Instacart- Better than Sliced Bread? Part A

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By Joni Johnson  

A few of us gathered around the Socrates Café talking about what brought us joy.  Joanne Hafner was not there.  But if she had been, she would have mentioned Instacart.com.  She started using it early in the pandemic because she didn’t want to go to the stores.  At that time, there was a question of mask use and a reluctance to go shopping “out there”. She discovered Instacart.com and was an immediate convert.

Instacart works with a large number of stores including Safeway, Albertsons, Costco, Fred Meyers, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Staples, Target, Best Buy, the Wine Shop, Big Lots, Rite Aid, Natural Grocers, Petcoand the Vitamin Shoppe.

According to Joanne, you get two weeks free and then it’s a $99 yearly fee.  When I used Instacart, I discovered there was  also a small service fee – less than $3—for each order.  On the Instacart website, you fill out a shopping list and decide on a tip.  You have to spend $35 at a particular store to avoid a delivery fee.  They offer you time windows that are available for your delivery, and then drop off the items at your door, ring your bell and then off they go.

If they don’t have a specific item, they have can substitute something with your permission.  If they know they are out of a particular item when you order, they will tell you at the time of your order.  Joanne ordered produce and has only been disappointed once with a too soft tomato.

Joanne says that she loves Instacart and feels that it is well worth the money.  She definitely plans on continuing to use it even after Covid goes away.  She feels that it saves her all sorts of time and energy so she is willing to put up with the cost and an occasional mistake.  Other residents who use Instacart were all were happy with their decisions.

I decided that I needed to try this out myself.  Joanne uses a computer, but I have an IPhone and Instacart provides a downloadable app, which I imagine would work just as well on any modern cell phone that provides for message texts.  There is also an 800 number where people over 60 can get help with ordering, but I really think it is much easier if you have a computer.  So I set up my account and downloaded the app.  (They sent me the link so it was very easy).

I decided to order from Freddie’s. I ordered using my computer but during the shopping phase, the texting occurred using my phone and app.  I ordered later in the day.  I could have had it delivered within 5 hours but I preferred to wait until the following morning.  I had loads of two-hour windows to choose from then, so I chose 11am-1pm.  Later that evening, I decided to add 4 more things to the cart.  It was very easy to do.   In my order, they found 2 items that might require substitutions and asked me if I would accept particular substituted items just in case. During the shopping phase, I was texted with another substitution choice which I was able to work out with texts and pictures.

Before Joanne called me up and suggested this article, I had never thought about ordering on-line even though I really don’t like shopping.  I kept thinking the produce or the meat wouldn’t be as good. After writing this article, I am beginning to convert.  It certainly saved me time and I like to shop by computer- especially in the winter. But I realize there are other delivery options out there, so I’m going to do some more looking around before I settle on which one I want to use.

Thank you Joanne.  It certainly could be better than sliced bread!

STAY TUNED NEXT MONTH FOR Part B:  JONI’S GROCERY DELIVERY RESEARCH AND SELECTION ADVENTURES.  This will include more input from residents as well as information about the differences between pick-up and delivery and the differences in delivery directly from Fred Meyers, Albertsons, Costco and Safeway versus delivery using Instacart.com. It will also include how the Manor provides delivery service from Fred Meyers to any of its Residents.

 

 

 

Inaugural Poem

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Read more

FSpreps

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Facilities Services Helps You Prepare

See below for information on furniture fastening and garage door opening

Work order:  x7231, on MyRVM, or Front Desk

From:  Rogue Valley Manor • hillTOPICS • December 2020 – January 2021 • page 2

Don ’t Neglect Earthquake Preps

Do you have heavy items in your home such as tall bookcases, mirrors, artwork, or pictures hanging over your bed? All can be dangerous and cause injuries during an earthquake if not properly secured. Here are some tips from Drew Gilliland, Director of Facility Services.

