KMUN Current Dec. 2024 - Jan. 2025

FREE

TAKE ONE

VOL. XLII NO. 1

DEC 2024 - JAN 2025

ALWAYS FREE

BIMONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE STUDIOS OF KMUN - NONPROFIT COMMUNITY RADIO FOR THE NORTH COAST

In This Issue: 8 The Piano 16 Program Guides 24 The Ship Report 25 Dancing in the Dark 28 Radio Puzzles

...and more!

91.9 ASTORIA

91.3 S. ASTORIA

89.3 CANNON BEACH

104.3 WHEELER

89.5 TILLAMOOK

KMUN.ORG

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FROM THE HERON’S NEST Susan Peterson, Station Manager

Holiday Season Hopes

Focus on community in the darkest months

A

s the holiday se ason approach -

es, I find myself reflecting on the incredible community we have built together. This time of year is all about connection, gratitude, and hope — a perfect opportunity to celebrate the variety of cultures and traditions that enrich our lives.

At KMUN, we believe in the power of the FM dial to facilitate inclusivity. Each of you — our dedicated members, volunteers, and listeners — fervently bring unique experiences and perspectives to KMUN and that contributes to our mission of being the

voice of the Lower Columbia Region.

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, or any other holiday, we honor and embrace the richness of your traditions.

This season, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hope radiating from our shared experiences. It’s a time to gather, ref lect on the year past, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we have made signif icant strides in bringing more people to the airwaves, and it’s your unwavering support that has made all the difference. We have some big plans for 2025!

As we celebrate, I encourage you to reach out to one another, to share

stories and to extend kindness to those who may be struggling. Small acts of generosity can create ripples of hope and joy in our community.

In the spirit of community, we welcome you to become a part of K MUN as a listener, volunteer or a member.

Or all three! I invite you to join the K MUN family — your presence is what makes this radio station truly special.

Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and community-minded holiday season and may that extend into 2025!

Warmly, Susan S

T he T illicum F oundation B oar d of D ir ectors A nnual M ember M eeting & B oar d E lection On Saturday, November 2, the Tillicum Foundation Board of Directors held their annual member meeting in the Astoria Elks Lodge. Returning board members Todd Lippold and Bonnie Lively were both reelected to their seats, and Jon Tullis, host of River of Songs, was elected to one of the remaining open seats.

Volunteer awards were presented to members of the KMUN community who made a particular impact on the organization this past year. See page 11 in this issue for an overview of the awards and recipients.

More information about the Tillicum Foundation Board of Directors can be found on our website: kmun.org/tillicumfoundation

DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

KMUN’S

VOLUNTEERS

MAKE

IT

ALL

Go Over the Edge with Brandon as we push our boundaries with progressive music from all decades.

Every other saturday 8-10pm ON KMUN HAPPEN!

Adriana

Guerrero

Alana

Kujala

THE TILLICUM FOUNDATION STAFF & GOVERNANCE TEAM Stewards of KMUN, KTCB, and KCPB -- from the content to the cables.

STATION MANAGER Susan Peterson PROGRAM DIRECTOR Jack Harris MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Keegan Fifer OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Viri Haugen NEWS DEPARTMENT Katie Frankowicz Director Skyler Butenshon Host CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emma Geddes BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Andy Eddy

TILLICUM FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Larry Scott President Randy Vogt Vice President Sturges Dorrance Treasurer Todd Lippold Secretary Bonnie Lively Mick Mortlock Jon Tullis The Tillicum Foundation Board of Directors meets the 4th Wednesday of every month at 5 pm. The meetings are hybrid in-person and on Zoom. Meeting links and more information available at kmun.org under the “About” tab.

NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR Dave Neys

COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD Alex Carney Neal Lemery Natalie Mallis Tita Montero Laura Swanson Sherry Zeilstra

ENGINEERING SUPPORT Sunset Empire Ham Radio Club Gray Haertig Michael Johnson David Klann John Mackey Nevada Sowle

The Community Advisory Board (CAB) evaluates KMUN’s programming for opportunities to further the station’s ability to accomplish its mission. Learn more about the CAB at kmun.org under the About tab.

BOOKKEEPER Jennifer Rasmussen WEB DEVELOPER Paul Brady

KMUN is Your Community Voice in the Lower Columbia Pacific Region.

The Tillicum Foundation’s mission is to serve the Lower Columbia Pacific Region through commercial-free community radio programs and services that enrich life by illuminating the role of the arts, promoting cultural and educational growth, and bringing focus to current issues of local and regional public interest while providing a forum for diverse and under-served groups.

Want to help us further our mission?

Visit kmun.org to learn more and get involved today.

Send Your Comments, Corrections & Kudos: feedback@kmun.org 503-325-0010

@KMUN91.9 @KMUNtv KMUN

THE CURRENT’S EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR / DESIGNER Emma Geddes

COPY EDITOR Katie Frankowicz

AD SALES MANAGER Andy Eddy

DEC. 2024 - JAN. 2025 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & ARTISTS Lowell Benner Katie Frankowicz Jentzen Mooney Brian Bovenizer Barbara Hansel Susan Peterson Teresa DeLorenzo Jack Harris Joanne Rideout Heather Douglas Reid Johnson Kamila Swerdloff Keegan Fifer Mark Meadowlark Skyler Wells The Current is designed & printed in Astoria, Oregon.

COVER ARTIST: Skyler Wells Skyler frequently fills in on The Son of Dario Charnay for DJ Dario Charnay, whose jet-setting lifestyle and dubious habits keep him away from the mic more often than not. Skyler enjoys worm farming, night digging, bone sculpture and long walks on the beach at sunset. This cover piece is done in pen & ink and watercolor.

