National Public Lands Day
The fourth Saturday in September has been set aside as “National Public Lands Day”. Day-use access fees are waived, and people are encouraged to get out and enjoy nature. This Saturday happens to be the fourth Saturday and Julia Johannes says there is more to it this year.
“But it’s also a National Day of Service and Volunteerism on public lands. So, it’s an opportunity for the public to get out and engage in some environmental stewardship and help give back to their public lands.”
Johannes is the Interpretive Specialist for the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
“This year we’re doing a beach cleanup at the Siltcoos Day Use Area. And we are partnering with an amazing organization, SOLVE, that aligns with their annual Beach and Riverside Cleanup.
A brief orientation safety presentation will begin at 10 AM Saturday then participants will hit the beach to clean up around the nesting areas of the Threatened Snowy Plover. Johannes says you should be prepared.
“Sturdy footwear, dress with layers because the weather can be unpredictable and a bit windy on the coast.”
Gloves and trash receptacles will be provided. It will last from ten AM until noon.
Every 15 Minute Event
The Event is called Every 15 minutes. It is an educational tool for students regarding the use of alcohol and other stimulants while driving. Misty Wadzeck with Peace Harbor Medical center says over the years it has brought on new subjects for the awareness training.
“We are seeing new incidents of deaths on the roadways with distracted driving in addition to our impaired drivers from intoxicants.”
The event will encompass several aspects of what happens when someone drives under the influence or drives distracted. A crash vehicle will be brought in, there will be a helicopter and sirens and first responders at the school. There will also be a trip to the morgue, field sobriety tests and more. The event begins on October 9th. According to Wadzeck there are typically two days of training, but Chip Scott a member of the nursing team in the Emergency department says they have added a third component.
“The third day what we decided to do was offer the students some practical training. So we’re going to have first aid, stop the bleed with tourniquet use and how to care for patients who are bleeding or hemorrhaging out and hands only CPR.”
Because of the presence of law enforcement, sirens and helicopters at Siuslaw High School on October 9th the pair wanted the public to be aware of the exercise so not to be alarmed.
Artists Wanted
The City of Florence has announced the next Call for Artists in the Art Exposed Rotating outdoor gallery. The Public Arts Committee is planning for the next change in the display that will happen in February. They need 8 pieces of art to replace the Old Town displays. It is a two year exhibition for the artist. Artists chosen will receive a $1500 stipend and their art work will also be available for purchase upon completion of the exhibit period. Information for submission of artwork is available at the city’s website at ci.florence.or.us. Artists 18 years old and older are eligible to submit work, there is a $25 application fee.
Gas Prices
Gas prices continue to show some downward movement falling 5 cents per gallon across the state. Florence prices, which are historically lower than the Eugene area are staying above the Eugene Average at $3.27 a gallon. Some Eugene stations are at or below $3.15 a gallon. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says the nation overall has seen a rise in prices this past week, but Oregon inched lower. The Oregon Average is at $3.70 a gallon.