Pacific City Sun, February 13, 2007

The

Pacific City

SUN Volume 1, Number 1 • February 13, 2007 • FREE!

On the Lookout for

Birds ‘n Blues Fine Shopping

Support Your Local

Visit the Chamber in Cloverdale for gifts, clothing and fine photography

Tillamook Co. to decide on five-year levy March 13.

Awaits

Librarian

See Pages 8-10 for our

Birding and Blues Guide

Photo by Merrily Ario

On the Cover:

Inside the Sun:

A birder uses binoculars to bring flocking birds at the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge up close during the 2006 Pacific City Birding and Blues Festival.

Photo by Katie Brehm

The

Pacific City

SUN

The Pacific City Sun is the resident and tourist’s guide to Pacific City and the Nestucca Valley. It will be published every three weeks through March and once every two weeks starting in April.

Tim Hirsch Editor & Publisher

A Shortage of Cops

page

3

A Battle for Books

page

4

Birding and Blues

page

8

Vicky Hirsch Associate Editor/Sales Manager

The Pacific City Sun is distrubuted free from Tillamook to Lincoln City, but mail subscriptions are available for $20 for one year, $10 for 6 months.

The Pacific City Sun welcomes reader input. Please send Letters to the Editor via e-mail, postal mail or fax.

P.O. Box 1085 • Pacific City, Oregon 97135 • 503-801-5221 • Fax 541-994-6279 thirsch@pacificcitysun.com Page • Pacific City Sun • February 13, 2007

Building a Future!

page

12

Community News

A Shortage of

Cops?

By Tim Hirsch Pacific City Sun PACIFIC CITY — Do we need more officer patrols? And if we do, are residents willing to pay for it? Those are the questions being addressed by newly formed committees in Pacific City and Neskowin following a two-hour meeting on Feb. 6 led by Tillamook County Sheriff Todd Anderson.

Many residents voiced the opinion that the one county officer sent to patrol South County isn’t enough. From there, though, opinions diverged.

Several residents from neighboring areas such as Tierra del Mar didn’t want their tax burdens increased.

But opposition in these areas is nothing new. When an attempt to get increased protection throughout the Nestucca Valley School District failed in 2002, the vote was close in Neskowin and Pacific City, but it went down heavily in many surrounding areas.

This time it will be different, said Doug Olson, who initiated the 2002 attempt. He noted that the best plan would be to limit the initiative to the areas with stronger support, meaning Pacific City and Neskowin. The two water districts might serve as useful tax bases, thereby excluding the surrounding areas, which are hesitant to sign up.

Both Anderson and Tillamook County Commissioner Mark Labhart (R) challenged the community to spearhead the effort.

“If it’s community driven, it will have more credibility,” said Anderson.

With levies for the Tillamook County Library, Pacific City Joint Water and Sanitation District and Tillamook Bay Community College on the horizon, one of the key strategies will be the election timing if the proposal is put to the ballot box.

“We don’t want to compete against any of those folks,” Anderson said.

The sheriff suggested bringing the issue to voters in either September or November. Though a September election might mean lower voter turnout, if it did pass the new patrols could get started this fiscal year.

“If it were to go on the September ballot, the current county budget could have an extension to accommodate the enhanced protection,” said Anderson.

“We could have protection this fall.”

Though Anderson’s call for a chairperson to lead the effort fell short, two committees, one for Neskowin and one for Pacific City were formed. Realtor Barb Taylor and Jim Creech volunteered for the Pacific City group while Pam Rowland and Christi Clark agreed to posts on the Neskowin contingent.

Pacific City’s first meeting will be held immediately following the Pacific City/Woods Planning Advisory meeting on Feb. 17. The advisory meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Neskowin’s first meeting will be announced shortly.

Among the issues the committees will address is how much police protection to seek. With Pacific City’s total assessed property tax value expected to be about $250 million in the coming year, a $1 per $1,000 tax value would fund approximately two officers.

“A deputy today is $135,000-$150,000 a year,” said Anderson.

If you listen to the numbers, it seems like the need is much greater now than it was when a similar attempt for increased services went down in 2002.

Anderson said officers responded to 1,030 calls in 2004 and 1,650 in 2006, though part of the increase is from increased saturation patrols during threeday weekends.

Anderson said that at full staff, Tillamook County has three officers patrolling throughout the county. When this is the case, he allocates one to north, one to central and one to south Tillamook County.

It may work during the slow months, but when the bulk of tourists come in spring and summer, the number of calls goes up.

Faced with audience concern that the county might ax the current officer allocated to South County if the the county loses funding, both Labhart and Anderson stressed their commitment to law enforcement and public safety.

However, they admitted that their hands might be tied.

One of the problems in keeping the streets safe is the technical requirements of the Sheriff’s Office. Anderson said first and foremost, he is required by law to run the jail. Tillamook County already runs the jail with a skeleton staff, he said.The Sheriff’s Office also maintains contracts for police protection with several cities including Garibaldi. If he is forced to cut money from his budget, county officers are the one discretional area he’s allowed to do so, he said.

