Posted in N&V

What’s New in September

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*-Do you want to get a personal email notification of a new Complement issue or new material?   Email us at openinforvm@gmail.com and we will put you on the mailing list

Interested in previous issues?  Scroll to the bottom of the page.  In the center is a “Load More” link.  Click this to display past articles.

 

NEWS & VIEWS

Celebrating Norm Boice – Lawn Bowling Extraordinaire, by Joni Johnson, pictures by Reina Lopez

Karnatz Korner September-October 2022, by Bob Buddemeier, information from Sarah Karnatz

Tango At the Manor?  Wow!  by Joni Johnson

A CCRC Residents’ Bill of Rights, by Connie Kent and Bob Buddemeier

Flo, Jack, Mary and Sue, by Connie Kent

ARTS & INFO 

September’s Library Display, by Anne Newins

My Pal Hank, by Tom Conger

NIT WIT NEWZ –  September 2022, by A. Looney  

A Trip Through Local Geology, by Anne Newins with additional information provided by George Yates

RVM  September-October Event & Entertainment Schedule

in Big, Borrowed, or Both

3550:  the Portland Mirabella quarterly magazine (most recent issue) Click Here

Mirabella Monthly, Newsletter of the Seattle Mirabella (September issue)  Click Here


PREPARE

RPG Manual – Resident Preparedness

Use It or Lose It Part 1: Manor Mart

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By Bob Buddemeier

In the recently distributed RVM FY 2022-2023 Budget Summary, the following statement appears:

Translation:  Don’t expect RVM to subsidize this forever.

As far as I could find out, there is not a firm timeline or net income amount set for determining whether the Manor Mart stays or goes, but the warning is clear.

Why do we need it?  For people without cars, or with limited mobility, it can be nearly essential.  Mart Manager Alicia Aldrich says that some residents do essentially all of their shopping there.  This says a lot about the combination of stocked goods and ordering possibilities that the Mart offers – people who get their meals provided can find almost all of the household and personal items they need.

Alicia also says that the markups are low – comparable to most retail outlets.  This means that somebody who hops in the car to go to Freddie’s and pick up some minor item is paying an additional $0.50-1.00 for gas, taking an extra 20+ minutes, and dealing with the hassles of traffic and parking.  Why would they do it?  Force of habit is one answer, but there are some others.  One issue is that of hours.  If your head hurts at 7 p.m. and you’re out of Tylenol, or if you get a desperate craving for an ice cream bar on Sunday, you’re out of luck as far as the Mart is concerned.  This is a tough problem, because staying open requires people and people are expensive.

What can be done to increase business?  Without using the “advertising” word, we can discuss awareness-raising and attention-getting,  Those activities might be combined with sales or featured items, or just used as the Channel 900 spots are – for information and encouragement

The Complement is willing to run Manor Mart notices. I would hope that hillTopics and Bits and Pieces would do the same for this in-house resource that benefits the residents.  But what ad agency is going to organize this campaign and generate the material?  Alicia is the one-woman do-everything proprieter whose time is taken up with managing and trying to improve and expand store services.   Couldn’t we find some residents with retail or PR experience who would be willing to support the Manor Mart on a volunteer basis?  This would be a real service. (see comment on “support” in the reply section below)

Another point – the Manor Mart was (re) established after sustained resident (including Resident Council) pressure and requests.  OK, activists, you got it – now what are you going to do to keep it?  It seems to me that this is something deserving of sustained attention and support – a task force or support team organized by the Residents Council.  Or, if that can’t happen, an independent group of people who really care.  There are numerous examples of that happening at RVM.

There need to be some solutions found, because the problem is well-defined: if enough people don’t use it, we all lose it.

