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Non-Profits in the Siuslaw Invest in Siuslaw. Invest in Progress. Progress, a long-held tradition for the Siuslaw News, is something of a yearbook for our community. This year, the newspaper is expanding its historical one-section edition into a series of special issues that are designed to highlight important topics, people, places and businesses in our community. Throughout the year, expect to see the best of the region on: transportation, real estate and finance, technology and industry and local flavors.
The Siuslaw News — news and views that define our community
Progress 2019 TRANSPORTATION — April 27 REAL ESTATE & FINANCE — June 26 TECHNOLOGY & INDUSTRY — July 24
SN Siuslaw News
LOCAL FLAVORS — September 25 COMMUNITY — October 23
148 Maple Street Florence, Oregon 541.997.3441 • thesiuslawnews.com
2C | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 | PROGRESS — NON-PROFITS
IN THE
SIUSLAW
*PROSTATE CANCER SPOKEN HERE*
Us TOO Florence Prostate Cancer Education Support on the Oregon Coast
www.ustooflorence.org
*SEPTEMBER* PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH *ON THE BOARDWALK*
BOB HORNEY, CHAPTER LEADER/FACILITATOR Us TOO Florence has two monthly meetings for your convenience:
• Tuesday Evening Group (2nd Tuesday) 5-7 p.m. - Ichiban Restaurant
Urologist Dr. Bryan Mehlhaff, M.D. attends.
• Tuesday Lunch Bunch (3rd Tuesday) 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. – Ichiban Restaurant Urologist Dr. Roger McKimmy, M.D. attends.
Contact Bob for more information:
(H) 541-997-6626 (C) 541-999-4239 maribob@oregonfast.net • Check out our Personal Prostate Cancer Journeys, slideshows and other information on our website. • A prostate cancer diagnosis is not needed to attend. • Spouses/family members are encouraged to attend. • Bring questions/records - get answers • Someone to talk to - who understands.
Watch for Us TOO Florence at Health Fairs We’ll Be There!
Donations Stay Local Us TOO Florence 924 Island Drive South Florence, OR 97439
Prostate Information Us Us TOO International Prostate UsTOO TOOFlorence Florenceis a is chapter a local of tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profi t Cancer Education/Support Network cancer with overeducation 325 chapters organization bringing prostate and worldwide. Florence provides opportunities each support to Us theTOO Oregon Coast. We aretwo a chapter of Us TOO month to meetProstate with urologists prostate cancer survivors/ International Cancer and Education/Support Network, spouses. join us, 5 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the a CharityCome Navigator 3-Star 501(c)3 organization. No need to month at the Presbyterian Church of great the Siuslaw have prostate cancer to attend. Two chances to discuss (Dr. Bryan Mehlhaff) or on the third Tuesday of the month pros and cons of screening. at Ichiban Restaurant (Dr. Roger McKimmy). Check usus out online Check out at: at: www.ustooflorence.org www.ustooflorence.org for prostate for prostate cancer cancer information andinformation the personal andcancer our personal journeys. prostate journeys of many Us TOO Florence participants. For information: For Horney Information: Bob 541-997-6626 Bob Horney 541-997-6626 maribob@oregonfast.net maribob@oregonfast.net
PROGRESS — NON-PROFITS
IN THE
SIUSLAW | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 | 3C
Us TOO prostate support group celebrates nearly two decades of helping area men Siuslaw News Staff Report
In 2001, a small group of Florence men found themselves in search of prostate cancer information. At the same time, they wanted to take what they learned and help other men in the community — now and in the future — in fighting the second-leading cause of cancer death among men. The small group began meeting in a conference room at Peace Harbor Hospital but soon outgrew that location and moved to the Presbyterian Church PHOTO BY MARIANNE HORNEY of the Siuslaw. A second meeting was add- On Dec. 13, 2011, urologist Dr. Bryan Mehlhaff (front row, far right) presented a check for $2,500 to the Us TOO Florence ed, known as the Lunch Prostate Cancer Education/Support Chapter on behalf of the Oregon Urology Foundation, in recognition of Us TOO’s Bunch, in order to meet 10th anniversary. the needs and availabil- large, white three-ring essary? And are the po- questions and concerns not, choose a particular mational videos followtential long-term con- to urologists Dr. Bryan treatment or choose to ing.) ity of more men and binders. Us TOO’s goal with sequences worth the Mehlhaff and Dr. Rog- avoid immediate treat- “I think people are their families. As word er McKimmy. On the ment and utilize active amazed at the topics of the program grew, it its “Journeys” and “Be- treatment? caught the attention of hind the Headlines” To help answer those second Tuesday of each surveillance,” said Hor- covered,” said Horney, Us TOO Internation- articles is to remove questions and the mul- month from 5 to 7 p.m., ney, himself a prostate who explained that visal, which recognized much of the mystery, titude of others that Dr. Mehlhaff is in Flor- cancer survivor. “In the itors to the website can go directly to a Us Too Florence topic of interwith the Edward est by using the C. Kaps Hope dropdown list, Award in 2011 along with the for the group’s eftime a topic apforts in educating pears in the vidpatients and their eo. By clicking on families about the time, visitors prostate cancer. are taken directIn addition to ly to that presenits twice-monthtation. “That is ly meetings, Us very helpful since TOO has bethe videos are gan publishing a three, four and monthly feature