With summer’s rays around the corner and the lure of splashing in the mighty Pacific a call that few beachgoers can resist, there’s one thing that revelers shouldn’t forget — and that’s the safety of the water.
While the splashing breakers always present danger, the threat of bacteria is one element that’s not always on the minds of families taking a dip in Pacific City’s famed waters.
Enter the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program, which is kicking off the 2024 beach monitoring season by announcing the list of coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall. Both Cape Kiwanda and Neskowin Beach are amongst the 24 beach splash zones that will be under the watchful eye of the OBMP, which is based at the Oregon Health Authority — Public Health Division.
The list includes some of the most frequently visited beaches in Oregon, but also sandy stretches where the program has found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns.
In addition to Cape Kiwanda and Neskowin, in 2024 the program will monitor Seaside Beach, Cannon Beach, Tolovana Beach State Park, Short Sand Beach, Manzanita Beach, Rockaway Beach, Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Oceanside Beach, D River Beach, Siletz Bay Beach, Beverly Beach, Agate Beach, Nye Beach, Ona Beach, Seal Rock Beach, Heceta Beach, Bastendorff Beach, Sunset Bay State Park Beach, Hubbard
Program.
Creek Beach, Harris Beach State Park, Mill Beach, and Crissey Fields State Recreation Site.
Beach monitoring season runs from mid-May to mid-September. Beach advisories are only issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in the next beach monitoring season.
OBMP works with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to identify beaches that need monitoring based on several established criteria. Present pollution hazards, previous beach monitoring data that identify water quality concern, amount of beach use, and public input are amongst the criteria.
As part of an adaptive sampling plan, beaches and sampling locations are routinely re-evaluated to ensure available resources best protect public health. A copy of DEQ’s beach evaluation is available upon request.
For more information and current beach monitoring conditions visit: healthoregon.org/beach, or contact OBMP at Beach.Health@ odhsoha.oregon.gov or 971-6730400.
Nestucca Anglers is inviting all to help clip 100,000 fall Chinook smolt at its 25th annual Fin-Clipping Party on Saturday, June 15, starting at 9 a.m., at Rhoades Pond, 39375 Highway 22, Hebo. The event will also feature a barbecue lunch, raffle prizes and silent auction. Organizers are billing the event as an opportunity to bring the family and enjoy a great day on the coast.
A salmon and trout enhancement program that raises fish with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nestucca Anglers’ mission is to provide stream enhancement, education and fishing opportunities. For more information about the volunteer organization or the upcoming fin-clipping event, visit nestuccaanglers.com.
The Tillamook Coast Visitors Association has formed the Tillamook Bay Trails Coalition, a collaborative partnership that will concentrate on prioritizing trails and recreation projects around and near Tillamook Bay. The newly formed coalition consists of TCVA, City of Rockaway Beach, Port of Garibaldi, Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, City of Bay City, Tillamook County Parks Department, Tillamook County Wellness and the Port of Tillamook Bay.
Dan Haag, TCVA’s Director of Trails, Outdoor Recreation, and Accessibility says, “This group believes that creating a wider variety of accessible trails and outdoor spaces will benefit the health and well-being of both visitors and residents, reduce traveler’s carbon footprint, encourage responsible visitation and usage of these areas, and
9 a.m. The family-friendly event will involve volunteers helping to clip 100,000 fall Chinook smolt.
bring people closer to the businesses and organizations in and around these communities.”
The goals of this collaboration are twofold: to partner on funding opportunities to build and enhance trail systems and facilities on and around Tillamook Bay; and to create the Tillamook Bay Discovery Loop. The Discovery Loop will be an online presence that provides information on Tillamook Bay history, culture, commerce, recreation and stewardship. Both goals support the planning and creation of the Salmonberry Trail, a major portion of which runs along Tillamook Bay.
Haag thinks one of the key elements of this collaboration is eliminating some of the competition for funding by allowing the coalition to apply for grants collectively. “Grants are highly competitive, especially for recreation projects,” Haag said.
“Working together gives us a better shot at these funds.”
Tillamook Bay Trails Coalition will hold their first meeting in June and use that initial gathering to define their scope of work for the coming year. Haag said there are lots of possibilities for projects to consider, including creating new green spaces, adding informational signage and supporting projects currently in development.
“We’ve spent the last year working with other trail coalitions around the state, learning how this process works,” he said. “We wanted to start small, and we’ve got the right partners at the table, but there will definitely be room for more moving forward.”
For more information about the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association and the Tillamook Bay Trails Coalition, contact Dan Haag at dan@tillamookcoast. com.
The Pacific Dorymen’s Association, during its May 25 membership meeting, introduced the grand marshal and princesses for this year’s Dory Days Parade, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 20.
Getting the honors for this year’s grand marshal is longtime doryman Bill Hook, who first went out on a dory charger in 1962. His father purchased a double ender in 1963, and they sport fished until 1966 when they started to commercial fish the double ender. Hook pulled for his dad until 1969 and then pulled on several other dories.
He purchased his own commercial dory at the age of 14 and began commercial fishing at the age of 15 until he sold it for college tuition in 1975.