The Tillicum Foundation is tax-exampt and all gifts, grants, and contributions to it are tax deductible to the extent of the law. KMUN broadcasts 5000 watts of power at 91.9 MHz from its main transmitter on Megler Mountain, 250 watts at 89.3 from a translator located in Cannon Beach, and 10 watts from translators in both Wheeler (104.3) and Astoria’s south slope (91.3). KTCB broadcasts 400 watts of power at 89.5 from Cape Meares, serving Tillamook County. The Tillicum Foundation also operates a second program service, KCPB, which broadcasts at 400 watts from Megler Mountain at 90.9 MHz. Alex

Carney

Andrea

Mazzarella

Astronemis

Ray

Barbara

Hansel

COAST COMMUNITY RADIO

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KMUN NEWS DEPARTMENT Katie Frankowicz, News Director

Researchers find evidence of different sardine species off West Coast

Gary Longo suddenly had a sinking feeling.

He was searching for what he thought would be small genetic differences across a single species of ocean-dwelling fish: Pacific sardine.

But Longo, a contractor for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center, seemed to be looking at two completely different species. Had he accidentally swapped sample plates?

Pacific sardines are small but ecologically important fish. For fishery management purposes, they are grouped into three subpopulations. Longo was part of a group looking to see if these stocks were genetically distinct from each other.

Gradually, Longo and Matt Craig, a research geneticist with the center, realized the DNA they were looking at was still a sardine, but a species of sardine they had never detected along the West Coast of North America before. It was Japanese sardine, thousands of miles away from home.

In a paper published in October, Craig and Longo theorized that unusually warm waters in the North Pacific Ocean

DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

may have created a sort of bridge, allowing Japanese sardines to move from their usual habitat in the West Pacific over to the East Pacific.

To the researchers, it’s another chapter in the story of how shifting ocean conditions are rapidly reshuffling species. In the last few years, market squid temporarily shifted north. Atlantic bluefin tuna appeared in fisheries hundreds of miles north of their usual summer feeding grounds.

And now: sardines.

The discovery could also complicate efforts to understand the Pacific sardine population off the West Coast at a key moment.

NOAA is in the middle of attempting to develop a plan to rebuild the species following years of dramatic decline and amid litigation over the agency’s response. The West Coast population of Pacific sardines were declared overfished in 2019. A court rejected NOAA’s rebuilding plan earlier in 2024, but a new rebuilding plan will need to be in place by June.

Sardines form an important base to the food chain as fodder for larger animals that humans like to eat. They are a helpful species to study if you want to understand shifts in ocean temperatures, Longo said.

A highly mobile fish, they are able to live in a wide range of habitats and respond quickly to changing temperatures.

Pacific and Japanese sardines so close-

Bernie

Burger

Bill

Ham

Bob

ly resemble each other that it is nearly impossible to tell them apart just by looking at them until you dive down to the level of DNA. For Longo and Craig one of the biggest questions they have — besides the obvious question of whether the Japanese sardines are here to stay — is if Japanese and Pacific sardines will hybridize. That is, interbreed and produce viable offspring.

If the two sardine species aren’t able to interbreed and the Japanese sardines stick around, they could end up competing with Pacific sardines for resources. S A version of this story aired on KMUN in October 2024. Did you know we also publish digital versions of our original reporting? Find this story and other news at kmun.org/local-news Do you have a news tip or a story idea?

Let us know. Email the KMUN News Department at news1@kmun.org

Goldberg

Hear Local News on KMUN Weekdays 8:00 - 9:00 am and 5:00 - 6:00 pm during Morning Edition & All Things Considered

Bonnie

Lively

Brad

DePuyt

Radios by Jentzen Mooney Brandon

Bandy

Brandon

Mackley

Brian

Bovenizer

Brian

Dillon

Bruce

Watts

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PROGRAMMING DEPARTMENT Jack Harris, Program Director

Gratitude

A perennial reminder

A

s I w r ite this , autumn is start -

ing to think ahead to winter, the stores are well into the Holiday season and I can’t help but feel the low-level stress and apprehension of the impending election. I’m not sure what the state of things will be when this is published. I’m not sure anyone knows what to expect.

That fact alone is a big difference from my memory of previous presidential elections.

At this point, a routine count of votes and transfer of power seems wildly optimistic.

There are moments when it seems going

back in time to a place where things are slightly less crazy is tempting and maybe that is the place I write this from. So, I am grateful.

I am grateful for KMUN and how it knits our part of the world together. Seeing our bumper stickers and t-shirts out and about in the listening area gives me a feeling of solidarity. Working with our myriad of volunteers, whether on air or otherwise, is inspirational. My co-workers on staff here at the Tillicum House motivate me every day to do my best. I am grateful for this community and opportunity.

I am especially grateful when I get to teach others how to get their voices, their music and their ideas onto the airwaves.

The light that goes on in people’s eyes

when they realize the power they wield behind the mixing board and on the mic is remarkable. To a person, they have been awed and humbled by the potential of radio and the responsibility it entails to be on the air. I am grateful to relive those revelations through them.

No matter what the election and post-election has brought us, we will be celebrating holidays, the sun and moon will continue to rise and set, the seasons will keep changing and KMUN will continue to keep the lower Columbia Pacific awash in great music, relevant public affairs, interesting voices and yes…news. I shall continue to be grateful. S

R ADIO HAIKU

P e aceful v ibr ations

Classical Music Donation

W av es of air floating ov er D ancing on m y e ar s

KMUN would like to thank All Classical Radio and Director of Music and Programming John Pitman for their generous donations to the KMUN classical music library, deepening and broadening our hosts’ and listeners’ access to wonderful music.

by R eid J ohnson KMUN F ront D esk V olunteer

Learn more about All Classical at allclassical.org

DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

Bruce

Williams

Caleb

Hernandez

Carol

Newman

Carolyn

Wells

Charlie

Shumar

Clint

Carter

Dave

Neys

David

Paul

David

Rasmussen

Dayle

Olson

COAST COMMUNITY RADIO

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PROGRAMMING DEPARTMENT Teresa DeLorenzo, Skinnamarink

The Piano

Classical music just for kids

O

Jennifer Goodenberger at the piano in the KMUN studio. Photo courtesy of Teresa DeLorenzo.

n O ctober 12, 2024, the w eek -

ly show Skinnamarink, for children of all ages, was all about the piano. Astorian Jennifer Goodenberger joined host Teresa DeLorenzo and made the show magic.

