ODOT Passanger Rail Salem Meeting

How would you like to see rail improved?

The Oregon Department of Transportation is studying ways to improve intercity passenger rail service between Eugene and Portland. The study will help decide on a general passenger rail route and evaluate options for train frequency, trip time, and improving on-time performance.

In the summer and fall of 2012, ODOT asked the public to weigh in on what passenger rail should look like in the Eugene to Portland area. We received over 800 comments. Based on this input, ODOT drafted project goals and objectives and identified a range of route options between Eugene and Portland. To learn more, visit www.OregonPassengerRail.org

Tell us what you think – in person or online

ODOT is hosting public meetings in January 2013. Join us to learn more about the Oregon Passenger Rail project, and give us your thoughts on what the future of rail should look like between Eugene and Portland.

• Salem Open HouseThursday, January 17, Drop in anytime between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry
626 High Street NE
Salem, OR, 97301

• Online Open House: Can’t make it to an open house in your community? Visit us online anytime between Tuesday, January 8 and Friday, January 25  to learn about the project give us your thoughts. www.OregonPassengerRail.org

More information

For more information, visit www.OregonPassengerRail.org or contact Jyll Smith, ODOT Stakeholder Engagement Strategist, (503) 986-3985, info@oregonpassengerrail.org.

“Sing We Now of Christmas”

The Just For Fun Singers is a group of 85 singers who reside in Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley will be performing, Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at Salem First Christian Church, at 12:00 noon.

Their Christmas concert theme is “Sing We Now of Christmas“.     In 2003, the fifty member touring group of the Just For Fun Singers  performed concerts in the German cities of Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden, as well as  Vienna and Salzburg, Austria and Prague, Czech Republic. In the United States they have taken musical tours to Medford, Roseburg, Bend and Eugene, Oregon, and to Seattle, Washington. They have performed on the Center Stage during Oregon State Fair for eight years and  shared Christmas music in the Oregon State Capitol Rotunda for ten years.

Led by Judy Dyer, the Just For Fun Singers regularly bring the joy of music to retirement homes and civic events throughout Oregon’s Willamette Valley presenting over thirty concerts every year. The musical theme for 2013, their 20th Anniversary, is “One Nation….Indivisible” and will feature favorite hits like “Shenandoah”, “I’m a Yankee Doddle Dandy”, “America the Beautiful”, and selections from “Music Man”.

About the Just For Fun Singers 

Founded in Salem, Oregon, Just For Fun Singers is an all volunteer, mixed voice choir of singers ranging in ages from 58 to 90. They sing a wide variety of music from religious and gospel to folk and Broadway hits.  They perform at no cost but will accept donations to defray the costs of music and transportation.  The singers believe that music is instrumental in keeping healthy and active, and their primary purpose is to bring the joy of music to their audiences. More information can be found at www.justforfunsingers.com

Clean Energy Works Oregon Launches Program

Clean Energy Works Oregon (CEWO) is offering its unique bundle of whole home energy efficiency services including financing, rebates, and streamlined services for all homeowners in Salem and throughout the Mid-Willamette Valley. 

Since August, more than 200 applications have been received. Similar CEWO programs are available in Benton, Clackamas, Crook, Deschutes, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill County.

For a limited time period, CEWO participants have access to free energy assessments, cash rebates of up to $2,500, low interest financing, and objective third party Energy Advisors to assist with the purchase and installation of energy efficient water heaters, home heating systems, insulation, and a variety of other measures designed to reduce home energy costs over time. To be eligible, homeowners must reside in a single-family home constructed before 1993 and be located in Marion, Polk, or Yamhill County. CEWO is currently serving customers of all utilities. The primary home heating source must be natural gas or electric, or convert to natural gas or electric within the program.

For more information about CEWO, please visit www.cleanenergyworksoregon.org

Salem Speaks Up!

Today, December 10, is United Nations Human Rights Day.  You are invited to Salem Speaks Up!  It will be at 7:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 600 State St. NE.  Wally Carson will be moderator. 

On this 20^th Anniversary of Salem Speaks Up! There will be a look back at changes over the years, and look ahead for ways to make Salem a place where no one’s human rights are violated.

