Good morning, Corvallis.

The Benton County Genealogical Society (founded in 1971) faces leadership challenges as longtime president George Davidson plans to step down for health reasons following a drop in membership from over 70 to 37 during the pandemic, and the group is in early talks about a merger to rebuild its numbers (while continuing to provide access to its genealogy library on the third floor of Philomath Museum).

Benton County is fighting hunger with its Noodles for Neighbors campaign, which is accepting nonperishable food and cash donations at eight county facilities through December — the effort will help local families facing food insecurity.

Every dollar donated provides five meals, stressing the need for continued community support.

The Oregon Department of Transportation said a new multi-use pathway connecting Albany and Corvallis is in development with its main segment running from Rainwater Lane in Albany to Merlot Avenue in Corvallis along Highway 99.

The project is funded mainly by federal dollars with a local match of $1.5 million and may see survey work next year that could briefly close lanes—no traffic disruptions are planned and the city of Albany will cover maintenance.

This holiday season the Benton County Sheriff’s Office will host its 31st Annual Shop with a Cop to give children a fun shopping experience and build ties with local law enforcement—while multiple blood and platelet donation drives will be organized over the next few weeks.

A new fareless bus service pilot called 99 Vine will launch on Monday, November 24 and will link McMinnville and Eugene with stops in Corvallis both at OSU and downtown.

The six-month trial will run four trips each way and is operated by Pacific Crest Bus Lines—selected by Benton County and Yamhill County.

A Merely Merrie Christmas Story

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Majestic Theatre — $17 — Experience a Shakespearean twist on a holiday classic with humor and slapstick charm.

Rock Concert Benefit for Lumina Hospice

7-9:30 p.m. — Ashbrook Independent School — $88 General Admission, $150 VIP — Experience a unique fusion of classical and rock music while supporting local hospice and youth musicians.

Winter's Eve Corvallis

Holiday Celebration — Evening — Downtown Corvallis — $50 per person — A sparkling evening with shopping, music, wine, and food benefiting local children and families.

Making Spirits Bright - A Winter Dance Concert

3-4:30 p.m. — Majestic Theatre — $16 for students/seniors, $18 for adults — Celebrate the season with dazzling performances from ballet to hip hop at the Majestic's annual dance concert.

Breath of the Forest

12-2 p.m. — Peavy Arboretum — Free entry — Immerse in nature with a guided hike and sound bath to inspire future forest stewards.

Wreath Making Workshop

1:30-4:30 a.m. — Corvallis — Free entry — Create a unique wreath using natural materials in a guided workshop.

A Very Jazzy Nutcracker

6:30 p.m. — Majestic Theatre — Tickets $30-$45 — Experience a dazzling jazzy rendition of Tchaikovsky’s classic with live music, auctions, and special guests.

Sam Houston Bearkats vs. Oregon State Beavers Mens Basketball

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Gill Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Bearkats clash with the Beavers in an exciting college basketball showdown.