Pacific City Sun, August 11, 2023

A Celebration of Art

With the theme of “Fossils of the Future: Past, Present and Future Predictions,” Nestucca K-8 and Sitka Center for Art and Ecology hosted a student showcase for this year’s summer school program. At the Aug. 3 showcase, parents and the public were treated to a student display that highlighted art and science projects. The projects were created by kindergarten through eighth-grade students during their four-week STEAM summer school program.

Over the past four weeks, students examined the work of paleo-artist Ray Troll and created observational drawings of specimen within the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum’s fossil collection — including a 50-million-year-old fish impression, and a fossilized dinosaur spine. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry also engaged students in a day of hands-on exploration of dinosaurs with the youngest students and alternative energy solutions with grades 5 -8. As well, students practiced printmaking with Gelli plates, produced watercolor collage pieces, and mimicked the creation of amber resin fossils creating nature-found-object coasters using epoxy resin.

In addition, students took a field trip to Beverly Beach in Newport that was hosted by Ranger Ryan Parker. There, students compared the geology and sedimentary differences of the Astoria and Nye formations followed by an opportunity to collect and keep fossils found along the shoreline. And, during the last two weeks, students studied living fossils with West Linn artist Marlana Stoddard-Hayes and created canvas art utilizing spackle, window screens and fluid paint techniques. They also learned basic piano keyboarding and ukulele playing techniques to write their own musical compositions with 2022 Artist at Sea Resident and SwedishThai trilingual composer Sirintip Phasuk, who was visiting from New York.

STUDENTS DEMONSTRATED their singing and songwriting talents during “Fossils of the Future: Past, Present and Future Predictions,” a Nestucca K-8/Sitka Center of Art and Ecology student showcase held on Aug. 3.

DISPLAYS for each age group showcased visual projects of the four-week STEAM summer school program.

Wildland fire extinguished by Nestucca Fire, partner agencies

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

Asmall wildland fire on Highway 22 near Hebo was extinguished by the Nestucca Rural Fire District and its partner agencies on Sunday, Aug. 6.

The blaze burned just off of milepost 3 on Highway 22. According to NRFPD Chief James Oeder, it burned brush and timber on about one-fourth of an acre and took three to four hours to extinguish. Oeder said the fire could have spread much farther if it had not been so late and the sun so low — when it started burning. He said NRFPD got the call at about 9:04 p.m. and was on scene by 9:20 p.m. All told, the district used five of its units on the fire. As well, they got partner help from Tillamook Fire, Oregon Dept. of Forestry, the U.S. Forest Service, and North Lincoln Fire.

As of press time, Oeder couldn’t confirm a cause, but he did note that the area where it burned was not in an area that would normally be associated with warming fires. The fire was the second in a little over a week as the district also recently fought a

The Forecast is for: SUN

Pacific City

fire atop Mt. Hebo.

He said conditions remain ripe for brush fires such as this one to spread.

“We had a little bit of moisture recently, but we’re not getting enough to get us out of any danger of (fires like this) becoming bigger,” he added. “(This one) had the potential to run quite a way into the forest. If it had been earlier (in the day), with the conditions that we had, it could have ran quite a bit.”

He said these recent fires serve as a reminder that when out in the woods — or even along the beaches — warming fires should be enjoyed away from any brush, and they should be thoroughly extinguished when people leave.

“When you’re putting out a fire, make sure you put water on it and stir it up and make sure it’s cold before you walk away from it,” he said. “Enjoy being in the woods but be careful because, right now, we’ve got a number of big fires throughout the state. It could mean that (additional) resources (such as from ODF) could be hard for us to get. It’s going to take a week or more of substantial rain just to get fire danger down to where we could be a little

more comfortable with it.”

He also said that the devastating fires ravaging Maui could happen here should the right conditions persist. To do his part to guard against that, Oeder has accepted an invitation to speak to the homeowners’ association at Kiwanda Shores as that community seeks for ways to help prevent fires that could blaze their way through their gated homes.

“(I’ll) speak about things they can look at to help prevent the kind of fire with their beach grass and with the type of siding they have on a lot of their homes. It could, very easily, (be a situation where they) have (a fire) like Hawaii is going through.”

Oeder is also planning on an education effort this fall based on the Firewise program, prevention strategies that, in part, grew out of the 2020 wildland fires. “We want to provide as much information out there as we can this fall so people can see what they can do protect themselves.”

For more information on the Firewise nationwide program, visit https://www. nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-andrisks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA.

The next issue of the Pacific City Sun hits stands on Aug. 25. Call 503-801-5221 to reserve space for your business.

Photos by Tim Hirsch

Whales feeding along Oregon coast are smaller than those foraging at the Arctic

By MICHELLE KLAMPE Oregon State University

Gray whales that spend their summers feeding off the coast of Oregon are shorter than their counterparts who travel north to the Arctic for food, new research from Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute shows.

Both males and female gray whales in the subgroup known as the Pacific Coast Feeding Group are smaller than those in the larger group of Eastern North Pacific whales. The females average 3 feet (about 1 meter) shorter and males average 1.5 feet (half a meter) shorter, said the study’s lead author, K.C. Bierlich, a postdoctoral scholar in the institute’s Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory.

