HOLIDAY EVENTS CALENDAR:
Now to Dec. 10: Christmas toy collections
The 15th annual Lebanon Christmas Toy Program is collecting toys and cash donations until Dec. 10.
Every donation stays in Lebanon.
To receive toys, families must submit an application, available online at www.TheRiverCenter.net, and children must reside in the Lebanon School District. Distribution days are Dec. 10 to 11.
Toy program information hotline is (541) 451-1035. For more information, call (541) 570-8273 or email [email protected].
November: Thanksgiving food collection
Boy Scout Pack 350 is collecting food or cash donations to make Thanksgiving food boxes for families in the community.
To help, contact Michael or Tara Rathburn at (541) 401-7352.
Nov. 17: Rebekah Christmas Bazaar
Pearl Rebekah Lodge #47 will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar Nov. 16-17 at 20 E. Ash St.
The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17.
Vendors will offer Scentsy, Tupperware, jewelry, party line, Purple Heart Woodworking, homemade crafts and many more. Lunch is available for purchase. Proceeds go for Christmas baskets and supplies for the Veterans Home.
Nov. 22: Thanksgiving dinner
First United Methodist Church and other sponsoring churches in the city invite the public to join them for Thanksgiving dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1890 S. Second St., at the corner of Second Street and Airport Road. The free meal includes turkey, ham, potatoes, dressing, green beans, salads, bread, pie and beverage.
Nov. 27: Christmas card class
Make four different Christmas card designs at this class from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St.
Some card-making or scrapbooking experience is required for this class. Most materials are provided, but bring your own scissors, glue, and pens/pencils. Cost is $10. Class size is limited to 10 people. Sign-up deadline is Nov. 20.
For more information, call (541) 258-4919.
Nov. 28 – Dec. 1: Christmas Show
Two Sisters Treasures will hold a Christmas treasures sale from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday (must pay $5 pre-sale entry fee), from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. at 39510 Lacomb Drive.
Vendors will offer furniture, shabby chic, antiques, Christmas decor and gifts, home decor, rusty junk, yard art, rustic, old windows, handmade ornaments, primitive, glassware, gourmet goodies, accessories and much more.
Nov. 29 – LBCC choral concert
Linn-Benton Community College’s fall choral concert, “A Rose in Winter,” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at LBCC’s Russell Tripp Performance Center, Takena Hall, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany.
The evening will include performances by LBCC’s award-winning concert and chamber choirs, and LBCC a cappella groups The Sirens and Blue Light Special.
Choirs are conducted by Raymund Ocampo, director of LBCC Choral Studies, and accompanied by Kristin Rorrer.
Featured choral works include “Erev Shel Shoshanim,” arranged by Jack Klebanow, “The Rose” by Ola Gjeilo, “Tota Pulchra Es” by Maurice Durufle, and “Ave Maria” by Franz Biebl.
Tickets are $10 general admission, $7 for students, seniors and veterans. Purchase online at www.linnbenton.edu/tickets or at the theater box office one hour prior to performance.
For more information, contact the LBCC Theater Box Office at (541) 917-4531.
Nov. 30: Christmas play
The Lebanon Senior Center hosts the Jingle Pants Player in “Naughty or Nice: the real story of the night before Christmas,” at 2 p.m., located at 80 Tangent St.
Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 Christmas Bazaar
Linn County Expo Center hosts a Town and Country Christmas Bazaar from 12 to 8 p.m. Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
More than 200 booths will be there, and Santa can be found at Storybook Land Dec. 1 in the livestock pavilion (see below).
December: ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’
Albany Civic Theater presents “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” directed by Tim Kelley and Rebecca Douglas, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 and 16, at 111 First Ave. W.
This new dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic 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.
December: Ride the rails
- Tennessee Thunder Railroad will light their four acres with Christmas lights and decorations and offer rides on their 1/4-scale train around the property from 5 to 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night during the month of December.
Cost is $5 per adult, $4 per child. Located at 37672 Kgal Drive, Lebanon.
- Santiam Excursion Trains offers its annual Candy Cane Express, a family-friendly one-hour trip every Saturday in December from 11 a.m. to noon, 1 to 2 p.m., and 3 to 4 p.m., departing from Santiam Travel Station, 750 S 3rd St., Lebanon.
Tickets include a one-hour ride, hot cocoa, candy cane and arts and crafts. Hot popcorn and drinks are available for purchase from a full bar stocked with soda, water, coffee, mixed drinks, beer and wine.
