6A | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 | SIUSLAW NEWS
AWARDS from page 1A
“You are one courageous
group. You have the courage to
be optimistic. We don’t hear a
lot of optimism these days, yet in
spite of the negativity that could
be overwhelming, each one of
you has chosen to evaluate the
risks and assets and you’ve cho-
sen to do business. As a result, we
have employers for our commu-
nity, shops for our locals and our
tourists, amazing restaurants,
healthcare and some fun attrac-
tions. Thank you for your cour-
age and for being optimistic.”
The first award of the night
was the 2019 Distinguished Ser-
vice Award, which was given to
“a valued member of the cham-
ber and a person who goes above
and beyond their service to the
chamber every time,” according
to Ecker.
He and Hannigan presented
the award to Daniel Lofy, citing
his dedication to the chamber,
work ethic and variety of ways he
volunteers.
Lofy said, “I love my city and
I love my chamber. I couldn’t do
this without a lot of you, and my
wife.”
The second award looked to
the young guests in attendance
from Siuslaw High School as
Counselor Steve Moser present-
ed the nominees for the Future
First Citizen Award. These four
seniors — Tiffany Hine, Bren-
don Jensen, Jared Northrop and
Hannah Rannow — “are fantas-
tic,” Moser said. “The selection
committee found in our finalists
similar strengths of character,
an unparalleled work ethic, in-
credible intellectual abilities, a
commitment to success and a
passion for supporting others.
… Ultimately, it is their distinct
uniqueness that allows them to
shine in their own light.”
He thanked Siuslaw’s teachers
and staff members, the commu-
nity and the students’ families
for guiding the students, offering
opportunities and supporting
their growth into young adults.
When the time came to give
the award, he named Hine as this
year’s honoree of Future First
Citizen.
“It is an honor to be on stage
tonight, and I want to thank ev-
eryone who supported me in my
journey to get here,” Hine said. “I
just briefly want to say that this
school’s education system has
brought me to where I am to-
day, and the community within
Florence has also given me many
opportunities. … I am proud to
be a citizen of
Florence. …
“I
work
tirelessly
to
achieve each
goal I set out
for myself, and
I will continue
to crush my
goals
going
forward.”
As
Hine
left the stage,
last
year’s
PHOTOS BY LAURA WILSON
Florence First
Citizen Dee
Osborne stood
to present this
year’s nomi-
nees: Siuslaw
Elementar y
School Princi-
pal Mike Har-
klerode, Dr.
(Clockwise from left) Darlings Marina won the Curb
Brian Holmes Appeal Award; FTS Computer Repair received the
D.M.D., Siu- Customer Service Award; Marianne Brisbane’s Florence
slaw
High Hostel 101 and Florence Regional Arts Alliance both won
School
vol- the Innovation in Business Award.
unteer Robert
Orr and Siuslaw Valley Fire and nominated.
amazing. Thank you so much for
Rescue firefighter Jerry Ward.
The first business award was noticing our transformation.”
“This year’s nominees count the Non-Profit Achievement
Templeman then presented
for thousands of hours of com- Award, which went to Siuslaw the Excellence in Customer Ser-
munity service and giving. Their Watershed Council.
vice Award.
stories are all inspirational,” Os-
“Not only do small business-
Council Executive Director
borne said. “From their dedica- Eli Tome described his growing es make up the backbone of this
tion to youth in our area to vol- team and how they are working community, there are many who
unteering their time to fight fires to restore the salmon and habitat go above and beyond what the
and to provide medical care to of the Siuslaw River and its wa- customers expect,” he said.
the most vulnerable, the positive tershed.
The 2019 award went to FTS
impact that they have made in
“We’re really excited about this Computer Repair and owner
Florence and beyond is a bless- and about all of our work here,” Jolene Medeiros.
ing and true showcase of their Tome said. “We’re here every
“I came here after I left the
character and huge hearts. We day to restore salmon habitat, to military and fell in love with
honor each of them tonight with bring those numbers back up, to beautiful Florence,” she said.
our thanks.”
make a resilient environment in “The support from the commu-
She presented the 2019 Flor- the face of a changing climate nity that I have received since I’ve
ence First Citizen Award to and to work with our commu- been here has been phenomenal.
Holmes, who is currently on a nity partners to educate locate The love and support that I get
mission to provide dental care to kids.”
from every client I see is amaz-
communities in the island nation
The next business award was ing. I am so humbled and thank-
of Grenada. It was accepted on the Curb Appeal Award.
ful.”
his behalf by Dr. Justin Linton
As Medeiros left the stage,
“You all are in the middle of
D.D.S., Holmes’ peer at Florence one of the most beautiful places Templeman paused the event to
Dental Clinic.
imaginable, and that is why this thank active-duty military mem-
“Brian truly has been a very is Oregon’s Coastal Playground. bers, veterans and family mem-
nice and inspiring mentor to You’re why I want to come to vis- bers of military personnel.
be involved in this community,” it,” Templeman said.
