Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden will start the new year with several town halls in Eastern Oregon. The local in-person sessions are Thursday, Jan. 4:

• 9 a.m. at Riverside Jr./Sr. High School, 210 Boardman Ave., Boardman

• 12:30 p.m. at Umatilla High School, 1400 Seventh St.

Backpacks and large bags are prohibited. For more information, search wyden.senate.gov/town-halls.

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Catch the holiday afterparty at Miracle on Johns Avenue. While only a pair of Christmas tunes remain, people can get their rock and country on as the synchronized light show continues nightly through Saturday, Jan. 6, at 790 W. Johns Ave., Hermiston. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3NRkQjR.

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Start the new year by supporting the Hermiston Downtown District during its First Thursday event. For discounts, refreshments and a special prize drawing, check out local shops on Thursday, Jan. 4, 4:30-7 p.m. in downtown Hermiston and beyond. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3hQ0Ykk.

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The bags are going to fly with the Boardman Pool & Recreation District‘s inaugural Adult Cornhole League.

An information meeting is Monday, Jan. 8, 5 p.m. at the recreation center, 311 NE Olson Road. Games are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6-8 p.m. The season starts Wednesday, Jan. 10, and runs through Feb. 9.

The registration fee for beginners is $40 ($50 for out-of-district) and advanced players are $45/$55. To register, visit bit.ly/48DNpcm. For questions, call 541-616-1050.

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The Boardman Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 34th annual Distinguished Citizens Awards Banquet. Award nominations are accepted via bit.ly/3RGQHow.

Categories include educator, frontline worker (firefighter, law enforcement, nurse, doctor, health care professional), youth citizen, business person and business of the year, and the Pioneer Award (recipient must be a 20-plus year resident).

The banquet is March 8, 6 p.m. at the Port of Morrow Riverfront Center, 2 Marine Drive. Ticket information will be provided at a later date. For questions, contact info@boardmanchamber.org or 541-481-3014.

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Classes are available during the new year at Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. Teens and adults can learn a new skill — from clay, pottery or making bracelets to playing guitar, creative writing and tying flies. For more information, search www.pendletonarts.org or call 541-278-9201.

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Also, Pendleton Center for the Arts welcomes Seffarine back to its stage. The Portland-based duo packed the house during performances in 2013 and 2017.

Seffarine plays traditional Andalusian and Moroccan music fused with jazz and other contemporary influences. The show is Tuesday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m. at 214 N. Main St. Tickets are $15 via www.pendletonarts.org or by calling 541-278-9201.

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The Harkenrider Senior Activity Center serves lunch Thursday, Jan. 4 (chicken enchilada), and Tuesday, Jan. 9 (baked fish), 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.

In addition, the center offers a variety of activities throughout the week, such as pinochle, arts and crafts, dominos, exercise and cooking classes, line dancing and a Bible study group. For information, including any registration requirements, search Facebook via bit.ly/3jgoCXN.

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The Boardman Senior Center offers dine-in and takeout lunches at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 100 Tatone St. Meals are $5 for seniors and $6 for others. For takeout service, call 541-481-3257.