Around Town for mid-February to mid-March 2021

OSU lecture series’ focus is recovery

The annual Starker Lecture Series at Oregon State University will this year focus on resilience in the face of disasters and other disturbances and how people across the forest landscape work to overcome them and learn from them.
The series examines how communities, industries and organizations have responded to recent and previous disruptions and are poised to play critical roles in creating a better future in the areas of forest economics, recreation, education and research.
The series is free and open to the public via Zoom and Facebook Live. It features four panel discussions and concludes with a capstone workshop scheduled for a still to be determined date in April. Registration for each of the panel discussions is open.
“Natural disturbances and disasters have a long history of presenting opportunities for society to learn, adapt and thrive,” said Tom DeLuca, dean of the OSU College of Forestry. “The multiple disturbances and challenges of 2020 have emphasized the need to take stock and bounce back with the knowledge we’ve gained. Whether dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic or widespread wildfires, the past year has forced all of us to overcome and look at new and more resilient ways to live and work in the future.”
The series began on Jan. 28 and has addressed recreation and education (Feb. 10) thus far.
Subsequent sessions, all running from 2 to 3:30 p.m., will focus on economics (March 3) and research (March 10). The capstone will be from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on April 7 or April 21, whichever date is ultimately selected.
The lecture series is sponsored by the Starker family in memory of T.J. and Bruce Starker, prominent leaders in the development of the Oregon forest products industry.
The series is also supported by the OSU College of Forestry and the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.
More information and archives of completed lectures are available at  starkerlectures.forestry.oregonstate.edu.

Free healthcare webinars offered

Samaritan Health Services is offering free web seminars on diagnostic imaging and using technology to exercise, both on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
“What’s Inside? A Closer Look at Diagnostic Imaging” is from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Tommy Williams, diagnostic imaging manager at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital and Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, will discuss the many imaging tools available. From DEXA bone density testing to MRI, these tools play a vital role in helping health care providers make a diagnosis. Participants are encouraged to bring the questions and topics they’d like to discuss.
“Exercise With a Side of Technology” will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., also on Feb. 23.
Sandeep Jalli, DO, of Samaritan Heart Center, will discuss the cardiovascular benefits of exercise and the role popular devices like Fitbit, Apple Watch and others can play in your exercise routine. You’ll also find out about helpful heart health apps and how to keep moving during the pandemic.
For more information and to register, which is required, visit www.samhealth.org/health-services/classes-and-events and scroll to the appropriate title on Feb. 23.

Learn about dry farming Feb. 25

The Oregon State University Extension Small Farms Program is offering its sixth Annual Dry Farming Collaborative Winter Meeting from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25.
This year the meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and open to growers, plant breeders, educators and agricultural professionals interested in learning about crops production with little to no irrigation. Participants will hear from multiple speakers on the background of the DFC, roots of dry farming in the western U.S., farmer innovation, research updates, and the day will end with grower focus groups.
The event is free to attend. Registration is required to receive the webinar link, and there is limited capacity. For agenda, additional details, and to register visit smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/dry-farming or contact Teagan Moran at (541) 713-5011 or [email protected].

COMP-NW Health Careers Ladder

COMP-Northwest invites school children to its Health Career Ladder academy, which promotes exploration of career goals.
This year, the university students will hold their workshops online with science-based interactive videos on subjects ranging from immunology to ecosystems. The first video will post Saturday, Feb. 28, and can be found at ladder.westernu.edu/lebanon.
The Career Ladder program is intended to guide local students through their education and into successful careers, particularly as health care professionals. COMP-Northwest clinicians, scientists, medical students and others from the community engage young people and their families in science activities to educate and build skills and confidence for ages ranging from sixth grade through high school.
For more information, call (541) 259-0221 or email [email protected].

Photo contest open to local entries

The Albany Visitors Association is presenting its 14th Annual Albany Photography Contest.
The purpose of the contest is to find images suitable for use in the coming year’s marketing materials for Albany and Linn County. Photographers will get photo credit whenever possible.
Many of the photos will be used in advertising, and the official Albany Visitor Guide that is printed each year. There are 20,000 Albany Visitor Guides printed annually that are sent all over the country and the world. Images will also be used on the AVA website, social media platforms and print marketing.
The contest is open to photographers of all skill levels.
First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded to winners in each of seven categories; Scenic, Landmarks, Events, Life in the Community, Historic Albany, and Culinary. A first-place prize will also be awarded in the Student category.
The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Friday, March 19.
Information, rules and release forms will be available online at www.albanyvisitors.com
To enter email [email protected]
For further information contact the AVA at (541) 928-0911 or at the email above.

Carpal tunnel topic of free webinar

Learn about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in a free virtual seminar offered from 12:15 to 1 p.m. Friday, March 5, by Samaritan Health Services.
Dr. Erin Campaigniac of Samaritan Medical Group Hand to Shoulder Orthopedics – Corvallis will discuss what causes carpal tunnel syndrome and how it can be treated, along with preventative tips for easing your hand and wrist pain and avoiding injury in your normal daily routine.
For more information and to register, which is required, visit www.samhealth.org/health-services/classes-and-events and scroll to the appropriate title on March 5.

Free virtual classes on gardening

The Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener program is offering a series of free virtual monthly classes, The Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series, which will be broadcast via Zoom webinar at 3 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month through November.
The classes, which include topics as far-ranging as Dazzling Dahlias to Adapting Your Garden and Landscape to Climate Change, are meant for those with a bit of gardening under their belt.
Before the pandemic, this series would have been held in person solely as continuing education for Master Gardeners, but the webinar format allows the sessions to be offered to the public.
The content, taught by horticulture experts from around the state, is meant to address current issues like wildfires, climate change and pollinators.
The topic for March 9 will be Multifunctional Hedgerows. At the edges of farm fields or along rows, there are often rows of trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses that are known as hedgerows. These living fences grow food, shelter wildlife, save water, manage weeds and look beautiful all year round. Explore how to design and use these multi-functional plantings as a way to achieve multiple land management goals.
The classes are free but registration is required. To make them accessible to those who cannot attend the live session, the classes will be recorded and available at extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/growing-oregon-gardeners-level-series for anyone to watch.

Walk a Mile for a Child on for April 3

Sign-ups are being accepted for Lebanon’s Walk a Mile for a Child/5K, scheduled for Saturday, April 3, starting at the Lebanon Police Department, 40 N. 2nd St.
The event supports Child Abuse Awareness in Linn County. Our mission is to promote the well-being of children and prevent child abuse and neglect through education and advocating for the children in the community, and to promote community growth.
The event runs from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to participate in the mile walk or $15 for the 5K run. Social distancing measures will be in force and masks will be required.
Registration ends April 2. Signups and information are available at runsignup.com/Race/OR/Lebanon/WalkaMileforaChild5K.