Category: Announcements

Do you (or someone you know) need some cheer for the new year? KAJSA LOVE sends letters of kindness and beauty as a gift of the heart to anyone who asks.

Send a mailing address and we will make you something special in January. What message do you need to support you in 2026?

Learn more and make a request online at kajsa.love !

Thank you!
Kajsa

This year was one of growth, change, and major milestones. Most notably, we were proud to open the doors to our new Aquatic Center, a long-awaited project made possible through years of community support, partnerships, and belief in the importance of accessible recreation, health, and wellness. Seeing families, seniors, youth, and visitors enjoying the pool has been a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Beyond the Aquatic Center, this year was filled with programs, events, and moments that brought people together, whether through recreation, fitness, art, youth activities, or simply having a welcoming place to gather. Your patience during transitions, your encouragement of our staff, and your continued participation helped make this year a success.

We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us and for the role we get to play in supporting the quality of life in our community. None of this would be possible without the support of our residents, partners, volunteers, and local leaders.

From all of us at North County Recreation District, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a safe, healthy, and exciting New Year. We look forward to continuing to grow, serve, and build community together in 2026.

Justin Smith
Executive Director
North County Recreation District

Dear Cast, Crew, Volunteers, Sponsors, Advertisers, NCRD, and Our Incredible Community,

As the curtain closed yesterday on THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON, I want to take a moment, on behalf of Riverbend Players Community Theater, to say thank you!

This production was something truly special.

Because of the talent on stage, the dedication behind the scenes, and the overwhelming support from our audiences, THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON broke both attendance and box office revenue records and is now the most attended production in Riverbend Players’ history, beating out the previous record holder, A CHRISTMAS STORY, from two years ago.

That distinction belongs to every actor, set designer, stage manager, stage hand, lighting and audio operator, volunteer, and patron who showed up, leaned in, laughed loudly, and made this experience unforgettable.

From the first rehearsal to the final bow, this show was powered by collaboration, generosity, flexibility, and a shared sense of joy. The cast brought heart, humor, and fearless commitment. The crew and volunteers worked tirelessly to make the magic seamless. And our community filled the house night after night, reminding us exactly why local theater matters.

I also want to briefly acknowledge the generosity shown through our charity raffle. Together, we raised $5,520 to support the North County Food Bank and the Nehalem Bay Community Services food pantry. The whole story of that effort will be shared separately, but please know how meaningful that impact truly is.

Riverbend Players exists because of people who believe in creativity, connection, and community, and this production was a shining example of all three!

Thank you for your time, your talent, your trust, and your support. This was a milestone moment for our theater group, and I am deeply grateful to have shared it with all of you.

With pride and appreciation,

Frank Squillo
Director, The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon
President, Riverbend Players Community Theater

–

All of this crazy weather comes at a time of year where our county’s small businesses are gearing up for a busy Holiday season. It has thrown a wrench in what is typically busy season for them. With that in mind, I have a favor to ask.

Please get out and support our many small businesses – from Manzanita to Neskowin – this Holiday season. Shop for gifts, dine out, enjoy local scenery and attractions. And share the message that we are open and accessible.

Shopping locally is a fantastic way to support friends and neighbors and share your love of our many special communities and the small businesses that call them home.

With gratitude,

Dan Haag
Interim Executive Director
Tillamook Coast Visitors Association

COAST TIME and The Tillamook County Pioneer present a look back at 2025 news and events here on the North Oregon Coast.
WINTER – Release Sat. Dec. 27
SPRING – Release Sun. Dec. 28
SUMMER – Release Mon. Dec. 29
FALL – Release Tue. Dec. 30
RETROSPECTIVE 2025 can be viewed at:
COAST TIME = www.youtube.com/channel/UCtDisMjv9_ezqqTav8qUrdg
PIONEER = www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/

BECOME A SPONSOR through PayPal = www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7PRJGLJD29NEL
(it’s the thought not the amount!)

run time = 1:37
no Ai
Cheers, Drew.

Don’t miss the holiday hilarity of
‘THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON’!

LIVE ON STAGE, THRU 12/21/25 AT THE NCRD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER.

RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW!
riverbendplayers.ludus.com/index.php

THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON, by Don Zolidis and directed by Frank Squillo, is a hilarious spoof of the Hallmark and Lifetime Channel Christmas movies.

Set in a cozy Vermont inn during Christmas time, the play follows six predictable, intertwined love stories filled with small-town charm, romantic misunderstandings, and holiday magic.

THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON comically embraces every cliché, trope, and heartwarming twist of these beloved holiday movies.

Saturday at 7 pm, Sunday matinee at 2 pm.

Get tickets now: riverbendplayers.ludus.com/index.php

RIVERBEND PLAYERS RAFFLE TO RAISE THOUSANDS TO BENEFIT FOOD BANK AND FOOD PANTRY!

When you attend one of our shows, don’t forget we are selling raffle tickets to help battle food insecurity in our area. Our goal is to raise $3,000!

Raffle tickets are $5.00 each.

GRAND PRIZES:

-Golden Ticket for the 2026 Season. Front Row SEASON PASS to all four shows. (8 tickets/$200 value)

-A Reserved Seat Season Pass to see all four shows in the upcoming year. (8 Tickets/$160 value)

-The Grinch Outdoor Christmas Light Decoration ($250 value, as seen in the window of the Performing Arts Center and on stage).

Grand Prize Drawing 12/22/25

DAILY PRIZES:

Daily drawings during intermission of each show include tickets to all four shows in the 2026 Season, including MISERY, THE ODD COUPLE, DRACULA: THE RADIO PLAY, and WINTER WONDERETTES (our first holiday musical).

2026 SEASON PASSES ALSO AVAILABLE!
riverbendplayers.ludus.com/index.php

Photo by Willy Paul Photo
Left to right: Patrick Conner, Bryonie Arnold, Jason Whitfield, Emily Dante, Linda Olsson, Tom Mattia

–

Calling all plant lovers!

The Nehalem Bay Garden Club will be 76 years young next spring! A very active group of 30 plus members is keeping this vibrant group going and the Club is always open to new members. Starting in January, we are changing our meeting time to the 4th Saturday at 10am to hopefully make the meetings available to more folks. So, if gardening is in your blood, or an interest that you would like to explore, please consider checking them out. No gardening experience is required, only an interest in learning, playing in dirt and hanging out with some pretty cool people!

The next meeting will be January 24th at 10:00am at the White Clover Grange, 36585 Highway 53 in Nehalem. The speaker is Katja Biesanz, who will share plant Latin with us.

The current mission of Nehalem Bay Garden Club is “To cultivate knowledge and love of gardening through educational programs and activities; to aid in the protection of the environment, native plants and wildlife; and to support public service through garden related organizations and volunteer opportunities.” The Club Objective from the 1978/79 yearbook was “To stimulate the knowledge and love for gardening, to aid in the protection of native trees, plants and birds.” So the legacy continues.

Nehalem Bay Garden Club’s big project is an annual plant sale Mother’s Day weekend. The 2026 sale will be Saturday, May 9th at the same location as the past few years at the junction of N Fork Road and Highway 53 in Nehalem. Please save the date! Going back to old roots, the 2026 sale will only be on Saturday.

The months leading up to the sale, starting in late January are busy ones, mainly starting seeds and potting up plants. Since many hands make light work, anyone interested in helping is very welcome. The Club meets nearly every week getting hands dirty and laughing a lot as the work is done. Please email barbaraandchuck@nehalemtel.net if you would like to know more about these work/play parties or about the Garden Club.

Proceeds from the annual plant sale are given to local organizations that meet the mission of the Club. We have been donating to the community for over 20 years. Since 2020 alone the Club has awarded grants totaling nearly $18,000. Grant recipients include Alder Creek Farm, Food Roots, Hoffman Garden, Tillamook Early Learning Center, Wheeler Waterfront Park and Nehalem Bay Health Center and Pharmacy. During the pandemic we wanted to help with food security and included Nehalem Bay United Methodist Church for their Senior Lunches and Food Pantry and North County Food Bank.

The 1978/79 yearbook also had a Conservation Pledge.
“I give my
Pledge as an American to save
And Faithfully to defend from Waste the natural resources of
My Country – its Forests, Waters
And Wildlife.”

Words to live by today.

FINAL THREE PERFORMANCES THIS WEEKEND!

Don’t miss the holiday hilarity of
‘THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON’!

LIVE ON STAGE, THRU 12/21/25 AT THE NCRD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER.

RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW!
riverbendplayers.ludus.com/index.php

THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON, by Don Zolidis and directed by Frank Squillo, is a hilarious spoof of the Hallmark and Lifetime Channel Christmas movies.

Set in a cozy Vermont inn during Christmas time, the play follows six predictable, intertwined love stories filled with small-town charm, romantic misunderstandings, and holiday magic.

THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON comically embraces every cliché, trope, and heartwarming twist of these beloved holiday movies.

Friday and Saturday night at 7 pm, Sunday matinee at 2 pm.

Get tickets now: riverbendplayers.ludus.com/index.php

RIVERBEND PLAYERS RAFFLE TO RAISE THOUSANDS TO BENEFIT FOOD BANK AND FOOD PANTRY!

When you attend one of our shows, don’t forget we are selling raffle tickets to help battle food insecurity in our area. Our goal is to raise $3,000!

Raffle tickets are $5.00 each.

GRAND PRIZES:

-Golden Ticket for the 2026 Season. Front Row SEASON PASS to all four shows. (8 tickets/$200 value)

-A Reserved Seat Season Pass to see all four shows in the upcoming year. (8 Tickets/$160 value)

-The Grinch Outdoor Christmas Light Decoration ($250 value, as seen in the window of the Performing Arts Center and on stage).

Grand Prize Drawing 12/22/25

DAILY PRIZES:

Daily drawings during intermission of each show include tickets to all four shows in the 2026 Season, including MISERY, THE ODD COUPLE, DRACULA: THE RADIO PLAY, and WINTER WONDERETTES (our first holiday musical).

2026 SEASON PASSES ALSO AVAILABLE!
riverbendplayers.ludus.com/index.php

Photo by Willy Paul Photo
Left to right: Marisa Hackman, Juli Stratton, Jasper Dante, Patrick Conner, Axel Whitfield, Molly Reardon, Jacqui Powell

–

We’ll be sipping this Saturday, December 20 from 3-5PM.

It’s the perfect time to grab some locally-sourced consumables for your last-minute gifting, celebrating, or hosting needs. We have treats for everyone!

Green Coast Market is located at 117 S Miller Street in downtown Rockaway Beach. Look for our new sign out front as you drive along Hwy 101. Thanks for supporting your local makers, bakers, farmers and entrepreneurs. 🙂

(Photo credit Broken Banjo Photography)

The City of Manzanita would like to reassure residents and visitors that the area of concern
related to recent erosion and soil instability is isolated to a specific location on city-owned
property and does not pose a widespread risk to the community.

City staff have taken preventative steps to reduce potential hazards, including stabilizing affected areas where possible and implementing protective measures ahead of the forecasted storm. The site continues to be actively monitored and assessed by City staff and technical professionals to determine the most effective long-term solution moving
forward.

Out of an abundance of caution, individuals and properties that could potentially be impacted have been directly notified, and the City will continue to communicate as conditions evolve.

At this time, the City of Manzanita remains safe, and there are no evacuations or general access restrictions in place. Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain weather-aware, particularly in areas with steep slopes or drainage concerns, and to follow any guidance issued by the City or emergency services.

The City appreciates the community’s cooperation and understanding as we take proactive steps to protect public safety. Updates will continue to be shared through the City’s website and official communication channels.

Program Description
Students in grades 3-6 will learn the fundamentals of theater through hands-on workshops, casting, and producing two children’s plays adapted from local authors’ books—Squid in the Snow by Levi Timm and Hokey the Horquarton Troll by David Mattison. Participants will gain experience both onstage and behind the scenes, exploring acting and character development as well as stagecraft skills such as costumes, sets, lighting, sound, props, and stage management.

Enrollment:
Up to 30 students in grades 3–6, divided into two troupes (“Squids” and “Trolls”)

We are seeking lead volunteer roles as well as smaller volunteer opportunities. Lead roles will each receive a $500 volunteer stipend for their time. Lead roles include:
-Youth Coordination Lead
-Technical Director/sound and lighting
-Sets, props, stage
-Assistant Director (1-2 ppl)

We also have smaller volunteer roles as well for anyone looking for a lesser commitment of time (generally roles would assist the leads). Additionally, we are seeking support in supply donations as well including:
-Snacks and food for students
-Fabric/curtains for stage setup
-Stage platforms
-LED color-changing theater lights
-Set and prop materials and tools
-Costume materials (fabric, notions, accessories)
-Makeup and application supplies

Please submit a volunteer interest form to help us with this program:
​​https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF4oten_g9q30q8NgA8UgUSWf2isXJrqAXh_9LV-GcFghjQw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113617636173897995467

Key Dates and Details
Classes & Rehearsals
January 13 – March 12, 2026
3:30–5:30 PM
Performances
Friday, March 13, 2026
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Bay City Arts Center

Thinking about growing your gardening skills or getting more involved in your community? Our next Master Gardener training starts January 8, 2026 right here in OSU Extension, Tillamook.