Bookcases should be secured. Facility Services can do that using strapping that is screwed into the wall. Large items or those higher than four feet above the ground should be prioritized.  Facility Services will cover these costs.

However, other personal items such as antiques may require special straps and additional care so as not to damage the item.

Filling out a work order to Facility Services is your first step. Complete a work order form available at the Manor front desk, go to MyRVM.org to complete the form online, or call Facility Services at Ext. 7231. When the Facility Services technician arrives, be specific about what you want secured.

By Binny Blechman

Meeting Minutes – 11-04-2020 Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting
Bil Meers, Chair

New Business:  4. Garage Doors: During the recent evacuation numerous residents were unable to open their garage doors when the power failed. A work order can be submitted to adjust garage door springs so that doors open quickly when power is out. A longer release rope can also be installed. Drew favors metal doors with battery backup. Doors will be replaced as-needed, depending on the budget. Manor garages: staff must go around and open them for residents in the event of a power failure.

Nit Wit Newz

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(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.                                                                                                                                    

 Ed Note:  our roving correspondent has returned to campus, but we continue to receive bulletins from our far-flung news services.  We may have to fling this one a little farther next time.

 

PLAZA REVAMP PLAN STIRS RIFTS

           Defending Design Decisions

Residents, dining committee, interior designer at loggerheads on Plaza re-do. Sticking points abound. Should room centerpiece be movable orchid planter, or tasteful sarcophagus?  Should restaurant model be “The French Laundry,” or a K-12 cafeteria?  For walls and ceilings, some favor muted earth tones, others lean toward a monochromatic fifty-shades-of-gray.

Many fear proposed demise of banquettes and Friendship tables. Claim proponents have bias against comfortable seating and good fellowship. Outraged proponents deny charge. Disagreements spread to rotunda and restrooms as well.

Meanwhile, as disputes fester, thirty-seven sub-committees have rapidly formed to hammer out disagreements.

First sub-committee report disappointing:  Table Linen panel deadlocked on napkin fabric. Group may be sequestered until concurrence reached.

Some early progress reported.  Leak from Beverage Container Committee meeting claims proposed replacement of stem ware with Tippy Sippy Cups has been nixed.

Dining Services Committee urging rapid resolution of all sub-committee disputes.  Seek to avoid threatened large-scale food fights among increasingly militant factions.

Stay tuned.

 

—A. Looney

 

 

 

RV Country Club featured in their support of RVM during Evacuation of Almeda Fire

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Rogue Valley Country Club was recently featured in BoardRoom Magazine, a major industry publication that reaches thousands of clubs worldwide, regarding their community efforts during the Almeda fire crisis.  Here is a link to from their magazine about their efforts in supporting RVM residents during the evacuation.

https://pub.lucidpress.com/BoardRoomMagazine/#_0

Residents Council Meeting Zoom Discussion

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by Bob Buddemeier and Joni Johnson

On January 19, Residents Council President Gary Crites and Vice President Gini Armstrong introduced an innovation: a Zoom discussion group as a follow-up to the Residents Council meeting on the 18th.  A dozen residents talked for an hour about RVM and residents Council issues of mutual interest, ending with a consensus that it had been very worthwhile, plus a commitment from the officers to make it a monthly event.

The first topic to come up was the Plaza dining area renovations. An issue that attracted general agreement involved management of walkers and wheelchairs – there were concerns about the use of “walker garages” with servers as valet parking attendants.  Would there be enough servers to avoid delays in either food service or walker parking?  Would there be enough pedestrian space to avoid congestion as diners, servers, and walkers moved about?  How would wheelchairs and scooters fit into the mix?  The consensus was that these questions needed to be addressed from actual experience, by getting enough residents and servers to actually simulate the process and look for possible problems.  Gini and Gary will talk to Stan about the wheelchairs, and those participants at the meeting with walker issues agreed to inform Stan, Eric, and the DSAC of this need, and to participate in tests to identify potential problems.

