Challenges for Godmothers and Goddaughters

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by Connie Kent

photos by Gary Crites

 

The Fairy Godmother Scholarship Program is supporting ten first year students, ten second year students, four juniors and four seniors at various Oregon colleges and universities. Like many organizations, the Fairy Godmother Scholarship Committee has had to re-invent its operations due to the pandemic.

Each high school in Jackson County is allotted a certain number of applications based on the school’s enrollment. Usually in the fall, high school counselors are invited to an after-school meeting to learn about the details of the scholarship. This year, the meetings were held via Zoom.

Counselors invite the most qualified girls to apply. They must have financial need, have remarkable grades, take advanced classes, participate in extracurricular activities and volunteer work, and some also work many hours for wages. Here are the 2020 scholarship winners. During high school, the girls all demonstrated strong motivation and determination to pursue their goals and improve their lives and their communities, sometimes while overcoming difficult conditions at home.

Completing the application in electronic form is a hardship for some of the girls. Schools have made Chromebooks available for distance learning, but access to the Internet is a problem for some. The high school counselors help the girls overcome these obstacles.

In March, Committee members will go to their computers to begin reviewing thirty-plus completed applications, something that previously was done with paper copies. Using a rubric, they will evaluate each application. Then they will meet remotely to compare scores and choose the top candidates to interview. Finally, rather than meeting the girls at the high schools, they will invite them to Zoom interviews.

Each scholarship recipient is offered a fairy godmother to serve as her mentor. This older woman volunteers to provide whatever assistance the girl might need as she adjusts to college life. Since many of the girls are the first generation to attend college, such help often isn’t available from home. In addition, many of the girls come from heartbreaking family backgrounds, and the presence of a mentor in their lives is critical.

Mentors are recruited, encouraged and supported by experienced Committee members, all remotely. Mentors maintain contact with their fairy goddaughters by text, email, snail mail, and/or video conferencing. Here is a picture of mentors of the 2020-21 academic year.

Since the program began in 1997, the Fairy Godmothers have awarded almost 400 scholarships. The Program is funded entirely by donations. It operates under the umbrella of the RVM Foundation’s 501(c)3 tax status. Each girl receives a sizeable scholarship of $5000 per year. While they are attending college, the girls are monitored to ensure that they maintain the standards that qualify them for ongoing scholarship support.

In the past, a Donor Celebration was held each year, to which new Manor residents and previous donors were invited. At the late afternoon gathering, scholarship recipients spoke about how the program has affected their lives. Moved by what they heard, Manor residents and members of the community have responded with generous donations. This year, a “Have a Heart” campaign is being conducted by mail, with written testimonials rather than speeches.

Here is one such testimonial, from Julissa:

“The Fairy Godmother Scholarship means that as a first-generation student, I have the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. I have a strong group of women who believe in me as an individual and as a student, and I have an amazing mentor, — , who is always there to answer questions and check up on me. The Fairy Godmother Scholarship means that I have wonderful women who believe in my overall goal to help our community.”

Haily wrote, “I am so appreciative to have received this award towards helping me achieve my goal to become the first college graduate in my family. . . I am so excited to start the next chapter in my life with the help of my mentor.  I am so grateful for this scholarship and your faith in me.”

The Fairy Godmothers’ lives are enriched by sharing in the lives of aspiring local girls, providing them with new opportunities during this time of challenges and change.

What’s New — March

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NEWS & VIEWS

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY  — PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO LET US KNOW  YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE COMPLEMENT!

CLICK HERE AND ANSWER A FEW BRIEF QUESTIONS

Instacart — Better than Sliced Bread?  (Part B), by Joni Johnson

Help Wanted Update:  Volunteer Opportunities Await! 

Challenges for Godmothers and Goddaughters, by Connie Kent

         in Big, Borrowed, or Both

Perspectives on Sustainability, communicated by Russy Sumariwalla

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

Mirabella Monthly, Newsletter of the Seattle Mirabella (most recent issue)

ARTS & INFO 

Digital Art, by Karen Frair

Nit Wit Newz (Botox in the Lake), by A. Loony

RVM Mar/Apr Event & Entertainment Schedule

in Books & Authors

March Book Display, RVM Library

Flight A Celebration of 100 Years in Art and Literature, — (Book Review), by Liz Caldwell

Apeirogon (Book Review), by Connie Kent

PREPARE

Quake Alert UPDATE — by Bob Buddemeier 

RPG Radio Network, by Bob Buddemeier, Dan Curtis, and Scott Wetenkamp

       in Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Hints UPDATE

 

 

The Complement Survey

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Karen Frair- Computer Artist

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Botox in the Lake

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NIT WIT NEWZ

 

(Nit Wit Newz is an unauthorized, often unreliable, on-line news source designed to keep Manor residents abreast of the inconsequential, trifling and superficial events that dramatically shape and inform our everyday lives here at Rogue Valley Manor.)    

