Loving on the Community: The Dorans’ Welcome to Newberg

NEWBERG, Ore. — On any given Friday or Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May through September, locals and tourists alike are likely to be greeted by two friendly faces outside Ken & Daughter Jewelers, next to Chapters Books and Coffee.

“A lot of people think we’re trying to sell them something, and then a lot of people won’t engage,” said Barbi Doran on a warm, sunny September morning. “But a lot of people are just curious. They start asking what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. Then we get to share.”

Barbi and her husband, Mike Doran, started setting up a small table with a patio umbrella, a guitar (which they encourage others to play but don’t play themselves), and four chairs in May, offering welcomes, compliments, and directions to anyone open to it. They’re not affiliated with any organization or business—they’re just doing it out of love for the town.

“We love people, and we love Newberg,” Barbi said. “We’ve felt for a while that being downtown and cultivating community is very important. We’ve met others who feel the same. Our hope for Newberg is that we, as a community, and all who visit, will experience abundance, be encouraged in heart, united in love, and that our city will flourish.”

The Dorans owned Doran Automotive in Newberg for nearly 33 years, officially closing on October 26, 2020. Barbi, a Newberg native, also worked at George Fox University’s welcome desk for 15 years. Since slowing down their business and careers, they started looking for ways to give back.

“After I left Fox, I felt like I was supposed to go from that desk—welcoming and loving on people, helping them, and giving them the hugs they needed—to something else,” Barbi said. “We felt we might be needed downtown to do some of the same things. Just love on Newberg.”

That love was especially needed after the social fissures created by the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2023.

“Part of it was just the culture of 2020, when we didn’t even know if we were supposed to talk to each other,” said Mike. “It created a wedge that lasted a long time—even last year, we were still checking to see if we should wear masks. Everyone was so fearful of connection after that, and we’re hoping to stomp out some of that fear.”

Barbi noted that the political climate also made it difficult for people to connect. She noticed that people were hesitant to talk with strangers for fear of wading into controversial social topics.

“I think there’s growth in that space,” Barbi said. “There’s growth in being able to honor the person in front of you who has a different opinion. You can hold your opinions, hear them out, and try to find connection points. Honor them and where they’re at, and that’s what makes community.”

This belief led to the booth, adorned with a black tablecloth and a white vinyl sign reading, “Welcome to Newberg: Your Friendly Concierge Service,” separated by an illustration of Oregon’s outline with a red heart over the Willamette Valley.

Edie Salmon, the owner of Ken & Daughter Jewelers, has known the Dorans for about 30 years. When they asked to set up a table outside of her business, she said it was a no-brainer.

“They’re wonderful human beings,” Salmon said. “Our response was immediate because they’re an incredible part of our community. They’re just good people giving us the gift of their time.”

Salmon said she sees customers stop to chat with the Dorans before entering her store and employees visiting during the workday. She said there’s always an aura of happiness and smiles.

“Any kind of kindness and friendships like that in these times—a friendly smile, someone taking a minute to greet you—it really makes you feel at home,” she said. “I think it’s incredible. We need more people willing to love on people.”

Over the course of the interview with Barbi and Mike, our question-and-answer conversation was placed on a momentary pause no fewer than 13 times as GFU Students visited Chapters to finish up some homework, former students took a nostalgia trip to their favorite college coffee shop, a resident would stop and share how they came to live in the area, cars would honk and wave, and any of the many other reasons that bring people to that popular block downtown.

The Dorans say they aren’t seeking financial, business, or organizational sponsorships, as they have little to no overhead. Instead, they encourage anyone interested to come sit with them, greet people, and share in the welcoming spirit.

“Can you imagine if this became a town thing?” Mike asked. “If people knew they could stop by and have a quick chat about their favorite coffee or what’s happening around town? That’s the real hope.”

Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28, will be the Dorans’ last weekend at the space for 2024, as they enjoy the chill of winter from indoors. They plan to return in May 2025 and are excited to see what next year brings.

Learn more at welcometonewberg.com, where the Dorans have compiled a list of resources for anyone visiting downtown Newberg. Businesses interested in being featured can email welcometonewberg@gmail.com.