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DECEMBER 8, 2023

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The Heartwarming Traditions of Cannon Beach

PHOTO BY BOB KROLL PHOTOGRAPHY

By JASMINE SCHERMERHORN

s the crowd fills and the hot cocoa spills, all that is felt is the warmth of the community and the familiar faces seen from afar. The joy of Christmas was welcomed into Cannon Beach on Saturday, December 2nd. As the clock struck 4, Sandpiper Square was bustling with people from past and present generations. The Christmas lights glistening through the square created an

atmosphere of peace and joy. As Jim Paino talked about his traditions growing up, I realized that Christmas means the same thing to all of us. Christmas is about the feeling of family, the feeling of holding on to our childhood. Christmas is about eating your favorite foods, showing everlasting love to your relatives, and carrying on traditions. On the topic of traditions it was absolutely heartwarming to see the Cannon Beach Academies performance. These are the kind

of memories these kids will carry with them. I remember singing in front of my school during Christmas time, and it’s still one of the best memories I have as a child. It’s something you work for and practice for months to show off to the community and loved ones. This Saturday was my first time attending the Christmas Lamp Lighting. I am filled with so much joy. A tradition that has been passed on is the song “Christmas in Our Home Town”, written by Bill

PHOTO BY DEB ATIYEH

Steidel, which is a melody like no other. This song is about Christmas time in our hometown, and really just how special it can be. The older I get the more appreciation I have for the holidays; it gives me the opportunity to realize how many things I am grateful for during this time. As I go off to college next year, traditions like these are the things that make me want to come back for the holidays. After a few jolly old songs, the special event

In the Spirit of Christmas: TRYAD Ministries Meets at Conference Center By DEB ATIYEH

he 47th annual TRYAD (To Reconcile Ye Abled and Disabled) Ministries Conference met this year on December 1st through the 3rd at the Cannon Beach Conference Center. Founded in 1976 by longtime resident David O’Brien, TRYAD Ministries provides a spiritual retreat experience for those with special needs. Born in 1933 in Portland, David O’Brien had cerebral palsy and was often seen greeting people as he rode around Cannon Beach on his motorized scooter. “He was always happy to see people”, said Cannon Beach resident Marlene Laws. He is remembered because of the way the way he dealt with people and the love he had for those around him. “Remembered most for his open heart, his easy smile and his laugh, and for being so interested in what others were doing and caring about them”, Laws added. Cannon Beach resident Jenee Pearce-Mushen said that “under his leadership, TRYAD Ministries became involved in bringing God’s word to the disabled in a variety of ways.” David provided visionary PHOTO BY JENEE PEARCE-MUSHEN

SEE TRYAD PAGE A3

finally comes. Ellie, Belen, and Coco were the special lamp lighters for this year’s event. As the three marched across the wooden platform, excitement filled their rosycheeked faces. When the lantern was lit, it felt as if the Christmas bells were faintly chiming in the distance. The lights on the tree in the square were aglow and shined as if the rest of the world was dark. As the crowd cheered for the glow of the lamp, things soon simmered down. The si-

ren of the firetruck filled the silence and created excitement for the children as they soon realized Santa was near. When the truck came to a halt the children ran to take a closer look. Santa then made his way up the square followed by a line to greet the jolly old fellow. The square was bustling with peace, love, and joy. The Christmas season in Cannon Beach has officially kicked off. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE A2

Citizens voice concerns about elementary school project WILL CHAPPELL For the Gazette

uring a November 28th Cannon Beach city council work session scheduled to gather public feedback on city projects, members of the community voiced their concerns about the proposed $12 million elementary school rejuvenation project. Members of the business community led the opposition to the project, saying that they were concerned about saddling the city with the project’s debt load and believed that the facility would compete with their businesses. The meeting started with brief presentations on the elementary school and city hall and police station projects, which are all currently underway. Justin Johnson, the architect from CIDA who is leading the elementary school project, said that the current designs had been developed with community feedback and that the project was ready to finish up its development stage. Several members of the Clatsop-Nehalem tribe appeared at the meeting to voice their support for the proposed project. The tribe members said that they had

been involved in trying to build a cultural site of some sort at the site dating back to 2014. They said that honoring their ancestors who had lived in the village at the site and educating people about their way of life was important to the current members of the tribe and they supported the project in its full scope. The first couple public commenters said that while they appreciated the sentiment behind the project, they were concerned about its budget, the debt load it would create and potential tax implications. Another commenter clarified that the project was being paid for by transient lodging tax (TLT) dollars, 70% of which have to go to tourism related projects and expenses. He said that the city had little choice but to spend the funds on a project like the elementary school and that he was in favor of the proposal. A handful of other commenters also spoke in favor of the project as proposed. It quickly became clear that this was a minority viewpoint though, as even many commenters voicing general support for the project said they favored reconsidering its budget and scope.