After college, Hook purchased a 16foot Salem Boat Works dory with his first paycheck and fished it until it was no longer seaworthy. Having learned mechanical drawing from Calvin Malmquist at Nestucca High School, Bill drew the plans for his current dory, Playin’ Hooky. Andy Heathershaw welded Playin’ Hooky in 1993 using Hook’s plans, which he continues to fish today. The next two generations of Hooks will be keeping the tradition alive.
Hook was a member of the original Doryman’s Association in the 1960s. When Paul Hanneman brought back the association, he was on the board as a member and secretary for 12 years. During that time, he promoted the
On the morning of May 23 at
3:03 a.m., Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District was notified of a structure fire on Airport Way in Pacific City. The first arriving units found a residence fully involved. The incident was upgraded to a third alarm to bring more resources to the scene and for coverage of the District.
Two structures sustained moderate to heavy damage, and a third one was a total loss. NRFPD received reports that two of the homes were unoccupied at the time and the third residence was unknown if anyone was home. During operations a victim was seen inside the third residence that had not made it out. Notifications to family members were made by Tillamook County Sheriff’s office and their Chaplain.
“The house of origin was a complete loss,” NRFPD Fire Chief James Oeder told the Sun. “The house on the north side was heavily damaged and the house to the south
Pacific City dory fleet by contacting Oregon Field Guide & arranged to feature the dory history on the PBS show.
Honored as this year’s princesses will Senior Princess Alexa Paige Jensen and Junior Princess Jolen Hook.
Jensen is a senior at Forest Grove High School where she will be graduating this June. The daughter of an avid doryman, Jensen was aboard her Papa’s dory one day when a young whale was rolling and spouting around and around until it came up to the bow. Although she didn’t grow up at the beach full time, she attended school in the Nestucca Valley School District and spent many holidays and week long summer stays with her grandparents. As well, she started fishing on the ocean on the boat “Hi Tide, when she was around 5 years old.
Jolen Hook, 10, is the granddaughter of Capt. Bill Hook and the fourth generation of dorymen in the Hook Family. She caught her first fish at barely two years old. It was at that moment her dad knew “big things” were in this girl’s future. And now, she reportedly wants to be dory fisherwoman. She will be attending Stayton Middle School next year where she will take AP math and English Language Arts. For more information on this summer’s Dory Days, visit pacificcitydorydays.com or pacificcitydorymen.com.
had moderate damage to it.”
Oeder said that NRPFD’s response was quick — he said he was on scene within five mintues of the call and the first fire engine by the seven-minute mark. He added that within minutes of arrival he found the first house fully involved and that after 20-30 minutes the district started seeing the collapse of the house. NRFPD crews worked until approximately 4 p.m. that afternoon to extinguish hot spots.
At press time, the investigation hadn’t been completed. Because of that, there hasn’t been an official estimate of damage, but Oeder told the Sun he believes it will be “well over $2 million.”
Nestucca Fire says they would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance on this scene: North Lincoln Fire, Netarts Oceanside, Tillamook Fire, Tillamook Sheriffs, Oregon State Fire Marshall office, Bay City Fire, Tillamook Ambulance, and Garibaldi Fire.
Thu-Sat, 11am - 4pm Cash, check or VISA/MC 6330 Ferry St., Pacific City (503) 965-7013
11am - 3pm
34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Suite 4 PO Box 1085
Pacific City, OR 97135
Phone: 503-801-5221 tim@pacificcitysun.com
The two campuses of Nestucca Valley District embraced the concept of peace poles as they rolled out the welcome mat for the Rotary International of Newberg to plant poles at both Nestucca High School and Nestucca K-8 School. The poles were dedicated during brief ceremonies on May 23 that were led by Larry Strober and Mike Caruso of the Rotary club of Newberg — as well as members of each school’s student council. Both NHS Student Body President Kyla Hurliman and Nestucca K-8 School student council representative Mackenzie Thiemens, also voiced their support for the project.
Peace poles came into existence after WW2 when, in 1955, Masahisa Goi, a survivor of Hiroshima called for people to focus their attention on peace rather than war.
LARRY STROBER (above) of the Rotary club based in Newberg speaks to the student body of Nestucca High School during a peace pole dedication on May 23. Below, Strober and Mike Caruso, also of the Newberg club, gather with the student council in front of the peace pole at Nestucca K-8 School.
“He said he wanted to change the constant conversation about war to one of peace,” Caruso told the student body of Nestucca High School — all of which showed up for the dedication.
The first peace pole was planted in Japan in 1976 and the first one outside of Japan in
1983. Each peace pole has five simple words printed in four languages: “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” In Nestucca’s case, the languages chosen were English, German, Spanish and Salish.
“I’m very happy you guys are a part of the peace pole movement now,” Strober said during the K-8 dedication.
Tim Hirsch Editor & Publisher Vicky Hirsch Calendar EditorContributors: Sally Rissel
“The peace pole project today is promoted by the World Peace Prayer Society (worldpeace. org),” Caruso told high school students during that campus’s dedication. “It is estimated that there are more than a quarter of a million peace poles that have been planted around the world. The Rotary is a bit of a newcomer to the Peace Poles program, but since 2017, literally thousands of peace poles have been planted and dedicated by Rotary clubs across the country and around the world.
“To have peace it must begin with each and every one of us individually. We must first have peace within ourselves, our families and our communities. All of our great spiritual leaders: Jesus, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu…and the list goes on and on. If we truly want peace, it must come from each and every one of us from the depths of our hearts.”
