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Florence, Oregon Siuslaw NewsWednesday, December 25, 2024

Number 52 • 133 years

Hundreds take home holiday food baskets

A roomful of teens enjoyed gifts, company and pizza at the Giving Tree party Dec. 19. Tony Reed photos SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

The line of cars went almost out of sight Dec. 14 as hundreds of people arrived at Siuslaw Middle School to fill food baskets, compliments of Sorpotimist International of Florence. The 50th Annual Christmas Food Basket Project giveaway provided food for 459 families, or over 2,200 people, according to a post on Soroptimist’s social media. “Each year, the Soroptimist International of Florence Club purchases the food that is distributed with the help of monetary donations from local organizations and individuals,” the post stated. “For the 2024 giveaway, the food totaled approximately $40,000. Nearly

all the food was given away on Saturday, with any leftover food being taken to Florence Food Share. It takes the community to make this event possible.” The post thanked 21 local business for their help, and said that over 100 volunteers came together at the donation site to direct traffic, load baskets, fill boxes, accept donations and simply spread good holiday wishes. Donations to the food basket program can be sent to Soroptimist of Florence (SI Florence) at PO Box 1209, Florence, OR 97439. Please note on the donation check that it is for the Christmas Basket Project. Monetary contributions may be tax deductible.

Giving tree brightens teens’ holiday By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Sutton Lake Fire Station’s engine bay overflowed with holiday colors and sounds Dec. 19 as presents were passed out to 49 area teenagers. The Giving Tree is a program founded by Vicki Ambrosio which compiles the names of teens in the Sutton Lake area before Christmas. Through her work, community donations and the help of others, the effort culminates into a party at the fire station where stacks of See GIVING, Page A8

Vicki Ambrosio hands out gifts to teens at the event.

Oregon Coast UFO sightings Oceanside Veterinary Hospital to close gain national attention Other local vets not taking pets By TONY REED

As seen from the Cape Perpetua overlook, weather on the Lane County Coast has been rainy and cloudy. Using an open shutter camera, moving lights on the ground are clearly visible but nothing could be seen in the skies around 9 p.m., Dec. 14.

Objects remain unidentified By TONY REED Siuslaw News

While much of the country has been hearing the news, rumors and outcry about drones

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in the northeast, some unusual reports from the Oregon Coast have also come to light. An oftcited recording of pilots communicating with control towers in Oregon and Washington disclosed reporting of fast moving flying objects, one of

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which was said to be directly over Florence on Dec. 7. The recording went public Dec. 8 on the Avocado Flight Youtube channel and has attracted the attention of media and others See UFO, Page A8

One of two local veterinary clinics in Florence will be closing at years end, unless a qualified veterinarian would like to buy/operate an already established office with an extensive client list, built-in housing and state-of-the art veterinary equipment. Dr. Jon Bachmann will be retiring for medical reasons, closing the doors at Oceanside Veterinary Clinic on Dec. 31. Manager Michael John Kello says the company has been trying to find a qualified candidate to buy the business, but has been unable to find anyone. He said the loss of a veterinary clinic in a town where almost everyone has a pet will cause great difficulty for the community. It will also impact the clinic’s eight employees. Kello noted that Florence has another veterinary clinic with a couple doctors, but said they cannot take on more pets at this time.

“You’d need to go to Eugene, Coos Bay, Newport or Veneta,” he said. “Some of them are taking clients, it’s just a matter of how many. It’s a crisis for the community.” He said Oceanside has an overflowing client list, but will still have to close Dec. 31. Kello said the business would certainly be profitable for anyone to take over, especially if the new owner could offer some weekend and emergency service. Kello estimated that most college graduating vets will go to work for a larger company, rather than own a clinic. He added that while Florence offers a coastal lifestyle, it’s more suited for retirement and doesn’t offer amenities that appeal to younger people. “By the time vets want to come to Florence, they’re retired,” he said. “I think we have two or three retired vets in the area so it’s a catch 22. Unless we get someone who is already here or has an affinity to the area, it’s hard to find someone.” Kello noted that the twofold See VET, Page A8

Happy Holidays JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

1870 Hwy. 126, Suite A • PO Box 3040, Florence, OR