One of the first commenters from this group said that while he appreciated the restrictions on TLT funds, he believed that taking on the proposed debt load could pose problems if the tourism in Cannon Beach declined. He also noted that the 30-year term on the loans associated with the project would lock the city into the project even if the TLT funding formula were to change with state legislative action. Another, larger group comprised of local business owners and employees went even further, calling the entire project into question and taking its team to task over a lack of outreach. A business owner said that the group had tried to raise their concerns about the project in May of this year but that it did not seem the city council had listened to their feedback. She argued that the new project would compete with other event venues in town, negatively impacting local businesses, and that it would exacerbate parking shortages in the summer months. The business owner raised concerns over City Manager Bruce St. Denis’s financial interest in the project, noting SEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PAGE A5

December 8, 2023

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TRYAD CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

leadership for TRYAD until his death in 2015 at the age of 81. He was truly a “servant with a disability” and his commitment has blessed many over the years. 33 people attended the conference this year for three days of inspiration, which included guest speaker Pastor Roy Peacock and his wife Shirley, who together have decades of experience in serving with people with disabilities. Lorain Trzyna, served as the pianist providing the music while conference participants and guests sang Christmas carols. Lorain made her home in Cannon Beach for 10 years before moving to the Bible Student Retirement Center in Fairview, Oregon. When she lived in Cannon Beach she participated in the Cannon Beach Chorus and the North

Coast Chorale in Astoria. Lorain was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005 but is still able to play music. One of the attendees at the conference this weekend was Dave Nicholson, who lifted 445 pounds while participating in the Canadian Special Olympics. Dave is also an employee of the Calgary Police Department. Many of the special guests in attendance at the conference had overcome formidable obstacles in their lives. It was truly a humbling experience to meet them. Cannon Beach residents Marlene Laws and Jenee Pearce-Mushen have served the TRYAD Ministries since the beginning. Before his passing, TRYAD founder David O’Brien entrusted the TRYAD Ministry to Jenee Pearce-Mushen, with faithful friend Marlene Laws by her

side. TRYAD Ministry guests were able to attend the Cannon Beach Christmas Light-

ing Ceremony, and the joy on their faces made one realize what the Christmas Spirit is really all about.

PHOTOS BY JENEE PEARCE-MUSHEN

Voters Approve Fire District Levy By BOB ATIYEH

oters approved a five-year tax levy for the Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District in the November 7th election. Final certification of the election results were officially announced by Clatsop County election officials on November 30th. The delay was due to a new Oregon election law that allows ballots to be counted if postmarked on the day of the election and received within seven days; along with voters being given the opportunity to rectify any problems with their ballots, such as a questionable or missing signature. Of the 733 total votes, the 374 voting in favor of the levy narrowly surpassed the 359 voting no. The new levy of $1.50 per thousand of assessed value will consolidate and replace the two existing

five-year tax levies, along with a bond measure expiring at the end of 2023, and will enable the hiring of three additional full-time paid firefighters. These firefighters will join the three full-time paid firefighter/EMTs hired at the beginning of 2023, which will allow for the staffing of the Cannon Beach fire station with two firefighter/ EMTs every shift, 24 hours

a day, 7 days a week; greatly improving response times to emergencies. Cannon Beach Fire District Chief Marc Reckmann said that “we have started the hiring process for the three firefighters. This is a huge step forward for the Fire District.” The Cannon Beach Fire District will continue to rely on volunteers to provide crucial additional personnel

on structure fires, wildland fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, surf rescues and cliff rescues. The new tax levy will also provide capital reserves for apparatus replacement, equipment replacement and building maintenance; while continuing to support Fire District administrative staff funded by the two current levies.

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December 8, 2023

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Art, Family and a Passion for Creativity

A view of the gallery space. PHOTOS BY RACHEL SPEAKMAN

By DEB ATIYEH

he Speakman family, owners of Sesame + Lilies in Cannon Beach, have joined together to open a new gallery and art studio in Gearhart. The Speakman’s are a family of artists who aspire to live their lives creating art while chasing the dream of doing it as a family. Each of them possess different skill sets in design and art that fit compatibly together in the collaboration and creativity of their art. They have remodeled a new location, and with all of their combined artistic flair they have created something innovative and original. After graduating from The Art Institute of Chicago while majoring in ceramics and sculpture, their daughter

Rachel was planning to set up a studio in Chicago, but the Covid pandemic altered her course while directing her back home to Gearhart, where the Speakman’s have lived for the past 26 years. The most realistic plan was to be at home on the Oregon coast as she transitioned from student life to being a full-time artist. Her parents Diane and Jay are also artists, and they all needed a space to create their art. So they began their search for a place for Rachel to live, along with a working studio that would accommodate all of their dreams. They heard that a longtime friend, John Emmerling of Gearhart Ironwerks, was retiring and wanted to sell his 4,000 square-foot space. John has known Rachel since

childhood and it felt like the right fit. Jay Speakman, who is an ironworks artist, helped Emmerling set up his forge years ago and knew the building well, and it all came together like it was meant to be. Creating the needed space required a major renovation, with separate areas for a living space for Rachel, the gallery and an art studio workspace. But they first needed a variance from the Planning Commission to build the residence. After winning that approval, the serious work began. Several more building permits were required, including residential, industrial, and commercial, as well as a variance from DEQ for the new septic system. With an architectural

background, Jay created the architectural drawings and laid out the plans of what they wanted. Permits in hand, they found subcontractors to work with Jay and Rachel, while doing much of the carpentry, caulking and painting themselves.) Rachel said it was an immense endeavor. The electrical system for her pottery kiln was very complicated. They had to add firewalls, fire glass, and metal doors to meet the building codes. This has been a two-year process, and they still have the studio to finish. Work is ongoing. The gallery and Rachel’s living space are completed. Their gallery is set up with light and neutral colors, with the family’s artwork tastefully placed throughout. Rachel’s residence is decorated

