Local Spotlight – Eugene Sunday Streets

Photo Source Eugene-Or.gov

Get ready to hit the pavement! Eugene’s Sunday Streets are back for another day of fitness classes, biking, live music, vendors, food, yoga, dancing, and much more! The event will be taking place on September 25th in the South University neighborhood from Noon to 4PM. Best of all, these community driven events are all free!

Eugene’s Sunday Streets was launched back in 2011 as an initiative to promote healthy active living and car-less transportation. Through the years, it’s grown in popularity and is now expected to attract 4,000+ attendees this year!

Be mindful that Eugene’s Sunday Streets will be closing miles of traffic to accommodate the festivities, so be sure to plan accordingly when you’re getting around!

Photo Source Eugene-Or.govHave that route down? Great! Here are some pictures from previous years’ Sunday Streets to get you ready for the festivities.

Photo Source Eugene-Or.gov

Photo Source Eugene-Or.govSunday Streets

Of course, it can’t be stressed enough that Sunday Streets would not be possible without help of its talented volunteers. Interested in helping out? Register here to join the team!

Sunday Streets is a terrific opportunity to intermingle with your neighbors and the greater community while adopting a couple of healthy lifestyle choices. Let’s make this year’s Sunday Streets its biggest yet! See you on September 25th!

Photo Sources: Eugene-Or.gov

Even the Score with UO $CORE

UO$CORE

 

How much do you spend on electricity a month? What about water? Is it higher than you’d like to be spending? What if we told you that you could be helped with your bills and do your part to help the greater good in the process? That’s exactly the case with UO $CORE, a student run program to help students save money on their utility bills for environmentally-responsible practices.

$CORE stands for “Student and Community Outreach for Renter efficiency” and was started in 2012 by James Walton, a senior business major who secured a grant from Eugene Water and Electric Board to create the program. Through $CORE, student staff perform free audits and install upgrades in older, off-campus student rental housing while also helping student tenants by providing information, materials, and skills to help lower their carbon footprint and utility bills.

If you’re interested in hearing more about how $CORE can help you save money then you should register for a free energy assessment!

Energy Assessment

What does this assessment include? Simply put, two Energy Evaluators will come to your house and assess your energy needs. Over the course of an hour they will install low use devices such as CFL lightbulbs and weather stripping, while also give you some information on how to lower your energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Not only will your bills be lower and your house better for the environment, you’ll even get a free pizza from TrackTown Pizza if more than half the household is present!

CFLBulbs
Say hello to your new best friend.

Tips for Reducing Energy Use

$CORE’s Facebook page is constantly updated with handy tips to reduce your utility bills and carbon footprint. We’ve selected a few here to share.

  • Wrap your water tank with jacket insulation to save up to 10% on water heating costs.
  • Install low-flow showerheads.
  • When cooking on a stovetop, match the pan size to the heating surface to prevent heat loss to the surrounding air.
  • Put your computer and monitor to sleep mode (or off) when you’re not using them.
  • Replace your bulbs with Energy Star® efficient light bulbs.
  • Keep your freezer full to minimize energy used. For maximum savings fill the freezer with gallons of water.

A quick session with UO $CORE and you’ll have lower bills, a diminished carbon footprint, and free pizza!!! That’s what we call a win-win!

photo credit: CFL bulbs via photopin (license)

Zipcar Around Eugene

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As much as we love biking (and we really, really love biking), there are certain times when you simply need a car. The problem is, if you’re not a car owner this can often amount to the awkward begging of friends for a ride.

Well, say goodbye to unnecessary groveling, because Zipcar is providing students with an affordable way to get around Eugene! Zipcar has partnered up with University of Oregon to provide affordable prices to the student population, allowing you to join for only $15.

Oh, and did we mention gas and insurance are included? Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

How does Zipcar work?

  1. Join Zipcar

Once you’ve successfully joined, you’ll receive your Zipcard, the key (both figurative and literal) to unlocking cars, vans, and trucks the country over.

  1. Reserve a Car

Reserving is incredibly simple and can be done either online or on your phone.

  1. Tap your Card

Approach your Zipcar and hold your zipcard to the windshield, thus unlocking the car!

