Florence chamber told Labor Day group needs chairman
Florence Chamber of Commerce met Nov. 3 for a noon luncheon and business meeting at Carriage Manor in Florence.
Upcoming events were discussed at length and a schedule was arranged for holiday events and a community dinner and skit.
Of possible major impact to the community was the announcement by Trayce Warner that no one has stepped forward to chair the Labor Day committee for the 2006 celebration. Last year's chairman was Sue Klassen, but she declined another year at the helm of the committee.
The annual Labor Day celebration is a major promotion for the Florence community, bringing hundreds of visitors to town during the three-day weekend.
Warner asked that anyone interested in helping with the celebration contact her. "Someone needs to step up and say, 'I'll take it'," said Warner.
Discussion of holiday events revealed the PRIDE committee will not be hosting a home tour this year due to gas prices and the difficulty getting to Florence because of repairs on U.S.-77.
PRIDE also will postpone until after the holidays the community dinner and play that was so successful last year.
Chamber members approved a $75 expenditure for supplies for third graders at Marion Elementary School to make decorations for the community Christmas tree. The children will decorate a tree in Veteran's Park and sing carols in businesses. The date for this event has yet to be determined.
Breakfast with Santa will be Dec. 10 at the American Legion. There will be no charge for children to eat breakfast.
Chamber members agreed to host a community soup and dessert supper Dec. 11 at the Legion building. Members Jolene Gayle, Alice Hayes, Sue Klassen, Trayce Warner, and Twilah Williams will be in charge.
In other business, the chamber:
— was introduced to Jeff Wagner, new city superintendent. Wagner told a little about himself and said he was pleased to find Florence such a "close-knit community."
— agreed to increase the cost of the monthly chamber meal from $4 to $5 per member.
— tabled until the December meeting a decision on membership plaques.
— heard that Ed Robinson and several helpers made repairs to the swimming pool pump house and did some painting on the shelter house at Grandview Park.
— heard PRIDE soon will remove downtown planters and store them until spring.
— heard from USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker that an architect for district improvements has been selected and drawings will be available by Jan. 1. Leiker said community meetings will be announced at that time.