A curated mix of paintings by Diane Speakman and antique paintings

with the colors of coastal interiors that creates a space of light, texture and comfort, with the antiques and furniture that one can find at Sesame + Lilies. Rachel hopes to find other women potters in the area who will be able to share the space and her new large kiln. There are so many artists on the north coast. She is also excited about working with her dad on ironwork and ceramic combinations. The hope is that the building will accommodate a multi-use studio that other artists can use to create their own art. Rachel and her mother Diane are accomplished painters, who paint natural coastal landscapes and the wildlife of the area such as owls, pelicans and herons. They are connected

A vignette of the gallery, artwork by Rachel Speakman

to the natural world with nature a huge influence on their artwork and interiors. Currently the gallery is filled with Diane and Rachel’s artwork, ceramics, metal art and sculptures, along with the light, soothing colors of the coastal landscapes that are represented in the furniture and accessories. They have exquisite and fun accent pillows in an array of colorful designs that blend into any home, while pulling the interior together making it aesthetically pleasing. Their specialty is the art of interiors. Speakman Studios is open from 11 AM to 4 PM, Friday and Saturday, and located off Highway 101 at 1368 Pacific Way in Gearhart.

A mix of landscapes by Diane Speakman and abstract by Rachel Speakman, on display at the gallery

LEFT: Ceramic heron sculpture by Rachel Speakman RIGHT: Copper Lobster Claw, by Jay Speakman The Speakman’s, left to right: Rachel, Diane, and Jay.

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Fall Provender ing Himalayan blackberries. Hoo-Hah! A gourmand’s bacchanalia. Consider the pears Bosc and D’Anjou. Ahhh, what sensual globes, the aesthetically curved and charming freckled skins hint at the tender flesh within. In the lusty fields of fall, young corn stalks sway like Nordic warriors, tousled and golden, sheathed and waiting. Consider a few autumn stalwarts from the animal kingdom. Each fall those randy salmon flash their lusty flanks upstream and into our

By PETER LINDSEY

ll those juicy and succulent beasts and fruity things have spent a splendid summer basking in long days. Swollen, sleek, turgid beyond common decency, they await our yearning lips, gentle readers. I’ve already fondled crook-neck and summer squashes the size of the zeppelin Hindenberg. I quiver in salacious expectation when confronting thickets of dense, pendulous, droop-

skillets and barbecues. Oola-la. Va-va-voom! Twisting and shimmering, they flex delectable cheeks toward our coast, 20 to 50 pounds of muscle guided toward a love tryst. Yummy. Don’t forget our friends, the dear little bivalves! All summer they’ve basked indolently in summer seas, sipping plankton cocktails and ripening those private parts we love to nibble. Few things quicken the pulse like an encounter with a nubile oyster at the harvest dinner.

Crows

By PETER LINDSEY

rofessor Lindsey, while aware of the pitfalls of anthropomorphism, cannot avoid drawing some conclusions from his personal observations of our neighbors in the animal kingdom. For reasons too complex for my thin mind and this short piece, I find myself strangely drawn in sympathy and spirit to crows. I know folks who, if their home furnishings and knick knacks give evidence, are duck people, dog people, cat people, bear people, and even cow and hippopotamus people. I favor crows. Many hate crows. I am not an owl. Crows scavenge. So do eagles and hawks. I’ve never been quite so keen on raptor birds of the upper air. Their lofty and aloof nature shows a patrician disdain for things going on down here closer to the ground where we mix

aeir

s, By DARRELL CLUKEY ng n a recent Friday night, at a packed in es. theater in Cannon Beach, n a rock band drummer beat of out the thump-thump behind fused sounds of an ampedng up solid-body guitar and a meditative wooden flute. This . alt-Native band kicked off a weekend celebrating Native American heritage during en which representatives of Oray egon’s north coast indigenous off cultures spoke about their fic ancestors and their ways of living on the lands north and south of Tillamook Head that once were home to Clatsop and Nehalem people. The weekend was a reminder that a once thriving tribal culture resides now in only a few remaining descendants who are struggling to be heard. When people are ripped from their way of life, the heart of their ancestry is left behind in the land. Descendants yearn for the time when they can return. For two days after the concert, tribal members from Clatsop-Nehalem

our affairs with crows and sparrows. Crows seem more like us. They indulge in petty spats and squabbles. They hang out in gaggles, gossiping and chatting over a snack of pizza crust or a scrap of cookie. I watch them commute to their daily occupations, traversing the same route day after day from their roosts in the hills. At gloaming, they return, ghosting through the pink-green alder copses in the creek bottoms, whirling and wheeling like ashes from a fire. They have purpose, a pattern, an occupation that has rhythm and regularity. They travel as a body, a Dark Clan perpetually on the hunt and peck. Certain crow qualities deserve emulation, to my mind. A common sight in wood, village, and pasture is a crow family unit, a puffy black bowling-pin youngster and its parents sharing a

perch for some social time. They nudge and snuggle one another, nurturing. Crows hang tough against adversity. An external threat to one is a challenge to all, and they league together in fearless courage to roust intruders and enemies. Countless times I have seen a murder of crows band together to assail a potential enemy, a nest robbing raccoon, raven, or eagle. Clouds of crows materialize magically in these circumstances, drawn from far reaches of the crow domain within instants. The haranguing din of hundreds of righteously indignant crows is frightening in its volume and intensity. Crows seem to have an airspace, a sort of sky territory. Interlopers, regardless of size or potential danger to a crow are dealt with summarily. Crows will have a “go” at bald eagles or hawks, mano a mano, without hesita-

