Women of the Northwest

Links:
 Concussion Repair Manual

Glenn Zelensky at Northwest Functional Neurology

This podcast episode delves into the extraordinary life of Dana, as she shares her journey of living in a van and embracing a nomadic lifestyle. 

From building her own camper van to overcoming challenges on the road, Dana's story is one of resilience and determination. 

She talks about the support she received from loved ones and the lessons she learned along the way. 

Through her experiences, Dana inspires listeners to pursue their passions and live life on their terms.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

Liz Scott, director of the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum in Cannon Beach, Oregon shares about

• the history of the museum
•  how Cannon Beach got its name,
• Mary Gerritse, first mail lady in Clatsop County traveling by horse over native trails of Neakhanie Mountain, Hug Point and Tillamook Head
• Partnership with the Clatsop Nehalem Confederated Tribe to make sure their displays are accurate
• the Cannon Beach Sand Castle contest 60 year anniversary coming up

Follow on facebook
                       Instagram
Find out more about the Clatsop Nehalem Confederated Tribe

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

 Hilary Levine started adventures travelling across the country with Punk rock groups selling merch, then got a degree in tenant law, spent time working with the houseless and anti violence, went on to work at the Harbor with victims of domestic violence, received a master’s degree in social work and now is an administrator at Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. 

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

LINKS
TRI Marine
The Outlaw Ocean Project
International Sustainable Seafood foundation 

In this episode, join host Jan Johnson as she dives into the complex world of global tuna supply and sustainability with Christa Svensson, the Sustainability Program Manager Global at Tri Marine. Christa, who grew up in a commercial fishing family, sheds light on her unique journey from being on fishing vessels to her current role responsible for reporting at Tri Marine, a company handling over 10% of the world's tuna supply. As the Sustainability Program Manager, Christa discusses her involvement with the International Sustainable Seafood Foundation and her critical work in social accountability and responsibility, particularly concerning fishing vessels.

Discover the challenges and intricacies of ensuring sustainability in the seafood industry, as Christa shares her experiences working with diverse teams across various time zones. From her involvement in social audits to addressing issues like forced labor and illegal, unreported fishing, Christa provides valuable insights into the multifaceted efforts required to maintain a responsible and ethical seafood supply chain.

Explore the global reach of Tri Marine, spanning offices in Italy, Spain, France, the Solomon Islands, Taiwan, China, Singapore, Thailand, Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainability on a worldwide scale. Gain a deeper understanding of the daily challenges faced by those working in the fishing industry and the balance needed between enforcing ethical practices and ensuring food security for millions of people.

Join Jan and Christa in this eye-opening conversation about the intricate dynamics of the seafood industry, the importance of collaboration, and the continuous efforts towards creating a sustainable and socially responsible future for global fisheries.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

Join host Jan Johnson in an inspiring conversation with Lily, a junior at the California Institute of Technology, as they dive into Lily's journey in geochemistry. From discovering her passion in a geogirl science camp to mapping mountains and exploring Iceland's geothermal wonders, Lily shares her extraordinary experiences as an ordinary woman shaping the future of geology. Get ready for a motivational and captivating episode of "Women of the Northwest," where ordinary women lead extraordinary lives.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

Sugar Birds: Finding Grace in the Wilderness

LINKS: Website

Susan Peterson episode

Facebook

Instagram

Sugar Birds book

  Author of Sugar Birds and Leaning on Air

Winner of 11 awards, including the prestigious American Christian Fiction Awards for Debut Fiction and Christy award finalist

In the enchanting world of the northern woods, where nests of wild birds become a sanctuary for a young girl named Aggie, a captivating tale unfolds. Join me, Jan Johnson, as we explore the riveting story of "Sugar Birds," written by Cheryl Bostrom. Aggie, facing challenges at home, accidentally ignites a tragic fire that leads her into the untamed wilderness, seeking solace among its creatures and trees. As we delve into this narrative, we discover the mending powers of forgiveness and the profound impact of love and grace. But that's not all,  "Sugar Birds" is just the beginning. Cheryl Bostrom shares her insights into writing, inspiration, and the art of creating extraordinary characters. 