This event offers an open microphone opportunity designed to empower those who may be shy about speaking up, and to inform, challenge and inspire community leaders, government officials, educators, businesses and ordinary citizens.  Each person who speaks is encouraged to describe their own experiences, and to suggest possible support systems or changes they would like to see.

~~~~~~~

Planning Organizations: League of Women Voters, YWCA Salem,

American Association of University Women, United Nations Association

Supporting Groups: Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality, Human Rights and Relations

Advisory Commission, CAUSA, Mano a Mano, Latinos Unidos Siempre, NAACP,

Oregon PeaceWorks, McKay Area Community Progress Team, Salem Fellowship

of Reconciliation, and Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

Hosted by the Social Concerns Ministry Group of Salem First United Methodist Church

Interpretation is available in ASL and Spanish.  This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.  For more information call 503-792-3238.

Central Salem Mobility Study

Central Salem Mobility Study

The Central Salem Mobility Study is evaluating a range of transportation issues for all modes traveling to, through, and within Central Salem, including opportunities to:

• Improve pedestrian and bike access to the Union Street Railroad Bridge and Riverfront Park
• Convert selected streets to two-way operation (High, Court, Church, State, and/or Cottage Streets)
• Improve street circulation and access for large blocks in north downtown.  (Union Street to Market Street)
• Develop projects to support Family Friendly Bikeways (Union and/or Chemeketa Streets).
• Develop pedestrian safety and circulation improvements at closed crosswalks or double turn lanes

Join us for a public forum Thursday, December 13th, from 4-6 pm at Pringle Community Hall, to review and comment on project alternatives that address the above focus areas.

For more information about the Mobility Study please visit www.cityofsalem.net/mobilitystudy or see POSTCARD.  

December Free Activities

There are lots and lots of free events taking place in Salem and the surrounding area throughout the rest of December.

Now through Dec. 21

Holiday Performances at the Capitol: School and regional choirs and other musical groups perform. Times vary, Oregon State Capitol, Rotunda, 900 Court St. NE. Free. (503) 986-1848, www.leg.state.or.us.

Dec. 6

Kids Club: Children participate in an activity. Each child will have a chance to win tickets to Regal Cinemas, 6 to 7 p.m., Lancaster Mall, near Sports Authority, 831 Lancaster Drive NE. Free. (503) 585-1338, www.lancastermall.com.

Blanchet Catholic School’s Christmas Music Concert: Festive holiday music presented by choir and band students, 7 p.m., Blanchet Catholic School, Wiegand Arts Center, 4373 Market St. NE. Free. (503) 391-2639.

Dec. 6-8

Rickreall Christmas Pageant: Tradition since 1938, presents the Nativity Story, 8 p.m., Rickreall Event Hall, 300 Main St., Rickreall. Free, donations accepted. (503) 623-0958, www.RickreallChristmasPageant.com.

Dec. 7

History of Oregon: Presented by Darin Jabin, 3 p.m., Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St., Silverton. Free. (503) 873-3093.

First Friday Festivities: Free photos with Santa before and after 7 p.m.; tree lighting in Town Square Park, pulled pork sliders supper, home-baked goodies, free kids’ Christmas crafts, gift basket silent auction; donations benefit Healthy Snack Sacks program and other church community ministries, 5 to 8 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. Free. (503) 873-6517.

Salem Art Association: Fine Art Friday: To celebrate the opening of Oregon Territory, a two-person exhibition featuring watercolor paintings of Northwest vistas by Dale Kurtz and wildlife sculptures in wood and stone by Dale Crawford, 5 to 7 p.m., Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE. Free. (503) 581-2228, ext. 302, www.SalemArt.org.

‘One Bethlehem Night’: Broadway-style Christmas musical with a cast of 50, 7 to 8:30 p.m., First Christian Church, Sanctuary, 685 Marion St. NE. Free-will offering. (503) 363-9273, www.salemfcc.org.

2012 Battle of the Bands: Area bands play original music and compete for applause, glory and cash. Bands include Your Friendly Beast, Solar Cellar, Spotting Moxie and The Starship Renegade, 7 to 9 p.m., Salem Public Library, Loucks Auditorium, 585 Liberty St. SE. Free admission. Suggested donation of 2 cans of food for Marion-Polk Food Share. (503) 588-6052, www.salemlibrary.org.

Dec. 7-26