Ah fall, glorious fall! Fallow deer and elk nibble gently in wooded glades, shadows dappling their tender briskets and chops. Chanterelle parasols dance softly on the forest floor. I yearn to lure them home to a hot bath in wines and rare oils, so tender for their delicate skins. Welcome to the feast, my beauties. Shall we begin the meal?

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tion. Their courage appears limitless. Crows, like good Marines, remain at the side of fallen comrades. An injured crow can expect assistance, or at least compassion, from his kind. Several times in recent years, I’ve watched as a crow in terrible straits has been attended by another. Many people of the subways of New York City might hope for as much consideration. Crows appear able to survive, indeed thrive, in the Twenty-first Century. Their numbers, like our own, are like sands of the sea. They are tough and canny as individuals, yet can live harmoniously in close proximity to countless numbers of their peers. Crows, rats as well, relish the carrion and junk food products that have become the mainstay of contemporary life. Perhaps crows have something to teach us. I can only

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Laurelwood Farm speculate. Cannon Beach resident Peter Lindsey is the author of “Comin’ In Over the Rock: A Storyteller’s History of

Song of Our Ancestors in northwest Oregon, Metis in Manitoba, Koyukon Athabaskan/Muscogee Creek in Alaska, and Ponca in Nebraska shared stories of their people being purged from their lands to make way for White expansion. Tears flowed as they described death in villages ravaged by disease and war, forced marches to reservations where they starved in squalor, and children torn from their parents to be harshly re-trained into White culture. And the lies. The lies upon lies perpetuated by false promises and treaties that lasted only as long as was convenient to the invading Euro-Americans. Locally, the destruction of north coast indigenous culture is prominently displayed on a Roman-style victory column high atop Coxcomb Hill in Astoria. Built in the tradition of ancient columns which memorialize heroic victories of expanding empires, it depicts EuroAmerican determination and bravery in the conquest of indigenous peoples who in-

habited the northern Oregon coast for thousands of years. Pictorial scenes of natives, explorers, traders, settlers, and empire builders work their way up the column representing America’s eradication of the Clatsop, Nehalem, and Chinook peoples in the name of manifest destiny. The Astoria Column artwork depicts a turning point in the centuries-old tradition of Clatsop-Nehalem life with the arrival of the Corps of Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The Corps did not come to trade like those who arrived earlier by ship, but rather came to explore the land and claim it for an expanding nation. The local people did not know what to make of the Corps and mostly left them to winter alone where they had posted themselves near the mouth of the Columbia River. On one occasion, in January of 1806, Captain Clark, along with a small party from the Corps, stood atop Tillamook Head. They were a day’s-plus walk south of

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Cannon Beach” and “Just Movin’ The Water Around: Commercial Trolling With The Cannon Beach Dory Fleet”.

their encampment. Gazing at the scene below, Clark later wrote in his diary: We set out early and proceeded to the top of the mountain facing the open sea. Villages of Nehalem and Clatsop can be seen below. One is a village at the mouth of a small river near the place the whale is said to be. Having heard of the whale’s beaching, Clark had followed a native trail over the headland to barter with villagers for meat and blubber. The place where the whale is said to be is now the town of Cannon Beach. In the town is a former school on the land that once supported the village at the mouth of a small river. The village was NeCus’, one of many belonging to the Clatsop-Nehalem people who had lived along the coast for countless generations. The old school and its grounds at the mouth of Ecola Creek are being restored by Cannon Beach as a welcoming place in the tradition of NeCus’. Tradition says that the

presence of Native ancestors lies upon this land that once welcomed weary travelers with food and rest. The ancestors remain to guide their descendants in the care and nourishment of land and people. In 1806, all who came to honor the dead whale left with a share, including Clark and his small band. Now, over 200 years later, there will again be a sharing of food, ritual, and cultural events among locals and visitors at this welcoming place. Descendants of NeCus’ have worked for several years with the town of Cannon Beach to recognize their ancestors and their way of life at the site of the former school. Countless generations cared for this land. The NeCus’ villagers valued all that it provided for their livelihood. It remains a sacred place and holds the hearts left behind by the villagers who were forced from it by White settlement. With the current NeCus’ project, the struggle to be heard is finding some fruition

for Clatsop-Nehalem people as they support the school’s restoration as an educational facility that will honor their history and culture. Like the alt-Native concert that fused modern and ancient music into one sound, the NeCus’ project will fuse modern town life with the ancient ways of the ancestors who once cared for this place and welcomed all who sought refuge on their journeys. The thump-thump behind the new welcoming center is the heartbeat of those who came before, who offer their descendants guidance through an ancient song that lies upon the sands and waters of this sacred place. With the blessing of the ancestors, a fusion of new and ancient into a modern air will lead to one humanity under the sun for this ancient site. There is hope for such unity with the NeCus’ project. May it succeed so that all who visit in the future can leave with knowledge in their hearts of an inclusive and welcoming world.

