senior magazine

16
L IFE The Good 2014 EDITION Highlighting Senior Services and Stories in the Florence Area PUBLISHED BY SIUSLAW NEWS

Upload: siuslaw-news

Post on 05-Apr-2016

217 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

DESCRIPTION

The Good Life Senior Living Resources for the Central Oregon Coast

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Senior magazine

LLIIFFEEThe Good

2014EDITION

Highlighting Senior Services and Stories in the Florence Area

PUBLISHED BY SIUSLAW NEWS

Page 2: Senior magazine

Burns’s Riverside ChapelFlorence Funeral Home

Back: Sam Reid and Alan Burns. Front: Kourtney Burns-Reid,Clayton Kent Reid, Hank, Kenton Burns & Karen Burns

Burns’s Riverside Chapel/Florence Funeral Home is locally owned and operated

by Alan and Karen Burns. The compassionate care that the clients receive from the family is based on their commitment to the community in which they live. Alan served as Mayor of Florence from 1998-2005. Karen is a member of the Kiwanis club.

Alan, Karen, daughter Kourtney and her husband Sam work at the funeral home. Their son Kenton is a 2014 OSU graduate with a degree in Forest Management. He is active in helping with the family business. Kenton recently became engaged to Olivia Hier , the couple have their wedding date planned for November 2015.

The warmth that welcomes visitors the moment they walk in the door continues throughout the relationship. Clients are

assisted gently and professionally through every step of the process of creating a service that honors and respects the deceased and the family.

From traditional to unconventional — military, indoor or outdoor, formal or casual — they work to ensure that all the needs are met to honor the loved ones and

families that they serve.Alan is a second generation

funeral director and a graduate of San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. Karen holds a funeral director license, and many women have found it comforting to have a woman to talk to during one of life’s most diffi cult and stressful times. Daughter Kourtney is a third generation embalmer and funeral director, continuing the family tradition along with her husband Sam, who has a certifi cate as a cremationlist.

In addition to the chapel and Pacifi c Sunset Cemetery, the family owns and operates two crematories — one for humans and one for pets. They offer products and memorabilia to honor those that have passed away and for beloved pets as well.

www.burnsriversidechapel.com2765 Kingwood St., Florence

541-997-341624 Hour Caring Service

• Siuslaw Valley Crematory & Pet Crematory• Pacifi c Sunset Cemetery

Locally Owned & Operated by the Burns Family

Your Community Friend... ...when you need one most.

Page 3: Senior magazine

A special publication of the

Siuslaw NewsP.O. Box 10

148 Maple StreetFlorence, OR 97439

(541) 997-3441www.TheSiuslawNews.com

John Bartlett PublisherJenna Bartlett General ManagerTheresa Baer EditorRyan Cronk Features EditorSusan Gutierrez Advertising DirectorCathy Dietz Office SupervisorRon Annis Production Supervisor Jeremy Gentry Press Manager

Copyright 2014Siuslaw News

Central Coast PublishingNo part of this publication may be duplicated without permission.

Cover and inside layout designed by Ryan Cronk.

LLIIFFEEThe Good�

���������������� ���������������������� �

��������� ������� ��������� !"��������"�����!�#$

�%���"��"���$��"&�����

��'"���"�("�%�)�����(����*

�+, $��+, �$

(���#�'���"$��"'�

-��.%�/#�'�.��������

���'�#�""�#�(��������

0�/#��(�����"�

INSIDEHouse that Sears Built ...................... 4

Ventures Abound .............................. 6

Local Services Directory ................ 8-9

A Love that Lasts ............................ 10

A Family Affair ................................ 12

Life Through Art .............................. 14

Page 4: Senior magazine

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 20144

HHOOUUSSEE

BBUUIILLTTthat Sears

Edwin Kyle home, now a B&B, turns 100 years old.

In 1970, theEdwin Kylehouse was

moved fromits site on

the hill nearHighway

101, whereDairy Queensits today, to

the home’spresent

location onBay Street.

Contractorshauled the

house downKingwood

Street with-out incident,according to

a SiuslawNews articlefrom March

12, 1970.

