MAYOR'S MESSAGE Bus Jam Season Begins It may only be October, but one of our community’s favorite holiday traditions is getting ready to roll once again. For more than two decades, Bus Jam has brought people throughout our area together during the holiday season to collect toys and food for local children and families. Local businesses, service organizations, first responders, volunteers, and residents all play a part in making this annual tradition a success. This year’s Bus Jam season gets underway with the arrival of the annual Toy Express on Monday, October 19, at approximately 1 p.m. at the Coos Bay Boardwalk. The arrival of the train is always a fun event and a sure sign that another Bus Jam season is beginning. I encourage everyone who can to come down to the Boardwalk and welcome the Toy Express to Coos Bay. Bring the kids, watch the train arrive, and help us kick off another year of this wonderful community tradition. In the weeks that follow, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved by donating toys and food and supporting the many volunteers and organizations that make Bus Jam possible. The holidays will be here before we know it, and Bus Jam is a great reminder of what makes this community such a special place to call home. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay