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Volunteer Start...

7/17/2014

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I imagine this may be the last summer that my youngest son is happy to hang-out with Mom ALL day.
I'm enjoying it while I can.

We've been bowling, riding bikes, playing tennis & enjoying lots of board games. We've also started volunteering at the Marion-Polk Food Share.


My husband and I have long been active volunteers in the community.
We want to 'do our part' - whether that's through trail maintenance, organizing projects, serving at school & church, or sitting on advisory boards. The Food Share Warehouse is the perfect place to start upper-elementary school aged youth in this same spirit.

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Working two hours a week this summer, my son and I have sorted canned-goods and packaged peas, cabbage, grapefruit, and onions. Doing the math, my son believes he's moved almost 3000 lbs of food.

Working at the warehouse has been a great 'moving around' activity that has required my boy to read labels, sort categories, measure boxes, calculate weights, and interact with other volunteers in a helpful manner.  Our time at the Food Share has also sparked some great discussions about volunteerism, hunger, jobs, gardening, and food choices. That's great summer learning - for boy and Mom.

If you're interested in signing up to help - it can be done completely online. Work every week, once a month, or on just one occasion in order to gain experience. The help is always welcome and the opportunity always available.
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Little Free Library...

1/26/2014

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This past fall, my youngest son and I discovered another
little free library in Salem.
Just east of the intersection of Belmont and Winter -
the joy of reading awaits you.


To the community librarian we say:
"Thank you  for sharing your love of books!
We borrowed a few, added a few, and will return again soon."



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Howdy neighbor...

6/4/2010

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     I love my neighborhood. Not only are the old houses full of charm, the people in them are charming as well.

      This is the neighborhood where I borrow a cup of sugar - and don't feel awkward. It's the neighborhood where kids run across yards & in and out of backyards - and I know all is well. My neighborhood is where the Moms panic together when we can't find one of the kids, and where we all stand on the sidewalk and cry when we find out it was all a misunderstanding and that sweetie was completely safe all along - and I feel warm knowing everyone would do the same if it had been my kiddo.

     Mr. Kid Chaser and I moved to the block not knowing anyone in the neighborhood and now wonder how we'd ever leave. At first, I was shy to get to know folks on the block, but after the birth of my son, I knocked boldly on each door to introduce myself. I organized a neighborhood map of phone numbers and emails - many folks didn't want to participate, but those that did were happy to have the opportunity to connect.

    My husband and I also started a yearly tradition of a rootbeer float party in our front yard at the start of summer. That party has now been moved to August for National Night Out. Folks bring their lawn chairs. Kids roll in the cool grass. It takes a village... and I'm grateful mine can rally around ice cream.

Do you know your neighbors? Your first introduction doesn't have to be grand. Look here for info. on Salem's National Night Out and plan a gathering of your own. Those awkward intros & swapped phone numbers can grow into true friendships: It's truly part of what makes a house a home.

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Late breaking news…

3/3/2010

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I just found out that the Marion County Department of Children and Families is looking for volunteers to help sort collected books for distribution through the Reading for All program. Work parties are scheduled for the evening of March 4th, the morning of March 6th and the afternoon of March 8th. This is a great service project that helps spread the loving of reading throughout the community.

If you can help contact:
Cathy Crocker
Community Liaison
Marion County Department of Children and Families
(503) 588-7975
ccrocker@co.marion.or.us


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