Outdoor education and recreation, 2040 Council "Report Out" events, and the Benton County Fair & Rodeo are the top stories in the latest issue of News from Benton County.

May 2017
Volume 9, Issue 2
FEATURES

County grows Outdoor Education and Recreation Program

The Benton County Natural Areas and Parks created the Outdoor Education and Recreation Program two years ago and continues to grow. 

One of the most successful ways the program has been able to grow is through partnerships with other organizations within our communities, including OSU Extension Service Benton County, Corvallis Environmental Center, Corvallis Parks and Recreation and the OSU Early Childhood Development Center.



2040 Thriving Communities Council shares initial phase results

The Benton County 2040 Thriving Communities Council is hosting six events to share nearly 9,000 responses from more than 3,400 people over the past few months.

Since late last summer, members of the 2040 Thriving Communities Council attended community events, hosted an online survey, conducted 42 listening sessions, and reviewed community plans to explore what people in Benton County like about living here, what they want the county to be like between now and 2040, and how we get there.


Save the date: August 2-5, 2017 Benton County Fair & Rodeo

Mark your calendars for August 2-5, 2017 and join us at the Benton County Fair and Rodeo. This year's theme is All American Fun! 

Beginning at 11am on Wednesday, August 2 and lasting until midnight on Saturday, this year's Fair has carnival rides, craft beer, retro gaming, amazing performances, music and the NPRA Sanctioned Rodeo!


AWARDS & HONORS
Captain Rogers Selected for FBI National Academy

Captain Don Rogers was recently selected to attend the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. The FBI National Academy is highly competitive training specifically designed for leadership and executive development in law enforcement. 

Dierwechter receives Preceptor Impact Award from OSU College of Public Health & Human Services

Tatiana Dierwechter, Benton County Healthy Communities Program Manager, received the 2017 Preceptor Impact Award.

This award recognizes individuals who best personify the spirit of the College of Public Health and Human Sciences through significant, meaningful and sustained impact of their service and contributions that benefit the career development of College of Public Health and Human Sciences students.

Quick receives Sheldon Wagner Public Health Service Award

The Benton County Health Department awards Lisa Quick, Director of Health Services at Community Outreach, Inc. (COI), in Corvallis, is the 2017 recipient of the Sheldon Wagner Public Health Service Award. 

Quick expanded the free medical clinic at COI from a one-room operation to a multi-site health clinic spanning Benton and Linn Counties. Through all the changes in health care and health insurance over the years, she has maintained space and services for vulnerable populations in need of health.

Oregon State University Student Health Services leadership awarded Public Health Service Recognition

At the annual Public Health Awards & Recognition Event, a special Public Health Service Recognition was awarded to Oregon State University Student Health Services leadership for its unwavering dedication to public health over the years.

Aloia receives Roger Irvin Health in all Policies Award

During his tenure as the county's Chief Operating Officer, Dennis Aloia has fostered county-wide, cross-sector collaboration, working strategically to convene partners from the diverse sectors that shape the environments in which Benton County residents live, work, learn and play. 

Parsons honored for Special Achievement

At the annual Public Health Awards & Recognition Event, commemorating National Public Health Week, Patty Parsons was recognized for special achievement. 

Parsons retired this spring after 15 years of service in the Health Department.

COLLABORATIONS THAT COUNT
Image courtesy of Watchcaddy via Flickr_ https___www.flickr.com_photos_24079740_N05_2976373092
Community Development partners with Oregon Department of Forestry

As part of the effort to support neighborhoods in the county that achieved the Firewise Communities Recognition, Benton County and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) partner to offer a chipping program

Hayden Bridge repairs initiates collaboration with Weyerhaeuser

In anticipation of making repairs to the historic Hayden Bridge, the Benton County Public Works department met with Weyerhaeuser to request collaborative assistance. 

Weyerhaeuser is an international forest products company that owns a logging road provided a detour around the Hayden Bridge on Hayden Road.  The Roads Division performed grading and rocking to improve the quality of the logging road, and brought it up to industry standards to facilitate its use as a detour.


OF NOTE...
Public Works visits local schools and celebrates National Public Works Week

The Benton County Public Works Department has participated in the national Public Works Week celebration for the past two years. 

This year, Public Works will visit Monroe, Franklin, Lincoln, and Hoover schools beginning on May 22, 2017.