SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021 | 3A Community News Rhodes honored by Last Resort Players K evin Rhodes, recently retired director of the Florence Events Center, was recognized for his accom- plishments in that role on July 21, by the Last Resort Players (LRP), resident the- ater troupe of the event cen- ter. Here he is pictured with LRP board members from 2020-21. “With our deepest appre- ciation and gratitude, Last Resort Players hereby salutes Kevin Rhodes with a stand- ing ovation for his dedicated and tireless service to the arts at the Florence Events Cen- ter from 1996 to 2020,” said LRP Board Member Annie Schmidt. Rhodes oversaw the growth and development of the FEC for nearly 20 years before his retirement in 2020. This was the first in-per- son meeting of LRP since the lifting of COVID restrictions. The group wanted to recog- nize the work done by Rhodes as soon as it was safe for the recipient, his family and the many volunteer well-wishers Rhodes has inspired over the years to participate in the cer- emony. “I think that of all the peo- ple present, I’m the only one who has seen Kevin through his complete tenure at the FEC,” Schmidt said. “I have found him to be unfailingly helpful, considerate and un- flappable. He’s been absolute- ly terrific to work with.” For more information, fol- low Last Resort Players on Facebook. By Mark Brennan Siuslaw News Latter-day Saints deliver 40,000 lbs. of food to local food shares On July 21, Florence and Mapleton food share pan- tries were the recipients of a large donation of staple food products from the Florence Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The delivery is part of an on- going effort by members of wards nationwide to support the communities where they live and others, during this time of uncertainty and for many, food insecurity. LifeMed • What is LifeMed? LifeMed is a Membership Program which costs $65 annually, and will cover your Household* for the cost of any medically necessary* pre-hospital care and ground transportation within the LifeMed reciprocal areas, that your current insurance does not pay (*See Agreement for details) • Will you bill my insurance? As part of the Agreement, you give permission for us to bill your insurance carrier • Why do I need LifeMed? Most insurance carriers do NOT cover the total fee for ambulance services, therefore LifeMed covers any remaining costs for its members Renewal Applications are in the mail and can be dropped off at one of two secure locations: 2625 Highway 101 or 410 Ninth Street For Questions or an Application Call 541-997-9614 WesternLaneAmbulance.com Story & Photos By Mark Brennan Siuslaw News The Florence Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Florence Rotary Club worked with volunteers on July 21 to donate food to the Florence and Mapleton food shares. Larry Farnsworth, a bish- op of the Florence Ward, was on hand to coordinate the delivery of tons of food to the two food share locations. These were a just a small part of the more than 1,000 simi- lar projects in 152 countries. “The far-flung effort to help America’s food banks during the COVID-19 pan- demic is now the biggest humanitarian project in the history of the church. Flor- ence Food Share and Maple- ton Food Share are receiv- ing their second delivery, sharing a truck loaded with 40,000 pounds of food need- ed by local residents,” Farn- sworth said. The local efforts were as- sisted by members of the Florence Rotary Club and food share volunteers. “We are grateful that we can support local charitable efforts to help those who are food insecure and hungry,” Farnsworth said. Food donations are only part of the work being done by the church to provide support to local communi- ties as they have also com- mitted to provide a large number of COVID vaccines and tangential support to fight the pandemic across the globe. According to Farnsworth, “The church’s humanitari- an projects include giving monetary support to promi- nent global COVID vaccina- tion partners to procure and deliver vaccinations, moni- tor diseases and respond to outbreaks. For example $20 million has been committed to support UNICEF’s global vaccination efforts.” ‘Art for the Animals’ to benefit Oregon Coast Humane Society On July 31, The Cottage Preschool, 1665 Highway 101 in Florence, will hold its first annual “Art for the Animals” event to sup- port the animals at Oregon Coast Humane Society. Stu- dents from the preschool and community have been busy making art for several months to sell. The money raised will be donated by the children to support their furry friends at the Humane Society. Chalice Carkhuff, founder and director of The Cottage Preschool, is thrilled to be able to support the commu- nity’s lost and neglected ani- mals. “I hope our annual Art for the Animals continues to grow for generations to come,” she said. “I am so grateful to be teaching our young to love and care for animals. It makes my heart happy.” WEDNESDAY THURSDAY JULY 28 JULY 29 Oregon Coast Humane Society Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson is also inspired by the children’s commitment to helping ani- mals. “We are seeing the next generation of animal rescue superheroes growing up right before our eyes. What a tes- tament to their families and support systems that helping animals is important at such an early age,” she said. Thompson has had a sneak peek at the art, and is im- pressed with the talent of the budding artists. “We are so grateful for the children’s support, and I can’t wait to buy some new art for my office. It will be hard to decide with so many great pieces available, especially since the money goes to sup- port my favorite friends — the animals!” In addition to the children’s art sale, Just Ice will have its shaved ice truck onsite and there will be activities for kids. The free event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Cottage Preschool. Oregon Coast Humane Society is a nonprofit, limit- ed intake shelter promoting a lifetime commitment to pets. FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY JULY 30 JULY 31 AUGUST 1 AUGUST 2 AUGUST 3 Partly Cloudy Mostly Sunny Mostly Sunny Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Mostly Sunny 73°F 54ºF 73°F 55°F 70°F 55°F 70°F 54°F 69°F 53°F 67°F 53°F 65°F 53°F WE ARE YOUR ONE STOP CAR CENTER • Full Service Repair • Tire sales • ASE Certifi ed Technician • Over 17 years experience Locally Owned. Community Minded