Posted in N&V
Changes are coming. As a result of changes in personnel, The Complement will soon transition to a new identity – exactly how things will look is not clear at this time. A number of exciting options are possible. If you think you might be interested in writing for an independent resident web publication, or in helping on the tech side, please contact Bob Buddemeier, Joni Johnson, Connie Kent, or George Yates.
L-R, Volunteer Joan Avery (RVM Resident), Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Winters, Volunteer Gerrie Leinfelter
Hopefully residents have visited the large and modern Medford Library Branch, located at 205 South Central Ave. It is part of Jackson County Library Services (JCLS), which includes fifteen branches. Established in 1919, the library system now serves 220,000 residents and provides access to books, DVDs, and other materials, along with many other services (jcls.org). As a regular patron, I have found the system to be user friendly and a source of many books that we would not expect to find in our own Manor library. Users can suggest books for purchase, and all my requests have been accepted. Their interlibrary loan service is excellent.
Most residents know about the RVM library services provided by our own foundation and the extensive roster of library volunteers. But they may not know that despite the tax-funded library amenities, our Jackson
Fred and Barbara Moore in he Medford Library
County system needs friends, too, to deal with unmet needs. To address some of these needs, almost all branches have “Friends” organizations, including the Medford Library branch, whose Friends group is the Friends of the Medford Library (FOML — medfordfriends.org).
I had the pleasure of meeting with Sandy Winters, who oversees Medford Library volunteer activities and external events. Sandy managed a mystery bookshop in New York and has been involved in the book business for much of her life. She believes in getting books to people who need them and that “everyone should have books.”
Among Sandy’s FOML activities are the coordination of the annual Rogue Comic Con fair, with was recently held in downtown Medford, and participating in the Barnstormers Vintage Fair and the upcoming Barnstormers Holiday Fair. Clearance sales are held periodically in the library allowing people to buy books at especially low prices.
Like our foundation, volunteers are the lifeblood of FOML and it is completely run by them. Many visitors have seen their appealing book shop located inside the library building, which is operated by volunteers such as Manor resident Joan Avery. Joan, a retired librarian, said that “it is only logical that I would want to volunteer here. I enjoy talking to the people who come to the shop.” Besides books, the shop also sells attractive stationery, tote bags, very gently used jigsaw puzzles (only $2-$5!) and other items that would make nice gifts. Most of the books for sale are $2 or less.
Fred Moore and travel books
But there are numerous other opportunities beyond working in the shop. Some of these include setting up displays, promoting the bookshop, assisting with events, sorting book donations, and helping with social media. Most recently, the FOML has started a program to support the little free libraries that often are seen in neighborhoods and other locations. Each month, the volunteers prepare bags of books that citizens maintaining these locations can use to replenish their contents.
The FOML has two maze-like store rooms filled with books and other donations, each of which must be individually evaluated. There are a number of categories, with volunteers assigned to review and determine their salability. Two RVM residents, Barbara and Fred Moore, are active behind the scenes. Fred curates the donations related to travel, including guidebooks and more literary works. He said that this section “opens our minds to what is exciting about the world.”
Barbara is on the online sales team. She reviews the donations for possible listing on Amazon. If books are likely to sell for $15 or more, they are listed and priced competitively. Most of the offerings on Amazon sell from about $35 to $50, although one book sold for over $500. Once a book is purchased, she is responsible for packing and mailing. Barbara says that it is fun to see what sells; recently one vintage book sold for $85 and was sent to Hawaii.
Barbara Moore among the shipping boxes
FOML efforts have supported numerous programs that are not subsidized by the library’s regular budget. Some examples include funding Children’s Library play equipment, the Story Telling Guild and other community programs, outreach for the housebound, lectures, a ukulele music program, bags for book groups, and donating books to Access. Access, our local food bank, will include children’s books along with nourishment.
