Speaker

Mayor Julie Fitzgerald will deliver her Wilsonville State of the City presentation, highlighting the achievements, challenges, and developments shaping our community. Elected as Wilsonville’s ninth mayor in November 2020, Julie collaborates with community members, City of Wilsonville staff, and elected officials across the region to advance the city's objectives. She serves a population of over 27,000 residents and an industrial employment force of 21,000.

Leah Sundquist, Manager/County Liaison of the OSU Extension Service in Clackamas County, will provide an overview of the diverse and impactful programs offered by OSU Extension-Clackamas. Discover how initiatives such as Master Gardener and Urban Horticulture, Forestry and Natural Resources, Family and Community Health, and the 4-H Youth Development program benefit our community. Supported by state and federal funding, along with community partnerships, these programs align perfectly with the interests of our members and promote substantial community engagement and development.

Claire Sarnowski from Lake Oswego, Oregon, will share her experiences and insights from her book, Remember My Story: A Girl, a Holocaust Survivor, and a Friendship That Made History. Claire, who attended local schools and graduated in 2022, will discuss her journey with Holocaust survivor Alter Wiener and their joint efforts to make Holocaust education mandatory in Oregon's public schools. She will also read from her memoir and talk about her work as an author and activist since the book's publication in January 2024. This memoir is a tribute to friendship, community, and the power of activism. Copies of her book will be available for purchase.

Retired Colonel Lynn Guenther, father of Wilsonville High School Head Football Coach Adam Guenther, will share his experiences from his time as a Forward Air Controller (FAC). His role shifted dramatically from engaging enemy targets to enduring a 414-day survival ordeal from December 26, 1971, to February 12, 1973. Through this challenging time, he discovered the indispensable value of faith, family, and friends, offering profound insights into resilience and the human spirit.

Rotarian David Niklas, President of WilsonvilleSTAGE, will share the transformative power of live theatre. David will explore how WilsonvilleSTAGE enhances the local arts scene, strengthens community ties, and supports artistic expression. He'll illustrate the profound impact of theatre on audiences through personal anecdotes and scientific studies, advocating for its vital role in our community.

Apryl Herron or Katie Knutsen from Clackamas County Public Health will discuss significant efforts to combat the overdose crisis, highlighting crucial public health strategies and community actions. Apryl leads the substance use and overdose prevention initiative, collaborating with first responders on Project Hope. Katie supports overdose prevention work, providing education, addressing stigma, and building community partnerships. Their combined efforts aim to enhance community-based solutions and support recovery.

Christine Smith, Neighborhood Trees Specialist and Education Coordinator from Friends of Trees, will share how the organization inspires people to improve their surroundings through tree planting. Friends of Trees organizes planting events, delivers trees, digs the holes, and makes it affordable for all homeowners, with trees costing just $35 or free for those with financial barriers. Homeowners receive a 6-foot tall tree, delivery, planting assistance, and follow-up care, all sourced from local farms. Volunteers simply sign up, show up dressed for the weather, and help green their neighborhoods, including in Wilsonville and other cities across Oregon and Washington.

Taylor Swan, Outreach Specialist of Energy Trust of Oregon, will present on how to reduce energy use and lower utility bills through home improvements and simple energy tips. This workshop equips homeowners and renters with the tools and knowledge to control their energy use, lower energy costs, and live more comfortably. Attendees will also learn about resources and funding available for energy-related home repairs and projects, providing valuable insights into cost-effective ways to make homes more energy-efficient and contribute to a greener environment.

Allison Hancock, Executive Director of Breast Friends in Tigard, will present on "Helping Women Survive the Trauma of Cancer, One Friend at a Time." Founded in 2000 by breast cancer survivors Becky Olson and Sharon Henifin, Breast Friends is dedicated to ensuring that no one faces a breast cancer diagnosis alone. The organization provides compassionate support, interactive programs, and a strong sense of community from diagnosis through thriving beyond. Breast Friends strives to be relevant, accessible, and inclusive, offering support and understanding to all individuals regardless of their stage in the breast cancer journey.

Ben Williams, a resident of French Prairie and President of Friends of Historic Butteville, will present on the history of Butteville and the Historic Butteville Store. Once a thriving port town and the "Hops capital of Oregon," Butteville faced decline with the arrival of the railroad around 1907, while Wilsonville benefitted from new transportation routes. The Butteville Store, the longest continuously operating retail establishment in Oregon, remains a significant landmark. Ben will explore the factors that fueled Wilsonville's success and contributed to Butteville's downturn, highlighting the region's past and ongoing preservation efforts.