Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

As things get tighter economically we here on the Central Oregon Coast, specifically in Newport, Waldport, Yachats and Florence are fortunate to be places where we can actually stay local. We can shop, get medical services, enjoy entertainment, have our vehicles serviced, go to the library, church and take advantage of a myriad of other services offered locally.

There are so many places in this country where one has to travel many miles to even see a doctor, let alone go grocery shopping.

The other night viewing the storm damage in the South West I was struck with the fact that many of the people impacted were miles from the nearest town or city. Of course they choose to live out in the country but that still doesn’t lessen the impact of having to spend many hours and dollars going into town for things.

There are a lot of folks around here also that live miles out of town but generally they are within easy commuting distance. They just plan their trips to town carefully and don’t make unnecessary ones.

On one hand it’s too bad the economy has such a adverse effect on where we go and what we due currently but could it be a blessing in disguise? Perhaps we can now get to know our local merchants and neighbors better by the mere fact of interacting with them more? Can we become more involved with local service organizations, schools, churches and schools? After all it can all be done locally and can be economically feasible. It comes down to a couple of things, donated time and effort by citizens and support from people within the community. Since it looks like it’s going to be a while before the dollars start flowing freely again it is definitely time to look around and begin to realize that what we have locally is well worth preserving and supporting. Plus do you realize how many great neighbors and friends you have right in your town?

To reach Rick Schultze email: yarick@pioneer.net