RVM residents can help in many ways, ranging from contributing money, becoming a member of the Friends of the Medford Library for as little as $10 per year, or donating salable books, jigsaw puzzles, games, or DVDs. Volunteers are always needed. There is much useful information about all these opportunities, as well as other topics, in the FOML website, found at medfordfriends.org.
Asked why they enjoy volunteering at the library, Barbara said that she has “been a lifelong lover of libraries. They are resilient and keep changing with local cultures.” Fred said that volunteering in a library is an “affirmation of the life of the mind.” Please keep the FOML in mind as you consider worthy programs deserving of your support.
As the election grows closer, we are faced with a conundrum. We all know that it is wise not to talk about politics or religion, and we have been really good about doing that. Skip has kept us honest during the few times it was a problem on the list serve. We know these topics can destroy families and friendships. We all have friends from the other side whom we admire for a million reasons and have so many things in common with as long as those two topics do not come between us.
At the same time, religion and especially politics right now are of great importance, and it is often useful to talk to people with differing views in hopes of learning something new. Rick Bonetti has really embraced this concept, and so I was fortunate enough to talk with him about how he has dealt with this issue.
Several years ago, he got involved with discussions through Living Room Conversations (LRC). Their website explains their mission. Here are a few excerpts from the LRC website. “Living Room Conversations (LRC) connects people within communities and across differences through dialogue to build trust and understanding.”
They believe belonging starts with conversation, and they are committed to designing the resources and opportunities that allow everyone to feel seen and heard while celebrating the differences that make us unique.
“Steeped in the tradition of gathering in parlors to talk (parlor or parlour comes from the French and means a “place for speaking”), Living Room Conversations brings people together to generate understanding and connection. The parlor of today is any place – physical or online – where we find ourselves connecting with others.” Their unique conversational model makes it easy for anyone to create a safe and welcoming environment where people can respectfully discuss important issues.
https://livingroomconversations.org
And it is so much easier to discuss certain issues in a safe place with people you don’t know but are interested in exploring topics that can tear good friends apart.
Here is a link to a Ted Talk with the founders of LRC:
Rick first participated in Living Room Conversations on Zoom in Spring 2021 during the pandemic. The discussion between 6 people was facilitated by Irene Salter and followed a script. Irene has a PhD in neurology and a website called Inquiring Minds! She also advocates for Difficult Conversations:
https://www.irenesalter.com/_files/ugd/f4ae5c_5d0898c20cbb4a86b80c7643a5eccf8e.pdf
When Rick participated in these online discussions with 5 strangers, he remembers the experience very positively. First, people gave an overview of who they were and then went right into discussing the particular topic. He felt that while no one changed anybody’s mind, there was a greater understanding of various viewpoints. At the end, people wanted to meet in person to discuss the issue further. But, of course, Covid stood in the way. Rick felt that the most important thing for a successful outcome was conviviality and mutual respect.
Rick aligns himself with Don Quixote – going after windmills – like a fool or a seer!
Because of this, Rick also writes a blog he calls Rogue Valley Voice, which is focused on “bringing forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, socially just human presence on this planet.”
Community, conversation and communication are a big part of his blog posts. Unlike the current political rhetoric, he looks for common ground. Here’s a link to his blog:
https://www.roguevalleyvoice.com/community
In one of his blog pieces he talked about the Oregon Humanities Conversation Project, which started in 2022 and is still going strong.
Their objective is to help Oregon residents learn to participate in and facilitate “reflective conversations” about vital issues and questions across differences, beliefs, and backgrounds, though online and in-person training.
Here is their website with new topics for 2024: http://oregonhumanities.org
And if you feel that you would like to have a conversation with friends and family about controversial issues, here’s an article about how to do that and still remain friends.
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/conversations
But when you get an itch to know more but doubt if it is wise talking about it with your friends across the table, think about getting involved with one or more of these platforms. It’s better than Facebook!
By Bob Buddemeier
Take about a square mile of real estate located within a small city that is bisected by a major interstate and located in an area prone to wildfires, storms, and occasional Great Earthquakes. Populate it with about 850 senior citizens representing almost the complete spectrum of mental and physical conditions, and stir in some fraction of the >500 employees (exact number dependent on day and time). What could go wrong?
