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Around Town: February 2018

Scholarships for music students
High school music students graduating from Linn, Benton or Lincoln counties in 2018 who intend to earn music education or performance degrees, are invited to apply for the Guthrie and Jenks scholarships.

Graduates from the aforementioned counties currently studying toward music degrees at an institution of higher education may also apply.

One or more scholarships of approximately $2,000 will be awarded.

Applications are available from Linn-Benton Music Association members, as well as music teachers at local colleges and universities.

Benton Community Foundation manages the endowments, cooperating with Linn-Benton Music Teachers which manages the auditions, this year to be held on April 7 at Oregon State University.

Applications must be sent to Mary Ann Guenther and be postmarked by March 28, 2018.

For further information, contact Guenther at (541) 752-5798, ([email protected]); or visit the Benton Community Foundation website for the application form: www.bcfgives.org/music.

Street photo exhibit at Lobby
An exhibit of street photography by Tony Hayden of Lebanon is on display at The Lobby, 661 Main St., this month.

Most of the photographs are black and white from Hayden’s world travels, including Barcelona, Boston, Mexico, and New Orleans. The street photographs often present candid, un-posed shots and chance encounters, some in public places, others not.  All of the photographs included were taken with various Leica cameras.

Hayden’s extensive photography experiences include working for his father, Robert M. Hayden, past owner of the Lebanon Express; serving as a public information specialist/photographer in the U.S. Army; attending Brooks Institute of Photography; taking a course from renowned photographer W. Eugene Smith; and working  as chief photographer for the Albany Democrat-Herald.

Hayden, who operates Aloha Photographic Studio and Gallery in Lebanon, traveled through the United States and Mexico, including a trip through the South to photograph blues and rock festivals, including Woodstock.  Over the next 15 years he traveled through Europe and South Asia before returning to the United States, where he lived among the Suquamish Tribe in western Washington.

The Lobby hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.  The Lobby can be reached at 541.258.1597.

Big Show of Little Art in Albany
Gallery Calapooia’s first community-wide art show, The Big Show of Little Art, will be on display during February at 222 First Ave. W. in downtown Albany.

The show celebrates the art work of 114 artists from the mid-valley communities of Adair Village, Albany, Brownsville, Corvallis, Crawfordsville, Halsey, Jefferson, Lebanon, Philomath and Tangent, as well as Dayton, Eugene, Pacific City, Portland and Salem. One hundred seventy-five entries were received from artists of all ages.

All the work is 8×8 inches in size and includes oil paintings, mixed media, calligraphy, sculpture, photography, watercolors, acrylics, colored pencil, clay and fiber art. The work will be on display through Feb. 24.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The gallery is a nonprofit organization and donations to it are tax-deductible.

For more information, call (541) 971-5701 or visit  www.gallerycalapooia.com.

Grants available for culture, history
The Linn County Cultural Commission is accepting proposals for grants to fund projects that will promote and improve access to the arts, to history and local heritage, and for humanities-related activities in Linn County.

The commission may allocate up to $17,000 for grants in this funding cycle. Grants typically range between $250 and $2,500. Project proposals are considered on a case-by-case basis and may not be awarded the full amount requested.

Proposals must address the arts, history and heritage, and/or humanities in a manner that promotes and protects cultural activities and assets of Linn County. Proposals must be submitted and signed by an authorized officer of a sponsoring 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit sponsoring organization. Organizations or individuals who do not have their own tax-exempt status may be sponsored by a nonprofit organization that does.

For more details, see the Linn County Cultural Plan at www.linnculture.com.

The deadline for completed applications is Feb. 23. Coalition members will review the applications and make decisions on awards within a few weeks of that date.

Grant applications are available at www.linnculture.org and the County Parks Department, 3010 Ferry St. SW, Albany; The New Era, 1313 Main St., Sweet Home; KGAL radio, 36991 KGAL Drive, Lebanon; Albany Visitors Association, 110 3rd Ave.; and Scio City Hall, 38957 NW 1st Ave.

They should be submitted by mail to Brian Carroll, Linn County Cultural Commission, P.O. Box 69, Albany, OR, 97321 or dropped off at the Linn County Parks office, 3010 Ferry St. SW, Albany.

