Get Ready Salem! Disaster Preparedness Event

NW Natural and the American Red Cross are teaming up during National Preparedness Month to help Oregonians prepare for a natural disaster or emergency. During the month of September, "Get Ready" events will be held in various communities across the state including Albany, Astoria, Coos Bay, The Dalles, Lincoln County and Salem.

The events are open to the general public. The first 100 families will receive free Red Cross emergency kits. A free lunch will be provided, as well as safety demonstrations, kids' activities, tours and materials from local emergency groups.

Get Ready Salem

September 15

Salem Riverfront Park, Rotary Pavilion

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

(joined by Salem Fire Department, Salem CERT, Oregon National Guard, Marion County Sheriff, Polk County Sheriff, American Red Cross, Rural/Metro Ambulance, Salem Health, Hands-On Mid-Willamette Valley, Marion County Emergency Services, Mid-Valley 2-1-1 and Marion-Polk Food Share)

Salem-Keizer Education Foundation Volunteer Opportunities

Message from Salem Keizer Education Foundation:

Thank you for your time. I am from Salem-Keizer Education Foundation located at 233 Commercial St, OR 97301. We had recently received 500,000 books from Bazillion Books for Kids to help end book poverty within Salem-Keizer area. The books are going to be sent to schools, churches, food banks, etc to help us reach that goal. Before we can distribute the books to various organizations, we need the books to be sorted into various categories including elementary, adult, picture books, etc and thats where volunteers come in. We need the volunteers to sort the books and place them into boxes, keeping count on how many books go into each box. This is a great opportunity to volunteer for the community and to promote education for children and increasing their chances for success in the future. We want to place 10 books into each child's hand.

if you need more information or are interested, please do not hesitate to either email me at jonathan@skeducationfoundation.org or call me at 503-364-2933.

Splash Fountain Closure Dates

On Monday, September 3, 2012, at 8 p.m., the following park splash fountains will cease to operate for the season:  Wes Bennett, Englewood, Northgate, West Salem, and Fairmount Parks. 

Depending on weather, splash fountains at the following two Salem parks will continue to operate on weekends only until the end of September: 

*  Riverfront Park, 200 Water Street NE:  10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
*  River Road Park, 3045 River Road N:   10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

HandsOn Willamette

HandsOn, the volunteer center formerly known by HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley, has some exciting news!  They have joined forces with their counterpart to the south, HandsOn Linn Benton to become HandsOn Willamette.  Visit handsonw.org to find out more, locate volunteer service projects, or post an opportunity.

Currently, HandsOn Willamette has many service opportunities available, including ways to Honor Veterans, Active Service Men and Women, and Make a Disaster Preparedness Plan.  Visit handsonw.org to discover all the details.

Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health: Grand Opening and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest: A Retrospective
Friday, October 5: 7pm Hudson Hall, Willamette University

Dedication and Ribbon Cutting
Saturday, October 6: 10 am, OSH Museum Kirkbride Building

Museum Preview Tours and Tours of New OSH Treatment Wing
Saturday, October 6: 10am-5pm

For tickets and more information, visit the OSH grand opening web page.

Traffic Safety Connection August Issue

Included in this edition:

·         Executive Director’s Message

·         Support Child Passenger Safety Week Efforts

·         2012-2013 Mini-Grants Open

·         Crash Risk Increases Over Age 65

·         Phone in One Hand - Ticket in the Other

·         Oregon State Fair 2012 - Free Parking

·         Tips for School Bus Safety

·         National CPS Certification Training in Beaverton and Pendleton

·         Traffic Safety Facts: Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities for First Quarter 2012

·         New Auto Safety Technologies Prevent Crashes

Cherriots: Public input on fare structure, Citizen Advisory Committee

Information from Salem Area Mass Transit District

Please see the August 23rd meeting agenda for the Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) Board of Directors.

Of note:

• POTENTIAL CHANGES TO FARE STRUCTURE/PUBLIC INPUT REQUESTED:
• This is the final meeting where the Board will receive public comments on changes to the fare structure, rates and an effective date.
• Written comments on the fare structure changes can be emailed to board@cherriots.org and will be entered into the public record at the August 23^rd meeting.
• For more information about the potential fare changes, go to: www.cherriots.org
• CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
• Wanted – members.  An overview of the committee, its Mission Statement and Application can be downloaded from our website at: http://www.cherriots.org/CAC.htm

Economic Summit: Save the Date

(From Marion County)

Leaders in Marion County,

You are invited to attend an "Economic Summit" on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Keizer Civic Center.  The purpose of the summit is to share current information about significant economic forces affecting all of us who live and work in Marion County, and to discuss ways we can work together toward improvements.