During the holiday season the railroad hosts a nonprofit on the train. This year’s is ABC House, which will raise funds to help support local children in crisis. All tips and popcorn sales will be donated to them.
The train runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather. There is no assigned seating. Riders are welcome to explore the antique cars.
For ticket information, visit santiam-excursion-trains.ticketleap.com/candy-cane-express-2018 or call (541) 619-0342.
Dec. 1: Jingle Bells Run
Lebanon Downtown Association hosts its first annual Jingle Bells one mile fun run/walk starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Ralston Park.
The event features an ugly sweater contest. Registration costs $10 per person. Kids under 5 walk free. Sign in 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. T-shirts will be available for purchase.
For more information, contact Alysia at (541) 974-4391.
Dec. 1: LHS Music Booster Holiday Bazaar
Homemade items from local vendors and business owners will have booths set up for holiday shopping from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lebanon High School.
Band and choir students will perform throughout the day. Food will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the 2019 band and choir trip to southern California, where they will receive instruction from college music directors, tour campuses and spend time at Disneyland.
Dec. 1: PTO Holiday Shopping
Cascades Elementary PTO will hold its holiday shopping extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Interested vendors may rent a space for $10 to $20. Proceeds benefit PTO school grants and projects. For more information, contact Stefanie at (541) 409-6695.
Dec. 1: Holidays in the Park
Lebanon’s annual Holidays in the Park celebration will be from 2 to 7 p.m. at Ralston Park.
The theme this year is “Fairytale Christmas,” and Drew Briese will be the Twilight Parade’s grand marshall. Parade begins at 5:15 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree. Visit with Santa, take a carriage ride, drink hot chocolate and enjoy the festivities.
Vendors must register $25.
For more information, contact Virginia Gardner at (541) 971-0347.
Parade registrants must turn in completed papers and $10 by Nov. 23. Businesses wanting to decorate a tree in the park must reserve their tree with a $10 fee.
For more information, contact Ronda at (541) 619-1030.
Dec. 1-14: Storybook Land
Storybook Land will open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays thru Thursdays, and from 2 p.m to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Linn County Fairgrounds livestock pavilion in Albany.
The free event includes 115 scenes from fairytale and family movies in a forest setting with Christmas lights and music.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the North Pole with candy canes for the kids.
Dec. 8: Holiday bazaars
- Willamette Manor Assisted Living hosts booths with residents’ homemade goods and local vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 176 W. C St. Those wanting to rent a booth for $5-$10 may contact Karan at (541) 258-8178 or email [email protected]
- The Festival of Trees holiday craft bazaar is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Brownsville American Legion Post 184, 339 N. Main.
Vendors may rent a table for $10 to sell crafted or new items only by contacting Judy at (541) 808-1970.
Dec. 22: Christmas party and meal
Heart and Hand for Homeless will host a “meal and party, with surprises, for the homeless” for those in need, from 4 to 7 pm. at The Lobby, 661 S. Main St.
And more Around Town this month:
Hospitals to limit pediatric visitors
All Samaritan Health Services hospitals are limiting visitors in birthing centers until spring 2019 to protect pediatric patients, mothers and newborns from flu viruses circulating in the region.
Each new mom and pediatric patient will be allowed a total of four designated visitors throughout the entire 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.
Designated visitors need to be free of flu symptoms and carefully follow infection control guidelines, such as hand washing.
Free sports clinic offers kids care
Samaritan Sweet Home Physical Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine is now offering a free sports medicine clinic for student athletes in East Linn County who have recently sustained a sports injury.
Physical therapists at the clinic will assess the student’s injury on a first-come, first-served basis every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the clinic, 646 Holley Road. The assessment does not require a referral from the student’s primary care provider.
This service is available to any student athlete in east Linn County, age 6 to 18. The student’s parent must be at the appointment as well.
A session will consist of:
- A brief screening to assess the injury.
- Education about the injury and how to treat it at home.
- Clinical advice for practice and classroom modification to promote safe return to the classroom and sports activities.
- Clinical advice as to what, if any, further formal treatment is necessary.
For more information, call (541) 451-6272.
Post-Veterans Day square dance
Lebanon’s Square Circlers will hold a Veterans Day Dance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the I.O.O.F. Hall, 20 E. Ash St.
Caller will be Charlotte Jeskey and cuer will be Jackie Gale. Cost is $5.
For more information, contact Wanda at (541) 990-4247.
Square Circlers also offer square dance lessons from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sundays, also at the I.O.O.F. Hall. The first class is free and each class thereafter is $5, or $12 for a family of three or more.
