Pacific City Sun, April 7, 2023

Pacific Coast Candy grows into larger space as it continues its mission of sharing sweet treats

Excitement in the Air

Frisson Ensemble to bring string and wind talents to Neskowin on April 23

In French, frisson, means “a strong feeling of excitement.” To the chamber music world, it means the Frisson Ensemble, four of a larger group, who will bring their talents as string and wind musicians to a Neskowin Chamber Music concert on Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m. at the Chapel at Camp Wi-Ne-Ma.

Noted oboist Thomas Gallant is musical director of the group. Additional performers include violinist/composer Giancarlo Latta, cellist Aaron Wolff, and violinist Chieh-Fan Yu.

Gallant and an expanded version of the group last appeared at Neskowin in 2019. His biography is filled with a number of prizes —including first place at the Concert Artist Guild International competition. He has also appeared as a guest soloist with the Kronos Quartet at the Ravinia Festival and with the Colorado, Calder, and Lark Quartets. Other members have equally distinguished resumes, as soloists and performers with other musical organizations.

Critics call Frisson “a rare group that does it all. The best and the brightest of classical music rising stars drawn from the nation’s best music schools.” The members expand and contract into a variety of ensembles including quintets, sextets, and nonets well as a small chamber orchestra.

Season tickets are $130 for the seven-concert series. For more information, call 503-965-6499 or visit neskowinchambermusic.com.

Camp Wi-Ne-Ma is located three miles north of Neskowin, just off Highway 101, between mileposts 93 and 94.

Remote restaurant finds success

Outpost On The River successful as a destination eatery

By CHELSEA YARNELL for the Sun

In the 80s and 90s, if you were headed up the Upper Nestucca River Road, you most likely stopped by the Upper River Outpost grocery and deli. Owners Royce and Mary Lou Fletcher probably welcomed you in and made you feel at home.

Fast forward to today, their daughter Raquel Fletcher Hays and partner Norman Loveland converted the old grocery store into their home and next door built their new café: Outpost On The River.

“I’ve lived here my whole life,” Hays said. “This is really special to me.”

Keeping with nostalgia, Hays and Loveland kept “Outpost” in the name of their restaurant and opened the doors on Nov. 2.

“We put it together at the drop of a hat,” Hays said. “I’d always wanted to own a small coffee shop. So, we built the building from the ground up.”

But, Outpost On The River became more than just a quick stop for coffee. The two crafted a full-meal menu inspired by items they appreciate when eating out themselves.

Popular items include their scrambles (made with Zweifel eggs), chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, calamari, and deep fried oysters.

Their made-to-order menu has drawn crowds on almost every day they’re open.

“Customers are waiting in line

serves up breakfast and lunch/dinner items. Everything is made to order including their burgers and onion rings. At right, owners Raquel Fletcher Hays and Norman Loveland pose with their permit a few days prior to opening.

on Saturdays and Sundays: parked way down at the turnaround waiting to get in the door,” Hays said. “We’re very busy up here.”

With a Beaver address, the restaurant is just over 15 miles east of town; eight miles from Blaine.

“People love it. You don’t expect this in the middle of nowhere,” Hays said. We are very blessed and very grateful it’s turned out the way that it has.”

Their quick success even earned them a nomination for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Small Business of the Year Award.

But, how are people finding this place in the middle of nowhere? Facebook.

“They’re coming from Gresham, Dallas, Willamina, just to eat,” Hays said. “That’s what makes it crazy: it was just on a whim that we did this. It’s more of a destination for people.”

For a walk down memory lane, Royce and Mary Lou are a big presence in the new café.

“They’re in here helping,” Hays said. “My dad talks to people. They’re reconnecting with people (who remember their store.)”

Currently the café is open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (subject to change in summer months) with breakfast served all day and a lunch/dinner menu offered. Customers can also enjoy warm beverages from the espresso bar and opt to sit on the outside dining patio.

“We’re here for people to come and relax,” Hays said. “No one here is in a hurry. Come and enjoy it.”

Outpost On The River is located at 42500 Testament Creek Road, Beaver OR 97108. Follow them on Facebook for updated hours as well as unexpected closures due to weather and road conditions.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

FRISSON ENSEMBLE will play a concert on Sunday, April 23 at the Chapel at Camp Wi-Ne-Ma as part of the Neskowin Chamber Music series.

Photos courtesy of Outpost On The River

Photos courtesy of Frisson Ensemble/General Arts Touring

OUTPOST ON THE RIVER is located 15 miles east of Beaver. The restaurant is on the same property as the former Upper River Outpost grocery and deli.

OUTPOST ON THE RIVER CAFÉ

SOLVE Spring Cleanup includes events

near Pacific City on April 22

Your next chance at being a part of the solution — and not the problem — when it comes to keeping Oregon green is Saturday, April 22, when SOLVE hosts its annual Oregon Spring Cleanup at a multitude of sites across the state.