A panel of speakers from both the public and private sectors will share their insight.  The "Economic Summit" is sponsored by the Marion County Economic Development Advisory Board, a group of 15 volunteers from different sectors of the economy who advise the Marion County Board of Commissioners.

More details and registration information will follow. If you have questions or comments, please contact us. Thank you for all you do.

Bill Cummins, Chair

Economic Development Advisory Board

Food for Thought Stand-In

What are you doing Sept. 5^th at 5:15 p.m.?

 60.4% of Salem-Keizer’s

39,419 School Children

WERE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE OR REDUCED PRICE

LUNCH AT SCHOOL LAST YEAR.

SOMETIMES IT WAS THEIR ONLY MEAL OF THE DAY.

Join Women Ending Hunger, an auxiliary of

Marion-Polk Food Share for the great

FOOD FOR THOUGHT STAND-IN,

5:15-5:45 p.m., on FIRST WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 5, 2012

Help us stretch a line of 3900 empty plates across Downtown Salem to bring our community’s attention to the fact that

CHILDHOOD HUNGER LASTS A LIFETIME.

Hungry kids miss more school and have more health and behavioral problems

than other children.  When they fall behind, they are too often left behind.

THIS IS A QUIET CATASTROPHE THAT WE CAN PREVENT.

STAND WITH US!

Please call Kat Daniel, Women Ending Hunger at Marion-Polk Food Share (503) 581-3855 ext. 322 to sign up for a place in line. 

You can also help us by spreading the word to family, friends, and co-workers!

www.marionpolkfoodshare.org 

Bicycle Facilities Installed with Grant Funds

The City of Salem has completed the installation of nine miles of bicycle wayfinding signage, twelve bicycle lockers, thirty-two bike racks, and a bike shelter, in the downtown area and at Transit Centers in Salem.  These new bicycle facilities were installed as part of the City's Energy Strategy to increase transportation options and were funded through U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.

Providing bicycle facilities such as wayfinding signage, bike storage, and parking is one strategy being used to encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation, which will reduce fossil fuel emissions and  total energy consumption.

The nine miles of bicycle wayfinding signage were installed this spring along three key bicycle routes in Salem:  the Winter Street Route, Center Street Route, and Park Avenue Route.  The signs direct bicyclists to points of interest and give mileage and travel time information. 
The twelve new bicycle lockers are located at the West Salem Transit Center, Market Street Park and Ride, Riverfront Park Permit Parking Lot, and the Chemeketa Parkade, bringing the total number of bicycle lockers available for rent by the City of Salem up to 38 lockers.  Bicycle lockers provide secure all-weather storage for bicycles, helmets, and commuting gear!  Lockers rent for $18 a month or $30 for six months, plus a $15 refundable key deposit. 

For more information about renting a bicycle locker, call the Salem Public Works Department at 503 588-6211 or visit the bike locker website.

Volunteer Recognition Celebration

Join City of Salem Mayor, City Councilors, staff and volunteers to recognize the contributions of our many volunteers to the City of Salem!

Volunteer Recognition Celebration
Salem Civic Center Peace Plaza
August 22, 2012
Music and Food 5:00 PM
Entertainment by Audiolenz
Awards Ceremony 5:30 PM

Print an invitation/agenda. 

2 National Days of Service are coming!

Do you have a neighborhood service project planned?

September 11th is a Day of Service and Rememberance.  

October 27th is Make a Difference Day.

Remember to visit HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley to post your event or find a project to join.

Center 50+ Computer Classes

If you are 50 years of age or older and interested in gaining additional computer skills  (perhaps to help your Neighborhood Association have a greater web presence), you may be interested in attending a Center 50+ computer class, workshop or lab time. Five week computer courses ($25) include computer basics, Internet basics, Internet multimedia, Windows, and Mac.  Free workshops include a blogging group and free software.  You can find all the computer classes in the Fall Program Guide, (starting on page 16).

There is also a computer lab available at the Salem Public Library, where two or more people could work together.  See the website or drop by the 1st floor of the Library for more information.

Salem-Keizer Transit Citizens Advisory Committee

From Salem-Keizer Transit District:

WANTED: Citizens who have an interest in Salem-Keizer Transit’s public transportation issues…. The newly formed Citizens Advisory Committee desires a broad representation of backgrounds and interests on the committee.  For more information, visit our website at: http://www.cherriots.org/CAC.htm

Salvation Army Free School Supplies

The Salvation Army is now accepting applications for Tools for School assistance.

Deadline: August 17th

The Tools for School program provides school supplies for your
children to return to school with the tools to be successful!

