Upcoming City Meetings
These are regularly-scheduled meetings. Sometimes the dates or times are changed due to schedule conflicts among members, work session additions, holidays, etc. Last minute changes do occur at times. Please check the governing board’s website for updated information and agendas.
Sweet Home Planning Commission: Thur., Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
PIE Charter School Board: Mon., Oct. 5, 6 p.m., at Sand Ridge Charter, 100 Sand Ridge Ct., Lebanon.
Lebanon School Board: Thur., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., at library, 55 Academy St.
Central Linn School Board: Mon., Oct. 12, 6 p.m., at conference room, 239 W 2nd St., Halsey.
Sweet Home School Board: Mon., Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m., at 1920 Long St.
Lebanon Fire District: Tues., Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m., at 1050 W. Oak St.
Sweet Home City Council: Tues., Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m., at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
Waterloo City Council: Tues., Oct. 13, 7 p.m., at City Hall, 31140 1st St.
Halsey City Council: Tues., Oct. 13, 7 p.m., at City Hall, 100 Halsey St.
Lebanon City Council: Wed., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., at library, 55 Academy St.
Sweet Home Planning Commission: Thur., Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
Sodaville City Council: Thur., Oct. 15, 7 p.m. at City Hall, 30723 Sodaville Road.
Lebanon Aquatic District: Mon., Oct. 19, 6 p.m., at Lebanon Pool, 1800 S 5th St.
Sweet Home Park & Tree Committee: Tue., Oct. 20, 4 p.m. at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
Sweet Home Fire Board: Tue., Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m., at 1099 Long St.
Brownsville Fire Board: Tue., Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m., at 600 E Blakely.
Lebanon Parks, Trees & Trails: Wed., Oct. 21, 2 p.m. at library, 55 Academy St.
Lebanon Planning Commission: Wed., Oct. 21, 6 p.m. at library, 55 Academy
Sweet Home City Council: Tue., Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
Brownsville City Council: Tue., Oct. 27, 7 p.m., at City Hall, 255 N Main St.
Sweet Home Community Health Committee: Wed., Oct. 28, 4 p.m., at City Hall, 3225 Main St.
The New Era publishes announcements of upcoming events at no charge, as space permits. Free and nonprofit events are prioritized, but free services or events offered by for-profit businesses will also be included as space permits. To submit an event, email information (description, location, date, time and any other necessary details, as well as contact information for questions) to [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the event. Questions? Call (541) 367-2135 or send a message to the above email.
Stroll for Well-Being
program orientation
Orientation for Samaritan Health’s Stroll for Well-Being Program will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in the hotel lobby at Boulder Falls Inn, 505 Mullins Drive.
Stroll for Well-being is a free seven-week program designed to help participants experience the restorative power of nature. Through guided walks and reflective journaling, participants learn to appreciate the sensory stimulation of a garden environment and engage in mindful practices to promote overall health and well-being.
Each participant will receive a Stroll for Well-being reflection journal to use during weekly self-guided walks in the Samaritan Health Sciences Campus Garden, located next to Boulder Falls Inn Event Center.
Participants must attend the orientation session. For more information or to register, please contact Brandy O’Bannon at [email protected].
Lebanon Community Chorus rehearsals
The Lebanon Community Chorus is holding its final day for fall registration at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the LDS church, 1955 S 5th St.
Weekly rehearsals are 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays between Sept. 10 to Nov. 19. The fall concert will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, at the First Presbyterian Church of Lebanon, 145 W Ash St.
If you like to sing and harmonize, you are welcome to participate; no musical skills required. For more information, email [email protected].
Free help with Medicare,
Medicaid in Lebanon
A series of free “Monthly Conversations on Senior Living” is offered by The Oaks at Lebanon on the fourth Thursday of every month.
This month’s topic will be “Medicare/Medicaid: Understanding Your Options.” The event is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at 176 W. C St., Lebanon. It is open to seniors, adults planning for retirement, family caregivers, adult children of aging parents, or anyone interested in planning for the future.
Speakers on Sept. 24 will be financial advisor Sacha Savri and Alecia Warren of Oregon Cascade West Council of Governments.
They will talk about healthcare and retirement, Medicare basics, long-term care planning and overview Medicaid.
For more information, contact Tori at (541) 451-4849.
Police chief to speak
at Forum Lunch
Lebanon Police Chief Frank Stevenson will be the speaker at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Forum Lunch, held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital, 525 N. Santiam Hwy.
Stevenson will speak on the “State of Crime” in Lebanon. The event will be held in the conference rooms at the rear of the hospital facility.
