Quick Takes: Feb. 19, 2025
Published 3:00 am Monday, February 17, 2025
- College Community Theatre presents “Fools” starting Feb. 20. Rehearsing a scene recently was, back row, Rick Pullen and Amy Vehlo, and in front, Tiago Perez and Maycee M.
Monthly dance is Feb. 22 in La Grande
LA GRANDE — The BlueMountaineers will have their monthly dance on Saturday, Feb. 22, 6-9 p.m. at the Union County Senior Center, 1504 N. Albany St.
Admission is $5 or free for ages 12 and younger. The evening includes a finger food potluck.
Learn about landscape design Feb. 22
BAKER CITY — The OSU Extension Master Gardeners will host a hands-on landscape design workshop “Fitting The Blocks Together” on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Extension Office, 2600 East St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This event will focus on developing outdoor landscape “rooms,” where participants will learn how to incorporate colors, textures, shapes, sizes and hardscapes to create a functional and beautiful outdoor space.
The cost is $25. To register, or for more information, call 541-523-6418.
Book writing workshop scheduled for Feb. 26
J.B. Kish will present an online workshop “Project Managing Your Novel: How to Write a Book in Ten Months or Less” on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6-7 p.m.
The session is part of Fishtrap’s schedule of writing workshops. Registration is $20 or $18 for Fishtrappers. Register at fishtrap.org.
In this interactive workshop, Kish will help participants clarify goals and create a roadmap tailored to life to balance family, work and sleep.
Milton-Freewater honors top citizens
MILTON-FREEWATER — Honoring Milton-Freewater’s top citizens and projects, the 75th annual awards banquet will be Friday, Feb. 21, at the Community Building, 109 NE Fifth St.
“A Night of Gratitude: Together We Thrive” is this year’s theme. The doors open at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m., with the event ending around 9 p.m.
There will be silent and live auctions. Auction donations are always welcome.
The Milton-Freewater Chamber Downtown Alliance hosts the annual awards and all individuals, businesses, and projects in Milton-Freewater were eligible for nomination.
Executive Director Claudia Osorio said the awards are an excellent way to show the people involved how much you appreciate them and honor their achievements. Highlighting accomplishments can also motivate others to participate in community service.
In the last couple years, the MFCDA has worked to strengthen community pride and spirit by adding some awards including Outstanding Special Project of the Year and Brick & Mortar Building Rehabilitation Project of the Year. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at mfcda.org. For more information, call 541-938-5563.
Support the arts at a soup supper
BAKER CITY — Crossroads Carnegie Art Center will have a soup supper fundraiser to support the Hand-to-Heart Scholarship Fund on Saturday, March 8 at the center, 2020 Auburn Ave.
There will be two sessions: 4:30 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Tickets include soup (Amy Young and Sunn Juice + Decor), bread (Wildflour Bakery and Sourdough Saints), dessert (Baker High School culinary arts) and a locally handcrafted ceramic bowl.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at crossroads-arts.org (under “Events,” select “All”) or at Crossroads. Only 100 tickets are available.
This fundraiser is inspired by “Beyond the Rim,” the show that opens March 7.
Casino-style fundraiser supports the museum
BAKER CITY — Baker Heritage Museum’s A Night at Old Auburn fundraiser is Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Baker Elks Lodge, 1896 Second St.
This event, organized by the Friends of the Baker Heritage Museum, supports the museum and the main focus this year is the Armstrong Nugget gold exhibit.
Social hour begins at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The meal, prepared by Campbell’s Catering and Sweets, includes tri-tip donated by Wilson Cattle Co., potatoes donated by Blatchford Farms, salad and dessert.
Tickets are $45 per person at Lew Bros. Les Schwab, 210 Bridge St. in Baker City, and online at https://tinyurl.com/mrywr3p2.
Those who would just like to play the games, without dinner, can buy a gaming ticket for $10 either in advance or at the door.
A live auction follows dinner, then everyone can try their luck at casino-style games of blackjack, poker, roulette and craps. Attendees will buy funny money to exchange for chips at the tables.
At the end of the night, the chips can be exchanged for raffle tickets, which can be added to a jar next to the item you most want to win — a Blackstone grill, lawnmower, freezer and 50 pounds of ground beef, a pizza oven, a fire department birthday party, an outdoor furniture set and several gift baskets. Also, Appliances and More and Ace Hardware have donated items for the raffle.
Veterans ski free Feb. 24 at Anthony Lakes
NORTH POWDER — Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, in collaboration with the Center for Human Development in La Grande, is honoring veterans and their families with a free day of skiing on Monday, Feb. 24. The event was created to show appreciation for their service by providing a full day of winter fun.
Attendees will get free lift tickets, ski rentals, lessons and a complimentary lunch. In addition, CHD and the Union County Veterans Services will be present to offer veteran services and answer any questions. This special day will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the mountain reserved exclusively for local veterans and their families.
CHD and Union County Veterans Services with various community partners will also be on-site to share resources and provide support throughout the event.
Veterans are encouraged to pre-register online at Anthony Lakes Veterans Appreciation Day at anthonylakes.com to ensure there are enough provisions for everyone.
Mother/Son event tickets on sale Feb. 24
PENDLETON — Mothers and their sons can level up their gaming and dance moves during a video game dance party.
