Good morning, Eugene.

Caregivers and volunteers at Sacred Heart Medical Center distributed Thanksgiving baskets to local families in need, an event hosted by PeaceHealth for over forty years — local groups supplied bags, food, and transportation for the distribution.

Adult and Teen Challenge Pac-West operates a tree lot at Vital Organics (International Way) in Springfield where tree purchases help fund a recovery program and support families in need.

The lot remains open daily until Christmas to aid a ministry that runs a year-long program for women battling addiction.

In October, the board of the Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District approved a purchase agreement for Rice Farm, a 289-acre hazelnut farm in Springfield owned by Arlene Dietz to protect a major drinking water source near Hayden Bridge.

The farm is valued at $5.8 million but is sold for $4 million — a $1.8 million gift — and the sale will be finalized on Dec. 4 to combine agriculture with wildlife conservation.

Americans produce 36 extra pounds of waste per person in December—equal to about the weight of seven computer monitors.

Waste Wise Lane County will host its annual Simplify the Holidays campaign, urging families to opt for low-impact celebrations and join a Holiday Leftover Recipe Contest with prizes.

Lane County has reduced food waste by nearly half over the past decade, Waste Wise Lane County said—local groups and institutions such as the county jail and all 4J schools now divert food to compost and rescue programs as the holiday season nears.

Oregon’s Olympic Pipeline restarted Tuesday after a leak near Everett forced a shutdown for over a week — Governor Kotek declared a fuel emergency to ease fuel delivery through barge, truck, and rail.

BP said repair work on the leak will continue while alternative methods help keep fuel available in the state.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has enacted emergency rules that require record keeping, a veterinarian at events, and designated isolation space after seven Oregon horses were exposed to a serious strain of Equine Herpes at barrel racing and rodeo events in Texas and Oklahoma. State Veterinarian Ryan Scholz urged horse handlers to wash their hands and keep horses isolated for 30 days to help prevent the virus from spreading further — the temporary rules will be in place for six months while longer-term measures are developed.

The Ducks have dominated on the ground by gaining over 200 yards per game with senior Noah Whittington averaging nearly 8 yards per run.

They will face a Huskies defense that surrenders just over 100 rushing yards per game in Saturday's 12:30 p.m. matchup—coach Dan Lanning said their goal is to keep pounding the ball.

Eugene Weavers’ Guild 14th Annual Fiber Arts Celebration and Holiday Sale

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Eugene Textile Center — Various price ranges — Celebrate fiber arts with weaving demos, family activities, and a holiday sale featuring handcrafted items.

Ballet Fantastique: Christmas in Toyland Featuring Duke Ellington's Nutcracker

2:30-4 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Family-friendly event — Experience a jazz-infused holiday escapade with enchanting visuals and a whimsical story.

O Christmas Tea - A British Comedy

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a laugh-out-loud British comedy that blends propriety with unexpected humor.

Eugene Symphony - Elf In Concert

2:00-3:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Enjoy a festive live concert featuring the film 'Elf' with an orchestral score.

Eugene Symphony: Handel's Messiah

7:30-9 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the majesty and emotion of Handel's Messiah with a rich orchestration that enhances this beloved holiday masterpiece.

Maddy O'Neal Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — WOW Hall — Ticket information not specified — Experience a vibrant journey of dirty funky bass music blended with soulful melodies and glitchy rhythms.

25th Annual Authors and Artists Fair

10 AM – 5 PM — Lane Events Center — Free entry — Explore creativity while meeting local authors and artists and supporting library services.

Hanukkah Wonderland Celebration

4-6 p.m. — Valley River Center — Free entry — Celebrate the joy of Hanukkah with music, crafts, and delicious treats in a festive atmosphere.

Aerial Reimagining of The Nightmare Before Christmas

7-9 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets starting at $35 — Experience the magic of Halloween Town with aerial performances and enchanting storytelling.

Eugene Ballet - The Nutcracker

2:00-3:30 p.m. — Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the magic and wonder of a classic Christmas ballet with enchanting performances and lively scenes.