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP abound — including here in South Tillamook County — at SOLVE’s annual Oregon Spring Cleanup, scheduled for Saturday, April 22.

Two of those opportunities are right here in South Tillamook County — one along the shores of Pacific City and the other at nearby Sand Lake. Both events run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event in Pacific City, which will be on the beach adjacent Pelican Brewing-Pacific City is being hosted by Headlands Lodge and Spa, Oregon State Parks and Recreation District, and the Pelican. Organizers for this event are hailing the cleanup as an opportunity to both help protect marine life and maintain the coast’s beauty. They also say it’s important to remember that small stuff is just as important as larger debris. This is true because of the harm that can befall both shore birds and marine life that consume small bits of plastic. One suggestion is for volunteers to bring an old colander to sift sand

New education PAC promises to support all students

for these small, but dangerous, items. To register, visit https://www. solveoregon. org/ solvecalendar and search for Pacific City (within 5 miles). For more information, call the Headlands Adventure Team at 503483-3000.

Just north of Pacific City, at the Sand Lake OHV Riding Area, will be a second opportunity to roll up your sleeves to clean up the beach. The event is supported by the Rocky Mountain ATV/ MC, Columbia River Motorsports, Smitty’s Motorsport, Top Dog/ Cascade, MotoSport, Cascade ATV Seats, Off-Road Vixens, Micron Laser Technology, Carlson Testing Inc., Lady Toyotas and more. To register, visit https://www. solveoregon.org/solvecalendar and search for Sand Lake (within 5 miles). Whichever event volunteers commit to, organizers say it’s important to dress for the everchanging spring coastal weather. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots are encouraged as are long pants. SOLVE will provide trash grabbers, collection bags, work gloves, and high-visibility vests.

Food Pantry sends thanks talkback

To the Editor:

It is quickly approaching the five-year mark since I began my adventure managing the South County Food Pantry in Pacific City. I have learned much along the way. The thing that stands out the most is how this community comes together and supports one other. In the past five years, we have seen our economy falter due to covid and inflation rise at a crazy rate. Numbers at the food pantry have more than doubled.

We are supported not only by Oregon Food Bank donations, but by the donations of local businesses and private donors who are generous with their financial donations and donations of food and other items that we distribute to our community friends who need them.

I would like to thank our Community Partners: Beach Walk, Chester’s Market, Kiwanda Marketplace and Pelican Brewing. These businesses faithfully donate goods, enabling us to provide healthy food as well as nonfood items at each pantry.

Oregon Coast Bank hosts food drives for needed items. These drives are successful due to the efforts of bank staff, and the generosity of community members who donate. Thank you.

Kiwanda Coastal Properties donates yearly, helping fund the purchase of items not available through food bank channels.

Donors to the Grateful Grub program at The Grateful Bread recently provided much needed eggs to us when they are so very expensive and hard to access.

We have many private donors who give regularly, both those who live locally full time and those who own vacation homes here. Without those funds, purchases of

A new political action committee was recently formed that founders say will seek to secure the future of public education in Tillamook County through voter engagement and education. The Tillamook County Retired Educators and Teachers PAC says it is committed to advancing policies and supporting candidates who support the wellbeing and success of all students in Tillamook County school districts as well as Tillamook Bay Community College.

The new PAC says it believes that board members and ballot measures must support policies that guarantee the physical, social, and emotional health of every student, recognizing and respecting diverse individual needs. By supporting public education, they say we can improve opportunities for the county’s children, reduce income inequality, and build a workforce that is competitive in the global economy. The PAC say it endorses and supports candidates who share this vision, who demonstrate strong skills and qualifications, and who are committed to investing in public education at all levels. Through community outreach, advocacy campaigns, and voter education efforts, the Tillamook County Retired Educators and Teachers PAC hopes to raise awareness about the importance of public education and encourages voters to support candidates who prioritize public education.

“Retired educators and teachers are a treasure trove of experience, knowledge, and passion for education. They have dedicated their lives to shaping the minds of the next generation, and their contribution to education does not have to end with retirement. In fact, retired teachers continue to play a crucial role in supporting education and making a difference in the lives of students,” said PAC director Nikki Brown. “We are excited to launch this PAC and look forward to working with candidates and voters to make public education a top priority for the special election on May 16.”

The new entity is inviting all those who share their vision to join them. Candidates running for school board positions or community college board positions are encouraged to apply for endorsement by the Retired Educators PAC for the May 16 special election.

For more info, visit tillamookretiredteachers.org.

produce, bread, eggs, canned proteins, and many other needed items would be impossible.

The Village Coffee Shop recently sent a dozen donuts over to us on pantry day for the volunteers. What a treat that was, and so very appreciated.

