AmeriCorps*VISTA Alumni
 Lara Adair UCAN Head Start | Where did you move from? I moved from Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? When I started going to college, I thought I would graduate knowing what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. However, as graduation neared, I realized that I had no idea. I decided to do as my younger sister had done before me and join the AmeriCorps to give myself time and opportunity to learn more about myself while making a positive impact. What do you like to do in your off time? I like to read, walk, study Japanese, play online text based and role play games, debate, and travel. 1 |
 Hollie Adair Phoenix School | Where did you move from? Enderlin, North Dakota Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? She wanted to help out a community. What do you like to do in your off time? Volleyball, being a chocolate connoisseur, making up words to songs she doesn't know 1 |
 Amy Adkison Riddle Elementary School | Where did you move from? Owensville, Missouri Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Lindsey Adkisson South County Resource Center | Where did you move from? Maryland/Clemson, South Carolina (Go Tigers!) Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I wanted to take a year to gain some meaningful work experience and help an organization make more of an impact within their community. I also needed some time to figure out what to do with my life... What do you like to do in your off time? Telling lengthy stories, playing music, beading, meeting new people, starting but not finishing a multitude of craft projects, traveling to as many places as I can afford, playing outside, updating my life plan weekly, attempting to cook without burning down the kitchen and trying to convince my friends back East to move to Oregon! 1 |
 Jeff Akins UCAN Josephine County | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Nicole Baschleben Phoenix School | Where did you move from? Eugene, OR Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I wanted to become a part of something bigger than myself and do something that gave back to the community. I also wanted the chance to learn and develop some career skills. What do you like to do in your off time? Cooking, gardening, reading, writing, hiking, trying to learn the piano, dancing when no one is around 1 |
 Joseph Basile Douglas County Museum | Where did you move from? Harrisburg, PA Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I was working at UPS after I got out of college. That was not fun. I decided I wanted to do something worthwhile, something I could be proud of. I like Museums. I also wanted to move out west. Manifest Destiny. What do you like to do in your off time? I like music, reading, the outdoors. 1 |
 Shawna Behm Oregon Coast Community Action | Where did you move from? ? I grew up in Eugene OR, lived for 6 years in Los Angeles and moved up to Coos Bay, OR in August of 2007. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I wanted to gain experience in grantwriting and I wanted help to pay off my student loans. What do you like to do in your off time? reading, hikes, singing, playing piano/guitar, bowling 1 |
 Nikki Bernier Phoenix School Transitions | Where did you move from? Homewood, Illinois Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? She wasn't ready for graduate school. What do you like to do in your off time? Line dancing, crafty-type things, a mean game of croquet. 1 |
 Matthew Braun South County Resource Center | Where did you move from? West Lafayette (Purdue University), IN Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I wanted to gain some non-profit work experience while contributing to the sustainability of a meaningful project in rural Oregon. What do you like to do in your off time? cooking, fishing, reading, martial arts, film 1 |
 Johanna Brezina Casa de Belen | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Katie Broberg UCAN Food Shares | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Gabriel Burian-Mohr Umpqua Valley Arts Association | Where did you move from? Brooklyn, New York Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? Work in a rural area, for an arts organization that's mission is to train artists/artisans on how to promote and sustain themselves through their art. The job would offer plenty of grant writing , promotion, etc. experience. In your off time you would have one year to really focus on your own work, peruse various hobbies, build a very strong body of work and self-promotion strategy. You would probably have less contact with the veins of contemporary art that you are familiar with *read: probably no sound-art. The closest major-ish city would be about 100 miles away, though, you would have a car, so, on occasion you could venture to that city for an outing or whatever. You would be in an extremely beautiful foresty area, so, if the urge struck you, you could hike, camp, maybe fish?! You wouldn't really know anyone there. The weather would be mild, but, dark and rainy part of the year. What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Sue Butkus Elkton Community Eduction Center | Where did you move from? I was lucky enough to get to serve as a VISTA in a town, Elkton, adjacent to where I have lived for 20 years, Scottsburg, on the Umpqua River. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I decided to serve as a VISTA because I had been involved with ECEC for some time as a volunteer. I felt I had several years that I could continue working, without career building, and that I could make a contribution to ECEC and Americorps VISTA. The experience has far surpassed my original feelings and I am starting my second year at my site. What do you like to do in your off time? In my off time, I spend time at home with family and doing chores. I read voraciously – especially mysteries, and have started “geocaching” with my family. I used to have horses and am tempted to indulge myself with a “pasture ornament.” 1 |
 Katheryn Cagle Phoenix School - Garden Project Coordinator | Where did you move from? I moved here from Cookeville, Tennessee. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I decided to be a VISTA, because I graduated from college at with a degree in German and I knew that there had to more choices for my future, than being a german teacher. I looked into VISTA after many of my friends told me about the program. I found this position as a Garden and Service Learning Coordinator at the Phoenix School (gardening is a passion of mine) and it has been a great change for me. I have grown so much by moving across country, meeting new people, pulling out of my comfortable environment and all of the trainings. What do you like to do in your off time? I love to bake, hike, take pictures, swim and read. 1 |
 Regina Castellon Douglas County Volunteer Services | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Abigail Cooper Phoenix School | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Sarah Davis Great Afternoons - Community Garden Coordinator / VISTA Team Leader | Where did you move from? Originally, I moved from Austin, Texas to serve in Oregon. I spent the last year working as a VISTA in Reedsport as a Community Garden Coordinator for Great Afternoons. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I wanted to be able to make a difference in the lives of others. What do you like to do in your off time? Reading, watching Buffy, hiking, camping, singing, knitting, cooking, gardening, hanging out with friends. 1 |
 Sam Engel UCAN - Josephine County Food Bank | Where did you move from? I didn't have to relocate, I just applied to a promising-looking job in the newspaper that described helping people in Josephine County meet their food-security needs. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? To be cliche, because I want to help. Its true, I want to help people now, and VISTA is providing me with training and experience that I'll be able to use to help people and communities in the future. What do you like to do in your off time? I'm an avid reader and I love the out-of-doors in general. Snowboarding, gardening, kayaking, hiking, backpacking and the like. Funny, I don't really like books about the outdoors... I also play a lot of cards and spend a lot of time fixing up my house. 1 |
 Gabriel Engeland Alder Creek Chilren's Forest - Project Developer | Where did you move from? I moved from Lansing, MI Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I looked at several service opportunities both in-country and abroad and found that I related the most with the mission of VISTA. I truly believe that if we all pitched in just a little we could eradicate poverty in our country this generation. VISTA was the best way for me to do my part. What do you like to do in your off time? I like to explore Oregon and travel through the Pacific Northwest. I enjoy hiking and spending time at the ocean and, believe it or not, I like to volunteer on my time off. 1 |
 Cat Feral UCAN Resource Development | Where did you move from? I’ve lived here (outside Myrtle Creek) for 20 years. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I became a VISTA because I needed a change (formerly held several positions at UCC) and medical benefits. Largely I wanted to feel useful and productive again—my kids are all grown, and in 2001 I retired after 25 years of midwifery practice. Being a VISTA gives me an outlet for my congenital, insistent inner-drive to help people, while affording me some freedom from the stress of providing direct service. (25 years of being on-call was sufficient, thank you.) This position also provides opportunities (learning grant-writing, networking with new people, working on new projects) which are sure to be useful in post-VISTA life, and it’s a bonus to get rid of some of those pesky student loans. What do you like to do in your off time? In off-time, I enjoy sleeping (ah, sleep!), reading (indiscriminately and voraciously), writing (mostly non-fiction), raising goats, chickens, ducks, and cats, dabbling in medicinal and culinary herbs, making cheese, baking bread…you know—those usual hippy-dippy Earth Mother things. On the other hand, I’m a rabid Seahawks’ fan, a CNN addict, and my idea of a gourmet feast is pizza and beer. (One doesn’t want to be too predictable, right?) 1 |
