‘Holiday Healing’

JOHN DAY – “Holiday Healing,” an event created to support a sober season and a great time, will be held 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the Arcade Room at the Outpost Restaurant.

This is an opportunity to learn how to help yourself, a friend or a family member with such issues as alcohol, anxiety, drugs or depression. It’s a chance to meet sponsors or become a sponsor, and to learn about dates and times for meetings such as AA, NA and other area support groups.

The evening will also include a team pool tournament and a hunting competition. Pizza, salads and soda will be provided at no charge and the activities are free, too. Gift certificates will be given for the first and second place teams.

To reserve a spot, call Richard at 620-2463 or the Outpost at 575-0250.

Humbolt program

CANYON CITY – Humbolt Elementary School invites everyone to their annual Christmas program, “December Gifts,” Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the school gym.

The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. with the kindergarten, first- and second-grade classes. After a short intermission, about 7:15 p.m., grades three-five and the Little Singers will perform. The concert will include a variety of holiday and winter-time selections, plus a script written by the fifth-grade students.

Admission is a nonperishable food item for the Grant County Food Bank and Helping Hands, a new food pantry starting up at the John Day United Methodist Church.

Grandparents are invited to the final rehearsal at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, for those preferring to avoid a nighttime performance.

GUHS Christmas play

JOHN DAY – The Grant Union High School drama class will present the one act play “The One and Only Santa Claus,” by Pat Cook, 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 17 and 18, on stage in the school’s old gym.

Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for students. The play is appropriate for all ages and there will be opportunities to speak to Santa and his helpers.

Dayville program

DAYVILLE – Dayville School invites the public to its Christmas program at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18.

Candy sale offers sweets

JOHN DAY – The John Day Kiwanis Club continues its See’s Candies sale this week with sales Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, inside Chester’s Thriftway. The selections include assorted, nuts and chews, or soft-centers, for $15 a box, and Awesome Walnut Bars for $8 a box.

People can also order the candies directly by calling KerryAnn Woomer at 575-3600. Proceeds from the candy sale help fund many children’s and community projects that Kiwanis supports in the local area.

Counting birds

JOHN DAY – The 28th John Day Christmas Bird Count will be held Saturday, Dec. 20. Participants need to meet at the Outpost Restaurant no later than 7 a.m. Come earlier if you want breakfast beforehand.

There is a $5 charge to cover compilation and publication of results by the National Audubon Society. The compilation and monthly bird club meeting will be at the Gagnon’s home that evening starting at 6 p.m.

Participants should dress warmly and be prepared for that day’s weather. They should also bring binoculars, field guide, lunch and beverages as most parties will be out the full day and out of town. For further information, contact Tom Winters at 542-2006.

Benefit dance

MT. VERNON – Mt. Vernon Grange will sponsor a benefit dance 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Admission is $5 per couple, $3 for singles, and children under 12 admitted free.

Upriver Country Band will provide the entertainment for everyone’s dancing and listening pleasure. All proceeds will benefit the Grant County Food Bank.

Christmas Day dinner

JOHN DAY – A traditional Christmas meal with both turkey and ham served, will be held at the John Day Senior Center 12:30 p.m. Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25. The meal is free and open to the public.

More info: Glenn or RoseAnn Palmer, 575-2831.

Horse fossil workshop

DAYVILLE – Have you ever wondered about horses and their family trees? Come to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, for a three-hour, hands-on workshop and study fossils from the surprising horse family tree.

The workshop is designed for students 14 and older; younger children should be accompanied by an adult.

Meet at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, located nine miles west of Dayville. The workshop is limited to the first 20 people; to RSVP call 987-2333.

Firemen’s Ball

MT. VERNON – The Mt. Vernon Firemen’s Ball will be held at from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the Mt. Vernon Community Center.

The choice of prime rib or chicken dinner will begin at 7 p.m. and breakfast, catered by Shcarol’s will be served at 1 a.m. There will also be a no-host bar available and music will be provided by Half Fast Productions.

Presale tickets are $45 per couple, $35 for singles, and $5 more at the door.

The People Mover will also be on hand for transportation to and from the ball.

Tickets are available at Mt. Vernon City Hall, Les Schwab Tire Center and from any Mt. Vernon fireman.

Regional Events

Christmas Trains on track

SUMPTER – The Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration is operating Christmas trains this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21. The historic steam locomotive No. 19 will pull heated, antique passenger cars the five miles between McEwen Station and the depot in Sumpter.

Trains will depart at 10 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. from McEwen station for the round trip. Most trains will layover in Sumpter for one hour and 20 minutes for the riders to visit Santa and local merchants.

Round Trip Fares are: $25 for adults, $15 for children age 4-12, and $60 family rate. To make a reservation, call toll free 1-888-523-5882.