communityCONNECTION

Volume 2 Issue 3 August 2011IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Nature Trail—Create a list of animals, birds, insects, or plants that could be found by you and a friend or your children. It’s simple, fun, adventurous, and a learning experience too. Be sure to note all the things you find that are NOT on your list for next time!

2. Play a Team Game—Bring the whole family and/or a group of friends and play a friendly game of softball, soccer, Frisbee, or a homemade game of your own!

3. Have a picnic—Bring a sheet or small blanket and pack a lunch. A picnic is relaxing and offers time for reading (either for yourself or to your children), chatting with family or friends, or just “people-watching.” Rejuvenate yourself and your relationships in the sunshine!

4. Treasure Hunt—Create a treasure hunt for children, teens, or adults. Creativity can abound for this game and it makes for an inexpensive birthday party idea too!

5. Fly a Kite—Paper, wooden dowel, and some string anyone? Try making a kite with your kids and then go out to your local park to try it out. Be sure to fly it in an open area away from those kite-eating trees and power lines! You may want to consider buying one as a backup just in case! Not sure how to make a kite? Go to this website: www.my-best-kite.com/how-to-make-a-kite.html.

6. Relive Your Childhood—Teach your children the games you used to play as a child. Red Rover, Capture the Flag, Hide ’n’ Seek, Duck-Duck-Goose, Two-legged Race, Red Light-Green Light, Stuck in the Mud, and other tag games. The list could go on and on!

7. Exercise! Take yoga outside—it’s summertime now! Not into yoga? Then take a nice walk or jog with a friend, family member, or coworker. Dig out that old tennis racket and pick up some tennis balls and ask a friend to do the same. Tennis is wonderful exercise,

8. Play “Catch-Up”—Find a partly sunny, partly shady park bench and bring your notebook. Jot down that “to-do” list you’ve wanted to create, or write a letter the old fashioned way—you’d be surprised how many people still love to get mail from the postman instead of the computer!

continued on page 2

The Charcoal ChatterHave you seen the National Night Out e-bulletin? It’s the Charcoal Chatter and only available during June and July as we prepare for National Night Out on August 2. This year’s theme is the neighborhood barbecue and the slogan for 2011 is “Crime: Make it rare on your block. Join Neighborhood Watch!”

We are building excitement for Salem’s night out against crime through our e-bulleting which has the latest block party tips, as well as barbecue recipes from our very own Salem Police Department officers. For everything about the National Night Out and the latest edition of the Charcoal Chatter, go to www.cityofsalem.net/nno!

Top Ten Things To Do In A Park This Summer!

Riverfront Park Splash Pad. Photo: Ron Cooper

U.D. News Page 3

Police Sights & SoundsPage 8-9

Neighborhood NewsPages 10-11

Call for Awards Nominations The City of Salem is seeking nominations for awards to recognize individuals and groups who have made a major contribution to Salem through volunteerism. Take advantage of this opportunity to recognize your fellow residents for their outstanding volunteer service and dedication. Information about the volunteer awards and nomination process can be found under the “What’s New” section of the cityofsalem.net homepage. Nominations will be accepted through August 24. Selected award recipients will be recognized at the annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration to be held at the Salem Civic Center on September 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.

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PARKLINEScontinued from page 1

9. Join an Outdoor Recreation Group—Check your local athletic store or bicycle shop for local groups who meet to walk, jog, or bike in your local park. Minto-Brown Island Park has wonderful trails utilized by these types of groups.

10. Volunteer in a Park! If you want to give something back for all those fun times you’ve had in the park, why not volunteer? There are a variety of things that can be done to help keep our parks beautiful and available to the community. Please contact our Salem Parks Volunteer Coordinator, Tibby Larson at 503-588-6336.

Two New Drinking Fountains in Local Parks!

Nelson Park and Morningside Park recently received new drinking fountains. Do you like to bring your dog to the park? No worries, there is a doggie drinking fountain attached to the base for thirsty Rover!

Shout Out to the Salem Parks Foundation!The Salem Parks Foundation recently funded the installation of an on/off switch for the splash fountain at Englewood Park. In previous years, a volunteer or recreation leader had to be present to turn the water on and off at the Englewood site, this resulted in a shortened time span for kids to use the splash fountain. Now that the fountain has been retrofitted with an on/off button, the children can play as long as at other neighborhood park splash facilities, from noon until 8 p.m., seven days a week! THANK YOU PARKS FOUNDATION!

