A4 • HERMISTONHERALD.COM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017 COMMUNITY Stars get ready to dance IN BRIEF By TAMMY MALGESINI COMMUNITY EDITOR Returning for a sixth sea- son, Dancing with the Herm- iston Stars features six com- munity members who will take the stage with profes- sional dancers from the Utah Ballroom Dance Company. Presented by Desert Arts Council, money raised will help support the organiza- tion’s mission of growing the arts. The winner will be determined by a combina- tion of the judge’s scores, audience votes and money raised. Scoring a perfect 30 out of 30 from the judges during the 2015 event, Erica San- doval is coming back for another chance to take home the coveted mirror ball tro- phy. An officer with the Hermiston Police Depart- ment, Sandoval performed a memorable mambo to a song from the movie “Dirty Dancing.” Edged out by audience voting and money donated on behalf of other dancers, Sandoval is already politick- ing on Facebook. She’s look- ing to get extra votes through donations for the 2018 event. “I’ve got another chance at this,” she said. “I’ve got the dancing down but I’m gonna need your help with the rest.” Rather than dancing for individual charities like past shows, each of the dancers will raise money for Des- ert Arts Council, said Mary Corp, event co-chair. Others hoping to claim the trophy and bragging rights include Cameron Bendixsen, Josh Burns, Erik Juarez, Tricia Mooney and Ashley Seibel. Bendixsen, who moved to Hermiston as a first grader in 1987, is excited to take the stage in support of the arts. A 1999 Hermiston graduate, Bendixsen returned in 2013 to join his father’s law firm. The arts, he said, contrib- ute to the creativity, diver- sity and unity of growing communities. “Our youth can flourish Sandoval Bendixsen Kids can visit Santa’s Workshop Grange announces holiday program Cookie decorating, writ- ing a letter to Santa and an ornament craft are all fea- tured in Santa’s Workshop. The free event is Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Stan- field Public Library, 180 W. Coe Ave. Santa will be on hand for photos and to give gifts to children. For information, call the library at 541-449-1254. A Christmas program and dinner is planned at the Columbia Grange. The public is invited to the program, which fea- tures a potluck meal. The main dish is provided and people attending are asked to bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share. The event is Saturday at 2 p.m. at 32339 Diagonal Blvd., Hermiston. For more information, call Doris at 541-567-8663 or Scot at 541-278-0615. Echo organizations to brighten holidays Seibel Mooney Juarez Burns as they showcase their tal- ents,” Bendixsen said. Moving to Hermiston six years ago, Burns is general manager at the Walmart DC. He enjoys the small-town feel of Hermiston. In addi- tion, he said the commu- nity offers many opportuni- ties, including those offered through Desert Arts. “I believe we’re better human beings when we’ve opened ourselves up to learn about others,” he said. “Art allows us to do that in an enjoyable way, whatever the medium.” A Hermiston native, Juarez is an analyst at Good Shepherd Medical Cen- ter and serves as a commis- sioner for American Youth Soccer. “I feel blessed to be able to be in a position where I can help the youth in Herm- iston,” he said. In addition, Juarez is looking forward to raising money to benefit Desert Arts programs. He’s especially supportive of showcasing local artists to assist in fur- thering their careers. Currently the Hermis- ton School District interim superintendent, Mooney started her career in educa- tion as a teacher in Hermis- ton in 1995. After working in the Pendleton School District from 2008-16, she returned “home” to a thriving com- munity that possesses a “can do” attitude that supports its businesses, schools and cit- izens. Mooney especially appreciates the dedication of the Desert Arts Council in providing quality arts and entertainment opportunities. “I want to give back in support of all that is given for our community,” she said. A Umatilla County native who has lived in Hermiston for 15 years, Seibel owns a photography business. She believes creativity builds confidence and enjoys being a part of nurturing and sup- porting youths in an expres- sive environment. In addition, Seibel knows her way around the dance floor — she’s an instructor at Dance Unlimited and is the head dance coach at Hermis- ton High School. Dancing with the Herm- iston Stars is Saturday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. in the HHS auditorium. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for stu- dents. They are available at www.desertartscoun- cil.com, Hermiston Parks & Recreation, the Hermis- ton Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 541-667-5018. Individuals and families in Echo who are in need during the holiday season may get a helping hand from local organizations. People can donate non-perishable and pack- aged foods, as well as fresh potatoes, onions or carrots. In addition to groups of stu- dents collecting food dona- tions, items can be dropped off at Echo City Hall. Also, while there, people are invited to take a tag off the Giving Tree to purchase a gift for a needy child. The unwrapped gift needs to be returned no later than Fri- day, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. Echo community mem- bers in need of holiday assistance can pick up an application at city hall. The forms must be completed and returned by Friday, Dec. 15 at 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 541-376-8411. Hermiston Farmers Market gets festive Gift shopping, food and a visit from Santa Claus are all a part of the free Christ- mas Market. Organized by the Herm- iston Farmers Market, the event features 56 vendors. The market is Saturday from 2-6 p.m. and Sun- day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hermiston Confer- ence Center, 415 S. High- way 395. In addition to shopping, there will be crafts for chil- dren, a gift wrapping sta- tion and refreshments and baked goods will available for purchase. For information, con- tact BeAnn Smith at 541- 701-7291, hermistonfarm- ersmarket@gmail.com or search www.facebook. com. Have yours- Elf a Very happy holiday Designed by Karli Kretschmer, Age 9, La Grande, OR. She was the winner of our annual Holiday Design Contest. 49 GO HOME THIS HOLIDAY! $ PRICES START AT Donate This Holiday Season Toward These Great Causes During Our Annual Community Bank Charity Drive Community Bank will match up to $500 (per branch) at 50¢ on every dollar collected through Dec. 20, 2017! Donations at our Pendleton Branch will support: BOUTIQUE AIR DAILY ROUND TRIP FLIGHTS FROM PENDLETON PORTLAND PDT PDX Donations at our Hermiston Branch will support: The Hermiston Warming Station Donations at our Heppner Branch will support: The Neighborhood Center Food Bank Donations at our Milton-Freewater Branch will support: Milton-Freewater City Light & Power Energy Assistance Program PLUS - The City of Milton-Freewater will match the funds collected up to $5,000! Local Money Working For Local People www.boutiqueair.com | info@boutiqueair.com | 1-855-BOUTIQUE www.communitybanknet.com Member FDIC Pendleton 157 S Main St 541-278-9000 Hermiston 50 E Theater Ln 541-289-4480 Heppner 127 N Main St 541-676-5745 Milton-Freewater 504 N Main St 541-938-6361