Posted: 07 Sep 2009 04:11 AM PDT

Suicide is a sensitive subject and one that can be difficult to talk about; but one Michiana organization is trying to spark that discussion, and provide counseling to families in need.

Proceeds from the "Choose Life" benefit will go to Ryan's Place in Goshen for the Survivors of Suicide program, or "S.O.S."

The event takes place on October 24th from 7 p.m. to midnight at the RV/MH Hall of Fame Conference Center in Elkhart. It will feature the bands "Partymouth" and "Blammo."

Tickets cost $10 per person and can be purchased at Martin's Supermarkets in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties from Sept. 7th to Sept. 30th.

Donna Vander Reyden, the organizer of the event, says Ryan's Place helped her daughter when her father died from suicide. She hopes the event can help more people "choose life."

"I feel strongly that it's so important to reach these people that are contemplating the suicide and the goal is to reach them before they get into that tunnel, to think about the consequences," Vander Reyden says.

Rex Gleim, a representative from Ryan's Place, says his world came crashing down when his son died in an auto accident that was ruled a vehicular suicide. He says Ryan's Place is a place for children, teens, and families to get help.

To learn more about Ryan's Place, click on the big red bar.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

On Your Mind - Sierra Vista Herald

Posted: 07 Sep 2009 01:55 AM PDT

LOCAL-STATE

Aug. 28

I need to find out the hours of the animal control shelter, their closing time during the week and if they are open on Saturday. I have tried calling several times and just get info about a neuter or spay clinic and something about emergencies. I cannot find the hours.

EDITOR'S NOTE: According to the city's website, the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center is open Monday - Friday

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m.

I'm highly disappointed in your coverage of the Kennedy family. You did not have much news at all on Ethel Kennedy's passing and what she contributed to this life. As to Ted Kennedy, you didn't even put in there when he passed away. You just said he died. He had a 47-year political career, helping American citizens and that's all you can do? I'm disappointed in your newspaper. I get more out of the National Enquirer.

On Aug. 26 my red Mustang quit at a light on South Highway 92. Three men came to my rescue and pushed the car off the highway. My good Samaritans. Thanks so very much to all three of you kind men.

Our city officials are trying to annex certain county areas into the city. To the property owners in these areas I say be aware of all the facts before you say yes or no. Do not go only by facts provided by the city. They have twisted the facts to promote annexation. They purposely omitted info that proves being in the county to be best. I do not deny there are some good reasons to be in the city. But city officials should be telling all the facts. Why should we be part of a city run by elected officials who can not be completely honest?

I am concerned about the research done on adults working with children. We had the incident at the Middle School with the guy who had been previously convicted of a sexual crime that got hired. All teachers do a fingerprint card but what does that indicate? If they commit a crime later who would know?

Aug. 29

I'm calling about rye flour. Someone was asking where to find it. I buy mine in the bulk section for 99 cents/pound from a store in Tucson called Whole Foods Market. It's at 3350 Speedway on the south side of Speedway. The store used to be called Wild Oats.

I'd like to know what the county and/or ADOT are planning to do to prevent West Nile virus and the mosquito breeding in the detention basins along Highway 92 near Hereford Road. Also I feel like I'm taking chances with my life every time I drive along the construction zone along Highway 92. I'm afraid of being rear-ended when I slow down going through the pot holes and rough patches. In addition, twice during the last week I've been passed on the left by drivers as I was taking a left-hand turn toward my house by drivers going south toward Palominas.

To Vera Hylsky: Your Aug. 29 letter is much ado about nothing. Refer to your high school civics class regarding how a bill becomes a law. The H.R. health bill you cite has only cleared the House health committee. A final Congressional bill is a long way away and will look very different. The full House must now vote on H.R. Bill 3200. The Senate health committee must propose a bill yet. Also, the Senate then must vote on that. Then both houses must get together and compromise on their bills. Then both houses of Congress must vote on a final bill.

I'm a 75-year-old educated senior. I have followed the health care debate intensely and I know our Medicare will only be improved not destroyed by reform. Seniors, don't buy the rabble rousers lies. They are just trying to scare you. Your Medicare will be just fine, as will your TriCARE and your veteran care. Not to worry.

Perhaps Tombstone High School will quit being vandalized as soon as the administration there gets straightened out. All they do is anger everyone who comes by or into their school. And then they wonder why anyone is angry enough to vandalize the school and all the things around it. Change the administration and you will see a difference in how people take care of that school.

The F. Schultz letter on health care is clearly taken from the Obama playbook thus biased and not credible. Schultz has demonized opponents of the program as uncaring, anti-Jesus, stupid and racist. Don't be naive. The Burl Schultz letter is equally naïve

Does anyone know who are the Red Cats who are advertising on KTAN AM radio mornings and afternoons?

The trees and bushes in the median of Martin Luther King Boulevard hang out into the traffic lanes forcing cars and especially trucks to move into the other lane, potentially causing accidents. Where are the public safety and the tree trimmers when you need them?

I want to commend Vera Hylsky for her excellent letter regarding Obama's "healthcare" in Saturday's edition of the paper. (Aug. 29) Vera brought out three items of interest from the monster HR 3200 bill. One is End of Life Treatment. Number two is a government committee will decide what treatments you get. Number three: The government will invade our privacy by having direct access to our individual bank accounts. Whew! Talk about invasion of privacy!! This bill has almost 1100 pages in which one would have to be a world class attorney to figure it out.

Aug. 30

The Tubac residents who are crying about illegals in their neighborhood, about drug paraphernalia being left on their porches and people bleeding on their porches should call their congressmen. This is a good reason why they should call their representatives about shutting down the border. I know that would help a whole lot instead of complaining about the border patrol agents and having a check point nearby. Have you never heard of "neighborhood watch"?

In today's newspaper on page C4 there is a Q/A article "Ask AP". Toward the end there is a question about how Hawaii became the 50th state in 1893 by a group of white businessmen. The answer to that question lists some of the businesses, including Castle and Cooke. Is that the same Castle and Cooke that builds here in Sierra Vista?

EDITOR'S NOTE: The answer would be yes.

Before I vote yes on the override, I'd like to know why our superintendent of Sierra Vista schools is living in a 5th wheel in Whetstone? I think we all need an explanation.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The superintendent said he has been living in an RV park in the Whetstone area for the past month due to the local housing market and family considerations.

"Questions & Answers with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords" and "Oh, Canada, what about your system so maligned?" were propaganda pieces. All we ever read in the Herald is a regurgitation of Giffords' position on health care. Why weren't opposing views given equal space? The only place we read occasional contrary views is in the Opinion section. Straight reporting presenting both sides of the health care issue is non-existent. The Herald serves as Giffords' and the Democrats' puppet. Also, the president of the Canadian Medical Association reported government health care in Canada is imploding, contrary to the propaganda.

Aug. 31

I am trying to read On Your Mind today and it's so small you can hardly read it. Can you guys increase the size of it so we can read it?

