14 October 2013
Transit Changes to be Discussed Wednesday
A presentation on upcoming changes to the route of the Rhody Express bus service in Florence will be laid out Wednesday afternoon at City Hall.
The city’s Transit Advisory Committee will meet at 1:30 that day to hear about changes to the weekday bus service caused by the addition of a stop at Three Rivers Casino.
At first, it was thought it would alter things so that the bus would not be on a regular 60-minute route, but staffers and operators of the bus said last month they would likely be able to keep to the regular schedule.
Wednesday’s meeting will include a presentation not only on the timing of the route, but a discussion on the transition plan itself.
The Committee will also discuss different ways of communicating the route changes to current and prospective riders as well as ways to attract new riders.
Turning Books to Food
In less than two weeks residents of the Florence area have already turned hundreds of books into food.
The “Read for the Need Bookery”, operated by Florence Food Share opened October 2nd and, according to Food Share spokesperson June Clingenpeel, visitors to the shop at 3120 Highway 101 have selected hundreds of novels, non-fiction selections and children’s books from those on display.
Clingenpeel said they were promptly replaced by back-stock, offering even more reading material to book buyers.
Money raised at the ‘bookery’ is used to help support operations at Food Share where approximately 600 households are assisted each and every month with emergency food.
Officials at Food Share say they’re seeing more need than ever.
The Bookery is open from 12-5 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; then from ten to five on Saturdays.
Halloween Pet Safety
Halloween is still more than two weeks away, but pet health specialists say it’s not too early to be aware of the hazards posed to your dogs or cats.
Candy, chocolate and other human treats… and their wrappers… can be hazards to pets, especially dogs. Unsweetened, dark, bittersweet and baking chocolate can even be toxic.
Oregon Veterinary Medical Association president Todd McNabb, a Clackamas County Veterinarian says gum, candy and breath fresheners containing the sweetener xylitol can cause your pet’s system to create a surge of insulin and even cause liver damage.
Dr. McNabb says decorations and costumes pose hazards as well.
