CBG412

‘UPS Dave’ announces retirement

David Brady, fondly known as “UPS Dave”, announced his retirement in early April and everyone thought it was an April Fool’s joke. The news spread fast, and the love started pouring in on social media with memories of Dave. His impact on our community is a story to be told, as Dave is dearly loved here in Cannon Beach. Dave worked at UPS for 24 years while typically working 12-hours days. After commuting from Long Beach, Washington, he arrived at the UPS center in Warrenton to pick up his truck before continuing to Cannon Beach. He spent long hours every day servicing our community, and “community” is how he describes Cannon Beach. Many of his customers have become like family, while their dogs and cats waited patiently for Dave to bring them treats. It is part of what he loved about his job: the people and the pets. Dave humbly added that he

“is very teary-eyed at the thought of saying goodbye”. In 1976, when he was in the 8th grade, Dave moved to Seaside from Colorado Springs. His dad had a roller-skating rink and hoped to open one in Seaside, but that never materialized. Dave attended Seaside High School and graduated in 1979. Starting in 1981, he owned and operated Cannon Beach Bakery after working several jobs along the way in other bakeries. When the lease for the Cannon Beach Bakery was up in 1996, he became a fitness manager for a few years at Columbia Fitness and Seaside Fitness and was also a part of the Cannon Beach Athletic Club. That experience prepared him for the heavy lifting required at UPS over the next 24 years. After living in Seaside for most of his life, 15 years ago Dave moved to Long Beach with his wife Tori. Dave and Tori have a total 7 children: 2 boys and 5 girls. With 17 grandchildren, Dave said he is eager to spend more time with family. His daily commute

between Long Beach and Cannon Beach, combined with the 12-hour workdays, allowed him little time to spend with his family. “UPS has been a great company to work for”, but delivery times have increased to 3-minute time limits for each stop, giving him little time to talk to customers, which is what he enjoyed most about his job. The number of packages increased dramatically during and after the Covid pandemic. Drop-and-go was not Dave’s style, as customer service was his top priority. Dave always went the extra mile for his customers and gave the ultimate in customer service, and in May 2020, the CEO of UPS presented Dave with an engraved plaque honoring and recognizing his excellent customer service. Most of all Dave would like to say “thank you” to the community of Cannon Beach for being so kind and generous to him over the many years that he worked here. He would see 150 people a day and

knew all their pets by name. He valued the friendships, the laughter, and the depth of the relationships. Dave added that “I always felt loved in Cannon Beach”; while the appreciation for his customers is mutual and will be a lasting memory.

Dave explained that “it is bittersweet to leave and rather heartbreaking, but it is time”. Dave turned 63 on April 10th, and being a UPS driver is a physically demanding job. He will now spend time with family, play music with friends, stay fit, and discover new passions in life. Cannon Beach will forever remain a part of him, and Cannon Beach will always remember Dave and his amazing customer service and his caring for each one of us. Our pets will dearly miss his biscuits and his loving touch, and they are still watching for him every day hoping he might return. Very few people in life care as much as Dave did. He will be missed, and we fondly wish him well in his well-deserved retirement.

Water line break highlights need for water resiliency project, city and Conference Center remain at impasse

Question and Answer Interview with the Cannon Beach Conference Center

for many months in good faith toward what we had hoped would be a fair and reasonable solution for both parties.

All questions and answers are printed verbatim

1. According to the attorney for the City of Cannon Beach, the city initiated negotiations with the Cannon Beach Conference Center in July 2022 for an easement to construct a new water reservoir to replace the old water reservoir. According to the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, when private property is taken for public use, the property owner must receive “just compensation” from the government. “Just compensation” can sometimes be a subjective amount for both parties and is frequently the cause of a failure to come to an agreement. Is “just compensation” the reason for the lengthy negotiations, or is something else causing the delay in reaching a settlement? The two issues we have been working through are fair and reasonable compensation and ensuring that we do not lose access to the use of our property.

2. Will the location of the new water reservoir have any negative impact on your existing “Challenge Course” or “Zipline” located in the forest directly to the north of the existing water reservoir?

Yes, the placement of the new reservoir eliminates the original and long-standing access for our guests to the zipline. Our ability to use this amenity is a loss to our guests. The city’s proposal of a pathway was an inadequate solution because of the difficulty it caused in getting to our zipline as well as its proximity to the area where approximately 30 trees will be removed by the city and a fence built around the new reservoir.

Our initial proposal was for two short ziplines that would keep guests away from the new reservoir while also allowing full access to our current zipline. In the end, CBCC identified a possible alternative pathway that could provide access from a different starting point to the zipline. While we were discussing this solution with the city, we were surprised to be informed they were enacting imminent domain. We are unclear as to why they thought this was necessary.

3. The Cannon Beach City Council voted unanimously to initiate the condemnation process in order to move forward with construction of the new water reservoir. Do you have any comment about their decision?

