Choosing a Medicare Plan
It’s the time of year when people eligible for Medicare can shop around and make sure they are signed up for the health coverage that makes the most sense for them. Open enrollment for Medicare lasts through December 7th – an important date for more than 900-thousand enrolled Oregonians. Rodney Schroeder is with the Oregon Department of Human Services, which oversees the State Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program helping people with enrollment questions. He says people should take their time with this process and read closely through the annual notice of change for their plan, if they received one.
“If their plan is either not meeting their needs or not meeting their budget or the plan is changing and they received that notice in the mail that the plan is going to change, there are different venues that they can reach out and get some help identifying a different plan that may help them.”
Schroeder notes the SHIBA program has more than 150 counselors around the state that can help people with the enrollment process. Oregonians can contact the program at 800-722-4134.
Rhododendron Drive Project
The City of Florence reminds residents that Rhododendron Drive remains closed during ongoing construction. Access is limited to those heading to residences, the Oregon Coast Humane Society, or the Lane County Transfer Station. This closure applies to vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians, as the area remains unsafe during construction. Please follow road closure signs and instructions from workers. In a construction update: despite recent rain delays, striping was completed on October 8th. K&E Excavating crews continue work on stormwater swales, handrail installation, and preparing landscaping along the riverfront. Road reopening is still pending further progress.
Planning Commission Meeting
During tomorrow evenings planning commission meeting the commission will consider a proposal from Roger Center who has requested the annexation of Tax Lot 1503 from the Florence Urban Growth Boundary to the City of Florence. The property, owned by the Center Family Trust, is slated for the construction of a single-family home, with a building permit already initiated through Lane County. If approved, the Florence City Council will assign a zoning designation. The property is designated for Medium-Density Residential use in the Florence Comprehensive Plan. After annexation, the property will receive city services like sewer and police, while continuing to be served by Heceta Water PUD and emergency services. Referrals from public agencies, including Lane County and Western Lane Fire and EMS, have supported the annexation.
Holiday Festival Announced
Florence is kicking off the holiday season with its first-ever Fall Fest – All Things Oregon, set for Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10, 2024. This two-day event, running from 10 AM to 5 PM, features over 50 Oregon artisans, culinarians, and woodcrafters at Driftwood Shores Resort & Conference Center. Outdoor activities include mesmerizing sand art by Denny Dyke’s Circles in the Sand and kite flying with the Brookings Kiters. Saturday features crystal singing bowls by Sound Shaman Jade Rehder at 1 PM. Evenings will showcase illuminated kite flying. Outdoor events are weather permitting.
