MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MIDST OF COVID:

Life Shattering Consequences of a Pandemic

This is a hard read, but worth the time to read it. I watched a Rick Dancer interview a few weeks back, the topic was mental health during Covid. I listened to a mother speak about her son that struggled with mental illness, addiction, and ultimately received help... and then Covid happened. Unable to receive further help, he took his own life. I ask you to read her story and remember Andrew. We have much to do in helping those who struggle, as well as acknowledging those most hurt during the Covid shutdowns. The greater community will be working through mental health, education, and our economy for years to come. As a mom to teenagers, this is hard for me, but I honor and recognize this mom's strength. She wants her son to be remembered. From Michelle, the mother: "He was a bright and hopeful young man with a future. He died without a voice. My son's life matters and deserves a voice."

Watch my video honoring Michelle and her son, Andrew, from the House Floor

Her words:

My son Andrew even with his trials and tribulations in life at a young age he overcame many challenges. At 17 years old, he found himself in trouble with the law, involved in drugs, and living on the streets. It was by the grace of God that before his 18th birthday that he was involved with the OYA. He was able to graduate on time, even though he was 2 years behind. Andrew kept pressing on, considering his issues with addiction at a young age.

Andrew was involved in the LifeChange program at the Eugene Mission in Dec. 2018. He graduated from the LifeChange program with a good job, and 18 mos. clean and sober in Feb. 2020. He was excited about his future and had hope. He even had his own apartment. He was actively involved in the community from his Celebrate Recovery Groups to church and fellowship with others. He attributed his recovery to the Lifechange Program, Celebrate Recovery, church, and support from family and friends. Most importantly his faith and hope for his future.

Unfortunately, 2020 was a hard year and took its toll on many, my son Andrew included. I watched my son a young man full of hope and future became anxious and worried. He no longer could be involved in Celebrate Recovery meetings, church or socialize. He started to become super anxious and withdrawn. By Dec. 2020, my son had lost his job, and soon to be evicted. He was overly stressed, anxious, and not sleeping. He was seeking help from local mental health clinics and due to the lockdowns, help wasn't easy to find. He was put on numerous waiting lists. I watched a dedicated, hardworking young man, turn into an anxious and afraid young man with fear of his future. He didn't know what was going to happen and couldn't get the help he was so desperately in need of.

My son, on Jan. 12, 2021, took his own life. He was a bright and hopeful young man with a future. He died without a voice. My son's life matters and deserves a voice. What has happened in 2020 to my family is happening all over Oregon and the world. We need to think of the implications of shutting down society and the mental health aspect it can and would have on our youth. I miss my son every day and wish help would have been more accessible for him.

A letter just came for Andrew, 04.27.2021, from Lane County Behavioral health letting him know they were available to see him, unfortunately, that came too late.

OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS:

Governor, Reopen Oregon

Oregon is now the most restrictive state on the West Coast. House Republicans are renewing the call for Governor Kate Brown to reopen with California.

Click here to read full letter

HB 2680: No to Taypayer Funded Campaigns

House Democrats want to fund political ambitions with taxpayer dollars. House Republicans are working to stop this bad idea in its tracks.

Follow HB 2680 here

HB 2699: The Life They Deserve

I agree with Rep. Drazan when she says, “We are talking about protecting the life of a baby who has already been born. As a mother, I believe that if you are born, you have a right to live.”

HB 2247:

Passes Out of Senate Committee Unanimously

My bill HB 2247 - allowing the County Commission to adopt an ordinance to waive interest on delinquent property taxes if it can be shown that delinquent property taxes are substantially due to the impacts of the pandemic or 2020 wildfires - is making it's way through the Senate. It passed unanimously out of Senate Committee of Finance and Revenue June 14.

The third and final reading will happen on the Senate Floor June 21. 

Read more about HB 2247 here.

Click here to watch the third reading on the Senate Floor live June 21.

LCF: Deadline Extended to June 23rd

FROM THE LANDLORD COMPENSATION FUND PROGRAM:

The last round of the of the LCF Program is now open! In order to allow landlords more time to submit their final application for these resources, we are extending the final deadline for accepting applications through next Wednesday June 23rd at 11:59 pm.

Round Three offers $60 million in assistance available to cover rent nonpayment for tenants with a signed Declaration of Financial Hardship. This third application round includes some important updates:

• Applications submitted can cover rent period from April 2020 – June 2021!
• Rent rolls no longer need to include data for all tenants; instead the rent roll can be limited to just those households with past-due rents!
• We are expanding coverage in the LCF program to include former tenants with past-due rent and signed Declarations of Financial Hardship as well as to cover pet-rent for eligible households.

For those Landlords with former tenants with past-due rent owed, if you have signed Declarations of Financial Hardship and the tenant’s current, or last-known, address along with email you will be able to include them in your application.

More information

Rent Assistance

REAL OREGON:

Apply for Class 5 - Deadline July 26

Applications are now being accepted for Class 5 of #REALoregon! This is a 5 month annual leadership & professional development program for Oregon’s natural resource leaders.

Visit http://realoregon.net to learn more and apply.

OREGON WATER SAFETY:

Facts About Chlorine Shortage

FROM CITY OF ALBANY:

A chlorine shortage is affecting the West Coast. Chlorine is used in water treatment. Albany still has a good supply of water and your tap water remains safe to drink. You can help this temporary situation by voluntarily conserving water.