This was a surprise to us since we had worked

4. According to the “Media Talking Points” provided by the City Attorney: “This has been a disappointing and frustrating process for the City. If the Conference Center was going to refuse to negotiate a revised easement with the City, that should have been communicated at the outset but instead it has resulted in additional delays and project costs.” Your response to this?

From the start of this process our aim has been to be a blessing to the city and work out the details in good faith in a spirit of cooperation. The Conference Center has been asked to shoulder a heavy burden in both the impact on the property and the expenses we are having and will have to incur. Our first responsibility is to the guests and donors who have made the Conference Center possible through decades of generous and sacrificial support.

As the city has acknowledged, this is a complex project. A permanent agreement of this magnitude requires thoroughly working through many details. This is further complicated by the number of individuals involved (both from the city with its officials, contractors, advisors, etc. as well as the Conference Center with the leadership, our Board of Directors and other necessary consultants). At one point, the city asked us to sign an agreement for which the details had not yet been finalized. There have also been delays wherein the Conference Center waited for months for further details necessary to move forward. To us, this is understandable, again, due to the complex nature of this undertaking.

5. Do you believe that the Cannon Beach Conference Center and the City of Cannon Beach are close to coming to an agreement on an easement for a new water reservoir?

Yes, negotiations have continued, and our assessment is that we are very close to finalizing an agreement.

6. Can you briefly explain the history of the Cannon Beach Conference Center, its main purpose, and how long it’s been a part of the local community?

Cannon Beach Conference Center was founded in 1945 by a couple who loved the Lord and the beauty of the Oregon Coast. Our mission today remains the same as it was at its founding, which is to provide a friendly, comfortable atmosphere where people can find refreshment and renewal. April through December we offer a variety of Bible-based conferences for women, men, couples, retirees, military, families, etc. The summer focuses on our week-long family conferences as we also enjoy increased sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Shearwater Studio & Gallery at Spring Unveiling

Shearwater Studio & Gallery will include fiber artist Hilde Morin, who will be in attendance with a new collection of textile pieces that dance between abstract and realism. Morin’s layered work is inspired by her travels, nature and multi-cultural background.

Beach for the past seven years, Drea attended Oregon School of Arts and Crafts in Portland.

moving to the north Oregon coast, Drea managed White Bird Gallery from 2014 until 2019 before working as the Art Curator at the Seaside Convention Center. Shearwater Studio & Gallery serves as both a retail store and as a studio for Drea to create her art.

During the Spring Unveiling, featured artists at

Ceramicist Shane Sjogren will be in attendance with his collection of functional and sculptural pottery. Sjogren draws inspiration from his life along the coast; while many of his pieces have hand-carved elements such as barnacles and textures reminiscent of wavewashed dunes.

Resident artist Drea Frost will be unveiling her new print work. Expect to

see pieces from fiber artist Becky Devries-Wong, local potter AJ Wahl, printmaker Karina Andrews and more.

Events & Happenings:

Friday, May 3 - Spring show opens. Saturday, May 4 - Gallery reception with artist meet and greet. Refreshments and light snacks from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 5 - Mimosas will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Shearwater Studio & Gallery is located at 239 N. Hemlock Street, #4. Open

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sunday noon to 4 p.m. (closed Tuesday)

12 Days of Earth Workshops: Fermenting and Soap-Making

Tickets for each workshop are $20 each and can be purchased at the museum, over the phone at 503-436-9301 or through our online gift shop at https://cbhistory.org/product-category/workshops/ Funds raised from this workshop will go towards the museum’s general operations.

Space for each workshop is limited, and it is expected to sell out, so get your tickets today!

Step back into a simpler time when DIY was an integral part of living by taking one or both of our sustain-able workshops on Sunday, April 21st in conjunction with the 12 Days of Earth. The first workshop is from 10:00 a.m. – noon led by our very own Museum Coordinator, Zoe Swain, as she teaches a class on fermenting vegetables. Learn the step-by-step process on how to ferment different vegetables such as cabbage and onions. The cost of this workshop is $20, which includes fermenting materials. You will need to bring your own jars for fermenting. The second workshop is from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. led by instructor Betty Gearen. Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of natural cleaning. You will be able to create a batch of handmade coconut oil soap and then create your own laundry detergent using pure essential oils. Take home laundry soap and do away with harsh chemicals and plastic jugs! The cost of this workshop is $20, which includes soap-making materials. You will need to bring your own containers to put the soap in.

Both workshops are in partnership with the 12 Days of Earth, a celebration of activities in Cannon Beach that honor our Earth. The theme for this year’s Earth Day is Planet vs. Plastics. Everyone can do something to help solve the plastic pollution problem, and millions of people worldwide are already taking action to reduce their plastic use. Both workshops will take place at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, located at 1387 South Spruce Street in

Puffin Welcome Celebration at Haystack Rock

The Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) invites you to our annual Puffin Welcome Celebration on April 13th, from 8 a.m. to noon at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach as we celebrate the return of the tufted puffins to Haystack Rock for nesting season. This event offers a day packed with educational activities, talks, and a chance to witness the beauty of these iconic sea birds. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beachgoer, there is something for everyone.

