Stand Down
Tomorrow the Florence Elks lodge will be hosting a Stand Down. It is a program initiated by the Veterans administration and developed to assist veterans with some needed services including housing, physical and mental health, and employment. William Wagner with the Veterans Administration will be facilitating the program.
“With the Stand Down’s in general it helps the community and the veterans network together.”
The Program will begin at 9 am with a brunch beginning at 10 am and will conclude at 1pm. Wagner says veterans are not always comfortable reaching out for help, and this program has helped to offer services that are needed but not always sought out. He says this is a chance for all of the community to learn more about the needs of local veterans. He says the ultimate goal is to help those in need become sustainable. This is a free event. The elks lodge is located on 12th street.
Board to Review Book Status
A book on the shelf of the Siuslaw High School library is getting some attention. The book is called Flamer. It’s a graphic novel by Mike Curato and it has been on the shelf at Siuslaw High School Library for the past four years. The story tells the story of Aiden, who is bullied for his appearance and his mannerisms that have been considered stereotypical of gay men. Curato drew on his own experiences as a youth navigating friendships, dealing with bullies and finding himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance. Flamer has been challenged by a current student under the Siuslaw School District policy governing procedures for reconsidering instructional materials. That meant convening a special review committee made up of three school district staff, including High School Principal Mike Harkelrode and four members of the community. Each reviewed the book, discussed it as a group, then held a secret ballot on what to recommend to the school board. The school board met last week to review the committee’s recommendation to leave the book on the shelf. The board took no action on that recommendation, instead opting to take on a review in addition to that of the committee. All seven board members have recieved a copy of the book to read. The final decision on Flamer will likely be on the agenda for the March 12th meeting.
Wine and Chowder Wrap
Florence wrapped up its annual Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trails Weekend over Presidents’ Day weekend. Hundreds of participants voted The Market & Dine-in Deli at Driftwood Shores as the top chowder winner, edging out Northwest Memory Care’s corn-and-bacon chowder by just one vote. Wineries from across Oregon poured samples in Old Town and at Three Rivers Casino Resort. Despite some Sunday rain, crowds enjoyed tastings, live music, and a glass float hunt. Organizers say visitors came from across the U.S., with one couple from Texas calling it the best-organized festival they’d attended.
