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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.
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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
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