 

LAKE CLEANUP DREDGES UP MYSTERY WRECKAGE

 

Annual February cleanup of Manor lake reveals capsized “small ship.” Puzzled landscape crew finds hull of Quail Point Yacht Club boat filled with empty Botox containers.

Initial fears dismissed that seepage of chemicals from containers may have adverse effect on carp and koi well-being. Inspection by marine biologist declares, “Fish are fine”—but expressed surprise to discover previously encountered wrinkling in older fish “has vanished!”

News sweeps through Lake Village homes.

Residents make demand of new Grounds Manager, Alexander Baldwin. Want refill of lake to include abundant amounts of Botox additive. Despite continued chilly weather, same residents rush to order new spring line of swimwear from Amazon. Form committee to consider feasibility of bringing in sand and adding cabanas to make access to age-reversing waters more resident friendly.

Meanwhile, mystery remains: Who owned sunken vessel? Why was it carrying chemical cargo?   What caused sinking?  Date for official inquiry not yet set.  Yacht club commodore insists he’s “…not a person of interest.”

 

—A. Looney

‘Ua (Rain)

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‘Ua  (Rain)

by Tom Conger

 

Tom Conger is a kama’aina haole (Hawai’i-born White) who has lived and worked many places, but still has his roots firmly embedded in volcanic soil in the mid-Pacific.  A published author, he graciously shares his skills and insights with his companions in retirement.

 

Rain. Windless rain came down in heavy globules, too big for drops, and rumbled onto the metal roof. The sky had darkened long before the first scant spatters, which began slowly—almost hesitant—then swelled in volume, pouring straight down, a good soaking certain. It was the kind of rain that falls seemingly unbidden from the clouds, not the pounding thunder showers which seem expelled by force; this was more a build-up which could no longer be contained, falling gravity-bound through the murky half-light to puddle resolutely in the gravel.

I didn’t used to like rain—always preventing something I wanted to do, or make, or plant. Upcountry life changes all that—too little water, too many farms. The power brokers in Wailuku use water to impose their dominion over honest citizens: “No meter, no permit,” they de­cree, as they jealously hoard the meters—almost a punitive reign of dictators. We ran the last one out; she couldn’t understand the “ser­vice” part of public service. But the bureaucrats railroaded in her successor—one more of the same. So we must rely on the rainfall to keep the pastures green.

Now I like a good downpour, having done too often without rain—an artless commodity, so precious, so restoring, so intractable. I had transplanted some poha shoots; they’ll welcome getting drenched. The night-blooming cereus is hardly ever thirsty—it’s really a cactus after all—but will take what it’s given, as will the dandelions and crabgrass. The rain’s not choosy; it even soaks the one-eyed cat, rushing back to the house from an afternoon hunt amongst the coffee trees. He licks my hand as I dry him off.

The rain dwindles, then stops. The sky brightens. The clouds be­come distinct, each defined by golden trim.

I look up from towelling the kitty. “Thanks,” I say, “we needed that.”

Better Than Sliced Bread- Part B

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Here, Kitschy Kitschy

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A Flourish of Fabulous Felidae

Artifacts from the shelves and counters of Daphne and Bob

Photography by Reina Lopez

The mama cat at middle left is a matryoshka doll; take her apart at the navel and find a series of smaller cats inside.

 

Cupcats!  Hair’s to you!  (There’s a napkin holder at the bottom– he lives on the counter under the cups)

 

 

Itty-bitty kitties (penny for scale)

HELP WANTED UPDATE!

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MARCH UPDATE:  The listing below has been modified to reflect the fact that two positions have been filled — but many more have not.  In particular, some that are an important part of the information and entertainment ambience at RVM are not only unfilled, but are not attracting much attention in the form of inquiries or expressions of possible interest.  HillTopics, the tutorials, and the movies on Channel 900 are important features in the best of times, but even more critical to community well-being when our other activities are limited.  Those other activities will continue to be somewhat limited, vaccinations and declining caseload notwithstanding.