“That is a significant difference in size. We also found that the Pacific Coast Feeding Group whales had slightly smaller skulls and flukes,” he said. “It’s a surprising finding — we have not thought about these whales being different in this way before.”

The findings, published today in the journal Biology Letters, raise new questions about the health, behavior and management of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group, said study coauthor Leigh Torres, an associate professor at Oregon State who leads the GEMM Lab.

Most of the roughly 16,000 gray whales in the Eastern North Pacific population cruise past Oregon’s coast as they migrate south between October and December to their winter breeding grounds in Mexico and again in March as they return to feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas between Alaska and Russia, where they spend the summer.

But whales in the Pacific Coast Feeding Group, which number 212, spend their summer months feeding in coastal waters of Oregon, as well as northern California, Washington and southern Canada.

Since 2015, Torres and her research team

have been studying the health and habits of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group, also known as Oregon’s “summer resident” gray whales, because of their unique ecology and elevated exposure to human activities in some locations, including boat traffic, noise and pollution.

The work includes using photographs to identify individuals, nets to capture fecal samples and drones to capture aerial images for measuring the body size of individual whales. Officials say these methods reportedly provide researchers with a lot of information about the whales’ health and environment in a noninvasive manner.

“What is really unique about our data on the Pacific Coast Feeding Group is that we know these whales really well,” Bierlich said. “We see the same whales every year and can identify individuals based on unique markings, use sighting history from photo identification to estimate their age, collect fecal samples to determine their sex and use drone imagery to measure their length, skull and fluke size.”

“A big question our research group has been debating for a while is why these whales come here instead of going farther north like the larger group,” he added.

Bierlich, whose research interests include using non-invasive tools such as drones to study whale health and behavior, saw an opportunity to compare the Pacific Coast Feeding Group and the Eastern North Pacific whales. He used a combination of historic whaling records, data from stranded animals, observations from airplanes and information collected through modern noninvasive techniques including drones and began to see differences between the two groups.

“When we look at the growth curves for the two populations, we see that they grow at the same rate, but reach different final lengths,” he said.

“That raises some interesting questions: Is

this size difference normal for this group of whales and they are a healthy population, but just differently shaped? Or is this difference a sign that they are stressed, unhealthy or not getting enough to eat?

Reduced size and length are common adaptations for animals when resources are limited, Bierlich noted, but the difference also could be attributed to an adaptation to the conditions of the region.

“These whales live in a very shallow environment, feeding in the kelp forest near shore, so the differences could be a reflection of their environment,” he said. “Their smaller body size and shorter skulls and flukes could potentially help them feed more effectively in this habitat compared to the deeper waters where the Eastern North Pacific whales feed.”

The findings may also have implications for future population management.

“Being smaller means these gray whales may have less energetic storage available to support reproduction or response to disturbance and injuries,” Torres said. “More research is needed to understand what may be driving the size differences between the two populations.”

In the U.S., the Pacific Coast Feeding Group is managed as part of the larger Eastern North Pacific Group. The differences in size could raise questions about whether the Pacific Coast whales should be managed separately.

“With only 212 Pacific Coast Feeding Group whales, these whales might require different management strategies compared to the 16,000 whales in the Eastern North Pacific,” Bierlich said.

Additional coauthors include OSU’s Ally Kane, Lisa Hildebrand, Clara Bird, Alejandro Fernández Ajó, Josh Stewart, Ines Hildebrand and James Sumich and Duke University’s Joshua Hewitt. The Marine Mammal Institute is part of Oregon State’s College of Agricultural Sciences in Newport.

CAC to vote in new officers, discuss STR ordinance

The Pacific City-Woods Citizen Advisory Committee will vote on new officers for its board plus share updates on recent developments such as the Kiawanda Corridor Project and the approved Short Term Rental Permit Ordinance 84, Amendment 2; at its annual general membership meeting, Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-noon, at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City.

Updates are also scheduled on the FEMA BiOp; approved ADU plan; PCWoods CAC Wayfinding, Pacific City parking and more.

As well, Commissioner David Yamamoto, who recently announced his intention to retire before the end of the year, is expected to share information on the future of development in the Pacific City-Woods area.

Officers to be voted in for the coming year include chair, vice-chair and secretary. The CAC received three applications for the positions by its July 31 deadline. On the ballot for the board positions are Bob Papke (chair), Sharlys Leszczuk (vice-chair), Dan Rawlinson

(secretary), and Cathy Rawlins (Chair of Land use Subcommittee).

Papke has served as the chair of the CAC for the past three years. His experience includes 22 years as an executive in the high-tech industry, 16 in real estate, and he is currently the coowner of PC-Pour, a wine bar in Pacific City.

Leszczuk owns her own public relations consultancy business based in Woods and is the assistant volleyball coach at Nestucca High School.

Rawlinson is the Subaru parts manager and corporate parts manager at Carr Auto Group in Beaverton where he has worked for 30 years.

Rawlins was a realtor for more than 20 years before becoming a mortgage originator, experience she says has included dealing with land issues. She has also served as a planning commissioner and on advisory committees with various realtor organizations.

