Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

In Lincoln and Lane Counties over time there have been situations that have called for communities to come together to provide support for one of their members. These communities big and small all have shared one thing; when times have called for it, we’ve stood by one another.

I’ve lived in several states here in the west in big cities and although there are plenty of situations that call out for help they often go unnoticed because of the sheer size of the cities and the number of people. It seems like every day there is something happening and unfortunately many get lost in the shuffle of big city life.

However here, and I’m speaking about Lincoln county and Yachats specifically, there is a situation that warrants all of our help and concerned people are doing something about it.

Imagine a leisurely drive to work at a resort restaurant on a Friday in late August with expectations of another good night in the middle of the tourist season. Suddenly out of nowhere a vehicle traveling at high speed operated by an allegedly alcohol impaired driver plows directly into you, killing him and sending you into a life that will require a tremendous amount of rehabilitation, time, expense and help from family and friends. Not something someone would wish for I can guarantee you.

However, that is precisely what happened to Yachats resident Michele Osterhoudt, a waitress at the Adobe Hotel and Resort restaurant. A long time Lincoln county resident who had resided in Newport but had moved to Yachats and was finally settled into her new dwelling not far from the Adobe. It was a perfect situation, close to work and working where she enjoyed her co-workers and patrons. Witnesses of the accident said it was a miracle she even survived the carnage and for days friends, family, co-workers and neighbors held their breath as she battled for her life.

Today she is in rehabilitation and on the slow and painstaking road to recovery but as one can imagine, it will be a tough road. Her insurance has been tapped out and the other drivers can’t be accessed for some time.

Consequently on Sunday October 26^th there will be benefit for Michele at the Yachats Lions Club. It will run from 3:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m and promises to be a great event.

For this benefit Yachats, Waldport, Seal Rock and surrounding communities including Newport have come together. The Yachats Lions are donating use of the hall, donations for items to be auctioned off have been coming in from community members, the musical entertainment will be provided for no charge by noted musicians from the area; Big Steve & The Usual Suspects; Steve Hohn, Terry Walton, and Randy Madnick, and musical guests Mona McCrea, Ray Vance, Neal Staufenbeil, Steve Cook and Chris Lauer. Food will be provided by a plethora of community members as well as the help in setting up the hall, serving food, cleaning the hall, and distribution of the flyers announcing the event. All of the help and effort is being done from the heart of these people and once again signifies the strength and dedication these communities have when it comes to lending a helping hand.

Michele Osterhoudt didn’t plan on getting run into head-on by an out of control piece of machinery, and the members of her community are trying to do their very best to help her overcome the tremendous hurdles she will be facing.

Please support this cause if at all possible, it will be greatly appreciated.

To reach Rick Schultze email yarick@pioneer.net