Cost is $23 for members, $30 for future members. RSVP at www.lebanon-chamber.org or call (541) 258-7164. Bring a business card for a chance to win a prize.
Lebanon Jail open house
The Lebanon Police Department will host an open house of its municipal jail from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 40 N 2nd St.
The public will be given a behind the scenes tour of the jail house in addition to a kids bicycle fair. Limited bike helmets will be give out on a first come, first serve basis.
TomatoFest
The annual TomatoFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St.
There will be an estimated 50-plus tomato varieties to sample, and a free seed swap table. The event includes local vendors, prize drawings, free homegrown produce while supplies last, an info table, Master Gardeners on-hand to answer questions, and tastings of sauces, seasonings and salsas.
For more information, contact Sheryl Casteen at [email protected], or call 541-401-7677. Do not contact the Senior Center.
Saturday Community Market
Sweet Home’s final Saturday Community Market of the season will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 1141 12th Ave.
Lebanon Council
candidate forum
The League of Women Voters of Linn County will host a candidate forum for Lebanon City Council and mayor seats from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Lebanon First United Methodist Church, 1890 S 2nd St.
Planning to participate are mayoral candidates Forest Bosley, Michael Martin, and Dave Workman, and council seat candidates Marcellus Angellford, appointed incumbent for Ward I; Jason Adamson, unopposed candidate for Ward II; and Michelle Steinhebel, unopposed incumbent candidate for Ward III. Dave Cockrell, running against Angellford for the Ward I seat, is unable to attend the forum.
To find out which ward you live in, see the map at www.lebanonoregon.gov/397/City-Ward-Map.
Greg Schneider, president of the Linn County Unit of the League of Women Voters, will serve as moderator for the forum. The event will begin with prepared questions, shared with the candidates beforehand, and time will be allowed for the audience to pose questions as well.
Lebanon Mayor Candidate Forum
The Lebanon Chamber of Commerce will host a forum for mayoral candidates from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at The River Center, 3000 S Santiam Hwy.
Each candidate will answer the same five business-related questions and receive equal time to respond. Afterward, candidates will be available to visit with constituents and share campaign information.
The Lebanon Chamber of Commerce is a nonpartisan organization. Our goal is to provide voters with a fair and informative opportunity to learn more about the candidates and where they stand on issues affecting our businesses and community.
The forum is free and open to the public. Can’t attend in person? We’ll livestream it right here on the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Tree sale at Lebanon
Farmers Market
The Lebanon Garden Club will sell potted trees, at a fraction of the wholesale prices, for planting in Lebanon gardens at the Lebanon Downtown Farmers’ Market from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at 971 Park St., next to Ralston Park.
The trees are all fruiting varieties: Desert King & Violette de Bordeaux figs, Comice pear, Hosui Asian pear, Arbequina olive, Cornelian cherry, and Chinese dogwood. The Chinese dogwoods will be in seven-gallon pots; the others will be 10-gallon size.
The Cornelian cherries will be priced at $30; all the others at $20.
Early arrival is encouraged; organizers expect to sell out fast. Cash or credit cards are accepted.
Tree shoppers can also buy produce and even dinner while they’re at the farmers’ market. Oct. 1 will be the second-to-last market for 2026.
Back to Hogwarts Downtown
A Fall Market & Festival “Back to Hogwarts Downtown” event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, in downtown Lebanon.
The event includes balloon art, face painting, costume contest, bounce houses, giveaways, Quidditch House Cup, wand making, music, photo booths, games, snow cones, and more than 160 businesses and vendors.
Lacomb Community Yard Sales
The Lacomb School PTC will host the traditional “Hunters Breakfast” and community-wide garage sale event on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Start the morning with the Hunters Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the school, 34110 E Lacomb Rd, Lebanon. Menu is TBD.
The community garage sales will be happening all day across Lacomb (and some all weekend). Maps will be provided at the school breakfast, as well as at Lacomb Store and Lacomb Station.
Lacomb Station will serve a barbecue lunch in the afternoon.
The breakfast and sales event is a fundraiser for the PTC. For more information, contact Jayna Ray at 541-990-5716.
Farmers Markets
The Sweet Home Farmers’ Market is held from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesdays up to Oct. 6, at 1141 12th Ave., next to the Sweet Home Public Library.
The Lebanon Farmers’ Market is held from 2-6 p.m. on Thursdays up to Oct. 8, at 971 Park St., next to Ralston Park.
Billiard tournament
The Lebanon Senior Center is accepting sign ups for a billiard tournament, which is expected to be held on Oct. 8 or 9. To sign up, call 541-258-4919 or visit the Senior Center at 80 Tangent St.
