Make a Difference Day Projects

Make a Difference Day Projects

Has your neighborhood been thinking about Make a Difference Day (Oct 27)?  Did you HandsOn Willamette can help you recruit volunteers?  HandsOn is a volunteer action center that provides resources to connect volunteers with volunteer opportunities.  Open your own HandsOn account or contact Neighborhood Services to use ours. 

Lansing’s Tree Planting Project is already posted HERE.

Northgate Forgiveness and Peace Garden Planting Party

Northgate Forgiveness and Peace Garden Planting Party
You are invited to the Evening Planting Party Monday, October 1 at the Northgate Forgiveness and Peace Garden!

Where: In Northgate Park at the North end of Fairhaven Ave NE, Salem. From Silverton Road   Fairhaven will dead-end at Northgate Park.  The garden is to the right and around the corner from the playground area. 

When: 5-7 PM.

What: Planting fall veggie starts and perennials, as well as general garden upkeep. Garden coordinators will be serving potluck dishes to share – so join us for a snack!

If you haven’t already been to the Northgate Forgiveness and Peace Garden, this is your opportunity to see this lovely communally-run garden, half veggies and half flowers, that serves as a poignant reminder of the power of community organizing to heal a neighborhood. Come celebrate fall and be inspired.

For more information, contact Ingrid Evjen-Elias, Community Gardens Resource Coordinator, at T: 503-581-3855 x329, C: 503-798-0457 or E: ievjenelias@marionpolkfoodshare.org.

CERT Classes begin October 2

Upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Classes
Free CERT classes begin October 2.  They are from 6 to 9:30 pm for six consecutive Tuesday evenings at the Airport Fire Training Facility.  Salem's CERT Classes are FREE!  (You will need to acquire a response kit to respond in your neighborhood.)  See schedule of classes.  Register by including your local address and phone number by contacting Roger Stevenson at rstevenson@cityofsalem.net or 503-763-3331.

CERT events are also coming up in the Grant and Morningside Neighborhoods.

Grant CERT cache - Lola Hackett reports; that great strides have been made to construct the shelving and organize the equipment.  A grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, September 29 from 3 to 7:30 pm at the corner of Broadway and Shipping.  Additionally, an exercise is scheduled at the cache on October 6.

Morningside CERT cache - Pam Schmidling and the crew at Morningside CERT noted that; the interior and exterior have been painted and the shelving has been constructed for the equipment that was delivered by the CERT Logistics Chief, Terry Pickett.  Also, Morningside CERT will be holding an Open House at the cache on Sunday, September 30 from 8 am - 12:30 pm at the Morningside Methodist Church.

Community Gardens Bus Tour

Marion-Polk Food Share’s Community Gardens Program presents…

The 2^nd Annual Community Gardens Bus Tour (view flier here)

      ·          What: Tour 8 community gardens via school bus.

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

·          When: Saturday, September 22nd, 9am-3pm. 

·          MUST RSVP to imcdonald@marionpolkfoodshare.org or 503-581-3855 x329.

·          $10 suggested donation.

·          Bring a sack lunch

About the tour:  Did you know Salem-Keizer has over 25 community gardens? Ever wonder where they are or how you can get involved? Get on the bus, and check out our bountiful, beautiful gardens.  Bring a sack lunch and a suggested $10 donation, and hop on board! Limited seating, RSVP now.

Ian Dixon-McDonald

Emergency Food Prevention Programs

Marion-Polk Food Share

T: 503-581-3855 x329

C: 503-798-0339

F: 503-581-3862

E: imcdonald@marionpolkfoodshare.org

1660 Salem Industrial Drive NE

Salem OR 97301-0374

www.marionpolkfoodshare.org/   

Domestic Violence Awareness Training

1 in 4 Women Experience Domestic Violence. 

The Marion County Domestic Violence Council presents
Domestic Violence: What Every Faith Leader Should Know

The training is on Tuesday, September 25, at Salem First Baptist Church. See the flyer for more information and please share it with anyone you feel would benefit from this information.

South Salem Connect has Money for Make a Difference Day Projects

South Salem Connect has grant money available for any Make a Difference Day Projects happening in the South High Catchement Area.  This includes the NESCA, SESNA, SCAN, South Salem, Morningside, South Gateway and SEMCA Neighborhoods.  See the simple request for proposal below.