Splash fountain facilities in Salem Parks:

Community Parks:Riverfront Park 200 Water Street NE 10 a.m. — 8 p.m.River Road Park 3045 River Road N 10 a.m. — 8 p.m.

Neighborhood Parks:Englewood Park 1260 19th Street NE Noon — 8:00 p.m.Fairmount Park 650 Rural Street S Noon — 8:00 p.m.Northgate Park 3575 Fairhaven Avenue NE Noon — 8:00 p.m.Wes Bennett Park 2200 Baxter Road SE Noon — 8:00 p.m.West Salem Park 265 Rosemont Avenue NW Noon — 8:00 p.m.

Watch a Movie at Riverfront ParkThere is still time to catch a movie under the stars at Riverfront Park this summer. The movies are free, but donations are accepted. Enjoy watching the following movies projected on a 24-foot inflatable screen:

August 13, 2011—An American TailAugust 20, 2011—The Muppet MovieSeptember 3, 2011—Planet 51

Shows start at dusk. Bring your blankets, low-back chairs, and snacks. Alcohol is not permitted.

Volunteers are needed for each showing! Please contact Tibby Larson at 503-589-2197 or talarson@cityofsalem.net.

Lord & Schryver ConservancyThe Conservancy has an excellent, hard working crew of ten volunteer gardeners called the Lord & Schryver Gardeners. They meet on Thursday mornings at Deepwood to assist in the rehabilitation of the historic gardens there. They are renovating and maintaining the Tea House Garden, the Scroll Garden, and the Foundation Plantings as well as other aspects of the historic gardens within the gates and around the house at Deepwood.

Many thanks to this dedicated group of volunteers for raising the level of interpretation of the historic gardens at Deepwood and making this part of the Lord & Schryver legacy available to the general public. Last month, these volunteer workers donated about 160 hours of their time to Deepwood. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Lord & Schryver Conservancy, please call Bobbie at 503-364-3308.

August Parks Volunteer Opportunities August 13, 2011—Volunteer at the free evening movie, An American Tail, at Riverfront Park August 13, 2011—Volunteer to help with headstone straightening and repairs, moss removal, and vine pulling at Pioneer Historic Cemetery August 20, 2011—Volunteer at the free evening movie, The Muppet Movie, at Riverfront Park

Lord & Schryver Conservancy. Photo: Parks Operations

Splash Fountain. Photo: Parks Operations

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Library NewsAugust holds several exciting opportunities for culture, fun, and education at Salem Public Library.

• Salem Public Library is one of only 35 libraries nationwide selected to host the traveling exhibition “In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak,” now on display through Friday, August 19. This exhibit focuses on the connections between Jewish culture and history and Sendak’s work. Check out the library website for special programs offered in conjunction with this display.

• Freegal music is coming! Downloadable songs will be available to full-service Salem Public Library cardholders through Freegal Music. Cardholders can download up to three songs each week at no cost from Sony Music’s large catalog.

• The Teen Scene now has expanded hours, opening at noon Tuesday through Saturday this summer.

• Homework for Homeschoolers class, 2-3:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 24, Anderson Room A: Designed for middle and high school aged students and their parents, this class will focus on the many electronic resources available through Salem Public Library. Laptops are welcome, but not required. Registration is required online at www.salemlibrary.org or by phone at 503-588-6052.

Cigarette FiresA recent study by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) office indicates that one in every ten fires in Oregon is started by cigarettes. During 2005-2009, there were almost 6,400 cigarette fires in the State of Oregon, which resulted in 34 deaths, 133 injuries, and an estimated $20 million in property loss.

The OSFM study also shows that although only 29% of all cigarette fires occur on home properties, almost all deaths, injuries, and property loss occur at these locations. Most often, the primary cause of home fires started by cigarettes is related to careless disposal of smoking material. Other causes include falling asleep while smoking, smoking while using medical oxygen, and children playing with cigarettes.

Additional data from the OSFM office shows that 72% of cigarette fires at residential properties originate outside and nearly one in four of these become structure fires, extending to the inside of homes. Many times these fires start outside the home on a patio, balcony, or exterior wall and can be traced back to improper disposal.

