Hi, my name is… Gwen Jorgenson.
I’ve lived in the North 32nd area for 34 years and I love it because… The mountain preserves and quick access to anywhere we want to go. The longer we live here the more it has become a community, and the revitalization of North 32nd Street will make it even better.
A typical day in my life is… In a word, transitional. I am a recovering insurance professional; after more than 35 years on the corporate side of insurance I am switching gears. I run a craft show, the Neighborhood Artisan Network, at 32nd Street and Thunderbird once a month. My small but mighty group of neighborhood artisans comes together on the third Saturdays from October to April, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. I also volunteer with the Arizona Live Music Cooperative (AZLMC), an open mic event every Monday evening in the Genesis Church auditorium. The venue elevates the experience for acoustic folk musicians and singer/songwriters in the area. The public is welcome at 6:30 p.m. In addition, I am a member of Genesis Church and participate in volunteer work for their events. Another favorite daily activity is that my neighborhood has a “howdy time” every evening in the street. The neighbors come out to say hello and share any news of the day. We have become very close friends as we share in each other’s life events.
My family is… We are transplants from Washington and Minnesota, so our relatives are far away. My husband, Paul, and I opted to not have kids, but happily found ourselves with what we call “adopted adults.” These young adults came into our lives through Paul’s caving hobby. Now we have the privilege of being stand-in grandparents to beautiful children as well.
I cannot live without… The peace and joy of my faith, my husband, family, and friends.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… A veterinarian, but then I found out it’s not just playing with animals! I grew up on a farm in Minnesota and had pets all my life. I have adopted several cats from shelters and still have two “purr-fect” girls.
The song I would sing at Karaoke night is… I don’t sing, but if I did it would be “I Will Survive!” As a two-time breast cancer survivor of more than ten years, I can adopt that anthem. That journey was tough but gave me personal experience that has been helpful to others who are facing it themselves or have loved ones going through a cancer journey.
The one person who motivates me is… My super smart husband is always bringing interesting things into our lives. Between his interests and mine there is never a dull moment!
The perfect day… My perfect day isn’t from luxury, recognition, or extravagant experiences, but a day of making good choices. This is always a work in progress as I try to make more good choices than bad, moment by moment, and day by day. It may be the choice to talk to someone instead of looking past them or really listen when people talk. It may lead to an amazing conversation, a new friendship, or open a door to new possibilities. You never know when a comment, pat on the back or introduction changes the trajectory of someone’s life.
My favorite local nonprofit is… Genesis Church because of the no-nonsense approach to following Christ’s example. Amazing things are happening there with Alice Cooper’s partnership, the recovery programs, support to the AZLMC, Neighborhood Artisans, and the other amazing nonprofits on that corner.
My life is… Full of blessings and rewards. I have a 34-year marriage, a good career, and a fun life. That makes me rich beyond anything I could have hoped.
The best gift I’ve ever received was… My husband commissioned a set of fire opal earrings and pendant made by a friend. A classic design gifted by my honey and made by hand is a win!
My dream vacation would be… I have already been to more than 30 countries and all 50 states for business and pleasure, but my dream trip would be on a small cruise ship that can get into harbors that the big ships can’t. I’d take all my friends and go around the world for a year.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received… I was visiting with a friend that I only saw at an annual convention. Her husband had been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and all the plans they had made to enjoy early retirement were erased in an instant. She tearfully said, “Don’t wait to do anything!” Practicality limits this advice of course, but as we witnessed his decline over the years, the lesson was unforgettable. We should all be present in our lives today as tomorrow is not promised.
