Things to Do in the Siuslaw Region During Social Distancing
10 Ideas to Keep You Creating, Moving, & Learning
Written in March 2020
It’s not too late to watch the Rhody parade (no walking required)
Did you miss the virtual Rhody Parade? It’s not too late, and it’s worth 36 minutes of your time. Some of our local families, organizations, and businesses got creative, and we even had some fans from outside the area participate. Check it out! Thanks to the City of Florence and Florence Area Chamber of Commerce for making the best of the situation.
Write a Letter or Send Some Art
Brighten someone’s day by taking a few minutes to write a letter or note of encouragement to one of our community members at a retirement or assisted living community that can’t have visitors right now. You can help ensure safety by putting your letter in a plastic sheet protector or plastic zipper bag where it can be read through the plastic and sanitized for distribution. Kids (or adults) could draw a picture to include as well. Staff at Regency, Spruce Point, and Shorewood are accepting letters.
See a Show or Visit a Gallery (Virtually, of Course!)
Our C.R.O.W. theater kids were all set to bring Mary Poppins to the stage this April, and sadly, the show could not go on. The kids got creative, though, and put together a supercalifragilistic song to tide you over until we can all get back to the theater. You can see it on YouTube. Feel free to wear your pajamas!
Visual artists from Mapleton, Siuslaw, and home-school are showing their talents in an online gallery for the annual Fresh Impressions show.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Now’s the time to get started with you spring and summer flower or vegetable garden. Did you know there’s a Florence Backyard Farmers Facebook group with seasoned gardeners who love to share their expertise?
The Learning Never Ends
Visit the (virtual) library! Siuslaw Public Library District’s building may be closed, but the resources and fun are still available. You can check out eBooks to read or listen to, tune in to Miss Gayle’s storytime at the regular 10:30 a.m. time Tuesdays and Fridays on Facebook, catch a lecture, like Kevin Mittge’s Best Books of 2019 talk, or even hang out in the parking lot to use the wifi (just maintain social distancing). Or check out the e-learning resources like mango language instruction or explore a database.
Need a library card? Apply for your temporary card here: siuslawlibrary.info/library-card-application
Explore the Siuslaw Watershed
You may not be able to get in a canoe or kayak to explore, but you can take a virtual trip through the Siuslaw Watershed and learn about the history of our river and Siuslaw Watershed Council‘s conservation projects through their amazing video series. If you haven’t seen these videos or you aren’t yet familiar with the Watershed Council, you’re in for a treat!
We Like to Move-it Move-it
Just because the gym is closed it doesn’t give you an excuse to skip your exercise session. (Sorry!) Get moving virtually with a class via Zoom from fitness trainer Tracy Markley, or participate in a YouTube class from Coastal Fitness. Siuslaw Crossfit has some home workout ideas on Instagram to help you build up your strength. Bonus: Exercise reduces stress and helps keep your immune system strong.
Sew for Siuslaw — Make Face Masks for our Community Healthcare Providers
Here’s something helpful and productive to do with those leftover fabric remnants you’ve been saving for a rainy day. PeaceHealth has posted instructions and a pattern for creating face masks. These (and other PPE donations) can be dropped off by appointment at City of Florence Public Works Monday-Friday. To make an appointment, please contact us via email at donations@westlaneeoc.org or via phone at 541-997-4106.
Tune in to an Art Techniques Demo
Hang out with Jo of BeauxArts for an art demo. Watch the BeauxArts Facebook page for announcements of live events, or check out her YouTube channel to see the archived demos.
Creative Wandering
Take a photo walk in your neighborhood. Dust off your camera, or use your phone and get creative. Look for new spring growth, or different textures, or choose a color and find things that match. Try the bird’s eye, worm’s eye view approach and see what things look like from different perspectives. Need some inspiration? Check out these galleries from Siuslaw Viewfinders Camera Club members. If you’re more into drawing or painting, take your sketchpad out and see what creativity is sparked by your surroundings, or try plein air painting.
Share your ideas for other things to do in the Siuslaw Region during social distancing with us.