February 2025 Newsletter
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Alleyway Activation Phase 3: Women of Klamath
On Friday, October 25, 2024 Healthy Klamath in collaboration with Virtuosa Society installed phase 3 of the Alleyway Activation Project titled “Women of Klamath” in downtown Klamath Falls. The mural honors 8 historically significant women from the Klamath basin by commissioning 6 local artists to paint their portraits to commemorate their legacy and contribution to our community.
The artists and the portraits they painted are:
“The Philanthropists”
by Kelly Armijo
Nancy Wendt, Jean Pinninger and Joan Staunton’s collaborative philanthropic work help sustain and grow many of the community assets we all enjoy today. Together, they raised millions to support the Ross Ragland Theater, Klamath Community College, The YMCA, Mike’s Field House, The Martha Anne Dow Center for Health Professions, the Sky Lakes Cancer Treatment Center, The United Way, and more.
“The Chieftess”
by Natasha Loveless
Winema – which means “woman chief” – earned her name in the 1850s when as a teen she saved a canoe full of children from being dashed in strong rapids by steering it to safety. Such deeds continued throughout her life, and her courageous actions as a mediator during the Modoc War brought about lasting peace.
“The President”
by Ashley Spivey
Dr. Martha Ann Dow led Oregon Institute of Technology as its first female president between 1998–2007. Dow’s leadership helped the school transition from its vocational roots into the future, shaping the Oregon Renewable Energy Center and the Oregon Center of Health Professions which houses Oregon Tech’s health sciences programs. It was renamed the Martha Anne Dow Center for Health Professions in her honor.
“The Activist”
by Kai’la Farrell Smith
Marie Norris pursued a life of active service for her Klamath community. In addition to founding the Organization of Forgotten Americans in 1969 to address the effects of tribal termination, Norris was a devoted advocate for Native American culture and was one of the last people able to speak the Klamath language. Oregon Governor Vic Atiyeh declared Norris as one of the most outstanding women in Oregon history.
“The Intrepid Photographer”
by Melanie Corradi
Maud Baldwin’s legacy as an intrepid photographer can be seen throughout the murals peppered along our downtown streets, and in the thousands of images she captured of the growth of Klamath County in the early twentieth century, including tribal life, loggers, ranchers, Crater Lake, street scenes, paddlewheel steamboats, school children, wildlife, reclamation projects, and the excitement surrounding the first trains, automobiles and airplanes in Klamath Falls!
“The Olympian”
by Natalia Norris
Janice-Lee York Romary made history as the first female Olympian to carry the United States flag during an opening ceremony. A decorated foil fencing champion, she competed in six consecutive Olympic Games, and upon retirement from the sport, chose to build both a family and a business in Klamath Falls.
Community members came out in attendance for the unveiling ceremony, to show their support for the project, for the arts, including two of the women depicted in “The Philanthropists” mural, Jean Pinninger and Joan Staunton. Family members of Janice Lee York Romary, Marie Norris, Nancy Wendt, Jean Pinninger & Joan Staunton were also in attendance, as well as families and friends of the artists.
If you haven’t done so yet, take a walk downtown and enjoy the new murals - 925 Klamath Ave, parking lot next to the Wellness Center, Downtown Klamath Falls.
Kale and White Bean Soup
A warm and filling soup filled with beans, greens and Italian flavors.
Ingredients
1 cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
2 cups low-sodium broth (any type)
1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 ¾ cups diced tomato or 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
3 cups chopped fresh kale or 1 cup frozen chopped kale
Directions
Wash hands with soap and water.
Rinse fresh vegetables under cool running water before preparing.
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, sauté onion and garlic in margarine or butter until soft.
Add broth, white beans and tomatoes; stir to combine.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add the kale and Italian seasoning.
Simmer until kale has softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
1 bunch fresh kale (about 8 cups, chopped)
Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 ½ to 1 ¾ cups drained beans.