Photos by Tim Hirsch

TILLAMOOK COUNTY Sheriff Todd Anderson, above, and Commissioner Mark Labhart educated a room full of concerned citizens about the challenges in creating an enhanced sheriff’s patrol. The meeting concluded with the formation of two committees, one serving Neskowin, and the other Pacific City. The committees will hold meetings informing the public about the need for more officers in South County.

The first gathering will be Feb. 17, immediately following the CPAC’s 10:30 a.m. meeting at the Kiawanda Community Center.

Introductory Special! o 1/8 Pg. ad, $30* *Offer good for March 6 issue only. Ad deadline is March 1.

The

Pacific City SUN

Page • Pacific City Sun • February 13, 2007

P.O. Box 1085, Pacific City, OR 97135

503-801-5221 Fax: 541-994-6279

thirsch@pacificcitysun.com

Community News

It’s a Battle for

Books!

By Tim Hirsch Pacific City Sun PACIFIC CITY—This March, the key to South County’s mecca for book and movie lovers lies in the hands of voters when they decide whether to continue supporting Tillamook County libraries.

Measure 29-05 asks voters to approve a five-year levy costing Tillamook County homeowners $0.65 per $1,000 of assessed value. The proposed rate would raise an estimated $2.16 million in 2007-08. Mail-in ballots are due March 13.

Since 1983 when library funding was removed from the general budget, the county has had to pass levies to stay in business. While voters have always kept the doors open, it’s been close. Since 1997, levies have passed on every attempt except in March 1999 when the double-majority rule, which requires 50 percent turnout for a measure to pass, doomed the bond. The measure squeaked by the following May when a 51 percent turnout validated a 69 to 30 percent vote.

So what would happen if voters fail to both turn in their ballots and give the go ahead for the levy?

For one, residents and tourists alike would miss Carolyn Evenson, the South Tillamook County librarian, who has greeted Pacific City residents with a smile for more than 13 years. Her helpful attitude is one reason residents in South County find the library a home away from home for reading, research and work.

“There are incredible people that work here,” frequent patron Melanie Merryman said.

Though the library levy is slightly higher than in years past, there’s a good reason for that, reports Library Club president Jeanette Hagerty.

She says that one of the big ticket items in dire need of replacement is the library’s aging bookmobile. A time-honored resource for those less able to get around, the bookmobile now is more than 13 years old and has racked up more than 200,000 miles.

At the Pacific City branch, all maintenance — everything from paying the utilities to dusting the shelves to maintaining the grounds is picked up by the library club’s fund raisers and thrift store.

New Library Club president Jeanette Hagerty reports that the $77,000 the Library Thrift Shop made last year accounts for the majority of the funds needed to pay the electricity, phone and other utilities.

“The operations have increased so much it’s astounding,” said Hagerty.

Residents are asked to pick up the balance: books and librarian salaries.

Evenson shared the many services the library offers — and the void that would be left if the bond were to fail.

As with any library, the number one benefit is the books. The South County library has its share of them — and access to more. Through interlibrary loan and the Coastal Resource Sharing Network, the South County Library has access to thousands of books. But that doesn’t mean they can stand pat. Patrons are waiting on new books and call for worn-out classics to be replaced.

“There’s always some culling as old books wear out,” Evenson said.

Users also frequent the library’s video and compact disc catalog along with the free computers and internet access.

“I bring my laptop to work here,” said Merryman. “I like to be here. I

“I like to be here. I hope people can appreciate how valuable the computer resources are.”

Photos by Tim Hirsch

South Tillamook County Librarian Carolyn Evenson hopes voters will give the Tillamook County library system the thumbs up in the March 13 election. At left, Melanie Merryman has a bundle of books and movies ready for check out. She says the library is an invaluable resource for residents and tourists alike.

Below, new Library Club president Jeanette Hagerty, who urges voters to get out and vote, relaxes at the South Tillamook Library.

–Melanie Merryman

hope people can appreciate how valuable the computer resources are.”

The library also offers valuable reading opportunities for children. Every Tuesday at 4 p.m., Evenson can be found reading to the little ones. Typically, the crowd includes 5- to 10-yearold children, but everyone is welcome. And summertime brings a reading program that challenges the youth to read throughout our sunny months.

Additional events include the annual Chautauqua Program, sponsored by a grant from Oregon Coast Humanities, which brings guests to speak on a variety of coast-related topics: everything from logging to fire prevention to stories from early pioneers.

The library also serves as a pulse of the community, a place to get information on the comings and goings of our growing community.

“We have a nice Chamber of Commerce, but people also are comfortable coming to the library,” Evenson said. “We try to provide information for them. We’ve got a pulse to what’s going on.”

Page • Pacific City Sun • February 13, 2007

Community News

Water, Water

Everywhere!

By Tim Hirsch Pacific City Sun PACIFIC CITY — Come hell or high water, it’s time to fix Pacific City’s aging water system!

The residents will have the chance to show their support this May in a bond measure asking for $5.3 million to cover pipeline repair and making Horn Creek a key water supply. Despite its price tag of $1.80 per $1,000 of property valuation, Tony Owen, director of the Pacific City Joint Water and Sanitation District, said the tax hike is a small price to pay for a reliable water and waste system.

After failing by a mere five votes in November, the pressure is on. But whether it passes or not something has to be done, Owen said.

