THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016
COMMUNITY
1B
SEEN ANY GHOSTS LATELY?
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
onna Barnett of Hammond sent in a story,
timed perfectly for Veterans Day, about her
91-year-old father, Spurgeon D. Keeth Sr. a
Pearl Harbor survivor. He was only 16 when he
joined the Army in May 1941; the infamous attack
on Pearl Harbor occurred Dec. 7 that year.
“After having the distinct pleasure of Dad
unexpectedly moving in with (me and my hus-
band, Scott) a year ago, it was immediately real-
ized that we were in great need of a walk-in
shower,” Donna wrote. “Dad is quite immo-
bile, restricted to using a walker and wheelchair,
which required extensive creativity and effort to
get Dad’s legs over the side of our former bathtub/
shower. It increasingly became a traumatic event
for the three of us, especially Dad.”
But then she went to a Veterans Recognition event hosted by
Lum’s Auto Center, where she met Lou Neubecker, from the
Seaside American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No.
12123. “I mentioned to Lou my Dad’s need, he listened, he cared,
and he got the ball rolling with Mr. Chuck Godwin of Seaside
VFW Post 99,” she recalled. “On Sept. 14, Dad easily, and with-
out hesitation, stepped his feet into his brand new walk-in shower
provided by Seaside VFW Post 99 … and we three are all living
happily ever after!”
“Our heartfelt thanks to the folks mentioned above, and to Mr.
Merritt Crawford who worked so diligently to install the shower
to perfection for Dad,” she added. “We also want to thank all the
folks behind the scenes in making decisions and providing the
funds that made this possible. Saying thank you just doesn’t seem
like enough, but thank you again from the three of us.”
D
WILLIAM CLARK’S SWORD?
o you think you have seen a ghost? Regina Willkie at the Asto-
ria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce wants to know.
“Have you experienced the unexplainable in your home or busi-
ness? The producers of one of Travel Channel’s most popular
series would like to visit Astoria to tape episodes this winter, but
they need your help,” she explained. “In each episode, the paranor-
mal investigators travel to a haunted destination where they meet
with locals, eyewitnesses and experts to piece together the haunted
history of each site. They are seeking residents in the Astoria area
who have had recent experiences with the paranormal.”
If you have had such an encounter, contact Regina at 503-
325-6311 or regina@oldoregon.com. You’ll need to provide your
name and contact information (phone and email) along with a brief
description of experience(s), including approximate dates of the
happenings, to be considered for the show.
D
HELP FOR JAKE
n Oct. 19, Astorian Jake Magley was injured in an explo-
sion at his friend’s business. Life-flighted to Portland, he
was treated for second and third degree burns that cover nearly
20 percent of his body at the Legacy Emanuel Hospital Burn
Center. He is home now, and his sister, Sarah Smith, has set up a
GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/love4jake
“Because the most serious burns are on his hands, Jake will
be unable to work for several months,” Sarah wrote. “The money
we are raising will cover his wound care after the hospital such
as bandages, ointments, medications, as well as rent, food, utili-
ties and travel costs to and from the hospital … as he will need to
go back in regularly for follow-up care.”
“Please keep my brother in your thoughts,” she added, “and
send all the loving good energy his way, and if you can support
by donating, every little bit makes a big difference. … Thanks, in
advance for all the love and encouragement.”
O
rom The Morning Astorian, Saturday, Nov. 12,
1904: “A sword bearing the name ‘Clark’ on the
sheath, and possibly a relic left behind by the famous
explorer of 1805, was the principal article in a find of rare
historic value unearthed by Gilbert Tufty in a small leath-
er-covered trunk on what is known as the Burrey donation
claim, back of Cathlamet.
“The collection is principally of Indian relics and con-
tains coins dated as far back as 1783, both silver and cop-
per. Mr. Tufty, after giving away quite a number of the
relics to a friend, is beginning to realize their value, and
expects to have them on exhibition at the 1905 fair.
“The trunk was found between two Indian graves, and
has probably been buried for 50 years, as it fell to pieces on
being removed, and all that could be saved were the brass
corners. A large quantity of Hudson’s Bay beads, some del-
icate chinaware, an earthen mug, which has the appear-
ance at first sight of solid gold, two powder flasks, a large
assortment of jewelry, bracelets, etc., were with the sword.
There was also a quantity of Indian wampum.