Regarding the three police squad cars blocking the entrance to Walmart while they question a homeless person: This seems to be the norm around here. Every time the police go to Walmart they park right in front of the entrance or at the bus stop. This also happens frequently at Safeway. I have seen a poor bus driver trying to load or unload a person in a wheelchair. This makes it very difficult for everyone. Why is it so difficult for the police to pass the entrance or park in a parking space? This should apply to UPS and other delivery drivers, too.

Reading in OYM I cannot believe that some idiot wrote in and asked, "Can the President be recalled like any other official?" I guess they never took civics classes in school. If they had they would have learned that presidents can only be impeached or die in office. Boy, I cannot believe the stupidity of some people.

Lately the print used for OYM has been greatly diminished making it difficult to read. I don't need reading glasses but find it very hard to read the small print. Could the editor comment on why this was done? Was it to save space at my discomfort? Is no one else questioning this change?

Many of us have written and asked in OYM for the Sierra Vista Public Schools to disclose the salary structure for the first 15 to 20 people who make the most in the district. It would be interesting to learn that. My vote on the override hinges on the data we receive. If no data is forthcoming and the Herald does not want to do some investigative reporting my vote for the school override is "no".

I'm thinking of switching to Qwest Wireless phone service. Does anyone have any comments on the service they provide, good or bad? Thanks.

I'm calling about the Monday headline in the sports section, "She's gonna gopher it". Unfortunately, what a stupid title. I can't believe there is always such a play on words when it comes to making headlines for these stories. This has absolutely nothing to do with this really wonderful young woman getting this softball award. I just don't understand. What does "gopher" have to do with any of it? You obviously need some help editorially.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The softball player is going to play for the University of Minnesota, who's nickname is the Gophers.

I'd like to know, how many illegal Mexican children are we supporting in the Sierra Vista school system?

From inside the brain of the typical OYM caller: My way is not only the best way but the only way. If you don't agree with my way you are a stupid, thickheaded, arrogant rabble rouser, negative thinker, spinner, foul and loud-mouthed anti-Christian, anti-American scumbag who is an embarrassment to our town, state, country and should not be able to co-exist with us enlightened thinkers and articulate orators.

About the comment on Trudy Berry not providing paychecks: Berry has been a fantastic superintendent of schools and voters proved that. To suggest checks were late and now she should be voted out is ridiculous. Look at the good she's done.

Will Congresswoman Giffords please give those of us who legally live and work here a break? We are forced daily to sit in long lines at the Border Patrol checkpoint wasting time and gasoline. There are usually three or four idle agents standing around. These agents could open a second lane for inspection when conditions demand it. This is not rocket science.

My friend was arrested by SVPD and his car was towed. I took him to the tow company on Fry Boulevard. I thought that this was the company that did all the towing for the city. It was then that I learned different. After some investigation we found the car in a tow yard in Huachuca City. We picked up the car and were shocked at the towing charge. He was charged extra for mileage to tow it to Huachuca City. The city police allows tow companies to charge extra based on their location. Why is this?

For the person who is looking for someone who does alterations, try calling Lupe at 439-2830. She does excellent work at her home.

Sept. 1

Today I found a 1999 class ring with the engraving "L E High School" behind the Gateway Studio Suites in the parking lot. If you lost it, call 458-3225 to recover your ring.

I attended the town hall meeting last night and it was a packed house. Unfortunately, we had some – not many – who were obviously brought up in a barn, they were so rude and obnoxious. Everybody agreed the health care plan for the VA was great. What was not mentioned was that when a VA doctor screws up, which happens, he cannot be sued. Most people don't realize that when you turn 65 you automatically go onto Medicare even if you don't want it and don't use it. Dick Armey, a former representative from Texas is suing the government to let him resign from Medicare.

I attended the town hall given by Gabrielle Giffords last night. I commend her for finally holding it. I think it was informative for her and perhaps she will modify her views. I have a question, one that an investigative reporter might look into. There were people passing out stickers that said, "Health Insurance Reform Now" and under that it said

"healthcare.barackobama.com". I'd like to know if my tax dollars paid for these stickers. Could someone please check into that at the Herald?

EDITOR'S NOTE: We could not find the web address you listed, but did find "barackobama.com/healthcare". That web site is paid for by the Democratic National Committee.

Someone should explain to Leah Barnes of front page fame that the word "options" means you have a choice. The public option would break the insurance company's monopoly over people's lives and possibly stop their ruinous practice of rationing health care as they now do and making life or death decisions in the lives of the supposedly insured. They might have to stop capriciously raising premiums to increase their huge profits and even stop paying company officials outrageous salaries and bonuses. Mrs. Barnes, please listen carefully. Do you like your coverage? Good. Don't choose the public option.

What a brilliant letter, Jeff Lindgren. Thanks for giving me a little smile in the midst of all the meanness and downright stupidity. Truly, the main message coming from conservatives seems to be, "I've got mine, to hell with you." Thank you.

Why are the bus drivers that utilize the stops on El Camino Real allowed to use the multi-purpose lane? A lot of people don't understand what it's for. They are pulling over there, flipping their lights on and letting students out. Cars are not stopping because they are trying to figure out why the bus is pulled over there. Buses are supposed to stop in the middle of the lane, put their signs out and put their flashing lights on so both sides of the street stop. That lane is not meant for buses. It's meant for bicycles or walking.

First impressions of your town: Another Saturday night is behind us...date night in Dodge City, where all the burger flipping, 18- to 30-year-old boys race around town in their noisy cars trying to convince everyone that their puberty is behind them. No fools like young fools.

When the political leaders (mostly Republican) get paid off in huge sums of money by the insurance industry and health care conglomerates to distort facts and present outright lies to sustain and augment their profits and cut service it is certainly deplorable. But to hear large portions of the inane public repeating these same words without ever digging into facts is pathetic. They deserve the substandard care they demand that will shorten their lives. Unfortunately, they also endanger the lives of those who have the wisdom to see through the facade.

The Arizona State Highway director doesn't have an opinion on whether you should text or not while driving? Doesn't he pay attention to the rest of the world and what's going on? He wants to study the issue more? I think he needs to find a new job.

I'd like to know the city policy on utilizing city vehicles for personal and social use and who sets the policy. Needless to say, I have had several sightings of Fire Department vehicles being used for personal business. Are we taxpayers to fit the bill for fuel, wear and tear, etc. for other than emergency calls? Maybe someone should call the city manager and find out.

Jeff Lindgren, you are my hero! I don't think it could have been stated any better

Re: "Giffords gets a message: Slower on health care reform." It was an exhilarating experience to be among that vibrant full-house Town Hall crowd. Giffords heard the crowd loud and clear and spoke her usual piece. I was biting at the bit to get up there and refute her weak arguments. I wasn't lucky enough to have my lottery number called. Giffords is a walking doubletalk machine. She's programmed to speak from both sides of her mouth. My political instincts tell me that she should either distance herself from Obama or plan to return to her private business in 2010.

