Driftwood Public Library invites everyone to join us for Dia de los Muertos on Tuesday, November 1st at 5 PM. Dia de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—is a celebration marked throughout Latin America, and is most strongly associated with Mexico, where the tradition originated. The holiday honors the dead with festivals and lively celebrations, a typically Latin American custom that combines indigenous Aztec ritual with Catholicism, brought to the region by Spanish conquistadores. (Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on All Saints Day and All Souls Day, minor holidays in the Catholic calendar.) Believing that the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness, Dia de los Muertos instead celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. Dia de los Muertos recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience, a continuum with birth, childhood, and growing up to become a contributing member of the community. On Dia de los Muertos, the dead are also a part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share celebrations with their loved ones.

The library’s celebration is open to everyone, and costumes are encouraged! There will be face-painting, tamales, and live Andean folk music from Chayag. Families are also encouraged to bring pictures or objects to represent their deceased loved ones.

Music from Chayag can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8S3hqNEEKc

Officer Brandon Storm was sworn in as a Lincoln City Police Officer on October 14th.  Officer Storm comes to us from Emmett, Idaho where he worked for 2.5 years.  In addition to his training as a police officer, Officer Storm is a certified instructor for CPR, first aid and AED machines.  He is also an instructor for ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training).

Officer Storm grew up in the Dallas area which is why he happily accepted a position with the LCPD.  He chose a law enforcement career because it’s in his blood.  He was greatly influenced by his father who worked for the Independence Police Department.

Congratulations Officer Storm and welcome aboard.

Lincoln City welcomes Danielle Comer as an Assistant Planner.  Danielle comes to us from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where she worked in the energy field.  Her passion, though, has always been city planning.  Danielle attended the University of Oklahoma where she received an undergraduate and graduate degree in geography.

When not at work, Danielle loves spending time with her fun loving dog Tank, visiting local coffee shops, writing for her blog and capturing life’s moments with her second set of eyes -her camera.

Danielle’s primary duty is to administer the City’s Vacation Rental Dwelling program.  She will also assist in maintaining the geographical information systems and general planning duties.  We are so pleased that such a talented planner joined the City team.