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In this issue:
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Marion County has a long history as a state and national leader in waste reduction and recycling. 2017, however, has proven a challenge not only for Oregon, but much of the West Coast. As a whole, the West Coast has depended on China to buy the lion’s share of our recovered materials, including paper, plastics, metals, and more. However, a significant amount of the recycled material China was getting was contaminated with food waste, garbage, and other unusable materials from wishful recycling – you know, all the stuff you “wish” was recyclable, but really isn’t.
China has since announced strict requirements on importation of all post-consumer plastic and unsorted paper and other materials. The ban has created a major disruption in recycling and currently there is no excess capacity in recycling markets worldwide to absorb the material China is no longer accepting. That leaves Marion County, and other jurisdictions, with a lot of material and few markets. The county is working closely with local garbage haulers, recyclers, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality on potential solutions. This is a dynamic issue and changes to county recycling programs will likely be announced in the near future. Watch our website for updates and visit www.mcrecycles.net for the Marion County Recycle Guide.
In the meantime, residents and businesses can help by reducing and reusing first, then ensuring that mixed recyclables are clean and free from trash. Common mixed recycling rollcart contaminants include glass, plastic bags, hoses and ropes, diapers, milk cartons, and clothing or other textiles.
If you want to kick it up notch, start a green team at your workplace and consider EarthWISE certification. The program recognizes businesses that have made a commitment to environmentally friendly practices and provides tools and resources for continued improvement. Become a Master Recycler and work within your own community to train others and create programs and projects around waste reduction and recycling.
You can also take the Save the Food pledge. Did you know that the average family throws away one-fourth of the food they purchase? There are simple strategies to help you plan ahead, shop smart, prep early, and properly store food to save time and money. In many Marion County cities, including Salem, Keizer, and Woodburn, food waste is acceptable in your yard debris cart for composting.
Making a difference doesn’t have to be complicated. Anyone can pack groceries home in reusable bags, drink from a reusable water bottle, bring your own insulated tumbler to your favorite coffee shop, and more. It’s been said that, “Recycling takes a little effort on your part, but it makes a big difference to the world.” And it’s true.
For more information about Marion County’s waste reduction and recycling programs, contact Environmental Services at (503) 588-5169 or email EnvironmentalServices@co.marion.or.us.
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Troy Gregg
Troy Gregg has a passion for working with youth and it shows. From coaching youth basketball to working as camp counselor in college, Troy has made his career working with youth. After an almost 20 year career at the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), Troy was hired as the Marion County Juvenile Department Director following the retirement of longtime director Faye Fagel.
At OYA, Troy served in multiple positions, including as a parole and probation officer for the north coast region, program manager at the Tillamook Youth Accountability Camp, and as the Superintendent of the Eastern Oregon Youth Facility and the Rogue Valley Facility in Grants Pass. His final position in OYA, prior to coming to Marion County, began in 2008, where he served as the Superintendent of the Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility until its closure and consolidation with the MacLaren facility last fall.
Troy said, “Throughout my career in juvenile justice, I have had the opportunity to work at every level except the front end – when kids first walk in the door. This is where you have the most influence; to help kids do the right thing, get them headed in the right direction. I’m excited about the opportunity to not only use my experience to help lead the department into the future, but also to learn more myself. I’ve been very impressed with Marion County’s people and programs.”
In addition to a full complement of youth programs, Troy also inherited two capital projects. A second juvenile courtroom is under construction and expected to open this spring and construction will begin on a new juvenile administration building later this year. “I am excited as we are moving into the final stages of the design process to create a building that supports the mission of the Juvenile Department both in appearance and atmosphere. Our mission is to provide youth accountability and opportunities for positive change and we want our new building to portray that we are here to create and support youth in those changes.”
Troy and his wife Debbie are busy parents to three young children. As a family they enjoy traveling, geocaching, basketball, and activities at their church.
For more information about Marion County's juvenile programs, visit our website or email.
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As part of a partnership between Marion
County, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA), and Mid-Valley Community
Action Agency, veterans living in Marion County will soon be served by a new
dedicated veteran services program. In 2016, there were 24,148 veterans living
in Marion County. The Veteran Services Officers (VSO) will provide benefits
counseling, as well as represent and advocate for veterans, their dependents,
and survivors in obtaining benefits for which they are entitled.
Community Action has been serving
homeless veterans in Marion County for many years through the Supportive
Services for Veteran Families, the Oregon Health Authority’s veterans rental
assistance program, and other programs. Adding VSOs will help the organization build
on current services, as well as extend services to additional area veterans. Jimmy Jones, Community Action’s Director of
the ARCHES Project, said, “It’s an honor, privilege, and tremendous
responsibility to serve our local veterans. We are grateful to Marion County
for entrusting us with this work.”
Marion County, through Community Action,
can expect to serve about 3,000 veterans and their dependents each year. As
services transition from ODVA, VSOs are receiving comprehensive training in
navigating the federal VA process to ensure claims are submitted accurately and
efficiently. There are no fees to the veteran for services. The program will be
co-located with Community Action’s ARCHES Project at 615 Commercial Street NE
in Salem and is expected to open in April 2018.
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Are you a local artist with a heart for teaching and an interest in working with young adults? Our Juvenile Department is looking for a volunteer Artist in Residence for a new project at the Marion County Detention Facility. The artist will work with youth in custody on pre-planning designs, sketching, and application of several large wall murals at the facility.
Volunteer must be at least 21 years of age, be able to pass a criminal background check, and be available to work in a secured facility during evening hours. This is an unpaid volunteer position, funds are available for project supplies and materials. Apply today.
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