Peabody Marketing Group News

Peabody Marketing Group Newshttp://peabodyweb.com/apps2/news.aspKeep up to date with our News Room RSS Feeden-usdebbie@peabodyweb.comFri, 20 May 2011 13:39:17 PSTPMGNews RSS v2.0City of Gold Beach Will Soon Have a Websitehttp://peabodyweb.com/apps2/news.asp?xml=rss&nid=14&cgid=2The Gold Beach City Council voted unanimously to hire Peabody Marketing Group to design and develop the City's official Web site. Debbie Peabody attended their monthly council meeting on Monday, February 9th and answered questions by the Councilors, Mayor, and City Manager. Currently, "there is no official Web site for the City of Gold Beach," said Councilor David Alexander, who will learn to update the site. Alexander said Mayor James Warnicke and City Administrator Don Flynn asked him to look into the matter and that's when he contacted Peabody. He said that Peabody submitted two estimates - one for a custom design, and other for a semi-custom design. In their vote, the City Councilors decided to accept the semi-custom design estimate. They'll select one of the Model Site samples from the nine currently available for preview at <A HREF="http://peabodyweb.com/model_sites.asp" TARGET="_blank">http://peabodyweb.com/model_sites.asp</A> . Also included in both estimates was a custom News Application which would allow the City to update the content on some of the pages within the site. Peabody will train three representatives of the City on how to make these updates. Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:01:40 MST

City of Gold Beach Will Soon Have a Website
Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:01:40 MST
The Gold Beach City Council voted unanimously to hire Peabody Marketing Group to design and develop the City's official Web site. Debbie Peabody attended their monthly council meeting on Monday, February 9th and answered questions by the Councilors, Mayor, and City Manager. Currently, "there is no official Web site for the City of Gold Beach," said Councilor David Alexander, who will learn to update the site. Alexander said Mayor James Warnicke and City Administrator Don Flynn asked him to look into the matter and that's when he contacted Peabody. He said that Peabody submitted two estimates - one for a custom design, and other for a semi-custom design. In their vote, the City Councilors decided to accept the semi-custom design estimate. They'll select one of the Model Site samples from the nine currently available for preview at http://peabodyweb.com/model_sites.asp . Also included in both estimates was a custom News Application which would allow the City to update the content on some of the pages within the site. Peabody will train three representatives of the City on how to make these updates.

]]>Visitor Enhancement Tops List for Curry County Promotional Alliancehttp://peabodyweb.com/apps2/news.asp?xml=rss&nid=12&cgid=2Published: February 4, 2009 Curry County Reporter By Kachina Starr Tourism is said to be the purest form of economic development. With that in mind the Curry County Promotional Alliance meeting held in Brookings on January 17 continued to outline its many exciting programs for economic development through visitor enhancement. Honing in on a coordinated effort to get Curry County moving in a good economic direction by utilizing all that the county already has to offer is the goal. Debbie Peabody of <A HREF="http://www.peabodyweb.com" TARGET="_blank">Peabody Marketing Group</A> and website developer for the county's improved website site has a launch date of May. The site will include 150 things to do, see, and buy in Curry County through text and photos, attempting to catch visitors through areas of interest by emphasizing quality and instilling a Curry County brand that equates value in prospective visitors' minds. The site's purpose is not to reinvent the wheel but to re-engineer tourism with the idea that leisure travel is no longer your father's style vacation. Travel has become an experience. As a money saving move a server was purchased to host the website and allow for in house trouble shooting. Ideas to publicize the launching were discussed including a launching event, media exposure, press releases and more ideas. Links will be sent to area Chambers. Content for the site is being collected but more photos are needed. If anyone has photos please email them to Susan Brown, Curry County Economic and Community Development Director at browns@co.curry. or.us. Examples of needed photos are Enderts Beach, Kalmiopsis Wilderness, Quosatana Falls, Sporthaven Beach, agate hunting, farmers' markets, jetty cats, weddings and more. For a complete list contact Susan Brown. John Irwin, with J Irwin Community Informatics Consulting, will begin the process of developing the marketing plan for the county with focus sessions to be held via area Chambers of Commerce, civic clubs, community groups, and others. The sessions will gather information, talk about future plans and engage the community. The focus sessions will begin in February with a completion date of April producing a specific mapping of how to forge ideas and plans into action to enhance the Curry County's economy. With this plan in place a cooperative effort could increase from 20 percent to 80 percent and make a vast difference in the economy through increased tourism. The use of countywide coordinated marketing effort resources will be leveraged, dollars will flow into the economy, dollars will change hands more frequently in the regional economy, jobs will be created, and the overall opportunity for achieving a higher quality of living across the entire county will be realized, according to Erwin. It was noted that our area was rated in Yahoo's top 10 places to travel in 2009. The county can capitalize on that exposure by presenting all the county has to offer in a cooperative atmosphere. The projects of the Curry County Promotional Alliance cost the county nothing; the funds are provided by lottery dollars and grants. Two percent of lottery funds go to economic development to cover salaries, benefits, project, and office costs. The next meeting will be held February 17, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in Gold Beach, specific location to be announced.Sat, 7 Feb 2009 01:00:48 MST

