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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (May 6, 2017)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 9 A ‘Tsunami of Haiku’ washing through Florence during FRAA event More than 100 Haiku written by Florence residents have started appearing at establish- ments all over town. The proj- ect marks the kickoff of the Big Wave Poetry Festival. The haiku, decorated by local artist Kat Cunningham, adorn restau- rants, shops, art galleries and community spaces, such as the library, city hall, and the Florence Chamber of Commerce. “Residents and visitors alike Teachers from 1A local PTA have in common is the belief that a great teacher can change a student in ways that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. “Everyone had a favorite teacher growing up. Teachers leave lasting impressions on their students. FCPTA thought it would be great if our commu- nity let Siuslaw teachers and staff know that what they do matters and that they have left a S IUSLAW N EWS can wander the shops and cafes of Old Town and see these short poems inspired by the charm of Florence and the beauty of our environment,” said festival Co-chair Judy Plumery. Mayor Joe Henry, sev- eral City Councilors and many of Florence’s lead- ing citizens wrote original haiku for the project. The festival, sponsored by lasting impression on our com- munity,” Holdahl said. In their declaration recogniz- ing teachers and their impor- tance to the American culture, Bay and Garcia said the follow- ing. “Teachers give us so much. A boost of confidence when we really need one, extra helps when we are having trouble, and a welcoming presence when everything else seems out of control. And though we can’t ever say ‘thank you’ enough, we can take a moment to share our appreciation for the special educators in our lives.” Holdahl wants everyone that has been positively impacted by a great teacher, either personal- the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA), gets started at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 12, at the Florence Events Center with the Spoken Word Poetry Contest. Up to 30 poets will per- form original, 3-minute poems in categories such as “nature,” “humor,” ‘per- sonal reflection” and ‘social commentary.” “Last year’s poets had the audience in tears one minute and howling with laughter the next,” said Plumery. Poets should visit www.fraa oregon.org to sign up to per- form. Saturday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the FEC will feature the premier showing of the docu- mentary “Perception: From Prison to Purpose,” the story of Noah Schultz, former resident of Camp Florence. His transformation from drug dealer and convicted felon to college graduate, social activist, TedX speaker, author and award-wining poet is sure to inspire. Schultz will attend the event to speak of his journey, and will be joined by documentary pro- ducer Jonathan Reed and by Stephen Fowler, who also transformed his life while incarcerated at Camp Florence. Tickets to each night’s event are $10 and are available at the door or in advance at FRAA, 120 Maple St. ly or through a family member, to reach out to local teachers with an expression of their apprecaition. “Whether you are a student, parent, alum or simply someone who recognizes the value of our local educators and all that they do for our community, we hope to see a note from you.” To this end there will be drop off boxes at all district schools for community members to share their letters to, or pictures of favorite educators, with teachers and school administra- tors. There are also a number of smaller, more tangible tokens of appreciation that teachers can expect to receive during the week of recognition. And while Holdahl wants to keep some of those gifts secret, she did share details of the PTA’s plan. “Each day teachers and staff will find fun surprises in the staff lounges, I’d let you in on them, but I don’t want to give away the surprise. I will say there will be food, some fun and hopefully Siuslaw teachers and staff will feel encouraged and appreciated,” Holdhal said. “We plan to treat the staff at all three schools to lunch and a local restaurant, Homegrown, will be catering. They have been so generous in donating food for the teachers.” There will also be raffles at all the district schools, the building where buses are stored and at the district office. Holdahl also thanked busi- nesses in the community for their donations to teacher appreciation efforts. “The Florence business com- munity is so generous and many local businesses have donated gift certificates or baskets to give away to our teachers and staff members,” she said. Siuslaw School District Superintendent Andy Grezskowiak is perhaps best placed to see on a day-to-day basis the important work that teachers do in Florence schools, and his appreciation of their work was apparent in this state- ment regarding the week. “Teachers provide more than just facts and figures to stu- dents. Our teachers work on a myriad of ‘soft skills’ that go beyond course content: critical thinking and analysis skills, social skills and interpersonal relations, while being an encouraging hand as students look to make their mark in a bigger world,” Grezeskowiak said. “Teachers help to open up the world to students and may inspire them to do more than they believe that could ever have done.” For more information on Teacher Appreciation Week contact FAPTA at florencecom munitypta@yahoo.com. Tickets to each night’s event are $10 and are available at the door or in advance at FRAA, 120 Maple St. PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT Do your part and volunteer today to help support these local non-proft organizations in our community! Volunteer•Get involved•Donate KEEP COOS COUNTY OPEN FOR BUSINESS MEASURE 6-162: Florence Food Share Ask us about volunteer opportunities. 2190 Spruce Street • P.O.Box 2514 Florence, Oregon 97439 (541) 997-9110 info@fl orencefoodshare.org Food Backpack for Kids IS POORLY WRITTEN Together, No Child Will Go Hungry Your tax deductible donations helped us feed 86 Florence/ Mapleton area children in April Mail donations to: PO Box 3347 Florence, OR 97439. Call 541-997-2497 for more information. Helping Hands Coalition TAKES AWAY OUR PRIVATE PROPERT Y RIGHTS COSTS TAXPAYERS Assisting those in need in our Community. Free Hot Meals Mon-Wed-Fri: 11:30 AM - 1 PM NEW LOCATION SOON United Methodist Church, 333 Kingwood, Florence Call 541-997-5057 to Volunteer Meals on Wheels and Cafe 60 Meals on Wheels are available to people over the age of 60 who cannot get out much due to illness or advanced age and who are not eating properly, regardless of income. Cafe 60 is available for those who prefer to make new friends in a dining room setting. 1570 Kingwood PO Box 2313, Florence 541-997-5673 laneseniormeals.org Peace Harbor Volunteers HURTS COOS COUNT Y’S ECONOMY Join the Peace Harbor Hospital Volunteers, you will fi nd an area of interest in a caring organization. 400 9th Street, Florence 541-997-8412 ext. 209 Us Too Florence VOTE NO ON 6–162 Saving men one PSA test at a time. “Someone to talk to...who understands!” 541-997-6626 maribob@oregonfast.net www.ustoofl orence.org GET INVOLVED BEFORE THE MAY ELECTION savecoosjobs.com PAID FOR BY SAVE COOS JOBS To include your organization in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441
