Manzanita Connections – January 28
Flowers, Veggies and Healthy Hearts; Sea Otters and Seaweed
Hip hip hooray for all the sunshine we’ve had this month! By my somewhat unscientific calculations, it’s been sunny 20 out of 28 days in January. Give or take. In any case, it’s hard to believe what an exceptionally nice January we’ve had. What a beautiful start to the year! Get out there and enjoy the sun for one more day because just when you thought maybe we were skipping winter, the rain is coming Thursday, and possible snow lurks around the corner. Just don’t tell my potted geraniums. They are still blooming.
Valentine Bouquets and Veggies
Put a sunny smile on someone’s face with a Valentine’s Day bouquet from Neahkanie Blooms. Pre-orders for vase arrangements in several sizes and wrapped bouquets are available through February 7, with local delivery or pickup on February 13 and 14. Sarah is sourcing flowers as locally and regionally as possible, including beautiful hellebores from her own garden, Oregon grown tulips and anemones, and lots of other lovely blooms and greenery.
Or maybe veggies are your flower of choice. Just in case, I had to share a pic of the veggie box I picked up today from Moon River Farm. Now that’s a colorful bounty!
Turns out, thanks to the sunshine, Lily and Kayleigh were able to harvest more carrots and held a veggie pop-up yesterday. Moon River always has one of the longest lines at the Manzanita Farmer’s Market; so take this as a sign to sign up for their newsletter (bottom of page) so you know when veggies are available and don’t miss any future pop-ups. They accept new members typically sometime in February for their coveted CSA after returning members have a chance to sign up. Another reason why you’re going to want to be in the know!
Sea Otter Presentation – Tomorrow, January 29
While sea otters have rarely been seen in Oregon since they were wiped out by fur traders in the early 1900s,multiple sea otter sightings were surprisingly reported in Cannon Beach this past summer. If you’re curious about sea otters, join the education committee of the Lower Nehalem Community Trust (LNCT) tomorrow, January 29, for a presentation on sea otters at the Pine Grove Community House. Doors open at 5:30 pm and presentation starts at 6 pm. Cameron La Follette, coastal historian and executive director of Oregon Coast Alliance, is the presenter.
February is American Heart Month
February is all about hearts. Valentines and healthy hearts. Help the Friends of North County Recreation District (NCRD) raise funds for fitness equipment.
Pop Goes the Heart Fundraiser is happening on February 8 from 6 – 8 pm at NCRD facilities. Sip some wine, nibble on some cheese, and buy a chance to pop a balloon ($10 for one chance, $20 for three chances). Last year, thanks to the generosity of numerous community supporters, nearly $11,000 was raised for new fitness center equipment.
Seaweed at The Salmonberry
You may want to mark your calendars for this one – February 27 from 3 – 6 pm – get your tickets to Wheeler Waters at The Salmonberry.
Winter Waters is an Oregon-born initiative dedicated to promoting seaweed as a superfood culinary ingredient and enhancing local Oregon coast food systems. During the month of February, Winter Waters is working with Oregon chefs and tastemakers to celebrate seafood, with an emphasis on farmed seaweeds and shellfish, and sustainably caught Oregon fin fish. The Salmonberry is the perfect setting to enjoy the sunset and views of the Nehalem River while trying a prix fix menu featuring fresh dulse seaweed. Purchase tickets and see menu and pricing info.
Alanna Kieffer of Shifting Tides, Oregon Seaweed, and Winter Waters co-founder, will speak to the seaweed, aquaculture, and blue foods industry in Oregon and state wide initiatives to keep Oregon Seafood Local. David Hendrickson of Carola Wines will be pouring local Wheeler-made ciders using foraged and feral apples of the Nehalem Valley.
More February Goings On
February 4: The North Tillamook County Women’s Association (NTCWA) monthly meeting at Pine Grove Community House will include a presentation highlighting River City Flower Farm and the craft of flower farming.
February 8: Pacific-coast poet Tara K. Sherperksy will read from her book of poems, Serpentine, at the Cloud & Leaf Bookstore from 6 - 7 pm. In fact, Cloud & Leaf has some of the last copies currently in print of both of Tara’s books.
Just in! Revival in Nehalem just announced they have a Lending Library in the store! Drop off a book, take a book.
Heads up! The gallery at Hoffman Center of the Arts will be closed for the month of February – for a face lift! Doors will reopen in March with new and improved drywall, lighting, electrical, paint, and pedestal repair. Classes and workshops will continue as usual.