Newport Fishermen's Wives, Inc.

2010 Board of Directors

From the left, back row: Connie Kennedy-President, Bekki Wagner (with baby)-Secretary, Kristen Cole-Membership Chairman, Sara Skamser-Vice President, Erica Fruh-Board Member, Ishah Roads-Board Member

Front row: Tia Retherford-Board Member, Maria Rock-Treasurer, Lori Hoefer-Board Member, Lisa Bonacci-Board Member

We have some very exciting things happening this year from the Blessing of the Fleet, March 20th - which will continue to celebrate and ask for Blessings on our industry and families. This year, however, will include some added "highliner games" that Maria and Tia are working on. The Survival Suit Races will continue as always, so start practicing for your vessel or as team NFW.

We will also present the inaugural Newport Wild Seafood Weekend, September 11th and 12th. This is going to be big. It will be a wonderful festival atmosphere on Port of Newport property celebrating the commercial fishing indsutry and all that entails - including the return of The Great Newport Wild Seafood Cookoff and a new Wild Seafood Auction. We will need a lot of volunteers to put this event on.

Those of you who have particiated with us, we thank you and we hope you will come and join us again this year and share in suporting our indsutry and families.

A Brief History of Newport Fishermen's Wives, Inc.

Click here for a PDF presentation of NFW History.

Newport Fishermen's Wives Inc. has a 30 plus year history of supporting commercial fishing families in a variety of ways.

In the 1970’s, NFW organized to support and/or represent fishing families.  NFW worked to represent at-sea husbands/fishing families to congressional representatives in helping to secure the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in US waters.

In the 1980’s, NFW organized to inform and educate congressional representatives of the need for USCG Search and Rescue Helicopter coverage in Newport and the Central Coast.  NFW worked to ensure a permanent facility and 24 hour coverage.

In 1988, NFW formed a support group for fishermen’s wives with husbands fishing in Alaska.  Organized monthly support meetings, family events, and brought in experts to talk about issues of importance to fishing families.

In 1990, the support group merged with the original NFW who passed the gavel and bank accounts and asked if we would continue the present and Annual Blessing of the Fleet.

In the late 80’s to 1990’s, we worked to raise funds, secure a site, and build the Fishermen’s Memorial Sanctuary at Yaquina Bay State Park.  NFW also offers immediate financial support for basic needs to families of fishermen lost at sea by collecting tax deductible donations and/or opening bank accounts for families for donations.  NFW has also offered to pay for counseling to families in need.  It was also during this time that the third addition of the NFW cookbook was created.

Now, in the 2000’s, NFW continues to support fishing families, promote fisherman and vessel safety, and promote seafood through education.  We have continued the annual Blessing of the Fleet, Survival Suit Races, Fishermen’s Memorial Service, and created the Great Newport Seafood Cook-Off.  NFW is currently working to establish a Fisheries Center in Newport to highlight Newport as a seafood destination and cooperative educational facility.