The Oregon State University Extension Service is offering a free class to help Central Oregon residents grow their own vegetables.

The two-hour session will take place on from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 25 at Bend Westside Church, 2051 NW Shevlin Park Road.

Led by OSU Master Gardeners, the class will cover topics including adapting to Central Oregon’s climate, soil amendments, site selection and using season extenders. Participants will also receive a free 24-page booklet, “Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon,” published by OSU Extension.

The program is part of a series offered in various locations across Central Oregon. While the event is free, registration is required. Interested attendees can register online at Eventbrite or visit OSU Extension’s event page.

Additional dates and locations are:

• Madras: Feb. 1, 1–3 p.m.

• Prineville: Feb. 8, 1–3 p.m.

• Redmond: Feb. 15, 1–3 p.m.

• Redmond: March 15, 1–3 p.m.

• Sisters: March 29, 1–3 p.m.

For more information, contact Cheryl Hinerman, OSU Master Gardener, at 541-548-6088 or communityed@gocomga.com.

It’s a new year, and that means the end of Styrofoam to-go containers in Oregon.

As of Jan. 1, a new state law takes effect that bans restaurants and food carts from using polystyrene foam, commonly known by the trademarked product name Styrofoam.

Senate Bill 543 passed 20-9 in 2023, with bipartisan support, but it didn’t take effect until now.

Polystyrene is a non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastic. Maine was the first state to pass a ban on polystyrene foam containers in 2019, with the ban beginning in 2021. Eleven states, including California and Washington, have banned polystyrene foam food containers.

Several Oregon cities have already had bans in place, including Ashland, Eugene, Florence, Lincoln City, Medford, Milwaukie, Newport and Silverton. And this will be nothing new for Portland residents, where the city has banned polystyrene foam food containers since 1990.

In an effort to encourage alternatives to Styrofoam, the Oregon Legislature passed a separate bill in 2023 to allow restaurant customers to bring their own reusable containers for takeout or leftovers. Restaurants are not required to allow customers to do this, but the rules for those who do went into place in 2024.