Outreach Van

The Lane Council of Government’s Senior & Disability Services (S&DS) new Mobile Outreach Services Vehicle will now be at the Vida McKenzie Community Center on 2nd Tuesday each month. The innovative “office on wheels” brings essential services directly to rural areas for people who may face challenges traveling to S&DS’s full-service locations.

The van will be stationed in the VMCC parking lot at 90377 Thomson Lane in Vida on September 9th, October 14th, November 11th, and December 9th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is necessary but, while waiting to meet with S&DS personnel, please join your friends and neighbors for free coffee and enjoy a $5 donation lunch at VMCC’s Senior Center.

The Mobile Outreach Service Vehicle was purchased thanks to a generous grant from Trillium Community Health Plan. Questions? Contact the Senior Center Director, Maggie Lewis at 510-435-7836.

Waddle

With runners averaging 5,000 and walkers 6,000 steps, time to prepare for the Walterville Waddle 5K is narrowing. From 9 am to noon on September 6, people will find out how their training has paid off when the event starts in the field next to the Walterville Community Center.

The first mile heads out over paved country roads, while the second mile meanders along the dirt roads of local Walterville farms. The final mile, though, follows a gravel road alongside the beautiful EWEB canal before finishing in the field next to the Walterville Community Center. After the race, most will mosey on over to the Community Center and enjoy the Walterville Community Fair and the Parade.

Entry fees are $25 + $16 for optional shirt $20 for seniors. Kids 12 and under are free.

Procrastinators who want a t-shirt, will have to choose from a limited number on the 6th. Want to register and save $5 and the hassle of filling out forms that. morning? Go to: getmeregistered.com/WaltervilleWaddle

Block Party

Downtown Springfield is preparing to welcome thousands for one of the city’s most anticipated events of the year – the 2025 Block Party.

The free, family-friendly festival will take over Main Street on Friday, Septembe 5, from 4 to 10 p.m. The celebration stretches from 3rd to 7th streets in the heart of historic downtown.

Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4th and Main, near the Kesey Mural and Team Springfield booth. Mayor Sean VanGordon and other local leaders are expected to help open the event.

Launched in 2019 as a single-block gathering, the Block Party has since grown into a multi-block street festival. Last year’s event drew an estimated 9,000 to 11,000 people.

Entertainment on three stages will highlight performances ranging from jazz ensembles and a cappella groups to marching bands.Springfield’s mascot, Homer, add to the spectacle.

More details are available at springfieldblockparty.com.