Bandon’s past and present collide in “Coquille River Anthology,” a new comedy-drama, premiering November 1, written by Neal Davis and presented by the Bandon Playhouse.

A sickly woman, cared for by her grandson, is visited by four ghosts from Bandon’s past. As they share their unique stories, they try to help her resolve her own life conflicts before it’s too late. Using actual historical narratives, “Coquille River Anthology” reveals lesser-known moments from Bandon’s exciting history that helped create a community that lasts beyond life.

This is the third play written by Neal Davis (“Murder at Two Mile,” “Bandon Burns!”) with the assistance of the Bandon Historical Society Museum. “Coquille River Anthology” is directed by Mike Dempsey and features actors Bobbi Neason, Corrie Gant, Nameer el-Kadi, Meara Stadelman, Amy Moss Strong, and Grant Goodwin.

Performances will be held at the Wheelhouse Restaurant, Gallery Room, at 125 Chicago Ave SE in downtown Bandon. Seating is limited and preordering tickets is recommended. Performances are November 1, 2, 3 and 8, 9, 10. Friday and Saturday curtains are at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

The Wheelhouse Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on all performance dates. Call 541-347-9331 for dining reservations.

For ticket information and sales to “Coquille River Anthology,” visit BandonPlayhouse.org.

Article contributed by Amy Moss Strong with photos by Geneva Miller for Bandon Playhouse.

Parkdale Valley Land Trust, in association with Bergman Productions, is thrilled to announce the January 2024 statewide theater release of the much-anticipated documentary, “An Oregon Story: Saving our Beaches, Farmland and More.”

“Audiences will be taken on a journey through Oregon’s stunning landscapes, from its scenic beaches to its fertile farm and ranch lands,” said Joe Wilson, director of the documentary. “This film is not just about the beauty of Oregon, but also about the farsighted people who fought to protect it and the young generation who is now carrying the torch of environmental stewardship.”

For more information about the event, visit the City of Bandon planning department at CityofBandon.org.

This free author presentation starts at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Sprague Community Theater.

William L. Sullivan is the author of 22 books and numerous articles about Oregon, including the “Oregon Trails” feature column for the Eugene Register-Guard and the Salem Statesman-Journal.

A fifth-generation Oregonian, Sullivan began hiking at the age of five and has been exploring new trails ever since. After studying at Deep Springs College in the California desert, receiving an English degree from Cornell University, and studying linguistics at Germany’s Heidelberg University, he earned an M.A. in German literature from the University of Oregon. He has been happily married to the artist Janell Sorensen for more than 45 years.

Learn more about William’s work at OregonHiking.com/william-l-sullivan.

“Medicare 101” will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 29, and at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 2 at the Bandon Senior Center, 1100 11th Street SW.

The workshops will explain Original Medicare Parts A and B – what it does and does not cover, what it costs, and when and how to enroll; options beyond Original Medicare including the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans; an explanation of the Part D prescription drug coverage gap (otherwise known as the “donut hole”); how to avoid Part B and Part D penalties; and what people should know if they plan to continue working and/or participating in an employer-sponsored health plan after turning 65.

The presenter will be Jayna Roberts, a licensed agent and Medicare specialist serving Southern Oregon with 25 years’ experience in the health insurance industry. Roberts can be reached at 541-727-6500 or Jayna@SimplyMedicareSolutions.com for more information.

RSVPs are not required. The Bandon Senior Center asks that all attendees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear a mask in accordance with current Oregon mask guidelines The Bandon Senior Activity Center is located in the Bandon Community Center in Bandon City Park– look for the red door at the southeast side of the building.

“Medicare 101” will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 29, and at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 2 at the Bandon Senior Center, 1100 11th Street SW.

The workshops will explain Original Medicare Parts A and B – what it does and does not cover, what it costs, and when and how to enroll; options beyond Original Medicare including the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans; an explanation of the Part D prescription drug coverage gap (otherwise known as the “donut hole”); how to avoid Part B and Part D penalties; and what people should know if they plan to continue working and/or participating in an employer-sponsored health plan after turning 65.

The presenter will be Jayna Roberts, a licensed agent and Medicare specialist serving Southern Oregon with 25 years’ experience in the health insurance industry. Roberts can be reached at 541-727-6500 or Jayna@SimplyMedicareSolutions.com for more information.

RSVPs are not required. The Bandon Senior Center asks that all attendees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear a mask in accordance with current Oregon mask guidelines The Bandon Senior Activity Center is located in the Bandon Community Center in Bandon City Park– look for the red door at the southeast side of the building.

It’s never too late — or too early — to learn to play bridge.

Longtime player Louise Nix will introduce beginners to the the game. Five free lessons are offered at the Bandon Senior Activities Center: Sessions are set for 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursdays, Nov. 7, 14 and 21, and Dec. 5 and 12. All ages are welcome.

The Senior Center is located at the southern end of the Bandon Community Center– look for the bright red door. Visit our Programs page for more information about weekly Senior Center activities.