Everyone is invited Tuesday, Nov. 12, to Lincoln City’s public library for a day-long observance of Veterans Day. Featured will be Devon Whitaker of the state Veterans Affairs office in Newport who can answer questions about state and federal veterans programs and services. The session gets under way at 10 a.m. on the second floor library at 801 SW HWY 101 in Lincoln City.

Library staff are also gathering respected military histories about America’s combat troops, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. All these books will be available for check-out in the library, and will be displayed along with John McCrae’s famous poem, “In Flanders Fields.”

Veterans Day is observed each year on Nov. 11th, a Federal holiday. Originally called Armistice Day, it marks “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918 when the guns fell silent, signaling the end of World War 1. While Memorial Day specifically honors those who lost their lives in service to their country, Veterans Day honors all veterans, living or dead. It offers an opportunity to give thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

The event will take place at Driftwood Public Library in the Fischer Room, and is free and open to the public. The library is located on the second floor of the City Hall building at 801 SW HWY 101, across the street from Burger King and adjacent to McKay’s Market. Questions about the event can be directed to the library’s director, Kirsten Brodbeck-Kenney, who can be reached at kbrodbeck-kenney@lincolncity.org, or at 541-996-1251.

If you haven’t taken a look at our new Park’s progress, I encourage you to go see firsthand. The new Park is nestled in the wooded area of SE 3rd and Keel, creating an oasis in Lincoln City. Careful planning, research and sustainable use have played key roles in the development of this park. The process of selective tree thinning, a method of tree removal that minimized damage to other trees and the environment, was implemented. The new Park also encompasses a protected wetland area, which has been preserved and is home to various wildlife. You will soon be able to walk amongst the sounds of nature and lofty trees on the newly constructed trail that leads to a Story Circle natural area. Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Maintenance staff has laid the base layer and outlined the trail, paving the way for community volunteers to help add the final materials to the trail this Saturday, October 26th during the Trail Party.
In the upcoming years (2020- and on) Lincoln City Parks & Recreation plans to develop more of the park, which may include more trails, a dog park, a viewing station of the wetlands, etc.
In the meantime, Lincoln City is asking for your help to name the Park. If you have a name idea, please contact LoRee LaFon, Parks & Recreation Ambassador at llafon@lincolncity.org for an application or stop by City Hall and pick one up. All entries will be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Board, City Management, with final decision from City Council. Winner of this contest will receive one free annual membership to the Lincoln City Community Center. Entries must be received by November 15th. Follow https://www.facebook.com/LincolnCityParksandRecreation/ for exciting news and updates. Should you have questions or comments, please contact Parks and Recreation Director, Jeanne Sprague at jsprague@lincolncity.org, 541.996.1222.

Check this out.  This bicycle can charge every type of cell phone.  Just hook it up and start peddling.  I saw it recently at a convention and thought it would be great at the Community Center.  Let me know what you think at rchandler@lincolncity.org.  Would you actually use it?

Lincoln City Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that Recreation Supervisor, Boone Marker, has received the 2019 Oregon Recreation and Parks Association ‘Outstanding New Professional’ award

This award recognizes a parks and recreation professional with a minimum of 3 years experience, and a maximum of 15 years, who has demonstrated leadership, initiative, innovation and overall contribution to the parks and recreation profession.

When asked for his reaction, Boone Marker said, I’m completely honored by this award.  I’m thankful to my team for all their hard work in making Lincoln City Parks & Recreation a success.”

Lincoln City Parks and Recreation Director, Jeanne Sprague said, “Boone is the epitome of a genuine Parks & Recreation professional, with his positive leadership, enthusiasm for health and wellness, great new ideas, and obvious care for our Lincoln City Community.  We’re fortunate to have him with LC Parks & Recreation. Thank you for recognizing him, ORPA.”

‘Coach Boone’ started his career at the Boys and Girls Club of Salem in 2000.  He made his way to Lincoln City in the fall of 2015, to begin his work in LC Parks & Recreation. As Recreation Supervisor, he has started many new projects including Movies in the Park, Pickleball play and tournament, increased sports league participation (volleyball, basketball, soccer, track, cross country), new branding of the Dept, and much more!

Should you have questions or comments about ORPA or Boone’s award, please reach out anytime to Parks and Recreation Director, Jeanne Sprague at jsprague@lincolncity.org, 541.996.1222.