 Morgan Filbert Oregon Coast Community Action | Where did you move from? Cedar Rapids, Iowa Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? Ive always had the value of charity and compassion instilled in me by those in my life, especially my Grandfather and Mother, and I feel that this is an opportunity to express those values while also allowing me to go out and see more of the world then this small corner of the Mid-West. What do you like to do in your off time? Writing, Comedy 1 |
 Evan Fransted UCAN Head Start | Where did you move from? Casper, WY Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? To make a notable change in the community, the job description was exactly my interest and to get experience. What do you like to do in your off time? Fly-fishing, camping, juggling, cooking, making beer, golf and snowboarding 1 |
 Lynn Frost UCAN Resource Developer | Where did you move from? Roseburg, OR (past 16 years); before that San Fernando Valley, CA; and born in Hartford, CT. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? It looked like the perfect opportunity for me to become more familiar with the scope of UCAN as an organization and to develop some new, interesting job skills. What do you like to do in your off time? Some of my hobbies are baking, gardening, writing, communicating with friends in other countries over the Internet and Bible study. 1 |
 Krystal Gauthier-Bell Great Afternoons - Community Garden Coordinator | Where did you move from? St. Petersberg, FL Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I wanted to have a positive impact on the world. The War on Poverty has always been a major soapbox issue for me. What do you like to do in your off time? Reading Kurt Vonnegut, Watching Poker on tv, Movies, Learning new skills like Knitting, photography, video games 1 |
 Sarah Gibbs Phoenix School | Where did you move from? Tifton, GA Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I wanted to have experience working with at-risk youth and high schoolers, and Phoenix School killed two birds with one stone What do you like to do in your off time? wasting time, discovering new bands, knitting, complex mathmatical patterns, random and bizarre websites, obscure mythology, and webcomics 1 |
 Maxine Gish UCAN Family Connections/VISTA Team Leader | Where did you move from? Roseburg, Oregon Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? A position opened up that sounded really great at UCAN's Family Connection, my background and the position seemed to fit really well. What do you like to do in your off time? Reading and sewing, when I get time. 1 |
 Erin Greever Douglas CARES | Where did you move from? Chillicothe, Missouri Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? To gain experience in the field of social work and make a positive impact in a community. It also gave me an excuse leave Missouri. What do you like to do in your off time? Snow skiing, cooking, live music, and roadtrips. 1 |
 Paul Grindrod Joesphine Community Libraries | Where did you move from? Tucson, AZ Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Lee Ann Grogan Douglas County Museum | Where did you move from? Arkansas Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I wanted an opportunity to work for an organization that stood for something. Plus, I'd always heard Oregon was gorgeous...I was not disappointed. What do you like to do in your off time? : Starting new hobbies. Most recently I've learned to quilt and knit. I'm currently trying to be certified in wildlife rehabilitation. 1 |
 Michael Harris Alder Creek Children's Forest | Where did you move from? Victoria, TX Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Sara Holland Dougls Co. Early Childhood Planning Coalition | Where did you move from? I relocated from Asheville, North Carolina Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I decided to serve as a VISTA for a number of reasons. Service has always been a large part of my growth as a person. I like to see myself as a servant. I chose the VISTA program also because I knew it would be a hard step for me and I would learn a lot. Considering my love for service and all that this has put my in the position to learn about, this should serve as a great transition into grad school. What do you like to do in your off time? In my off time, I like to read, study, listen to music, play sports, be outside, and figure out new ways to create...and sleep! 1 |
 Karen Howlingwolf UCAN | Where did you move from? 26 year resident of Douglas County Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? To me it's all about people working together for the common good of each other, VISTA seemed like a good vehicle. What do you like to do in your off time? Hand crafts, basketry,bead work,walking & exploring 1 |
 Al Jenkins Phoenix School | Where did you move from? Roseburg, Oregon. Before becoming a VISTA: Earned his Masters Degree in School Counseling; owned a restaurant and tavern in Eugene. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? He wanted to work with at-risk youth. What do you like to do in your off time? Building, working on cars, racing his truck, spending time with his kids. 1 |
 Seth Kirby UCAN Volunteer Coordinator | Where did you move from? Austin, Texas Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? Music, playing the guitar and mandolin, spending time with his family, including new baby, Milo. 1 |