Nationally, cigarette fires in the home are the number one cause of preventable home fire deaths and the risk of dying in a home structure fire caused by smoking materials rises with age. In Oregon, 75% of people who die in cigarette fires are age 50 and older.

Prevention of cigarette fires includes the following:

• If you smoke, smoke outside

• Never dispose of cigarette butts in the trash, flower planters, or landscaping material such as bark mulch

• Never smoke in a home where home oxygen is used

• Use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table

• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children

Regardless of the cause of fire in the home, you can significantly increase your chances of survival by ensuring you have working smoke alarms and a plan to get out alive.

For more information on this or other prevention related topics, contact your Salem Fire Department at (503) 588-6245.

CITY NEWS

This fire at an apartment complex in Salem (August 2010) was the result of a cigarette disposed of in a flower pot. Photo: Salem Fire Department

Planning Commission Applications Sought

The City is accepting applications from persons interested in serving as a pro tem member of the Planning Commission. The person will serve temporarily while a member is on a military leave of absence. The Planning Commission is advisory to the City Council on land use matters.

Boards and commissions are great volunteer opportunities and assist City Council in many areas. A complete list of all boards and commissions vacancies and an online application may be found at:www.cityofsalem.net/CityCouncil/BoardsAndCommissions/Pages/default.aspx.

To be considered for the Planning Commission position, indi-viduals should have their application submitted to the City by Wednesday, August 10 at 5:00 p.m. Or mail applications to: ATTN: Linda CateCity Manager’s Office555 Liberty Street SE, Rm. 220Salem, OR 97301

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URBAN DEVELOPMENT NEWSSalem Loan Program Creates Growth

Opportunities for Local Businesses The City of Salem recently launched an innovative loan program designed to foster small business growth and create local jobs – the Fairview Urban Renewal Area (URA) Small Business Pilot Loan Program. Organic Fresh Fingers, a Salem-based food processing company that provides local organic meals to schools and corporate child care facilities, and Wandering Aengus Ciderworks, a national leader in the emerging artisan cider industry, are the first companies to be awarded funds from Salem’s newest loan program.

“The City is happy to welcome Organic Fresh Fingers and Wandering Aengus Ciderworks to the Fairview Urban Renewal Area,” said Salem Mayor Anna Peterson. “We look forward to these companies, and future recipients of this loan, growing and creating further job opportunities in Salem.”

Salem’s Fairview URA is located east of the Salem Municipal Airport and south of Madrona. The Small Business Pilot Loan Program originated as an innovative approach to aid qualified local businesses in their expansion efforts, benefit the residents of Salem, and satisfy the financial objective of the URA plan. The interest rate, term, and optional deferred payment are intended to assist businesses with their expansion transition and give them incentive to immediately grow new jobs for eligibility for up to 70% loan forgiveness. As part of the University of Oregon Sustainable Cities Initiative, Community Planning Workshop graduate students conducted research and identified specialty food and beverage manufacturing, among other industries, as a growing opportunity in Salem.

Organic Fresh Fingers and Wandering Aengus Ciderworks, are working with Wildwood Inc., a Salem-based sustainable development company to expand their operations through the conversion of an existing warehouse into an energy efficient commercial kitchen and Ciderhouse. All three companies are committed to sustainable practices, creating local jobs, and adding value to Northwest-grown products.

With the loan from the Urban Renewal Agency of Salem, Organic Fresh Fingers, Inc. will build out a 6,000 square foot food manufacturing facility located at 4070 Fairview Drive in Salem. The construction will include converting the building to “food grade” specifications and the purchase of equipment to increase production and distribution of the Organic Fresh Fingers meal program. The company will also install a solar photovoltaic

system, allowing them to utilize a renewable source of energy for production.

The loan program will also enable Wandering Aengus Ciderworks to substantially increase its annual cider production to meet demand for cider in existing markets and open new markets across the country and internationally. The loan funds will be used to change an open warehouse space to the most environmentally and economically sustainable Ciderhouse in the country.

