April 2, 2026 by Tamara Filipović, Seward Folly Staff
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month and the Seward Folly wanted to do something special to celebrate our incredible volunteer community here in Seward. Throughout the month, we’ll be publishing Volunteer Spotlights that recognize Sewardites who embody the spirit of service. Each spotlight will feature one local resident’s responses to a set of questions about their passion for volunteering, favorite moments, and advice for those interested in getting involved.
Volunteer Spotlight #1
Since moving to Seward 24 years ago, Lori Landstrom has become one of our town’s beloved volunteers, friends, and community leaders. Throughout those years, she has generously given her time and energy to a variety of causes and organizations, including the following:
- Seward Chamber of Commerce
- Rotary Club of Seward
- Kenai Crewsers Rowing Club
- Seward Senior Center
- Seward Parks & Rec
- Seward schools (elementary, middle, and high school)
- Seward High School sports
- Sustainable Seward (recycling education, electronics recycling event)
- Community Gardening Clubs
- Tsunami Ocean Science Bowl
- Seward Mural Society
- P.E.O. Sisterhood (Philanthropic Educational Organization)
Take a moment to read her responses to our questions below and leave a comment or share a story of a time you volunteered with Lori!
Photos by Lori Landstrom
What is your name?
Lori Landstrom
How long have you lived in Seward?
24 years
In one sentence, please describe why you are passionate about volunteering?
Volunteering brings me joy.
Is there a person or role model who inspired you to start volunteering? If yes, please explain.
My mother was a community volunteer. I saw it growing up and followed her example.
What are some of your favorite memories or moments from volunteering in Seward?
Working the finish line of the Junior Mt. Marathon Race; the year Allie Ostrander won the entire race, beating the boys.
Weighing silver salmon during the Derby. It’s so much fun interacting with fisher folk and tourist onlookers!
Painting a part of a mural with the artist, Tom Missel, Jon VanZyle. Seeing the mural installed and pointing to the part I painted.
Giving scholarships and grants to women and girls through the P.E.O. organization. Knowing we are making a difference in their lives through their education. Celebrating women.
What is one organization in Seward that you wish more people would volunteer with, and why?
Seward Senior Center. They provide very needed services to our seniors and are short on volunteers.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone volunteering in Seward for the first time?
Just do it. You’ll have fun and make new friends.
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