Hey Folks! Well, I have to say, one of the highlights of my week was our Tsunami Evacuation Drill. Maybe it speaks to the nature of my job, but that was the most relaxing weekday hour I have had in a long, long time. Maybe it was the fresh air, maybe it was the camaraderie surrounded by friends and strangers creating a impromptu community at the top if the hill, maybe it was the sense of adventure (sans the Tsunami doom) … or maybe it was just the fact that it wasn’t raining! Whatever. It was darn fun. And now I know what to do and where to go, should I hear that siren again. And I hope you do, too! We are all responsible for saving ourselves in the event of major catastrophe. Our Police & Fire chiefs will tell you the same. No one’s gonna come a’lookin for you, well maybe they might if you’re real lucky, but you certainly can’t count on it. Secondarily, we help those around us in need. But we can’t help if we haven’t saved ourselves first. It’s the airplane oxygen mask principle.

Wow! May 15th is the 35th Anniversary of the Seaside Civic and Convention Center. Hard to believe it’s been 35 years! The fabulous, fun, wonderful staff at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center are holding an Open House on Monday, May 15th, featuring facility tours (see all the hard work & improvements they’ve done recently!) and appetizers and beverages will also be provided. Yep, the magic words: appetizers and beverages. Mark your calendars and make a point to stop by and say THANK YOU to the group that brings so many people to Seaside and gets heads in beds and people from all over the country into our shops and restaurants. We are lucky to have such a fine staff representing Seaside and such a great facility that’s getting better all the time.

Need a ride? Consider Along the Shore Transport. “From your door and along the shore, a dependable ride to your next appointment” pretty much says it all. Along the Shore provides non-emergency medical transportation, transport to Portland for travel, shopping, etc., small group trips and more. Door-to-door assistance and handicap accessibility are also available upon request. For rate information or to schedule a ride (please call 24 hours in advance) please contact Along the Shore Transport at 503-738-8140 or 1-800-880-1537 (toll free).

North Shore Glass has a new home! Find them on Roosevelt, just across from our best brothers at Bell Buoy at 1701 S. Roosevelt or call North Shore Glass at 503.738.7722. Jason and his qualified staff can help you with windows, doors, glass, mirrors, garage doors, store fronts, shower doors and much more. Or pop in and say hello to his beautiful wife, Ashley (and their adorable son) to schedule an appointment.

Hey, that’s this weekend!!! What’s this weekend? Aviation Adventures presents AIRPLANE RIDES! April 22nd and 23rd, find Aviation Adventures at the Seaside Airport, one mile North of the Seaside Factory Outlet off of Highway 101. Airplane rides are just $30 per person and a ton of fun. Hurry – reserve your spot today by calling 503-717-9393 or in Portland, call 503-754-4908.

Don’t miss the super special Seaside Kids Inc. 50th Anniversary Publication that hits the streets in The Daily Astorian and here in cyberspace next Wednesday, April 26th. This is a wonderful retrospective of an organization that has meant a lot to countless Seaside families. Show your support for local businesses who support Seaside Kids by choosing to shop with Seaside Kids supporters and sponsors. If you aren’t a sponsor or supporter, consider it this year. Growing great kids is pretty much equal to growing a great future for all of us. Sports develop confidence, teamwork, problem solving and much, much more. Kids who participate in sports have a better chance at excelling in all aspects of their life.

Seaside Art Walk is just around the corner! Saturday, May 6th, is the next first Saturday of May and I’m betting it’ll even be dry. Art Walk is a wonderful way to enjoy Seaside, see friends and be inspired. Enjoy one of our wonderful restaurants dowtown. A good time to also pick up a gift for Mom. Mother’s Day is coming right up!

Hey, have ya heard? Have you heard? Big news! Deborah Starr (of Foo-Bunnies fame) has recently acquired Lunar Boy Gallery in Astoria. My favorite North Coast art gallery, if I may be so bold as to declare one. And now, it belongs to one of my favorite people! Go see Deborah to congratulate her (say Nyssa sent you!) and spend a few bucks while you’re there to show your support for her new venture, OK? There are some magical pieces on show right now and some great little gifts and a few newer super cool lines that I know you won’t find at any other store, go see her soon!

That’s all from me this week. Thanks for showing up! Have a great weekend, stay safe on the roads and don’t forget to send me any tips for my next blog to nperrin@dailyastorian.com.