even five hours in the Siuslaw News called “My The Dec. 13, 2011 article in the Siuslaw News on Us Too receiving Edward C. Kaps Hope Award from Us TOO long.” In addiProstate Cancer International for the group’s efforts in educating patients and their families about prostate cancer. tion to the three Journey,” with fear — and in some casprostate cancer poses, ence; on the third Tuesend, it is up to each man videos available on each article featuring either the personal ac- es stigma — of the dis- Us TOO was estab- day of the month from to take all the informa- the website, explore counts of those who ease and its treatment lished. Not just as a sup- noon to 1 p.m., Dr. tion he has gathered the other options listhave experienced — or options. For anyone port network for those McKimmy is in Flor- and make his choice. ed, which cover a wide No one — urologists or range of questions, were in the midst of ex- facing a prostate cancer who are either dealing ence. diagnosis, they quickwith — or who have Both meetings are prostate cancer survi- concerns and personal periencing — their own cancer journey, or by ly discover there is are survived — prostate held at the Ichiban vors — can or will tell a experience — all in the providing information a wide range of opin- cancer, but also to pro- Restaurant on Highway man what he must do.” effort to fulfill the Us For those who TOO mission: “To raise about prostate cancer ions and perspectives vide in-depth answers 101. in Us TOO founder about prostate cancer to questions in real In addition to those want more information awareness and provide Bob Horney’s “Behind and possible treatment, time, and by true ex- urologists, there are but don’t feel comfort- educational resources the Headlines” articles. from screening for the perts in the field of di- men who have expe- able in a room listen- and support services to Since April 2011, the disease itself, to being agnosis and treatment. rienced the journey of ing to prostate cancer those affected by prosprogram has a perfect diagnosed and how to To that end, Us TOO prostate cancer who are patients, survivors and tate cancer to help them has come to provide willing to share their urologists talking about learn to fight this dismonthly record, with treat it. Do the harms outtwo exceptional oppor- experiences in a way the disease, there are ease.” articles and informa“The power of Us tion made available in weigh the benefits? Is tunities each month for that is real, honest and recorded videos from 20 different locations the process to achieve community members illuminating. It’s not al- the Us TOO 2018 Path- TOO is in helping men around Florence in a diagnosis really nec- to meet and voice their ways information that ways educational events — and those who love is easy to hear — but it in Seattle, Wash., En- them — by transformis important to hear. glewood, N.J., and Chi- ing resignation into Siuslaw Outreach Services is a nonprofit agency serving western Lane County since 1986. Originally established as a domestic violence shelter program for women and Meetings include cago, Ill., available at determination, and children, SOS has grown to provide a wide services including: urologists explaining www.ustoo.org. There, fear into hope,” Horney Services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking: what is on the horizon, hours of video infor- said in reference to the what they see occurring mation covering a wide group’s mission state• 24/7 on call response • Emergency motel vouchers for families with other patients, spectrum of prostate ment. • Confidential services and advocacy and disabled seniors. • Legal Aid • Low Income Home Energy Assistance and how that relates to cancer presented by Critical prostate can• Safety planning • Personal financial management education those in the group who medical experts is avail- cer information is avail• Protective orders • Employment education are currently undergo- able to view on your able by either attending • Support Group meetings • Tenant rights education • Safe House Program • Weatherization referrals ing treatment as well as own. (While on the Us an Us TOO Florence • Financial aid for rent and utilities • Special programs and referrals for veterans those who have yet to TOO site, go to “Pros- meeting or by visiting • Prescription vouchers • School outreach and education programs decide what — if any — tate Cancer” in the blue www.ustoo.org. • Transportation vouchers • State Penitentiary Outreach & Education • Clothing and food Program treatment sounds like headline banner and, in “The advantage of the best fit for them. the dropdown menu, attending an Us TOO In 2018 SOS served… “Our goal is to pro- click on “Educational Florence meeting is the 3,001 unduplicated individuals received some form of assistance (1,213 males 1,788 vide accurate informa- Videos/Informed Deci- opportunity to ask your females) tion so other men can sion Making.” The three questions and leave $402,392 provided in direct aid to clients 84 families with emergency rent help decide what they want educational events top with answers specific to 716 homeless individuals to do … get screened or the list with more infor- you,” said Horney. 99 Veterans 336 survivors of domestic violence 18 survivors of sexual assault 2,755 individuals received emergency vouchers for transportation, prescriptions, laundry, shower, utilities, food, and/or clothing. 7,738 times someone walk in the doors to seek assistance
Siuslaw Outreach Services 1576 West 12th Street P.O.Box 19000 Florence, OR 97439 541-997-2816
Deadline for Press Releases is every Monday and Thursday by noon. Email PressReleases@TheSiuslawNews.com.