Visitor Enhancement Tops List for Curry County Promotional Alliance
Sat, 7 Feb 2009 01:00:48 MST
Published: February 4, 2009
Curry County Reporter
By Kachina Starr

Tourism is said to be the purest form of economic development. With that in mind the Curry County Promotional Alliance meeting held in Brookings on January 17 continued to outline its many exciting programs for economic development through visitor enhancement. Honing in on a coordinated effort to get Curry County moving in a good economic direction by utilizing all that the county already has to offer is the goal.

Debbie Peabody of Peabody Marketing Group and website developer for the county's improved website site has a launch date of May. The site will include 150 things to do, see, and buy in Curry County through text and photos, attempting to catch visitors through areas of interest by emphasizing quality and instilling a Curry County brand that equates value in prospective visitors' minds. The site's purpose is not to reinvent the wheel but to re-engineer tourism with the idea that leisure travel is no longer your father's style vacation. Travel has become an experience.

As a money saving move a server was purchased to host the website and allow for in house trouble shooting. Ideas to publicize the launching were discussed including a launching event, media exposure, press releases and more ideas. Links will be sent to area Chambers.

Content for the site is being collected but more photos are needed. If anyone has photos please email them to Susan Brown, Curry County Economic and Community Development Director at browns@co.curry. or.us. Examples of needed photos are Enderts Beach, Kalmiopsis Wilderness, Quosatana Falls, Sporthaven Beach, agate hunting, farmers' markets, jetty cats, weddings and more. For a complete list contact Susan Brown.

John Irwin, with J Irwin Community Informatics Consulting, will begin the process of developing the marketing plan for the county with focus sessions to be held via area Chambers of Commerce, civic clubs, community groups, and others. The sessions will gather information, talk about future plans and engage the community. The focus sessions will begin in February with a completion date of April producing a specific mapping of how to forge ideas and plans into action to enhance the Curry County's economy. With this plan in place a cooperative effort could increase from 20 percent to 80 percent and make a vast difference in the economy through increased tourism.

The use of countywide coordinated marketing effort resources will be leveraged, dollars will flow into the economy, dollars will change hands more frequently in the regional economy, jobs will be created, and the overall opportunity for achieving a higher quality of living across the entire county will be realized, according to Erwin.

It was noted that our area was rated in Yahoo's top 10 places to travel in 2009. The county can capitalize on that exposure by presenting all the county has to offer in a cooperative atmosphere.

The projects of the Curry County Promotional Alliance cost the county nothing; the funds are provided by lottery dollars and grants. Two percent of lottery funds go to economic development to cover salaries, benefits, project, and office costs.

The next meeting will be held February 17, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in Gold Beach, specific location to be announced.

