Party like it’s 1974 at the arts gala

PENDLETON — In 1974, President Richard Nixon resigned after the Watergate scandal, “Young Frankenstein” first graced the screen, and Muhammad Ali and George Foreman squared off in The Rumble in the Jungle.

And in Pendleton, a group of arts advocates, including the well-known artist Betty Feves, formed the Arts Council of Pendleton.

The Arts Council, best known for Pendleton Center for the Arts, is celebrating its anniversary with a fundraiser at the Pendleton Convention Center on Saturday, Nov. 9. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and features both silent and live auctions.

The Gala for the Arts invites supporters to “party like it’s 1974” complete with food, music and décor from the era.

“We’re having such a blast with this theme,” said Valerie Fouquette, Arts Council board member and gala chair. “Guests can attend in anything from casual evening attire to their favorite clothing, accessories, and hairstyles from the ‘70s.”

“50 years is a huge accomplishment in the nonprofit world,” said Executive Director Roberta Lavadour. “The fact is that people in the region — and beyond — see the value of creative expression and community connection. Valerie and her crew are putting on a great party to make supporting that work fun and rewarding.”

Tickets are $50 and available at PendletonArts.org, by calling 541-278-9201 or the arts center, 214 N. Main St.

Baker City plans ceremony for Nov. 11

BAKER CITY — The traditional Veterans Day ceremony will be at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the memorial in front of the Baker County Courthouse.

Mike Wilson, commander of the VFW, will be the featured speaker.

STOCK UP ON HOUSEPLANTS AT NOV. 9 SALE

PENDLETON — Satisfy your green thumb at a houseplant sale on Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to noon at the First Presbyterian Church, 201 SW Dorion Ave.

Shoppers will find Christmas cactus, rosary vine, lipstick plants, string of pearls and more. This event is organized by the Umatilla County Master Gardener Association.

Activities planned for veterans in Grant County

GRANT COUNTY — Veterans will be treated to assembles, free meals and more in celebration of Veterans Day this year.

Veterans eat free at the John Day Senior Center, 142 NE Dayton St., on Nov. 4 and Nov. 7. Reservations are requested, but not required, by calling 541-575-1825.

Nov. 7 is a big day — Grant Union High School is inviting veterans to breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by an assembly at 9 a.m. and classroom activities until noon. Then, from 12:30-3:30 p.m., vets are invited to Humboldt Elementary for classroom visits and a flag presentation at 3 p.m.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the John Day Elks Lodge will have a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Seventh Street Complex, followed by stew, bread and coffee at the lodge. At 6 p.m., veterans are invited to dinner at the Prairie City community center.

Share stories about ‘Paint Your Wagon’

BAKER CITY — Hollywood arrived in Baker City in 1968, along with Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin, for the filming of “Paint Your Wagon.” A speaker series on Tuesday, Nov. 12, invites everyone who has memories of that time to share stories at the Baker Heritage Museum, 2480 Grove St. Happy hour starts at 6 p.m. and the talk starts at 7 p.m.

Also, the Oregon Film Trail will be in attendance to collect audio recollections.

American Legion Post sets table for veterans

HERMISTON — American Legion Post No. 37 will pick up the tab so veterans can enjoy a pair of free meals at the Harkenrider Senior Activity Center, 255 NE Second St.

Held during the center’s regular senior lunch at noon, the menu features pork loin, potatoes and vegetables on Tuesday, Nov. 12 and stew, cornbread and coleslaw on Thursday, Nov. 14. Both meals include fruit and dessert. All ages are welcome and the cost for non-veterans is $5.

For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/4bsfS6a. People are asked to call 541-567-3582 before 11 a.m. to assist cooks with an accurate count.

Start shopping early at a Nov. 16 bazaar

HALFWAY — The Hells Canyon Junior Rodeo is planning a Christmas bazaar fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Halfway Lions Hall. Offerings include gifts and artisan crafts, and lunch will be available.

