Please join us as we introduce new board members, thank those retiring, and hear some of the activities of the Chamber over the past year.

Jeff Griffin, Manager for the Port of Bandon will update us with past and future activities within the port district. Dave Lacey, who serves as the South Coast Destination Coordinator for the Oregon Coast Visitors Association, will share recent activities in local destination development.

Donors at Bandon Community Center monthly blood drives gave 186 units between April 2020 and January 2021, according local Red Cross market manager Jen Shaw. To keep blood banks full, she encourages more donors to sign up.

“A lot of people think they’re not eligible, but we’re constantly updating eligibility,” she said.

That means donors may qualify even if they experience some common health complaints. To participate, donors should be in generally good health, weigh 110 lbs. or more, and be 17 years or older. In Oregon, 16-year-old donors may participate with parent consent.

And there is no to top age limit, said Shaw.

How to Sign Up

Shaw assists with blood drive site planning in communities throughout western Oregon and southwest Washington, including the Oregon Coast. She says a good collection target in a town the size of Bandon is 25 to 30 units, or pints, per month. Donors at Bandon Community Center monthly drives came close to that target in the last year.

Online pre-registration is highly encouraged. To get started, donors can visit RedCross.org and select the “Give Blood” menu tab. Browse the information on eligibility or call the blood services information line for more information.

Monthly Bandon Blood Drives
1st Tuesday, starting at 12 p.m.
Bandon Community Center
Online Registration: RedCross.org/give-blood
Phone 1-800-733-2767

Red Cross staff, volunteers and donors are required to take precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19. Staff and volunteers utilize PPE and routinely sanitize work areas. Donors should wear a mask, not a face shield, and follow directions for maintaining physical distance from others.

Making a Difference

Shaw thanks the volunteers and donors who make blood drives possible.

“Without our volunteers, we would not be able to fulfill our mission of saving lives throughout the state,” she said.

The donor base in Oregon and Southwest Washington is generally robust, especially among high school and college students. But, school campus restrictions during the pandemic make it difficult to maintain collection goals. Monthly community blood drives can help offset the drop in student participation.

Greg Fodrea is the senior pastor for the Bandon First Baptist Church, and he’s a regular blood donor. Considering the need, he says giving blood feels like the right thing to do.

About Red Cross staff and volunteers in Bandon, Fodrea said, “This crew is awesome.”

At the March blood drive, volunteer Carolyn Russell was the first to greet donors like Pastor Fodrea and monitor electronic temperature checks.

Red Cross staff arrange the community center space to allow comfortable distance between check-in, registration and donation stations. Some donors bring reading material to pass the time while the classic country music station plays quietly on a portable radio.

What happens after each drive? Most Oregon blood donations stay within the northwest region. But, emergency supplies are shipped to other parts of the country if needed, explained Shaw. Donations are tested, processed and distributed from Portland.

Donors who want to know where their contribution ends up can track their donation with the free Red Cross mobile app.

Pictured from top: Donor Greg Fodrea, Volunteer Carolyn Russell, Red Cross Collection 2 Specialist Melissa Morris

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A dynamic learning environment brings students back to MarLo Dance Studio year after year.

Dance is a richly expressive art form. A subtle toe tap can say as much as a grand jeté. For MarLo students, the joy is in the journey from first position to a gravity-defying leap.

“I’m interested in how dance develops character and teamwork within the discipline,” said MarLo Director Maria Merriam.

Merriam co-founded the dance studio in Bandon with fellow dancer and educator Lois Henry. Together, the women hoped to share their enthusiasm for dance. The school opened in 1999 with 45 beginning ballet and tap dance students. As attendance grew, Merriam and Henry recruited more staff and added a second studio.

In 2019, MarLo enrolled 135 youth and adults in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop classes, plus sessions in fitness and ballroom.

Merriam began her own dance studies as a youngster. Throughout her childhood and teen years in Bandon, she explored performance opportunities in school, church and community theater.

At Southwestern Oregon Community College, Merriam enrolled in music, education and business courses. Then she headed east. She worked as a nanny and sampled dance classes in New York, where she also met her husband Robert Merriam. The couple moved back to Bandon to start a family, and Merriam set up shop as a seamstress.

When she and Henry agreed to launch the dance studio, Merriam’s experience– in dance, music, theater, costuming and working with youth– all melded into a new business plan.

“It’s funny how those pieces all came together,” said Merriam. “I never had professional (dance) ambitions. I knew right away I wasn’t that competitive.”

She finds motivation in the breadth of learning and creativity that emerge as staff and students work together.