For more information about the CAC and this upcoming meeting, visit pcwoodscac.org.

A Full Course of Art

Nestucca Valley Artisans’ Festival returns for its 29th annual event, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-27

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

Art lovers will have the chance to not just purchase one-of-a-kind original creations, but also interact with area artists when the Nestucca Valley Artisans’ Festival returns to Pacific City for its 29th annual event, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-27.

Held at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., the event will feature a variety of disciplines and art forms and host more than 15 local artists. The festival is a longstanding favorite for both the local community and visitors since the 1990s. Admission is free.

This year, returning artists will include Michael and Linda Soeby (pottery), Dana Hulburt (acrylic painting), Victor Guschov (painting), Barb Haddad (ceramics), Alita Pearl (silver jewelry and leather), Kent and Nancy Searles (lapidary, wire wrapping, ceramics), Nancy McEwen (painting), Tim Moore (photography), Denise Clausen (quilting and calligraphy), and Catherine Hingson (oil painting).

“There’s quite a few people that have told me over the years that this is absolutely their favorite event at the community center,” said pottery artist Michael Soeby. “They look forward to it every year.”

He also appreciates the friendliness of

all involved — whether that be artists, customers or KCC volunteers and staff.

“I like it because everyone’s polite,” he added. “The vendors are respectful of each other, and they’re all local. They all do a good job and are friendly.”

There will be new faces this year as well. Artists participating for the first time this year are Brendan Alex Phoenix (photographic art), Patti Hoffert (watercolor, pastels, oils), Tayler Blackman (mixed media) and Candace Churchly (book arts and mixed media).

“I’ve been to the fair a couple times, but this is my first time in it,” Blackman told the Sun “I’m looking forward to meeting more people, and I really like that there’s a variety of different artists. To have another event in town is really fun.”

She’s also excited about the collaboration that happens both among artists and between the public and the creators.

“It’s really cool to talk to people about their process and what inspires them,” she said. “I love to hear about how people got started with art and what gets them inspired.”

NVA is a well-known local artists’ collective that has been supporting local arts projects since 1993. They say they love interpreting the area’s beautiful surroundings in various media and that the festival is their annual opportunity to share member artwork with the others who love the beautiful Oregon coast.

Scholarships open for TBCC’s Nature and Outdoors Program

Tillamook Coast Visitors Association recently established two annual scholarships at Tillamook Bay Community College for students enrolling in TBCC’s Nature and Outdoors Program. The scholarship, named the “Tillamook Coast Outdoor Program Scholarship,” is $1,000. The deadline for fall applications is Monday, Sept. 4.

“As part of our continuing efforts to support local workforce initiatives, we are thrilled to offer these two scholarships to students seeking training in the nature and outdoor recreation fields,” says Dan Haag, TCVA Trails and Outdoor Recreation Manager.

The scholarships support students who are pursuing a career in the outdoors or in an industry that focuses on the natural environment. TBCC’s Nature and Outdoors Program is being hailed by TCVA as perfect for students who want to work with animals,

crops, farms and trees.

In the program, TBCC offers several degree options that provide hands-on learning from local experts and educators in the field. These degrees can lead to fulfilling careers in forest biology, silviculture, dendrology, fish and wildlife conservation, research and more. Each of these degrees will also transfer directly to degree programs at Oregon State University.

“We’re excited to create this partnership with TBCC and help train the next generation of outdoor educators,” says Haag.

The spring scholarship cycle at TBCC opened on March 13. For more information on the TCVA scholarships visit http:// tbccscholarships.awardspring.com or contact Britta Lawrence at brittalawrence@ tillamookbaycc.edu or 503-842-8222, ext. 1026.

NESTUCCA VALLEY ARTISANS’ annual Festival will highlight a wide range of art when it comes to the Kiawanda Community Center, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-27.

MORE THAN 15 artists including pottery artist Michael Soeby (above) will participate in NVA’s 29th annual event.

Photos by Tim Hirsch

Ultimook Track Club brings back Tillamook Bay Run

Returning after a several year hiatus, the Tillamook Bay Run returns Aug. 19 under the management of Ultimook, a nonprofit dedicated to youth running.

Located on the Tillamook Bayocean Spit, the event features both a 5K and 10K course — both distances will send runners up the beach with views of the Pacific Ocean and return along the Tillamook Bay. Both the 5k walk/run and 10k run will begin at 9 a.m. on the beach. Check-in/ packet pick up and day-of-race registration will begin at 7 a.m. in the Tillamook County Bayocean Park parking lot. The starting line is a short trail walk away from the parking and check-in area. Participants should allow for additional time as the starting line can only be reached by foot.

The race cost is $50 for the 10K/5K, $20 for youth 18 years and younger.

Registration includes: electronic timing and results, race t-shirt, finisher medal, and post-race refreshments. Division winners will also receive prizes.

After the race, participants are encouraged to check out the historical markers and information about the village of Bayocean that was once known as the “Atlantic City of the West.” The town once boasted a general store, hotel, and a saltwater natatorium. After the construction of a jetty to the north of the spit at the mouth of Tillamook Bay, ocean currents began to wash away Baoyocean.