The city is already well beyond capacity, the result of a boon putting stress onto a system that is long overdue for maintenance and replacement, asserts Owen.

Though the majority of the bond focuses on adding Horn Creek to Pacific City’s overtaxed water system, there’s more to the bond measure than that. One of the major tenets of the bond has already been completed and the department now faces having to pay back an $800,000 short-term loan.

In the event the measure fails, PCJWSD will likely turn to revenue bonds. Doing so would likely delay the projects at least one month and boost customer’s water bills about $20-$25 — and that’s just for the Horn Creek project.

PCJWSD director Tony Owen.

Horn Creek wouldn’t replace Pacific City’s system of department, issues such as failing six wells, but would be a welcome pipes are also a growing concern. boost.

It’s another reason the money is Because it is a long project, needed. For example, the water Owen said it is important to get it pipes at the Beachy Bridge have started now. needed repair three times in the last “Even if no new houses were 1-1/2 years. The bond will address hooked up to the water system, we this area by replacing the deteriotatare so stretched that we still need to ing steel pipes with coated iron core do all these things,” Owen said. pipes designed to withstand harsh “Because of the proximity to coastal environment that has caused the ocean, the potential exists that if the current steel pipes to begin rustthere was a seismic event, saltwater ing through. To add insult to injury, could contaminate our water source. the pipes just do not carry enough Horn Creek will prove to be a more water fast enough for the growing secure water source.” needs of our community.

Though the lack of a sufficient “We have to do something,” he water source is the biggest hurdle said. “We can’t allow the infrastruclooming over Pacific City’s water ture to continue the way it is.”

Photos by Tim Hirsch

WITH WATER PIPES AT THE BEACHY BRIDGE failing three times in the last 2-1/2 years, the Pacific City Joint Water and Sanitation District is feeling the pressure to fix Pacific City’s aging water infrastructure. If a $5.3 million bond passes this May, the district will move ahead with updating the water system, which will include making Horn Creek a key water supply.

Page • Pacific City Sun • February 13, 2007

It’s Playtime in Pacific City

Feb. 13Feb. 28

and the Nestucca Valley

Sat., Feb

17

pacific city/woods planning advisory meeting The monthly meeting gathers at the Kiawanda Community Center starting

at 10:30 a.m. expanded SHERIFF’s Patrol Meeting The first meeting of the Expanded Sheriff’s Patrol Committee will be immediately following the Planning Advisory meeting.

Fri., Feb pacific city birding & blues festival Held Feb. 23-25, the 4th annual Pacific City Birding and Blues festival offers bird lovers and blues fans three days worth of seminars, workshops, field trips and music. Held at the Kiawanda Community Center and various locations around Pacific City. library levy discussion Hosted by Tillamook County Director Sara Chalton, this 2 p.m. meeting at the South Tillamook County (Pacific City) branch offers attendees the chance to ask questions about the March 13 election ‘BIRDS AS METAPHORS’ WRITING WORKSHOP Writers 12 and up are invited to local author Matt Love’s writing workshop held at Neskowin Valley School. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the two-hour class will also feature birding enthusiast Elizabeth Kramer. For more info, e-mail Matt Love at lovematt100@yahoo.com.

LISA MANN BLUES TRIO Held at the Kiawanda Community Center on Friday night, the $10 event ($12 at the door) benefits the Nestucca Valley High School arts and music programs. pacific city Sat., Feb birding & blues festival Held Feb. 23-25, the 4th annual Pacific City Birding and Blues festival offers bird lovers and blues fans three days worth of seminars, workshops, field trips and music. Held at the Kiawanda Community Center and various locations around Pacific City.

23

24

DK4 stewart Blues quartet Held at the Kiawanda Community Center on Saturday at 8 and 10 p.m., the event is free to festival-goers with a three-day pass and $15 for those who just want to attend the concert ($20 at the door).

OREGON WRITERS’ ROUNDTABLE Hosted by local author Matt Love, this roundtable held at Migrations Cafe at 12:30 p.m. will feature Melissa Madenski, Joan Cutuly and Nancy Slavin sharing their work on the power of birds. Matt will also hand out copies of “Salt,” a collection of poetry featuring an introduction by Love. For more information contact Matt Love, 503-392-4055. the da vinci code meets the gospel of judas Starting at 7 p.m. at the Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 35305 Brooten Rd. A comical critique featuring an imaginary encounter between notions and themes from Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and The National Geographic’s recently released ancient document, The Gospel of Judas. Admission is $8 and all proceeds will benefit the development of the new Pacific City Performing Arts Center. Contact José Solano, 503965-2204, artsandtravel@oregoncoast.com.

Sun., Feb pacific city birding & blues festival Held Feb. 23-25, the 4th annual Pacific City Birding and Blues festival is held at the Kiawanda Community Center and various locations around Pacific City.

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Hot Spot:

PELICAN pub & brewery

33180 Cape Kiwanda Drive

503-965-7007 With its third “Brewery of the Year” victory in seven years from the Great American Beer Festival in hand, the secret is quickly getting out about this award-winning eatery. The pub teams an eclectic selection of gold- and silver-winning ales, excellent food and a dramatic view of Haystack Rock.