  1. Drive

With that done, you now are free to drive around! When your time is up just return your car to the same reserved parking spot.

Where to Pickup your Zipcar

Zipcar has several accessible locations around campus! Below are the locations you can pick up/drop off your vehicle.

Zipcar LocationsIf you’re planning on moving out (or moving in) in the near future, Zipcar is an excellent option to help lessen your burden come moving day. After all, those boxes aren’t going to carry themselves across town!

A you can see, Zipcar is a simple, affordable, and convenient option to travel around Eugene and beyond. So the next time you’re looking to make a trip to Portland, consider trying a Zipcar!

It’s Party Time! Do You Know About the Social Host Ordinance?

Wild Party

 

4th of July is approaching and you’re no doubt already planning your own party and/or being invited to get-togethers with friends. Before you get too carried away with planning your BBQs and events, however, you should keep the Social Host Ordinance in mind.

Wait, the What?

The Social Host Ordinance (also known as The Ordinance on Unruly Gatherings) is a law that holds individuals responsible for organizing and hosting an unruly event. In other words, if your party gets out of hand, you’re criminally responsible for it.

What Constitutes a Disorderly Gathering?

That’s a fair question, after all one person’s disorderly gathering might be another person’s book club. Here are the telltale signs of a party that will land you in trouble:

  • Over-packed gatherings filling out onto the streets.
  • Under-age drinking.
  • Open alcohol container/consumption in public.
  • Noise pollution that affects neighbors.
  • Interfering with a police officer.
  • Drunk and disorderly conduct.

In other words, if it’s likely to result in a call to the police, it’s considered a disorderly gathering.

What about Fireworks?

Legal Fireworks are permitted to be used between June 23-July 6 and December 31-Jan 1. Your 4th of July party should be fine having them, but you won’t be allowed to use them the rest of the year.

What Can I Do to Avoid Getting in Trouble?

Below are some suggestions from the City of Eugene to keep your party safe and acceptable:

Keep a Guest List

Though it’s always tempting to adopt a “come one come all” attitude about your party, this typically ends with a party at max capacity pouring out onto the streets. By knowing ahead of time how many people you’re inviting you’ll limit the party’s capacity to escalate beyond reasonable levels.

Inform Your Neighbors

Let your neighbors know the date and time of your party beforehand. While you’re at it, give them your phone number and contact information should any concerns arise. This step will go along way to avoiding the police being called on your event (and also makes you a better neighbor).

21+ Only

Keep your party legal! If there’s going to be drinking make sure all guests are of the legal drinking age.

Monitor Noise Levels

Keep an eye (an ear?) on the noise levels of your party. Don’t blast your music to the point where people have to yell to one another and keep the hollering to a minimum.

Clean Up After Yourself

Your neighbors are less likely to have any issues with your (or involve the police) if your party is organized and clean.  Pick up after yourself when the event’s over.

Prevent Drunk Driving

Regardless of the Social Host Ordinance, this should be a rule for every party you host or are a part of. Do not allow your friends or you yourself drink and drive, or breaking the law will be the least of your concerns.

Be Polite to the Police

Look we get it, nobody wants the police showing up at their door, but it’s important to remember that they are doing their job. Be courteous and helpful should the authorities come with concerns about your party.

Call The Police if Needed

Call the police to your own party? When it’s getting out of hand or becoming dangerous, absolutely. If things reach the point where you yourself can’t control it, give the authorities a call.

That’s a good starting point on the Social Host Ordinance and should be enough to help you plan your upcoming summer parties. If you want to know more, you can read about the ordinance at Party Safe, Party Responsibly.  Have fun!

photo credit: Kids gone crazy via photopin (license)

Five Fabulous Local Parks to Visit this Spring

Hendricks Park
Hendricks Park in Eugene Oregon. Source: wunderground.com

Sure, it may be cold and wet outside now but the blissful days of spring and summer will be here before you know it!  Next time we have a warm sunny day in the weather forecast, we recommend getting outdoors!  These five local parks are an ideal spot to soak up some Vitamin D and enjoy some much needed downtime.

