Jun 9, 2026 | Community, Curry Campus, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) at Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to our inaugural Oregon Coast Food & Wine Celebration. This is a new community event bringing together exceptional wineries, artisan vendors, and supporters of the culinary arts from across Oregon. This warm and vibrant gathering will take place on July 18th, 2026, at Southwestern Oregon Community College, 1988 Newmark, Ave., Coos Bay, inside the beautiful Umpqua Hall Health & Science Building from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
This year’s celebration holds special significance. We are honoring the memory of our cherished colleague, Chef Instructor Laura Williams, who passed away last year. Laura was passionate about food, wine, and teaching, and it’s fitting to create an event that brings those passions together. In her honor, this inaugural celebration will serve as a fundraiser to establish a scholarship in Laura’s name, awarded annually to a student attending the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute. Our hope is to continue this event in the future – growing it into a beloved annual tradition that draws guests from up and down the coast.
This is a ticketed event, with each patron receiving sampling tokens upon entry. Guests may use these tokens for food or wine tastings with the option to purchase additional tokens. All proceeds from ticket and token sales will contribute directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship. Live music, artisan vendors, and a curated selection of Oregon wineries will help create a lively, welcoming atmosphere for attendees to enjoy.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase wine (bottles or cases) directly from participating wineries. A silent auction will offer exciting experiences, fun gifts, and coastal treats going to the highest bidder.
If attendees desire to contribute directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship there will be a drop box at the event to leave a donation, or they may donate online.
TICKETS & EVENT DETAILS:
- Date/Time: Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Location: SWOCC Coos Campus, Umpqua Hall (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay)
- Tickets: $35 per person in advance. $40 at the door. With this entry fee, you will receive 3 wine tokens and 2 food tokens for tastings. Click button below to purchase!
- 21 and older only
- Service Animals only
- Purchase tickets in advance!
Purchase Tickets
PARTICIPATING WINERIES:
- King Estate
- Abacela
- Melrose
- Eola
- Whitetail Ridge
- J Scott
- Richwine
DONATE TO LAURA WILLIAMS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:
If you wish to donate directly to the Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship please click below:
Donate to Laura Williams Memorial Scholarship
VENDOR APPLICATION:
To participate as a vendor, please complete the below form.
Vendor Application Form
For more information or if you have other specific questions regarding the event, please contact Lena Chester at 541-888-7309 or lena.chester@socc.edu.
For information about the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI), visit: www.socc.edu/occi
May 28, 2026 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) Volleyball invites students completing grades 2–9 to attend its one-day Youth Volleyball Camp on August 2, 2026, in Prosper Hall on SWOCC’s Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay).
The one-day camp gives students the opportunity to develop volleyball fundamentals, improve skills, and train with experienced coaches and players in a fun and supportive environment. The camp schedule is as follows:
- Students completing grades 2–5: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Students completing grades 6–9: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The registration fee is $50 per camper. Payment will be accepted at the door, and checks should be made payable to “SWOCC Volleyball.” Pre-registration is highly encouraged, though on-site registration will also be available.
Pre-Register for SWOCC Youth Volleyball Camp
Campers should bring a water bottle, knee pads, and court shoes. Snacks will be provided.
Questions about the camp can be directed to Kyle Smith, SWOCC Head Volleyball Coach at kyle.smith1@socc.edu.
Sign up today for a fun day of volleyball, skill-building, and teamwork!
For more information about SWOCC Athletics, visit: https://swoccathletics.com/
May 20, 2026 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Middle and high school students are invited to explore high-demand careers through hands-on learning experiences at the 2026 CTE Summer Academy. The event takes place June 15–17, 2026, on the Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) Coos Campus. The academy is free to attend, but space is limited and registration is required.
The CTE Summer Academy gives students the opportunity to explore career pathways through immersive learning experiences across the South Coast. From maritime science and sustainable agriculture to emergency medical skills, students will work directly with industry professionals, real equipment, and authentic work environments designed to build confidence, spark curiosity, and connect students with future education and career opportunities.
Students may participate in multiple sessions, depending on scheduling and program availability. Daily check-in and check-out will take place in Umpqua Hall, Room 184, on SWOCC’s Coos Campus, located at 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay. Lunch will be provided daily from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION:
Pre-registration is required, and space is limited! Register online today.
Register for CTE Summer Academy!
CTE SUMMER ACADEMY SESSION INFORMATION:
Additional information about each academy session is provided below.
Agroecology: “From Seed to Table” with Maria Farinacci, Assistant Professor of Agroecology
June 15 & June 17 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Middle & high school students | Attend one or both sessions
Ever wonder where your food actually comes from, or what it takes to grow it in a world facing climate change, population growth, and shrinking farmland? In this fast-paced, hands-on lab, students won’t just hear about the future of agriculture. They’ll dig into it.