4C | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 | PROGRESS — NON-PROFITS
With the Friends of the FEC, ‘you know you’re going to have a good time’
IN THE
SIUSLAW
Museum honors past, looks to future
Siuslaw News Staff Report Siuslaw News Staff Report The Friends of the Florence Events Center (FFEC) is going through an evolution, and it’s looking for the community’s help in what its new identity will be. “The events center is the gem of the town,” FFEC President Kirk Mlinek said. “It’s the town living room, a warm place that we go. The lights are always on, it’s a comfortable place to go, and you know you’re going to have a good time.” For the past 23 years, FFEC has been committed to supporting the city’s community hub. It has helped support some of the most popular annual events at the FEC, such as the Winter Music Festival, Indoor Yard Sale and the Festival of Books. In that time, it has provided volunteers to act as ushers, stage managers and technical assistance for the venue’s biggest shows. Plus, it has found grants for some of the FEC’s most recent upgrades, such professional sound and lighting equipment. “But how do we fit into the community?” Mlinek asked.
“Are we prevalent enough?” FFEC is turning to the community to help find those answers, to see where the gaps in services FFEC provides are, and how the organization can help bring events to the FEC. The group asks: Are there organizations that could use the performance grants they offer, such as helping to offset the costs of a day’s rental at the FEC? Are there organizations who have always wanted to hold an event at the FEC, but are not sure what the process is? Are there people in town with the skills and background to help with a theatrical production or an event, but do not know they can help? Are there programs and events the community is des-
perate to see, but the FFEC is simply unaware of? “The town is full of good ideas, and we don’t have all the answers,” Mlinek said. To get those answers, the FFEC is hoping to get the communities involvement as much as possible. Meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. in the FEC conference room, located at 715 Quince St. Community members are encouraged to sign up for FFECs newsletter, which can be done by calling the FEC at 541-997-1994 or by visiting eventcenter.org. Those interested can also become a supporting member of the FFEC at only $5 a month. Anyone is welcome to roll up their sleeves and come share their talents and volunteerism with the FFEC.
The Oregon Coast Military Museum (OCMM) is more than just a building with a lot of old stuff inside. It is a living tribute to the spirit and heart of Americans of all ethnicities and belief systems. While it is indeed a storage space of a sort, since it houses uniforms, weapons and a jeep or two, it also holds the hope, fear and pain that the nation has endured to ensure that civil rights are secure and the country remains safe. That is the message OCMM shares with residents and visitors at 2145 Kingwood St. in Florence. For Executive Director Cal Applebee, OCMM is primarily focused on history, though the museum does have an eye to the present and the future. As such, OCMM has a number of upcoming events scheduled that are designed to not only educate but to entertain as well. “In April, OCMM is hosting a quarterly meeting of the Southwest Oregon Museum Association at our facility,” Applebee said. “This is an informal association of nearly a dozen museums mostly along the Oregon coast, collaborating together
to help each other address challenges and opportunities as nonprofits challenged with funding.” Now nearing the end of its fourth year, the main reason OCMM remains vital is because of the people who have taken on the responsibility of sharing the important lessons learned through decades of sacrifice and bloodshed. The volunteers who spend afternoons and weekends to help maintain exhibits and the extensive collection of artifacts on display do so because they feel it needs to be done. For many residents of the Florence area, those lessons were learned in Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East. For others who served in Afghanistan or in places unknown and unnamed, the message remains the same — sometimes, freedom is not free. The displays you can view at OCMM are a mixture of artifacts with personal stories behind them, pictures and artwork depicting military heritage, vintage military vehicles and a stunning array of life-sized dioramas created by a team of talented volunteers. These full-sized dioramas depict scenes from the trenches of World War I; Homefront, Pacific Theater
and European Theater of World War II; MASH activity from Korea; and a jungle scene straight out of Vietnam. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., though school and community groups can schedule tours at other times. Entry is $5, though groups of 10 or more pay $4 each. Members and kids 12 and under are free. Another of OCMM’s high-profile events is held during the Wings & Wheels Fly in & Car Show at the Florence Municipal Airport. “Our annual anniversary celebration is coming up July 6th, and it is being held to celebrate our fourth year of successful operation,” Applebee said. “The celebration will be held in conjunction with the annual Wings & Wheels, and this will be the third year that our U.S. Air Force jeep will be leading convoys around the airport during the airshow.” At the end of each year, OCMM also plans the Florence Festival of Trees at Florence Events Center. For more information on the Oregon Coast Military Museum, call 541-902-5160, stop by during open hours or go to www.oregoncoastmilitarymuseum.com.
Friends of the Florence Events Center Come join us and have fun!
Kirk Mlinek, Bonnie MacDuffee, Maire Testa, Rachel Pearson, Margaret McDiarmid.