The Herald's coverage in "Giffords gets a message: Slower on health care reform," and ancillary articles, was generous to Gabrielle Giffords. We know the Herald works as a shill for Giffords. The capacity crowd was clearly not her audience, although she had a large group of cheering supporters sitting together up front. She backpedaled in response to many questions, and the evening was filled with her typical doublespeak. Her positions, when she took one, were wishy-washy. Her vote in favor of the Cap and "Tax" bill tells me not to trust her on a health care bill.

I read the comment from someone about the gentleman maintaining vehicles for the mine in Sonora. Have you tried talking to him? I think I know who this is, and my husband and I live right next door to him. He is a very reasonable, gracious man and I'm sure you would be able to work any problems out if you spoke to him.

In response to the individual who read my remarks printed in the Herald, Sunday, Aug. 23: I apologize. My remarks were intended to sarcastically dramatize the extreme and unthinking illogic of the far right, which I abhor and feel is base and harmful to the welfare of our country. Free speech doesn't give anyone the right to slander and spread partisan bias as the Roves and Limbaughs do. I thought that by boosting their rhetoric to the point of absurdity, others would see the hate-inspired rants from ultra-conservatives for the meaningless and poisonous baloney that it is.

I agree with most of Dutch Smittenaar's Aug. 31 letter about illegal turns. I too am irritated by these terrible drivers who think they own the whole road. At major intersections (Charleston and the bypass) they make right turns into left lanes and left turns into right lanes. The cause is not speed forcing the vehicle into the wrong lane. It is stupid drivers who care less about the safety of others. Most offenders are turning right onto Charleston Road. They turn into the left lane so they can turn left into Walmart. I believe you must travel at least 100 feet before changing lanes.

Community priorities are: Successful kids, college bound kids, the only way of assuring everyone has an opportunity to achieve success. Public education provides opportunity to everyone to at least get a good basic education. Further an advanced education is up to each individual based upon their motivation, desires and willingness to assume responsibility for themselves. Any other system is by its very nature selective, either by religion, financial well being of the family, or some other special qualification or common interest. Public education's goal, as envisioned by our forefathers, is a quality education for all not just a select few. Vote yes for the override.

Sept. 2

What an idiotic statement in today's editorial. "Any good and meaningful change in America's health care system may take a while…" Are you so ignorant you don't know it's already taken since the late 1940s when Truman first addressed the issue? If you and your ilk have your way, it will never happen. Just keep dragging you feet, right? I'm thoroughly disgusted with your reactionary editorial position.

The town hall meeting Gabrielle Giffords had in Sierra Vista was a step in the right direction. However, we need a representative we don't have to coerce to do the right thing. We need someone while saying the right things to disarm us will then do the right thing. Our country does not need this massive health care reform as presently presented.

Unfortunately, as likable as Giffords may be, in my opinion her judgment is skewed.

I urge all parents to withhold their children from the Obama propaganda campaign. As a life-long Democrat I'm appalled by this administration's willingness to use our children to promote his agenda regardless of how good it may be. I have never heard of such a thing in the U.S. but similar occurred in Nazi Germany. This is an outrage that must be stopped. Do not let your children hear the Obama speech. Pull them out of school if you must.

Regarding a comment on Aug. 22? I wonder what kind of denial this person has about Glen Beck. I watch Beck every day and not once have I ever heard him make any comment of death to Obama, or Pelosi or anyone else. Beck, I and many others do not agree with our Congress and most politics we are faced with. I wonder myself if Obama can think for himself or if he has his many czars to think for him. Fox News is one of the two broadcasters that doesn't belittle. We in this country have choices of free speech. So wake up America.

Regarding the request of a veterinarian recommendation: Based on our experience we'd recommend the Apache Animal Hospital at 2145 S. Hwy 92. Dr. Jackson and Dr. Bennett have helped us. We have been with them for

20 years. They're great.

I'm calling about the bad rap the Cove is getting. The Cove is one of the best things about Sierra Vista for all ages. Not one of these thefts has occurred from secured lockers. I've been going to the Cove for seven or eight years. All over they have signs, "Please do not leave valuables in unsecured lockers. Locks are available at the front desk." These signs are up and everybody should be able to read them. Don't be foolish. Lock up your valuables.

I enjoyed Jeff Lindgren's letter concerning the conservative manifesto. My children and I agree with it whole-heartedly. We thank him for a well-written letter.

I'm calling about the question concerning when Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion radio program is on. It is available on Sundays around 10 a.m. On channel 91.7 on the FM dial, the National Public Radio station. On another subject, I'm a reader of many magazines such as People, Arizona Highways, Sunset, Tucson and Phoenix. I'd like to give them away to someone but I don't know who. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Thank you.

I have another comparison on the Highway 92 fiasco. If this crew had worked the trans-Atlantic pipeline job the oil would still be in the ground. Come on Herald, investigate.

Sept. 2

For the OYM complaints that something happens and there's never a policeman around when you want one: If you want a policeman on your block 24/7 get an improvement district and get a rent-a-cop and you will have your very own. Otherwise, just call them and wait until they get there. I think their response time is probably pretty good. I've called them and they came pretty darn quick compared to other towns I've lived in.

So I guess it's a case of the squeaky wheel getting the grease. The residents of Tubac are getting a meeting because of their checkpoints over there on I-19. What about us in the more rural areas where the impact is even greater; the Tombstone checkpoint, and Highway 90 outside Sierra Vista, and Kansas Settlement toward Willcox? We don't deserve the attention? They are going to throw all kinds of money at Tubac? Come on. We are all being invaded, and we're being invaded by the Border Patrol.

The Sept. 1 Herald reported, "If tort reform is not part of any health care reform bill, the congresswoman (Gabrielle Giffords) said she will not support it." Let's hold her to that pledge. Of course, Democrats wouldn't include tort reform since they're wedded to the trial lawyers. At the SV Town Hall, neither Giffords nor Dr. Carmona really addressed the cost of health care reform vis-à-vis the recently reported $9 trillion deficit for the next 10 years. Nor did they address the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office's $1 trillion cost-estimate for a Democrat health care plan. Giffords was nebulous over cost.

The Sierra Vista Denny's restaurant has posted a no weapons allowed sign at their entrance. Under Arizona law, they have a perfect right to do that. CCW licensed customers also have a right not to frequent the restaurant any longer and take their business elsewhere. I suppose the Denny's manager has reasons for posting this policy but I am sure that having rowdy customers in the late hours, having criminal elements (or at lest acting like criminals) hanging around, having the lawless pull a weapon on the manager, and having shoot-outs in the parking lot is certainly not blamed on CCW licensed holders.

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said at the Aug 31 Sierra Vista Town Hall that end-of-life counseling would be voluntary – you can choose or refuse it. What Giffords didn't mention is this. If it isn't written specifically into the law, that you can refuse it and still retain your government-run health care, the government has the option of refusing you health care if you don't sign up for end-of-life counseling. The law must be written, so that it's legally ironclad, and the government doesn't have such a legal loop-hole. H.R. 3200 contains this legal loop-hole.

