David’s Chair Ready to Roll
Jeff Kallevig is the Operations Manger Northwest for David’s Chair. An organization that provides an all terrain like electric chair that provides free access to nature to a wide variety of people with mobility issues. The organization began in 2017, centered in the Medford area and over the next several years grew with a large growth spurt over the past 12 months. Kallevig said they started with 6 chairs that were trailered and taken on excursions promoted by social media. One such excursion came to Florence.
“So that got people’s attention and people were excited about it and we’ve been having conversations ever since then to figure out how we could locate a chair there permanently.”
The cost of the chair is upwards of 20,000 dollars depending on the style of chair and Kallevig said as a result of their visit here in Florence it wasn’t long before some donations came forth.
“There’s a person in Florence who made a big donation to help us get the chair there.”
He says the response has been great.
“It was last week that I was able to deliver it, train the volunteers who are amazing, and excited and enthusiastic it was really great and making community connections and creating partnerships.”
The Chair is free to use, but scheduling takes about 72 hours to complete a reservation. Reservations can be made at davidschair.org.
Windy Day
The National Weather Service is forecasting strong winds for today easing off in the afternoon hours. There will also be the potential for some heavy rains. Elevated and exposed portions of Highway 101 will be susceptible to the greatest forces making travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
OCHS Christmas Store
It’s been a Christmas tradition in Florence for several years now, but like Brigadoon, you never know just how long it is going to last. Oregon Coast Humane Society director Elizabeth Thompson is celebrating the opening this week of their annual Christmas Store.
The Christmas store is located next door to their year-round thrift store at 1179 Bay Street. In addition to plenty of holiday decorating items, shoppers will be able to help out the animals.
Thompson says it’s a good idea to shop early for the very best selection.
City Newsletter
The City of Florence has published its November newsletter and it has several events and happenings to promote. One particular is a return of the North Pole Express mail Drop Box. Beginning November 20th kids of all ages can drop off their letters to Santa in the mailbox which will be located at the interpretive center on Bay Street. The box will accept letters up to the 17th of December.