MT Thoughts - A Fair Exchange

Sharing: The True Spirit of The Pioneers

By Michael Twitty
Springfield Beacon

Robert E. Lee turned down command of the Union Forces because he could not bear arms against his beloved home state of Virginia. I understand his sentiment.

Stories of the hardships and obstacles our ancestors faced have always been a source of pride. Our state did not become a state because of prospectors seeking to get rich quick. We became a state because of families making Oregon their home. The determination with which they met the obstacles placed in front of them we honor as the “Pioneer Spirit.”

When we became a state we only had limited communication with the rest of the country. We were independent, self-reliant and proud of it. The fact that half the country can’t even pronounce our state is ample proof of our uniqueness. I have heard people say the pioneer spirit is one of independence. I believe the true spirit of the pioneer was sharing. They shared the hardships of the Oregon Trail, the long voyages around Cape Horn. They shared the building of homes, churches, and communities. They shared celebrations and tragedy. As a result we became the state we are today.

I have always been fiercely proud of Oregon and my fellow Oregonians. I believe there is no place quite as beautiful or livable as our state. Events of the last week have confirmed that pride is well founded.

I have heard the lament that it requires adversity to bring us together. About how sad it is that it takes a disaster to unite us. I contend the efforts following a disaster just push this spirit to the front. The bond of community is there, it is not something we always call on. But, when we do, it is ready.

All you need for proof of this was to be among the thousands of smiles, the squeals of laughter, the spreading of joy that so many of us experienced at our Christmas Parade Saturday. How many felt they were sharing something in common with your neighbors as you stood or sat and watched? How many in our community united to give us this pleasure? Surely they did not do so out of adversity. They did so because they have pride in Springfield, our home. They wanted to celebrate our community and the season. They wanted to share this celebration. We marched, we watched and we cheered in agreement.

Last week our State was hit with a major storm. We have all seen the amazing pictures and heard of the loss suffered. We at the Springfield Beacon decided it would be of interest to our neighbors here, to relay how you could help our fellow Oregonians that suffered the brunt of the storm.

I contacted the local emergency centers for Columbia, Clatsop, Lincoln, and Tillamook counties. I asked how things were progressing and if there was a way we could assist. As I talked back and forth with Vicki, Janet, Mary, Brandy, Tom, Gregg, and others, I was reminded time and time again of what the “Oregon Spirit” is. “You know how it is around here,” Mary at Lincoln County stated. "Everyone has a chainsaw that lives out of the cities."

Stories were told to me of neighbors helping neighbors in so many ways. The word “stranger” was gone from conversation, everyone was a neighbor. The cheery confidence in their voices convinced me that they are on their way back. The spirit of their town is intact.

In Vernonia, one of the hardest hit areas. Work parties for all those willing, gather each morning.

They welcome volunteers to help. They ask you come prepared with work gloves, boots and protective eyewear. They caution however, that at present they do not have the facilities to handle a large influx of people which could place further strain on resources. They ask that those who are willing to help come self-reliant. They can use help in many areas, cleaning up flooded homes and businesses, repairing damage and just getting their community back to normal. If you are interested, contact (503) 397-7255 ext 2286 to volunteer.

Many families and businesses throughout the region lost everything. A complete assessment of the loss will take a while. Red Cross donation sites for Oregon flood relief are set up at every US Bank. There is also a need for non-perishable food items, furniture and clothing. The Columbia Pacific Food Bank in St Helens is accepting food their phone is (503) 397-9708. Clothing and furniture they ask you to drop off at the Lincoln grade school in Vernonia or contact Charlie Ray at (503) 791-0675.

The “Oregon Spirit,” the “Pioneer Spirit,” the “Christmas Spirit.” They all thrive on sharing. We share the joys of a parade. We share the sorrow of loss. We share the love of our home. Every time we share we can come away from it stronger. The rewards that come back to you if you are willing are immeasurable.

I, like many, have fished the Nehalem River. I have traveled and enjoyed the areas that were hit hardest. They are part of our state, part of our home. They need our help.

All they can offer in return is the opportunity to share in the rebuilding and the thanks of our fellow Oregonians. I think it is more than a fair exchange.