This issue we are profiling our BWNA newsletter editor, Myrna Sheie (pronounced “Shay”). Myrna is a native Minnesotan, where she graduated from college with a B.A. in English. Myrna taught junior high English for four years but spent most of her career as an executive with the Lutheran church, first in the Twin Cities and then in Chicago. In Chicago, Myrna was on the presiding bishop’s staff as the executive responsible for governance. Now that she’s retired, Myrna is putting her experience in copy editing to great use to serve as BWNA newsletter editor.
Myrna is married to Steve, a former hospice nurse, and together they have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and twin grandsons, who are the reason they’re now in Portland!
How long have you lived in the neighborhood and what’s your favorite part of living in the neighborhood?
We moved here from Chicago in 2011 and wanted to be close to our North Portland-dwelling family. We fell in love with our house on 42nd Avenue and, even though it needed a lot of work, it’s been a good place to live. We have fabulous neighbors and enjoy both the people and places in the neighborhood. When I was still working, my husband was here to meet the moving van and told me about the wonderful shops nearby, including the friendly and beer-full Beaumont Market. Since then, I’ve loved walking the neighborhood in all directions, enjoying beautiful gardens, and wandering through stores and shops.
What’s your favorite neighborhood store or restaurant, and why?
It’s very hard to pick a favorite! Stores include Beaumont Market, The Arrangement, and Gazelle—and we enjoy both Nepo42, South Fork. Jim and Patty’s tempts us more often than we’d admit!
What do you enjoy about volunteering for BWNA? What do you get out of participating?
Copy editing the BWNA newsletter has been great fun. I draw on skills, of course, but I get to work with a great team (thanks, everyone!) and learn about people, places, projects, and concerns in this lovely part of Portland.
Thank you, Myrna, for your service!