to reconsider its support for the project as budgeted. Another business owner said that before moving forward on the project, he would like to see the council solicit more feedback and try to win the buy-in of himself and other local business owners. He said that they

should bring in consultants to evaluate what businesses would support in the project and asked that the plans be evaluated for their impact on local businesses. The council did not discuss the comments offered but were scheduled to consider approving the project’s

design at their regular meeting on December 5, after the city’s design review denied the request in November.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 the bonus he is set to receive for serving as project manager of the elementary school project. She argued that the project would mark another square on the “gentrification bingo” card in Cannon Beach, as it prioritized a flashy facility over addressing serious is-

sues facing those who wished to work and live in the city. A group of some half dozen working-age residents who were attending the meeting virtually from a nearby residence with the city hall at capacity, echoed those concerns. They said that while they loved living in Cannon

Beach, the dearth of affordable housing had forced them to move repeatedly and driven friends and acquaintances out of the city. They said that they were troubled to see so much money dedicated to a project that would not address those issues and asked the council

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AT THE LIBRARY

Santa Story Time and Cannon Beach Reads 2024 By PHYLLIS BERNT Library Board President

hildren of all ages are invited to hear Santa read “The Night Before Christmas” at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 16, at the library, 131 N. Hemlock in downtown Cannon Beach. Volunteers will read additional holiday stories, including a story in Spanish. Children will also be able to create holiday ornaments, and will receive a take-home

hot chocolate pack (donated by Bruce’s Candy Kitchen) and a free holiday book. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The Cannon Beach Reads book club will meet at 7 p.m., Wednesday, December 20, to discuss “Horse,” by Gwendolyn Brooks. This will be a hybrid meeting with participants able to join the discussion in person at the library or virtually through Zoom. Brooks moves between states and across centuries to tell the story of a recordsetting racing stallion and the people whose lives he touches during his life and for decades after he is gone. “Horse” is based on the true story of Lexington, a thoroughbred racehorse who, in the mid-1800’s, was America’s greatest stud sire. Critics have called the novel “a story so powerful, reading it feels like watching a neckand-neck horse race.” Gwendolyn Brooks is an Australian-American journalist and novelist. In addition to “Horse,” her novels include “Year of Wonders,” “People of the Book,” “Caleb’s Crossing,” “The Secret Chord” and “March,” for which she won a Pulitzer Prize. Mary Kerwin will lead the

C discussion, which will begin at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, December 20, at the library. The Zoom link for those wishing to participate from home is available by emailing Joe Bernt at berntj@ohio. edu. Coffee and cookies will be provided at the library. New members, whether in person or online, are always welcome. “Horse” is the last book on the schedule for Cannon Beach Reads 2023. The schedule is being finalized for 2024, the eighteenth year of Cannon Beach Reads. Since 2007, book club members have met on the third Wednesday evening of the month to sip coffee, munch on cookies and discuss a mix of fiction and nonfiction, current and classic books. Cannon Beach resident Bob Lundy, who has been a member of the book club since its beginning, explains there are two reasons why he participates in the group, “First of all, I enjoy getting together with this group of people each month for lively and interesting discussions, and secondly, I read–and enjoy–books I would not have read if it weren’t for Cannon Beach Reads.” Participation in Cannon Beach Reads is open to everyone. Participants don’t

have to have library cards, nor do they have to be local residents. Thanks to Zoom, participants can join the discussion from virtually anywhere. Books for discussion are selected democratically, with members nominating books for consideration and then voting for their choices. The process usually results in a diverse collection of titles, balanced between fiction and nonfiction. Contemporary fiction, notable classics worthy of another look, topical nonfiction and works by northwest authors are usually represented in the final list. The selection process for 2024 has yielded 12 books, with an equal number of fiction and nonfiction titles. All books are available for check out at the library. The six fiction books selected include Sherwood Anderson’s stories of smalltown life in “Winesburg, Ohio;” Louise Erdich’s novel,“The Night Watchman,” which is based on her grandfather’s fight for Native American land ownership in North Dakota; and “The Keeper of Lost Things” by Ruth Hogan, which tells the story of a man who rescues lost objects and captures their stories. Also included are two

novels by the same author—a rare occurrence for Cannon Beach Reads; they are Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Bean Trees,” the story of a rural Kentucky girl who gets more than she bargains for when she heads west in search of a better life, and “Demon Copperhead,” whose main character is the resourceful son of an unwed, teen-aged mother. Kingsolver received a 2023 Pulitzer Prize for “Demon Copperhead.” Rounding out the list of fiction titles is “The Painted Bird” by Jerzy Kosinski, an account of the harrowing experiences of a young boy abandoned by his parents in Central Europe during WWII. The six nonfiction books selected deal with a wide range of topics: the impact of climate change, the life of a popular, and tasty, sea creature, essays on the wonders of nature, the experiences of an overworked surgeon, the demise of a neighborhood bar and, finally, the most influential books in human history. The topics of these six books are evident from their detailed subtitles: “The Great Displacement: Climate Change and the Next American Migration” by Jack Bittle, “The Secret Life of Lobsters: How Fishermen