]]>Meet Dr. Brett Petty and Dr. Steven Petty, Chiropractic Physicianshttp://peabodyweb.com/apps2/news.asp?xml=rss&nid=11&cgid=4Dr. Brett Petty is a graduate of The University of Buffalo in New York and Life University, School of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia where she received her graduate, Doctor of Chiropractic degree in June of 2000. She has practiced in Central Florida since 2001. In 2007, she moved her practice, <A HREF="http://www.jointmaneuverschiropractic.com" TARGET="_blank">Joint Maneuvers Chiropractic Centre</A> to St. Cloud, FL. In her off time, Dr. Brett Petty enjoys spending time with her family which includes her husband, Steven Petty, D.C., their two daughters, their two Schnauzers and Umbrella Cockatoo. She also enjoys spending time at the beach, going to the local theme parks, music and outdoor activities. Dr. Steven Petty studied at Life University, College of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia where he received his graduate, Doctor of Chiropractic degree in June of 1996. He has practiced in Central Florida since 2001. Prior to 2001 Dr. Steven Petty was full time faculty at Life University, College of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia in the Department of Clinics where he taught Chiropractic Technique and Analysis. In 2001 he was published as lead author in the official Journal of the association of Chiropractic Colleges, the peer reviewed Journal of Chiropractic Education (Vol. 15, # 2). The paper was entitled "Diversity in Chiropractic Technique - A Proposed Solution to the Obstacles Associated with Teaching and Evaluating Technique in the Academic and Clinical Settings of a Chiropractic College". Learn more about Joint Maneuvers Chiropractic Center by visiting Dr. Petty's Web site at <A HREF="http://www.jointmaneuverschiropractic.com" TARGET="_blank">www.jointmaneuverschiropractic.com</A>Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:02:24 MST

Meet Dr. Brett Petty and Dr. Steven Petty, Chiropractic Physicians
Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:02:24 MST
Dr. Brett Petty is a graduate of The University of Buffalo in New York and Life University, School of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia where she received her graduate, Doctor of Chiropractic degree in June of 2000. She has practiced in Central Florida since 2001. In 2007, she moved her practice, Joint Maneuvers Chiropractic Centre to St. Cloud, FL.

In her off time, Dr. Brett Petty enjoys spending time with her family which includes her husband, Steven Petty, D.C., their two daughters, their two Schnauzers and Umbrella Cockatoo. She also enjoys spending time at the beach, going to the local theme parks, music and outdoor activities.

Dr. Steven Petty studied at Life University, College of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia where he received his graduate, Doctor of Chiropractic degree in June of 1996. He has practiced in Central Florida since 2001. Prior to 2001 Dr. Steven Petty was full time faculty at Life University, College of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia in the Department of Clinics where he taught Chiropractic Technique and Analysis.

In 2001 he was published as lead author in the official Journal of the association of Chiropractic Colleges, the peer reviewed Journal of Chiropractic Education (Vol. 15, # 2). The paper was entitled "Diversity in Chiropractic Technique - A Proposed Solution to the Obstacles Associated with Teaching and Evaluating Technique in the Academic and Clinical Settings of a Chiropractic College".

Learn more about Joint Maneuvers Chiropractic Center by visiting Dr. Petty's Web site at www.jointmaneuverschiropractic.com

]]>Gold Beach Promotions Committee Meetinghttp://peabodyweb.com/apps2/news.asp?xml=rss&nid=8&cgid=3The Gold Beach Promotions Committee will meet on Thursday, January 29th at 3:30pm in the Gold Beach City Hall Chambers. Peabody Marketing Group will be writing a recap of the meeting and taking the photo for submission to the local newspapers. The 'GB Promo' committee will be discussing: Old Business <ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>A. State Welcome Center Conference 2009 </li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>B. Review recent media & ad tear sheets</li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>C. e-Newsletter </li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>D. Writers Conference February 13 & 14th</li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>E. Stay in Gold Beach and Win 10K in Gold Promotion, Winchuck Billboard</li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>F. NTA follow up</li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>G. SAC Show Jan 14-17</li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>H. Medford Sportsmens Show</li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>I. Sunset Advertising and Celebration Show</li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>J. Madden Preprint, Travel Oregon Spring Insert</li></ul> New Business <ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>A. Oregon Travel Planner</li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>B. Promotions/ Chamber/ City Council Mixer</li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>C. Misc</li></ul><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin: 0px; padding-left: 20px;"><li>D. Next meeting February 19, 2009</li></ul> The Gold Beach Promotions Committee is responsible for the Web site at www.goldbeach.org. Peabody Marketing Group has been working with the committee on their e-Newsletter design since it's launch in the fall of 2008.Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:08:27 MST