Event Schedule

8 a.m. - noon: Open House

• Learn more about the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, and Friends of Haystack Rock.

9 - 9:30 a.m.: Puffinology

101: Exploring the world of Tufted Puffins

• Join us for a 30-minute discussion on tufted puffins! (Available on Instagram/FB live)

10 - 10:30 a.m.: Puffin Pursuit: Master the art of spotting tufted puffins

• Learn the best tips and tricks for spotting tufted puffins. Scopes and binoculars will be provided.

10:45 - 11 a.m.: Feathered

Journey:The Challenges in a

life of a Tufted Puffin

• Become a tufted puffin!

Learn the challenges our feather friends face through this interactive game. 11:30 a.m.: Tufted Puffin

Costume Contest

• Don your finest tufted puffin costume for a chance to win swag generously donated by Friends of Haystack Rock & Salty Raven. All participants must check-in at the main table by 10 a.m. The winner will be announced at 11:30 a.m.

For more information, please visit www.haystackrockawareness.com or contact Mylasia Miklas, Haystack Rock Awareness Program Communications Coordinator, at 503-436-8079 or email hrap@ci.cannon-beach.or.us

About Tufted Puffins

Tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) are found throughout the upper latitude of the North Pacific Ocean. They have an extensive breeding range which stretches from Calinorina to Alaska, and from Siberia to Japan. Tufted puffins are pelagic seabirds, spending the majority of their lives on the open ocean around 150 to 200 miles offshore, only returning to land for breeding season. Haystack Rock is home to

the second largest tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) colony in Oregon and can be found here from April through August. Tufted puffins dig their burrows in the grassy meadow on the northern and western face of the rock.

Over the past twenty years, their population has significantly declined throughout the southern portion of their range. Potential factors contributing to the decline of tufted puffins include climate change, habitat loss/degradation, an increase in predation pressures, and food availability.

About the Haystack Rock Awareness Program

Since 1985, the mission of the Haystack Rock Awareness Program has been to protect, through education, the intertidal and bird ecology of the Marine Garden and Oregon Island National Wildlife Refuge at Haystack Rock. To achieve this mission, HRAP operates a seasonal Rocky Shore Interpreter Program from February through November, to educate visitors on the local intertidal and seabird ecology, encourage the practice of proper tidepool etiquette, and educate visitors about the state

and federal laws and agencies responsible for managing Haystack Rock. In addition, our program also offers field trips, private tours, and opportunities for volunteering.

Haystack Rock Protections

On May 6th, 1935, the Oregon Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in order to

protect nesting seabirds and marine mammals. The Wildlife Refuge is made up of 1,853 rocks, reefs, and islands, including Haystack Rock. All land above the mean high tide line (barnacle line) is overseen by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and is closed to the public. While not open to the public, responsible tidepooling and wildlife viewing are encouraged.

Haystack Rock is one of nine designated Marine Gardens in the state of Oregon. These areas, also referred to as Marine Education Areas, are distinguished by their high levels of activity and visibility. They serve as pivotal sites for both education and public recreation, all while upholding ecological balance and safeguarding biodiversity.

A Species in Rapid Decline: New Efforts to Recover the Tufted Puffin

BY KATHERINE LUSCHER Senior Coordinator - Tufted Puffins, National Audubon; and Joe Liebezeit, Assistant Director of Statewide Conservation

Just 553. That is the estimated number of individual Tufted Puffins remaining in Oregon, based on the 2021 coastwide survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). It’s a staggering decline from the nearly 5,000 puffins counted back in 2008 and other surveys in the 1990s. It’s a number that demands action, and action is exactly what we plan to take. Bird Alliance of Oregon (formally Oregon Audubon Society) is teaming up with National Audubon and other stakeholders on a new effort to help recover the Tufted Puffin, focusing primarily on populations in Oregon, Washington, and California where their numbers are declining at an alarming rate. With new capacity and a recently hired Tufted Puffin coordinator, National Audubon will be supporting the development of a conservation action plan to help understand and reverse the rapid decline of this iconic species. Tufted Puffins are the largest of the puffins and breed along the Pacific Rim from northern California to Alaska in North America, and Japan and Russia in Asia. They are named for the beautiful pale-yellow feather tufts on their heads during breeding season. They spend almost the entire year at sea, only coming to land to nest in burrows at cliff edges, on grassy slopes, or in rocky crevices. They lay one egg per pair and raise their chick, called a puffling, be-

fore making their way back to open water. A seabird in the auk family, their antics and appearance have earned them the nickname “clown of the sea.” But don’t be fooled by their circus-like waddle—these birds can dive up to 200 feet, fly up to 55 miles per hour, and catch and carry up to 20 fish crosswise in their uniquely grooved bill. Tufted Puffin decline along the southern portion of their range is not fully understood, and the dramatic declines documented over such a short time span are truly perplexing. Warming ocean temperatures related to climate change and subsequent impacts to their forage fish prey base is thought to be one factor.

