Upcoming City Meetings
These are regularly-scheduled meetings. Sometimes the dates or times are changed due to schedule conflicts among members, work session additions, holidays, etc. Last minute changes do occur at times. Please check the governing board’s website for updated information and agendas.
Sweet Home City Council: Tue., May 26, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
Brownsville City Council: Tue., May 26, 7 p.m., at City Hall, 255 N Main St.
PIE Charter School Board: Mon., June 1, 6 p.m., at Sand Ridge Charter School, 100 Sand Ridge Ct., Lebanon.
Sweet Home Planning Commission: Thur., June 4, 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
Central Linn School Board: Mon., June 8, 6 p.m., at Conference Room, 239 W 2nd St., Halsey.
Sweet Home School Board: Mon., June 8, 6:30 p.m., at 1920 Long St.
Lebanon Fire District: Tues., June 9, 5:30 p.m., at 1050 W. Oak St.
Sweet Home City Council: Tues., June 9, 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
Waterloo City Council: Tues., June 9, 7 p.m., at 31140 1st St.
Halsey City Council: Tues., June 9, 7 p.m., at City Hall, 100 Halsey St.
Lebanon City Council: Wed., June 10, 6 p.m., at Lebanon Library, 55 Academy St.
Lebanon School Board: Thur., June 11, 6 p.m., at Lebanon Library, 55 Academy St.
Lebanon Aquatic District: Mon., June 15, 6 p.m., at Lebanon Pool, 1800 S 5th St.
Sweet Home Fire Board: Tue., June 16, 6:30 p.m., at 1099 Long St.
Brownsville Fire Board: Tue., June 16, 6:30 p.m., at 600 E Blakely.
Sweet Home Park & Tree Committee: Wed., June 17, 8:30 a.m. at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
Lebanon Parks, Trees & Trails: Wed., June 17, 2 p.m. at Lebanon Library, 55 Academy St.
Lebanon Planning Commission: Wed., June 17, 6 p.m. at Lebanon Library, 55 Academy
Sweet Home Planning Commission: Thur., June 18, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
Sodaville City Council: Thur., June 18, 7 p.m. at City Hall, 30723 Sodaville Road.
The New Era publishes announcements of upcoming events at no charge, as space permits. Free and nonprofit events are prioritized, but free services or events offered by for-profit businesses will also be included as space permits. To submit an event, email information (description, location, date, time and any other necessary details, as well as contact information for questions) to [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the event. Questions? Call (541) 367-2135 or send a message to the above email.
Final flower design
class Thursday
The Lebanon Garden Club will host its final flower design class this year on Thursday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St.
The free classes are held in preparation for the annual Strawberry Festival Standard Flower Show to encourage the community to participate. However, participation is not required.
You must register, due to limited space. Register by email or phone at [email protected] or 541-981-9560; submit name (first and last), email and phone number. A donation of $5-10 is appreciated, to cover the cost of supplies.
May 21 – Teacup and miniature design. This hands-on course requires you bring a teacup or teacup-sized container to take home your own design.
Blood Drive May 21
at medical school
Western University of Health Sciences will host a blood drive in support of Bloodworks Northwest from 12-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, at COMP-NW, 200 Mullins Dr., Heritage Hall, Lebanon.
Reservations are required for the one-hour appointment by visiting bloodworksNW.org/giveblood (do a search by zip code to find correct appointment), or go directly to https://donate.bloodworksnw.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/107029.
Photo ID required. For safety, we kindly request no visitors under 16 at our donation sites. Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation.
For more information, email [email protected].
Strawberry runs
signup deadline
The deadline to get a T-shirt and sign up for the Lebanon Strawberry 1 Mile/5K run/walk is May 22.
Cost is $25 for the 5K, $8 for the 1 Mile.
T-Shirts are included for all 5k participants who pre-register by May 22. 1 Mile participants can buy a shirt for $10 until that date.
