Port Orford News
October 21, 2009 • Page 3
Viewpoints
Letters to the editor
‘Greetings from Missouri’
I wanted to take this time to
tell you some things about a
man who was known to most all
of you. He was one of your
Rotary club members – Chet
Dacayana.
Chet was loved by many,
including myself. Many of you
know that Chet and his late
wife, Jan, moved to Port Orford
in the mid-1990’s from
Southern California, their native
land. Chet and Jan were exam-
ples to everyone around them.
They were one of the most
active couples, and families, I
have ever known. Besides
Chet’s 50-year career in sports
officiating, he and his family
were active for over 32 years in
the Ventura County fair in
Ventura, California.
Chet retired from the Ventura
Unified School District in 1992
as District Operations Manager
with 35 years’ service. He was
also active during his lifetime in
4-H and FFA, judging these and
other areas of the fair. Chet and
his family had so many more
accomplishments that are too
much to note for a short letter to
you.
All these accomplishments do
not compare to the one accom-
plishment that Chet would sure-
ly play down had it been point-
ed out to him – Foster Parent.
Chet and Jan spent over 30
years in the foster parent pro-
gram in Ventura County and
fostered well over 100 needy,
and desperate, children in that
time. They did this while rais-
ing their own five children three
of which were given a perma-
nent life with the Dacayana
family. I know these things
because I was lucky to have
been placed with the Dacayana
family in June of 1979 as a fos-
ter child. I stayed with them for
just over eight months.
Chet and Jan, even with the
children they already had, want-
ed to adopt me as their son.
Yet, it wasn’t to be. The State
of California had other plans for
me and I moved on. The State
was worried that, should Chet
and Jan continue to adopt the
Send your letters, thanks, cheers and jeers to
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— Matt Hall, Editor, Port Orford News
children they were fostering,
eventually they wouldn’t want
to foster children anymore and a
good, and much-needed, family
would leave the foster care sys-
tem.
Yet, Chet and Jan’s capacity
for caring was unlimited in their
lifetime. Even though I moved
on in my life – albeit to much
worse situations – I always
remembered Chet and Jan for
their compassion and love they
showed a 9-10-year-old boy all
those years ago. Their examples
have stayed with me and I have
become a successful adult in
large part due to these two peo-
ple.
In July, 2001, I had the great
fortune to be invited to Chet and
Jan’s 50th wedding anniversary
in Port Orford.. My wife and
two children accompanied me
for a trip that will go down as
one of the best of my life for it
was the first time in over 20
years that I had seen the entire
Dacayana family in person. As
we know, Jan passed away in
early 2004 after a lifetime of
giving. Chet went on without
her and continued to give – He,
apparently, didn’t know any bet-
ter.
In the end, Chet made the
world a better place for many –
including me. He and his fami-
ly have been a source of encour-
agement to a boy of long ago
and also to the man of today. I
try to live by Chet’s example as
I raise my own children remem-
bering the ways a real “father”
treats, not only his children, but
also his wife and his friends.
Chet was that “real” person in
all things. I will miss him
greatly for I have lost a father
figure. I am blessed to have
crossed paths with such a good
soul. I am also blessed to have
seen him one last time, this past
May, as I spent the night at his
home once again.
Mr. Chet Dacayana was a
Father, Husband, Friend, and
Example to humanity. He will
be missed. His family is in my
prayers.
Regards,
Mike Hayslip
City Administrator
Odessa, Missouri
‘Two wonderful people …’
Recently, Port Orford lost two
wonderful people that I cared a
lot about, Bonnie Allen and
Chet Decayana. Although I did-
n't see them often, I hope that I
was able to show my love,
while they were still with us.
Nella Abbott,
Port Orford
‘The trick is to deliver ...’
Port Orford ! What we need is
marketing. Any one can write
glowingly descriptive copy
glamorizing our town. The trick
here is to deliver.
Remember, we are a "way-
stop", not a "destination", so the
travelers are moving on through
and there must be more than the
urinals at Battle Rock Park to
grab their attention. If they
make it to the city limit they are
"gone forever" for this trip.