Jennifer Goodenberger is a concert pianist, composer, recording artist, and ensemble pianist. Her style is a mesmerizing fusion of classical, improvisational and contemporary music. She has released nine solo piano CDs. Her recordings are often used in the healing arts and as film soundtracks. For a time, Jennifer played keyboard with the Brownsmead Flats. And she was a classical music programmer on KMUN for four years, starting in the station’s second year, 1984.

Skinnamarink’s piano show began with Jennifer describing how she has made a life and living with the piano.

A Storied Reader

O

DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

Hear Skinnamarink on KMUN Saturdays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

IN MEMORIAM: BELINDA KRUGER

by Barbara Hansel, KMUN Volunteer

In memory of Belinda Kruger ne of the fi v e or iginal B ed time Stories readers, Belinda was an integral part of the start-up KMUN, and continued to read bedtime stories every week for over ten years. She reached out, reading stories at local school libraries.

She produced the occasional special, including the first KMUN salute to Cinco de Mayo.

Her day job, and her passion, was women’s health care. She spent a few years as a labor and delivery nurse at CMH, fol-

Jennifer selected and performed wonderful piano music to accompany the reading of three stories about famous pianists of the past and present. In addition, selections were played from Jennifer’s CD of piano music composed by Clara Schumann, and from a CD of Jennifer’s own compositions.

Special thanks to Bonnie and Scott Thompson for the loan of their piano, and to Program Director Jack Harris and Programmer Todd Lippold for moving the piano in and out of the KMUN studio.

Skinnamarink plays every Saturday from 11 am - noon. The second Saturday show highlights all things classical – music, musicians, instruments and composers. S

lowed by over two decades as the Women’s Health Care Provider at Clatsop County Health Department. Her respect for the dignity of every woman who consulted her was well known in the community.

In her later years, KMUN radio programs brought her great comfort. Her sing-a-long favorite was Morning Folk.

In her memory, please read a story aloud to the nearest child. S Hear Bedtime Stories on KMUN Sunday - Thursday, 8:30 - 9:00 pm Debbie

Twombly

Denise

Reed

Belinda Kruger, early KMUN volunteer. Photo courtesy of fellow volunteer, Barbara Hansel.

Donna

Quinn

E.J.

Browne

Ed

Johnson

Your Story is Our Story.

Cathlamet | Warrenton | Seaside

BankofthePacific.com

Edward

James

Ed

Keller

Eileen

Williams

Elizabeth

Menetrey

Ellen

Frye

COAST COMMUNITY RADIO

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Illustration by Heather Douglas in Astoria, Ore.

10 DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

Ellen

Levy

Eric

Wheeler

Erik

Thorsnes

Gail

Stenger

Gary

Sunderland

Annual KMUN Volunteer Awards On Saturday November 2nd, the Tillicum Foundation Board of Directors and staff presented the following awards to some of the exceptional volunteers who continue to make KMUN a vital resource for the Lower Columbia Pacif ic region.

Mark Meadowlark

Scratchy Vinyl (aka Peter Hurney)

For volunteering carpentry, design, and building skills to improve the beauty and safety of the Tillicum House.

For a consistently crazy, yet compellingly kaleidoscopic, production that celebrates audio. (Insert sound FX here.)

2024 Volunteer of the Year

2024 DJ of the Year

Hear Mark on Caribbean Moon Every other Friday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Hear DJ Scratchy on The Scratchy Vinyl Show Every other Thursday, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Lori Pastor

Steven Amaya

2024 Rookie of the Year

2024 Public Affairs Show of the Year

For filling the cinematic audiophile needs of our community precisely and thematically every week.

For crafting compelling portraits of the vast diversity in parenting techniques and experiences on Father Figures.

Hear Lori on Reeled In Every Wednesday, 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Hear Steven on Father Figures 2nd Tuesdays, 9:30 - 10:00 am

Teresa DeLorenzo

Michael Wilson

2024 Yellow SUBmarine

The Steady Hand

For genre-jumping and overall willingness to fill in anywhere on the broadcast schedule.

For staffing the front desk during countless last-minute shifts and providing stellar support to both the hosts and staff.

Hear Teresa on Sunday Opera, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm & on Skinnamarink, 2nd Saturdays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Kelli Daffon

Reid Johnson

2024 Sound Nerd of the Year

Community Calendar King

For pushing the boundaries of editing and going deep into sound design on Watershed Moments.

For translating calendar submissions into comprehensible on-air announcements for all to hear and enjoy.

Find the Community Calendar at kmun.org

Hear Kelli on Watershed Moments 4th Mondays, 9:30 - 10:00 am

The Tillicum Foundation Roger Rocka Board of Directors Award For extraordinary contributions and service to the Tillicum Foundation and the stations of Coast Community Radio.

Geralyn

Hurney

Heather

Chapman

John Stevenson

Roger was appointed in June 2011 and served the board for 7 years in various roles including vice president, president and event coordinator. He also hosts The Human Beat, and has filled in on shows from ARTS to Evening Jazz.

Heather

Douglas

Isa

Haverlan

Jacob

Lewin

For service as the board treasurer May 2018 to November 2023, and as longtime host of both Lost Highway and Gospel Train. John has also filled in on countless shows whenever called upon.

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12 DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

“With Celtic Aire introducing me to the likes of Celtica, Battlefield, and Celtarabia, how can I NOT donate?”

BARBARA in ILWACO “Thanks, Lloyd and Janet, for turning me onto this treasure of a radio station. I’m hooked!”

GENIE in DAYTON “Great show today. Loved the ‘Stoned in the 70s’ edition. Just a lot of my favorite old artists. (In the Groove) is becoming one of my favorites to be sure to listen to each week.”

WAYNE in TILLAMOOK “Since I began listening to KMUN over a year ago, I did notice that classical music is played every morning.

Even I am beginning to appreciate it since the first thing I do in the morning is turn on KMUN. I also noticed that (the DJs) are pure admirers and love sharing their knowledge.”