Historian Jerry Sutherland will be in attendance at the event to promote his new book: “Bayocean: Atlantis of Oregon.”

Pelican Brewing is a sponsor of the Tillamook Bay Run and will donate drinks to all participants featuring their new nonalcoholic sparkling hops. Visit Tillamook Coast, Blue Heron French Cheese Company, and Grocery Outlet are also contributing sponsors of the event.

For more information and to register, visit ultimook.oregoncoastalflowers.com/ tillamook-bay-run/.

The Tillamook Bay Run is hosted by Ultimook, a nonprofit that supports local youth running programs in Tillamook County includng the Tillamook Distance Project, Ultimook Running Camp, and the Ultimook Track Club.

Yamamoto announces early retirement

Before the end of the year, Tillamook County Commissioner David Yamamoto is planning on taking early retirement as the longtime political force in South Tillamook County — and the county at large — looks toward the horizon of his impending retirement.

“It is with a great deal of apprehension, yet with considerable anticipation, that I announce to you this morning, my intent to take an early retirement,” he said in an Aug. 2 release to the media. “One of the greatest highlights of my working career has been representing the people of Tillamook County at the local, State and Federal level as your Commissioner, and I want to thank the people of Tillamook County for allowing me this great honor.”

Yamamoto, who has been serving as commissioner since Jan. 3, 2017, when he was first sworn in, says the decision is a bitter-sweet one, but that it’s time to focus on family and retirement goals.

“I have been fortunate to work with many exceptional people from across the state and nation but none compare to the amazing employees we have right here in Tillamook County,” he added. “This has proven to be a difficult decision because of you, my coworkers, and I want to thank you for the care and concern you have demonstrated, to do your best for the people of the county and for each other.

“I realize my early departure may be unexpected, but I feel it is time for me to concentrate on my personal retirement goals with my family. Please understand that I love this job, though it is not always easy, and this has been an agonizing decision. It is my hope that you will be understanding of my position.”

He also addressed the timing of his departure.

“My exit plan, the timing of which is not yet set in stone, is to leave by the end of this year, in all likelihood, November or December,” he explained. “I want to be very clear that there are still things I want to accomplish before my exit, and I will be intensely focused and working diligently every day until my departure. As you have heard me discuss many times, projects

like the NMFS/FEMA Biological Opinion (BiOp), State Forest Trust Lands, broadband for Tillamook County and the NW Region, Off-Shore Wind and the Kiwanda Corridor Project remain at the top of my list to advance.”

Yamamoto also took the time to look at some of the accomplishments during his tenure. He said amongst those he’s proud of are his appointments to Ocean Policy Advisory Council and Oregon Broadband Advisory Council as well as BOEM’s Oregon Offshore Wind Steering Committee, Salmon Super Hwy Executive Steering Committee, Oregon Tidegate Steering Committee, and Oregon’s 100-year water vision. Critical new developments in the FEMA BiOp include Tillamook County being named a cooperating agency to FEMA and inclusion of his National Association of Counties’ “American Counties Platform” BiOp resolution.

“One additional honor I have thoroughly enjoyed is my participation as a founding member of the Tillamook Working Lands

and Waters Cooperative,” he added. “This grass roots organization, with the encouragement and support of Oregonians for Food and Shelter, has catapulted us to the top of all such groups in Oregon. With our successful series of tours showcasing modern forestry, dairy and fisheries practices in Tillamook County, this is one of the reasons I can proudly pronounce ‘when it comes to clean water, habitat restoration and fish recovery…no Oregon County does this better than Tillamook County.’”

With the announcement, the Board of Commissioners’ office, along with County Counsel, is reportedly working on the process of choosing Yamamoto’s replacement.

“Although I will not have a vote in the process, I look forward to sharing my opinions with the other commissioners prior to a vote,” he added. “It is my hope that my replacement will be a strong voice for Tillamook County’s robust natural resource-based economy.”

TILLAMOOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER DAVID YAMAMOTO, who has been serving the Board of County Commissioners since Jan. 3, 2017, announced on Aug. 2 that he will retire by the end of the year. Pictured above is Yamamoto at his initial swearing in ceremony in 2017.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

Calendar Events of

MANZANITA FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 11, 4-7 p.m. Underhill Plaza, 635 Manzanita Ave., Manzanita. Variety of vendors with fresh fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts, and more. Visit manzanitafarmersmarket. com.

ELVIE SHANE CONCERT

Aug. 11, 8 p.m. Tillamook County Fairgrounds, 4603 3rd St., Tillamook. Country music star Elvie Shane. Concert free with fair admission. Visit tillamookfair.com.

HIKING EXPLORIENCE

Aug. 11, 1 p.m. Spyglass Ridge Trailhead, Lincoln City. Guided hike on 1.25 mile loop trail. Free and no registration required. Visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY FAIR

Aug. 11-12. Tillamook County Fairgrounds, 4603 3rd St., Tillamook. Rides, food, vendors, exhibits, Pig-N-Ford races, demolition derby, live music, and Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing. Visit tillamookfair.com.