and Scientists Are Unraveling the Mysteries of Our Favorite Crustacean” by Trevor Corson, “One Long River Song: Notes on Wonder” by Brian Doyle, “Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance” by Atul Gawande, “Last Call at Coogan’s: The Life and Death of a Neighborhood Bar” by John Michaud and “Books that Changed the World: The 50 Most Influential Books in Human History” by James Andrew Taylor. Cannon Beach Reads will start its eighteenth year on Wednesday, January 17, with Louise Erdrich’s “The Night Watchman,” followed by “The Great Displacement” by Jack Bittle on Wednesday, February 21. Everyone is welcome to drop (or Zoom) in to meet fellow readers, take part in stimulating discussions and see why Bob Lundy has been such a loyal member of the book club. Further information about Cannon Beach Reads is available by emailing the group’s coordinator, Joe Bernt, at berntj@ohio.edu, or by sending an email to the library office at info@ cannonbeachlibrary.org or by consulting the library website at www.cannonbeachlibrary. org.

elderly men, neither of whom I feel safe asking for a ride to the post office. Next year, we’re told, the Republicans’ candidate will be the same man who was their nominee, in the last two elections. Not one American has cast a vote in a Republican primary or caucus. He refuses to debate his challengers. But the media have pronounced him the candidate of Team Red. On Team Blue, things are even more sewed up. The Democratic Party has, in essence, declared the

incumbent their nominee for re-election. There will be no debates. Moreover, that nominee – who would begin an incredibly high-stress second term at the age of 82 – has unilaterally declared that his Vice-President will again be his running mate. Before the first primary, without any debates, Team Blue has determined its ticket. So, to repeat the question: “What democracy?” In eleven months, most of us – but not all – will get to cast a ballot, choosing between two candidates we had almost no say in nominating. Of course, in only six or seven states – the purple ones – will our ballots matter. From Oregon, 43 other states, and D.C. – the electoral votes will go where they’ll go. Now, polling indicates that something like two-thirds of us don’t want either of these old buffers on the ballot next year, but we have precious little say about that. Some ninety percent of us will vote in states where our individual votes make no difference in the eventual outcome. And, after eighteen months of sound and fury, Election Day, several rounds of lawsuits and, not improbably, some mob actions – someone we’d rather not have as president, will be sworn in as our

president. And that, my fellow citizens, is what we call democracy in 2023. Now, to be sure, democracy has always seemed to me a means to an end, not the end itself. The Founders of this Republic – which is what they called it – had absolutely no intention of setting up a democracy. Under the Constitution, only the House of Representatives – one half of Congress – was to be elected by the people, voting directly. The important thing was – as Lincoln memorably said – that the entire government, by whatever means chosen, be “of the people, by the people, for the people”. In other words, the Republic must belong to us; we must have some input into how it is run; and it should work for our benefit. Those, it seems to me, are the goals. So, focusing on Lincoln’s test, how are we doing? Does our government belong to us? The answer to that question lies largely in the power of large corporations, trade associations, and super-rich individuals to dominate elections. At present, that domination is neartotal. We must severely limit the power of Big Money, if government is ever again to be “of the people”. Does casting our indi-

vidual votes actually make any difference in the outcome of elections? Far too often, it does not. Gerrymandering is a big culprit here, but there are brilliant methods – including parallel voting – to assure that every citizens’ vote counts for something. Further, while Electoral College reform is unlikely to be achieved by constitutional amendment, legislation could assure that each state’s electors were awarded in proportion to the popular vote in that state – making every state, not just a handful, into “battleground” states. Does government work for us? Here, I think the fault is our own. By repeatedly falling for politicians who promise us only what serves our personal, family, or community interests, instead of asking candidates what they plan to do for all of us – for the “general welfare” – we turn the political process into a kind of auction, rather than a search for solutions. In these times, it seems to me, we spend far too much time worrying about how to restore democracy – in the sense of “majority rules” – and far too little seeking solutions to assure that government is of, by, and for the people. Y’know, what Mr. Lincoln said.

Engaging in dynamic balance practices such as functional movements, tai chi, and yoga, along with posture realignment and musculoskeletal correction exercises proves invaluable. These activities not only enhance physical balance and flexibility but also refine our nervous system, sharpening our reflexes. When a momentary loss of balance occurs, these honed reflexes allow us to regain stability with greater ease and confidence, serving as our body’s natural defense mechanism against falls. Incorporating even one of these rituals into our daily routine can yield immediate benefits, alleviating fatigue, improving circulation and easing aches and pains. Mindful movement helps us while bestowing a newfound appreciation for our bodies, which tirelessly carry us through each day. It’s an investment in our future well-being, allowing us to relish the activities we cherish, whether it’s navigating hiking trails, surfing an epic wave, indulging in hobbies,