In addition, pollution and invasive species, which can severely alter their breeding habitat, are likely additional stressors. The Tufted Puffin is listed as endangered in Washington State, sensitive in Oregon, and a species of special concern in California. In 2014, the species was petitioned for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and a subsequent assessment by the USFWS determined that listing was not warranted. The decision was in part based on the large number of puffins in Alaska, where, according to the USFWS, about 96% of the species breed and are relatively stable. But the outlook is different farther south, especially in Oregon.

Today, Three Arch Rocks in Tillamook County hosts the largest colony—about 40%—of Oregon’s remaining Tufted Puffin population. Farther north in Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock serves as one of the Northwest’s most accessible locations to observe puffins during breeding season, despite their declining population—from 312 birds counted in 1988, to 127 birds counted in 2010, to 106 counted in 2023. Oregon is unique among Pacific states in that the federally protected Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex covers almost all of the rocks, islands, and reefs off the coast where Tufted Puffins return each spring to breed—including

How to sign up for NIXLE and Clatsop Alerts

Haystack Rock. Bird Alliance of Oregon’s (then Oregon Audubon Society) early work lobbying then President Theodore Roosevelt protected Three Arch Rocks in 1907 as the first wildlife refuge west of the Mississippi, and the protection has since been expanded to this larger refuge complex managed by USFWS. Established in 1935, the refuge complex hosts an estimated 1.3 million colonial nesting seabirds and thousands of marine mammals. The refuge complex includes 1,853 rocks, reefs, and islands and stretches from Tillamook Head south to the California border. All the islands of the refuge are designated national wilderness areas, with the exception of one-acre Tillamook Rock. This means that the Tufted Puffin breeding grounds fall under federal jurisdiction, and almost all conservation work must be done in coordination with USFWS. While scientists and federal land managers are working hard to better understand the decline of the Tufted Puffin, more must be done—and quickly—if we are to save this iconic bird. In early January, 20 stakeholders representing Bird Alliance of Oregon, USFWS, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, American Bird Conservancy, Oregon State University, Oikonos, National Audubon Society, Friends of Haystack Rock, the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, and others met to talk about present and future priorities for Tufted Puffin conservation. The coordinated work now being developed will address the decline of the Tufted Puffin utilizing three interrelated

strategies.

• The first strategy is focused on science and subsequent management actions: the coordination of on-the-ground actions that will—if successful—restore and maintain self-sustaining populations of Tufted Puffins within their historic range. The research and surveys being conducted by USFWS, Oregon State University, and others will continue, but we are also working to prioritize specific conservation actions that will include direct, hands-on activities like invasive species removal, social attraction (e.g., using decoys to attract Tufted Puffins to viable breeding grounds), placement of nest boxes, soil amendments, and appropriate management of predators.

• The second strategy will focus on using existing policies as well as advocating for stronger policies with the aim of leveraging the best regulatory tools to better protect the Tufted Puffin.

• Lastly, we will raise the profile of this iconic species’ plight through targeted outreach and engagement to build public support for Tufted Puffin conservation efforts.

The work won’t be easy, and we know we will learn valuable lessons along the way, but if we are to save the beloved Tufted Puffin, we must take immediate action.

Just 553 birds. We would love to reach a point where that number not only increases, but that there are so many Tufted Puffins at their historic breeding habitat that it is impossible to count all of them.

There is a difference between the NIXLE alerts issued by the Cannon Beach Police Department and the Clatsop alerts issued by County Emergency Management. Because each agency issues their own alerts, there can be a delay between these alerts if you are signed up with both systems. You are responsible for signing up on the platform you’d like to receive alerts from, and you can designate how these alerts are delivered: email, text, cell phone or landline.

From Page A1

NIXLE Alerts: Issued by the Cannon Beach Police Department. You can sign up for these alerts at:

ence Association.

7. How many people are employed at the Conference Center, how many students attend classes, and how many visitors annually attend scheduled events at the Conference Center? (I’d like to give readers some general information about the CBCC) We love the fact that the approximately 13,000 annual guests who come to our campus spend time shopping and being a blessing to all the businesses

https://www.everbridge.com/products/nixle/

Clatsop Alerts:

Issued by the County Emergency Management team. You can sign up for these alerts at:

https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/em/ page/clatsopalerts

of the town. In the same manner, the 80 students who attend the college that meets on our campus are also an important part of our town as they work in many of the local businesses. Our staff of 50 year-round employees doubles during the summer months to help us properly care for the numerous guests we welcome to Cannon Beach during the warmer months of the year.

8. Is there anything else you’d like readers of the Cannon Beach

Gazette to know about the Cannon Beach Conference Center, or anything else you’d like to add about the ongoing negotiations with the city?

We love being a part of this community and count it a privilege to have been here since before the town of Cannon Beach became a town. Our long history of working with the city can be seen throughout the decades, and we are confident that it will continue with this project and into the future.

Penny is a beautiful three-year-old German shepherd dog. She came to us as a stray so we don’t know much about her background, but as she gets healthier at the shelter her personality continues to shine more and more brightly. She is sweet and affectionate and loves to be out exploring nature.