Well, almost anything. That’s why RVM has a professionally staffed Department responsible for Security and Emergency Preparedness, plus an extensive resident volunteer organization (RPG — the Residents Preparedness Group) designed to back up the Security Department in case of a protracted emergency or overwhelming disaster.
The Department of Campus Security is led by Director Jens Larsen (who is usually addressed as Jens-with-a-J, but will answer to the more ethnically authentic Yens). In addition to Jens, the Department consists of 10 full-time employees and two on-call backups who fill-in for staff absences. All Security employees have Oregon State certification, as well as certification in First Aid, CPR, and defibrillator use (AED).
Jens, who has been at RVM since 2018, has accumulated 25 years of Security work experience since he started with part- time work while completing his Bachelor’s degree in political science. He has also completed numerous training courses and received certifications from FEMA and the State of Oregon.
All department members must have basic Security Officer Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety, as well as certification in First Aid, CPR, and defibrillator use (AED). Department employees may also have additional experience and qualifications – for example, two are currently enrolled in an EMT training program.
The Department has Shift Leaders (day and night), and 3-4 staff members on campus, depending on time of day. There is always a dispatcher on duty to receive calls, monitor alarms and cameras, and direct responses. Duty officers patrol the campus regularly, looking out for potential problems.
The security department serves us well in the normal course of events, but 10 people would be spread pretty thin (even if all were present) during a major disaster like a large earthquake, or a long term emergency like a protracted regional power outage.
Bob Berger, RPG Chaiur
The Residents Preparedness Group (RPG) is a Select Committee of the Residents Council. Bob Berger is the current Chair, Linda Spence (RN) is the Medical coordinator, and Dan Curtis manages the radio communication activities. The organization of resident volunteers has been established to provide some critical backup functions in case Security personnel are overloaded by events. The primary RPG mission is communication support. None of the RVM communication avenues reliably reach everybody, and in case of a major power outage, all of them could be shut down or seriously compromised.
RPG is organized with one or more “coordinators” in each cottage neighborhood and on every high-rise floor. They are equipped with hand-held radios, and in the event of a major emergency they would go door to door to deliver messages as required, checking for damages, injuries or other problems. The neighborhood and floor coordinators report to (and receive instructions from) a smaller group of Area coordinators, who are in radio communication with the resident radio room. From there, information is exchanged with the RVM Incident Commander or Administration in order to coordinate the best use of available resources.
Although the only requirement placed on the Neighborhood/floor coordinators is their communication function, it is expected that they will be familiar with the residents in their areas of responsibility so that they would know, for example, who would need assistance if an evacuation is ordered.
Fortunately, a substantial number of volunteers have experience in medical or emergency service, and RPG has been building in a growing first aid response capability. This involves positioning first-aid packs around campus in locations accessible to coordinators and other volunteers, and offering classes in First Aid and CPR.
The resident population in general (= you) — Ideally, everybody’s safety is everybody’s business. We hope that everyone will familiarize themselves with the people and procedures organized to keep campus and residents safe and secure. Sources of information are presented at the end of this article. If you are willing and able to contribute to the efforts, talk to Bob Berger or your local are/neighborhood/floor coordinator.
Finding Information about Security on MyRVM
by Joni Johnson information coming from from Barbara Maxfield and Jerry Richmond.
Here are ideas collected from RVM residents in February 2022 and updated March 2024 – More can be found through Google. Skip will be putting this list on http://rvm.closereach.com/favoritesset.html
. It’s not there yet, but it will be soon. However, you have access to this information now with the Complement. The best idea for time with your grandchildren is to spend quality time with just them, enjoying cooking, reading, gardening together or just walking the grounds at RVM to spot turkeys, quail, ducks, deer and rabbits. Here are some other ideas.