Our pantry is thriving due to the faithfulness of donors, volunteers, and the Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church, which provides our space and contributes in other ways. Please know how very much you are appreciated, and that we could not do what we do without your support.

Thank you, South County Community!

If you own a business and would like to partner with us, or if you are an individual and would like to donate, please feel free to contact me at sunshineacres@embarqmail. com.

Dianne Higdon South County Food Pantry

Community College Boards are dedicated

To the Editor:

In 2010, I had the honor to come to Tillamook Bay Community College and work alongside the community, education partners, the TBCC board, faculty, staff, and students to ensure the college was accredited. What an honor! When I retired as president in 2017, TBCC was the smallest community college, but we had broad community support from businesses to education partners to non-profits. We had a stable budget, and we were ready to grow as the community needed. The College Board was and is accountable, representative of many viewpoints as well as representing all the communities in the

county. The current board members are dedicated that all students would not only have access but support to succeed. They have led well.

Today, TBCC serves more students than Oregon Coast Community College. The college has continued to grow and serve the community. The College Board, president and faculty and staff are committed to serve all students. The seven Board members come from a wide background and are all serving to ensure that the resources are widely used, that all students have access and can persist and complete. Tillamook County has been well served by the TBCC Board that exemplifies what a “community” college board need to be: “accountable to their communities for the success of their students, their ability to meet local needs, and the financial integrity of their colleges.” They have made wise decisions with resources; they have added career technical programs and transfer options. They have listened to employers to meet the local workforce needs.

Please re-elect your college board members that have served and are serving you well. They are Andrea Goss, Mary Jones, Betsy McMahon, Shannon Hoff and Mary Faith Bell. I encourage Tillamook voters to keep your community college board leadership exemplifying what is needed in today’s economic times: knowledgeable, flexible and serving all potential students.

Connie Green President Emertius

Photo by Tim Hirsch

Fire claims Nestucca Bend garage

Fundraiser slated to raise money for electrical repairs

By CHELSEA YARNELL for the Sun

The McDonald family was preparing for a daytrip to Sandlake on March 26 when a fire fully engulfed their home’s garage.

“My husband was out in the garage working on our daughter’s four wheeler to get it ready so we could leave…for her birthday,” Ester McDonald said. “He went to his work bench (in the garage) and when he turned around the fire was four feet tall running up the wall.”

Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District volunteer firefighter Shamilee Chatelain, and neighbor to the McDonald family, arrived first.

“She was first on scene pulling my husband and son out of the garage,” McDonald said. “Their family also took us and our kids into their home while the firefighters fought the fire.”

Nestucca Fire was dispatched to the report of a fire with explosions and black smoke in Nestucca Bend at 8:05 a.m. and arrived by 8:15 a.m.

“Crews arrived to a fully engulfed attached garage with the primary house as an exposure,” Nestucca Fire Chief James Oeder said. “Crews were able to make a quick knockdown keeping the fire to the garage.”

By 8:34 a.m., the fire was under control and had not spread to the main part of the house.

“We are very appreciative of their fast response time even though in the moment it feels like forever. They made split second decisions upon arrival to save our home and that’s exactly what they did,” McDonald said. “We couldn’t be more

thankful.”

Oeder reported that Nestucca’s quick response time, as well as a layer of sheetrock between the garage and the house, slowed the fire from spreading.

“I truly believe that’s what allowed it to not go any further and slowed it enough for us to arrive on scene,” Oeder said. While the home structure was not majorly affected by the fire, the house’s electrical panel was connected to the garage and was damaged in the flames.

“The home is not occupiable by them until (that) is reworked,” Oeder said. “They also had some broken water lines due to the fire. That piece also has to be fixed.”

Multiple vehicles next to the garage were also damaged from the heat and flames, and several recreation vehicles inside the garage were lost.

Oeder requested the help of the State Fire Marshall, but a cause of the fire is yet to be determined. He remained at the scene for roughly four hours.

Tillamook Fire, Tillamook Adventist Ambulance, Tillamook PUD, and Beaver Water also responded to the event.

A McDonald Family Chili Dinner Fundraiser has been organized to help raise money for the electrical work needed to get the family back into their home. The event will be hosted at Countryside Nazarene Church (19005 Hwy 101 S, Cloverdale) on Saturday, April 8 starting at 6 p.m. Dinner, corn hole, raffle, and a silent auction will be a part of the evening.

A GoFundMe account has also been organized by Shawn Goure-McDonald to raise funds for repairs and electrical work. As of writing, $1,660 has been donated to the family.

NESTUCCA FIRE responded to a fully engulfed garage fire in Nestucca Bend on March 26. The fire was contained to the garage and contained within minutes.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

A Story of Sweet Success

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

Candy, kids and kites. And lots of room to see it all. That’s the newly expanded Pacific Coast Candy, found in downtown Pacific City at the Shops at the Village complex.

