Florence Champion Passes
The Florence community has learned of the passing of longtime resident and influencer Tom Grove. Grove was instrumental in bringing to life many of the things taken for granted in Florence like the Florence Events Center and the current state of PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center as well as the Florence campus of the Lane Community college. Grove served as the president and CEO of Oregon Pacific Bank from 1982 through 2006. He took the reins just three years after the bank was chartered. Grove then went on to the OPB Board of Directors until 2019. Current OPB President and CEO Ron Green talked about Groves contributions.
“You work to be a community partner and you lead and strengthen in the community and when you put that as part of your mission first then the other aspects of your organization-Financial, growth, etcetera will come because of the value that you bring to the community. Tom was really the godfather of that as it relates to Oregon Pacific Bank and Florence.”
Bobby King of R&R King Logging was on the Board of Directors that hired Grove back in 1982.
“Tom rode into Florence on a White horse and was a hero for our community in many ways. He made Florence better because of his high standards and care for others. He made the bank a key component of Florence but he also impacted the entire community because of his service. He taught me a lot and I will miss him.
Grove was also the driving force in establishing the Friends of Florence Van Fans that transports cancer patients to and from treatment in Eugene. As of this morning there were no firm plans in place for a public memorial.
Additional Emergency Heat Funding Available
Lane County has appropriated additional money to assist low income residents with utility bills. Bob Teter said Siuslaw Outreach Services quickly filled their allotment under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program earlier this month. But, there is more on the way.
“We just go notification that there are additional funds coming so we can take another 30 names of people to sign up.”
Don’t call just yet though, because of program restrictions that signup list won’t be available until next Friday, December 1st. This assistance program is very important to a great number of people in our area.
“450 to 500 families annually.”
S.O.S. will begin taking names at 9 AM December 1st. Once they’ve compiled the list, Teter says, then they’ll make appointments to complete the process.
Anderson to Host Town Hall
Senator Dick Anderson of Oregon’s 5th Congressional District will be hosting a Town Hall at the Siuslaw Public Library on Tuesday, November 28th. The town hall will be open to any political topics, but will primarily focus on issues regarding housing, homelessness, and mental health. Senator Anderson will also be discussing the drug crisis, and the related ballot measure 110, reclassifying possession and penalites for specified drugs. Senator Anderson has been touring the state and will also be stopping by North Bend, Philomath and Monroe. The Republican senator’s goal is to hear the thoughts and feelings about the issues pressing all Oregonians today. The town hall will take place at the Siuslaw Public Library on Tuesday, November 28th, from 4pm to 5pm.