MEDFORD AND SURROUNDING AREAS:
MEDFORD RAILROAD PARK (541-613-1638) (open April-Oct; limited times so call in advance)
SCIENCEWORKS HANDS-0N MUSEUM
1500 E Main St, Ashland (541) 482-6767
Wed-Sun from 10am-5pm
Adults 12.50, Child 10.50 (Special rates on first Sunday)
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Arts and crafts, STEAM-based play, maker space, special programming
413 West Main Street, Medford (541-772-9922)
Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm
Children 15.00; Adults 10
HARRY & DAVID’S FACTORY tour – tours run Monday-Friday at 9:15am, 10:30am, 12:30pm,
and 1:45pm Call ahead for reservations (877) 322 8000
ROGUE ROCK GYM (all levels of rockclimbing)
3001 Samike Drive – (541) 245-2665)
Day pass: adults 20, youth 18
CRATER ROCK MUSEUM at Central Point
Crater Rock Museum houses the finest displays of rocks, minerals and gems on the West Coast.
2002 Scenic Ave, Central Point, OR 97502-2185
Adults 7, seniors 6, students 5
ROGUE VALLEY FAMILY FUN CENTER (by the Expo)
Large indoor/outdoor entertainment hub with arcade games, rides, mini-golf & dining options
1A Penninger Rd, Central Point – Opens 12PM (541) 664-4263
ROGUE X
901 Rossanley Drive, Medford (541-774-2400)
State-of-the-art aquatics and events center with two water slides, pool with interactive play structure and outdoor splash pad
Open Swim Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:30am-1:30pm; 6:30-8:30pm
Friday: 11:30-1:30pm, 3-5pm, & 6-8pm
Saturday: 11-1pm, 2-4 pm & 5-7pm
Sunday: 11-1pm, 2-4 pm, 5-7 pm
Drop-in fees: youth 5 (resident) or 6 (nonresident); adult 7 (resident) or 8 (nonresident); senior 5 (resident) or 6 (nonresident)
BEAR CREEK PARK – Playground – Siskiyou Blvd
There is so much at this park – a lot of grass, trees for shade, a skate park, tennis courts, kids climbing playground, bathrooms (clean for public park), paved path for walking/bike riding.
COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS – Entertainment area at entrance, Central Point
ROGUE VALLEY EQUESTRIAN CENTER – horseback riding by appointment -1663 S Stage Rd.,
Medford
SKATEBOARD PARKS in Medford (in Bear Creek Park), Talent and Ashland
SPLASH PARKS (usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day) – recommend were:
DON JONES MEMORIAL PARK – 223 W Vilas Rd, Central Point – (541) 664-3321
FICHTNER-MAINWARING PARK – 334 Holmes Ave, Medford
WALKS AND HIKES:
RVM CAMPUS – walk the dirt road below the west side of the Plaza and look for
squirrels, deer, jackrabbits and deer; acorn woodpeckers, jays and other birds.
BEAR CREEK GREENWAY – walking and bike path – many approaches (see website map)
LARSON CREEK PATH – nearby, parallels Barnett Road and extends east from the
Bear Creek Greenway through primarily residential neighborhoods to North Phoenix Road – enter from Ellendale or Junipero
LITHIA PARK in Ashland – beautiful gardens, trails and playground
BRITT LOOP TRAIL from Britt Park parking lot (Jacksonville) – several trails
ROXY ANN and TABLE ROCK Hikes
FURTHER AFIELD:
OREGON CAVES https://www.nps.gov/orca/index.htm – Cave Junction, OR 97523
LAKE OF THE WOODS – 43 miles East of Medford toward Klamath FALLS – a natural lake near the crest of the Cascade Range in the Fremont-Winema National Forest
MacGREGOR PARK at Lost Creek (Highway 62) and then follow the road first
to visit the fish hatchery and then beyond to the top of the dam.
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL (go up Hwy 66); walk part of the trail; lunch at Green
Springs Inn.