Learn from OSU Extension experts, gain hands-on experience, and join a welcoming group of local gardeners who love to share what they know.
For details on registration, schedules, or volunteer requirements, contact the OSU Extension Tillamook office.
We’d love to have you join us!

Cost: $150
Interested? Find out more and apply here by 1/4/2026! beav.es/4MJ
Questions?
Contact Samikshya Budhathoki
503-842-3433
budhaths@oregonstate.edu

Come see us in Wheeler for that last minute stocking stuffer or special treasure

We now have 100% Waste Free Heart of Cartm Virtual Gift Cards in any amount.

Visit info@heartofcartm.org to purchase a Gift Card

Your purchase directly supports local community and allows us to keep the bright lights burning!

**Starting January 10th HOC will be open 12-5pm Saturday and Sunday only though the end of January.

See you at the store!!

Due to both locations having VERY limited storage space — we kindly ask that you wait until next fall to donate anymore Christmas items. We appreciate your understanding and respect for our limited storage pace. Happy holidays!

FINAL THREE PERFORMANCES THIS WEEKEND!

Don’t miss the holiday hilarity of
‘THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON’!

LIVE ON STAGE, THRU 12/21/25 AT THE NCRD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER.

RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW!
riverbendplayers.ludus.com/index.php

THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON, by Don Zolidis and directed by Frank Squillo, is a hilarious spoof of the Hallmark and Lifetime Channel Christmas movies.

Set in a cozy Vermont inn during Christmas time, the play follows six predictable, intertwined love stories filled with small-town charm, romantic misunderstandings, and holiday magic.

THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON comically embraces every cliché, trope, and heartwarming twist of these beloved holiday movies.

Friday and Saturday night at 7 pm, Sunday matinee at 2 pm.

Get tickets now: riverbendplayers.ludus.com/index.php

RIVERBEND PLAYERS RAFFLE TO RAISE THOUSANDS TO BENEFIT FOOD BANK AND FOOD PANTRY!

When you attend one of our shows, don’t forget we are selling raffle tickets to help battle food insecurity in our area. Our goal is to raise $3,000!

Raffle tickets are $5.00 each.

GRAND PRIZES:

-Golden Ticket for the 2026 Season. Front Row SEASON PASS to all four shows. (8 tickets/$200 value)

-A Reserved Seat Season Pass to see all four shows in the upcoming year. (8 Tickets/$160 value)

-The Grinch Outdoor Christmas Light Decoration ($250 value, as seen in the window of the Performing Arts Center and on stage).

Grand Prize Drawing 12/22/25

DAILY PRIZES:

Daily drawings during intermission of each show include tickets to all four shows in the 2026 Season, including MISERY, THE ODD COUPLE, DRACULA: THE RADIO PLAY, and WINTER WONDERETTES (our first holiday musical).

2026 SEASON PASSES ALSO AVAILABLE!

Photo by Willy Paul Photo
Left to right: Emily Dante, Jason Maxfield, Jeff Laing, Bryonie Arnold, Patric Conner, Juli Stratton, Isaac Bertrand, Rachel Pinci

–

Every Tuesday is Tech Day, 3-5:30 PM. Come watch and learn how we fix pinball machines, maybe get your hands dirty. Free, all ages, RSVP required; text 503-343-4783.

Friday 12/19 is TEEN NIGHT! Free pinball and refreshments for teenagers, 6-8 PM. Art projects too! Organized and funded by HUGGS via Christy Kay. To learn more or to donate, contact Christy at 503-800-1092.

Saturday 12/20 is the 2025 North County Light Parade at 7 PM. We’ll stay open until the parade passes by. Come hang out!

Sunday 12/21 is our monthly tournament at 5 PM! Come find out why I’m always saying it’s the friendliest pinball tournament on earth, maybe win yourself a trophy!

PLUS–homegrown branded gifts are in stock for the holidays. Hoodies, t-shirts, hats, posters, stickers, playing cards. Not sure what to get? Give the gift of tokens this year ♡

May your holiday season be willed with warmth and love; may peace and joy prevail on earth.
Will Irace

There’s only one more weekend for THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON, by Don Zolidis and directed by Frank Squillo. It’s a hilarious spoof of the Hallmark and Lifetime Channel Christmas movies.

Friday December 19 7pm
Saturday December 20 7pm
Sunday December 21 2pm

riverbendplayers.ludus.com/index.php

Bravo everyone!
Barbara McLaughlin