In the picturesque coastal town of Brookings, Oregon, newcomers Pat and David Tollefson are not your ordinary residents. The couple brings a legacy of fostering community spirit and engagement through the innovative use of social media. Before moving to Brookings, the Tollesfons played a pivotal role in keeping the Surfside WA and the peninsula communities informed and connected through various Facebook groups dedicated to local happenings and events.

The Tollefsons’ journey into community service through social media began out of a simple desire to ensure that their neighbors were up-to-date with the latest local news, events, and vital information. What started as a small initiative quickly grew into a network of Facebook pages, each serving a unique purpose but collectively aimed at strengthening the fabric of the community. Pats first Facebook page was Peninsula Lady Pacers a walking group for local ladies meeting at specific locations. Lives have been saved thanks to having a way women  to walk and exercise as a group.

Among the groups the Tollefsons were involved in, the “Lakes and Canals” and “Conversations” Facebook groups stood out for their active engagement and timely updates. For photographers, there was the Longbeach Peninsula Shutterbugs, a place to post photos of the Peninsula and Willapa Bay.

However, as the Tollefsons prepare for their new chapter in Brookings, they have passed the administrative admin for the “Lakes and Canals” group and the Surfside  “Conversations” group. The Tollesfons’ decision to remain as members of these groups underscores their ongoing commitment to the community they helped nurture.

Moreover, Tollefson’s involvement with the”Peninsula Watch” groups highlights a broader range of interests, for the peninsula community safety, further illustrating the depth of their commitment to community engagement. 

The Tollesfons’ move to Brookings brings with it the promise of their invaluable experience in community building through social media. As they embark on this new journey, their legacy in the Surfside area and the peninsula remains a testament to the power of digital platforms in fostering a sense of community and belonging. Through their pioneering efforts, Pat and David Tollefson have shown that with passion and dedication, social media can be harnessed to keep communities informed, connected, and engaged, no matter where life takes them.

Pat and David Tollefson are not just pioneers in leveraging social media for community engagement; they are also the epitome of ideal neighbors whose kindness and friendship know no bounds. Their warm, welcoming nature and genuine concern for those around them have made a lasting impact on the Surfside community. Beyond their digital contributions, the Tollefsons’ love of the ocean, trees, lake and nature brought a unique vitality to the neighborhood, embodying the spirit of connection not just among people, but with the environment itself. This deep appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding them has been a source of inspiration and camaraderie among residents. As they depart for Brookings, Oregon, their absence is felt deeply by all who had the pleasure of knowing them. The legacy they leave behind—a community more tightly knit and richly connected—speaks volumes of their indelible mark on Surfside, a reminder of the profound difference kindness and friendship can make in our lives. I recall many thumbs up responses to many of my posts. Here is a big thumbs up to two amazing people