THE GLASS FORGE GALLERY & STUDIO (glassforge.com)
501 SW G Street, Grants Pass (541-955-0815)
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm; Saturday 10am-4pm
WILDLIFE IMAGES in Merlin (near Grants Pass) animal rehab center – 11845 Lower River Rd, Grants Pass (541) 476-0222
THE BEAR HOTEL
2101 NE Spalding Ave, Grants Pass
Call 541-479-3351 to schedule a tour Monday-Friday at no charge
ALPACA RANCH at Lone Ranch (541) 821-8071 Reservations
13856 Weowna Way, White City, OR 97503-8535
HELLGATE JETBOAT EXCURSIONS – 966 SW 6th St, Grants Pass 541) 479-7204
CRATER LAKE & walks along Rogue River (Hwy 62)
WILDLIFE SAFARI – 600-acre zoo with animals from around the world & a 4.5-mile drive-thru
loop – 1790 Safari Rd, Winston, OR 97496
MOUNT ASHLAND SKI PARK- Just google it!
By Bob Buddemeier
[I have drawn on others for facts; errors and opinions are mine alone – RWB]
I have always been fascinated by the power of Nature, especially when manifested violently and/or extensively. Any kind of storm, volcanoes, earthquakes, wildfires – all are engrossing, as are the impacts as well as people’s preparations and responses. History indicates that we (technologically advanced modern humans) are much better prepared to deal with natural disasters than our forebears were. We now have forecasters and fire engines, helicopters, emergency agencies and supplies, near-real-time earth observing satellites, long distance communications, etc., etc. A couple of millennia ago, there wasn’t much people could do except sacrifice a virgin and hope for the best.
Given the apparent invincibility of technology, it was exciting to come across a natural event that offered no significant danger to primitive people, but posed an existential threat to Homo technicalis. On February 26, The New Yorker posted online What a Major Solar Storm Could Do to Our Planet, by Kathryn Schultz. (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/03/04/what-a-major-solar-storm-could-do-to-our-planet). In the best New Yorker tradition, it is 8,334 words long. I will summarize the key points more succinctly, and then take the discussion somewhat further than the article does. Quotations, unless otherwise attributed, are from the article.
Like Earth, the Sun has a fluid surface layer, but the Earth’s consists of air and water, whereas the Sun’s is plasma – a nuclear-fueled ultra-high-energy soup of ions and electrons. Like Earth’s fluid surface, the Sun’s surface is subject to storms, but although we have developed a pretty fair understanding of the how and why of Earth storms, we haven’t gotten much past observing the symptoms (like sunspots and solar flares) in figuring out solar storms.
Sunspots – an indicator of solar activity and storms — can occur anywhere on the Sun’s surface, with a frequency varying over an 11-year cycle (a maximum is due within the next year). Large sunspots indicate major storms. (https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/)
What is a Solar Storm? When the magnetic lines of force on the rotating sun get tangled up, a storm occurs with one or both of two results: a solar flare, where the storm emits a pulse of high energy photons (gamma rays, X-rays, light); or a coronal mass ejection, which ejects a huge cloud of solar plasma. A large flare and a large ejection occurring together constitute a major storm. The effects we will be talking about occur when a major sunstorm ejects photons and plasma directly toward Earth.
What are the effects of a Solar Storm? – General and space-based: On Earth, the major effects stem from the interaction of the Earth’s magnetic field with electromagnetic effects of a strong flux of photons and of charged particles. The biggest effect that is directly detectable by humans is the occurrence of strong auroras at much lower latitudes than usual (as far south as central Mexico, and with daylight intensity in midcontinent North America). That would have been the only effect experienced by pre-technical populations, although it undoubtedly had a major psychological impact (oops, there goes another virgin).
The effects of electromagnetic disruption on the electrical and electronic systems upon which modern civilization depends would be at least temporarily disabling. For that reason, the major military powers have developed EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) weapons that produce results similar to a solar flare, but with greater intensity over a smaller area (see https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs/320-090_elecpuls_fs.pdf).