Gold Beach Promotions Committee Meeting
Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:08:27 MST
The Gold Beach Promotions Committee will meet on Thursday, January 29th at 3:30pm in the Gold Beach City Hall Chambers. Peabody Marketing Group will be writing a recap of the meeting and taking the photo for submission to the local newspapers.

The 'GB Promo' committee will be discussing:
Old Business

A. State Welcome Center Conference 2009

B. Review recent media & ad tear sheets

C. e-Newsletter

D. Writers Conference February 13 & 14th

E. Stay in Gold Beach and Win 10K in Gold Promotion, Winchuck Billboard

F. NTA follow up

G. SAC Show Jan 14-17

H. Medford Sportsmens Show

I. Sunset Advertising and Celebration Show

J. Madden Preprint, Travel Oregon Spring Insert

New Business

A. Oregon Travel Planner

B. Promotions/ Chamber/ City Council Mixer

C. Misc

D. Next meeting February 19, 2009

The Gold Beach Promotions Committee is responsible for the Web site at www.goldbeach.org. Peabody Marketing Group has been working with the committee on their e-Newsletter design since it's launch in the fall of 2008.

]]>Meet Gary Milliman, City Managerhttp://peabodyweb.com/apps2/news.asp?xml=rss&nid=7&cgid=4With over 30 years of experience in city management and public affairs, Gary Milliman is a proven leader and innovator. Milliman has a reputation as a professional and ethical public servant with a common-sense style. Gary Milliman is a team leader, and a team player. Experienced in strategic planning, organization development and creating innovative approaches to meeting community needs, he is effective at working with elected officials, community members and city staff to get things done. From managing the City of Brookings, teaching political science at the community college, to starting up a local Boy Scouts Troop, and being a husband to his lovely wife, Milliman seems to be busy at all hours of every day. You might meet him in person by attending a Brookings Chamber of Commerce meeting, or a Curry County Promotional Alliance meeting, or even just out having lunch at one of the restaurants in downtown Brookings. Learn more about Milliman, review his online resume, and read his news clips and publications on his Web site at <A HREF="http://www.garymilliman.com" TARGET="_blank">www.garymilliman.com</A>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:16:21 MST

Meet Gary Milliman, City Manager
Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:16:21 MST
With over 30 years of experience in city management and public affairs, Gary Milliman is a proven leader and innovator. Milliman has a reputation as a professional and ethical public servant with a common-sense style.

Gary Milliman is a team leader, and a team player. Experienced in strategic planning, organization development and creating innovative approaches to meeting community needs, he is effective at working with elected officials, community members and city staff to get things done.

From managing the City of Brookings, teaching political science at the community college, to starting up a local Boy Scouts Troop, and being a husband to his lovely wife, Milliman seems to be busy at all hours of every day.

You might meet him in person by attending a Brookings Chamber of Commerce meeting, or a Curry County Promotional Alliance meeting, or even just out having lunch at one of the restaurants in downtown Brookings.