The critical positions carry with them a significant commitment in terms of time and effort, and some require specific skills or knowledge.  The other side of that coin is the  satisfaction of making a genuine contribution to community wellbeing and of providing needed leadership.  If the load looks too great, recruit your partner or a friend to share it with — and don’t feel stuck with doing it as it has always been done.  The point is the product; the process should be negotiable.  Step up and help out. 

Dear Readers — Much of what we value about life at RVM depends on resident volunteers.  With our “old normal” shut down for nearly a year — and with prospects of still more months of restrictions — our system of volunteer activities  needs service, and perhaps an overhaul.  Some of the vacancies are basic to the communication, information, and entertainment activities that have become even more important to us during COVID.  If our “new normal” is to be more than a pale shadow of the “old normal,” we urgently need new volunteers to take on the jobs we all depend on.

HELP– WE NEED:

HillTopics Editors  — two needed; one immediately, one before the end of the year.  Opportunity to train with present editor.  Contact Ken Kase (X6464) or Dennis Murphy (x6076)

For a PDF copy of the editor’s job description from the Residents Council Organization Manual,  click here

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HillTopics Publishers — Present publishers are seeking collaborators/apprentices to learn the trade, eventually take over.  Contact Frank/Sandy Roberts (x6561) or Dennis Murphy (x6076)

For PDF job description, click here,

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Evening movie selection and showing  — needed ASAP.  Training provided:  Contact Purk Purkeson (x6513) or Dennis Murphy (x6076)

For PDF job description, click here

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Technology Group members or adjunct advisors — new positions, available immediately:  Butch Finley (x6161),  Ron Constable (x6198), or Dennis Murphy (x6076)

Seeking both contributors with information technology expertise and non-technical reviewers.  See Technology Group page on MyRVM, home page, Groups and Activities tab.  For additional info, click here

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Birthday Luncheon Committee — needed ASAP for training.

The RVM Birthday Luncheon Committee is Looking for New Volunteers.

Each month we have an attractive special luncheon honoring those residents having birthdays that month.  Newcomers have an opportunity to meet fellow residents;  long-term residents  have a chance to socialize with old friends and meet new ones.

Our committee sends out invitations each month and co-ordinates with Catering for the party. We enjoy working together and strive to make the Luncheons a festive and fun occasion.

Please call Jamie Harris,  ext. 6555 with any questions.

A good description of the Birthday Luncheon is written up in MyRVM – Resident Information- Groups and Activities- Birthday Luncheon, or for a pdf, click here

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Auditorium Display Case –needed by end of covid restrictions:  Bob Buddemeier (x6820), Jamie Harris (x6555)

Identifies, solicits and arranges displays of residents’ collections, crafts, etc.

For a pdf position description, click here

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Tutorial Committee— There is an opening for  a Committee Chair, needed by April, 2021 to keep the tutorials running:  Bob Saunders (x6129) or Bob Buddemeier (x6820)

The Chair coordinates the Committee members in reviewing and selecting the Tutorial series on Channel 900.

For a pdf describing the duties of the Chair, click here

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Resident Preparedness Group:  Contact:  Bob Buddemeier (x6820) or Bob Walden (503-488-9879)

New positions, available immediately.  Details of activities and schedule negotiable.

1.  Information and Data manager (electronic filing, spreadsheet manipulation and record keeping)
2.  Public information and education (assist with program development and information dissemination)

For general information on RPG, click here

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The Complement:  Contact:  Bob Buddemeier (x6820) or Connie Kent (x6301)

New positions, available immediately.  Details of activities and schedule negotiable.

The Complement is an independent, resident-produced online newsletter serving the RVM community with a wide range of information and resident creations — check us out and come join.  Journalism can be fun!  We will welcome colleagues with blog or website posting/design experience or interest, or who are interested in reporting, writing, editing, or information management.

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REVIEW ITEM: Go-Bags

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This item is posted for community review and development.  Comment forms follow the text; more extensive materials can be sent to rpgrvm@gmail.com

To download a pdf of this document, Click Here

Go-bags basic, expanded, car and pet                                                               

Go-bags basic    Everyone should have a basic go-bag where you can conveniently grab it on the way out the door.  If you are able to handle a large bag, you can include the small bag into it as you go.

With contents, it should be something the owner can lift and carry reasonably easily.  Even with handicaps, everyone can probably handle 1-2 pounds, which is enough to include a surprising number of important things.

