Posted in N&V

The Complement Embraces Artificial Intelligence

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By George Yates and Bob Buddemeier

Unless you are mentality dwelling in Plato’s cave, you are aware of ChatGPT.

In recent weeks ChatGPT and Bard have received much media attention; some of which is superficially informative, others somewhat misleading. The recent number of TV interviews with the NY Times reporter Kevin Roose (A Conversation With Bing’s Chatbot Left Me Deeply Unsettled) is one example of why the media is paying so much attention to this technology. Media jobs are a prime example of an industry at risk of being significantly impacted by the likes of ChatGPT. Serendipitously, the Sunday, 26 February 2023 airing of HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, devoted the majority of the show to ChatGPT and a fair overview of the current state of AI.

A few years from now using Google to search the internet for information will be akin to using a rotary telephone to place a phone call. Artificial Intelligent applications like ChatGPT are already having an impact on the American workforce and depending on how this technology evolves we could be on the threshold of another Information Revolution – old careers dying off, new (better) careers emerging. It is likely that some of these new careers have not even been thought of at this time.

Here is a brief description of ChatGPT and how we may make use of it in future editions of The Complement.

A good overview article on ChatGPT is provided by Wikipedia, with the content frequently updated. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT

ChatGPT’s parent company is OpenAI, and their home page is  https://openai.com/. From this page you can setup your own ChatGPT account.

The GPT in ChatGPT is an acronym for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer.

A Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT) is a language model relying on deep learning that can generate human-like texts based on a given text-based input. A user “feeds” the model with a sentence (a query), and the transformer creates coherent paragraph-based information extracted from publicly available datasets. The technology can process any type of text, including guitar tabs or computer code.

The current ChatGPT model is 175 billion parameters in size, making it the largest language model ever trained. This GPT model was trained on a text set that included over 8 million documents and over 10 billion words. From this text, the model learned to perform natural language processing tasks and to generate coherent, well-written text.

Much of the media’s concerns deal with what is technically known as The AI Alignment Problem, which has been recognized and researched for many years. The alignment problem describes the issues associated with building powerful artificial intelligence systems that are aligned with their creator’s intended goals. It is a nontrivial problem, being actively pursued; certainly, by Microsoft and Alphabet (Google).

We took ChatGPT for a test drive in this issue of the Complement. We take both pride and pleasure in introducing to our readership our new writer and researcher, Arti.

The above summary information is provided to better tune your knowledge and expectations of what might be expected from Arti’s family background and general mode of operation.

Arti is a nickname adopted because we are not yet sure of his/her/its gender identity.  The name is a non-exclusive identifier representing the full family name, “Artificial Intelligence” – in this case from the ChatGPT branch of the family.  Arti, as the new addition to our distinguished staff, co-authored the article on Bandon, OR.

Arti proved to be very fast and well-informed, and provided excellent support in crafting the joint article. This represents a novel addition to our staff resource base, and we are eager to test what new features it will permit us to provide.  Consider the possibilities inherent in a dialog between Arti and A. Looney, creator of Nit Wit Newz; or Arti’s analysis of various aspects of the RVM community; or predictions compared with those of expert residents.

While acknowledging that there is still much to be learned about Arti’s judgment and possible biases, we feel that we are entering an exciting period of augmented journalism, and invite you, our readers, to join in co-creating and analyzing the new products.  We will be exploring both the strengths and weaknesses of AI contributions to journalism

 

Bandon Oregon Travelog

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By George Yates and Arti

Forward

You may have noticed some media coverage of ChatGPT, so we thought to have a bit of fun this month with this article which is an example of how ChatGPT can aid in journalism.

Thus, we are introducing Arti as new member to The Complement’s writing staff.  Read the accompanying article, The Complement Embraces Artificial Intelligence, for some information on Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT.

Content generated by Arti is identified by using Bold Italic (The quick red fox jumped over the lazy brown dog.) and the Arial font is used for your (hopefully) sentient coauthor.

