Oregon Coast Community Action still has sufficient funding to install new energy efficient furnaces for low-income households in Coos County who may be facing emergency heating needs due to broken, older, or inefficient heating systems. Funding will be used to install 15 Energy Start heat systems in qualifying households. To find out if you qualify or for more information, please call Ashley at (541) 435-7080 ext. 345 or stop by the 2nd floor of ORCCA offices located at 1855 Thomas Ave. in Coos Bay, behind Staples, or visit www.orcca.us.

Native American Weatherization Assistance
Contributed By: Amanda D’Souza, Public Relations Coordinator - Oregon Coast Community Action

Oregon Coast Community Action still has funding to weatherize housing for Native Americans from federally recognized tribes that utilize services from Coos-Curry Electric, City of Bandon, or Central Lincoln PUD. Weatherization services aim to increase household energy efficiency and reduce energy costs through activities such as insulation, air sealing, and energy-related repairs. To find out if you qualify or for more information, please call Lisa at (541) 435-7080 ext. 330, stop by the 2nd floor of ORCCA offices located at 1855 Thomas Ave. in Coos Bay, behind Staples, or visit www.orcca.us.

Children perk up when they hear that familiar music playing at just the right time of day. As soon as they see a  brightly painted little truck coming down the street, they run over to meet it as it pulls into its designated stop. Is this an ice cream truck that has the kids so excited? No, even better! It’s the lunch truck, and what’s more, lunch is completely free!   

The North Bend School District has been serving free summer lunch on site since 1996, but many students have difficulty getting to the free meal when school is out of session because the buses do not run.  In 1998, in an attempt to get the food to where the kids were, some employees loaded up their cars with coolers and began delivering the food to a few locations. Word spread and the program grew, but was limited in scope, partly because it was difficult to keep enough food at optimum temperatures using the employees personal vehicles.

Thanks to food delivery trucks acquired via a USDA Rural Transportation Grant, these days the Summer Lunch Program is able to deliver a nutritious lunch to many more children. The trucks are equipped to carry food from site to site, having separate compartments to keep hot and cold foods at safe temperatures, which allows the program to reach further into our rural areas. Also, in an effort to make the mission even safer, part of the grant was to ensure the trucks are easily recognizable by site and sound. They play music and are painted with vivid pictures of airplanes, surfers, and dancing vegetables. Because the trucks are easily identifiable, the children can feel confident they know who is offering them food.

Rhonda Hoffine, Food Services Director, is happy to see the program is so well utilized.   By delivering food to sites around the county, the schools are able to feed more students than serving lunch at a stationary location.  “When we started this mission, we wanted to be able to go to them, not have them come to us. Kids aren’t able to drive, and some live a long ways out. Even kids who live in town have to think about traffic. So this makes it much easier for kids to have a healthy lunch.”

“This is our most rewarding program,” said Linda Gault, Assistant Food Services Director. “The kids know where we’ll be, and they’ll run to line up when they see us. It’s beautiful to see them.”

Meeting for lunch is a great way to refuel in the middle of a long summer’s day, and it is a social event as well. Parents and caregivers have a chance to mingle while the kids enjoy their lunches and play together afterward.  “We generally serve summertime foods that don’t need utensils to eat,” Rhonda shared. “We try to make healthy choices like whole wheat bread and low fat cheese. There are always fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Currently, the summer lunch program serves approximately 750 children via 28 stops located throughout North Bend, Reedsport, Coquille, and Myrtle Point. Lunches are free to from preschool to 18 years of age. Lunches are served Monday through Friday. For a complete list of free lunch sites, call 756-8305 or 541-756-2521.     

Photo Caption: Rhonda Hoffine (R), NB schools Food Services Director, and Linda Gault (L), Assistant Food Services Director, feel the Summer Lunch program is their most rewarding.  (Lisa Carroll)

The Coquille Fraternal Order of Eagles #2196 will be hosting a Benefit Spaghetti Feed and Dessert Auction on May 18, 2013 from 4-7 P.M. Cost is $7.00. Proceeds are for Joshua Neumann he is a 24 year old man with leukemia waiting for a bone marrow transplant. Funds raised from the Benefit will go toward helping with related expenses. 

The Eagles Lodge is located at 581 N. Alder in Coquille. The Event is open to the public. Donations may also be made in Josh’s name at any Sterling Bank.

