TLC giving back during Color Blindness Awareness Month
EUGENE — In honor of September as Color Blindness Awareness Month, Travel Lane County is taking steps to enhance the experience of visitors with hidden disabilities, including color blindness. The organization is highlighting the use of EnChroma glasses, which are specially designed to help those with red-green color deficiency see a broader spectrum of colors more vividly. TLC is giving away two pairs of EnChroma glasses. Individuals with red-green color deficiency, or those who know someone affected, can enter by sending their name and contact information to [email protected]. Recipients will be selected on Sept. 22.
Laughter initiative providing luggage for foster children
EUGENE – The She Ready Foundation, founded by comedian Tiffany Haddish, made its second stop on the Luggage & Laughter Tour in Eugene, collaborating with Friends of the Children Lane County to support foster youth. Friends of the Children Lane County Executive Director Matt Springer said that, “Partnerships like ours play a vital role in ensuring every child knows they are deeply valued.” The initiative aims to provide luggage to foster children, promoting dignity and a sense of belonging. The foundation, established in 2019, distributes over 2,000 pieces of luggage annually to those impacted by the foster care system. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Thyonne Gordon, Executive Director of the She Ready Foundation, and Kathryn Gaines, Development, Outreach & Engagement Specialist for Friends of the Circle Lane County.
Restoration at Quartz Creek
McKENZIE BRIDGE – A collaborative effort this summer has reconnected Quartz Creek to its historic floodplain, creating slow-water areas that support salmon, trout, lamprey, beavers, and other wildlife. Efforts include reshaping channels and anchoring large logs to restore natural processes and improve water quality.
The project also mitigates erosion and runoff risks in areas burned by the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire, enhancing drinking water quality in the McKenzie River. This initiative is part of a basin-wide effort that has restored over 400 acres of floodplain, strengthening community resilience against fire and floods. Quartz Creek exemplifies the positive impact of collaboration across agencies and industries in protecting Oregon’s natural resources.
