Springtime at the Beach!
Spring is back! The beaches have been full of people over the past few weekends. Lots of folks have been down checking out the new Damon Point State Park looking at all the changes caused by the storm last December. Activity is high in Ocean Shores. It hasn't felt much like a sleepy little beach town in recent weeks.
Real Estate Update
Real Estate activity has finally heated up after a slow winter. Buyers started showing up heavily in the middle of February and it's been pretty steady ever since. Our office website http://www.oceanshoresnow.com/ and my http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/ website are both getting the kind of online traffic that compares to our usual summer traffic. Both websites have recently been updated and changed to make them more user friendly as well. Take a look! Meanwhile, I'll have a report on 1st quarter sales numbers next month in the March Newsletter. Now is a good time to buy while prices are still down. Feel free to look at some of the great deals & great properties right now by clicking one of the links below:
Super House Deals!
Great Deals for Vacant Properties!
Investments!
Upcoming Events
* Razor Clam Festival - March 14-15
Put on by the Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce. 360.289.2451
On Friday night, they're putting on their first Restaurant Crawl. The evening begins with Appetizers at Waves, followed by your choice of Razor Clam Chowder or a crisp green salad at Alec's by the Sea. Participants will then head over to the Shilo for their entree (a choice of Razor Clams-of course, or Citrus Chicken). Dessert will be enjoyed at Galway Bay-you will have a choice of 3 different selections, including their famous Bread Pudding. The cost is just $30 for adults and $18 for children under 12. You do need a reservation, so if you'd like to attend, be sure to call the chamber before Friday morning, March 14th. Seating times begin between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.The following events take place on Saturday at the Convention Center:9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ~ Artisan MarketplaceFeaturing more than 30 Northwest artists and crafters with unique and indigenous works. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ~ Kids Fun ZoneArts and crafts for the whole family to enjoy, with a little help from the Ocean Shores Pirates!10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. ~ People's Choice Voting for Favorite ChowderSample the chowder then vote for your favorite and see how your choice stacks up with the judges.10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~ Food Vendors OpenThe professional chowder cook-off contestants and other participating vendors will be selling their delicious entrees and samples for all to try. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~ Beer & Wine Bar OpenSponsored by The Shilo Inn. For adults 21+.10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~ Live Music with Marcia Kester. Marcia's blend of acoustic and electric sounds will have you tapping your toes and singing along all afternoon. She's a little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll, a dash of ballads, oldies and a little pop!12:00 p.m. ~ Amateur Chowder Cook-Off Contest BeginsBe sure to watch the amateur chefs battle it out to be the clam chowder king. 1:00 p.m. ~ Decorated Clam Shovel and Gun Art AuctionThose adorned clam shovels and guns will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce.2:30 p.m. ~ Professional Chowder Cook-Off Contest BeginsOur celebrity judges will be making the rounds and sampling clam chowder from participating restaurants from Grays Harbor County. The judges will decide who truly is the 2008 Chowder Cook-Off Champion-and gets the boasting rights of having the Best Chowder on the Washington Coast!6:00 p.m. ~ End of the Second Annual Razor Clam Festival & Chowder Cook-Off
* North Coast Folk Festival - April 18-19
John Stewart (original member and song writer of the famed Kingston Trio), Tillers Folly (Canadian Celtic performers), renowned blues artist Del Ray, Tom May and Prairie Flyer (an award winning bluegrass band from Spokane) are just part of the bill. In addition to a great weekend of music, there will also be vendors, food and drink. You won't want to miss this exciting event.
News
* US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge is Closed
The Washington State Department of Transportation has closed the US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge to all traffic. During the closure, traffic will be detoured over the nearby Riverside Bridge. The Riverside Bridge will be reconfigured from two westbound lanes to one lane in each direction. Crews will replace the electrical and mechanical components of the bridge's draw span during the closure. Here is the link to the project web page: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US101/SimpsonBridgeRehab/. Plan in advance so you don't spend too much time stuck in traffic. The bridge should be back in action by early May.
* Ocean Shores Election Update
After the recent March election, the results are in for who will be your next American Idol. Oops. Wrong show. Ocean Shores recently held a primary election and here's what's going on. Dean Bunkers will be running against Fred Winge in the May 20th Mayor election, while Peter Jordan, who served two terms on the City Council and one term as mayor is out. Meanwhile, Garland French will be running against Monte Nicholson for City Council Position A and Richard Skewis will run against John Lynn for City Council Position B.
