Thrifting Internationally
When I traveled to Ireland last year, I investigated thrift stores near my hotels.
Got a T-shirt with Key West homes on it and a dragonfly one, too. A scarf, sunglasses. All utilitarian and memorable about the country.
I’m an old broad who thrifts abroad.
Kim Kelly
Eugene
Not Enough in Thrifting
I was disappointed by a missed opportunity in last week’s “Thrifting” issue. While I appreciated the brief article on finding secondhand clothing, the accompanying photo — featuring clothing at an overstock discount store — sent a confusing message. Buying surplus fast fashion is not thrifting. It’s a far cry from the values of reuse, sustainability, and community that real thrift culture represents.
Even more frustrating was the lack of mention of our town’s vibrant secondhand and vintage clothing scene. We have a plethora of locally owned shops and creative entrepreneurs who’ve built a thriving ecosystem around reuse and sustainable fashion. To overlook them in a thrifting-themed issue felt like a disservice to readers and to the businesses keeping these values alive.
I hope future coverage will give our local secondhand fashion community the spotlight it deserves.
Kaya Berry
Eugene
Editor’s note: We agree — it would be great to have more local businesses in the spotlight! We tried to address the plethora of vintage clothing shops with roundup stories while also balancing including furniture, figurines, vinyl and the full secondhand scene in Lane County.
With Benevolence Like This…
We are fortunate to have such a benevolent corporation as Union Pacific around to “help” our community “grow.” Recently, the company “partnered” with a short-line rail company (not based in Eugene, either) to take over its train yard.
This “opportunity for growth” will on the surface “better serve customers in the Willamette Valley.” What’s really happening — has happened — is that Union Pacific contracted out its yard operations to a non-unionized third-class railroad, forsaking dozens of employees in the yard who have given 10 and 20-plus years of service to the company.
Those employees can now sign with the short-line to do their same job for much less money while lacking union support. Otherwise, workers are being forced to commute to Portland if they want to keep their job. This should serve to remind us all that we’re responsible to corporate shareholders above all, even our own community! Thanks, UP, for “helping” Eugene continue to grow!
Aaron Dactyl
Eugene
Election Hot Air
Did you know there is a secretive MAGA-inspired attempt to take over a school district here in Lane County? Yeah, look at your Voters’ Pamphlet pages 20 to 24. There is a slate of candidates running for each of four South Lane School District positions. You can’t really see “MAGA” listed in their statements or endorsements, or lack thereof. But there are Donald Trump tracks everywhere. I’ve only lived here for the last 50 years. It’s only been 30 years since I entered the Oregon legislature — just follow the scent.
I miss the old days composing a Hot Air Society column for you, dear reader. But I’m really encouraged in my doddering dotage by the substantial resistance being raised here locally against Trump and his MAGA wannabees. Last weekend over 30 wonderful volunteers showed up in Cottage Grove to walk door-to-door on behalf of the rational candidates in these races. Thank you. And thank you, Blackberry Pie Society volunteers, for your continued good work.
A shoutout also to my friends, Gail and Birdie Hoelzle and The Bookmine Bookstore for their 50th anniversary. And to Camilla Mortensen and Jody Rolnick and the Eugene Weekly folks for their perseverance and survival! So cool to see the Activist Alert notices again. The Weekly is a critically important venue and service to the local progressive community. Despite occasionally expelling excessive hot air in our midst.
So please help out on these campaigns. Vote, dammit. Like The Who once sang: “We won’t get fooled again!…”
Tony Corcoran
Cottage Grove
ONLINE EXTRA LETTERS
Langworthy for Springfield School Board
Amber Langworthy is gaining valuable insight into Springfield Public Schools — not only as a concerned community member, but also as the mother of a third grader who attends school here. She cares deeply about ensuring that all of our children receive the highest quality education.
As she learns more, Langworthy sees both the strengths of our schools and the areas that need improvement. That’s why she’s stepping up to run for a seat on the school board.
