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.
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.
Candidate Open House
Lacomb Grange will host a candidate open house at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 34100 E Lacomb Rd.
This meet and greet allows candidates to share their policies and agendas for the upcoming mid-term election. Confirmed to attend so far are Patti Adair (US Congressional candidate for CD5), Ivan Maluski (Oregon House candidate HD11) and Sierrah Williams (Oregon Senate candidate SD6).
For more information, email Scott Bruslind at [email protected].
Final week for farmers market
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.
The Sweet Home Farmers’ Market has ended for the season
Lebanon seniors 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.
Lebanon Legion history presentation
Nona Miller, club manager for Lebanon’s American Legion Post 51, will give a talk on the history of the post at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Cosponsored by the Lebanon Museum, the event will be held at American Legion Santiam Post 51, at 480 South Main St. in Lebanon. Entrance is free to all, and meals will be available for purchase.
Chartered in 1926, American Legion Santiam Post 51 has served veterans, active military members, and the local community for a full century. All are welcome to come learn about the organization’s remarkable history.
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.
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.
Oktoberfest Fundraiser
Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Santiam will host an Oktoberfest Fall Auction at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Sweet Home Clubhouse, 890 18th Ave.
Grab your friends, dust off your lederhosen and join us for an Oktoberfest-inspired evening benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Santiam, presented by Julegard Christmas Tree Farm.
The even includes beer, food, silent and live auctions, and Oktoberfest fun. Come ready to raise a stein, raise a paddle and make a difference for kids right here in our community. Festive Oktoberfest attire encouraged, but not required.
Register online at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/oktoberfestauction/. For more information, contact Amy Vandetta at [email protected].
Blue Book Photo Contest
The Oregon Secretary of State’s office is sponsoring a cover photo contest for the 2027-2028 Blue Book.
Every corner of Oregon has a story just waiting to be seen. This is your invitation to capture the special magic of Oregon.
We welcome Oregon residents and amateur photographers to submit their images to our 2027-2028 Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest. We’re looking for images that reflect the beauty, resilience and spirit of our state.
We want to see the scenes that remind you why Oregon is home.
The deadline for entries is Saturday, Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m.
For guidelines and submit photos online, visit sos.oregon.gov/blue-book/Pages/contest-entry-form.aspx.
To submit images via email, download the entry form from sos.oregon.gov/blue-book/Documents/about-contest-postal-entry.pdf.
Stories of Healing Garden’s Impact
The community is invited to enjoy an hour of storytelling by people impacted by the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 525 N. Santiam Hwy., Lebanon, Conference Room B/C.
The Healing Garden has impacted countless individuals and families since it was completed in 2004. The garden engages all five senses, allowing patients, staff and community members to find peace, comfort, purpose and a connection to nature within the hospital walls.
Hear tales of belonging, nourishment, grief and healing. Join tours of the hospital and healing garden. Refreshments will be provided.
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.
Fall cooking competition for 50+
Lebanon’s Senior Center will host a cooking competition harvest party at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 80 Tangent St.
They are currently looking for talented home cooks to show off their favorite creations made with corn, apples or fruit, and pumpkins or gourds.
Whether you’ve got a cherished family recipe or a new dish you’re excited to try, we’d love to have you and your other friends who are over 50 years old, join in the fun. Not only is this a great way to share delicious food and enjoy the season with friends, but you could also win a $25 gift card to a local Lebanon restaurant for being the best in your category.
Sign up by emailing [email protected] or calling (541) 258‑4919.
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.
Halloween contest, run/walk
The Lebanon Downtown Association will host a “Halloween Hustle” one mile and 5K walk/run at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Academy Square Park, 25 Academy St.
Registration is $20. Costume contest starts at 8:45 a.m.
UPDATE WHEN MORE INFO READY
Speedway Track-or-Treat
The Willamette Speedway will host “Track-or-Treat” on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 36606 Airport Dr.
They are currently looking for volunteers to host a flash mob, show their race cars, hand out candy, host booths, provide activities and/or dress up as “scare actors.” Donations of candy and decorations would also be appreciated.
This family-friendly event is free.
For more information, call (541) 497-9400.
FISH Fall Bazaar
FISH of Lebanon will host a Fall Harvest Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, at New Hope Church, 37272 Gore Dr., Lebanon.
Shoppers will find handcrafts, quilts, diamond art, baked goods, jams and jellies, cups, succulents, wood items, pottery and more. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oddfellows Holiday Bazaar
The IOOF Lebanon Oddfellow Lodge #47 will host its annual holiday bazaar from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, at 20 E Ash St., Lebanon.
Anyone interested in being a vendor can call (541) 258-5253. Booths cost $30, or $35 if electricity is needed.
Holiday Craft Bazaar
Santiam Place Event Hall will host a Holiday Craft Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, at 139 Main St., Lebanon.
Shop local crafter booths selling handcrafted decor, gifts, jams and jellies, jewelry and more. You can also pick up a map of craft bazaars happening throughout Lebanon on this weekend.
Santiam Salute 5K Run
WesternU will host a “Santiam Salute 5K Fun Run” at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the former LBCC building, 44 Industrial Way, Lebanon.
Registration is $25 and includes a t-shirt and finisher medal. Proceeds benefit the Edward C. Allworth Oregon Veterans Home and the Military Medical Student Association.
For more information on how to register, email [email protected].
UPDATE when no longer seeking vendors
Jefferson Holiday Craft Fair
The Jefferson Boosters are looking for vendors for a holiday craft fair to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, at Jefferson High School, 2200 Talbot Rd., SE Jefferson.
They seek vendors who offer various and unique products, bespoke gifts and items that make people say, “I need that!”
Vendor fees are $40 per 8×8 space. To request an application, or for more information, email [email protected].
Lebanon Community Chorus rehearsals
The Lebanon Community Chorus 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].
LCSWA tree sale pre-orders open
Linn County Small Woodlands Association (LCSWA) will host its 32nd annual tree and shrub seedling sale from 8 a.m. to noon on Feb. 13 at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center.
Pre-orders can be placed online at the LCSWA seedling shop starting Dec. 1, through the end of January. Visit linncountyswa.com for more details on store opening and how to place your pre-order.
This year’s offerings include several conifers, a variety of deciduous tree species, shrubs and perennials.
Proceeds from the seedling sale fund both university-level and 4-H forestry scholarships.
Pre-orders are recommended for the best selection.
Christmas Parade in Lebanon
Holidays in the Park will host “Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights” from 2-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Lebanon’s Ralston Park.
The annual event includes carriage rides, music and vendors. The Twilight Parade will begin downtown at 5:15 p.m., followed by the lighting of the tree.
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.
Meals on Wheels deliverers needed
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 for public
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