4 March 2013
March is Tsunami Awareness Month…
A series of maps showing coastal areas likely to be inundated by a tsunami will be explained at several different work sessions up and down the Oregon Coast This month.
It’s Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness month and officials are aiming to make as many people aware of the risks as they can.
Locally, there will be two opportunities this weekend to learn more about how the maps work and figure out what they have to say.
Saturday, March 9th there will be two work shops… one at 9:30, the other at one that will allow residents a chance to view the interactive online maps. They’ll be presented by the West Lane Emergency Operations Group. Space is limited for the sessions so you’ll need to pre-register by calling Siuslaw Valley Fire.
Later this month, Oregon Emergency Management will be making a tour up and down the coast with map information. They’ll start March 11th in Astoria and wrap up the 23rd in Brookings.
The program will be at Siuslaw Public Library March 19th, then two days later at the Hales Center in Coos Bay.
Newport Memorial for 2011 Japanese Tsunami
The public got the first look in Newport Friday afternoon at a memorial aimed at remembering the victims of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The centerpiece of the memorial is a section of dock that washed up on a Lincoln County Beach in June of 2012. It was one of three that were reportedly ripped away from their moorings in the city of Misawa.
Oregon Parks and Recreation had the dock removed in July, but a section was saved for the memorial.
It is housed at the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center. Janet Webster is the interim director. She says it will serve as a “vivid reminder that a similar earthquake and tsunami could just as easily happen here in the Pacific Northwest.”
Pet Therapy For Hospice
Robbi and Ian recently retired from their therapy roles with Peace Harbor Hospice.
Robbi is an 11-year old greyhound; Ian a ten year old cat.
Both have been serving as therapy animals for Hospice. Numerous studies have shown the positive effects that animals can have on humans. Simply cuddling or petting can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and heart rate… and ease depression.
Robbi and Ian’s retirements leave volunteer coordinator Donna Becker with some very important roles to fill. Becker calls the work that the pair has done over the past few years as being “tremendous”. She says interested pet owners can go to www.petpartners.org to review the guidelines… then give her a call at Hospice… 997-3418.
VA Clinic will mean shorter drives
After years of delay and contention veterans in Lane County will soon be able to access broader medical services closer to home. Currently most vets have to travel to the VA Medical Center in Roseburg. Construction on a new $80-million center is expected to begin soon on Chad Drive just off Beltline in North Eugene. The center will provide ambulatory surgery, primary care and ancillary services. It will employ as many as 235 full time employees. The money for construction was approved by Congress five years ago.