For more information on the Rotary International’s Peace Pole project, visit rotarypeacepoles.world. For details on Rotary International, visit rotary.org.
A rise in sea urchins and related damage to kelp forests impacts gray whalesBy MICHELLE KLAMPE Oregon State University
A recent boom in the purple sea urchin population off the southern Oregon Coast appears to have had an indirect and negative impact on the gray whales that usually forage in the region, according to a new study.
When urchin numbers rise, the spiky marine invertebrates can devour kelp forests that are reportedly a critical habitat for zooplankton, the tiny aquatic organisms that are the primary prey of many marine animals. Officials say damaged kelp forests lead to reductions in zooplankton, and with fewer zooplankton to feed on, gray whales spend less time foraging there, researchers with Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute found.
“This study shows the cascading impacts of a change in the coastal ocean ecosystem in a way that has not been documented before,” said the study’s lead author, Lisa Hildebrand, a doctoral candidate in the Marine Mammal Institute’s Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory. “These impacts extend indirectly to a top predator, the gray whale, and it affects them in a negative way.”
The study was recently published in Nature Scientific Reports. Co-authors are Associate Professor Leigh Torres, who leads the GEMM Lab at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, and researchers Solène Derville and Ines Hildebrand of Torres’ lab.
Sea urchin populations began to explode off the coast of Oregon following the Sea Star Wasting Syndrome pandemic that began in 2013. The pandemic led to an estimated 90 percent decline in sunflower sea stars, which are now listed as critically endangered.
Historically off the coast of Oregon, sunflower sea stars have been one of two natural predators of sea urchin. The other is the sea otter, which was wiped out of Oregon waters by fur trappers more than 100 years ago.
“In ecology, we think about the important role of redundancy in an ecosystem,” Torres said. “This is a good example of an ecosystem that lacks redundancy due to the loss of sea otters. The system could not sustain itself without both the otters and the sea stars.”
Sea urchins are naturally occurring in kelp forests, but the decline in sunflower sea stars meant there was no predator to keep the population in check. The researchers began to see the effects of that change in the ecosystem during their annual gray whale monitoring research in Port Orford.
Torres and her team have been monitoring gray whales and their environment in that region since 2015 as part of a 10-year study of the foraging ecology of gray whales in the Pacific Coast Feeding Group. This small subset of whales frequents near-shore waters along the Oregon and Pacific Northwest coast rather than traveling to the Arctic to forage each summer.
The research team, which includes local high school students and college undergraduates, spends six weeks each summer at OSU’s Port Orford Field Station. The location is ideal because there’s a large, protected cove that allows researchers to monitor whales easily from shore and also gives them access to the water, where they can collect zooplankton samples by kayak and use GoPro cameras to monitor underwater conditions.
“The overall goal of the research is to better understand what gray whales are feeding on near shore,” Lisa Hildebrand said. “We first started to see these dramatic images of sea urchins feeding on the kelp in 2018 and even more in 2019.”
The sea urchin-kelp dynamic has been wellstudied, but this is the first study that looks beyond that relationship to the impacts on zooplankton that inhabit the kelp forest and their predators — the gray whales.
The researchers found that as the kelp was damaged or destroyed, fewer zooplankton,
and in particular the tiny mysid shrimp that make up a big portion of the gray whale’s diet, remained in the near-shore waters. With fewer zooplankton in the area, the gray whales spent less time foraging there.
“In 2020 and 2021, we saw fewer whales and the whales we saw spent less time in that area,” Torres noted. “We also noted declines in gray whales’ body condition during these years while conducting other field studies off the coast of Newport.”
The researchers can’t say how exactly the decline in kelp leads to a decline in zooplankton, but they suspect the zooplankton may be using the kelp as a type of shelter, and it may be that zooplankton are retained within kelp beds because tides and currents are weaker inside these areas than outside, Hildebrand said.
The study highlights the ripple effects of ocean warming due to climate change, the researchers noted.
“Marine heatwaves and warmer ocean waters likely worsened the Sea Star Wasting Syndrome pandemic and young kelp tends to grow better in colder water. As a result, there was less drift kelp available for urchins to feed on in the nearshore system,” Lisa Hildebrand said.
In 2023, the researchers noted that the region showed signs of recovery, with fewer urchins and more kelp, zooplankton and whales. These recent observations may be signs of the ecosystem returning to conditions favorable for kelp growth.
“We think and we hope this system is recovering and we’ll continue to monitor it through our research,” Torres said.
“Oregonians love having gray whales feeding along our coast and they need a healthy habitat to ensure that continues.”
The Marine Mammal Institute is part of Oregon State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and is based at Hatfield Marine Science Center. The study was funded
part by Oregon Sea Grant.
With the month of May presenting the Cape Kiwanda parking lot project team with ideal weather for the paving of the Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot, just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, paving had been completed for the lot and adjacent areas of Cape Kiwanda Drive, Circle Drive, and Webb Park Road. While the portion of the parking lot north of Dorymen’s Way remains under construction, the parking lot south of Dorymen’s Way was opened on May 24.
Parking is free until the full reconstruction is complete, at which time paid parking will go back into effect. Users should note that ADA, electric vehicle (EV), and motorcycle parking is not yet designated with pavement markings or signs.