Keizer’s Miracle of Christmas Light Display: Walk or drive the 3.5 mile route of several homes decorated in holiday lights and displays. Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. daily through Dec. 26, Gubser Neighborhood, Keizer. Free admission. Donations of canned foods and nonperishable items are accepted along the route for Marion Polk Food Share and Keizer Chamber of Commerce for local food baskets. (503) 393-9111, www.keizerchamber.com.

Dec. 8

Celebrating Families Holiday Festival: Make a wreath, decorate a gingerbread man, create a crown or tiara, face painting and other craft projects. Visit with Santa and vote for your favorite decorated tree. Cocoa and cookies, 1 to 4 p.m., Silverton Community Center, 421 S Water St., Silverton. Free. (503) 873-5615, (503) 873-0405.

Free Santa Photos at Reruns for Kids Open House: Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Holiday treats and refreshments. Shop the deals on holiday clothes and toys. All proceeds are donated to Family Building Blocks and used to prevent child abuse in our community, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m, Reruns for Kids, 1455 Commercial St. SE. Free. (503) 371-7933, www.familybuildingblocks.org.

Make-N-Take Holiday Decorations: Including whimsical candy cane mouse ornaments, thumbprint reindeer cards, holiday tree ornaments along with festive coloring sheets for the youngest kids. For preschool through tweens, 1 to 4 p.m., Silver Falls Library, 410 S Water St., Silverton. Free. (503) 873-5173.

Read to a Pet: A chance for children to try the most relaxing, non-threatening way to practice reading out loud, to a dog or cat, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Salem Public Library, Children’s Room, 585 Liberty St. SE. Free. (503) 588-6088, www.salemlibrary.org.

Spiral Muse Artist Reception: Three local artists present photography and paintings, 2 to 6 p.m., Spiral Muse, 875 High St. NE. Free. (503) 588-1400, www.spiralmusearts.com.

Live Nativity at Canyonview: Pony rides for ages 12 and younger, crafts and tree decorating, cookie decorating, Christmas caroling, and live production of the Christmas Story with real animals, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Canyonview Equestrian Center, 13000 Finlay Road NE, Silverton. Free. (971) 239-1347, www.canyonviewcamp.org.

Festival of Lights Holiday Parade: Nighttime illuminated holiday parade that evokes community spirit, 7 p.m. Route starts at Lockhaven and River Road, and ends at Glynbrook, Keizer. Free. www.folholidayparade.org.

Silver Falls Christmas Festival: Make a wreath, gingerbread house, cards and ornaments. Also, storytelling for kids and live music. Appearances by JR Beaver and Santa, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Silver Falls State Park, South Falls lodge area, 20024 Silver Falls Highway SE, Sublimity. Free; $5 day use parking pass. (503) 873-8735, www.oregonstateparks.org.

Dec. 9

Bush House Museum Holiday Open Museum: Live holiday music, seasonal stories, children’s ornament making and holiday decorations, 1 to 4 p.m., Bush House Museum, 600 Mission St. SE. Free. (503) 363-4714, www.SalemArt.org.

Holiday Open House: Live music, a visit from ol’ Saint Nick, and festive displays, 1 to 4 p.m., Historic Deepwood Estate, 1116 Mission St. SE. Free. (503) 363-18254, www.historicdeepwoodestate.org.

Salem Community Chorus Presents: Carols Everywhere!: Diverse program of Spanish, French, and Nigerian carols; Vivaldi’s Gloria; and American favorites, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Salem Public Library, Loucks Auditorium, 585 Liberty St. SE. Free, donations accepted. (971) 222-6209, www.scchorus.com.

Seasonal Concert: Features Linda Allen, organist/pianist, Mark Babson, violinist, Gail Gillespie, flutist, Jennifer Gleason, cellist, Natalie Gunn, soprano, and Pablo Izquierdo, oboist, 4 to 6 p.m., Silverton United Methodist Church, 203 W Main St., Silverton. Free-will offering. (503) 873-6517.

Lights of Change — Penny Menorah Lighting: Coin drive benefits Food Share. Bring coins to add to the Menorah. Watch a juggling act; live music; hot latkes, arts and crafts for the kids, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Salem Center Mall, Food Court, 401 Center St. NE. Free. (503) 383-9569, www.JewishSalem.com.

Dec. 12 and 19

Christmas at Noon: Live concerts celebrate Christmas with music and song. Organ and piano on Dec. 12; and the Just for Fun Singers on Dec. 19, noon to 12:50 p.m., First Christian Church, Sanctuary, 685 Marion St. NE. Seating Info: Open seating. Free. (503) 363-9273, www.salemfcc.org.

Dec. 12

‘Seasons to Remember’ Art Show Open House: Features artist interpretations of the changing seasons in acrylic paints. Caroling by Western Singers from Western Mennonite School and a buffet dinner, 4 to 7 p.m., Center 50+, 2615 Portland Road NE. Free. RSVP. (503) 588-6303, senior.cityofsalem.net.