* Strange Canisters washing up on the Beaches
Mysterious silver-colored canisters found along the Washington coast once contained rat poison and should not be handled, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Ecology says. Hundreds of the one-liter canisters, apparently made in China, have been found as far south as Ocean Shores to as far north as Ozette since last summer, she said. They came to the attention of the state Ecology Department only last weekend when some were displayed at the Beachcomber's Fun Fair at Ocean Shores, officials said. "Tests confirmed a small amount of phosphine gas, which is a product of aluminum phosphide used to kill rodents and other pests aboard cargo ships. One person in Ocean Shores reported that he's seen as many as 100 since last summer. Anyone who spots one of these silver, one-liter containers should note its location and phone Ecology's environmental hot line in Olympia: 360-407-6300.
* Doppler coming to the Coast?
The National Weather Service has several Doppler radar sites in the state, but the current locations can't reach through the Olympic Mountains, leaving what atmospheric scientists call a "black hole" from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Oregon coast which includes Ocean Shores, Westport and the entire North Coast. Scientists, fishermen and community activists have proposed building a new radar station in Westport and are hoping a Northwest congressional delegation has the political muscle to get the funding. Added radar would mean forecasts for communities like Ocean Shores and would go from forecasts showing what's happening currently to forecasts that could look several hours into the future. Knowing what happens in the future could help first responders prepare more for big storms, like the one in December that caught many folks off guard. A new coastal radar in the Westport area could cost as much as $8.5 million.
* New Bridge in Copalis Beach
A new bridge over Connor Creek now provides easy beach access for visitors and emergency vehicles in Copalis Beach. The bridge is located at the end of Heath Road, off Highway 109. Over the past several years, Connor Creek has shifted north about four miles, cutting off easy vehicle access to the beach at Heath Road and Benner Gap. State Parks worked with local officials and residents to acquire a 30-foot-wide right of way to construct the bridge at Heath Road.
* The New & Improved http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/
The website has completely been redesigned to serve property buyers, sellers, visitors, vacationers and anyone interested in Ocean Shores or the North Beach area. I've added a lot of sections to the site. Please check it out and feel free to share any comments with me if you want. Thank you.
See you on the Beach!
Jeff Daniel Designated Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties749 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 985691.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free)PROPERTY SEARCH: http://homepages.com/JeffDaniel/AgentHome.aspx
OCEAN SHORES INFO: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/
AGENT INFO: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/for/jeffdanielOCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com/
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel
OPERATION PAINTBALL: http://www.operationpaintballwa.com/
Spring is back! The beaches have been full of people over the past few weekends. Lots of folks have been down checking out the new Damon Point State Park looking at all the changes caused by the storm last December. Activity is high in Ocean Shores. It hasn't felt much like a sleepy little beach town in recent weeks.
Real Estate Update
Real Estate activity has finally heated up after a slow winter. Buyers started showing up heavily in the middle of February and it's been pretty steady ever since. Our office website http://www.oceanshoresnow.com/ and my http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/ website are both getting the kind of online traffic that compares to our usual summer traffic. Both websites have recently been updated and changed to make them more user friendly as well. Take a look! Meanwhile, I'll have a report on 1st quarter sales numbers next month in the March Newsletter. Now is a good time to buy while prices are still down. Feel free to look at some of the great deals & great properties right now by clicking one of the links below:
Super House Deals!
Great Deals for Vacant Properties!
Investments!
Upcoming Events
* Razor Clam Festival - March 14-15
Put on by the Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce. 360.289.2451
On Friday night, they're putting on their first Restaurant Crawl. The evening begins with Appetizers at Waves, followed by your choice of Razor Clam Chowder or a crisp green salad at Alec's by the Sea. Participants will then head over to the Shilo for their entree (a choice of Razor Clams-of course, or Citrus Chicken). Dessert will be enjoyed at Galway Bay-you will have a choice of 3 different selections, including their famous Bread Pudding. The cost is just $30 for adults and $18 for children under 12. You do need a reservation, so if you'd like to attend, be sure to call the chamber before Friday morning, March 14th. Seating times begin between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.The following events take place on Saturday at the Convention Center:9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ~ Artisan MarketplaceFeaturing more than 30 Northwest artists and crafters with unique and indigenous works. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ~ Kids Fun ZoneArts and crafts for the whole family to enjoy, with a little help from the Ocean Shores Pirates!10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. ~ People's Choice Voting for Favorite ChowderSample the chowder then vote for your favorite and see how your choice stacks up with the judges.10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~ Food Vendors OpenThe professional chowder cook-off contestants and other participating vendors will be selling their delicious entrees and samples for all to try. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~ Beer & Wine Bar OpenSponsored by The Shilo Inn. For adults 21+.10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~ Live Music with Marcia Kester. Marcia's blend of acoustic and electric sounds will have you tapping your toes and singing along all afternoon. She's a little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll, a dash of ballads, oldies and a little pop!12:00 p.m. ~ Amateur Chowder Cook-Off Contest BeginsBe sure to watch the amateur chefs battle it out to be the clam chowder king. 1:00 p.m. ~ Decorated Clam Shovel and Gun Art AuctionThose adorned clam shovels and guns will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce.2:30 p.m. ~ Professional Chowder Cook-Off Contest BeginsOur celebrity judges will be making the rounds and sampling clam chowder from participating restaurants from Grays Harbor County. The judges will decide who truly is the 2008 Chowder Cook-Off Champion-and gets the boasting rights of having the Best Chowder on the Washington Coast!6:00 p.m. ~ End of the Second Annual Razor Clam Festival & Chowder Cook-Off
* North Coast Folk Festival - April 18-19
John Stewart (original member and song writer of the famed Kingston Trio), Tillers Folly (Canadian Celtic performers), renowned blues artist Del Ray, Tom May and Prairie Flyer (an award winning bluegrass band from Spokane) are just part of the bill. In addition to a great weekend of music, there will also be vendors, food and drink. You won't want to miss this exciting event.
