CCP829

Trick-or-Treat

Port Orford Port Orford

This Halloween, the sleepy fishing village of Port Orford transforms into Port Goreford

Introducing the first-ever Port Goreford Halloween Celebration, a weeklong festival of community spirit, haunted history, and enviable prizes.

At the heart of the celebration is the Battle Rock Kraken Treasure Hunt, a family-friendly adventure inspired by a legendary curse said to guard mysterious treasure washing ashore. Locals and visitors alike are invited to collect specially marked coins at participating businesses around town and return them to the “Kraken’s Chest” at the Port Orford Visitor’s Center to unlock prizes.

“We wanted to create something silly, interactive, and totally Port Orford to help drive business to the area in the slower shoulder season,” said Port Orford Main Street board member and organizer Kim Foster.

Pink Ribbons and Crucial Conversations:

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

BY LINDA LEE Curry Coastal Pilot

October has arrived, bringing with it a familiar splash of pink. Across the country, and the globe, the month is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Month, an annual campaign to raise public awareness about the disease, encourage early detection and support research into its cure.

The central message of BCA Month is that early detection saves lives. When breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is significantly high at around ninety-nine percent.

Breast cancer remains the second most common cancer overall in women and is a leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide, but men also can be affected by the disease.

“Men don’t often realize they can get breast cancer or are told not to worry about lumps in their breast,” said Jessica Carlson, an MD at Curry Health Network and breast cancer She had been missing since mid May.

81-year-old Judith Roberts was listed as missing after she was last seen on May 16, 2025. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt while operating her 2017 white Volkswagen Jetta, in the West Linn Oregon area. It was stated that Roberts may be experiencing cognitive issues.

On October 11, a local citizen located Roberts’ vehicle on a remote United States Forestry Service (USFS) road outside of Brookings, Oregon. The citizen was out hunting when he came upon Roberts’ vehicle, at the end of a heavily wooded and brushy road. The citizen located a wallet that contained Roberts’ identification inside. Roberts was not with her vehicle at this time, and the citizen then drove to the Brookings Police department, and turned over the wallet. After this, Curry County Search and Rescue members were deployed to search the area of Roberts’ vehicle. Search and Rescue members then discovered what is believed to be the remains of Roberts. West Linn Police Department will be putting out additional information as the missing person case was initiated with them.

Opinion & Letters

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A Poem for Ira

an amazing person, Treasured Friend, and Wonderful Companion. His positive energy- an inspiration to us All “Walking, Waving Man,” with two thumbs up And a radiant, contagious smile Ira with his compassion and sense of justice

Will always be a true legend in Brookings. Wisdom given

he met and

He

Was truly a friend to all, including animals.

He and his beloved wife Betty

Came to Brookings in 1980, and one time

North of Harris Beach State Park- they heard a Desperate bleating for help, And helped save a young goat

Who was stranded on a cliff ledge.

Ira would give the shirt off his back to

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Run Golf Course: 900 am. Friendly team and individual play. Prizes, laughs, good food and drink. $65 annual fee (includes OGA membership). All skill levels welcome. For info call: Bob K. 701-269-7822.

Chetco Activity Center: 9 – 10:30 am.

• The Walking Group, Azalea Park: 11 am. Meet by Capella by the Sea. If raining meet at Brookings Harbor Shopping Center by the barbershop. For information 541-412-8664 • Pinochle and other card games, Chetco Activity Center: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

SATURDAYS

• Men’s Club Golf, Salmon

Edward Michael Powers

Edward Michael Powers, a man of deep faith and strong family who followed Jesus, passed away on the evening of October 6th, 2025. He has gone to spend eternity with his beloved wife of 52 years, Larri Powers, who left this life on November 30th, 2022. His legacy continues with his two sons, Edward and Matthew, and their families, which include seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Michael was a man of strength and honor. He

served one tour in Vietnam as a Machinist’s Mate in the Navy, and then worked as a Correctional Sergeant for over 30 years with the California Department of Corrections. The epitome of the quiet professional, a natural leader, Michael was respected by all who knew him. A man of few words and great wisdom, he will be missed. Michael’s & Larri’s ashes will be released into the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Chetco River this Winter.