Penny is a pro at fetch and will gladly be your hiking or beach buddy. She is highly intelligent and would do well with someone who is familiar with her breed. https://clatsopcounty. animalshelternet.com/adoption_

Tufted Puffin by Scott-Carpenter

water reservoirs; the 30,000 gallon metal reservoir located at the north end, and the 1.6-million gallon metal reservoir above Tolovana.

Without these “Seismic Isolation Valves”, even a moderate earthquake would likely rupture the existing PVC and concrete water lines; draining the reservoirs that supply water to the city.

The second phase of this project involves replacing the old PVC and concrete water pipes, running from the springs in the Ecola Creek watershed to the water treatment plant, with “high-density polyethylene” (HDPE) pipe. This relatively flexible HDPE pipe is much better able to withstand the ground movement experienced during a seismic event, and is considered the gold standard with modern water infrastructure projects. The old PVC and concrete pipes running between the water treatment plant and the three city water reservoirs will also be replaced with HDPE pipe. The second phase includes attempts to mitigate any flood impacts resulting from a rupture of the 50 year-old 1-million gallon concrete water reser-

voir located above midtown Cannon Beach. While a rupture of this large concrete water reservoir constructed in 1974 (more than a decade before any awareness of the extreme seismic vulnerability on the Oregon coast) would likely not be the equivalent of flushing a million-gallon toilet, the walls would crack and the cover would collapse, effectively destroying the reservoir.

Phase 3 involves building a

new 1-million gallon metal water reservoir before demolishing this old concrete reservoir. According to the Cannon Beach City Attorney, attempts to obtain an easement for this new water reservoir has resulted in prolonged negotiations between the City of Cannon Beach and the Cannon Beach Conference Center, who owns the property where the new reservoir will be constructed.

Installation of HDPE pipe along Highway 101 will be accomplished in Phase 3a. This “water infrastructure backbone” will provide a seismically resilient pathway for moving water from the north end of town to the south end of town in the aftermath of a major earthquake. According to the City of Cannon Beach “this step will eliminate the disruption to the community and businesses

in trying to replace all of the existing aging infrastructure that runs throughout downtown and the residential communities.”

The main goals of the Water Resiliency Project are to harden the city’s water infrastructure while enabling the city to distribute water to the public within three days of a large earthquake, sustain that water distribution for thirty days without significant outside help, and to maintain the ability to fight fires despite widespread damage to the water distribution system.

Phase One of this large multi-year, phased project officially started on March 11, 2024, and according to the city “Phase Two is currently on hold pending an easement agreement with the Cannon Beach Conference Center.” According to City Emergency Manager Rick Hud -

son, the current city water infrastructure “is extremely vulnerable to a major seismic event” and “retrofitting this entire system to survive a serious seismic event is a top priority.” Hudson added that the water stored in all three reservoirs “is for all uses and we have a huge demand for water not only from residents, but from the restaurants and hotels who pull a large amount of water from this system daily.”

Hudson advises residents to have approximately two weeks of food, water and supplies on hand, while planning on a minimum of one gallon of water a day per person. Resting on an elevated piece of land above midtown Cannon Beach and sitting directly beneath a PacifiCorp transmission line, the 50 year-old concrete water reservoir sits at the same elevation as the other two metal reservoirs, as the gravity-fed city water distribution system requires all three reservoirs to be at the same level. In July 2022, the City of Cannon Beach entered into negotiations with the Cannon Beach Conference Center for an easement to construct a new water reservoir next to the existing water reservoir. The City has pursued funding for the Water Resiliency Project through “Business Oregon and the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund” along with a “FEMA” grant to fully fund the project, with 1% 30-year loans and up to 50% loan forgiveness. According to the Cannon Beach City Attorney, “the Conference Center’s delay in negotiating a revised easement has jeopardized this funding because the Federal timelines required for this funding cannot be met, thereby jeopardizing the loan requirements while adding significant legal fees to the cost of the project. The Conference Center has been slow to respond throughout the entire negotiation process. The City has been very responsive throughout the negotiation process - staking out the new easement area at the Conference Center’s request at least 2 times and has attempted to respond to their questions and concerns in an expedient manner. As a result of the Conference Center’s delay, the City was forced to start the condemnation process by passing a resolution of necessity at the end of 2023 and is moving forward with that process. This has been a disappointing and frustrating process for the City. If the Conference Center was going to refuse to negotiate a revised easement with the City, that should have been communicated at the outset, but instead it has resulted in additional delays and project costs.” According to the City, the Conference Center is the largest water user in Cannon Beach and will be the largest beneficiary of the ongoing Water Resiliency Project.

(See the accompanying question-and-answer interview with the Cannon Beach Conference Center, page A1) At the top of Sunset Boulevard, resting on the side of a hill above midtown, sits a small building that once served as the main water reservoir for the City of Cannon Beach. With the scent of creosote still wafting through the air; this old, round, wooden structure sits as a lonely sentinel and a stark reminder of a simpler, easier and less crowded time in the life of our small town by the edge of the sea.