DIANE in TILLAMOOK Comments? Critiques? Fan mail?

Send it all to feedback@kmun.

Jan

Faber

Jan

Mitchell

Jane

Hill

Janet

Fryberger

Jay

Obenour

Brian’s Country Corner

Brian Bovenizer, host of the North Coast Range, plays a selection of alt-country and country adjacent music with a focus on new releases. Here are a few of the new.

Highway Prayers Billy Strings

If you haven’t heard of Billy Strings, you must not be listening to KMUN. Threetime IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Assoc) Entertainer of the Year, Billy blends bluegrass, psychedelic rock and jam all in one entertaining package. For fans of music and happiness.

Brad Cook (Hiss Golden Messenger, Brent Cobb) for a masterclass in indie-folk-country-ish production. For fans of Hurray for the Riff Raff, Brandi Carlile.

Bright Future Adrianne Lenker Not quite country, not quite folk, the Big Thief vocalist’s latest solo album is the kind of melancholy that makes you smile.

For fans of not so country rainy mornings and quiet sunset empire evenings.

Frontrunner for the Country Corner’s First Annual Album of the Year, songwriter Katie Crutchfield joins producer

Jeannine

Grey

Jerry

Middaugh

Jesse

Woodland Gillian Welch and David Rawlings Speaking of Gillian Welch, she and David Rawlings have a new album named after their studio, “Woodland.” Full band, folky arrangements accompany the signature Rawlings jangly acoustic guitar and unique vocal harmonies. For fans of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

Other great artists with new albums:

Rodeo Junkies Noeline Hoffman

Tiger’s Blood Waxahatchee

tle league with Lyons). For fans of Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams.

Produced by Pat Lyons (Colter Wall), this is a fairly straight ahead country songwriter EP that is destined to catch fire on the next album. (Not just because I played lit-

Wagner

Jessica

Schleif

Jim

Dott

Lake Laconic, Fruition, The Deslondes, Melissa Carper, Swamp Dog, Kimmi Bitter, Ramsay Midwood, Weezy Ford, Charlie Parr, Sierra Ferrell.

Hear North Coast Range on KMUN Alternating Thursdays, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

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14 DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

Community Calendar December 2024 - January 2025

Clatsop Animal Assistance Fundraiser & Holiday Party 12/4, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Lovell Showroom, 14th & Duane in Astoria

“Decked!” A holiday play by Ginna Hoben

12/6-21, variable showtimes The Ten Fifteen Theater, 1015 Commercial St. Astoria

The Rogue Trio & Holiday Craft Fair

12/15, 5:00 - 7:00 pm Barbey Maritime Center, 2042 Marine Dr. Astoria

Horse Hair Raku Fire Class

12/21, 1:30 - 5:30 pm Ilwaco Artworks, 109 First Ave. North Ilwaco

Veteran’s Breakfast

1/2, 8:00 - 10:00 am Lum’s Auto Center, 1605 SE Ensign Lane Warrenton

Cameraless Photography & Cyanotype Workshop 1/18-19, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm The Sou’Wester Lodge, 3728 J Place Seaview

Find these events and many more on the Community Calendar at kmun.org Submit your event to be included on the KMUN website and in live on-air announcements. Find the submission form on our website.

Jim

Santee

Joanne

Rideout

John

Goff

John

Macke

John

Rippey

Gifting a KMUN Membership

I

t feels lik e 2024 w ent by in a blink ! T h ank s to

you, this year was full of great programs, connections, and community. Your support is truly a gift. Speaking of gifts — consider giving the gift of a KMUN membership to a friend or family member this holiday season! Simply fill out the membership form on this page and mention that it is a gift. The recipient will be sent a letter educating and welcoming them to KMUN and they will have the option to be added to our communication lists! S

B ecome a member today !

D onation F or m

Every donation to KMUN includes NAME: ______________________ a one-year membership, which gets PHONE: ______________________ you The Current mailed to your ADDRESS: ______________________ doorstep and a vote in the Board ______________________ election at the Annual Member EMAIL: ______________________ Meeting in November.

AMOUNT: $_____________________ M ail your donation & this for m to : PO B ox 269, A stor i a OR 97103 John

Stevenson

Jon

Tullis

Judy

Hernandez

Kamila

Swerdloff

Kathleen

Morgain

P lease C heck O ne : q New Member q Existing / Returning Member q Gift Membership

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16 DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

Kati

Claborn

Larry

Scott

Laura

Swanson

Linda

Anderson

Linda

Perkins

LinMarie

DiCianni

Lisa

Smith

Liz

Harris

Lloyd

Bowler

Lowell

Benner

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Earmark Your Donation for KCPB! Tell us all of your favorite shows and hosts in the comment box when you donate at kmun.org Lori

Pastor

Lyle

Haataja

Lynn

Hadley

Marcus

Estes

Marcus

Lucero

Marc

Ward

Margarita

Cullimore

Marianne

Monson

Mark

Meadowlark

Mac

Burns

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KMUN PODCASTS

Find these local shows in your favorite podcast app! Subscribe today and never miss an episode. These and more archived programs are always available at kmun.org/podcasts and in the KMUN App.

A n A dventure in H istory

P oems for C ompany

A weekly look back at historical tidbits big and small, produced by the Clastop County Historical Society.

A monthly theme-based program featuring poems from all eras and styles. Topics include manual labor, unrequited love a nd more.

B each G rass R oots

T he P reservationists

A monthly feature on local nonprofits, in collaboration with the Astoria Co+op’s Change for Community program.

Monthly interviews with students and professionals in historic preservation, from the Lower Columbia Preservation Society.

F ather F igures

T he R egister

A monthly program about the complex experiences and impacts of parenthood in all its forms.

Weekly, bite-sized biographies of some of Oregon’s noted historic Black individuals, produced by Oregon Black Pioneers.

F ood T alk

R iver W riters

Bimonthly chats with two prolific home cooks on their successes, failures and inspirations.

A monthly chat with local and visiting writers on the craft of writing, produced by the Writer’s Guild.

