First National Taphouse is planning its grand opening May 9 during Beer Week. The brewpub and restaurant is the centerpiece of Master Capital Development’s renovation of the 1866 Bristow’s Brick Building at 51 W. Broadway downtown, known for many years as the Taco Time building. The building was home to the First National Bank of Eugene in the 1880s and still has its old vaults. Upstairs are 16 New York-style apartments and still under construction is the Bijou Metro Theater which is scheduled to open later this spring.
Claim 52 Brewing is planning a Beer Week benefit for BRING Recycling from 4 to 8 pm Friday, May 10, at 1030 Tyinn St. in Eugene, a warehouse near the post office off West 11th. Claim 52 specializes in European-style super-small batch beers made in the Northwest tradition. The brewery, owned by Mercy McDonald and Trevor Ross, will donate half its proceeds to BRING and a raffle will be held for prizes from Claim 52, BRING and Klean Kanteen. The Sammitch food cart will be there.
Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon will offer free clinical breast exams at Bosom Buddies Day Friday, May 10. Appointments only by calling 344-9411. Open to everyone, especially women over 40. See ppsworegon.org.
The Oregon Plant Fair, sponsored by Avid Gardeners and Willamette District Garden Clubs, will be from 9 am to 2 pm Saturday, May 11, at Alton Baker Park. Numerous local vendors and Master Gardeners will be there to talk about what grows well in our area. And speaking of gardeners, OSU Extension Service recently honored Julie Morin, manager of the Dexter Food Pantry, and Judy Sawyer of the Unitarian Universalist Church for their volunteer work.
Aqua Serene is holding its annual “Mother of All Garden Parties” this weekend, May 11-12, at 2836 W. 11th Ave. in Eugene. The store is celebrating 25 years in business, says Robert Rubin. Live music, special guests and free drawings, 10 am to 6 pm Saturday and 11 am to 6 pm Sunday. Call 485-2171.
The Helios Resource Network at 120 W. Broadway in Eugene is now accepting applications for matching grants up to $500 for nonprofit groups. “When a nonprofit starts our program they have three months to raise $500,” says Cary Thompson of Helios. “When they succeed, Helios donates an additional $500. Helios is also accepting donations to help grow its Community Fund for Social Change. See sustainableeugene.org.