6A | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019 | SIUSLAW NEWS
KETTLE from page 1A
round to provide food for
the hungry, disaster relief,
assistance for disabled
people, outreach to elderly
and ill people, shelter and
necessities for the home-
less and opportunities for
underprivileged children.
The Salvation Army
raised more than $142
million through its “Red
Kettle” campaign last year
and a total of $433 million
through all forms of dona-
tions.
“The country faced
many hardships during
the last few months of
2018, with multiple nat-
ural disasters and an un-
settled economy at year
end,” said Lt. Col. Ward
Matthews,
community
relations and develop-
ment secretary for The
Salvation Army’s National
Headquarters. “We are so
very grateful for the gen-
erosity of those who rec-
ognize the importance of
helping our neighbors in
need.”
Anyone interested in
serving as a volunteer Red
Kettle Bell Ringer should
call Colinda Harris at
541-707-0920. Service or-
ganizations and churches
can also contact Harris
about special opportuni-
ties to contribute to the
kettles or supplying vol-
unteers.
Kettles are located at
both entrances to Fred
Meyer, Bi-Mart, Gro-
cery Outlet and Safeway.
There is also an addition-
al “floater kettle” that is
placed at various locations
during special events.
Red Kettle checks can
be mailed to The Sal-
vation Army, P.O. Box
1041, Florence, OR 97439
and will be credited to
the local campaign. All
such donations received
on or before Dec. 25 will
be credited to this year’s
campaign.
determined where the
‘most need’ was and dis-
tributed the funds ac-
cordingly. Unfortunately,
not much came ‘west of
the tunnel’ (on Highway
126).”
Now, the questions sur-
rounding the distribution
of donations has been ad-
dressed and the decision
on which organizations
receive support is now
made in a more regionally
focused manner.
According to Spayd,
“Your money raised here
is distributed quietly to
those in need in our com-
munity.”
This is done through
The Salvation Army Ser-
vice Extension Coordina-
tor Debi Leighton, from
Klamath Falls, who coor-
dinates with several local
pastors to interview and
select recipients for distri-
bution of the local fund’s
money.
“Two years ago, an ad-
visory group was created
to identify local areas of
need to The Salvation
Army,” Spayd continued.
“They meet occasionally
with the Service Exten-
sion Coordinator. It is
gratifying to know and
trust that The Salvation
Army will use these col-
lected funds to the maxi-
mum benefit of our com-
munity.”
The first Red Kettle was
set up in 1891. Since then,
The Salvation Army’s
donations are used year-
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T HE S IUSLAW N EWS . COM
S IUSLAW N EWS
PREVENTION from
someone presents a clear
page 1A danger to themselves or
others, people are to al-
is a Florence-area or- ways call 911 first.
ganization that often
Suicide
Awareness
deals with individuals in Voices of Education
crisis. Executive Direc- (SAVE) and the Amer-
tor Bob Teter’s advice is ican Foundation for
simple and straightfor- Suicide
Prevention
ward as regards the po- (AFSP) suggest that one
tential downside to the important way to stop
season.
a potential suicide is to
“I want to encourage simply talk to the person
community members perceived as being in
to have their neighbor’s danger.
back. If you learn a
AFSP suggests a direct
neighbor is home alone approach and to assume
for the holidays, invite that you may be the only
them over for dinner one aware of the situ-
or bring them food and ations. In other words,
offer conversation,” he don’t count on others to
said.
become involved, do it
According to Teter, yourself.
despite the overall drop
SAVE and AFSP ad-
in suicides this time vocate following these
of year, “The holidays suggestions when in-
can be a breaking point teracting with a person
for many. For some it who may be at risk of
is a painful reminder self-harm:
of loved ones lost. For • Talk privately with
others it can be a stress- them.
ful time because they • Listen to what they
feel the pressure to pro- have to say.
vide gifts when they are • Tell them you care
struggling financially. At about them.
SOS, we see a huge spike • Ask them directly if
in domestic violence they are thinking about
around the holidays. committing suicide or
Please remember, al- killing themselves.
though the holidays are • Encourage them to
a joyous time for many, seek medical treatment.
it is frightening for oth- • Avoid
minimizing
ers. We need to have their problems or giving
each other’s back.”
advice.
The idea that other • Follow through. Es-
people can help some- cort them to a therapist
one in danger by talking or to the emergency
to them is a theme room.
throughout the informa-
The police are called
tion provided by many in dire situations to in-
support organizations, sure there is no danger
including the small to other members of the
number of local services public and to determine
tasked with intervening if firearms are involved
in situations where a po- as firearms are used in
tential suicide is of con- 50 percent of the approx-
cern. Most of these or- imate 45,000 suicides in
ganizations include local the United States each
law enforcement in the year. That means that
initial response to a po- one person commits
tential suicide call-out. If suicide approximately
every 12 minutes, aver-
aging 123 self-inflicted
deaths a day.
Hanging and poison-
ing are the second and
third most common
ways that individuals
end their lives.
The fact that there is
a misperception about
the potential for sui-
cide during the winter
months is significant in
a number of ways. The
most important is the
fact that holidays pres-
ent an opportunity to
talk with a family mem-
ber that may be experi-
encing depression and
even suicidal thoughts.