Vendor tables are $15. Those interested in having a table can call Courtney Walker, 952-463-6087, or Ashley Walker, 541-540-1369.

Condon’s fall festival is Nov. 16

CONDON — The annual Condon Fall Festival is Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Condon Memorial Hall and Elks Lodge.

More than 40 local vendors are expected. For more information, search www.oregonfrontierchamber.com.

Show opens Nov. 8 at Nightingale Gallery

LA GRANDE — Eastern Oregon University’s Nightingale Gallery presents “Plate Tectonics,” an exhibition by ceramic artists Ryan W. Kelly and Peter Morgan, with an opening reception Friday, Nov. 8, 5 p.m.

The exhibit examines the “humble kitsch object of the commemorative or souvenir ceramic plate,” according to a press release.

Though friends and colleagues in the field for decades, this is the first exhibition featuring Kelly and Morgan’s works.

“‘Plate Tectonics’ is an exploration by Kelly and Morgan into the history and sentimentality of the souvenir collector plate. Each in their unique way pays homage to these objects and playfully questions what indeed deserves commemoration,” said Cory Peeke, director of the Nightingale Gallery.

An additional artist talk happens Thursday, Nov. 7, 6 p.m., in Badgley Hall’s Huber Auditorium. The public is welcome to attend.

Get creative at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center

BAKER CITY — Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn Ave., has a slate of classes planned this fall. Be sure to sign up early, though, because classes require a minimum of three students. For payment options, and to register, visit crossroads-arts.org. Here’s a look at the schedule:

• Basics of Latin Dance: Nov. 11-Dec. 2, Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. In this introductory course, students will learn the basics of Latin America’s most common rhythms and dances.
• Intro to Salsa: Nov. 13-27, Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Learn the basics of this Latin dance. No partner required.
• No-Sew Banners and Wall Hangings: Nov. 14, 6-8 p.m. Want to use up fabric scraps? Ginger Rembold will teach students how to turn those into colorful decorations with iron-on adhesives.
• Sip-N-Spin: Nov. 14, 6-8 p.m. This class for ages 21 and older is an introduction to wheel throwing — and you can bring your beverage of choice.
• Make Your Own Action Figure or Fairy: Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to noon. Learn how to make a pocket-sized figure.

Capitol Christmas Tree stopping in Baker City

BAKER CITY — The Christmas tree that will stand in front of the U.S. Capitol this year will make its only Oregon stop in Baker City on Friday, Nov. 8.

Residents are invited to see the 74-foot Sitka spruce from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Baker County Fairgrounds. The festivities include Christmas ornament making, a visit from Santa and a trivia table.

The tree is coming from Alaska and making a 4,000-mile journey to Washington, D.C. The tree will arrive on its 108-foot trailer the night of Nov. 7, said Jacob Putney, extension forester for the Oregon State University Extension Service in Baker County.

The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is the local host for the tree, Putney said.

The last time the Capitol Christmas tree was in Baker City was in November 2018. That year’s tree was a noble fir cut on the Willamette National Forest.

Baker City was one of 11 stops in Oregon during the tree’s journey.

Hermiston salutes veterans with free breakfast

HERMISTON — Veterans and active duty service personnel are invited to enjoy a free breakfast on Monday, Nov. 11, 8-9:30 a.m. at the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395. In addition, their families and veteran caregivers are invited to attend.

The meal is catered by The Pheasant Blue Collar Bar & Grill. RSVP via 5411-667-5018.

Also, a slideshow will highlight area veterans. Submit a photo of your veteran along with their first/last name via kschwirse@hermiston.gov.

Square Dance Club offers free lessons

MILTON-FREEWATER — The Muddy Frogs Square Dance Club invites the public to free lessons for an introduction to modern Western square dance.

The group meets Sundays from 2-4 p.m. in the Milton-Freewater Community Building, 109 NE Fifth Ave.

“This is a great activity,” said Kim Munk. “You can walk seven miles at one night of dancing.”

No experience is needed and dress is casual. Bring a friend or come by yourself and meet one. For more information, contact Munk at luckymunk50@yahoo.com or 509-240-0576.

