Awareness

I am finally becoming aware that since moving to Lincoln City years ago, I have become fascinated with the people of Lincoln City and how varied they are. They are so unique. Probably that happens everywhere but in a small town you can get to know people and see this uniqueness much more easily.

Also, events, groups or happenings in town are more interesting in a small town. You are more aware of the diversity of what is around you. I might have heard of the same things in the Portland area but it was much more interesting to get to see the workings of such things up close in a small town.

Of course, Dick being the Mayor has opened doors for such things too. Here are a couple of examples:

Taft High School Football. The school system here is not very good. The Administration is working on it and a lot of people are trying to help these disadvantaged kids get food to eat, clothess on their backs and school supplies. After meeting with the high school principal and hearing of numerous great things happening, I want the people of Lincoln City to know about the positive things happening at the school. It doesn't hurt to have a little school spirit! A friend of ours is the cheerleader/dance coach. She had so many girls try out this year, she was getting ready to make cuts when the school district stepped in and said uh-uh. Keep them all. Wow, what a problem to have. We have a new football coach this year. We have the most kids in years go out for the team. The usual season with NO wins could have a new look this year. Dick and I went to he game just last night. Cheers exploded with each first down. The team doesn't really have a kicker so they went for two points after their touchdown...yes they had one. Because of that extra point, the game rolled into the fourth quarter with the Tigers in the lead at 8-7 over Seaside. We didn't make it this time, bu the possibility was there. I have hope that before the season is over, these guys are going to make us very proud. Once the kids can take a little pride in their school, they can take pride in their school work.

Another example of an exciting event that might go without notice in a big town is the opening of our new Fire Department training tower. It is state of the art. In a small town, we not only had a ribbon cutting but made it an event all day with a Disaster Preparedness Fair included. Lots of materials for handling the tsunami debris that is invading our beaches, how to take care of ourselves after a tsunami (we will be cut off from help and the rest of the world for awhile) and even hospital and insurance information. Classes were held all day for education, information and the answering of questions. People attended. The tour of the tower with explanations of how our volunteer firefighters can get training in cutting through a roof, working in smoke, getting into crawlspaces and attics and manholes was amazing. Talking with the chief, he explained that most of our calls are medical/accident/rescue calls and it is hard to get on the job training for fighting fires. The men are volunteers. I am sure their families are breathing sighs of relief knowing they can be trained for these emergencies as they put their lives on the line. And, the Sherriff's department has already toured the facility with ideas how they can use it in their training also. We have a great new addition to our city. Would I go visit such a place if I still lived in Portland? Maybe but again, probably not. The turn out in a small town astounds me. People take pride in what we have rather than being too busy to care.

It is just a great place to live...for me.