Flo, Jack, Mary and Sue

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by Connie Kent

Mary and Jack Frost with Sue

Shortly after moving to the Manor, Sue Silfvast stood to introduce herself to her local P.E.O. chapter (Philanthropic Educational Organization). Asked to choose just one important element of her life, she chose to describe her visit to Japan in 2007. She had been invited by the alumni association of the Doshisha University in Kyoto to represent the family and give a talk at a celebration of the 150th birthday of her great aunt, Mary Florence Denton (1857-1947), who had been a missionary and educator in Japan for 60 years. Sue, her husband Bill and her cousin Sandra were overwhelmed when they were greeted with deep bows upon their arrival. The Japanese revered “Aunt Flo.” She was considered a “national treasure” by the Japanese.

Miss Denton had been decorated with the Sixth Class Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Japanese government, the first woman and the first American ever to receive the award.

In 1888, after having taught for 17 years in California (starting when she was 17 years old) Mary Florence Denton answered God’s call (through the American Board of Foreign Missions), packed up her life, boarded a ship, and moved to Japan. She became active in the Japanese Red Cross, the Volunteer Nurses’ Association and in aiding Russian prisoners during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05). She was instrumental in founding the Kyoto Y.W.C.A, the Japanese W.C.T.U, and the Women’s Society for Moral Reform. At just over 30 years of age, she joined the faculty of the Doshisha School in Kyoto, now one of the most prestigious private universities in Japan. She taught Japanese girls geology, botany, astronomy, English, Bible, cooking and nursing. She made herself responsible for nursing any of the girls who were ill in the dormitory and for years she was head of the dormitory matrons.

At her P.E.O. meeting, Sue describedher aunt, how honored she felt to be associated with a relative that was so highly regarded by so many Japanese, and the amazing welcome she and Bill had received in Japan. Suddenly she heard a gasp from the audience.

“Wait. Could your aunt be the woman my husband has talked about so much? Are you talking about Mary Florence Denton, of Kyoto, in the forties, right after the War?”

The speaker was Mary Frost. “My husband Jack was in the Army in Japan and went to see Miss Denton several times. Meeting her had a big impact on him. He can’t say enough about the great lady who> was so respected by the Japanese. Why, the Japanese took care of her all during the war, when America was fighting Japan!”

And that’s how, almost eighty years later, Sue met Jack and Mary Frost, who were also living at the Manor. Jack had befriended “Aunt Flo” toward the end of her life, visiting her and bringing her medicine. Miss Denton had retired in 1928, but continued to live in her home on the grounds of the Doshisha, cared for by a devoted Japanese family. But the medicines she needed weren’t readily available in Japan, so the Red Cross provided them, and Jack, having fallen in love with her, was one of the delivery boys.

Mary and Jack Frost with Sue and pictures of “Aunt Flo”

 

 

When Sue got together with Jack and Mary, they shared with her the journals Jack had kept during his time in Japan. Turns out “Aunt Flo” had many distinguished visitors in addition to GI’s like Jack, among them the Theodore Roosevelts, Charles Lindbergh and his wife, Malcolm MacDonald, son of England’s then Premier, and countless others.

What are the odds? A fellow Manor resident knew and admired Sue’s Aunt, a legend in Sue’s family who lived half way around the world, and whom Sue herself had never met.

 

Karnatz Korner August – September 2022

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by Bob Buddemeier, based on information from SARAH KARNATZ

 

As you might expect, Karnatz Kountry just continues to expand.  This month we feature even more words from the prophetess herself, and a penetrating look all the way into NEXT month.

August 9 & August 23 Links n’ Drinks Plaza Patio 12p – 1p.  This is simple. BBQ’d links (yes there are vegetarian options) chips, drinks (leaded & unleaded) and novelty ice cream bars. No bands, no games, just good ol’ fashion BBQ and conversations.   Reservations are required, but if you didn’t make the cut, don’t despair — events are planned for Sep 13th & 27th, so be ready to pounce when sign-ups are announced.

August 16 Kona Ice for staff, courtesy of Foundation, 11a -2p set up behind the pool. Last staff event for the year.

