SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 Awards from 1A Florence’s Future First Citizen. Waggoner said, “I am so humbled to have this honor and I am blessed to call Florence my home.” City Lights Cinemas was pre- sented the “Stu Johnston” Business of the Year Award. Co-owner Michael Falter said, “It was a spectacular evening for Florence. I was hon- ored to be a part of it.” Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County received the Nonprofit Achievement Award. Board President Michael Pearson brought many in the audience — and himself — to the brink of tears as he shared the struggles and triumphs of the club’s Cinderella-like recovery from almost insurmountable challenges. He credited the phil- anthropic generosity of John and Patricia Hardison and the club’s current leadership with saving the club. The Innovation in Business Award went to Friends of the Florence Events Center (FEC), in part for the creative and profitable FEC 20th anniversary Dancing with Sea Lions fundraising event throughout 2016. Under the direction of FEC Marketing Specialist Jennifer Connor, the project raised more than $60,000 for Friends of the FEC. Hoagland Properties was awarded the Excellence in Customer Service award for the local and national recogni- tion the company’s two hostelry properties, River Town Inn and Old Town Inn, have received for customer sat- isfaction. The Curb Appeal Award was given to Lovejoy’s Restaurant and Tearoom. Friends of the Florence Events Center — Innovation in Business PHOTOS BY JACK DAVIS/SIUSLAW NEWS (Above) Jean Hefty wins the Distinguished Service Award for her years of volunteering. (Left), Lisa Walter-Sedlacek accepts the Community Car- ing Award for Laurel Bay Gardens. Laurel Bay Gardens co- owner and former First Citizen Lisa Walter-Sedlacek accepted the Community Caring Award for her business. Laurel Bay Gardens also provided willow Valentine Ideas from KITCHEN KLUTTER Unique kitchen, spa and baby gift s. Spokandy & Sweet Shop truffl es, cake pops, decorated Oreos & more….and always free gift wrapping! 1258 Bay St. 541-997-6060 7 A branches for the evening’s decor. As a special surprise, Chamber Ambassador Jean Hefty was presented with the Distinguished Service Award for The Chick en Coop her 18 years of volunteer work at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce and her role with the Visitor’s Center. Pavilion Catering provided the meal of two types of pasta, three sauces, meatballs, chicken cordon bleu, breadsticks, salad and dessert. Hannigan said, “We do rep- resent an amazing community to have this many nominations and candidates. It is humbling to be surrounded by so many people of such kindness and generosity.” A live-feed video of the event is available to view at Florence Area Chamber of Commerce’s social media page at www. Facebook.com/Florence Oregon. O N M A P L E We have Valentine Gifts for your Sweetheart! 129 Maple Street , Old Town Florence 541-991-7739 ry is a u r b e F ren’s d l i h C al Nation ealth Month H Dental Fighting the battle where it starts Who’s the topp- grossing ac tor in kids’ tooth decay stories? Sugar. And in • Brush your teeth with a dentist-recommended toothpaste after you’ve Fe bruary 2017, during National Children’s Dental Health Month, the eaten a sugary snack or dessert. This does two things: it re mo ves American Dentaal As sociation is bringing “Sugar Wars” * to a dentist’s any stuck food particles from the teeth and gums, and it helps the offi ce near you. saliva return to a normal pH level that doesn’t favor tooth decay. Your child’s dental hyggi e ne isn’t only about brushing and fl ossing. The Generally, it’s best to avoid eating sugary foods every day for best way to prevent tootth decay and the costly dental cavities that your dental health and overall health. Opt for desserts that feature result is to tackle the problem m w here it starts: eating sugary foods. fresh or frozen fruits, nuts and low-sugar recipes. At snack timee, choose fresh fruit or vegetables, nuts, cheese, whole-grain pro d u cts Everyone likes a treat now and thenn, b ut when you and your kids do or other low-sugar foods that don’t easily get stuck in the t e e t h. Plan indulge, it’s extra important to remember a c o uple of things. an attack on sugary sodas, fruit drinks pastries and candiees . • Don’t eat candies or sugary foods through o u t the day; t h e b acteria that Teaching your kids good dental habitss i s t h e best waay t o fi ght the cause decay feed on sugar, so it’s i m portant to give your mouut h a S uggar Wars. Remind them m t o b r ushh at leasst t w i c e a day (once be fore break. going to bed), rinse after snackki n g , fl oss daily and choose low-sugar snacks. Sugary sodas and fruit drinks are big culprits in the Sugar Wars.