Trees for Scholars Auction this week
Sweet Home Alumni Foundation will hold its annual Trees for Scholars Christmas tree auction this year, but it will hold it online.
The trees for sale will be available for viewing Wednesday through Saturday, Dec. 2-5 in businesses throughout Sweet Home. Trees are donated by local businesses and decorated by local crafters.
The online auction will open for bids at 10 a.m. on Dec. 4 and close at 3 p.m. on Dec. 5. Winning bidders will be announced via Facebook Live at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Trees will be delivered to winners on Dec. 6.
SHAF’s annual Trees for Scholars auctions have raised more than $500,000 for college-bound graduates from Sweet Home High School since 1996, with some $55,000 awarded last year.
Also, Linn-Co Federal Credit Union will decorate and raffle off an artificial tree to benefit SHAF that will be on display in its lobby in November and the first week of December. Tickets are $1 each.
Those who do not want to buy a tree can donate to the SHAF scholarship fund at http://www.facebook.com/SHAFTreesForScholars. Photos of the trees being auctioned will also be visible at that website.
Businesses sponsoring trees include: Heritage NW/Timber Harvesting Inc., Gregory Home Team, Krake Home Sales, Ticor Title – Lebanon, Shauna Baxter, Apple Tree Home and Farm, Anderson Enterprise – Shawn Anderson, Wolthuis Family Dentistry, Sweet Things Boutique, Steelhead Fitness, Farmers Insurance – Lebanon/Salon W and NWI Defense – Albany.
For more information, contact any of the following SHAF board members: Mary Sue Reynolds at (541) 401-1794 or [email protected]; Jamie Melcher at (541) 401-1991 or [email protected]; Abby Virtue-Hagle at (541) 409-0701 or [email protected]; or Shari Melcher-Smith at (541) 409-4019 or [email protected].
City Christmas tree lighting Saturday
The City of Sweet Home will hold its annual Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
(Note: Last week’s edition of The New Era had incorrect date.)
Carolers from the Sweet Home Singing Christmas Tree will perform during the event, which will be live-streamed via Facebook Live on the city’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/cityofsweethome.
For more information, contact Lagea at (541) 818-8029.
Christmas tree permits available
Christmas tree permits are now available from the Willamette National Forest and can be purchased through Dec. 31.
People are encouraged to purchase Christmas tree permits online at Recreation.gov. The Forest Service decided to move Christmas tree permit sales to Recreation.gov as an added convenience for visitors, as well as provide an alternative to in-person transactions at USFS offices, which remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As an added bonus this year, fourth- and fifth-grade students who have an Every Kid Outdoors pass can apply for a free Christmas tree permit through Recreation.gov by entering their voucher or pass number when prompted.
Visit https://go.usa.gov/x7pMN to purchase a Willamette National Forest Christmas tree permit. For those without internet service, Christmas tree permits may also be purchased in person from local vendors, which, locally, include Coffee Hut at 2450 Main St., Dan-Dee Sales at 610 Main St., Bi Mart at 1980 Main St., and Foster Lake Mall at 5470 Highway 20.
It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit.
Local vendors will not be able to provide Every Kid Outdoors tree permits or passes. Permits are $5 per tree, with a limit of five permits per household. Recreation.gov charges an additional $2.50 service fee per order. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
Maps, which indicate where Christmas trees may be harvested, are available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/passes-permits/forestproducts/?cid=fseprd564462.
Closures are in effect in both the Holiday Farm, Beachie Creek and Lionshead fire areas, so check the “Alerts and Warnings” feature on the above website for information on access.
Winter weather in the forest can change rapidly. Most forest roads are not maintained for winter driving. Forest staff recommend bringing traction devices and a shovel, extra food, drinking water, winter clothing, blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
Additionally, bring a tool for cutting a tree and a rope or cord to secure it to a vehicle. Tree cutting and travel may take longer than anticipated. Let a friend or family member know where you are going, get an early start, and leave the woods before dark.
Soil and water district meeting
The 74th Annual Meeting of the Linn Soil and Water Conservation District will be held virtually on at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8.
For further information, or to RSVP, contact [email protected] or call (541) 926-2483.
Meals on Wheels weekly menu
Meals on Wheels offers take-out lunch at the Sweet Home Community Center to seniors over 60 at noon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
The Senior Center serves a separate lunch on Wednesdays.
Suggested donation is $3.50. All meals are served with milk, coffee or tea upon request and diabetic desserts are available on request.
The menu on Friday, Dec. 4, is chicken or egg salad sandwich half on whole wheat bread, cream of tomato soup, carrot slaw and pineapple tidbits.
The menu on Monday, Dec. 7, is beef tomato macaroni or sweet and sour chicken with brown rice, Italian bean medley, creamy coleslaw, herb roll and spiced applesauce.
The menu on Tuesday, Dec. 8, is hearty chicken stew or cheese and green chile bake, spinach romaine salad, California blend vegetables, multigrain roll and pears.
For more information, contact Norene at (541) 367-8843.