The candy shop which opened in May 2021 has now spread its wings and landed a couple of doors down in a space twice its previous size. And that means more room to browse and more tempting tastes to take home say owners John and Leslie Batdorf.

In addition to more room to roam for customers, the expanded store now offers more chocolate options and has introduced milkshakes made from its selection of eight flavors of Tillamook ice cream. As well, visitors itching to fly high can head to its kite corner where they’ll find a selection of kites — many of which hail from Bend’s In the Breeze kite company.

“We try to have an option for all budgets,” Leslie says about the kite selection.

The new tasty additions fit well with the wide

variety that candy lovers have come to expect, variety that includes 60 bins of bulk candy, 30 different flavors of saltwater taffy, Tillamook ice cream (available in waffle cones), sodas, Rice Crispy cakes, specialty chocolates, popcorn, fudge, and so much more.

“(People like it because) there’s such a variety,” Leslie said. “There’s something for everyone.”

And that not only includes the tastes that the TickTok generation flocks to but to the more experienced set, too.

“A lot of the older generation comes in, and they see things that they haven’t seen since they were kids,” Leslie added. “They really like that.”

With the space for an expanded service area as well as a storage room, the new space is more functional for day-to-day operations as well.

Pacific Coast Candy, located within the Shops at the Village at 34950 Brooten Rd., Pacific City, is currently open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Monday. For more information, call 503-438-1250 or visit pacificcoastcandy.com.

Mask requirements a thing of the past across the state in healthcare settings

Oregon Health Authority is reminding communities that, starting April 3, workers, patients and visitors in healthcare settings statewide will not be required to wear masks/

Healthcare settings include, but are not limited to, hospitals, mobile clinics, ambulances, outpatient facilities, dental offices, urgent care centers, long term care facilities, counseling offices, school-based health centers and complementary and alternative medicine locations. Some health care settings may decide to continue requiring masks even after the statewide requirement is lifted.

Anyone who wants to continue to wear a mask can do so, including in public places and in workplaces. OHA says wearing a mask remains an effective way to reduce transmission of respiratory viruses. The agency continues encouraging people to wear a mask in any setting – including health care settings – if they are sick, have health conditions that put them at high risk for severe illness from a respiratory virus exposure (or live with someone at high risk), or any time wearing a mask makes them feel more comfortable. The order, which has been in effect since Aug. 2021, was rescinded on Monday, April 3. To learn more, find additional information on OHA’s masking page: https:// www.oregon.gov/oha/covid19/ Pages/Masks.aspx.

PACIFIC COAST CANDY has grown into a larger space as it continues its mission of sharing sweet treats with locals and tourists.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

Pacific Coast Candy welcomes all to its larger space

ARIST OF THE MONTH RECEPTION

April 7, 5-7 p.m. Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A St., Bay City. Featuring Survivor Art Exhibit and students of Tillamook High School. For more information, visit baycityartscenter.com or call 503-377-9620.

EASTER EGG HUNT

April 8. Nestucca K-8 Soccer Field, 36925 Hwy. 101 S., Cloverdale. 10:30 a.m. start for photos with Easter Bunny and exploring a Nestucca RFPD fire engine. 11 a.m. egg hunt. Preschool through 4th grade. Hosted by Nestucca Valley Lions Club. For more information, email nestuccavalleylions@gmail.com.

BINGO NIGHT

April 8, 5-6:30 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.

HELICOPTER EASTER EGG HUNT

April 8, 11 a.m. Hadley Field, 955 N. Main Ave., Tillamook. Hosted by Living Water Fellowship. Separate fields for age groups, eggs delivered by helicopter, hot drinks, Easter Bunny and prize giveaways. For more information, visit livingwatercoast.com.

TREES OF THE TILLAMOOK FOREST WALK

April 8, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 OR-6, Tillamook. Easy stroll seeking diverse tree species and learning their benefits. Free admission. For more information, visit tillamookforestcenter.org or call 503-815-6800.

STORYTELLER: ALTON TAKIYAMI-CHUNG

April 8, 2 p.m. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Asian folk tales from many countries as well as legends from Hawaii. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit tillabook.org or call 503-842-4792.

EASTER EGG HUNT

April 8, 1 p.m. Elks RV Park, 9105 Hwy. 101 S, Tillamook. Easter egg hunt and two Easter Bunnies. For more information, call 503-842-4200.

CARRYING THE MAIL FOR THE NORTH COAST DOCUMENTARY

April 8, 3:30 p.m. NCRD Performance Center, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Homestead - the Life and Times of Mary Gerritse, who delivered the mail by horseback in Tillamook County. $10 at the door. For more information, email info@nahalemvalleyhistory.org.