Visitors to Cape Kiwanda will also notice that the planters, boulders, and grading of the common areas have been completed. Coming up next is the installation of the metal roof on the new restrooms, which officials say will give shape to the clean new look for users who will no longer have to travel far from the beach to gain easy access. (Porta potties were made available during Memorial Day weekend).
Prior to construction, the existing parking lot provided parking for 126 vehicles. When complete, the new parking lot will provide 131 parking spaces (115 standard parking spaces, five ADA accessible parking stalls, five EV charging spaces, one ADA accessible EV charging space, and five motorcycle parking spaces).
Tillamook County and the Cape Kiwanda Project Team say they are excited to reach this milestone and kick off the busy season. The full reconstruction of the lot remains on schedule to be open in July of 2024.
As of press time, work remaining to be done included striping of the lot’s north side, continuation of restroom finishes and roof, a foot wash station located near the restroom, surfboard and bicycle racks, site lighting and EV charging stations, plantings and site furnishings, enclosed plank storage and refuse area, and vehicular and wayfinding signage.
In addition to the partially finished lot, there are a number of other places visitors to Cape Kiwanda can park — including a currently free public parking lot with 86 parking stalls behind Doryland Pizza (and only a two-minute walk to Cape Kiwanda).
In addition, visitors can park at the Nestucca Valley Community Alliance Skatepark (55 parking stalls and only a 5-minute walk to Cape Kiwanda), the Pacific City Boat Launch (60 parking stalls including space for large motorized vehicles), Bob Straub State Park (60 parking stalls with direct access to the beach), and the Pacific City Turnaround (20 parking stalls and a short walk across the Beachy Bridge to local shops and food), and Kiawanda Community Center (47 parking stalls) — free to the public on weekdays but no overnight parking.
The parking lot reconstruction is the first phase of Tillamook County’s Kiwanda Corridor Project (KCP) to be built. It also incorporates infrastructure for future wayfinding connections to the five other project elements of the KCP. For more information on the overall KCP please visit the project website: https://tillamookcoast. com/southcounty/kiwanda-corridor/
The Kiwanda Corridor Project connects multiple county properties and supports the development of other public spaces with a programmed design that officials say will disperse crowds, create opportunities for equitable outdoor play and education, and promote stewardship of Pacific City, Cape Kiwanda and natural resources as a whole.
The six project elements include the Cape Kiwanda Parking Lot, Jensen Property, Nestucca Valley Community Alliance Park, Multi-Use Path, Webb Park, and Shorepine Village Boardwalk.
The project is being funded by county transient lodging taxes, day-use revenues from Pacific City parking lots, and grants from state agencies. For more information, contact Rachel Hagerty, Tillamook County Chief of Staff, at rachel.hagerty@ tillamookcounty.gov.
THREE TILLAMOOK COUNTY YOUNG MUSICIANS — Isabel Flores and Isabelle Henry-Sullivan from Nestucca High School and Blake Poblador from Tillamook High School — performed for three adjudicators and audience on May 19 when the Monday Musical Club of Tillamook held its annual High School Junior-Senior Award Competition at St. John’s United Church of Christ. For her efforts, Henry-Sullivan won the Fenton McClellan Gold Cup Award. For her performance, she sang two art songs — one in Italian and the other in English. Her name now goes on the Gold Cup troph under Nestucca’s 2023 winnter, Rachel Gregory. She also won a second scholarship from MMC. And Flores, who sang a song each in Italian and English, was awarded the Tillamook Community Choir Scholarship. The out-of-town adjudicators were Anna Cosma (piano), Doree Jarboe (vocal) and John Hammond (instrumental). A total of $1,350 was awarded to the contestants.
Registration for the 25th annual Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic opens June 1. The event, which will take place at Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City September 20-22, offers divisions for men, women, youth, and youth with a parent.
Also slated is live music by Groundswell, food and beverage provided by Pelican Brewing, and a Coastal Craft online auction. For more information and to register, visit capekiwandalongboardclassic. com.
An outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning that sickened at least 20 people is prompting health officials to urge those who harvested mussels from a stretch of Oregon’s coast since May 25 to discard the mollusks.
Officials at the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division also recommend people who experience any symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning — numbness of the mouth and lips, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and in severe cases, shortness of breath or irregular heartbeat — immediately contact a health care provider. They can also get advice by calling the Oregon Poison Center at 800-222-1222.
All 20 people who fell ill reported recreationally harvesting mussels May 25-26 at Short Beach near Oceanside, and Hug Point and near Seaside in Clatsop County. Some of the cases have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.
On May 23, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Agriculture closed a stretch of Oregon Coast to mussel harvesting from Seal Rock State Park north to Cape Lookout due to high levels of PSP. On May 26, the mussel harvest closure was extended from Seal Rock State Park north to the Washington border. On May 30, it was extended to the entire Oregon coastline.
“We have two messages: If you have any mussels gathered since (May 25) from beaches within the area of coastline that ODFW and ODA closed to harvesting — that you are preparing for a meal or keeping in the freezer for a later time — throw them out now and do not feed them to pets,” said Emilio DeBess, epidemiologist at the Oregon Public Health Division’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section. “And if you have eaten any of these mussels and are feeling ill, see a doctor right away.”
DeBess added the recommendations only apply to mussels harvested by private individuals, not those harvested commercially and purchased in a grocery store or at a restaurant.
