★★ December Newsletter ★★
* Vespers *
I have been reflecting on the past. It’s that time of year again, and I hope you’ll bear with me.
When I was a small child, my mother occasionally went to Vespers at the church where she was raised. It was the same church where my siblings and I went to Sunday School while our mother played piano or sang in the choir. We watched our mother among her church friends and felt that this was a very warm and welcoming place to spend Sunday morning.
In retrospect, we laugh about how Sunday mornings also gave our Papa a little break, as we perceived that he was slightly inept at managing four children of a four-year age span. Sometimes, on an occasional evening, our Papa would tell us, in a pseudo whisper, “Your Momma is going to Vespers. So, let’s see if we can surprise her and have you all ready for bed when she gets home.” Then, we were happy to buy into the plan that seemed like a ‘secret’, a strategy that was reserved for special occasions. (Perhaps he was not so inept after all!)
Somewhere along the line, I equated Vespers with whispers. It made us all want to do something nice for our Momma. It was our secret way of showing her how good we could be. We would plot and plan in whispers, even when she was out of the house, beyond hearing.
Fast forward 70 years. Our Momma and Papa are gone, but I can still hear the whisper about Momma going to Vespers, and how it made us want to be good.
I had to explore, having lost all connection to our family church. I learned that the Latin word ‘vesperalis’ refers to evening and the Roman god, Hesperus, personified the evening star. Both have meaning in the common term of ‘Vespers’. Interestingly, even the early editions of the Oxford English Dictionary referred to ‘Vesperal’ in the 1623 writings of theologian, Henry Cockeram.
Vesper services have been celebrated for hundreds of years in the Catholic and Orthodox religions. The term ‘Vespers’ now refers to the evening prayer service held in Protestant denominations as well. A similar call to evening prayer is also important in other religions such as Jewish Ma’ariv or Arvit, Hindu Sandhya, or Muslim Maghrib (evening), or Isha (night). It appears to be a universal concept that is steeped in the ancient history of many cultures and religions.
While thinking about all this, I came upon the notion that perhaps we should all celebrate an evening service, a sunset service for 2024. Our meditations and prayers, silent or shared, might reflect hope for the tomorrows looming large for 2025. We don’t know what will happen. The uncertainty might be how we can frame our deepest personal ideas or concerns about the future and the lessons learned from the past. A prayer service, by any name, could give us communal strength and offer a quiet way to say goodbye to 2024 while we anticipate the value of friends, family, and community for the coming weeks, months, and years.
Plan a goodbye party for 2024, a special contemplative service. Consider it an homage to a year that was unlike any in our memory. Think about ways to heal the rift that was rendered by vitriol and untruths. Find your Evening Star and take time to quietly ponder the ways we can make a beautiful life under that star. Peace, love, hope, charity, compassion, collaboration, generosity, and a welcoming spirit are all qualities that build strong communities. So, take a little time in the evenings to contemplate the goodness in your community, Village, family, and friends.
Whisper thoughts that will make us all want to be our best selves.
So, with whispers and wishes, I am sending all good thoughts your way for an inspiring and hopeful look forward, to 2025.
Enjoy the beauty of the holiday season.
~ Nancy Doty[email protected]
* Your Gift this Holiday Season Supports Villagers Aging at Home *
After she was widowed, Ellen moved back to Portland to be closer to her family. She was the very first member of our first Portland area Village and proudly remains a very active member. “The more actively I participate, the more I get out of my membership,” she says.
“The genius of the Village is we can contribute according to our abilities and receive from it according to our needs. These days I like to think of myself as the Village Cheerleader.” Cheer on, Ellen!
Our senior population is growing. In just 5 years, 20% of the population will be over 65, and 80% of us want to age in place. Your donation to Villages NW or your favorite Village will help elders like Ellen realize their wish to remain in their chosen homes and communities.
It’s easy to donate online. If you want to designate your gift to a specific Village enter the Village’s name in the Comment box. We also accept checks. Make your check out to “Villages NW” or “Villages NW f.b.o. and mail it to Villages NW, PO Box 33642, Portland OR 97292.
If you need to take a required minimum distribution from your IRA before the end of the year, you can reduce the taxable portion of your distribution by having your financial advisor send your contribution directly to “Villages NW” or “Villages NW f.b.o. ”, PO Box 33642, Portland OR 97292. For information on how to make this type of gift, contact [email protected] or call 503-515-1948.