The next award was for Inno-
Linton said. “He’s in Grenada
He named Darlings Marina vation in Business, which was
right now, but he would have & RV Resort, six miles south of the first category to receive a tie.
loved to have been here. Truly, Florence on Siltcoos Lake, as the Templeman described the win-
this is an honor for him to be recipient.
ners as those who took a chance
recognized and an honor to even
Owners Rich and Lori Olson to bring “something new, excit-
be part of this community.”
came to the stage, with Lori de- ing and even bold to the com-
The next section of the awards scribing their five-year project to munity.”
night recognized area business- restore and rejuvenate the mari-
The award went to Florence
es and organizations for their na, which was founded in 1924. Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA)
work in 2019. Matt Templeman,
“It’s been a labor of love ever and Florence Hostel 101.
news anchor with KEZI in Eu- since,” she said. “Every upgrade
FRAA President Kristin An-
gene, presented the awards. He has been a direct result of cus- derson accepted the award for
thanked each of the nominees tomer feedback and the support the nonprofit arts organization,
as he described why they were of the community has been saying, “Our goal is to bring art
to the com-
munity
and
art to you, as
well as peo-
ple who have
never done art
before. We’ve
tried to create
a place where
artists
can
thrive, congre-
gate and ex-
plore together.”
Florence
Hostel
101
owner Mari-
anne Brisbane
also accepted
the award. She
referenced
her decades of
work building
into the Flor-
ence economy
and her desire
to bring some-
thing new to
the area with
its first hostel.
For the Com-
munity Caring Award, there
were also two winners.
“We are extremely fortunate
to have an abundance of caring
hearts in the town of Florence,”
Templeman said. “Their gener-
osity with their time, resources
and/or financial donations make
extraordinary things happen
here. … The Community Caring
Award winners have used their
talents, opened their hearts —
and many times their wallets —
to help the community through
events, charitable organizations
and causes, always answering the
call to sponsor and/or donate.”
He named both The Archives
and Three Rivers Casino Resort
as this year’s winners.
“The beauty of giving is the
feeling that you’ve given some-
thing. The gift is what you get
back,” said Joshua Greene, owner
of The Archives.
He described his 30-year pres-
ence in the Florence communi-
ty and the choices he has made
to be involved and help people
achieve their goals.
“Along the way, I’ve sat down
with many of you to listen and
get sound advice on how to ac-
complish what we all want to
accomplish,” Greene said. “That
journey to making our dreams
come true can be frustrating …
in a way, that’s what fuels me to
want to keep giving, since that
joy is what I get back.”
Three Rivers Director of Mar-
keting Rich Colton and casino
staff also came forward to accept
their award.
Colton thanked the hard-
working staff and the Confed-
erated Tribes of the Coos, Lower
Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
for their dedication and direc-
tion. “This would not be possible
without them,” he said.
The final award of the night
was the Stu Johnston Business of
the Year. Templeman compared
it to the “Best Motion Picture”
category of the Oscar’s.
“These businesses are a com-
bination of all the attributes we
have talked about and awarded
tonight,” he said. “Caring, inno-
vation and expertise all while
taking the extra step to provide
the best customer service ex-
perience and supporting the
community. They are shining
examples of why Florence is a
very special place to conduct
business, live and visit.”
After describing the nomi-
nees, he named Hyak as the 2019
Stu Johnston Business of the
Year.
Owners Robbie Wright and
Ecker came forward with staff
and family to accept the award,
with both men expressing their
gratitude for being nominated
and acknowledging the impact
of Laurel Bay Gardens and Cold-
well Banker Coast Real Estate as
the other nominees.
“We’re humbled,” Ecker said.
“We put our time and effort in
to bring needed fiber optic in-
ternet to you guys, to Florence.
We try to do our best in cus-
tomer service. If you see Drew,
Chris, Matt and those guys out
and about, give them a hand and
thank them for doing a good job.
Without them, this wouldn’t be
possible. Thank you.”
Wright added, “We wouldn’t
be anywhere without our won-
derful community, our staff and
our families.”
As the meeting concluded,
Hannigan thanked the attend-
ees, the event sponsors and the
committee who worked on cre-
ating the event. This included
chamber event coordinator Mitzi
Hathaway.