SIUSLAW NEWS PHOTOS

BY RYAN CRONK

Siuslaw News

Imagine flipping through a catalog of pre-designed houses to find the perfect homethat suits your tastes and budget. Upon ordering, precut lumber and all the materials— even the nails — are delivered with instructions, ready to be assembled. Back inthe early 1900s, Sears, Roebuck and Co. provided such an option for families, selling

about 75,000 homes through its mail-order Modern Homes program, which ran from1908 to 1940 and included nearly 450 different housing styles.

One house ordered through the programstill sits on Bay Street, though it has sincebeen remodeled and turned into a bed andbreakfast. The 1914 Sears Craftsman build-ing, now known as the Edwin K Bed andBreakfast, turns a century old this year.

“It’s important for people in Florence tohold on to some of the city’s history,” saidMarv VandeStreek, who owns the B&Bwith his wife Laurie. “I feel like that’s partof living here — to find out about the Kylefamily, Sears homes, living in Florence 100years ago — and we want to share that withpeople.”

For the past decade, the VandeStreekshave owned the B&B, which is named afterthe home’s first owner, Edwin Kyle, son ofWilliam Kyle, an early settler and entrepre-neur in the area in the late 1800s.

The Kyle family owned a general store

in Old Town, where the commercial struc-ture — later restored and placed on theNational Register of Historic Buildings —now serves as the Bridgewater Restaurant.

A sign on the building still reads “Wm.Kyle & Sons Co.”

The family also owned a cannery on theSiuslaw River as well as a shipbuildingfacility near Cushman, according to theVandeStreeks.

“The Kyle family was a very significantpart of Florence’s early history, and thishouse happened to belong to their sonEdwin Kyle,” Marv VandeStreek said.

The original house cost about $2,000 tobuild, a significant amount in 1914, andwas 1,200 square feet with two bedroomsand one bathroom. Edwin Kyle built theSears Craftsman home on a hill nearHighway 101, where Dairy Queen sitstoday.

“A lot of these homes were being builtremotely on homesteads away from anytowns,” VandeStreek explained.

Edwin K Bed and Breakfast, a 1914Sears Craftsman home, still includes

many of its original features.

Page 5: Senior magazine

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 2014 5

“Sears wanted to make sureyou could put the whole thingtogether, so it came with all thewood, roofing material, paint,indoor plumbing — it was acomplete house,” he added.

In 1970, the house wasmoved to its current location at1155 Bay St. to make way forthe fast-food chain, whichbought the land. A SiuslawNews article dated March 12,1970, recounts the home’stransport:

“This house journeyed fromits site on the hill at the cornerof Second Street and Highway101 in Florence to its new loca-tion on Bay Street lastThursday. General ContractorRon Sauter of Florence received expertadvice from about 100 sidewalk superin-tendents, including many from the FlorenceElementary School, and the two-story homewas moved without incident.”

The Kyle house remained a single-familyresidence until 1991, when the first majorremodel took place, and the following yearit opened as a bed and breakfast.

Through the 1990s and two differentowners, the home grew to its present sizeof 5,400 square feet with eight bedrooms,nine bathrooms and two kitchens.

The VandeStreeks, who are the thirdowners of the B&B, share the home’s histo-ry with about 2,500 guests each year.

“We get guests from all over the world,which is the fun part of the business. Every

state of the union has been rep-resented in our home,” MarvVandeStreek said.

Visitors from as far away asSouth Africa, Iceland and Chinahave stayed at the B&B, but itsmost frequent guests comefrom England, Germany andCanada.

Though all the rooms havebeen updated, some of thehouse’s original features remainintact, such as the wood floor-ing, windowpanes and built-in

cabinets.When asked if they have ever considered

expanding the home with more additions,Laurie VandeStreek said with a laugh,“There’s no room left.”

Marv concurred.“We can’t go any wider, so we would

have to go up, and we’re not going up,” headded. ❖

Edwin K B&B’s current owners Marv and LaurieVandeStreek rent out thehome’s rooms to about2,500 guests per year.

Join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Oregon:

• Explore topics in the humanities, sciences, visual and performing arts.

• Create meaningful connections with peers.

• No tests, no grades—just learning for the sheer joy of it!

Locations in Eugene-Springfield, Central Oregon, and Portland.

LEARN MORE

800-824-2714 • 541-346-0697http://osherer.uo.uoregon.edu

EO/AA/ADA institution committed to cultural diversity. © 2012 University of Oregon.