August 17 Oregon Wine Experience  – off campus Aug 17-21. RVM is the sole sponsor for the Oregon Wine Experience Medal Celebration.  RVM’s Executive Chef Bill Tuenge and his Chefs will be making magic with 4 specialty curated items and showcasing the RVM talent this year!  For information, see https://www.theoregonwineexperience.com/

August 8 & August 22 RESIDENT Kona Ice 11a-3p, including an early stop at the MSC before continuing along the route as planned.  Aug 22 is the last one for the year.

August 25 Saucy 60s Theme Concert (2 – 4p) Auditorium. To shine a spotlight on the 60’s we are bringing up a really cool rockin’ 60’s tribute band to play all kinds of boogie 60’s music. This is the perfect opportunity to show off your tye-dyed bell bottoms, as 60’s fashion is encouraged!  No reservations needed — just come on in.

August 26–  a Wine and Cheese reception (4-6)  in the Sunrise Room –resident art project, Family History: then and now. Please join us in The Sunrise Room of the Terrace: meet the people behind the posters: the parents, grandparents and maybe even great grandparents of RVM residents. It’s all here. America at its best viewed thru the eyes of Manor residents with their amazing stories.

 SEPTEMBER

All Month — the Golden Golf Ball Hunt is back!  Annabel hides them all over campus; when found residents & staff bring them back to me in the CE Office to claim their prize.

All Month — Treasure Island display – Auditorium display case – remember the cabinet of curiosities? This is the treasure version.  Residents had some really cool items, not really odd… so I wanted to do a treasure display.  Bring your items to the auditorium at 9 a.m. Sep 1, or call 7246 to seeif your item is appropriate.

Game Shows Begin the first week in September: I’m teaming up with Reverend Scott, Kathy Fitzpatrick, Jordan Mo, and Cam Deen to start our very own RVM Game Show Night. Some are classic inspired, some are new age, but all are fun! Stay tuned, more to follow on this one.

September 5 Labor Day – additional lunch option. Caribbean Cook out in the Auditorium (or pocket lot if its nice outside) 11a – 1p Includes Staff working that day! Amazing REAL Caribbean food!! And yes he will have vegetarian and Gluten Free options.

September 8 Meet the Author Round 2 –Deschutes Room. The 1st meet the author was a huge success, and it will return by popular demand. Did you know that we have over 140 published works from past and current RVM residents? This is a speed dating set up. 6 or 7 residents and 1 author are at each table for a set amount of time where authors can discuss their works, their inspirations and answer questions, then when the timer goes off, the author moves to the next table. Drinks and snacks provided.  Sign-up sheets should be out Sep 1.

September 11 – First Responders Remembrance Stair Climb & BBQ (not open to residents, this is something special we do to thank our local First responders and remember 9-11) Fire districts from all over southern Oregon come and climb the tower stairwell, then participate in a small ceremony on the roof, and enjoy a chef attended BBQ in the pocket lot.

September 16 – 23 RVM Autumn Games. Like the good ol’ days, just different. Timothy has some great ideas for this year’s Autumn games! Opening Ceremony is on September 16 followed by a week of knock down drag out games!  If you haven’t signed up it’s too late to play, but there will be plenty of room in the bleachers for you to cheer or jeer you favorite teams.

Electric Car Sharing

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The following is a reproduction of a brief article on page 7 of the March edition of Portland Mirabella’s 3550.

[Ed. note — Mirabella’s car-sharing service was also covered in the Spring 2022 issue of PRS’s Perspectives (just out – p. 9). It has been suggested to RVM Administration that this service be reviewed for possible adoption at RVM.]

Important Imports

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by Bob Buddemeier and Connie Kent

 

Mirabella Portland is, like RVM, a CCRC that is part of  Pacific Retirement Services, Inc.  Their resident-produced quarterly newsmagazine, “3550,” often contains articles relevant to RVM.  In this feature we present brief summary descriptions of two recent articles, along with links for those who might wish to read them.  The link to “3550” provides access to both the current issue and back issues.

 

Covid Costs PRS, by Ed Parker

https://3550magazine.org, June issue, page 19.

