6 October 2015
Library plans several observances
A half-dozen observances of National Arts and Humanities Month will be held at Siuslaw Public Library.
The celebrations begin Friday with a special presentation of the musical group Quattrosound. The quartet will play their unique blend of latin, pop, jazz and classical called “Popzzical” at 11:30 that morning.
The next day will be the second-annual “demARTS” exhibit from ten to 4:30 Saturday. It features artists and crafters working in a variety of media. There will be a “make and take” station where people can create their own art.
Other events at the library this month include a discussion by Oregon author Bob Welch October 13th; a display by the Siuslaw Miniature Club on the 17th and 18th; A talk by City Lights Cinemas owner Michael Falter the 23rd; and talks about Dia de los Muertos on the 31st and November 1st.
Our Town to talk recovery from UCC Shooting
How do the victims of last week’s shooting at Umpqua Community College and their families move beyond the tragedy? Coast Radio’s monthly public affairs program, Our Town, will explore some possible answers by looking back 17 ½ years.
The father of one victim of the 1998 Thurston High School shooting in Springfield, and a former television news anchor will talk about their experiences through that time and how families and the community were able to move on.
This week’s Our Town will also cover the details of a bridge renovation project that will take three years; economic development efforts in Florence; and a light-hearted look at life with Bob Welch and Friends.
The show airs Wednesday from four to six on KCST, then again the next morning from ten until noon on KCFM. A third airing of the program will be again on KCFM Sunday morning.
Increased toxin levels prompt closure of mussel harvesting
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has closed the gathering of mussels along the Oregon Coast from the mouth of the Yachats River to the California state line. Elevated levels of domoic acid… a naturally occurring toxin… is getting the blame once again. Domoic acid is produced by algae and generally originates in the ocean.
The closure, endorsed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, includes mussels on all beaches, rocks, jetties, and bay entrances in that section. Razor clamming remains closed for the entire length of the Oregon Coast because of domoic acid as well.
Bay clams, crab and commercially gathered shellfish are considered to be safe.
Sea Lion Point rehab
Restoration of an iconic rock wall along Highway 101 north of Florence is expected to get underway this week. The highway, just north of Sea Lion Caves, will be limited to one-lane of traffic, regulated by flaggers 24-hours a day until the project is completed next spring.
The original wall was built in 1931. Over time, it has lost its structural integrity. Rick Little with the Oregon Department of Transportation says the project will restore that integrity and aesthetic appearance, as well as increase the height.
Little says the Sea Lion Point Rock Wall is a good example of a rock feature constructed by the Works Progress Administration along the Oregon Coast during the depression. Another restoration will be included in the project, the replacement of a bridge rail on a half-viaduct near Cape Perpetua.
STEP to hear about wild vs. hatchery
The senior scientist at the Oregon Hatchery Research Center, OSU Fisheries and Wildlife Professor Dr. David Noakes, will address members of the Florence Salmon Trout Enhancement Program tomorrow night.
Noakes will review the history of the OHRC and talk about the research that is conducted at the facility in Alsea, just west of Corvallis. The mission of the research center is to answer scientific questions related to fish recovery programs and explores the differences that may exist between wild and hatchery fish.
The Florence STEP group meets Wednesday night, 6:30 at the Florence Elks Lodge on 12th Street.
City proceeds with planning and parks
The Florence City Council selected an architect last night for the beginning phases of a new public works headquarters; undertook the initial planning stages for a Highway 101 makeover in the core downtown area; and talked about the next step in completion of a trail along the edge of the Siuslaw River Estuary.
Florence City Manager Erin Reynolds says they also considered a $24-thousand grant from Oregon State Parks for an upgrade to an existing neighborhood park.
Erin Reynolds – “It’s a park that needs a little bit of attention, it could use some new equipment.”
That’s Pepperoaks Park, just south of 35th street west of Highway 101.
Erin Reynolds – “We’ve already done quite a bit of landscaping and sprucing up what we can on our own and we’re excited to begin putting the finishing touches on that.”
The new equipment will be installed later this year.