#1 Hendricks Park

With 80 acres of stunning gardens and incredible views, Hendricks Park is a must for any nature lover. It’s the oldest park in Eugene and it’s never quite as noticeable (or incredible) as when you’re walking beneath the branches of 200-year old fir trees.  If you want a real treat make sure to visit in the spring when the flowers are in bloom.

In short, this park is ideal for anyone with an interest in hiking, bird watching, picnicking, or simply looking to relax in nature.

#2 Alton Baker Park

When we say Alton Baker is Eugene’s largest developed park, we mean it. At a whopping 373 acres there’s no shortage of space and facilities to take advantage of. Walking your dog, fishing, BMX, exercise stations, and disc golf are just a few of the options available to you at Alton Baker Park.

#3 Skinner’s Butte Park

If someone were asked to describe Skinner’s Butte in two words, they’d be “Rock Climbing.” The Columns of Skinner’s Butte offer a 50′ high rock wall that climbers can scale.

But don’t be fooled in thinking that’s all Skinner’s Butte has to offer. It’s also a pretty fantastic spot for a picnic or to ride your bike. You can even go ahead and grow your own vegetables in the community garden!

#4 Owen Rose Garden

Though the smallest park on the list at 8.5 acres, the Owen Rose Garden is no less spectacular. Named after George E. Owen who donated the parcels of land, the park has grown from an initial 750 roses to over 400 varieties displayed across 4,500 roses.

Though you can enjoy the sights of the park at your leisure, there is also the possibility of volunteering to lend a hand. The Owen Rose Garden organizes year-round Thursday work sessions where you can help manage these beautiful parks and get on some hands on experience in pruning, planting, and general rose care.

#5 Amazon Park

Though it might be easier to list the things you can’t do at Amazon Park, we’ll try to cover just a few of the activities available in the 99-acre park. There’s tennis courts, soccer fields, a skate-park, baseball diamonds, ball fields, a community garden, picnic tables, recreation centers, bike paths, a dog park, and exercise stations.

Perhaps most important of all, however, is the fact it contains Eugene’s only outdoor pool in its recreation facilities. When Summer comes around you’ll want to keep Amazon Park in mind.

Generations of Oregon Ducks Fans

“…this is the utopia of being a Duck” – Larry von Klein in Mighty Oregon

von Klein Property Management Company

University of Oregon Ducks

When you step into Larry von Klein’s office, a.k.a. the “Duck Cave” there is no questioning his long time love for the University of Oregon Ducks. In fact, Larry and his wife Carmen have been season tickets for Oregon Ducks football and basketball for 35 years and are currently season ticket holders for Ducks baseball and track teams.

von Klein Property Management Company

 

von Klein Property Management Company

The von Klein love for the University of Oregon began when Larry moved to Eugene from Seattle during childhood. Larry graduated from the University of Oregon in the late 1960’s with a degree in business followed with a masters in journalism.

Larry and Carmen von Klein have been managing apartments since attending the University of Oregon. Larry saw a need for a “hands-on” professional management company to properly manage the apartments and commercial properties. Thus the partnership of von Klein Property Management began with Carmen von Klein managing the company. Since that time, they have been property managers, owners and developers.

The von Klein commitment to The University of Oregon community continues today. In addition to their active involvement with UO athletic and community activities, the von Klein family is active with the UO Alumni Association where Larry has served as a board member and president of the Lane County chapter.

Larry and Carmen have proudly passed on their love for the University of Oregon Ducks to their children and a new generation of grandchildren! The family company also includes son Larry Jr., a partner in the business and 2002 U of O grad, and daughter-in-law Lauren, also a U of O grad. Daughter Christine von Klein Clapp rounds out the family business background with her extensive escrow and mortgage experience.

Seven Reasons to Be a Volunteer

Volunteering Oregon
The experience you will have helping others is like none other.

For many college students, juggling busy class schedules, jobs, exams and social activities make it challenging to find time for yourself, let alone for helping others. But if you’re able to fit the time in, even if it’s alongside a part-time, paying campus job, it could be worth your while to pursue a volunteer position.  The experiences you will have are priceless.

Other than the fact that it’s simply a good thing to do, here are seven reasons for you to consider becoming a volunteer.