EGG HUNT IN THE HANGAR

April 8, 10 a.m.-noon. Tillamook Air Museum, 6030 Hangar Rd., Tillamook. Egg hunt at 10 a.m. Face painting, balloon animals and the Easter Bunny. For more information, email info@tillamookair.com or call 503-842-1130.

KIWANIS ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT

April 8, 11:30 a.m-1 p.m. Taft Park, 1545 SE 50th St., Lincoln City. Eggs, candy, and toys.

TREES OF THE TILLAMOOK FOREST WALK

April 8, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 OR-6, Tillamook. Easy stroll seeking diverse tree species and learning their benefits. Free admission. For more information, visit tillamookforestcenter.org or call 503-815-6800.

PORT OF GARIBALDI EASTER EGG HUNT

April 8, noon-2 p.m. Lumberman’s Memorial Park, corner of 3rd St. and American Ave., Garibaldi.

MANZANITA EASTER EGG HUNT

April 8, 11 a.m. Rex Champ Field, 36480 N Hwy. 101, Nehalem. Easter Bunny and egg hunt.

ROCKAWAY BEACH EASTER EGG HUNT

April 8, noon. Phyllis Baker City Park, 341 N. Falcon St., Rockaway Beach. For ages up to 12 years old. Scavenger hunt to follow.

MONDAY MUSICAL CLUB PERFORMANCE

April 10, 7-8:30 p.m. United Methodist Church, 3808 12th St., Tillamook. “Spotlight on Young Musicians” - 7th-10th grade students in Tillamook County. Free admission; open to the public. For more information, visit mondaymusicalcluboftillamook.blogspot.com.

PACIFIC CITY WALKING GROUP

April 10, 12 & 14, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@hotmail.com or 503-801-7448 (text).

NESTUCCA VALLEY LIONS CLUB MEETING

April 11, 4 p.m. The Lion’s Den, 34510 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale. For more information, email nestuccavalleylions@gmail.com.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

April 12, 9 a.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Room 106. Also available via teleconference live video at tctvonline.com or teleconference at #971-254-3149, conference ID: 736-023-979 (listen only). For agenda, visit co.tillamook.or.us/bocc.

SOUTH TILLAMOOK COUNTY

LIBRARY STORYTIME

April 12, 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.

NESTUCCA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD MEETING

April 12, 6:30 p.m. Nestucca Valley Jr/Sr High School, 34660 Parkway Dr., Cloverdale.

NESTUCCA RURAL FIRE

PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

April 12, 4 p.m. Hebo Fire Station, 30710 Hwy. 101 S., Hebo. For more information, call 503-392-3313.

MAMA’S BROKE CONCERT

April 13, 7 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Folk duo incorporating traditional dance and foot percussion. Adult tickets $30, seniors and students $25, and youth ages 6-18, $20. For more information, visit lincolncity-culturalcenter. org or call 541-994-9994.

PAINT & SIP

April 14, 5-6:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Paint with Tayler Blackman. $40 fee includes instruction, supplies, and first beverage. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

RALLY TO SUPPORT STRS

April 14, 4 p.m. Tillamook County Courthouse, 201 Laurel Ave., Tillamook. Tillamook Board of Realtors and others invited to show support for Short Term Rentals.

BEACHCOMBING EXPLORIENCE

April 14, noon. SW 33rd St. access, Lincoln City. Hunt for agates, petrified wood, gemstones and other

coastal treasures with a local expert. Free and no registration required. For more information, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.

‘FOUR OLD BROADS’

April 14 & 15, 7 p.m. and April 16, 2 p.m. Barn Community Playhouse, 1204 Ivy Ave., Tillamook. For more information or to buy tickets, visit tillamooktheater. com.

UKULELE JAM

April 15. Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd St., Tillamook. Beginner lessons 12:30 p.m. and jam at 1 p.m. Bring your own ukulele or borrow one from the library. For more information, visit tillabook. org or call 503-842-4792.

CHOCOLATE MAKING & SIP

April 15, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Make chocolates with Bare Moon Farm. $45 fee includes instruction, supplies, and first beverage. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

SITKA SEDGE TIDAL WETLANDS TOWN HALL

April 15, 1 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Topics include staffing changes, funding opportunities and Q&A.

SWING INTO SPRING

FUNDRAISER DINNER

April 15, 5:30-9 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101, Lincoln City. Siletz Bay Music Festival Fundraiser Dinner includes music with Jessie Marquez, auction and raffle. Tickets $100. For more information, visit SiletzBayMusic.org.

TRIVIA NIGHT

April 15, 5-6:30 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.

PACIFIC CITY WALKING GROUP

April 17, 19 & 21, 10 a.m. Meet at Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information, visit https://tillamookcountywellness.org/move-well/walking-groups/ or contact coordinator Kathy at katystar7@hotmail.com or 503-801-7448 (text).