For your information our Tax Identification Number is 93-0299877.

For more information you may contact Tad Mattix or Susie Thiebaud at 541-396-3965.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 9:30 am in the Marshfield High School Auditorium, Marshfield High School will hold its 4th annual Memorial Day Assembly.  The students of Marshfield High School cordially invite all members of the armed services, veterans, and their guests, as well as the general public, to attend this event.

This year’s program will honor all veterans as well as the Marshfield High School alumni who died in service during the Vietnam War.  The program’s feature will be a presentation honoring the lives and service of these twelve young men.

The program will include musical selections by the MHS New Horizons and the Marshfield Band of Pirates. Following the assembly, guests are invited to the Marshfield cafeteria for light refreshments and conversation with local veterans and MHS students.

Parking for this event may be limited. Some spaces will be available in the main parking lot as well as in the school bus loading area along the south side of the Auditorium. Handicapped parking is available in front of the Auditorium, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp is located at the rear of the building.  Through arrangement with the City of Coos Bay, temporary parking for the duration of the assembly will also be allowed in the “Permit Parking Only” areas on surrounding streets. We encourage our guests to be seated in the auditorium by 9:15 am.

We would also like to encourage you to visit the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery, particularly over the Memorial Day weekend.  The cemetery is the final resting place for nearly 100 veterans, and during the early twentieth century, the site, with its prominent veterans’ monument, was the focal point of local Memorial Day remembrances. Each of the known veterans’ graves are marked with flags and emblems.

The Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery served as the primary burying ground for the whole Coos Bay region from 1891 through 1920. Marshfield students, in partnership with the City of Coos Bay, now are trying to maintain, improve, and interpret the cemetery. We hope to find additional information, particularly photos or stories about these local founders, and also seek assistance in maintaining and restoring the gravesites. We would like to encourage churches, civic groups, youth groups, or families to “Adopt a Plot,” providing TLC -- such as occasional weeding or placing flowers on the plot – or assisting with more substantial restoration.

If you would like more information about the upcoming Memorial Day program or the cemetery, please contact us at cbcemetery@gmail.com or at our website, http://sites.google.com/site/cbcemetery , that includes lists of the people buried there and additional information about the veterans that will be honored at the Memorial Day program.

The staff of the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay and members of the Charleston Advisory Committee will host a town hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 20, at the Charleston Marina RV Park recreation room, 63402 Kingfisher Drive.

The meeting will feature discussion of the results of a four-month community-driven process to review and update the Charleston Marina Complex Master Plan. The plan guides the port’s board of commissioners and management in infrastructure investments and ongoing development of the marina, RV park and shipyard facilities.

The current document adopted in 2007 was intended as a five-year plan and many recommended improvements have been completed. For the update, three focus groups provided insight and helped prioritize recommendations that vary from development of a low-impact boat wash facility in the marina to expansion of storage areas throughout the Charleston Marina Complex, along with repair and upgrades to the shipyard marine ways.

At the town hall, port staff and Charleston Advisory Committee will seek additional suggestions to refine the plan and ideas for community involvement moving forward for partnerships in funding and efforts to complete proposed projects.

Zonta Club of the Coos Bay Area has announced its scholarship winners for the 2012-2013 year. The awards will be presented on May 17th at the Zonta Club meeting at the Red Lion Hotel in Coos Bay. A total of $11,000 was awarded for scholarships and book stipends. 

The Young Women in Public Affairs of $1,000 is awarded to Chloe Jordan.

The Jane M. Klausman Scholarship of $1500 is awarded to Mallory Crocker currently attending Southern Oregon University.

Two Memorial Scholarships of $1000. each are awarded to Lindsey Bishop attending University of Maryland, and Megan Childs who will attend Pacific University in the fall.

Three Club Scholarships of $1500. each are awarded to Carrie Griffith from Southwestern Oregon Community College, Anna Brecheisen from Oregon State University, and Julianne Owens from Southwestern Oregon Community College.

The Associate of Applied Science is awarded to Terry Brown who is attending Southwestern Oregon Community College.

Two book stipend awards of $250 each are awarded to Taunoka Foster of Southwestern Oregon Community College and Ashley Brugnoli of Linfield College.

Zonta provides a number of scholarships annually and Coos County Area residents are encouraged to apply. Each year the number of scholarships is determined through the fundraising activities of the club.