The races are held before the Grand Parade on Saturday, June 6. The Mile begins at 9 a.m., with the 5K at 9:30. The flat, fast out-and-back course runs from the American Legion Hall on Main Street through downtown to BiMart and back to the start, along the parade route.
Sign up at www.lebanonstrawberryfest.com/runwalk.html.
Potato bake, dessert
at SH Legion
Timber City American Legion Post 133 will hold a potato bake and dessert auction from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 22, at 109 W. Holley Road in Sweet Home.
The public is invited. A medium potato dinner with a salad and drink is $12. A large potato meal is $15. Desserts will be auctioned off.
Also, a weekly Legion Breakfast is held from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., open to the public.
Lebanon Library seeks
youth volunteers
Students ages 13 through 18 are invited to join the Lebanon Public Library’s Summer Youth Volunteer Program 2026.
Applications must be turned in by Saturday, May 23.
Duties for youth volunteers include assisting with set-up for performers, helping children during hands-on activity days, and assisting librarians during the performances. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to hand out prizes and sign up participants for the summer reading incentives program.
On Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m., youth volunteers can help shelve in the children’s area of the library. Youth will also be given the opportunity to help with storytimes and other events.
To qualify, students must be 13 to 18 years old, must turn in a completed Volunteer Application, and must attend a mandatory orientation session. Youth Volunteer Applications are available at the Lebanon Public Library.
For more information contact Darcy Smith at (541) 258-4926 or [email protected].
Albany theater to
stage ‘Final Cut’
Albany Civic Theater will put on a three-day production of “Final Cut: An Interactive Murder Mystery,” Friday and Saturday, May 22-23, at 111 W. 1st Ave., Albany.
Director Eddie Cheek is looking for backers for his new movie, “The Zombie Was An Alien,” so he’s throwing a 1950s investors gala shindig for interested parties. This is an interactive murder mystery party, in which audience members will be gala attendees who will be encouraged to dress up, have fun, and talk to audience and actors alike in order to understand the full story and solve the mystery. Audience members are encouraged to dress for the theme.
All proceeds go directly to the theater’s “Next Stage” fund, intended to expand and improve the theater’s capacity to better serve the community in more versatile ways.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.albanycivic.org/tickets.
Free Sweet Home
electronic recycling
In partnership with Green Century Electronics Recycling, the City of Sweet Home will host a free household electronics recycling event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, at Sweet Home City Hall, 3225 Main St.
This event is open to households and small businesses. Green Century Electronics Recycling will perform secure data destruction (NIST 800.88) on data-containing devices.
Be sure to follow the guidance for what can and cannot be recycled. There will not be the opportunity to dispose of anything not accepted by Green Century Electronics Recycling on site.
For more information, contact Maggie Clark, of Green Century Electronics Recycling, at
[email protected], or call 503-764-9963.
Foster Dam Road
closure next week
The road over Foster Dam will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will install a weir in the spillway gate, allowing for juvenile fish passage and temperature control. An additional closure day may be required from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 28, for an inspection.
Updates and further information is available by calling (541) 942-5631.
Wellness fair
at Pioneer School
Pioneer School will host a Wellness Fair from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at 500 N. Fifth St., Lebanon.
Families are invited to enjoy free food, music, prizes and a kid zone, and learn about community resources and support that are available.
Linn County
Town Hall
Linn County Commissioner Sherrie Sprenger and Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan will host a town hall meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, at the Lebanon Fire District, 1050 W Oak St.
This is an opportunity for Linn County residents to hear updates about county initiatives, ask questions and share input about issues affecting communities and public safety.
For more information, contact Amanda Giles at 541-967-3825, or email [email protected].
Rollin’ Oldies Cruise-in
The Rollin’ Oldies Car Club invites car enthusiasts to join them for a pre-Strawberry Festival Cruise-In from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, at Grocery Outlet, 2540 S Santiam Hwy., Lebanon.
