Breaking ground. Image courtesy University of Oregon

Those in attendance included Gov. Ted Kulongoski, US Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkly, US Representatives Kurt Schrader and David Wu as well as State Representative Jean Cowan, Port Commissioner Don Mann, County Commissioners Bill Hall and Terry Thompson and OSU President Ed Ray.

Four of Oregon's leading politicians -- Gov. Ted Kulongoski, Sen. Ron Wyden, Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. David Wu.

Best of all was the enthusiastic response of more than 500 local residents who attended in support.

Photo courtesy of Oregon State University

Sunday 6/6 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM will feature a community celebration at the site. Come on over to the Coast and join in the festivities.

The much beloved Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor and guests will appear via High Definition TV in Newport at the Newport Performing Arts Center on Thursday February 4 at 8:00 PM.   Direct from the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul Minnesota this is an opportunity to share in some down home Mid-west entertainment and excellent artists.

What better place to enjoy this performance than right here in the Coastal community of Newport.  Come on over and enjoy some Dungeness crab, local oysters or other fine seafood from just off shore. For ticket information call 541-265-ARTS (2787)

See you there.

On the same night the Pacific Communities Health District sponsors the 15th annual lighted boat parade on Yaquina Bay. This spectacular parade of lighted boats may be viewed from both sides of the Bay. Boats range in size from commercial fishing vessels through sail boats and even sea kayaks. This parade is a fund raising effort by PCHD for Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital to add to needed equipment in the hospital’s birthing center. For tickets to ride a lighted boat, call Marine Discovery Tours at 541-265-6200. The event begins at 5 pm.

Join us for one of the year’s most special weekends on the Oregon Coast.

Lindsay Deutsch

November 7, 2009 is the date for a much anticipated appearance by Lindsay Deutsch, a phenomenal young violinist, performing for the first time with the Newport Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Adam Flatt. The theme of this concert is Postcards featuring works by Claude Debussy, Ernest Bloch and George Gershwin.

In the week prior to the concert, Lindsay will join Adam Flatt during visits to five local schools to promote music education for kids, a subject that is very high on the priority list for both Lindsay and Adam. It is most gratifying to observe these wonderful professionals volunteer their time to encourage young people to explore the world of music. For more information and videos of Lindsay’s performances check out LindsayDeutsch.com .

Tickets for the concert at Newport’s Performing Arts Center may be obtained by calling 541-265-ARTS.

Come on over to the Central Oregon Coast and join us for an unforgettable evening.

Once hunted to near extinction for their pelts, Sea Otters are making a comeback as a protected species. Recognized as a keystone species, otters play a critical role in maintaining healthy kelp beds that in turn supports thousands of organisms in the marine ecosystem. The last recorded Sea Otter to be trapped off Newport was in 1906.

This writer has had the privilege of watching whole herds of these very social creatures in Alaskan waters. If you are not able to make the Alaskan trip, how about dropping by the Oregon Coast Aquarium?

Council of 13 Grandmothers in New York, 2004

Agnes Baker Pilgrim

Grandma Aggie, as she is fondly known, is the oldest surviving member of her family which originated on the Rogue River in Southern Oregon. In the late 1800’s her tribe was forcibly relocated to the Central Oregon Coast to a reservation at the headwaters of the Siletz River at what was to become the community of Siletz in Eastern Lincoln County. Throughout her life, Grandma Aggie worked to be a voice for the voiceless of the flora and fauna of our world many years before society began to realize the critical nature of preserving  our environment.  One of her most impressive accomplishments was to recreate the Salmon Ceremony which had been out of practice for 150 years. Hence she is the Keeper of the Salmon Ceremony.  Salmon were a major focus in the economy and spiritual life of all Northwest Native American tribes.

As a young boy in 1950 I was privileged to visit Celilo Falls on the Columbia River to see Native Fisherman dip netting migrating salmon as their people had done for thousands of years. My Father encouraged me to remember this sight as I would never see it again.  Shortly thereafter the Dalles Dam was constructed and flooded this ancient fishing grounds.  Grandma Aggie is very much a treasure to us here on the Coast, not to mention to her sisters on the Grandmothers Council.

Local tribes fishing at Celilo falls in the 1950s. Photograph: Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

In order to fund the construction of the kennel, volunteers have organized a fundraiser — the first of what they hope to be an annual event — called a Summer Soiree. Hosted at Salishan Spa and Golf Resort in Gleneden Beach, the evening will feature silent and live auctions, raffles, dinner and wine. This year’s theme of “Wine and Fleas” promises an event full of fun, humor and community.

If you are interested in buying tickets or volunteering for the event, please call (541) 574-9424.

This year’s feast includes these items which will be offered for sale: steamed clams, shrimp cocktails, BBQ shrimp, Mo’s Chowder, hot dogs, Tillamook Ice Cream, kettle korn, desserts, and non alcoholic beverages.

Proceeds from this year’s event support the Lincoln County Animal Shelter which is in danger of closing. In keeping with this pet-related theme, there will be a pet parade beginning at the Performing Arts Center at 9:30 and ending at the TurnAround. The Friends of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter will offer pet vaccinations and licensing.

This event, although only in its 7th year, harkens back to clam bake traditions in Nye Beach that happened in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Pacific razor clams are some of the Oregon Coast’s true treasures.

Turn of the Century Nye Beach Clambake

Even better than a view from the bridge will be a view from the Regatta Condos. I’ll be there enjoying the best, least-crowded view on the Bay — and you’re invited! Call me at 541-563-3862 to reserve your spot. I’ll be serving some healthy munchies and bottled water — something light after you’ve had your fill at the Nye Beach Clambake.

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, the Newport Symphony presents an exceptional 4th of July concert with a patriotic theme. This is a FREE event held 4 pm at the Newport High School.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sapius1/3011240588/

Enjoy a long weekend at the Coast. Get your reservations early as this is one of the most popular weekends of the year.