Thanksgiving gives us the chance to gather around a beautiful meal, spend some quality time together, and count all the things we’re grateful for. It’s also a time to think about others in our communities and share our blessings.
This 2022 holiday season it’s time to focus on whatever makes your heart happy. That good feeling can be found by hosting dinner, spending time with friends or spreading joy by giving back in your community. No matter how you decide to celebrate, food remains at the center of all the good that comes with the holiday season.
A Message from Oregon Department of Transportation
Many holiday travelers will flock to the roads this week, but wet, snowy weather could gobble up your plans if you aren’t prepared. Our crews work through the feasting to keep your travels safe, but we could use your help. If there’s snow or a crash, continued staffing shortages mean we may need more time to clear roads.
We’re working to fill current vacant positions, but you should be prepared for less snow plowing. Please be courteous and patient with our crews, whether they are plowing or flagging traffic – we have a shared goal to keep you moving.
Here are some trip tips for #TurkeyDay travel:
This week is one of the busiest travel times of the year, regardless of conditions. Expect delays, plan ahead, and allow extra travel time.
Be careful when traveling over mountain passes. Check TripCheck.com for road conditions. Many camera displays include temperature and other helpful information.
Pay attention to roadside message signs. They contain critical information about conditions on the road ahead, like chain requirements.
Be ready for wintry road conditions. Carry chains and know how to use them. In case of major delays, pack supplies for you and your passengers such as food, water, blankets, warm clothes and medications.
Drive for conditions. Rain, snow, or extra traffic – slow down and give space for more stopping time, especially if the road is slick.
Give snowplows extra space and never pass on the right. Be patient. The safest place to be when it’s snowing is BEHIND a plow.
Don’t be a turkey! Make sure there’s a sober, focused and alert driver behind the wheel to help you get to and from your destinations.
Watch out for the whole flock and keep a lookout for pedestrians and cyclists who are often less visible in wintery weather.No matter how or where you travel in Oregon, be prepared for changing conditions. Let’s look out for each other, our crews, and emergency responders on the road. Everyone deserves a safe holiday weekend.
Kiwanis Club of Florence Distributing Free To-Go Meals on Thanksgiving
The Kiwanis Club of Florence will be distributing 750 free to-go meals at the Elks Lodge on Thanksgiving. They will start serving at 11:30 a.m. and will stop serving when the 750 meals have been distributed. No more than four to-go meals per vehicle unless all recipients are present. Elks Lodge #1858, 1686 12th St.
The drive-through route will begin at 12th and Maple streets and head east along the roadway into the Elks parking lot before splitting into two lanes. Volunteers will be inquiring as to how many meals each vehicle needs and handle accordingly. There will be no more than 4 “To-Go Meals” per vehicle, unless ALL recipients are present.
All meals are fully-cooked, contain the same items, and can be reheated at your convenience.
Due to the national turkey shortage, we will be providing ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, roll and a slice of pumpkin pie.
“Once again, we would like to thank the Florence Elks Lodge #1858 for opening up their facility for this event and our community of volunteers to make it happen,” said the Florence Kiwanis Thanksgiving Committee.
As always, the event happily accepts food donations for local food shares.
For more information, visit www.florencekiwanis.org and www.facebook.com/KiwanisFlorenceOR.
Two organizations plan to provide free dinners in Warrenton and Seaside on Thanksgiving.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10580 in Warrenton will host a free dinner from noon to 4 p.m. at the Warrenton Community Center.
People throughout the county can also reserve home deliveries or curbside pickup. Reservations must be made no later than Wednesday. To reserve any of the options call 503-739-0661 or email the auxiliary.
The Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District will host its annual Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 2 p.m. at the Bob Chisholm Community Center in Seaside. People can also take meals to-go.
COOS BAY
- South Coast Gospel Mission – Come join us for our free Thanksgiving Dinner at the South Coast Gospel Mission. We will be serving from 12:00-2pm on Thanksgiving Day, We’re located behind Toyota, at 1999 N. 7th St, Coos Bay. Help us spread the word, so that no one goes hungry this holiday. For more info call us at 541-269-5017. www.southcoastgospelmission.org.
- Devereux Center – Thanksgiving meal will be served on Tuesday, November 22, from noon-1pm. 1200 Newmark Ave.
- The Coos Bay Salvation Army will hold its Thanksgiving Meal at its Empire location on 1155 Flanagan Ave. from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 541-888-5202.
- The Coos Food Cupboard, local churches, businesses and organizations will hold its 33rd annual Thanksgiving Meal at the Harmony United Methodist Church on 123 Ocean Blvd., in Coos Bay from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call, 541-267-4410.
- The Lakeside Senior Center, located on 915 North Lake Rd., will be holding its Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Lakeside. For more information, call 541-217-0715.
Food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and faith groups offer free Thanksgiving meals. Support is available for anyone who needs help putting food on the table during the holidays. So this year, let us help take away the stress of providing a holiday meal.
How do I find a free Thanksgiving meal?
Free Thanksgiving meals or food boxes are available near you. Enter your zip code below to find your nearest food bank.
Even if a food bank seems far away, they work with food pantries, soup kitchens, and faith-based organizations closer to your home. Some will even travel to your community.
Many food banks have a schedule of Thanksgiving food distributions on their website. You can also call to ask about the food they offer, their hours, and if they have requirements. You may also need to need to sign up for a Thanksgiving basket or meal before November.
Find Your Local Food Bank: https://www.feedingamerica.org/need-help-find-food/thanksgiving
When the big feast comes around, don’t forget what Thanksgiving is all about. Being thankful is an important part of being happy and sharing this joy with others will only elevate your holiday. Oh, and remember to give your compliments to the chef, it is Thanksgiving after all.
We’ll be back in the office on Monday 11/28 – Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Oregon Beach Magazine
Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving Weekend