Use what you have, but if you can choose, It should attach to your body so as to leave both hands free.  A shoe-bag (or similar) with a strap or cord long enough for a cross-chest carry is good.  Back-packs or belt-packs are OK if you are able to get them on and off easily and they don’t throw you off balance.  If you opt for a roll-aboard, you need to be able to lift it well enough to get it up/down a flight of stairs, onto a bus, or into a car trunk.

There should be one for every individual (not per couple), with some of the contents redundant – if one person’s is lost or stolen, or a couple is separated, you don’t want anybody to lose everything.

Some of the go-bag items should be duplicated in your car-go supplies – disasters can happen while you are out on a shopping trip.

Light-weight primary go-bag contents:

Information  (if a couple, for both people — and any pets)

  1. Identification – copies of passport, driver’s license, ID card
  2. List of contacts, complete: names, relationships, addresses, land-line and cell phones, emails, other. If appropriate, include key people such as attorneys, trustees, etc.
  3. List of medications – prescriptions and important over-the-counter. Include dose, pharmacy and prescriber.
  4. Insurance information –copies of cards (incl. Medicare) or policy front pages; list of agencies/agents
  5. Record of medical conditions (especially if serious) with name/location of appropriate practitioner.
  6. Make sure that one of your contacts has access to other important but not urgent information—bank accounts, financial advisors, legal document repositories.

[Printed 2-sided w/narrow margins and modest fonts, the above items should require only a modest number of pages — PUT THEM IN A ZIPLOC BAG OR SIMILAR COMPACT, WATERPROOF CONTAINER.]

Supplies  (The following assumes that you will take your wallet or billfold and cell phone separately—but might not be able to.)

Cell phone charger

Money: cash in small/medium bills; credit card (remember that without electricity, card-readers, ATMS,  and vending machines won’t work)

Medications:  Remember things like hearing aid batteries and spare eyeglasses.  Include analgesics (aspirin, or…) and diarrhea medication/laxatives.

Prescription items:  If possible, 2 weeks worth. Keep your supplies together, in one place, and as close to the go-bag as convenient so you can put them in quickly when needed.

Personal items: toothbrush, paste (travel size), small soap and/or sanitizer wipes, comb, other needs.  A few large bandaids.

“Survival” needs:

Flashlight – headlamp or w/wrist lanyard, to keep both hands free.

At least 2 packs of tissues

Sani-wipes

Whistle

Survival/space blanket; and/or compact plastic poncho

Multi-purpose (e.g. “Swiss Army”) knife, if your hands and fingernails are able to use one

With careful selection, the above + bag should weigh less than 2-3 lbs. 

In the car: the same or equivalent (if possible) in the car; include a 12v phone, and add a change of (warm sturdy) clothes, blanket(s) or sleeping bag,  handcrank weather radio,  2-3 gallons of water, and 6000 calories of ready-to-eat food.

 

Moderate-weight go-bags

If you have strength to carry more, consider:

A pair of warm non-cotton socks

Seasonal headgear

Have both the survival blanket and the poncho

Face mask(s) (N95 or KN95 if possible)

Gloves (both surgical and work)

Additional first-aid supplies

A Lifestraw (or similar) small ultrafiltration unit for water purification

Waterproof matches or lighter

A bottle of water and some energy/granola bars (Water builds up the weight very quickly)

 

Think about anything else specific to your needs or preferences.

Review and modify your practices – store the things you will want in an emergency where you can find them quickly and easily, and can pick them up easily (not a large number of loose items).

REVIEW OUR ILLUSTRATED SECTION ON GO-BAG ASSEMBLY — CLICK HERE

For your car  You will not be able to duplicate everything in your Go-Bag, such as prescription medicines, but you can add useful items that you can’t carry– warm clothing (or blankets, sleeping bags), a pillow,  a tarp, a fire extinguisher — and of course automotive emergency supplies like a tow strap, chains, a small shovel, , flat repair and a 12v pump.

 

And your pet  This is a difficult topic, and we look forward to adding more as we get input.  If you are going to travel by car, our animal friends can add a vast amount of cargo to the load.  If you are on foot, and especially if you have strength or mobility limitations, it can be a real problem

The basics:  Make sure your pet is chipped, and has a collar with ID tags.  Include copies of essential papers with yours (vet records of innoculations, ownership documents if valuable).  After that, the basic minimum is effective restraint — leash plus harness or collar, and if possible a carrier (ut you stillneed a leash).

DOG-GO               CAT-GO

This item is posted for community review and development.  Comment forms follow the text; more extensive materials can be sent to rpgrvm@gmail.com

 

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