Guest column
Saturday, Jan. 23, brought about an amazing turnout for the Bandon Community Health Center open house. On behalf of our board of directors and staff, Dr. McClave and I would like to thank the many people who came by to support our center’s day of celebration.

Editorial
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Coos County has the highest incidence of lung cancer in the state, as well as ranking among the highest counties for the prevalence of diabetes.

Graffiti busters deserve thanks for important job
I often lament when graffiti “artists” hit our community, but it’s not often that we learn who is responsible for removing their handiwork — which is a thankless, but very important, job.

Jazz band at district
Bandon Jazz Ensemble played at the Oregon music Educators Association District 7 Instrumental Jazz Festival held lat week at the Sprague Theater. The jazz band, comprising students in sixth through 12th grade, is directed by Stephen Wampler. Bands from North Bend, Myrtle Point, Marshfield, Siuslaw and Coquille also attended. The groups were adjudicated by Dr. Martin Behnke, director of jazz ensembles at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, who also held a jazz improvisation clinic.

Garrett earns associate degree
Tricia Garrett of Bandon has been awarded an Associate of Applied Science in health sciences from Kaplan University. Garrett’s accomplishment was celebrated during a live graduation ceremony on Jan. 30 in Miami. General Colin L. Powell, the 65th secretary of state and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, served as the commencement speaker.

Bleacher fundraiser next week
A Mexican dinner fundraiser will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Bandon High School cafeteria, prior to the varsity basketball games with Reedsport.

Students caught being good
Ocean Crest Elementary School honors students who are observed doing something helpful or kind with the monthly “Caught You Being Good” program. During the month, students who are “caught being good” are listed on a slip of paper, which is put into a box at the school office. At the end of the month at the Friday PRIDE assembly, 15 names are chosen from the box and those students are given a golden dollar, a pencil and a certificate. The Bandon Lions Club provides the prizes for the program.

Storyteller will visit local library
Storyteller Thomas Doty will present “Doty and Coyote: Stories From the Native West” on Tuesday, Feb. 23. The program is at 7 p.m. at the Bandon Public Library, 1204 11th St. S.W., and is appropriate for all ages.

Coastal Harvest holds Cake Walk
Coastal Harvest will hold its sixth-annual Valentine’s Cake Walk from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Bandon Community Youth Center 101 S.W. 11th St.

Dotson completes Marine trining
Chad M. Dotson graduated from U.S. Marine Corps boot camp on Jan. 8, at a recruit depot in San Diego. He was in Platoon No. 2127.

Higher education
Oregon State honor roll

In and around Bandon
Free gardening class at library

Arts and entertainment
‘Sound of Music’ opening at Sprague Theater Feb. 19

Letters
Spirit of giving appreciated