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Future First Citizen Announced

The organizers of the Marteen Wick Future First Citizen scholarship have announced the winner for this year, which is Cate Waggoner, a senior at Siuslaw High School and one of two salutatorians in her class.

The Siuslaw High School staff selected a group of nominees including Adelaide Lake, Billie Massey, Cate Waggoner, Brayden Linton, Cort Waggoner, and Jane Lacouture. Following this, a panel of Florence First Citizens, which included Kim Erickson, Dr. Brian Holmes, Steve Olienyk, Dee Osborne, and Rachel Pearson, reviewed the nomination packets and scored each student.

The Future First Citizen designation is awarded to a student based on their academic success, leadership, civic involvement, and contributions to the community. The recipient will receive the Marteen Wick Future First Citizen Scholarship worth $2,500.

Cate is an exemplary student, with a 4.0 GPA and an honors diploma, and she currently serves as the Senior Class President at Siuslaw High School. She is an active member of the school’s interact club, and has played volleyball for the school team. She is now involved in the school’s softball team, too. Since 2021, Cate has planned and coordinated the annual Veteran’s Day Assembly. She plans to study nursing in college. Moreover, Cate was named the 117th Queen Rhododendra, and rode on the Rhody Court Royalty float with a special designation sign.

By TONY REED Siuslaw

A roar of applause filled

Events Center May 11 at the

announcement that Cate and Cort Waggoner had

the titles of

Rhododendra and

of

event filled every seat and kept backstage personnel busy moving everything from a grand piano to a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Masters of Ceremony C.R.O.W director Melanie Heard and KEZI News Anchor Matt Templeman explained that Princes and Princesses would be judged on poise and confidence, as well as their performances and impromptu answers to questions from the judges.

During a Presentation of the Colors by US Coast Guard Seaman Miles Swigart and Fireman Steven Bragg, Ron Green performed the National Anthem on Trumpet to start the night.

Live onstage

Hypnotic Native music filled the Center as Princess Rosa Velasco Mendez performed a Native Healing Jingle Dance. Emcees noted that she was wearing a dress completely handmade by her family and adorned with so many jingle cones that it weighed about 50 pounds.

Asked later to describe the most valuable lesson of high school, she said it’s that one must persevere and get through. Noting her time on the wrestling team, she said she had to

push past the fact that wrestling with boys could get very stinky.

Prince Landon Severy confidently sang his rendition of House of the Rising Sun, but it was immediately clear by his movements that he had added another component. In honor of his deaf parents, he also performed the words in American Sign Language. Asked what separates his generation from others, he said it contains people who are confident and push themselves, rather than waiting for things to happen.

Princess Jaime Taylor let her emotion come thorough in a clear recitation of her own poetry entitled “Overcoming,” which conveyed courage and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges.

Asked to speak about her own leadership qualities, Taylor spoke

of her top-rated choir. However, she defined the choir as a unit, saying it practices leadership as a group.

Prince Brayden Linton brought light to the stage with a colorfully-illuminated go-cart. Dressed in colorful lighted outfits, Brayden and his mother performed an acrobatic swing dance, to “Gasolina.” Asked where he would travel if he could go anywhere, Linton essentially said he’d rather stay home. Calling travel “overhyped,” he added that there is much for him to do here and doesn’t feel a need to travel.

When the lights came up, Princess Cate Waggoner was seated on stage in a pink evening gown to perform

Flooding covers roads, damages some homes

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

While it’s been dry for a while now, floodwater remained over Heceta Beach Drive for more than a week after the most recent rain.

Officials suspect beavers may have had something to do with it.

Florence Public Works Director

Mike Miller said the area is not technically City jurisdiction, but his department has been collaborating with Lane County to deal with the flooding.

Miller noted that the area has dealt with flooding before. In in 2016 and 2017, the county had to replace a section of Heceta Beach Road.

“But this year is different because all of the culverts are free,” he said, noting that several property owners in the area have made dikes to

Miller said he

keep the water out. “There are some beaver activity that’s been reported. This last weekend, something failed or something was breached, late at night and it caused some flooding.”

He said fast-rising water overwhelmed storm drains and caused flooding for several blocks around the area and out to the beach.

Erosion damage there was repaired by Public Works personnel May 6.

Queen Rhododendra Cate Waggoner and King of the Coast Cort Waggoner.

PHOTO BY TONY REED

Cate Waggoner, performing at the Coronation May 11 at Florence Events Center.

Junior Princess Preslee Wilkins is congratulated as she accepts her prize for selling the most buttons.

DEB LOBEY

Siuslaw Pioneer Museum

With the 117th year of the Rhododendron celebration upon us, it was an ideal time to visit and chat with a 1952 Rhody Princess. At first, the thought for this story was to capture the experience of becoming a Rhody Princess. However, soon after the conversation began, it became apparent this was a story of unexpected romance. Joyce Beers Wornstaff was born in 1933 in Junction City in the home of a mid-wife, which she explained, “was commonly done in those days.”

Her pioneer family had come over the plains to Oregon in the late 1800’s to homestead. Joyce was brought up in Indian Creek where her father was a logger for Phelps Lumber Company and Davidson Industries. She fondly recalled having enjoyed farm life surrounded by cows and horses.

“I rode my horse every chance I had when I wasn’t in school.” Joyce attended a oneroom rural school until the 4th grade. On the day we spoke, I was impressed she could easily recite the first and last names of her classmates – all five of them. According to her, it wasn’t difficult even after all these years, since they had all remained friends their entire lives. When the schools consolidated, she and

A Rhody Princess and her Prince

her classmates began fifth grade at Mapleton, commuting on a school bus from Indian Creek. By contrast, the class size there for her 5th grade was15 students.