Learn more about Milliman, review his online resume, and read his news clips and publications on his Web site at www.garymilliman.com

]]>Peabody Marketing Group Assists Ian Usher Achieve Goalshttp://peabodyweb.com/apps2/news.asp?xml=rss&nid=10&cgid=2What does a man living in Australia do after he's auctioned his life on eBay, and how does he end up visiting Curry County, Oregon? Ian Usher achieved two of his 100 goals right here in Curry County this week; he galloped on a horse at sunset on the Pistol River beach, and stayed a night alone in a haunted house in Hunter Creek. Usher is traveling the world on a mission to achieve 100 goals in 100 weeks; visit his Web site at <A HREF="http://www.100goals100weeks.com" TARGET="_blank">www.100goals100weeks.com</A> . Time magazine selected Usher as #10 in their 2008 Top 10 of Oddball Stories. Disney has purchased an 18th month option to buy his story and make a movie out of it. A year ago, Usher was just an ordinary guy working as a rug salesman in Australia and now he's found fame after his divorce and odd decision to sell everything in his life on eBay and then set out to meet his goals. So far, on week 18 he's reached 23 of his goals. Debbie Peabody had read about Usher on the Yahoo news and subscribed to his blog when he decided to do the 100 goals in 100 weeks. Peabody then contacted Usher by E-mail and suggested that he visit Curry County because of it's natural beauty, the sunsets, and the possibilities to meet some of his goals here. Usher is traveling in an RV up the coastline and decided to stay in Curry County for 3 nights and 2 days in December 2008. He arrived last Monday night and met up with Jeff Ferguson and Peabody at the Lucky 7 Casino near the Oregon border. From there, the three dined on pizza and beer at Wild River Pizza in Brookings-Harbor, and then set off for a walk through the Azalea Park Christmas lights display. Usher was impressed with the display, he said, "it was pretty spectacular for a small town." A couple days earlier, Peabody had contacted Kelli Ryan of Hunter Creek and asked if Usher could stay in her Ghost Cottage during his visit, and she and her husband Riley were excited to help Usher meet one of his goals and graciously obliged to the request. Ferguson, a manager of Jerry's Jet Boats, gave Usher a gift packet filled with Jerry's logo wear and souvenirs. On Tuesday morning, Usher was picked up from the Ghost Cottage by Ryan Ringer, manager of Gold Beach Lumber, and taken out for an extreme jet boat adventure on the Rogue river (also arranged by Peabody). They launched at Lobster Creek going up to Blossom Bar and stopped in at Paradise Lodge to get warmed before heading back. Halfway down the river, Usher and Ringer traded places and Usher drove the jet boat. Of the overall experience, he said, "What better way to enjoy wild and scenic beauty than powering through it in a highly tuned racing machine?" As soon as Usher returned to Gold Beach, Peabody whisked him away for the next activity - to meet Paul Brousseau who has access to some horses in Pistol River. Usher was a bit intimidated about riding a horse to start with because he has no prior horse riding lessons. Without hesitation he was quickly mounted on top of the horse and riding behind Brousseau down the Carpenterville Road, across HWY 101, and onto the Pistol River beach. With Brousseau's advice and encouragement both men and horses galloped down the beach toward Crook Point as the sun was setting. In his blog, Usher wrote, "We galloped again, and headed back for the stables as the sky turned a brilliant orange behind us. A perfect way to achieve another goal, with thanks to Debbie for arranging it, and Paul for making it happen so smoothly." Afterwards, Peabody coordinated dinner at the Port Hole Cafe in Gold Beach for Usher and all of his new friends: Peabody, Brousseau, the Rileys, and Ferguson. Usher tried the special freshly caught Dungeness crab for the first time. He enjoyed it and his meal was gifted by the owner of the Port Hole Cafe, Tony Antunes. The Rileys spent a complimentary night at the Pacific Reef (arranged by Ferguson and the manager of the Pacific Reef, Jon Younce) so that Usher could spend the night alone in the haunted Ghost Cottage. Usher said, "Although I had felt some trepidation about the evening alone, I was keen to experience something unusual or unexplainable." Unfortunately, he did not come into contact with the ghosts that night as far as he is aware; therefore, he remains an open minded skeptic. On Wednesday, Peabody acted as a local tour guide and took Usher for a lunch picnic at Whaleshead and saw the rock spouting there. They also saw and photographed an amazing bronze color on the ocean which was created by the reflection of the sun shining through a smoke cloud. They walked around the tide pools on Lone Ranch beach, walked across the highest bridge in Oregon (Thomas Creek Bridge) and picked a few huckleberries and blackberries there to taste. They stopped for a look at the Natural Bridge and Arch Rock viewpoints, and the Cape Sebastian view point. They walked under the bridge in Gold Beach just as the sun set to take some spectacular photographs. And locals have mentioned to Usher that no visit to Gold Beach is complete without stopping in to the Rogue Outdoor Store, which he did. Dinner and drinks were had at the Hunter Creek Bar & Grill before Usher was returned to the Ghost Cottage. When he arrived, there were some additional visitors to the Ghost Cottage. The P.S.I. team from Coos Bay had arrived with their ghost meters, cameras, recorders and gadgets to perform an investigation throughout the night. Find out what Usher experienced by reading his blog on the Internet. Peabody had brought a bottle of the Brandy Peak Blackberry Liqueur (Made in Brookings, OR) for Usher and the others in the house to taste. Everyone who tried it enjoyed its flavor. Usher departed Gold Beach on Thursday morning for Portland, and next week he'll be in Seattle, and then on to Canada. His visit to Curry County was a good experience for all that got involved and worked as a team and made new friends. Peabody said, "Ian's visit was good for our community because of the world wide publicity it will receive. Also, it was especially good for those of us who interacted with him because he has a positive attitude that inspires us to set our goals and achieve them." Peabody has continued to assist Usher with her 'connections' and promotion skills during his most recent visit to Hawaii. West Hawaii Times published an article about Usher's visit to the Big Island which appear on their front page right under their article about Obama's inauguration. Pictures below (left to right): Usher horseback on Pistol River Beach. Usher and Peabody at the Gold Beach library using the Wi-Fi. Ringer and Usher right after an extreme jet boat adventure. Usher at the active volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:56:59 MST