Fire season has not been declared yet but that does not mean there is no chance of having a fire.  The lack of rain this year may bring an early start to fire season.  The recent hot, windy weather has kept fire departments busy chasing numerous escaped debris burns.  “It is too late to burn most large machine-built piles.  We have seen piles burned last Fall rekindle this Spring.  Hand piles can be burned safely, but precautions must be followed,” said Coos Forest Protection Association’s Prevention Specialist John Flannigan.  “You have to clear above and around your pile, have water and tools immediately available and never leave a burn unattended.  Picking the right day and time is also important.  A foggy morning can turn into a hot or windy afternoon.  Double checking that the pile is out is also prudent.”

It is important to remember that even though it is not fire season, choosing to burn carries some responsibilities with it.  Landowners that cause a fire resulting from debris burning may be responsible for the cost of suppressing the fire and related damages.  Fines may be levied if the landowner is found to have been negligent.  The Coos Forest Protective Association can help if you have any questions about the safety of your burn.  “We will come out and take a look at your burn and give you advice on how to safely burn your pile.  There is no cost for the service,” said Flannigan.  You can contact your local CFPA office or their headquarters at 541-267-3161.  Tips on burning safely can be found on CFPA’s website, www.coosfpa.net.

Starting a new VW owners club in Coos County! The “South Coast V-Dub Club” is looking for members. If you own a classic or vintage bug, bus or any other old VW....come join us! It doesn’t matter if it’s ugly, fully restored or somewhere in-between. This will be a casual, social club for everyone. We will cruze, do parades and car shows and just have fun. We will have potlucks and pizza parties, maybe even trips and campouts. We can share stories, swap parts and just enjoy our cars.

Our email address is  southcoastvdubclub@yahoo.com, also like us on Facebook to keep updated on events! So dust off that vehicle and lets get rollin!

Southwestern Oregon Preppers (SWOP) will be holding a meeting on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Noon at the Winchuck Fire Hall, 363 Winchuck River Rd, Brookings, OR 97415

The main topic is “Everything You Wanted To Know About Prepping”.

This is a free public meeting to get to know fellow local preppers in southwestern Oregon counties and to exchange information and ideas. Join Southwestern Oregon Preppers on Facebook and/or meetup.com.

The COOS BAY POWER SQUADRON will be doing a Flare (Visual Distress Signal) shoot and demo. This will be on May 18,2013 at the Empire Boat Ramp area between 10:00 am & 12:00 pm, in conjunction with SAFE BOATING WEEK. This is a good way to see and use the different Flares, and VDS items. It is also a good way to use the expired Flares one has in their boat. We hope to see all you FELLOW BOATERS there. At the same time there will be a chance to get your boat inspected for SAFETY ITEMS & get a Decal.

Coos Bay, OR. --Female High school students will soon be exploring the worlds of engineering, technology and fabrication at Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC). SWOCC will be hosting an event on May 17, 2013 from 9 am-1:30 pm in Fairview Hall where young women will participate in hands-on-projects and as they explore engineering and fabrication. Students interested in this session should contact your high school counselor by May 13, 2013, for more information.

Coos Bay, OR. --The Geology Lecture Series concludes for this academic year on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 7:00 pm with “Origin, Evolution, and Impacts of Large Submarine Landslides” by Dr. Brandon Dugan. The free lecture is at the Hales Center for the Performing Arts on the SWOCC campus and is open to all members of the community. Dr. Dugan received his BS from the University of Minnesota and PhD from Penn State. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Science at Rice University.  As a hydrogeologist, he couples theory, experiments and models to understand the interactions of fluids and solids in shallow, subsurface flows. Dr. Dugan has participated in multiple Integrated Ocean Drilling Program expeditions as a shore-based scientist, shipboard scientist and co-chief scientist.  Dr.  Dugan’s talk is part of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership Distinguished Lecturer Presentations.

Dr. Dugan will also be providing an informal talk on Friday afternoon, May 17th at 3:30 pm for students that are interested in pursuing careers in the sciences when he discusses “Exploring the Earth: A Job that Takes You on Vacation”. The talk will focus on his research with the Ocean Drilling Program, classes students should take when preparing for scientific careers and the opportunity to ask questions in an informal setting. The free Friday afternoon session will take place in Coaledo Hall Room 7-the geology lab. All of the talks are free and start at 7:00 pm in the Hales Center for the Performing Arts on the SWOCC Campus. Continuing sponsors of the lecture series include Oregon Resources Corporation, the SWOCC Foundation and the College. The first talk next year will be co-sponsored with OIMB when we will host Dr. Deborah Kelley (University of Washington) on Friday, October 11th.  For additional information contact Ron Metzger at 541-888-7216.

