|
The new events series downtown were also very popular. They included music at the Farmers’ Markets in the Park
<br />Blocks on Tuesdays, youth performers at selected Concerts in the Parks and free bike valet parking for the concert
<br />at Maurie Jacobs Park.
<br />
<br />More than 9,000 adults and children enjoyed the Summer Concerts in the Parks series, Washburne Park concert
<br />series and Summer in the City events. Numerous partners and sponsors helped make these events happen.
<br />Thanks to Coca-Cola Bottling Company Northwest, Pacific Winds Music, Saturday Market,The Lesson Factory,
<br />Downtown Eugene Inc./Chamber of Commerce, Travel Lane County, Cindy Ingram Booking & Promotions, Ninkasi
<br />Brewery, KOOL 99.1 and KDUK radio stations, and Eugene Celebration Presents.
<br />
<br />Stay tuned – City staff is already working on summer events to enrich life in 2010. For information, contact
<br />Community Events Manager Billie Moser at 682-6347.
<br />
<br />Journey of Italians in America: Illustrated Talk at the Library
<br />On Saturday, November 14, at 2:00 p.m., Vincenza Scarpaci, Ph.D., will give a richly illustrated talk based on her
<br />book, “The Journey of the Italians in America,” at the Eugene Downtown Public Library. Admission is free.
<br />
<br />The book showcases more than 400 photographs illuminating the history and legacy of
<br />the Italian-American experience, from hardships to achievements. Italians have
<br />influenced American life since the beginning of the Republic. For example, Thomas
<br />Jefferson adapted classic Italian architecture for the design of his home and the
<br />University of Virginia.
<br />
<br />In the many years since, millions of Italians have immigrated to the United States
<br />bringing a distinct set of beliefs, traditions, and customs that have been passed down
<br />through the generations. The influence of this ethnic group is felt in nearly every facet of
<br />American life, from arts to agriculture, religion to industry, cuisine to sports, and
<br />architecture to politics. Scarpaci’s lively talk traces the evolution of the Italian immigrants
<br />of the late 1800s up to today's business people, scholars, celebrities, and even a
<br />Supreme Court justice.
<br />
<br />Copies of the book for purchase and signing will be provided courtesy of the University of Oregon Bookstore/Duck
<br />Store. For more information, contact the Eugene Public Library at 682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
<br />
<br />Halloween Events a Screaming Success
<br />More than 700 people attended the Recreation Division’s free Booo Barn,
<br />presented by the Youth and Family Services Program on October 30, at
<br />Petersen Barn Community Center. Attendance at the event, which is for
<br />families with young children, was more than double that in previous years.
<br />
<br />Some 200 middle school students attended the Spooky Splash Dance
<br />presented by Recreation’s Aquatics Program at Echo Hollow Pool, also on
<br />October 30. This supervised, two-hour event included dancing with a live
<br />DJ, a costume contest, and open swim time in the pool. More of the
<br />popular splash dances will be held after the first of the year on January 22,
<br />March 12 and May 14. For more information, contact Kathy Madison at
<br />682-6342.
<br />
<br />Parking Pilots Explore Options for Downtown Meters
<br />Parking Services has been testing new options for downtown parking. Providing
<br />convenient parking for downtown visitors while also encouraging alternative modes of
<br />transportation has been identified as a downtown strategy to help foster a vibrant
<br />downtown. Results from this summer’s free downtown parking pilot indicate more
<br />people parked in the West Broadway pilot area during the trial. Free two-hour parking
<br />was available on West Broadway, between Willamette and Lincoln Streets, from July
<br />29 to September 27, 2009, and average daily use was 7% higher overall.
<br />
<br />Providing easier payment options may be another way to draw more people
<br />downtown. New meters that accept credit cards as well as coins have been installed
<br />
<br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
<br />November 5, 2009
<br />
|