Talking Tigard

Latest Episodes:

Tigard Turns the Tide: A Community Blueprint for Youth Wellness Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host Kent Wyatt welcomes Sunshine Navarro Shively, Executive Director of Tigard Turns the Tide, a local nonprofit coalition focused on youth mental health, substance use prevention, and community building. Sunshine, a long-time nonprofit leader with a background in anthropology and youth-focused services, shares her journey to joining Tigard Turns the Tide and the deep personal motivations behind her work.

Key Topics

Sunshine's Journey: From museum educator to nonprofit leader, and the personal family challenges that reignited her professional passion.
About Tigard Turns the Tide: A long-standing community coalition founded in 1982 by Connie Ramaekers, aimed at preventing underage substance use and promoting mental wellness.
Upcoming Coalition Relaunch: A major community relaunch event is set for April 16, introducing the Communities That Care prevention framework.
Parent & Youth Engagement Night: On April 17 at Tigard High School, a community discussion will focus on building youth resilience, featuring expert panels and student voices.
Ways to Get Involved: Whether you're a parent, student, or just a community member who cares, there are meaningful ways to participate in the coalition's work.
STUD Club: High school students can join the "Stop Tigard Underage Drinking and Drugs" club to lead and participate in prevention events.

Resources Mentioned

Website: www.tigardturnsthetide.org
Contact Sunshine: sunshine@tigardturnsthetide.org

For Your Playlist

'Wind Beneath My Wings' by Bette Midler

Making a House a Home with Community Warehouse Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host Kent Wyatt sits down with Phil Gerigscott, Senior Manager of Communications at Community Warehouse, to explore how this incredible Tigard-based nonprofit is transforming empty houses into homes for those in need.

Learn how Community Warehouse operates as a "furniture bank," collecting and redistributing gently used household items to individuals and families overcoming adversity. Phil shares insights on the most-needed donations, volunteer opportunities, and the impact of their work—plus a few quirky treasures that have passed through their estate store!

If you're looking for ways to give back to the community, whether through donating furniture, volunteering, or supporting their upcoming Chair Affair fundraiser, this episode has all the details.

Links & Resources: 📍 Community Warehouse Website 📍 Learn More About Chair Affair (April 10th) 📍 Volunteer & Donation Info

🎵 Ending Song: Our House – a perfect tribute to the power of home and community!

Have ideas for future episodes? Send us your thoughts at kentw@tigard-or.gov.

Click. Report. Improve: How Tigard Service Request Empowers the Community! Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Hendrix, Assistant to the City Manager in Tigard, to explore how community members can take an active role in improving their neighborhoods through Tigard Service Request (TSR).

Designed to streamline the way residents interact with city services, TSR makes it easier than ever to report non-emergency issues like abandoned vehicles, potholes, and trail maintenance needs. Nicole shares insights on the most commonly requested services and how this user-friendly tool ensures concerns are addressed quickly and efficiently.

For Your Playlist: 'How Deep is Your Love' by PJ Morton

From Storytime to Student Cards: Turning Pages at the Tigard Library Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jessica Fredrickson, Youth Services Supervisor at Tigard Library, talks about all the great things the library offers. She shares how she came to Tigard, her love for making reading accessible to everyone, and the many ways the library supports kids, teens, and families.

Highlights include:

Top Reads of 2024: Jessica shares her favorite books, including Max in the House of Spies, Dogtown, and One Giant Leap. She also recommends the Ologies podcast for curious listeners.
Inclusive Access: A deep dive into how Tigard's student library card initiative provides thousands of children access to books and digital resources, fostering a love for learning.
Upcoming Programs: Exciting plans for 2025, from chess afternoons to the teen Winter Reading Challenge, and the summer reading program.
Behind the Scenes: Jessica reveals what it's like to manage Youth Services, from leading storytime for babies to strategizing long-term initiatives for the library.
Unique Insights: A personal look at Jessica's journey as a reader, including how audiobooks became her lifeline after a vestibular disability.