This isn’t your average lecture. Students will spend real time working with soil, seeds, and living plants. They’ll learn why healthy soil is one of the most complex and underrated ecosystems on Earth. We’re talking billions of microorganisms in a single handful of soil, and they’re the reason any of us eat at all.
In this workshop, students will:
- Explore the science of plant biology, from germination and photosynthesis to nutrient cycles and soil chemistry.
- Experiment with sustainable growing techniques used by real-world farmers and food scientists, including composting, companion planting, and water-efficient irrigation.
- Discover how horticulture intersects with cutting-edge fields like environmental science, and urban planning.
- Taste and test produce grown right on campus…because the best science experiments are the ones you can eat!
Why does this matter? By 2050, the world will need to produce 50% more food to feed a growing population — all while using less land, less water, and fewer chemicals. The people solving that problem are studying exactly what students explore in this lab. Whether students are interested in biology, environmental science, engineering, business, or simply figuring out what they want to do, sustainable agriculture sits at the intersection of it all.
Paramedicine with Julie Ryan, Paramedicine Program Faculty Director
June 15–17 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Middle & high school students | 8‑students max | Designed as a three‑day series
The paramedicine track gives students a rare chance to learn real emergency medical skills in a fun, supportive environment. Each day will feature different hands‑on skills, building toward a friendly, skills‑based competition on the final day. Students will train inside the ambulance simulator, practicing procedures in a realistic moving ambulance environment that is consistently described as one of the most exciting parts of the program. This session is intended for students who can participate all three days, due to the progressive skill‑building structure.
Columbia Pacific Maritime **High School Only** Session
June 15–17 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
High school students | Full three‑day experience
The Columbia Pacific Maritime session offers high school students a three‑day, hands‑on introduction to the maritime industry, blending career exploration with real seamanship and marine science. Students will learn about local and global maritime careers, practice essential deck skills, and spend a field‑trip day at the Charleston Marine Life Center exploring tide pools and touring the University of Oregon’s research vessels. The final day immerses students in navigation, watchstanding, and vessel operations, giving them a realistic look at life on the bridge and the skills mariners use every day.
This session is designed as a cohesive three‑day experience, with students participating as a group throughout the full program.
For more information about this event, please contact Krystal Hopper Meyers, LIFT Project Administrator at swoccworks@socc.edu.
May 18, 2026 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) Basketball and North Bend High School Girls Basketball are co-hosting a three-day youth basketball camp on June 15–17, 2026, at the North Bend High School gymnasium.
The camp gives young athletes the opportunity to build basketball fundamentals, develop skills, and learn from experienced coaches and players. The camp schedule for all three days is as follows:
- Students completing grades 1–4: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Students completing grades 5–8: 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The registration fee for each camper for all three days is $100. Payment will be accepted at the door and checks should be made out to “SWOCC Basketball.” Pre-registration is highly encouraged (on-site registration will also be available).
YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP DETAILS:
- DATES: June 15–17, 2026
- TIMES: Grades 1–4: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; 5–8: 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- PLACE: North Bend High School Gymnasium
- COST: $100 (Payment accepted at the door – checks made out to “SWOCC Basketball”)
- REGISTRATION: Pre-register using link below! (On-site registration also available)
Pre-Register Online!
Questions can be directed to SWOCC Head Women’s Basketball Coach Heather Weber at 541-391-3494 or heather.weber@socc.edu. Campers will have the opportunity to learn from SWOCC and North Bend coaches and players throughout the three-day event.
Sign up today for three days of skill-building, teamwork, and fun on the court!
May 1, 2026 | Community, News
COOS BAY, Ore. – Southwestern Oregon Community College is pleased to honor Valley Flora Farm and Pansy Lane Farm with our 2026 Career Technical Education (CTE) Industry Partner of the Year Award. Southwestern’s CTE partners’ steadfast support of our programs has been integral to our students’ success. They provide essential industry insight, hands-on learning opportunities, and guidance that ensures our curriculum stays aligned with real-world workforce needs.
DeAnne Variteck, Dean of CTE Programs at Southwestern, said, “Our CTE advisory board members are an extraordinary group of partners whose commitment to students and community truly sets our programs apart. By sharing their expertise, aligning our work with current industry standards, and creating meaningful internship opportunities, they ensure our students are not only learning, but experiencing the realities of their future careers. Their generosity of time and insight keeps our curriculum relevant, rigorous, and deeply connected to the workforce, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued leadership and support.”