Coos Bay, OR. – Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering a half-price sale this summer. SWOCC is offering all Pre-College Math, Writing and Reading for half-tuition for summer of 2013.  This is a great opportunity to kick start your college education or to prepare yourself for completing that degree or certificate that you have always wanted to pursue. The classes that are offered for half price tuition include: MATH 70 Elementary Algebra, MATH 94 Intermediate Algebra I,  MATH 95 Intermediate Algebra II, Reading Skills 0751, 0752 and 0753, Writing 0525 Sentence Fundamentals, and Writing 90 Paragraph Fundamentals.

For more information please contact the Career Counseling offices at 541-888-1620. Summer Term registration starts NOW. 

The Gold Coast Chorus proudly announces its 60th annual “Extravaganza of Barbershop Harmony,” May 18th at the North Bend Presbyterian Church, near Pony Village, starting at 2 p.m.

Under the direction of Dave Aakre, the Gold Coast Chorus includes Bill Alley, Florence; John Augsburger, Bandon; Chuck Axelton, North Bend;  Chris Beebe, North Bend; Jim Cowin, North Bend; Darren Dirk, Coos Bay; Larry Doss, Bandon; Denny Ellis, Mapleton; Denis Hawes, Florence; John Hubbard, Bandon; Tom Jacobson, Coos Bay; Bill Kendrick, Coos Bay; Norm Kerrebrock, Florence; Dorland Neale, Florence; Dave Oldfield, Coquille; Dick Seales, Mapleton; Mark Stephens, Coos Bay; Keith Stewart, Coos Bay; Bob Taylor, Coquille; Shiloh Trigg, Bandon; and Tom Young, North Bend.

Two local barbershop quartets will entertain: “Class Distinction,” with members Bob Taylor, Lead; Keith Stewart, Tenor; Dave Oldfield, Bass; and Tom Young, Baritone; and “The Breakers,” with members Jim Cowin, Lead; Dave Oldfield, Bass; Chuck Axelton, Baritone; and John Adamson, Tenor.

More a cappella musical diversity will be provided by Newport ‘s chorus, “Oregon Coastal-Aires,” partnering with the Gold Coast Chorus for the first time, and featuring Newport quartet “Two Bay Four;”  the “Sea Breeze Harmony” Chorus of Sweet  Adelines International; and a North Bend High School vocal ensemble under the direction of Ken Graber.

Tickets for the Saturday show are $12, with children under 12 for $6. Ticket outlets are Bandon True Value Hardware; Farr’s True Value Hardware in Coquille and in Coos Bay; and Minuteman Press in Coos Bay. Tickets will also be available at the door.

The Gold Coast Chorus is part of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the world’s largest male singing organization, now celebrating its 75th Anniversary.  Men who enjoy singing are welcome to be guests of the Gold Coast Chorus when they meet for rehearsal Tuesday nights at 7:15 p.m. at the Marshfield High School Music Room. For more information please call 267-7892.

Coos Bay, Oregon (May 9th, 2013) – KSHR-FM/KBDN-FM

Take in dinner and a show! Opening auditions are complete and one of the best talent fields in years prepares for the Texaco Country Showdown. The opening qualifying round begins on May 16th featuring; Jean Klewitz, Wesley Wear , Sara White, Katie Leichner, Big Creek Rendezvou, Sara Martin, Joseph Michael, Tina Moore, The Crumbs, Kurt Woodburn, Alan Heyn. On May 22nd, the second qualifying round will feature; Amanda Richards, DeWayne Forrest, Sierra Willis, Kayleana Green, Border Patrol, Melissa Berg, On The Brink, Kristina Wiggins, Debi & Jody, Danny Ottinger, Stephanie LaTorre. Both Events will be held at Southwest Oregon Community College – Hales Center for the Performing Arts. Dinner served by OCCI students at the all you can eat buffet! Tickets are $10 dollars for dinner and a show. Dinner served from 5PM – 7PM. For registration and show information visit KSHR.COM or KBDN.COM for complete details.