For further information, contact Scott Swanson at (541) 367-2136, or Brian Carroll at (541) 967-3917 or [email protected].

Dog story on stage at Albany theater
Albany Civic Theater presents “Sylvia,” by A.R. Gurney and directed by Loren Dunn.

Greg brings home a dog named Sylvia that he found in the park who soon becomes a major bone of contention between him and his wife, Kate. To Greg, the Lab/Poodle mix is an escape from the frustrations of his job, but to Kate the dog is a rival for Greg’s affection. It takes a series of hilarious and touching complications to mend the marriage and make Sylvia a valued part of their lives.

The play will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16, 17, 23, 24, and March 1, 2, 3. A matinee showing will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 25.

Show tickets are $13 for adults, and $10 for kids and seniors. Visit www.AlbanyCivic.org/tickets.htm for more information. Albany Civic Theater is located at 111 First Ave. W.

Symphony to play Feb. 17-18
Willamette Valley Symphony will perform works by Copeland, Bloch and Schumann Feb. 17 and 18.

Concerts are at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Albany First United Methodist Church, 1115 28th Ave. SW, and Sunday, Feb. 18, at 4 p.m. at Ashbrook Independent School, 4045 Research Way in Corvallis.

Cellist Noah Seitz will perform in Bloch’s Schelomo.

Also on the program are Copeland’s An Outdoor Overture, and Schumann’s Symphony No. 1.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and over and students, and free at the door for children 12 and under. Discounts are available for season packages (four concerts).

For more information on the orchestra and where or how to purchase tickets, visit www.WillametteValleySymphony.org.

Bridal show in Lebanon Sunday
The 14th annual Bridal Show at Santiam Place hall will be held from 12 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 18, at 139 Main St., Lebanon.

Local wedding professionals and a select number of vendors will be available for booking, and door prizes will be awarded. Donations of canned food for the local soup kitchen will be accepted.

Garden Club Tea at Noon Monday
Lebanon Garden Club invites fellow gardeners to its February “Tea at Noon” event. There will be a decorated hat contest, yummy desserts, and a choice of flavorful teas. Grab your friend, a favorite hat, and perhaps even bring a tea bag or two to share. Meet at 12 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, at Santiam Place, 139 S. Main St.

For more information call (541) 521-5677. Lebanon Garden Club is a member of the Santiam District of Garden Clubs encompassing Linn, Benton and Marion counties.

Free seed swap and garden talk
The Santiam Food Alliance is hosting “Seedy Tuesday” starting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the Lebanon Public Library.

The free program and gardeners’ networking event will feature presentations on starting seeds from Trudie Bason of Timeless Gardens Nursery, and Betty Goergen, and Oregon State Extension Master Gardener.

A seed swap will begin at 7:30 p.m., with an emphasis no vegetable seeds. All seeds should be identified by species and variety and year of harvest, if possible. Anyone planning to take seeds home should bring envelopes, tape and a pen.

For more information, visit the Santiam Food Alliance Facebook page or website (http://santiamfood.org), or contact Linda Ziedrich via email at [email protected]

Learn about local emergency plans
The Mid-Valley Local Emergency Planning Committee invites the public to learn about local plans for community safety in the event of a hazardous chemical release incident from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Albany Fire Station 11, 611 Lyon St. SE.

Attendants will learn what the committee does and the benefits of having a committee in the community. Speakers at this year’s meeting will discuss crisis management and disposal of household hazardous material.

The LEPC is comprised of a number of representatives in public service, and its main goal is to work together to be prepared in the event of a hazardous chemical release.

Light refreshments will be served, and a chance to win two tickets to the OSU/Utah game will be offered. For more information contact Richard Saalsaa at [email protected], or (541) 360-0029.

Fund-raiser for CARDV Feb. 20
The Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence will hold its first Feast in February fund-raising event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the River Center, 3000 S. Santiam Hwy, Lebanon.

The event will include a pizza and lasagna buffet dinner and information about CARDV services. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available, as well as beer and wine for purchase.

Suggested donation per adult is $10 to $20 and $5 to $10 for children 8 and under. For more information, visit www.cardv.org/feastfebruary.