Cannon Beach Fire District Address Awareness

John Jerome, Fire Marshal for the Cannon Beach Fire District, told the Cannon Beach Gazette that Fire District personnel have recently had problems locating some homes

while responding to an emergency, and is asking residents of the Fire District to please make sure their home addresses are clearly marked and visible to emergency responders.

AT THE LIBRARY

Award-Winning

The Tolstoy time Now volunteers and membership of the library hope everyone’s plans include enjoying the library at 131 N. Hemlock in downtown Cannon Beach. Visitors to the library will see a different fundraising raffle this year. In years past, the library has raised funds by raffling off beautiful quilts, brary by generous This raffle one-of-a-kind, stained designed

Cannon Beach artist Mary Schoessler especially for the library. The 13 x 19 inch window features a book-loving octopus who is nestled among seashells and starfish while reading a book titled “Tide Pool Tales.” Tickets for the raffle are now available. Prices $1.00 for one ticket; for six tickets; and tickets. Tickets purchased in-person or online website cannonbeachlibrary.org). for window will library’s December stained-glass only one book. The Reads book p.m. on 17, to River Wonder,” Doyle. This meeting able to in the discussion in-person at the library or virtually from home. The link for those wishing to “Zoom” in from home is available by emailing book club coordinator Joe Bernt, at berntj@ ohio.edu. Brian Doyle was a versatile and prolific writer who, lifetime, pubbooks, including anthologies, poetry novels, short collections and even a juvenile fiction. His appeared in HarpAtlantic Monthly,

The New York Times and The Times of London. He was the long-time editor of Portland Magazine, which during his tenure won the Sibley Award for best magazine of the year. Doyle received the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Literature,Book that favorbook Doyle the River,” coleditors brain sale of this book of 81 essays were earmarked for Doyle’s wife and children. Doyle was noted for writing about friendship, love, family life, childhood memories, nature and the need for compassion, kindness, and reverence. All of these themes are evident in this collection, whose first essay begins as a discussion of hummingbird hearts, then morphs into a consideration of the pain and glory of the hearts in all creatures. In the last essay, Doyle admits about himself, “no one ever

laughed more at the ocean of hilarious things in this world, or gaped more in astonishment at the wealth of miracles everywhere every moment.”

Doyle was also known for an exuberant writing style that was long on lists, colorful adjectives and evocative adverbs, but short on punctuation, especially commas. The reason for his style, as he explained, was he wanted, to write like I’m speaking to you.”

Bob Lundy will lead the discussion, which will begin at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, April 17, at the library and online. Coffee and cookies will be provided at the library. New members, whether in person or online, are always welcome.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, April 20, Sindya Bhanoo, the 2023 recipient of the Ken Kesey Oregon Book Award for fiction, will be discussing her short story collection, “Seeking Fortune Elsewhere.” This will be a hybrid event; participants can enjoy her talk in-person at the library, or online through the library website (www.cannonbeachlibrary. org). Bhanoo’s talk is cohosted by the library’s NW Author Speakers Series and by Portland’s Literary Arts organization, the sponsor of the annual Oregon Book Awards which recognize the work of outstanding Oregon writers. Literary Arts celebrates award recipients during an Oregon Book Awards

Authors Tour, which this year includes Bhanoo’s presentation at the library.

“Seeking Fortune Elsewhere” is a collection of eight short stories that explore the experiences of South Indian individuals and families who have either remained in Tamil Nadu or have immigrated to the United States. In its own way, each story explores how characters deal with heartache, loss or disappointment, often in the context of immigration.

In the opening story of the collection, “Malliga Homes,” a South Indian widow longs for the old days when children stayed close to home, instead of seeking their fortunes in the U.S., as her own daughter has done; thus leaving her mother to live in a nice, but lonely, retirement home in Coimbatore, India, a place she describes as being “for those who have nowhere else to go,” because they have, like her, “lost sons and daughters to Foreign.” The story was awarded the prestigious O’Henry Prize. The final story in the collection, “Three Trips,” explores the often-jarring experiences of Taruni, the child of successful South Indian immigrants, as she visits her not-so-successful relatives in Tamil Nadu.

In between are stories about a professor whose career is ruined because of cultural differences; a divorced mother of the bride who regrets her

estrangement from her daughters; a mother who is grieving the son she has lost to a school shooting; South Indian women who breathlessly follow the fortunes and misfortunes of a former classmate who became famous, powerful and eccentric; a young girl who resents her father for quitting his teaching job and becoming a traveling guru; and a traditional South Indian woman who finally finds the strength to defy her husband.