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

LINKS
Wildlife Center for the North Coast
Coast Pregnancy Clinic
CASA
North Coast Food Web
Altrusa
Lower Columbia College
Hero Saver
Belize Heroes
Silent Bridge


Monica is actively involved in various community initiatives, particularly focused on education, entrepreneurship, and community development. Here's a summary of the key points from the conversation:

1. Business Program at the College:
   • The college has a strong business program with a focus on entrepreneurship and small business development.
   • There is a business club that is open to all students, not just those in business classes.
   • A rotary club has been started to provide students with opportunities to engage in both business and community-oriented activities.
2. Vision for a Business Achievement Center:
   • Monica envisions the creation of a Business Achievement Center to support mentoring and collaboration between students and mentors.
   • Plans include hosting mentors from organizations like SCORE to guide small businesses and providing resources for writing business plans and navigating permits.
   • The center aims to have a recording studio for interviews, infomercials about the college's foundation, and educational content creation.
3. Educational Initiatives:
   • The center would have the capability to record educational content, such as math problems, science experiments, and more, for students to access anytime.
   • Monica emphasizes the importance of using social media platforms like TikTok for educational outreach.
4. International Programs:
   • The college is actively involved in international programs with sister cities in Japan, connections in Korea, and plans for establishing ties with China.
5. Collaboration with Local Nonprofits:
   • Monica works with local nonprofits and government agencies on economic development, small business development, and entrepreneurship.
   • She discusses projects related to addressing childcare gaps and culinary training needs in the community.
6. Partnerships and Networking:
   • Monica shares her experiences of networking and building partnerships, both locally and internationally, to bring resources and support to the community.
7. Philanthropic Work in Belize:
   • Monica is involved in philanthropic work in Belize, including initiatives like providing an ambulance, supporting a medical clinic, and collaborating with various nonprofits for broader impact.
8. Connections with International Nonprofits:
   • Monica has connections with nonprofits like Silent Bridges, which focuses on rescuing victims of child and women trafficking internationally.
9. Community Engagement:
   • Monica emphasizes the importance of community engagement, collaboration, and support for various projects, including fundraising events like "100 Women Who Care."
10. Future Plans:
    • Monica

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

LINKS:
Maddox Dance Studio
Liberty Theater

Our guest today is Jeanne Peterson owner of Maddox Dance Studio in Warrenton, Oregon, who started teaching dance in 1949 in her family’s basement at the age of 13. She danced at the Moulin Rouge in Hollywood, in Montreal and San Francisco among other places. 

Listen to her talk about how she started and the ins and outs of the Nutcracker production.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

Why voter reform?
The Problem
STAR stands for Score Then Automatic Runoff

Give your favorite 5 stars, give your least favorite zero and score the others as you like.

You can score your conscience.

You don't have to worry about voting for the lessor of two evils or wasting your vote.

Scores are created by adding all the scores until all the ballots are counted.
The two highest scoring candidates are finalists.
The remaining candidates are out of the running.

Next, scores are tabulated in the automatic runoff.
All ballots are considered again, looking at the scores of the finalists to consider the winner.

STAR is non-partisan.

We should be able to vote our conscience, our votes should never be wasted, and our elections should accurately reflect the will of the people.

The initiative would establish STAR voting, where voters rate the candidates for a given office and the top two finishers advance to an automatic runoff.

Oct 6, 2023 — Eugene residents will likely will decide in May whether to implement the STAR (Score Then Automatic Runoff) voting method. 

SECTION 1. Legislative Findings.
The People of the State of Oregon find that:
(1) Upgrading our electoral system to a modern, user-friendly, and more accurate voting method would significantly improve Oregon's political landscape by ensuring that every voter can vote their conscience, that our votes are able to make a difference, and that our system elects winners who better represent the will of the people.

(2) Modern electoral science has consistently shown that STAR Voting is the best voting method available to empower voters, to level the playing field, to remove barriers to entry for candidates, and to ensure our elections are fair and representative.

(3) The current voting method used in most Oregon elections, in which a voter can vote for only one candidate and the candidate with the most votes wins, is fundamentally flawed:

(a) Voting for one's honest favorite can and often does backfire, if a voter's favorite isn't strong enough to win, and voters must strategically vote for a "lesser-of-two-evils" candidate to avoid wasting their votes.

(b) This is due to a problem known as vote-splitting, where like-minded voters can end up effectively divided and conquered. Vote-splitting is common in elections with more than two candidates, even if the third candidate has no chance of winning. When vote-splitting results in the election of a candidate opposed by the majority of voters, it is known as the "Spoiler Effect."

(c) Candidates who may have brought valuable ideas to the table are often pressured not to run because of vote-splitting concerns. Vote-splitting also makes elections subject to manipulation, and political operatives can fund non-viable candidates they actually oppose in order to split the vote and game the election.

(d) The current system increases polarization and leads to two-party domination because it only works accurately with two candidates in the race. When there are more candidates, voters have to align with one of the two perceived front runners to avoid wasting their votes.