The Texaco Country Showdown is America’s largest country music talent search.

Annually, over 450 radio stations across the country sponsor local contests. Local winners will get $250 and advance to their state events where prizes include $1,000 and the opportunity to compete in one of five regional events. The 2013 Oregon State and Western Regional event will be held in Coos Bay. Regional winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to the televised National Final on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to compete for $100,000 and the coveted title of Best New Act in Country Music.

Each year, more than 50,000 artists compete throughout the U.S. Past local, state and regional winners include: Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Neal McCoy, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley and Billy Ray Cyrus. For more information about the Texaco Country Showdown, visit www.Texacocountryshowdown.com.

Coos Bay - (April 19, 2013) – The Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon will host the 16th annual Bay Area Women’s Luncheon, from noon to 1 pm, on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at the William J. Sweet Memorial Tennis Center. This year’s event is “Under the Big Top” and will feature Club member performances, the 2013 Youth of the Year and the annual “Women Making a Difference Awards.”

The annual luncheon is a fundraiser to honor women who make a difference in the lives of children in our community, and to showcase Boys & Girls Club member’s accomplishments. Lunch will be provided and reservations are required.

To make reservations, or for more information, please call Rob at 267-3635.

Our balance system helps us walk, run, and move without falling. Balance is controlled through signals to the brain from your eyes, the inner ear (vestibular system), and the sensory systems of the body (such as skin, muscles, and joints).

What should I do if I have a problem with balance or dizziness?

It is important to see your doctor if you have unexplained dizziness or balance issues. Dizziness and balance difficulties are symptoms of another problem.  The first thing you should do is try to find out the underlying cause. You should have a medical examination with special attention given to checking for problems that can be associated with balance difficulties.

What is dizziness?

If you experience light-headedness, a sensation of losing your balance, or a sense of feeling unsteady, you may be one of millions of Americans who experience dizziness. Dizziness is one of the most common complaints and affects 20-30% of the general population.  

When your balance is weakened, you may feel unsteady, woozy, or disoriented.  You may have blurred vision or experience a sensation of movement. It may seem that the room is spinning (vertigo). You may not be able to walk without staggering, or you may not even be able to get up.

Dizziness can be associated with a variety of conditions, including hearing loss.

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is a type of dizziness in which there is a sense of movement or spinning.  Changing position, such as sitting up in bed, can make it seem worse. Nausea and vomiting may accompany the vertigo at times.

When should I see an Audiologist?

Your local audiologist, Dr. Sandra R. Randolph, can perform audiologic and balance assessment to gather information about your hearing and balance function.  Test results help determine the possible causes of dizziness and these results will be shared with you in a manor that is easy to understand. Results of these assessments, in combination with medical findings, will provide diagnostic information on how to treat your dizziness and balance difficulties.

Coos Bay, OR, APRIL 18, 2013– Selected among several local outstanding youth, Jackie Pierce recently competed against other Boys & Girls Club members for the Oregon Youth of the Year title and a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation. As the new Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon, 17-year old Jackie is a true example of an extraordinary young woman. She is recognized by the Club for her sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.

While she came up short in her goal of winning the event, Jackie represented the Club and her community well over the 2 day competition. Had she won at the state competition, she would have competed for the title of Pacific Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 scholarship from Tupperware Brands, the recognition program’s national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September 2013, to compete for the title of BGCA’s National Youth of the Year, and the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House.

The Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon has over 2,800 members, and has been encouraging local youth to BE GREAT for 31 years. To learn more about this and other Club programs, please call the Club office, 267-3635 or visit www.great-futures.org.

Regular Meetings are the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month and held at: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1290 Thompson Rd., Coos Bay. Refreshments Visiting & Help Stations 9:15-9:45a.m., Presentation 9:45-11a.m .

Friday May 17 - “Cameras, Photo Management, Editing” - Judy Lochman will present this subject matter. Judy is noted for her many stunning photos and experience in this field. She will share some of the computer skills she has learned for organizing photos and editing those keepsakes to make them look even better. Judy will talk about saving photos from a camera to PC and other issues. This should be informative for beginners and the more experienced alike.

 Put these dates on your calendar. Attend and be our special guest. Check out our website www.bascc.info. Limited MAC & tablet help is available. For further questions and or information email cbascc@gmail.com. Our motto is “never too old to learn”. Membership is 50 years of age or older.