CuriosityRetiresNever

Tax Consultation and Returns Preparedfor Individuals and Small Businesses

SIUSLAWTAX SERVICE

Steve Tollett EA, LTC#31428-C

David Armstrong, LTP #34579-P

Karen A O’Keefe, LTC #26741-C

Julie Thomas, LTP #32002-P

Winniferd Tollett, Office Manager

Free Estimates - Call Now

1958 E. 17th Street 541-997-9249

P.O. Box 36000 (800) 873-9249

Florence, OR 97439 fax 541-997-5180

Email: [email protected]

Page 6: Senior magazine

Ever wanted to visit a fish hatchery inBandon or take a road trip aroundthe county to view covered bridges?How about learning techniques to

outdoor photography or the art of flaxfiber? Or perhaps attend a class on yoga fit-ness or ballroom dancing?

Opportunities to learn something newabound at Lane Community CollegeFlorence Center, where the CommunityEducation Program continues to thrive witha variety of non-credit enrichment coursesand off-campus cultural experiences.

“The idea behind community education,whether it’s a class or an Outward Venture,is for people to connect. It’s a social thing,”said Barbara Baker, Community EducationProgram coordinator for the Florence cam-

pus. “For ouraudience,who are a lot

of seniors, it’s a way for themto get out and be among peo-ple.”

The program, which isopen to anyone, includesmore than two-dozen coursesthat range from basic comput-er classes to dance lessonseach term in addition toOutward Ventures, day trips that offer edu-cational and cultural activities outside theclassroom setting.

Baker has led the program since October2012, enlisting the community’s help inoffering classes and trips that appeal toeveryone. Local businesses have also beenasked to teach courses designed to informresidents about their company and trade.

“I’m trying to bring in more businessesto make people aware of what’s going on inour community,” Baker said. “For those

kinds of classes, they’re tuition free, sobusinesses can get the word out about whatthey do and how it’s a benefit.”

The college has partnered with suchbusinesses as PeaceHealth Peace HarborMedical Center, offering health and hospicecare classes as well as a new lecture series,and Front Desk Florence, a concierge serv-ice providing information on availableresources.

Siuslaw High School, another partner,allows the college to use its culinary class-room for special food courses.

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 20146

VENTURES ABOUNDLCC program accentuates community

partnerships, activities.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse was the subjectof a recent Outward Ventures trip.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Students take a fitness class, part of theCommunity Education Program, at the DoreenDitzhazy Dance Studio at LCC Florence Center.

BY RYAN CRONK

Siuslaw News

Page 7: Senior magazine

“It’s life-long learning,” Baker explainedabout the benefit to enrolling in communityeducation classes. “When you stay activeand stay open to ideas and new things, Ithink you live longer, healthier lives. You’rehappier.”

Outward Ventures, an excursion program,provides transportation to culturally signifi-cant places along the Oregon coast andEugene. Lighthouses, museums and historicbuildings are common stops, though differ-ent trips are scheduled each term. The out-ings, arranged on different days of theweek, are educational experiences, withoutthe pressure of tests and assignments.

“You’re never tested. It’s for your ownself-enrichment,” Baker said.

Baker invites input from the communityfor new ideas for classes and trips.

“I want the Community EducationProgram to be open to all kinds of classes,whether it’s for information or enrichmentor getting out and seeing things up anddown the coast,” she said.

Classroom sizes vary from eight to 20students at the campus, depending on thetype of class being offered, and the vanused for Outward Ventures is limited to 14passengers. Early registration is recom-

mended.Last spring,

LCC partneredwith the OsherLifelong LearningInstitute, a non-credit communityoutreach programoffered throughthe University ofOregon AcademicExtension, tobring a series offour lectures tothe coast. Theprogram wasdesigned to serve the educational interestsof adults in their post-career years.

“As you can see, there are lots of won-derful things happening at the college,” saidMary Jeanne Kuhar, dean of the LCCFlorence Center.

She said Baker has helped the collegewith networking in the community to findout the current interests of residents, citingthe school’s technology class series as oneexample that has proved successful.

“I drove into the school one morning andthere were no parking spaces in the front

and the wholeside was taken up.I thought, ‘Whatis going on?’”Kuhar recalled.“… We had thistechnology groupwith all thesefolks bringingtheir iPods andiPads and everydevice that theyhave because theywanted to learnhow to use them.”

