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CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSES - SEA VIEW AND REMAX/JUDE HODGE (see pages 7&8)

SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946 www.currypilot.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2025

Brookings, Oregon

Gold Beach Aquatic Safety Program Receives Grants, Seeks Expansion BY LINDA LEE

Curry Coastal Pilot

The Gold Beach Aquatic Safety Program is experiencing a surge in support, receiving significant grants to bolster its vital services. The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) recently awarded the program $35,000 for the 2024 fiscal year. These funds, combined with an additional $10,000 support from the City of Gold Beach as well as regional tourism and recreation partners, will enable the program to expand its reach and impact. "This funding is crucial for us to continue growing and better serve our community," said Luke Martinez, Curry County Aquatic Safety Officer. "With increased resources, we can enhance our outreach, education, and response capabilities, particularly focusing on underserved populations."

This funding, combined with a pending $50,000 grant from the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) would allow the program to hire an additional Aquatic Safety Officer also known as Lifeguard I. This expansion would significantly increase the program's coverage area, extending services into Coos County, where currently, the program's presence is limited. The new officer would focus on providing water safety education in schools, after-school programs, and better outreach within underserved communities. "Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among young children," Martinez emphasized. "By providing comprehensive water safety education and training, we aim to reduce this tragic risk within our communities." The program currently serves over 100 miles of coastline, 362 square miles of waterways, and six school districts in Curry County.

The addition of a new ofﬁcer would allow the program to double its current impact by providing over 7,500 community contacts and over two hundred preventative measures and multiple rescues annually. It would also expand youth programs to include the only open water Junior Lifeguard Program in Oregon, providing valuable life skills and potential career pathways for underserved youth and improve community resiliency by increasing coverage and response capabilities, the program will better address the growing number of water-related incidents in the region. "This expansion is not just about saving lives," Martinez explained. "It's about creating a safer and more informed community. By working closely with schools, community organizations, and other agencies, we can build a stronger foundation for water safety for generations to come."

Even Bigfoot Wears a Life Jacket: Our Bigfoot Safety Steward, Cliff "The Adventure Guide," would like to remind everyone to use their life jackets when they are out on the waterways of the South Coast of Oregon.

Wally’s House: A Beacon of Hope for Children steered by a dedicated board of volunteers and a team of passionate staff members. Their operation is fueled by a combination of public funding through government grants and the generosity of private donors. Recently, Wally’s House received a significant boost in their mission with a generous donation from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. This private foundation, dedicated to supporting nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest, announced a grant of over $6.2

BY LINDA LEE

Curry Coastal Pilot

Nestled in the heart of Southern Oregon Coast, Wally’s House is a shining example of community collaboration. This child abuse intervention center has been a lifeline for countless victims and their families, providing them with compassionate intervention, assessment and advocacy. Their mission is clear: to create a child-focused, community-based system of prevention and healing. It’s a non-proﬁt organization

Under Construction: Wally’s House is On Its Way to Opening Its Doors

Please see WALLY'S, Page 3

Chetco Library Sought

Community Input for Future Direction By Linda Lee Curry Coastal Pilot

The Chetco Community Public Library (CCPL) embarked on a strategic planning process and community input is at the heart of it. To better understand the needs and desires of its patrons, the library recently conducted a comprehensive survey, gathering valuable insights from 305 respondents. Amanda Standerfer, Founder and Lead Consultant for Fast Forward Libraries guided the strategic planning process. The three key areas of focus are: community engagement that fosters connections and active participation; organizational excellence which would enhance operational efﬁciency as well as staff development and resource stewardship to ensure the li-

Chetco Library: The library is located on Alder Street in Brookings.

INDEX

Please see LIBRARY, Page 3

Phone Number: 541-813-1717 • Address: 519 Chetco Avenue, Unit 7, Brookings, OR 97415 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

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