Critics have described “Seeking Fortune Elsewhere” as a “stunning debut” by “a great new talent,” with characters who “live and breathe like real people.” Sidya Bhadoo, herself the child of South Indian immigrants, is a writer, journalist and teacher. A former reporter for the New York Times and The Washington Post, she currently teaches journalism and creative writing at Oregon State University. April is National Poetry Month, and the library’s youngest patrons will celebrate at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 27, during a Bilingual Story Time titled “It’s Rhyme Time.” Volunteers will read poems in English and Spanish, then children will make poetry-themed collages, enjoy treats and take home a free book. Target age is pre-k to eight, but all are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

HipNest: Bold, bright and fun in Cannon Beach

DEB ATIYEH for the Gazette

Located directly across the street from the old grade school is a fun new shop named HipNest. An artist with a passion for creativity, Jillian Eyerman opened her new store in Cannon Beach last November after moving here from Portland two years ago. Seeking new horizons while wanting to live

somewhere with a cooler climate, Jillian has always dreamed of opening a shop somewhere on the north coast. She grew up visiting Cannon Beach and Jillian’s parents live in Arch Cape; her stepdad “Banjo Bill” plays in several of the local bands and at venues such as the Bistro and the American Legion weekly jam session. Jillian feels this whole endeavor is her life journey; with her skills and interests

all coming together while manifesting her dreams. She’d had enough of doing things for other people and was ready to shine on her own, doing what she loves. Jillian has been an artist for more than 20 years while participating in wholesale and craft shows, and the Covid pandemic gave her the opportunity to focus on her creativity. She describes herself as “a sophisticated flower child”.

She explains her desire as “wanting things to grow and come together organically, including my art”. Jillian’s art includes fused glass, mosaics, functional art, and pop culture collages.

Along with Jillian’s art, at HipNest you will discover a rainbow glitter floor; a whimsical ‘gimmick’ that was done by a Cannon Beach company named Coastline Coatings.

Entering the shop feels like being in the center of a rainbow while experiencing all of the magical colors and sensations that delight the soul. There are so many wonders to explore; modern-retro home decor, arts and gifts, cards, scarves, fun pillows, and her amazing collages in many shapes and forms. Tables, wall art, Lazy Susans, coasters and novelty items with something for everyone, HipNest

is the perfect place to find a fun and affordable gift. If you are looking to experience bold, bright and fun, HipNest will lift your spirits with colorful creations that will delight your senses and make you smile. Located at 273 Beaver Street, HipNest is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday).

Exit Sunset Custom Engraving opens in Cannon Beach

DEB

The Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce presided over an official ribbon cutting ceremony on April 5th, celebrating the opening of a new business named “Exit Sunset Custom Engraving” located in downtown Cannon Beach next to Pizza A’ Fetta and Suzy’s Scoops. From photography to custom design, Exit Sunset Custom Engraving carries a wide assortment of nature-inspired laser-engraved items including mugs, tote bags, hats, teeshirts and clothing, cutting boards, key chains, can coolers, coasters and items for your pet. The possibilities are endless; all while capturing the beauty and charm of the north Oregon coast in every detail. You can choose from material such as wood, cork, or uniquely tailored blends of wood and marble. They can even engrave Cannon Beach’s favorite bird, the Tufted Puffin, on any of your special items. Christine Coulter is a photographer and graphic artist with a degree in graphic design. After moving to Cannon Beach from Portland, Christine and her husband Derek started their home-based business four years ago before eventually deciding to open a storefront in Cannon Beach. Before moving here, Christine and Derek made regular trips to Cannon Beach from their home in Portland. While driving home one day after watching the sunset, they came up with the name of their business, “Exit Sunset”. Located at 231 North Hemlock Street, #113 in Village Center, Exit Sunset Custom Engraving is open from 11:30 to 5 p.m. Friday through Tuesday (closed Wednesday and Thursday)

Movement as Medicine: Move well, live better

Spring beckons us outdoors with its promise of longer days and milder weather, offering a refreshing invitation to rejuvenate our lives through movement. Yet, for many, chronic joint pain affecting knees, hips, backs, or shoulders casts a shadow over the joy of an active lifestyle. If you’re navigating the discomforts of chronic pain or aspiring to recover from orthopedic surgery, consider the transformative power of corrective movement, your natural remedy to reclaim health and vitality.

Understanding the Role of Movement

Chronic joint pain is often related to our posture. How we sit, stand and move matters. The human body is designed for motion. Imagine your body as an intricate machine, where every gear works in harmony to keep it running smoothly. Yet, when one gear misaligns, the entire system feels the strain. When imbalance strikes; be it a rounded shoulder, a rotated torso, or a foot turning inward or outward, our body’s mechanics falter, leading to discomfort and pain. A lack of movement in one joint will steal from the neighboring joint, hence a dysfunctional hip may lead to a sore knee or an achy back. But what if movement could be your natural remedy, a medicine so potent yet so underutilized? Tailored posture

therapy and fitness conditioning designed for your needs and abilities, can transform your health, alleviate pain, and significantly enhance your quality of life.

The Science Behind Movement as Medicine

Physical activity, often underestimated, wields the power to mend and fortify our bodies. It’s a cornerstone of health, vital for maintaining muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, alongside benefiting heart health and circulation. The mantra “move more and sit less” from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention isn’t just advice; it’s a prescription for a vibrant, resilient life. Movement stands on par with medicine for its capacity to ward off chronic diseases, uplift mental health, and invigorate our daily

existence. Just 25 minutes of moderate daily activity can counteract the downsides of prolonged sitting, showcasing the profound impact of regular exercise on our well-being.