Tides (at Nestucca Bay) Date Low Tide Feb. 13 Feb. 14 Feb. 15 Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Feb. 18 Feb. 19 Feb. 20 Feb. 21 Feb. 22 Feb. 23

2:15 a.m 4:12 p.m.

3:28 a.m.

4:56 p.m.

4:26 a.m.

5:37 p.m.

5:18 a.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:06 a.m.

6:51 p.m.

6:55 a.m.

7:28 p.m.

7:45 a.m.

8:04 p.m.

8:36 a.m.

8:42 p.m.

9:31 a.m.

9:21 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:03 p.m.

11:37 a.m.

10:54 p.m.

Height

High Tide

Height

3.9 ft.

0.2 ft.

3.4 ft.

-0.4 ft.

3.3 ft.

-0.7 ft.

2.8 ft.

-0.9 ft.

2.2 ft.

-0.9 ft.

1.7 ft.

-0.6 ft.

1.1 ft.

-0.2 ft.

0.7 ft.

0.6 ft.

0.5 ft.

1.3 ft.

0.3 ft.

2.1 ft.

0.3 ft.

2.9 ft.

8:11 a.m.

10:58 p.m.

9:11 a.m.

11:30 p.m.

10:05 a.m.

7.6 ft.

5.6 ft.

7.9 ft.

6.0 ft.

8.4 ft.

12:01 a.m.

10:56 a.m.

12:31 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

1:03 a.m.

12:35 p.m.

1:35 a.m.

1:26 p.m.

2:10 a.m.

2:20 p.m.

2:46 a.m.

3:18 p.m.

3:26 a.m.

4:26 p.m.

4:11 a.m.

5:48 p.m.

6.5 ft.

8.6 ft.

6.9 ft.

8.7 ft.

7.4 ft.

8.6 ft.

7.9 ft.

8.1 ft.

8.2 ft.

7.5 ft.

8.5 ft.

6.7 ft.

8.5 ft.

6.0 ft.

8.4 ft.

5.4 ft.

Page • Pacific City Sun • February 13, 2007

Date Low Tide

Height

High Tide

Height

Feb. 24 12:52 p.m.

0.3 ft.

Feb. 25 12:01 a.m.

3.4 ft.

2:10 p.m.

0.3 ft.

Feb. 26 1:31 a.m.

3.6 ft.

3:20 p.m.

0.1 ft.

Feb. 27 2:59 a.m.

3.5 ft.

4:17 p.m.

-0.1 ft.

Feb. 28 4:07 a.m.

3.1 ft.

5:04 p.m.

-0.3 ft.

Mar. 1 4:59 a.m.

2.7 ft.

5:43 p.m.

-0.3 ft.

Mar. 2 5:43 a.m.

2.3 ft.

6:17 p.m.

-0.2 ft.

Mar. 3 6:22 a.m.

1.9 ft.

6:47 p.m.

0.1 ft.

Mar. 4 6:59 a.m.

1.6 ft.

7:15 p.m.

0.4 ft.

Mar. 5 7:35 a.m.

1.3 ft.

7:41 p.m.

0.8 ft.

Mar. 6 8:10 a.m.

1.1 ft.

8:07 p.m.

1.3 ft.

5:04 a.m.

7:27 p.m.

6:09 a.m.

9:01 p.m.

7:24 a.m.

10:07 p.m.

8:37 a.m.

10:53 p.m.

9:39 a.m.

11:30 p.m.

10:32 a.m.

8.1 ft.

5.3 ft.

7.8 ft.

5.4 ft.

7.6 ft.

5.7 ft.

7.6 ft.

6.0 ft.

7.6 ft.

6.4 ft.

7.7 ft.

12:01 a.m.

11:17 a.m.

12:28 a.m.

11:58 a.m.

12:53 a.m.

12:37 p.m.

1:17 a.m.

1:15 p.m.

1:40 a.m.

1:54 p.m.

6.6 ft.

7.6 ft.

6.8 ft.

7.5 ft.

7.0 ft.

7.3 ft.

7.2 ft.

6.9 ft.

7.3 ft.

6.6 ft.

Potluck Fetes

Volunteers!

By Tim Hirsch Pacific City Sun PACIFIC CITY — The hard-working volunteers at the Kiawanda Community Center treated one another to a potluck on Sunday, Feb. 4. The volunteers host the potlucks a few times each year as a way to foster fellowship between volunteers.

Because the center is solely dependent on volunteer work to stay open, helpers are often so busy washing windows, maintaining yards and helping patrons they seldom can visit amongst each other. And that’s where regular potlucks come in.

“The gathering is a chance for volunteers to be together,” said volunteer Diana Sears. “Because there’s no tax base, it’s up to the volunteers to keep it open.”

Despite the hard work necessary, volunteers like Helen Porter are glad to contribute.

“I get a lot of satisfaction helping others,” Porter said. “We wouldn’t have the center if it wasn’t for volunteers.”

Photos by Tim Hirsch

VOLUNTEERS GET THEIR FILL! Above right, Ric Murray is ready to enjoy his plate loaded with goodies at the Kiawanda Community Center volunteer potluck. At left, longtime residents and dutiful volunteers Lew and Marrian Wilkinson (right), who owned Pacific City’s only grocery store for 17 years, joined Diana and Bill Sears (left) for the Feb. 4 potluck.

