Local business to offer free services on Veterans Day

Nov. 9, 2021 — The Florence Veterans Day Parade Committee has decided to hold a Veterans Honor Cruise in lieu of the traditional parade on Nov. 11, 2021. This cruise will be similar to the one held in 2020 during the pandemic.

Staging will begin at 11 a.m. at the Florence Christian Church parking lot located at Second and Ivy streets in Florence. The Cruise starts at 1 p.m. and will follow a route down through Historic Old Town Florence, back up Kingwood Street to Rhody Drive, down Ninth to Spruce Street and end at the Grocery Outlet parking lot on 21st Street, after driving past three retirement communities.

In addition, two local veterans will share the Grand Marshal status at the 2021 Veterans Honor Cruise. Both veterans are retired from distinguished careers in the military and
active in Florence area
veterans’ efforts.

Tony Cavarno served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951 to 1970, retiring as a first sergeant. During his years in the Corps, he served in Combat Engineers in Korea in 1951 and 1952, and then in an Infantry Company in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968.

Paul Gargis served in the U.S.  Army from 1957 to 1978, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. During his years in the Army, he served two tours in Vietnam, ’68-69 and ’71-72.

In an effort to comply with both the state and local COVID-19 concerns, the
committee will observe the following protocols for the Veterans Honor Cruise:

1) COVID protocol signs will be posted in the staging area;

2) “Observe appropriate COVID protocol during staging” will be included in instructions & map distributed at staging;

3) A sanitation station will be provided at staging which will include masks and hand sanitizer.

This will be a vehicle cruise only, with no floats or walking entries. Vehicles are encouraged to be decorated with American flags, branch service flags and patriotic bunting.

For more information, contact Veterans Day Parade Committee Co-Chairs Jim Swant at 541-968-9512 and Bob Brown at 541-997-3320.

————————————————————————————————————

Local business to offer free services on Veterans Day

A handful of local businesses are offering services for free or for a reduced price on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, and the days surrounding it. Those include:

Boba Flo Bubble Tea & Coffee

813 Highway 101 | 541-997-8155

On Veterans Day, Boba Flo will be offering one free drink to any active military or retired veteran to show their appreciation for their service.

“Let’s remember someone paid the price so we can be free,” the business said.

Free drink available 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Firehouse Restaurant & Lounge

1263 Bay St. | 541- 997-2800

Every year, owner Larry McKenzie says “thank you” to veterans for their service.

The Firehouse Restaurant is offering a free third-pound cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise and pickle, along with fries and soda, to veterans who bring their I.D. to the Firehouse between noon and 7:30 p.m. on Veterans Day.

This will be the 19th year the Firehouse is offering a free burger to veterans.

Jerry's Place Bar and Grill

88274 Rhododendron Drive | 541-997-3815

On Veteran’s Day, Jerry's is offering veterans happy hour pricing on beer and well drinks, a free appetizer and a half dozen fresh baked cookies.

“Any thank you would be too small, but thank you. Your service allows us to ‘Keep Calm and Jerry On!’” said owner Karl Engel.

Korando Dental Group

1705 22nd St. | 541-991-7920

In honor of Veterans Day, Korando Dental Group is holding a free dental day for veterans, active military and spouses on Friday, Nov. 12. People can call 541-991-7920 now to make an appointment. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Korando team will conduct fillings, extractions or cleanings to people with valid current military ID or DD214 or spouse DD214 forms, along with a driver’s license form of identification.

“Korando Dental group is excited to offer this service to all our service members and veterans,” said the Korando team. “It is our way of saying ‘Thank you’ for your service. We are forever grateful to you for your service to our country.”

For more information, call 541-991-7920.

Old Town Barbershop

1341 Bay St. | 541-590-3660

Owner Geraldine Prociw announces that Old Town Barbershop will offer free haircuts for veterans on Veterans Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Space is limited so appointments are recommended by calling 541-590-3660 for details or to make appointments.

Three Rivers Casino Resort

5647 Highway 126 | 1-877-374-8377

As a “thank you” to armed forces service members, active and retired members of the armed forces receive $10 free play each week in November. Vets should visit Players Services with a valid military I.D. to receive the free play.

They'll also receive a Veteran's Sticker to apply to their Player's Club card. This sticker will entitle veterans to special discounts at casino properties throughout the year.

Also, all casino restaurants are offering a veteran’s discount through the end of the year. Discount varies at each individual restaurant. 

Learn more at www.threeriverscasino.com/florence.

Umpqua Discovery Center

409 Riverfront Way, Reedsport | 541-271-4816

Reedsport’s Umpqua Discovery Center is offering free admission to veterans on Veterans Day, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at umpquadiscoverycenter.com or by calling 541-271-4816.