The Earth’s magnetic field shields us from most of the hazards of solar and cosmic radiation by deflecting charged particles to the poles. For objects (e.g., satellites) or people (e.g., astronauts or extraterrestrial colonists) outside of the Earth’s magnetic field, radiation can pose a destructive or lethal threat. Neither the moon nor Mars has a magnetic field, so radiation is one of the greatest barriers to extended space exploration. Closer to home, the damage to the massive inventory of communication, positioning and remote sensing satellites will disrupt far more capabilities than most of us can imagine. For these, as well as Earth-based facilities, shutting down the equipment can reduce (but not eliminate) vulnerability– if there is enough warning to safely do so.
What are the effects of a Solar Storm? – Earthbound specifics: The effects of a major sunstorm will be the shutdown, and possible destruction, of facilities and equipment that provide or depend on electricity. Long conductors, such as extensive power and communication grids, are especially vulnerable. We know that the effects of a geomagnetic storm will be affected by geology, geography, and the design, siting, and operation of equipment, so there will be a patchwork of effects, with some things destroyed, others damaged, and some just turned off — including local, freestanding facilities as well as large systems. In 2008 the National Academy of Sciences reported “…that much of the country’s critical infrastructure seemed unlikely to withstand [a maximum solar storm]. Extensive damage to satellites would compromise everything from communications to national security, while extensive damage to the power grid would compromise everything: health care, transportation, agriculture, emergency response, water and sanitation, the financial industry, the continuity of government. The report estimated that recovery from a [G5+] storm could take up to a decade and cost many trillions of dollars.” Preparedness has improved since then, but many of the vulnerabilities – and uncertainties – still remain.
What can be done, and are we doing it? – National and Global: There are solar observatories that keep a constant watch on the sun (see the New Yorker article, and https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/coronal-mass-ejections), with people standing by to relay a warning if dangerous symptoms appear. However, the leading edge of a solar flare can reach the Earth in less than ten minutes, and cause the loss of many radio communication frequencies due to ionization of the upper atmosphere. Less than a day later, and potentially lasting for at least two days, the cloud of energetic particles from the coronal mass ejection arrives. That scrambles the Earth’s magnetic field, and initiates the geomagnetic storm that has the potential for causing the critical shutdowns.
Some critical facilities and functions (the military, Homeland Security, and communication- or power- intensive organizations) have plans in place, although they are not usually publicized because of national security issues. In terms of issues most relevant to the general population, there is…” a federal directive that, as of this January, requires every provider of bulk power to have a plan in place to deal with a “benchmark geomagnetic disturbance event.” That directive is important, but the benchmark itself is troubling. It was established by using thirty years of magnetic-field data to extrapolate the likely magnitude of a once-in-a-century storm. The resulting standard is clear, uniform, achievable, extremely useful during most solar storms, and wholly inadequate for severe ones.”
The reconstructed record of major storms identifies 1859, 1872, and 1921 as (pretechnology) years of severe events, with numerous other smaller ones that were still able to do perceptible damage. None of those three largest historical storms identified are included in the past thirty years, or occurred under present conditions of technical development.
What can be done, and are we doing it? – Local and Personal: In spite of emphasis on emergency preparedness, a majority of individuals, small businesses and local agencies are not well prepared for the more familiar disasters, and many may not even be aware that solar storms are an issue. The precautions recommended for natural disasters are qualitatively appropriate for a solar storm response – preparation to be without utilities, food and water, communications and transportation. However, when scale is considered, the preparations useful for Earth-based disasters are quantitatively inadequate for a major solar storm.
A G5 solar storm (the biggest imaginable, like an F5 tornado or a Category 5 hurricane) will affect the entire planet. By contrast, the area that would be affected by the Cascadia earthquake is about 240,000 square miles – a miniscule fraction of the area affected by the solar storm. In spite of the scale difference, estimated probabilities are very similar: for the G5 solar storm: a 12% chance in the next decade, and for the Cascadia Great Earthquake, a 37% chance in 50 years. These differences and similarities dramatically change considerations of what to do and how to do it.
