21 February 2013
Local Discussion on Forced Prostitution
When the term “human trafficking” comes to mind, it often brings thoughts of third world countries… and younger women. But, says Frankie Stuart. It’s much wider than that.
Frankie Stuart – “Young boys are trafficked, young men are trafficked for male prostitution. And it’s an issue that, while we know we can’t hear it, we just want people to be aware that it’s out there.”
It is out there and it’s as close as the Interstate-5 corridor. The issue has become a priority focus for law enforcement in Oregon and Washington… and it is also the topic of a symposium at Ocean Dunes Golf Links Saturday from ten to two. It’s hosted by the Florence chapter of Soroptimist International.
Frankie Stuart – “We have a great list of speakers as well as a woman who is bringing a couple of former victims and we have a local woman who will tell her story.”
The impacts of trafficking are profound and Stuart says they can be felt very close to home. There’s no cost to attend.
Museum Story Time
At one time the Siuslaw River and its tributaries were home to huge runs of Coho Salmon. That’s one of the things that attracted many of the early settlers… including George Duncan. That’s the Duncan of Duncan’s Island upriver… and the old Duncan and Company cannery that used to be located on a wharf in Old Town Florence. Local author and historian Dick Smith has begun research on his latest project… and he’ll present some of his findings at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum tomorrow night during the first of this year’s “Story Time” presentation. Museum President Del Phelps said Smith will bring a lot of information…
Del Phelps – “Talking about canneries and stuff like that in locations around the area here. And this is kind of a lead in to something he’s doing down the way that’s going to be more extensive. So it’s canneries and survey markers and this is a survey marker like I’ve never seen before.”
The second part will detail a pair of brass survey markers and a whalebone that were found at the site of another downstream cannery… at Cannery Hill… the present day site of the Shelter Cove Subdivision. Story time at the museum is tomorrow evening at seven.
Florence Volunteers
Tonight at six pm, volunteers who put in time with the City of Florence will be honored… and thanked… at the location where a good many of them put in their time. The Florence Events Center is not the only location where volunteers help out the city however. Parks, police, the airport, the senior center, and even City Hall benefits from hundreds of hours of volunteer time every year. They’ll all by the center of attention this evening at six.
Fly Fishing Expo
It you’re casting around for something to keep yourself occupied, you may try “tying one one”. Fly fishers from up and down the coast will converge on the Reedsport Community Charter School Saturday from nine to three for the 23rd annual Fly Fishing Expo. It’s hosted by the Lower Umpqua Flycasters. There will be several presentations on different aspects of fly fishing. It’s free to the public and, say organizers, the purpose is to promote conservation and introduce the sport of fly fishing to adults and children alike.