Discussion then moved on to issues regarding institutional support of resident needs.  The opinion was expressed that, although we are fortunate to have some very caring and supportive staff members and executives, this seems to be a matter of good fortune rather than policy or organizational structure on the part of RVM or PRS.  There was general agreement that there needed to be more reliable ways to meet resident needs such as in cases of illness, or death of a partner.  Some central and reliably available source of sympathetic information and assistance is needed to make sure that RVM is a consistently caring community. It was agreed that Gini and Gary would help form a small committee to look into existing policies and organization at other communities and to suggest how we might implement a more meaningful approach here.

Participants also brought up the need for supportive assistance in terms of integration of new residents.  Currently, newcomers are somewhat on their own and fairly isolated, not having the chance to meet people on campus as typical in pre-Covid days.  The Ambassador program seems to have temporarily died during Covid, although it is being considered again. A new online Newcomers group has been formed to help RVM newcomers meet one another during the Pandemic.  This new group, started by one of our own newly arrived residents, has already had one Zoom meeting and a second one is planned for February.  If you are interested, please contact Asifa Kanji at asifakanji@gmail.com.

What’s New for December?

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6-word novels (see examples), inspired and edited by Eleanor Lippman,
are scattered throughout this issue (read everything to find them all)

 

NEWS & VIEWS

Talking about Religion…, by Joni Johnson and 12 other RVM residents

Craft Fair Review, by Connie Kent

A COVID-19 Xmas, by Asifa Kanji

in Comments, Letters, and Notices

The Complement’s compliments

in Big, Borrowed, or Both

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

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

in In the Community

From the Foundation!

What Do You Know About Your Neighbors Part 2, by Claudia Macmillan

 

ARTS & INFO

Adventures of Ralph, by Tom Conger  

Three Poems, by Faye Isaak, Richard Finch, and Anita Sumariwalla

Three More Poems, by Ray Teplitz, Jackie Parrish, and John Reimer

Holiday Poem 2020 by Joni Johnson

in Events & Opportunities

RVM Dec-Jan Entertainment Schedule

 

PREPARE

Progress in Preparedness, by Bob Buddemeier (with Bob Walden)

in Tips, Tricks, Hacks, Hints

Black (Tape) Magic

The supposed history of the six-word novel is that Ernest Hemingway was challenged to compose something as he was sitting at a bar with friends. On a napkin, he scribbled: “For sale, baby shoes, never worn.”  –E. L.

 

I have found my calling: hermit.                          (Wes Freeman)

Justice at last!  Introversion is rewarded!            (Bob Buddemeier)

Alone finally appreciating being an introvert      (Lynda Hansen)

Multiple months inert. Possible to revert?          (Don Vermeer)

Back to Top

Delft Blue Houses

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A Collection

by Grant Koch

In the year 1952, KLM or Royal Dutch Airlines began a tradition of giving their first class,  and later, business class passengers, Delft blue ceramic replicas of famous houses from cities around the Netherlands.  As the collection grew, KLM added one house for every year the airline has been in business (plus some additional specials) and there are currrently 101 different  miniature houses.   Some of these contain Dutch gin Jenever (Genever), however certain countries don’t allow alcoholic beverages, hence the empty ones.  The pictured houses were collected by resident Yoka Koch during her many visits to the Netherlands to visit family and friends.

(interested in more information?  Check https://www.klmhouses.com/)

 

House #1 unidentified house in Amsterdam

===============================================================================

 

                    Houses # 2,#3,#4

  #2, Restaurant D’Vijff Vlieghen, Amsterdam, #3 Unidentified House Amsterdam, #4 Keizersgracht 127, Amsterdam

====================================================================================================

House  #48 was Rembrandt’s house Amsterdam built in 1606

====================================================================================================

 

            House # 75 was the KLM former headquarters in The Hague built in 1914.