This article is based on co-editor Ed Parker’s interview with Eric Scholty, Executive Director of PRS, concerning the financial effect of the COVID pandemic on PRS finances.  Some key points contained in the article (items in italics are direct quotations):

Eric declined to provide a specific dollar figure for Covid-related losses, but said it was “multi-multi-millions of dollars.” 

However he also said that despite being hit hard financially by the Covid pandemic, PRS had better financial reserves and a stronger management team than most retirement communities.  He also pointed to the PRS strategic planning process that “…should pay attention to what future retirement residents will want “10 to 50 years from now.”


Eric said that some current residents may resist change, but he must introduce changes that will attract future residents. 

——————————————————————————————————————————-

Bylaws Reform Proposed, by John Foreman

https://3550magazine.org, June issue, pp 6-7.

Excerpts from the article are printed below — items in italics are direct quotes.

A few months ago the RAMP council, the governing body of RAMP, appointed an ad hoc bylaws committee … to look at all the bylaws, especially after problems caused by the pandemic (and) the way in which the RAMP bylaws are affected by the bylaws and actions of the related entities: the Mirabella Portland board, the Mirabella Portland Foundation and Pacific Retirement Services Inc.

The proposed changes are now undergoing community review before the intended vote in September.

A major theme …is authorization of the council to make rules to address governance issues… One of the pandemic’s lessons is that the council sometimes needs to be able to adapt quickly to unanticipated changes. 

Another major theme of the revisions is an attempt to bring openness provisions to RAMP proceedings that are analogous to the openness requirements for government activities in the State of Oregon.

Another theme in the revisions is expanding the use of electronic and digital media to help increase the number of members who can participate in RAMP activities.

An important function of RAMP is to advocate for the interests of its members. The revisions expand the purposes of RAMP to include advocacy for the interests of RAMP members before more organizations, including the Pacific Retirement Services, Inc., the parent corporation of the Mirabella Portland board, and the community outside of Mirabella Portland. The revisions authorize RAMP to use funds from sources other than the allocation from the Mirabella Portland that has provided the bulk of RAMP’s operating funds in the past. The revisions also authorize RAMP to retain the services of independent legal counsel should that need arise.

Karnatz Korner September – October 2022

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The Words of the Karnatz,  lightly edited by Bob Buddemeier

Into the future we go — just try not to trip over the masses of frolicking residents.

 SEPTEMBER

All Month — the Golden Golf Ball Hunt is back!  Annabel hides them all over campus; when found residents & staff bring them back to me in the CE Office to claim their prize.

All Month — Treasure Island display – Auditorium display case – remember the cabinet of curiosities? This is the treasure version.  Residents had some really cool items, not really odd… so I wanted to do a treasure display.  Bring your items to the auditorium at 9 a.m. Sep 1, or call 7246 to seeif your item is appropriate.

Game Shows Begin the first week in September: I’m teaming up with Reverend Scott, Kathy Fitzpatrick, Jordan Mo, and Cam Deen to start our very own RVM Game Show Night. Some are classic inspired, some are new age, but all are fun! Stay tuned, more to follow on this one.

September 11 – First Responders Remembrance Stair Climb & BBQ (not open to residents, this is something special we do to thank our local First responders and remember 9-11) Fire districts from all over southern Oregon come and climb the tower stairwell, then participate in a small ceremony on the roof, and enjoy a chef attended BBQ in the pocket lot.

September 16 – 23 RVM Autumn Games. Like the good ol’ days, just different. Timothy has some great ideas for this year’s Autumn games! Opening Ceremony is on September 16 followed by a week of knock down drag out games!  If you haven’t signed up it’s too late to play, but there will be plenty of room in the bleachers for you to cheer or jeer you favorite teams.

September 11 – First Responders Remembrance Stair Climb & BBQ (not open to residents, this is something special we do to thank our local First responders and remember 9-11) Fire districts from all over southern Oregon come and climb the tower stairwell, then participate in a small ceremony on the roof, and enjoy a chef attended BBQ in the pocket lot.

