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<br />Author of Bestseller about Teen Suicide to Speak at Library
<br />Attention teachers, counselors, parents, and teens: Jay Asher, author of the New York Times bestseller “13
<br />Reasons Why,” will speak at the Downtown Eugene Public Library on Saturday, October 24.
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<br />Asher’s gripping novel tells the before-and-after-story of Hannah Baker,
<br />a suicidal high school student, told largely in her own voice, recorded on
<br />tapes she left behind. Directly addressing those she holds responsible,
<br />Hannah details the circumstances she feels led to her death. “13
<br />Reasons Why” has become a word-of-mouth phenomenon among youth
<br />worldwide, as well as finding an appreciative audience among adults
<br />and critics.
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<br />At 1:00 p.m., Asher will give a talk in honor of Banned Books Week.
<br />Speaking to parents, teachers, counselors, and anyone who cares about
<br />teens (including interested teens), Asher will talk about why serious,
<br />honest books for youth are important – and controversial. Hear his
<br />thoughts on questions such as “what is ‘age-appropriate’?” and “what do teens really need from books?”
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<br />At 3:00 p.m., Asher will speak with teens about “13 Reasons Why” and being a writer. Teens are invited to stay
<br />after for conversation and pizza with the author in honor of Teen Read Week.
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<br />Books for purchase and signing will be available courtesy of the University of Oregon Bookstore/Duck Store. For
<br />more information, contact the Eugene Public Library at 682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
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<br />Presentations Help Fulfill Program’s Mission
<br />Among the activities offered by the City’s Adult and Senior Services Program each year are dozens of
<br />presentations that address the program’s wide-ranging mission: to promote and maintain health and well-being,
<br />enhance quality of life, strengthen support networks, and recognize and assist individuals in remaining active
<br />productive, and independent. The presentations are generally held during the day, an hour in length, and free.
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<br />Some of the presentation topics offered this fall include estate planning, rheumatoid arthritis, nutrition education,
<br />home appliance repair, how attitude can change your life, mental health and headaches, home energy audit,
<br />sustainable living, safe driving, Medicare, generic medicines, budgeting, avoiding financial fraud, cultural
<br />explorations, previews of trips and excursions, and antique appraisal.
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<br />For more information about the Adult and Senior Services Program, contact Yvaughn Tompkins at 682-6315.
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<br />Adaptive Recreation Program Celebrates 40 Years
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<br />The Adaptive Recreation Program (originally called Specialized Recreation) will celebrate its 40 anniversary and
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<br />the Hilyard Community Center will recognize its 20 year with a party on October 17.
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<br />The program and center have led the nation in the provision of
<br />recreation opportunities for individuals experiencing disabilities.
<br />Both were created before the implementation of the Americans with
<br />Disabilities Act in 1992, which set national standards for
<br />accommodating individuals with disabilities, and the program pre-
<br />dates the passage of Public Law 94-142, which guaranteed children
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<br />a free public education, regardless oftheir ability.
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<br />Today, the Adaptive Recreation Program is the primary provider of
<br />recreation services for people experiencing disabilities in the
<br />Eugene area, and is considered on the national forefront of
<br />programs providing those services.
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<br />The City’s inclusion program makes it possible for anyone, regardless of functional ability, to participate in
<br />recreation activities; the Arts for All program gives the joy of creating art to even those with significant disabilities,
<br />and adaptive outdoor recreation provides a wide variety of opportunities – from tree climbing to water skiing, and
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<br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
<br />October 15, 2009
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