“I teach with humanity. It’s the child that’s important,” she said.

Each year, MarLo students earn hearty applause at the Sprague Community Theater. Annual spring shows are multi-genre dance productions based on literary classics such as “Pinocchio,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “Peter Pan.” Semi-annual “Nutcracker” performances usher in the holiday season with a time-honored ballet.

“I just have a lot of fun putting on the shows,” said Merriam. “I enjoy, more and more, taking input from the more serious dancers. I love to collaborate with the staff. There’s a richness that comes from many minds coming together.”

Before they step on stage, Merriam tells young dancers, “We’re going to do the best we can, because this is our way of giving back to our families and community.”

It’s a gift the community appreciates. Shows routinely sell out. And, since production proceeds fund the studio’s scholarship program, it’s also a gift that keeps giving.

Creativity at Work

The studio’s 2019–20 season ended early when MarLo joined the ranks of businesses closed amid pandemic restrictions. Online Zoom classes were a good way to provide student enrichment but not a replacement for in-person rehearsal. The spring “Cinderella” production was postponed, then cancelled. The “Nutcracker” performance is tentatively rescheduled for 2021.

The studio opened for fall classes in September with reduced class sizes to meet coronavirus social distancing requirements. But public gathering limits mean full-scale dance productions are on hold. So, Merriam put her creative energy to work, exploring ways to connect with audiences and fundraise for dancer scholarships.

MarLo presented a movie and dance event at the Sprague Community Theater in October, and Merriam gave the experience two thumbs up.

Socially-distanced audiences enjoyed the animated film “Leap!” After the movie, a small ensemble of MarLo dancers shared a ballet sequence with choreography by dance instructor Faith Slater for the fairy scene in “Cinderella.”

“It was awesome,” said Slater. “It was the first time I’ve seen a piece I’ve choreographed performed on stage.”

2021 MarLo Dance Calendar

Just in time for the holidays, MarLo Dance Studio has published a 2021 wall calendar. Instead of a show ticket, patrons can purchase a calendar featuring colorful dance portraits staged in studio and scenic locations throughout Coos County. Calendar art was contributed by photographers Annetta Adams and Eric Wyatt.

Calendars are $20 each, and additional scholarship donations are welcome. To learn more or request a calendar, visit the studio online at MarLoDance.com, or call Maria Merriam, 541-252-1394.

Full Circle

Many MarLo students continue dance training outside Bandon in summer intensives and college programs. Like an elegant pirouette, some dancers circle back to Bandon as guest performers or instructors.

Faith Slater is an alumna now teaching ballet and tap at the studio. After attending a summer session with Ballet Fantasique in Eugene, she was invited to join the company. Between 2017 and 2019, she spent a year in the conservatory program, then a year as an apprentice dancer.

Her professional performances with Ballet Fantastique included a production of “An American Christmas Carol” at the Sprague Community Theater featuring a guest appearance by MarLo students. Slater found herself back in her home theater mingling on and off stage with professional and student performers.

“It was my childhood stage, but it was different,” said Slater. “It was interesting to have those two worlds collide.”

In 2019, Slater completed the State Street Ballet professional trainee program at Santa Barbara City College in California. She returned home to rest an injured foot and considered shelving her leotard and pointe shoes. Instead, she accepted an invitation to teach at MarLo. Back in the MarLo classroom, she reflected on childhood daydreams about becoming a dance instructor. Now, she says that daydream is actually an adult ambition.

“I realized, I really do like this. It’s not just a little kid dream,” she said.

Despite the pandemic, there will be no long winter nap at MarLo. Following a short holiday break, students and staff will resume dance classes– sharing their commitment to learning and the arts.

Arts Elevate Community

Arts Elevate Community is an ongoing series in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Sprague Community Theater.

Join our mailing list to learn more about the people and organizations bringing arts, culture, learning and fun to Bandon’s community theater.

2021 calendar images contributed by MarLo Dance Studio (from top) dancer Hallie Minkler photographed by Annetta Adams, dance instructor Faith Slater and dancer Rachelle Maxon photographed by Eric Wyatt.

The teenage Jumanji team returns to the game and discovers a whole new landscape. The group plans a mission when one of their ranks needs a rescue.

Jumanji The Next Level (Columbia Pictures 2019) stars Karen Gillan, Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Awkwafina, and Jack Black. The movie is two hours, rated PG-13.

Show time is 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Sprague Community Theater.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors age 60 and older, $3 for youth age 11 to 18. Children 10 and younger are admitted free with an adult. Refreshments, including popcorn, are available for purchase.