* Online Quilt Auction *
Sunday, December 1 – Friday, December 13. Hosted by UpRiver Village
Six beautiful handmade quilts will be auctioned online starting December 1. The auction will conclude at UpRiver Village’s holiday gathering on December 13 at 1:45 pm. Bids will start at $40 and subsequent bidding will be in increments of $5. For more information about the auction, go to https://www.uprivervillage.org/main.tpl?menu=auction.
* Get to Know Our Villages! *
Join Eastside Village virtually to discuss EV volunteering and membership on Saturday, December 14 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. They will outline what they have been up to historically. Registration is recommended.
An informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Please join us online on Saturday, December 14 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. Register on the website or contact the office for the Zoom link.
RiverWest Village invites anyone interested in aging better and learning more about how to become involved either as a member or volunteer to have a one-on-one conversation with a RiverWest volunteer. Call their office and request an Introductory Chat (503-495-4934 to leave a message), or email [email protected]. You will be connected with a volunteer from their Outreach Team. Include your name, phone number, and email address in your message and RWV will be in touch with you soon.
UpRiver Village serves the communities of Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village. Join UpRiver Village at its Monthly Pizza Get Together on Monday, December 16 at 12:00 pm at Flying Pie Pizzeria, 1600 NW Fairview Dr, Gresham.
★★ November Newsletter ★★
* Getting in the Game *
It was a rainy afternoon, and it was daunting to think of going out again just as darkness was settling in and the roads would be wet and reflective. I had an RSVP to honor, and it seemed the better part of valor to just go for it! So, I got in my car and drove to a local pub where there was to be a meeting of representatives from several senior-oriented programs and agencies, hosted by the nonprofit Housecall Providers. The rationale for bringing us together was to explore how several nonprofits might work together to find more meaningful ways to achieve our similar goals. Why and how were the questions that arose from participants.
Our facilitator, Bruce, from Housecall Providers, gave us an analogy that initially seemed a little far-fetched. Said Bruce: it is far more fun to bowl as a team than to bowl alone.
We in the audience almost got lost… what does this have to do with AARP or H.O.P.E.? Friendly House was there along with Store to Door, Care Oregon, Ride Connection, and Villages NW.
We were not in a bowling alley! Why were we discussing bowling alone or on a team? The concepts began to sink in. With the energetic interchange, ideas became more and more relevant.
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To have the bowling experience, you rely upon the maintenance workers who keep the pin setting equipment and ball returns in working order. They make the hardwood lanes gleam despite hard use. Helpers at the counter hand out shoes and balls. Others make sure there are enough shoes and balls in good condition. Someone accounts for the fees paid, supplies ordered, and the outstanding bills are paid. Who communicates with the team? Who coordinates the league? Who schedules and reserves the Bowling Alley?
Well, there it was then, the gist of our presence: the game is one of providing connections with our Village members and volunteers, the bowlers. Other organizations’ collective members (clients) are the bowling league. The Bowling Alley is constructed by our nonprofit counterparts, helping our members with community-building, activities, and services.
There may be additional incentives to work together and share resources in these days of reduced tax benefits to charitable giving. We are in the business of community-building and providing support to our clients that will allow them to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. As a part of our broad community, there are other entities whose ultimate goal may emulate ours.
Might our organizations form a cohesive alliance through Mission principles, values, and goals? Will it behoove us to get better acquainted, thereby increasing our confidence in one another’s systems, programs, services, and activities? Shared referrals? Untapped city/county/state/federal funds?
Let’s explore the potential! Let’s see if other organizations, agencies, associations, and entities match our goal of building strong communities that support our neighbors and shore up the efforts of family and friends. Can we work together to ensure Villagers’ independence as long as possible in their chosen home setting?
Perhaps, with new alliances and collaboration, we will build the strongest community—the best bowling alley ever! Many thanks to Bruce at Housecall Providers for inviting us to join the Bowling League.
~ Nancy Doty[email protected]
* Exciting News from Listen, Lunch & Learn *
On October 24th, the Listen, Lunch & Learn team presented a wonderful workshop, Situational Leadership.
Every Village had at least one representative!
