14 October 2014
New Plans For Rhody Path Cover Both Sides of the Road
Two alternatives have emerged in the continuing discussion on just what form should be given to accommodations for bicycles and pedestrians along Rhododendron Drive. Interim City Manager Larry Patterson said elected officials have responded to the outpouring of comments on the original plan announced last spring that would have provided for a meandering path along the east side of the drive. That would have required clearing a large amount of vegetation.
Larry Patterson – “The council is listening to folks and more we said ok, you know, let’s see if there’s something else we can do that we can still move forward and meets with citizen approval and that’s why we have a couple more options.
The new plans will be presented Thursday evening at the Florence Events Center between four and seven pm.
Larry Patterson – “Mostly it’s drop in. We’ll have the options, people can go there, they can look at them. We’d like to get folks’ input about whether they think that’s good, bad or indifferent or if they have other thoughts that they can fill those cards out and drop them by and we’ll get all that input to the council at their October 20th meeting.”
Both plans embrace a more traditional ‘bike lane’ approach on both sides of the road that would have less impact on vegetation.
Protect yourself and family
Health officials say getting a flu vaccination can be one of the simplest, but most effective ways of protecting your health.
Seasonal influenza outbreaks usually begin in October, with the most severe outbreaks peaking in January.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, anyone aged 6-months or older should be vaccinated every year.
Formulation of flu vaccine changes every year, based on the estimates of which particular strains may be most prevalent.
This year the vaccine is formulated to protect against two “type A” viruses and two “type B”.
Flu shots are available at all local pharmacies as well as a regular flu-shot clinic at the Florence Events Center. They can also be had at your regular primary care health provider.
Voter registration deadline today for November 4th election
Interest in this fall’s general election is quite high with local, regional and even national races under consideration. Lane County Clerk Cheryl Betschart said this week, her office, which oversees elections in Lane County, is gearing up for a possible 70-percent return of ballots.
If you’re eligible, but aren’t already registered to vote, today is the deadline if you want to participate November 4th.
There are three ways to register. The first is easiest and quickest, but requires you to already have a state issued Oregon Driver’s License, ID Card or Learner’s Permit. Go online to OregonVotes-dot-org and fill out the form. It needs to be done by 11:59 PM.
The two other methods both involve filling out a voter registration form available at the DMV. If you have that state issued ID or license, you can mail the registration and as long as it’s postmarked with today’s date it is acceptable. If you don’t have that photo ID, you’ll have to take it directly to the county elections office no later than four pm.
Betschart added that it never hurts to at least check your voter registration status. You can do that online at www-dot-LaneCounty-dot-org-slash-elections.
Winning chowder entry provides bacon for high school programs
Three Rivers Casino’s Trio’s Restaurant won first place in last month’s Oregon Coast Chowder Competition in Florence. The restaurant claimed a $500 cash prize for their winning efforts. They in turn donated that money to Siuslaw High School where it will be divided between the culinary and Life Skills programs. The latter assists students with mild to severe disabilities learn basic living and social skills.
The chowder cookoff was part of the “Fire It Up Barbecue Weekend” September 19th through the 21st. The team from Craig’s Family Barbecue in Florence was the winner in the BBQ category.
Food Share Reopening Set
Florence Food Share will be participating Thursday in “World Food Day” with a “Re-Grand-Opening” celebration. The local non-profit food pantry has been making distributions from their warehouse for the past two weeks while a new floor has been installed in the pantry and offices.
Food Share Director Norma Barton says a special grant from Wal Mart enabled them to make several repairs to the pantry over the past few months. Staff and volunteers have been “making do” with cramped and chilly conditions while the work has been going on.
That work is nearing completion and they’re planning on restoring complete operations Thursday morning, 9 AM with a special celebration.