Marketing! Let's "sell what
we got." First, why don't we
slow them down a bit? Let's
reduce this four lane passing
zone called "Port Orford" to one
lane in each direction, a center
left turn lane, a bicycle lane, and
parrallel parking along both
curbs. Drivers can turn left safe-
ly without the danger of being
See LETTERS, page 7
Confessions of a dying woman ... by Ruth Jamieson
I
must confess that I am feel-
ing
very
guilty for
the sad-
ness I
have
caused
anyone by
the public
announce-
ment of
my
Ruth Jamieson
impending
demise. Of
course some of the discomfort is
caused by an accumulation of
grief from previous losses of
family and friends.
My own mother died of can-
cer when she was 45 and I was
25. I had two baby girls at the
time and I felt angry with her for
leaving us. I know that doesn't
make sense, and even though I
knew that, it didn't make those
feelings go away. But now,
while the world around me
seems to be grieving, I am
enjoying life more than ever.
The walks on the beach are
more exhilarating, the children’s
hugs are warmer, every small
comfort is magnified by a higher
sensory component.
Sharing my feelings and expe-
riences with the local public has
become an enjoyable adventure
also. I have received cards, let-
ters and phone calls from old
and new friends. Opening up to
others has rewarded me with
real connections to people I have
only previously known on a sur-
face level.
Meanwhile, the break in the
rain today allowed me to take
the 3.5 mile walk on Battle Rock
Beach, in the sun, sweating like
a pig, and then top it off with a
truly whole grain vegan burrito
at the local burrito shop. I think
this might be "as good as it
gets"... and that's ok with me.
Pets of the Week
at the Curry County
Animal Shelter
‘Kojo & Chester’
North Curry County
Church Directory
To be continued ... by Pastor Doug Jamieson
F
or the past thirty years I
have been directly
involved with young peo-
ple and their families. I started
as a youth leader in Harbor,
Oregon,
and then
youth pas-
tor for six
and a half
years in
Albany,
before
moving to
Port
Orford in
1989.
Doug Jamieson
One of
the most
common questions parents and
young people have asked me
through the years is: Do you
have anything for the kids?
I have found that the answer
is the same for youth as well as
adults. People need relationship.
When I was growing up, one of
my greatest desires was to have
a friend to run around with.
Some of my early friends
were my cousins, and when they
moved away, I was left looking
for another friend. Young peo-
ple, when asked to go on a
youth retreat, every time, have
the same question: Who else is
going? If their friends aren't
going, chances are they won't
either.
Friends are (in my estima-
tion), a requirement. It is true
that we need to be friendly to
everyone as much as possible,
but it is also important to have
close friends. Plural is a good
idea. Things can become over-
bearing if you only have one
true friend. Then we have to
accept the responsibility of
friendship.
Ruth and I became best
friends when we were seven-
teen. You can imagine when the
Doctor came in and announced
that my best friend, in the eyes
of practical medicine, has not
long to live. How am I supposed
to digest those words?
My answer is simple. I will
Campbell,s
The
Compass Rose
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Carpet Cleaning
Truckmounted, Upholstery, Tile, Windows,
Residential and Cmmercial Cleaning
Call 541-425-0406 or 541-580-0041
Four beautiful rooms with
private baths - walk to the
beach. Full hot breakfast
every morning. Open all year.
42497 Gull Road
(541) 332-7076
enjoy every day that I have with
my best friend, and I pray that
they are many.
We all need close friends, and
St. Christopher
Episcopal Church
the best way to have a friend is
to be one.
To be cont'd ...
Surf Skate Subs
'Neath The Wind Realty, inc
736 Hwy 101 Port Orford, Oregon
Phone: 541.332.9463 (Wind)
Betty Sejlund, Principal Broker
www.neaththewind.com
Mon-Sat: 9-5 pm; Sundays by appt. only
Ed Beck, Broker: 332-2046
Sara Clark, Broker GRI: 253-6888
Susan Eastman, Broker: 253-6336
RMLS Joyce Spicer-Kinney, Broker GRI: 253-6198
Esther Winters, Broker GRI: 332-2021
George Bennett, Broker GRI, ABR: 541-251-0577
Jennifer Bastian, Broker: 541-253-6895
JUST REDUCED TO
$80,000. Charming home
with 2 br, 1 ba near the lake.