For more information on the Fairview Pilot Business Loan Program, please contact Tory Banford at 503-588-6178, email tbanford@cityofsalem.net, or visit www.cityofsalem.net/Fairviewloan. Si necesita ayuda para comprender esta informacion, por favor llame 503- 588-6178.

Organic Fresh Fingers, Inc. was founded in 2007 by Evann Remington. Organic Fresh Fingers, Inc. is a food processing company that provides fresh, local, natural and organic meals to schools and corporate child care facilities. To date, Organic Fresh Fingers has provided meals to over 12,000 children. Organic Fresh Fingers’ meals are reimbursable through the National School Lunch Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, allowing lower-income and at-risk children and youth to receive healthy and nutritious meals. Organic Fresh Fingers, Inc. is committed to sustainable business practices, and sources as much food as possible from local farms and dairies. For more information, please contact Alexis Jean at 503-371-1108 or email alexis@organicfreshfingers.com.

Wandering Aengus Ciderworks crafts real ciders traditionally from only the fresh pressed juice of local apples and fruits: with no added concentrates, flavors, or sugars before or after fermentation. Currently, Wandering Aengus Ciderworks produces two brands of ciders: Wandering Aengus Cider and ANTHEM. Wandering Aengus Ciders are fermented from true cider apple varieties grown on its own orchards in Ashland and Salem, Oregon and by select growers in the Northwest. ANTHEM is fermented from Northwest grown apple of familiar varieties and finished with hops or the juice of local pears, cherries, or apples. Founded in 2004 and owned and operated by Nick Gunn and James Kohn, Wandering Aengus Ciderworks is recognized nationally for producing the highest quality ciders available domestically. For more information, please contact James Kohn at 503-361-2400 or email james@wanderingaengus.com.

Wildwood, Inc. is a Salem-based sustainable planning and development company with extensive experience with incubation projects including the Sequential-Pacific Biodiesel production facility, now Oregon’s largest biodiesel production facility employing 67 people at their Mill Creek Junction development in SE Salem. Their first sustainable project, Woodscape Glen, also in SE Salem, was developed over 30 years ago and is one of Oregon’s first sustainable multifamily communities. Wildwood’s expertise includes complex project management, urban planning and development, renewable energy systems, and green building programs such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Certification program. They are experienced in value-added agriculture, and are active in several agricultural enterprises. For more information, please contact Travis Henry at 503-585-8789 or email travis@wildwoodco.com.

Photo: Wildwood, Inc.

Photo: Wildwood, Inc.

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Five Year Capital Improvement PlanOn April 25, the City Council adopted the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2011-12 through 2015-16. This is a five-year plan for financing major public assets based on City-adopted master plans, goals, and policies. The purpose of a CIP is to match scarce financial resources with the capital needs of a growing community and to preserve or enhance existing capital assets to provide efficient city services.

To learn more, check out the CIP page at www.cityofsalem.net/Departments/AdministrativeServices/Finance/capital-improvememts-program-cip/Pages/default.aspx. Not only will you find the CIP document there, but you will also find a handy search tool and map so you can locate the projects that interest you. There is even a form you can use to suggest new capital improvement projects. You can contact Doug Gabbard, the City’s CIP Coordinator, at 503-588-6174.

Willow Lake Water Treatment Plant. Photo: Public Works

Union Street Bridge. Photo: Public Works

communityCALENDARAUGUST 2011

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY1

Faye Wright Neighborhood Association, 6:30 p.m.,

Gracemont Park, 367 Bradley Dr. SE

West Salem Neighborhood Association, 7:00 p.m.,

Roth’s West, 1130 Wallace Rd. NW

2Senior Center Advisory Commission, 9:00 a.m.,

Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd. NE, 503-588-6303

Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 503-588-6173

Northeast Neighbors (NEN), 6:30 p.m.,

Salem First Church of the Nazarene, 1550 Market St. NE

3West Salem Redevelopment

Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., West Salem Library,

503-588-6178

Unified Development Code Advisory Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers,

503-588-6173

East Lancaster Neighborhood Partnership Meeting, 5:45 p.m.,

Salem Christian Center, 1850 45th Ave NE, 503-588-6207

Claggett Creek Watershed Council, 6:00 p.m.,

Keizer City Hall, 541-954-0435

4North Gateway Redevelopment Advisory

Board, 8:00 a.m., Urban Development Department

Salem Parks Foundation, 5:30 p.m., Parks Operations Office Conference Room,

503-588-6336

Grant Neighborhood Association, 6:30 p.m., Broadway Commons, Grant Room,

1300 Broadway St. NE

East Lancaster Neighborhood Association (ELNA), 7:00 p.m., The Springs,

1940 45th Ave NE – Dining Room

South Salem Neighborhood Association, 7:00 p.m., Location to be Determined.

