Thanks for NeXturf

The members of the Student Advisory Board for the Student Recreation Center would like to express our gratitude to the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics for the gift of the new NeXturf artificial turf playing field.
We are aware that this gift was a way for the Athletic Department to thank University students for their support during an amazing 2001-02 athletic season. We are proud to be part of a student body that enthusiastically supports its athletic teams. We are also grateful that our athletic teams do a wonderful job representing the University, and its students, across the nation.
The NeXturf field is now completed and — even though it is the cold, rainy winter season — the field is hopping with activity every day. Having this second artificial-turf field that is playable in all weather conditions and lighted for night activity adds a tremendous boost to Intramural Sports, Club Sports and informal recreation opportunities for University students.
We are aware that athletics paid for all materials and labor for site preparation, underground drainage, fencing, retaining wall, red rubber field border and NeXturf fabric, and that all of this cost in excess of $1 million.
As you look out and see the constant recreation activity on the new NeXturf field, consider that as the greatest evidence of our appreciation.

SRC Student Advisory Board
Jon Lucchesi, board chair
Jill Robertson, vice chair
and seven co-signers

Vandals only hurt the community

Wednesday morning I arrived at work to find our pharmacy walk-up window vandalized, the glass shattered and broken out. Along the sidewalk were about 10 Oregon Daily Emeralds, including the story that quotes me concerning shoplifting, with messages like “Death to the greedy.”
My feelings are this: We have a segment of our community that believes anyone who owns a business (providing jobs to our community) is automatically evil, greedy and out to smash the working class. This type of vandalism only illuminates their ignorance. Very soon, they will find there are no local businesses.
By vandalizing a locally owned, family operated business, they are actually contributing to the growth of nationwide and multinational conglomerates who truly don’t care as much about our local community and take the uniqueness from our city.
We’ve been in business since my grandfather started a store on the Downtown mall in the 1930s, serving Eugene with quality merchandise and a unique shopping experience. The people who vandalize local businesses that stand up to shoplifting don’t deserve to live in a great place like Eugene.
Eugene is known to have a minority population of people who believe in no government and dislike for any businesses. While I respect their right to hold that opinion, it is becoming more clear that the ideals they stand for are self-destruction and destruction of community.
Insurance will help us to replace our window. It will be more difficult to replace our sense of safety and trust.

Steve Hirons

owner, Hirons

University community depends on dialogue

The recent events of vandalism in our community have come as a shock and disappointment to many of us. As members of the Associated Students of the University of Oregon, the greater University community and the Eugene and Springfield area, we are committed to open and continuous dialogue in a format that is fitting for an institution devoted to higher education.
The diversity of opinions and differences of perspective are what makes us stronger, despite any of our differences. However, the strength and ability that our environment enables is dependent upon a responsible method of interaction and dialogue.
Our hope is that this violence is not seen as a reflection of our students or institution, and that we can continue to focus on the behavior and activism that has given us a quality reputation and opportunity for safe discussion.

Rachel Pilliod
ASUO president