’Tis the season for the 35th annual Light Up a Life — a fundraiser for Vange John Memorial Hospice. People are invited to make a donation during the month of December in memory of a loved one or in honor of a friend. Contributions will illuminate symbolic ornaments displayed on the Christmas tree in the main lobby at Good Shepherd Health Care System, 610 NW 11th St., Hermiston.

The names of honorees will be read during a KOHU 1360 AM broadcast on Jan. 7, 2024, 6 p.m. and posted at www.facebook.com/gshcsnews. To submit a name or to donate to Light Up a Life, visit www.gshealth.org/hospice. For questions, call 541-667-3543.

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Check out the creativity of participants who entered the inaugural Gingerbread House Contest at the Umatilla Public Library, 700 Sixth St. Cast a vote for your favorite creation by Friday, Dec. 22, at the library or via Facebook at bit.ly/48qBezx. The winners will be announced Dec. 26. For questions, call 541-922-5704.

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Calling all December babies: The Bridge Bistro & Brews has just the event for you. The December Birthday Bash is Friday, Dec. 22, 6-9 p.m. at 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla. Live music. Call 541-922-4112.

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‘Twas the weekend before Christmas and all through The Next Chapter Bookstore, the festivities feature a holiday story time, hot chocolate and crafts. Co-owner Alexis McCarthy invites kids to wear their jammies. The free event is Saturday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m. in the Talery Plaza, 1000 S. Highway 395, Hermiston. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3kEDobQ or call 541-667-7080.

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It’s never too early to promote early literacy skills. The Hermiston Public Library hosts a weekly story time for children ages 5 and younger each Tuesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at 235 E. Gladys Ave. It includes songs, rhymes and crafts. Also, a Family Movie Event is Dec. 29, 2 p.m. Free popcorn. For more information, call 541-567-2882.

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Mark your calendar for upcoming sensory-friendly screenings at Hermiston Stadium 8 Cinema, 355 W. Theater Lane. The unique accommodations are presented in conjunction with The Arc of Umatilla County. The lights are up a little and the volume is down. Also, movie-goers can talk and move around during the viewing.

The special screenings of “Wonka” and “Migration” are Jan. 6, 2024, 10:30 a.m. Both films are rated PG. Admission is $7. For more information, call 541-567-1556 or search www.moviesinhermiston.com.

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The Boardman Pool & Recreation Center invites people to dive in during lifeguard classes. The sessions are Jan. 19-21, 2024, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 311 N. Olson Road. Limited spots are available. To register, call Josh Marquez at 541-616-1050.

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The Harkenrider Senior Activity Center will serve lunch Thursday, Dec. 21 (sloppy joes), noon to 12:30 p.m. at 255 NE Second St., Hermiston. Meals are $5. To ensure an accurate meal count for in-person and takeout meals, call 541-567-3582 by 11 a.m. Also, Meals on Wheels is available in Hermiston. Call before 10 a.m. to place a delivery order. The senior center will be closed Dec. 25-Jan. 1. It will resume its twice-weekly lunches on Jan. 2, 2024.

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The Boardman Senior Center offers dine-in and takeout lunches at noon on Thursday, Dec. 21 (birthday meal with barbecue chicken), and Tuesday, Dec. 26 (beef stew), at 100 Tatone St.Meals are $5 for seniors and $6 for others. For takeout, call 541-481-3257.