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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 7, 2018)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018 ❚ SIUSLAW NEWS It’s All In The Stars: Rating System For Medicare Plans Explained (NAPS)—Seniors enrolling in Medicare often are surprised to discover that most Medicare health and prescription drug plans are measured by a five-star rating sys- tem. Much like a reviewer guide to restau- rants or hotels, Medicare plans are ranked from a low of one star to a high of five stars. The overall ratings provide an easy and intuitive way to help people evaluate and compare both the quality of the product being offered and the overall experience of real-life consumers. Developed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Star Rating system is based on member surveys as well as information provided by doctors, health care providers, and Medicare’s regu- lar monitoring activities. The standards are evaluated on an annual basis and are built to drive continuous improvement in the health care system and better health out- comes for Medicare enrollees. For 2018, there was only one Medicare (Cost) plan in the state of Minnesota to receive a five out of five-star rating: Plati- num Blue by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. For plans covering health services, rat- ings are based on a plan’s performance in five categories: • Keeping people healthy: Includes whether members received appropriate preventative screening tests, vaccines, and other check-ups to help them stay healthy. • Managing chronic (long-term) condi- tions: Includes how often members with certain conditions got recommended tests Unexpected Ways to Support Pollinators and treatments to help manage their condi- tion. • Member experience: Includes actual member’s ratings of the plan. • Member complaints and changes in the health plan’s performance: Includes how often Medicare found problems with the plan and how often members had problems with the plan. • Health plan customer service: Includes how well the plan handles member appeals. Evaluating a Medicare plan should take other factors into account as well, such as covered benefits and which doctors, clinics and hospitals are included in the network. Health insurance comes with many com- plexities. At no cost or obligation to you, a local insurance agent or broker can explain the different parts of Medicare and find the most cost-effective coverage that best fits your needs. He or she can also assist with any claims issues that arise at any time dur- ing the year. For more resources, you can visit bluecross- mn.com/medicare or to speak with a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota repre- sentative call (855) 579-7658 (TTY users call 711) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time, daily. An insurance agent or broker can help you navigate the Medicare system to your best advantage. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calcu- lated each year and may change from one year to the next. Platinum Blue is a Cost plan with a Medi- care contract. Enrollment in Platinum Blue depends on contract renewal. Academic Success Could Involve Music To Your Ears (NAPS)—Here’s an idea many fam- ilies may be wise to note: Research shows letting your kids learn music can help them do better in other sub- jects and enhances skills they’ll need in other areas. Lend An Ear To Expert Advice “The development of language over time tends to enhance parts of the brain that help process music,” explains Dr. Kyle Pruett, clinical profes- sor of child psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. “Language competence is at the root of social competence. Musical experience strengthens the capacity to be verbally competent.” What’s more, a study by E. Glenn Schellenberg at the University of To- ronto at Mississauga, as published in Psychological Science, found an in- crease in the IQs of 6-year-olds who were given weekly voice and piano lessons. Another study, led by Ellen Win- ner, professor of psychology at Bos- ton College, and Gottfried Schlaug, professor of neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Har- vard Medical School, found children who had just 15 months of weekly music instruction and practice had improved sound discrimination and fi ne motor tasks. According to many music teachers, the piano can be a great fi rst instru- ment. There are several reasons. First, pianos are simple to play; children can begin their music studies as soon as their fi ngers can reach all the keys. In addition, a piano can help students learn to read music because it’s easy to see the relationships between pitches in both melodies and chords and the way they look written out on the staff. Regular piano playing sharpens fi ne motor skills and improves hand- eye coordination in the young. Plus, studying piano has been shown to improve memory and build good habits such as focus and persever- ance, diligence and creativity. Keys to Piano Success If you’re considering investing in music education for your child and purchasing a piano, there