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or harassment. He is also a co-trainer for a workshop called ‘Unlearning Racism and Understanding White
<br />Privilege.’
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<br />“For the majority of my life I was a stereotypical liberal, white male who had very little awareness of my privilege,
<br />let alone of my racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, and able-ism. I have been blessed with people in my life
<br />who have challenged me on my stuff and who have cared enough about me to stay with me as I begin to work
<br />through that,” Van Steenbergen commented. “One approach I take is to be willing to really listen to voices in the
<br />community that do not represent my voice. We each have a choice to shut out the voices of others, or to pay
<br />attention to them. By listening to others in this way I have grown, and I will continue to grow.”
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<br />To speak with Neil Van Steenbergen, call 541-684-6794. For more information about the Human Rights
<br />Commission, call 541-682-5619.
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<br />Fire Merger: Public Input Mechanism Available
<br />As Eugene’s Fire & EMS Department begins to consolidate some of its administrative and support functions with
<br />those of Springfield Fire & Life Safety, the opinions of individual residents is being sought to help provide valuable
<br />feedback. On the department’s Internet home page, www.eugene-or.gov/fire, an announcement has been posted
<br />inviting feedback by e-mail or phone. The department is also interested in providing answers to any questions
<br />individuals may have about the merger. In addition to soliciting public comment, the announcement includes web
<br />links to information on departments that have undergone mergers, including Livermore-Pleasanton, California at
<br />www.ci.livermore.ca.us/LPFD/index.html and www.ci.livermore.ca.us/LPFD/pdfs/2008Annual%20Report.pdf,
<br />Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue at www.tvfr.com and Clackamas County Fire District #1 at www.clackamasfire.com.
<br />For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Glen Potter at 541-682-7118.
<br />
<br />Famed Poet W.S. Merwin at Eugene Public Library
<br />The Eugene Public Library will host a reading and talk by W.S. Merwin, one of the most acclaimed and widely read
<br />poets in the United States, on Sunday, February 7, at 2 p.m. at the Downtown Library. The winner of two Pulitzer
<br />Prizes and a National Book Award, in addition to many other honors, Merwin is also an
<br />outspoken environmentalist and pacifist. Admission is free.
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<br />In a career spanning five decades, Merwin has published more than 20 booksof poetry, a
<br />similar number of translations, as well as plays, essays, and other prose. He lives, writes,
<br />and gardens on the island of Maui, where he moved in the 1970s to study Zen Buddhism.
<br />
<br />This event is co-sponsored by the Eugene Public Library, Oregon Humanities Center's
<br />Endowment for Public Outreach in the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities, Lane Literary
<br />Guild, and the University of Oregon’s Bookstore/Duck Store. For more information,
<br />contact the Eugene Public Library at 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library.
<br />
<br />Adult Program Offers a Variety of Free Advice
<br />Throughout the year, the Recreation Division’s Adult Services Program offers dozens of free presentations on a
<br />wide variety of topics of interest to older adults. Coming up is a presentation on independent living, a series on
<br />men’s health, and a class on researching your family tree.
<br />
<br />The presentation on independent living will be held on February 3, 11 a.m.- noon, and will provide information on
<br />safe, effective and affordable ways to help seniors remain independent for as long as possible.
<br />
<br />Beginning next month, Health and Fitness Director Steve Auferoth, will present a
<br />series of free talks on men’s health. The talk on February 5 will be an overview
<br />of men’s health. On February 12, the topic is “The Aging Athlete.” On February
<br />15, the presentation is on being “‘D’efficient.” On March 1, the topic is “The
<br />Importance of Omega 3, Vitamin E & Other Fat Facts.” All presentations are
<br />from 10 - 11 a.m.
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<br />On February 8, 6 - 7 p.m., the program presents a free class on how to obtain
<br />vital records, retrieve information from the U.S. Census, and other local
<br />resources available to research genealogy.
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<br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
<br />January 28, 2010
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