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SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946

www.currypilot.com WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026

Brookings, Oregon

Curry General Hospital celebrates first robotic-assisted knee surgery A new era in orthopedic care other knee done as soon as I’m healed from this one,” Jenkins wrote. The VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution is designed to help surgeons personalize knee replacement surgery to each patient’s individual anatomy and alignment. During surgery, the system uses infrared cameras, optical trackers, and real-time data to assist with highly precise implant positioning and alignment. The robotic-assisted technology remains fully controlled by the surgeon throughout the procedure. Potential benefits of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery may include improved implant alignment, greater surgical precision, less pain, improved mobility, and faster recovery for some patients. The addition of robotic-assisted technology allows orthopedic surgeons Jerod Hines, MD, and Jose Inzunza, MD, to further personalize knee replacement surgery based on each patient’s unique anatomy and alignment.

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GOLD BEACH - Curry General Hospital entered a new era in orthopedic care on May 21 with the successful completion of its first robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgery using the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution. The procedure was performed by orthopedic surgeon Jerod Hines, MD, marking the introduction of advanced robotic-assisted orthopedic technology at Curry General Hospital and expanding access to specialized surgical care for residents of Curry County and surrounding communities. The first patient to undergo the procedure at CGH was local resident Don Jenkins, who graciously allowed Curry Health Network to use his pre-surgery photo and later posted about his experience on Facebook. “I was that first surgery done in Gold Beach. It went perfectly. I am happy with the outcome and look forward to having the

“This is an exciting advancement for Curry Health Network and for the patients we serve,” said Virginia (Ginny) Williams, CEO of Curry Health Network. “Access to advanced healthcare technology should not require patients to leave their community. Bringing robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery to Curry General Hospital reflects CHN’s continued commitment to providing high-quality specialty care close to home.”

Orthopedic services at Curry General Hospital include evaluation and treatment for joint pain and injuries, as well as total hip and knee replacement surgery. To learn more about how the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution works and see it in action, watch the video available through Johnson & Johnson MedTech: https://youtu.be/ EU9CzO8ZHyE?si=Y-t-_U3Xmyg5xEBc

'Left on Tenth' kicks off Brookings concert series Portland-based indie rock band Left on Tenth will kick off the American Music Festival's free "Concerts in the Park" series at Brookings Azalea Park at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 21. Left on Tenth, a five-piece indie rock band formed in 2016 by a group of friends on 10th Ave in Bozeman, Montana, delivers music that brings people together with pure energy. From their jamband beginnings, they’ve grown into a genre-defying powerhouse act. Their sound fuses funky grooves, reggae rhythms, ska beats, and rock riffs. Music fans can expect distorted guitars, vibrant horns, and a rhythm section with punch. Each show is different, unpredictable, and always a blast to witness. They’re known for high-energy sets, pants-down solos, and crowd interaction. Their only goal on stage? To have the most fun possible. More about the band at leftontenth.com

sponsors Rogue Credit Union, Oregon's Wild Rivers Coast, South Coast Lumber Co. and Partnership for the Performing Arts. Nearly half of the series' funding comes from crowd donations.

About the music series: The American Music Festival's free "Concerts in the Park" celebrates its 31st season with eight free shows June 21 through Labor Day weekend. Set in a natural amphitheater at Azalea Park, the series attracts 800 to 1,200 music fans per show. Food and beverages will be sold by the Brookings-Harbor Rotary Club at the Snack Shack, and Chetco Brewing Company and Misty Mountain Brewing and Tap Haus will serve craft beers. The free series is sponsored by more than 18 community sponsors, including presenting

Here is the 2026 lineup: • June 21: Left on Tenth is a Portland-based 5-piece funk-rockreggae fusion band that plays mostly all original material. They deliver a strong, danceable and diverse concert every time. • June 28: Nate Botsford and his band will get folks up and dancing with their feel good, sing-along country rock hits and originals. Their music is similar in style to Old Dominion, Brett Young, Chris Janson, Lonestar and Johnny Cash. • July 5: Jessie G is a dynamic country-rock artist hailing from Brookings, Oregon. Known for

