Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (March 26, 2021)
MARCH 26, 2021, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A15 FREEMAN, Continued from page A1 to Freeman, civic leaders handed out awards for Merchant of the Year, Jonathan Thompson, Service to Education, Joshua Rist, and the President’s Award, Jason Lewis. The title of first citizen is bestowed annually on one person who exemplifies the city motto of “Pride, Spirit and Volunteerism.” Outgoing First Citizen Hersch Sangster said Freeman lived the motto in ways small and large. “From helping with neighborhood clean-up to helping make a neighbor- hood association a model of openness and collaboration. She continually showed commitment over and above what was required,” Sangster said. Freeman recently completed nearly eight years as a Keizer city councilor, but her service and volunteerism predate that more public stint. She volunteered at her daughter’s school and for the chamber of com- merce’s KeizerFEST and giving basket program before former Keizer mayor Lore Christoper and City Councilor Jacque Moir enlisted her as a munic- ipal volunteer. Before serving on the council, she was a member of the Keizer Volunteer Coordinating Committee for 12 years and a member of the Keizer will be how to handle growth and how to act on a recently-adopted statement of values addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). “We don’t have a lot of room to grow so the main questions will be whether we go up or out. I think we have a good development code already and that will make certain that, whatever the answer is, it will look nice,” Freeman said. Despite the arduous road and frequently uncomfort- — KIM FREEMAN able conversations that led 2020 Keizer First Citizen to the city council adopt- Matt Rawlings / KEIZERTIMES ing a statement of values, Freeman was pleased that it happened on her watch. Budget Committee for three years. She led the effort to enlist volunteers “I think it would be beneficial to hire “It was my mom who passed on the for The Big Toy project and, while it was spirit of volunteering,” Freeman said. difficult, she has fond memories of the someone to help with the work and help ask the right questions in conscientious “She was always a part of school fundrais- experience. ers, and seeing her volunteering made it “It was long and dirty work, but I loved ways,” she said. “There has to be a safe something I felt I should do.” that people had so much fun that they place to have those conversations and Freeman’s first term as a city coun- would sign up for a single shift and then it takes a willingness to learn, we’re all cilor came through appointment after stay all day or come back the next day,” learning how to get better about [DEI] all the time.” another councilor resigned six months Freeman said. While city council duties went well into a four-year term. She was the only It was a joyous moment to see so female to apply. She ran for re-election many families turn out to clean-up at the beyond anything she expected at the out- unopposed. civic center two weeks ago and listen to set, Freeman said the journey was worth She had two passion projects during the chatter as people caught up after a it. “I met so many great people along the her time on the council, constructing long, difficult year, she added. The Big Toy in Keizer Rapids Park and As far as work that felt a bit unfinished way and developed friendships I never the annual clean-up at the Keizer Civic during her time on council, Freeman said imagined having,” she said. Center. the two most challenging conversations I met so many great people along the way and developed friendships I never imagined having. 2020 tax deadline moves back one month The Department of Revenue is join- ing the IRS and automatically extend- ing the income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year from April 15 to May 17. Individual taxpayers can also post- pone state income tax payments for the 2020 tax year due on April 15 to May 17 without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This postponement applies to individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay self-employment tax. Penalties and interest will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of May 18. Individual taxpayers will automati- cally avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid by May 17. Individual taxpayers do not need to file any forms or call the Department of Revenue to qualify for the automatic tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the May 17 deadline can request a filing extension until October 15 by filing federal Form 4868 through their tax professional or tax software or by using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Additional extension information is available on the Revenue website. Caption It! L AST WEEK’S WINNER To get tax forms, check the sta- tus of your refund, or make tax pay- ments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. You also can call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing- or speech-impaired), we accept all relay calls. By STEVE BREEN CAPTION IT ! Email submissions along with your name and town to CaptionItCartoon@gmail.com — OR — on Instagram, go to @caption_it_cartoon to comment/like.