 

Bandon Oregon Travelog

 

View from our balcony at the Sunset Motel

Fran and I recently took a four-day getaway to Bandon, OR to indulge our photography hobby. We stayed at the Sunset motel and had a magnificent ocean view.

Sunset Motel viewed from Coquille Point

 

Bandon is a great choice as a vacation home base. The town itself has much to offer and driving about one-half hour north or south gets you to some of the best the Oregon coast has to offer.

The Oregon Coast near Bandon is a picturesque stretch of rugged coastline that offers scenic views, diverse wildlife, and plenty of recreational activities for visitors.

Its unique geology and stunning scenery have made it a popular destination for tourists and photographers alike. The coast of Bandon is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, rocky shores, and diverse coastal formations, which are the result of thousands of years of wind and wave erosion.

In addition to its geological formations, the coast of Bandon is also home to an abundance of wildlife. The area is a popular destination for bird watching, and visitors can see a variety of species, including pelicans, seagulls, and terns. The rocky shorelines and cliffs are also home to a diverse array of sea life, including starfish, sea anemones, and mussels.

One of the most iconic coastal formations in Bandon is Face Rock. This massive rock formation is located on the south side of the town and stands over 150 feet tall. It is believed to be a remnant of an ancient sea cave that has been carved away by the relentless waves of the Pacific Ocean. The striking, almost human-like face that has been carved into the rock by the elements has given Face Rock its name. Visitors can take a walk along the beach and admire the formation from different angles, taking in the full beauty of its intricate details.

Face Rock

There is an American Indian legend about this spot. Some say they hear a maiden’s voice on the wind, and standing on the cliff overlooking the ocean you can easily pick out the face on Face Rock. There is a well-kept trail to the beach, and several rocky intertidal areas to explore at low tide.

Bandon is also known for its sea stacks, which are large rocks that have been separated from the mainland by years of erosion. The most famous of these is the Needles, located just south of the town. The Needles are a collection of tall, thin rock formations that rise out of the ocean, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

The Needles

The coast of Bandon is also home to a number of sea arches, which are formed when waves have eroded the base of a rock formation, leaving a large archway. The most famous of these is Arch Rock, located on the north side of the town. Arch Rock is a massive, natural stone arch that spans over 30 feet in width, making it one of the largest arches in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can walk along a trail that runs alongside the rock and admire its beauty from a safe distance.

Coquille Point, a popular spot for wildlife viewing. This location is known for its large colonies of seals and sea lions, and visitors can often see them basking in the sun on the rocks or swimming in the water below. Other wildlife that can be spotted here include sea otters, harbor porpoises, and a variety of bird species.

Coquille Point Arch Rock

Bandon is also home to a number of charming and historic buildings. Many of the buildings in the town date back to the early 20th century, and they have been well-preserved over the years. One of the most historic buildings in Bandon is the Face Rock Creamery, which was built in the early 1900s. This creamery is famous for its delicious cheese, and it is a must-visit for anyone who loves cheese.

Bandon’s Historic District, also known as Old Town, is located along the Coquille River and has many restaurants and tourist shops. Bandon Sweets & Treats has a good selection of chocolates. The Second Street Gallery art gallery offers a selection of local art and Foley’s Irish Pub (draft Guinness, the Shepard’s pie is average) is a fun place.

While touring the Historic District, we spotted an area of old pilings and thought they would make for an interesting photo composition. Better than the pilings, we spotted a Great Blue Heron hunting for a morning meal.

Great Blue Heron spotted near the Bandon Historic District

Another historic building in Bandon is the Bandon Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in the late 1800s, and it is still in operation today. The lighthouse is a beautiful structure that is surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills, and it offers breathtaking views of the coastline.

One can photograph the lighthouse from many viewpoints. I liked this composition from across the Coquille River which provides an interesting foreground.

Coquille Point Lighthouse

The Oregon coast is known for its magnificent sunsets. Unfortunately, we only had one good sunset.

Sunset from our hotel room

As mentioned, Bandon is a great location for taking day trips to the north and to the south.

About a 40 minute drive north of Bandon is the historic fishing town of Charleston which is located at the mouth of the Coos River. This charming town is home to a thriving fishing fleet, and visitors can watch the boats coming and going, or try their hand at fishing from the nearby pier.

Charleston is home to several seafood restaurants and is a great place to try fresh local cuisine. Charleston also has a beautiful harbor, which is a great place to watch the boats come and go.

Well that is what Arti had to say about Charleston, unfortunately for us we arrived  at the wrong time of day. The harbor was peaceful, with little activity. The sky was cloudless with the sun near zenith. Not ideal for photography. We quickly decided to move on toward Shore Acres State Park.

Just a short drive from Charleston is the Shore Acres State Park, which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline. The park features a botanical garden with a diverse collection of plants, as well as scenic trails that offer views of the ocean, wildlife, and the surrounding forests.

We never made it to Shore Acres, en route we came across a pull out named Sunset Bay Middle, part of the Ocean Shore Recreation Area. This was an unplanned stop and it turned out to be one of the best for its wave action.

Waves breaking at Sunset Bay – 1

 

Waves breaking at Sunset Bay – 2

 

We had on and off rain showers and were lucky to capture a rainbow.

Rainbow at Sunset Bay

Continuing south on Hwy 540, the Cape Argo Hwy, you come to the Simpson Reef Overlook and Cape Argo State Park.

Simpson Reef is home to many seals.

The very noisy seals at Simpson Reef

We returned to our motel to prepare for the next day’s travels.

Driving south of Bandon for about one half an hour we proceeded to Cape Blanco State Park. This park is one of the most beautiful and remote areas of the Oregon coast. The park offers incredible views of the coast, beautiful beaches, and a variety of hiking trails that lead through the surrounding wilderness. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest lighthouses in Oregon, and the Hughes Historic House.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse framed by its welcome sign

Cape Blanco shoreline

 

On the leisurely drive home to RVM we took a short detour to the Abacela Vineyard. We have enjoyed their wines since moving to RVM and decided to indulge in a noontime wine tasting. Their Charcuterie board was excellent, however we did supply our own chocolate from Bandon Sweets & Treats.

Welcome to Abacela

 

In conclusion, the Oregon Coast near Bandon is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable outdoor experience. From stunning views, diverse wildlife, and a range of recreational activities, this region offers something for everyone.

The coastal formations of Bandon are truly awe-inspiring. From the striking Face Rock to the majestic Needles, the town is home to some of the most unique and beautiful geological formations in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re an amateur photographer, a nature lover, or just looking for a new adventure, the Oregon Coast is an ideal destination that you won’t soon forget.

I Went to Traffic School- Here’s what I learned

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By Joni Johnson

Running a yellow light

I sped through an intersection to avoid a yellow light turning red.  Bad mistake.  This happened at Central and 6thavenue where the speed limit is 20 mph.  Of course, even though I was going at the speed of all the cars around me, as soon as I sped through the intersection, it took my speed from 20 mph to 32 mph.  Just enough to get me a  speeding ticket.  You are given a citation if you are 11 miles or over the existing speed limit.  I was really angry because I was trying to avoid being rear-ended by a quick stop and I felt I was going with the speed of traffic until the moment when I reached the intersection and the light changed.  I have the video to prove it all because, of course, they send you a video with the ticket.  The speed limit on Central is 20 mph in the heart of the city but quite a bit faster a little before and after.  However, the limit was clearly marked.  Riverside is 25 mph and some of the bigger side streets that you take to get from Riverside to Central have a limit of 30.   I was ready to fight it, but luckily I was able to sign up for traffic school, which would keep my record clean.  If I had lost my fight, it would be on my record for at least 3 years.

Well, it’s a good thing I didn’t fight.  I would not have won.  Traffic School made it very clear that Oregon felt that being rear ended was better than perhaps killing either a pedestrian or hitting another car.  Don’t speed on Central.  Cameras are everywhere. Supposedly, the lights are calibrated so that if you start crossing against a yellow light, there is enough time to go the speed limit and still make it to the other side of the intersection.

Nationally, 40 percent of all crashes involve intersections and it is the second largest category of crashes, with rear-end collisions being the only category with more crashes. Twenty percent of fatal collisions occur at intersections.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, about half of the deaths in red light running crashes are pedestrians and occupants in other vehicles who are hit by the red light runners.

(I passed the final exam and submitted it by email to the city and heard back within a day or two that I had completed the requirements and my faux pas would not be on my record.)

 Here are some other things I learned

Recommended list for traveling in the winter:

  • Mobile phone with important phone numbers, including personal emergency contacts, family members and emergency services; be sure to include a charger or power storage device
  • Drinking water or electrolyte-replenishing sports drinks (they have a slightly lower freezing temperature)
  • First aid kit, including extra doses of whatever medications are needed by you, your family members or traveling pets
  • Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
  • Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
  • Snow shovel
  • Blankets or sleeping bag
  • Additional pieces of warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves)
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Extra window washer fluid
  • Ice scraper with brush
  • Some rags or roll of paper towels
  • Jumper cables, cleaned and recently checked
  • Warning devices (flares or reflective hazard signs)
  • Basic household tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, small hammer, electrical or duct tape)

You need to take care when driving in the winter:  Here is a video showing what happens when driving on an icy road. Unless you don’t have an option, stay home:

some of the identifiable models in the video normally have AWD or 4WD, which is definitely not magic — the black pickup trying to tow a semi at the very end clearly has ALL of its wheels spinning.  x

 

 

Important Speed limits

School zones are 20 mph, as you know.  School zones are always reduced to 20 MPH when active, and posted signs will note:

“When Flashing” accompanied by a yellow flashing light

“7 AM to 5 PM”

“When Children Are Present”

What does “When Children are Present” mean?

Children are present at any time and on any day when kids are:

– Occupying or walking within a crosswalk

– Waiting on the curb or shoulder of the highway at a crosswalk

– A traffic control member is present to assist children at a crosswalk

Drivers must stop for a school bus if the driver meets or overtakes a bus from either direction and the bus is stopped on a roadway operating red bus safety lights. The driver must stop before reaching the school bus and must remain stopped until the red bus safety lights are no longer operating.

Fifteen Mph at RVM

I thought 20 mph was the lowest speed limit Oregon has.  I was wrong. The speed limit can be 15 miles per hour when driving on an alley or a narrow residential roadway. Hence the legal speed limits at RVM.

Making a right turn on a solid red arrow light

A driver may make a right turn into a two-way street.  However, you must make a complete stop before making the turn.

Bicycles

Drivers may not drive in a bike lane. They may cross bike lanes when turning or entering or leaving an alley, driveway, or other roadway.  When you drive down Jackson, the lane closest to the school moves over and if you continue to drive straight, you will be driving in a bicycle lane.  Therefore, you need to make sure you move to the left to stay out of the bike lane.  It is a bit strange, so you need to pay strict attention.  Two policemen pulled me over to find out if I had been drinking because I did not notice this change once.  Luckily, it was clear that I had just made a mistake and they let me go.

You also cannot drive in a bike lane when preparing for a turn.

Bikes can be in front of you while waiting for a light if they are planning to turn left.  This is legal.

Accidents and filing reports

And finally, if you are involved in an accident, you must also file an accident report in addition to the police report. You must file an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report with DMV within 72 hours of a crash when:

– Damage to any vehicle is over $2,500 (even if your vehicle was the only one in the crash) There are very few crashes that cost less than $2500.
– Any vehicle is towed from the scene
– Injury or death resulted from the accident
– Damages to anyone’s property other than a vehicle involved in the accident is more than $2,500.

I hope this information is helpful and keeps you safe and ticketless.

Anatomy of a Dresser

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by Bob Buddemeier

No, not a piece of furniture with drawers; a person who hopes to wear more than drawers.

Advisory:  Some readers may find that this article contains information they consider too personal.  Tough.  Just quit reading.

Stimulated by recent posts concerning resident attire, I have given some thought to the factors controlling how I dress.  I found that in addition to my natural slovenly tendencies, my physical condition and abilities play a significant role.  Consider (if you have the slightest interest) the following examples.

Peripheral neuropathy (an informal nickname for numb hands and feet) is one of the outcomes of diabetes, which is chronic and potentially degenerative.  It makes it impossible for me to button things one-handed (e.g., shirt cuffs) and very difficult to button small buttons/holes even with two hands.  Almost all dress shirts fall in this category.

I have a torn rotator cuff (internal shoulder part).  Although potentially remediable, I am putting off the invasive repair as long as possible because, frankly, I have enough damn physical problems without adding another recuperation from a difficult surgery.  The result is that there are various positions or actions involving my right arm that result in anything from discomfort and awkwardness to serious pain and disability.

The above two conditions combined make it extremely desirable and practical to cover my upper body with loose-fitting (a.k.a. baggy) pullover garments.  Fortunately, I have a collection of pretty nice sweat- and tee-shirts, some attractively decorated with animals or cartoon characters.  (Since you asked, my sweaters are mostly too well-fitting to put on without effort.)

Moving nimbly to the other end of the body, I have an uncontrollable tendency to drag my left foot.  It’s a result of post-polio syndrome (chronic and degenerative), and a proven tripping hazard.  It is controlled with orthotics – the kind that start under your foot and extend up your leg to grasp you mid-calf.  Wearing them requires, if you want to put on footgear, very flexible and capacious shoes – i.e., tennie-sneakers. I think leather shoes are out of my life forever.

In the middle part of the body we find spinal stenosis, which for some time resulted in sciatica until alleviated by a spinal injection (probable effective duration unknown).  In addition to that, a seriously arthritic hip resulted in pain and malfunction until it was repaired (fingers crossed) by joint replacement surgery.  The result of those (temporary, I hope) conditions was inability to get my hands anywhere near my feet.  As you might imagine, this complicates the putting on and taking off of socks, shoes, drawers, and trousers.

After considerable practice I was able to dress myself with the aid of a grabber, a peculiar sock accessory, and a short pole with different kinds of hooks on its two ends.  However, reliance on these accessories required even looser (pre-orthotic) shoes, and shorts or baggy pants.

Why do I tell you these things?  It is because, on behalf of myself and my fellow derelicts, I hope that when you see someone who doesn’t come up to your standards of fashion or sartorial elegance, you will be tolerant – don’t judge another person until you have lived for a few days in his or her body.

Can You do 20 tons of Laundry per Month?

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by Robert Mumby

In October 2022, the RVM Laundry facility’s eight staff members with Environmental Services Manager Teresa Williams washed 20.2 tons of laundry without losing track of your things. The total is down since the Skyline Plaza dining rooms reopened; their linen is cleaned by a contractor. To process 20 plus tons of laundry per month, the facility is working seven days per week, for 19 ½ hours on week days and 10 ½ hours each Saturday and Sunday.

Residents’ laundry is brought to a sorting room where towels and sheets are separated out into mesh bags, all identified with apartment/cottage numbers. Towels and sheets are washed separately.

sorting laundry

Five large washers are loaded by poundage. Two washers can hold 60 pounds, one can take 85 lbs., one 90 lbs. and one holds 140 lbs. (Give or take 10 lbs.) Four huge dryers are next, and then two ironing machines. The large one, shown with Teresa helping, irons sheets. A slightly smaller machine irons dining room tablecloths and napkins.

the washers

For those residents with special requests, such as, “no fabric softener,” or “wash dark clothing separately,” there are regular size washers and dryers.

the dryers

Ironing Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ultimate Guide to Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

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By George Yates

The Samuel H. Boardman corridor is an Oregon State Park that stretches 12 miles along the coast near Brookings, OR, and as the name suggests, is full of beautiful scenery. The area is full of huge Sitka spruce trees, rugged coastline, and small sandy beaches. You can also walk 27 miles of the Oregon Coast Trail within the corridor.  To get there from Medford, take I-5 north to Grants Pass, then Hwy 199 to US 101, then north on 101.  There are various access points between Brookings and Gold Beach.

Places to See at Samuel H. Boardman – Viewpoints

Although you can hike the park to see all the connected viewpoints, if you don’t have a lot of time and just want see as much as possible, you can stop by all of these spots. The parking lot usually takes you directly to the view or the viewpoint is just a short walk from the lot. Starred are the most popular spots.

  1. *Arch Rock (Mile 344.8) – they have bathrooms
  2. Spruce Island (Mile 345.0)
  3. *Thunder Rock Cove (Mile 345.8)
  4. *Natural Bridges (Mile 346.0)
  5. North Island (Mile 347.4)
  6. Thomas Creek Bridge (Mile 347.8)
  7. Indian Sands (Mile 348.6)
  8. Whaleshead Viewpoint (Mile 349.3)
  9. House Rock Viewpoint (Mile 351.2)
  10. Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint (Mile 351.9)
  11. Lone Ranch Picnic Area (Mile 352.6)

Recommended Hikes

If you have a bit more time, it’s worth hitting the trails! You can get better views of the coasts and find secret and secluded spots.

Arch Rock Point & Spruce Island Viewpoints Trail

22040-, 22064 Oregon Coast Hwy, Brookings, OR 97415, map

Distance: 0.2 mile loop
Elevation Change: 29 ft
Difficulty: Easy

This is one of the more iconic spots in Samuel H. Boardman. The short loop trail takes you to a few overlooks and a small window amongst the trees to gaze upon Arch Rock below.

Secret Beach

42.1961756,-124.3733605, map

Distance: 0.2 mile
Elevation Change: 364 ft
Difficulty: Easy

This is definitely worth the stop! There is a way to get here via Thunder Rock Cove, but if you pull out .6 miles south of Arch Rock Picnic Area, there is a small area to park behind the guard rail and a trail that takes you straight the beach. It’s the third pullout going south after Arch Rock.

Natural Bridges to North Island Viewpoint (China Beach) Trail

42.1899663,-124.3678143, map

Distance: 0.5 mile
Elevation Change: 160 ft
Difficulty: Easy

A short walk from the parking lot will take you to one of the best viewpoints in the park as you gaze upon Natural Bridges. Continue on towards China Beach to find a sandy beach.

Ema’s Salon

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Tracie Armitage (on the right), at RVM for thirty years, introduces Beba Villa and Lorie Barrows. Located on the ground floor of the Manor, Ema’s Salon is open five days a week, offering services for both men and women.

You can get your hair cut, or shampooed and cut, or shampooed, cut, curled and tinted. Or shampooed only. You can get your beard trimmed or your face waxed, your toenails cut, or cut and painted, or cut and painted and massaged. Same with your fingernails.

Pick up a menu with prices at the desk.

photo by Reina Lopez, text by Connie Kent

What’s New in February

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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

I Went to Traffic School–Here’s What I Learned, by Joni Johnson

Can You Do 20 Tons of Laundry per Month? by Robert Mumby

The Ultimate Guide to Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, by George Yates

Ema’s Salon, by Reina Lopez and Connie Kent

ARTS & INFO 

Manor Valentine’s Day Door Decor, photo collage by Reina Lopez

NITWIT NEWZ – February 2023, by A. Looney

Book Review: The Antidote, by Anne Newins and Bob Buddemeier

Language Fun: Time, by Connie Kent

February in the Library, by Anne Newins

Events & Opportunities: February 2023 – March 2023, by Bob Buddemeier

in Big, Borrowed, or Both

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

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

PREPARE

Notice:  The contents of the RPG Manual on the Prepare page are being transferred to MyRVM by Vicki Gorrell.  This will be the home of additions or modification to RPG and preparedness information. We will announce when the new site is ready for public review and use.

 

Infected Campus Trees

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by Robert Mumby

The RVM campus is blessed with many trees that provide us with beauty, shade, erosion control and store ground water. They also provide food and habitat for the many birds and other critters that live here.

Trees are subject to attack by animals, fungi and diseases. The recent years of drought and unusually hot weather have greatly stressed many of our trees and this weakens them. As a result, some are damaged or dying from infections from fungi and other pathogens. There are visible symptoms: extruded sap that tries to wash out the pathogens, cracked bark, strange bulges, to name the most obvious signs.  Broken limbs, holes, or cracked bark provide an opening for infection, just as a cut in our skin does.  Some trees may slowly die and we hardly notice, but large trees with weak roots could fall and damage property.

Drew Gilliland, RVM Director of Facilities Services, said “the RVM grounds department addresses infected trees on a case by case basis that evaluates several factors such as type of tree, location, weather patterns and mitigation strategy.  In some cases nothing will be done, and other cases appropriate levels of pesticides may be applied following our overall integrated pest management plan.  In many cases with unknown threats, an arborist is contracted or the OSU Extension Offices is contacted to consult on recommended mitigation issues.”

Drew also pointed out that extensive use of pesticides to save a single plant may have damaging effects on the larger environment, and that the age and expected lifetime of a tree are also factors considered in deciding on possible treatments.

Illustrations of some actual or potential infections are provided at the end of the article.

Western Gall Pine Rust forms rough globular galls on trunk or branches. Galls are proportionate in size to the branches bearing them. When the fungus is fruiting (aecia), galls are orange or yellow. Galls may kill small trees but increase in size for many years on larger trees. Trees may break easily at the gall.

Shaggy Bracket fungus  is classed as a white rot decay fungus and can cause white rot, and occasionally soft rot in trees that it lives off. It is an aggressive decaying agent which weakens timber, trunks and branches.

Pathogenic fungi, such as Western Gall Pine Rust or Shaggy Bracket will infect nearby trees by releasing spores, so treatment may be a desirable option.

Clumps of mistletoe do not damage trees unless there are many large clumps growing all over a tree. Mistletoe berries are an important food source for many birds, including Western Bluebirds, and the parasite provides shelter and a nesting place for birds and squirrels.

The main dangers of infections are that a large limb may be weakened and fall causing injury or damage or that the tree’s roots will be destroyed, leaving the tree subject to falling, especially during strong winds.

 

Bulge in Oregon Oak tree may indicate an infection.

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Flattened Thornbush Lichen on Oregon Oak.  Effect on tree unknown at this time.

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This Oregon Oak tree has a hole that may have been caused by a woodpecker for a nest or been used by a Tree Swallow. Note loose bark below hole. These are openings that will facilitate fungi or invertebrate infestations.

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Shaggy Bracket, a fungus, may eventually kill this Oregon Oak tree. This visible portion will produce spores that may infect other trees.

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This small pine tree next to the golf course is heavily infected with Western Pine Rust; other trees near the cottages are also infected.

Did You Know? — BOOK CLUB SUPPORT

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by Bob Buddemeier

RVM has a large number of resident book clubs.  Because of the wide range of interests, and the fact that discussion groups function best with a relatively small number of members, almost all of the groups are independent and self-organized.  Residents who wish to join a book club may find it challenging to identify ones that match their interests and are accepting new member.  As a result, new groups are frequently forming and recruiting members.

Starting a new book club involves some organizational challenges — such as finding enough copies of a selected book so that extensive sharing or purchasing can be avoided.  Fortunately, there are resources that can be tapped into by either new or existing clubs.

The Jackson County Library system — of which the Medford Public Library is one component — offers a “Book Club in a Bag” program

The full description and how-to-participate instructions are available at https://jcls.org/collections/book-clubs/.  The overview from that page explains:  “They’re bags filled with everything you need to run a book club (except the people, that would be weird and probably illegal).
That means you get at least 10 copies of a single book, a check out sheet, author information, and suggested discussion questions. Some book bags contain two large print copies, an audiobook of the title, and some have a DVD of the book featured (spoiler: it is inevitably not quite as good as the book). There is a card on the bag listing the contents so you know exactly what you’re getting and what to return.”  Other sections of the site  provide details about the program and its operation.

If you want to jump-start a new group, or are looking to rejuvenate an old one, this could be the one-stop shopping opportunity that you need.  Happy reading!