Free heart health seminar at SLCH
Samaritan Health Services will offer a free seminar on heart health from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital.

Speaker Tim Becker, DO, will discuss which exercises are best for the heart, how intensely you need to exercise, and how to fit exercise into a busy life.

Registration is required due to limited space. To register, call (855) 873-0647, or register online at www.samhealth.org/health-services/classes-and-events/t/h/the-right-exercise-for-your-heart/yearly/2018/02/20

Vision group to talk first aid
First aid for serious eye injuries will be the topic for the Mid Valley Low Vision Support Group’s monthly meeting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Brookdale Grand Prairie, 1929 Grand Prairie Rd. SE in Albany.

Retired optician Robert Springer will present the program. In addition to discussing first aide for serious eye injuries, he will also highlight what kinds of sudden visual changes should be immediately seen and treated by an eye doctor.

There is no membership fee for the support group; all meetings are free to anyone who wishes to know more about low vision and blindness and where to go for heLoop A resource library is available with free information. Light refreshments are served. For more information call (541) 928-5008.

Red Cross asks for blood donations
The American Red Cross is  asking residents to consider making an appointment for one of its blood drives in the area.

The Red Cross reports lower than usual donations of blood and platelets due to widespread flu and severe winter weather across the U.S. this year.

There will be two blood drives in Lebanon: from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1955 5th St.; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at Megafoods, 1950 Main St.

There are also will be blood drives in Tangent and Albany: from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19 at the American Legion, 1215 Pacific Blvd SE in Albany; from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19 at Sybaris Restaurant, 442 1st Ave. W, Albany; from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at All Star Labor and Staffing, 2110 Santiam Hwy., Albany; from 12 to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 at OSU Extension Service Linn County, 33630 McFarland Rd, Tangent; from 2;30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26 at Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave. SE; and from 12 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 at Comfort Suites Albany, 100 Opal Ct. NE.

Make an appointment to donate this winter by downloading the free Red Cross blood donor app, visiting www.redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Regenerative farm class offered
Oregon State University Extension Service will offer a class on practical techniques for regenerative farming on small-scale properties  from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at OSU Extension Service – Lane County office at 996 Jefferson Street in Eugene.

Regenerative farming utilizes practices that work with natural systems such as photosynthesis, soil microbiology and soil chemistry, as well as practices like integrated pest management, cover cropping, crop rotation, nutrient cycling, and reduced tillage to actively engage in carbon sequestration. Guest instructors will be Scott Goode and Anna Eichner of Nourishing Systems in Central Point, Oregon.

Cost is $10 and pre-registration is required.

To register, send a check for $10 per person,  made out to OSU Extension Service and mail to 996 Jefferson St., Eugene, OR 97402. To pay with a credit card visit smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/south-valley/events

For more information or to request registration support, contact Nicole Wells at (541) 344-5859 or [email protected].

Parent Night at Lebanon H.S.
Lebanon High School parents are invited to Warrior Parent Night from 5:15 to 8:10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at the high school.

The evening will include free sessions on topics such as scholarships, college admissions, attendance, AVID, Pipeline to Careers, and employability.

Free dinner will be served in  the Commons from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m.

Guest speaker Rob Camp, career and advising specialist at Linn-Benton Community College, will give a presentation in the auditorium from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

A raffle drawing will be held at 8 p.m. in the commmons.

For information, contact Wendy Eilers at [email protected] visit www.facebook.com/events/358805991268218/.

Baby Blast ‘shower’ Feb. 22 at hospital
Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital will present its sixth annual Baby Blast “baby shower” with free health checks for babies, as well as prizes and snacks, from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, in conference rooms A-D.

The free drop-in celebration will help new parents learn what resources are available to them in east Linn County and give them an opportunity to meet representatives from numerous services in Lebanon in Sweet Home, including: Capitol Dental, Growing Family Birth Center, Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education,  Early Learning Hub of Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties, Family Tree Relief Nursery, Kidco Early Head Start, Lebanon Community Pool, Lebanon Community School District, Lebanon Public Library, Linn-Benton Community College, Family Connections, Linn-Benton Community College, Parenting Education/Parenting Success Network, Linn-Benton Healthy Families – Home Visiting Program (Old Mill Center for Children and Families), Linn County Public Health programs (WIC, Babies First, Cocoon), Mid-Valley Doula Network, Pregnancy Alternatives Center, Samaritan Health Services physician clinics in east Linn County, Samaritan Medical Supplies, and Sweet Home Pregnancy Care Center.