Please join us in honoring Dr. Albert Thompson as we celebrate his remarkable 42-year commitment to delivering medical care and service to our Lincoln City and Pacific City communities and beyond. We look forward to seeing his colleagues and patients at this memorable retirement gathering.
Join the Retirement Celebration
Thursday, June 6, 3:30 – 6 p.m. Adventist Health Medical Office – Pacific City 38505 Brooten Road, Suite A, Pacific City
Light refreshments and celebratory treats will be provided.
PSP is a foodborne illness caused by saxitoxins produced by marine algae and caused by eating shellfish contaminated with the naturally occurring biotoxin, including scallops, mussels, clams, oysters and cockles, as well as some fish and crabs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no antidote for PSP — treatment involves supportive care and, if necessary, respiratory support.
PSP is the most common and most severe form of shellfish poisoning. It occurs worldwide but is most common in temperate waters off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America.
Signs of illness usually appear 30 to 60 minutes after a person eats toxic shellfish and include numbness and tingling of the face, lips, tongue, arms and legs. Patients also might have diarrhea and vomiting, headache, and nausea. Severe cases are associated with ingestion of large doses of toxin and clinical features such as poor muscle control, clumsiness or slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, loose or floppy limbs, mental status changes, and respiratory failure.
PSP can be deadly, especially for children. Appropriate medical care can lessen the risk of death.
Shellfish poisoning can be prevented by avoiding potentially contaminated shellfish, which is particularly important in areas during or shortly after algal blooms. Marine shellfish toxins cannot be destroyed by cooking or freezing, and shellfish that carry them do not necessarily taste different from uncontaminated shellfish.
Because of this, people should avoid harvest and consumption of seafood from beaches with biotoxin closures.
Treatment for paralytic shellfish poisoning is symptomatic and supportive. Severe cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning might require mechanical ventilation.
For more information, visit oregon.gov/ ODA/programs/FoodSafety/Shellfish/Pages/ ShellfishClosures.aspx.
Fortunately, Buzzfeed has never claimed to be able to give you any medical diagnosis. But plenty of other sources on the internet walk the fine line between “this is not medical advice” and “this sure sounds a lot like medical advice”. There’s a quiz for everything, and a “cure” for everything. A problem you didn’t know you had, and the product that can solve it (for three easy payments of $19.95, plus shipping and handling!) Anything and everything to do with your health can be found with a few taps on your phone, so it’s important to recognize how media literacy ties in with health literacy.
Let’s take a step back. About 21% of US adults experience chronic pain, or pain that lasts for three or more months. Millions suffer from conditions that have no known treatment or cure. Our doctors don’t always have the answers we are looking for. After all, they can’t prescribe a treatment that doesn’t exist, or diagnose a condition that they don’t have the evidence for. And so, we strike out on our own determined to find a solution to the pain we carry every day. A solution beyond the scientific boundaries of conventional medical practice. Collectively, these solutions are referred to as alternative medicine.
Alternative medicine has real value to many individuals and cultures. That is not up for debate. For thousands of years, alternative medicine was the only medicine. However, there is potential for significant harm as these practices have expanded from healers utilizing medicinal herbs to Dr. Charlatan on the internet trying to sell you an at-home detox regimen that may very well do more harm than good. Many treatments or devices label themselves as alternative medicine when they are little more than a scam.
Here, health literacy and media literacy collide. Having the ability to recognize what information and products are legitimate and which are deceptive (not to mention potentially harmful and a waste of money) can make a significant difference in your health and quality of life. Let’s go over some questions to ask as you evaluate the validity of medical information online:
• Does it come from a reputable webpage, such as that of a university or hospital system? Keep in mind that anyone can post deceiving information on social media, or even on a website of their own. The website URL can give you some clues.
Websites ending in .edu=educational institutions, .gov=government agencies, .org =an organization (often non-profit), .com=commercial, and.net=network. Be particularly wary of .com and .net websites, as they could be hosted by anyone.
• Does it conflict with other reputable sources? If so, consider getting a second (or third) opinion.
• Does the source profit off of your choice? Are they trying to sell you anything (a device, a course, a supplement)? If they are promoting a supplement, is it their own brand that they are trying to sell?
• Is it sensational? Black and white? Health information should be educational, not headline-grabbing or clickbait.
• Do they have credible sources/citations?
• Is the person or organization making statements credentialed to do so? (Some titles sound legitimate, but require no training or certification. For example, anyone can claim to be a “nutritionist”, but “registered dietician” is a protected title for trained professionals.)
• To encourage safe health practices, consider these tips:
• Avoid long gaps in medical care. Establish with a primary care provider (PCP) and maintain regular visits. Let them know if anything changes with your health.
• Avoid self-diagnosing. Seek the most accurate diagnosis possible from a trained physician.
• If you choose to take any supplements, ask your doctor if there is any risk that they will interfere with your prescription medications. Remember that supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and sometimes do not contain the product or dosage reflected on the label.
• Don’t change or stop any prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.
• Evaluate how much you are spending on alternative treatments, and whether you are getting the positive outcomes you are looking for.
What medical treatments or information you choose to follow is ultimately your decision. If alternative medicine provides you with healing and comfort, that’s fantastic! But if you have any questions or concerns about your health, always go to a physician first. Keep up with Tillamook County Wellness’ health literacy campaign to continue learning about how you can play an active role in managing your health. And in the meantime, stick to the TikToks that teach you about gardening, not selfmedicating. Be well, Tillamook!