South Salem CONNECT

Make A Difference Day

Simple Request For Proposal

Dear Community Partners,

We need you to help us make a difference in South Salem this October.   South Salem Connect is a Community Progress Team & a Neighborhood Partnership Program.  In operation since 1997, seeking to support families and improve neighborhood livability. South Salem Connect brings together individuals and organizations that support and/or provide services to children, families & residence to create a healthier and safer community in the South Salem High School catchments area.  This October we want to help mobilize our schools, churches, non profits & neighbors.  We are offering a $100 mini grant to any group who submits a Simple RFP to help our south Salem area.  Project can be creative, new, old and fun.  

Our GOALS for your reference:

• Support safe environments, educational opportunities & the development of fundamental skills for children, families and all South Salem residents.
• Expand community involvement to improve livability of South Salem Neighborhoods.

Required Proposal Format:

1. A general description of your event, program or service.
2. What age group(s) are you serving?
3. What are your objectives?

What will you be able to accomplish with SSC funds that wouldn’t otherwise be possible?

4. What outcomes are you measuring?
5. How and when will you report back to us that your objectives were met?

Assumptions and Agreements

1. Proposal must be submitted before September 19^th 2012
2. The project must be completed in October
3. A follow-up Leverage Report must be submitted to SSC
4. We desire you to make every effort to send a representative to our November 21st meeting.  Wednesday 11:30am to 1:00pm location TBA

Disbursement Details:

Checks will be mailed to recipients by October 5th

Submit Proposals to:

We will review funding requests at our regular meetings on Wednesday, September 19th. Please submit your funding request by email to D.J. Vincent, South Salem Connnect co-chair, at dj@salemlf.org.

Thanks, and we look forward to helping you help our community!

Salem to Host League of Oregon Cities Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wed., Sept. 19, 2012

CONTACT:

Nicole Miller, Public Information Manager

City of Salem – Urban Development Department

Tel: 503-540-2415

Email:  nmiller@cityofsalem.net

Website: www.cityofsalem.net

Salem to Host League of Oregon Cities Events

            Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem is hosting the League of Oregon Cities 87^th Annual Conference, Thurs., Sept. 27 – Sat., Sept. 29, 2012, at the Salem Conference Center.  600 conference attendees and their guests, from cities all over Oregon, will be in attendance.

“We are delighted to welcome the League of Oregon Cities Annual Conference back to Salem.  The conference will provide a wide range of training and networking opportunities for both elected officials and city staff from all over the state.  We encourage attendees and guests to experience all that Salem has to offer.  Our many shopping, dining/ entertainment and recreational sites are rolling out the red carpet for our visitors,” said Salem Mayor Anna Peterson.

In addition to training for the attendees at the Conference Center, the City of Salem has partnered with area artists, businesses, and organizations to create a special evening event in downtown Salem on Fri., Sept. 28, from 5 – 9 p.m.   The Meet the Artists Tour is open to Conference attendees and the general public and will feature artists, galleries, wine tasting, photo exhibits, and live music in downtown Salem. 

The Meet the Artists Tour will include:  Salem Conference Center Art Gallery & Sculpture Garden, Red Raven Gallery, Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery, Roger Yost Gallery, NW Comic Gallery, Mary Lou Zeek Gallery, Reed Opera House – World Beat Gallery, and Clockworks Café & Cultural Center.  In addition to galleries, other displays will be featured on Liberty and Ferry Streets (including window and sidewalk displays).  Participating downtown businesses will be staying open extended hours. 

For more information on the artist tour, the event supporters, and to see a map of participating locations, please go to www.artdowntownsalem.com or call Rebecca Maitland at 503-391-4481.  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 eight 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.

Friends of Secor Park - Park Cleanup

Friends of Secor Park

Salem, OR – Join Salem’s Parks Department, the Marion Soil and Water Conservation District, and Marion County Weed Control District for a project at Secor Park.

When: Saturdays, October 13^th, 20^th and 27^th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Secor Park.

Where:  5453 Liberty Road South – connected to Crossler Middle School.

Secor Neighborhood Park, with its rolling meadows, and mature-growth trees, is a piece of nature in the city.  However, the dirt trails are narrow and need to be cleaned up, and the forested area is becoming overrun with English ivy, Himalayan blackberries and Shiny geranium.  We are asking the community to come together to improve this public land by re-establishing the trails system and removing noxious weeds from the forest and creek.

Participants should wear sturdy shoes and clothes for working outside.  If the weather is wet, rain gear is helpful.  Tools will be provided at check-in, and volunteers will receive instructions on removal techniques and safety procedures.

