The next general meeting of the Eugene/Springfield NAACP is 11 am, Aug. 15, at 101 W. 10th, 2nd floor, room 209. Get involved and find out how you can help move the conversation forward. Special guest: Our Oregon and the Better Oregon Coalition.

Your Life in Print: How to Write & Sell Short Memoir with Melissa Hart is 6:30 pm, Aug. 17, at the Willamette Writers on the River meeting at the First Presbyterian Church 114 S.W. 8th Street (enter Dennis Hall off the 9th Street parking lot entrance behind the church) in Corvallis. Learn to identify compelling topics, write, pitch and sell your memoir. The meeting is free to members of Willamette Writers and full-time students. Guests of members pay $5. Non-members pay $10 to attend. No one turned away. More info: willamettewriters.com/wwotr.

Efficient water use and irrigation: At 7 pm Tuesday, Aug. 18, Master Gardener and landscaper Bruce Kreitzberg will share techniques for conserving water while keeping yards and gardens healthy, sponsored by the Lane County Master Gardener Association in partnership with the OSU Extension Service. Free, donations accepted, no registration required. OSU Extension Office, 996 Jefferson, Eugene (enter at 10th Street ramp). Questions? linda.renslow@oregonstate.edu.