For more information on classes, email [email protected].
Fifth Street closure starts Nov. 19
Fifth Street, north of Reeves Parkway, will be closed to traffic during the daytime starting Monday, Nov. 19.
According to the city, Fifth Street will be closed between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for construction related to the Mill Race Project.
Construction is expected to last several weeks.
For more information, contact Engineering Services Director Ron Whitlatch at (541) 258-4269 or at [email protected].
Bow Wow Bingo benefits for shelter
The Waddell Group Windermere Real Estate office will host Bow Wow Bingo as a benefit for SafeHaven Humane Society from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, at Schmizza Public House, 2602 S. Santiam Hwy.
Participants must be 18 or older. Cards are $1 each or six for $5. Small bills are strongly encouraged.
For more information, contact Diana Sartin at (541) 480-3254.
Donate blood, get a T-shirt
The American Red Cross urges people to share their good health this holiday season by donating blood for patients in need.
A decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors are busy with holiday activities and travel. However, medical treatments and emergencies that require blood don’t stop for the holidays. The Red Cross is thanking those who carve out time to give Nov. 21-24 with a long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
The most local donation event will be Saturday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mega Foods, 1950 Main St. Lebanon.
To get a T-shirt, donate in Albany on Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 10, 1215 Pacific Blvd SE and from noon to 5 p.m. at Coastal Farm & Ranch, 1355 Goldfish Farm Road SE.
The Red Cross is also seeking individuals interested in setting up a donation event in December, January or February. To learn more about hosting a blood drive and to sign up, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.
Learn to live with diminishing vision
“Turning Diminishing or Loss of Vision into a Positive Challenge” will be this month’s topic for the Mid Valley Low Vision Support Group meeting, which meets at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at Brookdale Grand Prairie, 1929 Grand Prairie Road, Albany.
David Del Valle, who was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disease that leads to blindness, will be the moderator for a presentation and group discussion. At the beginning of Del Valle’s journey into fading vision, he began to realize that his gradual vision loss was causing many other losses as well.
These included his driver’s license, which led to the loss of his sole proprietor business, which led to the loss of the means to support his family, which led to his loss of self-pride, which led to his loss of independence and self-reliance.
After struggling with these losses, he began to realize that he could change what he had thought was a life-ending situation into a positive, self-motivated challenge of living well, just living a bit differently. Today he is again a self-proprietor of a successful business and is sharing his journey with others.
All are welcome to this free meeting. No membership required. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, call (541) 928-5008.
Local author to talk about history
Meet local author and British historian Debra Brown from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, at Think Brain Candy Books and Tea, 678 Main St.
Brown is president of the M.M. Bennetts Award for Historical Fiction Association, author of two “Jane Austen style” historical novels, and editor of “Castles, Customs, and Kings: True Tales by English Historical Fiction Authors.”
For more information, call (541) 258-7151.
Free yoga class at Lebanon Library
Lebanon Public Library will host Yoga at the Library, a free evening with local yoga instructor Jamie McEdwards from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, and again on Dec. 11, at 55 Academy St.
The class is for participants 18 and up. No registration is required. Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat and bottle of water.
For more infromation, call (541) 258-4926 or visit www. lebanonpubliclibrary.com.
Library to host Ozobots afternoon
Lebanon Public Library will host SUGO! Show Up, Geek Out!, an opportunity for local teens to spend an afternoon tinkering with Ozobots, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 55 Academy St.
Ozobots are small, smart toy robots that empower gamers and learners to code, play, create and connect the physical and digital worlds.
Space and robots are limited and registration is required. Kids ages 12-18 may register.
For more infromation, call (541) 258-4926 or visit www. lebanonpubliclibrary.com.
Special Olympics karaoke event
The Special Olympics of Linn County will host a karaoke night from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 30, at WVRC, 1853 West Airway Road.
Admission is free. Concessions will be for sale.
RSVP by calling (541) 570-7600 or email [email protected].
Youth bowlers to hold food drive
Linn Lanes and the Youth Bowling Program host a food drive beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2250 S. Main Road.
Oregon State University football players will be present from 10: 30 to 12:30 p.m., and those who donate 10 non-perishable food items during that time will be entered in a drawing for prizes.
The food drive continues until Dec. 20. For every two non-perishable (and not expired) food item donations, receive a coupon for a free bowling game or soda. One coupon per person, per day is allowed.