Call 503-488-6207 for information.

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7 8Social Service Advisory Board,

4:30 p.m., City Hall,503-588-6178

City Council/Urban Renewal Agency/Salem Housing

Authority, 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers,

503-588-6255

9Southeast Mill Creek Association (SEMCA), 10:00 a.m.,

Paradise Island Park Recreation Hall, 3100 Turner Rd. SE

SKATS Technical Advisory Committee, 1:30 p.m., Council of Governments, 503-588-6177

Cultural and Tourism Advisory Board, 5:30 p.m.,

City Hall, Room 325, 503-588-6064

Pringle Creek Watershed Council, 6:00 p.m., Painters Hall, Pringle Creek Community, 541-954-0435

North Lancaster Neighborhood Association (NOLA), 6:30 p.m., Oak Park Church Youth Center,

2990 Lancaster NE

Northgate Neighborhood Association, 7:00 p.m., Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort Clubhouse, 4751 Astoria St. NE

10Hearings Officer, 5:30 p.m.,

Council Chambers, 503-588-6173

Morningside Neighborhood Association, 6:30 p.m.,

Pringle Creek Community Painters Hall,

3911 Village Center Dr. SE

11Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board,

5:30 p.m., City Hall, Room 325, 503-588-6304

South Gateway Neighborhood Association, 6:30 p.m., Our Savior’s Lutheran Church,

1770 Baxter Road SE

South East Salem Neighborhood Association (SESNA), 7:00 p.m.,

Richmond Park, 466 Richmond Ave NE

Highland Neighborhood Association, 7:00 p.m. Highland Elementary School,

530 Highland Ave NE

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14 15West Salem Neighborhood

Association, 7:00 p.m., Roth’s West, 1130 Wallace Rd. NW

16Northeast Neighbors (NEN), 6:30 p.m., Salem First

Church of the Nazarene, 1550 Market St. NE

Planning Commission, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, 503-588-6173

Mid-Willamette Watershed Alliance, 6:00 p.m., Marion Soil and Water Conservation District,

541-954-0435

Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CAN-DO), 6:00 p.m., Urban Development Department

17South Salem Connect

(formerly SESNA Partnership) Meeting, 11:30 a.m.,

location to be determined, 503-588-6207

Unified Development Code Advisory Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers,

503-588-6173

Airport Advisory Commission, 6:00 p.m., Airport Terminal

Building Conference Room, 2990 25th Street SE,

503-588-6314

18Historic Landmarks Commission, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 503-588-6173

Mill Creek Watershed Council, 6:00 p.m., Turner Community Center, 7250 3rd St. SE,

Turner, Leslie Grimes, 541-954-0435

Glenn-Gibson Watershed Council, 7:00 p.m., West Salem Library

Sunnyslope Neighborhood Association, 7:00 p.m., Call Neighborhood Services at

503-588-6207 for summer location

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CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: Monday, August 8, 6:30 p.m. Monday, August 22, 6:30 p.m.

URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY MEETING: Monday, August 8, 6:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING* Monday, August 8, 7:30 p.m. • West Salem Urban Renewal Plan Major Amendments • Ordinance Bill No. 22-11 Relating to Central Business District and Historic Preservation, amending SRC Chapter 154 and SRC Chapter 230

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Monday, August 8, 5:30 p.m., Monday, August 15, 5:30 p.m., Monday, August, 22, 5:30 p.m., Anderson Rooms, Library Anderson Rooms, Library Council Chambers • City Council Ward Reapportionment • Economic Opportunity Analysis • Sustainable Cities Initiative Projects –

Industrial By-product Re-use; Market Analysis; Strategic Action Plan;

Civic Engagement

* Dates shown for public hearings and work sessions are tentative. Please check website to verify.

