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.
Apr 22, 2026 | Community, Curry Campus
Brookings, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College Curry Campus invites the community to join us on Thursday, May 14, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 pm, for a presentation on Adventures in South Africa by Vicki Gorham.
This is a free program sponsored by the Friends of Curry Campus and will be held in the Community Room on Southwestern’s Curry Campus, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway (off Highway 101), Brookings.
Vicki and her husband Bill have been traveling internationally for many years. To date, they have made five trips to Africa, mostly to South Africa, and have taken numerous photos and short videos.
Vicki became interested in photography when they were living in Australia in 2010 and 2011. She found the Australian wildflowers to be unique and captivating and purchased her first camera while living there. That quickly spiraled into an interest in photographing birds, as she found the birdlife in Australia to be especially colorful and diverse.
Since then, photographing wildlife has been an ongoing passion, with African animals proving to be some of the most challenging and interesting of all their travels, offering abundant photo opportunities as they’ve driven around the continent.
Please join us for this photographic journey into South Africa. In addition, there will be lots of stories about Bill and Vicki’s interactions with wildlife including elephants, rhinos, cape buffalo, and lions.
Bring a friend and stay tuned for upcoming talks in our speaker series.
The presentation on June 11 will be the final one before the summer break and will be about the Galapagos Islands. For more information contact the Curry Campus at 541-813-1667.
Apr 16, 2026 | Community, News, OCCI News
Coos Bay, OR – The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) at Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) will host a series of “La Patisserie” sales this spring, featuring freshly prepared baked goods, beverages, and culinary items created by OCCI Baking & Pastry and Culinary students.
The weekly sales take place select Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at OCCI on SWOCC’s Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay). Each week features a different theme, giving students the opportunity to showcase a variety of techniques and global flavors while providing the community with fresh, student-made offerings.
La Patisserie Sales Schedule & Themes:
- April 23 – Italian
- April 30 – French
- May 7 – French
- May 14 – Tea House
- May 21 – Tea House & Culinary Marketplace
- May 28 – Coffee House & Culinary Marketplace
- June 4 – Final Week Blowout Sale & Culinary Marketplace
Menu items may vary each week and are available while supplies last.
Proceeds from sales support student learning and program activities, including opportunities for OCCI students to gain hands-on, real-world experience in food production and service.
Community members are encouraged to stop by, try a variety of offerings, and support student chefs.
About Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI)
The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) is a professionally accredited culinary institution at Southwestern Oregon Community College located in Coos Bay, Oregon. OCCI offers both degrees and certificates in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts. The school is renowned for providing comprehensive culinary training programs that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the culinary industry. With a focus on hands-on learning, experienced faculty, and affordable programs, OCCI is committed to nurturing culinary talent and shaping the next generation of talented chefs. For more information, visit www.socc.edu/occi.
Apr 14, 2026 | Community, News
Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) invites the community to an information session for its Diesel Mechanic Technology program on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. This free event is designed for anyone interested in exploring this hands-on training opportunity. All ages are welcome.
The session will take place in Umpqua Hall, Room 184, on the Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay).
Attendees will learn about the program, including the application process for the upcoming year. They will also have the opportunity to connect with representatives from key student support areas, including: Admissions, Financial Aid, STEP/Benefits Navigation, SWOCC Foundation, Veterans Center, and others.
If time allows, participants will be offered a brief tour of the shop.
Diesel Mechanic Technology Information Session:
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WHO: Prospective students and community members interested in Diesel Mechanic Technology
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WHEN: 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026
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WHERE: Umpqua Hall, Room 184 on the SWOCC Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay)
For more information about this session, contact Charline Meyer, LIFT Project Coordinator/Advisor at charline.meyer@socc.edu or 541-888-1545.
Learn more about the program at www.socc.edu/dieselmechanic.
Apr 14, 2026 | Community, News
Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College’s STEAM Pathways program invites science-curious girls, grades 4-12, to “STEAM Pathways Presents: Science de Mayo” a Cinco de Mayo-themed event as part of our STEAM Club for Girls series.
This fun, interactive event will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 5:30-8:00pm. The event is free and will be held in Umpqua Hall on Southwestern’s Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.
This STEAM for Girls event is sure to bring out the fun of Cinco de Mayo! Enjoy making guacamole-themed slime, learning about forces and momentum by launching piñatas, and exploring the science behind the large impact responsible for the end of the dinosaurs.
Science topics explored will include:
- Physics and engineering
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Earth science
Students of all abilities and interests are encouraged to attend. For information or to register a student for “Science de Mayo” please contact Cassie Coyner, STEAM Pathways Coordinator at 541-888-7416, or cassie.coyner@socc.edu.
Registration is required as space is limited. Come join us for a great time!
To learn more about STEM degrees at Southwestern visit: https://www.socc.edu/programs-classes/stem/.
