You can be a mentor – and touch a life! If you can give 30 minutes a week to make a difference in the life of a middle school student, the Eugene 4J School District is looking for volunteers.  Once a week, volunteer mentors visit their student at school during lunchtime. They talk and listen, share a meal, play board games, share news about school and friends, and more. A small investment of time, energy and caring can yield great dividends in the life…

Have you ever wanted to take an African drum class, but felt just a little bit intimidated? Well now is your chance to learn about the vibrant poly-rhythms of Guinea, West Africa in a non-threatening atmosphere that is fun, encouraging, and inspirational for beginning and experienced drummers alike! Join Alseny Yansane, dynamic teacher and fourteen year performing artist with world renowned Ballets Africains of Guinea as he offers a drum classes that will teach all the basics for learning the West…

White Bird Clinic is a collective environment organized to enable people to gain control of their social, emotional, and physical well-being through direct service, education, and community. Whitebird operates a Medical and Dental Clinic at 1400 Mill Street, a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program  at 350 E. 11th, and ongoing Outpatient Mental Health services, Crisis intervention services, and information and referral at 341 E. 12th Avenue. Their priority is to serve people who are unserved, underinsured, disabled and/or homeless. They also offer assistance to help folks…

Community Celebrates Educators in 12th Annual Awards Program Nominations accepted through Tuesday, May 1   Each spring for the past 12 years, community members have joined together to celebrate Eugene School District 4J’s exceptional staff and volunteers who make a difference every day in kids’ lives.   Honoring amazing educators and the incredible impact of public education on our children, families and community is the purpose of the annual ACE (A Champion in Education) Awards.   Once again, this spring,…

  New Zone Art Gallery annual fundraiser yART Sale starts 10a-6p April 20-21, and 12-4p April 22. Household goods, art and collectibles will be on sale at this event. New Zone is an art collective that will accept any donations from the community. Donations may be dropped off at the gallery on 12-6p April 19 and throughout weekend. New Zone is located at 220 W. 8th Ave. On April 19. For more information, call Steve at 541-935-4308, or go to newzonegallery.org.

Lane Arts Council presents the Northwest Arts Integration Conference on Saturday, April 21st at the Lane Community College downtown campus in Eugene. The conference brings together educators across all curriculum for a full day focused on arts integration in K-12 education. This year’s theme “Empowering Student Voice” will explore how arts integrated learning opens doors for all students to participate, engage, and grow. For more information and to register, visit www.lanearts.org or call Lane Arts Council at 541-485-2278.

Drop in for coffee and a chat with district leader  Come on by! You're invited to drop in for a cup of coffee and a chat with 4J's superintendent, Dr. Gustavo Balderas.  (Decaf) Coffee With the Superintendent Wednesday, April 25, 6–7 p.m. 4J Education Center, 200 N. Monroe St., Tower Room The superintendent's coffee chats throughout the school year are an opportunity for the community to meet with 4J leaders, learn about important things happening in the district, ask questions and share your…

The Lane County Master Gardener Association Spring Plant Sale is happening at the Lane County Fairgrounds (Horse Barn—SW corner, west of the Ice Arena, 796 W. 13th Avenue) Saturday, April 28th from 9AM to 3PM.  There will be a large selection of plants, trees, shrubs, berries, hops, and vegetable and tomato starts. The Master Gardener plant sale is much more than plants.  There will be a huge Silent Auction where 100’s of businesses have donated basket items and gift certificates.…