Opportunities still exist for gift giving
If you missed an opportunity to donate to a giving tree, the following organizations are still accepting gifts for the Christmas season:
- The Veterans Home, 600 N. 5th St. A tree located in the front lobby holds tags indicating a veteran resident’s gift request. Gifts must by delivered by Friday, Dec. 21. For more information, contact Bess Broce at [email protected].
- Lebanon School District, 485 S. 5th St. The Welcome Center in the bus barn accepts gifts for families in need. Unwrapped gifts must be delivered by Friday, Dec. 21. For more information, call (541) 401-0854 or (541) 259-8913
Pickleball Club play open to public
The Lebanon Pickleball Club (LPC), a program of the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Santiam (Lebanon), offers drop-in play from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
All members of the community are invited to come try out a game for free. After that, the cost to play is $3 per day, or $2 per day for LPC members.
For more information, visit www.lebanonpickleball.com.
Visit horses to help mental health
Linn County Animal Rescue works with Linn County Mental Health to host regular visiting sessions with horses for developmentally disabled people and people suffering from PTSD. For more information on joining the sessions, or to volunteer, call (541) 258-3422.
Food donations for kids needed
The Lebanon School District welcome center seeks food donations for its weekend Lebanon Kids Pack program.
Items should be easy to carry and easy to make, such as instant oatmeal packs, applesauce, fruit snacks, fresh fruit, chicken or turkey chili, soup, peanut butter, macaroni ’n’ cheese, ravioli, ramen, wheat bread, refried beans, tortillas, tuna, Tuna Helper, juice and milk boxes, granola bars, pudding snacks, or cheese and cracker snacks.
Checks for monetary donation can be written to “Lebanon School Foundation” with “Backpack Program” written in the note section.
Drop off donations to Julie Miller at the Lebanon School District, 485 S. 5th St. Lebanon.
Lebanon Chorus winter concert
Lebanon Community Chorus will perform its Winter Classical Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at Lebanon High School, 1700 S 5th St.
Director Kevin Wong will lead the choir in a program that will include “Lux Eterna” by Morten Lawrenson, a 20th-century Pacific Northwest composer, “Ubi Caritas” by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, traditional South African song “Indodana,” and traditional Christmas favorites.
Also on the program is “Let the Life I’ve Lived Speak for Me” by Gwyneth Walker.
Admission is $10; seniors over 55 are $6 and there is no charge for attendees under 18. Tickets are available at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, Lebanon Bi-Mart, from current singers and at the door.
Gardeners welcome to Christmas lunch
Lebanon Garden Club invites anyone interested in gardening to join in its annual Christmas Celebration at noon Monday, Dec. 17, at Santiam Place, 139 S. Main Street in Lebanon.
The event includes a potluck lunch, a gift exchange and a fun Bingo game.
Attendees who want to participate in a gift exchange are asked to bring a wrapped gift and a few wrapped white elephant prizes for the bingo game.
New faces are welcome.
Lebanon Garden Club is a member of the Santiam District of Garden Clubs encompassing Linn, Benton and Marion counties.
For more information contact Trudie Bason at (541) 521-5677 or email [email protected].
Teen-Parent events at library
The Lebanon Public Library is offering two opportunities for parents to reconnect with their teens at 55 Academy St.
- Yoga With Your Teen will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, led by instructor Jamie McEdwards. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. Teen participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Washi Tape Paper Crafting With Your Teen will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20. Teens and their parent(s)/guardian(s) will make holiday gift tags, gift bags and cards embellished with washi tape. Space and materials are limited, and registration is required. For more information, call (541) 258-4926 or visit www. lebanonpubliclibrary.com.
Travelers to share China experiences
Travel photographer Donald Lyon and guest presenter Allan Buzzard will speak on “China Today: A Peek at the Breakneck Pace of Modernization and Reflections from an American Tourist’s Month-long Travels within China” at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20. at Lebanon Library, 55 Academy St.
The two will share about their journey to China this summer. Lyon, a photographer, will share photos and videos depicting China’s high-speed rail system, nomadic minorities, regional delicacies, and the Kazakh culture, lifestyle, and the diverse landscape in China’s far northwest province of Xinjiang.
The public is welcome.
For more information, call (541) 466-5454.
