By Lisa Riversong Franklin
The Mountain Times
Hello, community
Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Lisa Riversong Franklin, Filipina, Wanapum Cascades tribe and enrolled member of the Yakama Nation. My ancestors and family were born and raised in this region, a place where, for thousands of years, was one of the most integral cultural and economic communities in North American history. You can say that I’m rooted here with purpose. Recently, I’ve accepted the role as new President for the Cascadia Center for Arts and Crafts (CCAC), a humble and pleasant volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) arts organization here on our mountain. After many years of being dormant, the CCAC has renewed its unique operating permit with the US Forest Service to put arts and culture back on the map here for generations ahead. Honoring our founder, master woodcrafter David Rogers (R.I.P.), our five “Art Cabins” serve as connectors of the traditional and modern arts and crafts. For the summer months, we are seeking good humans who can instruct, volunteer, learn, donate and create, people who can share to keep art alive. We strive to be your mountain hub for creativity and cultural connectivity. Please join us for our comeback!
Kw’alanuushamatash
(Thank You),
Lisa Riversong Franklin
President, CCAC
Curator & Tribal Liaison, R.L.K. and Company/Timberline
my thoughts, other careers came careening by and my passion to write was placed on the back burner. Now that I am back into the art of the written word, it is an outlet that now has an even bigger and better place in my life.
Although the journalistic approach to writing is a non-biased and complete factual account of names, places and events, becoming a staff writer for the Mountain Times has realigned my focus on writing and is now something I do often as a fun, creative outlet. With several short stories, poems and a novel saved for future adventures, being able to express myself with words is something that is both a blessing and a curse. The fear of failure and judgment that comes with putting your imagination on paper can be a very nerve-racking experience, but I have found it is better to put those ideas into characters, quotes and a storyline rather than let them go to waste.
As a resident of the Mt. Hood Villages for over a decade now, I have grown to love and appreciate this most beautiful area in so many ways. As a local business owner of Coffee House 26, I have seen the many ups and downs that come with living in a tourist destination. During our shutdown with Covid I decided to take my love for reading and writing and incorporate it into my coffee shop, with the addition of new and used books for sale. Sharing both my love for coffee and reading was a dream come true, and it truly seemed to ignite a passion in others, too. Those passions came in the form of a book club, book donations and a theme every month for showcased novels.
With each passing month as a local journalist, I am reminded why I keep the art of writing a huge part of my life. Each interview, article, draft and final proof continues to inspire me to dig deeper into our community for other passionate artists and newsworthy stories. And while being a business owner, journalist and reading enthusiast is a large part of who I am both professionally and creatively, I will always be Amber Lynn, Youngstown, Ohio native, Mt. Hood local, meatball makin’ cat mom at heart.