Peabody Marketing Group Assists Ian Usher Achieve Goals
Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:56:59 MST
What does a man living in Australia do after he's auctioned his life on eBay, and how does he end up visiting Curry County, Oregon?

Ian Usher achieved two of his 100 goals right here in Curry County this week; he galloped on a horse at sunset on the Pistol River beach, and stayed a night alone in a haunted house in Hunter Creek. Usher is traveling the world on a mission to achieve 100 goals in 100 weeks; visit his Web site at www.100goals100weeks.com . Time magazine selected Usher as #10 in their 2008 Top 10 of Oddball Stories. Disney has purchased an 18th month option to buy his story and make a movie out of it. A year ago, Usher was just an ordinary guy working as a rug salesman in Australia and now he's found fame after his divorce and odd decision to sell everything in his life on eBay and then set out to meet his goals. So far, on week 18 he's reached 23 of his goals.

Debbie Peabody had read about Usher on the Yahoo news and subscribed to his blog when he decided to do the 100 goals in 100 weeks. Peabody then contacted Usher by E-mail and suggested that he visit Curry County because of it's natural beauty, the sunsets, and the possibilities to meet some of his goals here. Usher is traveling in an RV up the coastline and decided to stay in Curry County for 3 nights and 2 days in December 2008. He arrived last Monday night and met up with Jeff Ferguson and Peabody at the Lucky 7 Casino near the Oregon border. From there, the three dined on pizza and beer at Wild River Pizza in Brookings-Harbor, and then set off for a walk through the Azalea Park Christmas lights display. Usher was impressed with the display, he said, "it was pretty spectacular for a small town." A couple days earlier, Peabody had contacted Kelli Ryan of Hunter Creek and asked if Usher could stay in her Ghost Cottage during his visit, and she and her husband Riley were excited to help Usher meet one of his goals and graciously obliged to the request. Ferguson, a manager of Jerry's Jet Boats, gave Usher a gift packet filled with Jerry's logo wear and souvenirs.

