The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued: 4:27 AM Nov. 27, 2024 – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 AM PST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...North to northeast winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and steep wind seas 6 to 8 ft.

* WHERE...All areas from Cape Arago southward.

* WHEN...From 10 AM Wednesday to 10 AM PST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels.

* View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks

Plan your Thanksgiving week accordingly and stay updated with local forecasts. Travelers should remain alert for fog advisories and allow extra time when driving during early hours. As always, check Trip Check when heading out

Check Weather Forecasts Here:  https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/pacnorthwest.php?element=Wx

Be Prepared for Winter Weather and Thanksgiving Travel

As winter storms and extreme weather events impact communities, Oregon residents are reminded to be prepared for potential power outages, the Oregon Public Utility Commission says.

Heavy snow, ice, and high winds can damage power lines and disrupt electricity, sometimes leading to extended outages. Weather conditions in specific geographies may also cause electric utilities to adjust system settings, which can result in more frequent or longer outages.

Prepare your home and business in case a winter storm leads to a power outage: Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, and other essentials needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. 

Learn more about what supplies to consider. Charge your devices – Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation
of an outage. Consider a car charger for phones and other electronic devices. And, Use generators safely – Never operate a generator inside your home or garage, or near windows or vents, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. https://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx

Snow in Mountain Passes

Travelers should bring chains when headed over the Cascade, Willamette and Santiam Passes.

ODOT urges drivers to follow several key tips to stay safe:

• Turn on your windshield wipers and headlights
• Slow down and avoid cruise control
•  Increase your stopping distance and steer clear of standing water
• Carry chains and check road conditions before traveling
  using TripCheck.com or by calling 511.
• Pack an emergency kit with a flashlight, phone charger, warm clothes, food, and water in case you get
  stuck.
• Be aware of the dangers of black ice, which can be even more hazardous than snow.
• Drivers should always be prepared for sudden weather changes—especially in higher elevations.

Multiple winter storm warnings have been issued across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, urging people to avoid travel due to heavy snow expected in these states. In Oregon, warnings cover various counties, including portions of highways 97, 58, 230, 138, 62, 140, and 66. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Medford and Portland emphasized the potential for very difficult driving conditions and advised extreme caution if travel is necessary.

 Traveling on Forest Service Roads this week

Some winter driving tips:  Bring a map. Don’t rely on your phone for navigation or communication as coverage may be unavailable.  Drivers should exercise caution as Forest Roads may not be maintained for winter travel.  Winter weather can quickly alter driving conditions. Turn around if conditions warrant or your vehicle is not equipped to continue. Stay safe out there!

Here are some trip tips for #TurkeyDay travel:

 This week is one of the busiest travel times of the year, regardless of conditions. Expect delays, plan ahead, and allow extra travel time.

 Be careful when traveling over mountain passes. Check TripCheck.com for road conditions. Many camera displays include temperature and other helpful information.

 Pay attention to roadside message signs. They contain critical information about conditions on the road ahead, like chain requirements.

 Be ready for wintry road conditions. Carry chains and know how to use them. In case of major delays, pack supplies for you and your passengers such as food, water, blankets, warm clothes and medications.

 Drive for conditions. Rain, snow, or extra traffic – slow down and give space for more stopping time, especially if the road is slick.

 Give snowplows extra space and never pass on the right. Be patient. The safest place to be when it’s snowing is BEHIND a plow.

 Don’t be a turkey! Make sure there’s a sober, focused and alert driver behind the wheel to help you get to and from your destinations.

 Watch out for the whole flock and keep a lookout for pedestrians and cyclists who are often less visible in wintery weather.No matter how or where you travel in Oregon, be prepared for changing conditions. Let’s look out for each other, our crews, and emergency responders on the road. Everyone deserves a safe holiday weekend.

Thanksgiving gives us the chance to gather around a beautiful meal, spend some quality time together, and count all the things we’re grateful for. It’s also a time to think about others in our communities and share our blessings.

This holiday season it’s time to focus on whatever makes your heart happy. That good feeling can be found by hosting dinner, spending time with friends or spreading joy by giving back in your community. No matter how you decide to celebrate, food — specifically turkey — remains at the center of all the good that comes with the holiday season.

