Summit on economy

CANYON CITY – Community leaders will gather at Canyon City Community Hall from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 16, for a Grant County Economic Summit, to dissect the local economy and brainstorm ways to overcome the serious challenges facing it. Representatives of a cross section of local businesses and governments will speak and there will be time for those attending to share ideas. Organizations including the Grant County Court, Grant County Chamber of Commerce and Grant County Farm Bureau, joined in to invite an array of civic leaders to the summit, and the public is welcome to attend. There is no admission charge. More info: Les Zaitz, 421-3031 or zaitzBCR@starband.net.

Fossil Beds meetings

GRANT COUNTY – The public can comment on a proposed Draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for the John Day Fossil Beds, a document that could guide plans for the monument over the next 15-20 years. An informational meeting is set for 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Malheur National Forest Supervisor’s Office in John Day. A meeting will also be held in Wheeler County at the Family Services Building in Fossil. Comments are due by Nov. 17.

Democratic meeting

JOHN DAY – The Grant County Democratic Central Committee will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the Outpost Restaurant. The public is invited.

Watercolor class

DAYVILLE – A watercolor class will be held at the C Bar C Guest Ranch in Dayville from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. Snacks and a light lunch will be provided. Some supplies will be available, but bring what you have. Any art level is encouraged. Cost is $20. More info: Eloise at 987-2138.

Stockgrowers barbecue

FOX VALLEY – The Grant County Stockgrowers will hold a barbecue at noon, Saturday, Oct. 18, to honor Ken and Cici Brooks as the 2008 Stockgrowers of the Year. The potluck meal, with beef and beverages provided, will be held at the Brooks’ ranch on Short Corner Road. The public is invited. RSVP to Cici Brooks, 421-3032, Tobe Zweygardt, 820-3624, or Sharon Livingston, 421-3032.

Benefit dance

MT. VERNON – Monthly dances are returning to the Mt. Vernon Grange hall. The next one will be 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, with music provided by Upriver Country Band. The cost is $5 per couple, $3 per person and children under 12 are free. Coffee, punch and cookies will be available. All proceeds will go to the Grant County Food Bank.

EORenew gathering

JOHN DAY – Members and friends of EORenew are invited for the first annual EORenew Fall Gathering 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Keerins Hall at the Grant County Fairgrounds. The event will include solar cooking, a report of EORenew’s activities, elections, a social hour, potluck dinner and entertainment. On Sunday morning, Oct. 19, the EORenew Board of Directors will meet to approve the budget and accept suggestions and member input. For more information, contact Jennifer Barker, by phone, 575-3633 or e-mail, info@solwest.org.

4-H awards

MT. VERNON – The 2008 4-H Achievement and Appreciation Day will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, in the Mt. Vernon Grange Hall. Dessert and beverages will be provided by the Grant County 4-H Leaders Association. Awards to be presented are: 4-H leader pins, 4-H member pins, county medals and outstanding record, record book awards, special county awards and distinguished service awards.

Hosts will be 4-H ambassadors, Marley Winkelman and Daniel DesJardin.

‘Coffee with the Co-op’

JOHN DAY – Oregon Trail Electric Consumers Cooperative (OTECC) invites all members to join its representatives for “Coffee with the Co-op” 7-8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Squeeze-In Restaurant. The event is being held in celebration of OTECC’s 20th anniversary and National Cooperative Month.

Special youth hunt

Applications are now being accepted for a special youth hunt – second season, spike only – to be held Nov. 8-16, 2008. Applicants should be 12-17 years old and must be a Morrow or Grant County resident. A Hunter Education Certificate is also required.

All applications must be returned to the Morrow County Public Works Office, 365 W. Highway 74, P.O. Box 428, Lexington, OR, 97839, by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21. Applications will be drawn at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Morrow County Court’s session held at 100 Court Street in Heppner. More info: Morrow County Public Works Office, 541-989-9500.

Little League meeting

JOHN DAY – Grant County Little League’s annual meeting to elect board members will be 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Outpost Restaurant. Vacant positions must be filled in order for the 2009 to continue. Please volunteer to support the Little League. Call Bob Houser at 575-4151 for more information.

Up, up and away!

MT. VERNON – The First Annual Grant County Balloon Festival takes flight Friday through Sunday, Oct. 24-26. Special activities during the event include balloon launches starting at sunrise on Friday and a “Balloon Glow” at dusk on Saturday.

Friday night, the public will be invited to join the pilots and event sponsors for a special dinner at the newly-remodeled Mt. Vernon Community Hall. The evening will include entertainment by Upriver Country Band, cowboy poetry by Kathy Moss and art on display by the Grant County Art Association.

For more information on ride reservations, dinner tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call the Grant County Chamber of Commerce at 575-0547.

Star-gazing night

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument will offer a free telescopic tour of the stars and planets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. at the Thomas Condon Visitor Center in the Sheep Rock Unit. Bring binoculars and dress for the evening weather. More info: 987-2333.

Prenatal classes

JOHN DAY – A new five-week series of prenatal classes starts 6-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27. Classes will be held in the classroom at Blue Mountain Hospital. Wear comfortable clothes; snacks will be provided. Cost is $30; scholarships are available. Contact Debbie Stegman at 575-1311, extension 2214, or laborcoach@hotmail.com to pre-register, or for a tour of the labor and delivery department.

Blood drive

JOHN DAY – A Red Cross blood drive will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 28 and 29. Times on Tuesday are 2-7 p.m. and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. More info: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Christmas Bazaar

MT. VERNON – It’s time to start thinking about the Mt. Vernon Grange’s annual Christmas Bazaar, which is right around the corner, Saturday, Nov. 15. Tables are still available, so call Betty Elliott at 575-0545 or Jean Sagert at 575-1007 to reserve yours.

Christmas on the Prairie

PRAIRIE CITY – “Christmas on the Prairie,” sponsored by Talents and Treasures and the Prairie City Community Association, is coming up soon, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. For more information or to reserve a table, call Joy Waterhouse at 820-3325.