According to Jack Blair, SSVEC hasn't raised its rates since 1993. Just pulled out the earliest bill of which I can find a copy, August 1998. Took the total charge, divided by the kilowatt hours (KWH) used, got the actual total cost per KWH. Did the same thing for the August bill just received. The cost per KWH in 1998 was 10 cents; for this August, it was 12.5 cents. Regardless of how SSVEC colors it, there was a 25 percent increase in the total cost of their electricity between 1998 and 2009. Come on guys, don't try to fool us with cute definitions.

Just read a copy of the voter pamphlet that will be distributed related to the school override election. We have been told repeatedly that it is just a continuation of the current override. However, the wording we will vote on says we are being asked to approve a 10 percent increase for a total of seven years. The current override amount will decrease by one-third this year, but the district has already accepted more than $1 million in stimulus money. That amount makes up for the decrease in the override funding. Something just doesn't seem right. Vote No.

This responds to the reader in the Sep 2. Herald who asks about finding "A Prairie Home Companion" on local radio.

Yes, a wonderful program. And it can be heard Saturdays 4-6 p.m. on KUAT-FM, at 89.7 on our FM dial.

Taking a gun to a presidential event makes as much sense as shouting "Fire!" in a crowded theater. Neither action makes any sense at all and neither action is protected by the Constitution.

"A Prairie Home Companion" can be heard on 90.5 FM (PBS) from 4to 6 p.m. every Saturday afternoon.

We can have universal health care by just deleting four words from the current Medicare and Medicaid bills. Delete: "65 years or older." And by the way, Medicare recipients do pay premiums. The current rate is almost $100 per month per person.

Sept. 3

To quote from one of the pro arguments that appeared in your Aug. 27 issue on the override issue: "Your 'yes' vote on this override will not increase your property taxes. You will simply continue to pay taxes at the current rate which was..." This would mean that the district would continue to get the same amount of money that it is now getting and unable to provide physical education, art, and music to the elementary students. If this is so, then by continuing the override would mean they still could not provide these "extra" classes.

I was excited to go to the Bisbee Blues Festival this year, but as I was looking it up, I saw that it's going to be located in a baseball park. Ugh! Part of why I wanted to go to it was because of the atmosphere in Bisbee. If it's going to be in a baseball park, it might as well be held anywhere. Did the organizers really ask themselves why this festival was so popular last year? Am I the only one who feels this way? I'd be curious to hear what others think about the new location of the festival this year.

I found the video of the town hall meeting with Gabrielle Giffords on your website and noticed that when the mayor introduced Giffords all I heard was applause. That's funny, because I attended this meeting and remember over half the crowd "booing" Ms. Giffords when she walked up to the podium. You edited it out. Why? By watching the video, someone who didn't attend would get the idea she had a warm welcome from the crowd. Quite the contrary. I'm disappointed that our small town newspaper can't even report the truth.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You are mistaken; we did not edit the sound in any way. Go to: http://www.svherald.com/multimedia/giffords/ at about the four minute mark for the introduction.

It is wonderful that someone else is interested in listening to Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion. It is on Saturdays from 4 to 6 p.m. on KUAT-FM 89.7. It is a little hard to find on the radio dial but since KUAT is otherwise a classical station, if you hear classical music a little before four o'clock you have found the right station. It is also on KUAZ-FM 91.7 on Sunday morning from 10 a.m. to noon, 91.7 is harder yet to find on the radio. It has a pretty weak signal. I can only get it with a radio with a digital display..

Sept. 4

Reading the Herald about Gabrielle Giffords is like reading her website. The Herald offers no real commentary or analysis. Opposing views are not given equal space (sometimes, sporadically in the Opinion section). The Herald ignores national polls which show the majority of Americans don't want the government-run health care product that Giffords is pedaling. What Giffords has to say becomes the last word, obediently reported by the Herald. The Herald has become the Giffords Gazette. Honest journalism has gone out the window. Cronyism has replaced it.

I am reading today's Herald, Sept. 4, about the mesquite twig girdler (headline "Beetle may bug you, but trees aren't bothered"). The article does not end on the front page but does say "See BUG, Page A9." I have gone to page A9 at least four times and do not find the continuation of the article. I checked other pages including sections B and C but cannot find the rest of the story. Could you please print it again in its entirety?

EDITOR'S NOTE: The mistake was caught midway through the press run. But the entire article was reprinted in the Saturday, Sept. 5 edition. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Sept. 5

What happened to the second part of the beetle story that was to be on page A9? Another day? Say what you mean, mean what you say.

Stupid people, out of control about health care. Don't we care about our children? We need to take care of children, ourselves and each other. That's what it's about; making sure that our nation is healthy. President Obama is trying to do that.

Why don't you print the president's speech to the children and the lesson plan instead of just telling us what people are saying about it. Let us read exactly what is in it and judge for ourselves. Otherwise it's just gossip. Remember, we are dealing with an extreme right wing constituency here who hate everything the president does.

Congresswoman Giffords did a great job during her recent town hall meeting. In the face of rudeness, ill rational people, she was gracious and intelligent. It is obvious that this was a coordinated effort to disrupt the town hall. But the disruptors did not succeed.

For the Sierra Vista consumer....The new Mountain View Auto Sales business on S. Highway 92 is formally "Ideal Cars". Same ownership.

What is wrong with the people who already have medical coverage? The people who don't would like the same as you. If the shoe was on the other foot, you'd want it too. You are stupid and blind if you don't see that Medicare, VA health care and SS benefits are all the same socialized medical care that you protest. Why don't you want our government in this country to care about our people? You are anti-American. We all deserve good health care at affordable rates. Just shut up and listen to our president. This is not about you (insured) it's about the rest of us.

SSVEC has gotten permission to increase electric bills because of increased costs. 1. This month I am paying $40 for what is called wholesale power rate adjustment. This should take care of increased costs. 2. Stop all the rodeo and TV advertising and sponsoring of every event going on in Cochise County. You have no competition in Sierra Vista or the county. That will take care of increased costs. 3. Stop publishing your magazine "Currents". It's a waste of paper and print. That alone will cover your increase in costs.

NATIONAL-WORLD

Aug. 28

To the person who wrote about President Bush. First of all, Bush is gone now so leave him alone. Palin was never in office so I don't understand what you are talking about.

Aug. 29

Senate Bill S-773 (Rockefeller) relates to the federal government taking over the internet in the event of an "emergency" real or imagined. We are seeing one of these freedom-threatening events every few days. Seems our days of freedom are limited, unless concerned Americans get their heads out.

I am very tired of "good Christians" who distort the real meaning of Jesus' teachings, i.e., love thy neighbor. How can so many people consider themselves followers of Jesus and yet support the murder of millions of innocent unborn babies by voting for politicians who support abortion rights. Our president is a radical supporter of abortion rights, and as a senator would not even vote for a bill to administer medical treatment to babies who survived botched abortions. On the campaign trail Obama said that while he would always support a woman's right to abort her unborn child, he would work to reduce the number of abortions. Well – what has he done?

