By Neal Lemery A friend asked me the other day what they might do to help the community. They wondered if we had significant poverty and other social issues. I told them…
Category: Neal Lemery
What Does Freedom Mean to You? WORDS OF WISDOM – On Freedom
OIOpublisher EDITOR’S NOTE: Given the state of federal government and the upcoming 4th of July holiday, I took a prompt that NPR sent out to readers “What does Freedom Mean to You?”…
WORDS OF WISDOM: Thinking About Fathers’ Day
EDITOR’S NOTE: With the Pioneer’s server upgrade, we missed Neal Lemery’s “words of wisdom” from June 13, 2025. It’s always a good time to reflect on what it means to be a…
WORDS OF WISDOM: Boycotts and Protests in our Community Garden
By Neal Lemery Another election season is upon us, with an infusion of lawn signs for local school boards and bond measures, overflowing town hall meetings, and an abundance of social media…
WORDS OF WISDOM: Celebrating the Rule of Law
By Neal Lemery While May has a strong tradition in American life of celebrating workers and advocating for the organized labor movement, the day is also celebrated to honor the rule of…
WORDS OF WISDOM: Trust Walk
EDITOR’S NOTE: The times right now are a lot for everyone, and I’m especially blessed with a tribe that “checks-in” to make sure I’m handling it all well. Neal Lemery sent along…
WORDS OF WISDOM: A Few Lessons in Compassion and Caretaking
By Neal Lemery This week, life gave me some perspectives of my role in community building and healing. It was time for me to be in school, and to get reacquainted with…
WORDS OF WISDOM: From Catastrophe to Opportunity
By Neal Lemery Often, a disaster turns into a positive asset, and life improves, comes into focus, and good things emerge from the gray somber atmosphere of disaster. Such change comes unexpectedly….
TILLAMOOK COAST VISITORS ASSOCIATION: Annual Tourism Industry Awards Presented Feb. 21st; New Videos Debut
By Neal Lemery Ten local organizations engaged in the tourism industry were honored at the annual tourism awards banquet February 21, 2025 at the Tillamook County Creamery Association’s Red Barn, attended by…
WORDS OF WISDOM: Taking Time Off – Is it a Radical Idea or a Necessity?
By Neal Lemery “Almost everything will work if you unplug it for a few minute…including you.” – Anne Lamott I needed to follow that advice last week, as I realized I was…