T he H uman B eat

T alk of O ur T owns

Monthly interviews with community members about our people, issues, environment, history, and the joys of living in our region.

Monthly interiews with movers and shakers from throughout the north Oregon and south Washington coastal region.

I n S eason

W atershed M oments

A monthly dive into farms, gardens, and wild spaces of the north coast, from food production and flowers to wildfires and willows.

A monthly program produced by the North Coast Watershed Association about the ecosystems they serve.

KMUN S pecials

W illapa N ature N otes

with Mac Burns & Alana Kujala

with Brian Dillon

with Emma Geddes

with Astronemis Ray

with Steven Amaya

with Zachary Stocks

with Merianne Myers & Linda Perkins

with Marianne Monson & Sean Davis

with Roger Rocka

with Donna Quinn

with Teresa Retzlaff

with Kelli Daffron

with Kathleen Morgain

A wide range of recordings from public forums, KMUN station updates and other community events.

A weekly window into the diverse flora and fauna of our region, produced by the Friends of the Willapa Wildlife Refuge.

F ind these programs on our broadcast schedule , pages 16 - 17 in this issue .

20 DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

Merianne Myers

Michael Brumfield

Michael McCusker

Michael Wilson

Mick Mortlock

Jazz on the ‘MUN

KMUN HOST HIGHLIGHT Volunteer DJ Interview

A conversation with Lowell Benner

I

“ sw inging for the fences” so to speak: upbeat, with a cut from the Jazz Soul Seven’s tribute album to Curtis Mayfield called Impressions of Curtis Mayfield, followed by Shirley Scott & The Soul Saxes covering More Today Than Yesterday.

Jazz music can be challenging to the listener or at least that’s how many people perceive it. I like to play tunes that are familiar, have a groove yet maintain that jazz feel. I like to close most shows with a tune related to the next show, Bedtime Stories — In My Room by Larry Goldings, Golden Slumbers by Brad Mehldau or Pure Imagination by the Bill Charlap Trio.

The DJ that inspired me most was a fella named Chuck Niles on KJAZZ down in Los Angeles. He was a musician who knew and loved jazz music. He had a deep knowledge of the genre; he was also funny (on and off the air) and approachable.

Horace Silver wrote a song about him called The Hippest Cat in Hollywood.

When Chuck passed away in 2004 jazz radio in the area just wasn’t the same.

My approach to the show is definitely not minimalist. I was a history teacher for 25 years and loved reading and talking about people from the past and present and hopefully connecting the two in some capacity. Same with jazz. I want listeners to know who’s playing the solos, what influences can be heard and various tidbits about the artists.

For instance, how did David “Fathead” Newman get his nickname? It’s a funny story. (You’ll have to look it up.)

I read biographies, Downbeat and Jazziz magazines, and the bios provided by the

Mike

Francis

Mike

Johnson

Millicent

open

Zimdars

ev ery

show

Natalie

Mallis

Neal

Lemery

record companies to find more stories to tell our listeners.

I can’t point to a particular episode that stands out, but I find introducing new artists to be particularly satisfying. There are so many wonderful up and coming or established, yet under the radar artists to play for KMUN jazz fans. Jun Iida, Artemis, Jihee Heo, Warren Wolf, Emmet Cohen, Terri Lynn Carrington and Bill Charlap are a few that I love to play.

My first foray into jazz — jazz rock is a better descriptor — was in the mid-1970s.

I was in high school when I discovered a German band called Passport and their 1975 album Cross-Collateral. Next step was Weather Report’s 1977 Heavy Weather album. They were my first jazz concert ($7.50 front row seats) with Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter and Jaco Pastorius leading the band — I was hooked. It was a nice jumping off point and started my lifelong love of jazz music that has continued to evolve.

A preview of coming attractions?

I love hearing jazz artists reimagine The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Web or other pop artists. The Great American Songbook is changing, and I hope to incorporate those artist on Jazz on the ‘MUN. S Hear Jazz on the ‘MUN on KMUN Every other Monday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm COAST COMMUNITY RADIO

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PROGRAMMING DEPARTMENT Mark Meadowlark, Host & DJ

Caribbean Outpost

An international guest & contributor

F

r ee J oseph listens to KMUN in

his upstairs living room with his wife Wini Dean.

But every-other Friday, when Free Joseph is reporting LIVE FROM DOMINICA, he heads to his studio downstairs to speak to us, because, as you are surely aware, when you are TALKING LIVE on the radio and LISTENING to it in the same room, you get BLASTED OUT with feedback. It sounds like you’re lost in a bottomless Utah canyon echo chamber- or suspended in the vortex of a Slinky.

For a few months a year Wini listens to KMUN by herself. She might have a neighbor over if the tropical rains are pounding on the metal roof — maintained lovingly

by Free, himself — of their family home in Dominica. It’s good to visit and share the living room radio (on the KMUN app) while Free Joseph is away working in New York.

Who is this Free Joseph dude?

Free Joseph is a singer, songwriter, producer and musician. He is also The Chief Outpost for our very own Caribbean Moon radio program. But he does plenty more than report on the status of the actual moon over the Caribbean, or work tenaciously repairing hurricane damage to their roof.

22 DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

A multi-instrumentalist of the flute, bass, guitar, melodica, and drum percussion, Free has won “Best Instrumentalist” awards for his flute (twice) in a national music competition in Trinidad and Tobago. He migrated to Los Angeles in the early 1980s, formed the High Science Band and spent many years in the United States recording and performing on stage with Joe Higgs, Burning Spear, The Wailing Souls, and the mythical Augustus Pablo. He’s also best buds with blues man Taj Mahal.

When Wini is listening to KMUN by herself, it’s because Free is working in New York. He travels back and forth from Dominica to Jamaica, Queens to immerse himself in the busy music scene, constructing “backlines” for major acts and festivals there. He also informs our KMUN community about current musical influences during the Caribbean Moon show — sometimes from the back of a truck! (Thanks, KMUN app).

