Will Wright is the latest addition in the ongoing endeavors of Lakeview Community Partnership (LCP) as Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) worker through the University of Oregon.
At his new position, Wright will be the sole full-time LCP worker, supporting the Board of Directors and committees in their work. His main responsibilities will include research, following up with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office on its downtown historic district survey, talking with building owners, with a bit of grant-writing thrown in the mix. He will also be involved in a feasibility study of the Alger Theatre in Lakeview.
Ginger Casto, LCP secretary-treasurer, said Wright looks to be a good fit with the Oregon Main Street inspired organization after going through many other interviews as a board. “What drew me to this position is the energy that came from the Board… They were enthusiastic and joyful,” said Wright.
Though he was born in Michigan and grew up in Iowa and western Maryland, one place that Wright can call “home” is difficult since he has lived in 21 states throughout his life. In his 10 years between high school and college, he worked odd jobs in the outdoor arena as well as in environmental conservation, which helped him learn project management skills. He completed his undergrad at Portland State University in Community Development and a minor in Civic Leadership in 2014. In college Wright worked in several extracurricular endeavors with students and neighborhood associations, gaining a sense of how people work together for a common cause. He also was involved with the City of Portland with its Office of Neighborhood Involvement, connecting PSU students to different neighborhood associations and Northeast Coalition of Neighbors working to update the contact management system.
Since graduation, Wright held a biology teaching position for Teaching for America, another AmeriCorp program, in Mississippi. Before moving to Lakeview, he worked for the Forest Service in Idaho.
His interests include long distance bike tours, already tackling the OCNE trail from Klamath Falls to Lakeview. His longest ride was a 2,500-mile trip from Portland to Louisville, Ky. to visit his parents. White-water paddling, rock climbing and anything outdoors also takes his interest when not working or biking. He also enjoys taking waste products and turning them into useful items such as turning aluminum cans into a camp stove.
So far, Lakeview reminds him of sections of Nevada that he’s lived in, warm and welcoming environment. He grew up in a farm in Maryland bucking hay and riding horses, so the Lake County culture isn’t too foreign to him.
For more information, contact Wright at lcp.mainstreet@gmail.com.
Originally Published in Lake County Examiner
739 North 2nd Street
Lakeview, OR 97630
Phone: 541-974-4359