Willie John Wornstaff was born in 1934 in Walla Walla, Washington. With his father away in the Marines, Willie was raised by his grandparents in Coquille. When his father retired, they moved to San Diego for a year. His father then purchased an interest in Camp Indiola, a fishing area between Swiss Home and Deadwood on Highway 36. By that time, Willie was about to start his Junior year at Mapleton High School.

An unlikely first meeting

The year was 1950 when Joyce and Willie found themselves in the same high school class.

When asked, they seemed to have a different recollection of their initial “conversation.” Joyce explained rather than a situation of “love at first sight,” it was more of a “noticing at first sight.” According to her, Mapleton boys back then attended school in farm work clothes and boots. Willie however, on his first day at Mapleton High was dressed in a neatly tucked-in shirt, clean, white corduroy pants and polished shoes.

Joyce was assigned the task of greeting new students and handing out a Welcome flyer. She recalls that because of the way Willie was dressed, it was easy to recognize he was a new student. As she handed him the flyer, he was reluctant to accept it and instead responded with a gruff, “what am I supposed to do with this?” Without hesitation, Joyce’s response was quick and firm. Using a pointed finger, she instructed him to enter the classroom, and “take a seat.”

At that moment in the interview, Willie offered his version of their first conversation. With a smile he added, “that wasn’t the end of the story.” His recollection was that she had been “assertive,”

but he nonetheless, entered the classroom and sat at an unoccupied seat and desk. No sooner had he sat down when Joyce reported to the teacher that Willie was in her seat. To avoid a disturbance, Willie moved to another seat. The next day, Willie seated himself in the chair he last occupied the day before. Again, Joyce reported to the teacher that Willie was in her seat. Bewildered, he moved to yet another seat. At this point in the interview, Joyce had a big smile and explained to me, it was a ruse “to gain Willie’s attention.”

And so began their life-long romance. In 1952, Joyce was nominated and selected by her class to be a princess in the Rhododendron Court. Initially,

Owner Kimberly Fleenor shares favorite art during Chamber Gallery exhibit

For the month of May, 2024, The Silver Lining Boutique is sharing an exhibit they’ve curated at their store and is bringing it to the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Art Gallery, 290 Highway 101, inside the visitor center.

The Silver Lining Boutique’s owner, Kimberly Fleenor, has hosted the art of Judy Kaplan for several years at her shop where she sells Kaplan’s works.

“Judy is an accomplished artist in many mixed media. In addition to her astounding theatre history, she can sing, do collages, and stained glass. Every kind of creativity sparks her enthusiasm. Her paintings can be abstract or realistic, while her subject matter spans a horizon of ideas,” said Fleenor. “I am particularly attracted to her use of color, composition, and lighting. Her paintings reflect something different for each viewer. Her paintings are for sale both at the Chamber’s visitor center

gallery this month and always at The Silver Lining Boutique. All of her pieces are moderately priced so all can afford to have one of Judy’s beautiful paintings in their home or workspace.”

“This is Kimberly’s second exhibit at the Chamber’s gallery, and we’re delighted that she brought Judy’s work to the fore,” said chamber president and CEO Bettina Hannigan. “There are some truly unique pieces with a distinctly local flavor that those who stop by are going to love.”

“Judy is excited to display her work at the Chamber during the month of May when the shapes and colors of the locally beloved rhododendrons blossom forth in all their majesty. We hope that locals and visitors will enjoy the show and that the arts will continue to flourish in Florence during the Rhododendron Festival and always,” Fleenor added.

Fleenor says that The Silver Lining Boutique is a magical array of clothing, jewelry, gifts, windchimes, wall hangings, books, cards, hats, games, collectibles, velvets, scarves, and more. The upstairs is called The Gallery Above and has artwork by multiple artists who continually refresh their works due to them selling out. The

Silver Lining Boutique is the wooden domed building at 2217 Highway 101 in Florence. The phone number is 541-997-2440 For more information about the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, and how to join or volunteer, visit FlorenceChamber.com or call 541-997-3128.

her father tried to discourage her from participating, due to the extra cost of a new dress and shoes. Her mother however, insisted that Joyce accept the honor, despite the expense. In the end, her father was more than proud to see her as a member of the Rhody Court in her new attire. As her Prince, Willie escorted Joyce throughout the Rhododendron Court festivities. Before concluding our visit, they proudly spoke of their daughter Theresa Colleen who graduated from Mapleton High School and college in Pasco, Washington. She went

to

for a

and is

She and her husband visit

times a year. On the day of the interview, I found Joyce and Willie Wornstaff generous in revealing a few precious moments in their lives. It was obvious to see their relationship and respect for each other continues even after all these years. I was grateful to have shared a morning with the Rhody Princess of 1952 and her Prince.

TALK TRICKS:

May is Lyme and Tick-borne Diseases Awareness Month

Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed May as Lyme and Tick-borne Diseases Awareness Month in Oregon. May marks the beginning of heightened activity for ticks which last all summer and into the autumn. People and ticks can come into contact with each other, sometimes resulting in dire consequences.

Each year over 500,000 in the United States are infected with Lyme disease. According to the CDC estimates, there were 774 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Oregon between 2008 and 2022. Because diagnostic tools are unreliable, the CDC estimates that the actual number of cases is 10 times higher. Even with antibiotic treatment between 16% and 39% of infected people go on to develop chronic symptoms which can make maintaining a job or school difficult. Adding to the problem is the fact that each tick can carry multiple pathogens which can be passed through a bite.

