Oysterville
No matter what the meteorologists (or whoever they are) say, everyone around here knows that this is truly the last day of summer. It’s the day the visitors head home. It’s the day before school starts. It’s the day we take in the Oysterville Music Vespers sign until next Father’s Day and get back to “normal”.
Except there won’t be any “normal” in Oysterville for a while. We are feeling the threat of imminent obliteration due to the expressed desire by our County Commissioners “to give the Oysterville community local control.” Translation: to remove from the books Ordinance #162 Section 20 which is our only legal protection against the possibility of trailers and mobile homes and neon lights in our village. (And if you think I’m exaggerating, take a look at other nearby unincorporated areas without a special ordinance – Nahcotta, Surfside, Ocean Park.)
At The Oysterville “Y”
Like a big black cloud, this threat to our historic character and ambiance has loomed over our horizon since the County’s intent was announced to us two-and-a-half weeks ago. It has thrown us into a tailspin and has effectively wiped our memory cards clean of all the wonderful things this summer has brought – those visiting loved ones from everywhere, the bountiful harvests from orchard and garden, the fabulous 2015 Music Vesper series, the joyous Oysterville regatta. All of our summer activities are suddenly being remembered through a haze of hurt and fears of impotence.
Many friends of Oysterville have expressed their own dismay and support by writing to our County Commissioners, telling them of their own connection to Oysterville and reminding them that County stewardship of the Oysterville National Historic District has importance and impact far beyond the village’s eighty acres and twelve full-time residents. And, perhaps the County has taken notice.
Oysterville School
Last week the Commissioners booked the Oysterville Schoolhouse for a public meeting on Tuesday, October 20 from one to three p.m. presumably to hear directly from all of us. Mark your calendar! Come if you possibly can. Speak out for Oysterville or just be a presence to show your support. Let our Commissioners know, “up close and personal” of the impact Oysterville has had on your life. Tell them how you bring your visitors here. Or that you chose our church for your wedding. Or how Oysterville brings tourism dollars directly into the County coffers. Or how much you appreciate the 37 years of support the County has already provided.
And meanwhile, if you haven’t written an email or a letter to the Commissioners, please, please do so. And spread the word! Our Commissioners are Frank Wolfe (fwolfe@co.pacific.wa.us), Steve Rogers (srogers@co.pacific.wa.us), and Lisa Ayers (layers@co.pacific.wa.us). The snail mail address is P.O. Box 187 South Bend, WA, 98586. Bottom line: Save Section 20 of Ordinance 162. Keep Oysterville protected!
We will certainly make an attempt to be there. Visiting Oysterville is our favorite pastime when we are on the Peninsula. I can’t imagine it being any different than the way it is now, or the way it was in the past.