There is a workshop/garage
area, along with lots of
fruit trees. #282
P aradise E xcavation &
C onstruction
Paradi se Excavation & Construction
Thinking Outside the Box
Michael R. Hewitt, General Contractor
541 332 2750
Advanced Septic Systems
Underground Utilities
Manufactured Home Site
Development
CCB#117241 DEQ#3768 MDI $1644
www.ParadiseExcavation.com
Port Orford Property
2 Stong-
Management
Working
g Togetherr Forr YOU!
◆ Vacation
◆ Residential
◆ Commercial
Your local, Port Orford
property managment firm -
Here to help you.
Call Robin at 541-253-6107
877-347-1740
or www.rentportorford.com
www.teamsherrysherrill.com
www.teamsherrysherrill.com
The Curry County Shelter would
like to express itʼs gratitude for all
the support the community has
done to help our shelter to main-
tain a humane sanctuary for our
furry friends in this past year.
Please continue to support us as
our residents appreciate all you
can do.Thanks for all your support.
Chester is about 7 years old and acts
like he is much older. Chester doesnʼt
want to be bothered by much. He
would be happy just being in a cozy
bed and watching the day go by.
Being an older dog he would fit in with
an older couple or single person. A
very nice dog who deserves a good
home.
Kojo is 7 years old and is looking for
an owner who will give him a lot of
love and a very comfortable place in
their home. He is friendly and would
like nothing more than to be by your
side. He enjoys any attention he is
given. He gets along with our other
furry friends in the shelter but could
have issues with cats. Kojo is just the
right age where he would fit in with any
family. Of course a walk or a throw of
the ball would just make his day.
PLEASE LICENSE YOUR DOG!
IT HELPS YOU AND YOUR
DOG SHOULD IT BECOME LOST
AND THE FUNDS HELPS
THE SHELTER!
Pet of the Week NEEDS
SPONSORS! Anyone who
would like to help sponsor
Pet of the Week please call
Matt Hall at (541) 260-3638.
For adoption info call
(541) 247-2514
Sponsored by
Little Shop of Horrors,
Geoff Trotter & Bridget
Lance Nix & Cromwell
Ali’ s Auto
o Inc.
Specializing in Beautiful Bodies
Hwy. 101/1340 Idaho St.
PO Box 190, Port Orford,
OR 97465
Crushed
rock, sand,
gravel & shale.
Collision
Repair
- Wholesale
Parts
Grading
& Site
Development,
24-Hour
Towing
Underground Utilities, Tree, Brush
& Stump Removal. CCB # 160986.
Call 541-332-4772
Bonded and insured
Ali Jamshidneajad,
President
541-332-0333
Advertise your business or service in the PORT ORFORD NEWS BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY for only $5 a week - $20 a month!
With over 1,000 newspapers sold each week, in your business area!
Call (541) 332-NEWS (6397), (541) 260-3638, or e-mail to portorfordnews@gmail.com
Port Orford
Christian Center
Come celebrate the Lord
with Pastor Doug Jamieson.
Sunday Holy Eucharist
10 a.m.
417 Ninth St.
(Behind Fun Zone)
Sunday School ........9:45 a.m.
Sunday Morning ....11 a.m.
Sunday Evening ......5 p.m.
Wed. Bible Study ....6:30 p.m.
(541)332-0998
10th & Washington
(541)332-2561
St. John’s
Catholic Church
Sunday . . . . .8:30 a.m.
Wed. . . . . . . . . .9 a.m.
Hwy. 101 & 15th St.
Port Orford, OR
(541)253-6250
F irst
C ommunity C hurch
2025 Jackson St.
(541) 332-3664
Worship Service
11 a.m.
Sunday School
9:30 a.m.
Zion Lutheran Church
Bible Study at 10 a.m., Worship at 11 a.m.
“God’s work, our hands ...”
Pastor Tim Carraher
2015 Washington (541)260-1309
The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
Port Orford Branch
20th & Jackson
332-5501
Langlois Community Church
“Where the Word of God is Proclaimed”
Pastor Rick House ◆ Youth Pastor Kyle Busenitz
Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. ◆ Sunday Worship - 10:45 a.m.
◆ Wed. Bible Study - 7 p.m. ◆ Nursery provided
Hwy. 101 in Langlois ◆ (541) 348-2301