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US Coast Guard History… Depoe Bay Oregon… Fleet of Flowers Returns!
https://www.cityofdepoebay.org/history In 1930, Representative James Mott introduced a bill to authorize the treasury to establish a Coast Guard station in Depoe Bay. The station was to be an auxiliary to the Yaquina Bay Lifeboat Station. This station was established...
“What does a Lincoln County Oregon Commissioner Do, Anyway?”
https://youtu.be/jQ2DSHRcIxo https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_government_in_the_United_States "In the United States, a county is an administrative or political subdivision of a state that consists of a geographic region with...
My Very First Job at Western Union c1966… And, 1st Crime Scene!
Cablegram operators work at desks while a supervisor watches at a Western Union office. At left, a man receives cables, and at right, a man sends cables on a high speed system. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Typical Western Union Office in 1960s "A resume of...
“Depoe Joe” The Early Days of Depoe Bay, Oregon…
http://www.halcyon.com/benmarra/nativeamericans/depoe.htm "Chief William Hauser DePoe, Sr.1912 - 1997 William Hauser DePoe, Sr. died on January 11, 1997. He was born in Siletz, Oregon on December 14, 1912 to Robert Charles (Siletz Indian) and Mary Houser DePoe...
Arthur Kamuntu, Social Worker, Mabarara, Uganda
Arthur Kamuntu & little one... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mbarara https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008152489106 "Mbarara City is a city in the Western Region of Uganda and the second largest city in Uganda after Kampala....
Matt ‘n Mattie Return to Little Whale Cove!
https://youtu.be/NTVsIsp20lQ Return of "Matt 'n Mattie" ❤️ https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/canada-goose "This big 'Honker' is among our best-known waterfowl. In many regions, flights of Canada Geese passing over in V-formation -- northbound in spring,...
The Work of Trauma Informed Oregon Steering Committee…
https://vimeo.com/669028569 A must see before going back to work on Monday Children & Families in Life After Trauma (CFLAT) w/Steve Sparks CEO & Candidate for Lincoln County Oregon Commissioner www.survivethriveptsd.org History and Purpose In June of 2014, the...
Cuckoo’s Nest… Next Generation… Dopey Bay, BC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Flew_Over_the_Cuckoo%27s_Nest_(novel)...
Pain Killers and OPIOIDS Kill! Estimated 28,000 People Die Annually in America
Lincoln County Oregon From Chandler Davis...Lincoln County Mental Health Advisory Committee (MHAC) HOW BAD IS IT? Here are some brand new statistics that the Lincoln County Addiction Prevention Recovery Committee (APARC) requested and has just received this month from...
The Earliest Days of Information Technology (IT)… Morse Code
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_code Morse code is a method used in telecommunication to encodetext characters as standardized sequences of two different signal durations, called dots and dashes, or dits and dahs.[3][4] Morse code is named after Samuel Morse, one...
“I love your enthusiasm and tenacity, Steve!” Walter E. Girardin CEO Western Union Telegraph Company 1967
Quoted from http://westernunionretirees.com/Pages/Obituary.htm Walter E. Girardin – Lake San Marcos, CA - Walt, as he was affectionately known to all who knew him, passed away on January 15, 2009 at the age of 89. As he once said:” I was the only President who...
“Build It! They Will Come!” Dr. John Taylor, Nortel Networks 1988…
https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Innovation-Inside-Rise-Nortel/dp/0993619304/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=258DYMCJHLSDQ&keywords=john+tyson+nortel&qid=1642562968&sprefix=john+tyson+nortel%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3...
Running for Lincoln County Oregon Commissioner… Empathy & Compassion ❤️
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/owning-pink/201210/find-your-calling Find Your Calling? "Callings are like that. You may think you’ve grasped yours, and then suddenly, you find it slipping through your fingers. Callings shift. They transmute. They shapeshift....
Panic Attacks! How to Help…
"Jack" King of The Rain Forest, Depoe Bay, Oregon https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-help-someone-who-is-having-a-panic-attack "A panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of overwhelming fear and anxiety. There are several ways to help a person who is...
Baby Liam Loves Sweet Potatoes ‘n Pops Too!
Grandson Liam Skai Fitch smiles each & every day, especially when he eats sweet potatoes! https://onceuponafarmorganics.com/blogs/upon-a-blog/the-benefits-of-sweet-potatoes-for-babies "Sweet potatoes are a tuberous (try saying that to your kid without giggling)...
Steve Sparks… Platform in “Progress Leadership!”
https://vimeo.com/666538937 Phttps://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/2018/08/change-management-dead/ Workplace Wellness Leadership is at the center of my platform on the ballot for Lincoln County Oregon Commissioner in May. Remember to vote! These are my highest priorities...
Lincoln County Oregon Government Leadership… Information Technology
The "dumbing down" of the importance of technology This is where I really have a bone to pick, especially with our citizens who vote for local government leaders, mayors, city councilors & others. I don’t see this with the Board of Commissioners so much, though,...
