Note: Lebanon Local regularly updates the Around Town listings on our website, lebanonlocalnews.com, for events that happen before we publish or before the newspaper is delivered to racks around town. Check the website for new listings.
Hospital visitation limited due to flu
To protect pediatric patients, mothers and newborns from flu viruses circulating in the region, all Samaritan Health Services hospitals, including Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospitals, are limiting visitors in birthing centers until the flu season is over, according to an announcement issued by SLCH.
Each new mother and pediatric patient will be allowed a total of four visitors during their hospital stay, and no visitors under the age of 12 will be allowed in the birthing centers or pediatric units unless they are a healthy sibling of a newborn or pediatric patient.
This means four designated visitors throughout the entire hospital stay, not simply four at a time. The designated support people need to be free of flu symptoms and carefully follow infection control guidelines, such as hand washing.
Pregnant women and children are among those in high-risk categories for complications from influenza-like illnesses, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control. Limiting visitors to hospital birthing centers and pediatric units reduces the potential for exposure for this vulnerable population.
The best defense against flu viruses, both at hospitals and in the community, is to avoid exposure through the following basic hygiene and infection control measures:
– Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper sleeve.
– Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and regularly, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
– Get a seasonal flu shot. The vaccine remains the best way to prevent influenza illness).
– If you are sick, stay home.
For basic information about the flu, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services’ flu prevention website at flu.oregon.gov.
Local authors to visit bookstore
Local authors will answer questions and sign books over the next month at Think Brain Candy Books and Tea, 678 Main St.
The events are free, but attendees are encouraged to support authors by purchasing their books. Quality loose-leaf, organic tea ($2.50 per cup) and French press coffee ($3.50) are available.
– Author Kathy Beckwith will answer questions and sign books from 3 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 20.
She is a local author who has written such titles as “Playing War,” “A Mighty Case Against War,” and “If You Choose Not to Hit.” She is a meditation trainer who has worked for 20-plus years with school children, parents, teachers and community groups. She will be joined by local retired teacher, author and world traveler JonLee Joseph.
– Authors Stevan Alfred and Corinna Dominy will read excerpts from their books, answer questions and sign books from 4 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 2.
Dominy is a Lebanon author who has published three novels that cater to the Christian/historical fiction audience. Alfred’s book is a collection of short stories that weave a tapestry of small-town Oregon life.
– Author, journalist and homeless advocate Julie Akins will speak and sign books from 3 to 5 p.m. on Feb. 12.
Akins describes herself as a Mindfulness trainer, Zen Buddhist student, adjunct journalism instructor , writer, author, television host and homelessness activist. She will talk about “Understanding Homelessness and Tour for Humanity,” and her book “Common Miracles: Gifts from a Grateful Universe.”
For more information, contact Mark at (541) 258-7151.
Women’s Bible studies start Jan. 23
A Community-Wide Women’s Bible Study will begin the week of Jan. 23 throughout the Willamette Valley.
The topic will be “Journey to Your Promised Land,” taught by Priscilla Shirer, who appeared in the movie “War Room.”
Lebanon-area meeting times and places are held at:
– Lebanon First Assembly of God Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m.;
– Lebanon First Baptist Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 7 to 8:30 p.m.; and
– Southside Church of Christ Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon and from 6 to 7:30 p.m..
Register at midvalleywomenofchrist.org.
Free ballet class offered
Cascade Performing Arts is offering a free “try-it” Beginning Ballet class for Tweens, Teens and Adults from 7 to 8:15 p.m. on Jan. 25 at 800 Harrison St. in Lebanon.
This class is for those who have never taken ballet before or who have some experience and are dancing at a beginning level. This is the class for those who’ve always dreamed about taking ballet but never got around to it.
The class meets on Wednesday evenings.
For more information call (541) 258-2572 or (541) 401-9780.
Ombudsman to speak at Forum
State Ombudsman Fred Steele will speak at the monthly Lebanon Chamber of Commerce Forum Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital Training Center, 525 N. Santiam Hwy.
Steele heads the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, an independent state agency that serves long-term care facility residents through complaint investigation, resolution and advocacy for improvement in resident care. Program staff work with a statewide network of over 180 volunteers who work in their own communities in a variety of roles.
Cost to attend is $15 and RSVPs are required.
For more information and to RSVP, contact Shelly at (541) 258-7164 or email [email protected].
Giant square dance fest Jan. 27-29
The 2017 Oregon Mid-Winter Square and Round Dance Festival will be held Jan. 27-29 at the Linn County Expo Center, 370 Knox Butte Road, Albany.
Times are 7 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27; 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. The Grand March and Opening Ceremonies will be at 7 p.m. on Friday in the Willamette-A (mainstream) Hall.
All levels of square dancing – B51, Mainstream, Plus and A1, as well as round dancing and clogging, will be available, along with youth events, seminars, a sewing clinic, after parties, a vendors hall and resale clothing.
A square dance demonstration will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. 29. Square Dance attire required.
Square dance callers will be Mike Seastrom and Hunter Keller, both of California. Sharon and Casey Parker, also from California, will cue round dances. Clogging instructor will be Barry Welch of California.
Fees are $45 for adult dancers at the door, and $25 for youths for all three days. No admission is charged for spectators.
For information call (call before Jan. 25) (541) 466-5536 or (541) 829-3800, or visit www.midwinterfestival.com or Facebook/MidWinterSDFestival.