 Aubrey Laverty United Community Action Network | Where did you move from? Farmington Hills, MI Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I studied social inequality issues as an undergrad and have always been interested in working in a non-profit. I thought that this was a good way to both give back to the community and learn more about non-profits. What do you like to do in your off time? I like traveling and finding new restaurants with delicious food. 1 |
 Debbie Levings Douglas County Museum | Where did you move from? Roseburg, OR Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? Ive always been interested in being a VISTA volunteer and while helping find a person for a summer associates job, I stumbled on the opening for a job I knew I would really like! What do you like to do in your off time? Gardening,/ horticulture, walking, cooking, raising horses, chickens, cattle, rabbits, ducks, enjoying my neighbors, and my family, and more! 1 |
 Kristen Lie UCAN Resource Developer | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Harvey Lopez UCAN Hispanic Outreach Coordinator | Where did you move from? Roseburg, Oregon (originally from California) Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? To make a career change to the social services. What do you like to do in your off time? Running and spending time with his family. 1 |
 Michelle Madigan Oregon Coast Community Action | Where did you move from? I was already living in Coos Bay. I am originally from California though.
Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I have a passion to help people better their lives. I have always believed everything happens for a reason and we can survive anything, no matter how challenging it seems. VISTA seemed like a good way to make a positive difference in lives of others. When I lived in California I completed 2 terms of Americorps and found myself very proud of the work we had done. Helping people is my passion, so it will be my career.... What do you like to do in your off time? My first favorite thing to do is play with my precious little boy who seems to be less little all the time. : ) Other than being a mom, I enjoy sports, the outdoors, and listen to music almost always. Im lucky enough to live on the coast so I take advantage of the Ocean and its beaches as often as I can. 1 |
 Lauren Marshall UCAN Transitions | Where did you move from? I was raised in Eugene and moved to Roseburg after high school to play basketball for Umpqua Community College. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I joined AmeriCorps*VISTA to give back to my community and help the underserved. What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Patrick Meehan Phoenix School Transitions | Where did you move from? Madison, Wisconsin Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? Not only looking for more experience in education, but also looking to make amends for sentencing people to a life of poverty for denying their health insurance claims What do you like to do in your off time? In addition to the novel I've been laboring to write for three years, I also enjoy reading history, working out with loud obnoxious grunts, tailgating or otherwise grilling anything at any time, exploring new places outdoors and taking pictures, and praying, nightly, that Brett Favre will play for one more year with the Green Bay Packers 1 |
 Lupita Mendez Umpqua Training and Employment/UCC | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Jessica Milligan Family Development Center | Where did you move from? I moved from Severna Park, Maryland, although I had been living in Delaware for the last four years, going to school. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I chose to become a VISTA because I was interested in working at a non-profit, but knew I needed more experience to get into the field. VISTA provided a great opportunity to learn important skills like management, program development, and grant writing necessary to be hired on at a non-profit. Also, it was the perfect opportunity to move across the country, live in a rural community, and have an adventure for a year. What do you like to do in your off time? Reading, hiking, camping, traveling, taking road trips, planning more traveling. 1 |
 Grace Moore UCAN | Where did you move from? Westwood (a small town in the mountains of northeast California) Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? AmeriCorps VISTA seemed like it would not only be great opportunity to make a positive difference in a community, but also a great learning experience as well. What do you like to do in your off time? Well, a few of my hobbies are hiking, scuba diving, attempting to cook/bake, and reading. 1 |
 Emily Moulter Umpqua National Forest | Where did you move from? Lafayette, IN Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I joined VISTA to volunteer my services, help a community, and gain some work experience. I also wanted to travel to a new town. What do you like to do in your off time? reading, running, outdoor activities, and going to concerts 1 |