NESKOWIN FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Hwy. 101 & Summit Rd., Neskowin. Various vendors - arts and crafts, fresh vegetables and fruits, and much more. SNAP match.

CHAUTAUQUA TALKS WITH

CHET ORLOFF

Aug. 12, 11 a.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd Ave., Tillamook. Meet outside in Maxwell Library Park. Presentation on “Naming Oregon: The Names on the Landscape.” Visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.

BINGO NIGHT

Aug. 12, 5:30-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Free Bingo. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

BIRD WATCHING EXPLORIENCE

Aug. 12, 9 a.m. Alder Island Nature Trailhead, Lincoln City. Meet on east side of Hwy. 101 at south end of Siletz River Bridge. Spot waterfowl on guided tour. Free and no registration required. Visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.

AUTHOR PRESENTATION

Aug. 12, 2-3 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd Ave., Tillamook. Jerry Sutherland shares slide presentation related to his book “Bayocean: Atlantis of Oregon.” Visit tillabook. org or call 503-842-4792.

TILLAMOOK FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Corner of Laurel Ave. & Second St., Tillamook. Fruits and vegetables, arts and crafts, SNAP match. Visit tillamookchamber.org.

LINCOLN CITY SANDCASTLE CONTEST

Aug. 12, noon. Siletz Bay, 860 SW 51st St., Lincoln City. Pre-contest activities including games, ax-throwing and more. Sandcastle contest at 3 p.m. Visit ILoveMosChowder. com/Mos-Lincoln-City or call 541-996-2535.

PACIFIC CITY FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Grounds of South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Fresh and local food, artisans crafts and more.

CRABBING EXPLORIENCE

Aug. 13, 11 a.m. SW 51st. Pavilion, Lincoln City. Free and no registration required. Brief orientation followed by crabbing on Siletz Bay. Visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541996-1274.

PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS

Aug. 14, 16 & 18, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/walking-groups/ or con-

TILLAMOOK BAY RUN 5K/10K

Aug. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Race on Tillamook Bayocean Spit. Adult fees $50; youth 18 and under $20. For more information, or to register, visit ultimook.oregoncoastalflowers.com.

tact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@hotmail. com or 503-801-7448 (text).

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Aug. 14-18, 9 a.m.-noon. Beaver Community Church, 24720 Hwy. 101 S., Beaver. For children ages 5-12 years old. Visit beavercommunitychurch.com.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Aug. 16, 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 co.tillamook.or.us/bocc.

FAMILY MOVIE

Aug. 16, noon. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. “The Bad Guys” - rated G. Bring pillow for sitting; snacks provided. Visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.

PICTIONARY NIGHT

Aug. 16, 5:30-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Play Pictionary. Signup at PC-Pour.com.

OLD IRON SHOW

Aug. 16-20. Blue Heron French Cheese Company, 2001 Blue Heron Dr., Tillamook. Antique tractors, equipment, vintage vehicles, blacksmith demonstrations, tools displays, swap meet, and more. Setup Aug. 16 & 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Show Aug. 18 & 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Take down Aug. 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit br159nwoldiron@gmail.com or call 503-842-9167.

ROCKAWAY BEACH

ARTISANS MARKET

Aug. 17, 4-8 p.m. Ocean’s Edge Wayside, South 1st St., Rockaway Beach. For more information, visit rockawaybeach.net.

MANZANITA FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 18, 4-7 p.m. Underhill Plaza, 635 Manzanita Ave., Manzanita. Variety of vendors with fresh fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts, and much more. For more information, visit manzanitafarmersmarket.com.

ANCIENT COASTAL PLANTS

Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Netarts Bay Area. Guided tour among coastal wetlands and forest. Free event; registration required. For

Pier Avenue Rock Shop

Sunstones - Oregon’s State Gemstone

Wide Variety of Gems & Rocks Cabs (for jewelry making)

Earrings • Pendants (made in house)

more information or to register, visit netartsbaywebs.org.

ARTIST RECEPTION

Aug. 18, 5-7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center

Chessman Gallery, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Angela Passalacqua show “Flights of Fancy, Moments of Doubt.” For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 503-994-9994.

NESKOWIN FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Hwy. 101 & Summit Rd., Neskowin. Various vendors - arts and crafts, fresh vegetables and fruits, and much more. SNAP match.

TRIVIA NIGHT

Aug. 19, 5:30-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Test your trivia knowledge. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

TILLAMOOK BAY RUN 5K/10K

Aug. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Race on Tillamook Bayocean Spit. Adult fees $50; youth 18 and under $20. For more information, or to register, visit ultimook.oregoncoastalflowers.com.

TILLAMOOK FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Corner of Laurel Ave. & Second St., Tillamook. Fruits and vegetables, arts and crafts, SNAP match. Visit tillamookchamber.org.

BIRDING ON THE BAY

Aug. 19, 9 a.m.-noon. 4949 Netarts Hwy. W., Netarts. Observe coastal birds on and around Netarts Bay. Free event; registration required. Visit netartsbaywebs.org.