Not all people infected with Lyme disease are aware of being bitten by a tick. Ticks in their nymphal stage can be as small as a poppy seed and still transmit pathogens. Only between 70% and 80% report developing the classic erythema migrans (EM) rash, aka as a “bulls-eye” rash. People of color can have a more

difficult time seeing the rash even when it does occur. Early symptoms include “flu” like aches and pains, fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue, nausea, and joint pains. Some people develop Bell’s Palsy which is characterized by a drooping or partial paralysis on one side of the face. Chronic symptoms are multi-systemic involving the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, heart and circulation, digestion, reproductive system, and skin. Prevention is key to protecting yourself and your loved ones. There are several great websites with tons of information on how to keep yourself safe. Here’s a few: TickEncounter, through the University of Rhode Island (https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/); LymeDisease.org; BayAreaLyme.org; and the CDC.

Preventing tick bites:

Wear tick-repellent clothing treated with permethrin. Permethrin is odorless, invisible, and when commercially treated, can last through 70 washes.

Wear light colored clothing that ticks can be seen crawling on. Tuck pant legs into socks to close entry points.

Check yourself daily for ticks. Ticks can attach anywhere, in particular, they will find spots like: the back of your knee, around waistbands,

inside belly button, between your legs, under armpits, in and around ears, in and around hair, or in any constricted place. Anytime after you have been in tick habitat you should thoroughly check your entire body and remove attached ticks immediately. Once attached, ticks do not wash off easily in the shower.

The CDC recommends using tick repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.

Avoid contact with ticks by avoiding wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter and walking in the center of trails.

Shower within 2 hours of being outdoors to wash off any unattached ticks.

Ticks can enter your home on exposed clothing gear, or pets. Clothing should be washed in hot water and/or tumbled in the dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks. Pets and gear should be closely examined. If a tick found on a pet, remove it as you would for a human.

How

to safely remove an attached tick:

Grasp as near to the head as possible with sharp tweezers or a tick remover tool.

Pull straight out with a steady, even pressure. Do not squeeze or twist the body— this could cause the tick to expel its contents into your bloodstream. Do not cover the tick in soap, alcohol, or any other substance, as this may irritate the tick and also provoke it to expel its contents.

Clean the area with an alcohol swab.

Save tick for identification and testing if desired.

Take a picture of the tick and upload to TickSpotters/ TickEncounter, through the University of Rhode Island for identification and risk assessment.

Watch the affected area for signs of infection. Initial redness and swelling is common and attributed to the body’s reaction to enzymes in the saliva of the tick. If a rash appears, or the area becomes tender or painful, this could be a sign of infection and medical attention should be sought.

Finally, DO NOT burn the tick, cover the it with Vaseline or nail polish remover, or squeeze the tick’s body. These could increase the chance of pathogen transmission from tick to host.

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

By now, many in the community have heard of David’s Chair and know it offers people of limited mobility access to the Oregon coastline which is usually inaccessible to them. However, some may not know that a chair is available for checkout in Florence, but volunteer help is needed to keep the program available.

Named for its developer David Hatrick, who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2017, the twin-track chair can get into beach areas unreachable by conventional powered chairs.

Northern Operations

Manager Jeff Kallevig was at the Florence Area Community Coalition meeting May 1 to introduce the chair and recruit volunteers.

By phone after the meting, Kallevig explained more about the program and what it takes to keep it going.

Asked how often the chair is used, Kallevig said it’s checked out almost every weekend.

“The fixed location chairs are checked out for two hours at a time,” he said, “and depending on the location and whatever we can coordinate with the volunteers in that area determines when the chair is available. Right now, we have a limited number of volunteers in Florence so the chair is available for one 2-hour shift on Friday, one on Saturday and Sunday from 10 to noon. As we gather more volunteers, the volunteer coordinator in Florence would ask to have more shifts made available on our website in reservations. We’re in the market for volunteers.”

He said the FACC meeting generated some volunteer interest but the need for volunteers still exists. He said most Florence area volunteers didn’t come from David’s Chair presentations, but were simply folks who saw it on Facebook and wanted to help. He said that while training is provided, the local volunteer corps is “just a big-hearted group of folks who wanted to help.”

To volunteer, contact Kallevig by email at jeffk@ davidschair.org

Behind the scenes

Providing multi-terrain mobility chairs for people isn’t cheap or easy and a lot goes on in the background in order to keep providing the service free-of-charge.

Kallevig, a resident of Pacific City, said he got involved shortly after being introduced to the program.

“I got hooked on it and said ‘this is something that I really want to make happen,” he said, noting that the David’s Chair headquarters is in White City, Ore., and is working to get the chairs into fixed locations along the Oregon Coast and inland.

“That’s what I cam onboard to do is manage those relationships in those locations along the coast,” he said, noting that his area is north of Florence. “We have one location in the I-5 corridor, we have one tow-and-go location in Tigard and we’ll have another tow-and-go in Eugene. We have a couple more communities on the coast we’re having conversations with about possibly growing into their areas as well.”

Asked where the chairs come from and how the program is funded, Kallevig said the chairs are purchased from Action Trackchair in Minnesota.

The Trackchair website lists the chairs for $19,400 each. Kallevig said the company’s chairs work best in the northwest and make up most of the coastal fleet.