“We’re your chamber and
we’re here to serve you,” Han-
nigan said. “I am your servant,
your chamber is your servant,
and if there’s anything we can
do to serve you, please reach out
and let us know.”
For more information, visit
florencechamber.com,
follow
Florence Oregon Coast on social
media or call 541-997-3128.
What’s happening in the Siuslaw region
6 to 8 p.m.; $5 for students, $10 for adults (cash)
Cross Road Assembly of God, 1380 10th St.
Feb. 15
Siuslaw Watershed Council — Native Plant
Distribution
10 a.m. to noon | 541-268-3044, siuslaw.org
SWC Office, 10868 E. Mapleton Road
Ada Grange Bingo
Noon; food and bingo available for purchase
Ada Grange, 10 miles out Canary Road
541-997-2380
“Fossil Fuels & Forests: Climate Crisis/Climate
Solutions”
1:30 to 4 p.m.; open to public
Presbyterian Church of The Siuslaw
Precious Plastics Florence Classes
2 to 4 p.m.; open to public
Florence Maker Space, 1230 17th Place Suite D
Meet & Greet with Candidate Doyle Canning
2 to 4 p.m.; open to public
Old Town Coffee & Gallery, 125 ½ Nopal St.
“I <3 Bingo” Family Bingo Night
Valentines Country Hoedown
Hosted by Amy Clawson with Dan Harmon and
Jessie Leigh
7 p.m.; tickets required | Florence Events Center
Feb. 17 — Presidents’ Day
Florence Parent Coffee & Chat
Hosted by Families Connected: Families Network
9 to 10:30 a.m.; open to parents of children with
special needs | River Roasters, 1240 Bay St.
Disabled American Veterans Meeting
5 p.m.; Open to area veterans
Florence DAV Hall, 1715 21st St.
Florence Newcomers’ Dinner
No host dinner open to newcomers, community
5 to 8 p.m.; RSVP to 541-590-3944
ICM Restaurant
“Herbal Proving: A Plant Spirit Meditation”
Hosted by Rose & Crown Apothecary
6 to 7:30 p.m.; admission required
Wellspring Clinic, 1845 Highway 126, Ste H
Feb. 18
American Rhododendron Society
6:30 p.m.; open to public
Us TOO Florence Prostate Cancer Support Group
Presbyterian Church of The Siuslaw
With Dr. Roger McKimmy
Noon to 1 p.m.; Open to public
Feb. 19
Ichiban Restaurant | 541-999-4239
Van Fans “Fun & Games” fundraiser
Siuslaw Diabetes/Prediabetes Support Group 11:30 a.m.; $15 admission includes lunch
Florence Elks Lodge, 1686 12th St.
2 p.m.; open to public | 541-902-6059
RSVP groups to 541-991-3092; 541-991-3209
Conference Room at Siuslaw Public Library
Feb. 20
Coastal Writers Meet
7 to 9 p.m.; open to writers at all stages
Shorewood Residences, 1451 Spruce St.
541-902-8575 or nicholskaren222@gmail.com
Pacific Dunes Shrine Club Luncheon
11:30 a.m.; contact 541-997-3728
Chen’s Family Restaurant, 3630 Highway 101
Feb. 22
Stroke Survivor Support Group
3 to 4 p.m.; open to public
Siuslaw Public Library Conference Room
FEC Indoor Yard Sale
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; minimal admission charged
Booths available for rent; call 541-997-1994
Business After Hours with Three Rivers Casino Florence Events Center
& Eugene Emeralds
Beginning Truffle Hunting with Your Dog
5 to 7 p.m.; open to public 21+
Hosted by Premier Truffles
Three Rivers Casino Resort, 5647 Highway 126
Noon to 3 p.m.; $125 per person/dog pair
www.facebook.com/premiertruffles/
Siuslaw Talespinners Toastmasters
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Open to public
Port of Siuslaw Office
Feb. 23
“First 10 Customers and Branding 101”
Hosted by Oregon RAIN, Florence Area Chamber of
Commerce & City of Florence
5:30 to 7 p.m.; open to public
Oregon Pacific Bank Financial Building
meetup.com/Startup-Florence-Oregon-Coast/
Florence Ukulele Club “The Flukes”
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
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
Separating recyclables from your trash
reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfi lls,
saves energy, and reduces emissions!
Items that can go into your recycle cart are:
• Cardboard (fl atten) and Paper (magazines, junk mail,
newspapers, scrap paper, cereal boxes, egg cartons)
• Plastic milk jugs and transparent drinking bottles
(rinse – no lids)
• Metal food and drink cans (rinse – no lids)
Florence recycling picked up on same day as your trash.
541-997-8233
5078 Coastwood Ln, Florence OR
wasteconnections.com
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