 Kelsey Olson Phoenix School | Where did you move from? Minnestrista, Minnesota Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? money for schooling, move to a new place, meet new people, get work experience What do you like to do in your off time? biking, bull riding, bee bopping and talking 1 |
 Heather Orchard Family Development Center | Where did you move from? Boise, Idaho Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? "I would like to gain the experiences and skills necessary for me to be a great social worker, mother, and member of a community." What do you like to do in your off time? Going to the beach, reading, playing Playstation, hiking, playing with my dog Solé. 1 |
 Haley Overton Boys and Girls Clubs of the Umpqua Valley | Where did you move from? Arlington, Texas Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? She thought it sounded more rewarding than getting a job for a major corporation. What do you like to do in your off time? Riding horses, scrapbooking, checking out new places. 1 |
 Mariah Pepper Oregon Coast Community Action | Where did you move from? Boston, MA Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I liked the idea of moving to a new place and getting to know the community there. The specific job I applied for here (local food resources development) was the perfect career opportunity for me as I just graduated college and want to work to increase the capacity of local food systems in one way or another. What do you like to do in your off time? I love to dance. And here in Coos Bay I've joined an Anfrican drumming and dancing group. I'm taking an international folk dance class at the community college, and I'm learning to call (teach and lead) contra dances. 1 |
 Alexis Prigge Douglas County Museum | Where did you move from? Des Moines, Iowa Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? After serving in Maine for four months, I knew I wanted to continue working for a community and live somewhere other than Iowa! Also,I wanted time to figure things out and gain more experience in the museum field. What do you like to do in your off time? See new places, I can't get enough! Anything outdoors, listening to records, Greg Brown, reading, going to the ocean, laughing, and of course, trying to gain insight. 1 |
 Roger Proctor Umpqua Valley Disabilities Network | Where did you move from? I've been a resident of Douglas County for over 51 years now. I've attended Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, OR and Portland Community College in Portland, OR. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Emily Reiman Phoenix School Transitions Coordinator/VISTA Leader | Where did you move from? Eugene, Oregon Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? Before becoming a VISTA, Emily worked in research at Project Vote Smart, a non-partisan voter information agency What do you like to do in your off time? Reading, hiking, baking, and horseback riding when I get the chance. 1 |
 Emily Rhyner VISTA Team Leader | Where did you move from? Kenai, AK Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? The opportunity looked great. I also can't say that I'm entirely sad about being away from Alaska during the winter. I will miss snow in my front yard though. What do you like to do in your off time? Hiking, camping, fishing, knitting, reading, biking, swimming– I love the outdoors. 1 |
 Maureen Richey VISTA Team Leader | Where did you move from? Chattanooga, Tennessee Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? To learn more about non-profits and to experience a different part of the country, meet new people and work at a different sort of job than my past experiences. What do you like to do in your off time? Read, watch movies, spend time with friends, road trip, play trivia games. 1 |
Jill Rosinsky UCAN Volunteer Coordinator | Where did you move from? Minneapolis, MN Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? To gain valuable work experience, live in a different place, and make new friends! What do you like to do in your off time? Playing lacrosse, traveling, listening to music, going to hip-hop shows, and watching independent films 1 |
 Melody Ross Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley | Where did you move from? I was born in Roseburg and raised in Portland. I lived in Roseburg while attending Umpqua Community College and moved back to Roseburg this June after graduating from the University of Oregon. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? After three months of searching for a job, I saw a volunteer position listed in the paper. Since it was working with children and families (something my curriculum focused on in college), I became really excited about being able to get work experience in my field of choice and serve the community in lieu of a "job." When I arrived at the interview, i was informed by the supervisors that this was an AmeriCorps*VISTA position and there were actually perks! Because I had no clue that I would be receiving any benefits, that sold me right then and there. What do you like to do in your off time? When I get up in the morning, I really enjoy my two mile walk to work because it helps me clear my had and plan out my activities before I start my day. After work, I like to relax at home by listening to music and playing internet games. I also enjoy spending time with my fellow VISTAs and hope to soon resume my practice of yoga and step aerobics. 1 |