(e) Voting for an under funded candidate who may not be viable runs the risk of "wasting" your vote, so vote-splitting magnifies the already outsized influence of money in politics.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

Welcome to women of the northwest where I interview ordinary women leading extraordinary lives.

It’s my privilege today to interview Susie McLiery, who is an avid folk musician who has had a myriad of fascinating experiences playing with Spud Siegel, Kid Siegel, Polly Norris, David Quinton, holding dances at the Netel Grange in Clatsop County and playing at the Jewell Harvest Festival.

She and her partner Jim Boswell played with Michael Zametkin and Jim Fink.

Susie was a programmer for KMUN from 1984 until recently with the Gospel Music Show and became a jack of all trades at the station, eventually becoming the program director in ’87. 

As a kid she lived in Vermont and spent summers at Martha’s vineyard where they had a house. It was there that she was introduced to folksters such as Tom Rush, Maria Muldar, Chambers Brothers, the Islanders and The Weavers. James Taylor was her neighbor.

Be sure to click the link to the transcript where I’ve put links to most of the people she references.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

LINKS
Northcoast Paddleboat Cub

Host: Jan Johnson

[00:02] Jan: Welcome to Paddle Power: Women of the Northwest, where we dive into the world of dragon boating and the extraordinary women behind it. I'm your host, Jan Johnson, and today, we're joined by Sande Brown and Sheila Rowley from the North Coast Paddling Club. Get ready for an inspiring conversation!

[01:24] Jan: Today, we're exploring the fascinating history of dragon boating, a sport that traces its roots back to ancient China. Sande shares a captivating legend of rescue and rivalry on the water.

[02:43] Jan: Sheila gives us a vivid description of dragon boats – they're not just canoes! Learn about the unique dynamics and roles that define this thrilling team sport.

[04:09] Sande: Being a paddler isn't just about swimming skills, but a passion for teamwork and the outdoors. Sande and Sheila highlight the physical demands and benefits of dragon boating, emphasizing its full-body workout.

[07:08] Sande: Discover the journey to becoming a confident paddler, and how it's a continuous learning experience. Sande and Sheila share insights on technique, endurance, and maintaining synchronization within the team.

[09:33] Jan: With practices three days a week, commitment is key. Sande and Sheila give us a glimpse into their training routine, from warm-ups to debriefing.

[10:40] Sande: The North Coast Paddling Club takes on challenges in various races, from Salem's Willamette River to Columbia's breathtaking scenery. Join us as we explore the diverse locations they've competed in!

[13:54] Sheila: Starting a dragon boat team comes with its own set of challenges, including the financial aspect. Sheila discusses the club's journey towards obtaining the boats they need for their vision.

[17:00] Jan: Choosing the right waters for dragon boating is crucial. The team shares insights on finding suitable locations, navigating rough conditions, and ensuring the safety of all paddlers.

[20:47] Sande: The dream of the North Coast Paddling Club extends beyond the team itself. Join us as we envision dragon boat races becoming a highlight of the regatta, bringing communities together.

[22:12] Sheila: Learn about the innovative 'Collaborative Paddle' program, offering organizations the chance to experience team-building and leadership development through dragon boating.

[26:57] Jan: Interested in being part of this dynamic community? Visit the club's website to learn how you can get involved, whether it's through joining the team, suggesting potential docking sites, or contributing to their non-profit initiative.

[27:27] Jan: Thank you for joining us on this inspiring episode of Paddle Power: Women of the Northwest. If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider leaving a review and share it with others. For more information and transcripts, visit janjohnson.com. Until next time, keep paddling!

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

Elizabeth's wide variety of international experiences have led her to believe that we don't have to let our differences divide us. We can find common ground and develop relationships.

• [00:29] Jan and Elizabeth discuss Elizabeth's diverse background and experiences.
• [04:28] The conversation takes a turn as Elizabeth talks about the challenges of the year 2020 and its impact on her career.
• [07:44] Elizabeth shares her decision to transition into nursing and the reasons behind it.
• [09:46] Jan and Elizabeth discuss the challenges faced by educators during the pandemic and its impact on students.
• [11:36] The conversation shifts to the value of nurses and the rewarding aspects of the profession.
• [13:25] Elizabeth talks about her interest in mountaineering and how it has influenced her decision to pursue nursing.
• [15:35] Jan asks Elizabeth about her favorite job from her diverse career.
• [17:50] Elizabeth shares insights from her experience working with refugees, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding.
• [21:37] They discuss the impact of cultural experiences on individuals' perspectives.
• [26:09] Elizabeth reflects on the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse worldviews and values.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

LINKS
Larsoncenterfortheperformingarts
Instagram
Cascadiachamberopera
Performances of Don Giovanni at the Larsen Center for the Performing Arts, Astoria, Oregon. Saturday, September 1 at 7 pm and Sunday September 3 @ 3 pm.