An outstanding letter, "Just three items call H.R. 3200 into question," and a great service to readers! Quoting those three salient items of H.R. 3200 should help to silence critics of those who oppose Obama-care. Democrats demonize and denigrate ordinary, concerned Americans who are more informed about Obama-care than their critics. Democrats not only emasculate the truth about H.R. 3200, insulting our intelligence, but are playing with fire that will burn them in 2010. A seasoned woman lawyer deciphered all 1,000-plus pages of H.R. 3200 and said it's full of legal loop holes, guaranteeing total government control of health care.

Could I pray that he's not worm's meat? Isn't that 'the way'? Isn't that how the gates are opened to me? Isn't that the way . . . to love another as I would love myself? Isn't that the way . . . that all that remains are only remains . . . that he has already escaped? "If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: My lips two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss." Could I say a prayer for Teddy?

Chief Diversity Officer of the Federal Communications Commission, Mark Lloyd said, "Local broadcasters and regional and national communication operations should be required to encourage and broadcast diverse views and programs." Lloyd proposes making private broadcasting companies pay licensing fees equal to their operating costs, allowing public broadcasting outlets to spend the same on their operations. Along with this money, Lloyd would regulate programming on these stations to make sure they're focused on "diverse news" and government activities. Lloyd represents a back door toward silencing conservative talk-radio! Smells of Venezuela and Hugo Chavez (Lloyd's hero and model), silencing his opposition!

Aug. 30

There are two primary sources to fund the several Democrat versions of government health care: 1) taxpayers; and 2) premiums we'd pay the government. President Obama and Democrats said government health care won't cover abortion and illegal immigrants with taxpayer dollars. What they didn't mention is what happens to the money from premiums we'd pay the government? Under H.R. 3200, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized to distribute money from premiums, as the Secretary sees fit, without any congressional oversight. And there we see the back door for covering abortion and illegal immigrants with government health care.

Aug. 31

Investigating the CIA for past interrogation methods is traitorous!

Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld on Fox News said that disposing of unwanted prescription medicine in the toilet is dangerous for the environment (this does not take into consideration what which we pass through our bodies unused). I suppose it gets into the ground water and is consumed by the birds, animals and those of us who obtain water from wells. There is no testing of groundwater or Zombies without knowing what happened to us. Where are the environmental people on this one? Where is Al Gore when we need him?

Apparently the White House does not know why our troops are in and dying in Afghanistan. bin Laden, the leader of the terrorists, arranged with the then head of the Taliban government, Mullah Omar, to train, arm and equip his terrorists to kill Americans and then did so under the protection of Mullah Omar. I guess that is too complicated for the White House to understand and pursue.

Re: "Democrats call for civil debate on health care," (Aug 31). How ironic, and even, incredible! It's alright to ram down our throats a 1,000-page $787 billion disastrous stimulus which lacked open debate and no one had a chance to read -- then try the same flagrant tactic with a 1,000-page health care bill. Have Democrats digested national polls showing a majority of Americans doesn't favor their version of health care reform? We want reform that excludes the public option or single-payer plan. Unsavory tactics by Democrats have caused public distrust. Americans want an honest broker.

Sept. 1

I think it's time the cat is out of the bag. Not only has Dick Cheney been accused of giving the OK on waterboarding but admitted to giving the order and that it was useful and productive. Now he has been accused of giving the OK on other hideous crimes while interrogating terrorists. Mock execution etc. Was he worried about our soldiers being captured by the enemy and what they would do in return? I think Cheney should apply for political asylum while he still can in countries like Somalia, Yemen, Cuba, Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. The investigation should include not only the CIA but leaders who gave the orders.

Sept. 2

Just wondering what all the naysayers say about the bailout money loaned to the banks, now that the government is reaping billions of dollars in profits from interest with the bailout money being repaid?

A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything you have. A quote from Thomas Jefferson. He's probably spinning in his grave.

Why can't the 911 operators say what city they are located in? I had to use it once in Nevada just outside Las Vegas. I thought I was talking to Las Vegas but they were on the other end of the state in Reno which did me absolutely no good.

Sept. 3

To the retired military person who thinks everyone should have health care because he gets Medicare. As a 66-year old retiree, I also get Medicare. I also paid into the system for 48 years. This Obama plan would "give" Medicare-like coverage to people who have never contributed a penny to the system. You must realize that some people who are more able than you and I to pay for insurance choose not to have insurance, but prefer to spend their money for entertainment, travel and in any number of other ways. Also, medical care in the military is one of the benefits, not charity.

I believe we need to remind our sitting president that we the people of the United States of America serve the United States of America. This includes our president, the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives and all members of our Army, Navy, U.S. Marines and Air Force. We respect the president but, we serve the nation.

If you asked an old farmer if it would be OK to just put about eight gates around a 40-acre cattle grazing area, no fences just gates, he'd think you were stupid. Yet, our Homeland Security leaders do the same thing by the way they set up border security. Perhaps instead of going to the faculty of a university it would be better to ask an old farmer that question and take this advice!

In the political cartoon (Sept. 3) of two elderly people carrying political signs, the caption below should have said, "Obama Admits Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Are Going Bankrupt." Then the sign displaying "Say No To Government Run Health Care," would be quite appropriate. However, the cartoonist preferred to distort facts.

One of the abuses brought against the king of Great Britain in our Declaration of Independence was: "He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eek out their substance." To date, our president has established over 30 "executive czars" and over the summer recess sent out partisan congresspersons and other underlings to push his costly agendas. Interesting, huh?

So now the man in the White House is threatening the country. He is trying to blackmail Congress into passing his health care plan, (what's the big hurry?) by saying he will not try to get the air traffic control mess cleaned up until they do. I say Congress should drop the whole health care thing and get onto the air traffic control problem without his help.

What is truly amazing is how right wing evangelicals ignore the teaching of Christ. Ask yourself, would he support abandoning the poor and the sick in favor of the rich and the mighty? No way would Jesus ever be an uncaring, selfish Republican. Yet they know so much more than he. We'll see. Methinks, they have made Republicanism their religion. They really don't care what Jesus means, they would rather cram Republican political myths down your throat.

The Republican Party has become a disgrace. While years ago, the Republican Party generally represented what is now called "libertarianism," (i.e. restrained government, support of individual rights, etc.), it has now become the party of the uneducated, intemperate, and unaware. People like Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sarah Palin, and Michelle Bachmann don't really represent any kind of coherent political philosophy. They merely pander to the constituency comprised of the uneducated, intemperate, and unaware. Shrieking, screaming, nut jobs. Good luck to ya' about election time.