Festival of Fun: UKEphoria, ukulele players 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Just for Fun Singers, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Trinity Ding-a-Lings, bell ringers, 6:30 to 7 p.m. Punch and cookies will be served, Oregon State Capitol Rotunda, 900 Court St. NE. Free. (503)

986-1386, http://leg.state.or.us.

Dec. 14-16

“I Wish You Could Have Been There” Singing Nativity: Bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child of any age to the

production for children in need in the community, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14-16; 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16, Peoples

Church, Auditorium, 4500 Lancaster Drive NE. Free. (503) 304-4000, www.peopleschurch.com.

Dec. 15 and 22

The Festival Singers at Lancaster Mall: Ensemble of singers dressed in traditional Victorian attire will be strolling the mall singing holiday carols throughout the season, 4 to 5 p.m. Lancaster Mall, 831 Lancaster Drive NE. Free. (503) 585-1338, www.lancastermall.com.

Dec. 15

Christmas Bird Count: Participants are divided into teams that try to count the number of birds of each species in a 7 1/2-mile radius of downtown Salem. Potluck dinner and tallying bird numbers to follow, all day, various locations. Free. (503) 522-7340, www.salemaudubon.org.

An Afternoon with Santa: Refreshments, raffle and a nonperishable food drive for Marion-Polk Food Share. Santa will visit from noon to 2 p.m., 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mother Goose Resale, 4576 Commercial St. SE. Free. (503) 363-0611, www.mothergosereale.com.

Illuminata Regatta: Paddlers light up their kayaks, canoes and Dragonboats for a Holiday Float on the Riverfront Park Slough. Launch from the dock by 5:30 p.m, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Riverfront Park, dock, 101 Front St. NE. Free. (503) 364-2818.

Dec. 15 and 16

Advent Organ Recital with Christopher Wicks: Wicks, Associate Director of Music at the church, plays a program of organ music of the season, 3 to 4 p.m., Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4440 State St. Free. Donations accepted to benefit the pipe organ repair fund. (503) 873-3461.

Dec. 18

Preschool Holiday Party: Preschoolers and their parents are invited to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah with the Youth Services staff. Share seasonal stories, songs, a craft and a treat provided by a special visitor, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Salem Public Library, Anderson rooms A and B, 585 Liberty St. SE. Free. (503) 588-6088, www.salemlibrary.org.

Dec. 19

Children’s Book Bingo: Winners earn a book for his or her family bookshelf, 2 to 3 p.m., Salem Public Library, Anderson rooms A and B, 585 Liberty St. SE. Free. (503) 588-6088, www.salemlibrary.org.

Dec. 20

Last-Minute Gifts for Teens: Teens invited to make several gifts for special family members or friends. Also, help decorate the Mitten Tree by bringing new or gently used mittens, hats, scarves and other warm fuzzy things to benefit mothers, fathers and children of the YWCA of Salem, 4 to 5 p.m., Salem Public Library, Anderson rooms A and B, 585 Liberty St. SE. Free. (503) 588-6083, www.salemlibrary.org.

Dec 21

Friday Family Film Fest: Showing “Arthur Christmas,” 2 to 4 p.m., Salem Public Library, Loucks Auditorium, 585 Liberty St. SE. Free. (503) 588-6088, www.salemlibrary.org.

Friday with the Stars for Teens: Showing “Elf,” 4 to 5:30 p.m., Salem Public Library, Teen Scene, 585 Liberty St. SE. Free. (503) 588-6083, www.salemlibrary.org.

Dec. 25

Free Christmas Day Dinner: Free community dinner and gifts available for children in attendance, noon to 2 p.m., St. Philip Catholic Church, 825 SW Mill St., Dallas. Free. (503) 623-2440.

Free Rides at the Carousel: Free ride with canned food donation for Marion-Polk Food Share, noon to 4 p.m., Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, 101 Front St. NE. (503) 540-0374, www.salemcarousel.org.

Dec. 26

Family Board Game Day: Play board games, noon to 5 p.m., Salem Public Library, Children’s Room, 585 Liberty St. SE.

Free. (503) 588-6088, www.salemlibrary.org.

Dec. 27

Family Trivia Fun: Families work together against other family teams to answer questions about books, geography,

world holidays, popular culture, and more, 2 to 4 p.m., Salem Public Library, Anderson rooms A and B, 585 Liberty St. SE.

Free. (503) 588-6088, www.salemlibrary.org.

Dec. 28

Card Making Extravaganza: Get out of the house and come make thank you notes or other cards with our fun art supplies. All ages welcome, no registration necessary, 3:15 to 5 p.m., Stayton Public Library, EG Siegmund Meeting Room, 515 N First Ave., Stayton. Free. (503) 769-3313.

Salem Comprehensive Park System Master Plan Public Forum

Salem Comprehensive Park System Master Plan Public Forum