PEO Bunco
Party Oct. 10
P.E.O. Chapter DD in Sweet Home will hold its annual Bunco Party from 2 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Evangelical Church gym, 1347 Long St., in Sweet Home.
All proceeds from this fundraiser provide educational scholarships, loans and grants to women in our community. Last year, the chapter helped four local women with significant scholarships.
There will be a silent auction with some cool things, raffle baskets, a craft table, prizes, heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
To register or for questions, or to donate something for the silent auction or donate for the cause, contact Donna at (541) 401-2513.
Cider Pressing at
Thompson’s Mills
Thompson’s Mills will host a free cider pressing event on Saturday, Oct. 10 and Oct. 24, starting at 11 a.m. until all apples are gone, at 32655 Boston Mill Dr., two miles east of Shedd.
Tastings are free and half gallon jugs are available for a $5 donation to the Thompson’s Mills Preservation Society.
Thompson’s Mills, built in 1848, is the only surviving water powered mill in the state and is operated by the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation. The Park is open dawn to dusk almost every day of the year. Tours of the old grist mill are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Picnic tables and vault toilets are available.
For more information, contact Don Lyon at 541-654-2052.
The Great Pumpkin run fundraiser
Home Life will host its annual Great Pumpkin Run fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 11, at Ashbrook Independent School, 4045 SW Research Way, Corvallis.
This family-friendly run fundraiser supports Home Life and its mission to assist adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live active, independent and meaningful lives.
Participants can choose between a 10K run or a 5K run/walk. Register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/Corvallis/TheGreatPumpkinRun or visit www.homelifeinc.org for more information.
After 5 Connections dinner, program
After 5 Connections – a gathering for women – will host a “FALLing for Christmas” dinner and program from 6-7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Ma’s Restaurant, 2416 S. Santiam Hwy, Lebanon.
Guest speaker will be Pat Smith of Pocatello, Idaho, who will share the fascinating journey of Stonecroft. Drawing from her time working at the original Kansas City headquarters, she will tell the story of how a small group started in 1938 and expanded into a global network. It is an inspiring look at how ordinary women continue to make an impact worldwide.
Nancey West, of West’s Tree Farm in Lebanon, is the special feature presenter. She will share her passion and guide us through a live holiday wreath-making demonstration. Learn the secrets to crafting a beautiful, fresh arrangement just in time for the season!
We hope you will join us for an evening of warmth, friendship, and holiday inspiration. Gather with women from across our community to connect, unwind, and share a special night together.
Cost for dinner is $23; credit cards cannot be accepted. To RSVP, contact Sherri at 541-258-6414, or Nancy at 541-259-1396 or by email at [email protected]. Please contact if you have to cancel your reservation.
Brownsville Harvest
Festival Oct. 25
Connect Linn County will host the fourth annual Brownsville Harvest Festival on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Pioneer Park.
The event will include a trunk or treat, costume contest, games, hay rides, and food and vendors.
Mobile produce
and health clinic
Volunteers are needed to help with free a Produce Market and Mobile Health Clinic held every last Wednesday of the month through October from 4-6 p.m. at Sweet Home Church of the Nazarene, 415 Holley Road, Sweet Home.
The last event this year is Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Participants can receive fresh produce and access to services through a mobile health clinic at no cost. Help is needed to make it happen.
For more information, contact Tina Dodge at [email protected] or call (541) 730-3541.
Halloween party
library fundraiser
The Sweet Home Elks Lodge will host an adult Halloween party fundraiser benefiting the Sweet Home Public Library at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, at the lodge, 440 Osage St.
For ages 21 and over.
Storytime at
Lebanon Library
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.
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.
Lebanon garden
beds available
Porter Park Community Garden in Lebanon has 15 raised garden plots available for rent.
The Community Garden was built by the city to give Lebanon residents a place to garden and promote a healthy community through fresh garden-grown produce and enjoy a community of gardeners.
Located at 2240 Porter St., the rental plot includes soil, compost, water, basic gardening tools to use on-site, and support from Master Gardener and Community Garden Coordinator Sheryl Casteen.
Impromptu garden classes or mentoring available upon request. Application documents can be found at LebanonOregon.gov/535/Porter-Park-Community-Garden, or send an email request to [email protected].
Church seeks help with hygiene supplies
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.
VFW open events
The VFW & AUX Post #3437 invites the public to its open house events, located at 580 Main St., Sweet Home.
Breakfast every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Poker night every Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Karaoke every second and fourth Friday
Cook-Off competitions once a month