ONTARIO
Oregonians who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer need to wear masks or social distance in most public spaces, whether inside or outside. The announcement came Thursday by Gov. Kate Brown, who said the move was in line with the Centers for Disease Controls new guidance issued earlier that day.
âIt is yet another sign that, if we all continue to do our part, the pandemic is coming closer to an end,â said Brown in a video statement.
The CDC says exceptions include public transportation, hospitals, health-care clinics, correctional facilities and long-term care facilities. Per that guidance, Oregon will continue to require masks and social distancing in those circumstances, according to Brown.
ONTARIO
A program designed to keep kids on their feet, which is in line with a local nonprofitâs efforts to keep the community healthy through creative programming, will be offered each Wednesday in June for first- through sixth-graders.
According to a news release from Four Rivers Cultural Center, free Kidz Zumba, which features kid-friendly routines based on original Zumba choreography. The classes will be held outside in the Hikaru Mizu Japanese Garden, so attendees are urged to wear sunscreen and comfortable clothing for exercising outdoors.
âThis class will help children develop a healthy lifestyle by incorporating fitness as a natural part of their lives,â reads the release. âChildren will get the chance to dance and explore a different culture while making fitness fun.â
One of the attractions at Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario is the Hikaru Mizu Japanese Garden, a project that local horticulturist and volunteer curator Mike Miller has devoted much time and energy.
Even though the garden has been a part of the community for just over 25 years, âitâs a baby gardenâ according to Miller, who took time out to describe to the newspaper some of the new elements that are in the process of being added to the garden.
He said that he âfocused on using as much local talents and materials as possibleâ saying that âthereâs always that connection and that flavor it gives to the garden.â
THURSDAY, May 6
Ontario Visitor and Convention board meeting, 7 a.m., 444 S.W. Fourth St., Ontario, (541) 889-7684.
Treasure Valley Community College Board of Education special meeting, 9 a.m., by Zoom: meeting ID 955 3309 7357 password 093795; by phone: (253) 215-8782, password 093795.
COVID-19 vaccine clinic (Johnson & Johnson one-dose and Moderna 2nd doses for those who received their 1st on 4/8), 9 to 11 a.m., Four Rivers Cultural Center (rear entrance near theater), 676 S.W. Fifth Ave., Ontario, (541) 889-7279.
Friends of the Ontario Library board meeting, 10 a.m., Ontario Community Library.
Vision support group, 1 p.m., New Plymouth Senior Center, 126 N. Plymouth Ave., New Plymouth, (208) 278-5320.
Ontario City Council work session, 6 p.m., City Hall, 444 SW Fourth St., Ontario. Limited seating; meeting can be viewed on the City of Ontarioâs Facebook page.
TODAY, April 27
Ontario City Council Meeting, 6 p.m., City Hall, 444 SW Fourth St., Ontario. Limited seating; meeting can be viewed on the City of Ontarioâs Facebook page or by clicking the Zoom link on the respective agenda.
Treasure Valley Rental Association meeting, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Matsyâs Restaurant, banquet room, (541) 216-1675. Vale City Council meeting, 7 p.m., 252 B St. E., Vale, (541) 473-3133.
WEDNESDAY, April 28
Malheur County Court meeting, 9 a.m., Room 106, Malheur County Courthouse, 251 B St. W., Vale. To join: call (571) 317-3129; enter access code 299-510-653. Info: (541) 473-5124.
Ontario Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate forum, 6 p.m., Four Rivers Cultural Center, 676 S.W. Fifth Ave., Ontario, (541) 889-8191.