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About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 4, 2020)
VOLUME 42, NO. 7 DECEMBER 4, 2020 SECTION A One week in 97303: By ERIC A. HOWALD Of the Keizertimes Offi cials from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) identifi ed 94 new cases of COVID-19 in the 97303 zip code between Nov. 18 and Nov. 25. Each week, the OHA is releasing pandemic-related statistics on the virus’ spread throughout Oregon. On Nov. 18, the OHA reported Keizer had 740 reported cases of $1.00 Nearly 100 new COVID cases COVID-19 infection. A week later, the number jumped to 834. The 11.5% increase in the 97303 zip code was lower than Oregon’s overall 34% increase in COVID-19 cases. There were 61 COVID-19 deaths reported statewide, nearly doubling the previous week’s total of 31. People aged 20 to 49 have accounted for 55 percent of the cases, while people 70 and older have accounted for 74 percent of the deaths. The 97303 zip code includes all of Keizer and smaller portions of Salem. The Nov. 27 update was not available at press time, this story will be updated online at keizertimes.com when it is available. During the extended Thanksgiving weekend, Oregon crossed the threshold into more than 900 deaths from the disease and its complications. Marion County (140) is second only to Multnomah County (236) in the number of recorded deaths as a result of COVID-19. While a governor’s order mandating a freeze on social activities expired Wednesday, Dec. 2, Marion County is now labeled one of the state’s 25 “extreme risk” counties. In counties with extreme risk, the following activities will be allowed, with health and safety protocols in place: • Social and at-home gatherings with people from outside your household will be limited to a maximum of six people, with a recommended limit of two households. • Restaurants, bars, and other eating and drinking establishments will be limited to a maximum of 50 people for outdoor dining only, with Please see COVID, Page A6 No. 7 on all-time Volcanoes list BEACONS IN THE NIGHT PAGE A10 City tree all aglow Local gift shopping Local retailers may struggle to make ends meet in a bountiful year, but the shifting landscape of public health has led to even more uncertainty. As you look to fi ll stockings and put presents under the tree, we wanted to provide some local spots where you might fi nd the perfect gift for a loved one. SPARROW FURNITURE Sparrow Furniture is a local store that employees refugees who have been relocated to the area. The store teaches refugees how to woodwork and craft items, both large and small, as well sales and customer service skills. They offer ornaments, earrings, coasters and picture frames for smaller gifts. 1264 Broadway St. N.E. sparrowfurniture.org. 503-581-2129. Local Sparrow. KEIZER LIQUOR STORE Gift sets of beer, liquor and mixers or wine can all be purchased locally at Keizer Liquor Store. They have seasonal home decor to add something extra to your warm greetings. keizerliquor.com/. oliver@keizerliquor.com. 971- 273-0456. Local Liquor CHUCK’S BBQ From pellets to rubs to unique accessories, Chuck’s BBQ on River Road has a gift for any level of grill master. Their most popular seasonal offering is their turkey blend, which includes a rub and brine kit and a mix of hardwood pellets. 3800 River Rd. N. www.chucksbbqstore.com. 503-302-8489. WILD THINGS GAMES Wild Things Games is a gamer haven. They offer fi gurines, paints, board games, expansion packs for card games and just about anything else a dedicated gamer could need. For holiday gifts this store recommends extension packs for something your gamer already plays or family board Please see LOCAL, Page A7 PAGE A2 File Keizer neighbors carry on with tradition BY MATT RAWLINGS Of the Keizertimes Even though there will be some modifi cations, the Keizer Miracle of Christmas Lights Display, which has been a tradition in town since the mid- 1980s, will still be taking place this holiday season. This year’s display will begin on Friday, Dec. 4 and continue every night from 6-10 p.m. until Saturday Dec. 26. The route is approximately 3.5 miles and runs through the Gubser neighborhood, beginning at 14th Avenue NE and Lockhaven Drive. The Miracle of Lights Display serves as a fundraiser for Marion Polk Food Share. While admission is free, people are encouraged to donate to the food share program. Brigette Eisle, one of the coordinators of the Miracle of Lights, said that it has been challenging to organize the event due to the many restrictions related to COVID-19. Eisle remains motivated because she knows the positive impact the tradition has had for people in Marion County. KEIZER MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY Friday, Dec. 4 – Saturday, Dec. 26 TIME: 6-10 p.m. ROUTE: approx. 3.5 miles beginning at 14th Avenue NE and Lockhaven Drive. “The event is so important to the food share, but we also hope that this event can continue to bring joy to the community during a tumultuous time,” said Eisle. "We know this means a lot to the community so we’re doing our best to make sure everyone is able to enjoy it while staying safe.” During a normal year, people would donate canned and non-perishable foods, as well as cash, at a tent set up on Mistwood Drive NE. This year, however, there will be no in-person volunteers or collection site, meaning that all donations will have to be made electronically using a contactless QR code, allowing people to give a monetary donation electronically. The QR code is also available on the Keizer Miracle of Lights Display Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ MiracleofChristmas. Because it’s one of the only holiday events that is happening locally, Eisle is anticipating a large volume of visitors, especially on weekends, which is why she is encouraging locals to make their visits to the display on weeknights. Drivers will be led through the neighborhoods by SnoCop barriers. Since it is a residential neighborhood, be aware and courteous to pedestrians and residents attempting to get in and out of their driveways. Public restrooms will not be available and drivers should keep their headlights on at all times. People who want to walk the route will be allowed to do so. Those who choose to walk should park at Gubser Elementary (6610 14th Ave. NE) or Whiteaker Middle School (1605 Lockhaven Dr. NE). Keizer church goes green By ERIC A. HOWALD Of the Keizertimes Clear Lake United Methodist Church in north Keizer is going solar. Installation of the new panels began on Monday, Nov. 30, but the Keizer church is the latest of fi ve Salem-area United Methodist Churches to go green. The project was hatched in part by David Cox, a congregant of First United Methodist Church in downtown Salem. “About two years go, I had a series of conversations with some fellow Sunday school teachers and one of the things that kept coming up was our worry about climate change,” Cox said. “None of us were happy about the KEIZERTIMES/Eric A. Howald Keizer United Methodist Church is one of fi ve local churches switching to solar power. Please see GREEN, Page A6 Tips to secure all those packages PAGE A4 Prepping for a drive-thru community dinner PAGE A4