 Heather Rud Josephine County Food Bank | Where did you move from? I DID NOT MOVE TO BECOME A VISTA. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND A POSITION RIGHT HERE IN GRANTS PASS. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I DECIDED TO BECOME A VISTA AFTER MY DAD PASSED. HE WAS A COUNSELOR AND I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING TO HELP OTHERS AND LEARN IN THE PROCESS. What do you like to do in your off time? I LOVE TO SPEND TIME WITH MY HUSBAND, 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, AND 12 YEAR OLD SON. I LIKE TO SHOP,DECORATE,AND MY FAVORITE PLACE IS DISNEYLAND. IT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE A KID. 1 |
 Joseph Schultz UCAN Josephine County | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Sharon Seiler Oregon Coast Community Action | Where did you move from? I moved from Houston TX Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I joined because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to directly affect people for the better and share my knowledge of nutrition with low income families that don't have the knowledge. I believe that there is a direct connection with poverty and obesity and I feel strongly about educating people on this connection. What do you like to do in your off time? Well that's simple anything outdoors, which Coos Bay is beautiful and very pristine. The locals are also friendly and most are very local oriented which is unique because there could be sustainability in their food system. 1 |
 Stacy Siders Boys and Girls Clubs of the Umpqua Valley | Where did you move from? Rock Hill, SC Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I joined VISTA because I wanted to spend a year doing volunteer work before going to graduate school. What do you like to do in your off time? I love reading, meeting new people, traveling, hiking, and good conversation. (I never realize how lame I am until I have to tell people my hobbies...) 1 |
 Evelyn Smith South County Resource Center | Where did you move from? Ann Arbor, Michigan Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? Moving back to my home state of Michigan, researching graduate schools, and pursuing a yoga therapist’s certification. 1 |
 Nancy Southerland UCAN Head Start | Where did you move from? Roseburg already--Native Californian born and raised Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? Applied to Peace Corps but family situation made that impossible at this time, desired to do more Volunteer Service What do you like to do in your off time? Gardening & Master Gardener volunteer, Clay (trainee) making things for my community gardens and self with clay, reading & PBS, facilitating my CALM classes to a homeless women's shelter in Roseburg. 1 |
 Caitlin Standish Family Development Center | Where did you move from? Lawrence, KS Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I have worked with children for a number of years and wanted to take a new route and work for them rather than with them. What do you like to do in your off time? I love the beach and I love swimming. I like working on art projects of all kinds, watching movies, experiencing new things, and exploring the outdoors. 1 |
 Kimberly Stapleton Safe Place for Kids | Where did you move from? Bloomington, Indiana Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? To explore the non-profit sector a bit; Kimberly hopes to "gain the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating an effective program. What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Emily Summerfield Oregon Coast Community Action | Where did you move from? Austin, Texas Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I hoped it would help me figure out what I want to do with my life. After a year of service, I still have no idea what I want to do with my life. What do you like to do in your off time? Hiking, going on random adventures around Oregon, game night, reading. 1 |
 Roy Swartzell Josephine County Food Bank | Where did you move from? I moved to Grants Pass Oregon from Temple Texas where I was in a Veterans Hospital for re hab for a heart condition and during the last two years I was teaching a graduate class at the University of Texas on the Economic History of the Balkans and working par time for Dell as a consultant in Marketing on their market for computers in Central Europe and the Balkans. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? In looking at the Vista program I decided to apply for the position open at the Josephine County food Bank. I also applied for a Vista position with the Utah Lung Association, but picked Grants pass for a number of reasons. I lived and operated a small business there in the early nineties after returning to the US from Desert Storm and Islamabad Pakistan and felt my local contacts would be of some use. What do you like to do in your off time? On my off time I paint in oils, mostly landscape and do volunteer work at the VA Hospital in White City Oregon with Post Traumatic Patients, as well as ride my motorcycle in good weather just looking at the beautiful mountains and valleys of Southern Oregon. I am also doing some research on WWII Polish Prisoners of War in Labor camps in Germany. After leaving Vista I plan to write a book on this subject for the Historical Archives of the Department of Defense. I have also applied at southern Oregon University to do Guest lecturing on the History of Central Europe. 1 |