“The Trouble with Tribbles” with “Jack” King of The Rain Forest…
Jenny Green with "Tribbles" https://youtu.be/p4wM5KvUGEc This is another tale about my pal, Jenny Green & her partner, "Jack" King of The Rain Forest... When Jenny came over the other day for a visit she brought her new friend "Tribbles" with her. "I wonder what...
“It’s Time to Pray” for Honest Media…
As I was sitting in my 1st Journalism 101 class, we were listening to a lecture about Hitler’s propaganda machine that tore Germany apart in the 30’s, the start of WWII
Steve Sparks, Candidate, Lincoln County Oregon Commissioner Profile
Occupation: CEO, Children & Families in Life After Trauma (CFLAT) Occupational Background: Executive Leadership & Journalism Educational Background: St. Mary's College of California BA Executive Management 1989 Prior Governmental Experience: Professional...
Welcome Casey Miller! The Conversation Begins With You ‘n Me, & The Citizens of Lincoln County Oregon…
https://ocean18.com/ Hi Casey! You ready? Let's get to work, my friend... First, Casey & I know each other well. We have been friends & colleagues in Lincoln County Oregon for many years. I love Casey! He's a good dude, a dear friend who I will always support...
Lincoln County Oregon Leadership & Behavioral Health “Local Authority”
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/amh/pages/index.aspx https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_430.610 "Local Authority" for Mental Health... "Subject to the availability of funds, services should be available to all persons with mental or emotional disturbances,...
Law Enforcement in Lincoln County Oregon, The Best of The Best in America!
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/smart-crime https://givingcompass.org/topics/criminal-justice https://survivethriveptsd.org/smart-on-crime-lincoln-county-oregon-sheriffs-commitment-to-reducing-recidivism/ https://youtu.be/bNEZgAIlmBw Sheriff...
Paradise Valley Montana where Love, Kindness, & God Live…
A team of God's children, Elk, visiting Pray, Montana on a cold, beautiful & peaceful winter day. Photo Les Mathson, Pray, Montana. https://legacylandsllc.com/les-mathson/ legacylandsllc.com/les-mathson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livingston,_Montana...
Fictional Tales of Community Building in Lincoln County Oregon… Based on True Events…
I've archived many stories in my mind over the years. Many to cheer, many good, and too many bad & ugly. But, the citizens of Lincoln County never hear about these stories in public, not ever in a transparent way. These employees, their friends & families,...
Is Lincoln County Oregon Government a Midsize Business…
As I run for Lincoln County Commissioner, it will be with love and kindness in my heart and soul. I love this community as much as most of you do. We start a conversation today about what I believe is concerning in the way we run the business of our great County. "The...
Leadership… Rising Above Fears
Keep kindness & love in your mind while you go about conquering fears... https://successstory.com/inspiration/rise-above-your-fear-of-failure I've always lived with fear of failure. Some will say, "Steve is fearless." What is different, I think, is somehow,...
Here’s Why I’m Running for Lincoln County Oregon Commissioner
Grandson Liam Skai Fitch ALGEE Bear Like most folks I know, we want our kids to grow up in a better world. Like most folks I know we care about our health and well being... We have tough challenges in Lincoln County Oregon, just like in every community in America. In...
CM Hall Wins New Role with NPR!
I'm so pleased to introduce my friend & colleague CM Hall. She lives in Newport, Oregon, and serves as City Councilor. We have worked together in Lincoln County for about 5 years. CM is currently Co-Director, Deaf/Blind National Training & Resource...
Happy New Year 2022! “A Little Pocket Change”
Sparks Family 1950... My grandfather Sparks had much more than pocket change than Warran Buffet. I remember long ago when we lived in San Diego around 1950. My Dad was training Boots, US Naval Training Center. We were in his Company #228 too. My Grandpa 'n Grandma...
The Story of Children & Families in Life After Trauma (CFLAT)…
https://youtu.be/dCPf56A2iiI ALGEE Bear "Dream big , Steve, dream big!" Byron Lewis, just before he passed away he 2017... The story begins in 2010 while serving on the Board of Neighbors for Kids (NFK) in Depoe Bay, Oregon. We just opened the new 8000sf building on...
Speaking on The Issues in Lincoln County, Oregon…
We can’t seem to keep counselors in the county. Shortages in this area abound. Secondly, there is a lack of resources for foster youth and a real scarcity of foster families, too.”
Big Winds ‘n Seas at Little Whale Cove!
Depoe Bay, Oregon January 2, 2022 https://youtu.be/GWcAVUYvcoA A roaring time with the wind 'n sea at Little Whale Cove with Troy Chambers from McMinnville... Troy 'n Dylan... Judy 'n Dylan! https://youtu.be/Nk-1IZ3DIVM Steve 'n Caitlin! https://uvcschool.org/ I...