The Friends of the Florence Events Center is a nonprofit, membership organization, founded in 1995 to raise funds to support the Florence Events Center’s operations and facility upgrades. We fund everything from tables and chairs to microphones and headsets, including $70,000 toward the recent upgrade of the FEC theater’s lighting and sound systems. We also have a proud history of providing grants to cultural and educational organizations in Florence. These organizations use the funds to offset performance-related expenditures, including the payment of performance space rental fees. Recipients include Siuslaw High School bands, Florence PTA, Last Resort Players, C.R.O.W., and Seacoast Entertainment Association, to name a few. We accomplish all of this by presenting incredible community and cultural events such as the annual Winter Music Festival, Kiwanis Kids Concerts, Florence Festival of Books, Art Gallery events and shows, Wallflowers & Wine painting socials, and the ever-popular Indoor Yard Sales. The Friends welcome new members any time of year. If you have a passion for music, theater, dance, visual arts, or yard sales, we have a home for you. Many of our members are also FEC volunteers who work in the office, usher, etc. However, you don’t have to be an FEC volunteer to join the Friends and vice versa. For membership information, or just to learn more about the Friends, please contact us by email at florenceeventcenterfriends@gmail.com or call the FEC at 541-997-1994.
2145 Kingwood Street Florence Oregon 97439 541-902-5160 www.oregoncoastmilitarymuseum.com Wednesday thru Sunday—noon to 4:00 p.m.
PROGRESS — NON-PROFITS
IN THE
SIUSLAW | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 | 5C
‘Be the Inspiration’ with Rotary Club Siuslaw News Staff Report
Habitat seeks to provide homes Siuslaw News Staff Report It starts with the vision statement for Florence Habitat for Humanity: “Everyone should have a decent place to live.” “Eve r y t h i ng that we do, the income that comes from ReStore and the outreach we do in the community, is to bring permanent, affordable housing here in Florence,” said Habitat Executive Director Janell Morgan. “We have a fantastic board and a fantastic staff. Everyone believes in our vision.” And the vision of Habitat is growing. “We are working hard to obtain land to build more houses, and to take a little different tactic than we have in the past to build one or two houses a year,” Morgan said. “We would like to increase the number of houses
we would like to provide to people in Florence.” The plans are ambitious, from creating a cul-de-sac of homes with houses from 900 to 1,400 square feet, to developing grants and working with the city on land pur-
chases and outdated zoning requirements. Habitat is also looking for available land. “We are always open to discussing donated land, but we can also purchase land,” Morgan said. The Habitat district runs well beyond the boundaries of Florence, going up to
Douglas County, down past Dunes City and nine miles inland. “There can be tax advantages to people who sell us land, or if they sell it to us at a reduced cost,” she said. “If they’re looking for tax write offs, they can talk to their accountant.” All of this is done to help the city see its goal of 500 new homes in the area built in the next few years. And the public can help, by either speaking with Habitat about donating or selling land, making cash donations or giving materials to the Florence area ReStore, or by volunteering their time. Contact Florence Habitat at 541-902-9227 for more information, visit in-person at 2004 Highway 101 or go to www.florencehabitat.org. People can also volunteer with Habitat by filling out an online form or stopping by.
The Rotary Club of Florence has been an active force for good in the Florence area since it was founded in 1960. While Rotary International includes more than a million members, the local group has around 110, with 80 percent of those regularly participating in the weekly Rotary meetings, held Tuesdays at Florence Events Center. Rotary’s theme for 2018-19 is “Be the Inspiration.” Rotary International President Barry Rassin said, “Because of our networks, which span the globe; our community presence, which allows us to see what’s most needed; and our expertise, which encompasses countless skills and professions, we’re able to be the inspiration as we help those who need us most.” “With the Rotarians who are involved, it’s been a really inspirational year,” said Club President Mike Webb. “We’ve done a good job.” Florence Rotarians often volunteer for numerous local and international events, donate to causes and raise awareness for important issues. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s a great group to be involved with. The people really know how to put things together and really know when to jump in,” Webb said. “If there’s a crisis, there’s always someone ready and willing to step in and fill the hole. It’s been wonderful to work with people that are associated with Rotary. There’s never a dull moment — and never a shortage of capacity to help.” For Webb, Rotary is a positive organization that influences both the local community and the global one. “Rotarian Ron Caputo has been dynamic in inspiring some grant programs where we’ve helped with water projects. … Clean water is a good thing. We’ve been really behind
the clean water project internationally,” he said. One project the Florence Rotary is helping with is a $77,000 well project in South America, expected to provide water for 400 families. “Our club is just a small part of that,” Webb added. Rotarian Brian Holmes is also doing work in South America with his dental program in the Caribbean country of Grenada. “We helped fund his travel down there so he could provide some additional dental work to disadvantaged kids. It was a very big need that he saw a need for,” Webb said. Rotary’s focus on dental health isn’t just limited to foreign lands; the club also helps sponsor Holmes’ dental van in Mapleton and Florence. With its emphasis on building international connections, Rotary plays host to exchange students each year. Rotarian families take turns hosting the students in their homes so they get the full experience of living in America. Eryk Rottmann, from Troisdorf, Germany, is this year’s student. The club also works with youth by sponsoring Interact Clubs in Mapleton and Siuslaw high schools. Mirroring the main club, Interact organizes at least two service projects a year: one that benefits the community and one that encourages international understanding. The students also focus on volunteering and community involvement, often making appearances at Rotary’s weekly clubs and volunteering to help during the annual Rotary Auction each March. “The Rotary Auction was successful this year,” Webb said. “The room seemed happy and people were enjoying themselves. Some people were pretty creative — the Star Trek people, the space people and the Hare Krishnas were unexpected.”