September 13 & September 27 – Links & Drinks on the Plaza Patio! Enjoy a chef attended BBQ from 12p – 1p. Sign ups are limited to 80 per event, due to seating in that beautiful area. If you have already had a chance to sign up, perhaps you could let your fellow residents have a reservation and a chance to enjoy the links with a view of the links. These patio BBQ’s are so popular that  if the weather cooperates, there will be more in October.

September 16 – 23 RVM Autumn Games. Like the good ol’ days, just different. Timothy has some great ideas for this year’s Autumn games! Opening Ceremony is on September 16 followed by a week of knock down drag out games! If you haven’t signed up it’s too late to play, but there will be plenty of room in the bleachers for you to cheer or jeer you favorite teams.

All good things must come to an end – September 25th will be the last Bistro entertainment performance. The Bistro will still be open — just no more live entertainment. Don’t fret, the Bistro HH entertainment will return next year!

Spotlight on the 60’s For the Month of October – Turn on the time Machine and dig out those epic 60’s phots of yourself!  Sarah wants to create a collage of residents from the 60’s to have on display in the Manor Lobby.  But —  What fun would this be without a game attached! Submit your favorite 60’s photo of your self to Sarah by October 3rd. Then you will have the chance to guess who is who, and the one with the most correct guesses WINS! Photos will be numbered and a ballot box with guessing sheets will be available with the collage.

 October 6th – save the date! The Penthouse Garden Party is back! From 3p- 5p come enjoy the beautiful flowers, plants and view from the manor roof top. Wine and snacks will be available.

October 20th will be the debut of the RVM Opportunity Fair! We are working closley with Asifa Kanji, the Residents Council Volunteer Opportunities Department Head to plan a campus-wide, real-time, in-person resident volunteer opportunity fair! Much more to come with this!

Oct. 25 Brew Fest! Changing things up a bit…. I am planning on a name that beer in the lobby and live band in the auditorium.  I don’t have all the detail chiseled into stone yet, but that’s the direction!

But wait, there’s more! – back by popular demand, the employee pumpkin contest and the resident scarecrow contest will make it back to the auditorium at the end of October. Residents council will judge the employee’s creative pumpkins and Administration will judge the residents scarecrows.

What’s New in August

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*-Do you want to get a personal email notification of a new Complement issue or new material?   Email us at openinforvm@gmail.com and we will put you on the mailing list

Interested in previous issues?  Scroll to the bottom of the page.  In the center is a “Load More” link.  Click this to display past articles.

 

NEWS & VIEWS

Use It or Lose It   Part 1: Manor Mart, by Bob Buddemeier

Karnatz Korner August – September 2022, by Bob Buddemeier, information from Sarah Karnatz

Important Imports, by Bob Buddemeier and Connie Kent

Electric Car Sharing, by Connie Kent

“My Dog Made Me Do It” – Paul Berglund and His Ships, by Joni Johnson

 

ARTS & INFO 

August in the Library, by Anne Newins

Treasures from the Free Table, by Connie Kent, photos by Reina Lopez

The Evolution of God – a book review, by Connie Kent

Reunion Planning, by Tom Conger

NIT WIT NEWZ – August 2022,  by A. Looney  

RVM August- September Event & Entertainment Schedule

in Big, Borrowed, or Both

3550:  the Portland Mirabella quarterly magazine (most recent issue) Click Here

Mirabella Monthly, Newsletter of the Seattle Mirabella (July- August issue)  Click Here


PREPARE

RPG Manual – Resident Preparedness

Hotsy-Totsy: A Review, by Bob Buddemeier

“My Dog Made Me Do It”- Paul Berglund and his Ships

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by Joni Johnson

 

Paul with ship #2

Paul Berglund has been building model ships for a long time.  Each ship takes years to create. Born in Oregon but raised in California, Paul graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Industrial Engineering.  Those of you who know the field, know the exacting nature of that profession.  He spent many years in engineering but eventually moved to writing software for naval institutions, primarily working with submarines.

