Also in this section:

• October is 'Walktober'
• UO Fix-It Fair on Nov. 6
• MECCA kicks off busy fall lineup with Object Afterlife
• Learn about battery safety at Jerry's event
• Bulk Handling Systems Tour & Eugene Environmental Film Festival

This month, Sylvan Scholl from Catholic Community Services of Lane County touched on a crucial concept: energy poverty, defined as "the inability to access sufficient amounts of electricity and other energy sources due to financial constraints."

As Sylvan points out, far too many of our friends and fellow community members regularly experience energy poverty and related challenges. This got me thinking about what we can do to ensure people's basic needs are met, and I immediately thought of the power of mutual aid.

For those new to the concept, mutual aid refers to an unconditional exchange of resources, services, and support within a community or neighborhood, with no expectations of reimbursement or profit. The goal: to help our neighbors address the many gaps in our system. 

For example, during the ice storm in early 2024 that decimated much of Lane County, I can't tell you how many great stories of mutual aid I heard, even in my own neighborhood. Maybe it was one neighbor helping to clear tree branches from a driveway or another loaning out a propane heater, but the stories were inspiring. 

And we need more of this vibe right now, more than ever, as social safety nets like emergency shelters and food pantries lose funding.

Concepts like mutual aid can help us build and rebuild the trust between neighbors that we desperately need while also helping community members weather storms such as energy poverty and other challenges. All it takes is a knock on the door, an open mind, and a willingness to lend a hand.

Walktober 2025: Lace up for a month of walking, exploring, and community

October is almost here, and with it returns Walktober 2025—Lane County’s month-long celebration of walking, connection, and exploration. Whether you walk for wellness, discovery, or just to enjoy the fall weather, Walktober offers something for every pace and interest. With dozens of free, themed walks happening all month, now’s the perfect time to grab a friend and your most comfortable shoes.

Here are some highlights to add to your calendar:

• Island Park & River Birding Walk (Oct. 4, 9:30–11 a.m.): Stroll Springfield’s riverside with local birders.

• Kalapuya Ways Talk and Hike (Oct. 5, 1–3 p.m. ): Explore Indigenous culture and history in Hendricks Park.

• Eugene Masonic Cemetery Tour (Oct. 9, 5–6 p.m.): Learn about local history and trees in a beautiful historic setting.

• Springfield Mayor’s Walk (Oct. 18, 9:30–11 a.m.): Walk through the Washburne District, finishing downtown.

If your schedule’s tight, there are plenty of self-guided options such as the Downtown Eugene Mural Walk, Springfield Public Art Walk, and the Coburg Historic Homes Walk. Printable maps and directions for these and other walks are available at wewalklane.org.

Two fun ways to get even more out of Walktober are the Coffee Shop Hop—walk between participating cafés all month to enjoy local drinks and discounts—and the Walktober Challenge, where every walk you take counts toward prizes. For full details on both, visit wewalklane.org.

For the complete list of 50-plus walks and walking events happening throughout October, visit wewalklane.org. Walktober 2025 is your chance to explore Lane County on foot—and have fun doing it. See you out there!

__________

UO Fix-It Fair on Nov. 6

Join the City of Eugene and the University of Oregon for a free Fix-it Fair at Erb Memorial Union (EMU) on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Bring your broken items and let our technicians repair them at no cost. 

Join MECCA for the 16th-Annual Object Afterlife Art Challenge on Friday, Nov. 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Object Afterlife challenges local artists to re-imagine unwanted materials and upcycle scraps into intentional works of art. MECCA challenged nearly 100 artists to create inspiring, thought-provoking, and creative works of art using a mystery bag of scrap materials.

Participants are given a mystery bag of materials, $15 in MECCA Money, and three months to create.  The resulting artworks exist in the space where artistic discovery and conservation meet, inspiring us all to think differently about the materials typically considered waste.

The Object Afterlife Artist Reception and Awards Ceremony is a celebration of the work of these inspiring artists. Prizes will be awarded at 6:30 p.m.

The Object Afterlife event is just one of many events and workshops at MECCA during October and beyond. Find a complete listing on the MECCA Events page. 

Join Beyond Toxics, Lane County Public Works, BRING Recycling, and Bulk Handling Systems to rethink waste management at the Eugene Environmental Film Festival! We will be taking a tour of Bulk Handling Systems Danebo facility where we will get an up close look of some of the advanced recycling machinery they are constructing across the nation, including here in Lane County.

Then join us that same evening at 6 p.m. to view inspiring short films about improving our solid waste systems across the globe! After viewing the films, visiting filmmakers will share what inspires their creative process and passion for improving the environment. The evening will conclude with a panel of local Lane County experts working everyday to bring us closer to a zero waste economy. 

Bulk Handling Systems Tour

Who: This event is open to all!

When: Thursday, Oct. 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Where: 460 N. Danebo Ave. #D, Eugene

RSVP: Click here to register!

Eugene Environmental Film Festival

Who: This event is open to all!

When: Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. Note: The festival begins Monday, Oct. 13.

Where: Art House Theater, 492 E. 13th Ave., Eugene

RSVP: Click here to purchase tickets and learn more about EEFF!