http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel en-us N/A engageinlife@gmail.com Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:55:06 EDT 20 http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2110/1/December---Coquille-City-Council/Page1.html
Total cost for all projects would be about about 15 million dollars. This includes streets in poor condition, 3 million dollars; the water system, 1.5 million dollars; the swimming pool, 2.5 million dollars; the riverwalk, 1.5 million; the fire station, 2 million; library, 1 million; streetscape improvements, 2 million; and underground utilities at 1 million dollars.

Dufner mentioned what he called "pretty scary" economic conditions that have the potential to affect future city finances, including general economic conditions, the rise in personnel cost with the upcoming PERS and health care increases and an already negative beginning balance in our street fund. In his comments to the council, City manager Terence O'Conner acknowledged prioritizing was not an easy process as there wasn't enough money, up front, for everything, and that over the next 20 years Urban Renewal money totaled about 10 million dollars. He also reminded the council that the main purpose of Urban Renewal is to eliminate blight and conditions that hinder economic development. The councilors generally agreed public safety was an important issue.

Linda Short pointed out that without funds the pool project was at a standstill and brought up the possibility of the city committing money to the pool project with a time frame attached. During the public comment portion of the meeting, Sharon Usselman questioned whether the library really needed to expand, pointing out technological advancements like the Kindle which can be downloaded and don't take up space like regular books. Ann Conner, head Librarian, said the death of the printed word is not going to happen and books aren't the only thing that take up space in a library. She reminded Sharon that the library needs space not only for books; technology like computers take up space, more space was also needed for their children's programs. At that point, councilor Parker said, "Having the internet, Google, and Kindle to download books, I wonder where the real value is in a library?" Audible gasps and groans of disapproval were heard in the audience. Shawn Jennings, citizen, and member of the library board, gave her opinion that the library provided a myriad of services to the community.

Councilor Capehart added libraries are very valuable to the children of the community. From the audience, Bill Marino brought up the need for a new Fire Hall. After lengthy council discussion and public comment, no decision was made except for the agreement that more discussion, possibly another workshop was necessary to sort out priorities. During the regular city council meeting, one item on the agenda that stood out was the request for an ordinance creating a transient room tax. This ordinance was requested by the Coquille Promotional Committee, made up of representatives of the Downtown Merchants Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and Operation Coquille, with money generated to be used to promote and advertise Coquille. It was pointed out that in Coos County only Myrtle Point and Coquille do not have a room tax. Businesses affected would be the Motel, the RV Park, and Sturdivant Park. Councilor Linda Short said although she was for the room tax she was concerned that the committee was too "new." "It's a brand new group," she said, ”and that kinda concerns me a little bit."

