4 // COASTWEEKEND.COM
HOUSES, FOOD AND
FLOWERS
Eleventh annual Assistance League of the Columbia
Pacific’s Home and Chef Tour delights and inspires
IF YOU GO
By MARILYN GILBAUGH
FOR COAST WEEKEND
he Assistance League of the Columbia Pa-
cific — a group that works for the well-be-
ing of the county’s children and teens
— holds its Home and Chef Tour fundraiser Satur-
day, Oct. 13. It’s a once-a-year chance to wander,
linger and, OK, envy what local homeowners have
done with their property.
This year, six Gearhart-area homes are all
dressed up and showing off their unique styles.
Three are in gated communities, two are on the
beachfront, two are nestled in carefully crafted
homes, one is on large grounds and one is fronted
by a popular storefront. Six chefs will offer creative
morsels while area florists add a colorful bounty.
T
Sneak peak
Here’s a teaser of some homes’ distinctive
features. (This is, as we say, just the “tip of the
iceberg.”)
• A yard with a kid’s sandbox that actually
enhances the landscape. It’s surrounded by a green
seeded lawn that elk want nothing to do with. The
interior favors the owner’s love of black-and-
white — from tile work to black board.
• A beach-themed home has a view of dune
grasses that Andrew Wyeth might long to paint.
Interior expanses open up to greet, feed and sleep
a whole bunch of family both upstairs and down.
And the property has every man’s dream: a large
attached garage.
• A welcoming home behind a storefront offers
privacy and getaway room for this on-site owner
and her pets. With style and good taste — both
in her private quarters and the store itself — it’s
good use of a small space.
• Overflowing with elements that prompt
visitors to say “How clever!” and “Why didn’t I
think of this?” one dwelling is packed, inside and
out, with reclaimed goods used inventively. The
owners’ DIY talents can’t help but inspire us all to
think outside the box. Hint: It’s no wonder that the
owner has an equally creative store in Astoria.
• This home, the newest on the tour, had the
Assistance League tour head, Cindy Leibel,
saying, “I want to live here.” The owner said, “I
have no patience for what can be done tomorrow.
I want it done today.” So it shouldn’t be hard to
believe the couple has been in the house just a
few months. Be sure to notice the extensive use of
COLIN MURPHEY PHOTOS
ABOVE: From left: Cindy Leibel, Theresa Turner, Sean
Whittaker, Jessica Newhall and Sally Lacoste come
together for the annual Assistance League of the Co-
lumbia Pacific’s Home and Chef Tour. RIGHT: From
left: Sean Whittaker, Theresa Turner and Cindy Leibel.
navy blue, the chandeliers, even the refrigerator.
• The largest home on the tour stands regally
sited on a welcoming yard. High ceilings and
large rooms are made comfortable by the interior
designer/owner’s deft touches. Does your house
have a cigar room? This one does.
Keeping kids warm
All funds from the tour go toward Operation
School Bell, a group that works closely with the
schools of Clatsop County to identify children
in need and provide them with new clothing,
according to Assistance League President Jessica
Newhall. The League shops locally as much as
possible.
“Last year 734 children received new coats,
school clothing, shoes, socks, undergarments and
toiletries,” she wrote. “The clothing keeps them
warm, gives a generous boost to their self-esteem
and a sparkle in their eyes.” CW
Assistance League
of the Columbia
Pacific’s Home and
Chef Tour
When: 11 a.m. to 4
p.m. Saturday, Oct.
13.
Tickets: $30, avail-
able at Holly McHone
Jewelers in Astoria;
Columbia Bank in
Astoria, Warrenton
and Seaside.
For more informa-
tion, visit assistance-
leaguecp.org or call
503-738-0313.
Carpooling is en-
couraged. No pets.
Food provided in
each of the homes by
Drake Radditz Guide
Service, El Catrin,
Finn’s Fish House,
Nisa’s Thai Kitchen,
the Sweet Shop and
Wayfarer Restaurant.
Homes the day of
the tour are staffed
by ALCP hosts and
each home has an
individual sponsor.
This year, spon-
sors include Roger
and Sheila Miller,
and Russ and Lin-
da Kiezer; Totem
Properties; U.S. Bank;
Richard and Barbara
Crass, and David and
Cindy Leibel; Englund
Marine and Industrial
Supply; and Bigby’s
Tree Service.