Lisa Gentry, of Hermiston, works on a puzzle at the Horizon Project STEP Center for Independent Living on Oct. 6, 2022. An open house and tours are planned at its renovated facility on April 11, 2024, at 125 SE Fourth St., Hermiston.

Area voters are invited to a candidate forum on Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m. at Hermiston City Hall, 180 NE Second St.

It will include candidates for Hermiston mayor, Umatilla County commissioner and Oregon Senate District 29. For questions, call the city of Hermiston at 541-567-5521 or the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce at 541-567-6151.

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The Horizon Project STEP Center for Independent Living invites the public to explore its renovated building in Hermiston. STEP stands for Steps to Empowerment Program. It focuses on teaching skills to assist individuals with developmental disabilities to live more independent lives.

An open house and tours are April 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 125 SE Fourth St., Hermiston. Presentations about its programs and services begin at 11 a.m.

Horizon Project was founded more than 40 years ago. For more information, search www.horizonprojectinc.org or call 541-567-8374.

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Learn more about job opportunities during a meet and greet on April 11, 3-6 p.m. at Two Rivers Correctional Institution, 82911 Beach Access Road, Umatilla. The event includes an opportunity to tour the facility, meet staff and learn about wages and benefits.

Per Oregon Department of Corrections policy, no blue jeans, shorts, camouflage or open-toed shoes are allowed. Bring a valid photo identification. For more information, search www.facebook.com/ORCorrections.

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Mark your calendars for a pair of upcoming Evening with the Author events at The Next Chapter Bookstore, 1000 S. Highway 395, Suite C, Hermiston.

Novelist Rene Denfeld will talk about her new book, “Sleeping Giants,” on April 11. And on April 26, former Hermiston resident Karen Spears Zacharias will share about her new novel, “No Perfect Mothers.” Both events start at 6:30 p.m. Books will be available for purchase and the evenings will conclude with book signings.

The author series is free and features light refreshments. In addition, The Literary Cafe will be open for those who would like to purchase beverages.

For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3kEDobQ or call 541-667-7080.

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A community celebration that focuses on unity will include an evening of music and inspirational messages presented by community members representing various ethnic, cultural, racial, social and religious backgrounds.

The Community Musical Unity Celebration is April 13, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Hermiston High School auditorium, 600 S. First St. There is no admission charge. For questions, call 808-561-1496.

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The Harkenrider Senior Activity Center serves lunch Thursday, April 4 (turkey noodles), and Tuesday, April 9 (chili cheese dogs), 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.

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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.