Area News

River Road Community Organization

WINTER TERM 2010

What's New?

Meeting Day Changed to the SECOND Monday of every month.
Because of conflict with some holidays and other civic meetings, we have decided to change the meeting day to the second Monday of each month. We will continue to meet from 7-9 PM at the River Road Annex, 1055 River Road. If you need a ride to the meeting, or childcare, please contact Jolene Siemsen (co-chair) jolenesiemsen@gmail.com.

RRCO Charter Revisions:

See our website for the updated charter. Most changes were minor, and were done to improve the consistency of the language in the document. There is new information about communication and publications, and voting at general membership meetings.

Visit our website: riverroadco.org for more information

Air Quality

'Tis the season... for staying warm, and thinking about Air Quality
As we all snuggle in for the cold weather, it is a good time to reflect on what we can do to improve the health and well-being of our families and our neighborhood. Smoke's in the air, sometimes at unhealthful levels

In the winter, levels of fine particulate matter (soot and smoke) in our air rise sharply every afternoon and evening, as residents burn wood to warm their homes. Stagnant conditions are also common in our area in the winter, allowing pollutants to build up to unhealthy concentrations.

Most of us enjoy sitting by a crackling fire, and many would even say they like the smell of wood smoke in the air. However, it is good to remember that wood smoke is just as harmful as cigarette smoke to our lungs and bodies. It can be especially harmful for those who have allergies or asthma, or heart or lung disease, and for older adults, pregnant women and young children.

Like second-hand cigarette smoke, wood smoke pollutes the air our neighbors breathe, too. They can't avoid exposure even by staying indoors—the small particles can penetrate even weather-tight windows and doors.

Before you light your fire, think about the impact to your neighbors. Fires that generate visible smoke are unhealthful and sometimes illegal. For more information about burning regulations, daily burning advisories, alternatives to burning, and how to burn cleaner, visit the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA)'s web site at www.1rapa.org . LRAPA can also provide information to neighbors who burn. Call LRAPA: (541) 736-1056.

Building Your Neighborhood Organization

Volunteers are needed to keep the River Road Community Organization (RRCO) thriving.
We are looking for neighbors who are:
1. Interested in building a lively, healthy community;
2. Not motivated by guilt or obligation;
3. Enthusiastic about the job;
4. Able to do a task without going too far out of their
comfort zone; and
5. Willing to donate some time.

Can you commit for a few hours a month to help your neighborhood?
• Meeting set up
• Hospitality
• Website back up
• RRCO Board members (election in March)
• River Road Rocks! Team to coordinate neighborhood celebration
• Land use and public policy document reviewers to prepare comments for neighborhood about policies affecting our lives
• Assistants and graphic artists to help with E-news, newsletters/postcards, & flyers
• Volunteers to liaison with our business community, schools, neighborhood groups, churches, seniors, youth, Latinos, Neighborhood Watch emergency responders (CERTS), Master Gardeners and others

Contact Carleen Reilly at 689-8561 or carleenr@gmail.com

River Road Park Children's Scholarship Fund

In these tough economic times the Park District is doing everything it can to ensure that the children in our community can continue to enjoy recreational activities. If you as an individual, would like to make a one time contribution to our youth Scholarship fund you can help us make sure that absolutely no one gets excluded. Call the Park District at 688-4052 and ask for Dale Weigandt for more information.

River Road/Santa Clara Volunteer Library

The library is home to over 12,000 books for patrons of all ages; including books-on-tape. For children the library offers winter and summer reading programs. It's quick and easy to become a member. An annual membership is available at no cost although a $15 donation is suggested. One membership provides library access for the entire family. Located at 105 Oakleigh Lane-behind Goodwill on River Road. Phone: (541) 607-1882.

Hours
Monday . . . 2-5:30p
Tuesday . . . 11a-5p
Wednesday . . . 11a-2p & 5:30-8p
Thursday . . . 10a-2p
Saturday . . . 10a-2p