By the way: Melonville gets ready to giggle in 30th year

Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Three national touring comedians will take the stage during the 30th annual Melonville Comedy Festival. Past Melonville middle act Gabriel Rutledge is the 2024 headliner, JR Berard is the featured act and returning as emcee is Chase Mayers.

The 21 and older event is Jan. 26, 2024, 7 p.m. at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, Hermiston. Tickets are $40 each via www.melonvillecomedyfestival.com.

Event coordinator Midway Bar & Grill will offer no-host drinks. In addition to an evening of laughter, Melonville raises money for Hermiston-Pendleton Special Olympics.

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Saturday Craft for Kids continues in the new year at the Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave.

Created for preschool-aged children through fifth graders, craft kits are available each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., while supplies last — find a table and get crafty at the library or take the kit home to work on.

For more information, search www.hermiston.or.us/library. For questions, call 541-567-2882.

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And in Boardman, free fun-filled activities for children ages 3-10 are featured during SAGE Saturdays. On the first Saturday of each month, participants will put art, sensory and science skills to the test, beginning Jan. 6, 2024, 9 a.m. to noon at the SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road. For more information, search www.visitsage.com or call 541-481-7243.

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Exploring STEAM @ the Stanfield Public Library offers fun while learning. The upcoming program features Tiny Robots with Kate on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, 6 p.m. at 180 W. Coe Ave.

Geared for students in third grade and up, the activity costs $20. Parent participation is encouraged. Register at the library. For questions, call 541-449-1254.

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Super Escandalo will tune up the new year at LaLaguna Sports Bar. The five-piece Latino band will perform Jan. 5, 2024, 9 p.m. at 285 E. Main St., Hermiston There is no cover charge.

For more about the group, search www.facebook.com/superescandalo7. For questions about LaLaguna, call 541-303-1329.

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The Hermiston School District will present Greg Hudnall‘s suicide prevention strategies as part of its Mental Health Series. The program is available in-person or via Zoom. Also, child care is provided.

“How Parents Can Prevent Suicide” is Jan. 9, 2024, 6:30 p.m. at Rocky Heights Elementary School, 650 W. Standard Ave. The doors open at 5:45 p.m., with free dinner for the first 50 to register via cookcenter.info/Jan9HSD. For questions, call 541-667-6010.

A former school administrator, Hudnall founded Hope4Utah, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention. As a conference presenter, he has discussed bullying, community collaboration and making schools safe for students. For more information, visit www.greghudnall.com.

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Harkenrider Senior Activity Center resumes its twice-weekly lunches on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 (spaghetti), 12-12:30 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.

Also, as an ongoing fundraiser, the center accepts recyclable cans and bottles throughout the year. For information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3jgoCXN.

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The Boardman Senior Center offers dine-in and takeout lunches at noon on Thursday, Dec. 28 (broccoli cheddar soup), and Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 (to be announced), at 100 Tatone St. Meals are $5 for seniors and $6 for others. For takeout service, call 541-481-3257.

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