2B | SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | SIUSLAW NEWS Sign up for SOLVE’s statewide Beach & Riverside Cleanup Beach & Riverside Cleanup. SOLVE is a statewide non- profit organization that brings Oregonians together to im- prove the environment and build a legacy of stewardship. SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volun- teers of all ages across Oregon to clean and restore our neigh- borhoods and natural areas, and to build a legacy of stew- ardship for our state. Increasingly, Oregonians are People can come togeth- er with thousands of Orego- nians on Saturday, Sept. 25, for SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery. Volunteer registration is now live and all Oregonians, from Astoria to Brookings, Pendleton to Sun- river, are encouraged to sign up for this statewide cleanup event. For nearly four decades, SOLVE has hosted the annual PREVIEW from page 1B and are working really hard this summer,” said Johnson. “I think they can come in and aggre- gately be really close to about the same that Gracie and Brea were together, which is saying a lot, but I think they can do it.” Also starting as a freshman this year is Maya Wells, who Johnson said is “really good.” The girls’ team isn’t large, but like the boys’ team, their returners are strong and last years’ experience at state will help a great deal. COACH from page 1B After her first year in administration as the Dean and AD for Ban- don, Flora then spent six years as an administrator for the Coquille School District, working as a vice principal and eventually a principal. As Siuslaw Elementary School’s new principal, Flora looks forward to being involved more com- pletely in Florence’s com- munity. “Now that I’m living in Florence and working here, and I don’t have the crazy commute, it just afforded me some more time to become fully im- mersed in this community and be a part of coaching again,” she said. “I have volunteered with the cross country and track pro- grams [at Siuslaw] over the last 10 years, just in a smaller capacity, but now working here, I’ll have more time to be more in- volved.” In the interest of keep- ing the hiring process im- partial, Chris was not on either committee to hire Flora. However, as the assistant coach position’s hiring committee did not have relevant experience with cross country, he was able to provide them with interview questions and support with their concerns throughout the process. One undeniable fact is Flora’s qualifications to take on the role. After winning for cross coun- try twice at state in high school, Flora went on to win the 1500 twice and the 800 once for Myrtle Point’s track and field pro- gram. After leaving high school, she held the state record for her classifica- tion in both the 1500 and 800. “Not only does she have an incredible coaching background, where she came in, in almost every situation, she changed culture to the point where kids were setting school records and winning state championships trophies,” Chris said. “She has an in- credible background as a competitive athlete.” Indeed, Flora brings to the table experience that Chris has not had, which in turn will help both Vi- kings’ teams a great deal. “There are a lot of things that I think I do well as a coach, but there are certain things that I can never go back in time sounding the alarm to protect freshwater. As more people become aware of the Western States drought crisis, more people want to step up and help where they can. Removing invasive plant spe- cies, nurturing native plants, and collecting litter are all easy ways volunteers can create a huge positive impact on Ore- gon’s water quality. Each piece of litter collected removes the possibility of it en- “We don’t have a lot of depth right now,” said Johnson. “We still have Rylee Colton, who was fifth at the state meet last year and she had a great summer of training. Jane Lacouture and Corduroy Holbrook had great state meets last year, and Cordy gained a lot of experience and confidence coming off of a real- ly great track season where she was big for us on that 4x4.” With Assistant Coach Amy Flora coming on this year to add even more support for the Viks, Siuslaw is definitely set up to succeed. and change,” the AD said. “I can never go back and make myself a five-time state champion; I can never go back and make myself a division one ath- lete; I can never go back and make myself a state record holder and some- body