Monday, May 6
Hesthavn Nature Center Open House. 8590 Oak Creek Drive, Corvallis. 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Free. Monday, May 6, 2024 – Friday, May 10, 2024 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Daily. Special features at the Nature Center include the Museum and the Bluebird Display that honors the conservation efforts led by Elsie Eltzroth and the Bluebird team of volunteers that saved the Western Bluebird in the Willamette Valley. Enjoy walks along the Oak Creek riparian trail and in the meadow to enjoy colorful displays of larkspur and other spring blooms. Visit https://sustainablecorvallis.org/15th-annual-natural-areas-celebration-week/ for more info.
Corvallis Placekeeping: Walking Seminar. Corvallis Museum, Southwest 2nd Street, Corvallis. 3 p.m. $17. Placekeeping has been described as the active care and maintenance of a place and its social fabric by the people who live and work there. Become a local storykeeper: walk away from our hour together able to explain: how the Willamette Valley became a regional breadbasket,what medieval forests in Europe have to do with the Pacific Northwest, how the Oregon Trail became a household name, timelines of the native Kalapuya, the source of three downtown building booms, the impact of WWII on Corvallis, how Corvallis is connected to the Panama canal, the most destructive decade of the 1900s, & the most innovative decade of the last 50 years. Welcome, eager community stewards, to the outdoor classroom! Visitors to Corvallis are also welcome to come learn the stories of Corvallis. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/corvallis-placekeeping-walking-seminar-tickets-876448219217?aff=ebdsoporgprofile for more info.
Corvallis Sustainability Coalition Quarterly Gathering. Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Free. A diverse mix of local sustainability efforts will be highlighted at the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition’s next Quarterly Gathering on Monday, May 6, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. The gathering will feature brief presentations by three Coalition partners and one Coalition action team. The public is invited. Presentations by Andrea Myhre of Corvallis Housing First, Kate Dillon of 1972 Vintage & Gifts, and Kirsten Miller of A Tuttle Consults will highlight what their organizations are doing to help create a sustainable community. There will also be a presentation by Molly Monroe of the Coalition’s Natural Areas Action Team about the 15th Annual Natural Areas Celebration Week (May 4 – 12).The gathering will include an opportunity for networking and information sharing by attendees, as well as delicious refreshments from First Alternative Co-op. Visit https://sustainablecorvallis.org/quarterly-gathering-on-may-6/ for more info.
City Council Executive Session. 4:45 p.m. Downtown Fire Station: Council Chambers, 400 NW Harrison Blvd., Corvallis. Although the public may not attend executive sessions, representatives of the news media may attend and, while information obtained during the session may not be printed, it may be used as background. Visit https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/mc/page/city-council-executive-session-78 for more info.
Corvallis Welcome Tour. Corvallis Museum, 411 SW 2nd Street, Corvallis. 5 p.m. $14. A complimentary storytelling tour that promises a new adventure each month. These free guided walking tours connect you to new stories each month as we explore an invisible side of downtown Corvallis on foot. More than a tour; it’s an invitation to connect with the heartbeat of the city! Free tickets required for this 45 minute tour. The supply becomes available on eventbrite a few weeks out. Join every 1st Friday at 5:30, May to October. Visit https://engagecorvallis.com/ for more info.
City of Corvallis: City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Downtown Fire Station: Council Chambers, 400 NW Harrison Blvd., Corvallis. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend City Council meetings. This meeting will be held in-person and virtually. See the published agenda for meeting details and participation instructions. The public may register to watch the meeting live on the internet via this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ygMQZpanSEW7rjorO2rtFw. Visit https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/mc/page/city-council-meeting-92 for more info.
Tuesday, May 7
Benton County Board Meeting. 9 a.m. Holmes & Shipley Room, Benton County Kalapuya Bldg. 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis. To view the meeting virtually, Visit https://boc.bentoncountyor.gov/events/may-7-2024-board-meeting/ for more info.
Infant Storytime. Main Meeting Room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis. 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Free. Infant Storytime is for children 0-12 months old. Storytime is offered year-round as a drop-in program: first come, first served. Space is limited due to the room capacity and to provide a positive, safe environment for all. Children must be accompanied by a grown-up. Many lasting friendships start at storytime! Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/infant-storytime-15649 for more info.
Little Listeners Storytime at the Monroe Community Library. Monroe Large Meeting Room, Monroe Community Library, 380 N 5th St., Monroe. 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Free. This event takes place at the Monroe Community Library, 380 N. 5th St., in Monroe, OR. Children of all ages are welcome to drop by with their parent or caregiver for stories and songs. Storytime is offered year-round as a drop-in program. Children must be accompanied by a grown-up. Many lasting friendships start at storytime! Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/little-listeners-storytime-monroe-community-library-80 for more info.
