In the community

NYSSA NEWS: Pantry, library start fall hours, and Halloween events abound

Happy Fall, y’all! What beautiful weather we have been enjoying. I hope you have been able to get out in the great outdoors, or in your garden, and take advantage of the gorgeous weather.

The Nyssa Community Food Pantry at the corner of 5th and Main has new hours of operation: Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pantry has returned to a shopping style operation, where clients pick out products for their family’s needs. 

With cooler weather on the horizon, hearty soups, mac and cheese and canned meats (tuna, chicken, beef and Spam) are in demand. Cereal, hot or cold, is also popular.    

The pantry opened in February 2005 with Norma Barnett as manager; the following year, Kathy Oliver took over as manager. 

Kathy is planning to retire this volunteer position next year and the pantry board is looking for a dedicated individual to take over this important role. Stop by the pantry during business hours to learn more about the position.

The pantry will be distributing turkey boxes in November and needs cake mixes, stuffing mix, canned pumpkin and holiday meal items like olives, cranberry sauce and Jell-O. 

Before we jump into Thanksgiving, fall activities are here. 

• The Nyssa Chamber is sponsoring a Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 31 on Main Street. The fun starts at 6 p.m. and lasts “until the candy is gone.” For more information, contact Stephanie at 541-372-3091.

• The Nyssa Senior Citizens are starting to enjoy more activities post COVID. Lunch is served on Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.  Bingo is played Tuesday at 10 a.m. and Thursday at 6 p.m., with Mexican bingo on the last Thursday of the month. If you haven’t played this, come on down – it’s a nice change and a challenge! 

• A seniors Halloween party will be held Oct. 31 with a potluck at 5 p.m. and bingo at 6 p.m. The cost to play bingo is 5 cents; participants are asked to bring a simple gift suitable for a man or woman, wrapped or in a gift bag. Costumes are optional.

The cost of membership in the Nyssa Seniors is $5 per year.

• The Nyssa Public Library has switched to winter hours. It is open Tuesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday 1-6 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday noon-4 p.m. Story Time for preschoolers is at 11 a.m. Tuesdays.

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, there will be an after-school craft time from 3 to 5 p.m. 

Visit the library and discover a world of adventure through books, magazines, movies and use of computers. There are books (both paper and audio) for sale, with proceeds supporting the Friends of the Nyssa Library. The library staff is there to help you access the many offerings through the Sage library system, a consortium of public, school, academic and special libraries in Eastern and Central Oregon.

To have your Nyssa news in this column, contact Susan Barton at 541-372-5455 or [email protected].

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