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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 28, 2016)
4 A ❘ WEDNESDAY EDITION ❘ SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 Siuslaw News P.O. Box 10 Florence, OR 97439 NED HICKSON , EDITOR ❘ 541-902-3520 ❘ EDITOR @ THESIUSLAWNEWS . COM Opinion LETTERS Kindness of strangers Watching our home burn, with nearly all of our earthly possessions was devastating. The efforts by the Florence fire department to save neighboring homes while saving our irreplace- able family albums and Marcy’s heirloom jew- elry was an act of kindness we will never forget. The Red Cross took care of our immediate needs; the gentleman from the City Water works saving our travel trailer was amazing; the caring shown by neighbors was heartfelt. The generosity of strangers was — and is — overwhelming. Our church, New Life Lutheran and its con- gregation, have been a true gift from our Lord. We are especially thankful for our neighbors, Karel and Joe Cook, who immediately provided their vacation rental for us to stay in. All of our family — Andrew, Marcy, sons Andy and Alex, our friend Dylan and our pets — thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts for your support as we begin to heal and rebuild. There is no better place to live than Florence. The beauty of this town is only paled by the beauty of its citizens. May God bless you all, The Kellerman Family Florence Leave the baggage Ned Hickson’s recent editorial (Oct. 21) on domestic violence was outstanding and I say that not only because it was a great piece, but because it hit very close to home. My childhood experience was not unlike his. There was little physical abuse but the verbal abuse was on-going and I could not wait to get away from that environment. Like him, it took some time for me to see that I would have to work to avoid making the same USPS# 497-660 mistakes with my own children. While there was no abuse in my relationship with my kids, I spent way too much time pursuing other goals before I realized that my sons should have been my priority. Fortunately, they don’t see it quite that way and profess that I was a great father — but one always feels one could have done a better job. What I am most proud of is that all three of my boys have turned out to be much better fathers than I, so maybe it takes a generation for that baggage to really go away. I was very proud to proclaim October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” and I thank all of the sponsors of this event for their support. Joe Henry, Mayor of Florence Cherished memories As a member of several groups which bring high quality performances to the Florence Events Center, I am blessed with a wealth of stories and happy memories from my more than 18 years of volunteering. Concerts where high school seniors say their farewells to seven years in Siuslaw bands, incomparable music performances by world class musicians and the challenge navigating the shoals and deeps of publicity, marketing and fundraising. My most cherished memories are of the Kids Concerts for Siuslaw and Mapleton students, begun in 2002 by the late Ann Rule, Lis Farm and myself, and now an established part of the Winter Music Festival. In early 2001, we booked The Trail Band, then madly scrambled to garner donations, grants and free publicity; all the while convinc- ing the school principals — and ourselves — that an in-town field trip with three performanc- Social responsibility I support candidates who are honest people, who recognize that social responsibility is as important as individual responsibility, who believe that a family, a community, a state, and a nation are measured best by how those of us least fortunate are encouraged. I look for candidates who are both empathet- ic and practical-minded. I want public officials who are willing to listen to divergent points of view. I want representing me an individual who is governed neither by expediency nor by mon- eyed interests that benefit the few. I want that person guided by conscience. I have known and supported Arnie Roblan since he first ran for state public office in 2004. I have written many letters to newspapers attest- ing to his wisdom and character. His service as our state senator deserves to be rewarded. Harold Titus Florence Dangerous political climate Anyone watching TV, listening to the radio or interacting on social media these days is well aware of the divisiveness and anger — and yes, frustration — surrounding the political climate in this country. It is impossible to escape it and has become a “way of life” for some that has reached a dangerous level. To illustrate my point, a friend recently parked his car in the parking lot at a local golf course and spent a few hours playing a round with friends. He returned to find that his vehicle had been keyed. And yes, he had a bumper sticker supporting Trump. Has it really come to this? Have we become so intolerant of different viewpoints and choices that some people must lash out against those who don’t agree with their outlook? These attitudes make for a frightening future for this great country of ours. Florence is such a beautiful and friendly town. It saddens me to hear of these types of things occuring. Hopefully, the person who chose to take his anger out in this manner will read this and realize nothing good was accom- plished. Sue Hale Florence Copyright 2016 © Siuslaw News Publisher, ext. 327 General Manager, ext. 318 Editor, ext. 313 Advertising Director, ext. 326 Office Supervisor, ext. 312 Production Supervisor Press Manager DEADLINES: Wednesday Issue—General news, Monday noon; Budgets, four days prior to publication; Regular classified ads, Monday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Monday noon; Boxed and display classified ads, Friday 5 p.m. Saturday Issue—General news, Thursday noon; Budgets, two days prior to publication; Regular classified ads, Thursday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Thursday noon; Boxed and display classified ads, Wednesday 5 p.m. Soundings, Tuesday 5 p.m. NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION RATES: In Lane County — 1-year subscription, $71; 10-weeks subscription, $18; Out of Lane County — 1-year subscription, $94; 10-weeks subscription, $24; Out of State — 1-year subscription, $120; Out of United States — 1-year subscription, $200; E-Edition Online Only (Anywhere) — 1-year subscription, $65. Mail subscription includes E-Edition. Website and E-Edition: www.TheSiuslawNews.com WHERE TO WRITE Published every Wednesday and Saturday at 148 Maple St. in Florence, Lane County, Oregon. A member of the National Newspaper Association and Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association. Periodicals postage paid at Florence, Ore. Postmaster, send address changes to: Siuslaw News, P.O. Box 10, Florence, OR 97439; phone 541-997-3441; fax 541-997-7979. All press releases may be sent to PressReleases@TheSiuslawNews.com. John Bartlett Jenna Bartlett Ned Hickson Susan Gutierrez Cathy Dietz Ron Annis Jeremy Gentry es for more than 1,300 students in grades K-8 was a logistical possibility. As the concert day in February 2002 unfold- ed and success seemed likely, we started to breathe easier. Halfway through the show for younger elementary students, I noticed a sec- ond-grader fast asleep in his seat. I was stunned. “How can that kid fall asleep during all this excitement and music?” I asked. His teacher later explained, “That boy does not have a stable home life. Here in the theater it’s dark, warm and safe. He’s surrounded by happy people and pleasant music. So his doz- ing off is a compliment to your efforts.” That boy was the first to sleep through a Kids Concert, but was by no means the last. Over the last decade and a half I’ve looked forward to catching sight of a dozing child, knowing they are relaxed and happy. Here’s to the Florence Events Center’s 20th anniversary, and many future decades of pro- viding a warm, melodious, happy space for the children of Western Lane County. Rachel Pearson Florence Pres. Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 www.whitehouse.gov Gov. Kate Brown 160 State Capitol 900 Court St. Salem, OR 97301-4047 Governor’s Citizens’ Rep. Message Line 503-378-4582 www.oregon.gov/gov U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden 221 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5244 541-431-0229 www.wyden.senate.gov FAX: 503-986-1080 Email: Sen.ArnieRoblan@state.or.us U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley 313 Hart Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3753/FAX: 202-228-3997 541-465-6750 State Rep. Caddy McKeown (Dist. 9) 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1409 Email: rep.caddymckeown@state.or.us U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (4th Dist.) 2134 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-6416/ 800-944-9603 541-269-2609/ 541-465-6732 www.defazio.house.gov State Sen. Arnie Roblan (Dist. 5) 900 Court St. NE - S-417 Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1705 West Lane County Commissioner Jay Bozievich 125 E. Eighth St. Eugene, OR 97401 541-682-4203 FAX: 541-682-4616 Email: Jay.Bozievich@co.lane.or.us
