Youth story time is 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays, with open play time for tots age zero to five on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m., at the library.

Additional summer programs include–

Native American Innovation Exhibit – June 11 – 29 (BPL)

Magician Jeff Evans, June 28 @ 12 p.m. (Theater – Visit our Event Calendar for more details.)

Mosaic Making & Lecture, June 29 @ 2 p.m. (BPL)

Reptiles! presentation, July 3 @ 11 a.m. (Theater – Visit our Event Calendar for more details.)

Journey Under the Sea, July 12 @ 11:30 a.m. (BPL)

Fun with Washed Ashore, July 18 @ 11:30 (BPL)

Portable Planetarium, drop-in July 21, 1 – 3:30 p.m. (Bandon Fisheries Warehouse)

Art at the Library, July 25 @ 11:30 a.m. (BPL)

Sapphire Farms Storytime, Aug. 8 @ 11:30 a.m. (BPL)

Felting Workshop, Aug. 17 @ 4 p.m. (BPL – age 12 and older, call to register)

Teen Writers!, Aug. 22 @ 3 p.m. (BPL)

Tween Writers!, Aug. 29 @ 3 p.m. (BPL)

The Bandon Public Library is located in Bandon City Park, 1204 11th St. SW. The library is open 12 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Learn more at BandonLibrary.org.

Monday:

10 a.m. Combo yoga with Yaz

2 to 5 p.m. Games of Choice

5:15 to 10 p.m. Cribbage

Tuesday:

10 a.m. Walk for Health with Statia

Wednesday:

10 a.m. Combo yoga with Yaz

Thursday:

10 a.m. Walk for Health with Statia

11:30 a.m. Duplicate Bridge

Friday:

8:30 a.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

10 a.m. Combo yoga wit Yaz

11: 30 a.m. Beginning Bridge

1 to 4 p.m. Open Bridge

And more . . .

Check out South Coast Folk Dancing the third Saturday each month from 6 to 8 p.m. This free event is open to all ages and features live music with the IDF band. Learn more at SouthCoastFolkSociety.wordpress.com.

And, watch for additional special events, including Dances of Universal Peace.

New BSAC members and volunteers are welcome. Stop by or call 541-347-4131. Enter the senior center through the red door at the south end of the Bandon Community Center in Bandon City Park. To learn more about the Bandon Senior Activity Center, visit our Programs page.

The BSAC membership drive is continuing through March. Anyone age 55 or up is eligible to join. Dues are $5 a year, or $25 for a lifetime membership.

To join or to renew your membership, drop off your contact info and dues at the Center on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, when the “OPEN” sign is out.

The BSAC relies entirely on volunteers, so if you aren’t happy with the current situation, please consider volunteering to host open hours.

The Cribbage club plays Thursdays from 5:30 to 9 or 10 p.m. Call Doc or Sandy Nyhart at 503-508-0338 or 541-285-5399 for details.

Duplicate Bridge games are from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Open Bridge from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday.

Chair Yoga is offered on a donation basis from 10 to 11 a.m. Mon/Wed/Fri.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets 8 to 9:30 a.m. Fridays.

The BSAC is located behind the bright red door at the southern end of the Bandon Community Center, 1200 11th St. SW. Call 541-347-4131 for information.

Article contributed by the Bandon Senior Activity Center. Visit our Programs page for more information about the BSAC.

It’s tax season. Seniors looking for tax preparation assistance can expect some changes to AARP Tax-Aide this year, according to Janis Halstead, AARP Tax-Aide volunteer.

Senior centers throughout Oregon are presently closed as a health precaution during the pandemic. That means in-person tax appointments, usually offered at the Bandon Senior Activity Center, are not an option in 2021. To learn about alternate options for tax assistance, seniors are invited to call the senior center and leave a message.

The Senior Activity Center phone number is 541-347-4131. Callers are greeted by Janis’ voice, asking them to speak slowly and clearly when leaving a message. And, callers should leave their full 10-digit telephone number, including area code. Messages are checked regularly, and calls are returned as soon as possible.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program provides free tax preparation assistance, especially for those 50 and older and taxpayers with moderate to low income. Volunteer tax counselors receive IRS training annually.

Programs & Services

While social activities are on hold, other community programs and services are ongoing in and around the senior center and Bandon Community Center. Senior center board members encourage residents to take advantage of services such as senior meals, public transit and assistance with home medical equipment.

Bandon’s senior and community meals program offers hot lunches on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Visit our Programs page for details and contact information.

Those looking for public transportation should call the Dial-a-Ride dispatch number to schedule a ride, 541-267-7111. Rates and schedules are available online at CoosTransit.org.

The medical equipment loan program at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bandon is open by appointment. Learn more about the medical loan closet online, StJohnsBandon.org, or call St. John’s at 541-347-2152.

The City of Bandon has closed the Bandon Community Center and Sprague Community Theater until further notice.

Schedule Changes

All public and private events scheduled prior to March 2020 at the Sprague Community Theater and Bandon Community Center are tentative and may be rescheduled. We appreciate your patience and hope to open our doors again soon.

Nutrition Programs

Senior Meals, Ongoing

Bandon Senior Meals will offer prepared meals for take-out and continue Meals on Wheels delivery. Take-out service is offered 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at noon. Please use the back dining room door at the southwest side of the building.

Good Neighbors Food Distribution, Ongoing

Good Neighbors will provide supplemental food distribution the first Tuesday each month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Bandon Community Center. This month’s distribution will take place in the usual location, but with a few changes to ensure safe interaction between participants and volunteers.

Volunteer staff will provide drive-up style delivery. Those arriving by car should enter the parking area from the 11th St. entrance and exit around the back between the community center and theater, toward 8th St. Pedestrians can pick up their groceries in a separate service line.

Read more about nutrition programs . . . 

Activities

Regular programs and activities at the theater and community center are cancelled until further notice, including the Senior Activity Center, EAT program, Lions Club meetings and martial arts classes.

For Renters and Event Presenters

We support local businesses and organizations in their efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting public meetings and gatherings.

Those who have reserved meeting or event space at the Bandon Community Center or Sprague Community Theater may cancel or reschedule at no extra charge. To discuss reservation changes, please contact Jeff Norris by phone, 541-290-5383, or email events@ci.bandon.or.us.

In the Neighborhood

Bandon Public Library

While the Bandon Public Library remains closed to the public, the library is offering curbside pickup and mail service.

Mail service will start in May, and Library Director Jennifer Croft expects the service to continue through June. The Bandon Library Friends and Foundation will cover the cost of postage and packaging through their new Keep Bandon Reading program.

Request mail service by placing a hold online, or speak with library staff by phone during regular library hours. Items may be retuned at the book drop. (At present, the library is not charging late fees.) Bandon library hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To reach library staff by phone, call 541-347-3221.

To search the library catalogue online, place a hold, or browse e-books and audio books, visit cooslibraries.org.

Independence Day Celebrations

Public 4th of July events in Bandon have been cancelled, including the Bandon Lions Club annual BBQ in Bandon City Park.

Communication

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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.