HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/10 - City Council Newsletter
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
December 2, 2010
City of Eugene
777 Pearl Street, Room 105
Eugene, Oregon 97401-2793
(541) 682-5010
(541) 682-5414 (FAX)
www.eugene-or.gov
IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION
DON’T LET A FIRE DAMPEN THE HOLIDAY SEASON
HOLIDAY BAZAAR RAISES $7,000 FOR ADULT PROGRAM
ELSA AND MARJORIE GOODYEAR BEQUEST $1 MILLION TO EUGENE PUBLIC LIBRARY
AROUND THE CITY
Don’t Let a Fire Dampen the Holiday Season
The holiday season should be a time of joy, warmth, family and traditions. It is also, sadly, a time of increased fire
hazards resulting in unexpected grief and tragedy for some families. House fires caused by decorations and candles
increase significantly during the holidays and account for an estimated 415 deaths and 1,650 injuries annually.
Holiday decorating can be done safely by following some easy tips to reduce the risk of a fire.
When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is
green, needles are hard to pull from the branches and do not easily fall
when the tree is tapped on the ground.
If using an artificial tree, look for the “Fire Resistant” label. This does
not mean the tree will not catch fire, but it does indicate the tree will
resist burning and extinguish quickly.
Keep trees away from ignition sources, such as fireplaces and heaters.
Only use lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing
laboratory.
Check each set of lights, new or old, for damaged wires or loose
connections.
Do not overload electrical circuits. Follow manufacturer
recommendations for stringing lights together.
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant decorations.
Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
Always use non-flammable holders, place candles where they will not
be knocked over, and remember, when going out – blow out.
For more information, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 541-682-5411.
Holiday Bazaar Raises $7,000 for Adult Program
More than 600 people attended the annual Holiday Bazaar at Campbell Community Center
on Saturday, Nov. 6. The event netted $7,002 from the sale of handcrafted and donated
items, crafts, quilts, wooden items, raffles, pies and baked goods, merchant gift cards,
preserves and Campbell’s famous sweet hot mustard. The event also included the sale of
breakfast snacks and lunch.
One of the big hits this year was the “Hawaiian Elvis” performance by David Lomond,
complete with a white jump suit. Proceeds benefit the Adult Services Program. Staff will
continue to sell items in Campbell Center’s lobby until the holiday season is over. Come
check it out.
For more information, contact Yvaughn Tompkins at 541-682-5318.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 1
December 2, 2010
Elsa and Marjorie Goodyear Bequest $1 Million to Eugene Public Library
Eugene sisters Elsa and Marjorie Goodyear have left a gift of $1 million to the Eugene Public Library.
The pair lived frugally – and invested wisely. After Elsa died at age 101 on Nov.12, 2010, four community agencies
were informed by local attorney Michael P. Kearney of major gifts left by the sisters (shown here as children in the
1920s).
In addition to the gift to the Library, Goodwill Industries will receive $350,000;
the Eugene Mission will receive $175,000; and Greenhill Humane Society will
receive $175,000. The news was highlighted with a front-page article in the
Register-Guard, and inspired an editorial on philanthropy as well.
The gift to the Eugene Public Library will help ensure the Library’s continued
quality and service far into the future, as part of the permanent endowment
managed by the Eugene Public Library Foundation through the Oregon
Community Foundation.
“We are all very moved by the Goodyear sisters’ dedication and generosity,”
said Library Director Connie Bennett. “Thousands of community members use
the Library every day – of all ages and interests, from all walks of life. It’s a
place of learning and discovery; a place to find practical information; a place to
connect with others; and a place to find entertainment, too. This extraordinary gift is such wonderful news for all
Eugeneans.”
Mr. Kearny, the sisters’ attorney for more than 20 years, as well as their friend, describes them as having “lived
modestly and happily. They didn’t feel they needed a lot for themselves. Some years ago, they became interested in
the stock market. Clearly, they made some great decisions. Their success as investors financed their own care into
old age and still left this impressive sum to support community services they believed in.”
Born in England, the Goodyear sisters were raised in Michigan. Artists by inclination, they made a living in retail as
seamstresses, milliners, and saleswomen at Detroit’s famed J.L. Hudson Company department store. They retired to
Eugene in 1972, where they lived with their brother, Norman, in a small house in Eugene’s Ferry Street Bridge
neighborhood. The sisters were well known to neighbors for their method of transportation: matching tricycles. Elsa
was preceded in death by her brother in 1989, and her sister in 2005.
For more information, please contact Eugene Public Library Customer Experience Manager LaVena Nohrenberg at
541-682-8314.
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
December 2, 2010