“We do grant-writing and fundraising to buy the chairs and secure the hardware, if it’s a trailer or a shed that goes with each chair, and we partner with several organizations,” he said. “One of those key partnerships is with Oregon Parks Forever, the Oregon Parks Foundation and they’ve done some grant-writing and secured some grants for us in funding our expansion.” He said several yearly fundraisers take place in the Medford area to fund hardware, personnel, travel and other expenses.

“The important thing for us is that the user gets to use the chair for free,” he said. “In order to provide that, there

are three things we need in each community; We need a place to house the chair and keep it charged, we need volunteers to check the chair in and out and the third- we ask each community to do some fundraising for us.” He said the agreement in Florence is $5,000 for chair maintenance, reservation administration and related costs.

David’s Chair also partners with the Lane County Parks and Recreation Department and are funding the chair through an accessibility grant.

The chairs

Kallevig said the controls are similar to that of a regular powered chair, but a secondary control allows another person to guide the chair from behind if needed.

“If someone using the chair is unable to drive it themselves, some can walk along behind them and control the chair. That control can also be moved around to the left side of the chair if someone can only use their left hand.”

To reserve one, go to davidschair.org and scroll to the “request fixed location chair” at the bottom.

Once some forms have been filled out, a volunteer coordinator will work with them to check the chair out. Volunteer coordinators are trained to give instructions and safety information about the chair. Kallevig noted that volunteers cannot help someone in or out of the chair and they must be able to do so themselves.

“They get a little briefing and they can take it out on the beach from there,” he said, adding that the access point opens up to a long, beautiful

only and cannot be taken to other areas such as the jetties or local parks. A “tow-and-go” chair can be checked out in Gold Beach for a full day, but the Florence

of

The chair is meant for use at that access

WEST COAST REAL ESTATE SERVICES 1870 Highway 126, Florence 541-997-7653

FTS COMPUTER REPAIR 1255 Bay Street, Florence 541-590-2474

ARTEFACTS 1255 Bay Street, Florence 541-991-3322

ZOLEZZI INSURANCE 777 Maple Street, Florence 541-997-3455

SIUSLAW NEWS 4969 Highway 101, Florence 541-997-3441

GOODMAN’S FLOOR COVERING 394 Kingwood Street, Florence 541-997-1080

RAY WELLS, INC. 1770 Laurel Way, Florence 541-997-2054

LOFY CONSTRUCTION LLC 1885 18th Street, Florence 541-590-3691 CCB# 221760

FLORENCE PHARMACY 2935 Highway 101, Florence 541-902-9966

COASTAL HOME SERVICES 1885 18TH Street, Florence 541-590-3691

CCB#221760

BURNS’ RIVERSIDE CHAPEL 2765 Kingwood, Florence 541-997-3416

SHOREWOOD SENIOR LIVING 1451 Spruce Street, Florence 541-997-8202

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF THE OREGON COAST WWW.ohdoregoncoast.com CCB#50460

AMERICAN MARKET #4 2515 Highway 101, Florence 541-997-5360

AMERICAN MARKET 87764 Highway 101 North, Florence 541-997-8855

TR HUNTER REAL ESATE 1749 Highway 101, Florence 541-997-1200

OREGON MILITARY MUSEUM 2145 Kingwood Street, Florence 541-902-5160

FLORENCE ELKS LODGE #1858 1686 12th Street, Florence 541-997-2610

stretch

beach.

chair needs to stay near the location where it’s

Help create a social experience

A mission is afoot to create a homegrown, locally sustainable, schedule of inclusive social events for adults who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.

These meetings will be hosted by Lisa Utz, Director of Special Programs, Siuslaw School District. She will discuss the efforts of other non-profits who are already doing this work and how we can create our own

Community Briefs

opportunities here in Florence. We are looking for input, feedback and volunteerism from families and community agencies.

Two startup meetings are scheduled to allow people the flexibility to attend. They are Wednesday, June 12 from 1-2pm at Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue in the upstairs meeting room, 2625 Hwy 101 and Friday, June 15 from 10:30-11:30am at Siuslaw Public Library in the Bromley Room, 146 9th Street. PLEASE RSVP so we know how many people to expect. For an RSVP

form, please email Lisa Utz at lutz@siuslaw.k12.or.us

Spring choral Concert coming

The Community Chorus of Florence Oregon will be presenting its Spring Concert on June 1 & 2 at 3pm. The concert will be held at the Presbyterian Community Church (3996 Hwy 101 in Florence). Songs from a very wide variety of musical styles will be featured, including “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, “You Raise Me

Up”, “Loch Lomond”, a variety of show tunes, a madrigal, and even a Slovak folk tune about cows. Admission is free, though donations are greatly appreciated! The Community Chorus of Florence Oregon was organized to provide a musical experience for all people who enjoy singing. Auditions are not required, and new members are always welcome! If you are interested in singing, please send an e-mail to communitychorusflorenceoregon@gmail.com so you can be notified when rehearsals begin again in the Fall.

great pride that Tim and Mary Dodson of Florence and John Grove and Velma Hamilton Bryan of St Catherine, Jamaica announce the wedding of their children, Nicholas Paul Dodson and Renee Grove. Nicholas was born and raised in Florence and a graduate of Siuslaw HS. He attended OSU before completing a four year commitment to the US Marine Corps as a Corporal. Nicholas works as a Supply and Logistics customer service representative. Renee was born and raised in St Catherine. She attended the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean where she earned a Bachelor degree in

Renee is working as a receptionist at the Grand Cayman Hotel. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Dodson were married in front of family and friends in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on April 20, 2024.

bubbling up in the area.

County Utility personnel determined it was not caused by a water main break.