Genealogy group potluck, sharing
Linn Genealogical Society will hold its annual holiday potluck at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Albany Regional Museum, 136 Lyon Street S., Albany.
There will be door prizes and members share what they learned this past year and any trips they have taken. Sharing is not mandatory, but is always a great learning session, a way for members to get better acquainted.
The public is welcome.
For more information call the LGS Library at (541) 791-1618 or visit www.lgsoregon.org.
Local author to talk Bible study
Meet local Christian author Bobbie Gannon from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at Think Brain Candy Books and Tea, 678 Main St.
Gannon is committed to teaching the Bible and sharing her love for Jesus in senior homes and assisted living facilities.
She’s written her book, “Christianity Plain and Simple,” to preserve the heartfelt revelations she’s received over the years, both through her own ministry and from the experiences of her children and grandchildren.
This book is a down-to-earth collection of deep spiritual, biblical truths, expressed with love.
For more information, call (541) 258-7151.
Harry Potter Trivia night at library
Lebanon Public Library will host Harry Potter Trivia Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 55 Academy St.
Participating is limited to those 16 and up. The free event will include trivia, prizes and refreshments.
Registration is not required.
For more infromation, call (541) 258-4926 or visit www. lebanonpubliclibrary.com.
Symphony to play major composers
Willamette Valley Symphony will perform works by Schumann, Grieg, and Haydn beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, and at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at Ashbrook Independent School, 4045 Research Way, Corvallis.
Guest David Jacobs will conduct Haydn’s “Military” Symphony No. 100. Also on the program are Schumann’s Overture, Scherzo and Finale, and Grieg’s Holberg Suite.
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.
Name bus system, win an iPad
Give Lebanon’s bus system a name and win an iPad – maybe.
The City of Lebanon recently added a scheduled loop route bus service while maintaining its long-standing Dial-a-Bus system.
With the new service, the Dial-a-Bus name no longer adequately describes the overall system.
The city is asking the community to help find a new name. Some ideas from other communities that might inspire name ideas for Lebanon’s bus system include CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System), MAX (Metropolitan Area Express), TART (Tahoe Area Regional Transit), JAC (Jump Around Carson), Cherriots (Salem), and Mountain Rides (Ketchum, Idaho).
Name ideas may be submitted at drop box locations at the Lebanon Public Library and Senior Center, or mailed to [email protected].
The contest is open to all Lebanon-area residents, and entries will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10.
The winning entrant will win an Apple iPad and an unlimited-use bus pass for one year.
Learn essential oils at library
Lebanon Public Library will host “Winter Wellness with Essential Oils” from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at 55 Academy St.
Learn how powerful essential oils can boost immunity and assist the body in healing itself naturally, using the power of plants.
Participants will make an immune boosting roller ball to take home.
Participation is limited to those 18 or older and registration is required.
For more infromation, call (541) 258-4926 or visit www. lebanonpubliclibrary.com.
African Children’s Choir to perform
The African Children’s Choir will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at Sweet Home High School, 1641 Long St.
The performance is free, but donations are appreciated. The program will include lively African songs and dances, well-loved children’s songs, traditional spirituals and gospel favorites.
Performances support African Children’s Choir programs, such as education, care and relief and development. Music for Life (The parent organization for The African Children’s Choir) works in the African countries: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. MFL has educated over 52,000 children and impacted the lives of over 100,000 people through its relief and development programs during its history.
The African Children’s Choir has performed before presidents, heads of state and most recently the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, for her diamond jubilee. The Choir has also had the honor of singing alongside artists such as Paul McCartney, Annie
Lennox, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, Michael W. Smith, and other inspirational performers!
The local performance is sponsored by Cornerstone Fellowship of Sweet Home.
Elks to hold essay contest for kids
The Order of the Elks sponsors an essay contest for students in fifth to eighth grade.
Essay length should not exceed 300 words, on the theme “What makes you proud of America.”
Essays must be typed or written in ink and submitted by the entrant at the Elks Lodge 1663, at 41 W. Maple St.
Participants must identify name, grade, school, and Elks Lodge number on the essay. Entries due by Dec. 15.
For more information, contact Bob at (541) 258-3211.
Travellers to talk modernization
Donald Lyon and Allen Buzzard will discuss “Breakneck Pace of Modernization: Reflections from an American Tourist’s Month-Long Travels” at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at 55 Academy St.
The program is free and registration is not required. For more infromation, call (541) 258-4926 or visit www. lebanonpubliclibrary.com.
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 infromation, call (541) 258-4926 or visit www. lebanonpubliclibrary.com.