Water conservation tips

More information from City of Albany

More information from Oregon Office of Emergency Management

Press Release from OEM

SERVING OUR ALBANY COMMUNITY:

Free Bike Helmets

FROM ALBANY COMMUNITY AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS:

Sunny days make for excellent biking.

Does your child need a helmet? We can help. Our AFFCAF program provides free helmets for those in need.

Call us 541-917-7734

Click here for more information

Community Agencies and Organizations to contact:

Albany FireFighters Community Assistance Fund

City Government of Albany, Oregon

Albany Oregon Police Department

Mid-Willamette Family YMCA

Boys & Girls Club of Albany

ALBANY POLICE DEPT:

Purse and Wallet Theft is UP!

FROM ALBANY POLICE DEPT:

Ever feel like someone is watching you? They just might be.

We have had a surge in purse and wallet thefts at a large variety of local stores in Albany. Someone is stealing wallets out of handbags in grocery carts and they move fast. They are immediately using the credit cards all over town. Please take the extra step to secure your handbag by strapping it in with the child safety strap and do not walk away from your cart. If you are a victim of this crime, promptly call your bank and credit card companies to stop them. Then call us to report it.  We really (we mean REALLY) want to catch this shameful thief. See something, say something.

Albany Police Dept. Non-emergency Line: (541) 917-7680

BURN SEASON IS OVER

FROM ALBANY FIRE DEPT:

Backyard burn season has ended. Yard debris burning of any kind is CLOSED until October. This includes burning in piles, barrels or pits. Recreational fire pit burning is still permitted.  

Thank you for keeping Albany fire safe!!!

DON'T FORGET TO STAMP OUT

WHEN YOU CAMP OUT

FROM OFFICE OF OREGON STATE FIRE MARSHAL:

Help make an impact in preventing wildfire this summer. Please make sure to follow campfire restrictions and if allowed, make sure it is out, cold to the touch, before leaving.

COMMUNITY POOL OPENS JUNE 19!

FROM ALBANY PARKS AND REC:

COOL! Pool opens Saturday, June 19.

We are so excited to see you back! For prices and schedule see the website below. Please call 541-967-4521 if you have questions.

Some things to know before you go:

• You can pre-register online at the website below.
• Locker rooms are currently closed due to OHA guidelines, come dressed ready to get in the water.
• Rec/open swims are in 1.5 hours timeslots. For OHA compliance we must clear the pool and sanitize every 1.5 hours. For the schedule please see the website below.
• When you arrive at the pool, we have two lines. One for pre-registered parties and the one for first come, first serve. Please use the correct line.
• Mask are required inside the pool building, but you can take them off once outside on the pool deck.

Now enough about rules! Let's have some fun! See you at COOL!

More information

Swim Lessons are back! Registration opened June 15 at 5:30pm. Lessons run from June 21-July 2. Classes are held Monday- Friday between 10-11:50am at  Albany Community Pool.

$55 for ten, 30 minute lessons. Classes are available for ages 3 and up. Children age 3-5 must have parent in the water with them.

Specific questions about lessons? Call the pool office at 541-967-4521.

You can register online or by calling 541-967-4521.

OUR COMMUNITY ROCKS!

FROM ALBANY POLICE DEPT:

Update on Retired Captain Alan Lynn!

As many of you know 5 days into retirement this April our own Captain Lynn went to Urgent Care not feeling well and was transported to OHSU with a devastating diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. While our hearts were broken, Alan just kept persevering with a positive attitude and has continued the courageous fight without missing a beat.

Alan's retirement plan was completing some much-needed home maintenance including painting his home. McClinton Painting really stepped up and made an amazing offer to take care of the home repairs and painting. We can't thank them enough for helping. Reason #9,840 why this is a great community to live, play and work in! Albany sure knows the meaning of community.

We hosted a successful Be the Match drive and registered an abundance of new donors! Turns out, Alan's sister, Diane was a perfect match and today Alan begins intensive chemotherapy to completely wipe out his bone marrow. The transplant is a 3-day process and will begin June 23rd. He has a long road to recovery, but we are so optimistic, and the future is looking bright! Thanks again to McClinton Painting for your generous act of kindness and to everyone sending good vibes and thoughts to Alan. It is appreciated more than you know.

Prayers to Captain Lynn for success with his treatment and care!

AFD STATION 11 - NEW LITTLE LIBRARY

FROM ALBANY FIRE DEPT:

Station 11 has its own Little Library. The mailbox is from the original Station 11 and was transformed by our very own Lt. Joe Brier.

Start your kid’s Albany Public Library summer reading program today. And, to celebrate the end of school maybe a stop at Hasty Freeze.

LINN COUNTY FAIR: Less Than a Month Away!

FROM LINN COUNTY FAIR:

ALBANY — Giant elephant ears, fluffy colorful clouds of cotton candy, live music nightly, carnival rides from mild to wild and of course, cattle, pigs and chickens galore will fill the Linn County Fair & Expo Center July 15-17 as the Linn County Fair returns live, according to Fair Board President Kris Latimer.

“It will be three days instead of four — and things could change at any time, depending on the restrictions that may remain in place by the Governor — but we are working toward getting back to normal,” Latimer said.

Latimer said there may be some restrictions on how many people can be on the fair site at a given time and vendor booths will be spread out to meet social distancing guidelines.

Latimer said nightly entertainment will include Blue Oyster Cult on Thursday and Tyler Farr on Saturday. Friday night’s act is in the process of being booked.

More information

As always, my office is here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any community event announcements, legislative questions, or concerns.

Stay tuned and stay involved!

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1415
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-389, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.ShellyBoshartDavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boshartdavis