April 1 — Strides for Social Justice

A panel of three community leaders will discuss the new program announced by PeaceHealth and Eugene Marathon: Strides for Social Justice—a free, family-friendly app offering self-guided tours highlighting the contributions, achievements and milestones of Eugene’s Black residents, as well as some of the injustices they have faced.

When the pandemic forced cancelation of last year’s marathon, PeaceHealth and the Eugene Marathon began brainstorming alternatives—and after the death of George Floyd and the protests in its wake, this idea began to take form. The aim of the program is to enlighten and educate, as well as encourage physical activity for people of all ages and abilities. PeaceHealth and the Eugene Marathon worked closely with a diverse 16-member steering committee, whose input was essential in building the program. Donations to the program will go to the NAACP and other organizations focused on social justice.

Stops along the four initial routes include the historic Mims House, the Ed Coleman Community Center murals and the site of the former Ferry Street Community, Eugene’s first Black community. The app is available for both iPhone and Android. Please visit peacehealth.org/strides-for-social-justice to learn more.

April 8 — New City Councilors

Two new members of the Springfield City Council have taken office recently. Damien Pitts was appointed on March 8, 2021 to fill the vacancy from Ward 1 and Kori Rodley  took office in January following her lection from Ward 3 in the November 2020 election.

Damien hails from Memphis, Tennessee. After high school, he joined the United States Army where he served as a Human Intelligence Collector/Korean linguist for ten years, serving in such places as California, Arizona, Korea, Hawaii, Afghanistan, and Iraq. After leaving the Army, Damien attended the University of Tennessee, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies, and a Masters in Sociology. He currently works as an Academic Adviser and Diversity Initiatives Specialist in the Lundquist College of Business. He also is the advisor of the UO Diverse Organization of Business Students, as well as Delta Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, and serves as a board member for the Oregon Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America.  

In his spare time, he likes to bake pound cakes, listen to slow music, and watch the Food Network  or telenovelas.  

 

 

Kori Rodley is a lifelong Oregonian who first moved to the area in the mid-eighties and attended both Lane Community College and the University of Oregon. She currently works as Director of Equity and Engagement for United Way of Lane County and has spent more than 25 years in nonprofit management and government/community service. She has been active in the Springfield community for some time, including serving on the Springfield Budget Committee and the Springfield Utility Board Budget Committee.

Rodley has served on the board of directors for several nonprofit organizations and served as the chair of the Equity and Access Advisory Board for Lane County, the Community Development Block Grants Committee, and as past president of the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce.

With her spouse, Teri, she has five adult children and they are the proud grandmas to 4 year-old Calvin and the newest addition, Penny (born in October 2020.) 

February 18 — Ward 1 Council Candidates

With the appointment of Sean VanGordon as Mayor of Springfield, the City Council seat elected from Ward 1 has become vacant. Eight individuals have applied to fill the vacancy. The individual appointed will serve until December 31, 2022.

The Council interviewed four the applicants at a work session on February 16. Interviews will continue at the February 22 work session. The Council anticipates that an appointment will be made at the March 1 meeting of the Council.

Members of the public may comment at  March 1 meetings of the Council, may give feedback by email, send comments by mail or by delivering them to the City Managers office.

Eight individuals applied for the position. They are Troy Allen, Grace Bergen, Tim Canter, Thomas, Lawrence, Kelly Mason, Damien Pitts, Ray Suit, and Michelle Webber. Springfield City Club has invited all eight applicants to a webinar scheduled for noon on February 18. City Club received statements from five of the candidates. They are each reproduced below. Four of the candidates were available for the forum on the 18th. You may view that forum on the City Club Facebook page.

[Grace Bergen
Tim Canter
Ray Suit
Damien Pitts

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