SAM SKILLERN, Chair 

How long have you lived in Grant and why did you move here?

23 years. Jennifer and I were volunteering (still are!) at Grant School and the principal, Grant Foster (and a Grant neighbor!) introduced us to Fran McComb who was selling her house on Cottage Street. We moved in the Fall of 1998 and it was great for Samuel and Andrew to attend Grant, Parrish and North!

What does a typical Tuesday look like to you?

Morning board meeting at IKE Box, Staff meeting at Salem Leadership Foundation (Broadway Commons), afternoon Board meeting at Willamette Heritage Center, great evening in Grant Neighborhood!

What hidden gem do you want to keep secret about the Grant neighborhood but you also can't help telling others about?

The Larmer Property behind JK Carpets. The Larmer family once had the largest Wysteria garden in Oregon and there's a cool little neighborhood tucked back in there. McMennamins (owners of Boon's Treasury across the street) could have a hey-day with that historic property.

What have you learned from volunteering on the GNA board?

We have a great system for public participation in municipal and neighborhood matters, but we have to remain diligent to keep "the molasses and weight of the system" from either a) blocking our good ideas or b) imposing changes on us we don't want. North Salem has to work harder to get attention and action and that's not just.

If you could transform Grant tomorrow, what would it look like?

A culturally-diverse neighborhood with a beautiful mix of restored historic homes, restaurants, shops, single- and multi-family housing, churches, nonprofits and schools ... but not 'over-gentrified' to the point that our older neighbors and renting neighbors cannot live here.

MICHAEL PETTIT
Board Member
General Manager of Superstop Market on Capitol Street
How long have you lived in Grant and why did you move here?

I don't live in Grant  but I came here because the job was here. I worked here when it was still 7-11 and the new owner kept me on and advanced me to manager. That being said, Shani and I are still looking for a place to rent that we can afford.

What does a typical Tuesday look like to you?

There is no such thing as a typical Monday or Tuesday here as they are the 2 busiest days here. I normally get to the store at 5:00 am. At 5:30 I drive to King Doughnuts to pay for the week's supply and pick up our order for the day. By the time I get back our merch order is here and ready to unpack. During the day of stocking freight, I also have to talk to vendors and put away a beer delivery as well. When I can get caught up on that then I have to update our inventory in the computer, answer messages/email. Normally, if I'm lucky, I can get out of here and go home about 9:30-10:00 but, homes not much fun because I leave Shani at the store so home is empty except for the cat!

What hidden gem do you want to keep secret about the Grant neighborhood but you also can't help telling others about?

I don't have a hidden gem about Grant as I haven't explored it enough but one of the kids in the neighborhood does have a sweet old T-Bird I like to look at. I'm a bit of a car guy.

If you could transform Grant tomorrow, what would it look like?

I'm still so new here that I don't know what changes I would like to see, if any.

What do you hope to learned from volunteering on the GNA board?

It's not that I hope to learn much from being on the board as much as I would like to give the people over in our area a voice. I talk to people around the store and most don't know they even live in Grant or that there is a neighborhood association! I want to get the word out. I grew up in a town half the size of Silverton and everyone knew everyone. We could never do that with Salem but we could come close with Grant. I'm old enough to appreciate talking face to face over video chat. I prefer a phone call over a message and that is why some people have a hard time getting me, I just forget to check my messages!

KAT KEYS Board Member

How long have you lived in Grant and why did you move here?

My grandmother's house was the first home I knew (born in Salem). It was the one home we returned to multiple times during my father's military career. So you might say I've been in/around the Grant Neighborhood my entire life. I live here because it feels like home.

What does a typical Tuesday look like to you?

A typical Tuesday begins with a morning 5k at Minto Brown Island Park with my husband and dog. In the afternoon I walk to the Pushes and Pulls Pilates studio on Broadway for a workout session.

What hidden gem do you want to keep secret about the Grant neighborhood but you also can't help telling others about?

My hidden gem of the neighborhood is it's walkability. I love being able to walk downtown, to the Saturday Market, or Riverfront Park.

What do you hope to learned from volunteering on the GNA board?

 I hope that being on the board will give me some insight into city government and an understanding of the processes involved in accomplishing change.

If you could transform Grant tomorrow, what would it look like?

If I could transform the neighborhood, it would involve helping our neglected northeast corner with lawn maintenance and home repair. Invisioning well kept houses with tidy lawns.

SUSAN NAPACK
Vice Chair
Outreach/Communication
SOO-san NAY-pack
she/her/hers

How long have you lived in Grant and why did you move here?

My husband Michael and I moved to Oregon from New Jersey at the tail end of 2016. We moved into our historic brick tudor home in Grant in January 2017. We made the trek across country to be closer to family and because we were in love with the landscape. Salem was a surprise. It reminded me of places I had lived out east but with a northwest vibe. The great homes and Arts community drew me in.

What does a typical Tuesday look like to you?

Now that I make my own hours for work and play, Tuesdays can be a mixed bag. I could be  leisurely cooking, working in my studio at The Willamette Heritage Center, doing freelance and volunteer graphics projects, prepping for an upcoming Arts Commission or Neighborhood Association meeting —  like preparing the newsletter and editing this website. There never seem to be enough hours in any day.

What hidden gem do you want to keep secret about the Grant neighborhood but you also can't help telling others about?

I love just walking around the neighborhood looking at all of the different houses, yards and gardens. There are so many ways that people create a unique home for themselves.

What have you learned from volunteering on the GNA board?

I have learned a lot about the history of Grant and of Salem, and how the neighborhood has changed and grown over the years. I have learned SO much from the other board members who are varied and interesting and just great people who care deeply about our neighborhood.

If you could transform Grant tomorrow, what would it look like?

I would like to see a community hub, where neighbors can casually congregate and share stories and ideas — like a town square.  It is a challenge to reach more of our neighbors and I wish there was a better way to do that. 

AND --  more community art!  Street paintings, murals and painted utility boxes that reflect the diverse and colorful personality of Grant Neighborhood.