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her gritty vocals and patriotic roots, she was discovered by country star Gretchen Wilson and is the first outside artist signed to Wilson's label, Redneck Records. • July 12: Tracorum will bring its piano-fueled blend of southern rock, soul, honky tonk, and roots americana. Their rhythmic diversity adds elements of funk, caribbean and gospel stomp to their unique feel good sound. • July 26: Skynyrd Nation is more than just a tribute band— it’s a heartfelt celebration of the music, spirit, and legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the undisputed kings of Southern Rock. With unwavering dedication to authenticity, Skynyrd Nation delivers a full-scale recreation of the iconic sound, electrifying energy, and soulful storytelling that defined the legendary band. • Aug. 2: The Hank Shreve

Band features harmonica ace and singer Hank Shreve and his powerhouse band that plays high energy blues, rock, funk and soul. They clinched the Muddy Award for Best Regional Act in 2016, 2014, and 2013, building on their inaugural win for the Best New Act in 2012. Shreve has earned recognition such as the Northwest Harmonica Championship in 2008 and multiple Muddy Awards, including Best Harmonica in 2009 and 2013, along with the 2021 Rooster Blues Award of Best Male Vocalist. • Aug. 16: Simple Dreams Oregon is a six-piece Rogue Valley band that delivers a rich, emotional journey through Linda Ronstadt’s most beloved music, as well as the hits of Fleetwood Mac, Heart and Journey. Each performance delivers powerhouse vocals, soaring harmonies, passion and precision. • SEPT. 6: Huckleberry Road Huckleberry Road is rooted in southern rock, outlaw country, and blue-collar anthems. With a reputation for high-energy live shows and hard-hitting songwriting, Huckleberry Road has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in country and rock, proving they can hold their own with the best in the game. In case of bad weather, the concerts will move indoors to the Gibney Center at Brookings-Harbor High School or Azalea Middle School cafeteria, 505 Pacific Ave. Information and videos about the bands can be found at the American Music Festival’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ AmericanMusicFestivalBrookingsOregon

Curry County Pitch Night seeks business network The Southwest Oregon Innovation Hub invites the public to Curry County Pitch Night, a live showcase featuring entrepreneurs from Coos, Curry and Douglas counties who are building businesses with growth potential and regional economic impact. The free event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Mr. Ed’s Underground Pub in Port Orford. The evening will include live business pitches, prizes, pizza and an opportunity for audience members to support local entrepreneurs. Now in its second year, Curry County Pitch Night highlights businesses with strong growth and traded-sector potential that are bringing new markets, technologies and economic opportunities to Oregon’s South Coast. Two January Pitch Night participants, Acting Up / The Hive and Coastal Photo Studio, have already opened brick-andmortar locations, demonstrating the program’s early impact. Entrepreneurs will deliver five- to six-minute pitches to a panel of judges, followed by audience questions. All participants will receive cash awards ranging from $650 to $6,500. An additional Audience Choice Award will be funded through live audience contributions during the event. Attendees who would like to contribute to the Audience Choice Award are encouraged to bring cash. Participants also will receive annual memberships to the Technology Association of Oregon, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network and their local chamber of commerce, along with sponsorship to participate in the Small Business Development Center’s Small Business Management Program. The first-place winner will receive a sponsored trip to either the Oregon Innovation Showcase or the Bend Venture Conference. This year’s pitchers are Ashlee McGeehee of Legends Arcade in Curry County; Carrie Climer of Oceanfront Ceramics in Curry County; Jennifer Head of Synsera Systems in Curry County; Zack Martin of Tactical Adaptability Group in Coos County; and Kyle Casteel of Autoris in Douglas County. “This year’s Pitch Night showcases entrepreneurs building scalable businesses in emerging industries while creating new opportunities for the South Coast economy,” said Jude Anderson, entrepreneurship manager for the South Coast Development Council. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registered attendees will receive tickets for complimentary pizza and beverages. Additional menu items will be available for purchase. For more information, visit the South Coast Development Council website or contact Jude Anderson at jude@scdcinc.org or 631-897-3817. Media inquiries may be directed to Lexie Woodward at lexie@scdcinc.org or 541-808-7774. Curry County Pitch Night is sponsored by Business Oregon, See More Pitch on page 3

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