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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 24, 2020)
6A | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020 | SIUSLAW NEWS The practice site for the heavy equipment train- ing was across from the Florence Events Center on Quince Street, which was suggested by Florence Public Works Director Mike Miller. Here, students were able to get hands-on practice in a real-life setting. “What a great program and opportunity for the young adults from Camp Florence,” Miller said. “After several weeks of classroom and simulator training, having hands-on practical training in the operation of the equip- ment is really fantastic.” Miller had the opportu- nity to meet the students and the instructor on Tuesday. “You should have seen the smiles on the students’ faces. These are skills that will stay with the, as they forge a new direction,” Miller said. “The best part of the training is that, once they successfully graduate from the program, they will have certification on the operation of each ma- chine. Operation of equip- ment is a high demand area for employment and should provide these in- dividuals a great opportu- nity.” A new obstacle to the learning process at Camp Florence has been the COVID-19 pandemic. The close physical contact during training presents health concerns, most of which have been rec- ognized and addressed. Clear-cut strategies for dealing with the virus put forth by the Oregon Health Authorities are be- ing incorporated into new OYA policies, as all resi- dents and staff are in con- fined spaces. These protocols are es- sential in the effort to keep the camp residents and the local community safe from exposure to the virus. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, OYA has put in place new procedures to protect youth and staff in OYA facilities, including protocols for cleaning and disinfection, use of face coverings, physical dis- tancing and education on health guidelines. Another challenge is the current racial unrest rever- berating across the nation. In response to recent race-related turmoil, OYA Director Joe O’Leary and Deputy Director Nakeia Daniels released a state- ment expressing under- standing to the young men — many of whom have ex- perienced racial animosity. “First, we want to say to our friends, coworkers and youth of color: we know you’re hurting. Every time there’s a racially charged incident or senseless po- lice killing, such as that of George Floyd, it brings up the trauma of blatant and cruel racially motivated encounters you or your loved ones have had,” stat- ed OYA. “You worry that it might be your brother, sister, wife, child or you who is the next one to be victimized. “It brings up the frustra- tion you feel that when you share your experiences of oppression and systemic racism, and they are rou- tinely denied, minimized and ignored …” The letter from OYA continued by recommend- ing staff and residents read a recently published op- ed piece in the L.A. Times written by NBA Hall of Fame athlete and noted African-American histori- an Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They included this excerpt from Abdul-Jabbar’s arti- cle in the email to staff and youth: “The Black community is used to the institutional racism inherent in edu- cation, the justice system and jobs. Even though we do all the conventional things to raise public and political awareness … the needle hardly budges,” he wrote. Despite the challenges Camp Florence has been facing, Koenig said staff and students are commit- ted to finding solutions together. “This result is a collec- tive effort — and it is fan- tastic,” said Koenig. “To be able to serve students in this capacity is one of the greatest joys of my job, and I am proud to be a part of the positive work we are doing to reach and inspire our students through mu- tual respect and civility.” On fliers for the three Siuslaw events, LCPH of- According to LCPH, “La fers the following informa- prueba es para personas tion: latinas con o sin síntomas de COVID-19. Es total- Why is it important to test for Covid-19? mente gratis pero si tiene • Prevent the Spread seguro médico, lleve su tar- Testing will help under- jeta. Todos son bienveni- stand what COVID-19 dos a tomar la prueba, sin looks like in our communi- importar su estatus migra- torio. Las primeras 50 per- ty and help prevent further sonas recibirán un pequeño outbreaks. • Know for Certain obsequio. Tendremos un COVID-19 symptoms intérprete de lengua Mam.” Everyone is welcome to can look different for dif- take the test no matter their ferent people. Some people may not have symptoms at immigration status. The third COVID-19 all. The only way to know testing opportunity will for certain is to do a test. • Protect Those Around be next Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at You COVID-19 spreads Florence Food Share, 2190 between people in close Spruce St. This test is open contact. One way to help to public. All tests are offered free protect yourself and those from LCPH, which is part- around you is to test to nering with Head Start know if you have the virus. “Regardless of the test re- of Lane County. It is not sults, continue to practice required, but people can good hand washing and bring their health insur- ance card. Most test results social distancing,” the flier will become available after concludes. This is echoed by Siuslaw 48 hours. Vision Coordinator Steph- anie Sarles, who reminds the community, “Don’t wait if you have symptoms — please contact your doctor or PeaceHealth Peace Har- bor Medical Center at 541- 997-8412.” In a release from Tues- day at 1 p.m., LCPH stated this testing is a way that it can “better understand how COVID-19 is moving through rural communities and provide a low-barrier testing option.” Testing will be open to all community members, but priority will be given to individuals in high-risk groups, first responders, individuals who have not been able to maintain phys- ical distancing throughout the outbreak (having had to work, etc.), and individuals who are symptomatic. All test results and per- sonal medical information is confidential and will not be shared. If an individual tests positive, they will be contacted by LCPH with the contact information they share. Additional information is available through www. lanecountyor.gov or by call- ing LCPH Communicable Disease at 541-682-4041. For Spanish speakers wanting more informa- tion on COVID-19, visit www.lanecountyor.gov/ sobreCOVID-19. TRAINING from page 1A This mobile opera- tor training platform is equipped with the latest technology to train heavy construction equipment such as dozers, graders, wheel loaders and excava- tors. This week, BTI Lead In- structor Brody Charpilloz returned to Florence to train students using ac- tual heavy equipment to demonstrate the students’ skills. This was the final step in earning a certificate of completion, which cer- tifies the training levels for each piece of equipment once students reach the minimum operating stan- dards. Joy Koenig, the principal of Three Lakes, Riverside, Ocean Dunes and Ponder- osa Creek High Schools, works closely with Camp Florence staff and believes there is a benefit to stu- dents and employers from the BTI training. “Our students at Camp Florence are given oppor- tunities to highlight their strengths and develop their curiosity about var- ious careers. This began with a simulation training which lasted for two weeks in April,” Koenig said. “In- deed, every chance we get, we look for medium- to high-wage skills where our students can learn, be curious, be inspired and have hope. This is the right work to do and we’re glad BTI is partnering with us.” TESTING from page 1A VOICE YOUR OPINION! Write a Letter to the Editor today. Email E DITOR @T HE S IUSLAW N EWS . COM We’ve got you COVERED Readers Choice Voted #1 Realtor During these uncertain times, we are accessible by phone, email and by appointment only. 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Box 276, Florence, OR. 97439 Cell - 541-991-7787 dphelps@bhhsnw.com • oregoncoastallistings.com A member of the franchise system of BHHS affi liates, LLC Local Eats Your guide to great locally owned restaurants. Surfside Restaurant at Drift wood Shores Resort KRAB KETTLE is off ering a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu to go with curbside pick up, Wednesday through Sunday. We accept credit and debit cards for advanced purchase. 280 Hwy. 101 M 541-997-8996 Call 541-902-6447 Fresh Seafood Market Try our canned tuna in variety of flavors! Open Daily 10-6pm and listen for the Surfside Restaurant prompt. Drift wood Shores Resort 88416 1st Avenue, Florence business • homeowners • auto • life • health • medicare plans A SK US ABOUT M ULTIPLE P OLICY D ISCOUNTS ! COVERAGE FOR YOUR MOST PRECIOUS ASSET. YOU. Contact Angela, Jodi or Paul to discuss your policy needs. We Are Open For Dine-in 1285 Bay Street Old Town Florence (541) 902-8338 9 201 VOTED E Serving Florence since 1990 F BEST O F LO E N C R 875 Hwy 101 • Florence, OR • (541) 997-3466 OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 11AM-9PM. COME IN AND SEE US! www.AbelInsuranceAgency.com www.1285Restobar.com Regular menu available for dine-in or take out. Enjoy your favorites or try something new. Our coff ee and tea bar is open. Loose leaf teas, coff ee and treats! Relax in a comfy chair or take it to go. Traditional English pub fare, clam chowder, salmon bisque along with cream teas, unique desserts and baked items. 195 Nopal St. 541-902-0502 Open Wed-Sat 11:00-5:00pm