Bingo fundraiser
for River Center youth
The River Center Youth Student Ministries will hold a Bingo fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 7, at the church, 3000 S. Santiam Hwy., Lebanon.
Proceeds will fund youths going to Winter Camp Feb. 20-22.
Bingo event admission is $20 for four cards. The event, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., will include food concessions, opportunity tickets to win door prizes, gift baskets and every Bingo winner will win a gift card from Sweet Home and Lebanon businesses. Everyone is invited and all ages can play.
For more details, contact Youth Pastor Brant Rogers at (541) 451-1271 or email [email protected].
‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr.
Hyde’ in Albany
Albany Civic Theater will stage “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” Jan. 23 through Feb. 7 at 111 W. 1st Ave., Albany,
Performances are Jan. 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 and Feb. 1, 5, 6 and 7. Evening performances are at 7 p.m. Sunday performances are matinees, at 2:30 p.m.
For tickets and more information, visit albanycivic.org.
The theater is holding auditions for “Pirates of Penzance” Jan. 26-27. Auditions are open to all. For more information, visit www.albanycivic.org/get-involved.
Galentine’s Market
Feb. 8 in Lebanon
Nessie Bar Co will host a “Galentine’s Market” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8, at the Lebanon Boys & Girls Club, 305 S 5th St., Lebanon.
Open to the public, the event features local women-owned businesses. Shop to find unique goods, enjoy refreshments, connect and support these entrepreneurs, makers and bakers.
Square dancers to
celebrate, add classes
Lebanon Square Circlers will celebrate 77 years of square dancing Sunday, Feb. 8, from at the Lebanon Senior Center.
This very special event will feature caller Shaun McKamey and cuer Sandra Pinion. It will run from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Senior Center, 80 Tangent St. in Lebanon.
Lebanon Square Circlers is the second oldest square dance club in Oregon. The public is invited to attend for free to watch the dancing and to have strawberry shortcake with the dancers.
Additionally, Lebanon Square Circlers is starting Sunday classes starting Feb. 15: a square dance class from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a two-step from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Partners are not necessary and the first lesson is free. Cost thereafter is $6 per lesson or $15 per family. Kids are welcome. For more information call (541) 401-9780 or visit vwww.lebanonsquarecirclers.com/
Foster Road to be
closed Feb. 9-12
The road over Foster Dam will be closed Feb. 9-12 as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintenance workers perform spillway gate inspections.
Vehicles will not be able to pass during that time until completion of the project.
For more information, contact Lisa Maguire at (54) 623-1338.
Nonprofit Summit
Feb. 12 in Albany
The annual Willamette Valley Nonprofit Summit returns Thursday, Feb. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at YMCA, 3201 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany.
The one-day summit includes keynote speakers and breakout sessions to fuel nonprofit success. Speakers this year are Marion Clark Jr. and Coach Mary Stade, both of Willamette Valley Jaguars. Breakout sessions include topics on grant writing, nonprofit law, board engagement and more.
Cost is $32 per person if registered by Jan. 31, after which time the price is $42. Register online at https://bit.ly/3YuqPA4.
Valentine’s Brunch
at Sweet Home VFW
Sweet Home VFW will host a Valentine’s Brunch fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Veterans Club, 580 Main St.
Tickets are $25 for the Brunch Buffet, with an add-on Mimosa Bar for $10. Also, a VIP ticket including both, plus five raffle tickets, is available for $30 per person. VIP tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Others are available at the door.
In addition to a buffet spread that includes sweet (pastries, waffles and pancake bites, yogurt and fruit), savory (fritatta squares, bacon and sausage, quiche and breakfast potatoes) and “grazers” fare (a charcuterie board and bagels), the event will include raffle basketball and prizes.
Proceeds benefit the Kids Christmas Store. For information, contact the VFW at (541) 972-8556.
Sweetheart Valentine Dance
Riverview PTC and Explosion Dance Team will host a Sweetheart Valentine Dance from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Riverview School, 1011 Mountain River Dr., Lebanon.