‘Lion, Witch and Wardrobe’ on stage
Albany Civic Theater presents “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, 20, 21, 22, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at 111 First Ave. W.
This new dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic, directed by Tim Kelley and Rebecca Douglas, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia.
All the memorable episodes from the story are represented, including supporting characters: the unicorn, the centaur and other forest animals, Father Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, and Tumnus the Faun. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.
Tickets are $13 for adults, and $10 for kids and seniors.
Visit www.AlbanyCivic.org for more information.
Holiday fun Dec. 19 at Senior Center
Lebanon Senior Center will host free caroling and games from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 80 Tangent St.
Cocoa and cider will be served.
For more information, call (541) 258-4919.
LHS band, choir to perform Dec. 20
The Lebanon High School music program will put on its winter band and choir concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at the school auditorium.
Admission is free.
Orchestra to play holiday concert
Lebanon Community Orchestra will perform a free “Suite Treats” holiday concert from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at the Senior Center, 80 Tangent St.
Directed by Jean Marshall, the program will include “Festival Fanfare,” “Ode to Joy,” “Merrily on High,” “Hallelujah” and more.
Refreshments will be served and donations will be accepted to help purchase new music for the orchestra and fund Senior Center programs.
Longest Night service at church
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Lebanon invites the public to participate in its The Longest Night Service of Remembrance at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at the corner of Milton and Williams streets.
The purpose of the event is to encourage those who are lonely and discouraged after the loss of loved ones. The service will include a liturgy of candle lighting, singing and quiet time.
For more information, contact the church at (541) 451-1159 or visit www.facebook.com/St.Martins.Lebanon.
‘Polar Express’ night at library
Lebanon Senior Center will host a “Polar Express” Movie and Hot Cocoa Bar outing with the grandkids starting at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at 80 Tangent St.
Grab the grandchildren and stop by.
For more information, call (541) 258-4919.
Blood drive Dec. 28 at Senior Center
A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, at the Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St.
Blood supplies are critical following natural disasters and a rise in seasonal accidents. You can make a difference.
For more information call (541) 258-4224.
Audition for The Addams Family
The Albany Civic Theater will hold auditions for “The Addams Family” at 7:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, Jan. 21 to 23, at 111 First Ave. W, Albany. Performances will be from May 2 to 25.
For more information, visit www.AlbanyCivic.org.
Learn to be ready for local disaster
Linn-Benton Community College will offer a new workshop designed for those living in the Pacific Northwest to learn personal preparedness and supply readiness.
In the one-day workshop, individuals will learn about local hazards, emergency disaster plans, home preparedness, community resources, and more. Learn skills to mitigate a disaster’s impact, with tips for both natural occurrences and those human-induced.
Instructor Sierra Anderson is a current volunteer for Red Cross Disaster Response and the Benton County Sheriff’s Department CERT program. Anderson has a bachelor’s in public health from Oregon State University, with a minor in environmental occupational health and safety.
During winter term, there will be three offerings at three locations: LBCC’s Albany Campus, LBCC Benton Center in Corvallis, and LBCC Lebanon Center. All workshops will be held in January.
For times and dates or to register, contact Extended Learning at (541) 917-4840 or visit linnbenton.edu/extendedlearning.
CHIP info class offered at SLCH
A team of physicians, nurses and dietitians at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital will lead a Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) class starting in January for people struggling to get their weight or overall health under control.
Individuals with health insurance through the Intercommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization (IHN-CCO) are eligible to take the class at no cost.
CHIP is a lifestyle medicine program scientifically proven to help people improve their blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, BMI, sleep, resilience and depression. The class integrates optimal nutrition, exercise and behavioral psychology principles and tools to help participants achieve their health goals.
Samaritan staff will lead the 18-session class on Mondays and Thursdays, from Jan. 21 through March 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the hospital.
The hospital will host a free informational class as well on Monday, Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the hospital in conference rooms 3 and 4. The informational class is required for anyone interested in taking the class.
For more information, or to register, call (541) 451-6313 or visit samhealth.org/LebanonDiabetes.
Chronic pain class to start Jan. 8
Samaritan Health Services will host an upcoming Living Well with Chronic Pain workshop at the Sweet Home Health Center.
The series will meet for 2½ hours, once a week, for six weeks every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 8.