Valley Flora 2026 Recipient
“Zoë Ida Bradbury DeSurra, co-owner of Valley Flora Farm, has been an invaluable partner to our Career and Technical Education programs, exemplifying both outstanding farming and community education. A leader in local market growing, Valley Flora models agroecology through certified organic practices, ecological pest management, and a strong local distribution network. Their exceptional produce has raised the standard of agriculture in Coos and Curry counties, and we are proud to honor them with the CTE Advisor Award.”
–Maria Farinacci, Assistant Professor of Agroecology
Born and raised in a river valley on the southern Oregon coast, Zoë grew up immersed in small-scale farming, from spring lambing to fall salmon runs, experiences that shaped her lifelong commitment to sustainable agriculture and resilient local food systems. After working in the nonprofit sector, she returned to Langlois in 2008 to found Valley Flora with her mother and sister.
What began as a small family venture has become a cornerstone of the Southcoast food system, supplying year-round organic produce to families, schools, food banks, and co-ops across Coos and Curry Counties. With degrees from Stanford University and a Master’s in Community Change and Food Systems, Zoë blends academic expertise with hands-on experience as a Kellogg Food & Society Policy Fellow, published writer, and co-editor of Greenhorns: 50 Dispatches from the New Farmers’ Movement.
Through certified organic, agroecological practices and a deep commitment to education and community, Valley Flora demonstrates that farming can be both economically viable and firmly rooted in sustainability, integrity, and stewardship.
Pansy Lane Farm 2026 Recipient
“Larry and Rebecca Javorsky of Pansy Lane Farm have greatly enriched our Career and Technical Education programs through generous mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities. By welcoming students for internships, field trips, and real engagement with production agriculture, they offer experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. Their commitment to curiosity, skill-building, and community helps -students see their role in building a healthy, resilient food system – making Pansy Lane Farm truly deserving of the CTE Advisor Award.”
–Maria Farinacci, Assistant Professor of Agroecology
Larry and Rebeca Javorsky’s journey began at Montana State University, where a shared love of the outdoors and growing things brought them together, inspired by generations of family gardeners and supported by degrees in biology and natural resources. From Montana to Arizona’s high desert, the Willamette Valley, and now the Oregon Coast, they have cultivated flowers, food, and community wherever they’ve lived.
In Coos Bay, they transformed their property into Pansy Lane Farm, an invaluable partner to our program, providing generous internship opportunities that give students hands-on experience in agriculture and farm operations while building skills, confidence, and understanding of resilient local food systems. Through mentorship and community connection, they help students see how individual farms contribute to a broader regional landscape.
It’s with great pleasure that we present these two excellent organizations with our CTE Partner of the Year Award.
To learn more about Southwestern’s career technical training programs visit www.socc.edu, or call 541-888-7405 to make an appointment with an advisor.
May 1, 2026 | Community, News
COOS BAY, Ore. – “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”— Dr. Seuss
More than 500 first-graders from throughout Coos County gathered at Southwestern Oregon Community College for a celebration of books and reading on April 23, 2026. The event marked the culmination of the Gift of Literacy Program, a six-month initiative designed to encourage a lifelong love of reading among young children.
Reading is fundamental. It develops young children’s brains, provides a window into the world around them and helps them do better in all school subjects. Even so, 800 million people around the world cannot read or write. And many families (and some schools) have no books for children to read.
With the idea of improving children’s access to fun books and reading, the Rotary Clubs and school districts of North Bend, Coos Bay, Reedsport, Bandon, Coquille, Myrtle Point and Powers, along with South Coast Education Service District (ESD), and Southwestern have partnered for the past nine years on the Gift of Literacy Program.
Modeled after the Springfield Gift of Literacy, this well-established, time-tested, award-winning program supports reading and inspires thousands of young children.
Each year, Coos County librarians and teachers choose the books. First-grade classrooms receive a set of the books in November, giving teachers an opportunity to read the books in the classroom and build excitement.
The Gift of Literacy Program culminates in the festive celebration at the College with music, guest book readers, and a play put on by youth actors with Little Theatre on the Bay. First-graders receive a bag filled with fun swag, a careers coloring book, and the year’s featured brand-new books!
“Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, and it’s a privilege to support that journey from the very start,” said Southwestern President and local Rotarian Dr. Patty Scott. “This event reflects our deep commitment — not just to education, but to empowering every child in our community to thrive.”
The Rotary Clubs, the South Coast Education Service District, and the College extend a special thanks to Yellow Cab, First Community Credit Union, McDonald’s, Peak Credit Union, and Oliver Northwest Services, Inc. for their generous support of the Gift of Literacy Program.