News
* US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge is Closed
The Washington State Department of Transportation has closed the US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge to all traffic. During the closure, traffic will be detoured over the nearby Riverside Bridge. The Riverside Bridge will be reconfigured from two westbound lanes to one lane in each direction. Crews will replace the electrical and mechanical components of the bridge's draw span during the closure. Here is the link to the project web page: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US101/SimpsonBridgeRehab/. Plan in advance so you don't spend too much time stuck in traffic. The bridge should be back in action by early May.
* Ocean Shores Election Update
After the recent March election, the results are in for who will be your next American Idol. Oops. Wrong show. Ocean Shores recently held a primary election and here's what's going on. Dean Bunkers will be running against Fred Winge in the May 20th Mayor election, while Peter Jordan, who served two terms on the City Council and one term as mayor is out. Meanwhile, Garland French will be running against Monte Nicholson for City Council Position A and Richard Skewis will run against John Lynn for City Council Position B.
* Strange Canisters washing up on the Beaches
Mysterious silver-colored canisters found along the Washington coast once contained rat poison and should not be handled, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Ecology says. Hundreds of the one-liter canisters, apparently made in China, have been found as far south as Ocean Shores to as far north as Ozette since last summer, she said. They came to the attention of the state Ecology Department only last weekend when some were displayed at the Beachcomber's Fun Fair at Ocean Shores, officials said. "Tests confirmed a small amount of phosphine gas, which is a product of aluminum phosphide used to kill rodents and other pests aboard cargo ships. One person in Ocean Shores reported that he's seen as many as 100 since last summer. Anyone who spots one of these silver, one-liter containers should note its location and phone Ecology's environmental hot line in Olympia: 360-407-6300.
* Doppler coming to the Coast?
The National Weather Service has several Doppler radar sites in the state, but the current locations can't reach through the Olympic Mountains, leaving what atmospheric scientists call a "black hole" from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Oregon coast which includes Ocean Shores, Westport and the entire North Coast. Scientists, fishermen and community activists have proposed building a new radar station in Westport and are hoping a Northwest congressional delegation has the political muscle to get the funding. Added radar would mean forecasts for communities like Ocean Shores and would go from forecasts showing what's happening currently to forecasts that could look several hours into the future. Knowing what happens in the future could help first responders prepare more for big storms, like the one in December that caught many folks off guard. A new coastal radar in the Westport area could cost as much as $8.5 million.
* New Bridge in Copalis Beach
A new bridge over Connor Creek now provides easy beach access for visitors and emergency vehicles in Copalis Beach. The bridge is located at the end of Heath Road, off Highway 109. Over the past several years, Connor Creek has shifted north about four miles, cutting off easy vehicle access to the beach at Heath Road and Benner Gap. State Parks worked with local officials and residents to acquire a 30-foot-wide right of way to construct the bridge at Heath Road.
* The New & Improved http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/
The website has completely been redesigned to serve property buyers, sellers, visitors, vacationers and anyone interested in Ocean Shores or the North Beach area. I've added a lot of sections to the site. Please check it out and feel free to share any comments with me if you want. Thank you.
See you on the Beach!
Jeff Daniel Designated Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties749 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 985691.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free)PROPERTY SEARCH: http://homepages.com/JeffDaniel/AgentHome.aspx
OCEAN SHORES INFO: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/
AGENT INFO: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/for/jeffdanielOCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com/
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel
OPERATION PAINTBALL: http://www.operationpaintballwa.com/
