Frequently Asked Questions
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes! SHiPS is a 501(c)3 organization registered with the IRS and the State of Washington Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations. We will provide a receipt for you too!
What is SHiPS and when was it started?
The Seaview Historical Preservation Society (SHiPS), was started in 2007. Founding members are Nancy Gorshe, David Campiche, Laurie Anderson, Nansen and Brett Malin. SHiPS core mission is to preserve, promote, and to assist the historic coastal village of Seaview. SHiPS is operated for literary and educational purposes that support the research, collection, preservation, discovery, restoration, and dissemination of the local history of Seaview.
Why haven't I heard about SHiPS? Tell me more.
The short answer is many of us burned out from meetings. However, we always kept the light burning and used SHiPS for projects in Seaview. SHiPS helped establish the improved intersection at 101 and 103 and helped with local highway cleanup crews. SHiPS continues work to maintain the signs and green belts at the entrance to Seaview and the Beach Approach. SHiPS was involved in fundraising to fight the Lions Paw situation, removing illegal drug campsites in the dunes, hauling public space debris to the dump, and helping make repairs for our seniors after violent storms. We all love history and get together to discuss Seaview History, bring in speakers and work to make Seaview a better community. Join us! We have a renewed Board of Directors and quarterly meetings with interesting speakers planned.
Tell me more about the Project Manager.
Isn't John Ramage fantastic? We are sure happy that John and Eleanor moved to Seaview. Here is his bio:
Mr. Ramage has over 43 years of experience in the engineering, design and construction industry. The majority of his career was with CH2M HILL. He has worked on major infrastructure programs principally in the water, wastewater, and environmental sectors. He was involved in major combined sewer overflow (CSO) abatement programs in London, UK, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Cleveland, Ohio. He also managed several environmental programs including closure of Love Canal, Buffalo, New York, and the environmental restoration of the oldest, largest oil refinery in the country, in Port Arthur, Texas.
He has also served on several committees of the National Academy of Engineering to help advance the management and delivery of infrastructure projects.
Can I help maintain the green belt by the Seaview Sign?
Yes, please! Many of our volunteers have 'aged out' as we say. We need help cutting back the brush, trimming the plant material and pulling/mowing the weeds down. It is a never ending task! If you can help, please let us know. We will set you up and take the debris away when you are finished working.
When will the new sign be up?
We expect to have the sign installed prior to Summer 2018.
That's a lot of money!
Yes, it is! And we are confident that enough people will help make it a reality. (We are also applying for grants for matching funds.) With YOUR help we can restore the Seaview Sign!
Why Does it cost so much to replace the sign?
Over the past 140 years - roads have grown wider, there are more safety regulations, tsunami and earthquake regulations, etc. These all mean a wider span and better materials are needed. Gone are the days when we could just cut down a tree or get an old PUD pole and stick it in the ground. The height must be taller, the span wider and the sign must withstand all kinds of weather. The latest sign was only 16 years and it was rotten to the core when it came down. These new safety requirement costs mean more money for a new sign.
Why doesn't the County pay for the sign?
Beach Approach signs have traditionally been placed by community organizations. To be honest, most of us know Pacific County does not have the funds for this project.
Why doesn't the vehicle that hit the sign pay for replacement?
The simple answer is...the sign was so deteriorated it had no value to replace. Additionally, with the increased new safety regulations the replacement sign has to be wider, taller and made of materials that meet requirements. There are also issues of consideration of private property around siting the support posts.
Can I have the old sign?
Sorry, it was full of bad termites and other horrible critters so we removed it from our lovely historic community. Seriously, it is completely rotten. Remember, it was not made by professional sign people. The new sign will last a long time. Our grandchildren and their children will be able to have a sign to love as much as we do.
Will the sign look like the old sign?
Which version of the old sign? There have been many different versions and so many people feel passionately about how they want the sign to look. We have received dozens of suggestions and comments. We welcome your ideas - please send to seaviewhistorical@gmail.com
how can I see what the new sign will look like?
SHiPS (Seaview Historical Preservation Society) will be holding a member meeting in the fall to discuss the proposed ideas. The proposed designs will incorporate the feedback we have received, plus structural and architectural requirements. As a member of SHiPS, you will be notified of the meeting and also receive information if you are unable to attend.(Date to be determined.)
Do you have a maintenance plan for the sign?
So glad you asked. Part of our plan includes endowing a maintenance fund that will support regular inspections by qualified engineers. Future costs will be covered by the fund.
Can I host a fundraiser?
Yes! It is our hope that everyone in South Pacific County will get involved. The Seaview Sign is not just for Seaview! We are asking local businesses to get involved too. The Pickled Fish Restaurant is holding the first fundraiser with their "Cocktails for a Cause" during the month of September. Enjoy a cynar negroni (called The Seaview Approach) and contribute to the Seaview Sign Fund!
We have heard from a number people who who would like to host a small event, gather their neighbors together for a block party fundraiser, or simply forward information so friends and family can donate.