“About 4 a.m., when I got the second phone call, I had staff go out and investigate,” he said. “By the time we got out at about 4:30 a.m, there was no water on the roadway but we could see evidence of flooding in the 2nd street area.” He said based on Public Works’ previous experiences with beavers, that they are quick to repair their dams when they break. He said some social media posters from the area said the water went down four feet, but soon after, was back up again.

Lane County is trying to work with property owners to manage some kind of controlled release of the water to help dissipate that,” he said.

“Everything is so interconnected because they also have a lot of flooding in Heceta South also and it’s related and there’s no escape route for the water right now. It’s also a reflection of where the groundwater table is. All the lakes, regardless of whether it’s seasonal or not, are all really full. It’s just been very wet this year.”

Other damage

Area resident Ramona McSweeney said she woke up to find a couple inches of water in her home and many of her neighbors had worse damage. She said she’s also received notice that she will have to leave the home so that an entire remodel and all of her flooring will need to be replaced.

“I’m working with my flood insurance people,” she said.

In talking to her neighbors, McSweeney has heard reports ranging from no damage to waist-deep water and flooded vehicles.

Blame it on the rain Miller noted that 2016/17 saw more rainfall than 2023/24, and city weather data confirms that Florence received 103 inches of rain for that water year. While rainfall

amounts for May 2024 have not been tallied, the water year (October to September) comes to 83 inches so far.

Going back to 1957, the highest recorded water year was 1973/74 with almost 109 inches of rain. Historical data shows rain typically tapering off in May and remaining low through September.

King and Queen chosen

From Page A1

a monologue about her own youth and sang “Wonderfully Made.” Asked to name the most influential person in her high school years and why, she immediately responded, “Mr. Wartnick” for his helpful, supportive and kind nature.

Prince Cort Waggoner showed confidence and style as he sang and played guitar

for the packed house. His original song, “All the time,” was dedicated to “that special somebody…” Asked why he chose to compete and what he hopes to learn from it, he said competition gives him a feeling of connection. He said he wanted to represent Florence well and give back to it, as well as to help him learn to be quick on his feet.

Prince Hunter Pimlott literally roared onto the stage astride a 2003 100th anniversary Harley Davidson motorcycle that he brought back to life after years in storage. Pimlott spoke of his lifelong love for mechanics and

engineering, disclosing that he intends to attend Oregon Institute of Technology to study mechanical and possibly electrical engineering. Asked what values he holds most dear, he responded “honesty and hard work,” saying honesty bonds in relationships and the hard work secures your dreams and goals.

Accompanied by a threepiece band, Prince Billie Massey performed “Autumn Leaves” on the trumpet.

Asked if and how he plans to use his talents to improve the world, Massey said once he settles down, he plans to use his knowledge and talent

to help his community grow, “because it matters.”

Princess Madison Carnahan’s monologue, “Sailing through Life,” detailed the storms of her own life and how she rode them out by steering her life with purpose.

“I realized that the storm didn’t define me,” she said, “so I took control of my boat and I sailed differently.” She said everyone has the ability to persevere and influence others to do so.

Asked what empowerment means to her and how she empowers others, she said empowerment comes from confidence and self worth, but not everyone has them. She said she always tries to make new friends so she can encourage them and help them know they are worth it.

Princess Adelaide Lake charmed the audience with a smooth piano and vocal rendition of “What a Wonderful World.” Asked later what one thing she would change about the world if she could, Lake said she would beneficial to the world if college was free or at least, more accessible to everyone.

Junior Princesses

Junior Princesses Elizabeth Harvey, Preslee Wilkins Khloe Smoldt, Delia Quinn, and Ashlyn Heady were escorted onstage in their gowns and

answered questions from the judges.

Wilkins won top honors for selling the most buttons. She will recieve a night on the town, dinner, a limousine ride, cinema tickets and a giant moosh-mallow.

Presentations were judged by BrandedSac owner Steve Ball, Centraal Oregon Coat Board of Realtors’ Alan Ercolini, Author Melody Jones, Queen Rhododendra 2012 Marisha Reavis, and Grand Marshal Lon Beale, owner of Sand Master Park.

The envelope, please Following a suspenseful buildup, Cort Waggoner and Cate Wagonner were declared Queen Rhododendra and King of the Coast. Cate was crowned by 2023 Queen Gillian Norton. 2023 King Lucian Murphy was unable to attend and Cort was crowned by Mayor Rob Ward. Runner ups were Hunter Pimlott and Madison Carnahan, who will step in if Cate or Cort are unable to serve their duties on the Rhododendron Court.

Cate and Cort were each awarded $1,700 scholarships and runners-up were given $900 scholarships.

Following the event, Mayor Rob Ward said he was impressed with the senior’s performances, saying that as he looks to the future of Florence, he is confident that “we’re in good hands.”

SPORTS & LIFESTYLE

C.R.O.W.’s 2024 Spring Dance Showcase

Dancers of all ages will take the stage on May 24 and 25 at 7 p.m., as C.R.O.W. presents their Spring Dance Showcase. The event is open to the public, and C.R.O.W. encourages local audiences to come and support the wonderful performers. The 2020 Spring Dance Showcase will feature class performances by C.R.O.W.’s Ballet, Contemporary, Belly

Dance, Tap, and Hip Hop classes, choreographed by Angela Palmer, Elyse Stewart, and Cara Richter. In addition, local solo/duo/small group dancers and special guests will dazzle audiences. The Tutu Dads will pirouette back to the stage, with another cheeky yet somehow dazzling crowd-pleaser. Last but not least, the Tip Top Tappers and Teen Tappers, will “keep

the beat with their tappin’ feet.” “Plus, there will most definitely be some humor and surprises,” says Heard.