 Sherry Theroux UCAN/Douglas CARES | Where did you move from? Drain, Oregon Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? She thought it would be a good chance to put her volunteer experience to work! What do you like to do in your off time? Volunteering, helping others, spending time with her kids 1 |
 Steve Thomas Casa de Belen | Where did you move from? Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? VISTA is neat! Good folks doing good stuff for people who deserve it. Serving and giving back. Waking up and being proud of what you do. Feeling smug when you talk to your friends who are now Executive Assistants making 30K a year. What do you like to do in your off time? I never know what to say my "hobbies" are. Maybe I don't have hobbies. I've never built a model train or airplane or spaceship because that's stupid and I don't collect anything except books. Are books my hobby? I read a lot. And I like writing too. And stuff you do outside. Outside is weird though. Like, I enjoy walking long distances, so, sometimes I'll walk three miles or something to a store. And when you tell people stuff like that they look at you like you're insane. But if you said you had walked three miles to the WOODS, and instead of "walk" you called it "hike," they would all be like "Oh that's really good!" "Yeah hiking is good" "Oh I respect that" "Yeah I really respect that." But I do like walking to all kinds of places: woods, stores, bars. I like camping too and I want to learn how to do more stuff in forested places. & I like bicycles. & music. & art, but only because it's expected and because it's fun to meet people at art events. Ssh don't tell I said that. 1 |
 Adrienne Trunk Douglas County Museum | Where did you move from? Denver, CO Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? Because serving as an education outreach coordinator at a museum in my home state of Oregon was an opportunity I could not pass up. My background is in museum education and my goal in joining VISTA was to make alternative learning (i.e. outside the classroom) not only available, but also engaging for Douglas County kids. What do you like to do in your off time? Reading, crocheting, hiking, camping, playing board games (Scrabble & Mahjongg are favorites), movie-watching, etc. 1 |
 Sarah Turner Great Afternoons - Community Garden Coordinator | Where did you move from? Wichita, Kansas Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? I wanted to do something meaningful, while figuring out what to do with my life. What do you like to do in your off time? photography, sewing, gardening, dogs, reading, crafting 1 |
 Anne Tyler Umpqua Valley Arts Association | Where did you move from? Born in Sanford, ME. Closest to hometown I have now is Portland where my son and his family live. I love traveling to *new* places. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? Have a current aversion to committing to any project for more than a year, want to explore new places, & hope that I can contribute to social good What do you like to do in your off time? Reading, exploring new terrain, interpreting social systems, listening to opera, Broadway musicals, and Cajun music AND interacting with my fabulous 2-year-old granddaughter. 1 |
 Guy Vogt Josephine Co. Food Bank | Where did you move from? I'm originally from New Jersey Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? (The Family Garden) was the right idea at the right time for me What do you like to do in your off time? More gardening, travel, and pretty much anything outdoorsy 1 |
 Valerie Weston UCAN Transitions | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Jeanetta Wilde Umpqua Valley Disabilities Network | Where did you move from? Roseburg, OR Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Erica Woodmansee Project Literacy | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Jason Yoshinaga Oregon Coast Community Action | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 David Zeman UCAN Community Educator | Where did you move from? Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? What do you like to do in your off time? 1 |
 Maggie Zeman Boys and Girls Clubs of the Umpqua Valley | Where did you move from? I'm from Virginia but had been living in Cleveland OH for the last year and a half. Why did you decide to serve as a VISTA? David [Maggie's husband - above] and I were drawn to the idea of volunteering for a year and helping those in need through non-profit work. I am planning on getting my masters degree and teaching licensure after VISTA, so I was very interested in a position that dealt with children. What do you like to do in your off time? Cooking, gardening, hiking and camping, bird watching, cinema, and music. 1 |
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