19 November 2014
Siuslaw Food Service Likely Going In House
After months of discussions, analysis and review, food services at the Siuslaw School District appear to be headed “in-house”. 97J Finance Director Kari Blake has been working with an ad hoc committee to examine just whether or not Siuslaw could “go it alone” after working with an outside contractor for more than two decades.
Kari Blake – There’s some things that the committee felt like we could improve upon, you know, menu variety. Having the kids making some of those choices as well, what they’re wanting to eat. And so those are all factors.”
Blake said financial considerations were not really a factor, except for that Siuslaw is one of the few districts in the state that does not have to subsidize food services with operating funds. She was also adamant that the proposed move is not being made because of any dissatisfaction with the current contractor.
Kari Blake – “I do want to be clear that our relationship with Chartwells has been very good. We enjoy having the employees of Chartwells here on the site. That has not ever been an issue.”
This evening’s school board meeting has been moved to the Elementary Library in anticipation of a larger than usual crowd. If the board approves, Blake will begin putting together a food services team that will be ready to hit the kitchen by next fall.
Thanksgiving Travelers Will See Low Gas Prices
Florence’s average cash price for a gallon of regular unleaded continues to fall. This week’s drop was only a penny a gallon and is at $2.91. That’s just three cents higher than the national average price… but it’s 16-cents less than the Oregon average as measured by Triple-A.
According to Marie Dodds with Triple-A, prices are at the lowest they’ve been in four years and, barring any last minute spike, travelers heading out for the Thanksgiving holiday next week will see the lowest prices since 2009.
Dodds credits falling global wholesale crude oil prices for the drop.
Open House To Explain Bridge Renovation
A three-and-a-half-year project to repair damaged concrete, replace railings, provide seismic upgrades and prevent corrosion on the nearly 80-year old Siuslaw River Bridge in Florence will be the focus of a special open-house this afternoon.
Oregon Department of Transportation officials will be at Florence City Hall from 4:30 to 6 PM Wednesday.
The key purpose of the project will be to install what is called a “cathodic protection system” similar to one on the Cape Creek Bridge near the Heceta Lighthouse that provides a layer of sprayed on zinc coating that attracts corrosion, keeping it away from structural steel elements within the concrete of the bridge.
Community Tree Lighting This Weekend
If you’re interested in getting a little bit of an extra start on the Christmas Season, merchants in Historic Old Town Florence have something for you.
Friday evening, from five to nine PM participating merchants will be offering special bargains accompanied by a glass of champagne. It will also give you a chance to admire the many custom wreathes that will be auctioned off Saturday.
Those wreathes are created by Chamber of Commerce Members and will be on display again Saturday before being sold during a silent auction that concludes at four o’clock at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum.
That will be just in time for you to catch the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Gazebo Park on Bay Street and the lighting of the community Christmas Tree at 4:45.
Bands To Perform For Middle School and Fifth Graders
40 members of the University of Oregon Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Timothy Paul, will perform tomorrow morning at the Florence Events Center. The audience will include band members from Siuslaw Middle School.
Also on stage will be the Siuslaw High School Symphonic Band, under the direction of Chris Rowbotham (RO-bah-thum).
Invited audience members include fifth graders from Siuslaw Elementary School. They are “under the direction of Principal Mike Harklerode”.
The ten AM concert is open to the public, both bands will perform several different pieces.
Reducing Child Abuse and Neglect
Planning for local activities and awareness programs for next spring’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month will be the main focus Friday when the West Lane 90by30 team meets at Mapleton High School. The group will also discuss expanding their committee and follow up on a recent survey recording attitudes and ideas about child abuse and neglect.
90-by30 is a county-wide initiative with the goal of reducing child abuse and neglect in Lane County 90-percent by the year 2030. The local committee is headed by Lynn Anderson from Siuslaw School District, she’ll be joined Friday by Jeskia Kaczenski from the Mapleton District. She’ll take over co-chair duties from Mapleton Superintendent Jodi O’Mara.
Friday’s meeting is from 11:30 to one.
