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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 6, 2016)
6 A SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016 Teen Giving Tree has largest distribution ever ‘Trans Perspectives’ topic The holidays are over, but goodwill lingers. That is the feelings you will find north of Florence in the Twin Lakes area. The Teen Holiday Party, which has become an annual event at Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue’s Sutton Lake Fire Hall, had the largest turn out yet for gift distribution. The fire station was decorat- ed and food was available but that’s not what draws the teens to this party each year. Yes, it’s the presents — and lots of them. For the teens that have par- ticipated in the event in the past, it is no surprise. But for 20 percent of the kids it was their first. “The community is very generous,” said Vicki Ambrosio, owner of Twin Lakes Store, which hosts the event. “The teens are modest in their requests and the commu- nity goes above and beyond. “This year we had more donations than ever and we were able to provide a small food box to each teen.” Ambrosio said that adding the food boxes is something she’s always wanted to do waiting for Santa to show up. The stockings were hung from the firemen’s hooks with care, the teens patiently waiting, while eyeing the heap of gifts under the tree. “Each gift was labeled with a specific name,” said Ambrosio, “and stockings were, too.” It wasn’t long before the scanner said Santa was in sight. When he arrived the fun began. “Starting with the over- stuffed stockings, they tore into it all,” said Ambrosio. “Santa’s elves called out names on the presents right and left. The kids barely had time to open a pres- COURTESY PHOTOS ent before they had to go get Gifts for the Twin Lakes’ Teen Giving Tree were distrib- another. uted at the Sutton Lake fire station, along with food boxes “Getting piled up with pres- (above) for each teen. ents is any kid’s dream and these teens enjoyed every since the Giving Tree project based on his or her wish list. minute.” began three years ago. Teens are encouraged to take Now that it’s all over, a slide Ambrosio said that teen giv- the gifts home and put under show is on display at Twin ing trees are around, but that the tree until Christmas. Lakes Store for all to see. The the distribution party at the fire “However, it appeared that store is located five miles north hall is what makes this one so will power went out the win- of Florence on Highway 101. different, with gifts given out dow again this year, once they The photos will be on dis- to the teens themselves instead get caught up in the moment of play through the month of of parents. unwrapping,” said Ambrosio. January. In addition, each gift is hand The party started slowly as Submitted by Vicki picked for that specific teen Ambrosio, aka Ms. Claus, was Ambrosio Three-day ‘Presbyterian 101’ workshop being offered On Jan. 10, 17 and 24, at 11:15 a.m., Pastor Greg Wood will teach a class titled: “Presbyterian 101: Basics of Presbyterian Theology, Worship and Work.” This class may be a refresh- er course for members or as an introduction and new mem- ber’s class. Topics will be: Jan. 10: “What do we believe?” On Jan. 17: “Why we wor- L OOKING FOR of next PFLAG meeting California activist Zoyer Zyndel, chairperson of Trans- E-Motion, will be the featured presenter at the regular meet- ing of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Lane Community College, 3149 Oak St., in Florence. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Room 250. PFLAG-Florence vice president Jane Hudson will join Zyndel in the presenta- tion. This is the first regular meeting of PFLAG-Florence to be held at Lane Community College, and the college will continue hosting PFLAG- Florence regular meetings throughout 2016. Zyndel, whose well- received presentation to PFLAG-Florence in 2014 sparked greater interest in the topic, is the author of an LGBT+ anthology still in use throughout California’s Central Valley and has been active in the LGBT+ Student organization, United Student Pride and PFLAG-Fresno, where he has served on the board for three years. Trans-E-Motion, the organ- ization he chairs, seeks to improve transgender lives through education, outreach, advocacy and support in Fresno and surrounding com- munities and sponsors the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance in November. Zyndel and Hudson will field questions following the presentation. The public is invited and refreshments will be served. HIT THAT LIKE BUTTON! F ACEBOOK . COM /S IUSLAW N EWS Stocks. Bonds. CDs. IRAs. Mutual funds. ship like we do.” Jan. 23: “Nuts and bolts about the Presbyterian Church of the USA.” It may offer a point to ask deeper questions and foster other discussions. Bring your questions, answers and ideas to this three-day class. The Presbyterian Church of the Siuslaw is at 3996 Highway 101 North. Worship service is Sundays at 10 a.m. Andy Baber, AAMS® Financial Advisor . 1010 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439 541-997-8755 www.edwardjones.com See Jim for your auto sales needs! Member SIPC 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475 B REAKING N EWS ? www.TheSiuslawNews.com IRUPHUO\3UXGHQWLDO3DFL¿F3URSHUWLHV Same great brokers... same excellent service. What’s happening where you live? Watch our new online 60-second videos produced from the latest MLS data. Get a quick snapshot of real estate activity and price trends in the Florence area. • • • • Automatically updated Clear & accurate information Localized market areas Information you want to know Visit our website at RealEstateFlorence.com Real and click the 60-second Market Update Video! 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