Speaking Out About The Issues I Care About… Leadership!
https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/boc Let's start with leadership in Lincoln County Oregon... In most of the 3000 counties in America we have a Board of Commissioners. In Lincoln County we have 3 very good Commissioners who love us, and do their best to serve the citizens...
Remembering the Furry Loved Ones Who Touched Our Lives…
"As I look at this image, I'm reminded of the many awesome animals that have helped me through the journey of my life in many ways, since I was a little kid. 'till this point in my life, I'm going to have to work at finding more joy for whatever I've got left in my...
Happy New Year 2022! “A Little Pocket Change”
Sparks Family 1950... My grandfather Sparks had much more than pocket change than Warran Buffet. I remember long ago when we lived in San Diego around 1950. My Dad was training Boots, US Naval Training Center. We were in his Company #228 too. My Grandpa 'n Grandma...
Happy New Year! From US to You!
Liam Skai Fitch! We are grateful for our new grandson, born June 24, 2021... "A new beginning," we say with joy, thanks, love and gratitude for good health and happiness to all! It's been another year of challenges for all. But we look ahead to Spring in Little Whale...
“The Power of Vulnerability…” Brene’ Brown…
Dr. Brené Brown studies courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. A TED talk by Brene Brown... Click to view this powerful video clip... Vulnerability is a huge asset! "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change. ” (Brené Brown)......
Do Sick People Tend to Make Sick People Sicker?
Mental Health First USA awareness... "ALGEE Bear" Sammy, the nurse, told me today, while visiting the ER, "it's okay to be fucked up at 75, Mr. Sparks." I appreciated that. Made me feel pretty good, actually... On another matter, I have come to believe sickness in my...
Follow Your Passion on The Oregon Coast… Cape Perpetua… photo Chris Gill
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Perpetua Chris and I became fast friends. While I was sitting on my favorite bench, filming and talking about the beauty of the coast, and taking in the full healing power of the ocean, Chris, came up and introduced himself, reached...
Byron Lewis, Co-founder, CFLAT… “Dream Big, Duude, Dream Big!”
https://survivethriveptsd.org/memorial-day-post-script-remembering-the-heroes-who-served-the-communities-they-loved/ My ol'surf duude buddy, Byron Lewis, was a dreamer. He still is, even though he sadly left us too early in 2017... A few days before he died he called...
Christmas in the Woods… w/Sammy & The Neighborhood Squirrel Gang…
https://survivethriveptsd.org/sammy-n-stan-the-neighborhood-squirrel-gang-of-little-whale-cove/ It's too cold today for Sammy 'n Stan to run across my neighbors roof like most days. I love to watch them as they race together from one end of the roof to the other......
Christmas in the Woods…w/Ricky Raccoon & The Kids…
Christmas in the woodsBy Henry Clayton Hopkins (1920) https://survivethriveptsd.org/ricky-raccoon-and-the-kids-the-good-neighbors-of-little-whale-cove/ I've been writing about my furry loved ones and wildlife friends for sometime now. I find such peace 'n love with...
Harbor General Hospital Los Angeles c1961…”The Last Paper Boys”
https://survivethriveptsd.org/the-last-paper-boys-c1960/ newspaper "Es uno de los periódicos más importantes del país." It is one of the most important newspapers in the country. My very first Spanish learning experience was selling newspapers at Harbor General...
My Own Self Doubts As a Leader…
Self-doubt might be okay but not okay... I think doubt is okay but it can make you sick with too much doubt as a leader. Sometimes, as a leader, I felt I needed to show my team that it was time to go and go fast, to get to the other side of doubt. Always hard though,...
Christmas with Maya Angelou… “I know why the caged bird sings”
https://youtu.be/C7quZRyF8OQ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Maya-Angelou https://survivethriveptsd.org/maya-angelou-forgiveness/ I start each day with my favorite quote from Maya Angelou 💕 "There is no greater agony than bearing the untold story inside you."...
Nature & Nurture
https://vimeo.com/659110973 "I read this yesterday in a work of fiction:On the question of which influences who we are, nature or nurture, the political left believe it is nurture, the right believe it is nature."I don't know if it's true but it feels true. Wouldn't...
Internet…The Early Days
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vint_Cerf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Kahn It was 1978 while my old boss Ray Rikansrud, University of Washington (UW) met with Vint Cerf.to learn about TCP/IP. We were attending the Telecommunications Association (TCA) annual...
Weststar I The Beginning of The Information Age…
Photo Delta 2914 rocket with Westar satellite at Cape Canaveral (April 1974) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westar_1 I was sitting in my office looking at a CBS newscast on my desk in South Seattle on Orca St. in the summer of 1974. It was the biggest day in the...
Had A Dream Last Night… The Christmas Spirit Came to Me…
(Featured photo, Jenny Green, Depoe Bay, Oregon) I was laying in a a bed in a warm covered blanket surrounded by loving and kind folks. Think it was a small town on the coast.... it was cold outside and a little snow was falling. That rarely happens on the Oregon...
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