The need for fami-
ly and friends to take
a more proactive ap-
proach to the problem
of a potential suicide is
mentioned not only by
AFSP but also by SAVE,
which suggests begin-
ning what may be a dif-
ficult dialogue by asking
a few simple questions.
These might be as di-
rect as “Are you thinking
about killing yourself?”
to a more subtle ap-
proach like, “You seem
sad today. Is everything
OK?”
The main point is to
connect with the per-
son you are concerned
about and let them tell
you what they are think-
ing. According to SAVE,
if the individual is in
immediate danger, do
not leave them. If they
threaten violence to
themselves or others and
are weaponized, call 911.
Lori Severance leads
Siuslaw Valley Fire and
Rescue’s
Community
Support Team (CST),
which has taken over
responsibilities that pre-
viously were handled by
SVFR’s chaplains.
Severance is also an
advocate for those that
are in crisis. She wants
the community to know
that there are local ave-
nues available to address
difficult situations in life
before those situations
precipitate a crisis.
“Despite being a small
community,
Florence
does have resources
available for people suf-
fering from severe de-
pression, anxiety and/or
suicidal thoughts,” Sev-
erance said. “There are
several excellent thera-
pists in town who work
with people to overcome
their current difficulties.
There are counseling
agencies such as Op-
tions Counseling and
PeaceHealth Behavioral
Health clinic. There are
also agencies that work
with addiction issues
such as Reconnections
and Emergence. NAMI
(National Alliance on
Mental Illness) has a
free drop-in peer-led
support group for adults
with chronic mental
illness. They accept a
variety of insurances, in-
cluding OHP, and many
have funds available for
those in need who do
not have insurance.”
To help in deter-
mining if someone you
know is at risk, AFSP
and SAVE have provid-
ed a series of actions or
behaviors that may indi-
cate a growing danger. If
an individual starts giv-
ing all of their belongs
away or starts to settle
business and family un-
certainties, this may be
a warning. If someone
that is depressed con-
tinues to lose interest in
hobbies or family, this
may also be a sign.
One of the most im-
portant points made by
all professionals who
deal with suicide pre-
vention and its tragic
aftermath is clear: Don’t
discount or dismiss ac-
tual threats of suicide or
violence. If someone you
know or love says they
are going to kill them-
selves, take it seriously
and act in some way to
help.
“If someone is in
acute crisis, Florence
has a new Mobile Crisis
Response team that can
respond 24/7,” Sever-
ance said. “They are dis-
patched through Flor-
ence Police Department,
by either calling 911 or
the non-emergency line
at 541-997-3515. The
MCR team is trained to
assess, counsel and pro-
vide resources to people
in crisis.”
For Teter, the import-
ant way to assist some-
one who may be in crisis
is to talk to them and
then help them.
“The best thing to do
for someone consider-
ing suicide is to encour-
age them to seek help,
tell them that they can
get through it and give
them a shoulder to cry
on and let them know
someone cares,” he said.
“When they get up the
courage to seek help, go
with them and continue
to check in with them.
Seeking help can be a
struggle in of itself.”
If you or someone you
love is experiencing sui-
cidal thoughts, call one
of the following hotlines:
• White Bird Crisis
Line: 541-687-4000
• Veterans Suicide Cri-
sis Line: 800-273-8255
• The Friendship Line
(people 60+): 800-971-
0016
• Youth Crisis Line
(under 18): 541-689-
3111
• National Suicide Pre-
vention Lifeline: 1-800-
273-8255
What’s happening in the Siuslaw region
Third Saturday Dinner & Dance
Alliance
New Life Lutheran Church, 2100 Spruce St.
6:30 to 8 p.m. – dinner available for purchase
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Free to public
Florence Pickle-Ball Association PeaceHealth Oregon Cardiology, 310 Ninth St. 7:30 p.m. – Gen X Jug Champions music begins
Dec. 25
Monday, Wednesday and Friday — weather
Open to public; donations accepted
Christmas Day
permitting
Deadwood Community Center, 91792
Live Music at Three Rivers
8:30 to 11 a.m.; Open to all ages and skill levels
Elks Christmas Dinner
7 to 11 p.m.; 21+
Deadwood Creek Road
Rolling Dunes Park, 35th St, Florence
Noon to 3 p.m.; open to public
Blue Bills Sports Bar at Three Rivers Casino
Florence Elks Lodge #1858, 1686 12th St.
Dec.
22
Resort
1:30 to 2:15 p.m. — Beginners
2:15 to 2:45 p.m. — Advanced Beginners and
Intermediates
3 to 4 p.m. — Song Circle for all levels
Loaner ukuleles available; open to public
Siuslaw Public Library
janetlwellington@gmail.com
Weekly
Mondays
Band of Brothers Meeting
10 a.m., local veterans meet for donuts, coffee
and talking
Florence Elks Lodge #1858, 1686 12th St.