Sept. 4

"Obama lesson plan fires up parents," (Sept. 4), was chilling to read. Our government owns the biggest banks and financial institutions, AIG, GM, Chrysler, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the unions, etc. Does it now want to own our children? We know the teachers' unions are in bed with Obama. Does Obama envision using teachers as his tools to indoctrinate our children to be Obama-believers? Will we wake up one morning to find ourselves in another Venezuela, Cuba, or the old Soviet Union? Who is this man in the White House? Why is the mainstream media salivating at his table?

"He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future!" Adolf Hitler 1935

Czar is totally related to a foreign land but, apparently 30 some of them have been brought back to life from their graves in Russia and employed by our government to work in Washington D.C. Are they serving departmental secretaries or are they in charge?

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Sand, surf and more in Coos Bay - Bend Bulletin

Posted: 06 Sep 2009 07:19 AM PDT

Cece Wakefield pauses her all-terrain sport quad atop a sand dune known as Seizure for a view of the Conde McCullough Memorial Bridge crossing Coos Bay. The bay is considered the largest natural harbor between Seattle and San Francisco. Wakefield works for Steve's ATV Rentals, one of a handful of local companies that put visitors on off-road vehicles and teach them how to drive.
Photos by Barb Gonzalez / For The Bulletin

From fine art to fine dining, Coos Bay area has plenty for visitors to experience

By John Gottberg Anderson •
For / The Bulletin

Last modified: September 06. 2009 6:22AM PST

SUGGESTED EXPENSES (for two)

• Gas, round-trip, 502 miles @ $2.75/gallon $55.22
• Lodging (two nights with breakfast), Coos Bay Manor $334
• Dinner, Benetti's, Coos Bay $71.98
• Lunch, Portside Restaurant, Charleston $22
• ATV rentals, one hour $90
• Dinner, Coach House, Coos Bay $60.95
• Admission, Coos Art Museum $10
• Lunch, Plank House, The Mill Casino $25.90
TOTAL $670.05
Prices include taxes and tips

If you go

INFORMATION

• Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, 145 Central Ave., Coos Bay; 541-266-0868, www.oregonsbay area.org.
• Coos Bay-North Bend Visitor and Convention Bureau, 50 Central Ave., Coos Bay; 541-269-0215, 800-824-8486, www.oregonsadventurecoast.com.

LODGING

• Captain John's Motel, 63360 Kingfisher Drive, Charleston; 541-888-4041, www.captjohnsmotel.com. Rates from $69.
• Coos Bay Manor, 955 S. Fifth St., Coos Bay; 541-269-1224, 800-269-1224, www.coosbaymanor.com. Rates from $155.
• Edgewater Inn, 275 E. Johnson Ave., Coos Bay; 541-267-0423, 800-233-0423, www.edgewater-inns.com. Rates from $90.
• The Mill Casino Hotel, 3201 Tremont Ave., North Bend; 541-756-8800, 800-953-4800, www.millcasino.com. Rates from $102.
• Red Lion Hotel, 1313 N. Bayshore Drive, Coos Bay; 541-267-4141, 800-RED-LION, www.redlion.com. Rates from $75.65.

RESTAURANTS

• Benetti's Italian Restaurant, 260 S. Broadway, Coos Bay; 541-267-6066, www.benettis.com. Dinner only. Moderate.
• Blue Heron Bistro, 100 W. Commercial St., Coos Bay; 541-267-3933, www.blueheron bistro.com. Lunch and dinner. Budget to moderate.
• The Coach House, 604 Sixth Ave., Coos Bay; 541-267-5116. Dinner only. Moderate.
• The Hilltop House, 93405 Willsey Lane, North Bend; 541-756-4160. Dinner only. Moderate to expensive.
• Portside Restaurant & Lounge, 63383 Kingfisher Road, Charleston; 541-888-5544. Lunch and dinner. Moderate.

AND ACTIVITIES

• Coos Art Museum, 235 Anderson St., Coos Bay; 541-267-3901, www.coosart.org.
• Coos Historical and Maritime Museum, 1220 Sherman Ave., North Bend; 541-756-6320, www.cooshistory.org.
• Cranberry Sweets & More, 1005 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay; 541-888-9824, www.cranberry sweets.com.
• Fishermen's Wharf, Dock D, 63534 Kingfisher Road, Charleston; 541-888-8862.
• House of Myrtlewood, 1125 S. First St., Coos Bay; 541-267-7804, www.oregon connection.com.
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, 844 Highway Ave., Reedsport; 541-271-3611, www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/oregondunes.
• Shore Acres State Park, Cape Arago Highway, Charleston; 541-888-3732, www.shoreacres .net.
• South Coast Running Club, Coos Bay; 541-267-6329, www.southcoastrunningclub.com.
• Steve's ATV Rentals, 68512 Hwy. 101 N., North Bend; 541-751-1800, www.steves atvrentals.com.

Next week: Camp Sherman

COOS BAY — Not gentle enough to be a kitten, my Polaris 250 purred like a jaguar as I cruised over the sand dunes north of Horsfall Beach.

The all-terrain vehicle had sufficient power to carry me 35 to 40 miles per hour across the shifting sands but gave me pause for concern as I approached the steep hill known as Razor Back.

"Get yourself a 'running' start," suggested my guide, Cece Wakefield of Steve's ATV Rentals. "If you gain some speed before you begin climbing the dune, it should carry you right up the hill. But if you feel yourself losing power, turn a bit and climb diagonally."

That was easy for her to say. Wakefield, who grew up four-wheeling the trails of Alaska's remote Kodiak Island, was astride a Yamaha Raptor 700, a sport quad nearly three times as powerful as my own vehicle. And this was my first time driving an off-highway vehicle through the dunes.

I followed her instructions, threw caution to the whimsical ocean breezes, and raced easily to the summit, heeding her advice to stop only when my ATV was on level ground or pointed downhill. But my traveling companion didn't put the pedal fully to the metal. She wound up stuck awkwardly, nose up, in the steep sands.

"Don't try to accelerate out of it," Wakefield warned. "It will just get you stuck deeper." A couple of passing riders, noting my friend's situation, were able to lift her vehicle around and point it back downhill. She avoided steep dune climbs the rest of the afternoon.

But she was sufficiently confident to drive three miles across the sandy wilderness, sometimes detouring past tiny freshwater lakes bounded by shore pine and madrone, to another high dune called Seizure. Wakefield didn't need to explain why she had led us here. To the south spread a stunning view: mile-long McCullough Memorial Bridge spanning the horseshoe bend in the great harbor known as Coos Bay.

In Pre's footsteps

Off-road vehicles are just one of many ways to explore this state's bay area, a region that tourism promoters like to call "Oregon's Adventure Coast." Defined by the largest natural harbor between Seattle and San Francisco, the twin cities of Coos Bay and North Bend, along with the nearby fishing village of Charleston and the seascapes of Cape Arago, are a worthy destination for a long weekend visit from Central Oregon.

The Coos and Coquille tribes inhabited the region for thousands of years before initial pioneer settlements were established here in the 1850s. By 1900, Coos Bay (the harbor, that is; the town was originally named Marshfield) had become an important shipping center for lumber and coal. By 1950, the coal mines had closed, but forest products carried the economy for decades more.