AN ESTIMATED 30 PEOPLE showed up for a May 24 open house at Kiawanda Community Center’s Visitor Interaction Center, where attendees had the chance to see interactive demonstrations and literature displays as well as interact with KCC event coordinator Amanda Graves, who is running the center. Above, l-r, are KCC and Pacific City Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce board member Jeremy Strober, Tillamook Coast Visitors Association director Nan Devlin, and Graves.
MANZANITA FARMERS MARKET
May 31, 4-7 p.m. 635 Manzanita Ave., Manzanita. Visit manzanitafarmersmarket.com.
BEADED SUNCATCHER CLASS
May 31, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Create your own personalized hanging suncatcher. $40 fee includes instruction, supplies and first beverage - reservation fee of $20 to hold your spot. Space is limited. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
FRIDAY NIGHT GAMES
May 31, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Use PC Pour’s board games or bring your own. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’
May 31 & June 1, 7 p.m. and June 2, 2 p.m. NCRD
Performing Arts Center, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. General admission $20; reserved seating $25. Tickets available at RiverbendPlayers.org.
NESKOWIN FARMERS MARKET
June 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 48875 Hwy. 101 S., Neskowin. Visit neskowinfarmersmarket.com.
NEHALEM BAY CRAB DERBY
June 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Kelly Brighton Marina, 29200 N. Hwy. 101, Nehalem. Contests, games, crafts, and auctions. Visit kellysbrightonmarina.com.
BAY CITY ARTS CENTER WORK PARTY
June 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. Drop in and volunteer. Visit baycityartscenter.com or call 503-377-9620.
BLESSING OF THE FLEET
June 1, noon. Beach at Cape Kiwanda. Blessings on the fishing season, music, and laying of flowers on the water in memory of those lost. For more information, visit pcdorymen.com.
CLAMMING EXPLORIENCE
June 1, 1 p.m. SW 51st St. Pavillion, Lincoln City. Brief orientation followed by clamming on Siletz Bay. Free and no registration required. For more information, visit Explore.Lincoln.City.com or call 541-996-1274.
LIVE MUSIC WITH JORI & FRIENDS
June 1, 3-5 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
BINGO
June 1, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Play Bingo with othersfree. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
FREE FISHING DAYS
June 1 & 2. No license, tag or endorsement needed to fish, clam, or crab - all closures, bag limits, and regulations still apply. Visit myodfw.com.
PACIFIC CITY FARMERS’ MARKET
June 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. South Tillamook County Library parking lot, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Arts and crafts, home decor, vegetables and fruit, and more.
YOUTH KARATE
June 3, 4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts for ages 6-12 years old. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. Call 971-910-1188.
ADULT KARATE
June 3, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts for ages 13 and up. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. Call 971-910-1188.
PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS
June 3, 5 & 7, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/movewell/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@hotmail.com or 503-801-7448 (text).
STITCHERS QUILTING GROUP
June 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Community of people who make things for others - all levels welcome. $6 admission. Email scnutting@ gmail.com or call 503-801-0702.
PACIFIC CITY-NESTUCCA VALLEY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING
June 4, noon. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Local community and business matters. Email pcnvchamber@gmail.com.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
June 5, 9 a.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Room 106. Also available via teleconference live video at tctvonline.com or teleconference at #971-254-3149, conference ID: 736-023-979 (listen only). For agenda, visit tillamookcounty.gov/ bocc.
PACIFIC CITY YOUTH KARATE
June 5, 4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. Call 971-910-1188.
BOXING CLASS
June 5, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Boxing skills and cardio-strength training for ages 12 and older. $10 fee. To register, email pacificcityboxing@ gmail.com.
TAI CHI
June 6, 10:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class/first class free. Call 503-510-0588.
RETIREMENT CELEBRATION
FOR DR. THOMPSON
June 6, 3:30-6 p.m. Adventist Health, 38505 Brooten Rd., Pacific City. Celebrate Dr. Thompson’s 42year serving the community. Light refreshments provided. Call 503-965-6555.
TIDE POOL EXPLORIENCE
June 7, 8 a.m. NW 15th St. beach access, Lincoln City. Learn about creatures that inhabit rocky
BLESSING OF THE FLEET
June 1, noon. Beach at Cape Kiwanda. Blessings on the fishing season, music, and laying of flowers on the water in memory of those lost. For more information, visit pcdorymen.com.
intertidal pools from a local expert. Free and open to the public. Visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.
BIRD WALK
June 7, 9-11 a.m. D River Open Space and Devils Lake. Free and open to the public. Visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-994-2131.
FRIDAY NIGHT GAMES
June 7, 2-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Use PC Pour’s board games or bring your own. Must be 21 or over.
RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
MANZANITA FARMERS MARKET
June 7, 4-7 p.m. 635 Manzanita Ave., Manzanita. Visit manzanitafarmersmarket.com.
ARTIST OF THE MONTH RECEPTION
June 7, 5-7 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. James Richard Norwood. Visit baycityartscenter.com or call 503-377-9620.
OPEN MIC
June 7, 6 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. Sign up for 7 minute slot at nlemotte@ gmail.com. Limited spots; walk-ins welcome. Visit baycityartscenter.com or call 503-377-9620.