AUGUST 2011SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

21 22City Council, 6:30 p.m.,

City Hall Council Chambers, 503-588-6255

23SKATS Policy Committee, noon,

Council of Governments, 503-588-6177

Lansing Community Action Association, 7:00 p.m., Summer Location – Fostering

Hope Little House, 3032 Sunnyview Avenue NE

24Hearings Officer, 5:30 p.m., City

Hall Council Chambers, 503-588-6173

Claggett Creek Watershed Council, 7 p.m.,

Keizer City Hall Old Library, 503-566-4034

25Downtown Advisory Board, Noon, Urban Development Department

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28 29 30 31Land Use Network, 6:00 p.m., City

Hall, Room 305, 503-588-6173

Council of Governments, 105 High Street, Salem, OR 97301 Keizer City Hall, 930 Chemawa Road NE, Keizer, OR 97303Marion Soil and Water Conservation District, 650 Hawthorne Avenue SE, #130, Salem, OR 97301Painters Hall, Pringle Creek Community, 1831 Village Center Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302Parks Operations Office, 1460 20th Street SE, Bldg. 14, Salem, OR 97302Salem City Hall, 555 Liberty Street SE, Salem, OR 97302Salem Public Library, Anderson B, 585 Liberty Street SE, Salem, OR 97302Urban Development, 350 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301West Salem Library, 395 Glen Creek Road NW, Salem, OR 97304

More meetings at www.cityofsalem.net. Verify meeting details with the sponsoring organization.

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Mission Mill. Photo: Printing Archives.

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POLICE SIGHTS & SOUNDSSALEM POLICE USING

“A CHILD IS MISSING” PROGRAMWhen a child goes missing, minutes count. The quicker you can find the child, the quicker everyone from parents to law enforcement can breathe a sigh of relief. In our community we are fortunate to have the assistance from a national non-profit organization known as A Child Is Missing (ACIM).

With no cost to the agency or the public, the group’s mission is to assist local law enforcement in finding children, as well as the disabled and elderly (including those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease). In force in Florida since 2002, the program has expanded across the country. ACIM has the technology to place 1,000 calls per minute in the area where the person went missing and has no jurisdictional boundaries when making the notifications. When a child or vulnerable elder is reported missing to police, an investigation is initiated to locate the person, and ACIM kicks into gear. Using physical descriptors and last known location, the service activates its automated phone service to provide a message with key information about the missing person.

Unlike the AMBER alert program, the child does not have to be abducted to utilize this notification service. Nationally, the ACIM has assisted in the safe recovery of 865 missing people. Locally, the department used the service in April of this year with great success. A Salem resident suffering from Alzheimer’s went missing from their home, but was located by neighbors within six minutes of the alert activation. Thank you, ACIM. Learn more about the program and sign up to receive alerts at www.achildismissing.org.

UPDATING RECORDS IS IMPORTANT“Which records?” you may be thinking. Well, we are referring to your block lists with the name and contact information of the participating neighbors in your Neighborhood Watch group. The Crime Prevention Unit has been working with block contacts to get lists updated and returned to the Police Department.We have sent reminder cards and made phone calls, but we still have Neighborhood Watch neighbors who have not

sent in their paperwork.

It’s important to keep your block list up-to-date. Keep it near the phone when you want to call one another about a suspicious door-to-door salesperson, or if one of you leaves the garage door open late at night. We maintains the information in a non-shared database should the need occur to contact participants in an area regarding an emergency.A good time to update lists is when a neighbor moves out or when a new neighbor moves in. We usually receive the updates on your block lists during National Night Out in August — and since it is coming up, please start making plans to update your list.Lastly, if you are a block contact and planning on moving out of the neighborhood, please make sure that one of the other neighbors takes over your block role. Please notify the police department, of changes by calling Christie Rodriquez at 503-588-6175.

NEIGHBORHOOD ALERT: THEFT FROM VEHICLES

Our Crime Analysis Unit has been following a three-month trend of thefts from vehicles. North and northeast Salem have been greatly impacted. The thefts are mostly occurring in driveways, although vehicles parked on streets have also been targeted.The most common objects stolen are GPS units. As always, please remember to remove all items from your vehicle, no matter how small. Anything left in plain sight attracts would-be criminals.