It was during this era, in 1951, that the region's first "hero" was born in Coos Bay. The son of an immigrant German millworker, Steve Prefontaine discovered his talent for running as a Marshfield High School student. At the University of Oregon, he became a national figure, both for his dominance as a distance runner and his outspoken criticism of financial restrictions on amateur athletes. After placing fourth at 5,000 meters in the 1972 Munich Olympics, he was training for the quadrennial games in Montreal when he was killed in a one-car auto accident in Eugene in 1975.

At the time of his death, Prefontaine owned every national running record from 2,000 to 10,000 meters. Three movies ("Without Limits," "Pre" and "Fire on the Track") were made of his life. Legend holds that it was Prefontaine who made the first test run in the shoes that his coach, Bill Bowerman, developed as the prototype for what later became Nike.

Today, a stylized monument in downtown Coos Bay, in the waterfront plaza where a new visitor center is under construction, pays homage to the city's favorite son. The Coos Art Museum, a couple of blocks away, has a permanent exhibit in its Prefontaine Room. Each year, on the third Saturday of September (this year, that's the 19th), hundreds of people take part in the 10-kilometer Prefontaine Memorial Run through the streets of Coos Bay and North Bend. And any time of year, South Coast Running Club members like Jay Farr, a neighbor and high school teammate of "Pre," welcome visitors to join them on runs, often beginning at Marshfield High Schoool's Steve Prefontaine Track and retracing the icon's onetime training routes.

Urban attractions

Coos Bay (the largest town on the Oregon Coast with 16,000 people) and North Bend (with 9,500 more) have always been blue-collar towns. "People here are very proud of their working-class roots," said Katherine Hoppe, the director of promotion and conventions for the Coos Bay-North Bend Visitor and Convention Bureau. "You don't find people talking down to others. Everyone is pretty much the same here."

The town's biggest attraction may be the Coos Bay Boardwalk. Beginning at the end of Anderson Street in the heart of downtown, it extends for several blocks along the western edge of the historic waterfront. Interpretive plaques describe the bustle that occupied this corner of Oregon, especially after the completion of a railroad from Eugene (via Florence) in 1916. Until that time, it was much easier to reach Coos Bay by ship than by land: A stagecoach road from Roseburg, only 58 miles east, typically took 28 hours to negotiate.

A chain-saw-carved war memorial, installed in 2002, is at the heart of the boardwalk today. During my recent visit, taiko drummers played in an adjacent pavilion, adding an element of international culture to my stroll. A historic wooden boat was displayed in another pavilion. Yet a fleet of tugboats still lined up astride a wharf at the north end of the boardwalk, waiting to escort another giant vessel to the wood-chips plant farther up-harbor, at the mouth of the Coos River.

To the north, The Mill Casino extends into the bay, marking the otherwise indistinct boundary between the cities of Coos Bay and North Bend. Owned by the Coquille Indian Tribe, this hotel/casino complex (incorporating an RV park) was opened in 1995 on the site of a former Weyerhaeuser sawmill and dock. But downtown North Bend hasn't seen the same renaissance; its turn-of-the-20th-century downtown, focused around Sherman and Virginia avenues, cries out for revitalization.

North Bend's visitor highlight is the Coos Historical and Maritime Museum, just south of the bay bridge, which was built in 1936 by noted engineer Conde B. McCullough and later renamed in his honor. The museum has fine displays of native basketry, pioneer logging and shipbuilding artifacts, and historical photographs.

Back in Coos Bay, I was especially impressed by the maritime exhibit that runs through Sept. 19 at the Coos Art Museum. "This is the longest-running, continuous maritime art show on the West Coast," museum director Steven Broocks told me. "It's real special." Dozens of oils, pastels, watercolors and other works from artists throughout North America were hung on the walls of the main exhibit hall. The permanent collection at this museum features such noted American artists as Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Rauschenberg; founded in 1950, it is the third-oldest art museum in Oregon.

A few blocks away, the House of Myrtlewood displays a wide range of items — from cribbage boards to salad bowls to handcrafted golf putters — in its handsome showroom. The Oregon myrtlewood, an evergreen hardwood also called the California bay laurel, is native to the southern Oregon Coast. On a self-guided factory tour, I watched workers sawing logs in a small mill, turning bowls on a lathe and polishing them to a fine sheen.

In the neighborhood of Empire, the original pioneer settlement on Coos Bay since incorporated into the larger city, I got another look at workers at a shop called Cranberry Sweets & More. Large display windows opened onto the factory floor where all manner of chocolate-covered, cranberry-jelly candies and other fruit confections were being prepared. My traveling companion couldn't leave without making several purchases.

Cape Arago Highway

Southwest of Empire, the Cape Arago Highway leads five miles to Charleston, a working fishing community near the mouth of Coos Bay. The small harbor here is packed with trawlers and other vessels of all sizes. Harbor seals lounge on the docks where crab and tuna boats come to moor. In the heart of things is Fishermen's Wharf, where Arizona transplant Matt Ledoux discovered his little piece of heaven.

"I got out of the desert to come here to school," Ledoux said. "I went back to Tucson when I finished up, but I couldn't wait to get back to the Oregon Coast." It's a long way from his roots — Matt is a nephew of famed rodeo champion and country singer Chris Ledoux, who died in 2005 — but he convinced his parents, Mike and Jody Ledoux, to join him at Coos Bay. Today, they buy fresh seafood directly off the boats and retail it from their shed on the pier. Our halibut and chinook salmon, which we put on ice and brought back home to Bend, were the best I've had in months.

From Charleston, a no-outlet road leads southwest to some of Oregon's best seaside attractions. Bastendorff Beach, abutting the South Jetty at the mouth of Coos Bay, is a broad, sandy strand with a good campground and enough steady rollers to attract throngs of surfers. The Cape Arago Lighthouse, though not accessible to the public, has a spectacular location on a desolate island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Just south of its promontory is Sunset Bay State Park, with a beautifully framed crescent inlet that is a favorite of kayakers.

Shore Acres State Park, embracing the erstwhile 1920s estate of lumberman-shipbuilder Louis J. Simpson, has a spectacular vantage point overlooking an offshore reef inhabited by hundreds of sea lions and seals of several species. Their roars may be heard over the crashing surf any time of year. And at the heart of Shore Acres is a formal botanical garden presently abloom with roses and dahlias. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the gardens add color of a different sort with a quarter of a million holiday lights.

The road ends at Cape Arago State Park, one of the state's best destinations for tide pool lovers. The lower the tide, the better for exploring the rocky pools and seeing green sea anemones, purple sea urchins, orange sea stars and other denizens of the not-so-deep.

On my recent visit, as a gray whale found its way into the bay to feed, ranger assistant Kristin Hovenkotter-Greco was leading a small group of visitors across the craggy rocks. She told me tides would not be favorable for viewing again until the week of Sept. 14 to 18.

