March 11, 2010

Let Us Know. We've just activated a new feature on our website, called, "Let Us Know." If you spot things the City needs to be aware of like; clogged storm drains, flickering street lights, graffiti, or damaged playground equipment just go to the link on our website (www.ashland.or.us) or click here to let us know!

Food Bank 2009 Report. A few days ago we received a copy of the Ashland Emergency Food Bank (AEFB) 2009 President's Report. It had some interesting facts I think you should know about. From January 2007 to January 2009, the number of individuals served increased by 145% and from January 2009 to December 2009 that number increased another 46%. By December of 2009, the AEFB has provided a 5-7 day supply of food to a record high 1,479 children and adults.

Many thanks to the people and organizations who donated this year, including, but not certainly not limited to, numerous local churches, The Olde Bagley Orchard in Talent, the Ashland Rotary Club (who created gardens to provide fresh vegetables), the Ashland Food Project, the Ashland Community Food Store (Co-Op), the Ashland Daily Tidings, Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, City of Ashland Employees, and the Chaney Family Foundations. In 2009, the AEFB received a total of 188,565 pounds of food. There were over 395 individual volunteers who provided 6,906 hours of community service to the AEFB.

Personally, I think these are amazing statistics. I see both that this recession is an especially challenging time for many people and that, in quite an amazing way, Ashland (and the Rogue Valley) is a very generous community. If you want to volunteer or donate either cash or food to the Ashland Emergency Food Bank, call them at 541-488-9544 or stop by the food bank itself at 2200 Ashland Street.