Monmouth Monthly

Send us Fan MailThis month we have several guests who talk to us about some incredible events happening around town over the next couple of months. First, we meet Maren Anderson. Maren visits the pod to talk about the Academic Excellence Showcase at Western Oregon University and the Apple Box Children’s Theatre. Maren also talks about why she loves Shakespeare and how she teaches children how to love it, too! We also have Andrea VanHeeswyk and Amy Christensen join the pod. Amy is the Director at the Heritage Museum in Independence. Andrea, who is the branch manager of the YMCA in Monmouth, is joining us in her capacity as a Board member of Friends of the Community Parks. Learn about the fun things these two groups have planned and what to expect this year at Indy Days!To learn about the Apple Box Children’s Theatre, go HERETo learn how to read more of Maren’s work, go HERETo learn more about Friends of Community Parks, go HERETo sign up for the Rotary Parade, go HERETo learn about the Heritage Museum, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month meet Matt and Heather Matz! Matt and Heather have joined forces with local volunteers to create Monmouth Celebration of Cultures. Learn more about upcoming events like AAPI, Monmouth Has Pride, and Juneteenth. Want to volunteer? They would love to have you join them! Listen to find out how. To learn more about Monmouth Celebration of Cultures, go TO THIS LINKLearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we chat with Aliya Borchers, a student at Western Oregon University; and Dr. Michelle Jones, a Professor of Organizational Leadership at WOU Salem. Hear about the Organizational Leadership program. Also, hear a sneak-peek into the TEDxMtHood event coming this May. And if you've ever worked in Development at Willamette University, listen for a special shoutout to one of your former teammates. To learn about TEDxMtHood, go HERETo learn about the Organizational Leadership program at WOU Salem, go HERETo read a transcript of this episode, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we get to talk with Nikita Vincent and Erubiel Valladares. Nikita and Erubiel share their passion, history, and current work in farming. Learn about why this work is important, why Oregon is special when it comes to homegrown goodness, and see why we are shouting out #Vermont. Learn about the work these folks are involved in with the Cultural Harvest Farmers Collective and the Monmouth Feasibility Study. To learn more about the Cultural Harvest Collective, go HERETo learn more about the Monmouth Feasibility Study, go HERETo read a transcript of this episode, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we chat with Tori Stutzman who is currently the President of the Monmouth Business Association (MBA). Tori talks to us about her path to becoming a business owner, the work of the MBA, Love Local in Monmouth this month, and the upcoming Accessibility Workshop on February 23. Join us in learning how accessibility can help grow your business. To learn more about Love Local, go HERETo learn more about the Accessibility Workshop, go HERETo learn about the Monmouth Business Association, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we welcome Patty Nevue who is the Director of the Ella Curran Food Bank. Patty chats with us about her tennis career, her pathway to Ella Curran, and a bit of history about who Ella Curran was and how she inspired a movement. To learn more about the Ella Curran Food Bank, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we welcome back to the pod Megan Habermann Guthrie and Emily McNulty to chat with us about the time-honored tradition of the WOU Tree Lighting and recent community favorite, Making Spirits Bright. Want to participate in this year's holiday parade? Or maybe you want a sneak peek at one of Megan's horrible holiday jokes? Don't miss this episode!To learn more about how to get involved in the Making Spirits Bright and the Holiday Parade, go HERETo learn more about Polk County gift cards, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we speak to Logan Doerfler, Director of the Veterans Resource Center at Western Oregon University and third time is the charm! Logan joins us to talk about the upcoming events at WOU for Veterans Day including a week's worth of activities wrapping up with the Run 'n Ruck 5K. What did Logan think of our cool studio sound effects? You'll have to tune in to find out!To learn more about the Veterans Resource Center at WOU, go HERETo sign up for the Run ‘n Ruck 5K, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailWe have a bonus episode this month as we welcome Annie Buse. Annie is the Drug, Alcohol, and Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator  at Polk County Family Community Outreach (Polk County FCO). She joins us to talk about the services they provide to the community, the upcoming Tall Cop program, and how you can help support the mission of Polk County FCO. To learn about the Polk County FCO, go HERETo sign up for Tall Cop, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we welcome the return of Monmouth Senior Community Center Director, Barbara Cronin. Barbara shares with us the incredible programs you can find every month at the Monmouth Senior Community Center. From guest speakers to classes to crafts, there is something for everyone at the Monmouth Senior Community Center. September is a special month as it is the national celebration of Senior Center Month. Barbara also talks about some of the opportunities and resources available to anyone in Monmouth in beyond. You won't want to miss this episode; especially if you're looking for amazing volunteer opportunities whether you are 19 or 109. To learn about the Monmouth Senior Community Center, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailWe have a very special bonus episode this month featuring former Mayor of Independence, John McArdle and Vietnam veteran and community