Join host Jan Johnson in this captivating episode of "Women of the Northwest" as she delves into the enchanting world of opera with guest Sayori de Bruyne. Discover the journey of a young singer who transformed her love for singing into a powerful art form. From the magic of melodies to the challenges of perfecting technique, explore the inner workings of an operatic career. Listen in as Sayori shares her experiences, anecdotes from the stage, and her role in the upcoming production of Mozart's "Don Giovanni." Prepare to be inspired by the transformative power of music, as Sayori's mesmerizing voice leaves an indelible mark. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this episode promises a symphony of insights and emotions.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

Erin Hulti was in that in between space, trying to figure out what she wanted to do in life, when of all places, she was having blood drawn and her conversation with the phlebotomist triggered her career choice.

She is enrolled at Cal Maritime to receive her major in Marine Transportation. She just spent 90 days interning on an oil tanker and loved it.

She will receive her Merchant Mariner license at the end of her four year studies.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

LINKS
VIMEO CLIPS
UNBOUND


Rhonda Grudenic, from Astoria, Oregon has sponsored children from Unbound for the past twenty years.
Gina Andrews from Battleground, Washington  is a new supporter and has sponsored children for the past two years.

Together, along with Leslie Hernandez, who works at the Kansas City office  as an experience integration coordinator of Unbound, we'll share our experiences visiting Guatemala and seeing our sponsored children.


00:30]  In today's episode, meet Rhonda Grudnic and Gina Andrews, two incredible women making an impact through Unbound sponsorship. Discover how they are transforming lives and communities in Guatemala and beyond.

[01:40] Rhonda shares her journey of reinventing herself in her fifties, from a struggling artist to a dental hygienist, and how Unbound sponsorship played a pivotal role in her life.

[02:54] Gina, a devoted mother and dental hygienist from a dental family, opens up about her profound experience meeting her sponsored child, Maria, and the emotional impact it had on her life.

[04:51] Learn about their heartwarming trip to San Luis Toleman in Guatemala, where they met their sponsored kids face-to-face, witnessing the real impact of Unbound's personalized sponsorship model.

[07:12] Discover the power of Unbound's Mother's Groups and how they empower mothers to uplift their families and communities, sharing knowledge and support.

[08:18] Explore Unbound's commitment to education through scholarships and how it transforms lives, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the community.

[13:28] Meet Leslie Herandez, an experience integration coordinator at Unbound, who shares her inspiring journey of working with the organization for over 13 years, touching the lives of countless families.

[20:37] Understand the innovative Entrepreneurship Program, which empowers individuals to start their own businesses and become self-reliant.

[25:27] Interested in becoming a sponsor and making a lasting impact? Visit Unbound.org to explore profiles of children and families in need from 17 countries and join the mission of transforming lives.

[26:44] Show your support by leaving a review for our podcast. Transcripts are available on our website at JanJohnson.com. Tune in next week for more inspiring stories of women making a difference.

Join us in empowering lives through Unbound sponsorship and witness the transformational power of love and support.

.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

Links:
KMUN radio programs
Join Bonnie LIvely and me as we unravel the remarkable journey of her journey  from knitting hobby to wholesale yarn profession,

Facing financial hardships as a widow and single mom, she navigated the complexities of debt, discovering a deeper understanding of the logistics of debt management.

She transformed her life through sheer determination and resourcefulness. Discover how she merged her passion for fashion and background in sociology to thrive in the yarn industry.

Through her involvement in the National Needlework Association and a pioneering needle arts mentoring program, she empowered at-risk kids in her community, sparking a positive change through creativity. Tune in to explore her experiences running a yarn shop, teaching knitting at the college, and supporting after-school programs for children.

Delve into the inspiring stories of her theatrical endeavors, finding family and a sense of belonging in the world of theater. 

Alongside her daughter, she discovered healing through joint performances, and her commitment to community radio for over 30 years brought continues to bring her great joy. 

Join us on this insightful podcast as we stitch together the tapestry of resilience, embracing life's challenges with strength, creativity, and unwavering determination.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

 
LINKS
FORSSTROM HOUSE
MELISSA GROTHE
EPISODE #19

I thought it would be fun to “interview” a woman from the past….

Since this is the middle of July and Regatta season in Astoria, we’ll listen to Lauri Serafin talk about Alli Forsstrom,

the 14th Regatta queen. You’ll see some differences in how things work now with the court, as opposed to how it was in the beginning.