To apply, stop by The Salvation Army's Family Services Building at
1977 Front St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
And bring the following items:

* Oregon photo ID for applicant
* School Registration Form for proof of children
* Food Stamp Print out from DHS (this will show eligibility)

For more information, call Family Services at (503) 798-4870.

Building Safer Communities Mini-Grants

ACTS Oregon is pleased to announce that applications for the Building Safer Communities Mini-Grants are now open. This program is for projects ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to complete education based non-infrastructure projects that promote traffic safety and community involvement. Applications will be open until November 1, 2012.

Click here to review the application. For questions about the mini-grant program or how to apply please contact charitys@actsoregon.org

Oregon Passenger Rail Project

Improving passenger rail in Oregon

The Oregon Passenger Rail project is studying options for improved passenger rail service between the Columbia River in the Portland urban area and the Eugene-Springfield urban area – an approximately 125 mile segment. The Oregon Department of Transportation is in the beginning stages of an environmental review process that will help determine a general rail alignment and communities where stations will be located. The project will also determine the number of daily trips between Eugene and Portland, travel time objectives, and the technologies to be used. To learn more, visit www.OregonPassengerRail.org

Public Open Houses - How would you like to see rail improved?

ODOT is hosting public open houses throughout Oregon in September. Join us to learn more about the Oregon Passenger Rail project at the Salem open house –

                Salem Open House

Thursday  September 6, 5:00pm-7:00pm

ODOT Transportation Building (Gail Achterman Conference Room)

355 Capitol St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Online Open House: Can’t make it to an open house in your community? Visit us online anytime between Thursday, September 6 and Sunday, September 23 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 Public Information Officer, (503) 986-3985, Jyll.E.Smith@odot.state.or.us.

Openings on City Boards and Commissions

Are you interested in contributing your voice to the City?  A good way to make a difference is to join a City Board or Commission. Currently there are many vacancies, and one might be the right fit for you!  You can find the complete list and applications here.

An Hour on the Town

Imagine what a difference 100,000 volunteer hours could make in Salem!  City staff were excited when Statesman Journal opinion page editor Dick Hughes came to them for ideas and support for his "Hour on the Town" campaign.  Read his column here and decide how you can spend an hour helping to beautify your neighborhood this weekend.

One great way to make a visible difference that will be seen by hundreds of our State Fair visitors is to join the SOLVE State Fair Neighborhood Cleanup event this Saturday from 8-noon.  Volunteers should meet at the Jackman Long Parking Lot.  All the details are on the SOLVE webpage.

NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Your Opportunity to Partner in Making Your Neighborhood a Better Place to Live

Through the Neighborhood Partnership (NP) Program, Salem neighbors and community partners have been making a difference where they live and work since 1997. 

Applications are now available for the 2012-2014 Partnership.  In addition to providing support to the 19 neighborhood associations, the City of Salem collaborates with two neighborhood areas through the NP. 
The NP provides an opportunity for residents, property owners, renters, schools, businesses, nonprofits, churches, local government, community organizations and others to work together, identify issues, organize activities and projects and leverage additional resources.  Whether it's graffiti, vandalism, park clean up, hunger, support for kids or educational opportunities, the Partnership focuses on the neighborhood's strengths to solve problems.

Positive changes that have occurred through Partnership Program efforts have included increased crime prevention efforts, education and empowerment of citizens, cleaner streets and parks and thousands of dollars in leveraged contributions.  In addition, neighbors and community partners report more neighbors talking to and watching out for one another, enhanced awareness of resources and overall improved neighborhood livability.

Community groups, neighborhood associations and/or groups of neighborhoods are invited to apply for City support for a two year NP in a defined geographic area.  The applications will be evaluated by a committee of City staff from various departments and scored based on demonstrated neighborhood need, definable measurable goals and readiness of partners to address them. 

Applications are available here  or 555 Liberty Street, SE, Room 305.  They are due November 1, 2012. 

City staff are available to provide more information to groups and individuals interested in this opportunity.  Call the Neighborhood Enhancement Division at 503-588-6207.

Web Communications Workshop Materials

The Neighborhood Web Communications workshop was last Thursday.  If you missed it, you can still view the presentation and materials and links related to blogs, websites, and social media here.  Remember, the Internet offers many options for you to keep your neighbors informed.  Let us know what works for you!

New Salem Keizer Transit Citizen Advisory Committee

Salem-Keizer Transit is creating a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) consisting of community members representing a broad spectrum of transportation and community concerns. Ideally, the CAC will include a balanced membership including users of the system, students, business community members, and at-large community members. More information can be found on the Cherriots website, but if interested, be sure to turn in an application by August 31.