Lots of classic cars and trucks from our part of the Willamette Valley will be on display. The club is “warming up” for the big parade on June 2.
Christmas Store
bingo at SH Legion
A bingo fundraiser for the 12th Annual Sweet Home Kids Free Christmas Store will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, at the Timber City American Legion, 109 W. Holley Road, Sweet Home.
Four cards are $20. Every bingo winner will receive a gift card from local businesses. There will be a concession stand and opportunity for drawings. All funds support the Annual Kids Free Christmas Store, where kids shop for free for their family. For more information, contact Nancy Patton at (541) 409-4276.
Fire chief to speak
at chamber Forum Lunch
Lebanon Fire Chief John Tacy will speak at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce’s Forum Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital conference center, 525 N. Santiam Hwy.
Tacy will speak on the state of LFD. Cost, which includes lunch, is $23 for members, $30 for future members. The event includes drawings for prizes, which can be donated by participants.
Register at www.lebanon-chamber.org or call (541) 258-7164.
Second annual
Lebanon Powwow
The second annual Lebanon Powwow will be held on Saturday, May 30, at Lebanon High School, 1700 S 5th St.
This is a family-friendly, drug- and alcohol-free cultural event that is free and open to the public.
The powwow is coordinated by Laurie Regalado through the Native American / Alaska Native Education Program. The purpose of the event is to celebrate and share Native culture, honor traditions, uplift Native youth, recognize elders and graduating seniors, and bring the broader community together in a respectful and educational way.
The event will include grand Entry and powwow dancing, drumming and singing, special dances – including tiny tots, cultural and educational components, and Native vendors offering handmade items, art and food. Several drum groups are expected to participate and the Ameyalmazatl Citlaltonal Aztec Dancers are scheduled to perform from 5 to 6 p.m. The Grand Ronde Color Guard is also scheduled to participate.
Vendor applications are being accepted. For an application, email [email protected].
Additional details, including the full schedule, will be shared closer to the event date.
Free wildfire
defense workshop
Sweet Home Fire will host a free half-day workshop from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at Sankey Park in Sweet Home.
As part of SHFAD’s “Wildfire Ready Linn County” project, local fire professionals will teach residents what they can do to prepare their homes and families for wildfires. It will include discussion topics such as home hardening, defensible space around your home and evacuation preparedness, and will conclude with a hot dog feed and resource fair to connect residents with local resources.
Register online at forms.gle/iwqmofbHKs2oNHNk6 or contact Maddie Tutton at [email protected].
Lebanon garden
beds available
Porter Park Community Garden in Lebanon has 15 raised garden plots available for rent.
The Community Garden was built by the city to give Lebanon residents a place to garden and promote a healthy community through fresh garden-grown produce and enjoy a community of gardeners.
Located at 2240 Porter St., the rental plot includes soil, compost, water, basic gardening tools to use on-site, and support from Master Gardener and Community Garden Coordinator Sheryl Casteen.
Impromptu garden classes or mentoring available upon request. Application documents can be found at LebanonOregon.gov/535/Porter-Park-Community-Garden, or send an email request to [email protected].
Young women’s
fire academy
Lebanon Fire District brings back its annual free two-day Linn County Young Women’s Fire Academy Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22-23.
The academy, taught by women firefighters, is open to Oregon girls aged 14 to 19.
The YWFA is designed to be fun, challenging, entertaining and educational, including a range of classes encompassing skills such as fire suppression, emergency medical services, interviewing skills, climbing ladders, vehicle extrication, physical fitness, technical skills, teamwork and leadership skills, and more.
The application deadline is extended to June 1. To apply, visit LebanonFireOregon.gov/259/Linn-County-Young-Womens-Fire-Academy, or stop in at Station 31, 1050 W. Oak St., Lebanon, during business hours, M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Strawberry Standard
Flower Show
The Lebanon Garden Club will host its annual Standard Flower Show in conjunction with the Lebanon Strawberry Festival on June 5-6 at Santiam Place Event Center, 139 S. Main St., Lebanon.