Adult tickets are $16, Military/Seniors are $14 (with ID at box office only) and youth (12 and under) are $12. All proceeds from the show support the C.R.O.W. Dance education program, including costumes and scholarships for

youth to attend future dance classes and workshops.

For tickets to the Spring Dance Showcase, please visit the FEC Box Office, or call (541) 997-1994. Tickets can be purchased online at eventcenter.org, and additional information is available at www.crowkids.com

INSPIRE Culinary Academy to offer free chef training for some

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

A culinary education program coming soon in the Florence area is offering a full cooking, food preparation, and certification course to area youth. For some students, all expenses will be paid.

Graham Ross, founder and director of Coastal Culinary Academy, explained that the classes would be free to youth, age 16 to 24 if they meet criteria, but others would receive assistance as well.

According to a provided flyer, “the INSPIRE Culinary Academy program provides quality basic culinary skills, nutrition, food safety & sanitation, serving etiquette, and occupational & personal responsibilities training for disconnected 16-24-year-old young adults; giving them a path to a rewarding career in the hospitality industry and giving them the ability to earn a living wage and become self-sustaining.”

“These are kids that are lost, out of school, maybe got in trouble, or are foster kids,” he said. “They’re just disconnected from society.”

The curriculum

He said he plans to hold four to six sessions per year. Each session would be 10 weeks long, made up of six weeks of in-class labs and four weeks of internship at a local restaurant or food service business.

Each session will teach eight students the full range of skills necessary to work in the food service industry, from knife skills to fundamental nutrition, to meat preparation and cooking techniques to creating menus and even controlling costs.

“This is really getting them ready to be prep cooks,” he said. “They’re going to be using the America’s Test Kitchen Cooking School Cookbook, which is probably one of the best curriculum books I’ve ever seen. We have permission to replicate it and teach it.”

He said the classes will touch on every aspect of food preparation.

Classes will occur Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays will entail “field trips” to restaurants, organic farms, resorts, cafeterias, food processing plants, and other food-related locations.

“That way, they’ll get to see this isn’t just for restaurants,” he said, “and they have a broad range they can go into.”

Classes will also include food safety and graduating students will have two certifications, for food manager safety and Food Handlers certification and a diploma from INSPIRE Culinary Academy.

“If they fit low-income rural, they pay zero tuition,” he said. “If they don’t fit, there is tuition, but I’m

contacting major companies now to see if they’ll do a scholarship fund.

“When they graduate, they’ll have three choices, they can go to work and we’ll help them get a job, they can go over to Lane Community College and get on the career pathways program, or, if they don’t have a GED, We’ll help them get it and they can apply for entrance into the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute. The chef there, Randy Torres, said he would help them get financial assistance.”

Asked what each student will need to bring, Ross said, “Themselves.” Pants, coats, hats, shoes, aprons, a backpack for study materials, and a knife roll will be provided.

“We’re going to teach them how to use the knives and if they keep them the way they are supposed to and they are in good shape, they get to keep them,” he said. “We want them to understand that these are their tools.”

Also onboard

The program’s culinary Advisor is Chef Jack Strong, a Native American with the Siletz Tribe who is currently executive chef at Allison Inn in Newberg.

“I did that on purpose,” Ross smiled. “Number one, he’s a great guy and he’s from Oregon, but I also want to have Native American kids join us and know this is open to everyone.”

Ross said he’s working with Workforce Boards of Oregon, which are providing the low-income students’ tuition. The Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County are partners in the project and students will be enrolled as Boys and Girls Club members. Vanessa Buss, CEO at BGCWLC, said the clubs have been working to create “workforce readiness” to provide occupational direction for youth, aged 18 to 24 when they leave the club.

She said the club was able to partner with Ross to provide grants and assistance.

Using the kitchen space provided by the Florence Elks Lodge, the first session is scheduled to start June 24.

“The mission is to give these kids the education and the skills in the culinary and hospitality world so they get a job, start a career which will give them a living wage that will help them become independent,” he said. “What I get out of this is that I want these kids to know that they are loved, that they are valuable, they need to have pride in themselves and if they learn to cook along the way, all the better.”

For enrollment information

Contact Ross at graham@ INSPIREculinary.org or call 585 662-7373

Siuslaw graduates Gracie Freudenthal and John Rose both placed for Southern Oregon in the

and

in Klamath

Freudenthal, a junior, was ninth in the 400-meter hurdles in a personal-record 1:06.95a and ran the third leg of the women’s fourth-place 4x400 relay team. Rose, a freshman, was 11th in the javelin at 143 feet, 5 inches.

Vikings, Klampe, both finish in 6th

EXPLODING WHALE SPORTS

Siuslaw junior Ryan

Klampe shot a 6-over-par 78 and sophomore Will Johnson an 85 Tuesday to lead the Vikings to a sixth-place finish in the OSAA 3A/2A/1A boys golf championships at Emerald Valley Golf Club in Creswell. Klampe placed sixth individually at 13-over 79-78—157.

Bandon won the team title with a score of 655, Valley Catholic second at 677 and Banks third at 693. St. Mary’s (Medford) totaled 698, Western Christian 700 and Siuslaw 715.