Kuhar wouldlike the college to ultimately become thecommunity’s resource.

“Community is our middle name, andLane Community College is here to servethe entire college district, which is the sizeof the state of Connecticut,” she added. “…If there is some way that we can help you,call us up and ask us.”

For more information about theCommunity Education Program andOutward Ventures, call 541-997-8444, goonline to lanecc.edu/florence or stop by theLCC Florence Center at 3149 Oak St. ❖

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 2014 7

Outward Ventures participants view the wonders of the Pacific coast.

Focused on Your Financial Health...Protecting Your AssetsSpecializing in Estate Planning, Trusts, and Tax Strategies

Eldercare & Senior VIP Services:

Y

Full CPA Service | Corporate Personal Tax Consulting Preparation | Accounting Services |

[email protected]

Serving Florence for 34 Years!

Call NowFor Your

Complimentary Consultation!

Karla D. Holloway, CPA

Serving Florence for 36 Years!

YA-PO-AHTERRACE

Retirement Apartments

350 Pearl StreetEugene, OR 97401

(541) 342-5329TDD 541-342-5329

uuu

Gardens • Grocery Store • Dining RoomLaundry • Beauty Shop • Library

24-Hour On-Site Staff • Ya-Po-Ah BusKitchens in All Apartments

Federal Rent Subsidy or Affordable Market Rent

Extra Services on the Third Floor:• 2 Delicious Meals • Housekeeping• Maid Service • Personal Laundry• Scheduled Medical Transportation

uuu

www.yapoah.com

Celebrating

46Years!

Page 8: Senior magazine

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 20148

• Boys & Girls Club of Western Lane County1601 15th St., 541-902-0304

• City of Florence250 Highway 101, 541-997-3436

• Florence Area Chamber of Commerce290 Highway 101, 541-997-3128

• Florence Area Coordinating Council541-902-8308

• Florence Area Humane Society2840 Rhododendron Drive, 541-997-4277

• Florence Events Center715 Quince St., 541-997-1994

• Florence Food Share2190 Spruce St., 541-997-9110

• Friends of Florence Cancer VanWillamette Valley Cancer Institute, 541-683-5001

• Front Desk Florence541-902-5122

• Habitat for Humanity2016 Highway 101, 541-902-9227

• Helping Hands Coalition1339 Rhododendron Drive, 541-833-8550

• Meals on Wheels Program1570 Kingwood St., 541-997-5673

• Memory Loss Respite Center1570 Kingwood St., 541-902-8539

• Oregon State Police Auxiliary541-997-7156

• Peace Harbor Home Health & Hospice2230 Kingwood St., 541-997-3418

• Senior Connections3180 Highway 101, 541-902-9430 ext. 7831

• Senior Center1570 Kingwood St., 541-997-8844

• Siuslaw Outreach Services1576 12th St., 541-997-2816

• Siuslaw Pioneer Museum278 Maple St., 541-997-7884

• Siuslaw Public Library1460 Ninth St., 541-997-3132

• Siuslaw School District2111 Oak St., 541-997-2651

• Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue2625 Highway 101, 541-997-3212

VolunteerOpportunities

FFLLOORREENNCCEE AARREEAA DDIIRREECCTTOORRYY

Health & Nutrition• Better Breathers Club

Peace Harbor Medical Center, Conference Room C, fourthWednesday, 2 p.m., 541-902-6300 ext. 5635

• Disabled American Veterans Vans to Medical CentersFlorence Elks Lodge, 6 a.m., Mondays through Fridays

• Senior Meals ProgramSenior Center, 11:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, $3 suggested donation with reservations, 541-997-5673

• Singing Pines CaféSenior Center, 11:30 a.m., Tuesday & Thursday, $5 with reservations, 541-997-8844

Music• Community Chorus

Cross Road Church, 10th & Maple streets, 7-8:30 p.m., every Monday, Laura Merz, 541-902-8567

• Community Concert BandSiuslaw High School music room, 6:30 p.m., every Monday, Gail Nichols, 541-999-6907

• Yachats Big BandYachats Commons, 7-9 p.m., first Thursday, $5 donation with children 12 and younger free, 541-547-4308

Social Activities• Band of Brothers Koffee Klub

Florence Elks Lodge, 11:30 a.m., every Monday, former military members of all services invited, 541-997-1677

