Diabetes class

JOHN DAY – Blue Mountain Hospital will sponsor a five-week series of classes on diabetes starting Wednesday, Sept. 10. Classes will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. in the hospital’s conference room, and will run through Oct. 8.

Topics covered will include the basics of diabetes, exercise, nutrition, meal planning with the dietician, and foot care. The classes are free and open to the community. More info: 575-4157.

Patriots Day

CANYON CITY – Driskill Memorial Chapel and the Oregon Honor Guard will hold a “Service of Remembrance 2001-2008,” starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Canyon City Cemetery. Robb Foreman will be the guest speaker. Everyone is invited to remember those who serve our country and community. More info: 575-0529.

Business social

JOHN DAY – The community and local businesses are invited to attend the “Business After Hours Social,” at 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Grant County Chamber of Commerce, 301 W. Main Street in John Day. The event is sponsored this month by the Rising Stars Toastmasters Club, which provides communication and leadership training for the community. There will be refreshments, entertainment, information on the new Speaker’s Bureau, coming in January 2009 and a presentation on “Why Should I Shop in my Community?”

Theater auditions

DAYVILLE – The South Fork Players theater group will hold auditions for their next production to be performed in mid-November at the Dayville Community Hall. The play will be either a comedy or a family show, depending on the range of actors attending auditions.

Auditions will be from 6-7 p.m. Friday, Sunday and Monday, Sept. 12, 14 and 15, at the Dayville Community Hall. Prepared readings are not necessary. For more information, call John Fiedor at 987-2343.

Sheep Rock Auto Tour

A John Day Fossil Beds ranger will lead an auto tour into the Sheep Rock Unit at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13. The two-hour tour will travel on some of the back roads of the national monument and feature the geologic landscape and fossil history of the area. Participants need to bring their own vehicle and good tires are recommended. The free tour begins at the Thomas Condon Visitor Center. No reservations are needed. More info: 987-2333.

Movie time

CANYON CITY – The Grantville Theater will return to its winter schedule beginning Sept. 13. Movies will show every other Saturday at 7 p.m. with doors open at 6:30. Movie titles will be posted on the door or call 575-0509 for information.

Youth pheasant hunt

PRAIRIE CITY – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a youth pheasant hunt starting at 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13 and 14, at the Prairie Wood Products office in Prairie City. Youths ages 17 and under are encouraged to attend. Register at the ODFW John Day office, 575-1167.

Blue Basin hike

The John Day Fossil Beds will offer a ranger-conducted one-mile hike into the Blue Basin fossil beds starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. The two-hour hike will feature the geologic landscape and fossil history of the basin. Participants should meet at the Thomas Condon Visitor Center in the Sheep Rock Unit. Bring good hiking shoes, a water bottle and dress for the weather. More info: (541) 987-2333.

“Recovery Romp”

CANYON CITY – The Center for Human Development will sponsor a “Recovery Romp” potluck dinner at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19, at the Canyon City Community Hall. More info: 575-1466.

Book signing

JOHN DAY – Author Mary Fitzgerald will be on hand at Dark Horse Antiques from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, for a signing of her latest book, “My Twickenham: Her Family’s Story.”

Regional EventsDutch oven cookoff

HERMISTON – The Chuckwagon Cafe celebrates 38 years of business with the 5th Annual Chuckwagon Cafe Dutch Oven Cookoff, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Mother and daughter owners Dorothy Beason and Cathy Stolz invite competitors to bring their dutch ovens, charcoal, tailgates, vittles and shade, two miles north of Hermiston on Highway 395. Rookies are encouraged to participate and there will be entertainment from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information about the competition, entry fees, awards and prizes, call (541) 567-6329, afternoons and evenings.

Museums

? Grant County Historical Museum, 101 S. Canyon City Blvd., Canyon City, 575-0362. Open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Admission: Adults, $4; Seniors, $3.50; children ages 7-17, $2; children under 6, free.

? Grant County Ranch and Rodeo Museum, 241 E. Main St., John Day, 575-5545, 575-0278, or 820-3624. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday, or by appointment. Admission: Adults, $3, children under 12, free.

? Kam Wah Chung and Company Museum and Interpretive Center, 125 NW Canton St., John Day, 575-2800. Open every day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with guided tours on the hour until 4 p.m. No admission fee, although donations are welcome. Open until Oct. 31.

? DeWitt Museum at Depot Park, Bridge and Main streets, Prairie City, 820-3330 or 820-3603. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $3.

Scrap metal collection

PRAIRIE CITY – The Greater Prairie City Community Association is collecting scrap metal now through September. Proceeds will benefit H*O*W*D*Y and Camp Logan. More info: Kathy Smith, 820-4597.