who won national championships in the Ju- nior Olympics. She brings the perspective of that elite-level athlete.” Flora plans to supple- ment Chris and the al- ready strong Cross Coun- tering a nearby river, waterway, or storm drain, where it can eventually make its way to the sea and contribute to our glob- al marine debris crisis. Invasive plant species crowd out native plants and typically have shal- low roots, leading to increased erosion and poor water filtra- tion. Visit solveoregon.org to see a list of volunteer projects and sign up. All necessary tools and supplies will be provided. “We just do what we do, we train every day,” said Johnson. “We’re looking forward to hav- ing a few more chances to run fast with more big meets this year and a full schedule, and not having to deal with the mask stuff, at least at this point. So, it’s kind of a breath of fresh air.” Like all of Siuslaw’s athlet- ics, the cross country teams are following all governmental guidelines for masking and so- cial distancing as necessary un- der the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson’s statement came be- try program. “As everybody knows, Chris is an amazing coach,” she said. “He’s been doing it for a long time, and he’s had lots of success, but I think we bring different backgrounds to the pro- gram. … Some of those things that kids are going through, I’ve experienced, and I feel like I can help bring some of that aspect to the program.” The pair also share a key mentor — Pat Towne, who was an assistant track Picnic with Florence STEP The Florence STEP (Salmon Trout Enhancement Program) Picnic is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 1, at the Elks RV Park at 5607 Mercer Lake Road in Florence. The picnic will begin at noon. STEP will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and condiments. Mem- bers are asked to bring a dish to share. For more information, visit www. florencestep.com. fore Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s announcement that indoor mask use will be required, re- gardless of vaccination status, starting Aug. 13. It is unknown if further restrictions will be implemented. “This is an ever-changing landscape,” Johnson said. Siuslaw’s first track meet of the 2021-22 school year will be the Country Fair Classic held at the Country Fair Grounds in Veneta on Friday, Sept. 10. Girls begin at 5 p.m., and boys begin at 5:45 p.m. “The team is a great group coach at Siuslaw, also coached Flora in high school. It’s another link to strengthen the coaching of the team. Coming on, Flora’s transition will be smooth as she has already been working with the Viks in a volunteer capacity for many years. “I already have relation- ships with a lot of the kids because I’m there when I can be. It is easier to ad- just when you’re going into a program that you’ve of kids, and I know that they’re all just as fired up to try to come back and win again as [us coaches] are,” Johnson said. “But you never know what oth- er teams are going to look like. There are a couple of teams on the horizon who were strong last year, who look strong again. So, we’ll just go to war, we’ll do what Siuslaw does, and then we’ll add them up at the end.” To follow both teams’ prog- ress this season, visit www.ath- letic.net/CrossCountry/School. aspx?SchoolID=183. already been a part of and have already built some of those relationships and have good connections with not only just the kids, but the families as well,” she said. Chris is also grateful to have Flora on staff as a fe- male coach because she is naturally able to address the needs of his girls’ team in a different way having been through the experi- ence herself. “Just having someone they can really lean on, and know that she’s been through what they’ve been through, is just really awe- some,” he said. “And she’ll be great for our boys too, because she’s a go-get- ter; she’s an animal! And I think that’ll be a great complement to our pro- gram and a great asset to our kids.” Many of Siuslaw’s fall sports teams have started practicing. For more information, visit www.siuslaw.k12. or.us. Faith – Friendship - Fellowship – Fun SUMMER SPECIAL $1000 OFF THE FIRST MONTH RENT FOR MOVE IN DURING JUNE AND JULY Contact us today to set up a tour or to receive an informational packet DeAnn Hawkins, Community Relations Director (541)997-6111 DHawkins@spruce-point.com We are open and ready to assist you! Johnston Motor Company Since 1939 