Senior Coastsiders at 925 Main St. in Half Moon Bay will serve a Thanksgiving lunch for people 60 and over at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

South Coast residents can get a ride to the luncheon through the 60+ Connection and Wellbeing Program at Puente de la Costa Sur. Vans will depart from the Pescadero office at 620 North St. at 10:30 a.m. and from the La Honda office at 8865 La Honda Road at 11 a.m. Anyone interested should make a reservation by contacting Gabriela Flores at 650-547-6617 or gflores@mypuente.org.

It’s also not too late to get a turkey to cook at home. Coastside Hope handed out free turkeys and hams last Friday. At publication time, some of the 500 turkeys they plan on giving away remained available at the nonprofit human services agency’s offices and pantry on the second floor at 248 Main St. in Half Moon Bay. 

Locations and hours for free Thanksgiving Day dinners in Lincoln County:

• Newport: South Beach Church at the Oregon Army National Guard Armory, 541 S.W. Coast Highway. Dinner from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.
• Newport: American Legion Post 116, 424 Olive St. Box dinners need to be ordered in advance, if possible, by Wednesday afternoon by calling 541-265-9017 to let organizers know how many you need. Meal pickup is noon to 4 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. Delivery is available if needed.
• Newport: Bay Haven Inn, 608 Bay Ave. Dinner begins at 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day and continues until the food runs out.
• Lincoln City: St. Augustine Catholic Church, 1139 N.W. Highway 101. Dinner from noon to 4:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.
• Yachats: Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, 360 West Seventh St. Dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

Free Hot Meal at South Coast Gospel Mission

Event Free! Hot! Everyone welcome. Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 9:00 AM Address: 1999 N 7th St, Coos Bay, OR 97420

Find free groceries, meals, or places to double your SNAP EBT benefits near you. https://foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org/

The Festival of Trees is an annual event and fundraiser hosted by the Oregon Coast Military Museum (OCMM) towards the last week of November. Trees and wreaths are sponsored and decorated by businesses and tree designers from the Oregon Coast (Florence/North Bend/Coos Bay) in unique themes to be auctioned off at the event’s Gala dinner. Designers and themes vary by year as new and old volunteers join in decorating the trees, bringing new ideas to the table or revising previously done themes. 

DATES of EVENT:

Family Day & Open House – November 29th, 2024​

Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Free Admission to the public

Visit with Santa 1:00 to 3:00.

Children Activities will be available throughout the day including coloring contests, scavenger hunts, activity area, face-painting, and more.

Ticketed Gala and Live Auction – November 30th, 2024
Doors open to Gala Guests at 4:00PM. Opening Ceremony Begins at 5:00PM.
From 4:00PM to 5:00PM, Guests are encouraged to walk around the venue viewing the variety of trees that will be on auction later in the evening. 

Decorator Timelines:

Volunteer Decorators and Businesses can begin decorating their tree(s) and or wreaths anytime during the following schedule:

Monday, 11/25 – 9:00AM to 7:00PM

Tuesday 11/26 – 9:00AM to 7:00PM

Wednesday 11/27 – 9:00AM to 7:00PM

For questions about availability for decorating,

please contact the Museum’s Director at 541-359-5623

All proceeds of the Festival of Trees help keep the doors of the Museum open to the public and future generations. Funds raised also assist in the creation of exhibits, the preservation of Artifacts and items within the Museum’s collections, the procurement of supplies for operations, and operational expenses. 

The Festival of Trees accounts for over 25% of the Museum’s yearly operating budget, making it one of the most vital fundraisers for the OCMM. https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastMilitaryMuseum/events/?id=100063477851747&sk=events

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.oregoncoastmilitarymuseum.com/festival-of-trees?utm_campaign=00c45c15-f02f-4485-80e1-80d5a6302f0c&utm_source=so&utm_medium=lp

Happy Holidays Craft Fair

• 10:00 AM  5:00 PM
• 536 Southwest Elizabeth Street Newport, OR, 97365United States (map)

Find high-quality gifts and treasures from felted hats to jams and pickles, woodworking, soaps fine art and more. And keep your eyes peeled for a visit from Santa. 10 am-5 pm, 536 SW Elizabeth Street. FMI, call 541-272-7812. Continues Saturday.