volunteer, Billy Whisenant. Billy and John talk to us about The Wall That Heals; a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.. Billy shares a story about a fellow serviceman who has been close to heart for more than 50 years. To learn about The Wall That Heals, go HERETo visit the City of Independence's website about The Wall That Heals, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we have our annual Talkin' Trash with Josh Brandt episode! Learn about what is new in the world of recycling, simple things we can do to impact the landfills, and what you should be doing with your cardboard boxes. You don't want to miss this fun and educational conversation. To learn more about Brandts, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we have the pleasure of talking to Smith Fine Arts Director Jessica Steed! Jessica shares with us all the exciting concerts coming up this season. You do not want to miss this gem in Monmouth. To learn more about the season and where to buy tickets, go HERETo find out more about The Arcadian Wild, go HERETo find out more about Shara Nova, go HERETo find out more about Nickerson-Rossi Dance, go HERETo find out more about The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass (RMPBB), go HERETo find out more about De Tierra Caliente, go HERETo find out more about Taimane, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin us this month as we share a mega-episode with an interview with Ed Propst. Ed has been a music teacher with the Central School District since 2005 and a music performer since he was very young. He shares his road to music education, his philosophy of teaching, and some of his favorite local bands. Hear some tracks from DTW and get ready to rock at Music in the Park!To learn more about the Central High Booster club and to stay up to date on future performances, go HERETo learn more about DTW, go HERETo learn more about Iron Prophecy, go HERETo see the complete lineup for Music in the Park, go HERETo see the list of 4th of July activities in Monmouth, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin us this month as we celebrate Public Works Week! This month our guests are David Karr, City Engineer at the City of Monmouth, and Darin Dornbusch who is the Wastewater specialist at Monmouth Public Works. They share with us some of the projects that have been working on; from rapid flashing beams to help folks cross Highway 99 to sidewalks to the newest gadget - the Sewer Camera Trailer! Learn how you can make a difference in how your pipes flow. Thanks for listening! Learn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we chat with Melody Barrett and Sharon Oberst from the Monmouth Arts and Culture Commission (MAC) and Dena Jones from the Monmouth Public Library to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month. Sharon and Melody share with us all about the new rotating art exhibits at Monmouth City Hall. Want to join the commission or learn more about how to be a featured artist? Follow the link below! Next, Dena tells us all the ways volunteers make a difference at the Monmouth Public Library. Have you checked out (see what I did there?) the Monmouth Public Library’s monthly programs? Go to the link below!Learn more about the Arts and Culture Commission by going HERELearn more about the Monmouth Public Library by going HERETo see a transcript of this episode, please go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin us this month as we talk to Roxanne Beltz, the President of the Monmouth Business Association (MBA). Roxanne shares with us ways to get involved with great community events - even if you are not a business owner! From Monmouth Music in the Park to Making Spirits Bright, there are lots of events to enjoy. Roxanne also shares information about our upcoming event - the 2nd Annual Dress Like Fred Day! Come ride the MI Trolley on March 20th and get some fun treats from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Did Roxanne's accent change during the duration of the pod? Tune in to find out!Read the Oregonian article about Dress Like Fred HERELearn more about the MBA by going HERELearn about the MI Trolley by going HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we are excited to welcome Western University President, Jesse Peters and Vice President of Development | Executive Director of the Western Oregon University Foundation, Katie Wojke. Dr. Peters shares his favorite pieces of literature and what he says is the quintessential American novel (we’ve linked to it in the show notes!). Katie shares her road to WOU, what makes WOU special, and how you can impact the lives of the amazing WOU students. To learn more about Giving Day, go HERETo read Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko, go HERETo connect with the team at the WOU Foundation, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we hear from Monmouth Power and Light Director, Wade Carey. Wade shares with us his road to working in the industry, his insights on hot topics in power, and how customers can save money on their utility bill. Wade also shares how someone can have a career in Power and Light. Any guesses on what he listens to on his commute? You’ll find out this month! To learn more about Monmouth Power and Light’s energy efficiently programs, go HEREFor a transcript of this episode, go HERETo sign up for the City of Monmouth's monthly newsletter, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we look back on Monmouth 2024 with Mayor Cec Koontz and City Manager Rochelle Roaden. They also talk about their vision for the future of Monmouth, the impact of Mayor John McArdle on the entire state of Oregon, and what we can expect as we enter 2025. To sign up for the City of Monmouth's newsletter, go HERETo learn more about Board and Commissions for the City of Monmouth, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailDirector of the Veterans Resource Center at WOU, Logan Doerfler and Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, Zach Hammerle join the pod this month to chat about Veterans Day activities as Western Oregon University which include the return of the Ruck N’ Run around Downtown Monmouth. Also featured, Zach talks about the many ways Campus Recreation serves the entire community. To learn more about Veterans Services at WOU, go HERETo learn more about WOU Campus recreation, go HEREFor a transcript of this episode, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we chat with Dave Beasley from Western Oregon University. Dave chats with us about all things Smith Fine Arts, WOU Fall sports, and strangely enough, 18th Century British Literature. To learn more about Smith Fine Arts, go HERETo learn more about Wolves fall sports, go HERETo read a transcript of this episode, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin us this month for a two-part episode featuring Amy Lemco and Marilyn Morton to talk about the spooky activities happening in Monmouth and Independence on October 4th (History and Mystery in Monmouth) and 5th (Ghost Walk in Independence); and we also have Dave Morin from the Independence Grocery Outlet to chat about their latest philanthropic effort to help support the Monmouth Senior Community Center.To find out more about History and Mystery, go HERETo find out more about the Ghost Walk, go HERETo find out more about the Monmouth Senior Community Center, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin us this month as we welcome Monmouth Police Chief Isaiah Haines and Finance Director Susie Marston to chat about public safety fees in Monmouth. Hear from them why these are needed and what they will include. We also share ways folks can get involved in the process - from the budget committee, boards and commissions, and attending city council meetings. For a transcript of this episode, go HERETo watch City Council meetings, work sessions, and Town Halls, visit our YouTube channel HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin us this month as we welcome the House Band of Monmouth - Tuesday String Band! The local trio talks about their influences, how they came together, and what they do when they aren’t entertaining the masses. You can hear Tuesday Sting Band for free in Monmouth on August 14th at Monmouth Music in the Park and on July 4th at the 4th of July festival in Main Street Park. To learn more Tuesday String Band, go HEREFor a transcript of this episode, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we welcome PJ Armstrong and Miriam Haugen who are here to talk about Monmouth Music in the Park! They dish about their favorite returning acts and we get excited about the entire lineup. Join us for Music in the Park Wednesdays in July and August starting on July 10th. This free concert series is brought to you by the Monmouth MBA and our amazing community sponsors. To learn more about the Music in the Park Series, go HEREFor a transcript of this episode, go HERETo learn more about MINET, go HERETo learn about Haugen's Galleri, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we are joined by Amy Lemco and Logan Doerfler. Amy is a member of the Historic Commission at the City of Monmouth and she is sharing about the cool things happening including their newest venture, Listen to a Legacy. Logan is the Director at the Veterans Resource Center at Western Oregon University (WOU). Logan shares with us why the resource center is so important to our veteran population at WOU and some of the things they have planned for Memorial Day. To read a transcript of this episode, go HERETo learn about the Monmouth Historic Commission, go HERETo learn about the Veteran’s Resource Center at WOU, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailTalking Trash with Josh Brandt! Listen this month as we hear about this local family business that has celebrated over 70 years of service to our area. Josh tells us about growing up in Monmouth, his family’s love for Central High and Western Oregon sports, and how he came to be the head of Brandt’s Sanitary Service. Josh also talks about how we can each do our part to reuse, recycle, and compost. To learn more about Brandt’s Sanitary Service, go HERETo read a transcript of this episode, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we are excited to chat with Eden Olsen and Lindsay Darling. Eden and Lindsay are the force behind Lucky Crow Farm and the Eat Crow Supper Club. Eden shares with us the benefits of a CSA and Lindsay gets us excited for the Supper Club's return March 28th. To learn more about Lucky Crow Farm, go HERETo read a transcript of this episode, go HERETo subscribe to Monmouth's e-newsletter to stay updated on all the great things happening in town, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we are joined by Suzanne Dufner, Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Monmouth. She talks about the return of the Love Local program, what it means to shop small this time of year, and some things she is looking forward to in 2024. To learn more about Love Local, go HERETo sign up for the City's e-newsletter, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailWe welcome Monmouth, Oregon Mayor Cec Koontz to the podcast. She shares with us her volunteerism through the years from her time on Boards and Commissions to becoming the Mayor of Monmouth. She also talks about some of the great things that happened in Monmouth in 2023 and what she hopes to see in the future. To read a transcript of this episode, go HERETo subscribe to Monmouth's e-newsletter to stay updated on all the great things happening in town, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThe Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts comes to the pod to talk about Monmouth's results in the Arts and Economic Prosperity survey (AEP6), his new love of knitting, and how we can unite our communities and enhance our economies through support of the arts. Randy joins us from Washington, D.C. on his