Siuslaw Awards
It was an evening of celebration last night as the Florence area chamber of commerce presented the 11th Annual Siuslaw Awards for excellence in business and philanthropy. The Stu Johnston Business of the year award went to Tony’s Garage. The Community Caring award was presented to Banner Bank. Curb Appeal went to Heceta Lighthouse. Sand Master Park was presented with the Excellence in Customer Service award. RAIN, The Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network received the innovation in business award. And the Non-Profit Achievement Award went to
The Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshop. Also announced last night were the First Citizen on Florence and the Future First Citizen. Rachel Pearson received the nod for First Citizen for her contributions to the community and Future First Citizen was awarded to Kaylee Graham for her many years of community service and the founding of Power of Florence.
Invasive Species Threaten Oregon
The Oregon department of Agriculture is warning of invasive species that are coming in from overseas and making it to Oregon. Travelers can purposely or inadvertently bring in foreign plants, seeds, spores, and in some cases insects that can become a hazard to Oregon. The state averted a gypsy moth invasion after a traveler to Japan noticed something strange on his checked luggage and reported it. The Moth had become attached to his luggage while on the ground in Tokyo and by the time it had arrived in Portland there was a nest of eggs attached to it. Helmuth Rogg with the ODA says that pests and diseases can threaten the state’s agriculture and natural resources and travelers should be aware of the potential hazards. He suggests that just prior to returning to Oregon that you clean out your suitcases, clean your shoes and your socks and make sure that there is nothing foreign in your luggage.
Friends of Florence Van Fans has announced a fund raiser. Van Fans provide a shuttle service to and from Eugene for patients that are dealing with cancer and have to go for treatments and have been doing so for more than 30 years. Funds raised provide operating and repair monies to keep the daily shuttles. On February 21st there will be a Game Day Fund Raiser at the Florence Elks Lodge beginning at 11:30. Lunch will be served. Tickets for the event are $15.00 per person. Deadline for reservations is February 16th. For information on how to purchase tickets you can go to the Coast radio website KCST.com and click on the news headlines.
(Viola Sears 541-991-3721 Sharon Grove 541-997-8629)