SOUTH COUNTY FOOD PANTRY

April 18, 12:30-6 p.m. Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church, 35305 Brooten Rd., Pacific City.

SCIENCE PUB: JOHN RIST

April 18, 6-8 p.m. Pelican Brewing, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. “Nestucca Basin Wild Broodstock Programs - a Community Effort” presented by Josh Rist. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit nestuccawaters.com.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

April 19, 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.

PICTIONARY NIGHT

April 21, 5-7:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Free admission. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

NESKO WOMEN’S CLUB MEETING

April 21, 11:30 a.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Guest speaker Kimberly Miller. For lunch reservation, call Cathy at 541-622-3104.

TIDE POOL EXPLORIENCE

April 21, 8 a.m. 15th Street Beach Access, Lincoln City. Free and no registration required. Learn about tide pools and their inhabitants from an expert. For more information, visit Explore.LincolnCity.com or call 541996-1274.

‘FOUR OLD BROADS’

April 21 & 22, 7 p.m. and April 23, 2 p.m. Barn Community Playhouse, 1204 Ivy Ave., Tillamook. For more information or to buy tickets, visit tillamooktheater. com.

PACIFIC CITY EARTH DAY CLEANUP

April 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at boat ramp, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Dress for the weather - bags and gloves provided. Register at solveoregon.org.

BODY BALM CLASS

April 22, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Learn how to make your own body balm. $45 fee includes instruction, supplies, and first beverage. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

TILLAMOOK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

SEARCH & RESCUE BANQUET & AUCTION

April 22, 5 p.m. Tillamook County Fairgrounds, 4603 3rd St., Tillamook. Tickets $30 person or $220 for table of 8. Smoked tri-tip dinner and auction. For more information and tickets, visit event.gives/sar.

COMEDY SHOW

April 22, 7:30 p.m. NCRD, 36155 9th St., Nehalem. Curtis Cook, James Bosquez, and David Seung. For more information, visit ncrd.org.

NEHALEM BAY WONDER WALK & FIELD SKETCH

April 22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nehalem Bay Meeting Hall parking lot, 35900 8th St., Nehalem. Easy stroll to the bay on 2-mile bike path. Stops for fun activities and sketching. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 503-812-0650.

BINGO NIGHT

April 22, 5-6:30 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.

COMMUNITY FLEA MARKET

April 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. For more information or to reserve a table, call 503-965-7900.

NESKOWIN CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT

April 23, 3 p.m. Chapel at Camp-Wi-Ma, 5195 Winema Rd., south of Pacific City. Frisson Group. Single event tickets $30 for adults, $20 for adults 18-29 years old, and $10 for ages 17 and under. For more information, visit Neskowin chamber music.com.

DAVID ROTH CONCERT

April 23, 7 p.m. Istanbul Rug Bazaar, 34390 Hwy. 101 S., Cloverdale. 20th anniversary concert. $15 suggested donation. For more information, call 503-812-9141.

CANDLE MAKING & SIP

April 23, 2-3:30 p.m. PC-Pour Wine Bar, 33310 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Learn how to make soy wax candles. $45 fee includes instruction, supplies, and first beverage. Sign-up at PC-Pour.com.

To have your event added to the Sun’s calendar, email information to tim@pacificcitysun.com

SITKA SEDGE TIDAL WETLANDS TOWN HALL April 15, 1 p.m. Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Topics include staffing changes, funding opportunities and Q&A.

Photo by Tim Hirsch

Theater once featured pipe organ

A 1926 Smith-Unit Theatre Pipe Organ once accompanied movies at Tillamook Coliseum Theater

By SALLY RISSEL for the Sun

ATillamook County Historical Society member gave me an article about the history of the organ that used to be at the Tillamook Coliseum Theater.

The 1926 Smith-Unit Theatre Pipe Organ was manufactured in Geneva, Illinois, and sold to the Coliseum Theater to accompany silent movies and as a substitute for an orchestra for stage shows and other entertainment. Sometime in the 1930s, the theatre had a fire, and the organ received water damage but continued to be used. The Coliseum held on to the organ for 30 years and sold it in 1955 to an organ enthusiast for installation in his home. These pipe organs become like living entities in their home. Every note played by a pipe uses air pressure from a blower machine. And each tube is a speaker, and it handles just one note on the keyboard. So, you have hundreds of speakers that can speak at the same time. This creates a significant, complex acoustical effect in an auditorium that expands to permeate every theater corner.

The organ was later purchased by Ron Johnson and moved to his home in 1973, where he enjoyed playing it. Tony Kraxberger then purchased it in 1997 and took it to his home in Silverton, Ore., where it sat for 23 years in a dry, warm environment with all the pieces and parts kept together. He donated and delivered it to the Northwest Vintage Antique Car and Motorcycle Museum at Powerland Heritage Park in Brooks, Ore., in 2018. I decided to go to Brooks, see the organ, and talk to the people restoring it.