Crosspoint Christian sophomore Davis Harwell fired a 4-under 68 for a two-day total of 3-under 141 to take medalist honors by 10 shots over defending champion Benny Zhu, a Valley Catholic sophomore, who shot 75-76—151. Brookings-Harbor junior Lucas Vanderlip and Bandon freshman Sevren Quinn shared third place at 153, with Bandon junior Payton Simonds fifth at 156. Three sophomores completed the Vikings team — Micah Blankenship at 97 and Camden Linton at 99. Jaxson Chiang, in for senior Braxton Hulet, had a 116

Klampe suffered with his own version of Amen Corner, playing the Nos. 14, 15 and 16 holes at 9-over for two days. He was 4-over for two days on the other 15 holes.

TONY REED PHOTO

C.R.O.W. dancers performing at the Rhododendron Festival Coronation May 11.

OREGON STATE POLICE REPORT

On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 2:13 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-126, near milepost 1.5, in Lane County.

One dies in crash near Cushman

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Toyota Rav4, operated by Katherine Lee Horath (46) of Myrtle Creek, crossed into the eastbound lane for unknown reasons and struck a Chevrolet Equinox, operated by Rainbow Adah Tornell (52) of Eugene, head-on.

A passenger in the Toyota, Reania Danielle Horath (30) of Myrtle Creek, was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Toyota (Katherine Horath) and

passengers- Timothy Richard Worrell (34) of Myrtle Creek and a female juvenile- were all transported to a local medical center for treatment of injuries.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Tornell) and a

passenger, Siage Jacqueline Donaldson (25) of Eugene, were transported to a local medical center for treatment of injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene

investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation. OSP was assisted by the Florence Police Department, Siuslaw Valley Fire, and ODOT.

Facing The Fear And Anxiety Of The Unknown

By STAN POPOVICH

Almost everybody worries about what will happen in the future. The prospect of not knowing if something good or bad will happen can produce a lot of fear and anxiety.As a result, here are seven ways on how to deal with the fear of the unknown.

1. No one can predict the future with one hundred percent certainty: Even if the thing that you fear does happen there are circumstances and factors that you can’t predict which can be used to your advantage.For instance, you miss the deadline for a project you have been working on. Everything you feared is coming true. Suddenly, your boss tells you that the deadline is extended and that he forgot to tell you the day before. This unknown factor changes everything.

2. Take it one day at a time: Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming months, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems.

3. Use Self-Visualization: Sometimes, we can get anxious over a task that we will have to perform in the near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you have to play in the championship volleyball game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. By doing this, you will be better prepared when the time comes.

4. Take a break: Take a deep breath and try to find something to do to get your mind off of your anxieties and stresses. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read thenewspaper, watch TV, play on the computer, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This will distract you from your current worries.

5. Challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking: When encountering thoughts that make you fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common

Suicide prevention seminar

Florence Elks Lodge #1858, in partnership with the Lane Mental Health and Wellness Coalition and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3232 are proud to present a Suicide Prevention seminar June 8. This event is open to all and free to attend. Lunch will be provided. Speakers include Dr Stacy Nielsen, DSW and Donna Marie Drucker, OFSC/ TWV executive director.

The seminar will start Saturday, June 8 from a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Florence Elks Lodge, 1686 12th Street, Florence. For more information please email William Wagner at william.wagner4@ va.gov. This event is free

sense. Focus on the reality of your situation and not on your thoughts.

6. Worrying can make the problem worse: All the worrying in the world will not change anything. All you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and when something does happen, take it in stride. If you still have trouble dealing with the fear of the future, then talking to a

to attend. Lunch will be provided.

Peace Harbor Volunteers

Want to make a difference in the community and make new friends? Do you have a few hours a month? If so, we would love to have you join the Volunteer Program at PEACEHEALTH PEACE HARBOR MEDICAL CENTER. Opportunities are available both in and out of the Hospital setting. All training provided. Applications are available at the Lobby Volunteer Desk or the Gift Shop located in the Hospital at 400 9th Street, Florence, OR 97439.

Us Too Florence

Saving men one PSA test at a time. “Someone to talk to...who understands!” 541-997-6626 • 47maribob38@gmail.com www.ustooflorence.org

include your organization in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441

counselor or clergyman can be of great help.

7. Get some help: Sometimes, it helps to be able to talk to someone about your stressful situations. Talking to a trusted friend, counselor, or clergyman can give you additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. In time, you will become better able to deal with the fear of the unknown.

To include your organization in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441

ANCHOR OF HOPE CHURCH Live like Jesus, share His Love. 1318 Rhododendron Drive www.anchorofhopeflo.com Sunday Service 11am

Livestream on Facebook @anchorofhopeflo BAHA’I FAITH OF FLORENCE Monthly Interfaith Devotions in-person & Zoom 4th Monday 7:00 pm “Ye are all leaves of one tree ...” -Baha’i Writings Join us on Facebook: Florence Baha’i Community For info and meeting location: 541-590-0779 ALL ARE WELCOME!

COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 4590 Hwy. 101 N, across from Fred Meyer541 997-7418

SUNDAY SERVICES - Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM; Worship 10:45 AM; High School Youth 7- 9 PM MID-WEEK- Women’s Bible Study-Tuesday 10:00-Noon and Thursday 7:00-8:00PM; Men’s Bible Study Thursday 8:00-9:30 AM; Middle School Youth Wed. 7-9 PM. Sunday Worship streams live at Community Baptist Church Facebook Page CROSS ROAD ASSEMBLY OF GOD Corner of 10th & Maple- 541-997-3533 Sunday Services 9am 1st Service in person Sunday Services 11am 2nd Service in person & livestreamed Wednesday kids/youth night is at 6:30 NOT livestreamed. https://www.florencecrossroadag.org/church-online

Classified

109

500

enthusiastic & outgoing individuals looking for flexible schedule flexible hours. TEXT: OR192 to 38000 to apply.