1. Volunteering Can Be Good for Your Health

Studies have indicated that college students who spend time giving back to others experience lower levels of stress & depression. Volunteering offers a sense of purpose, fulfillment and satisfaction that are vital to surviving the stressful college years. It’s also a great way to get out and be physically active, which we all know is good for you!

2. Could Result in Landing That Big Job

There are no guarantees in the workplace, but having volunteer experience on your post-graduation resume could make you more appealing to potential employers. When employers see that you have volunteered your time, it sends a positive message that you are able to manage your time and that you’re a team player.

3. Teaches Life Skills Beyond the Classroom

Volunteer work gives you an opportunity to develop valuable skills such as public speaking, decision making, writing, communication, personal leadership, etc that you may not have been able to do otherwise. Equally valuable, it allows students to gain a greater understanding of their interests and how to pursue career goals and dreams.

4. Helps You to Build Your Professional Network

Volunteer positions are a great way to meet people, especially if you land a volunteer position in your desired field, whether it’s medical, education, business, etc. The contacts you build through volunteering are very valuable and a great way to build your professional network.

5. Can Lead to Potential Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities

There are a great deal of scholarships and grants out there that list community service as a prerequisite, so if you dedicate some time each week to volunteer work, you could be giving your financial aid profile a boost as well.

6. You Will Grow as a Person

In additional to resume and professional network building, volunteerism can do wonders for your social life and help you grow as a person. Finding causes that matter to you is a sure fire way to surround yourself with like-minded people who share your interests. You will also have the added benefit of encountering people from different walks of life as well. Even if you do something completely different with your life, you’ll now be able to boast experience in a variety of different fields. You’ll be surprised how much you will mature and grow as a person once you see that an organization is relying on you.

7. It’s fun

Trust us! Volunteers get all kinds of fun perks, access to cool events, meet interesting people and do things they would not otherwise do!

What more can we say? Volunteering can help you meet new people, find new experiences, get healthy and have fun! Ready to get started?

Duck Corps hosts a variety of volunteer opportunities to make it as easy as possible to find ways to serve in the community! Register now to become part of the growing Duck Corps community. Click here to see their local Volunteer Opportunities Database.

Content Sources:
Benefits of Volunteerism in College


The Health Benefits of Volunteering – Corporation for National and Community Service

photo credit: Kels Photo Images via photopin cc

von Klein Property Management is a Family Affair

von Klein
Larry and Carmen von Klein

Larry & Carmen von Klein

There are three things you should know about von Klein Property Management:

#1 We are a family company led by Larry and Carmen von Klein.
#2 We are real estate professionals who take a great deal of pride in our properties.
#3 We are MAJOR (we mean big time) U of O fans! Go Ducks!!

Larry and Carmen von Klein have been managing apartments since attending the University of Oregon.  Larry saw a need for a “hands-on” professional management company to properly manage the apartments and commercial properties.

He envisioned proper quality management and guidance involving the same criteria he had established as a Commercial Real Estate Broker.  Thus the partnership of von Klein Property Management began with Carmen von Klein managing the company.   Since that time, they have been property managers, owners and developers.

The operation of this company involves long term and very loyal employees, knowledgeable contractors, quality resident managers, and loyal vendors all having the same “24-7” attitude of professional management with value enhancement as the goal.

This mid-size family company also includes son Larry Jr., a partner in the business, and daughter-in-law Lauren (both University of Oregon graduates). Daughter Christine von Klein Clapp rounds out the family business background with her extensive escrow and mortgage experience.

This company’s track record speaks for itself. With great clients, pride of ownership properties, and excellence business relationships, von Klein Property Management remains an outstanding business in the community with a stellar reputation.

In addition to their business ventures, Larry, Carmen and many employees engage in a multitude of University of Oregon activities and strong community involvement. While still maintaining an active role in the company, Larry continues his brokerage activities, von Klein and Associates, LLC, Investment Real Estate.

As a family company, we understand that relationships mean everything. We would love to meet you and invite you to come see us during our business hours: Monday – Friday 9am to 4pm and Saturday 11am – 2pm!

To learn more about Larry Von Klein and his history with the U of O Ducks, The Von Klein Team: Winning with Duck Power

Did you Know? 12 Interesting Facts about Eugene, Oregon

Eugene

If you are new to the Eugene, Oregon community, you will be happy to know that you are living in what we believe is one of the best places to be on earth!  We should know, the Von Klein family have been members of this community for decades.