HANGAR B’S 80TH ANNIVERSARY

Aug. 19. Tillamook Air Museum, 6030 Hangar Rd., Tillamook. Free admission to air museum 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ticketed Dinner/Dance/Silent Auction 6-11 p.m. Visit tillamookair.com or call 503-842-1130.

DISCOVERY IN STONE WORKSHOP

Aug. 19 & 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. Stone and tools supplied; instructors on site. Tuition by donation. Visit baycityartscenter.com or call 503-377-9620.

PACIFIC CITY FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Grounds of South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pa-

cific City. Fresh and local food, artisans crafts and more.

MAXWELL LIBRARY PARK DEDICATION

Aug. 20, 2-4 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. “Library Spaces Grow Communities” themed dedication. Speakers, live music, and refreshments. Visit tillabook. org or call 503-842-4792.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Aug. 20, 9 a.m.-noon. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. $10 per person; $9 for members. Visit baycityartscenter.com or call 503-377-9620.

PACIFIC CITY WALKING WONDERS

Aug. 21, 23 & 25, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@hotmail. com or 503-801-7448 (text).

CRABBING EXPLORIENCE

Aug. 21, 2 p.m. SW 51st. Pavilion, Lincoln City. Free and no registration required. Brief orientation followed by crabbing on Siletz Bay. Visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-9961274.

NESTUCCA VALLEY SCHOOL

DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m. Nestucca Valley Jr/Sr High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale.

SOUTH COUNTY FOOD PANTRY

Aug. 22, 12:30-6 p.m. Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church, 35305 Brooten Rd., Pacific City. NESTUCCA VALLEY LIONS CLUB MEETING

Aug. 22, 4 p.m. The Lion’s Den, 34510 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. Email: nestuccavalleylions@ gmail.com.

SOUTH TILLAMOOK COUNTY

LIBRARY STORYTIME

Aug. 23, 3:30 p.m. South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Co-hosted by David and Theresa. All ages invited. For more information, call 503-965-6163.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Aug. 23, 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 co.tillamook.or.us/bocc.

BINGO NIGHT

Aug. 23, 5:30-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Free Bingo. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

ROCKAWAY BEACH ARTISANS MARKET

Aug. 24, 4-8 p.m. Ocean’s Edge Wayside, South 1st St., Rockaway Beach. Visit rockawaybeach.net.

MANZANITA FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 25, 4-7 p.m. Underhill Plaza, 635 Manzanita Ave., Manzanita. Variety of vendors with fresh fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts, and much more. Visit manzanitafarmersmarket.com.

SILETZ BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

OPENING NIGHT

Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Mei-Ting Sun, piano. Adult tickets $40; students $15. Visit siletzbaymusic.org or call 503-994-9994. ‘AGNES OF GOD’

Aug. 27, 2 p.m. NCRD Performing Arts Center, 36115 9th St., Nehalem. Tickets available at the door only. Visit ncrd.org or call 855-444-6273.

NESKOWIN FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Hwy. 101 & Summit Rd., Neskowin. Various vendors - arts and crafts,

5845 Pier Ave • Tierra Del Mar 503-965-6334

Located just off of the Three Capes Scenic Loop • 1 mile no. of Thousand Trails

www.PierAveRockShop.com

THUR-SUN | 4-9

Courtesy photo

TCPM to host signing for James Fox’s book

‘Ephraim Fox: An Oregon Pioneer Story’

Tillamook County Pioneer Museum is hosting a book signing of local author James Royal Fox, Jr.’s latest publication, “Ephraim Fox: An Oregon Pioneer Story,” on Aug. 26, 1-5 p.m.

The book, the third installment in a series of family history chronicles on the Fox family, focuses on the author’s third great-grandfather, Ephraim Fox, upon his arrival in what was then Oregon Territory in late 1852. The narrative follows his experiences striving to raise a family in the tumultuous, rapidly changing natural and social environment of the soon-to-be and then newly created state. He participated in the Rogue River War, witnessed the arrival of industrialization and tens of thousands of emigrants to the Willamette Valley, and fought to protect his family’s good name in the face of mass social change.

The first book in the series is focused on Ephraim’s grandfather, Benjamin, who grew up amid the first decades of the United States’ existence. The second book details Ephraim’s journey from his origins in Kentucky, to Missouri, and across the Oregon Trail.

These books are the culmination of a journey of discovery for the author.

“When documents led me to believe Ephraim Fox was my third great grandfather, I was initially skeptical due to the heroic actions made by the man and the historically significant events he found himself involved in,” said Fox. “By the time DNA proved I was his grandson, I was determined to tell his story. That goal became exponentially more important when research led me to realize I was the last living male from the family Ephraim established in Oregon.”

The book signing event, held at the Pioneer Museum, will commence with Fox

fresh vegetables and fruits, and more. SNAP match.

PICTIONARY NIGHT

Aug. 26, 5:30-7 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Must be 21 or over. Play Pictionary. Signup at PC-Pour.com.

TILLAMOOK MUSIC SOCIETY

GARAGE SALE FUNDRAISER

Aug. 26, 8 a.m. 501 Williams Ave., Tillamook. Clothing, books, household items, and more. Proceeds benefit Tillamook youth in the field of music. Event dependent on weather.