For more information, call (541) 451-7161.

Bee expert to talk pollination Feb. 23
Bee pollination expert Sarah Kincaid will speak at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce’s Forum Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital Career Training Center, 525 N. Santiam Hwy.

Kincaid is an entomologist with the Oregon Bee Project, a statewide program aimed at protecting pollinator species that are integral to Oregon’s food supply and the natural environment.

The project, a collaboration between Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Agriculture, includes several initiatives designed to increase pollinator habitat, safeguard pollinators against pesticide exposure, and increase general awareness about Oregon bees.

Cost is $15 per person and reservations are required. The lunch menu will be a baked potato bar (chili, cheese, steamed veggies, sour cream, bacon bits, green onion, butter), rolls and tossed salad with dressing, and assorted dessert bars.

To RSVP, call (541) 258-7164 or visit www.lebanon-chamber.org.

Free talk on how to deal with pain
Mid Valley Pain Alliance is hosting a free community talk at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 14, at the Sweet Home Senior Center, 880 18th Ave.

Presentations by healthcare clinicians include discussions designed to answer questions about pain.

Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Cello performance at Lebanon Library
Back by popular demand, the Lebanon Public Library will be hosting a Fireside Concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, with Gideon Freudmann’s CelloBop.

Using the electric cello for improvisational classical, blues, jazz, electronic, funk and folk music, Freudmann performs improvisational riffs on conventions and traditions. He loops and layers his sounds with pedals and amplifiers, sculpting orchestras out of thin air.

Library supporters to hold book sales
The Friends of the Lebanon Library monthly book sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 24, and March 24 at the Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St.

Proceeds benefit various library needs.

Gardening basics at Lebanon Library
Pesky bugs, how much is too much water, or is your favorite shrub looking a little yellow? Join horticulturist and local garden guru, Peggy Straube, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, and at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Lebanon Public Library.

Straube will discuss gardening basics and answer gardening questions.

Learn about soil science, health
The annual winter meeting of The Oregon Society of Soil Scientists will focus on “Growing Your Soil Health Toolbox,” Wednesday, Feb. 28 to Friday, March 2, at Corvallis Courtyard Marriott, 400 SW 1st St.

A lineup of speakers will provide tools to help increase the effectiveness of soil scientists communicating with producers and policy makers regarding implementation of soil health principles.

Registration is open. Cost for the conference is $75 for students, $160 for members, and $225 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit www.         oregonsoils.org.

Chamber awards dinner March 6
Lebanon Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Community Distinguished Service Awards dinner and awards Ceremony from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, at Boulder Falls Event Center.

Dinner will be served at 6, with awards following. Cost is $40 per person.

For information, call (541) 258-7164.

Kids ‘March,’ lake ‘Paddle’ March 10
Build Lebanon Trails will host March of the Munchkins and the Cheadle Lake Paddle from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at the  Cheadle Lake North Shore Trailhead. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 8:45.

Kids of all ages are invited to dress up in a costume or uniform representing exploration or outdoor activities for BLT’s first-ever March of the Munchkins. Children (under 18) who dress up will receive a BLT token and a copy of its Lebanon Explorer’s Guide.

The Lebanon Strawberry Princesses are scheduled to be present to hand out costume prizes.

The march will proceed along the paved portion of the North Shore Trail and we will look at the plant life, wildlife and search for the rare Oregon Pond turtles that live at the lake. Strollers, wagons, tricycles and small bikes with training wheels are welcome. Children on bicycles are required to wear a helmet.

The Cheadle Lake Paddle will explore the Cheadle Lake water trail.
Bring your kayaks, canoes or other non-motorized human propelled water craft and enjoy the history of the development of Cheadle Lake Park from a different perspective.

The flotilla will launch from the north shore boat launch. Life vests are required for all persons in water craft. Dress appropriately for the weather. Dogs will not be able to participate due to the presence of small children.