REBECCA ABBOTT: AS A MATTER OF FANCY
June 7, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Sacred, ordinary and humor intertwine in song. Tickets $20. Visit lincolncityculturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.
‘WIZARD OF OZ’
June 7, 7 p.m. and June 8, 2 p.m. Tillamook High School, 2605 12th St., Tillamook. Oregon Coast Dance Center “Wizard of Oz” and “For the Love of Dance” showcase. Visit oregoncoastdancecenter. com.
‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’
June 7 & 8, 7 p.m. and June 9, 2 p.m. NCRD
Performing Arts Center, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. General admission $20; reserved seating $25. Tickets available at RiverbendPlayers.org.
TIDE POOL EXPLORIENCE
June 8, 8 a.m. NW 15th St. beach access, Lincoln City. Learn about creatures that inhabit rocky intertidal pools from a local expert. Free and open to the public. Visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.
TIDE POOL DISCOVERY DAYS
June 8, 8:15 a.m. Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site. Learn about tide pool habitats. Registration required - visit netartsbaywebs.org.
NESKOWIN FARMERS MARKET
June 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 48875 Hwy. 101 S., Neskowin. Visit neskowinfarmersmarket.com.
SOAP MAKING CLASS
June 8, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Create 4 personalized soaps. Open to ages 12 and up; minors must be accompanied by an adult. $35 fee includes instruction, supplies and first beverage - reservation fee of $20 to hold your spot. Space is limited. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
PICTIONARY
June 8, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Play Pictionary with others - free. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PC-Pour. com.
LINE DANCING CLASS
June 8, 7 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Classes begin with a lesson then dancing. $10 fee. Contact Kris Rooke, 425-894-4111.
TIDE POOL EXPLORIENCE
June 9, 8:30 a.m. NW 15th St. beach access, Lincoln City. Learn about creatures that inhabit rocky intertidal pools from a local expert. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.
TIDEPOOL DISCOVERY DAYS
June 9, 9 a.m. Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site. Learn about tidepool habitats. Registration required - visit netartsbaywebs.org.
34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Boxing skills and cardio-strength training for ages 12 and older. $10 fee. To register, email pacificcityboxing@ gmail.com.
SPENCER SPROCKET
June 13, 2 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Juggling, magic, and comedy. For more information, Visit tillabook.org or call 503842-4792.
MOMMY & ME
March 14, 8:30-10 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free event hosted by Fiddlesticks Toys. For more information, call 971-533-6545.
TAI CHI
June 13, 10:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. $10 per class/first class free. For more information, call 503-510-0588.
FRIDAY NIGHT GAMES
June 14, 2-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Use PC Pour’s board games or bring your own. Must be 21 or over. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
MANZANITA FARMERS MARKET
June 14, 4-7 p.m. 635 Manzanita Ave., Manzanita. Vvisit manzanitafarmersmarket.com.
‘THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG’
June 14 & 15, 7 p.m. and June 16, 2 p.m. NCRD Performing Arts Center, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. General admission $20; reserved seating $25. Tickets available at RiverbendPlayers.org.
ROCKAWAY BEACH KITE FESTIVAL
June 14-16. Rockaway Beach Wayside, South 1st Ave., Rockaway Beach. Kites, vendors, food, live music. Visit rockawaybeach.net.
PACIFIC CITY STATE AIRPORT WORK PARTY
PACIFIC CITY FARMERS’ MARKET
June 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. South Tillamook County Library parking lot, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Arts and crafts, home decor, vegetables and fruit, and more.
SOUND BOWL SUNDAY
June 9, 6:30 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit kiawanda.com.
YOUTH KARATE
June 10, 4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts for ages 6-12 years old. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. Call 971-910-1188.
ADULT KARATE
June 10, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts for ages 13 and up. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. Call 971-910-1188.
NESTUCCA VALLEY LIONS CLUB MEETING
June 10, 6 p.m. The Lion’s Den, 34510 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. For more information, email nestuccavalleylions@gmail.com.
NESTUCCA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING
June 10, 6 p.m. Nestucca Valley High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale.
PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS
June 10, 12 & 14, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@hotmail. com or 503-801-7448 (text).
STITCHERS QUILTING GROUP
June 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Community of people who make things for others - all levels welcome. $6 admission. Email scnutting@ gmail.com or call 503-801-0702.
SOUTH COUNTY FOOD PANTRY
June 11, 12:30-6 p.m. Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church, 35305 Brooten Rd., Pacific City.
PACIFIC CITY JOINT WATER-SANITARY AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING
June 11, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Call 503965-6636.
SOUTH TILLAMOOK COUNTY LIBRARY CLUB BOARD MEETING
June 11, 7 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City.
TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
June 12, 9 a.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Room 106. Also available via teleconference live video at tctvonline.com or teleconference at #971-254-3149, conference ID: 736-023-979 (listen only). For agenda, visit tillamookcounty.gov/ bocc.
CLAMMING EXPLORIENCE
June 12, 10:30 a.m. SW 51st St. Pavillion, Lincoln City. Brief orientation followed by clamming on Siletz Bay. Free and no registration required. Visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.
SOUTH TILLAMOOK CO. LIBRARY STORYTIME
June 12, 3:30 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Co-hosted by David and Theresa. All ages invited. Call 503-965-6163.