The Draft Comprehensive Park System Master Plan will be presented to the public on Thursday, December 6, 2012, at Pringle Community Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Pringle Community Hall is located in Pringle Park at 606 Church Street SE.  Parking is available.

This is an opportunity for the public to participate in planning the future of Salem's parks system.  Salem residents are encouraged to come and share their visions for Salem parks. 

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Toni Whitler, Parks Operations, at 503-588-6336.

Special Transportation Funds Available for Marion and Polk Counties

Special Transportation Funds Available for Marion and Polk Counties

Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) announces the availability of funds from the 2013-2015 State Special Transportation Fund (STF). 

These funds are managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Public Transit Division, in partnership with SAMTD to plan, maintain, or improve transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities. SAMTD is the designated STF Agency with the authority to allocate STF revenues throughout Marion and Polk counties. Eligible applicants include public and private non-profit entities. Eligible projects include vehicle purchase, preventative maintenance, mobility management, purchased services, facilities and other capital equipment purchases.

Any organization, public or nonprofit, interested in submitting a proposal should contact Mona West, SAMTD, 925 Commercial Street SE, Suite 100, Salem, OR 97302, phone 503-588-2424, e-mail westm@cherriots.org.  The STF Application must be completed and received by 12:00 noon, December 18, 2012.

Sandbagging Sites Established in Salem

Sandbagging Sites Established in Salem

Due to the possibility of local flooding occurring over the next few days, the City of Salem Public Works Department has set up three temporary satellite sandbagging locations as follows:

*     Lowe's Home Improvement Center-1930 Turner Road SE

*     Courthouse Athletic Club-6250 Commercial Street SE

*     Salem Chinese Evangelical Church-6836 Sunnyside Road SE

As always, sand and sandbags are available at the City's Operations Division Complex located at 1420 20th Street SE.

Salem residents can also help prevent local flooding when heavy rains and lots of leaves combine to clog the storm drains.  Simply rake leaves that have fallen in the street to the lower side of the storm drains.  This helps prevent clogging until City street-sweeping crews come to your neighborhood.

Please report any local flooding or down trees to Salem Public Works Dispatch at 503-588-6333.

For additional information, please contact Mike Gotterba at 503-588-6347, mgotterba@cityofsalem.net.

2012 Holiday Book Drive: Twelve Thousand Books in Twelve Days

2012 Holiday Book Drive: Twelve Thousand Books in Twelve Days

The Marion, Polk and Yamhill Reading for All Initiative will launch the fourth annual Holiday Book Drive on Thursday, December 1.  The goal is to collect 12,000 new or gently used children’s books that will be distributed to local kids who need them.  READ MORE.

Extended Hours for Downtown Parking for the Holidays

Extended Hours for Downtown Parking for the Holidays

Salem City Council President, Chuck Bennett, announced today that downtown on-street parking limits will be extended from the present 2 hours to 4 hours during the holiday shopping season.  READ MORE.

Mid-Willamette Valley Erosion Control Summit

Mid-Willamette Valley Erosion Control Summit

Registration is now open for the second annual Mid-Willamette Valley Erosion Control Summit.  Construction and landscape professionals are invited to attend the event and earn up to six continuing education credits through the Construction Contractors Board (elective) or Landscape Contractors Board (technical) while learning about the top-performing Best Management Practices for erosion prevention, sediment control, and low impact development from area specialists.

Municipal representatives from the City of Salem, City of Keizer, and Marion County will inform participants about updates on local erosion control regulations and will host a question and answer session on erosion control permits.  This event also provides an opportunity for attendees to connect with product suppliers and network with local professionals.

One of the best deals in town, the Erosion Control Summit takes place on Tuesday, January 15, 2013.  Early-bird registration costs just $40 through December 7, 2012.  The standard price of $65 begins on December 8 through the deadline of December 31, 2012.  Breakfast and lunch are also included.