Seaside Artisan Fair 2024 — November 29 – November 30

Annual holiday gift fair dedicated to local artists from around Seaside and Clatsop County, hours are Friday & Saturday 11am-5pm. Seaside Civic & Convention Center 415 First Avenue Seaside, OR 97138

Lincoln City Winter Art Festival

12:00 PM  6:00 PM — 540 Northeast Highway 101Lincoln City, OR, 97367United States (map) Lincoln City Cultural Center

Enjoy art, music and food at this bustling event, featuring booths from 30 local and regional artists with wares that include blown and stained glass, pottery, sculptures, oil and acrylic paintings, fiber arts, metal art and more. Noon-6 pm, 540 NE Hwy. 101. FMI, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994. Continues Saturday.

Tree Lighting Party in Lincoln City

2:00 PM 7:00 PM
540 Northeast Highway 101Lincoln City, OR, 97367United States (map)
Google Calendar ICS
Lincoln City Cultural Center

This fun and festive event kicks off at 2 pm with the popular Make-n-Take Ornament Workshop, followed by caroling from the Sweet Adelines at 4:30 pm and the Tree Lighting countdown at 5 pm. Santa will hear Christmas wishes in the auditorium. 540 NE Hwy. 101.

Toledo Umbrella Parade

5:15 PM  8:30 PM — Toledo, OR, 97391United States (map) Main Street • Toledo

This fun parade heads down Main Street at 5:15 pm, ending in front of Cobblestone Pizza, for the tree-lighting, followed by a party at the Elks Lodge with holiday face painting, cookies, hot cocoa and Christmas carols. For parade details, call 541-336-3132. For party details, call 541-336-3183.

Enjoy A Festive Holiday Experience Aboard the Candy Cane Express!

Nov 29-Dec 23 — Take in the views of the beautiful Oregon coastline aboard the historic train at Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad! Beautifully decorated both inside and out, this steam-powered train ride is complete with complementary hot cocoa and cookies. Write letters to Santa while awaiting a visit from the man in the red suit himself! This round-trip excursion departs Garibaldi and runs to Rockaway Beach for a one hour round trip ride. https://oregoncoastscenic.org/train-rides/candy-cane-express/

Astoria’s Downtown holiday lights will switch on for the season during a ceremony organized by the Astoria Christmas Club at 5 p.m. Saturday outside the Liberty Theatre.

On November 30th from 5-6pm, join us at the Liberty Theatre for our annual Lighting Ceremony with the Christmas Club. We will be turning on the lights in the downtown and ushering in the holiday cheer with a speech by Mayor Sean Fitzpatrick.

Bring the family out for free cookies and cocoa from Sun Bean Coffee Company. The event will conclude with a guest visitation from Santa Claus who will announce this year’s Shop Plaid raffle winner on one of the Astoria Fire Department’s firetrucks..

A countdown will be given ahead of the lighting of Astoria’s holiday tree. Santa Claus will make an appearance on an Astoria Fire Department truck to announce a raffle winner from this year’s Shop Plaid holiday campaign, a local alternative to Black Friday.

Nov 29 – Seaside Parade of Lights

Kick off the holiday season with a parade and lighting of the community tree in downtown Seaside starting at 7:00 p.m. See more Seaside Events.

Lincoln City Deck the Dock and Holiday Tree Lighting

Nov 29 – Tree Lighting Party — The annual Christmas tree lighting will be held at the Lincoln City Cultural Center featuring a visit from Santa Claus.

Dec 6 – Deck the Dock will take place on Lincoln City’s Taft Dock at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy cookies and watch as Santa lights up the dock. See more Lincoln City events.

The event will include a speech by Mayor Sean Fitzpatrick, costumed carolers from the upcoming show “Decked!” which opens Dec. 6 at the Ten Fifteen Theater and a guest musical appearance by Blind Pilot.

Annual Holiday Lights at Shore Acres

Holiday Lights are set to sparkle again on Oregon’s Adventure Coast this season at Shore Acres State Park. Perched on the rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Shore Acres State Park is famous for its beautiful 7-acre botanical gardens and Japanese lily pond. Visitors get a chance to stroll through this holiday tradition every night from 4:30pm to 9:00pm, Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve – including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It has become a real holiday tradition for the whole family. Admission is always free! However, parking at Shore Acres any time of the year is $5. — BOOK PARKING PASS NOW

Celebrate the Season at Sea of Lights

Celebrate the season at Sea of Lights: one of the coast’s most unique holiday light displays! Sea of Lights takes place at the Oregon Coast Aquarium from 5-8 p.m. on the first three Friday and Saturday evenings this December, with each weekend featuring a different attraction.