These days, Free Joseph shares his music via Youtube and listeners will taste his latest mixes via Caribbean Moon.

His main purpose? “To give mankind soul-searching music that can help heal the wounds of tribulation.” We give major thanks to Free and Wini for supporting the station all the way from Dominica where he says in his delightful island accent, “You can’t get radio like KMUN in Dominica.”

Listen to Caribbean Moon whether you’re in your living room with your beloved, or downstairs in your own studio, or even if you’re cruising the streets of Nevada

Sowle

Niall

Carroll

Nick

Astoria in your work-truck, by yourself, with KMUN on your radio. Or you might be located in a distant land, listening on the KMUN app. No matter where you are listening from, you can allow Caribbean Moon to also help you to “heal from the wounds of tribulation.” S Hear Caribbean Moon on KMUN Every other Friday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Free Joseph. Photo courtesy of Mark Meadowlark.

Bromen

Norma

Hernandez

Nyk

Stephens

The Tillicum House has a new (old) look!

Thanks to grant funding from The Kinsman Foundation, The Autzen Foundation, and The Swigert Foundation, KMUN was able to give the station house in Astoria a beautiful new coat of paint.

Thanks also to locally owned and operated JAMS Painting for doing a fantastic job and for being so pleasant to have around the station! The next time you’re in the neighborhood, make sure to take a moment to appreciate their work to make our home on the hill shine a bit brighter.

Olivia Palmer

Pam Trenary

Patty Marks

Paul Verano

Pete Serafin

Peter Hurney

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23

THE SHIP REPORT Joanne Rideout, Host & Producer

Drawbridges Essential and varied

One of the things I love about our maritime world is how much of it goes on right under our noses, and we often don’t notice it.

Some examples of this locally here are the drawbridges that we use in the Astoria/Warrenton area to get around in areas where vessels also need access. We drive over them all the time, and in fact, avoiding them would require a lengthy detour. So they are essential, but generally overlooked by most drivers.

Drawbridges are bridges whose roadbeds can move out of the way in order to accommodate boats that need to pass underneath but are too tall to f it under the bridge in its normal conf iguration. When boats need to pass under the bridge, they contact the bridge operator. There’s no fee for boats that need to use the drawbridge. Traff ic will wait until the boat has passed safely through and then the bridge goes back to normal and traff ic can pass.

Locally here we have three draw bridges: the New Youngs Bay Bridge, the Old Youngs Bay Bridge, and the Lewis and Clark River Bridge.

The most common types of drawbridges found today can be divided into three main categories. These are Swing Bridges, Bascule Bridges and Vertical Lift Bridges. We have all three

24 DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

types here locally.

Swing Bridges pivot or turn on a center pivot point. There are railroad bridges here in Clatsop County along the rail line that used to run between Astoria and Portland that are pivot bridges, and when that line was in use, bridge tenders would come and move them manually to allow vessels and/or trains to pass through.

Bascule Bridges operate on the principle of the lever. The word “bascule” comes from the French word for a lever or seesaw. These bridges often split the roadbed in the middle and each roadbed section tilts up out of the way of the vessel passing through.

The Lewis and Clark River Bridge and the Old Youngs Bay Bridge are bascule bridges.

Vertical Lift Bridges are constructed with two or more towers on either side of a movable span. Cables connect to the roadbed and pass over huge pulleys attached to the towers.

The other end of these cables support a counterweight which lowers as the bridge span lifts and raises as the bridge span lowers.

The New Youngs Bay Bridge is a vertical lift bridge. The next time you travel over the bridge, keep a lookout for the massive concrete counterweights that lift the roadbed when the bridge opens. If you are lucky enough to be on the bridge when it opens, you’ll get to see how this complicated structure works. S Hear The Ship Report on KMUN Weekdays 8:48 - 8:58 am Randy

Vogt

Reid

Johnson

Retta

Christie

Ric

Wallace

Richard

Dawson

KMUN HOST HIGHLIGHT Volunteer DJ Interview

Dancing in the Dark

with Kamila Swerdloff

T

he name D ancing in the D ar k is

intentionally open-ended. One week, the show centered on atmospheric techno blended with drum and bass; the week before, it was alté — a fusion of afrobeats, dancehall, and R&B that promotes unique forms of self-expression — paired with neoperreo, a reggaeton subgenre characterized by community and inclusivity.

Curating an hour and a half of music that makes you want to move is both a challenge and a thrill. I love exploring different dance styles and parts of the world through sound.

When deciding on a theme, I often start with a song or two that I’m really vibing with, building the set around those tracks.

The concept of “dancing in the dark” resonates deeply with me. In the dark, pretense and judgment fade away — both from yourself and others

Robert

Rogers

Roger

Rocka

Ryan

Kennedy

Sam

Chapman

Sherry

Zeilstra

— allowing a rare sense of freedom, if only for a little while.

I grew up listening to K MUN, tuning in even when I lived out of state to feel connected to home. KMUN and its listeners hold a special place for me, and it’s a privilege to be part of this community.

This show is an invitation to move, explore, and connect with yourself and the music. Dancing in the dark removes barriers, encouraging you to feel, to let go, and to be unapologetically you. You might have a profound experience, or you might just have fun.

