Community Christmas Basket Efforts Underway
It may only be Thanksgiving Day but it’s time to begin thinking about Christmas for some. In fact, for the organizers of the annual Community Christmas Basket Project they’ve already been hard at work planning and beginning their fund raising. Project Chair Shasta McMullen says they’re actively seeking cash donations right now to fund the food boxes and toys that will be distributed to low income families the week before Christmas.
Shasta McMullen – “They can send cash or check to our post office box 1209.”
They’ve lowered their target for this year. After raising nearly $30-thousand the past three years, the group is working towards a goal of $20-thousand. Last year, McMullen said, they distributed boxes to more than 600 households… this year they expect to hand out 425. While the cash drive is going on now, they’ll begin gathering non-perishable food and toys next week.
Shasta McMullen — “And then after thanksgiving we will have, in the local businesses, Christmas trees and tubs out.”
This year the food boxes will be distributed on Saturday, December 17th with the toy distribution set for Sunday and Monday the 18th and 19th.
Community Thanksgiving Dinners
Community dinners of Thanksgiving are being offered in both Florence and Reedsport today. Turkey and all the trimmings will be on the menu at the Reedsport Senior Center on Winchester Avenue from noon until two. The dinner is organized by the Lower Umpqua Ministerial Association and is coordinated by Pastor Jim Ives of the Covenant United Methodist Church. Ives says the dinner is open to all, but especially to those who may be alone or unable to prepare their own meal today.
In Florence, the Kiwanis Club and the Elks Lodge have teamed up to provide a thankful spread between noon and 2:30. It too is free, but donations of non-perishable food will be accepted for Florence Food Share… Free rides to and from the dinner are being offered during that time only inside city limits by River Cities Taxi.
Crash Injures 3
Three Florence residents were injured Tuesday afternoon, one of them seriously according to police, in a two vehicle crash on Highway 101. According to Florence Police a car driven by 81-year old Rosemary Unser was pulling out of Fred Meyer onto Highway 101 when it was struck in the side by a southbound vehicle driven by 54-year old David Minor. Unser had to be extricated by firefighters and was transported to Peace Harbor Hospital. Her passenger, 85-year old Donna Cook received minor injuries, as did the driver of the other car. Police said no citations were issued, but Unser has been referred to DMV for testing.
Lights go on at Shore Acres
It’s been a Thanksgiving tradition for decades in Coos County… Throwing the switch on the Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park. This year preparations for the 300-thousand light display were on track when a severe storm blew in with high winds and heavy rain. Co-Chair David Bridgeham said the storm didn’t disrupt the schedule at all.
David Bridgeham – “Uh the storm did blow through and we survived it remarkably with just a few things to pick up. We are going to be open on Thanksgiving evening.”
The lighted formal garden of the former Simpson Estate on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean will be open every evening from four until 9:30 through New Year’s Eve.
Ducks win on the road
E.J. Singler hit four free throws in the final minute to give Oregon the lead last night in Lincoln and the Ducks held off Nebraska 83-76. The Cornhuskers rallied from 15 points down with a 22-7 run, tying the game at 75 with two minutes remaining. Following Singler’s free throws with 47-seconds left the Ducks went on their own 8-1 run to close out the game. Garrett Sim led the three-and-one Ducks with 20-points.
All League Football Selections announced
All Far West League football honors were announced this week with the Siuslaw Vikings dominating things. Sonny Tupua was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player, as well as earning first team defensive lineman recognition. John Johnson, Jacob Holloway and Ryan Connor were each named to the first team on both sides of the ball as well. Other first teamers… Jacob Thompson, Josh Iabichello (yabba-kello), Henrique Sotello, Dylan Alameda, Neal Larson and Alex Snow. On the 2nd team, Ryan Smith was named both ways while Peter Tupua was named as an offensive lineman. Jackson Brastow received honorable mention for both offense and defense while Riley Rankin was tabbed for Honorable Mention as a center.
Far West Football All League 2011
Offensive
Honorable Mention-Center Riley Rankin
Honorable Mention-Offensive lineman Jackson Brastow
2nd Team- Wide Receiver Ryan Smith
2nd Team-Offensive Lineman Peter Tupua
1st Team- Kicker Henrique Sotello
1st Team- Punter Josh Iabichello
1st Team-Tight End Jacob Thompson
1st Team-Offensive Lineman Jacob Holloway
1st Team-Offensive Lineman Ryan Connor
1st Team- Running Back Sonny Tupua
1st Team-Quarterback John Johnson
Defensive
Honorable Mention -Defensive Lineman Jackson Brastow
2nd Team-Defensive Back Ryan Smith
1st Team- Defensive Back John Johnson
1st Team- Defensive Back Dylan Alameda
1st Team- Defensive Lineman Jacob Holloway
1st Team-Defensive Lineman Ryan Connor
1st Team -Defensive Lineman Sonny Tupua
1st Team-Linebacker Neal Larson
1st Team-Linebacker ` Alex Snow
Offensive MVP-Sonny Tupua-Running Back