So how did Paul start building his ships?  It was serendipity.  In his own words, “ My dog made me do it.  My wife, Pat, saw a kit for a plastic model of one of Christopher Columbus’ ships.  She asked me to put it together for a display to promote library books about American history.  I did build it for her to display, and after that I decided that I wanted to try building a model out of wood.  I bought a hobbyist’s kit, but when I opened the kit, I decided that it was way too complicated for me to tackle and that I would return it to the store.  I put the wooden hull from the kit on the floor beside my chair.  My dog thought I was putting something down for him to play with, and he picked the hull up and carried it off, leaving doggie tooth marks on it.  That made it impossible to return for a refund, so I thought, “Oh well, I’ll try to build it.”  I sanded out the tooth marks and did build it successfully.  This was the white ship.  It was so much fun that I then wanted to build a bigger ship.”

He says he is normally not that patient or that neat. But he is detail oriented, and when he is working on a ship, he is all patience and meticulousness.  His workstation is spotless, and each item has its own place in a little plastic box.  Most of his work is done with hand tools, although he does have a 3.5 inch table saw.  He makes most of the pieces himself.

This canon is made with 13 separate pieces

His first ship, the white one, is a replica of a seventeenth century vessel.  He spent five years building the ship out of a solid block of wood.  Then, he took a hiatus of 11 years before he started work on the second ship. He started the ship while he was still in El Cerrito, California, and sent it partially built in a box for his move to Ashland where it lay dormant until he and his wife, Pat, moved to RVM 16 years ago.  He finally finished it here at the Manor.  It took almost 20 years to complete.

Paul’s second ship

He is currently working on a new ship that is one of the most intricately decorated ships of all time, made for King George II. The current in-progress ship is built on a scale of ¼-inch to a foot. He says this may be his last.  I was in awe when I saw what he accomplished and his willingness to persevere over the course of many years.  His workmanship is flawless.  The thing he loves most is the challenge and that people appreciate his work. I know you will too.  Please check out the video to hear some of the process.

 

Touch the picture for the video

If people are interested in seeing more about model ships, check out the following site: https://modelshipworld.com

Karnatz Korner — July

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Summer comes, and with it a plethora of activities to gladden the hearts and distract the minds of the residents.

July 12  – Kona ice truck (the shaved ice goodness) will be in the villages again – sponsored by RVM Foundation. Maps and locations for the stops will go in the residents mailboxes beforehand.  OOooh that sugar rush on the frozen fillings is soooo Good!

July 14 — 2p – 4p – Tropical luau with games, coconut lawn bowling, hula dancers, and Hawai’ian food, Pineapple Ring toss, Hula Hoop Contest, a lei making station and more! This will be set up in the back of the building in the outdoor lawn bowling area.

July 19 —  Do you ever wonder if you came from ancient royalty? Learn from a professional genealogist how to begin your ancestor search, document your findings, and overcome research challenges.  Plaza Deschutes Room 9:30 a.m. to Noon. Lunch provided at Noon.  Limited to 25 residents — signup in Manor Campus Binder by July 14! Questions? Sarah Karnatz x 7246.

July 22 — 60’s Concert in the Auditorium with the Band ‘Saucy’. Come dressed in your favorite 60’s apparel, live band and 60’s inspired libations. Watch for the time — tentatively 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

July 26 – Kona ice truck will be back in the villages again to feed your habit– sponsored by RVM Foundation. Maps and locations for the stops will go in the residents mailboxes beforehand.

July 29 —  Meet our RVM authors (speed dating style) –  Each author will sit down at a table with 5 other residents for a short amount of time, when the timer goes off, the RVM authors move to the next table. The authors have been recruited, and sign ups to attend the event and meet the authors will be in the sign up book at the front desk.  Pearls of literary wisdom, rapidly dispensed.