The museum’s Pipe Organ Team meets on Thursday and is returning it to service. It is enormous and very complicated!

The team told me that Pacific City resident Mack Pimentel is one of the few people able to play this complex antique instrument. This connection between Pimentel and the organ made the visit and information even more interesting. Pimentel is a longtime Pacific City resident and a retired music teacher who taught at Nestucca High School for 40 years.

He started taking organ lessons in Portland in 1948 from Earl Taylor, the organist at the Old Heathman Hotel. His second teacher was Leon Drews around 1952, the first organist at the Coliseum

Theater. Pimentel has often been recruited to play organs elsewhere because of his skill with these large Theatre Pipe organs. He plays at the “The Great Oregon SteamUp” each year. It takes place the last weekend in July and the first weekend in August. Some community members and past students go to Brooks to hear him.

Pimentel has enriched our community by playing the organ in Tillamook County churches and the piano for musical scores at Theater West in the 1980s (Funny Thing Happened to the Forum, She Loves Me, Charlie Brown, and Nonsense). He directed the orchestra for Lil Abner, Hello Dolly, Oklahoma, Brigadoon, and Sound of Music for TAPA. The long list of musicals produced at Nestucca High School was accompanied by Mack leading the orchestra, including many graduates and community members who donated their time as a tribute to Pimentel. He has mentored many Nestucca students to pursue music careers as band members and school music teachers.

At 1:30 p.m. Monday and Friday, Pimentel plays the organ before the 2 p.m. show at the Bijou Theater in Lincoln City where he’s played for the last 20 years. My suggestion is to go a little early and enjoy hearing him play.

THOSE IN THE KNOW credit Pacific City resident Mack Pimentel as one of the few people able to play an antique pipe organ that once was featured at the Tillamook Coliseum Theater.

Courtesy photo

FOLK ARTIST David Roth will return for a South Tillamook County concert on Sunday, April 23, 7 p.m., at Istanbul Rug Bazaar in Cloverdale.

Roth returns for his 20th anniversary South Tillamook Co. concert

The musical stylings of folk artist David Roth will once again be center stage when the longtime singer, songwriter and recording artist returns for his 20th anniversary South Tillamook County show on Sunday, April 23, 7 p.m., at Istanbul Rug Bazaar, 34390 Highway 101 S., Cloverdale.

Local folk artists Fred Bassett and Sonya Kazen will open the show.

Roth’s songwriting has been read or heard at such diverse places as the Kennedy Center, the United Nations, several “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books, Carnegie Hall, and Peter, Paul, & Mary concerts. One of his songs has even been played in space. In May 2009, his song “Rocket Science” went up on the Space Shuttle Atlantis’ mission to repair the Hubble Telescope.

In addition to his songwriting, singing, and recording activities, Roth has served as a keynote speaker, and workshop leader and instructor at events such as the Augusta Heritage workshops (West Virginia), Puget Sound Guitar Workshop (Washington), Swannanoa Gatherings (North Carolina), the Woods Music and Dance Camp (Ontario) and many more.

Suggestion donation for the April 23 show is $15, but no one will be turned away. For more information, call 503812-9141 or to learn more about Roth, visit davidrothmusic.com.

CHOICES!

Relax

NVS Summer Day Camp promises a summer of exploration

Neskowin Valley School has opened up registration for its Summer Day Camp to all kids for what the school describes as an adventurous, imaginative, and educational summer. NVS’s Summer Day Camp, which begins June 26, offers experiences to explore NVS’s five-acre campus, meet new friends, and create memories. Through six themed weeks, campers will take part in STEM challenges, imaginative play, reading, hands-on gardening experiences, and field trips. Week one runs June 26-29 (Animal Planet theme); week 2, July 3-6 (Garden Camp); week 3, July 10-13 (Imagination Station); week 4, July 17-20 (Under The Sea); week 5, July 24-27 (Garden Camp); and week 6, July 31-Aug. 3 (Around the World).

The school will end the summer sessions on Aug. 3 with its Summer Day Camp Community Celebration, which will be open to the public.

Registration is $375 per week; discounts are given for NVS students. Financial aid is available. Space is limited; visit neskowinvalleyschool.com to register. For more information, call 503-392-3124 or email info@neskowinvalleyschool.com.

Commissioners to award $5.53 million contract to construct upgraded Cape Kiwanda parking lot

By TIM HIRSCH of the Sun

Tillamook County Commissioners unanimously voted to accept the bid of The Saunders Company to construct planned upgrades to the Tillamook County parking lot at Cape Kiwanda during its April 5 meeting. The Commissioners also signed a Notice of Intent to Award a Contract and will now consider officially awarding the $5.5388 million contract at its April 19 meeting.