This year’s theme was “1969: Give Back to Where You Once Belonged,” so attendees dressed as hippies, astronauts and other thematic costumes. “With our auction and our golf tournament, we raise money for the local scholarship program and local community,” Webb said. “We were able to help a little bit with the Twilight Program and help fund that, plus fund quite a few scholarships. It was a pretty good year.” Florence Rotary plans events throughout the year, including the upcoming Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20. The event is open to children and families, with the race to find the most eggs beginning promptly at 10 a.m. The 10th annual Cool at the Coast Golf Tournament will be held this August. By September, Rotarians Kim Erickson and Kevin McMullen will begin working on the next Rotary Auction. “All in all, for the auction we put in an excess of 1,000 hours of labor between all the meetings, and we probably have 40 people that are involved in one capacity or another. Out of a club of 110, that’s a pretty good turnout,” Webb said. “The whole process we go through builds part of the spirit of the club. Each time we’re going through these planning sessions and doing our work, it’s a social event. It’s how we build our camaraderie.” According to Erickson, $1,631,394.41 has been raised by the auction since 1960. So who should join Rotary? “Anybody who is interested in leading this community, both personally and professionally, in ways that can make a difference in our community,” Webb said. “Anybody that is interested in building good friendships with some of the better people you run into.” For more information, visit www.theflorencerotary.org.
2019 Auction Attendees Give Back To Where You Once Belonged Team Rotary
VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Volunteers build affordable housing and provide affordable home repair and maintenance services in partnership with local faith communities and organizations.
DONORS MAKE IT POSSIBLE!
Gifts of land, houses, cars, stocks and money purchase building lots, construction materials and contractor services.
Volunteers needed for new home construction, home repairs, general office work, ReStore and special events. Join a committee and help Habitat help others!
Office is located at 2004 HWY 101, Florence 541-902-9227 info@florencehabitat.org www.florencehabitat.org
Eryk Rottmann Rotary Club of Florence 2018-2019, Inbound Exchange Student
Brian Holmes with 2 Members of the Grenada Rotary Club.
Rotarian Gayle Waiss, Reading Across America
2019-2020 President-Elect, Meg Spencer
Mike Webb, President, 541-999-6136
6C | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 | PROGRESS — NON-PROFITS
IN THE
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From left, Jo Hine presents the Live Your Dream award to Riva Harding, who is attending Lane Community College to become an elementary school art teacher. The Live Your Dream is an award given to a woman who is the head of household to help with expenses as she works to improve her life through education. Soroptimist of Florence gives the 2019 Rhododendron Senior Princess Court a check toward this year’s scholarships for the Rhody Court Showcase at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at the Florence Events Center.
Soroptimists continue mission to improve lives of women Siuslaw News Staff Report
The roots of Soroptimist International first began to spread in 1921, when a small group of business women began meeting in Oakland, Calif., in an effort to collaborate on important local issues — particularly those impacting women or women’s causes. Taken from the Latin words “soro” (sister) and “optima” (best), the first project taken on by the Soroptimists — or “Best Sisters” — was in saving area redwoods that were being cut. The group, led by its first president, Violet Richardson, lobbied the legislature and took on powerful lumber companies, eventually winning public support that resulted in a major portion of land being set aside as protected. Within five years, 15 additional Soroptimist Clubs were established on the Pacific and
Atlantic coasts, with each focusing on the concerns and issues facing women in their communities. Today, Soroptimist International has branched into a worldwide organization that maintains local roots — including here in Florence, where the overriding mission is “Improving the Lives of Women and Children” through programs that foster social and economic empowerment. “We do what we can — through programs, scholarships, mentoring and creating opportunity — to help women reach their full potential,” says long-time member Carol Bennett. The Florence charter, which was established in 1972, has pursued that mission in many forms, whether through its coordination of the annual
Community Christmas Food and Toy distribution — which it works in conjunction with other area nonprofits such as Florence Rotary, Kiwanis and area churches — or through donations to programs like the Caring Pregnancy Center, Siuslaw Outreach Services, Florence Senior Meals, Boys & Girls Club Smart Girls Program, Rhododendron Court scholarships, the Coalition Against Human Trafficking and others. In addition to supporting programs and events that support women and children, Soroptimist International of Florence (SIF) has also established its own programs to encourage education and financial empowerment for women in our community. One such program is “Live Your Dream,” which helps women enter or
re-enter the work force, helping them develop the skills and experience necessary to establish financial independence for themselves and children. “A lot of times it’s women who have left abuse situations with their children and have been out of the workforce for several years,” Bennett says. “Other times it’s an education cut short for one reason or another. The program is about helping women get back on track with their dream or getting on track in the first place.” Another program is aimed at middle school age girls and enhancing self-esteem. The “Dream it. Be it” program encourages young girls to pursue their dreams through mentorship opportunities with local business women. In addition to developing the kind of self-confidence that can help young girls become successful women, the program also dovetails into the organiza-
tion’s focus on reducing human trafficking. Bennett says that with Seattle being the No. 1 spot for human trafficking, and Portland being No. 2, “we are along that trafficking corridor. And many times, it’s a lack of self-esteem and confidence that traffickers use in luring women and young girls. Creating a support network is very important.” Between donations that support local programs, community service, mentoring and scholarships — which average between $25,000 to $35,000 each year — the 14-member “Best Sisters” that make up the Florence charter are doing what they can to continue their mission to help women reach their full potential and live their dreams. For more information, contact club president Frankie Jorgensen at 541-902-7948 or email soroptimist.florence@ gmail.com.
