Tuesday, September 11, 2012
9-11 observances lower key this year… but just as reverent
Flags across the country are at half-mast today in observance of Patriot Day… September 11th. It was 11 years ago this morning that four jetliners were commandeered by terrorists and crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a an open field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It’s speculated that that aircraft was headed for either the U.S. Capitol Building or the White House, but the passengers of Flight 93 were able to prevent that, causing it to crash well short of the target.
Moments of silence were observed around the country and the names of those killed in all three locations were read at individual ceremonies by friends and family members.
Locally, there are several observances… the Florence Kiwanis Foundation is putting out the flags on local streets today. In Eugene a Lant County Sheriff’s Sergeant played Taps on his trumpet in front of the Lane County Courthouse at 5:46 A.M., 6:03, 6:37 and 7:03 to coincide with the times that all four planes crashed.
In Florence, there is a special flag-raising ceremony and moment of silence that will be held at Siuslaw Elementary at Nine O’clock.
From Rods and Rhodies to Chowder, Blues and Brews…
The Fifth annual Rods and Rhodys Hot Rod Show came together over the weekend, drawing dozens of classic cars from all over the western U.S. and hundreds of visitors. Florence Chamber Executive Cal Applebee says there were 125 cars invited.
Cal Applebee – “We ended up with 116 on display. We had a great turnout with the crowd. We had tons of positive feedback from both the car owners that participated as well as the people around town.”
One of the goals of the weekend is to draw visitors who ultimately fill the local shops and restaurants. Applebee said he conducted a quick survey Monday morning.
Cal Applebee – “Everyone said they had a great weekend. The weather… started out a little damp, but it sure didn’t dampen anybody’s spirits.”
The Best in Show award went to a 1956 Chevy Bel Aire 2-door hard top owned by Roy and Darlene Gaskey of Sweet Home. The Mayor’s Choice went to Mark Marsh of Eugene and his 1928 Buick coupe.
The saying goes as one door closes, another one opens. The same could be said for festivals in Florence. The Chowder Blues and Brews festival is just ten days away. After spending a few years in October, it has been moved back into September once again, bringing with it northwest microbrews, some heavy-duty blues and the Oregon Coast Chowder Cookoff. New this year… an ‘amateur’ class has been added to the chowder competition. Information on how to enter is available at the Chamber Visitor Center and website. The festival runs September 21st and 22nd at the Florence Events Center.
School Board to look to future
The Siuslaw School District Board of Directors will hold a special two-part meeting tomorrow evening, beginning with a work session to discuss board goals at 5:30 PM. One topic of conversation will likely be how to proceed with the search for a new Superintendent. Jeff Davis has announced he will be retiring at the end of this school year. Another topic in the early discussion stages will be the possibility of pursuing another local option tax levy to replace the five-year, $4.8-million levy set to expire next year. Following the work session, the board will turn to regular agenda items.