The City of North Bend Police Department is currently accepting applications for the volunteer position of Reserve Police Officer

The qualifications for this position are as follows;

Must be a U.S. Citizen

Must be at least 21 years of age

No felony convictions

Must pass the departments physical agility exam

Must pass the departments written examination

Must pass the departments oral boards, background investigation and psychological exam.

The deadline for this position is June 7th, 2013.

If you are interested in becoming a North Bend Reserve Police Officer, please visit the North Bend Police Department and obtain an application.

North Bend Police Department, 835 California Avenue, North Bend, OR 97459.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct an 8 hour boating safety education course on Saturday,  May 18, 2013 in Charleston. The course covers the basics of boating safety, rules of the road and Oregon boating laws. A test at the end of the course will qualify boaters for their Boater Education Card, under the Oregon Mandatory Boater Education Program. The Boater Education Card is required for all motorboat operators of all ages for boats over ten horsepower. Additional provisions apply to youths. The cost of the course and materials is $15.

Pre-registration is required. To register for the class, please call (541) 267-6152.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 51 Coos Bay members offer to the boating public a free boat safety inspection. The USCG trained examiners will certify the boat if it meets Oregon and Federal US Coast Guard boating laws for equipment and will issue a decal certifying compliance. The examiners will also make recommendations for your boat for operation in local waters. The Vessel Safety Check is available by appointment at the owner’s location in the Coos Bay, North Bend, Lakeside, and Bandon areas.

For additional information and to make arrangements for a vessel inspection please call 541-267-6152.

A Vessel Safety Check will be offered at England Marine May 18, 2013, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM, for boaters to bring their boats to the parking lot. A Vessel Safety Check will be offered at the Bandon Boat Ramp on May 25, 2013 starting at 10:00 AM.

Learn the basics of caddying! This course prepares students with an understanding of the game of golf and the role of the golf caddy. The class covers the rules and regulations of golf, the etiquette of golf and how customer service plays a role in the caddying experience.

Students will practice caddying techniques on the Bandon Dunes Golf Course. Stensland Hall 202, $132(Credit) $91 (audit), Thu, May 23 & May 30, 6:00pm-8:50pm at Bandon Dune, Sat & Sun, May 25, 26 & June 1, 2, 2013, 11:00am-4:00pm. For more information call Community & Workforce Development 541-888-7328.

Eagles Looking For New Members

Coos Bay Eagles #538 is always ready to welcome new members. We are a non-profit, charitable organization with Aeries in all 50 states and Canada. Our local club is a wonderful place to meet up with old and new friends. We have a full-service cocktail lounge and banquet room facilities. Besides are local, state, and national charity work, our Social Room offers a wide range of fun activities for our members. We have pool and shuffleboard tables, a dart machine, bingo nights, live music, karaoke, Oregon State Lottery games and machines, poker games, and blackjack at 6pm on Friday and Saturday - just to name a few!

If you are interested in finding out who we are and what we do, drop by the lodge at 568 South 2nd  Street (across from Bi-Mart). Our hours are: Sunday through Wednesday 11A-8P; Thursday 11A-11P; and Friday and Saturday 11A-midnight.

Ring the buzzer in the lobby and come on in. One of our members will be happy to show you around and answer any questions you might have about the Eagles organization and how to join.

Learn Computer Basics

Coos Bay, OR.---- Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering a class designed to help build basic computer skills necessary for school, work, or at home. David Johnson will start you out at the beginning with time to learn and practice your new skills. No computer experience needed. You will be comfortable with using the operating system, mouse and keyboard to issue commands, and develop an understanding of programs. You will also set up your own Internet e-mail account. The class is on Tues. and Thurs. at 10a to 12n and is only $50. Visit the College website or sign up at First Stop in Dellwood Hall on the Campus of SWOCC.

The Rotary Club of Reedsport, together with Medical Teams International, sponsors free dental care in the Lower Umpqua area. The Northwest Medical Team is schedule to bring its mobile dental van to Reedsport on May 24 & 25, 2013. Dr. Gerhard Goorhuis and his assistant provide the dental care for children and adults in need. 

