Community Spirit

Volunteers needed at Cape Perpetua

From USDA Forest Service

YACHATS, Ore. - Do you enjoy talking with visitors and love to learn new things? If so, the Siuslaw National Forest is looking for fun and friendly volunteers to assist staff engage and guide the public visiting Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.

“Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is a fabulous natural attraction,” said Lori Robertson Cape Perpetua Visitor Center Director. “Located just 3 miles south of Yachats, we consider ourselves part of the local community.”

The Scenic Area is known for hiking trails, an incredible view from the top of Cape Perpetua, old growth Sitka Spruce forests, tidepools, mushrooming and whale watching. In the summer the main visitor center and the Devil's Churn information booth are hopping with 300 to 600 visitors per day. In the off-season things slow down.

“Typically, volunteers help us meet our staffing needs throughout the year,” said Robertson. “Without them, we would not be able to serve the public or offer all our programs each day.”

Burn to Learn: Firefighters get practice, Forest Service gets rid of buildings

Burn to Learn: Firefighters get practice, Forest Service gets rid of buildings

From a press release

Rural firefighters set fire to vacant buildings on the Hebo Ranger District through a cooperative agreement with the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Identified for decommission in the current Forest Facilities Master Plan the firefighters were able to participate in training and get rid of surplus buildings during Burn to Learn exercises.
 
“The buildings had very high deferred maintenance costs associated with them, no commercial value, presented a liability to the Forest Service and were at risk for vandalism,” said George Buckingham, Hebo District Ranger. “By cooperating with the five local rural fire districts, we were able to save the tax payers money for this first stage of demolition and provide local emergency responders a controlled environment to practice their skills.”
 
The three vacant buildings, which were lastly home to a bunkhouse, day-care center and gas-house, were all burned successfully. All that remains are the foundations and above ground infrastructure. The district will next work on restoring the sites to a more natural state. The cost savings provided by this partnership allows the Hebo District to spend funds maintaining facilities instead of demolishing them.

Lip sync contest for charity Feb. 25

Lip sync contest for charity Feb. 25

Fraudville Lip Sync Contest is Saturday, Feb. 25, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Three Rivers Casino & Hotel.

The 2nd Annual Fraudville fundraiser benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Western Lane County.

Seven groups formed by local businesses will show off their lip-sync talents in front of the judges and audience.

Valentine's Day activities at aquarium

Valentine's Day activities at aquarium

From a press release

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is offering activities to chase away the winter blues this month, including Valentine’s Day sea lion kisses, a “Pop the Question” special for sweethearts and $5 admission for Lincoln County Residents is being offered on “Wonderful Wednesdays.”

IF YOU GO: Share your photos

Red Cross opening shelters in Mapleton, Florence

Red Cross shelter are being opened at the Florence Events Center and at  the Mapleton Grange for people displaced by flooding.

Buy Crab Crack tickets by Jan. 25

The public is invited to the first “Florence Crab Crack” to benefit Florence Food Share on Saturday, February 4th from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Florence Events Center. Guests will enjoy delicious fresh Oregon Dungeness crab, side dishes, dessert and beverages with a no-host bar available.

The official “Crab Head” and Crab Crack Committee Chairman, Bob MacDuffee, will be the master of ceremonies.

Tickets are $25 per person and are available for purchase now through January 25th. No tickets will be sold at the door the day of the event.

Winter Folk Festival Jan. 14-15

Winter Folk Festival Jan. 14-15

Two legendary folk groups will headline the 2012 Florence Winter Folk Festival on January 14 and 15 at the Florence Events Center. Tom Chapin and Friends will appear at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 14. On Sunday, January 15 at 3:30 p.m., We Five will be featured.