Hosted by Pendleton Parks and Recreation, the Mother Son Digital Disco is April 19, 2-5 p.m. at the Pendleton Recreation Center, 510 SW Dorion Ave. Tickets go on sale Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. It’s open to sons ages 5-14 and their moms/mother figures.
Attendees are invited to dress as video game characters or as their pixilated selves. In addition to dancing and video game-themed activities, there will be light snacks and refreshments. For information, search www.pendletonor.gov/parksrec. For questions, call 541-966-0228.
AAUW hosts mega book sale
WALLA WALLA — The 60th annual book sale hosted by the American Association of University Women, Walla Walla Branch features approximately 40,000 items.
In addition to hardback books, paperbacks and children’s books, the sale includes DVDs, CDs and audiobooks. To assist shoppers, the books will be organized into 40 categories.
The three-day event is Feb. 21-23 at the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center, 6 W. Rose St. Sale hours are Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Most of the books and media range from $1-$4. In addition, collectible items will be individually priced. Cash, checks and credit/debit cards will be accepted. Children ages 14 and younger, can select one free book from the picture or chapter book categories. Money raised from the book sale will support scholarships and educational projects. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/40JoBgZ.
Music and movement in Wallowa County
JOSEPH — The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland, will again celebrate deep winter with music and movement at the third annual Josephy Fest on Feb. 21 and 22 at the Josephy Center, 403 N. Main St.
Movement classes are at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. both days. Cost is $10 per session. Friday evening at 7 p.m., Wallowa County musician Darrell Brann will perform an acoustic blues session, followed at 8 p.m. by Sondra Segundo and headliner The Depot Street Syncopators at 9 p.m.
On Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m., the all-indigenous lineup includes Acosia Red Elk, River Medicine and the Indigenous band Khu.éex’ with members of the Tlingit, Haida and Blackfoot tribes. Tickets for music on Friday and Saturday are $25 each, or $45 for both. A full fest pass for two nights of music and six movement classes is $70. A youth pass for ages 13-18 is $10 for the entire weekend of events. Admission is free for ages 12 and younger.
To purchase tickets, visit josephy.org.
VFW youth shoot is Feb. 22 in Baker City
BAKER CITY — The VFW Youth Shoot in honor of Chuck Mawhinney is set for Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Veterans Memorial Club, 2005 Valley Ave.
The shoot is open to ages 10 to 15. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and a mandatory meeting with parents/guardians and the youth will be required. Lunch will be provided.
Guns and ammunition will be provided. The top shooter overall will receive a grand prize, and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in three age groups (10-11, 12-13 and 14-15).
For more information, contact Mike Wilson, post commander, at 808-221-5766, or Rusty Little, post quartermaster, at 541-519-9884.
Theater presents ‘Fools’ in Pendleton
PENDLETON — College Community Theatre brings Neil Simon’s classic comedy “Fools” to life in the Bob Clapp Theatre at Blue Mountain Community College, 2411 NW Carden Ave., Pendleton.
The show opens with a pay-what-you-can preview night on Thursday, Feb. 20. Tickets for this performance are by donation, and seating is first-come, first-served. Tickets for the remaining shows are reserved seating.
“Fools” runs Feb. 20 through March 2 with shows beginning at 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays.
Buy tickets and find more information at www.collegecommunitytheatre.com.
Sunridge drama students spin ‘Charlotte’s Web’
PENDLETON — The Sunridge Middle School drama program will present “Charlotte’s Web,” based on the popular children’s book by E.B. White.
The shows are Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26-27, at 7 p.m. in the school’s commons, 700 SW Runnion Ave. Admission is free.
Choir/drama teacher Carly Elder said the play is about an hour long with no intermission. Families are welcome, but she recommends children be at least 5 years old.
Daniel Villarreal, EOU band takes stage at Churchill
BAKER CITY — Drummer, musician and DJ Daniel Villarreal makes a stop in Baker City on Friday, Feb. 28 for a concert that also features Greg Johnson and Matt Cooper.
Doors open at 6 p.m. at Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St. Tickets are $15 in advance at churchillbaker.com or $25 at the door. Admission is free for ages 15 and younger with a paid adult.
Read the full story in the Feb. 26 issue of Go! Eastern Oregon.
AGT comic to perform at Wildhorse
MISSION — Comedian Josh Blue will perform March 29, 8 p.m. in the Rivers Event Center at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. The doors open at 7 p.m.
Blue won “Last Comic Standing” in 2006 and placed third during Season 16 of “America’s Got Talent.” He’s known for his improvisational skills, offering unique shows every time he takes the stage.
Reserved seats are $39-$49 via www.wildhorseresort.com. The show is open to adults 21 and older.
Blue, who has cerebral palsy, was a member of the U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team during the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece. For more information about the comedian, visit www.joshblue.com.
Booster Bash benefits Boardman programs
BOARDMAN — The 2025 Riverside Pirates Booster Bash is April 5, 5-9 p.m. at the Port of Morrow’s Riverfront Center, 2 Marine Drive.
The 21 and older event includes a tri-tip dinner, raffles, door prizes, a dessert auction and live/silent auctions. Only 150 tickets will be sold. They are $35 each and can be purchased at the RHS office or from coaching staff.
The fundraiser supports athletic programs and clubs at Riverside Jr/Sr High School. For more information about the booster club, search Facebook via bit.ly/3TJOYzW or email riversidepiratesboosterclub@gmail.com.