The Pillars of Corrective Exercise

Our bodies, boasting over 600 muscles, are designed for movement. Yet, sedentary lifestyles and improper movement can lead to muscle imbalances, misaligned joints, pain, and all kinds of dysfunction ranging from the quality of our sleep to how well we digest our food. Corrective exercises emerge as a targeted strategy not only for rehabilitation but for integrating healthy movement into daily life. Everyone can benefit; from a desk jockey sitting in front of a screen all day, people who perform repetitive movement patterns at work, to the elite athlete perfecting their skills daily. Posture correction exercises can help pave the path toward a straighter, stronger, and pain-free existence.

The Journey of Healing:

James’s Story

Meet James, whose severe hip pain side tracked his love for skiing and beach walks. His interests rest in enjoying his retirement; spending time with his wife, his adult children and young grandchildren and maintaining an active lifestyle. Resolute in his desire to heal naturally and keep his

original joints intact, James embarked on a tailored corrective exercise program focused on restoring muscular balance and improving joint mobility. Despite the hurdles of posture deviations and muscle imbalances, James’s is dedicated to restoring his health. In just two months, he stands taller, moves with greater balance, and appreciates life with extended periods free from the intense pain. With a committed mindset, he pursued getting into better shape with a new daily routine.

3 Key Steps to Embarking on Your Movement Journey

1. Build Your Foundation:

Begin with exercises that enhance body balance and posture. Before choosing exercises, look at yourself in a full length mirror with the intention of noticing your posture. Pay attention to what appears to be different on the right side and left side of your body.

2. Stand Taller and Stronger

The good news is, we can correct postural imbalances with tailored and simple athome exercises. Activate the stabilizing muscles of your hips, spine, and shoulders to lay the groundwork for success. Try a simple, yet not-soeasy exercise called “standing at the wall pose”. Find an empty wall space, with your back against the wall, touch your heels against the wall

with your feet pointed straight ahead, notice if both buttocks touch the wall evenly, do both shoulder blades make contact with the wall in the same way? Stay there for a few minutes and notice what begins to change in your body.

3. Tailor Your Routine

Adapt your exercise regimen to fit your unique physical condition, embracing a pace that ensures safety and enjoyment. Remember, progression is personal. Ask yourself, why would I do this exercise? How will it help me? Align your movement program with your personal goals; to relieve pain, to be able to walk better, to enjoy a fun run or a bike ride, play a game of pickleball, pick up your grandchild, feel stronger, improve bone health, or perform better in your favorite

sport. Each goal has its unique plan and pathway. Your Path Forward

Inspired by stories like James’s and the undeniable benefits of movement, consider this your invitation to be your best. Movement, in its myriad forms, stands as the most accessible, side-effectfree medicine at our disposal. Embrace it as your daily dose of wellness, choosing to move well to live better. May we celebrate a life filled with greater health, happiness, and vitality. Laura Warf is a Posture Therapist, Functional Movement Specialist, Yoga Teacher, Personal Trainer, Empowerment Coach and Co-founder of Mend Loft in Cannon Beach. For more information, she can be reached at studio@ mendloft.com

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Christine Coulter

LAURA WARF

Laura Warf

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suddenly and tragically, leaving Newman’s at 988 forever changed; with Sandy Newman keeping her husband’s legacy alive for 18 months following his passing. Sandy and John were loved members of the Cannon Beach community and touched many lives through the years. Newman’s at 988 was John’s pride and joy, with Sandy ultimately deciding to pass the torch to some enthusiastic, entrepreneurial spirits who share their passion for incredible food. The new owners, Kendra and Josh, have taken over Newman’s at 988 while renaming it Little Yellow House. Moving to Cannon Beach from Northern California in April 2021, Josh is a former mortgage broker and Kendra an attorney, who have come together with their love of great food. They are inspired to serve cuisine from fresh locally sourced ingredients, and to create authentic, magical culinary delights for their customers. They will serve dishes with homegrown herbs from their garden and salad dressings made from scratch, while offering local beer and wine.

Kendra and Josh worked at Newman’s before assuming ownership of the restaurant on March 1st. The great team that worked with John and Sandy will remain, and the best of the Newman’s menu will live on. Josh will be the chef and Kendra will be the creative, entrepreneurial spirit who loves

making soup, salads, sauces, and a variety of amazing cheesecakes and desserts. Kendra’s passion for food and a diversity of tastes comes from having traveled to 40 different countries and experiencing the best of world cuisine. They are planning the theme of “Old World European Cuisine” with a modern touch, focusing heavily on French and Italian creations. The best of John’s dishes will remain in honor of his culinary talents, such as the legendary lobster ravioli; a signature dish that is an unforgettable taste sensation.

Kendra and Josh will bring new aspirations and innovative ideas to Little Yellow House. Kendra and Josh see an opportunity for their customers to take food to the beach to enjoy while sitting around an evening campfire, and envision a Friday and Saturday night take-out service with boxes