Anyone is welcome to submit their own flowers or flower designs free of charge. Entry cards and rule books are available at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, Lebanon Senior Center, Lebanon Library and Summit Ace Garden Center. Rule books can be emailed by request at [email protected]
The community is welcome to see the flower show on Friday, June 5, from 12:30-4:30 p.m., and Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cancer Survivor
Day celebration
The Samaritan Cancer Program will host a National Cancer Survivors Day celebration to honor cancer survivors and their loved ones from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, in Corvallis and Newport.
On this day around the globe, people living with a history of cancer unite to celebrate milestones and recognize those who have supported them along the way.
The event is free to all. Guests will enjoy food and a fun art activity, hear inspiring talks from Samaritan’s cancer care team and cancer survivors, learn about community cancer resources and more.
Corvallis: Pastega Regional Cancer Center, on the campus Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, 441 NW Elks Drive.
Newport: Center for Health Education, across from Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, 740 SW Ninth St.
For more information or to register, visit samhealth.org/CelebrateSurvivors, or call the Samaritan Cancer Resource Center at 541-768-2171. Registration is encouraged but not required.
SHHS bands plan
spaghetti fundraiser
Sweet Home’s bands will host a spaghetti fundraiser from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 11, in the Sweet Home High School Commons, 1641 Long St.
The event will include a silent auction, baked goods, carnival games and more. Cost is $10 per person, $5 for children 5 and under.
The Sweet Home High School Jazz Band will also perform.
Activities at the
Healing Gardens
Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation invites people to enjoy the hospital’s Japanese healing gardens through several upcoming opportunities. To register, or for more information, contact Brandy O’Bannon at [email protected]. Or register online at samhealth.org/LebanonHealingGardens.
June 12, July 10, Aug. 14 and Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. – Garden Tour: One-hour guided garden tour, starting at the koi pond gazebo, Boulder Falls Event Center. Learn about the garden’s history, design and care while exploring both gardens. No registration required.
June 20 from 1-4 p.m. – Garden Vignettes Textile Class: Spend time in the garden, then learn to use fabric layering and embroidery stitching to create an inspired image in cloth.
June 22, July 13, Aug. 17 and Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. – Stroll for Well-Being: An independent walking and journaling program designed to support mindful reflection. Journals provided during orientation session.
July 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Family Day: (11-12:30) – Children 6-12 are invited to this “storigami” experience to learn traditional Japanese paper folding while listening to a story read by paper artist Yuki Martin. (1-3) – Parents and children can enjoy a garden bingo activity and art project for glass plant stakes. (1-4) – Bonsai expert Lee Cheatle will lead a private bonsai class for adults 18 and over; small fee required for take-home bonsai.
Jim Bean Safety
Fair to be June 13
Sweet Home will hold its annual Jim Bean Safety Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 13, at Sankey Park, 877 14th Ave.
The event will include raffles, games, safety education activities, a bike rodeo, a touch-a-truck, food, free bike helmets and signups for the Summer Reading Program.
Native American
encampments in parks
A Native American Cultural Encampment will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 24-26, at Waterloo County Park, 39510 Gross St., and Aug. 28-30 at Cascadia County Park, 48241 Cascadia Dr., Cascadia.
Cultural encampment is a group of Native Americans from different parts of the U.S. gathering together and making village-type settings with tipis and tents as they share their individual cultures and traditional information with the community.
Activities include craft classes, Pow Wow style dancing, vendor booths, flute playing, family activities, and a lunchtime feast on Sunday.
For more information, visit naculturalencampment.org.
Baby and Preschool
Storytime at library
Lebanon Public Library’s storytimes will continue on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 55 Academy St.
Baby and Me StoryTime is held at 10 a.m. every Wednesday. This is designed for ages 0 to 24 months and their caregivers. Those that attend will enjoy interactive time with their child through stories, finger plays, rhyme time and more.