or tending to daily tasks with grace and vitality. In the pursuit of healthy longevity, preventing falls emerges as a crucial cornerstone. By nurturing our bodies, fortifying our muscles, and embracing practices that enhance balance, we pave a path toward a future where independence, sustainable energy, and the ability to relish life’s moments remain within our grasp. It is never too late to start. Try to use the kaisen approach of 1% improvement each day. It is possible to include simple activities into our day such as : standing on one leg while brushing our teeth, enjoy gentle rebounding, bouncing or shaking as we move through our house, try a new challenging dance move, walk on an imaginary tightrope carefully placing one foot in front of the other, even walking and gliding on uneven surfaces in nature stimulates the balance centers in our brain. Our neurovestibular system provides a sense of balance and information about body position that allows rapid

compensatory movements in response to both self-induced and externally generated forces. So challenge your balance daily by what you do and where you go for physical activity. If you enjoy fitness classes or going to the gym, include stability equipment in your routine like stability balls, Bosu balls or balance disks. If you would like more guidance, reach out to a qualified coach or personal trainer who can customize a program designed for your needs and goals. Remember, our bodies are our faithful companions on life’s journey, and it’s our responsibility to care for them so they may continue to support and enable our adventures. 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

GUEST COLUMN What Mr. Lincoln Said By RICK GRAY

n these uncertain times, we – the American people – seem very confused about what we want in terms of good government. Which means, though we sometimes pretend otherwise, we don’t seem to know what we want from ourselves. Right now, most of us insist we want democracy. Many on Team Red seem to

believe that the last presidential election was stolen – which, if true, would have been a huge denial of basic democracy. Many on Team Blue, on the other hand, seem convinced that if their side doesn’t win the White House next year, we will see the end of democracy. Those of us who belong to neither team are beginning to ask, “What democracy?” After all, eleven months before the presidential election, the media establishment has decreed that our choices have been narrowed down to two

Early Holiday Deadline

The Cannon Beach Gazette has early advertising deadlines for the New Year’s holiday.

The office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1

Deadlines for Classifieds, Legals and Display Advertising: Wednesday, Dec. 27th at 4 p.m. for Jan. 5th Edition

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Preventing Falls: A Crucial Step in Paving the Path to Healthy Longevity By LAURA WARF

n a world where longevity is a prized pursuit, an often overlooked menace threatens this aspiration: falls. Seemingly innocuous incidents, like tripping over a rug, stumbling outdoors or slipping in the bathroom,

hold the alarming position of being the 3rd leading cause of accidental deaths in our country. The repercussions of any kind of fall are vast, ranging from the loss of independence to a compromised ability to partake in beloved hobbies and leisure activities. Recent reports from OPB news and the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) paint a concerning picture, indicating a 90% increase in patients treated for fall-related injuries compared to 2016. Dr. Katie Drago, an OHSU geriatrician and associate professor of medicine, labels this trend a “growing public health emergency,” particularly noting that about three-quarters of these incidents involve individuals aged 65 and older (https://www.opb.org/article/2023/11/27/falls-injuriesstudy-ohsu/) This rise in fall-related injuries coincides with our extended lifespans, which, paradoxically, often come coupled with chronic conditions, increased medication use, and cognitive or func-

tional impairments. However, amid this unsettling trend lies a beacon of hope: prevention. Taking proactive measures to fortify our bodies against falls is pivotal. The key lies in movement and the maintenance of muscle strength as we age. When considering longevity, let’s pay attention to our « healthspan » alongside of our « lifespan ». Our lifespan refers to the total duration of life, while healthspan refers to the duration of healthy, highquality living within that lifespan. Improving healthspan involves measures to maintain physical and mental health, prevent diseases, and enhance overall well-being, aiming to prolong the period of life spent in good health. Embracing the mantra that “bodies in motion stay in motion,” we acknowledge that our muscles respond not to age but to their use or disuse. Strengthening muscles promotes improved balance, reduces aches and pains, enhances sleep quality, and fosters independence, enabling us to savor life’s myriad experiences.

December 8, 2023

CANNON BEACH GAZETTE | CANNONBEACHGAZETTE.COM

Church Services by the Sea

CLASSIFIEDS

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PUZZLES

Cannon Beach to Nehalem

Nehalem Bay United Methodist Church 36050 10th Street, Nehalem, OR (503) 368-5612 Pastor Celeste Deveney + Sunday service 11 a.m. Food Pantry Open Friday, Saturday & Monday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday

March - October 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. November - February noon to 4 p.m. Nehalem Senior Lunches Tuesday & Thursday served at noon email: nbumcnsl2020@gmail.com

To feature your spiritual organization on this panel:

Contact Katherine at (503) 842-7535, headlightads@countrymedia.net.

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Licensed Practical Nurse [LPN]

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Part time position (24 hours weekly) w/excellent benefits. Compensation: $29 - $39 Hourly, DOE

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Tillamook Family Counseling Center (TFCC) seeks a Licensed Practical Nurse [Part Time 24 Hours per Week] as a health provider for its Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT). The LPN provides health care coordination, client support, and triage in home and community settings to adults presenting with severe and persistent mental illness.

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by Tillamook Family Counseling Center is a drug free workplace and equal opportunity employer. ite y. If you are interested in this position, please apply online at http://tfcc.bamboohr.com/jobs. Be sure to submit an online application and upload your resume. Any questions, please visit us online at http://tfcc.org.