For additional information, visit BuildLebanonTrails.com.

Health careers day for teens March 10
Local teens are invited to participate in the Lebanon Health Career Ladder from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 10, at COMP-NW, 200 Mullins Drive.

The free event is one of a series of free Saturday Academies in which COMP-Northwest clinicians, scientists, medical students, and our community partners engage the whole family in science activities to educate and build skills and confidence for students from Lebanon and surrounding communities in grades 6-10.

The goal is to provide opportunities for students to create, explore, and develop college and career goals and objectives.

Others will be held March 10 and April 21.

All sessions are held at COMP-Northwest in Lebanon. Lunch is provided for all attending. Adult accompaniment of students is required as participation from parents, guardians or designated adults is a vital part of the experience.

For more information, call (541) 259-0299.

Master Gardeners  talk March 12
A free monthly gardening talk sponsored by the Linn County Master Gardeners and the Lebanon Garden Club  will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, March 12, at The Lobby, 661 S Main St.

The public is welcome. For information, contact Eileen Breedlove at (541) 259-4303.

Bingo fund-raisers for SafeHaven

Play Bingo and help SafeHaven at a fund-raisers hosted by real estate agent Diana Sartin from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 5, and again on March 12 at Schmizza Public House, 2602 S. Santiam Hwy., Lebanon.

Cost is $1 per card or $5 for six cards.

For more information, call (541) 480-3254.

Biscuits and Gravy for Soup Kitchen
The Lebanon Soup Kitchen is holding its annual Biscuits and Gravy fund-raiser from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 10, at 170 E. Grant St.

The $10 cost for breakfast allows all-you-can-eat biscuits and homemade gravy, along with scrambled eggs and coffee, milk or orange juice.

Or you can compete in the biscuits and gravy eating contest for $20 for a chance to receive prizes and bragging rights.

Proceeds benefit the Lebanon Soup Kitchen and Real Bowls/Real People. For more information call (541) 451-7667.

Garden Club to talk seed starts
Linn County Master Gardeners and Lebanon Garden Club will host the Lebanon Second Monday Lunchtime Gardening Series from 12 to 1 p.m. Monday, March 12, at The Lobby, 661 S. Main St.

Trudie Bason of Timeless Gardens will talk about getting plants off to a good “start.” The talks are free, and will be held throughout the year.

For more information, contact Laurie Gibson at (541) 248-1088.

Library to host travel photo event
The Lebanon Public Library will host a presentation on Creative Travel Photography at 2 p.m. Monday, March 12, at the library, 55 Academy St.

This event is free and one does not need a library card to attend.

Donald Lyon will present a program based on his 40 years of travel experience and knowledge from his career as a photo tour operator.

The presentation may be particularly beneficial to those planning a trip or who want some great tips on taking photos while on vacation.

B&G Club Youth of the Year event
The public is invited to hear the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Santiam’s Youth Of The Year candidates deliver their speeches from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 16, at the club’s Lebanon Elementary Building at 305 S 5th St.

The event is free but a $10 donation is suggested to cover the cost of lunch.

For information, contact Kate at (541) 258-7105.

NPR’s Ira Glass at OSU March 17
Ira Glass, host of National Public Radio’s “This American Life, will appear  at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17, in the Austin Auditorium at Oregon State University’s LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St.

Tickets and information are available online at www.liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/SACpresents.

March Republican governor candidate forum
Top candidates for the Republican Candidate for Governor have been invited to participate in a candidate forum from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 21 at the Linn County Fair & Expo, 3700 Knox Butte Rd. E, Albany.

Those attending the forum will have the opportunity to submit questions, and the topics of greatest interest will be directed to the candidates. Candidates who have confirmed their participation in this event will be listed at a later time.

For more information, contact Christine Ruck at (541) 401-0457.

Wedding décor re-sale
Santiam Place in Lebanon will host a sale event tor those who want to sell their gently used wedding décor, and for those who are planning a wedding and need affordable decorations.

The Wedding Decor Re-Sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at Santiam Place, 139 Main St., Lebanon. To rent a table to sell your items, call (541) 259-4255.