On Tuesday morning, Usher was picked up from the Ghost Cottage by Ryan Ringer, manager of Gold Beach Lumber, and taken out for an extreme jet boat adventure on the Rogue river (also arranged by Peabody). They launched at Lobster Creek going up to Blossom Bar and stopped in at Paradise Lodge to get warmed before heading back. Halfway down the river, Usher and Ringer traded places and Usher drove the jet boat. Of the overall experience, he said, "What better way to enjoy wild and scenic beauty than powering through it in a highly tuned racing machine?"

As soon as Usher returned to Gold Beach, Peabody whisked him away for the next activity - to meet Paul Brousseau who has access to some horses in Pistol River. Usher was a bit intimidated about riding a horse to start with because he has no prior horse riding lessons. Without hesitation he was quickly mounted on top of the horse and riding behind Brousseau down the Carpenterville Road, across HWY 101, and onto the Pistol River beach. With Brousseau's advice and encouragement both men and horses galloped down the beach toward Crook Point as the sun was setting. In his blog, Usher wrote, "We galloped again, and headed back for the stables as the sky turned a brilliant orange behind us. A perfect way to achieve another goal, with thanks to Debbie for arranging it, and Paul for making it happen so smoothly." Afterwards, Peabody coordinated dinner at the Port Hole Cafe in Gold Beach for Usher and all of his new friends: Peabody, Brousseau, the Rileys, and Ferguson. Usher tried the special freshly caught Dungeness crab for the first time. He enjoyed it and his meal was gifted by the owner of the Port Hole Cafe, Tony Antunes. The Rileys spent a complimentary night at the Pacific Reef (arranged by Ferguson and the manager of the Pacific Reef, Jon Younce) so that Usher could spend the night alone in the haunted Ghost Cottage. Usher said, "Although I had felt some trepidation about the evening alone, I was keen to experience something unusual or unexplainable." Unfortunately, he did not come into contact with the ghosts that night as far as he is aware; therefore, he remains an open minded skeptic.

On Wednesday, Peabody acted as a local tour guide and took Usher for a lunch picnic at Whaleshead and saw the rock spouting there. They also saw and photographed an amazing bronze color on the ocean which was created by the reflection of the sun shining through a smoke cloud. They walked around the tide pools on Lone Ranch beach, walked across the highest bridge in Oregon (Thomas Creek Bridge) and picked a few huckleberries and blackberries there to taste. They stopped for a look at the Natural Bridge and Arch Rock viewpoints, and the Cape Sebastian view point. They walked under the bridge in Gold Beach just as the sun set to take some spectacular photographs. And locals have mentioned to Usher that no visit to Gold Beach is complete without stopping in to the Rogue Outdoor Store, which he did. Dinner and drinks were had at the Hunter Creek Bar & Grill before Usher was returned to the Ghost Cottage. When he arrived, there were some additional visitors to the Ghost Cottage. The P.S.I. team from Coos Bay had arrived with their ghost meters, cameras, recorders and gadgets to perform an investigation throughout the night. Find out what Usher experienced by reading his blog on the Internet. Peabody had brought a bottle of the Brandy Peak Blackberry Liqueur (Made in Brookings, OR) for Usher and the others in the house to taste. Everyone who tried it enjoyed its flavor.

Usher departed Gold Beach on Thursday morning for Portland, and next week he'll be in Seattle, and then on to Canada. His visit to Curry County was a good experience for all that got involved and worked as a team and made new friends. Peabody said, "Ian's visit was good for our community because of the world wide publicity it will receive. Also, it was especially good for those of us who interacted with him because he has a positive attitude that inspires us to set our goals and achieve them."

Peabody has continued to assist Usher with her 'connections' and promotion skills during his most recent visit to Hawaii. West Hawaii Times published an article about Usher's visit to the Big Island which appear on their front page right under their article about Obama's inauguration.

Pictures below (left to right): Usher horseback on Pistol River Beach. Usher and Peabody at the Gold Beach library using the Wi-Fi. Ringer and Usher right after an extreme jet boat adventure. Usher at the active volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.

]]>