Fair warning this post is going to be a little bit of a novel… get ready for some amazing local info and events. 🙂

Today is the 5th Thursday of the month which means it was an OOPS (O.ther O.ccupations P.rofessionS) meeting. We still started with our 30-second commercials, which were focused on the upcoming holidays. Amanda {Amanda Photographic} announced that this Saturday at the Spirit of Christmas Bazaar is your last chance for holiday portraits (more info at the bottom of the blog post). Anne with Remax Integrity is pleasantly surprised that properties are moving so well during the rainy season. Looking to buy or sell? Talk to Anne. Joni’s {Essentially Healed} enrollment special for $100 – and receive $50 in credit – expires tomorrow 11/30. Bonnie & Stephanie from Rice’s Pharmacy and Gift are excited about the 8 Christmas trees they have fully decorated in the store. Rice’s is also hosting weekly specials until Christmas that won’t be pre-advertised. Better stop in. 🙂 Julie {Tobias Weiss Design} is busy working holiday greeting cards and calendars, but not too busy for your custom orders. Shelley {Alta’s Antiques and Collectibles} is ready to show off some of her vintage holiday jewelry and has time this month for a home/office party. Tara from the State Farm Office of Jeff Mills is hiring! A full-time customer service position is open at their 9th street office. An insurance license is not required, but encouraged. There are only 33 days left in 2012 and Maureen {Valley Eye Care} would like to see some of that flexible spending money go to a new pair of glasses or contacts for the new year. Tami {University Honda} has launched her referral program: $50 to you or a non-profit of your choice when someone you referred purchases a new or pre-owned vehicle. Awesome! Amy {Carefree Massage} says that it’s the most wonderful weather for a relaxing massage… perhaps by the fire? Mary & Janelle from the dental practice of Drs. Bugni, Laster, and Jensen are here for all your general dentistry needs and are accepting new patients. Ilene is already gearing up for tax season and it’s no wonder that with her excellent staff A&S Accounting is the place to be. Peg {Citizens Bank} shared about another local business’ holiday specials… see more info at the bottom of the post. Lora {Initials Inc} is excited for January Party’s DOUBLE reward points. Contact her asap to book your post-holiday party. New-ish member, Dian from River Crossing Counselling, is designing new programs for both individuals and small groups to work on personal and professional development. Nadine {Gluten Free RN & RN On-Call} shared that 51% of Celiac patients present with neurological disorders and limited or non-existent GI tract symptoms. Karen {KidSpirit & GOTR} has a few more weeks of Girls on the Run registration and is getting ready to start gymnastics (2+ years old) and archery (2nd grade and up) with Winter Term. New member, Corey from Heresco Chiropractic wanted to remind everyone that her office is open on Saturdays with long hours during the week.

When we have an OOPS meeting we have the opportunity to talk about other jobs, hobbies, and non-profits that we work with. Each person gets about 5 min to talk about their topic. Shelley and Tara are on the board for the upcoming Heart of the Valley Birthing Center. They are hosting their first major fundraiser on New Years Eve at Harris Bridge Vineyard in Kings Valley (map). There are only 40 tickets at $100 each. The event is scheduled from 8:00pm-1:00am so get ready to ring in the new year with excellent food and wine at the very adorable Harris Bridge Vineyard. Ooh and there will be prizes, including a 1 week stay in Coasta Rica!

Harris Bridge Vineyard

Nadine shared about the Mid-Valley Health Care Alliance rally that is coming up on February 4th in Salem. The USA pays the most for its health care, but is ranked 37th (ouch) in quality and accessibility. MVHCA is working towards a better future for our state and country’s health care. More info here.

Amanda gave information about a newly available event space in Corvallis. Life Community Church (formerly the Church of the Nazarene) is a high capacity venue with full amenities. Starting with the approx 1,500 person capacity sanctuary; this venue has ample parking, full projection, stage, and sound equipment, several offices for monthly or per diem rent, industrial kitchen, and coffee cafe in the lobby. Life Community also hosts many community events to supports non-profits in the Corvallis area. More info here.

Life Community Church

Corey is a member of the local Lyon’s Club and they’ve started their annual See’s Candy sale. Located on the East end of the Albertson’s shopping center Corey and her Lyons will be there Mon-Sat to raise money for new glasses for those in need until Dec 24th.

Peg shared about special holiday hours at Real Deals. Normally only open Thursdays (10am-6pm) and Saturdays (10am-5pm), Real Deals is opening their doors for the three Fridays (10am-3pm) before Christmas. They’re also hosting some special events: Dec 4th Girl’s Night Out 5pm-8pm and “Redeem ‘No Peeking Envelopes” on Dec 13th, 14th, & 15th.

Upcoming Events:

Winter’s Eve | Nov 30th 5:00pm-10:00pm | Big tent on Madison between 2nd & 3rd. Tickets: $45 ~ Benefits the Corvallis Assistance League www.alcorvallis.org

Trunk Show | Nov 30th 4:30pm-7:30pm | Irenes’ Boutique 221 NW 2nd St.          Featuring Karen Keller – Pyrus Design & Megan McQueen – La Petite Vie

Enjoying the Holidays with Food Intolerances | Dec 1st 10:00am-11:00am| Darkside $25 Nadine will share her secret tips for a successful holiday season. 

Spirit of Christmas Bazaar | Dec 1st 10:00am-3:00pm| Life Community Church      Amanda is hosting a Portraits with Santa Booth to benefit local non-profits. She will also be available for those last minute holiday family portraits. 

Buy Local First Day | Dec 1st All Day | Participating Corvallis Businesses