What to think (or worry) about: We are considering an off-the-charts G5 storm, which no living adult has ever experienced. However, we can’t really predict many details. Nor can we count on local or regional assistance, even if relatively prepared.
” …because solar storms affect an unusually wide geographic area and an unusually broad range of technologies, they are more likely than other disasters to cause cascading failures… They can affect large areas of the world, which minimizes access to outside help in the aftermath. If an earthquake devastates Los Angeles, aid can pour in from neighboring regions. But, if a solar storm devastates New York, anywhere close enough to help will likely be devastated, too… [And,] because space weather affects so many technologies, a severe storm could expose dependencies among them that we did not fully appreciate, or did not recognize at all. Our vast and interrelated technological infrastructure could turn out to harbor a single point of failure—a component, no matter how central or trivial, whose malfunction shuts the whole thing down.”
The size of the affected area determines the rate at which assistance arrives or recovery can occur. Depending on location and season, prolonged isolation could result in breakdown of services, loss of governmental control, anarchy, and famine. In addition to crime, movement of refugees from one area to another could be another disaster-compounding factor. Internationally, the recent pandemic demonstrated some of the risks inherent in globalization; damaging or devastating much of the planet would take that several large steps further. World order, as well as local, would be threatened if larger or better armed states or groups invade their neighbors in search of scarce resources, or as pre-emptive self-protection.
What to do: (1) Think and plan for the solar storm contingency; since the fuel pumps and charging stations won’t work it’s probably best to shelter in place, or at least close by. (2) Reconsider your level of preparation – if you now have three days of supplies for that multi-week emergency, you might want to up the inventory a little for the multi-month event. (3) Form or join a compatible mutual support and assistance group. Safety in numbers can take many forms. (4) A solar generator that is not connected to a power grid stands a good chance of surviving a solar storm. Although it would require significant space and money, its benefits beyond just sunstorm preparation might justify consideration (see https://thecomplement.info/2023/08/28/the-limits-to-emergency-solar-power/).
And if all else fails, check around for some expendable virgins.
By Joni Johnson
Gini Armstrong, the intrepid leader of the Green Team, and I, talked about sustainable products. Until then, I was ignorant about how many kinds of products were available to help save our planet from plastic etc. at very reasonable prices. This article will explore some of them. You will also have a chance to see some of them at our Earth Day Event on April 22 from 1-4 pm. hillTopics will have an article devoted to this event in their April Edition. The event includes speakers, tables and booths which are topically focused. And one of those tables will be specifically targeted towards sustainable products.
Gini noted that plastic bottles and jars not only negatively affect our environment, but they also increase the price of the items in two ways: 1) the liquid product inside the plastic often includes 80-90% water; and 2) the product costs more to ship because of the weight of the liquids. In many cases, similar products are available in powders, tablets or sheets rather than liquid form.
In terms of the environmental effect, it actually takes more water to create a plastic bottle than all the water that is in the liquid product it contains, which is already quite a bit.
While we have often been seduced by the idea of convenience, most of the sustainable products are more convenient and much more easily stored because of their smaller size. Throw-away plastic bottles are particularly damaging to the environment, so the Green Team hopes that people will switch to reusable metal water bottles or at worst, plastic bottles that are considered less damaging. Gini is glad to see increasing numbers of residents using refillable bottles and insulated cups instead of the single use ones for coffee.
When one does use plastics, look for these codes which are considered safer: BPA free, #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE, and #5 PP. Examples of #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene) include containers used for milk, water, juice, and yogurt cups. #2HDPE is also used for some plastic bags.
Examples of solid rather than liquid products include shampoo and conditioner bars and laundry sheets or strips. Gini has been using some of these products for years. She says they work perfectly and points out that there are many kinds of shampoo/conditioner bars for various hair needs. She also loves her compressed laundry detergent, which comes in sheets, which she says is much easier to store because of its smaller size, and cheaper because it costs less to ship than liquid detergent.
