EDITOR’S NOTE: I moved back to my hometown of Nehalem over 20 years ago now (wow!) and when I first returned, it amazed when folks would say “There’s nothing going on around here …” They didn’t know where to look! Even 20 years ago, there’s was plenty going on, and now – just WOW! We are so lucky to live in a vibrant, volunteer-driven community. Thanks Barbara McLaughlin for giving us a recap and reminder of all the great things happening here.
By Barbara McLaughlin
Happenings included the Trash Bash, the Manzanita Open, the opening of the Manzanita Farmers Market and Neah-Kah-nie high schoolers competing in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB).
The Heart of Cartm hosted the annual Trash Bash Art Festival that was established in 1999, Thursday through Saturday, with Trash Art Opening, Trash Tales and Trashion Show. It’s a unique and treasured local annual happening that reimagines trash. From their website: “This year’s theme was “Gathering,” which invited us to come out of hibernation and into creative collaboration.” People also gathered together to share art, joy, laughter, smiles, good food and connections. Many volunteers and sponsors made it happen. https://www.heartofcartm.org/
Eugene Schmuck Foundation held its annual Manzanita Open. From their website: “ESF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that honors past philanthropist and avid golfer Eugene Schmuck. He helped provide financing to take over The Manzanita Open Golf Tournament and keep the funding right here in our local community. Since the organization started in 1997, we have raised over $1,700,000 to provide educational scholarships to students in the area and to support non-profit organizations serving North Tillamook County.” Many volunteers and sponsors made the Open happen. https://www.eugeneschmuckfoundation.org/
Manzanita Farmers Market opened last Friday May 16th. “It’s open Fridays from 4-7 with fresh local produce, meat and goat cheese, baked goods, hot food, artisan crafts, and more. It was wonderful to see so many community members at our opening week: the market thrives on your support. One of the market’s goals is to create a space for people of all ages to meet and gather. It was a lively gathering last week, and we look forward to many more!” says Market Manager, Carolina Lysse. Volunteers help here too! www.manzanitafarmersmarket.com
Four Neah-Kah-Nie high school students competed in the finals of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) against seventeen teams from around the US. N-K-N represented the Salmon Bowl Regional Competition which includes the State Oregon. Says coach Mark McLaughlin, “While they didn’t make it out of the Round Robin matches, it was an exciting and fulfilling experience, and a tremendous learning opportunity. The goal of NOSB is to introduce and engage students to ocean science; prepare them for STEM careers and help them become knowledgeable community members and environmental stewards.” www.NOSB.org