• BingoSenior Center, 1-4 p.m., every Thursday, 541-997-3945

• Central Coast Miniatures ClubSiuslaw Public Library, 4 p.m., first Thursday

• Florence Duplicate BridgeSt. Andrews Episcopal Church, 12:30 p.m., every Tuesdayand Thursday, 541-997-2677

• Line DancingSenior Center, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Pat Wheeler, 541-999-0797

• Pinochle GroupLaurelwood Community Center, 1137 Maple St., every Thursday, 9:30 a.m., walk-ins welcome

• Professionally Retired Ornery Single Seniors (PROSS)Senior Center, 5:30 p.m. social, third Thursdays, 60 yearsof age and older, 541-991-6430

• Senior Party BridgeSenior Center, 12:30-4 p.m., every Wednesday and Friday,541-997-8827

Get Acquainted

Page 9: Senior magazine

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 2014 9

Alzheimer’s Care Unit• Elderberry Square

3321 Oak St., Florence, 541-902-8821• Regency Florence Rehabilitation Center

1951 21st St., Florence, 541-997-8436• Spruce Point Memory Care Unit

375 Ninth St., Florence, 541-902-7945Assisted Living• Elderberry Square

3321 Oak St., Florence, 541-902-8821• Enchanted Gardens

1610 22nd St., Florence, 541-997-0209• Inland Point

2290 Inland Drive, North Bend, 541-756-0176• Spruce Point

375 Ninth St., Florence, 541-997-6111In-Home Care• Peace Harbor Home Health & Hospice

2230 Kingwood St., Florence, 541-997-3418• New Horizons

398 Highway 101, Florence, 541-997-8115Nursing Facilities — Long-term Care• Peace Harbor Rehabilitation & Wellness Center

685 Highway 101, Florence, 541-902-1669• Regency Florence Rehabilitation Center

1951 21st St., Florence, 541-997-8436

Care Facilities

• Florentine Estates182 Florentine Ave., Florence, 541-997-1762

• Greentrees Village, Inc.1600 Rhododendron Drive, Florence, 541-997-8674

• Inland Point Senior Estates2290 Inland Drive, North Bend, 541-756-0176

• Munsel Park Apartments2021 12th St., Florence, 541-997-2661

• Sea Aire Assisted Living1882 Highway 101, Yachats, 541-547-5500

• Shorewood Retirement Residences1451 Spruce St., Florence, 541-997-8202

• Spruce Point Assisted Living Community375 Ninth St., Florence, 541-997-6111

• Tanglewood Apartments1956 16th St., Florence, 541-997-8817

• Terpening Terrace50 Ruby Ave., Eugene, 541-689-0619

• Windsong Apartments1365 Spruce St., Florence, 541-997-5398

• Ya-Po-Ah Terrace Retirement Apartments350 Pearl St., Eugene, 541-342-5329

Senior LivingAssistance Services• Front Desk Florence

541-902-5122• Siuslaw Outreach Services

1576 12th St., 541-997-2816Errand Services• Heavenly Helpers LLC

1720 34th Place, 541-991-7051Funeral Home, Crematory, Cemetery• Burns’s Riverside Chapel/Florence Funeral Home

2765 Kingwood St., 541-997-3416Home Health & Hospice• Peace Harbor Home Health & Hospice

2230 Kingwood St., 541-997-3418Insurance• Oregon Health Plan

800-359-9517 • Medicare (general)

800-633-4227Legal Services• Lane County

800-575-9283Medical• Lower Umpqua Hospital

600 Ranch Road, Reedsport, 541-271-2171• Peace Harbor Medical Center Primary Care

400 Ninth St., 541-997-8412 541-997-7134Medical Equipment• All-Med Medical Supplies & Equipment

1845 Highway 126, 541-997-9600Respite Care• Memory Loss Respite Center of Florence

1570 Kingwood St., 541-902-8539Senior & Disabled Services• Florence Office

3180 Highway 101, 541-902-9430Senior Center

1570 Kingwood St., 541-997-8844Senior Connections• Elder Help/Senior Companions

3180 Highway 101, 541-902-9430 ext. 7831Social Security Administration

800-772-1213Tax Aid (AARP)

888-687-2277Transportation• Rhody Express

541-902-2067Veteran Services• Roseburg — 800-549-8387• Portland — 800-949-1004

Senior Services

Page 10: Senior magazine

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 201410

It was love at first sight — through a pair ofbinoculars — forMargaret Thorngate, a

then 19-year-old member of the4th Interceptor Command whospotted a young soldier joggingon the beach while she sat with agroup of girls on a sand dune surveying the Southern Californiacoast for signs of aircraft duringWorld War II.