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Ask a local expert for help “Working for you as I would for myself” Roberta Tryon, Real Estate Broker

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A volunteer since the Community Center opened its doors, Helen Porter enjoys her meal during the Feb. 4 potluck. Porter spends two days a week volunteering for KCC and Dial-A-Ride.

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125’ x 75’ View Lot Underground Utilities Paved Road Almost Level Building site Can build to 35’

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Barbara B. Taylor

965-6255

35005 Cape Kiwanda Dr. • Pacific City, OR 97135

Page • Pacific City Sun • February 13, 2007

Outdoor Adventures

Birding and Blues

Takes Flight!

By TIM HIRSCH Pacific City Sun PACIFIC CITY — Whether you’re new to the birding scene or are longtime members of the Audubon Society, the fourth annual Pacific City Birding and Blues Festival has something for you.

Held Feb. 23-25 at various locations in and around Pacific City, the annual event boasts enriching seminars and inspiring field trips highlighting the diverse bird species and natural

“We get people out into nature and enjoying people’s company and enjoying music and healthy and fun activities.”

-Gary Lesniak wonders found at “The Home of the Dory Fleet.”

This year the festivities will include live birds of prey demonstrations, 18 guided field trips, and 13 indoor informational seminars and workshops.

Nature-inspired art will also be on display and for sale. And the fun doesn’t end when the sun sets.

Blues lovers can jam to Portland’s DK Stewart Blues Quartet with saxophonist Reggie Houston

Photo by Connie Owston

BIRDS OF PREY will return to Pacific City in three different seminars held in the Kiawanda Community Center. Above, Liz Luth, outreach coordinator for the Chintimini Wildlife, a rehabilitation center in Corvallis, educates the audience about the great-horned owl during the 2006 event. Below, Dawn Grafe, ODFW refuge operations specialist, shares her thoughts. on Saturday night and a benefit concert by the Lisa Mann Blues Trio on Friday night.

Blessed by good weather for the first three years, the event features a wealth of field trips taking the intrepid bird watcher along pristine natural ecological environments where birds grace the landscape.

But even if the weather takes a turn, attendees can have a fun and educational experience at the festival.

“We have all these seminars indoors at the community center,” said event coordinator Gary Lesniak, “They’ll be quite enriching, and everybody seems to love them.”

Started four years ago when Lesniak and

Photo by Connie Owston

Chamber of Commerce members met to find a way to marry Pacific City’s natural resources with a need to bring people in during the slow winter, the event has garnered attention from all over.

“People are discovering how rich and unique

‘07 Pacific City Birding and Blues Seminar Schedule Friday, February 23

3-5 p.m. – “Birding Basics,” Dawn Grafe 6:30-8:30 p.m. – “Birds as Metaphors in Our Lives” (at Neskowin School, 10005 Slab Creek Rd. Neskowin, [503] 392-3124, Matt Love

Saturday, February 24

8-9:15 a.m. – “Oregon’s Wonderful Woodies” (Wood Ducks), Al Rice 9:30-10:30 a.m. – “The Birds’ Turn: Wildlife of Tern Island,” Ram Papish 11-12 p.m. – “Darwin: Pilgrim on the Great Bird Continent,” Lyanda Haupt 12-1 p.m. – No-host lunch

12-1:30 p.m. – Oregon Writers Roundtable (Migrations Coffee Shop), Matt Love 1-2:30 p.m. – Live Birds of Prey, Wildlife Images 3-4 p.m. – “Problems of Backyard Habitats,” Dawn Grafe 4:15-5:15 p.m. – “Birding and Geology: Look! A Speckled Olivine Basalt!” Tom Horning

Sunday, February 25

7:30-8:30 a.m. – Oregon Coast geese panel discussion: Roy Lowe, Jared Jabousek, Molly Monroe, Robert Jarvis 8-11 a.m. – Sketching workshop (at The Pelican Pub), Ram Papish

Page • Pacific City Sun • February 13, 2007

9-10 a.m. – “Western Snowy Plover Management in Oregon.” Liz Kelly 10:30-12 p.m. – “Bird Banding 101: Tools,Techniques, and Demonstration,” Ashley Dayer 12-12:30 p.m. – Festival closeout and Raffle, Gary Lesniak

(Seminars are held at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City, unless otherwise specified.)

Outdoor Adventures the birds and ecology we have here are,” Lesniak said.

One trip highlights Pacific City’s population of the rare Samidi Island Cackling Geese. Now under the watchful eye of ODFW researchers, about 150 of these rare birds call Pacific City home during the winter months. Believed to be the entire surviving population, the flock leaves the cool weather of Alaska behind in winter for Pacific City’s mild climate. The geese congregate at a farm just across Brooten Road from the Beachy Bridge during the day and roost on Haystack Rock at night.

The biggest change since the festival’s inception is the number of field trips and the size of the groups.

After having 50-plus people attend the field trips the first year, organizers have limited field trip sizes. In 2006, the trips were capped at 25, but it wasn’t enough. The limit is 15 this year, but the number of field trips has increased to accommodate interested bird watchers.