Hesthavn Nature Center Open House. 8590 Oak Creek Drive, Corvallis. 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Free. Monday, May 6, 2024 – Friday, May 10, 2024 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Daily. Special features at the Nature Center include the Museum and the Bluebird Display that honors the conservation efforts led by Elsie Eltzroth and the Bluebird team of volunteers that saved the Western Bluebird in the Willamette Valley. Enjoy walks along the Oak Creek riparian trail and in the meadow to enjoy colorful displays of larkspur and other spring blooms. Visit https://sustainablecorvallis.org/15th-annual-natural-areas-celebration-week/ for more info.
MHADDAC Meeting. 3 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Join in person: Benton County Health Services Building, 530 N 27th St, Corvallis. Columbia A Room (Badge access only; please wait in the pharmacy lobby for an escort). Join on your computer or mobile app: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDYwODU… Meeting ID: 240 740 747 823; Passcode: KWrXyV. Join by phone: Call in (audio only): +1 213-357-4434. Phone Conference ID: 779 464 389#. Visit https://health.bentoncountyor.gov/events/mhaddac-meeting-may-7-2024/ for more info.
LEGO Day in Alsea! Alsea Meeting Room, Alsea Public Library, 19192 Alsea Hwy, Alsea. 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free. Spend the afternoon building LEGO and DUPLO creations! All ages welcome. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/lego-day-alsea-17039 for more info.
READ Dogs. Brookes Reading Room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free. Kids can practice reading in any language to a trained therapy Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ Dogs) on the 1st Tuesday of the month from 3:30pm-4:30pm. Permission form is required and filled out on-site. Limited spots available. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/read-dogs-36 for more info.
Crafternoon. Philomath Meeting Room, Philomath Public Library, 1050 Applegate St. Philomath. 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Free.Children in grades K-5 and their families are invited to join on the first Tuesday of every month to explore open-ended crafts. Each month will feature a different craft medium. Bring your imagination to create what you’d like! Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/crafternoon-18861 for more info.
Graphic Novel Club. 2nd Floor Board Room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free. Join the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library sponsored Graphic Novel Club virtually or in-person in the 2nd Floor Board Room of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library on the 1st Tuesday of every month (unless otherwise noted) from 6:00pm-7:00pm. New members are always welcome. Eight Billion Genies Deluxe Edition, Volume 1 by Charles Soule. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/graphic-novel-club-18211 for more info.
Trivia Night. Common Fields, 545 SW 3rd St., Corvallis. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Free. Max Team size is 6 people. Show up early to sign your team up for the chance to win fun prizes. Visit https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html for more info.
Planning Commission Work Session. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Benton County Kalapuya Building, 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis. Visit https://cd.bentoncountyor.gov/events/planning-commission-work-session-2/ for more info.
Philomath Evening Book Club. Philomath Meeting Room, Philomath Public Library, 1050 Applegate St., Philomath. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The Philomath Evening Book Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Philomath Community Library. Copies of book club books are available each month at the library; please ask at the front desk. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/philomath-evening-book-club-16710 for more info.
Wednesday, May 8
Corvallis Farmers Market. Downtown Corvallis, First Street, Corvallis. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Corvallis Farmers Market happens Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9am to 1pm, April through November, on First Street in downtown Corvallis. The Farmers Market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy and more, which features a beautifully designed multimodal path along the river and a playful interactive fountain. Visit https://locallygrown.org/corvallis-saturday-market/ for more info.
Philomath Storytime. Philomath Meeting Room, Philomath Public Library, 1050 Applegate St, Philomath. 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Free. Children of all ages and families are invited to join at the Philomath Community Library. The library will have an interactive storytime full of books, songs, and music. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/philomath-storytime-17421 more info.
Toddler Storytime. Main Meeting Room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Free. Toddler storytime is for children 1-3 years old. Storytime is offered year-round as a drop-in program: first come, first served. Space is limited due to the room capacity and to provide a positive, safe environment for all. Children must be accompanied by a grown-up. Many lasting friendships start at Storytime! Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/toddler-storytime-15710 for more info.
Squishtivities. Philomath Meeting Room, Philomath Public Library, 1050 Applegate St, Philomath. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Free. Squishtivities by Strengthening Rural Families welcomes children and their families. Squishtivities is an adventure in play created especially for adults and their children using arts and crafts and “messy” play to promote problem-solving, fine motor skills, caregiver/child relationships, and creativity. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/squishtivities-17470 for more info.
Hesthavn Nature Center Open House. 8590 Oak Creek Drive, Corvallis. 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Free. Monday, May 6, 2024 – Friday, May 10, 2024 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Daily. Special features at the Nature Center include the Museum and the Bluebird Display that honors the conservation efforts led by Elsie Eltzroth and the Bluebird team of volunteers that saved the Western Bluebird in the Willamette Valley. Enjoy walks along the Oak Creek riparian trail and in the meadow to enjoy colorful displays of larkspur and other spring blooms. Visit https://sustainablecorvallis.org/15th-annual-natural-areas-celebration-week/ for more info.