CRIME PREVENTION TIP OF THE MONTH

When you are a victim of any crime, especially crimes related to fraud and identity theft, be sure to keep your original police report and any documentation related to the incident.

The criminal may not be immediately arrested and, when that day comes, you may be asked to provide pertinent information.

Also, in the case of fraud or identity theft, these incidents sometimes take years to clear up and you may need proof or documentation of the crime for financial institutions.

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THE FORCE IS WITH YOUNo seatbelts. No airbags. No windshield wipers. Doesn’t sound like a cushy assignment for a police officer, especially in Oregon. Those factors don’t sound very appealing, but being a motorcycle patrol officer is a very popular and voluntary special unit assignment for which many officers vie.

The Salem Police Department re-established a motorcycle unit (Traffic Control Unit) in 1968 (although archives show that there were officers using motorcycles in Salem in the 1920’s). However, the concept of officers on motorcycles goes back to the very early 20th century with the states of Michigan and California claiming to have pioneered the patrol strategy.

Nevertheless, the role of these officers on two wheels has evolved from inexpensive transportation to self-contained, strategic enforcement vehicles. You will find that in Salem, the team consists of officers that are passionate about traffic safety. One such officer is Ryan Morris. Morris is one of the newest members of the team having received the assignment just over a year ago.

Morris, however, is not new to law enforcement. He has been an officer with the department for nine years as of this month. His career choice started much earlier when he joined the department’s cadet program as a youth. His career story may have been foreshadowing his two-wheeled future, as well. Shared Morris, “I was a police intern doing community relations on a bicycle downtown and at city parks for two summer seasons.” The clearly decided young Morris continued his path and became a community service officer, developed his investigative and report-writing skills, and got to know every nook and cranny of this community.

Of his motorcycle assignment, Morris said, “I like being in the unit because we can focus our attention on traffic safety. This is slightly different than patrol who responds to all calls for service.” He didn’t stop there. He described the need for focused traffic patrol. “More people in the U.S. are killed on the highways every year than are killed in all violent crime put together. I take traffic safety very seriously because we all have to share the road with one another and we need to do it in the safest manner possible.”

Morris has advice for Salem drivers, “As with other vehicle stops, it’s important that a motorist, who is being pulled over, do so in the safest place possible. This means always pulling over to the right – even if you’re in the left lane.” In the process of pulling over, drivers should check their mirrors, check their blind spot, and then carefully pull to the right. Pulling onto a side street or a parking lot, when possible, increases safety from approaching vehicles for the driver, as well as the officer.

So, rain or shine, windshield wipers or not, Ofc. Morris and the rest of the Traffic Enforcement Unit work to keep Salem streets safe for drivers and pedestrians.

Officer Ryan Morris. Photo: Police Department

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

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SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULES FOR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS

Be sure to check each agenda for Neighborhood Association meetings this summer. Many Neighborhood Associations switch their meeting place to a local park, or change their meeting time, to best take advantage of summer weather.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ANNIVERSARY

35 YearsHighland Neighborhood Association August 23, 1976

THE WILLAMETTE HERITAGE CENTER AT THE MILL EVENTS

1313 Mill St. SE 503-585-7012 www.missionmill.orgRhythm at the Mill Concert Series $10 non members/$5 MembersFREE Kids 12 years and under!The event will be moved inside in case of inclement weather.Bring your chairs and enjoy live music on the greens of Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill.Sunday, August 72:00 p.m. – Kid & Nic Show – Blues/Rock4:30 p.m. – The Twangshifters - Rockabilly

Sunday, August 282:00 p.m. – Ivie & Mezler Duo - Blues4:30 p.m. – Terry Robb - Blues

A. C. GILBERT’S DISCOVERY VILLAGE EVENTS

116 Marion St. NE503-371-3631 / 1-800-208-9514info@acgilbert.orgSilly Summer Days: Sharks! Friday, August 5, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Cue the Jaws theme song: Daaa, da…daaaaaa,da…! Dive into the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week with crafts, activities and a boatload of shark-related fun! Make a silly shark hat to take home. Free with admission.