University of Oregon DucksOur area is known as one of America’s most livable communities with easy access to arts and culture, numerous parks and gardens, culinary offerings and miles of running and bike trails.

So for all of you new to town, we want to welcome you by sharing some interesting facts you may not know about our “Emerald City”.

Did you know….

1. Eugene recently ranked in the Top 10 on the Livability.com 100 Best Places to Live list,ranked on the Best Places for Business and Careers -Forbes and we ranked 10th on the 2013 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Reportâ„¢ just to name a few…

2. The University of Oregon, founded in 1876, is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast…

3. Eugene is the only U.S. city to host three consecutive U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field (1972, 1976, 1980). It’s also home of the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field. In fact, Historic Hayward Field is one of the most famous track and field-only facilities in the world…..

4. Donald Duck, the mascot for the University of Oregon, is the ONLY sports mascot by Disney….

5. The “Civil War”, the U of O’s annual match up against Oregon State, is the seventh oldest rivalry in college football…

6. Eugene is home to some of our regions best breweries, while downtown Eugene hubs are infused with bottleshops, taphouses and growler fill stations. Well-known breweries include Ninkasi, Rogue and McMenamins…..

7. Eugene is named after its founder, Eugene Franklin Skinner. Until 1889, it was named Eugene City…..

8. Eugene’s slogan is “A Great City for the Arts and Outdoors”. It is also referred to as the “Emerald City”, and as “Track Town, USA”….

9. Springfield, Oregon is the real life inspiration for the Simpson’s hometown….

10. Eugene is the birthplace of Nike….

11. Oregon’s largest sports arena/stadium is the University of Oregon’s Autzen Stadium……

12. Eugene is consistently ranked as one of America’s “Most Bicycle Friendly Cities”….

Performing arts centers, galleries, music and cultural festivals, museums, as well as the dynamics of the University of Oregon’s intellectual and athletic inspiration keep the area thriving with vitality.  So, get out there and enjoy all that our community has to offer!

Story Source: www.eugenecascadescoast.org

photo credit: Erik R. Bishoff via photopin cc

photo credit: Don Hankins via photopin cc

Spotlight on Eugene: a.k.a. Track Town USA

 

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It is well known that Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, but if you look closer, the city is also known for its natural beauty, eclectic shops, restaurants, music, festivals, arts, and outdoor recreational opportunities like bicycling, kayaking, and running.

Eugene is often referred to as the “Emerald City” mostly due to our lush green landscape of the Willamette Valley. But perhaps we are best known as “Track Town, USA“, a nickname we take great pride in.

Why are we known as “Track Town, USA”? It could be the miles and miles of running trails or the numerous venues and events focused on track and field and the local running community.

Eugene is the host city for World-Class Track & Field events such as 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, and the 2009 and 2011 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials
U.S. Olympic Team Trials

In the summer of 2014, Eugene will be the host city for the IAAF World Junior Championships. Eugene 2014 marks the first time the IAAF World Junior Championships has been held in the United States and the first IAAF event held on U.S. soil since 1992!

Historic Hayward Field is one of the most famous track and field-only facilities in the world. Built in 1919 on the University of Oregon campus, this historic venue has hosted nine NCAA Championships, six national championships, three Olympic Trials, 30 Prefontaine Classics and numerous other prestigious track and field events.

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It was here where Steve Prefontaine captured national attention and University of Oregon Track Coach Bill Bowerman formed a partnership with Phil Knight that launched Nike, the largest sports and fitness company in the world.

Eugene is also home to Oregon Track Club Elite athletes, considered among the nation’s best, all of whom live and train in the Eugene area.

The annual Eugene Marathon Draws more than 5,000 runners from around the nation and beyond, and was recently named one of the “Top 10 Best New Marathons in the U.S.” by Runner’s World magazine.

It’s no wonder we are known as Track Town USA!

Track Town USA photo credit: andrechinn via photopin cc

Archived U of O track photo credit: gbaku via photopin cc

U.S. Olympic Team Trials photo credit: U.S. Army IMCOM via photopin cc