When planning for the Yachats Community Park began, back in 2004, the planning committee asked local children and youth for ideas. The number one suggestion was for a treehouse. Of course everyone thought that was a great idea, and an easy one to implement. The Helping Hands youth group from the Yachats Youth & Family Activities Program took on the task, made a plan and a model, and started the search for an engineer to draw the final plans. The process included getting engineered plans and a building permit. Because tree houses are not standardized structures, most engineers were unwilling to participate. Finally, a firm specializing in tree houses agreed to work with us. The engineer made a trip to Yachats to inspect the trees, gave the youth a quick lesson on the issues involved, designed a plan, and shepherded it through the permit process. He did this at a drastically reduced cost. The final plan is beautiful and expensive. Thanks to participation from dedicated adult and youth volunteers, we are able to bring the cost down to a manageable amount. Some money was raised for the tree house when the park was first developed, and funds are still being donated by local citizens and visitors. There is still time to get involved with the Yachats tree house. You can help us by collecting driftwood for the Yachats tree house railings. We need sound sticks, with a minimum diameter of 1.5 inches at the thinnest point, a maximum diameter of 2.5 inches, and a length of at least 38 inches. Please drop off your driftwood at the picnic shelter behind the Commons by September 25. Also, we are still a little bit short, so if you would like to donate to the Yachats tree house please call (541) 547-4599.

Musicians are rehearsing for the 4th Annual Musician’s Showcase to benefit local youth. The concert will be held August 31st at 7:00 pm at the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church. This year’s line-up includes eight musicians, ages 13-18, playing piano, violin, and guitar solos. Joining them, is Campanas del Mar, a 10-member handbell choir, directed by Marcia Wilcox.

Soloists are Milo Graamans, Tommy Jackson, Derek and Carlyn Jefferson, David Johnston, Reina Morgan, Katherine Rose and Andrew Thomas.This talented group is putting together a program which includes Haydn, Beethoven, Mozart, Liszt, Handel, Chopin, Joplin, and spirituals.

Admission is by donation ($5.00 suggested). All proceeds benefit the Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program which provides important services to children and families in the Yachats area. For more information call, 547-4599.

On July 11^th at the Newport Performing Art Center Milo Graamans and Alexander Rose raised $400 for the Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program. Admission was by donation and they dedicated all the proceeds to benefit the Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program.

Thanks to Graamans, Rose and generous donors help keep our mission strong and thriving.

Every donation provides a safe and supportive environment for children, helps to  advocate for youth and families, and to provide and encourage activities that integrate youth into the community.

Thank you for making the 5^th annual Duck Race a success! This year was our best year ever and we rose an astounding—–$5,400! Every duck counts as the proceeds benefit the Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program. Thank all who participated -and especially the genuine support from the community who donated fabulous prizes. Check if you won:

1. Heceta Head Bed and Breakfast and Roca Mar Gift certificates: 604
2. Deane’s Ocean front Lodge, Drift Inn Restaurant gift certificate, kite and Goul From The Tidal Pool DVD: 631
3. Ambrosia Garden Bed and Breakfast, The Wine Place and Luna Sea Restaurant gift certificates: 1047
4. Bicycle and helmet: 713
5. Skateboard and helmet: 661
   Walking stick, book, and Sandmaster park rental: 669
   Ocean Beaches Glass Gallery Art: 1024
   Art from the Wave Gallery & Touchstone Gallery and Duckie Soap: 1042
   Jabookabee Candles and Village Bean gift certificate: 736
   Ukelele lessons with Jim D’Ville and Duckie Soap: 684
   Edge Glass Gallery Float: 517
   Yachats Village shopping gift certificates: 698
   Yachats Clothing from Paddy Kait and Visitor’s Center: 785
   Pearls-in-a-Fish Box from Toad Hall, Duckie Soap, and Natural Selection gift certificate: 723
   Bear Carving: 1008
   Books, craft package and Newport Aquarium tickets: 546
   South Beach Fish Market and  La Maison gift certificates and Duckie Soap: 593
   Sandland Adventure Passes, Sandmaster park rental, Cheese and Crackers gift certificate, and  toys from C & K Market: 715
   Distant Shores water pitcher, wind propeller and Garden Center gift certificate: 671
   YaTel Motel and Shirley’s gift baskets and Duckie Soap: 1035
   Heidi’s Homemade Food Restaurant gift certificate: 602
   Sandcastle toy and Sandland Adventure passes:1015
   Planet Earth book and Judi Colwell art print: 1058
   Topper’s chocolates: 220