Applications to receive dental care are available through the Family Resource Center, who provides the screening to determine eligibility. Persons seeking dental care must meet the following criteria:  no insurance, must live in the Reedsport School District area, and must meet the requirements as stated in the federal poverty guidelines. Both children and adults qualify for the service. Contact the Family Resource Center at 541-271-9700 to learn more about applying for the free dental care. The program is limited in the number of persons that can be treated over the two-day period, so apply soon.

The Mobile Dental Van is supported through tax deductible donations and grants (when available).  If you are interested in financially supporting this very worth while cause and much needed service, send your donation to Reedsport Rotary Foundation at P.O. Box 91, Reedsport, OR, 97467.

The Rotary Club of Reedsport wishes to extend its appreciation and thanks to the Dr. Goorhuis, the Family Resource Center, and Medical Teams International for providing this opportunity to the residents of Reedsport. 

Local Resources For Veterans 

The South Coast Veterans Assistant Network (SCVAN) is a great networking resource for veterans who are looking for support, help with services, veteran-related activities and events, or just someone to hang out with who knows where they are coming from. Their goal is to “provide a strong network for veterans and community organizations and local, state, and federal government agencies to share news, activities and events to improve the lives of local veterans.” They also coordinate the annual outreach event, Stand Down, to inform and provide social and support services for homeless veterans. SCVAN meets every 2nd Thursday at 1:30 pm at the American Legion Hall, 1421 Airport Way, in North Bend. All veterans and interested parties are invited to attend and give input.

Southwestern Oregon Veterans Outreach (SOVO)  http://sovo4vets.org is located in the mezzanine at Pony Village Mall, Suite 208A, North Bend, OR.  Office Director Mike Brooker told me, “We help any military person who comes back from service who is homeless, who needs clothing or food, or help with the rent.” Contact (541) 756-8718 or visit the website http://sovo4vets.org for more information. If there is an emergency, contact Mike at (541) 848-3536. 

Point Man Ministries is an interdenominational, mission oriented ministry that helps hurting veterans and their families with issues such as housing, transportation, gas, food, or electricity. They also help veterans navigate the VA system in order that they may obtain the benefits that they have earned, and help people connect with counseling services and support groups. They also hold a weekly Bible Study on Issues of PTSD every Tuesday from 4:30pm until 6:30pm, at the Four Square Church in Coos Bay.  Please contact Mark Winders at (541) 404-0785, or Mike Harris at (541) 267-4755 for more information.

FOB 101 is a support group for all returnees from deployment to forward areas. It is an informal gathering that provides a community for veterans of all branches of service, as well as contractors and civilian employees who served on U.S. Government missions deployed to forward areas.   They meet in the mezzanine of the Pony Village Mall in Suite 211, Wednesdays from 6pm till 7:30. For more information, contact Volunteer Peer Facilitator Andy Osborn at (541) 294-6247. On Thursday afternoons from 1pm till 2:30 pm, FOB 101 holds a support group  specifically for family members of military and civilian returnees.  You may contact Carolyn Billman at (541) 297-1288 to learn more. Thursday nights, FOB 101 holds a Vietnam Veterans Support Group. Please contact Mark Winders at (541) 404-0785 for more information on this.

South Coast Hospice is a Level 2 Partner of the We Honor Veterans program. For more info on this program, visit www.wehonorveterans.org. They are recruiting local Veterans to become volunteers, to listen, honor, and relate to their Veteran patients, as well as to assist in fostering awareness of this program in the community. For more information on becoming a South Coast Hospice volunteer, you may contact Debbie Peabody, Community Outreach Manager, at (541) 269-2986, or via email at d.peabody@schospice.org

The North Bend Community Based Outpatient VA Clinic is located at 2191 Marion St, North Bend, OR. They are open Monday-Fridays from 8am till 4:30pm. Call (541) 756-7503 for more information.

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) holds meetings  the 2ND Saturday of each month starting at 1:00 PM, at 1402 Airport Way, North Bend, OR. Please call (541)756-2390 for more information.

Contact the following people for information on other services:

Susan Aviotti, LPC for the Center for Holistic Therapy, provides specialized assessment of and counseling to combat veterans who are dealing with PTSD, depression, or anxiety related issues. She can be reached at (541) 756-7748.

Kay Ducheneaux, CVSO of Coos County Veterans Services (541) 396-3121 x258  or kducheneaux@co.coos.or.us

Heather Partipilo, of the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, can be reached at 541-751-8518.