Dining and sleeping

I was impressed to discover that Coos Bay is no wasteland when it comes to good dining. In fact, we had some excellent meals here.

Perhaps the most memorable was at the Coach House, in the suburb of Eastside, across Isthmus Slough from downtown Coos Bay. Inside a tent-like greenhouse that adjoins this thoroughly local mesquite-grill restaurant, my companion and I shared a platter of Cajun oysters, skewered prawns, bacon-wrapped tuna, barbecued ribs and tempura-fried asparagus — for just $24.95 for two. Including a bottle of pinot noir, the total bill, with tip, came to about $60.

At Benetti's Italian Restaurant, we had excellent dinners of veal picatta and New York steak (with blue cheese), again for a very reasonable price tag. A lunch at the casino's Plank House offered up a fresh Dungeness crab-melt sandwich. And in Charleston, the nearby fishing town, it was hard to beat the fish and chips.

We stayed in the Coos Bay Manor Bed and Breakfast, an inn owned and operated by former Sunriver residents Jon and Felicia Morgan Noack. Jon Noack, formerly the head golf pro at The Woodlands course, is also a watercolorist whose work has been featured on Sunriver Music Festival posters. Not surprisingly, the walls of the Coos Bay Manor are covered with his framed paintings. The inn has five guest rooms, all with private baths, and, as it turns out, both Noacks are terrific breakfast cooks.

And I'm pleased to note that my dunes-riding experience was not so terrifying as to give me indigestion. In fact, I'm ready to return to Coos Bay to do it all over again.

John Gottberg Anderson can be reached at janderson@bendbulletin.com.

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Denali rolls out tundra carpet for autumn - Newsday

Posted: 05 Sep 2009 11:30 AM PDT

September 5, 2009 By The Associated Press MARGARET BAUMAN (Alaska Journal of Commerce)

DENALI NATIONAL PARK, Alaska (AP) — Denali rolled out her fabled tundra carpet for visitors in mid-August, sprawling acres of fiery red, orange, green and gold, lush with wild berries and wildlife preparing for winter.

Tiny pink blossoms at the peak of otherwise bare fireweed, and the sudden presence of Jack Frost all over this six million acre national park and preserve signaled the abrupt end of summer in this sub arctic wilderness within Alaska's Interior.

Beavers were busy remodeling their dams for the long, freezing winter ahead, while grizzly bears bounded across the tundra of many colors, gathering some of the millions of berries in preparation for hibernation. Cow moose wandered with calves in tow and bull moose, already losing the velvet on their antlers, braced for the rut the mating season. Caribou, wolves, foxes, arctic hares and other mammals scurried too, to hunt for food, and overhead, a flock of trumpeter swans prepared to migrate south.

For those relying on vegetation alone, there are more than 650 species of flowering plants to choose from, as well as species of mosses, lichens, fungi, algae and others. Only plants adaptable to long, cold winters and short growing season can survive here.

The park was originally established in 1917 as Mt. McKinley National Park, to protect its large mammals, rather than its majestic mountain. Then, in 1980, under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the park was enlarged by 4 million acres and redesignated as Denali National Park and Preserve.

Today this jewel of a national park attracts visitors from around the world, from independent travelers to thousands of cruise ship passengers, and hundreds of wildlife photographers from all over the United States, Europe and Asia.

"Denali is very important in the land packages for cruise passengers," said John Binkley, of Fairbanks, president of the Alaska Cruise Association.

"It's the most recognizable of the national parks in Alaska. It is really considered one of the crown jewels of the entire park system," he said. "There is very high name recognition and demand from visitors to travel to Denali. They go on the wildlife tours or the natural history tours to get into the park and there are a multitude of activities outside of the park, rafting, flight seeing, RV trips into the back country."

"For our company, being able to offer time in Denali is a tremendous option," said Bruce Bustamonte, vice president of community and public affairs for Princess Tours. "Denali has the strongest name recognition of all the parks in the U.S.

"When people come to Alaska, they want to experience mountains and wildlife. It's a very important anchor for our land tours. People can spend two to three days experiencing the park," he said.

So important is Denali to the visitor industry that the Alaska Cruise Association was a major sponsor of a recent trip to Alaska by award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, to promote his new documentary series on America's national parks. "The exposure we are going to get will be tremendous for Alaska," said Binkley. "I think it will certainly make a difference, get Alaska's name out there." The 12-hour, six part series will begin airing in late September on public broadcasting television stations nationwide.

If Binkley is right, that will be good news for Denali National Park, where the number of visitors has declined so far in 2009 by 18-20 percent from a year ago.

Kris Fister, a spokeswoman for Denali National Park, said most of the shuttle buses in the park were pretty full in late August, but for most of the summer the demand for seats on them was down 18-20 percent. A total of 102,894 people visited the park in July, compared with 129,762 visitors in July 2008, she said. In June, the visitor tally totaled 90,606, down from 114,888 in June 2008, she said.

Fewer visitors would have an impact on the ability of park staff to do future projects, as 80 percent of the money from entrance fees goes to improve trails and campgrounds. It would also have an affect on small communities in the area, who rely on summer tourism visitors as customers at hotels, and other sleeping accommodations, restaurant diners and souvenir hunters.

The Interior Department allocated Denali National Park a base budget of $12.6 million for the current year to pay permanent salaries and for base operations. This year some $16 million in federal economic stimulus monies, allocated under the National Park Service Recovery Act, also was in place for needed improvements. Park officials will use about $6.4 million of that money to construct consolidated emergency services, and another $6.3 million will finance replacement of the entrance area wastewater treatment facility, which is out of compliance, Fister said.

Also on the list are closing a mine shaft near Kantishna, a historic mining area some 90 miles inside the park, rehabilitation of comfort stations and campgrounds, repair of trail surfaces, replacement of aging unit heaters in the park's auto shop and fixing sewer lines at the Wonder Lake ranger station.

"We are trying to do a lot for visitors, and also to make sure we aren't doing environmental damage," Fister said. "We have done surveys for the last couple of summers. We get rated on facilities, and we have gotten 98 percent ratings, so we know they appreciate it."

The federal dollars aside, the park is always looking for public support from aficionados of this abundant wilderness. Donations are welcome in the form of monetary gifts, volunteering and purchases from the Alaska Geographic, a non-profit bookstore, publisher, educator and supporter of Alaska's magnificent parks, forests and refuges. To date, Alaska Geographic has given $20 million in financial support and services to Alaska's public lands, including Denali.

Each year the park benefits from the efforts of over 300 volunteers who assist in a variety of projects, including trail work, vegetation management, building maintenance and construction, staffing visitor centers and providing information to park visitors.

Denali also gets much support from the National Parks Conservation Association, which is organizing a week of house parties nationwide in late September, in conjunction with the premier of Ken Burns documentary, The National Parks: America's Best Idea, to raise awareness of and educate people about America's national parks.

___

Information from: Alaska Journal of Commerce, http://www.alaskajournal.com