Chart a course for an unforgettable, family-friendly holiday experience. Find a full schedule of events, updates, and tickets online at aquarium.org/sea-of-lights

 Join the Fun at Florence Winter on the Waterfront! 

 Lighted Vehicle Cruise Parade  Saturday, Dec. 7th 

 Get your creativity rolling and your vehicles glowing! Decorate your car, truck, or van with lights and holiday cheer, and cruise down Bay Street with us!

 Prizes for Judges’ Favorite:

Best Commercial Entry
Best Non-Commercial Entry
 Line-Up Begins at 3:00 PM
 Parade Starts at 4:00 PM

 FREE Registration is Now Open! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this festive holiday tradition.

 Contact: Mitzi Hathaway, Director of Tourism Development
 events@florencechamber.com
 541-997-3128 x2

 Let’s light up Florence together! Tag your friends and get ready to spread some holiday magic.  Check out all the day’s events here: https://bit.ly/2024FlorenceHolidayFest

Sandbagging Stations in Lincoln County

Lincoln County residents have access to three self-serve, public sandbagging stations located in Yachats, Newport, and Lincoln City.

If you plan on using the self-serve sandbagging station, remember to bring a shovel. Hours:  Mid-October through mid-April. You can access sand any time of day or night. Community members may gather up to 10 sandbags per household, per season.  Full news releases, flyers, and social posts in English and Spanish are attached.

The 32nd Annual Bay Area Economic Outlook Forum will be held on Friday, December 13^th, starting at 6:45 am at The Mill Casino, utilizing, once again, an in-house face to face format.

This event is a joint project of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Banner Bank. The schedule for our 2024 program is very similar to previous years, with the continued use of an introductory speaker, this time focused on the challenge of housing issues and opportunities we have faced on the southwestern Oregon coast. After the introductory piece, our Oregon Employment Department economist, Guy Tauer, appears on the agenda.  Areas of local update focus are focused on Housing & Development this year which will include different developers and Key Housing experts. The popular feature “Home Grown Business Successes” will highlight two operations that worked through the challenges of the past two years and are part of our local success.  Tim Novotny, Communications Manager for the Coquille Indian Tribe, will be our emcee for the program. 

Razor Clam Harvest Closure Cascade Head to California Border

– Razor clam harvesting is now closed from Cascade Head to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced. Recent razor clam samples indicate levels of domoic acid (a marine biotoxin) are above the safety threshold.

People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before heading out to harvest any shellfish or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.

Current harvest closures and openings:

Razor clams:

OPEN from the WA border to Cascade Head.

CLOSED from Cascade Head to the CA border.

Mussels:

OPEN coastwide.

Bay clams:

OPEN coastwide.

Crabs:

OPEN coastwide.

NOTE: sport crabbing in the ocean off the Oregon coast is closed through Nov. 30.

ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.

For more information call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin hotline at (800) 448-2474, the ODA Food Safety Program at 503- 986-4720, or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.

Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits. https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2024/10_Oct/102524.asp

The Oregon Coast Aquarium New Tufted Puffin Oregon License Plates on Sale

One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.

The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.

Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke

Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.

The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

The Annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt

It’s time once again for one of the Willamette Valley’s most beloved traditions: the seventh annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt, taking place across the Willamette National Forest and Umpqua National Forest.

Between November 15 and Dec. 25, 2024, two hundred locally-crafted wooden ornaments will be hidden along two-dozen trails in both forests—where eagle-eyed hikers can seek them out and register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley. Here’s more information: https://www.willamettevalley.org/ornament

Exhibits for 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵

There are great exhibits at the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History, but this year we encourage you to look north to Salem and Willamette University’s Hallie Ford Museum of Art.

The HFMA’s permanent exhibition 𝘈𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴: 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘳𝘵 is certainly worth a visit in person, but is also available as a virtual tour  https://bit.ly/48gwbmwAdditionally, check out a film series featuring three Native American artists from the Pacific Northwest whose work is exhibited at HFMA https://bit.ly/48m5Y63

Holiday Express Steams Up Nov. 29

The countdown is on! The first day of the highly anticipated Holiday Express is almost here, and it’s your chance to ride a train pulled by a historic steam locomotive—an unforgettable experience like no other.

Santa’s nearly ready—list checked, elves prepped, lights sparkling, and candy canes in hand. The only thing missing is YOU!

Get your tickets now for this beloved annual tradition. Create lasting memories with friends and family aboard the Holiday Express. Rides begin Nov. 29 and run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.