“They were supposed to be looking forJapanese vessels, but as I jogged by I

noticed they were fol-lowing me,” recalledFred Thorngate, who wasstationed in Carpinteria,Calif., as a field artilleryofficer in early 1943.

The next day, the 23-year-old jogged passedthe girls again and decid-ed to introduce himself.He and Margaret datedfor a couple months afterthat until his military unitwas transferred awayfrom the coast and even-tually overseas.

They kept in touch bymail over the next twoyears. Once the warended in Europe, Fred’s

unit returned to the United States in July1945, and he and Margaret were marriedsoon after in her hometown of Carpinteria.

TheThorngates,now in their

90s, are one of the oldest — if not the old-est — veteran couples in the Florence area.They have been married for 68 years,spending the past 28 years at their home inGreentrees.

“I don’t know how much longer we haveto be together. Could be a year, could be10,” said Fred, who turned 94 years old lastDecember. “My family members are longlivers. My ancestors lived to be 100 ormore, so maybe I still have a few yearsleft.”

The year 2013, however, was especiallytough on the Thorngates, who lost boththeir sons within months of each other tocancer.

“I lost two boys almost simultaneouslyfrom the same thing I lived with — prostatecancer. They both had it, but they died fromit and I’m still here. Why? I don’t know.God knows, I guess,” Fred said with tearsforming in his eyes.

His wife Margaret, 90, also suffered astroke and, after receiving treatment at thelocal medical center, was taken to RegencyFlorence for recovery. Their daughter, wholives in Medford, Ore., returned to helptake care of her.

Needless to say, Fred decided not to cel-ebrate his birthday that December. He saidonce you reach his age, birthdays are “justanother day.”

Fred and Margaret Thorngate

PHOTO BY TERRI PENNINGTON

Thorngates,circa 1943

BY RYAN CRONK

Siuslaw News

A love that lastsThrough thick and

thin, Florence couplestays united.

Page 11: Senior magazine

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 2014 11

Originally from suburban Philadelphia,Fred attended college for civil engineering,but after the war he wanted a differentoccupation. His father gave him a piece ofland on the coast of Maryland, where hebuilt and operated a bar and restaurant formany years.

Afterward, the Thorngates moved backto the West Coast to raise their three chil-dren in Carpinteria before retiring toFlorence in 1985. They have four grand-children and six great-grandchildren.

“We thought we would give this town a

try, and here we are 28 years later. We justlove Florence,” said Margaret, who formedthe local Coastal Women Veterans group.

In their retirement, the couple becamemembers of St. Andrews Episcopal Church,where Fred helped build a new bell towerand Sunday school rooms. They said thechurch at the time could not afford to dothe additions by itself.

“They couldn’t get money to do it. Sowhen Fred saw (the building unfinished),he did almost the whole thing himself,”Margaret explained. “He would get people

to help him from time to time, but he fin-ished the church.”

The Thorngates are also avid travelers,though not so much in recent years. Theyhave been around the world twice, visitingmore than 65 countries and every continentexcept Antarctica.

“We had a lot of good times,” Margaretsaid with a smile. ❖

This story was originally published Dec. 11, 2013, in the Siuslaw News.

Fred Thorngate passed away June 14, 2014, at age 94.

3149 Oak Street, phone (541) 997-8444www.lanecc.edu/florence

Explore the Oregon CoastExpress Yourself through

Theater, Art and Dance

Enhance Your Skills

Enrich Your Life

Enroll in Community Education

for Lifelong Learning!

Fifty years of student success. Come join

the celebration!

coos bay florence roseburg medford eugene

TRUST & WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Florence Office (541) 997-7121 www.opbc.com

Many of the products are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the Bank, and are subject to loss of principal

Trust AdministrationInvestment Management

Estate Settlement

specializing in:

Page 12: Senior magazine

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 201412

Nearly 70 descendants of the Richards familyreunited in Florence thisyear to share stories from their her-

itage that dates back 65 years when patriarchFrank Richards established one of the town’s

first garbagehauling serv-ices.