“The biggest thing is that (the groups) are going to be smaller and more intimate,” said Dawn Grafe, ODFW supervisor and Birding and Blues field guide and seminar speaker.

Though the festival is held the same weekend as Newport’s Seafood and Wine Festival, Birding and Blues attracts a different crowd.

“What we have found is this is a total different population,” said Lesniak. “This is much more for the head, heart and soul. It’s much more experiential. We get people out into nature and enjoying people’s company and enjoying music and healthy and fun activities.”

Passes for the three-day Birding & Blues Festival are $45 for adults or $15 for students ages 6-17.

Photo by Merrily Ario

Attendees can also purchase single-day passes for $10 for Friday, Feb. 23; $30 for Saturday, Feb. 24; $15 for the Saturday blues concerts, and $15 for the Sunday, Feb. 25, pass.

A special guided bus tour is $40 and the “Birding Tillamook Bay by Boat” tour is $50. Because space is limited, early reservations are recommended. The Lisa Mann concert benefiting Nestucca Valley High School’s art and music programs costs $10.

For Birding & Blues Festival details and reservation information, visit www.birdingandblues.com, or call (503) 965-6247.

“It’s a wonderful educational and fun alternative,” said Graffe.

“It’s so different from the other festivals. There’s a great line-up of workshops and events. Folks really have a good time.”

Photo by Merrily Ario

Photo by Chuck Gates

BINOCULARS AND SPOTTING SCOPES bring the eclectic popluation of birds around Pacific City closer to partipants in field trips held during the 2006 Birding and Blues Festival.

‘07 Pacific City Birding and Blues Field Trip Schedule Friday, February 23

Two Special Registration Tours 8 a.m.-12 p.m. – Birding Tillamook Bay by Boat with Captain Ron Kaser 8 a.m.-3 p.m. – Birding the Three Capes Scenic Route with Paul Sullivan & Carol Karlen

Saturday, February 24

7:20-9:50 a.m. – Neskowin Creek Group A: Mike Patterson Group B: Paul Sullivan and Carol Karlen 7:30-10 a.m. – Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Group A: Dawn Grafe and Emily Eppinger Group B: Anne Walker and Rebecca Schiewe 7:40-10:10 a.m. – Clay Myers State Natural Area at Whalen Island Group A: Molly Monroe and Jarod Jebousek Group B: Scott Bunnell 12:50-3:20 p.m. – Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area Group A: Dave Canoy Group B: Bill Wadsworth 1-3:30 p.m. – Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge Group A: Ram Papish and Emily Eppinger Group B: Ashley Dayer and Rebecca Schiewe 1:10-3:40 p.m. – Clay Myers State Natural Area Page • Pacific City Sun • February 13, 2007

at Whalen Island Group A: Mike Patterson Group B: Scott Bunnell

Sunday, February 25

7:40-10:10 a.m. – Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area Group A & B combined: Tom Horning (geology) and Anne Walker (birds) 8:30-11 a.m. – Geese identification tour Group A: Molly Monroe and Jarod Jebousek Group B: Roy Lowe and Robert Jarvis

Entertainment

Birds ‘n Prose!

By TIM HIRSCH Pacific City Sun PACIFIC CITY—Birds gracing the sky above Nestucca Spit won’t be the only poetic gesture when the Birding and Blues Festival hits town Feb. 23-25. A group of writers and poets will relate how birds have shaped their hearts and lives when they share their essays and poems at the Oregon Writers’ Roundtable, Saturday, Feb. 24, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Migrations Cafe.

Hosted by local author and naturalist Matt Love, the annual event gives literary lovers and bird watchers a chance to hear coastal writers reflecting on the power and beauty of birds. Literary favorites Melissa Madenski, Joan Cutuly and Nancy Slavin are scheduled to share selections from poetry and literature honoring birds and their role in nature.

“Nancy, Melissa and Joan represent the best that Oregon nature writing has to offer,” Love said. “This is a rare treat indeed to hear such outstanding writers.”

Currently working on a novel, Cutuly is also a popular non-fiction writer. Madenski is a prominent essayist and poet who has been published in numerous publications.

“Her essays have been printed all over the place,” Love said.

Journalist and poet Nancy Slavin’s credits include two books of poetry. She is also penning a novel.

“Melissa and Nancy are renowned for nature writing and poems,” he added.

The roundtable’s special guest author will be Barbara Belloc, who just finished a three-month residency at the Sitka Center.

A renowned poet from Argentina, Belloc has six books of poetry to her credit. She’s also a translator and essayist.

“She does it all,” Matt said.

The annual event is yet another

Birds are Us!

way Love shares his passion for nature. To that end, he’ll once again share an updated piece on Bob Straub’s miraculous victory against the highway that almost cut through Pacific City.

The event, which attracted a packed house of about 75 people last year, is a perennial favorite.

And the free event is priced right — though you may want to indulge in one of Migrations’ Photo courtesy of Matt Love freshly brewed lattes or LOCAL AUTHOR Matt Love will host the cappuccinos.

