocals. Rounding out the quartet, is Rider Soran on lead guitar, pedal steel and lap steel.

Tickets are $15 at www.hq.eventlive.org. For more information, call 541-612-0551, check their Facebook events page, or visit lagrandehq.com.

Events planned for ‘Onyx Storm’ release

BAKER CITY, LA GRANDE, HERMISTON — Release parties and special events are planned for “Onyx Storm,” the third installment of Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series.

Betty’s Books, 1813 Main St. in Baker City, is encouraging a full series re-read before the newest book is released. The first meeting was Jan. 13, 5 p.m. at the bookstore. To register, call the store at 541-523-7551.

The Press Room, 1124 Washington Ave., is hosting an Onyx Storm Book Release Party on Monday, Jan. 20, 7-10 p.m. with treats from The Petite Patisserie, trivia games and a chance to win a free deluxe limited edition copy of “Onyx Storm” donated by JaxDog Café and Books. This event is free. For more information, visit thepressroomcoffee.com or call 503-972-0691.

The Next Chapter Bookstore, 1000 S. Highway 395 Suite C, will have a release party on Monday, Jan. 20, 9 p.m. Preordered books (deluxe or standard editions) are the ticket to the party. Preorder the book at www.thenextchapterhermiston.com or call 541-667-7080.

The book follows Violet Sorrengail as she faces the ultimate test, after spending 18 months at Basgiath War College, as enemies surround her on all sides. In order to save her dragons, her family and her home, Violet must travel beyond the failing Aretian wards to gather allies and reveal the truth, pushing Violet’s wit, luck, and strength to their limits.

Dance the night away on Jan. 18

LA GRANDE — Sensoulflow and La Grande Dance Community present an evening of dance filled with rhythm, flavor and fun on Saturday, Jan. 18, at K. Voelz Wines, 1104 Jefferson St.

Instructors Lisa, Israel and Kim will start off the evening with a bachata class at 5:30 p.m., followed by salsa at 6:20 p.m. and a social dance from 7-10 p.m. Along with the lively beats, wine tastings are included in the admission price of $18 for one and $30 per couple. Food will also be available.

For tickets, visit salsabachataandwine.rsvpify.com. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/4dZ0n6T or email winemaker@kvoelzwines.com.

Greenfield Grange hosts Saturday breakfast

BOARDMAN — The community is invited to enjoy food and fellowship during the monthly breakfast at the Greenfield Grange on Saturday, Jan. 18, 7-10 a.m. at 209 NW First St.

The cost is $7 for adults and youths, $3 for children under 10 and free for veterans. For takeout orders, call 541-490-6628.