Special Offer: Get 10% off select rides from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8! But don’t wait, tickets are selling fast.

Be part of the magic this holiday season. Reserve your seat today! Oregon Rail Heritage Center 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will once again offer free day-use parking the day after Thanksgiving to encourage Oregonians to enjoy the outdoors.

Popularly known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov. 29 this year, has become a tradition for many families. State parks will waive day-use parking fees in the 23 parks that are open and charge for parking. (Fall Creek and Nehalem Bay charge for parking but are closed.)

“We’re excited to continue this tradition and offer everyone the opportunity to get outside and explore,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. 

Parking is free year-round at almost all of Oregon’s approximately 250 state parks; the waiver applies to the parks that charge for parking. The current $5 daily fee is going up to $10 starting Jan. 2, 2025, but the prices for 12-month and 24-month permits are staying the same at $30 and $50, respectively. Learn more about the increasing fees on our website. 

The parks that charge parking fees include popular destinations such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Silver Falls, Champoeg, L.L. Stub Stewart, Smith Rock and Milo McIver. A complete list of the 25 parks that require day-use parking permits is available online.

The fee waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 29, except at Shore Acres State Park where it expires at 4 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. 

Use #OregonStateParks and #GreenFriday on social media to share your adventures. 

The day after Thanksgiving is one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day and Oregon State Parks Day the first Saturday in June, which also includes free camping. 

Free Fishing Days in Oregon Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29-30

Make fishing part of your Thanksgiving weekend plans with friends and family. Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30.

No fishing/shellfish licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag, Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation) are required those two days. Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free.

All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. See the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for rules and remember to check for any in-season regulation updates too, especially for salmon and steelhead fishing. Click on the zone where you want to fish to see regulation updates.

The Recreation Report is updated weekly and features the best bests for fishing for the upcoming week. Depending on water levels and conditions, fishing could be good for Chinook or coho salmon; again be sure to check regulations first because not all rivers are open. Trout will also be stocked the week before Thanksgiving at several popular lakes in the Willamette Valley.

For beginners, Easy Angling Oregon is a great guide to getting started fishing in Oregon, https://myodfw.com/articles/easy-angling-oregon-introduction. And if you live near Portland, Bend, Medford, Roseburg or in Lane County, there are lots of nearby options.

Prefer to crab or clam instead? MyODFW.com has all the information you need to get started clamming or crabbing. Remember to check ocean conditions and take safety precautions—always clam with a friend and never turn your back on the ocean.

Call the ODA Shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or check their Shellfish Closures page before you go clamming or crabbing. The Oregon Department of Agriculture regularly tests shellfish and closes areas when naturally occurring biotoxins get to levels that make crabs and clams unsafe to eat.

Currently, crabbing is open in bays, beaches, estuaries, tide pools, piers and jetties along the entire Oregon coast. Crabbing is closed in the ocean due to the annual closure from Oct. 16-Nov. 30 each year.

As of mid-November, razor clamming is closed from Cascade Head to the California border due to high levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid, but closures may change by Thanksgiving Weekend so check before you go. (SOURCE)

Tips To Purchase a Permit to Cut Your Christmas Tree From an Oregon National Forest

The holiday season is right around the corner, which means the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree is on. For those looking to bring home a real tree, permits are available now for all Oregon national forests.

Christmas tree permits are available for purchase online at recreation.gov (with an added $2.50 processing fee charged by the website) and at local U.S. Forest Service offices or from local vendors.

Permits are $5 each, and each permit allows the cutting of one Christmas tree. Households can purchase a maximum of five permits.

For downloadable maps of tree-cutting areas and a list of local vendors selling tree permits, go to bit.ly/WNFtree .

Fourth-grade students can receive a free tree permit by getting their Every Kid Outdoors pass and entering the voucher or pass number when prompted on Recreation.gov or by visiting a Forest Service office.

Tips to Help You Avoid a Cooking Fire on Thanksgiving

COOKING SAFETY TIPS Follow these safety tips and visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food.
• Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
• Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for more information. 

When the big feast comes around, don’t forget what Thanksgiving is all about. Being thankful is an important part of being happy and sharing this joy with others will only elevate your holiday. Oh, and remember to give your compliments to the chef, it is Thanksgiving after all.

We’ll be back in the office on Monday 12/1

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Oregon Beach Magazine

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving Weekend

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com