Challenges for Godmothers and Goddaughters
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
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
Botox in the Lake
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)
‘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.”
Here, Kitschy Kitschy
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!
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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