Silly Summer Days: Float Your Boat Friday, August 12, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Create your own nautical craft and sail it through our “Bermuda Rectangle” tub. Got what it takes to be a sea captain? Find out. If your boat floats, you’ll earn a prize. If it doesn’t, well, your ship is sunk! Free with admission. Silly Summer Days: Crazy Drivers Friday, August 19, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Have you ever wanted to create your own dream car? Well, now is your chance! Customize your own zany automobile using everyday materials and recyclables. Free with admission.

The Dog (& Cat!) Days of Summer Saturday, August 20, 1:00–4:00 p.m. We make the dog days of summer a good thing! Meet some new furry friends that local animal organizations bring here for a day of feline and canine fun! Make cat and dog toys, create your own dog and cat crafts, and enjoy another long summer day with us at the museum! (But, please, leave Fido and Fluffy at home!) Free with admission.

Silly Summer Days: Get Your Mooo On Friday, August 26, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Get silly with our favorite Holstein: Annabelle the Incredible Milking Cow! Enjoy cow-themed crafts and activities, say “Cow do you do?” to Annabelle in the Oregon Room and learn more about what makes cows so udderly amazing! Free with admission.

BIG Free Day Sunday, August 28, noon–5:00 p.m. In honor of the Oregon State Fair, we are offering a BIG free day. Bring your family, bring your friends! Everyone’s free all day long!

SALEM AIRPORT EVENTSFLIGHT DECK’S HOT AUGUST FLIGHTS Saturday, August 6, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Salem Airport near Flight Deck Restaurant 2680 Aerial Way SE503-581-5721 www.HotAugustFlights.comFlight Deck Restaurant presents Hot August Flights, a fun day at the Salem Airport for all ages. Event includes: outdoor BBQ, car show, airplane displays, fly-in/cruise-in breakfast with portion of proceeds donated to Salem Civil Air Patrol (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.), business booths, kids activities, special guest this year is Mel Counts (Oregon State Basketball, Olympic Gold Medalist, Boston Celtic) talking about basketball, fitness and nutrition (Noon to 2:00 p.m.). Free admission.

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2ND ANNUAL RIVERFRONT FAMILY FEST“Health & Safety Have Never Been this Fun!”Salem’s Riverfront Park101 Front Street NESaturday, August 6, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Family Building Blocks is hosting the 2nd Annual Riverfront Family Fest. The event is free to the public. Fun activities include dancing, music, stories, crafts, face painting, tasty treats, animals and much more. Kids and parents alike can learn about water safety, health and hygiene, healthy eating, animal safety, fire safety, and bus safety.

The Riverfront Family Fest is an opportunity for Family Building Blocks (FBB) to support the community in a free, fun way where families and children learn more about safety and health with hands-on activities.

This event is generously sponsored by West Coast Bank, State Farm Insurance, Cherry City Metals, F&W Fence Co., Hanard Machine Inc., and Salem Electric. There is a long list of community partners participating in this event. Some of these include A.C. Gilbert House, Willamette Valley Fruit Company, Kindermusik, Salem Public Library, Salem Police and Fire Departments, Willamette Humane Society, Children’s Educational Theatre, LifeSource Natural Foods and many more.

Family Building Block’s Young Leaders Strategy Council was inspired to create a fun and free family event that will also be an opportunity for educating parents and children about health and safety.

“We had a great time at the first Riverfront Family Fest. My daughter loved the fire truck, school bus, helicopter, face painting, organic food, music, balloons, toothpaste, and more. When asked, ‘What was your favorite thing today?’ She exclaimed, ‘EVERYTHING!,’ ”said Hannah Shilhanek.

FBB is a private, nonprofit organization that works to break the intergenerational cycle of child abuse and neglect by providing services for high-risk families that have children six weeks to five years old. It focuses on building successful and resilient children, strengthening parents and preserving families through comprehensive early childhood and family support services.

In 2010, 99% of the children who were involved in FBB’s core programs were able to live safely with their parents, thus avoiding abuse, neglect, and foster care. The need is great; Family Building Blocks consistently has over 150 children on its waiting list for Therapeutic Classroom services.

Family Building Blocks has two locations, Chelsea’s Place on Lancaster Drive NE and Gracie’s Place on Edgewater Street NW.

For more information, contact Julie Hilty, Family Building Blocks Community Outreach Coordinator, 503-566-2132 ext. 254 or jhilty@familybuildingblocks.org.

Photo: Community Development

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