24 Hours of Relay for Life…
Esther Smith passed away in 1985, a victim of cancer. Her struggle with the disease inspired a legacy that continues to this day. That’s because her husband, P.T. Smith organized and helped sustain the Friends of Florence vans, a daily shuttle service that continues to carry cancer victims to Eugene for treatment. There’s no cost for the service; the drivers are all volunteers; and expense are paid by donations and grants.
It was that kind of commitment that led organizers of the Florence Relay for Life to dedicate this year’s event to the memory of P.T. Smith who passed away in October 2011 at the age of 96.
The relay begins at noon tomorrow, with 39 teams of walkers circling the path at Miller Park through noon Saturday. Immediately following the opening ceremonies any and all cancer survivors will lead the way for the first lap. Organizers have dozens of events planned for the 24-hour circuit, including music, magic, motorcycles and of course, the very powerful and moving Luminaria ceremony at 9 PM Friday. More information on the relay can be found in Wednesday’s edition of the Siuslaw News.
Living on Shaky Ground
There were two earthquakes off the central Oregon coast yesterday. The first, a 4.5 magnitude occurred about 7:20 PM; it was about 270-miles west of Florence and more than 15 miles below the floor of the ocean. Number two was about 90-minutes later; a few miles closer to shore; and only about 6 miles deep. Neither caused any damage.
Scientists say the likelihood of a devastating 9-plus quake off the coast could cause significant damage. That’s led to the organization over the past four years of the Western Lane Emergency Operations Group. One aspect of the consortium of emergency and social services agencies is a public outreach program called “Living on Shaky Ground”. The monthly series on emergency preparedness is offered the second Saturday of each month at Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue. This month’s installment is Saturday from 9:30 to 12:30 and will focus on establishing communications with family and friends after an event; as well as identifying hazards in the home. There’s no cost for the session, but they ask you to preregister by calling the fire station.
No Flux Capacitor… just Classic Cars
Marty McFly’s friend Doc Brown would no doubt admire the 1981 DeLorean what will be on display at the Concours at the Coast set for Sunday from nine to four at Three Rivers Casino. The DeLorean… this one no doubt operates on gasoline and not plutonium… will be on display with 39 other classic and collectible cars like a 1916 Buick touring car; a 1936 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith; and a 1939 Cadillac 16.
Florence TransPlan
Florence City Councilors continued their deliberations this week on updates to the Transportation Systems Plan. After receiving considerable testimony from residents outside city limits, but within the Urban Growth Boundary, councilors opted Monday night to remove a connection to the Idylwood Subdivision via Kelsie Way in the Heceta South neighborhood. The council will continue ranking the six-dozen projects August 20th at six pm.