NESTUCCA RURAL FIRE PROTECTION
DISTRICT BOARD MEETING
June 12, 4 p.m. Hebo Fire Station, 30710 Hwy. 101 S., Hebo. Call 503-392-3313.
PACIFIC CITY YOUTH KARATE
June 12, 4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. For more information, call 971-9101188.
BOXING CLASS June 12, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center,
June 15, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific City State Airport, 6355 Pacific Ave., Pacific City. Mowing, flood debris removal, painting and more. For more information, email friendsofpacificcityairport@gmail.com.
NESKOWIN FARMERS MARKET
June 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 48875 Hwy. 101 S., Neskowin. For more information, visit neskowinfarmersmarket.com.
RHOADES POND
25TH ANNUAL CLIPPING PARTY
June 15, 9 a.m. Rhoades Pond, 39375 Hwy. 22, Hebo. Fin clipping, BBQ lunch, silent auction, raffle prizes. Fun for the family. Visit nestuccaanglers.com.
TILLAMOOK FARMERS MARKET
June 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Corner Laurel Ave. and 2nd St., Tillamook. Produce, arts and crafts, baked goods and more.
SEAN GASKELL CONCERT
June 15, 11 a.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. West African Kora music. All ages welcome. Call 503-965-6163. JUNETEENTH 2024A FREEDOM CELEBRATION
June 15, 11 a.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Live music, guest speakers, exhibits and activities. Visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.
DECORATED PLANTERS WORKSHOP
June 15, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Create a personalized, artistic planter. Class is for ages 12 and upminors must be accompanied by an adult. $35 fee includes instruction, supplies and first beverage - reservation fee of $20 to hold your spot. Space is limited. RSVP at PC-Pour.com.
TRIVIA NIGHT
June 15, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Play trivia. Sign-up at PC-Pour. com.
LINE DANCING CLASS
June 15, 7 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Classes begin with a lesson then dancing. $10 fee. Contact Kris Rooke, 425-894-4111.
CASCADIA CONCERT OPERA
June 15, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. A Moveable Feast - musical theatre numbers that evoke food and dining. Tickets $22. Visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.
PACIFIC CITY FARMERS’ MARKET
June 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. South Tillamook County Library parking lot, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Arts and crafts, home decor, vegetables and fruit, and more.
TEEN MELTED CRAYON JEWELRY
June 17, 3-5 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Turn crayons into jewelry. Teen Summer Reading Program event. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-965-6163.
YOUTH KARATE
June 17, 4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts for ages 6-12 years old. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. Call 971-910-1188.
ADULT KARATE
June 17, 5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Life skills and beginner martial arts for ages 13 and up. $25 sign-up fee; $50 per month. Call 971-910-1188.
LILI ST ANNE CONCERT
June 17, 7 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. Lili St Anne with Katelyn Connery. Adult tickets $20; students $10. For more information, visit baycityartscenter.com or call 503-377-9620.
Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District
Fire Chief James Oeder was elevated to president of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association during the organization’s annual conference, held April 30-May 3 in Bend. This marks the third year he’s been an officer with the organization, having first served as 1st and 2nd vice president. It will also be his sixth year on the board of directors as he served as officer for the three years prior.
“It’s an honor to be able to represent the (fire service) on the state level as a small agency fire chief and help continue the growth of the fire service,” Oeder told the Sun.
He said this coming year, one of his biggest goals will be to lobby for the fire service’s interests during the coming legislative session. As part of that, he says amongst his focus will be to make sure the fire marshal’s office has adequate funding and to testify against a proposed change in building code that would allow units in a multi-story building to have only one exit.
“I am honored to step into the role of president and continue the outstanding work of my predecessors,” added Oeder via his president’s message published on the OFCA website. “Our
Photo by Tim Hirsch
the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association during their annual conference.
association has made remarkable strides, and I am committed to building on this strong foundation. I look forward to collaborating with all of you to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.”
Responders continue surveying and cleanup efforts for a tar-like substance washing up on shorelines and impacting wildlife since Sunday, May 19 from south of Newport to Long Beach, Wash. To support the response, the public is being urged to avoid contact with the tar balls and to avoid any attempt to clean them up as officials say that is best left to responders.
Officials say coastal visitors are encouraged to avoid touching or handling the tar balls or other oily material. They say that, as well, dogs and other pets should be kept away from the materials. Noting that the tar balls are sticky and can get on skin, hair and clothing, they say, should this occur, the best course of action is to wash the area with soap or degreasing dishwashing detergent and water. The avoidance of solvents, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel or similar products is
recommended.
Those that see oiled birds or other wildlife, are advised to report it to 1-800-22-BIRDS (1-800-222-4737).
Untrained handling of affected wildlife is reportedly dangerous to the animals and any individuals attempting to help.
Multiple oil spill response organizations with trained personnel and equipment are actively working to address impacted areas and priority, high-visitation sites. The public is advised to leave cleanup to professional responders who are trained and equipped to handle this type of material.
According to responding agencies, responders will conduct aerial surveillance operations throughout the weekend to determine the substance’s source. The public is asked to refrain from recreational drone usage in affected areas where aerial surveillance is conducted.
Pacific City Heights home with gorgeous expansive views. Main floor living on upper level. Extra large garage. Move in ready!