She’s committed to advancing evidence-based math and reading curriculum, increasing transparency between the district and parents, and ensuring that our teachers, educational assistants, librarians, counselors and principals are respected and heard.
As the mother of a 6th grader, I stand with Langworthy. We must do better — for all our kids.
Leah Emmett
Springfield
Newman for 4J
I wholeheartedly endorse Judy Newman for the Eugene 4J School Board.
Sixteen years ago, my son received an autism diagnosis. Like many parents, I faced uncertainty about his future. Thankfully, we found a lifeline in Early Childhood CARES, an organization that was co-led at the time by Newman. This vital resource provides early intervention and special education services, offering invaluable support to families navigating the complexities of disabilities.
In addition to support and services, Newman and her team offered hope. They helped me see beyond my son’s diagnosis, recognizing his potential and fostering his development. Their guidance equipped me with essential parenting tools and empowered me to advocate for his needs. My son is now attending the Eugene School District 4J’s Community Transition Program, and he recently started his first paying job in the community! His remarkable progress is a testament to the early intervention and education he received at the Eugene School District 4J.
Newman is a powerful advocate for neurodiverse learners. She champions inclusive classrooms and is committed to closing the achievement gap for marginalized students. Her vision aligns with the needs of our diverse student population, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Newman’s experience, compassion and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the Eugene 4J School Board. I urge you to join me in casting your vote for Newman this May. We need her leadership, positivity and unwavering commitment to neurodiverse students.
Laura Dahill
Eugene
Fölnagy the right person
In a time when education is under attack, we need leaders who will listen, lead with compassion and fight for every student’s right to learn. At Lane Community College, Austin Fölnagy is that leader. I’m voting for Fölnagy as he seeks re-election to the board in Zone 4, and I hope you will, too.
During his first term, Fölnagy has been a consistent advocate for students. He championed initiatives that elevate student voices, from preserving funding for the LCC Student Health Clinic to supporting the addition of a student representative to the board. His leadership has helped LCC navigate challenges with a steady hand and a clear focus on equity, access, and student success.
Fölnagy stands out for his integrity, dedication and deep knowledge of community college governance. As president of the Oregon Community College Association, he’s worked statewide to expand opportunities for students, especially those from migrant, mixed-status, and international backgrounds.
His commitment has earned broad support, including endorsements from Congresswoman Val Hoyle, retired Congressman Peter DeFazio, the Democratic Party of Lane County, the Oregon Working Families Party and numerous labor unions, including those representing LCC faculty and classified staff.
Now it’s our turn to show up for LCC students. Let’s re-elect Fölnagy to the LCC Board and ensure our community college continues to be a place where all students can thrive. Fill in that bubble for Fölnagy and return your ballot by May 20.
Chris Wig
Springfield
Stuck in the middle
Hi Donte,
You’ve been having a weak week.
I’m gonna be blunt.
Those blondes you hired are not cutting it. I know you like Swedish types, but even Kristi, Nancy (no, not the old one), Pam and Karoline are just not showing enough skin. That’s what counts these days. They can wear a little gold cross between them’s bubbies and God knows it’s OK. That really distracts the people’s enemies.
I know that you are past your prime, and probably more about cookies than nookie. But if you want to distract the deep state, you should parade the bikini brigade more.
I know you have done some major WTF wrestling shows so start there. Ring girls and bikinis in the oval office. Think 007! Think Junior Miss. Bikinis and red bow ties. Think pro-natal.
And speaking of the manosphere, let’s talk about Vlad the Impaler. He’s playing you! Everybody knows that!
See, those dudes don’t care what you say anymore. Get tough on those guys and show them which side of their toast is buttered on.
Tell ‘em: “Benji and Vlad, you on notice.” And please, more bikinis.
And those nerdy tech dweebs. Glad you got rid of Elron. He was getting on everybody’s nerves. Plus Suckerberg, the Googler guy and Jeff Bozos (definitely not manlydudes). You definitely don’t need those guys hanging around.
Remember, no matter how bad it is, we’re stuck in the middle with you.