Ask Me Why I’m A Soroptimist “We enable girls to reach their full potential”
“We are Global with UN status”
“I want to contribute to my local community”
“I’m helping women and girls all over the world”
“I want to make life better for women and girls” “I want to make friends and have fun”
For More Information about joining, siflorence@soroptimist.net • Facebook: Soroptimist of Florence Oregon
PROGRESS — NON-PROFITS
IN THE
SIUSLAW | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 | 7C
FLORENCE GARDEN CLUB ANNOUNCES ANNUAL PLANT SALE Siuslaw News Staff Report
local students. One ongoing civic beautifiThe Florence Garden cation project Club, originally established has involved in Florence 70 years ago for the landscapthe purpose of improving ing and mainour community and furtenance of the thering knowledge of horareas along ticulture, is please to anthe perimeter nounce its Annual Plant Sale of Gallagher’s Fundraiser. The Garden Park at the Club currently has nearly Highway 126 100 active and enthusiastic and Spruce members. Street entrance For many years, the club to Florence. has been providing local Members have scholarships and working also been privon various projects to help ileged to serve beautify Florence. as hostesses Since 1994, the club has during the awarded over $58,000 in Florence Home and Garden scholarships to deserving Show since it started 24
years ago. In order to provide funds
for these endeavors, the club will hold its only fundraiser — the Annual Plant Sale and Raffle Drawing — on Saturday, May 11, at the Florence Senior Center, 1570 Kingwood St., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A wide variety of perennials, annuals, houseplants, vegetables, trees, herbs and groundcovers will be available. Be sure to come
early for best selections. In addition to the sale, over 50 raffle prizes will be awarded. Generous merchants in Florence have donated the prizes. Raffle tickets were available at the Home and Garden Show and will be sold at the door of the Plant sale. There is no need to be present to win. The Florence Garden Club has meetings the second Wednesday of the month at the Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw, 3996 Highway 101, at 1 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. Florence garden Club can be reached at www.facebook.com/FlorenceGardenClub.
New class of Master Recyclers The Winter 2019 Master Recycler class held its graduation ceremony on Tuesday, March 12. Back row (left to right): Linda Serbus, Michael Lobey, Anders Hansen, Maureen Miltenberger, Charley Dunaway, Brenda Howard, Nancy Rhodes, Janell Morgan, Gem Ridge, Dwayne, and guest of Gem and Suzanne. Front row: Kelly Bell, Britte Kirsch, Deborah Lobey, Lois Moore, Liat Meller, Suzanne Gano, Pat Benfield, Shanna Schmit, Bertie Moore. Not pictured: Ramona McSweeney For more information about the Lane County Master Recycler Program, visit www.lanecounty.org/how_do_i/sign_ up_for/master_recycler_program.
Plant Sale & Marketplace Saturday - May 11th
REUSABLE DISHWARE PROGRAM Save Money & Help The Planet With Durable Dishware Program
Reusable dishware will use far less energy and resources over its lifetime than its Disposable counterparts. Even with the energy and water needed to wash items, the overall environmental impact is substantially less than single-use, throw-away items.
FLORENCE SENIOR CENTER 1570 Kingwood Street
9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
PERENNIALS, ANNUALS, SHRUBS, HOUSE PLANTS, TREES, HERBS AND GROUNDCOVERS Proceeds for Local Scholarships
FLORENCE GARDEN CLUB PUTS ROOTS IN NEW DIGS How can you help? Ditch the Disposables! Save money and the environment by using reusable dishware, from Florence Master Recycler’s Durable Dishware Rental Program. Florence Master Recyclers have put together 150 place settings that include: plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery and even cloth napkins. Platters and serving spoons are also available, and rental is free! We can accommodate groups as small as a dozen or as large as150.