This event is brought to you by the Mid-Willamette Outreach Group (MWOG), an inter-agency partnership that provides environmental education and activities.  MWOG is made up of representatives from the City of Salem, City of Keizer, Marion County Environmental Services, and Marion Soil and Water Conservation District.

Join us for the 2013 Erosion Control Summit and see why last year's summit was called "one of the best."

To register for the event or for more information, go to www.cityofsalem.net/erosionsummit.

For more information, contact Deborah Topp, Natural Resources Outreach Specialist, at 503-588-6211 or dtopp@cityofsalem.net.

Invitation to Participate in the Pioneering Healthy Communities Initiative

Invitation to Participate in the Pioneering Healthy Communities Initiative

A grant was received this year for the YMCA of Marion & Polk Counties Pioneering Healthy Communities Initiative. 

Neighborhoods are invited to the next Pioneering Healthier Communities meeting on December 4, from 3 to 4:30 pm at the YMCA, 685 Court St NE.  This meeting will be discussing what has been learned and where the information is leading.

Two goals have been decided on for our projects.  One is nutrition based and the other is physical activity based. The goals are broad statements and there are objectives for each goal.  More information will be sent out around both subjects soon.

Please consider helping move this initiative forward by joining a subcommittee.  For more information, please contact Janice Naimy, Community Wellness Director, Family YMCA of Marion & Polk Counties, at 503-581-9622 or 503-588-4302.

17th Annual Riverfront Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

17^th Annual Riverfront Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Annual Riverfront Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place Friday, November 30 at the Riverfront Park Pavilion at 6:30 pm. It will include free refreshments, activities and entertainment. 

   

This ceremony is sponsored by the City of Salem and will feature the following:

*Roth's Fresh Markets will provide free hot chocolate and cookies for the first 500 people.

*Santa Claus will arrive to top the Holiday Tree with assistance from the Salem Fire Department.

*Free candy canes will be provided to children.

*A local youth group will perform holiday songs.

*A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village will assist attendees in making environmentally friendly ornaments for the Holiday Tree.

*City Parks staff will assist in hanging environmentally friendly ornaments.

*Children can receive a ticket at the event for a chance to "flip the switch."

*Mayor Peterson will preside at the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.

For more information, SEE FLYER or please contact Becky George, Recreation Supervisor, at 503-588-6261 or bgeorge@cityofsalem.net.

Warehouse Jamboree: A Community Gardens Volunteer Celebration

Warehouse Jamboree: A Community Gardens Volunteer Celebration

What: A delicious meal and square dance celebrating our volunteers.

Where: Marion-Polk Food Share, 1660 Salem Industrial Dr. NE

When: Monday, Nov. 26th, 6-8pm

Who: Anyone who volunteered with the community gardens program over the past year, or would like to volunteer in the future, is invited!

· burn off those Thanksgiving calories with square dancing

· Meet other amazing volunteers

· Celebrate your accomplishments

· Learn about future community garden projects

· Enjoy a healthy meal prepared by Chef Steve Morton

For more Information SEE FLYER or contact Ingrid at 503-798-0457 or ievjenelias@marionpolkfoodshare.org

Community Development Block Grant application cycle open Dec 3 to Jan 7

City of Salem Program Funding Application Cycle Begins December 3
2013-2014 Program Year Application Cycle Open Dec. 3, 2012 - Jan. 7, 2013

Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem Urban Development Department will soon be accepting Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership and Social Service applications for the 2013-2014 program year. The application cycle opens December 3, 2012 and closes at 4 pm. on January 7, 2013.

Applications will be available online December 3, 2012 at www.salemgrants.org or www.cityofsalem.net/federalprograms. Projects or programs applying for funding must be located, and serve persons at/or below 80% median family income, living within the city limits of Salem and Keizer.

Special consideration may be given to projects or programs aligned with the priority goals of the 2009-2013 Consolidated Plan and/or those that serve individuals and families that are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. Additional information can be found at www.cityofsalem.net/federalprograms.

For more information, contact Rena Peck at 503-540-2446 or rpeck@cityofsalem.net. Si necesita ayuda para comprender esta información, por favor llame 503-588-6178.