Donald “Don” Meier

October 22, 1937 - October 13, 2025

Donald “Don” Meier, formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, just days before his 88th birthday. Born on October 22, 1937, Don was known for his generosity, hard-working spirit, and his deep love for family and friends. After graduating from high school, Don proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years, followed by 30 years of service in the United States Coast Guard. His time in the military instilled a lifelong sense of duty, discipline, and respect for others, which defined him throughout his life. Following his retirement from the Coast Guard, Don settled in Brookings, Oregon, with his wife Anneliese. Together, they enjoyed going to the beach, having picnics by the river, and hiking in the mountains. Don continued his life of service by helping establish the local food bank, assisting with the construction of the Trinity Lutheran Church, and being a friend to all. He was deeply committed to his community and

believed in lending a hand wherever it was needed.

In his later years, Don found great joy in tending his garden with the same care he showed to those around him. Extroverted and personable, he was well-known in his community and often described himself as a “people person,” enjoying conversations, friendships, and the company of everyone he met.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anneliese, with whom he shared many years of love, laughter, and devotion. Together they raised two children, Sylvia and Peter, who were the pride and joy of his life. He was also a devoted grandfather to his granddaughter, Brynli, who brought him immense happiness.

He is survived by his children, Sylvia and Peter, his granddaughter Brynil, and his three sisters, Shirley, Christine, and Karen. Don will be remembered for his compassion, humor, outgoing personality. He will be dearly missed.

A memorial service to cele-

• Saturday Shuffle: Magic the Gathering and more, Chetco Library: 1:00 pm. Stop by the library every week for Saturday Shuffle, where players can bring their favorite deck and play Magic: The Gathering. Gamers of all kinds are also welcome to bring their favorite card or board games from their own collections, or browse the library’s games, and find a crew to play with.

MONDAYS

• Line dance lessons, Elks Lodge. Membership not required. All donations welcome and appreciated, $2 minimum from all dancers. 11:30-12:00 absolute beginners (new), 12:00 – 1:00 pm improver, 1:00-2:00 pm intermediate.

TUESDAYS

• Brookings-Harbor Garden Club Work Party, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, Brookings Botanical Garden. Come see how you can help.

• Bridge, 11:45 am, Chetco Activity Center

• Line Dancing, Brookings Elks Lodge, 6 pm – 8 pm Donations requested.

• Storytime, Chetco Library: 10:30 am. Stories, songs, and simple crafts for young children.

• Pinochle and other card games, Chetco Activity Center 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

• Amateur Radio Net checkins, Gasquet Net: 6:30 pm on 147.18, DN Amateur Radio Club: 7:15 pm on 146.88. If you are a licensed Ham Radio operator, join us. You do not have to be a member of the Del Norte Amateur Radio Club. Find out what is happening around the area.

OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 1

• Brookings Haunted House

Obituaries

brate Don’s life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church (1200 East Street) at 1:00 PM on October 22, 2025. Burial services will follow at Eagle Point National Cemetery at 10:00 AM on October 23, 2025. Friends and family are welcome to attend and honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Honor Flight of Oregon program, https://www.honorflightofore-

Help someone in need, and he often gave Wise counsel to the homeless folks around. He demonstrated true kindness and goodwill Whether called Christian, Buddhist, or really Just all of us being decent human beings. Dearest Ira we cherish you and miss you As you continue on your spiritual journey of Eternity

We'll wait patiently ‘til we're together again.

Cathy Cato October 16, 2025 San Dimas, CA by the San Gabriel Mountains

#22, 16261 Hwy 101 S:7:00 pm – 10:00 pm (11:00 pm on Halloween). Once again, you are

Larry Emerson Mostachetti

Resident of Harbor, after several months of health issues, Larry passed away Oct 3rd, 2025, in Medford, Oregon at the age of 88. Larry enjoyed camping, gardening, boating, fishing, photography, making jewelry, rock hounding, bowling, and working on his trains. He had a lovely outdoor railway set up in his yard in Citrus Heights, CA and later moved it to his home in Harbor, OR. He also had an elaborate train room where he spent many hours working on his model train layout. He was a member of Sons of Italy, Stout Mountain Railway Club, Pelican Bay Amateur Radio Club, and Civil Air Patrol where he mentored students inter-

ested in aviation as well as flying on multiple missions for reconnaissance and recovery of missing persons. He was also Eddie the Eagle for the local Safety City program for young children to learn road safety.

Larry will be remembered by his daughters Michelle (William) Gray, Denise (David) Danens, Dianne (Ron) Billington, his brother-inlaw Paul Gauvin, and his six grandchildren Justine, Kyle, Alexandra (Codi), Brandon, Erik, and Rebecca.