Jean Ivey, who represents Operation Coquille on the committee, pointed out the organizations being represented were not new and the people in the group were answerable to the organizations. Linda Short said the committee was new. "Untried, untrue," remarked Bruce Parker. City Attorney, John True, advised against letting a committee make decisions about tax money, citing that ultimately the city would be responsible. The council was not ready to make a decision on this until talking to the business owners that would be directly affected by the tax. Discussion was tabled until the next council meeting. At the Urban Renewal Meeting, the members listened to a financial feasibility report by Tina Mosca of the Leland Consulting group. URA hired the group as consultants last June to determine if the original assumptions made 10 years ago were still valid. A few minor amendments were made to the plan including an extension of the timeline for completion dates, originally 2027-28 changed to 2031-32.
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2110/1/December---Coquille-City-Council/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2099/1/Christmas-Caroling-amp-Happy-Feet-Project-Ongoing/Page1.html ]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Staff) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2099/1/Christmas-Caroling-amp-Happy-Feet-Project-Ongoing/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2095/1/Falling-Snow-Scholastic-Chess-Tournament/Page1.html
 Enter multipurpose room (skittles area). Elementary division is usually done around 3 p.m. Junior high and high school may go to 6 p.m. Sections: Elementary, Upper division individuals, JV teams and High School teams. Multiple teams from schools are OK. Teams are Southern Oregon High School Chess League event. Trophies first through third place for grade levels: K- 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, junior high individuals, high school individuals and adults. Team events will have trophies for 1st and 2nd place. Time controls: G/30 for elementary, G/45 for older divisions. Notation required for ratings above 1000. Questions: drnancykeller@y ahoo.com or (541) 396- 3855. This tournament is an OSCF qualifier.¤
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Staff) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2095/1/Falling-Snow-Scholastic-Chess-Tournament/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2092/1/American-Red-Cross-Blood-Drives-for-December-2009/Page1.html Please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to schedule your donation appointment.
December 8: 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. Bandon Community: Holy Trinity Catholic Church , 355
Oregon Ave. 1-800-448-3543
December 9: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Port Orford Community: St. John's Catholic Church, 1476
Oregon Street. 1-800-448-3543
December 10: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. North Bend Community: College Park Community Church,
2548 Newmark St. 1-800-448-3543
December 16: 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Myrtle Point Community: Maple School, 413 C Street. 1-
800-448-3543
December 17: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Coos Bay Community: St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 357
S. 6th Street. 1-800-448-3543
December 21: 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. Reedsport Community: Masonic Temple, 626 Winchester
Ave. 1-800-448-3543
December 24: 10:00 – 3:00 p.m. North Bend Community: College Park Community
Church, 2548 Newmark St. 1-800-448-3543
December 29: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Gold Beach Community: Curry Showcase 29392
Ellensburg Ave. 1-800-448-3543
December 30: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Brookings Community: Chetco Grange 97895 Shopping
center Ave. (Harbor) 1-800-448-3543
December 31: 10:00 – 3:00 p.m. Coos Bay Community: St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 357
S. 6th Street. 1-800-448-3543¤
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2092/1/American-Red-Cross-Blood-Drives-for-December-2009/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2090/1/Help-children-in-need/Page1.html sale this December Community members can help children in need this Holiday Season by donating or buying gently-used toys, games, puzzles, and other items from the Toy Tales fundraising sale, sponsored by Oregon Coast Community Action from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2009, at Pony Village Mall. All items will be available for prices ranging from 25¢ to $10. All proceeds from the sale of toys, games, puzzles, and more will go to providing support for vulnerable children in Coos, Curry, and Western Douglas Counties.

Programs receiving support through Toy Tales include: Great Afternoons, South Coast Head Start, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and the Share Bear Snack Pack programs. The toys for sale are donated by community members and through toy drives at local schools. There are many different items to choose from at every Toy Tales sale, and each purchase makes a difference in the life of a child in our community.

“This Holiday Season we’re hoping families, grandparents, and even kids in the community can help support vital children’s programs in our region by purchasing toys or games from the Toy Tales event this December,” said MacKenzie Ross, AmeriCorps volunteer with Oregon Coast Community Action. “Every child deserves to have a full tummy, a safe and warm home, and a good education, and Toy Tales helps make that a reality.” Community members can participate in Toy Tales by donating toys or volunteering to sell toys during sales events. Donations can be made Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the ORCCA South Coast Food Share Warehouse.

Toy donations can also be dropped off at any Toy Tales sale event, and arrangements can be made for donation pick up. To help support local children through volunteering with Toy Tales, contact Madeline Enos at (541) 888-7070. Oregon Coast Community Action feeds, houses, warms and educates vulnerable children and families throughout the South Coast. For more information, visit http://www.orcca.us. ¤
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2090/1/Help-children-in-need/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2088/1/Shop-with-the-Heroes/Page1.html
Please make checks payable to: Shop with the Heroes. Our event this year will be held on December 12, 2009. All donations are tax deductible, and all proceeds go directly into the program (Tax ID # 93-6002143). If you wish to contact us by phone, please call (541) 396-2114.