They came from around the country —California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada,Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Washington, WestVirginia and Wyoming — for the reunionlast July. The weeklong gathering, plannedseveral years in advance, was the group’s

first get-together in Florenceand the first reunion ever forthe more than 30 children pres-ent. The last time the familyreunited was 20 years ago inUtah, before any of the young-sters were born.

This trip gave the children achance to learn about the fami-ly’s history.

In 1949, Frank Richardscould no longer support his

growing family, which included his wifeMargrett and children Beverly, Kathrin,Tom and Cherie, as a part-time professionalmusician. He began to look for work else-where and found that Florence neededanother garbage hauling service.

The Richards family gathers at ICM restaurant for dinner. Earlier in the week, some members went clam digging (below).

Richards familyreunites to

share Florenceheritage.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

COURTESY PHOTO

BY RYAN CRONK

Siuslaw News

SIUSLAW NEWS PHOTO

Page 13: Senior magazine

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 2014 13

BERG’S CLEANING BERG’S CLEANING & MISC SERVICES& MISC SERVICES

Our Motto is “Just Ask”Indoor/Outdoor Residential & Business Cleaning

including but not limited to Windows, Pressure Washing, Gutters, Carpets, Hard

Flooring, Construction Clean-Up, Plus More!

541-997-1288541-997-1288541-228-2490 (text only)

Email: [email protected]

541541--997997--14101410

MEDICARE Supplements

Ask about the Oregon Medigap Guaranteed Issue

Birthday Rule

DANA DANE INSURANCE ~ 1525 12th St Suite C Insuring Florence area residents since 1996

Compare Your Monthly Premium

Shawn M. Murray L.D.

Proudly serving the Oregon

Coast for 22 years.

(541) 997-3344 • 1647 W. 12th, Florence

NATURAL SMILESPackage Includes:• Affordable premium dentures• Free yearly oral exam• Adjustments for the life of your teeth• Low monthly payments• Repairs as low as $20• Relines as low as $150

FREE VISITincluding a complimentary

EXAM & CONSULTATION($159.00 Value)

Some restrictions apply. Coupon is required. Valid for new paients only. Call for details.

www.NaturalDentures.com

$69 EXTRACTIONS (CALL FOR DETAILS)

Bradley Berg, PC

TrustsWillsProbate

He knew how to drive a truck and thuscreated Frank’s Sanitary Service, servingthe Florence community for the next 35years. During that time, another child wasborn, Julie, to complete the family.

All five of the children graduated fromthe Siuslaw school system.

Frank and Margrett were involved inmany of the town’s activities. He served onthe Chamber of Commerce, the BoostersClub and in local theater, while she was amember of the area’s garden club. Frankwas also a founding member of the Rhodo

Dunes golf course, now known as OceanDunes Golf Links.

The couple later moved to St. George,Utah, to live out the rest of their years.Their descendents now total 94, and thoughnone of them currently live in the Florencearea, they all still share this connection.

Several activities were planned through-out the week for the family members,whose ages ranged from 7 months to 84years old. Some went sand sledding atCleawox Lake and clam digging in theriver, while others visited such historical

sites as the Heceta Head Lighthouse andCape Perpetua. The group was hard tomiss, especially when they all gathered atICM restaurant in Old Town for dinner onenight, many of them wearing blue shirtsthat read “Richards Family Reunion 2014.”

The highlight of the trip, according toKathrin, was when the family convened atPacific Sunset Cemetery, just east of town,to honor her brother Tom, who died of can-cer in 1994 and is buried at the cemetery.

“Everybody was there, and it was veryhappy. We all loved him,” she said. ❖

Page 14: Senior magazine

War. Corruption. Injustice.His paintings often convey a visual languagethat evokes political

contemplation through abstracttextures and representationalimagery, but Stuart Hendersonrefrains from calling his artworkcontemporary.

“It’s more therapy than anything else,” he said.

Though probably most known for hishand-painted signs, some of which stilladorn buildings throughout Old Town,Henderson has received much attentionlately for his ethereal paintings that depictsocial ills.

The 75-year-old artist is modest abouthis work. He calls painting a “liberatingprocess,” a way for him to express histhoughts on progressive issues.

