Good morning, Corvallis.

The Benton County Historical Society will host a talk at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Philomath Museum—Inside the Black Box: Understanding Algorithms and Their Social Impacts—where Naomi Aguiar will explain how AI systems like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Character.ai shape social and cultural interactions. Advance registration is required as seating is limited due to support from museum donors.

Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard won the prestigious Herman Kehrli Award from the League of Oregon Cities this past weekend after 10 years of steady leadership in guiding city services.

He kept operations running during the pandemic and led long-term investments in public facilities and affordable housing.

Oregon State University led a study with over 1,500 U.S. adults (ages 30 to 70) that shows more social media use is linked to feeling lonely.

The research warns that heavy social media use does not ease loneliness and may increase risks to health.

22nd Annual St. Anne Greek Fest

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Lewisburg Grange Hall — Free admission — Enjoy delicious Greek food, live music, and family-friendly fun at this community celebration.

The Great Pumpkin Run

9 AM – 12 PM — Ashbrook Independent School — Registration required — Celebrate the fall season with a fun run and costume contest for the whole family.

Bloktoberfest 2025

5-11 p.m. — Block 15 Brewing Downtown Pub — $10 admission — Celebrate Oktoberfest with live music, German food, and stein-holding competitions under the big tent.

Mini Kiss Live Performance

8-11:30 p.m. — Bombs Away Cafe - A Rockin' Taqueria — Free entry — Experience the high-energy rock tribute from Mini Kiss in an unforgettable night of music.

Children's Halloween Party

4-6 p.m. — Corvallis-Benton County Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate Halloween with games, candy, and costumes in a safe, fun environment for kids.

Willamette Bewitched Halloween Paddle

10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Crystal Lake Sports Fields — Free entry — Celebrate Halloween with a festive paddle on the Willamette River in costume and support a community food drive.

Majestic Movie Extravaganza: Hocus Pocus

7 p.m. — Majestic Theatre — $15 — Experience the classic tale of witches and mischief in Salem this Halloween.