Barbara and Adam Maitland find themselves haunting their own house after their deaths in a car accident. Eager to oust the new home owners, the couple conspires with an unpredictable spirit who takes haunting to a new level. “Beetlejuice” (Warner Bros. 1988) stars Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O’Hara and Wynona Ryder. The movie is 1 hour and 30 minutes, rated PG.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors age 60 and older, $3 for youth age 11 to 18. Children 10 and younger are admitted free with an adult. Refreshments, including popcorn, are available for purchase.

At this Event

The City of Bandon is following Phase 2 guidance from the Oregon Health Authority to protect the public and reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Patrons are reminded to wear a mask or face covering and maintain six feet social distance as much as possible.

Admission is limited, and seats will be assigned to allow social distancing in the auditorium. Please follow directions provided by ushers for entering and exiting as well as seating.

Tickets & Registration

Advance registration and ticketing are encouraged. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. for registration, tickets and refreshment purchase at the event.

Attendance records are required. Patrons are asked to provide contact information for at least one adult member of each party. Contact information will be collected automatically for those who purchase tickets online. Your contact information will only be shared with public health authorities if needed for COVID-19 contact tracing. (The City of Bandon does not have access to financial information, such as credit card numbers, used for online purchases.)

Please scroll down to purchase tickets online. Online ticket sales close at 11 p.m. one day prior to the event.

Bandon Showcase presents an eclectic and exciting 2019-20 season.

Five-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Skylar Grey opened the season with a sold-out performance at the Sprague Community Theater.

The series continues in October with Tumbledown House, a hip saloon-style jazz ensemble. In December, enjoy the theatrical, aerial and acrobatic adventure of “Aureum” from Halcyon Shows.

Guitarist Ian O’Sullivan will perform songs and stories of Hawaii in February. Ending the season in March is the charismatic chamber music of world-class Arcis Saxophone Quartet.

Three of the season’s shows — Tumbledown House, “Aureum” and Ian O’Sullivan — will feature youth outreach events.

The outreach events take the form of masterclasses for students as well as assemblies for specific grades or the entire school.

“The outreach events are always entertaining and informative, allowing our local students the opportunity to gain exposure to cultural arts,” said Bandon Showcase chairwoman MaryAnn Soukup.

Bandon Showcase is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. The Showcase mission statement notes the group’s dedication to providing outreach opportunities for youth. In past seasons, students have heard talented artists, been entertained by a comedian puppeteer and performed alongside professional musicians, singers and dancers.

All showtimes are 7:30 p.m. at the Sprague Community Theater. Admission is $25 per person. Find show details online at BandonEvents.org/events, or BandonShowcase.org.

Enjoy a hot lunch, with side salad or fruit, and a serving of friendly conversation. Lunch is served in the dining hall each Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 12:00 p.m.

Meals are prepared in the community center kitchen, and the quarterly menu rotation features seasonal and holiday recipes.

The day’s menu may include meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy with carrot and raisin salad, cheese and broccoli strata with tomato and cucumber salad, or pasta primavera served with seasoned green beans and whole wheat garlic bread.

Beverage choices include coffee, tea, milk and water. For dessert, try apple crisp or butterscotch pudding. The last Friday of each month is Birthday Friday- with a homemade birthday cake.

Senior lunches are presented by the Coos County Senior Nutrition Program. Friends and community members of any age are welcome. The suggested lunch price is $3 for seniors age 60 and older, their spouses, and those with disabilities. A $6 contribution is requested for those under age 60.

Visit our Programs page to learn more about senior activities and nutrition programs at the Bandon Community Center.

Painters Jon Leach and Merv Cole bring a collection of abstracts to Bandon Library Art Gallery in August. Working in both acrylic and watercolors, they are well-matched in their aesthetic, and equally strong in the execution of their ideas.

In this collection, Merv Cole’s colors are vivid, the brush strokes bold. His canvases crackle with energy. Jon Leach’s paint is liquid; deep tones swim in pools from which brighter colors dreamily rise and recede. The work of both artists is brilliantly alive.

In the display cases are works from Humbug Mountain Weavers and Spinners, who hand spin, dye, and weave textiles into wearable and wall art. Their group includes felters, knitters and other workers in fiber.

The library gallery is open during regular hours Tuesday through Saturday at the Bandon Public Library, 1204 11th St. SW, in Bandon City Park. For more information about the gallery, visit the Bandon Library Friends and Foundation, bandonlff.org.

Article by Tracy Hodson. Painting detail: “The Discovery” by Jon Leach