To learn more about the Durable Dishware Program and to reserve dishes for your event call (541) 590-0506 or email Florence.Master.Recycler@gmail.com Florence Master Recyclers are a volunteer organization supported by the Lane County Waste Management Division. Follow Florence Master Recyclers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlorenceRecycles
When you arrive as a new resident to Florence, you may soon discover that gardening is completely different in the Pacific Northwest. Our soil is sand, the rain is persistent, and the winds can be daunting. The Florence Garden Club is a place where gardeners can discover answers for these challenges as well as form friendships with others who share a fondness for growing things. FGC continues to grow its membership and with its growth, new ideas immerge. Like the realization that they had outgrown their event venue. The Garden Club is thrilled to announce a new location for their annual fund raising event. FGC Plant Sale and Marketplace will be at the Florence Senior Center on May 13th. “We became root bound at our old location and it was time for a bigger pot” says an FGC member, “the new venue allows us to expand and explore new ideas..” Garden Club members will offer plants for sale that they have been nuturing over the past few months. Attendees will select from flowers, vegetables, houseplants, ground covers, shrubs, etc, all at affordable prices. What’s new this year? There will be garden art, planters, repurposed items as well as handmade cards. Gardening information will be available, so bring your questions. Hours are 9am -1pm. Be there early for the best selection. Cash and local checks are accepted. The generous merchants of Florence have once more supplied over 50 great items to be raffled off the day of The Plant Sale. Purchase raffle tickets at the door, on the day of the Plant Sale. Winners need not be present to win. The Garden Club’s Plant Sale allows them to award local students with scholarships. Since 1994, $53,350 has been awarded to students pursuing a degree in related fields. When not raising funds or learning new gardening tips, the FGC team can be seen hard a work on the corner of Hwy 126 & Spruce, where they tend to the perimeter landscape, making the east entrance to Florence, a lovely one. Giving back is what they do best.
8C | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 | PROGRESS — NON-PROFITS
IN THE
SIUSLAW
WLCF: A foundation for giving
Siuslaw News Staff Report The Western Lane Community Foundation (WLCF) was established in 1973 as a 501(c)(3),tax exempt non-profit, created for the purpose of receiving, administering and distributing charitable finds for the benefit of Western Lane Coun-
‘S E R V I C E A T T H E H E A R T’
ty. It currently has more than $7 million in assets. WLCF selects qualified recipients for funding, based on need, in the form of grants, scholarships and donations for specific projects. It serves Florence, Mapleton, Dunes City and Deadwood, Ore. The foundation’s mission is to improve life throughout Western Lane County by encouraging philanthropic activity in the region. Grants are awarded in the areas of education, medicine and science, the arts and social and civic services. The foundation awarded $120,000 in grants and scholarships in 2018. Grant applications for the 2020 grant cycle will be accepted by the WLCF between Oct. 1, 2019, and
Siuslaw News Staff Report “Service is at the heart of every Kiwanis Club, no matter where you are in the world,” said Florence Kiwanis Club Secretary Jean Murphey. She was speaking at the March meeting of the Siuslaw School Board, telling the community about the many ways that the local Kiwanis Club directly supports area youth. “The motto of Kiwanis is ‘serving the children of the world.’ The mission of Kiwanis is to empower communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children,” she continued. “The vision of Kiwanis is to be a positive influence in communities worldwide — so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.” In the Siuslaw region, Kiwanis is an integral part of the ecosystem of support around youth: educating students, providing nutrition, promoting the arts and building community. “We have 49 members all com-
Jan. 15, 2020. Grant requests and awards vary greatly in amount, with a range from $100 to around $5,000, depending on the nature of the grant project and funds available for distribution. The amount available for distribution each year varies based on the performance of the invested portfolio of discretionary funds. WLCF President Jim Grano believes the financial support provided to local groups and individuals can be transformative. “With the grants and scholarships we distribute each year, the lives of individuals and families in our communities, and the organizations that support them, are given a meaningful boost, providing an upwards direction for the present and into the future — all due to the foresight of the foundation’s donors over 40 years,” he said.
