Citizens Gather for National Day of Prayer
Local residents gather in front of Sweet Home City Hall at noon Thursday, May 7, in observance of National Day of Prayer.
In Sweet Home, citizens gathered for prayer at the school district offices, Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and the police station at various times during the day to pray about education, business and the economy, the military and law enforcement, local and national government, arts, entertainment and the media, families, and churches.
In Lebanon, the Lebanon Foursquare Church hosted an evening service, while a morning gathering was held at the Lebanon Public Library Gazebo. Also, in Albany, a gathering was held on the Linn County Courthouse steps for worship and prayer.
The National Day of Prayer is an annual U.S. observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people to turn to God in prayer and meditation. It was created by Congress in 1952 (this year was the 75th) and signed into law by President Truman. It mandates the president to sign a proclamation encouraging public prayer for the nation.
Photos by Scott Swanson
Seven Oak Theatre Club brings ‘Annie’ to stage
The Seven Oak Theatre Club presented “Annie Jr.” last weekend.
At right, Orphan Annie, played by Eiryss Brandt, at right, sings “Tomorrow” after meeting a stray dog she named Sandy (played by Sephira Wynn).
The play was directed by Emily Latimer and Janette Ross, and choreographed by Six Easton. Special thanks went to Kevin Christensen for his vocal coaching and Anne Johnson for helping the club “find (their) enthusiasm and pizazz.”
Photos below by Sarah Brown
Benefit dinner for Lake Town Academy
The area’s newest private school, Lake Town Academy, held its fourth annual dinner and silent auction on Friday, May 8, at 3037 Fairview Road.
At left, Attendees take note of some items they found interesting while perusing tables filled with silent auction items.
The faith-based school serving preschool through eighth grade students was founded by Ashley Knight and Molly Haselip in 2023 as an alternative option for children and parents. Knight said the younger classes, K-2, have been growing a little bit each year.
Photos below by Sarah Brown
Farmers Markets open locally
As clouds begin to reveal the sun and trees begin to present their flowering buds, so too the plant growers, fish catchers, food bakers and craft makers spread out their goods for the annual Farmers Markets in both Sweet Home and Lebanon.
Sweet Home opened for the season on May 5, at right, followed by Lebanon’s market on May 7.
The Sweet Home Farmers Market is held every Tuesday until Oct. 6 in the parking lot next to the library, 1141 12th Ave., from 2-6 p.m. The Lebanon Farmers Market is held every Thursday until Oct. 8 at Ralston Park, 971 Park St., from 2-6 p.m.
Lebanon’s Saturday Market – which features food items as well as craft and flea market booths – also opened shop on May 9. Located in the parking lot at First United Methodist Church, 1890 S 2nd St., the Saturday Market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sweet Home also has a Saturday market, which started May 9, in the same location that the Farmer’s Market is held.
Photos below by Sarah Brown
Scholarships for nursing students
Each year for more than 50 years, Lebanon’s local 40 & 8 Veterans organization seeks qualified nursing students and awards scholarships. This year the presentation was held at American Legion Post 51 on April 28. Thirteen local nursing students were recipients of the 40 & 8 scholarships. Funds for the scholarships are developed through the bingo games available at the American Legion. Eleven of the recipients were in attendance.
Retired nurses presented each scholarship recipient with a pin and served their celebration dinner with Lebanon JROTC students assisting.
Barb Schafer photos