Sit-n-Knit or Crochet Drop-in
Noon to 6 p.m.; $10
The Mustard Seed, 509 Kingwood St.
www.themustardseed1720.com
Suicide Survivors Support Group
Facilitated by SVFR/WLAD Community Support
Team
5:30 to 7 p.m.; open to those who have lost a
loved one to suicide
Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue, 2625 Highway
101
First Day of Hanukkah
Saturdays
Begins at sunset
Live Music at Three Rivers
7 to 11 p.m.; 21+
Blue Bills Sports Bar at Three Rivers Casino
Resort
4 Spirits Distillery Tasting
Noon to 3 p.m.; open to 21+ only
Twin Lakes Store, 88940 Highway 101
Dec. 21
Learn the 10-year legacy of the
New Year’s Day Peace Hike
Sponsored by the Yachats Trails Committee
11 a.m. to noon; open to public
Parking pass required
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, 2400 Highway 101
541-547-3289
Winter Solstice Lantern Walk
Hosted by Serene Abundance Studio
4:30 to 6 p.m.; open to public; bring own light-
Fridays
source
Florence Testing for HIV & HepC Starting at Bridgeport Market
Every second and fourth Friday
Hosted by Alliance for Men’s Wellness and HIV
Deadwood Holiday Market
noon to 4 p.m.; open to public
Deadwood Community Center, 91792
Deadwood Creek Road
Dec. 24
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
at Florence Nazarene
5 p.m.; open to public
Florence Church of the Nazarene, 1536 12th St.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
at New Life Lutheran
6 p.m.; open to public
Dec. 30
Last Day of Hanukkah
Dec. 27 to 31
Winter Whale Watch Week
whalespoken.wordpress.com
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve
Dec. 28
Christmas Tree Pickup
A fundraiser for Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue
Firefighters Association
All day; $5 donation
Call SVFR at 541-997-3212
NYE 2019 Celebration
Hosted by Three Rivers Casino Resort
8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; open to 21+
Three Rivers Casino Resort, 5647 Highway 126
Intro to Truffle Hunting with Your
Dog
Hosted by Premier Truffles: Native Oregon
Truffles & Mushrooms
Noon to 3 p.m.; reservations required
Call 651-303-1887
A New Year’s Eve to Remember
Hosted by Yachats Underground Pub & Grub and
Parish Gap
9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; open to 21+
The Yachats Underground Pub & Grub, 125
Ocean View Dr., Yachats
Dec. 29
Jan. 1
New Year’s Day 2020
Florence Ukulele Club “The
Flukes”
A Weekly Listing of Community Events in the Florence Area
Submit all events information to PressReleases@TheSiuslawNews.com
Alva Bracey
MODEL TRAIN
ENTHUSIASTS
Broker
Your goals are my
top priority.
Let’s get together!
Over
ars
50 Ye ce!
rien
Expe
Call, Text or Email
Cell: 541-505-1180
Alva@CBCoast.com
CALL ME TO BUY, SELL OR TRADE!
I’M LOCATED HERE IN FLORENCE.
541-255-9822 - Larry
landl316@live.com
541-997-7777
100 Hwy. 101,
Florence, OR
COAST REAL ESTATE
CUSTOM ENGRAVING
& CUTTING
Awards • Plaques • Name Badges
Gifts • Signage • Glassware
541-997-5691
541-361-9080
jmirvis@charter.net
Florence, Oregon
County Transfer & Recycling
CTR provides solid waste
collection and recycling services
for both residential and
commercial customers in Florence,
Mapleton, Dunes City, Westlake
and Ten Mile Areas.
We offer big company support
and local company service.
For more information on how we
can serve you call us at
541-997-8233
Since 1983
Us TOO Florence
Prostate Cancer Education
Support on the Oregon Coast
www.ustooflorence.org
• Tuesday Evening Group (2nd Tuesday)
5-7 p.m. - Ichiban Chinese/Japanese Restaurant
• Urologist Dr. Bryan Mehlhaff attends.
• Tuesday Lunch Group (3rd Tuesday)
12 noon – 1:00 p.m. – Ichiban Chinese/Japanese
Restaurant
• Urologist Dr. Roger McKimmy attends.
Contact Bob for more information:
(H) 541-997-6626 • (C) 541-999-4239
maribob@oregonfast.net
LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTERS
Tires • Brakes • Shocks
Alignments
Insect & Pest Removal
4325 Highway 101
Florence, OR 97439
541-997-7178
1379 B Rhododendron Dr.
541-305-5411
(541) 997-4027
ESTATE JEWELRY AND
ANTIQUE FURNITURE!!!
Village
Grooming
Quality grooming
with a gentle touch
Trapping • Mole/Gopher
Dead Animal Removal • Honey Bee Removal
Crawl Space Cleaning • Exclusion Work
Fumigation of Antiques and Commodities.
Auto, Home, Life, Business
Flood, Antique Auto, RV’s
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Supplements
Health Insurance
Phone (541) 997-9497
1234 Rhododendron Dr / Florence
We buy, sell and consign quality
estate/heirloom jewelry & furniture.
Gold, silver, platinum jewelry with
precious & semi precious stones.
Call 541-997-8104,
Florence Antiques
&
Coast Jewelers