Random Review. Main Meeting Room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Free. Check out the entire 2023-2024 season here: https://cbcpubliclibrary.net/random-review/ What is Random Review? Random Review is a deep exploration of a selected book by a reviewer with expertise on the topic or theme of that book. Sometimes reviewers cover a classic, series, genre, or author, but usually they cover a specific title. Whether you have read the selection or not, you will love Random Review! Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/random-review-68 for more info.
“Bioblitz” Nature Hunt at Avery Park. Lion’s Shelter (close to Avery Park), 1310 SW Avery Park Rd, Corvallis. 4 p.m. Free. Join for a kid-friendly exploration of Avery Park and see how much life can discover on this adventure! iNaturalist and Merlin will be used to help identify organisms. There will also be a technology-free Eco Survey option, as well. After this adventure, families are invited to visit Avery House to see their animals. Visit https://sustainablecorvallis.org/15th-annual-natural-areas-celebration-week/ for more info.
HOPE Executive Committee Meeting. 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Join on your computer or mobile app: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZGQ3…Meeting ID: 219 218 374 173; Passcode: obuQQ9 Join by phone: Call in (audio only): +1 412-664-5196
Phone Conference ID: 752 687 786#. Visit https://health.bentoncountyor.gov/events/hope-executive-committee-meeting-may-8-2024/ for more info.
Craft Night for Adults (Monroe). Monroe Large Meeting Room, Monroe Public Library, 380 N 5th St., Monroe. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Free. Join for a night of crafting, coffee, snacks and conversation! Once a quarter, craft supplies will be provided to try out or you can bring your own project to work on. Crafts are designed for ages 16 and older; anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This event takes place at the Monroe Community Library. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/craft-night-adults-monroe-7 for more info.
Corvallis Trivia Adventure. Corvallis Museum, Southwest 2nd Street, Corvallis. 5:30 p.m. $16. Journey through downtown, revealing how the Travel Bloggers of the 1800s affected Corvallis’ development and Corvallis’ connection to Panama canal. Visit the oldest commercial building in Corvallis and the most haunting spot from WWII. This tour will leave you in awe of the ripples that spread from world events to Corvallis. Then reach back to 18,000 years ago and end in the modern era. Enthusiastic and curious learners will love this hour of edutainment in downtown Corvallis! Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/corvallis-trivia-adventure-tickets-876461338457?aff=ebdsoporgprofile for more info.
Live Music: Joy Regime. Common Fields, 545 SW 3rd Street, Corvallis. 6 p.m. Free. Joy Regime combines smooth vocal melodies, catchy keyboard motifs, acoustic/electric guitar, and interesting percussive elements, all of which are artfully combined into unique songs portraying a wide spectrum of musical styles. Visit https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html for more info.
Pride Storytime with Haus of Dharma. Main Meeting Room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Free. Join for a special evening storytime celebrating Pride with drag performers from Haus of Dharma! This event is for families of all ages. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/pride-storytime-haus-dharma-18437 for more info.
Stone Award Community Discussion: Braiding Sweetgrass. 2nd Floor Board Room. Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Free. Join for a discussion of bestselling, critically-acclaimed, author Robin Wall Kimmerer’s groundbreaking book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. The discussion will be led by Elena Passarello, local author of two collection of essays: Animals Strike Curious Poses and Let Me Clear My Throat. Pick up a copy of the book to check out, while supplies last, from the 2nd floor reference desk of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Kimmerer will visit Oregon State’s main campus this spring to meet with students and deliver a public reading. Her reading will take place at 7pm on Friday, May 17 at OSU’s new Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx): https://prax.oregonstate.edu/events/robin-wall-kimmerer. Visit https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/event/stone-award-community-discussion-braiding-sweetgrass-19517 for more info.
Live Music: Peace and Justice Song Circle. Old World Deli, 341 SW 2nd St, Corvallis. 7:00 p.m. Free. A Community Jam for Peace and Justice. Visit https://www.oldworldcenter.com/#Events for more info.
Date Night Walking Adventure. Corvallis Museum, Southwest 2nd Street, Corvallis. 7:30 p.m. $13. Whether you’re spending Friday night with your BAE, your bestie, or a buddy-to-be, make this edutainment adventure part of your escapades! Theatrical storytelling on the streets of downtown will leave you knowing: who incited a rogue revolution in the 1970s, why there are no parking garages near the river, how Madison Avenue came to be sprinkled in art, the dark history of a Darkside-adjacent spot, the domino effect following the arrival of automovile, what caused the biggest financial collapse in the town’s history, the effect travel bloggers of the 1800s had on the native Kalapuya, why Pacific Northwest beaver fur was considered better than any other, & what Flathead Cherries and Corvallis-area farms have in common. Engage Corvallis looks forward to welcoming you and your co-conspirator! Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/date-night-walking-adventure-tickets-876458580207?aff=ebdsoporgprofile for more info.
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