To register or ask questions, please e-mail secorpark@gmail.com

For more information about noxious weeks:  http://www.co.marion.or.us/PW/Operations/weeds/

Walks-ins are welcome on the days of the project

Economic Summit - Register Now

(from Don Russo, Marion County, DRusso@co.marion.or.us):

Leaders in Marion County,

Please join us. Just email me at drusso@co.marion.or.us if you wish to attend:

 "Economic Summit" 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Keizer Civic Center

Purpose:

Learn more about significant economic forces in Marion County related to property values, land use, development and jobs, and to discuss ways we can work together.

A panel of speakers from the public and private sectors will share their insights:

• Mayor Lore Christopher, City of Keizer - Welcome
• Van Khieu, Marion County Assessor's Office - Future property tax revenue
• Jay Gordon, Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service - Current market trends
• Jim Rue, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development - Land use and urban growth boundary issues
• Alan Roodhouse, RPS Development - Challenges faced by developers 
• Nick Harville, SEDCOR - Challenges in creating jobs
• Suzanne Dufner, Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments - Regional planning and collaboration
• Angie Morris, Travel Salem - Impact of tourism

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.

Please share with boards, staff, volunteers and others you feel would want to attend.

Thank you.

Bill Cummins, Chair

Economic Development Advisory Board

Membership:

Ray Burstedt, SEDCOR

Bill Cummins, Diana Foods

Thomas Chambers, Mission Medical Imaging

David Christoff, Hallmark Properties

Mayor Lore Christopher, City of Keizer

Suzanne Dufner, Mid-Willamette Council of Governments

Mitchell Gee, Business Oregon

Terri Frohnmeyer, First Commercial of Oregon

Patricia Grose, Job Growers

Jay Kemble, Hospitality Associates

Angie Morris, Travel Salem

A.J. Nash, Fidelity National Title

James Rasmussen, Modern Building Systems

Alan Roodhouse, RPS Development

Larry Wells, Agriculture

Oregon Homeowner's Support

Do you know someone who has been affected by the current housing crisis?  Many homeowners still don’t know where to turn for help.  You can help NEDCO and the State of Oregon change that!

The state is launching a new one-stop website (not live until 9/17/12), and has doubled the number of foreclosure counselors across the state – to help homeowners understand their options and get support moving forward.

A statewide outreach campaign will begin September 17th, with the biggest push during the next two weeks – and your help is needed:

· Host a NEDCO counselor to speak to your agency (staff or clients), civic organization, faith group, etc (5 min to 45 min – whatever works best)

· Put a story or ad in your newsletter or bulletin (NEDCO can email you the finished copy!)

· Put a link to www.oregonhomeownersupport.gov on your website (NEDCO will send you the logo or banner!)

· Hang a poster or display fliers in your lobby (you guessed it…NEDCO is happy to deliver!)

  

Our goal is to speak directly to 5000 Marion County residents in 2 weeks – even more online and in print – and continue reaching out until every resident of Marion County knows where to turn if they’re struggling with their mortgage.

If you’re interested in joining the effort, or have questions, please contact Amy Hamilton at 503-779-2680.

Make a Difference Day

Has your neighborhood been thinking about Make a Difference Day (Oct 27)?  Did you know that $5,000 is available this year through the Statesman Journal and the Gannett Foundation?  In past years many of you have partnered with HandsOn, Neighborhood Services and City Parks to clean-up parks and schools while increasing safe, community shared spaces for neighbors to gather.  We have submitted an application, but are open to supporting more neighborhood park projects whether or not we get any money.   Please call our office at 503-588-6207 to let us know if you would like to be involved, potentially receiving a portion of grant money for your project.

Poverty Awareness Training

Poverty Awareness Training is available.  This interactive four session training provides helping professionals and community members with a deeper understanding of poverty and offers concrete tools for breaking poverty barriers.  Sign up for four weeks of training Thursdays from 6 to 8 pm, October 4, 11, 18 and 25 at Leslie Middle School, 3580 Pringle Rd SE.  See the workshop overview and registration form for more information.

Habitat for Humanity Hope Builders Breakfast

Habitat for Humanity will be holding their 2^nd Annual Hope Builders Breakfast at the Salem Conference Center, Tuesday October 2 from 8 to 9 am.  Enjoy fellowship and a catered breakfast while learning about the progress being made to eliminate poverty housing in Salem, Keizer, Polk County and the Santiam Canyon area. All funds raised during the event will go towards building more homes with hardworking families in need.  Admission is free.  For more information, please contact Kelly Walther at (503) 364-6642 ext. 113 or by emailing resourcedevelopment@salemhabitat.org.

