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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 4, 2019)
10A | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 | SIUSLAW NEWS ART from page 1A PAC is again addressing issues related to the mural, as the primary action item on the agenda for Mon- day’s meeting involved the question of whether to fol- low through with an earlier plan to light the mural. The decision to light the “Stitching Time” mural was revisited for two rea- sons. PAC’s original plan had been to light the mu- ral once it was installed for better night viewing, with a cost of $9,500 budgeted for this part of the project. However, the newly re- vised city codes modified the rules governing the lighting requirements for the mural and could now potentially cost $15,000, or more, to install. There is also a strong possibility the decision to spend that additional money, assuming it could be obtained, could poten- tially reignite the debate over the mural. Harlan Springer, as chairperson of PAC, led the Monday meeting and Sarah Moehrke, Florence’s Community and Econom- ic Development Assistant, brought the news to mem- bers that the amount of money budgeted for the lighting would be insuffi- cient to complete the in- stallation. “We received two out of three quotes … and they were significantly over what we had budgeted,” Moehrke said. “One was like $12,500 and another one was close to $14,000, and that was with the orig- inal lighting plan, which isn’t actually up to code. We created a lighting plan for the mural permitting process and through that permitting process we found out the lighting plan had exterior wiring, which is not technically within code for that area.” While the majority of the committee members supported the idea of mov- ing forward by requesting an engineering plan to determine what the actual installation costs associat- ed with lighting would be, committee member Jenni- fer French was clear that she opposed the idea of adding lighting and poten- tially revisiting the mural controversy. “My feeling is that I’m guessing a large percent- age of the population is not driving around town between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., which is when we would have the lights on — so who’s going to see it?” she asked. “We roll up our sidewalks at 8 p.m. So, I don’t want to spend a lot of time on this, especially after all the problems we have had up until now.” Moehrke had touched on the idea of simply closing the case of the contentious mural a bit earlier in her recap as she reported that the minimum increase to the cost of the lighting in- stallation would be $6,000 and possibly much more. “Maybe, we should just let the mural be done and be done with the project. The landscaping is in- stalled and it looks beau- tiful. And the coating is on there and we could just not add exterior lighting,” Moehrke suggested. Springer, however, want- ed to continue pursuing the idea of some type of lighting for the mural, re- gardless of concerns voiced by French and others. “We do have money to do some kind of lighting plan,” he said. “So, my sug- gestion is that we go back to the lighting guys and say we don’t have $12,000, we have $9,500 — and we could probably get some- thing done. This gives an opportunity to do some- thing special here.” The end result of the ex- tended, yet overall courte- ous discussion, was the de- cision to engage the city’s engineer to create a new lighting plan for the mural. PAC members agreed to revisit the issue once that new plan has been sub- mitted and cleared by the Planning Department. There were a few lesser profile items on the PAC agenda, which were then discussed. The one action item — a new Art Exposed Call for Artists for the gal- lery in Historic Old Town — was approved, specifi- cally the wording and au- thorization for city staff to hire the art notification organization, CaFÉ (Call for Entry), to handle the distribution of the next call to artists. Springer brought the meeting to a close after suggesting PAC contact the Oregon Ballet The- ater (OBT), which has an educational outreach pro- gram. Springer was recent- ly appointed to the Oregon Arts Commission by Ore- gon Gov. Kate Brown and students from OBT per- formed for the commis- sioners at their meeting last week in Portland. The OBT is actively in- volved in bringing ballet to rural areas of the state and Springer received ap- proval from PAC members to pursue the possibility of the troupe performing in Florence. The next meeting of the PAC is set for Jan. 13, be- ginning at 10:30 a.m., at