Oregon Writers’ Roundtable, Feb. 24, from “It’s a chance for lo12:30-1:30 p.m. at Migrations Cafe. cal published writers and students to share their away by the power of birds, would work with the public and celebrate like to hear the best of students’ efliving near the coast,” Matt said. forts and you have your trivia hat The event is more than a meeting on, come test your wits at the Oregon of established poets and well-known Writers’ Roundtable, Saturday Feb. writers. Students in the 8th grade and 24 at Migrations! up from South Tillamook and North Lincoln counties have been invited to write 300-word essays on “Birds that Move Me.” Love will award a student from each district a $50 first prize courtesy of Oregon Coast Bank, a gift certificate to Hawk Creek Cafe and a chance to recite their piece in front of a collection of established authors.

“We had a couple of hot pieces last year,” he said.

Matt will also give away copies of “Salt,” a collection of poetry by northwest writers featuring an introduction by Love.

And he’ll conclude the afternoon session with a trivia item or two. But look out, Love stumped the group last year when he asked what Oregon coast town John Steinbeck broke down in. (The answer lies just 20 minutes north of here — Lincoln City.)

So if your ready to be swept

By TIM HIRSCH Pacific City Sun PACIFIC CITY — Local author Matt Love will help writers explore similarities between birds of the air and their own lives in a writing workshop at Neskowin Valley School, Friday Feb. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The two-hour class is open to ages 12 and up.

“We’re going to be looking at birds as metaphors in life,” Matt said. “Participants will make a comparison between themselves and the bird of their choice. I’m really excited about this.”

Love, who is currently coordinating a “Teaching American History” grant for Lincoln County School District, has spent 13 years as a middle and high school teacher. He just finished the third installment in his Beaver State Trilogy.

DK Stewart Sings

The Blues!

Lisa Mann on Tap Feb. 23 PACIFIC CITY — The Lisa Mann Blues Trio of Portland will kickstart the Birding and Blues music slate Friday, Feb. 23 in an all ages show at the Kiawanda Community Center.

Mann has been compared to Joan Osborn, Alanis Morrisette and Sheryl Crowe. She played in Seattle rock bands for years, but was converted to blues when she came to Portland. She has received music awards for both her bass play-

ing and her vocals. Mann earned the Cascade Blues Association’s Muddy Waters Award for best bass. She has her own solo CD out called “Lisa Mann, Self Material.”

A portion of the concert proceeds will support Nestucca Valley High School art and music programs. Tickets are $10 through pre-registration or $12 the day of the event or at the door. The event is sponsored by the Inn at Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City.

Photo courtesy of DK Stewart

The DK4 Blues Quartet will bring New Orleans-based boogiewoogie to Kiawanda Community Center Saturday night, Feb. 24, as part of the Pacific City Birding and Blues Festival. DK Stewart will play piano. Peter Dammann will be on guitar, Carlton Jackson on drums and Don Campbell on bass. In addition, New Orleans saxophone ace Reggie Houston will join in with his famous Mardi Gras sound. He has played with Fats Domino and Charmaine Neville and has recorded with Peter Gabriel. Refreshments and libations will be available. Festival goers can choose either the early Saturday night concert from 8 to 9:30 p.m., or the late concert from 10 to 11:30 p.m.

Admission is free for three-day pass holders. Others can purchase a concert ticket for $15 pre-registration or $20 at the door.

Page 10 • Pacific City Sun • February 13, 2007

Community News

Top Volunteer Unites the Chamber!

CLOVERDALE — Modest in nature, volunteer of the year Ginny Rasmussen shrugs her shoulders when asked why she was honored, but director Shelley Crowe knows just what she’s meant to the smooth running of the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“She’s a jewel,” Crowe lavished.

“She’s my right hand. Everyone needs a volunteer like that.”

But Rasmussen’s success doesn’t just lie in her steadfast ability to fill in the gaps. Not to say there aren’t many more able bodies out there, but, being plugged into the community, she was able to point the way to able, ready and interested volunteers.

She’s quick to move the attention off her welcoming smile, though.

Instead, she excitedly shares all the Chamber does — without the help of room tax revenue.

First and foremost, the Chamber promotes our businesses and towns — and they do it at a low membership rate.

“Where else can you join a Chamber for $150?” she said.

With the absence of hotel tax revenue, the Chamber must get creative.

Some of that money comes from just plain hard work at fundraisers like the Dory Days and Cloverdale Sidewalk Sale. Money to help pay the rent is earned by offering vendor space to various artisans, artists and clothing retailers. It’s a great chance for the entrepreneur to get needed exposure, snag some more sales and provide a service to tourists and community members.

Even when weather turns business cold, the Chamber is often a

flurry of activity. Take the recent bad weather as an example.

“People didn’t venture out, but we had lots of phone calls.”

And they’re always busy tallying figures. They tally statistics such as number of phone calls, e-mails and office visits. All these numbers add up to valuable information on who, why and how many visitors are potential customers to the many businesses in the Nestucca Valley.

There are unofficial roles, too.

Many who are lost stop in and find a friendly face eager to point the way. And the staff is a wealth of

Photos by Tim Hirsch.