State Street to Become Two-Way

Effective Wednesday, September 19, 2012, State Street will be a two-way street between Commercial Street and Liberty Street.  Motorists are cautioned to be aware of the traffic change.

On Tuesday night, September 18, 2012, at 9 p.m., a City contractor will begin converting the section of State Street between Commercial Street and Liberty Street from a one-way street to a two-way street.  The work will involve striping the pavement for the traffic change, activating a new traffic signal, and other minor work.  During this nighttime work, State Street will be closed to all traffic from Front Street to Commercial Street, and from Commercial Street to Liberty Street.  The work is anticipated to be complete by 6 a.m. Wednesday morning. 

This project is part of the Keep Salem Moving! Streets and Bridges Bond, passed by Salem voters in November 2008.

Please contact Troy Thomson, P.E., Project Manager, at 503-588-6211 or tthomson@cityofsalem.net for additional information.

Manage Your Money Day

Mid-Valley Prosperity Network, a collaborative initiative to strengthen the financial outlook for the region, is putting on a "Manage Your Money Day" on October 6th.  Financial advisers, financial planners, investment planners, credit counselors, and foreclosure counselors are all donating their time to the public. Anyone and everyone can come sit down for 100% free consulting. No selling of products or services is
allowed! This is truly free! Please see the Prosperity Network website for more details.

2012 W Salem Health & Wellness Fair

2012 West Salem Health & Wellness Fair

West Salem Clinic Campus 1233 Edgewater St NW, Salem, OR 97304

September 15, 2012 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Join us for:

Body Mass Index Calculations

Sports Physical Vouchers

Dental Check-Ups

Nutrition Education

Blood Pressure Checks

Lunch

Raffle Prizes

And other health and wellness tools that promote a healthy lifestyle

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Coronado-Sinclair at ecsinclair@nwhumanservices.org or Memo Plazas at mplazas@nwhumanservices.org or via phone at 503.588.5816

Vote for Salem Parks!

The Salem Parks Foundation has been accepted for the Chase Community Giving campaign.  Voting starts on September 6th and will run through the 19th.  The more votes cast for Salem Parks Foundation, the more money they will be eligible to win for Salem's Parks.  This link will take you to the Chase giving page on the SPF website.  Click anywhere on the page to go to the Chase Giving page on Facebook.

http://www.salemparksfoundation.org/chasegiving.htm

(You must have a Facebook account to be able to vote.)

City Hall Week

"City Hall Week" - A Forum for State and Local Policy Makers

Cities across Oregon have designated September 17-21, as "City Hall Week."  In 21 host cities, city officials will lead a forum with legislators and candidates on issues that support the economic vitality and stability of Oregon communities.

In Salem, City Hall Week will be held on September 18 at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Road NE beginning at 5:00 p.m.  The event will provide an opportunity for city officials, state lawmakers and legislative candidates to share ideas and perspectives prior to the 2013 legislative session. City officials, legislators and candidates will attend, and the public is welcome.  

Among the issues discussed will be finance reform, land use reform, resetting assessed value at sale, jobs/economic development initiative, and renewal of the 9-1-1 tax. Cities are urging the Legislature to:
*     Refer a constitutional amendment to voters allowing local option levies of up to 10 years and an option to have a local option levy be outside of compression;
*     Support land use reform that would allow population forecasting by a third party that would not be appealable as a land use decision;
*     Refer a constitutional amendment to restore equity in Oregon's property tax system by resetting assessed value to real market value when a property is sold or constructed, in a fashion that does not adversely affect local option levies;
*     Support recapitalizing the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund Program; support the Patient Capital for Industrial Lands Infrastructure Pilot Program; and support the Employment Site Re-Use/Redevelopment Pilot Program; and
*     Pass legislation renewing the state's 9-1-1 tax, containing elements that enhance the delivery of 9-1-1 services. 

As city governments face increasing fiscal pressures they would like greater flexibility to manage their affairs, City Hall Week represents a proactive approach to raising awareness of these critical issues.   
"City Hall Week offers Salem an opportunity to host legislators, city officials and candidates from the Mid-Willamette Valley to discuss issues that are paramount to our collective economic health," said Mayor Anna Peterson.  "We look forward to exchanging ideas and plans to focus the coming legislative session fiscal and land-use issues that impact local governments and communities."