SILETZ BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL:

A SATURDAY SOIRÉE

Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Montgomery, Prokofiev, Dvorak and more. Adult tickets $25; students; $10. Visit siletzbaymusic.org or call 503-994-9994.

TILLAMOOK FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Corner of Laurel Ave. & Second St., Tillamook. Fruits and vegetables, arts and crafts, SNAP match. Visit tillamookchamber.org.

NESTUCCA VALLEY ARTISANS’

29TH ANNUAL ART FESTIVAL

Aug. 26 & 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. 15 local artists present a variety of art forms for sale. Contact Denise Clausen, 503-965-6774.

giving a talk about the development of the book and series, and doing a reading from “Ephraim Fox.” Afterwards, he will be available for further discussion of the book, and to sign copies. All three books in the series will be available for purchase at the museum. Admission to the event is free, and light refreshments will be provided.

“Ephraim Fox’s story is like so many early American settlers in the Oregon Territory, but not many of them have descendants who are such thoroughly determined researchers as Mr. Fox,” says Tillamook County Pioneer Museum director, Peyton Tracy. “He’s really gone the extra mile to provide that additional context, to add that emotional nuance, to give a clear picture of what his ancestors may have experienced in a unique moment in history.”

James R. Fox, better known as Jimmy, was born and raised in south Tillamook County. He owned and operated Fox Grocery & Firearms in Beaver for 32 years before retiring and dedicating himself to genealogical research. Diagnosed with osteo genesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, as a child, he is a double amputee with a history of winning wheelchair races. In 1987, he rolled a racing wheelchair from Portland to New York City in a bid to raise money and awareness for genetic diseases. He has a number of additional books planned or in the works.

Founded in 1935 by Tillamook Oregon pioneers, the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, open to the public TuesdaySaturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., offers 19 display areas that focus on the history of the North Oregon Coast. Its current collection includes 55,000 items and 20,000 photographs ranging from prehistoric specimens to modern-day. Its research library can be used by the public by appointment only.

BAY CITY PEARL & OYSTER

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aug. 26, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Al Griffin Memorial Park, corner of 4th and Trade Streets, Bay City. Live music shows plus Kids Talent Show. Potential vendors call 303-201-9912 or 503-300-9013. Visit pearlandoystermusicfestival.godaddysites.com.

SILETZ BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL:

MUSICAL TAPAS

Aug. 27, 4 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Gershwin, Dvorak, Debussy, Strauss and more. Tickets $75. Visit siletzbaymusic.org or call 503-9949994.

PACIFIC CITY FARMERS MARKET

Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Grounds of South Tillamook County Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Fresh and local food, artisans crafts and more.

SILETZ BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL:

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Art & Music, Elgar, Crumb and Schumann. Adult tickets $25; students $10. Visit

Peter Byrne leaves historic legacy

WWII Veteran, conservationist, explorer and author Peter Cyril Byrne passed peacefully in Tillamook on July 28, 2023. He was 97.

Born Aug. 22, 1925, in Dublin, Ireland on the family estate, Peter was raised with three siblings. In 1943, he enlisted in the Royal Air Force and was stationed in the East Indian Ocean on the Coco’s Islands off of Australia where he served with distinction until the war ended.

After the war, Peter became a tea planter in northeast India. After a serendipitous encounter in Bombay, he became friends with the King of Nepal’s brother and was granted property in Nepal where Peter conducted hunting safaris in the White Grass Plains of western Nepal.

After 18 years of big game hunting, in 1968 he turned to conservation in Nepal where he convinced the government to create a wildlife preserve, and eventually establish the Sukila Phanta National Park.

“I showed them that taking a photograph of a rhinoceros was worth 1,000 times more than shooting it once,” he said. Peter also pioneered Nepal river rafting, and trekking expeditions during his many lengthy trips to the country.

During the Nepal years, he also established the nonprofit International Wildlife Conservation Society. In the interests of the Society, he traveled globally and through his magnetic personality, established many friends and gained honors that included a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and membership in the Explorers Club of New York. But, spiritually, he was forever drawn to the Himalayas, with his last trip to Nepal thought to be in 2012.

In Nepal, Peter was sought after by Texas oil man Tom Slick. Slick financed a twoyear Byrne Himalayan expedition to find the fabled yeti. After few results were found of the yeti, in 1960 Slick brought Peter to northern California and the Pacific Northwest to track Bigfoot. That search unfortunately ended with Slick’s sudden death in an airplane crash in 1962.

Thereafter, Peter conducted two other, long, and well-funded northern Oregon Bigfoot projects. Again, with no physical evidence of Bigfoot, those projects ended in the late 1990s. Peter then moved to Los Angeles, but after never really feeling at home in the overcrowded city, he retired to a cabin on the banks of the Nestucca River in Pacific City where he continued to write the remainder of his 20 books. He also wandered the mountains of the Coastal Range with friends in his continuing quest for sightings of Bigfoot.

