More than two years into the pandemic, amid summer travel and looser behavioral restrictions, COVID-19 continues to circulate in our communities, as well as a surprising summer surge in other viruses more commonly seen in fall and winter, including influenza and other respiratory viruses. Physicians are seeing an increase in Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5, and common respiratory viruses that are no longer following the usual patterns. Flu peaked in late May, now doctors are seeing a surge of respiratory viruses. The Greater Florence area has reported 27 more Covid 19 cases in the last week according to Lane County Public Health. A Covid 19 Vaccination clinic will be held Wednesday in conjunction with a Covid Drive Thru testing clinic June 22nd from 10am to 2pm at the Florence Events Center, appointments are required and can be made online from the Lane County Public Health Website. Vaccinations and boosters are also available through the Florence Rite Aid and Safeway Pharmacies.
It’s Father’s Day Weekend, Alicia DeNicola reports
This weekend combines both Father’s Day and Juneteenth Celebrations along the coast. In Florence, the Central-Coast Oregon Grom Squad is holding a Father’s day Weeners and Wheelies bike event. The bike meet-up and free BBQ lunch begins at the Florence Events Center parking lot and will be followed by a group ride around town.
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Further down the coast, the Coos History Museum will host a number of Juneteenth Community Cultural events over th weekend. Various booths and vendors will be featured at the festival, which takes place between 11 and 4 on both days. Additional details are available online at the Coos History Museum website.
The Florence Elks Lodge will offer a Father’s Day Recognition BBQ at 1 o’clock at Lodge #1845 Sunday on 12th street.
Also don’t forget Reedsport’s 22nd annual Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championships runs through Sunday at Rainbow Plaza. Right next door to the Umpqua Discovery Center who will be offering free admission to Fathers Sunday from noon to 4pm.
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The Independence Holiday weekend in Florence will have plenty of activities.
“Yes, there will be fireworks over the Siuslaw River on July 4th, but before that there will be lots of opportunities for visitors and residents to celebrate the holiday in style. First up: the Florence Habitat for Humanity “Porch Parade” running from June 27th through July 4th. Businesses and Residents are encouraged to decorate their front yard, porch or window with a patriotic theme, then register the display with Habitat. A list of parade entries will be posted so members of the community can drive by and admire. Habitat is also teaming up with the City of Florence for a bicycle parade at ten AM July 4th. It will culminate with the annual watermelon and pie eating contests along with music and other fun in Historic Old Town.
To register your “Porch Parade” entry, go to florencehabitat dot org by Friday, July 1st.
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