LOYAL Chamber of Commerce volunteer Ginny Rasmussen takes notes while taking one of the many calls looking for more information on the beautiful Nestucca Valley. Rasmussen and her fellow volunteers share their wealth of information with visitors from all corners of the globe as more and more travelers discover the secret of Pacific City. At left, Rasmussen shows off a rack of Pelican Brewery sweatshirts on sale at the Chamber’s office in Cloverdale.

The Chamber leases vendor space to a wide variety of retailers who sell everything from shells to jewelry to photography. information on where to eat, where to stay and how long it will take to get there. There’s even the help with the impossible. Ginny recalled one instance when a woman wanted to

get to the Portland airport in an hour and a half. Though Ginny cautioned that it just wasn’t reasonable, she told the lady the fastest way, and the woman was off. No get out of jail free cards were handed out to the likely

speeder, though.

For more information on how you can contribute or sign up as a vendor, contact Shelley Crowe and the hard-working volunteers at 503392-4340.

Seawatch Gets Committee’s Nod of Approval

By Tim Hirsch Pacific City Sun PACIFIC CITY — Phase two and three of Nestucca Ridge Development’s Pacific Seawatch project got the thumbs up from the inaugural meeting of the CPAC’s Land Use Committee held Feb. 6 at the Kiawanda Community Center.

Some committee members initially voiced concern

about issues such as street lighting, but Mary Jones, of Nestucca Ridge Development, quickly quelled the concerns saying they’ve dealt with the night sky issue.

The plan to add 27 town homes was also well received. Chair Larry Rouse said the concept of adding high-density, upscale homes helps prevent sprawl.

Jones said that the proposed community’s CC&R’s address these concerns along with concerns about building heights and noise.

The Land Use Committee will recommend to the Citizen’s Planning Advisory Committee that they support the project when they meet with the Tillamook County Planning Commission.

Page 11 • Pacific City Sun • February 13, 2007

Committee Chair Larry Rouse lent his support to the Seawatch development at the Feb. 6 Land Use Committee meeting.

Photo by Tim Hirsch.

Building a foundation for

Church Growth!

New Presbyterian Building Meets Challenges Head-On!

By TIM HIRSCH Pacific City Sun PACIFIC CITY — Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a near capacity worship service you understand just how much Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church can use the space a new facility will provide. And with the framing done and electricity on the way, project leaders at Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church are hoping to open the new facility — and the accompanying performing arts center — before summer’s end.

Cramped at 60 or so attendees, the old chapel is homey. The problem is there’s little room when the influx of summer visitors arrive. But the new sanctuary will change all of that. Instead of having a maximum capacity of 65-70, the new sanctuary will seat 152. That number will swell to 200 when the church takes advantage of a well-designed overflow room, which will allow people to participate via swung open french doors and expansive windows.

One man behind the effort is José Salano.

Though not an official member of the church, he has stepped up and contributed in a big way.

“Why use the sanctuary only on Sunday?” José asks.

Salano hopes the business community will realize how having a community performing arts center will attract more business. Because the church will likely need help to cover the cost of lighting equipment and other necessities before the curtain can be raised, financial aid from the community would be well placed.

“It’s in their interest to help out,” he said.

But first things first. The building still must be built and the church is eager to secure an additional $50,000-plus to get the building finished.

Next on the list is getting the heating installed, which Salano hopes to have completed in about three weeks. To complement that, they hope much of the electric work will be installed in tandem with the heat.

“The electrician needs to know how many amps the heater will draw before he can start.

Other than that, the electricity is ready to go in,” he said.

Once the electricity, heating and plumbing are completed, it will be time to work on insulation, sheet rock and ceiling installation. The message here? The church will soon be ready for a full-scale invasion of volunteer labor.

“I’m going to install a tongue-and-groove ceiling in the sanctuary,” said José, who will be looking for two or three helpful hands to complete the task.

Any project of this magnitude faces hurdles

Photos by Tim Hirsch

THE NEW BUILDING is still in process, but co-project managers José Salano and Lou Chandler are excited about the progress and are busy making plans for heating and electricity.

Above, Salano and Ginger Harlow Allen, the church’s Clerk of the Session, stand at attention in front of the new building.

and the church is no different. They’ve overcome diverse opinions, busy contractor schedules, losing about 10 percent of their roofing in the recent fierce windstorm and, the latest pitfall, vandalism.

Though they had a lock on the door, it didn’t work properly. Vandals armed themselves with paint and defaced the interior. In the intruders’ wake, church members found spilt paint on the sanctuary floor and graffiti painted on beams.

Both Salano and co-project leader Lou Chandler echoed each other’s feeling about how disturbing it is that someone would deface a sanctuary like this.

“That’s going to be an exposed beam,” Solano said, pointing at a grafitti-laden beam at the entry Page 12 • Pacific City Sun • February 13, 2007

to the sanctuary. “That’ll involve some serious sanding.”

In spite of the obstacles, project directors remain confident and optimistic.

Armed with a $200,000 building fund, the church broke ground last June 21.

The $200,000 was far short of the funds required to complete the structure, but thanks to giving parishioners, more was quickly raised.

When asking for more, leaders issued a challenge to the congregation.

“We’ll build until we run out of money or the building is finished,” said Chandler.

The church welcomes tax-deductible contributions in their drive to raise the remaining $50,000.