 

=======================================================================

 

Group of houses from left to right:
#29  Leiden built in 1612  /  #28  Rotterdam  /  #35  Delft  built in 1631  / #26  the Hague  built in the 18th century  /   #32  Delft built in 1536

Word Play — The Sequel

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by Tom Conger

            Tom Conger

Moving on in the world of words, we offer more amusing contrivances which may or may not be in the common lexicon. For this installment we are indebted to Weird And Wonderful Words edited by Erin McKean (illustrations by the estimable Roz Chast), Oxford University Press 2003.

You may want to designate this writer as a nihilarian – a person who deals with things of no importance . . .
batie-bummil – a useless bungler (obsolete Scottish word) – (see: this writer…)

bromatology – a treatise on food, the kind of cookbook with recipes for food that is good for you, instead of food you actually want to eat. (bromo, btw, is Greek root for food)

cockagrice – “an unappetizing dish (to modern palates) made of an old cock and a pig boiled and roasted together.” Grice = old word for pig. (not sure if the recipe could be found in your kitchen bromatology…)

longicorn – “a kind of beetle with very long antennae, The word comes from Latin words meaning ‘long’ and ‘horn,’ and it is a good example of a word with a perfectly serviceable etymology that still sounds made-up.”

nippitate – obscure word meaning “good strong ale,” sometimes found with faux Latin endings such as nippitatum and nippitati—but rarely found in modern discourse (nor saloons) . . .

pishachi – “a female devil or ghost, especially one that dislikes travelers and pregnant women.” These rarely beset RVM residents, but we suspect possible connection of the latter propensity to current shelter-in-place strictures . . .

snollygoster – “a dishonest politician [possibly redundant], especially a shrewd or calculating one.* A connection has been proposed between this word and snallygaster, a mythical monster in Maryland invented to frighten freed slaves. However, the first evidence for snallygaster follows snollygoster by about a hundred years…” but thought you oughta know.
*(see exauctorate – “to depose or oust from office, to deprive of authority”—from the Latin)

woofits – “an unwell feeling, especially a headache; a moody depression; a hangover. In one citation this is called ‘that dread disease that comes from overeating and underdrinking”… possible connections with the year 2020 have not been ruled out . . .

Readers are encouraged to submit to The Complement their own weird/wonderful selections, including any which they may have made up themselves

The RPG — A Summary Description

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RESIDENTS’ PREPAREDNESS GROUP (RPG)

Reviewed and accepted by the RPG Leadership Team and associates.

Definition, goal, and mission:

The RPG is an independent organization of Rogue Valley Manor (RVM) residents.  Its goal is to protect and enhance the safety, security and welfare of RVM residents.  Its primary mission is to support and assist RVM Management in preparing for and responding to emergencies.

Primary activities and operations:

  • In an actual or anticipated emergency, RPG will work to ensure that all residents have the most up-to-date and accurate information and instructions from RVM.
  • RPG will communicate to RVM Management information about emergency-related problems or resident needs (e.g., injuries, damage, failure of procedures).
  • RPG will provide residents with information, and training if appropriate, on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters.
  • RPG will support community-building and mutual assistance activities among residents in the interests of increasing emergency preparedness and the effectiveness of responses.
  • Other activities may be undertaken by agreement or as need arises.

Organization:

Activities are carried out within a hierarchical organizational (and radio communication) structure.

  • Each tower floor, and each cottage neighborhood (typically about 10 residences), has one or more volunteer coordinators who take responsibilities for the activities listed above.
  • Tower Floor Coordinators (FCs) communicate with Building Coordinators (BCs). Neighborhoods are grouped into Areas (typically 2-4 neighborhoods) with an Area Coordinator (AC) connecting with the Neighborhood Coordinators (NCs).
  • Building and Area Coordinators are the communication link between the local coordinators (Floor and Neighborhood) and the volunteer-staffed emergency radio room, which is in turn linked to the RVM Emergency Incident Commander, and to other resources as appropriate.
  • A team of Coordinators and other volunteers provides leadership and management of RPG activities, and liaison with RVM.