Gini tends to use Amazon for her purchases. Although there are many brands to choose from, for the shampoo and conditioner she uses. (Just touch on the picture to go to the Amazon page where each product is found)
Leafinity shampoo and conditioner for blonde and silver hair
For laundry detergent, she uses Tru Earth:
Tru Earth Laundry Detergent
Here are links to other products. For more options just go to Amazon and type in sustainability products. I think you will be amazed at what is available, and you might find just the thing that will fit the bill in your homes. These are just some of what I found. I was looking for products with high approval ratings.
For Detergent Products – At 4.5 approval, is Dropps Dishwash detergent pods
Dropp’s dishwasher detergent pods
For Facial cleaning at 4.8 approval is Tidalove Daily 3 in 1 Facial Cleanser, Exfoliator and Wash-off Mask,
Facial Cleaner
For Natural Soap bar for dishes at 4.4 approval is a company called Zero Waste:
Dishwashing Bars
Natural Sponges – 6 Pack of EcoFriendly Biodegradable Coconut Sponges – Multipurpose Kitchen Sponges – by American Kitchen Company ™ at 4.5 approval :
Biodegradable Kitchen pads
At 4.6 approval are natural bamboo sheets for facial cleaning:
Clean Skin Club bamboo towels
There are so many more to be discovered. Check them out and see what you think. And don’t forget Earth Day on April 22 from 1-4 in the Auditorium.
Ken Wilson has the job that everyone wants somebody else to do well. As Ken explains, it was an example of the adage “be careful what you wish for.” He applied to serve on the Dining Services Advisory Committee (DSAC), and somehow came out of the process as Chair of the committee.
After serving in the position since October, Ken felt ready to talk to The Complement about DSAC’s current activities. His first statement was to acknowledge and thank Janet Jacobson for her three-year service as Chair, and especially for negotiating the changing restrictions and other challenges of the COVID period.
Ken Wilson
When asked what he saw as the main thrust of committee activities, he unhesitatingly answered “communication” – enabling the committee to effectively assess resident needs and concerns and transmit them to RVM Administration and staff, and to assist with providing Dining Services information to the residents.
An example of actions taken to better understand resident viewpoints is the appointment of individual committee members to take responsibility for talking to residents in the various dining venues. These assignments are: Arden – Claudia Macmillan; Umpqua and Mountain View – Meridel Hedges; Manor dining room – Gary Jensen; and Bistro – Diane Friedlander. They communicate their observations and information collected from the residents to Marilyn Perrin, who compiles them as feedback for the committee and Dining Services leadership. Vicki Gorrell has also continued in the invaluable job of secretary, producing minutes and posting activities on MyRVM. Ken has also welcomed Sally Densmore to the committee as a replacement for Madge Walls who recently resigned for personal reasons.
Ken has weekly meetings with Eric Eisenberg, and the full committee (which includes Eric and Dave Keaton in addition to Resident Council officers and RVM board members) meets at 1:00 pm on the third Wednesday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September and November In 2024), with smaller meetings in the intervening months. When asked if guests could attend the regular meetings, Ken said “Yes, certainly, but if they want to present or discuss something, I’d like them to contact me before the meeting.”
In addition to acting as advisors and communication pathways, Ken pointed out that the committee can provide active support for Dining Services. The example he gave was the period when Arden needed to close down for a few days. Reservation holders needed to be notified, and there was not enough staff time available for them to do it in person. The committee divided up the people who needed to be contacted and informed them with personal phone calls instead of a memo or email.
These kinds of activities can help smooth the interactions between Dining Services and the residents, while giving everyone a better understanding of DSAC’s goals and capabilities, Ken said. This is good, since there will certainly be lots of communication opportunities associated with developments such as the “declining balance” (aka Spend Down & My Choice) meal charges, which Dave Keaton has announced will be initiated March 1.
For further information about DSAC and what it does or can do, contact Ken or one of the committee members named above, Mission, membership and minutes are posted on MyRVM; click the main menu Dining tab, scroll all the way to the bottom of the page, and click the icon in the lower right corner.