In this age of Facebook, where we bemoan the lack of personal contact, I just wanted to share a lovely moment of connection in our fair city today.
My 20-year-old Subaru (only a third of my age… come on, Subaru!) died at the major intersection of 7th and Chambers, with so little battery power (apparently) that I could not get the car into neutral. Two young men offered to push me across the street into a parking lot.
I sat there somewhat befuddled, figuring out whom to call for help. After about five minutes, the same young men ran up (having parked nearby) and enthusiastically told me they had figured out how to override the shift lock override (I’m guessing they Googled it).
After a few minutes McGyvering, one of the young guys joyously pushed the shift lever into neutral and then invited me to steer as the both of them energetically pushed me into a parking lot (getting their workout for many days, I’m sure).
My only regret is I was so flustered I neglected to get their names. Thanks, guys!
Marianne Dugan
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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