The Siuslaw news., May 28, 2016, SATURDAY EDITION, Page Page 8, Image 47

Oregon’s 234th Army Band to play July 23
The 234th Army Band will perform a free concert
at the Florence Events Center on Saturday, July 23,
beginning at 2 p.m. A limited number of advance tickets
will be available from the FEC box offi ce.
American military bands have been present since
colonial days. Prior to the signing of the Declaration
of Independence, colonial soldiers marched to the
sound of fi fe and drum. Later, in the Civil War, soldiers
depended on musicians to entertain them, position them
in battle, and spur them on to victory. Military bands
play at both military and civilian offi cial functions, entertain American troops worldwide,
assist community relations between civilian and military, and have been decorated for their
performance in battle.
On June 20, 1919, “Oregon’s Own” band was organized and federally recognized as
the Band Section, Service Company, 162nd Infantry Regiment. The band remained a part
of the 162d Infantry Regiment until 1940. The band was inducted into Federal service
on September 16, 1940 in Portland. Band members saw service in the South Pacifi c and
received campaign participation credit for the Luzon, New Guinea and Southern Philippines
campaigns. After receiving the Philippine
Presidential Unit Citation for service during
World War II, the band was deactivated in
1946 on Okinawa, and redesignated the
234th Army Band on May 17, 1947. At that
time, the 234th was organized and federally
recognized in Portland OR, and attached
to the state militia. Over the years, since
1947, the band has provided musical support
for Oregon troops, toured the state, and
entertained many Oregonians.
The mission of an Army band is to
“provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will
to fi ght and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home
and abroad.” (Army Regulation 220-90) There are many ways in which the 234th Army Band
carries out this mission.
On a regular basis, the band provides musical support at military functions, such as
Military Academy graduations, change of command ceremonies, parades, and mobilization
and demobilization ceremonies. Between brass quintet performances, funerals that call for
a bugler, and ceremonial band missions, the 234th continues to be a busy unit. In TY10, the
234th Army Band was recognized as having the highest operational tempo in the reserve band
system. The 234th has also performed for gubernatorial inaugurations, opening ceremonies
for the Oregon State Fair and State Games of Oregon, and dedication ceremonies for the
Veteran’s Hospital.
In 2005, soldiers from the 234th Army Band deployed to Louisiana to assist those who
experienced the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Among the band’s favorite assignments is
presenting music to communities throughout Oregon.
After 26 years of being stationed at the Portland Air National Guard Base, effective 26
October, 2011, the 234th Army Band’s station was offi cial changed to the newly constructed
41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center at Camp Withycombe. 15300 SE
Industrial Way, Clackamas, Ore..
The 234th Army Band is truly “Oregon’s Own.”
Fan of Guinea pigs… or cavies? This show is for you
The Florence Events Center will be alive
with the happy squeal of Cavies (Guinea pigs)
and their enthusiasts when the Oregon Cavy
Breeders Society hosts a Cavy Show July 30
at the FEC, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Local owners and breeders will be
bringing their favorite cavies to be judged and
assessed for their quality. Top winners will be
awarded prizes. In addition there will be a free
youth cavy show open to the public.
“Our youth have some beautiful
examples of cavies,” said last year’s organizer
Manetta Deggleman. “Everyone is invited to
see why we love our animals, and why we
have so much fun.”
Though there are 13 breeds of Guinea
pig, only a few breeds are commonly found
off the show table as pets. The short-hair,
Abyssinian, Peruvian and Sheltie (aka Silkie)
breeds are those most frequently seen as pets.
Here’s a quick look at how to determine
the difference: Short Haired: The short coated
cavy, often called the American, Self, or
English — has consistently short, glossy
hair without a part; Abyssinian: Known
for its short, rough coat that has cowlicked
rosettes of hair; Peruvian: The Peruvian is the
progenitor of all modern long-haired breeds,
being a Guinea pig with hair that grows long
continuously all over its body, sometimes to
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an excess of 20 inches; Silkie or Sheltie: A
Silkie has long hair that fl ows back over its
body and never forward over the face (as in
the Peruvian); Texel: Like a Silkie, but with
curls.
The show will be a unique opportunity
to see and interact with the many breeds of
this popular animal, as well as see what
determines the best of the best in the eyes of
professional breeders.
“We welcome questions about our little
friends at this show or any of our many shows
around the state,” said Deggleman.
Two days of summer merriment, mirth in August
The Florence Events Center will play host to the Second Star Festival,
which brings together more than 40 vendors showcasing wares meant to
inspire, spark the imagination and foster creativity. Activities will include
acoustic musicians, local and regional art, kids events, inspirational talks about
the creative process and more.
Coming to the FEC for its second year, the festival will be held Aug. 13
and 14 and will include a fusion of talents from a musical trio that blends
a myriad of instruments, strings, voices and drums to perform songs about
pirates, dancing satyrs, gypsies and pixies to create a unique musical and
visual experience.
Look for more details and admission prices in the July issue of Center
Stage.
The Florence Events Center website: www.eventcenter.org