Either way, I hope you tune in. S Hear Dancing in the Dark on KMUN Every other Tuesday, 10:30 pm - 12:00 am

COAST COMMUNITY RADIO

25

THANK YOU TO KMUN’S BUSINESS MEMBERS! ACTIVISM Columbia Riverkeeper Crag Law Center Friends of the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection Pacific County Immigrant Support Wash Away No More ANIMAL CARE & SERVICES Astoria Grooming Astoria Pet and Home Services Jack Russell Rescue Kite Hill Canines AUTOMOTIVE Lum’s Auto Center COMPUTER & NETWORK Roland Schorr & Tower CONSTRUCTION B Ruff Construction Beerman Creek Construction

FARM & COUNTRY 46 North Farm Blackberry Bog Farm LaNa’s Conscious Farm West-Davies Farm FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank of the Pacific Northwest Lending Group Thrivent Financial Wauna Credit Union FOOD & BEVERAGE 42nd Street Cafe & Bistro Astoria Coffee Company Blue Scorcher Bakery and Cafe Bornstein Seafoods Bowpicker Fish & Chips Columbia River Candies Columbia River Coffee Roaster Fort George Brewery & Public House Gaetano’s Market and Deli

26 DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

Skyler

Wells

Arbor Care Tree Specialists Brim’s Farm and Garden Hauer’s Lawn Care & Equipment Jack Russell Wildlife Control Sigil Cleaning Services

Gathered Bakeshop & Market Little Island Creamery Merry Time Bar & Grill North Coast Food Web Peaceful Ferments Brewing Co. Salt Hotel & Pub South Bay Wild Fish House Tokyo Teriyaki Wanda’s Cafe & Bakery Xanadu Astoria

Corey Harn Builders Old World Renovation

Slab

HEALTH CARE & SERVICES Astoria Chiropractic Columbia Memorial Hospital Kathleen Moore, Full Circle Counseling Lower Columbia Clinic Nehalem Bay Health Center Providence Seaside Hospital Seaside Wellness Center Three Treasures Acupuncture Tracy Erfling, ND Watershed Wellness HOME & GARDEN Arcadia Organic Landscaping

Slabinski

Sophia

Atkinson

Steven

LODGING Adrift Hospitality Beach Property Management, Inc. Capt. Johnson House Commodore Hotel & Broder Strand Land’s End at Cannon Beach McMenamins Gearhart Hotel & Sand Trap Pub Twin Gables Inn PERFORMING ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Brownsmead Flats Cascadia Chamber Opera Coaster Theatre Playhouse Finnish American Folk Festival KALA Performance Space Kim Angelis Music Liberty Theatre

Amaya

Sturges

Dorrance

NCRD Performing Arts Center North Coast Chorale North Oregon Coast Symphony Rhythm Method Water Music Society PERSONAL CARE Blue Faded Barber Simply Human Art PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Beveridge Geo-Services Environmental Consulting Blair Henningsgaard, Attorney at Law Excalibur & Associates-WA, Inc. Haglund Kelley LLP Oregon Natural Forestry LLC Ray Raihala Insurance Agency Seaside Attorneys REAL ESTATE Andrea Mace, Realty One Group Prestige Andrea Mazzarella, Vesta Realty Group Astoria Real Estate Clatsop Association of Realtors Covert Properties

Susie McLerie Blackmar

RETAIL Astoria Co-op Grocery Astoria Vintage Hardware Beach Books Cannon Beach Book Compnay Englund Marine & Industrial Supply Fine Art Supply Finn Ware of Oregon Four Winds Canvas Works Garbo’s Vintage Wear Gimre’s Shoes Astoria Godfather’s Books Harmony Soapworks LLC Holly McHone Jewelrs The Kite Factory Lucy’s Books North Coast Runners Supply Old Town Framing Company Phog Bounders Antique Mall Reclamation Marketplace Short Wave Astoria Sweater Heads Time Enough Books Walnut Studiolo Leather Goods

Teresa DeLorenzo

Teresa Retzlaff

VISUAL ARTS & EDUCATION Appelo Archives Center Astoria Visual Arts Azure Glass Works Columbia River Maritime Museum Don Frank Photography Dragonfire Gallery Fernhill Glass Greg Navratil Art Imogen Gallery Patrick Barker Woodworking Sou’wester Arts & Ecology Center Wild Weed Studios OTHER Astoria Downtown Historic District Association & Astoria Sunday Market Astoria Underground Tours Northwest Women’s Surf Camp Sunset Empire Amateur Radio Club The Ship Report

KMUN is funded by community support from individuals, businesses, and organizations. Your donation is tax deductible, and is proof to our grantors that the community believes in our work.

That means that your donation is multiplied every time.

Become a member today at kmun.org or give us a call at 503325-0010 during business hours: Mon-Fri, 9-5.

Thank you for supporting your local voice since 1983!

Make sure to thank these fine folks for supporting KMUN!

Thron Riggs

Tita Montero

COAST COMMUNITY RADIO

27

RADIO IDROA NCSYTBOIE O _ _O _O _____O _ AEATLDYPE _ _ _ O _ O _____ ELIJGN O _O _____ KTACR _ _ _O _O _

This should be a comic.

“Entrant in the Triple Crown of LP Racing for Audiophiles”

OOOO OOOOOO Mail your completed puzzle to PO Box 269 Astoria OR 97103 before 2/1/25 to enter to win a KMUN tee shirt!

Include your full name and phone number to qualify.

NAME: ______________________________ PHONE: ______________________________

Submit a 1-panel comic to The Current!

Send your radio-related illustration to emma@kmun.org by January 1st to be considered for the next issue. Please include your name, city, and favorite KMUN radio show in the email.

R A D I O K U

NOTHING Flipper, Generic Flipper (1982) Subterranean Records

SLOW MOTION Oh! Penelope, Milk & Cookies (1997) Independent Release

IN THE LIGHT OF TIME Flying Saucer Attack, Further (1995) Drag City Records

FROM KMUN DJS Some recent favorites from across the KMUN broadcast schedule.

View complete DJ playlists, new & old: kmun.org/playlists

IN THE PINES Amythyst Kiah, Single (2024)

Rounder

CORLEONE Nathy Peluso, Graza (2024) 5020 Records

WHERE BERRIES GROW Ana Egge, Sharing in the Spirit (2024) StorySound Records

28 DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

Todd Lippold

U

I D O K D M N I A D N R K M M D A O N I U K R A A R D M I U D O R K

Use KMUNRADIO instead of the numerals 1-9.

Tom Brownson

Tom Hernandez

Tony Baldwin

Troy Hill

Zachary Stocks

THANK YOU TO EVERY VOLUNTEER WHO KEEPS KMUN ON THE AIR & MAKING WAVES!