There will be music, prizes, dancing, pizza, concessions and professional photos. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $5 per person, $20 max per household.
Seedling Sale, Woods
Fair Feb. 14 at Expo Center
Linn County Small Woodlands Association will hold its annual Seedling Sale and Woods Fair from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Linn County Expo Center.
The seedling sale will offer a limited number of Oregon white oak and dwarf Oregon grape seedlings on the day of the sale, as well as the opportunity for buyers to pick up plants they have pre-ordered.
The Woods Fair will offer a variety of quality local wood work – jewelry, kitchen utensils, bird boxes, walking sticks and even chess sets in past years. Also included are staffed informational booths that can be useful to tree growers. To register as a vendor, email [email protected] or text (541) 223-3935.
Profits from the sale fund college and 4-H scholarships.
Volunteers are always welcome. Volunteer by emaiingl [email protected].
Seed Swap Feb. 17
at Lebanon Library
The Santiam Food Alliance’s annual seed swap and gardeners’ gathering will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Lebanon Public Library, 55 Academy St.
Admittance is free and all are welcome. Bring seeds to share, if you have some. Tubers and other roots are welcome, too, provided they are wrapped or clean. Be sure to bring envelopes and a pen so you can collect seeds shared by other gardeners.
This year’s Seedy Tuesday will open with a presentation by Linda Ziedrich on unusual vegetables and how to grow and use them, based on her book “The Curious Kitchen Gardener,” which was published last spring by Timber Press. Seeds will be available for most or all of the varieties she discusses.
The event will also include a Master Gardeners’ advice table and an information table staffed by the Lebanon Garden Club.
Seedy Tuesday is a project of the Santiam Food Alliance, with co-sponsorship by the Lebanon Public Library, the Lebanon Garden Club, and Linn County Master Gardeners.
For more information about the Santiam Food Alliance, visit santiamfood.org or the Santiam Food Alliance Facebook page.
Woodland management
training offered by OSU
Oregon State University is offering Master Woodland Manager training starting March 5 through its Forestry and Natural Resources Extension.
This is a high-level course for private landowners who are interested in an intensive forest management training and sharing the knowledge gained through this training with people in their local communities.
Basic experience or knowledge in entry-level forest ecology and/or management is required.
Each session will be held every other week from March through May and will be outdoors at
various woodland locations throughout Linn, Benton and Polk counties. Instructors will include
forestry service agencies and organizations, OSU faculty, and a number of other local
professionals.
Advanced registration is required, as capacity is limited. For additional details and cost, and to register, visit https://beav.es/x2K, email Crystal Kelso at [email protected] or
call (541) 730-3539.
Rural Living Day
returns March 7
Oregon State University Extension Small Farms Program will hold its annual Rural Living Day Saturday, March 7, at Junction City High School.
The event provides rural landowners and stewards an opportunity to learn about a variety of
subjects such as composting, soils and pastures, hay assessment, weed management, tree identification, septic systems, chainsaw safety, food preservation and more.
Morning refreshments will be provided. Participants should bring their own lunches or plan accordingly.
Advanced registration is required as capacity is limited. For additional details and to RSVP, visit https://beav.es/RLD, email Crystal Kelso at [email protected] or call (541) 730-3539.
America’s anniversary
contest for kids
The Santiam Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution encourages students to enter the America 250! contest for a chance to win a field trip across the nation in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, July 4, 2026.
The contest invites students in grades 3 thru 12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them for an opportunity to travel to some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.
The question is: What does America mean to you?
Submit artwork, including physical art through a high-res photo, or a short written response (up to 100 words for grades 3-5, 250 words for 6-8, and 500 words for 9-12). Artwork attachment should not be larger than 30MB and must be in one of the following file formats: PDF, JPG, PHG, or HEIC. See Official Contest Rules for full details.
Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 30. Students under age 18 must have a teacher, parent or legal guardian upload the entry through the submission portal.
For more information and to apply, visit America250.org/fieldtrip/application/
Lebanon winter
farmers market
Lebanon Downtown Farmers Market will open its Winter Farmers Market on Thursdays from 2-6 p.m. between Jan. 15 and March 27 at the Santiam Place Event Center, 139 S Main St., Lebanon.
SNAP match up to $20. To be a vendor, email [email protected] with your information and, if approved, we will send you an application link.
Saturday Market
monthly in SH
Third Saturday Markets are returning this year, starting Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Church of the Nazarene, 415 Holley Road.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The monthly event will run through April, featuring local vendors and all sorts of goodies.
DAR accepting
scholarship applications
The Santiam Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Scholarship Committee is now accepting scholarship applications for graduating high school seniors, and college and graduate students in specific areas of study who plan on or are already attending an accredited college or university in the United States.
The 2026 DAR Scholarship application portal is now open, and applications are being accepted through Jan. 31 at DAR AcademicWorks. To learn more about the different scholarship opportunities and to apply, visit the online application portal found on the DAR website at https://dar.academicworks.com/.
The DAR administers more than two dozen scholarships in fields including medicine, nursing, science, education, law, music, English and horticulture, and several of the scholarships are renewable for up to four years of study.
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the America 250! Scholarship has been expanded for the 2026 award year. Ten one-time awards of $25,000 each will be granted to students majoring in American History. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold a minimum 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), and submit a one-page essay on either the founding of our nation or their personal volunteer service to community and country.
Seedling sale open
through Jan. 31
Linn County Small Woodlands Association has opened pre-orders for its annual seedling sale until Jan. 31.
LCSWA offers seedlings for seven types of conifers and one deciduous tree. Nordmann fir, a popular Christmas tree, is available. The shrub and perennial offerings are focused on native and pollinator-beneficial species, as well as adding interest to woodland gardens and landscaping.
Narrowleaf buck brush, blue elderberry, oceanspray, birch leaf spirea, red flowering currant, lemonade sumac, meadow checkermallow and narrowleaf mules ear are a few of the 14 shrubs and perennials available.
There are typically additional tree and shrub seedlings for purchase on the day of the sale.
This year, most of the conifer seedling selections will be offered as greenhouse grown plugs rather than bare root stock. Seedlings grown as a plug have a soil mass surrounding the roots, are easier to plant and have a higher survival rate.
Prices are reasonable and are a fundraiser for LCSWA to offer college scholarships to Linn County students with forestry and conservation majors. It also provides annual funding for 4-H scholarships. These local 4-H students, their parents and LCSWA members provide a volunteer workforce to make the sale a success.
Buy online at https://linncountyswa.com/shop.
Cultural grant
applications open
The Linn County Cultural Coalition is accepting proposals for grants to fund projects involving the arts, humanities and heritage activities in Linn County.
The LCCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization affiliated with the Oregon Cultural Trust, a statewide entity established to promote and strengthen cultural activities in Oregon. The Trust distributes funding to all 36 Oregon counties and nine federally recognized tribes through coalitions like the one in Linn County.
The Coalition will have $27,500 to distribute. Grants typically range between $250 and $2,500. Applicants may be awarded less than the full amount requested.
The grants are available to nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status. An organization or individual sponsored by a qualifying nonprofit may also apply. Full guidelines for applying are available at LinnCulture.org.
The deadline for completed grant applications is Feb. 1. The Coalition board will review the applications and decide on awards within a few weeks of that date. Grant applications must be submitted online or sent by email to [email protected]. The application form is available at LinnCulture.org.
For further information, contact Rebecca Bond at (541) 928-0911 or Linda Ziedrich at (503) 707-1539.
Baby and Preschool Storytime
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.
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.
Vendor applications are currently being accepted. For an application, email [email protected].
Additional details, including the full schedule, will be shared closer to the event date.
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.