Preschool StoryTime is held at 10 a.m. every Thursday. This allows children 3 years old through kindergarten to explore their world interactively through books, songs, finger plays and crafts.
For more information about storytimes at the Lebanon Library, call (541) 258-4926, visit www.ci.lebanon.or.us/library, or follow the library on social media.
Square dance lessons
open to public
Lebanon Square Circlers offers square dance lessons Sundays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St.
No experience required. The first class is free and cost thereafter is $6 per person or $15 per family. All ages are welcome.
Shaun McKamey will be the caller/instructor.
Square Circlers also hold dances on the first and third Saturday nights of each month at the Lebanon Senior Center.
For more information, call (541) 401-9780 or visit www.lebanonsquarecirclers.com.
Church seeks
hygiene help
Crowfoot Baptist Church operates a hygiene supply program for families in need. They are in need of toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, bar soap, hand soap, feminine hygiene products (tampons and pads), razors, shaving cream, dish soap, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaner, bleach, toilet paper, garbage bags.
To donate, or for more information, call (541) 258-3138, or visit the church during open hours (T, W, Th, and Sun from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m) at 699 Cascade Drive.
Suicide loss
support group
Lebanon Area Mental Health Alliance hosts a Suicide Bereavement Support Group every second Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lebanon Community Hospital, 525 Santiam Hwy. in conference room 1 and 2. Park and enter at the back of the building.
For anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one by suicide, struggles with previous attempts or attempts from a loved one, or if suicide has had an impact on your life.
A licensed mental health therapist will facilitate the meetings. For more information, contact Dave Butler at (541) 936-2580 or via email at [email protected].
Animal rescue
helpers needed
Linn County Animal Rescue needs volunteers for its nonprofit work outside Lebanon. For those interested in a rewarding time spent with animals, consider joining LCAR which has horses, minis, cows, sheep and senior dogs. There are two shifts a day, morning and afternoon. Volunteers can work with the livestock or dogs, or both.
Donations and sponsorships are also welcomed. For more information, visit lcarhorse.org or call (541) 258-3422.
Urgent need for Meals
on Wheels delivery
Meals on Wheels of Sweet Home is in urgent need of volunteer drivers, delivering free meals to local seniors and disabled adults in the Sweet Home area.
Delivery days are Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The role is best suited for people available in the mid-day, as meals go out at noon. Volunteers work one to two days a week for about 2.5 hours each shift.
Meals on Wheels is managed by Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments and operated by local volunteers. Volunteers package fresh meals in the kitchen and the drivers deliver them. Many local people count on this food as a primary source of nutrition.
Email to [email protected] or call Heidi at 541.812.6015. Each volunteer must fill out an application and complete a background check.
Museum needs
help from locals
East Linn Museum is seeking volunteers and items that are needed for the operation of the museum.
The museum needs volunteers for its operations to replace retiring volunteers. New volunteers are not required to know anything about the museum or how to operate a computer. The museum operates three days a week from Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Supplies needed by the museum include: copy paper, postage stamps, legal size envelopes, paper towels, toilet paper, glass cleaner, all purpose cleaner and Ajax.
For more information, call the museum at (541) 367-4580.
Free dinners
on Mondays
Sunshine Industries invites the public to a free dinner every Monday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 1333 Clark Mill Road. Because everyone matters.
Free health
clinic Tuesdays
The East Linn Community Clinic is held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 1600 Main St. in Lebanon.
This is a medical clinic that provides primary and acute medical care for under- or uninsured individuals. On select nights, Western U COMP-NW offers osteopathic manipulative medicine to treat chronic and acute pain. Patients may walk in or schedule appointments.
For more information, call (541) 758-3000 ext. 115.
VFW open events
The VFW & AUX Post #3437 invites the public to its open house events, located at 580 Main St., Sweet Home.
Breakfast every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Poker night every Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Karaoke every second and fourth Friday
Cook-Off competitions once a month