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475 We’ve got you COVERED CHURCH DIRECTORY To include your organization in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441 BAHA’I FAITH OF FLORENCE FLORENCE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP Ongoing Devotions, Study Circles, Services to the 87738 Hwy 101 at Heceta Beach Road Community, Join us on Facebook. RUAUU? All are welcome to explore the answer. Join your friends via zoom, Monday’s 7:30-8:30p.m. Until it is safe to meet in person, Sunday Worship Services “SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS” are available 24/7 on our website: www.florenceuuf.org Florence Baha’i Community For info: 541-590-0779 BAY BERRY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Friday Evenings – 7 PM SINGSPIRATION You are invited to come and sing your favorite Ole Time Gospel songs. Come and enjoy a time of fellowship & refreshments before we sing. NEW LOCATION Now Meeting in Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church at 1935 East 25th Street For Info: Jack - 541-999-8278 or Ron - mccrary9483@gmail.com THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 2705 Munsel Lake Road, All are welcome! Sunday Worship Services are at 10 AM & 11:15 AM. Bishop Larry Farnsworth 541-999-1979 COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 4590 Hwy. 101, Across from Fred Meyer –- 997-7418 Sunday School, 9:30a.m. – Worship, 10:45 Wed. Prayer - 6:00 p.m. – Wed. Ministries 1-8 Grade 7 p.m. CROSS ROAD ASSEMBLY OF GOD Corner of 10th & Maple- 541-997-3533 Sunday Services are 9am and 11am and on Facebook live and KCST at 11am Wednesdays at 7pm https://www.fl orencecrossroadag.org/church-online Other platforms update after the service. fl orencecrossroadag.org offi ce@fl orencecrossroadag.org FLORENCE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2nd & Ivy - 541-997-2961 - Non-Denominational Service is on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Sunday Service also streaming live at 10:00 am at fl orencechurch.com 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. Serving Florence since 1990 875 Hwy 101 • Florence, OR • (541) 997-3466 www.AbelInsuranceAgency.com FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2nd & Kingwood • (541) 997-6025 Link to Sunday services at www.fl orenceunitedmethodist.org or fi nd us on Facebook. FOURSQUARE CHURCH 1624 Highway 101 (next to A&W) –- 997-6337 Pastor George Pagel – Something for the entire family. Sun. Services: 9:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study returns this Fall. Website: fl orence4square.com NEW LIFE LUTHERAN E.L.C.A. 21st & Spruce Streets—997-8113 Interim Pastor David Brauer-Rieke, All are welcome. Sunday in-person worship service@ 10:30. Also available to you on website www.fl orencenewlifelutheran.org. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE SIUSLAW 3996 N Hwy 101 541-997-7136 Internet and in person Sunday services at 10AM, Call the church for details. Reverend Greg Wood All Welcome. Come as you are. RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS) “War is still not the answer.” FCNL We meet Sunday’s at 11am in our homes. Call 408-482-1141 or 541-997-4237 for locations. RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH, L.C.M.S. Worship Services 10 am • Bible Study 9:00 am Pastor Steve Waterman 85294 Hwy. 101 S. – 997-8038 DVD of Weekly worship service available. www.puppro.wixite.com/rlcfl orence ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL Church Welcomes You FLORENCE CHURCH OF CHRIST Worship Sun. 9am Wed 11am 2135 19th St. Pre-Denominational (Romans 16:16) 541-997-6600 standssecretary19@gmail.com Labyrinth & 1833 Tamarack Street Garden daily 8am-5pm (2 blocks east of Hwy. 101 on 18th St.) “Be the change.” Bible Study: Sunday 10 a.m.; Worship: Sunday 11 a.m. www.churchofchristfl orence.org SAINT MARY, OUR LADY OF THE DUNES CATHOLIC CHURCH FLORENCE EVANGELICAL CHURCH 1.5 miles south of river on Hwy 101 – 997-2312 1318 Rhododendron Dr. • 541-997-2523 COVID-19 Compliant Masses have been scheduled. Sunday Service 11am ( Children Sunday School) Please call our offi ce for details. Mid-Week Activities, all ages. FLORENCE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST 4445 Hwy 101 (South of Fred Meyer) – 997-3951 Worship on Saturday 11:00 A.M. Adult/Children’s Sabbath School 10:00 A.M. Give us a call 541-997-3441 to get us your updates or email to: mberg@thesiuslawnews.com