The episode wraps with a musical note as Jessica chooses What a Wonderful World to set a hopeful tone for 2025. This is a must-listen for book lovers, parents, and anyone passionate about community libraries!

Designing a Fresh Start: Sean Higby's Journey Through Creativity and Community in Tigard Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we sit down with Sean Higby, a talented illustrator and graphic designer based right here in Tigard. Sean shares his journey from California to Tigard, his transition from photography to self-taught graphic design, and how the pandemic became a turning point in his creative career.

We discuss his inspirations, from vintage "rubber hose" animations to modern cartoons, and dive into some of his standout projects, including vibrant posters, eye-catching T-shirt designs, and creative branding solutions. Whether you're curious about life as a freelance artist, the Tigard creative community, or simply want to discover great local food carts and parks, this episode has something for everyone.

Plus, hear Sean's take on why design can—and should—be both professional and fun, and learn how to connect with him for your next creative project.

Inside Tigard's First Path-to-Net-Zero Apartment with The Daniels Brothers Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we dive into the development of The Steward, a new path-to-net-zero apartment building in Tigard's Triangle district. We are joined by brothers and developers Josh and Brenner Daniels, who discuss the unique sustainable design of the 55-unit building, its energy-efficient features, and the vision behind making it one of the first of its kind on Portland's west side.

Alongside details about The Steward's eco-friendly amenities, including extensive EV parking and energy credits, Josh and Brenner share personal stories about working together and what drew them to this project.

Tune in to learn how The Steward is setting new standards in Tigard's green building landscape and how it's tailored to serve both its residents and the environment.

Pedaling Toward Accessibility: Go By Bike and El Tigre Fest with Kiel Johnson Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Kiel Johnson from Go By Bike chats about the upcoming El Tigre Fest and how biking plays a key role in making events more accessible. Learn about the free bike valet service returning to the festival, insights into making cities more bike-friendly, and how e-bikes are transforming transportation. Whether you're a biking enthusiast or new to the scene, this conversation will inspire you to explore Tigard and beyond on two wheels. Tune in for tips, stories, and a sneak peek at what to expect at El Tigre Fest!

For Your Playlist: 'Bicycle Race' by Queen

Legislative Insights and Local Impact with House Majority Leader Ben Bowman Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

Rep. Ben Bowman, Oregon's House Majority Leader, returns for his second appearance on the Talking Tigard podcast. In this episode, he discusses a variety of topics, including:

His favorite city in Washington County

The influence of Margaret Doherty on his career

The "Hall for All" initiative

A preview of the 2025 legislative session

You'll also learn how to make your voice heard on key community issues. Don't miss this episode for a blend of local government insights, practical tips, and community-centered conversations!

A Bright Green Backpack Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Jaycie Sabala from HomePlate Youth Services, a nonprofit focused on supporting youth experiencing housing instability in Washington County, talks about how the organization strives to meet the needs of unhoused young people. HomePlate provides crucial services such as meals, showers, housing assistance, education, and employment programs.

The discussion highlights the challenges of working with unhoused youth, the emotional involved, and the critical role of storytelling in raising awareness and securing funding. Jaycie shares inspiring stories of success, including one about a young person who successfully moved through HomePlate's programs, secured stable housing, and even launched a small business. The episode underscores the value of community support and outlines how listeners can get involved with HomePlate, whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word on social media.

A Kids Book About Civic Engagement Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Marissa Grass, author of the new children's book A Kids Book About Civic Engagement, and Emma Wolf, the editor who helped bring the book to life. Join us as they delve into the creative process behind crafting a story that inspires young readers to get involved in their communities.

Marissa and Emma also share their favorite book recommendations for kids, offer invaluable advice for aspiring authors, and reveal their favorite spots around Tigard. Whether you're a parent, educator, or budding writer, this conversation is sure to inspire and inform!

For Your Playlist: 'No Bad Days' by Macklemore

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