I’ve also included clips from Melissa Grothe’s interview, episode # 19, another Regatta queen, where she tells some of what goes into making a queen and the benefits of being in the court.

You can find out more on Lauri’s website where you can see photos and read an article on  Alli’s life as well as follow along with Lauri and her husband’s remodeling journey of the Forsstrom house.

If you think you have an interesting story or know someone you think would be a great interview, send me a message on my website- jan-johnson.com. 

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

International Schools
Gaetanos


Teaching & Deli Tales: Adventures Overseas and Beyond

Ever wondered what it would be like to teach overseas? This podcast will satisfy your curiosity.

Join guest Julie Hoffman as she takes you on a captivating journey through her and her husband's experiences teaching abroad and beyond. 

Julie and Matthew, a dynamic couple with a passion for education, have traversed the globe, imparting knowledge and discovering new cultures along the way. From the picturesque streets of Italy to the vibrant classrooms of Haiti, the bustling cities of Indonesia to the serene landscapes of Taiwan and Mauritania, they have left their mark as educators and adventurers.

But their journey didn't stop there. After their time overseas, Julie and Matthew decided to take a break and settle down in Astoria, Oregon. Here, they embarked on a different kind of venture, opening Gaetano's, an Italian Deli that brings the flavors of their international travels to the local community.

In this episode, Julie shares their personal stories, lessons learned, and insights gained from teaching in diverse environments. She delves into the challenges they faced, the triumphs they celebrated, and the unforgettable moments that shaped their teaching careers. 

Whether you're an aspiring teacher, a seasoned educator, or simply curious about life overseas, this episode will provide a unique and inspiring perspective.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

• Welcome to the Women of the Northwest podcast, hosted by Jan Johnson. In this episode, Jan introduces surprise guests Se-eun and Ye Jin, friends of her daughter Emily.
• Se-eun, from South Korea, shares how she met Emily during her visit to Korea and how she finally got the opportunity to visit her friends in the United States.
• Ye Jin, also from South Korea, talks about her experience living in the States for eleven years due to her father's academic pursuits and her subsequent return to South Korea. She discusses the challenges of maintaining her English proficiency and the differences in education systems between the two countries.
• Jan explores their recent trip to Oregon, highlighting the scenic landscapes they encountered during their four and a half hour drive from Bend to Brownsmead. They discuss the beauty of the river, forest, and blue sky, as well as the sight of the Three Sisters and Mount Hood.
• The guests mention their visit to the Grange and the enjoyable experiences they had, including live music by the Brownsmead Flats and trying out local food like mashed potatoes.
• Jan learns about Se-eun's previous visit to New York City and Ye-Jin's love for American food, specifically mashed potatoes with gravy sauce, which is not commonly found in Korea.
• They talk about their shared interest in climbing and how they met Emily through climbing lessons in Korea. Ye Jin mentions her recent injuries and the challenges of getting back into climbing after a two-year break. Se-eun expresses her desire to explore various sports and outdoor activities available in Emily's area, including kayaking and backcountry skiing.
• Ye Jin describes her passion for bouldering and the accomplishment she feels when solving climbing problems. She also discusses her transition to lead climbing and the sense of self-competition and endurance it brings.
• The episode concludes with a discussion on the physical training required for climbing and the overall joy and fulfillment it brings to their lives.

Join Jan and her surprise guests as they share their travel experiences, love for climbing, and the exploration of exciting activities in the Northwest. 

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com

Edith Hoggard, a remarkable centenarian, shares her extraordinary journey and vibrant experiences with Jan Johnson, the host of "Women of the Northwest." 

Edith's infectious energy and youthful spirit captivate the listeners as she narrates her life story, filled with resilience, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. 

From her ancestral roots as a Cherokee Indian to her family's migration to California, Edith delves into the tapestry of her heritage and the remarkable individuals who shaped her life. 

Her reminiscences transport the listeners to a bygone era, where covered wagons and mountainous landscapes were witnesses to her family's pioneering spirit. 

Edith's love for music and dancing shines through her anecdotes, painting vivid pictures of her performances and the joy she found in expressing herself through it.

Amid the delightful anecdotes, Edith's voice softens as she talks about her father's premature passing, leaving her with faint memories of him. She recalls a poignant moment when she tried to share something with him, but he gently redirected her, affectionately calling her "Wind Jammer," a name that held special significance in their Native American heritage. Edith shares the bittersweetness of this memory, cherishing the love and connection it represents.

Subscribe to the Women of the Northwest podcast for inspiring stories and adventures.
Find me on my website: jan-johnson.com