21 January 2015
Food service changes considered at the FEC
The Florence City Council will discuss proposed changes tonight that would eliminate the exclusive contract at the Florence Events Center. FEC Manager Kevin Rhodes said the move is coming as a result of feedback from the community and center-users who want more options when it comes to food services.
Since the center opened in 1996 it has operated with an exclusive caterer. For the past ten years that’s been Red Rose Catering.
Rhodes said under the new proposal to be considered this evening, caterers would simply have to meet a list of requirements and pay a fee to the center in order to provide food services.
There would be some costs incurred in making the switch; the center would have to purchase small kitchen wares and acquire a liquor license and required health permits.
Rhodes said the Friends of the Events Center has volunteered to cover some of the up-front costs. He said the move would make it easier for groups like the Siuslaw High School Culinary program to provide services.
The Council will discuss the proposal this evening when they meet at six.
Dunes City goals
The Dunes City Council will hold a special meeting tomorrow afternoon to set their goals for the coming year. Written suggestions can be submitted through today at Dunes City Hall. Tomorrow’s meeting is open to the public, but public participation will be limited.
Significant goals from last week that will likely continue into 2015 include updating the city’s comprehensive plan and continuing to hold educational seminars promoting awareness of the Dunes City septic program.
Continued organization and presentation of the Oregon Dunes Triathlon and Duathlon in May is also expected to make the list.
Dunes City Council meets at two PM Tomorrow at Dunes City Hall.
Free tax prep offered
Twice a week between now and April 15th volunteers will be available at Siuslaw Public Library to help low and moderate income residents prepare and file their taxes.
The volunteers are specially trained tax-aides with AARP and are certified by the Internal Revenue Service.
The clinics operate from 9:30 to two pm every Monday and Thursday in the library’s Bromley Room.
People needing tax assistance need to bring photo ID, their social security card and their financial information.
Flu precautions still called for
Hospitalization of patient suffering from influenza in Oregon appears to be on the decline this week after reaching a season high two weeks ago.
According to the Oregon Department of Health there were an average of about 90 hospitalizations each week over the past four weeks due to the flu. Last week, the number of cases had plummeted to 40.
Health experts say it’s still not too late to get a flu shot if you have not done so. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, seven out of ten people over age 65 get the flu shots… they’re one population that is at high risk.
The lowest percentage comes between ages 18 and 30. Fewer than one-in-five people in that age range typically get flu shots.
SOS gets a cleanup
Roby’s Furniture in Florence was closed one day last week, but employees didn’t have the day off. The nine people, led by local manager Dustin Herring spent the day at Siuslaw Outreach Services working inside and outside the building.
One crew painted the conference room inside, while others were outside raking leaves, trimming shrubs and spreading bark.
SOS executive director David Wiegan said it was a – quote – “tremendous donation of service” and added the building “looks great”.
