FOBPR — Meet Our Leadership
President: Christine Hall, M.Ed., University of Oregon
FOBPR was co-founded by Christine. She served several years on Bandon’s Parks and Recreation Commission and as Chair. She offers both her knowledge of Bandon and her background as a business owner and former educator. The Greater Bandon Association (GBA) honored Christine as Volunteer of the Month for July 2022. Christine is serving on the Transportation System Planning Committee for 2023–2024 with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Vice President: Laura Brownfield, M.Ed., University of Phoenix
Laura currently served on Bandon's Parks & Recreation Commission as Vice Chair. She enjoys creating fused glass, playing pickleball, and sharing with the community. Laura was a Middle School Educator, and previously, a contracting officer for the Department of Defense (DOD). Currently she is FOBPR's Webmaster (Design and Layout) and produces the FOBPR monthly newsletter with Christine.
Secretary: Steve Friedland, M.A., University of Iowa University
FOBPR was co-founded by Steve. He served on Bandon’s Parks and Recreation Commission as Chair. Steve is Professor of Statistics at National University’s College of Law and Public Service. Steve is responsible for FOBPR’s interactions with government agencies such as Oregon’s DOJ and the IRS. He enjoys baseball, ragtime music, and fine dining.
Treasurer: Wade Troxell, B.S., United States Naval Academy
Wade and his wife, Sharon, moved from Texas to Bandon in September 2022 after entering retirement. Wade spent 30 years with Target Corporation as a Senior Distribution Director leading a major distribution center operation in east Texas for 22 years. Wade is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served as an Artillery Officer in the United States Marine Corps for six years. Wade and Sharon have three adult children and one grandchild. Wade volunteers at the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge serving as a property steward. He is an avid bird watcher and enjoys being outdoors on local early morning excursions. Prior to joining FOBPR as Treasurer, he volunteered with Bandon’s Parks and Recreation Commission.
Member at Large: Andrea Burke, M.S.Ed., Portland State University
Andrea Burke moved to Bandon in 2021 with her husband, Michael. They have three adult children and two grandchildren. Andrea is a retired educator. She taught in public and private schools as a teacher librarian, classroom teacher, English language learner specialist, and outdoor education leader. She offers her devotion to nature and ability to serve in civic organizations to FOBPR. She also volunteers for the SMART reading program and the Native Plant Society of Oregon,South Coast Chapter.
Here is what our partners are saying about us ...
From the City of Bandon
FOBPR is one of Greater Bandon Assoc. (GBA)'s success stories. We pride ourselves in assisting startup nonprofits and offering them an initial fiscal affiliation until they can thrive on their own. Not all groups succeed and move forward, but the leadership team of FOBPR is professional, organized, gets things done in the community, and is being recognized for their efforts. FOBPR is a good partner and is now on their way to becoming a full 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that is making a difference in our Bandon community.
Harv Schubothe, Executive Director, Greater Bandon Association (GBA)
As the Mayor of Bandon, I have known Christine Hall to be an enthusiastic member and Chair of Bandon’s Park & Recreation Commission for more than three years. She was in charge of Earth Day for two years. This was a one-day event attended by more than 150 people and held in Bandon’s library. Together with our librarian and many other volunteer citizens, this was said to be "an event for all ages."
In 2021 Christine founded Friends of Bandon Parks & Recreation (FOBPR) as a fundraising organization to help address some of the under-funded or non-funded park projects and recreational activities. FOBPR is already a big success.
FOBPR has initiated or helped support pickleball in City Park, a brand-new sport to Bandon. Her Friends volunteers helped with clean-up work at the Bandon school grounds and in City Park. In addition, Christine has collaborated with the City of Bandon and Stillwater Natives Nursery to sponsor “The 100 Tree Planting” event involving the community as part of the continued Reforestation Project in Bandon’s City Park.
Friends of Bandon Parks & Recreation contributes much to our community.
Mayor Mary Schamehorn, City of Bandon
FOBPR has been is an enthusiastic sponsor of StoryWalk® in Bandon’s City Park. FOBPR provided funding and prepared the initial set of StoryWalk ® plaques used along the walkway. FOBPR also participated in providing volunteers in preparing the gravel along the walkway. We hope to continue to partner with FOBPR in the future.
Christine Kingsbury, MLIS, Library Director, City of Bandon
FOBPR is a great community partner. It has always supported the efforts of our pickleball group and promotes the sport through its monthly newsletters. We replaced our pickleball court surface in our City Park, for which FOBPR has donated funds toward. We are very appreciative of them, and they are a fantastic organization in the Bandon community.
Nicolette Cline, Pickleball Treasurer
Christine and I worked together when she was the Chair of the City's Parks & Recreation Commission. She recognized that there were community needs that were not being met by the Commission's work and took the initiative to start Friends of Bandon Parks & Recreation. Since then, the work of FOBPR has complemented many of the City's projects, bringing inspiration, funding, and volunteers. We look forward to a continued partnership with FOBR for years to come.
Dana Nichols, Planning Manager, City of Bandon
From the Bandon City Council, FOBPR received the following compliment:
In the City Manager’s February monthly newsletter, FOBPR was mentioned for its volunteer efforts in both City Park and Johnson Creek Greenway. We are making a difference in many small ways. Join us this year for our next Spring cleanup of City Park and Tree Plantings in November.
"2023 Tree Planting Event. The Bandon City Council would like to recognize the Friends of Bandon Parks and Recreation, and the generosity of Darcy Grahek and Samantha Stanger for their donations, which made for a successful tree planting event this past year."
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