Keeping Kurrent

Joni Kimoto-Reeves, a survivor of the WWII Japanese Internment camps describes her families experience after being forcibly removed from Portland, Oregon to the Minidoka Japanese internment camp in a rural part of Idaho. She describes how her family managed to effectively deal with the harsh conditions of the camp and how they eventually were able to leave the camp and migrate east where work was...

The armed forces staff said that eliminating the symptoms of PTSD was not a desirable treatment. This attitude has been proven wrong headed There are coaches and counselors who have successful practices in treating PTSD and grief. Kelly Wilson, an Oregon resident is one such coach. Find out more about this treatment by listening to her interview. You can learn more about her practice and treatment...

Up to 70,000 persons usually come together at the Burning Man. They bring their campers, tents, artistic vehicles, lights, drones, costumes and lots of food to share with others. You'll learn what it's like for one person to attend the 2021 Burning Man. Tyler George made the decision to join a number of friends to find out what it would be like. Tyler is a colorful, friendly person who can get ver...

There are many great job opportunities available to individuals seeking new work. Pam Brown introduces you to Adam "Thorn" Smith, Oregon based tour guide. Individuals might find such a job to be rewarding, flexible, and sufficient to meet personal financial needs. You'll find out what it means to learn this trade and, if you're interested, learn how to get in touch with Adam Smith.

There are a variety of ways to examine life at home and abroad during World War Two. Adele Longmore, a Portland, Oregon resident shares her personal story about this time.

Dr. Michael Connolly, a volunteer at the Palm Springs California Art Museum talks about the significance of this art museum. He also describes the role a museum art docent in helping visitors understand the the museum's art.

Hear Desiree Eden Ocampo, Executive Director of Rehab's Sisters talk about the way they create community through radical hospitality with the marginalized by poverty homelessness, sex work, violence and substance abuse. They are located in Portland Oregon and serve some 400 individuals meals every Friday as well as provide helpful conversation, games, hygienic products, and support. You can find o...

Pam Brown, co-host of the Keeping Kurrent Show, interviews Karie Shirtz, a dental hygienist located in the greater Portland, Oregon area. She learns what motivated Karie to become a dental hygienist and what it took to become one. Pam Brown is interested in helping individuals think about availability of the great employment opportunities.

The visually impaired have many technical tools to assist them in reading and utilizing computers. This interview will introduce you to the Blind Beacon Project that has been developed by Dr. Vinod Namboordiri, a professor at Wichita State University. Dr. Namboodiri has designed a navigational aide that can be utilized on a smart phone that gives verbal direction to the user who wants to find a sp...

The 2021 census reports that more than 80% of the US population now lives in cities. This should include unincorporated urban and rural communities. Community leaders as well as state and local political figures have been asking if Counties are able to manage the urban unincorporated communities, many which are larger than the incorporated cities. A group of residents living in the Oak Grove and J...

There are so many international emergencies. War, civil strife, floods, excessive hear, hurricanes and tornadoes. When these happen normal activities cease and support from many international agencies is essential to provide a reasonably stable life. The Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies is one of the many agencies that help support education. They cooperate with some 4000 organiza...

Is the US Border Patrol focused on coping with those seeking asylum or for those trying to reconnect with their children? You will learn about the work of the Center for Migration Studies of New York and listen to Edgardo Zuniga, a contract worker for the International Rescue Committee talk about how that organization is helping individuals fleeing Guatemala, Columbia and El Salvador who are seeki...

Refugee settlement in the United States is a task that has been taken on by a number of Non-profit organizations. Many large cities have such a resettlement program. While traveling in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in late 2015 I met Paula Rose, a volunteer who assists refugees as they establish a residence, get work and go to school. She volunteers with Dallas Fort Worth International. I talked with...

Circular fashion isn't just a new catch phrase, it's an phrase that describes the future of the clothing and shoe wear industry. This is an interview of Julie Derrick, owner of "JD's Shoe Repair" and also know as "The Cobblers." You won't believe what her shop is able to achieve in re rebuilding shoes, wallets, bags, and purses. It is time that the American public learn the wonderful benefits of m...

Homeless families and homeless women find a haven in Portland, Oregon when they connect with Rose Haven. Rose Haven has been operating for more than 20 years in Portland and provides a variety of services as well as a safe place for women to work on making their life better. Liz Starke, Development Director of Rose Haven, describes their many successes in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic, the severe...

Meet Pat DeLair, the CEO of Global Mission Readiness as he describes why so many American firefighters are committed to helping international fire districts train their firefighters. These firefighters are helping stabilize communities and demonstrate that Americans care about the sanctity of life.

Ned Rosch describes how, as a Jew, he accepts the basic values and teachings of Judaism, however, he has rejected the unquestioning Jewish adoption of Zionism. Zionism has come to mean the Israeli's adoption of the idea, "You cannot criticize the Israeli government and its repression of the Palestinian residents living in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank." He talks about how some Jews are s...

Fran Lloyd Wright designed many beautiful houses and also designed some for a more popular market. One of these styles was the Gordon House. You'll find one of these popular styles in Silverton, Oregon located on the grounds of the Oregon Gardens. Individuals can visit Oregon Gardens but must make reservations to visit the Gordon House. Individuals can arrange to stay overnight at the house along...

Meet Nate Hon, Clackamas County Fire District firefighter. Find out how he became a firefighter and how he progressed through the ranks. He also describes how the Fire District firefighters carry out its work in the large Clackamas County territory, Oregon.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we are in need of more trained nurses. The Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) stepped up to the plate when they developed a 15 month accelerated nursing program that was an alternative to the 3 year program. It is time that more nursing programs offer such training as more individuals are in need of health services. It is designed for candidates w...

Meet Sophie, the owner and operator of the Rohst Coffee Company. You'll find out how Sophie's French upbringing has influenced what here shop looks like and even learn to speak French. Covid-19 has affected her business in a very dramatic way, however, Sophie has established a regular schedule, but, has some limited hours, 8 am - 1 pm. Help keep Millwaukie, Oregon businesses remain open. See the R...

What is happening to businesses that are trying to maintain their bottom line during this terrible Covid-19 Pandemic? How is it affecting the owner's ambitions? Listen to the story of Anne Nottingham and Kathy Tippets, owners of Two Sisters Play Cafe as they tell their story about how their business is attempting to survive this pandemic. This interview is designed to help encourage community resi...

Listen to a presentation by Carolyn Driedger, Outreach Coordinator, USGS, Cascade Volcano Observatory as she talks about her personal experience on the day before, during and after the eruption of Mt. St. Helens on May 18, 1980. She will also describe the role of USGS in protecting residents who live near any volcanic centers followed by a description of USGS's international role. Her presentation...

During the next 15 years thirty-three percent individual households will be headed by persons 65 years of age and older. Individuals approaching this time in their lives need to carefully plan for affordable and adequate housing, where they can experience a quality of life that affords the opportunity to live independently. In this segment of Keeping Kurrent you'll meet Val and Eleanore Harris, wh...

Listen to the Collin Karg's story about how he successfully built an Art Glass Gallery in Kechi, Kansas. He explains how he started a business in his garage and gradually expanded it to many buildings and eventually into his current gallery in Kechi, Kansas. He identifys the key decisions he made that allowed him to develop his business.