Customer Service Representative- Zolezzi Insurance Agency is looking for a licensed customer service representative at their Florence location. Email resumes to craig@zianw.com

Housekeeper- help older person 2-3 days per week. Near bus route in Florence. 503551-4838.

604 - RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

41’ Toy Hauler- 2017 Momentum Grand Design. $29,000/obo. 541-590-9521.

308

702 - GARAGE/YARD SALE YARD SALE Sat.-Sun. 10am-4pm 89469 Shore Crest Drive.

706 - ESTATE SALE

88089 Hwy 101 N Start 9am-5pm SAT-SUN

2-miles north of FM Antiques, tools, household, canning, furniture, except Rhody weekend resume 25th.

747 - HEAVY EQUIPMENT

Tractor John Deere 1023 Diesel Only 40hrs of use. Like New. Sticker price $19k, Asking 15k/obo. 541-2282434.

790 - MISC WANTED

Cove development. 810 - DUPLEXES

$1,250/mo.3bdrm., 2ba.- Duplex Apartment for rent in-town, upstairs. Balcony with stairs going down to private yard. Water and trash paid. $1,200 dep. 541-991-1885.

903 - CONDOS

FOR SALE Condo in Florence? SOLUTION: Duplex Partnership!!!I’m looking for a PARTNER to SHARE a

904 - LOTS FOR SALE

RV Lot with deck for a river view. $60,000. 541-590-9521.

999 - PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Public Hearing Notice is hereby given that the Florence City Council will hold a hearing in person and via videoconference on June 10, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the City of Florence City Hall Chambers located at 250 Highway 101, to consider and deliberate on the following: Ordinances No. 3 & 4

florence.or.us/council/ request-address-citycouncil-speakers-card or contact the Community Development Department at 541997-8237. 05/22, 05/29

sion on November 14, 2023. This project is to be located on two tax lots on the corner of 7th Street and Laurel Street, at Assessor’s Map 18-12-27- 44, Tax Lot 05602 and

Series 2024: Petition from Rebecca Shepard on behalf of Lane County to annex 2.94 acres of Park Way and Beach Dr. rights-ofway into the city limits and apply a City of Florence zoning designation of Open Space. The property includes what is described as Heceta Beach County Park property located approximately 1,389 ft north of the intersection of 1st Avenue and Heceta Beach Road/Kiwanda Street. Meetings air live on Cable Channel 191 and stream at www. ci.florence.or.us/citymanager/public-meetings-live. Testimony can be given in writing or through a request to participate in the meeting. Those wishing to testify either in person or via conference call must submit a speaker’s card by 3:30PM on June 10, 2024. Testimony not submitted in compliance with the above procedures, will not be included in the record. For additional information, https://www.ci.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Public Hearings Notice is hereby given that the Florence Planning Commission will hold two public hearings in person and via videoconference on May 28, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the City of Florence City Hall Chambers located at 250 Highway 101, to consider and deliberate on the following: PC 24 16 EAP 01- Request for Extension of Residential Use at Laurel & 7th Application requesting an extension of Resolution PC 23 19 CUP 02 approved by the COF Planning Commis-

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 to be considered at the meeting. Notice of this

(www.siuslawlibrary.org). The Siuslaw Public Library District meeting location is

Healthy exposure to the sun!

Spring and summer are times of the year when the great outdoor beckons more strongly than it does in fall and winter.Temperate climates and abundant sunshine encourage people to leave their homes and bask in the warm rays of the sun.

this time period.

Spending time outdoors is good for mental health and it’s a natural way for people to get adequate vitamin D,also known as the sunshine vitamin. The National Institutes of Health say exposure to sunshine for five to 30 minutes a day, most days a week is optimal to make vitamin D. A large percentage of the population is deficient in vitamin D. The NIH says there are many studies correlating vitamin D insufficiency with increased risk of numerous chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarctions, and brittle bones. However, sun exposure to make vitamin D needs to occurwithoutsunscreen for maximum impact. That begs the question of just how safe it may be to spend time outdoors without sun protection, and what are the risks of doing so?Also,dotherisksof vitamin D deficiency outrank those involving sun exposure and cancer causation? It’s a conundrum, to be sure.

The good news is that most people can safely enjoy the sun and obtain vitamin D. Here are some tips and safety precautions.

• Keep in mind that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Therefore, if you must spend time in the sun, do so outside of

• Promptly apply sunscreen. After a short period of unprotected sunshine of no more than 30 minutes, put on sunblock right away. Also, reapply as indicated on the packaging depending on activity. Harvard Health says that sunscreen cannot block all UV rays, and even usage of sunblock will not staunch all vitamin D production.

• The National Cancer Institute suggests using an SPF of at least 15, but some doctors recommend SPF 30.

• Ultraviolet radiation is the number one cause of skin cancer. Utilizewide-brimmed hats, sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent cumulative sun exposure, which can lead to basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.

• Keep in mind that episodes of severe sunburns, usually before age 18, can raise the risk of developing melanoma. Children should be just as mindful of sun exposure as adults.

• It is challenging to define what “too much sun” actually is, says the European Code Against Cancer. Strength of the sun (UV index), skin type and the strength of sunscreen all merit consideration A person with very fair skin exposed to an ultraviolet index of 6, which is easily reached at noon in summer, can suffer sunburn in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.

It’s a fine line to balance healthy sun exposure to obtain vitamin D and avoiding sun damage to the skin. But it’s best that people walk that tightrope with sun safety in mind.

Contact: Meg Spencer