Peter Cyril Byrne is survived by his daughter Rara Byrne now living in Perth, Australia; his sister Beryl Green of Maidenhead, England; and his life partner of more than 25 years, Cathy Griffin in Pacific City, Oregon, who lives in the riverside cabin they shared.

Remembrances: A journalism scholarship has been established in his honor: “The Peter Byrne endowed scholarship fund in journalism for the talent and love of writing.” Checks or funds may be sent payable to the Nestucca High School, P.O. Box 38, Cloverdale, OR 97112.

For the scheduling of a celebration of life for Peter, visit petercbyrne.com.

Cougar sightings reported in Neskowin area

By CHELSEA YARNELL for the Sun

Residents in the Neskowin area reported several sightings of cougars in the South Beach area on and around Aug. 4.

Several residents were able to catch video and photos of multiple cougars via game cameras and home security devices. The cougars were caught on film in the neighborhood during dusk and dawn hours.

Suzanne Gauen’s game camera captured many photos of a cougar in the hills adjacent to South Beach in Neskowin on Aug. 3 and 4.

Posts of the animals on social media were soon picked up by Portland news stations and aired as a caution to residents and visitors to be vigilant while in the area.

According to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, cougar populations have been growing in the Coast Range as cougars migrate from denser population strongholds in other areas of the state and seek out new habitat. Their primary prey are black-tailed deer, and recent research with fecal DNA shows higher densities than previously

thought. Cougars will also pursue smaller prey like rabbits, small rodents, or birds. Cougars are normally elusive and wary of humans. Cougars often will retreat if given the opportunity, so leave the animal a way to escape.

If you encounter a cougar, ODFW advises that you follow these safety tips:

• Stay calm and do not run away. Running can trigger a chase response in cougars, which could lead to an attack.

• Raise your voice and speak firmly.

• Maintain direct eye contact.

• Pick up children, but do so without bending down or turning your back on the cougar.

• Back away slowly.

• If the cougar displays aggressive behavior or does not leave, raise your arms to make yourself look larger and clap your hands.

• In the unlikely event of an attack, fight back with rocks, sticks, bear or pepper spray, tools or any items available.

Learn more about living with cougars by visiting https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/ living_with/cougars.asp.

Byrne, a longtime resident of Pacific City, was a WWII Veteran, conservationist, explorer, and author

PETER CYRIL BYRNE

SUZANNE GAUEN’S game camera captured numerous photos of a cougar in the hills adjacent to South Beach in Neskowin on Aug. 3 and 4.

Photo coutesy of Suzanne Gauen

THE TIERRA DEL MAR ART FAIR, hosted at the Community Hall, drew a steady stream of supporters to the event on Aug. 5. Various arts, crafts, and home goods were available for purchase at the event.

Tierra Del Mar Art Fair draws crowds

By CHELSEA YARNELL for the Sun

Supporters of the Tierra Del Mar Art Fair quickly filled the Community Hall on Saturday, Aug. 5 with a constant stream of people coming and going on Bilyeu Avenue.

Thirteen vendors displayed a variety of local art, hand-crafted goods, and coastal curiosities. In addition to vendors, the Tierra Del Mar Community Association sold plants, cards, vintage BINGO cards, and stickers to raise money to be used for improvements to the Community Hall.

Tillamook County Emergency Management also donated individually packed “emergency boxes” stocked with masks, hand sanitizer, a disposable gown, and gloves that were free for attendees to take home.

Sue Beede, Tierra Del Mar Community Association Member-atLarge, and her daughter Katie Knox were one of the event’s vendors, selling tie dye clothing and accessories from their booth “Creatively Upcycled.”

“I’ve been a longtime (part-time) resident for 33 years,” Beede said. “And we’ve been coming to our cabin in Tierra Del Mar for years and tie dying while we were here.”

TIERRA DEL MAR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Board Member Sue Beede, and her daughter Katie Knox, were one of the many vendors at the Tierra Del Mar Art Fair on Aug. 5. The two sold their repurposed tie dye clothing and accessories.

Selling their items exclusively at the event, the duo is environmentally conscious with their craft.

“We source from the ‘Bins’ or use excess or repurposed clothing,” Knox said.

Additional vendors included C-Shape Creations, Sundesign Graphics, Ed Ruttledge Photography, Wrackline Designs, Sanctuary Studio, and Michele Scaglia Photography.

The Association hopes to make the Art Fair an annual event.

Dorymen’s Association to meet on Aug. 26

The Pacific City Dorymen’s Association will conduct board elections and discuss issues ranging from its past and future events to scholarships at its upcoming membership meeting on Saturday, Aug. 26, 3-5 p.m. at Pacific Coast Bible Church, 35230 Brooten Rd., Pacific City. Amongst the additional discussion items are an update on progress on the Kiwanda Corridor Project (tentative), the beach

access ramp, the Dorymen’s Association Memorial Wall, and its website. A fishery report will also be shared, as well as a report on the Ocean Policy Advisory Committee.

A presentation by the Nestucca Anglers is also scheduled.

For more information on the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association and its upcoming meeting, visit pcdorymen.com.

Photo by Chelsea Yarnell

Photo by Chelsea Yarnell