Charbonneau ‘ Social Sundays ’ calendar
14 February 2024 Pamplin Media Group
Wilsonville recognizes Greg Caldwell , retiring honorary consul for Korea
By KAELYN CASSIDY Pamplin Media Group
After a decade as the honorary consul for the Republic of Korea , Greg Caldwell is retiring .
Honorary consuls are appointed by a foreign government and recognized by the U . S . government to help strengthen ties with other countries . Since 2013 , Caldwell has served as one of two honorary consuls for the Republic of Korea , diligently working to build relationships in business , trade , science , education and culture .
His work has even touched Wilsonville , where he played a role in the new Oregon Korean War Memorial Interpretive Center , which is expected to open later this year .
“ This job is meeting people , connecting people , influencing people and thanking people ,” Caldwell said .
Caldwell first became interested in Korea when he was stationed there as a volunteer with the Peace Corps in 1971 .
“ Korea and the Peace Corps changed my life ,” he said . “ There ’ s no doubt about that . It changed my career , it changed my understanding of cultures , it changed my whole philosophy of life .”
He eventually went on to work at Lewis & Clark College as the associate dean of Students and director of international students and scholars . He retired from that role in 2011 after 35 years with the school , and was approached by a colleague about becoming an honorary consul .
“ I was shocked and honored ,” he said , “ but I didn ’ t think I had much of a chance .
Caldwell was up against two other nominees , but 14 months later , he ’ d been approved by both the U . S . government and the Republic of Korea , and was officially given the title . His first assignment : attend a Christmas party held by the Oregon chapter of The Chosin Few , an organization for
Greg Caldwell speaking at a Wilsonville event .
survivors of the Chosin Reservoir campaign .
The Peace Corps volunteers didn ’ t overlap much with the military while Caldwell was in Korea , he said , and he was worried about attending an event for veterans when he wasn ’ t a veteran himself .
“ They could not have been more welcoming , supportive and friendly ,” Caldwell said . “ That was something that kind of changed my whole point of view .”
Since then , Caldwell has worked frequently with local Korean War veterans groups , such as the Oregon Trail chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association , and is a member of the Korean War Memorial Foundation of Oregon . With the latter , he has worked to bring the anticipated interpretive center to fruition .
He was recently recognized by the City of Wilsonville for his impact on the community , improving international relations and cross-cultural understanding .
Much of Caldwell ’ s work also involved
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creating spaces for Korean Americans to connect with each other . He helped organize meetups and events for first , second and third generation Korean Americans , adoptees and , most recently , a group for Korean young professionals which nearly doubled in size from one meeting to the next . But at his retirement party over the weekend , Caldwell said he was surprised to hear his colleagues remark on his skill for getting people together .
“ I know I do that , but I didn ’ t think it was unusual ,” he said .
Caldwell has already sent in a list of 10 , alphabetically organized recommendations for his replacement , but his successor has not been named . In the meantime , Honorary Consul Susan Cox will take over some of Caldwell ’ s duties .
“ These last 10 years have been a fantastic experience for me , and I ’ m very appreciative of the Korean community here for taking me under their wing and for being so supportive and helpful ,” Caldwell said .
Building Community Connections
By DANA BRENNER
Charbonneau ‘ Social Sundays ’ calendar
BRENNER
These are community-wide , free , social events designed to enhance connection and joy ! They happen from 3-6 p . m . on the third Sunday of each month . BYOB and potluck . Some treats and drinks are always provided . Residents & accompanied guests are welcome . Raffle and other prizes from community sponsors at each event . All events are kid-friendly and appropriate for all ages . Mark your calendar and plan on coming with your favorite people ! Every other month is a themed bingo event with Greg Leo ( caller extraordinaire ), and the alternate months are unique offerings . No sign up needed ! Come on down .
� Feb . 18 : Love is in the Air bingo party Your favorite love songs , chocolate and love of community ! � March 17 : Saint Patrick ’ s Day party � April 21 : Spring fling bingo party � May 19 : Karaoke party � June 16 : Father ’ s Day bingo party Bring Dad for dad jokes , dad prizes and dad roasting !
� July 21 : Field games and picnic at Edith Green Park
� Aug . 18 : Hot nights of summer outdoor bingo party
� Sept . 15 : Live music and community dance party
� Oct . 20 : Halloween-themed bingo party � Nov . 17 : Craftapalooza party � Dec . 15 : Winter holiday-themed bingo party
See CONNECTIONS / 15
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