Construction will follow a plan approved last year as part of the Cape Kiwanda Corridor Project’s Preferred Concept Plan. The 55,000 square foot parking lot will include a total of 131 parking spaces, a total that will include 115 standard spaces,

five electric vehicle charging stations, five ADA spaces, 1 EV/ADA space, and five motorcycle specific spots. As currently configured, the lot has 126 spaces though, in addition, motorcyclists have long used a section that is adjacent Cape Kiwanda Drive as an unofficial spot to park their bikes.

As part of the upgrade, a new restroom and outdoor shower facility will be constructed, which will include eight gender-neutral bathrooms and improved ADA/Universal Design elements.

Other improvements will include a 7,000 square foot civic overlook that will feature a wildlife viewing area and waterway access; amenities such as benches, information kiosks, and real-time parking; new pedestrian signals and wayfinding; and a 420-foot long multi-use path trailhead.

Construction is expected to begin this May when restroom foundation is slated to be poured. The completion of the foundation in expected in June. Construction is planned to resume in November with the construction of the restroom building, the first phase of the multi-use path, the installation of site furnishings, the paving of asphalt and installation of utilities, and construction of storage for planks used for the beach access ramp as well as a refuse collection area. This second phase is scheduled to be finished by March 2024. The third phase, which will entail constructing a civic overlook; an entry plaza; plus further multi-use path, furnishings, paving, and utility development; will begin at that time with the goal of being completed by June 2024.

30%

2-7pm)

33310 Cape Kiwanda Drive (2 Doors down from Pelican)

NESKOWIN VALLEY SCHOOL has opened up registration for its Summer Day Camp, which will feature six one-week classes, starting June 26. Registration for each week is $375. Visit neskowinvalleyschool.com to sign up.

Photos courtesy of Neskowin Valley School

Courtesy photo

Science Pub to look at collaborative efforts for

wild broodstock in the Nestucca basin

A science pub scheduled for Tuesday, April 18, 6-8 p.m. will feature a talk on “Nestucca Basin Wild Broodstock Programs - A Community Effort” by Josh Rist, fish hatchery manager of Cedar Creek Hatchery.

Held at Pelican Brewing-Pacific City, 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., the talk will present information on local and statewide fishing communities working collaboratively with Cedar Creek Hatchery to provide sustainable salmon/ steelhead fisheries in the present and for future generations.

The event, which is being jointly hosted by the Nestucca, Neskowin, and Sand Lake Watersheds Council, Pelican Brewing Company, and

the Hebo Stewardship Group, is free and open to the public. Beverages and food will be available for purchase at Pelican Brewing Company.

TPUD awards Community Support Grants to 16 organizations

Tillamook PUD recently announced the local organizations selected to receive funding through its Community Support Grant Program.

This year, TPUD received a total of 27 applications requesting a combined amount of more than $205,000 in funding. TPUD says that with so many valuable community projects submitted and limited funds budgeted towards the program, the selection decision was especially challenging for the Board of Directors. Upon a comprehensive review process, 16 not-for-profit entities were awarded funds for their community projects through this program.

Those receiving funds were: The City of Garibaldi (for the fire department training facility property), Fire Mountain School (for emergency preparedness), Hoffman Center for the Arts (for facility audio-visual equipment), Lower Nehalem Community Trust (for electrical upgrades), Meals for Seniors, Inc. (for kitchen facility electrical improvements), Neskowin Valley School (for the Tech for Teachers program), Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (for machine shop equipment restoration), Port of Garibaldi (for the public restroom remodel project), Sitka Center for Art & Ecology (for the campus fire

system replacement and electrical wall repair project), Tillamook Beekeepers Association (for the apiary and garden learning center), Tillamook County Composite Squadron 114, Civil Air Patrol (for a storage building facility), Tillamook County Habitat for Humanity (for electrical work at houses in Bay City and Garibaldi), Tillamook County Outdoor School (for camp radios and medical supplies), Tillamook County YMCA (for its fresh air fitness door project), Tillamook Senior Citizens Club Inc. (to replace the ductless heat pump in the Senior Center dropin area), and Tillamook Serenity Club (for signage).

The Community Support Grant Program was developed more than two decades ago to assist local not-for-profit organizations in funding projects that promote economic growth and enhance community livability in Tillamook County. The Board of Directors budgets funds for the program annually; the amount budgeted for the program in 2023 was $90,000.

Tillamook PUD says it is delighted to support the work of these outstanding organizations and looks forward to the lasting positive impacts each project will have within the community.

Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church

CEDAR CREEK HATCHERY manager Josh Rist will speak on “Nestucca Basin Wild Broodstock Programs” during an April 18 science pub at Pelican Brewing-Pacific City.

Courtesy photo