He was preceded in death by his parents Amerigo and Agnes Mostachetti, as well as his wife Yvette. The family held a small celebration of life in Medford. Larry's remains will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean where he will join his wife, Yvette.

Two Deceased Adults Found, Deemed Unattended Pending Further Investigation

On October 19th, at about 4:51 p.m.,

Curry County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call from Jot’s Resort Manager, of an unattended death in one of the Condos.

Sheriff Ward was called and responded to Jot’s Resort, where he contacted the caller.

The caller stated that while walking his dog, he saw on one of the balcony’s, a male subject that appeared to be deceased. The manager stated he went inside the room and from the doorway was not able to get a response from the person.

Sheriff Ward entered the condo and, on the back deck, found thirty-five-year-old Daniel Faris, deceased. Also on the deck, Sheriff Ward discovered twenty-eightyear-old Taylor Young, deceased. It was

reported that both Faris and Young had lived together in their condo for just under two years.

Lt. John Ensley and Sergeant Zane Van Zelf were called to respond as well from their residences. A cursory search of Faris and Young’s residence revealed that both Faris and Young may have died of ingesting an unknown substance. There was no sign of foul play, no obvious injuries to either person.

The Curry County District Attorney was notified and after being briefed on the situation, authorized the release of both Faris and Young to Redwood Memorial Services in Brookings. Next of Kin for both Faris and Young were notified. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation.

Awareness

From page 1 survivor. “Younger women do get breast cancer, and although less common, in some cases it can be more aggressive.”

Early detection is the key and there are several ways one can be proactive in their approach.

The first is clinical breast exams (CBEs), which are the physical examinations performed by one’s doctor. The second is routine self-exams where a person should be aware of changes to the breast such as a lump, skin changes or discharge from the nipples.

“Pay attention to your breasts,” said Cori Stephens, Curry Heath Network’s Director of Ancillary Services. “I know this can be uncomfortable, especially for young girls, but it is so important for women of all ages (beginning when breasts begin to develop) to stay familiar with the shape, size, texture, and appearance of your breasts, and immediately address any unexpected changes.”

The most effective way to screen for breast cancer is through a mammography or ultra sound. The guidelines for when a person should have regular x-ray screenings vary, but it’s generally recommended that women should have routine mammograms in their early 40s.

Stephens explained that there are two types of mammograms, a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram. The screening mammogram is performed specifically designed to screen for any signs or breast cancer and a diagnostic mammogram is being performed because of an abnormal finding.

“Diagnostic mammograms use different techniques, such as spot compression or magnification, and are frequently paired with breast ultrasound to better visualize these areas

and determine if they are benign (like a cyst) or if they remain suspicious and should be biopsied,” explained Stephens.

If a diagnosis of cancer is given, the treatment is based on ‘stage level’ of the cancer and several other factors such as the density of the breasts and a person’s willingness to undergo radiation therapy or a mastectomy, which can be challenging.

Dr. Carlson can speak from experience on the challenges of overcoming cancer and a double mastectomy because she is a breast cancer survivor.

“It is challenging to have mastectomies. Scars can be painful, sometimes people can be left with swelling or lymphadenopathy in their arms,” said Dr. Carlson. “Most people have numbness or significantly decreased sensation in their chest/breast skin after breast cancer surgery. Also, most people do miss their natural breasts. They are part of one’s identity.” And then there’s the thought of ‘will the cancer return?’ This is something every person with a positive diagnosis lives with for the rest of their lives.

“Another challenge is always wondering if the cancer will come back,” said Dr. Carlson. “Anytime

a cancer survivor gets a lump or bump we end up getting another biopsy.”

Although talking about such things may be uncomfortable, it’s vital for society to normalize the conversation so that a better understanding and awareness can begin to push through any boundaries, such as economics, that may hold one back from getting screened.

In Curry County, we’re fortunate to have teams of individuals who are willing to go the extra mile and have open conversations with patients about recommendations and financial options available should one be without insurance.

“We try to make it as easy as possible to get a mammogram,” said Dr. Carlson. “People who don’t have insurance or don’t have access to health care or primary care often don’t get proper screenings.”

Dr. Carlson is cancer free and notes that having the disease puts life into perspective and that she, and her husband who is also a cancer survivor, no longer sweat the small stuff.

While breast cancer awareness has grown immensely since the campaign's inception, advocates emphasize that

BCA Month serves as a key fundraising period for organizations like the American Cancer Society

Susan G. Komen Foundation, with the money being channeled into research for new treatments, support services for patients and