The men and women of the Coquille Police and Fire Departments thank you!!!


]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2088/1/Shop-with-the-Heroes/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2070/1/Second-Sunday-Sing-Along-At-Colettes-December-14th/Page1.html
 Musical instruments are also welcome. The Second Sunday Sing-Along is a free public event occurring on the second Sunday of every month from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Next month the sing-along will be on January 11th at Fiction 101 Books. For more information, contact Gail at 756-4701.¤
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2070/1/Second-Sunday-Sing-Along-At-Colettes-December-14th/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2069/1/2009-Annual-Tour-of-Homes/Page1.html
 The bus departs from the Chamber office on the hour and from St. James Episcopal Church on the 1/2 hour. Stroll the Greater Downtown Area to see Points of Interest & pick up a Goody Bag.

 * Visit the homes of Tom & Linda Aiken, Hugh and Jaci Pinkston, Frank & Judith Smith, Phillipa Benson and Nadine Winberg.

* Tour through Historical St. James Episcopal Church and visit the new Downtown Emporium (have your picture taken with Ronald and see it posted!).

* Watch the Olios at Sawdust Theatre and see the Historic Photos of prior shows. Pose for a picture with your favorite "star!"

* Browse through Coquille's history at the Coquille Valley Museum.

* View the new Art Work, Carving and Paintings at the Coquille Valley Art Center.¤
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2069/1/2009-Annual-Tour-of-Homes/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2068/1/The-City-of-Coquilles-Lighted-Extravaganza/Page1.html

Parade entries are currently being accepted and all those wishing to participate are encouraged to do so. Please join us in our holiday festival of joy. Applications and inquiries can be directed to (541) 396- 2115 x206. The City of Coquille wishes all our citizens a Safe and Happy Holiday Season. Terence O’Connor City Manager and Staff
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2068/1/The-City-of-Coquilles-Lighted-Extravaganza/Page1.html http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2067/1/Bazaar-Hopping/Page1.html Bazaar Hopping
‘Tis the season of Bazaars ... Between now and the holidays,
there will be many opportunities for shoppers to participate in
seasonal bazaars. If you are looking for a unique gift, and a
chance to shop locally to support the talents of local artists,
organizations, and craft persons, you should attend the many
bazaars and craft fairs in our area.¤


Open House and Bazaar at CVAA
Coquille Valley Art Association invites the public to join their
festivities on Dec. 5th, from 10 to 4 pm, during their annual
Open House and Holiday Bazaar. Paintings, pottery, cards,
jewelry, and other holiday items will be for sale, and refreshments
will be served. Members have donated a variety of 24
gift baskets to be raffled off in December. The Open House is
a part of the Coquille Tour of Homes scheduled for that same
day. The Art Center is housed in a historic old school building
and located at 10144 Highway 42, just south of Coquille. For
more information about the Bazaar or upcoming classes, visit
their web site at Coquille Valley Art Center.¤


“Many Hands” Open House
In Myrtle Point, watercolor artist Terry Magill is opening her
gallery and studio for its third annual Holiday Open House on
Dec. 5th and 6th. On Saturday, the doors will be open from 4
to 7 pm, and on Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4 pm.
Refreshments will be available both days. Everyone is
welcome to stop in and enjoy her students’ art as well as other
professional artists’ work, including many paintings done by
Magill. Besides a large selection of paintings and prints for
sale, Donna Wassman and Kathy Phillips will be selling their
unique jewelry items, and Debbie Houshour will have beautiful
Persian rugs available to purchase. Terry Magill’s Many
Hands Gallery and Art Studio is located next to the Myrtle
Point Veterinary Clinic, south of Myrtle Point on Highway
42.¤
]]> no@spam.com (Coquille Valley Sentinel Editor) http://www.oregonbeacon.com/CoquilleSentinel/articles/2067/1/Bazaar-Hopping/Page1.html