road tour through Oregon visiting the 19 cities who participated in the AEP6. Learn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we get to talk about our two annual December events, Making Spirits Bright and the Tree Lighting and light parade at Western Oregon University. Join guests Megan Habermann-Guthrie, Katelyn Grainger, and Emily McNulty as they talk about the history of these events and what makes them so special that people return year after year. To learn more about Making Spirits Bright, visit HERETo learn more about the Tree Lighting, visit HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Learn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailWe are publishing this episode a little early this month so we can highlight all the fun ahead of History and Mystery in Monmouth. The event is October 6th (followed by the Independence Ghost Walk on October 7th!) and our episode gives you a sneak peek into all the fun ahead on the big day. Our guests are Amy Lemco and Marilyn Morton who are part of the committee leading History and Mystery in Monmouth. They are both published authors who have a depth and love for the spooky season! They have crafted an excellent event that is free and open to the whole family! Be sure to tune in and please come out to History and Mystery in Monmouth as well as the Independence Ghost Walk. To learn more about History and Mystery in Monmouth, go HERETo learn more about the Ghost Walk, go HERETo learn more about Amy's book Wading In, go HERETo learn more about Marilyn's book, go HEREFor a transcript of this episode, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailWe are joined by Smith Fine Art's Director, Andi Moring who tells us all about the upcoming season, her road to becoming the director, and why we are so lucky to have Western Oregon University in our backyard. To further that point, we also have Cori Metzgar on the podcast. She is the Sports Performance Director for Western Oregon University athletics and she discusses her passion for her job, why she fell in love with Monmouth, and the community around her. To learn more about the Smith Fine Arts go HERETo learn more about Wolves Athletics go HERETo read a transcript, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThe library isn't just for kids! Adult Services Librarian at the Monmouth Public Library, Carrie Kasperick, reminds us that over 70% of our community is made up of adults and shares with us the thoughtful programming she has created this summer and into the fall; especially for our patrons over 18 years old. To learn more about the Monmouth Public Library, go HERETo read a transcript of this episode, go HERE. Learn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we talk with Lynda Bersani about the upcoming Bike Rodeo and welcome new City of Monmouth employee Carter Craig. To sign off on the permission slip for the bike rodeo go HERETo learn more about Community and Economic Development, go HEREFor a transcript of this episode, go HERELearn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailIt's that time of year in Monmouth where there is always something going on. Join us as we talk to Bill Foster about the Monmouth summer concert series Music in the Park. We also have President of the Monmouth Independence Rotary, Ben Stange, talking about the upcoming 4th of July Parade. Finally, Susan Farley tells us all about the Arts and Culture Commissions summer Trashion Fashion Show and Art Contest.To view  a transcript of this episode, go HERE.To learn more about the 4th of July parade and how to enter a float, go HERE.To learn more about the 4th of July festivities in Monmouth, go HERE.To learn more about the Music in the Park series in Monmouth, go HERE.Learn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we talk to Roxanne Beltz who is heading up the first Peacock Festival in Monmouth's history. We also speak to Economic and Community Development Director, Suzanne Dufner and Historic Board member, Ron Woodruff as they talk about some exciting upcoming projects in Monmouth as well as what they have been working on over the past few years. If you would like a transcript of this episode, go HERE.To learn about the Peacock Festival, go HERE.To learn about the Historical Board, go HERE.To learn about the event on May 6th, go HERE.Learn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailIt's Volunteer Appreciation Month! On the show, we have Monmouth's longest serving (and still active!) volunteer Diane Ostrom; City Recorder, Phyllis Bolman; and Monmouth Senior Community Center Director, Barbara Cronin to talk about the importance and joy of volunteerism. After that, Janet Chenard, Finance Director of the City of Monmouth, talks about how the city prepares the budget and how a community member can be involved in the process. If you would like a transcript of this episode, go HERE. Want to learn more about volunteering through the Boards and Commissions? Go HERE. Want to learn more about the Monmouth Senior Community Center? Go HERE. Want to stay connected to the budget process? Go HERE. Learn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThis month we sit down with Representative Paul Evans, Fred Evander, the City Planner for Independence; and Marty Wine, the City Manager of Monmouth to talk about the MI Trolley that will be starting service in early April. To learn more about the trolley, visit the WEBSITE.  For a transcript of this episode, go HERE. Learn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin us for our first podcast to celebrate Monmouth, Oregon! In this episode, we talk to  Monmouth Public Works Director Russ Cooper, Shannon Medel, and Brice Spreadbury about the upcoming MI Town Skatepark which is going to break ground in March, 2023.  Want to learn more about the park and see the design? Visit HERE to learn more!If you need a transcript of this episode, find that HERE. Learn more about the City of Monmouth by visiting HERE. Thanks for listening!