mitted to these visions,” Murphey said. Florence Kiwanis President Dick Shores said, “While Kiwanis’ international focus is on larger-scale challenges throughout the world, we’re really focused on helping the children in our local community. It doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re just focused on children — it could be doing things in the community, whether it relates to the family, which could in some way benefit the children, or whether they’re in school or other programs, like the Boys and Girls Club. We get involved in a lot of things.” A major fundraiser for the club is its flag program, where volunteers set out 525 flags on 10 to 12 holidays a year. “I see that really as a service that we provide to the community that they don’t have to go out and buy their own flag and remember to put them up on certain holidays. We buy all the flags, we own all of them, and we put them up,” Shores said. “In return, we’re getting the income from that that we can use in our charitable programs in the community.” Individuals and businesses can
Community members representing 27 local non-profit organizations, the WLCF Board of Directors and the Rotary Club of Florence met on March 13 at the Florence Events Center to attend the WLCF 2018 Foundation Grant Awards Program to recognize this year’s recipients. Grano and Grant Program Chair Nancy Walker introduced each recipient and presented the various nonprofit organizations with their checks. These checks represent fulfillment of the WLCF’s ongoing mission of supporting projects or programs providing needed services or facilites for which public funds are not available and which contribute to the cultural, economic, educational and social betterment of the community. One of the organizations that received financial support from
sponsor the flags for $30 a year. The program has been going on for more than 30 years, expanding from just 35 flags in the early years. “It’s a win-win situation: the community likes to see the flags go up and the money we raise helps support beneficial projects for local citizens,” said Kiwanian Steve Olienyk, who has helped with the flag program since the late 1980s. “I want our youth to feel a part of this service project, to encourage a love of country and a sense of pride in their flag and our community.” Kiwanis’ second fundraiser is its golf tournament, where 128 participants form 32 teams. “We had our first one in 2018, and that turned out to be very positively received in the community,” Shores said. “We generate revenue on that from our premier, major and hole sponsors, as well as the participants in the tournament.” The 2019 tournament will be on June 22 at Ocean Dunes Golf Links. “We’re looking forward to that being very successful,” he added. Separate from the Kiwanis Club is the Kiwanis Foundation, which
has its own board made of Kiwanians who manage its assets. “The interest on those assets is primarily used to pay for scholarships for graduating seniors when they go to college. Generally, we annually give out $5,000 with the scholarships,” Shores said. “With the club itself, we’re focused on providing services, both in terms of our volunteer labor and finances, to other organizations, some of which might be other nonprofits, to help fund children’s programs.” This includes contributing around $10,000 to the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital cancer program based in Portland. Around $20,000 went to local programs, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County, the Winter Music Festival Kids Concert and Food Backpack for Kids. “We contributed sizable donations to those — all in the interest of benefiting the children in our community,” Shores said. Beyond money, Kiwanians also donate their time and expertise to area families and youth. Just this past weekend, volunteers cooked hotdogs for the Disaster Preparedness Expo at the Florence Events Center. In August, they helped
WLCF this grant cycle, and an excellent example of the importance of the assistance provided by the fund, is Siuslaw Outreach Services (SOS). SOS received a grant of $5,000 to provide resources for needy individuals and families. The funds were used to provide those who are homeless with rain gear and shower and laundry vouchers, as well as provide emergency vouchers for families who are at immediate risk of becoming homeless to help them remain in their homes. The scholarship component of the grant monies awarded by WLCF is also important for young scholars in the community. Scholarships are available for traditional four-year colleges as well as community colleges and approved trade schools. For more information about WLCF, visit www.wlcfonline.org. with the Florence Police Department’s National Night Out, and May brings back the Rhody Days Kids Games after the Junior Parade. Kiwanis also hosts the Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner each year, as well as events for youth and students. In the schools, the club works with Siuslaw High School through Key Club and Siuslaw Middle School with Builders Club, and annually leads Mapleton and Siuslaw eighth-graders through a “Game of Life” reality check. In addition, Kiwanis has restarted its firewood program to collect firewood, cut and split logs, and deliver wood at no cost to needy families who depend on firewood as a primary source of heat. Additional volunteers are needed for this project, which intends to start delivering wood later this year. “Anyone interested in helping our youth succeed will feel very rewarded as a member or volunteer of the Florence Kiwanis Club,” Shores said. For more information, attend a Wednesday luncheon at Ocean Dunes Golf Links at noon or www.florencekiwanis.org.
Western Lane Community Foundation With over $7,500,000 in managed funds, WLCF helps the people of western Lane County give to the charities of their choice. If you are interested in creating a community legacy, visit us at wlcfonline.org or email us at wlcf@wlcfonline.org
Community Grants
Charitable Gifts & Remainder Trusts
Scholarship Funds
Thank you to the Florence Businesses and community members who generously sponsor flags at $30.00 per flag, per year. Kiwanis members maintain and display those flags on most holidays and special events. To sponsor a flag go to www. florencekiwanis.org or call Gary Vawter at 541-997-3281.
Kiwanis Club of Florence presents a check in the amount of $5,543 to Food Backpack for Kids program.
Kiwanis hosts and coordinates the annual free Thanksgiving dinner with many, many volunteers from the community that day, to make it happen. A partnership with the Elks Lodge makes it possible to use the Elks Lodge facility for the community dinner.
Endowments
Western Lane Community Founda on, founded in 1974, is a community trust, private non-profit organiza on The Founda on's mission is to improve life throughout Western Lane County by encouraging and maintaining philanthropic ac vity. WLCF focuses its giving in four major areas: culture, medicine and science, educa on, and social and civic services. WLCF also manages funds designated for use by other nonprofit organiza ons. To learn more please contact us. Call: our office # 997-1274 Write: P.O. Box 1589 Florence, OR 97439 email: wlcf@wlcfonline.org
Community People Helping Community People
Upcoming: Florence Kiwanis will be hosting the second annual Florence Kiwanis-Doernbecher Golf Tournament on June 22, 2019 at Ocean Dunes Golf Links. For more information on this event please email florencekiwanis@msn.com