Auditions at Albany Civic Theater
The Albany Civic Theater will be holding auditions for “Fox on the Fairway” at 7:30 p.m. April 2 and 3 at 111 First Ave. W, Albany. Performances will be from June 15 to 30.

The next audition will be for “Bell, Book and Candle” at 7:30 p.m. May 7 and 8. Visit www.AlbanyCivic.org for more information.

Oregon Symphony String Ensemble
The School of Arts and Communication at Oregon State University will present Colin Currie and the Oregon Symphony String Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 in the Austin Auditorium at The LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St.

Currie is an internationally acclaimed percussionist.

Discounted season tickets and “pick four” ticket packages for SAC events are available online at www.liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/SACpresents. Any remaining tickets on the night of an event will be made available to SNAP Oregon Trail Card holders for $5, maximum of two tickets.

Master Gardener presents about preserving edible plants
The Linn County Master Gardeners and Lebanon Garden Club will be hosting the Lebanon Second Monday Lunchtime Gardening Series from 12 to 1 p.m. Monday, April 9 at The Lobby, 661 S. Main St.

Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver Janice Gregg will talk about how to plant what to eat and how to preserve it.

The talks are free, and will be held throughout the year. For more information, contact Laurie Gibson at (541) 248-1088.

Republicans Spring Gala
The Linn County Republican Party will hold a Spring Gala at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 20 in the Willamette Conference Center at the Linn County Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Rd., Albany.

“Politics is funny business,” featuring Loren Spivak, a free market warrior, comedian and economist. There will be a silent auction, prime rib dinner and no host bar.

Tickets are $50 per person, $90 per couple, or sponsor a table of eight for $360 (prices good through April 1). Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner served at 6:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets online, visit www.LinnCountyRepublicanParty.org, or call/text (541) 619-3041.

Pink Martini’s “little orchestra”
The School of Arts and Communication at Oregon State University will present Pink Martini at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28 in the Austin Auditorium at The LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St.

Pink Martini is a Portland-based group known as the “little orchestra” that features a wildly diverse, multi-lingual repertoire.

Discounted season tickets and “pick four” ticket packages for SAC events are available online at www.liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/SACpresents. Any remaining tickets on the night of an event will be made available to SNAP Oregon Trail Card holders for $5, maximum of two tickets.

Master Gardener presents about transplanting seedlings
The Linn County Master Gardeners and Lebanon Garden Club will be hosting the Lebanon Second Monday Lunchtime Gardening Series from 12 to 1 p.m. Monday, May 14 at The Lobby, 661 S. Main St.

Master Gardener Betty Goergen will talk about successfully transplanting seeds so they thrive.

The talks are free, and will be held throughout the year. For more information, contact Laurie Gibson at (541) 248-1088.

East meets West through music
The School of Arts and Communication at Oregon State University will present Brooklyn Rider with Kayhan Kalhor at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 24 in the Austin Auditorium at The LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St.

The string quartet and Persian kamancheh blur the lines between Western classical and Eastern traditional music.

Discounted season tickets and “pick four” ticket packages for SAC events are available online at www.liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/SACpresents. Any remaining tickets on the night of an event will be made available to SNAP Oregon Trail Card holders for $5, maximum of two tickets.

Inaugural young women’s fire academy
The first Young Women’s Fire Academy will be held June 23 and 24 at the Lebanon Fire District on Airport Road. Operation times and events are still being determined.

The academy is open to women ages 16 to 19 years old. Candidates who are accepted will experience and learn a variety of fire and EMS skills from an experienced staff of female firefighters across Linn County. Classes will cover fire, EMS, career advancement, interview and resume advice, and other related topics.

Registration is limited; applications will be available soon. Stay informed at the fire district’s Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/LebanonFireDistrict.

Growing coffee
The Linn County Master Gardeners and Lebanon Garden Club will be hosting the Lebanon Second Monday Lunchtime Gardening Series from 12 to 1 p.m. Monday, July 9 at The Lobby, 661 S. Main St.

Owner of The Lobby, Brock Byers, will talk about growing coffee and the possibility of growing it in the Willamette Valley.

The talks are free, and will be held throughout the year. For more information, contact Laurie Gibson at (541) 248-1088.