Echo hosts community Veterans Day Parade

ECHO — The Echo Community Celebration for Veterans Day is Monday, Nov. 11. The event begins with a parade at 10 a.m. along Main Street. The celebration resumes at 1 p.m. with a community-wide assembly in the Blue Gym at Echo School, 600 E. Gerone St. For questions, call 541-376-8436.

Spaghetti feed benefits Milton-Freewater Elks

MILTON-FREEWATER — The community is invited to a spaghetti feed on Thursday, Nov. 7, 5-7 p.m. at the Milton-Freewater Elks Lodge, 611 N. Main St.

Diners have a choice of meat sauce or vegetarian. The menu also features garlic bread and salad. The cost is by donation.

Proceeds from the dinner will support the lodge’s emergency fund. For more information, search www.facebook.com/elks2146 or call 541-938-3633.

Enjoy breakfast at the grange

JOSEPH — The Hurricane Creek Grange has an all-you-can-eat breakfast on the second Saturday of each month from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The next one is Nov. 9 at the grange, 82930 Airport Lane. Also, vendors are back.

A donation of $15 is requested. Veterans eat for free. The menu features meat, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, orange juice and coffee. For information, call Barbara McCormack, 541-398-1757.

Service honors veterans at Pendleton Pioneer Chapel

PENDLETON — Veterans of Foreign Wars Let’er Buck Post No. 922 will honor veterans — past and present — during the annual Veterans Day service at Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop.

The event is Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. outdoors in the Veteran’s Memorial Garden, 131 SE Byers Ave. The garden features stones with the names of all Umatilla County veterans who died in action.

Current military personnel, all area veterans and community members are invited to attend. Coffee, hot chocolate and donuts will be served after the service. For more information, call 541-276-1221.

Tickets on sale for Painted Sky gala

JOHN DAY — Painted Sky Center for the Arts is rolling out the red carpet for its 2024 fundraising gala Nov. 23 and tickets are now on sale.

Attendees can participate in festive games and bid in auctions of fine art, decorative Christmas trees and desserts. The gala will be Painted Sky’s largest fundraising event of the year.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at paintedskycenter.com or at the office of Karin Barntish, 131 W. Main St. in John Day. Those who would like to sponsor the event can visit paintedskycenter.com/special-events.

The fundraising gala will be at Painted Sky Center for the Arts, 116 NW Bridge St. in John Day. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Painted Sky’s goal is to raise $17,000 to help sustain the art center’s operations, after-school programming, youth/adult classes and workshops, and free events.

The evening will be catered by Campbell’s Catering and Sweets, with 1188 Brewing Co. providing festive cocktails, wine and beer.

Echo Christmas Market adds VIP experience

ECHO — A special VIP access ticket is available for this year’s Echo Christmas Market. People can have an advanced shopping experience before the general public, and receive a custom shopping tote, a wine tumbler and $5 off a bottle of wine.

The VIP event is Dec. 6, 4-8 p.m. in downtown Echo at Wild Bleu Yonder, 200 W. Main St., and Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main St. Limited tickets are available for $15. The regular event is Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vendor space is available. For a link to tickets or the vendor application, visit www.wildbleuyonder.com or search www.facebook.com/wildbleuyonder. For questions, call 541-571-0080.

Heppner’s Market 87 features artisans, creators

HEPPNER — Crafters, makers, creators, artisans and small home-based businesses are finding a home at a new mercantile in Heppner.

Shoppers looking for unique items can support local entrepreneurs at Market 87, 133 N. Main St. The venue held a soft opening on Oct. 10 and is currently open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find everything from jewelry, handcrafted wood items, candles and fresh hydroponic greens to clothing, laser-engraved products, home decor and artisan breads.

The mercantile was developed through a partnership between the Heppner Chamber of Commerce and the Heppner Community Foundation. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3NCu6Yy. For questions, contact 541-676-5536 or heppnerchamber@gmail.com.