“For a long time I was, and still am, pret-ty upset about the way our country isgoing,” he said. “I’m finding that as I paintI touch those bases, and it comes out withsome sort of relationship to what I’ve been

thinking about.”Originally from Tacoma, Wash.,

Henderson earned a bachelor’s degree insociology at the University of Washingtonbefore moving to New York City to attendCooper Union, where he not only met hiswife Joann, but also pursued his passion forart.

“I knew in my heart painting is what I

wanted to do, but I felt like I had to get adegree — family pressure — so I got adegree in sociology,” he explained.

The couple eventually relocated to LosAngeles. For three years Henderson workedas a lithographer, printing work from suchfamous contemporary artists as JasperJohns, Robert Rauschenberg and FrankStella.

In 1971, they moved to Florence andbecame co-owners of the Kyle Building,the town’s first mercantile built in 1901 onBay Street. They live in the top floor of thebuilding, now known as the BridgewaterRestaurant.

“I didn’t think I’d last here, but it seemedlike a good fit for me,” he said.

To make a living, he started HendersonSigns, designing graphics and paintingsigns for the community. Coincidentally,one of his first jobs while in junior highwas painting signs for local businesses.

“So I had that in my genes apparently,”he said with a laugh.

Through his business over the years,Henderson has left his mark on the town —literally. In Old Town, he painted the Bill’sAuto sign, which currently hangs on theeast side of Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters,and the Bridgewater Restaurant sign.

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 201414

Stuart Henderson shines light on

progressive painting.

“Mourning in America”

Henderson arrangesleaves for inspirationfor his next paintingin his studio area.

tthhrroouugghh

LLIIFFEEAARRTT

BY RYAN CRONK

Siuslaw News

SIU

SLAW

NEW

S P

HO

TO

Page 15: Senior magazine

SIUSLAW NEWS • THE GOOD LIFE 2014 15

Retirement Residences

It is our

Shorewood

lifestyle that

we love...

the “Perfect

Lifestyle”

What I like about living at The Shorewood...“The friendliness of the staff & other residents”“The food is delicious”“We have so much fun here”“I feel safe and secure in my apartment”

1451 Spruce Street, Florence, Oregon 97439(541) 997-8202

FLORENCE SENIOR CENTERA gathering place for seniors 60 and older

JOIN THE FUN!

Delicious, low-cost lunches every weekdayCard games galore • Bingo

Yoga • Chairs Excercise • Social Events

GET OUT AND MEET NEW PEOPLE1570 Kingwood - PO Box 2047, Florence

541-997-8844

He and his son Nick also created thelogos for the now-defunct Chowder Bluesand Brews event for more than 12 years inaddition to the Florence Events Center logoand many other signs for individual busi-nesses. Henderson left the sign business in2000, but he never stopped painting.

His methods are unconventional, usingsuch materials as masonite — a hardboardwood surface — and textiles that includesand and powder pigment in addition totranslucent paint, acrylics, latex and oil. Afew of his paintings have taken up to six

months to reach fruition.“Painting is a way to get out of the world

and leave a bit of a mark. If you havesomething to say, do it with whatever kindof means you have at your disposal,” hesaid. “It seemed like painting was the onething I could do better than anything else.”

The last few years have been a relearningexperience for Henderson.

He struggles with remembering certainpainting techniques since having a strokefour years ago that also partially impactedhis speech as well as his right arm and

hand, which lost some nerve endings.“It was pretty much unexpected,” he

said. “Makes you wonder how the brainworks.”

Though he can no longer paint signs likehe used to, Henderson said the stroke “did-n’t seem to affect painting” in his studio.

Henderson’s paintings range fromabstract to landscapes to sociopoliticalcommentary. His paintings have been dis-played at Gallery 903 in Portland andKenneth B Gallery, a new contemporaryart gallery in Florence. ❖

Page 16: Senior magazine

Gentle, Personal, Comprehensive Care

Offering the CEREC Omnicam,

“Completing most single crowns in one visit.”

Tooth Colored Restoration • Root Canals

Crown & Bridge • Extractions • Teeth Whitening

Implant Restorations Cosmetic Dentistry

Relaxing riverfront view from all rooms.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

Dr. Chad Clement

541-997-3423

1256 Bay St. • Florence, OR 97439

Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.