“It is readily understood how the sword, belonging to
the pioneer explorer, might have come into possession of
the Indians and been deposited with their relics nearly half
a century later. The presence of the chest between the two
graves seems to indicate Indian origin”
So, did the sword really belong to William Clark of the
Corps of Discovery? Yup, probably. Clark’s journal entry
from April 28, 1806, says he gave his personal sword, “100
balls and powder and some small articles” to Chief Yel-
lepit of the Walla Walla Indians (about 300 miles east of
Cathlamet) in exchange for a white horse (http://tinyurl.
com/wc-sword). Pictured, “Lewis & Clark meeting Yel-
lepit at Wallula,” by Norman Adams, courtesy of the Fort
Walla Walla Museum.
Out of curiosity, the Ear wrote to the Washington State
Historical Society. “We don’t have William Clark’s sword
in our collection — I wish we did!” Lynette Miller replied.
“I haven’t heard of it being in any other local museum,
either.” So, where is it?
F
MAGNIFICENT SIGHT
ALL IRONED OUT
IMPRESSIVE ASTORIA
his is not the usual time of year for bicyclists with a cause to
travel through Astoria, but Sean Heakes is an exception. He
arrived recently, on a mission to ride his bike from Jasper, Alberta,
to Haia Gwaii, British Columbia, then to Los Angeles, for Moun-
tains of Relief, an organization benefiting those in need in Nepal,
which was ravaged by earthquakes in 2015.
Sean is raising money specifically to rebuild an elementary
school. To donate, go to www.mountainsofrelief.org. Please note:
All contributions go to the cause; his journey is self-funded.
Gloomy weather aside, our city shined. “I arrived on a rainy
day over the Astoria-Megler Bridge and found warmth and the
best coffee I’ve had since starting this trip at the 3 Cups Coffee
House,” Sean wrote.
“The next day I spent time perusing the streets of the commer-
cial district, boardwalk and enjoyed the atmosphere at the Bach &
Rock,” he added. “After 3,000 km (about 1,900 miles), my tires
were balding, and Bikes & Beyond had just the size I needed. The
morning I left, the Good Bowl provided me with exactly the kind
of energy I needed to ride out of town. I was really impressed with
the local feel and the friendliness.” Way to go, Astoria.
T
UNCAGE THOSE SHOES
storian Celina Chavez was surprised to discover a large
eagle in her yard on Monday. “I actually went to let my dogs
out, and he was sitting there. I have two chihuahuas, and they
chased him through the yard. I hurried and got my dogs, thinking
he was looking for a snack, but when I put them back inside, he
came back to where he was and stayed right there till help came.”
“I wasn’t scared,” Celina recalled. “I could tell pretty fast that
he was hurt. I was in awe of how magnificent he was, and took the
opportunity to sit with him. Not everyone gets a chance like that.”
Celina immediately posted a photo of the bird on Facebook,
asking for advice, and several people recommended she call the
Wildlife Center of the North Coast (www.coastwildlife.org).
Josh Saranpaa, executive director of WCNC, expertly wrangled
the ailing raptor and brought him back to the center for treatment.
Unfortunately, the eagle’s injuries were too severe, and he had
to be euthanized.
“We are all saddened that we couldn’t help him further, but are
humbled to have been able to help relieve his suffering,” Lind-
sey Nicolas of WCNC said. “We also appreciate the ladies who
helped in his rescue — for their compassion, communication and
patience — and hope more people will remember to reach out to
us if they find wildlife in distress.”
A
easide Public Library Director Esther Moberg
wanted everything to be perfect for the Nov. 7 Volun-
teer Appreciation Luncheon, sponsored by the Friends
of Seaside Library,” Pat Lehman wrote. “But when the
centerpiece fabric squares arrived looking a bit wrinkled,
the library community room podium became her ironing
board, and Esther went to work.
“Everything about the event really was perfect: the fall-
themed decor, the fabulous food provided by this year’s
Iron Chef winner, John Sowa from Sweet Basil Café
… Twenty enthusiastic volunteers tucked into delicious
salmon dip, pulled pork sliders, five kinds of salad, rolls
and — of course — chocolate.”
“Esther and library staff member Jon Burke always
go above and beyond to keep the volunteers happy,” Pat
added. “Not only did we have the Iron Chef, we had the
Ironing Library Director!”
S
ast summer, this column mentioned that Adidas partnered
with the Parley Ocean Plastic Program to create the Adi-
das x Parley limited edition shoe (pictured courtesy of Adidas),
whose upper section is made of recycled ocean waste and illegal
deep-sea fishing nets. At the time, only 50 pairs were made, and
they were given away in a contest.
As of mid-November, the UltraBOOST Uncaged running
shoe will be available to the public. Adidas says the footwear fea-
tures “a knitted upper made from a mix of (Parley) Ocean Plas-
tic (95 percent) and recycled polyester (5 percent); the rest of the
upper … is also made of recycled materials” (http://tinyurl.com/
boostshoes). Start saving your pennies — they’re about $222 a
pair — and sign up at www.adidas.com/us/parley.
