Frank Squillo - President

Frank has had a long and successful career in the entertainment business. He spent nearly 40 years as a radio host in the major markets of Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Dallas, and New York City, most of those years hosting his own morning radio show. Warner Brothers Television in Los Angeles contracted Frank to host a nationally syndicated dating show for 4 seasons. After retiring from his long radio career, Frank founded a media company in Dallas, TX, where he produced, directed, and consulted on numerous audio and video podcast projects.

During his undergraduate years, Frank was involved with his college theater department on and behind the stage and has always had a passion for live performances.

After moving to the coast in 2018, Frank joined the Riverbend Players’ board of directors in 2020 and has served as a member at large, vice president, and now as the board's current president. He also serves as the chair of the Marketing Committee, has performed in numerous productions, and has directed several others, including ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (2022), IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO PLAY (2022), 12 ANGRY JURORS (2023) and A CHRISTMAS STORY (2023).

Frank and his husband, Patrick Conner (frequent Riverbend Players set designer), live in Manzanita with their two daughters. They also own and operate Wanda's Cafe + Bakery in Nehalem, and Frank is the Vice Chair of the Manzanita Planning Commission.

Juli Stratton - Vice President/Artistic Director

Juli's life has been a whirlwind of diverse and fulfilling experiences. Growing up in Illinois, she spent time in both rural areas and the city of Chicago. After a shining collegiate basketball career and graduating with a B.S. in Physical Education from Illinois State University, Juli turned to helping others. She pursued a master's degree in Counseling and Community Services from the University of Illinois at Springfield, where she also had the remarkable achievement of founding the women's basketball program.

Juli's career journey has been rich and varied. From athletics and social work to counseling, corporate law, and LGBTQ advocacy, each experience has been a stepping stone to living her most authentic life.

Teamwork has been a constant thread throughout Juli's life. Since moving to Manzanita in 2021, exciting new opportunities have unfolded. She has shared her passion for fitness as a community instructor and even started the Tai Chi by the Sea group. But perhaps the most rewarding discovery has been her love for theater.

Thanks to the Riverbend Players, Juli has immersed herself in the theater world, participating in numerous productions. Notably, she's brought characters like Stanley in BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, Juror #12/Foreman in 12 ANGRY JURORS, and Ralph/Narrator in the record-breaking production of A CHRISTMAS STORY to life.

Juli enthusiastically joined the Board of Directors in June 2023 and serves as Vice President and Artistic Director.

When Juli's not busy with theater, you can find her enjoying life in Manzanita with her wife, Amy, and their furry companions, Zoey, Brandy, and Toby.

For more information about the Tai Chi by the Sea group, visit www.jstratton.com.

Janet Stinson - Secretary

With a background as both an actor in radio productions, including FRANKENSTEIN: THE RADIO PLAY, and as a stage manager for productions, including A CHRISTMAS STORY and CRIMES OF THE HEART, Janet's passion lies in the behind-the-scenes intricacies of theater.

Leveraging her retired elementary school reading specialist expertise, she brings impeccable organizational skills to ensure seamless production operations.

Beyond her theater involvement, Janet actively contributes to the Lower Nehalem Community Trust's Education Committee and volunteers her instructional abilities at Nehalem Elementary School.

Janet strongly advocates for live theater's ability to captivate and enlighten community members through the powerful stories shared on stage.

Janet and her husband, Bill, are deeply rooted in the coastal community of Manzanita. Bill contributes his musical talents as a cellist with the North Oregon Coast Symphony. They have called Manzanita home for a decade and recently transitioned to full-time residency, immersing themselves fully in the vibrant coastal lifestyle.

Mark Bartrom - Treasurer

Mark got involved with Riverbend Players as an actor in the 2021 version of IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO PLAY. He has since gone on to perform in several more productions and assists in the building and deconstructing of production sets.

After graduating from Indiana University Medical Center, Mark spent several years in the psychiatric field conducting group therapy. He was also a longtime patient rights advocate and spent time in risk management.

Mark and his husband, Robert, are Riverbend Players Marketing Committee members. They moved to Manzanita in early 2021 and described living here as paradise. Mark had always wanted to return to the west coast, having left southern California many years ago.

Linda Makohon - Member at Large

After retiring from teaching, Linda became involved with Riverbend Players when she moved to Manzanita in 2010. At that time, Riverbend Players performed reader's theater in the Fireside Room at NCRD.

When Riverbend Players became a full-fledged nonprofit in 2016, Linda was one of the original board members and has served the board in various capacities since.

Linda’s been involved in nearly 20 productions and is proud to have helped our community theater group grow to perform fully staged plays and to have cooperated with NCRD to help fund the theater's extensive renovation in 2015.

Linda Petersen - Member at Large

Linda's love for the arts extends far beyond the stage lights. While she joined the Riverbend Players Board of Directors in 2016, the year the theater transitioned to a non-profit, it was the production of VINTAGE HITCHCOCK in 2017 that truly ignited her passion for performing. Since then, she's embraced countless opportunities onstage, from acting and prompting to Foley sound effects and set creation.

But Linda's contributions reach far behind the curtain. She's donned various hats, including Stage Manager for "Arsenic and Old Lace," prompter for multiple productions, and props/set decorator for numerous productions.

This artistic passion translates into her professional background as well. Linda's degree in Interior Design proved to be the perfect springboard for assisting the Riverbend Players' Set Designer in crafting believable and immersive environments for the audience.

Outside the theater, Linda is an accomplished artist represented by Gallery 447 in Manzanita. She cherishes her life with her husband, Rudy, and their furry companion, Charlie.

Jane Harris - Member at Large

Jessie Rose Hooker - Member at Large