are three things you should learn fi rst. 1. Invest in a good acoustic piano. Look for a high-quality tone, not tin- ny or shallow, but round and warm that fi lls the room with vibrations. An Brought to you by this newspaper in partnership with PUBLIC NOTICES Always in your newspaper: Now in your inbox, too. I f n o b o d y k n o w s w h a t ’ s g o i n g o n , n o b o d y c a n d o a n y t h i n g a b o u t i t . That Th T h at’s at t ’s ’ s w hy y w e ke e ep e p s sa a y in ay ing g y ourr l loc ocal al and sta tate t g ov v e r nm n m en n t sh h ou u ld l d k eep e e p ee p u bl pu b is ishi hing ng g t the heir ir p pub ub b li l i c no noti ticess in n t the he n newsp pap aper er.. N o w yo you o u ca c a n st t ay a y inf i nf n for o r me or med e d AND AN N D kee e p th h o s e pu p ub b l ic n ot o t ic c es e s i in n th h e ne n e ws w pa p a pe er. r J stt g Ju go o to t o p u ub b li i cn cnot n ot o tic t i ceads d .com/o ds /or, sig gn u up p f or r t h he e f fre r e e Sm re m a ar r t tS S e ea a rc r c h se s e rvic rv v ic ce, , an n d g ge e ett a al l l o of f t hi hiss p pa a pe e r r’’ s pu p u bl b l lic i c n ic not ottic i es s d del e iv el i er ered e d t o y ed yo o u vi v i a em m ai a l. l publicnoticeads.com/or ERVICES D-057 CLEANING SERVICES CCB #96660 Tweety Sez: Consistent, Quality Cleaning. D-070 CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTORS 997-2385. Florence Janitorial Services Bill and Jo Hine, Owners CERTIFIED, LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED Major credit cards accepted CARPET CLEANING CCB #96660 997-3825 Certified-Bonded Upholstery STEAM OR DRY Smoke • Water Cleanup Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Family owned & operated 541-999-5169 All major credit cards accepted Licensed • Certified Insured ELECTRICAL bee health. On Long Island, Bethpage State Park is also creating pollinator- attractant areas throughout its vast recreational space. The park has restored nearly two acres of pollinator habitat and planted scores of wildfl owers, and it’s not stopping there. Agronomy director Andrew Wilson and his staff plan to create an entire corridor for pollinators by removing invasive species and restoring the areas’ native habitats. Many of these organizations have joined Feed a Bee, a nationwide initiative sponsored by Bayer to support pollinator health. Feed a Bee’s current goal is to plant pollinator forage in all 50 states by the end of 2018. By partnering with organizations that provide habitat in unexpected places, the initiative’s message that anyone can support bees and other pollinators is loud and clear. 999 ✦ PUBLIC NOTICES 999 ✦ PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Florence Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on February 13, 2018 at 5:30 PM in the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince Street, concerning the following proposal: RESOLUTION PC 17 28 EAP 02 – Beryl Industries Ex- tension of Approval Period: A request for an extension of approval period, ending January 24, 2018 for Resolution PC 16 28 CUP 09 - a request for a conditional use permit to open and operate a retail recreational marijuana facility, in the Commercial District regulated by FCC Title 10 Chapter 15. The building is located at 1541 Highway 101, on the SW corner of Highway 101 and 16th Street, Map 18-12-26-23, TL 00700. For more information please contact the City of Florence Planning Dept. at (541) 997-8237 or visit the City website at www.ci.fl orence.or.us. Publication Date: February 7, 2018 EXCAVATING Ray Wells, Inc CB# 91052 P.O. B OX 3467 • 1770 L AUREL P L . • F LORENCE , OR 97439 Robert’s Handyman Service LEISURE EXCAVATING INC. G ENERAL C ONTRACTOR LANDSCAPE MATERIALS • CAT WORK • CLEARING GRADING • SAND & GRAVEL - U-HAUL or DELIVERY BARK • CEMENT MIX • DRAIN FIELD ROCK • SEPTIC SYSTEMS We specialize in Structural Problems and Dry Rot CCB #192681 DEQ #37943 Call Robert or Marcus 541-997-5970 • 541-991-7870 (cell) Ace Stove & Home Services Providing service cleaning and repairs of gas and pellet stoves; other services includes gas piping, decks and fences, along with small home repair. 541-420-4082 Serving Florence lic #87690 • Remodeling • Pressure Washing • Painting & More COAST COMPUTER SERVICES, LLC D-077 You and your family can work together to plant forage for pollinators. P H . 