The Urban Development Department administers and oversees a variety of programs and services aimed at strengthening Salem's economy including Salem's seven urban renewal areas. In addition, the Department provides loans and grants to finance activities that create emergency, transitional and permanent affordable rental housing for low and moderate income families in Salem and Keizer; allocates funds to non-profits to provide emergency services to homeless and families at-risk of being homeless; facilitates economic opportunities and reinvestment; invests in economic empowerment for individual prosperity and small business growth; issues commercial loan and grant programs; performs real property management, acquisition, sales and leasing services for the City; manages downtown parking services and revitalization; manages Salem's Municipal Airport; and functions as the liaison to community organizations, businesses, and City Council and Agency Board appointed advisory groups.

Liquor License Renewal Comments Due by Jan 11

Liquor License Renewal Comments Due

Do you have a concern about a store, restaurant, or other facility that dispenses liquor? If so, your comments are needed by January 11.

Each December, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) sends the City of Salem a list of liquor licensees whose licenses are eligible for renewal. The City has 60 days to forward comments to OLCC about renewing the licenses. At the end of 60 days, OLCC will complete the investigation process considering all comments submitted. During the 60-day period, the City can request an additional 45 days to investigate specific licensees, if they are considering an unfavorable recommendation.

In order to meet the above deadlines, the liquor licensees bring their applications to the City between the first of January through the first week of March. Therefore, it is very important for citizens to express any concerns early (by January 11, if possible) to avoid missing the limited deadline for comments. This process affords neighborhood associations and individuals the opportunity to comment on liquor licenses before they are reissued by OLCC.

Comments about liquor establishments should not be "saved up" for the renewal process, but should be shared with the Police Department as they are brought up. Comments can also be made known to the City Councilor of the ward where the liquor establishment is located. In the Police Department, the comments go to the Crime Prevention Unit at 503-588-6175; crimeprevention@cityofsalem.net; or Salem Police Department Crime Prevention Unit, 555 Liberty Street SE, Room 130, Salem OR 97301.

Emergencies or in progress criminal activity should be reported to the Police Department immediately by dialing 9-1-1. If the incident is no longer in progress, call the Police business line at 503-588-6123.

Make a Difference Day Recap

Make a Difference Day Recap

This past Saturday was Make A Difference Day.  Despite the wet weather, volunteers were busy all over town.  This included three Neighborhood projects.  

Lansing Neighborhood

Lansing neighbor, Patty Tipton and City Parks Staff, Leonard Raggatt led 62 volunteers in planting 25 trees, spreading three units of fall material under the play structures, raking leaves, pulling weeds and picking up litter at Eastgate Basin Park from 9 am to noon.  Volunteers also enjoyed coffee and donuts.  This is the fourth year that Lansing has planted trees and done other maintenance at this park for Make A Difference Day.

North East Neighbors (NEN)

 Seven volunteers planted three trees at McRae Park in two hours.  The volunteers were Nancy McDaniel, Bill Holmstrom and Joan and Evan Lloyd (NEN Board); Lara and Tanner Million (very helpful neighbors); and Rick Watkins (teaches at Willamette).  Roger Cedillo, City employee of 45 years, oversaw the planting of three oak trees. 

Northgate Neighborhood

At Northgate Park Annalivia Palazzo-Angulo, neighbor and coordinator for this event; Carol Horning, neighbor and Master Gardener; Sam, Willamette University environmental studies student; Beth, a South Salem mom with her four-year-old son on his first volunteer project; Cliff and his three small children, new neighbors; a displaced family from California; and a Beaverton man who was passing through the park visiting a relative, raked mountains of leaves in the pouring rain and hauled them to the Northgate Forgiveness and Peace Garden for composting. Hotdogs and chili rounded out the day.  The volunteers were also appreciative of the wonderful support from City of Salem staff.

For more opportunities to make a difference in your neighborhood check out the City’s Neighborhood Beautification Opportunities Booklet for ideas or visit HandsOn Willamette to find volunteer opportunities or recruit volunteers for your project.