COAST COMMUNITY RADIO

29

30 DEC 2024 - JAN 2025 THE CURRENT

Audio Astrology with Lady Litha ARIES 3/21 - 4/19 The new year rings in potential for positive growth in your career, Aries. You may face frustratingly complex tasks, but the rewards can bring great strides. Your soundtrack: Morning Edition TAURUS 4/20 - 5/20 It’s time to shake off the staleness of inaction, Taurus. Progress will be gradual, but this is the moment to start toward those larger goals. Your soundtrack: Sonidos Latinos GEMINI 5/21 - 6/20 Momentum is in your charts as the year starts fresh, Gemini. Stay focused and keep your wits about you to harness this motion toward a fruitful year. Your soundtrack: Watershed Moments CANCER 6/21 - 7/22 The calendar on your wall may be refreshed, but some of the past year’s complications still linger. Stay patient and present to move through with grace. Your soundtrack: Hearts of Space LEO 7/23 - 8/22 Some new opportunities are coming your way in the new year, Leo. Take your time deciding what to pursue, but don’t take too long or you may miss out. Your soundtrack: Over the Edge VIRGO 8/23 - 9/22 Your personal life needs your undivided attention this winter, Virgo. It’s a good time to slow down and listen openly. Quality time may be the balm you need. Your soundtrack: Woodsongs LIBRA 9/23 - 10/22 This season will bring a mix of ups and downs for you, Libra. Goal-setting and careful financial planning can help you keep your head in spite of the chaos. Your soundtrack: Noches Eclécticas SCORPIO 10/23 - 11/21 You may soon face an unwelcome, but likely necessary, reality check. Lead with humility and this feedback from the universe can bloom into a great boon. Your soundtrack: Take a Breath SAGITTARIUS 11/22 - 12/21 With a bit of hard work and a lot of luck, you are primed to succeed in those plans you’ve laid out, Sagittarius. Embrace the win whatever its form. Your soundtrack: BirdNote CAPRICORN 12/22 - 1/19 Energy and ideas are your strength this season, Capricorn. Follow their electric threads to liven up your work and personal life on into the spring. Your soundtrack: The Mellow AQUARIUS 1/20 - 2/18 Brace yourself for a very productive year, Aquarius. Take action on those long-considered plans. Jump in with both feet, but keep both eyes open. Your soundtrack: Exploring Music PISCES 2/19 - 3/20 Winter can be a frustrating season for you, Pisces.

Remember that the stillness allows for reflection, and your innate patience is a gift in times of suspension. Your soundtrack: Locus Focus

All Lady Litha audio recommendations are found on the ethereal waves of KMUN.

Send yours: classifieds@kmun.org

GET THE CURRENT IN THE MAIL: Any annual donation to KMUN qualifies.

Donate now at kmun.org!

----------------------BUSU: Japanese street food made with love. Donation based restaurant.

Temple of the mushroom.

275 11th St Astoria.

----------------------YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM CALLED: It wants you to take some nice, deep breaths and drink a glass of water.

----------------------SAVE THE SILVERSPOT BUTTERFLY: Plant native early-blue violets (viola adunca) in your garden today.

----------------------SEND US PHOTOS of you listening to KMUN! We’ve always wanted to see through the frequency.

Send to: classifieds@ kmun.org ----------------------LOST: 10-gallon hat.

Brand new. Taken by the wind near Short Sands.

Did you find it?

----------------------CIVIC ACTION BEGINS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Talk to your neighbor today to unlock new and exciting ways to see and improve your world.

----------------------COMMUNITY RADIO is YOURS. Tell us what you want to do with it. feedback@kmun.org ----------------------THE PIZZA SPOT: Pizza, wings, and more! Open 7 days a week. 395 11th St Astoria. 503-839-6605 ----------------------“Sound is made by those wanting to be seen.”

- Someone, probably.

----------------------SUBMIT YOUR WISHES to classifieds@kmun.org to see your name in “lights.”

----------------------PRETTY MUCH IS.

They’re short, they’re sweet, and they sure would like to meet (you).

SHIFT + WHEELER: Handmade bags and clothes for fats, queers, and everyone! 1062 Marine Dr Astoria. 11-5 every day.

----------------------I SAW YOU: Mouth of the Columbia River, 11/19, diving for salmon. Would love to join for a dip.

Bellow near the pier any given Tuesday to connect.

----------------------CALL FOR ART: We’ve misplaced our radio. Can you draw us a new one?

Send to classifieds@kmun. org at earliest convenience.

----------------------PUBLIC AFFAIRS HOSTS NEEDED! Email jack@ kmun.org to sign up for PAs 101 this fall, and bring important information to your community through your own radio show and podcast.

----------------------WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME you sat down and aimlessly plucked some grass, like we used to on field trips to Riverfront Park in 1998? Just an idea.

----------------------ISO: Activist-leaning folk music enthusiast, to host biweekly radio show. Is it you? Email jack@kmun.org to apply.

----------------------DID YOU MISS YOUR FAVORITE SHOW? Listen for up to 2 weeks at kmun.org/ archives ----------------------QUEST: Seeking 4-6 adventurers to retrieve small box from local cavern. 3 days journey.

Safety not guaranteed.

100 GP reward. Inquire at The Tavern.

----------------------KMUN SEEKS VOLUNTEER DJS to bring listeners something they’ve never heard before. Inquire within: jack@kmun.org

COAST COMMUNITY RADIO

31

TILLICUM FOUNDATION PO Box 269 Astoria OR 97103

KMUN is your community voice in the Lower Columbia Pacific region.

The Tillicum Foundation stands firmly against racism and inequity in all forms.

In our programming and administration, we pledge to continue the work of pursuing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in ways that reflect, represent, and serve the truth and complexity of our communities.

We hope that you will join us in this effort to create a more just future. Visit kmun.org to get involved.

KMUN and KCPB broadcast throughout the unceded lands of the Cayuse, Chehalis, Chinook, Clatskanie, Clatsop-Nehalem, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Siletz, Umatilla, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, and Willapa peoples. Visit native-land.ca to learn whose land you are on, and how to support Tribal projects and initiatives in your community.