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ABOUT US

CANNON BEACH GAZETTE The Cannon Beach Gazette is published biweekly by Country Media, Inc. Publisher, David Thornberry

1906 Second Street, P.O. Box 444, Tillamook OR 97141 PHONE 503-842-7535 • FAX 503-842-8842 cannonbeachgazette.com

Advertising Deadline: Noon Mondays week of publication Deadline for letters, press releases and other submissions: Noon Mondays week of publication, will depend on space. Email to headlighteditor@countrymedia.net

Legals/Public Notice Deadline: Due by Noon on Mondays the week of publication. Send notice to classifieds@orcoastnews.com or call 503-842-7535 f or more information.

LETTER POLICY The Cannon Beach Gazette welcomes letters that express readers’ opinions on current topics. Letters may be submitted by email only, no longer than 300 words, and must be signed and include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number for verification of the writer’s identity. We will print the writer’s name and town of residence only. Letters without the

Member Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association (ONPA) © 2023 by the Cannon Beach Gazette. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Katherine Mace Advertising Account Executive 503-842-7535 headlightads@countrymedia.net

requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received and may be edited for length, grammar, spelling, punctuation or clarity. We do not publish group emails, open letters, form letters, third-party letters, letters attacking private individuals or businesses, or letters containing advertising.

The Cannon Beach Gazette is part of the Country Media family of newspapers.

OBITUARIES Email obituaries to: classifieds@orcoastnews.com The Cannon Beach Gazette has several options for submitting obituaries. • Basic Obituary: Includes the person’s name, age, town of residency, and information about any funeral services. No cost. • Custom Obituary: You choose the length and wording of the announcement. The cost is $75 for the first 200 words,

$50 for each additional 200 words. Includes a small photo at no additional cost. • Premium Obituary: Often used by families who wish to include multiple photos with a longer announcement, or who wish to run a thank-you. Cost varies based on the length of the announcement. All obituary announcements are placed on the Cannon Beach Gazette website at no cost.

December 8, 2023

CANNONBEACHGAZETTE.COM | CANNON BEACH GAZETTE

Holiday Party at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum T

he holiday season comes alive at the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum this December. Stop by for their annual all-day holiday bash on Saturday, December 16, 2023, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. There will be lots of activities going on throughout

the day for all ages including a hot cocoa bar with hot chocolate from the Chocolate Cafe, a photo booth, arts and crafts, and story time to name a few. There will also be a special visit from the Christmas Puffin! Don’t miss out on this family fun event! This event is free and open to the public. Donations are

welcome and always appreciated as a private non-profit. The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is located at 1387 South Spruce Street, across from the Cannon Beach Fire Station on the corner of Sunset & Spruce Street.

Upcoming Holiday Event? Christmas • New Years

We’re here to help get the word out with affordable print and online marketing packages. Call 503-842-7535 or email Katherine Mace at headlightads@countrymedia.net 1906 Second St., Tillamook, OR 97141

Headlight Herald

Citizen North Coast

Wake Up to Haystack Rock Exquisite Luxury Beach Oasis Ann Westerlund 503-791-4425 Michele Johnson 503-440-0921 81208 Sunset Vista Rd, Arch Cape 1860 Pacific St, Cannon Beach 238 Vista Del Mar Dr, CB $7,250,000 $3,300,000 $3,500,000 Peace at the Edge of the Sea Jeff Etchison 503-440-2540

Custom Built Ocean Front Home 5 R3 Zone Lots Within City Limits Jeff Etchison 503-440-2540 Michele Johnson 503-440-0921 S Hemlock, Cannon Beach 3140 Pacific Ave, Cannon Beach $1,395,000 $3,300,000

Close to Everything in Manzanita Kate Merrell 503-739-2324 111 First St, Manzanita $1,375,000

165+ Acres of Panoramic VIews OCEAN VIEWS High Above CB 2 Bed Condo at Breaker's Point Craig Weston 503-738-2838 Karen Meili 503-440-5806 Craig Weston 503-738-2838 Waterhouse Rd, Cannon Beach 425 Yukon St, Cannon Beach 512 N Larch St #512, CB $675,000 $1,350,000 $2,999,000 Grand Cannon Beach Beauty Turn-Key Coastal Cottage Michele Johnson 503-440-0921 Michele Johnson 503-440-0921 1587 S Spruce St, Cannon Beach 191 W 1st St, Cannon Beach $999,000 $1,200,000

Quiet Separate Slice of Heaven Jackie Weber 503-440-2331 12810 A Street, Nehalem $799,997

Lot with Approved Plans Kate Merrell 503-739-2324 80307 Pacific Rd, Arch Cape $375,000

Tranquil Home with Ocean Views Kate Merrell 503-739-2324 32122 Buena Vista Dr, Arch Cape $849,000

1/7 Ownership Share Kate Merrell 503-739-2324 163 S Laurel St, Cannon Beach $229,000

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Hemlock, BeachOversi503-436-1027 RareNDowntown "FulCannon l Sized" Lot zed Parcel in the Trees PrimeCannon CommerciaBeach l Location 255 588 Pacific Way, Gearhart Johnson 503-440-0921 Jenny503-738-8522 Frank 503-440-1973 JackieGearhart Weber 503-440-2331 Michele W 1st St, Cannon Beach 415 Chilkoot Trl, Cannon Beach 543 Laneda Ave, Manzanita $589,000 $349,000 $675,000

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