Florence City Hall. DENTURE SERVICES INC. LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED Open 4 days a week! Here to serve your denture needs: Dentures Partial Dentures Immediate Dentures Implant Dentures Relines & Repairs Same Day Monday-Thursday 10am - 2 pm William Foster LD Sherry, Offi ce Manager “As a denture wearer myself, I can answer your questions and address your denture concerns.” ~ William Foster, LD Financing: Citi Health Card 12 Month no Interest 524 Laurel St. 541-997-6054 We invite you to join us. • Wednesday, 7 p.m. - Family Connections • Sunday Worship 9:00am and 10:45am Corner of 10th & Maple St. • 541-997-3533 florencecrossroadeg.org email: office@florencecrossroadeg.org Local ‘Red Kettle’ program seeks volunteers Although Col. Sam Spayd has handed over the ‘Red Kettle Keys’ of Florence to local resident Colinda Harris, people are still encouraged to volun- teer for a shift or two of ringing holiday bells. Each year from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, the Sal- vation Army of Western Lane County has volun- teers stationed outside major grocery and retail stores in Florence as well as a ‘roving’ kettle that in the past has been kept on the Old Town Barbershop. It is available for visits to local service organizations and special events. “Last year, over 100 good people stood at our kettles, some for several two-hour shifts,” said Spayd, who was kettle coordinator for the past two years. “Our new kettle coordinator will need these folks and more to step up and serve again.” Harris served during the first Gulf War in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Shenandoah. She left the Navy and came to Florence, where she has worked with seniors. She is the mother of five and grandmother of seven. Her husband John is The Jolly Egret Christmas Cards Christmas Décor & Ornaments Jim Shore 30% off GIFT IDEAS Flour Sack Towels Polish Pottery Nesting Dolls a mechan- ic and has an exten- sive collec- tion of re- mote-con- t r o l airplanes he has built. M a j . Hendrik Sumpter has overseen the Service Extension Units of The Salvation Army in Oregon, like Florence. He recom- mended to New Red Kettle coordinator Colinda Harris (left) takes over for past the local coordinator Col. Sam Spayd Advisor y Committee how the mon- ple follow this example.” will be credited to this eys from the Red Kettle Service organizations year’s campaign. Campaign can best be and churches can also con- The Kick Off total thus spent — with 90 percent of tact her about special op- far will be announced by the moneys raised staying portunities to contribute KCST on Friday morn- in Western Lane County. to the kettles or supplying ing by on-air personalities Anyone interested in volunteers. and Red Kettle Volunteers serving as a volunteer Red Red Kettle Kickoff Wayne Sharpe and George Kettle Bell Ringer can call Checks can be mailed to Henry. Harris at 541-707-0920. The Salvation Army, P.O. One volunteer said, Box 1041, Florence, Ore., “Sam is very persuasive! 97439 and will be credited He would walk right up to the local campaign. and say, ‘What time and All such donations re- day do I put you down ceived on or before Dec. 25 for?’ Let’s hope more peo- in the local P.O. Box 1041 Periwinkle Station Huge Selection of Puzzles Great Games Cards & Dice Metal Earth Harry Potter P.S. Winkles Gourmet Chocolates Stocking Stuffers for everyone Old School Candy & Toys Children’s Books Scratch & Sketch Theme Whimsical Clocks Klutz Funko Pops Activity Kits 30% Off Paint by Sticker 1312 Bay Street 541-991-3842 1308 Bay Street 541-902-7901 Calendars Swig Wine Glasses 1335 Bay Street 541-590-3729 Stocks. Bonds. CDs. IRAs. Mutual funds. Andy Baber, AAMS® Financial Advisor Ryan Hitchcock Financial Advisor 1010 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439 541-997-8755 Member SIPC MKT-5894I-A Let me Showcase your property. Jan Jagoe Broker 541 999-0879 320 Rhododendron Dr – Relax and enjoy the great views of the Siuslaw River and dunes in this beautiful 2 bdrm, den and 3 bath riverfront home. Great location close to all Florence has to offer! Garage, carport and a large parking area. $599,000. #3025-1938832 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200 HOLIDAY Arts FESTIVAL Saturday, December 7, 2019 10 am - 5 pm Sunday, December 8, 2019 11 am - 4 pm An eclectic showcase and shopping experience for unique works of art and fine craftsmanship Free Admission Florence Events Center • 715 Quince Street (10% of Artists’ Sales during the event will benefit the Florence Art Center) For more event information call 541-902-1933
