AARP Investing in Small Towns and Cities
Imagine community projects that can be turned around quickly. Sounds unlikely? A program that does just that is open for applications. Started in 2017, the A-A-R-P Community Challenge program provides grants to improve cities and towns for people of all ages. The city of Tigard is one recent recipient. The program helped fund what’s called a Launch Pod food business accelerator. City official Lloyd Purdy says two food cart businesses have been selected and will launch in the spring. He says the Community Challenge program focuses on projects that build communities.
“Whether it’s starting new businesses or making a community a healthier place – in my experience, that grant program is willing to put financial support behind a wide range of ideas because AARP knows that a healthy community is good for not just seniors but for everybody.”
Last year, six projects in Oregon were funded through the program. Since 2017, the program has awarded 12-point-7 million dollars to more than a thousand projects. The program prioritizes nonprofit organizations and government entities.
Gas Prices
After a couple of weeks of increases there is some relief at the gas pumps. It has been a slight decrease across the state with only a half cent change on the pumps, but locally the average price of a gallon of regular gas has dropped about a dime to $3.29. according to Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon the recent U.S. job report could have a positive effect on prices.
Lighthouse Birthday
Heceta Head Lighthouse is preparing for a party to celebrate its 129th year. On March 30th there will be a family-friendly event at the Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast featuring hotdogs and live music. Parking is $5.00.
Rhododendron Forms
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce plans for the 2023 Rhododendron Festival are coming together. Forms for the different events are available through a link at the chamber’s website Florencechamber.com. The Vendor Fair, parade and banner carrier forms can be downloaded and turned in to the Visitor’s Center. Plans for the Rhododendron Court have changed for this year with the coronation coming the Saturday before the festival on May 13th. Additional information about the Rhododendron Festival can also be found on the chamber’s website.