9 April 2015
Local recording artist Amy Clawson will be the Grand Marshall for the 108th Rhododendron Festival in May. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cal Applebee said despite her country roots, Clawson fits perfectly into this year’s theme of “Let’s Rock and Rhody”. She’ll lead the Grand Floral Parade, Sunday May 17th. Applebee said it’s already shaping up.
Cal Applebee – “We have some pretty unique individual entries this year. We have one float that is shaped like a pirate ship. We just had one entry come in from out of the area that looks like a hand-built turn-of-the-century horseless carriage.”
Parade entries are just starting to come in and Applebee is looking for a good local showing.
Cal Applebee – “We’re hoping that a lot of businesses and organizations create some really strong themed floats as well. I know the float for the court will have a pretty heavy rock and roll type theme on it. So, we’re kind of excited about some of the entries that are already coming in.”
The festival officially begins with the Rhody Courts Showcase on Wednesday, May 6th. Applebee says he’s hoping Clawson’s schedule will allow her to make an appearance at that event.
Rounding up that household hazardous waste
Old containers of paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals and car care products shouldn’t be tossed in the trash. But, if you have a shelf-full of them at home, where do you get rid of them?
At the Lane County Waste Transfer Site just off Rhododendron Drive tomorrow and Saturday.
The Household Hazardous Waste Roundup is hosted by Lane County. There is assistance from the City of Florence, Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue, County Transfer and Recycling and the Lane County Master Recyclers.
From noon to five tomorrow, then again from eight to two Saturday, they’ll be accepting many items that may have the words flammable, corrosive, poison, caution or danger on the labels.
Don’t bring empty containers. They don’t accept radioactive waste, asbestos or explosives either.
Friends of the FEC look to subsidize rent
The Friends of the Events Center will likely give away nearly $5-thousand to performing arts groups hoping to use the Florence Events Center in the next fiscal year.
Jennifer Connor with the FEC said last year the Friends delivered grants to 8 different groups. The money was used to offset facilities rental fees at the center.
Connor said there are just a few requirements… the grant will be used for an event rental on a specific date up to $700. The organization must be non-profit, and the approved amount will be paid by the Friends after the event has taken place.
Grant applications must be applied for no later than June 1st.
Exploring failing storm drains
The Oregon Department of Transportation says there will be some lane closures while a contractor does some “exploratory work” today and tomorrow on culverts in and around the Highway 101.
Rick Little with ODOT says closures will occur on Quince Street, north of 126, between 10th and Highway 101. Closures are also expected on Highway 101 between 12th and 28th street until five today, then again tomorrow between 7 AM and three.
Little says electronic reader boards will direct travelers to available lanes of travel. The exploration work is associated with a project to replace the storm drain liner beneath Quince Street and that stretch of Highway 101. That work is expected to begin in the fall.
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