Scene in Stitches
A “Garden Vignettes Textile” class used Lebanon’s Japanese healing garden as inspiration for a creative moment in time using fabric layering and embroidery stitching to create artistic expressions on cloth.
Above, Janice Primus-Wickett, of Turner, at left, keeps her photo of inspiration in front of her while stitching her design.
Many of those who attended the class came from out of town, from places such as Scio, Salem and Portland.
Megan Gapp, of Salem, already visited several of the garden classes, including “De-stress with Your Senses,” which involved different activities that used the five senses, and “Creative Nature Journaling,” which involved journaling and watercoloring.
“They’ve all been so lovely and unique,” Gapp said of the classes, adding they give her new perspectives on how to view or interact with the gardens. She brought her sister, Jenny Gapp, to this one.
Linda Flicker, of Keizer, has never embroidered before, but found she loved this class.
“I’m making sloppy little French dots,” she joked.
The class was taught by Judilee Fitzhugh, of Molallah, who’s “always done this” and taught at the Oregon College of Art and Craft.
The class was one of many opportunities hosted by the Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation inviting people to enjoy and find inspiration from the hospital’s healing gardens.
Photos, more below, by Sarah Brown
Crawfordsville fire station open house
Sweet Home Fire Chief Nick Tyler, at left, gives a little love to Marco, an Anatolian shepherd, during a conversation with his owner, longtime Crawfordsville resident Steve Posavatz, right, during an open house held June 9 at the newly refurbished Crawfordsville Station 23.
The event, which included a hot dog feed, attracted local residents and many Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District personnel and alums.
The renovations were the result of a seismic retrofit of the Crawfordsville station that began in July 2025 and was completed in December 2025, at a total construction cost of approximately $616,500.
The project was funded through Business Oregon’s Seismic Retrofit Grant Program.
The project included installation of a new steel moment frame at the front of the structure to improve seismic strength and rigidity, replacement of the existing overhead doors, new exterior finishes, and structural connection upgrades throughout the building.
The improvements are expected to significantly enhance the station’s ability to withstand a major seismic event and help ensure the facility remains operational, according to Shannon Pettner of SHFAD, who helped organize the project.
Photos by Scott Swanson
‘Community matters’ on Park Street
Valley Life Church held an open house community potluck on Sunday, June 21, not only to celebrate its 20th anniversary and end-of-VBS block party, but also a grand opening of its newly renovated Community Center.
At left, a freshly cemented patio area with new picnic tables is filled out with community members who joined the multi-faceted celebration.
Associate Pastor Tyler Grove said the building, situated on the corner of E Ash and Park streets, will provide space for the congregation’s events and youth classes, as well as community rental space, which fits one of the church’s core values, “community matters.”
The Community Center was once Lebanon’s Safeway store built in 1942, and the cement brick church behind it was built in 1911. Valley Life Church was formed in 2006, meeting at Lebanon High School until it was gifted the historical building on E Vine and Park streets by the Lebanon Evangelical Church in 2015.
Photos, more below, by Sarah Brown
American Man Honorees
Honorees at the 10th annual Honoring the American Man celebration are, from left, Buck Wylde, Koby Bush, Tyson Patton, Jay Kohl, Tom Cox, Dale Jenkins, Kevin Greene, Steve Adams and Dave Busby. The dinner event was held June 13 at the American Legion Post 133. The 12 honorees also included Michael Blackburn and JJ Jeppsen, who were unable to attend. The evening included the singing of the national anthem and “God Bless the USA” by Praise in 3D, and a presentation of the colors by the Sweet Home VFW Color Guard. Each honoree received comments from family, friends and the community.
– Nancy Patton photo
More Photos:
