Posted in N&V

What’s New in June

Interested in previous issues?  Go to the News & Views page or the Arts & Info page.  Scroll to the bottom of the page.  In the center is a “Load More” link.  Click this to display past articles.

 

NEWS & VIEWS

The Evening Turkey Show, by Robert Mumby

The Virginia Range Wild Horses, by George Yates

Bemused Birding, by Bob Buddemeier 

Veterans’ Honor Walk, a photo collage by Reina Lopez

ARTS & INFO 

The Wager – Book Review, by Anne Newins

The Word Nerd on Puns and Noodles, by Tom Conger

June in the Library, by Anne Newins

Events & Opportunities

     Concerts and Performances, submitted by Mary Jane Morrison

     Classes, Games and Parties, submitted by Sarah Karnatz

in Big, Borrowed, or Both

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

Mirabella Monthly, Newsletter of the Seattle Mirabella (June 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.

 

What’s New in May

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

This issue offers a thematic section on the joys of relocation

Aloha to Stan Solmonson, Photos: Robert Mumby & Reina Lopez, Text: Connie Kent
—  A major life plan relocation

How NOT to Start an International Vacation, by Sally Densmore
—  A temporary international relocation

Hawaiian Perspective, by Tom Conger
—  A long-distance cultural relocation

A Moving Experience, by Bob Buddemeier
—  A local relocation

 

ARTS & INFO 

Editor’s Note:

A. Looney has advised us his NIT WIT NEWZ feature that has appeared in “The Complement” for the past two years, will be suspended for an undisclosed period.  He claims a serious erosion in his ability to maintain a high level of worthless nonsense in his prose dictates a significant furlough from his monthly postings in this publication.

We wish Mr. Looney a speedy recovery.

May in the Library, by Anne Newins

A Quilt Is On Exhibit, by Robert Mumby

Three Poems, by Ray Teplitz

Euphemisms, by Connie Kent

Events & Opportunities: May 2023 – July 2023, by Mary Jane Morrison

 

in Big, Borrowed, or Both

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

Mirabella Monthly, Newsletter of the Seattle Mirabella (May 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.

 

Aloha to Stan Solmonson

photos by Robert Mumby and Reina Lopez; text by Connie Kent

Many residents attended the farewell party for Stan Solmonson as he retired as RVM Executive Director.

Stan and his wife Cindy, setting off on retirement.

During his farewell speech, Stan said that two places he’s worked — his first (on Kauai) and his last (at RVM) — both demonstrated ‘Aloha’ (hence the Hawaiian theme and the leis).

A decorated golf card took him from Part One of his Bye Bye Bash at the Manor to Part Two at the Plaza. 

In-coming ED Dave Keaton takes the wheel.

Stan with residents in the Umpqua Room.

Here are the words to “Stan’s Hukilau Song, ” sung to Stan with ukulele accompaniment by Manor residents, to the tune of the traditional Hawaiian “Hukilau Song” by Jack Owens (1948).

 

Stan’s retiring, he’s retiring. He’s retiring, he’ll be leaving, he’s retiring now.

Everybody loves retirement. He can ski, he can fish, he can go golfing now.

He’ll grab his clubs and head for the tee, or cast his fishing line into the sea

He’s retiring, he’s retiring. He’ll never come to work here any more.

What a beautiful day for fishin’, the Oregonian way.

The salmon lines are swishin’, down in old Nehalem Bay.

Stan’s retired now, he’s retired now.

He’s really not so tired since he’s retired now.

Everybody loves retirement. The pressure’s off, the golf is on, the skiing’s wow.

He’ll throw his appointment book onto the floor, grab his clubs and head out of the door.

We’ll remember him, he will remember us.

We’ll be grieving, that he’ll be leaving.

He’s got lots of happy years in store.

Photos by Robert Mumby and Reina Lopez
Text and lyrics by Connie Kent

HOW “NOT” TO START AN INTERNATIONAL VACATION

By Sally Densmore

Sally and Al in Alba- Medford’s sister city

We hadn’t traveled internationally for over four years and never for this long (26 days), so I had planned meticulously for months, reading travel guides and books on packing, so I’d know what we should take. I found gadgets invented to make traveling easier. I bought a new set of luggage and a travel purse with all sorts of zippered compartments and pockets. I even made a list of what I put into each of those pockets, so I’d be able to put my hands on whatever I needed immediately.

What I hadn’t counted on was leaving that purse on the plane from Medford to Seattle and that purse not being found until we were on the plane from Seattle to Amsterdam. I had my passport, or we wouldn’t have been able to leave the country at all. But until we learned from Sea-Tac Lost and Found that it had been found intact, we were anxious. I had thoughtfully

Sally in Amsterdam, the day after the loss

packed all the items I would need on a 10-hour overnight flight: toothbrush and paste, cleanser, contact lens case and solution, make-up, and sleeping pills. As it was, neither of us slept more than an hour or so. The most important item, however, was my phone. My husband and I have learned to text often to reassure each other where we are and when we will return. That ability to stay in touch was lost during this trip. Also, I had made some of our tour reservations on the phone, so we missed a cancellation which caused some undue frustration one morning. I had no way to receive my email, so 1200 were waiting for me when we returned home. I became totally dependent on my husband for the time, weather, and use of the camera phone. And we both became quite obsessive about knowing who had “the” phone. If you want to detach from your phone, I suggest you do it in a more controlled environment at home.

As you might imagine, I was a total basket case about this whole thing at first. My husband spent a couple of days talking me off the ledge. After berating myself for my careless stupidity a hundred times, I bought a few replacements, finally “made friends with the situation” and learned that indeed I could do without a lot of “things”. Once I relaxed, the trip wasn’t totally ruined, and my husband and I actually grew closer. I finally got my bag when I returned.

But I still wouldn’t advise this as the ideal way to begin a vacation.

                                         All and Sally- The smile has returned

A Moving Experience

by Bob Buddemeier

Part I – well begun is half done, or vice versa

Last November I decided it was time to move.  My wife had died, I had given up driving, I was having physical problems that reduced mobility, and the cats and I were rattling around in the cottage at the bottom of the hill.  The convenience of the Manor had started looking pretty good – the independent part of independent living is relative.

The only problem:  I am a SMAL (Single Male At Large), lacking much of the domestic expertise needed for moving a household.  However, I could feel myself moving into the quicksand phase of residence selection: the longer you stay where you are, the harder it is to get out.

Step one is figuring out where to start.  I knew that Erin Marsh (Marketing) was the Transfer Coordinator, so I threw myself on her mercy.  Fortunately her mercy recovered quickly, and after explaining how the system works (HINT: start here, and pay attention) she found me quite a nice apartment. She actually found two, but somebody with more seniority beat me to the first one.

Good news/Bad news  — the apartment was due for a renovation, so I could get what I wanted in décor (the good news) by the simple expedient of making some decisions and waiting several months (the bad news).

So, after demonstrating financial solvency and signing a few bits of paper, I found myself in the showroom with Irene (Renovations), picking out paint, tile, floorboards, countertops, cabinetry, hardware, etc. etc.  HINT:  If you are a SMAL or anything similar, I recommend that you find some tasteful and decisive person to go along as an advisor.  And pay attention.

Part 2 – Optimistic waiting

Post-move decor, dining area

Around the first of the year the actual renovation got started, with a “firm” completion date in late March.  I had three months to get ready to move from 1420 square feet plus garage to 970 square feet plus a 4’x4’x10’ “chicken coop” in the resident storage area – piece of cake, right?  Well, not really.

Downsizing to come to RVM was challenging, but why should a shorter move with less stuff be a problem?  (1) you are older and probably less vigorous in mind and body.  (2) you probably got rid of all of the easy discards on the first move.  (3)  you may have separation anxiety, about your lifestyle as well as about your residence.  BIG HINT:  you need help.  Admit it, get it, and get on with it.

I am fortunate to have a daughter who is loving, supportive, and a serious butt-kicker.  If you don’t have one, it’s late to get started, but there are substitutes – I hired a personal assistant, got some home care to look after me, and engaged a moving company that specializes in moving seniors, including packing everything, supervising the transfer, and unpacking in the new location.

And you probably have friends you haven’t used yet.  They can work wonders.  My daughter lives in CA and travels a lot, so I was fortunate to have a local deputy shepherdess and some ancillary sheep dogs who did quite a good job of herding an old goat.

The last month or so of sorting and packing was accompanied by a near-constant litany of questions from my advisors:  “WHAT are you going to do with that?”  “What are you going to DO with that?”  “What are you going to do with THAT?”  The obvious answer – take it with me and throw it away later – has limited viability.

BIG HINT TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE:  Help with the quicksand extraction process could be a prime target for a Residents Helping Residents organization or something analogous.

Part 3 – Endgame

The relatively well-appointed living room

When things start going wrong, you know you’re getting close.  I had two postponements of the renovation completion date. The first move-in postponement was perversely welcome, because it cleared the calendar for some long-awaited brain (well, head) surgery.  After a quick recovery, the second postponement threatened to take me past the last availability of the movers.  However, Erin was also displeased with the delay, and performed some sort of magic that moved the goal posts back in place.  When the going gets tough, the tough get going – HINT: your staff support is a critical resource; use it wisely.

Just a week before M-day I came down with an infection that resulted in a hospital overnight and serious fatigue thereafter.  Dispelling any thoughts of independence, the Deputy Shepherdess maneuvered around the movers, and got me and the cats successfully transferred (in spite of spending most of a day in crates, the cats seemed calmer and less exhausted than I was).

At first, I experienced a tremendous sense of relief and accomplishment.  Then it dawned on me that there was only a week in which to get the cottage cleared out or start paying double fees.  Enter the auxiliary sheepdogs, whose perceptiveness and energy made it possible to get out on schedule.  Of course, the fact that I retained my golf cart garage took a little of the urgency off that final downsize.

So here I am, relieved and happy to be dealing with the administrivia of moving (schedule and address changes, finding stuff that you know you have somewhere, etc.).

FINAL GIANT HINT #1:  If you think it might be time to consider moving to an apartment, you can be sure it’s later than you think.  Don’t hesitate; the quicksand won’t wait.

FINAL GIANT HINT #2:  Get help!  Advice and information as well as physical help.  Staff help, resident help, volunteer help, paid help – don’t cut corners unnecessarily; your physical and mental health, or what remains of it, is more important than hoarding resources, and you put both at risk by staying too long in the same place or by carrying out a botched move.

Hawaiian Perspective

by Tom Conger

A surprising percentage of RVM residents have roots in Hawaii. The reasons for this are several, primarily: very few folks can begin to afford retirement in Hawaiis unconscionable cost of living. And, yes, there is no CCRC anywhere in the Islands which offers all the amenities that RVM does. So the kamaaina flock to the Rogue Valley.

Now, bear in mind that not only are these immigrants coming to So. Orygun from a different state, but that [newest] state is also the most remote habitation on the planet. As a former monarchy there are, uh, cultural differences which persist unto this very date, and English is often spoken as a 2nd language—if at all.

Given the distance from continental US, in the middle of a temperate ocean which modulates weather and temperatures, one of the first differences transplanted Hawaiians experience is seasons—it gets freakincold here! I mean, not the modest cool of a December trade-wind evening, down to 60°F, but cold!—like below 32 degrees, which our high school biology class told us is freezing! Gotta wear shoes, you knowAnd that calls for acquiring a whole new wardrobe – call it Adaptation #1 – phased to the changes outside as the earth wends its annual way around the sun. Who knew…?

Further, as we circle our central star, we meet Adaptation #2: Daylight Savings Time. One bleary Sunday morning, before its even officially spring, we turn all our clocks/timers an hour ahead. Now it stays light longer in the evening—and the Islands are three hours behind us—kinda nice in summer, as its still light on the lanai when bedtime draws nigh; but a bitch on that Sunday in fall when its all of a sudden dark an hour earlier—and the 49ers play the second half under the lights

Of course, these differences from the isles prevail most anywhere one moves to (except AZ); whats specific to Orygun is that it rains—a lot. Not the kinda rain (”mauka showers”) were used to, but an insidious, persistent drizzle, from dark, clouded, leaden skies, where you don foul weather gear, go get the mail, and come back soaked, without really noticing it was rainingugh. Why do you think the University mascots are Ducks and Beavers? 

But there are some nice things particular to OR. There is no sales tax: an item marked $10 on the price tag costs $10 at the register. What a surprise! Another nicety of life in OR is you dont pump your own gas. Not sure how/when this originated, but it is kinda pleasant to pull up to the pump and have the attendant get the gas on his hands/overalls.

Mainland living does differ from the island lifestyle. Weve mentioned seasonal changes, and Daylight Savings; but how about driving for miles in a single trip, crossing into other states? Why, back at home one must board a commercial airliner just to get into the next county

Another adjustment, merely from relocating to the PacNW, is that live TV comes on later the farther east one travels. Remember when local channels used to tape-delay Monday Night Football in order to prevent folks from tuning in during normal work hours?

Nobody in the Rogue Valley has mango trees, nor papaya or guava, in their back yard.  Meals in our fine RVM dining halls are not often accompanied by rice, no matter how many scoops,  Talk about a differential in the flavor of life!

Mr. and Mrs. Raven

photo collage by Reina Lopez

When Trees Are Too Close to Your Home

RVM has to manage the landscape for safety as well as for aesthetics. Two trees were removed on Skyline Drive in April. They were damaging a cottage foundation and roof, especially during the strong winds. Winter wind storms had already downed some large trees and a big fir was removed a few months ago on Rogue Valley Manor Drive. RVM is taking a closer look at trees that may damage a cottage because they are too close or have been weakened by disease, fungi or invertebrates. A small pine tree (heavily infested with Western Pine Rust) on the golf course, located at the end of the garage was cut down not long ago.

The multi-trunked fir tree next to a Skyline Drive cottage and the tree just to its left must come down.

 

The upper part of the tree and then the middle were trimmed first. Note the tall stump of the tree by the front door.

 

One person wielded the saw; the another person dropped the limbs and trunk sections to the ground.

Only the top limbs of the tree are left to cut.

 

Three of the trunks are topped.

 

Just the tall stumps remain. It is too bad the tree was so close and large–it was healthy.

 

Stumps are at ground level. Next will be the removal of the tree trunks and branches that had been dropped. Later the stumps and roots will be taken out.

 

Next door, this oak was trimmed. Note the hole in the heartwood of the branch. This hole weakens the limb and, sorry cavity-dwelling birds, the hole will most likely be sealed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Help! I’m in the Hospital and My Dog Has to Go!

By Joni Johnson

Everyone is concerned about the big emergencies on campus like a fire or earthquake, and plans are in the works in case of events like these.  But what happens if you have a personal emergency and no one is there to take care of your animal?  For example, let’s say you fall or get seriously ill and are on the way to the emergency room but your dog or cat is in your house with no one to care for it.  You need help. Residents helping Residents is there to rescue you.

Leslie Schettler, with the help of Vicki Gorrell, got a group of Manor residents together to take care of this problem.  Over forty cat and dog owners attended to discuss the situation.  With input from the people attending, Vicki and Leslie came up with forms to put on your refrigerator indicating what to do with your animal in case you are not there as well as people to contact who would be willing to help you.

The website, listed as Pets @ RVM in the GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES section in myrvm.org, can be reached by clicking the following link if you are logged in to myrvm.org:

https://a.mwapp.net/p/mweb_ws.v?id=82274946&c=82275315&n=Groups-and-Activities.

It currently has the following documents:

  • RVM pet policy
    • Pet registration form
    • Ways to prepare for emergencies when you have pets
    • Pet directory (fillable pdf)
    • Resources for residents with pets (vet recommendations, pet sitters and walkers, where to buy food, etc.)
    • Residents willing to help on a short-term basis in case of a sudden personal emergency

These lists will give you the comfort of knowing your pet’s needs will be met while you are in extremis.  The lists are for short-term help only. But once the immediate crisis dealt with, you will have a little time to figure out your next step in case you will be out of the house for some time.

One issue that is still being worked out is what to do in case your apartment or cottage is locked.  Security does not have the right to enter your apartment without some sort of approval. Ideas are being bandied about how to solve this problem. Stay tuned for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Schettler (lwschettler@gmail.com) or Vicki Gorrell (vgorrell@gmail.com).

Meanwhile, how exciting that Gini Armstrong and Cynde Mauer’s RESIDENTS HELPING RESIDENTS is looking out for you on this issue.

Additional Information about ChatGPT

If you have an interest in using ChatGPT, we at The Complement hope you will find the following document useful.

Click the link to download the document An Evaluation of the Limitations and Uses of ChatGPT.

https://thecomplement.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/An-Evaluation-of-the-Limitations-and-Uses-of-ChatGPT.pdf