Customer skills seminar Jan. 31
The Lebanon Chamber of Commerce will offer a seminar on “Customer Service Skills that Lead to Success” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the Linn-Benton Community College Lebanon Center Annex, 44 Industrial Way.
Cost is $5 for chamber members or $10 for non-members. For information, contact Shelly at (541) 258-7164 or email [email protected].
Woodlands Assoc. tree sale Feb. 4
The Linn County Chapter of Oregon Small Woodlands Association will hold its annual Seedling Sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 4, or while supplies last, at the Santiam Building at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center on Knox Butte Road in Albany.
The 2017 Goods from the Woods, a local woods products fair, is also returning, and will feature many products and crafts on sale that are made from native local woods, also at the Expo Center.
The sale is intended as a service to the community, providing a great opportunity for local homeowners to pick up small amounts of trees and shrubs that may otherwise be hard to obtain.
Some of the species are suited to smaller places around a home, with spring flowers and/or fall colors.
Portions of the money earned each year are used to help fund educational programs for youth in Linn County, including 4-H and college scholarships.
A plant list/information sheet and seedling order form are available on line.
Links can be found at extension.oregonstate.edu/benton/forestry/events. Seedling pre-orders (due by Jan. 27) are always encouraged.
For questions or additional information, contact Bonnie Marshall at [email protected] or (503) 769-6510.
Orchid show at area nursery
The Mary’s Peak Orchid Society, an orchid club with members throughout the Willamette Valley, will hold its annual show and sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Garland Nursery, 5470 NE Hwy 20, between Albany and Corvallis.
Break up the winter gray with a brilliant display of orchid flowers. Dozens of blooming orchids will be on display, and numerous vendors will be selling orchid plants, materials, and books. Repotting will be available for a small fee. Admission and advice are free.
‘Winnie the Pooh’ children’s theater at LBCC Feb. 4, 11, 18
The 42nd annual Children’s Theater at Linn-Benton Community College will present “Winnie the Pooh” at 2 p.m. on Feb. 4, 11 and 18 at LBCC’s Russell Tripp Performance Center, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany.
Journey through the Hundred-Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Christopher Robin in this classic tale filled with imagination and wonder, lessons about friendship, and the best way to eat honey.
Tickets are $8 adults, $6 for under 18. Purchase online at www.linnbenton.edu/tickets, or at the door one hour prior to performance.
For more information, contact the LBCC theater box office at (541) 917-4531.
College Night at LBCC Feb. 6
Linn-Benton Community College will hold a College Night open house from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 6, starting in the college theater in Takena Hall, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany.
Information will be available on college admissions processes, financial aid, scholarships and how to earn college credits while still in high school.
Advisors will be on hand to discuss degree options and college partnership programs with Oregon State University and Oregon Institute of Technology.
Information tables include program majors, college clubs, co-curricular programs, short-term training programs and more. Information in Spanish will be available as well.
For more information or to register online, visit www.linnbenton.edu/college-night.
Free heart health screening offered
Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital will provide free Heart Health Screening from 8 to noon on Feb. 11 at 525 N Santiam Hwy, Lebanon in Conference Room B.
Registration is required. To schedule an appointment call toll free 1-855-543-2780.
Service Award nominations sought
The annual Lebanon Community Distinguished Service Awards recognition ceremony will be held in March.
Nominations are being accepted now to honor exceptional individuals, businesses and organizations that have shown a dedication to the Lebanon community, exemplary service, and community leadership.
Categories are Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Junior First Citizen, Senior First Citizen, Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, and The Frankie Gray “Answering the Call Award.”
Nomination forms are available at lebanon-chamber.org/dsa-nomination-forms and at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, 1040 Park. St, Lebanon.
Forms must be returned to the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce no later than Feb. 10.
Awards will be presented on March 7 at the Lebanon Community Distinguished Service Awards at the Samaritan Event Center, 605 Mullins Drive, Lebanon.
Tickets will be available at the Chamber.
For more information, call (541) 258-7164 or email [email protected].
February book club for kids at library
The Lebanon Public Library will host Pages, a book club for children ages 10-14, during the month of February.
Meetings will be held every Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.
Meetings will include discussions and crafts based on the book “Pax” by Sara Pennypacker, which each member of Pages will receive a copy of at the first meeting. Snacks will also be served.
Participation in Pages is free and children do not need a library card to join.
However, space is limited and registration is required, either in person at the library circulation desk or by calling (541) 258-4926.
For more information about this and other programs at the Lebanon Public Library visit www.lebanonpubliclibrary.com or the library’s Facebook page.
LAFTA to stage comedy Feb. 10-11
Lebanon Association for Theatre Arts will present “Million Dollar Meatball,” a slapstick comedy, at 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 and 11 at Lebanon High School Performing Arts Center.
The play, directed by Emily Latimer, tells the story of two bumbling jewel thieves on the run from the cops, who duck into a failing restaurant whose chef has just quit, and which is expecting the arrival of the city’s most powerful restaurant critic.
“Million Dollar Meatball” is a family-friendly show.
Free help for hyperactive kids
Samaritan Neuropsychology – Albany is offering free classes for children who have challenges with attention and/or over-activity, and their parents or guardians.
The SM*ART program includes four weekly classes, and is designed to teach skills to help manage symptoms of inattention and over-active behavior for children ages 7 to 11. Classes provide information on behavioral skills then offer the opportunity to engage in an art project with your child that relates to what was taught in the class.
Four-week sessions begin in January, March, May and August. Parents and children are asked to attend each class in a four-week session.
Classes are free, but registration is required. Call (541) 812-5760 for more information and to register.