Between the shoes and football jerseys, also made from recy-
cled ocean plastic, Adidas projects it will need to retrieve at least
11 million bottles from coastal areas to meet 2017 production
goals. And that’s a lotta plastic.
L
COMMUNITY NOTES
SATURDAY
Lower Columbia R/C Society
— 8:30 a.m., back room at Uptown
Cafe, 1639 S.E. Ensign Lane, War-
renton. Local Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA) chartered radio
control model aircraft club meets for
breakfast and business. All model
aircraft enthusiasts are welcome.
For information, call 503-458-5196
or 503-325-0608.
Tillamook Oyster Hatchery &
Processing Plant Tour — 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m., Tillamook. Free “Art of
Growing Oysters” tour of Whiskey
Creek Shellfish Hatchery and JAn-
dy Oyster Company processing
facility. For information and to pre-
register (required), go to http://bit.
ly/2eWaxsa
Chinook Indian Nation Coun-
cil Meeting — 11 a.m., Columbia
Pacific Heritage Museum, 115
S.E. Lake St., Ilwaco, Washington.
Meeting is open to all tribal mem-
bers; attendees are reminded to
bring a potluck item.
Sit and Stitch Group — 11
a.m. to 1 p.m., Custom Threads,
1282 Commercial St. Knitting, cro-
cheting and needle work. For infor-
mation, call 503-325-7780.
Columbia Northwestern Mod-
el Railroading Club — 1 p.m., in
Hammond. Group runs trains on
HO-scale layout. For information,
call Don Carter at 503-325-0757.
Spinning Circle — 1 to 3
p.m., Astoria Fiber Arts Academy,
1296 Duane St. Bring a spinning
wheel. For information, call 503-
325-5598 or go to http://astoriafi-
berarts.com
SUNDAY
National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAMI) Support Group
— 2 to 3:30 p.m., Seaside Public
Library, 1131 Broadway. Family to
Family Support Group, for anyone
with a friend or loved one suffer-
ing from a serious brain (mental)
illness. For information, contact
Myra Kero at 503-738-6165, or
k7erowood@q.com, or go to www.
nami.org
Line Dancing — 5:30 to 8 p.m.,
Seaside American Legion, 1315
Broadway. For information, call
503-738-5111. No cost; suggested
$5 tip to the instructor.
MONDAY
Chair Exercises for Seniors
— 9 to 9:45 a.m., Astoria Senior
Center, 1111 Exchange St. For in-
formation, call 503-325-3231.
Scandinavian Workshop —
10 a.m., First Lutheran Church,
725 33rd St. Needlework, hardan-
ger, knitting, crocheting, embroi-
dery and quilting. All are welcome.
For information, call 503-325-1364
or 503-325-7960.
Mothers of Preschoolers
— 10 to 11:30 a.m., Crossroads
Community Church, 40618 Old
Highway 30, Svensen. MOPS
group is a time for moms to relax
and enjoy each others’ company.
For information, call 503-502-
3118.
Senior Lunch — 11:30 a.m.,
Bob Chisholm Senior Center, 1225
Avenue A, Seaside. Suggested
donation $3 for those older than
60; $6.75 for those younger than
60. For information, call Michelle
Lewis at 503-861-4200.
Columbia Senior Diners —
11:30 a.m., 1111 Exchange St. Cost
is $6. For information, or to have a
meal delivered, call 503-325-9693.
Warrenton Senior Lunch Pro-
gram — noon, Warrenton Commu-
nity Center, 170 S.W. Third St. Sug-
gested donation of $5 for seniors
and $7 for those younger than 60.
For information, or to volunteer, call
503-861-3502 Monday or Thursday.
Astoria Rotary Club — noon,
second floor of the Astoria Elks
Lodge, 453 11th St. Guests always
welcome. For information, go to
www.AstoriaRotary.org
Parkinson’s Support Group
— 1 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church
library, 565 12th St. For informa-
tion, call 503-440-1970 or 503-440-
1985.
Peninsula Quilt Guild — 1
p.m., Peninsula Church Center,
5000 N Place, Seaview, Wash.
Newcomers welcome. Bring non-
perishable food donation. For infor-
mation, call Janet King at 360-665-
3005.
Knochlers Pinochle Group —
1 p.m., Bob Chisholm Community
Center, 1225 Avenue A, Seaside.
Cost is $1 per regular session per
person. Players with highest and
second highest scores split the
prize. Game is designed for play-
ers 55 and older, but all ages are
welcome.
Mahjong for Experienced
Players — 1 p.m., Astoria Senior
Center, 1111 Exchange St. For in-
formation, call 503-325-3231.
See NOTES, Page 2B