541-997-2054 • F AX 541-997-3499 • 1-877-201-0652 CCB#164861 COMPUTER SERVICES New Computer Sales • Repairs • Upgrades Spyware & Virus Removal • Tune-Ups Used Computers and Laptops • DSL • Cable We Come To Your Home or Business bret@mycoastcomputers.com • 1525 12th St. Suite #5, (541)997-0700 Urban Gardens One such organization is the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). After receiving funding from the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment to create a “green roof,” the univer- sity’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) went a step fur- ther by restoring an existing greenhouse to form what would eventually become the largest food-produc- ing green roof in the city. The D.C. Master Gardeners worked with UDC to add a garden to the roof that sup- ports pollinators and serves as a beacon of education and outreach for those in- terested in urban gardening and habitat restoration. Golf Courses Golf courses around the nation are also doing their part to plant more forage for honey bees. Since 2010, Cantigny Golf in Wheaton, Illinois, has been restoring several acres of native prairie land, providing vital habitat for honey bees and other pollinators. Club superintendent Scott Witte started The Bee Barometer Project to illustrate how golf can be part of the solution to sustaining pollinator health. Witte now serves as an important link between golf courses and organizations raising awareness about E XCAVATING • S EPTIC S YSTEMS • S UBDIVISIONS L AND C LEARING • P AVING • T RUCKING B RUSH & D EBRIS R ECYCLING • D EMOLITION CONSTRUCTION , Inc. Call for a quote today D-060 By making your gar- den a welcoming place for pollinators such as bees, you help both it and the planet stay healthy. D-085 tfc 30 Years Experience • Reasonable Rates• Senior Discount • Lic. #209676 SteamWay Carpet Cleaning (NAPS)—It’s a com- mon misconception that you need a large yard and advanced gardening skills to support honey bees by planting more forage. How- ever, the reality is that any- one with enthusiasm and a potted plant can provide bees with the food and habitat they need. While in- dividuals are crucial in pro- tecting pollinators, many organizations are also fi nd- ing solutions to help polli- nators thrive in unexpected places. DEQ#37263 tfc For clean as a whistle, call , LLC D-101 541-543-7764 CCB#186756 Full Service Dogs & Cats Owner/Groomer 35+ years experience (541) 902-7622 Serving Florence 16 years PEST CONTROL For What’s Bugging You Lic. #209381 Joe Ellis Construction 997-6300 GROOMING / PETS Linda Wheeler 541-590-0288 Insured & Bonded TOPSOIL WHEN AVAILABLE Call for Free Estimate – Lindas Pet Grooming D-182 General Contractor No Job Too Small! Environmentally Responsible Free Inspections 541-997-4027 CCB#79884 D-222 REAL ESTATE Lynnette Wikstrom – Broker (541) 999-0786 Living in the Florence area since 1979. COAST REAL ESTATE 100 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439 Siuslaw News Yellow Directory SIUSLAW VALLEY ELECTRIC, INC. RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL CONTRACTING Ore. BBR No. 8689 Y Saturday’s Graphic Deadline for today’s paper: Thursday by 2:00 PM S IRECTORY Gift Certificates must be picked up within 2 weeks of winning or bring in a clipping to attach to your entry into the drawing for a gift certificate. D ELLOW acoustic piano can last longer, have more aesthetic appeal, and provide a better music educational experi- ence. For example, touch sensitivity of an acoustic piano lets you play the more subtle musical expressions and dynamics required in most musical genres. As one professional music teacher put it: “Learning to play on an acoustic instrument offers a range of dynamics, responsiveness, tone color and action that a digital piano cannot match.” Although acoustic pianos tend to be more expensive than digital, the Boston and Essex piano models de- signed by Steinway bring the world- class tone within fi nancial reach. Fur- thermore, should your child become more serious about his or her piano studies, you can trade in the instru- ment toward a more expensive Stein- way piano. If you think you can’t afford a piano at this time or you’re not sure you and your child want to commit to the instrument, consider renting a piano—a smart option provided by authorized Steinway dealers. 2. Even more important than the quality of the piano is the quality of the teacher. It’s important to fi nd someone who is the right fi t for your child and willing wholeheartedly to invest in your child’s success. One way to fi nd a good teacher is to reach out to your Steinway dealer for sugges- tions. 3. Finally, the best teacher and the best piano can’t help your child learn to play if he or she doesn’t practice. Consistency is key, and a daily routine is by far the most effective practice structure. You can learn more about affordable piano rental options at www.steinway. com/rental. ACE JOHNSON found the Super Bowl LII Graphic on page 7B (280 FLEA MKTS/BAZAARS Header). He won a gift certificate to The Chicken Coop. Here is how it works… We will put a graphic or photo in the box to the left. You find it somewhere in the classifieds. Come into our office, Enter your name, phone number and describe where you found the graphic Ballet Introduced to the US: Anniv. 1827 For families looking to buy a piano, experts advise: Get the best one you can aff ord—it’ll sound better, longer. Good Luck Graphic Search Wednesday’s Graphic 1710 Laurel Way - Airport Industrial Park Store Hours: Mon. thru Fri., 8 A.M. to Noon Forrest G. Grigsby • Stanton E. Grigsby P.O. Box 1216 • sve-1973-grigsby@hotmail.com 7B Phone 997-8821 FAX 997-3723 P.O. Box 10, 148 Maple Street, Florence, Oregon 97439 • (541) 997-3441 • Fax: (541) 997-7979 D-266 WINDOWS Yes! WE DO WINDOWS! Window Cleaning Commercial • Residential Connie, Bill & Mike Spinner–997-8721