Living Well with Chronic Pain is a free workshop that teaches practical skills for living a happy and healthy life while managing chronic pain. This interactive workshop will help you learn:
- Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, isolation and poor sleep;
- Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance;
- Appropriate use of medications;
- Communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals;
- How to evaluate new treatments; and
- Nutrition.
Living Well with Chronic Pain is free and does not require a physician referral. To register, visit samhealth.org/ChronicPain or contact Samaritan Health Education at 866-243-7747 or [email protected].
Free Tai Chi at Lebanon Library
The Lebanon Library will offer Tai Chi from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, starting Jan. 8, for participants 18 and up at 55 Academy St.
Instructor Jeff Herda will lead each session. Herda has practiced the art of Tai Chi for 30 years, with 15 years as an instructor. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese discipline involving a continuous series of controlled slow movements designed to improve physical and mental well-being.
The activity is free and no registration or library card is required.
For more information, call (541) 258-4926 or visit www. lebanonpubliclibrary.com.
Craft afternoon for teens at library
The Lebanon Library will host a crafty afternoon Take and Make Bottle Cap Pins activity for teens from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, at 55 Academy St.
Youths 11 through 18 are invited to design and make bottle cap pins using paper, stickers, embellishments and their imagination. The library will supply all the materials and snacks.
This event is free and no registration or library card is required. Just stop by and create while supplies last.
For more information, call (541) 258-4926 or visit www. lebanonpubliclibrary.com.
Learn how to achieve goals
The Lebanon Chamber of Commerce will present a two-session Education Seminar featuring popular speaker Terry Houde from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8 and 15, at Linn-Benton Community College Lebanon, 44 Industrial Way, Room 153.
Houde is known for her ability to engage audiences with authenticity and enthusiasm. She blends humor, theory and practical tools to develop leaders throughout the Willamette Valley. She will be talking about theory and practical tools to teach how to achieve 2019 goals.
Cost is $20 for both nights. RSVP is required. Refreshments are provided but space is very limited, so reserve now by contacting the chamber at (541) 258-7164.
‘Work Safe’ video contest for teens
Oregon high school students may enter the annual “Speak up. Work safe.” video contest organized by Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition.
Submissions must be entered by Friday, Feb. 1. The top three entries will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500, and students will earn a matching amount for their school.
Students must create a 90-second or less video that inspires young workers to do at least one thing differently to stay safe on the job.
The video must include the theme: “Speak up. Work safe.” The video must educate young workers about the importance of speaking up in the workplace.
Participants are encouraged to develop a key message or slogan, use humor, and get creative while emphasizing ways to protect themselves – and their co-workers – from getting hurt on the job.
Submissions will be judged on certain criteria, including:
- An original health and safety message that appeals to teen workers and safety educators;
- Overall production value (video/audio quality, acting, and editing); and
- “Speak up. Work safe.” theme is used effectively.
Videos can be submitted online or mailed.
Contest winners will be unveiled at a screening event in spring 2019, and winning entries will be posted on YouTube.
For contest information, including rules, tips, entry forms, workplace safety and young worker resources, and a playlist of past finalist videos, visit https://youngemployeesafety.org/contest.
Flamenco dance troupe at library
The Lebanon Library will host an evening with Flamenco Pacifico at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24.
Flamenco Pacifico is a dynamic, professional performance group dedicated to bringing the art of flamenco music and dance to audiences.
This event is free and no registration or library card is required.
For more information, call (541) 258-4926 or visit www. lebanonpubliclibrary.com.
Dramatic comedy at Albany theater
Albany Civic Theater presents “Love and Information,” directed by Cathleen Hockman-Wert, at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, located at 111 First Ave. W.
Like a scroll through a Facebook feed turned into live action, a troupe of actors portray over 100 characters in 57 vignettes, some hilarious and others heart-wrenching.
Tickets are $13 for adults, and $10 for kids and seniors. Visit www.AlbanyCivic.org for more information.
Teacher of the Year nominations due
The Oregon Department of Education is accepting nominations for Teacher of the Year through Jan. 31, 2019.
Regional Teachers of the Year will receive a cash prize of $500 and will be celebrated across the state.
The 2020 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $5,000 cash prize (with a matching $5,000 going to their school) and serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.
Anyone can nominate a teacher.
To submit a nomination, visit oregonteacheroftheyear.org.