Fishtrap Fireside – January 7

Shannon McNerney is an Oregonian by choice. Born in Denver, her family moved to Portland before she had words to express her opinion on the subject. Shortly after she received her music degree from the University of Oregon they all left, but she chose to stay in the state, a choice she’s never regretted. Shannon has always worked in the arts. Prior to coming to Fishtrap in 2015, She was a music teacher and singer, worked in music publishing for 13 years, was the Executive Director of the Portland Symphonic Choir, and was a consultant helping small businesses and nonprofits create effective marketing strategies. Shannon currently lives, writes, sings, cooks, attempts gardening, and snuggles with her ridiculous beasties at her dream home in Joseph, Oregon.

Sara Miller writes essays, poetry, an online journal and lots of letters. Sara and her husband have often worked in remote places where letter writing is the best way to communicate. When they lived at Dug Bar, she sent letters via mail boat, which she says seemed luxurious.  

Sara volunteered on the founding Fishtrap board and remembers arguing with fellow board member Alvin Josephy over his proposal to raise Summer Fishtrap registration from $25 to $50. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to connect with people through Fireside. I’m writing new work to read because I want to honor and enjoy our time together,” she says.

Sara has kept on writing during the pandemic, although extra work at her job and more family demands have meant she has less time. This year she began experimenting with liturgy (writing for religious ceremonies), collaborating with a local pastor, an experience she describes as one of risk-taking, acceptance, and human connection. 

Her work has appeared in newspapers, poetry journals and anthologies. Every December she thinks of Imogene’s Answer the story of her family being homeless in the middle of winter and being helped by a complete stranger. KWVR radio aired a reading of the story for a Christmas Day broadcast and now she shares the recording with family and friends each year.   

Sara is a herder and often feels kinship with other herders, both in this country and from other parts of the world. “Even though I’m getting older, I still appreciate opportunities to create ritual and help with hard work, especially babies and birth, death and love, ranching and wild lonely places,” she says.

Marika Straw is a Wallowa County-born queer, nonbinary Jew. After learning, exploring, and growing in the Midwest, India, and North Carolina with other queers, Jews, musicians, community organizers, and human rights activists, they returned in 2020 to deepen their relationships with Wallowa County and with themself. In addition to enjoying writing, they delight in playing music, exploring natural beauty, engaging in Jewish practice and community, petting cats, and celebrating queerness everywhere it occurs. You can find their music online at marikastrawmusic.com and learn more about LGBTQ+ identities on the Instagram account they co-moderate, @wallowacountylgbtq.