The following events and activities are scheduled on the South Coast in the coming weeks.

Here’s a chance to see stars Tuesday night

Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering a free workshop on how to use a telescope at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Eden Hall on the Coos Bay campus.

Instructor Dan Neal will go over methods to get the most out of participants’ telescopes whether they are Newtonian, Refractor, Reflector, Schmidt Cassegrain, manual or computer driven. The course will cover proper assembly, as well as using telescope features and discuss available accessories. Once the basics are covered, Neal will discuss using sky charts to locate planets, nebulae, galaxies and other deep space objects.

If sky conditions are good, Neal will take the group onto the soccer field for a short star party and show beginners how to learn the night sky. No experience is necessary and people who do not have telescopes are encouraged to attend. Children younger than 12 years must be under adult supervision.

South Slough talk and tour focus on history

The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve invites the community to “Cultural Connections” programs about the slough this week.

The first session, a Lunch and Learn talk, is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday in the Community Room at the Milner Crest Education Center, 1255 Hemlock Ave., in Coos Bay. This program shares the cultural story of South Slough. Those who plan to attend should bring lunch.

Then on Saturday, the program focuses on “Saturdays on the Slough.” From  9 a.m. to noon participants will spend the morning in the field discovering culturally significant areas of South Slough. Those who plan to attend should dress for the weather.

This is a free event for South Slough volunteers or $5 for other participants.

Those interested in participating should to register in advance for all programs by calling 888-5558. Activity fees and donations cover materials and are used by the Friends of South Slough in support of the reserve.

Lakeside Lions giving clothes away for free

The Lakeside Lions are sponsoring a free clothes giveaway.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Lakeside Lions Hall, 890 Bowron Road. Donations of good condition clothes also are welcome.

For more information, those interested can call Denise at 759-4109 or Madeline at 759-2374.

Center offers class for would-be entrepeneurs

People interested in starting their own businesses can take advantage of a nine-session program offered by the Southwestern Oregon Community College Business Development Center starting Monday, Jan. 28, in North Bend.

Participants will learn how to grow a successful business and write business plans to access funding. The program’s format includes a combination of twice-monthly evening group meetings featuring guest speakers, one-to-one advising and access to the center’s resources. The program provides an opportunity to share ideas with other entrepreneurs and business owners. Participants also learn to determine the feasibility of a business idea, research markets and develop sufficient business and financial management skills to grow successful businesses.

The $150 registration fee covers the complete program, as well as materials, for up to two representatives for each business venture.

For more information or to register, those interested can call the center at 756-6866.

Eastern Star sets the table for visitors

Volunteers with the Coos Chapter Order of Eastern Star are heating up the grill.

The organization will sponsor an All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Breakfast from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3, at the Masonic Center, 2002 Union Ave., North Bend.

Prices are $6 for adults; $3 for children ages 5 to 12; and free for children younger than 5. The menu will include biscuits and gravy, pancakes, blueberry pancakes, sausage, ham, scrambled eggs, cereal, coffee and juice. 

Auditions set for kids’ ‘Fiddler’ production

New Artists Productions founders Dan and Anita Almich will conduct auditions for their spring production, the musical “Fiddler on the Roof Junior,” from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 2-3, in the music room at Ocean Crest Elementary School.

Youth performers in grades 3 through 12 may audition. The two main characters, Tevye and Golde, have been pre-cast.

Auditions will consist of reading lines from the play script and singing to recorded music from the play. The selections “Far From the Home I Love” “Matchmaker,” and “Anatevka” will be used to characterize vocal range and voice quality. Prior rehearsal to the audition music is not required.

Marshfield, Inland Point team up for dance

The 12th-annual Senior Sweetheart Dance will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10, at Inland Point Senior Community, 2290 Inland Drive, in North Bend.

Music will be provided by Frosty West and dance partners  by the Mr. MHS candidates and senior girls. There will be refreshments and door prizes.

For more information, those interested can call 756-0176. 

Pruning demonstration topic for garden club

Pruning techniques will be the topic for the North Bend Garden Club meeting in February.

The group will gather at noon, Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the North Bend Housing Authority Building, 1700 Monroe Ave., in North Bend. A tour will be held to demonstrate pruning techniques, given by Master Gardener Roland Ransdell.

Transport will be by car pool. Visitors are welcome.

For more information, those interested can call Shirlee at 260-1821

Candy sale helps club raise project funds

The Kiwanis Club of North Bend will sell See’s Candy from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Jan. 28 to Feb. 14.

The group is set up between Noah’s Ark Fish & Pets, 1760 Virginia Ave., and Harbor Lights Animal Hospital, across from Pony Village Mall.

For business orders or for more information, those interested can call 297-1124 or e-mail Kelley Rowe at kelley.rowe@nbmconline.com.

Group helps families who have lost children

The Compassionate Friends will resume monthly meetings for parents, grandparents and siblings of families who have lost a child. The meetings will be held the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at South Coast Hospice, 1620 Thompson Road in Coos Bay.

For more information, those interested can call Pam Lowry at 266-0282.