The Newport Chapter executive council gathered this past weekend to discuss their strategic plan, goals and mission. The council was full of great ideas and the concensus was to focus Newport's efforts in these primary areas: Water Quality, Beach Protection, Public Awareness and Chapter Sustainability/Fundraising. Many strategies came about from these topics, including two, possibly three new campaigns, chapter sponsorship and hosting of South Beach State Park and great new events including surf movie night and a viewing of Source to Sea, a water quality awareness film. Thanks to all executive council for their hard work, you folks are the heart and drive of Surfrider. Pictured left to right: Bluedog - Furry Support, Greg Niles - Chair, Stacy Strickland - Secretary, Abby McCarthy - Fundraiser, Melinda McCombs -Vice Chair, Cristen Don -Treasurer, Charlie Plybon - OR Field Coordinator, Joe Haxel - Data Analyst.

Join Surfrider Newport members for the 2007 SOLV Spring Beach Cleanup. Newport Chapter will be captaining two cleanups, Lost Creek State Park and South Beach State Park. Local rockstars Joe Haxel and Abigail McCarthy will be captaining the cleanups and need your help. To help out, simply show up at either site by 10:00 a.m. on March 24th or contact cplybon@surfrider.org for more details. Surfrider Newport's effort last year lifted 72 trash bags from South Beach and another 350 pounds of oversized debris. For more information and for Portland Chapter cleanup locations, check out our events calendar: http://www.surfrider.org/oregon/events.html