It was helpful and more fun to have all the Villages participate in learning about leadership styles and how to engage, motivate, and have confidence in the many Village volunteers who give so much of themselves in their time with their Village. In the implementation of some new approaches to leadership, in the process of confidence-building, skill-building, and a sense of contributing to Village viability, there will be greater sustainability.
Ask your Village leaders for information about the ways in which you can be part of the larger base of Villagers who appreciate the role of shared leadership in making Villages as dynamic and meaningful as they can be.
Remember, it takes a Village.
* Aging with Grace:
Conscious Living, Conscious Dying *
Southminster Presbyterian Church
12250 SW Denney Rd, Beaverton
Saturday, November 9
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hosted by Viva Village
RSVP: vivavillage.org, [email protected], or 503-746-5082. Fee: $10/person or $15/two people. Fee assistance is available. Viva Village members and volunteers: no cost. Join us if you were planning to attend Viva Village 101, which will not be in session for this month.
* Get to Know Our Villages! *
Join Eastside Village virtually to discuss EV volunteering and membership on Saturday, November 9 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. They will outline what they have been up to historically. Registration is recommended.
Viva Village’s Online 101 has no session for November. Join them for Aging with Grace.
RiverWest Village invites anyone interested in aging better and learning more about how to become involved either as a member or volunteer to have a one-on-one conversation with a RiverWest volunteer. Call their office and request an Introductory Chat (503-495-4934 to leave a message), or email [email protected]. You will be connected with a volunteer from their Outreach Team. Include your name, phone number, and email address in your message and RWV will be in touch with you soon.
Join Sunnyside East Village’s monthly Coffee Break event on Friday, November 8 at 9:30 am in the New Seasons Market café area, located at 15861 SE Happy Valley Town Center Drive, Happy Valley, Oregon. Social connections are critical to living a healthy lifestyle and the coffee break offers an opportunity to connect with others who are interested in the Village Movement. You will also get updates on Sunnyside East Village’s progress. Gather for coffee break in the New Seasons Market café area, just inside the store. Mark your calendar for the third Thursday of each month for coffee break.
UpRiver Village serves the communities of Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village. Join UpRiver Village at its Monthly Pizza Get Together on Monday, November 18 at 12:00 pm at Flying Pie Pizzeria, 1600 NW Fairview Dr, Gresham.
★★ October Newsletter ★★
* Hello from the Garden *
Just a few notes from the garden as we contemplate the coming of autumn. It is undeniable — shorter days with slanted sunlight, cooler nights, leaves beginning to turn golden and falling with the puff of a breeze, windfall apples, glistening blackberries, and restless birds, ducks, and geese getting ready to fly south.
In the garden, a few roses will continue to show their resilience and stamina until the first hard frost. They are waning in both quantity and quality. Those that remain still have a lovely fragrance, in a bouquet they provide an aromatic backdrop in the kitchen. Jude the Obscure, Flutterby (a mutabilis), and Claire Matin are holding their own.
Happy Child, by the driveway, reminds me of a happy child with mussy hair (vigorous foliage) but missing front teeth (no current buds)! Too bad, because the purple asters in the same pot would look even more beautiful woven into Happy Child’s soft yellow blossoms.
Several roses, some of which are sadly unnamed, have been loyal, steadfast bastions of color and fragrance all summer long. To live here, a rose must be beautiful, a repeat or continuous bloomer, disease resistant, and fragrant.
This week, I’m reminding myself that it’s only five or six months until the spring bulbs are in full bloom! After that, the azaleas, rhododendrons, spring-blooming camellias, and roses will follow, along with peonies, fuchsias, alliums, and gladiolas.
Meanwhile, as we anticipate the return of the growing and flowering season, the deciduous leaves will fall, revealing the garden’s structure and underpinnings. There will be plenty to do, and my climbing Cecille Brunner is quite the mess — I can’t wait to get my clippers in there! The clematis, jasmine, and honeysuckle will need attention too.
Then there are hedges and other shrubbery. Spent lavender looks shaggy, so a haircut and saved flower heads will be satisfying. Although the sarcococca is a little out of control beside the back walkway, I will wait on that because it is looking like it will bloom heavily when the bleakest days settle around us. The little white feathery blossoms pack an aromatic, welcome-in-winter punch, fleetingly enjoyed on our way to the kitchen compost bin. You must find joy in unexpected places! Edgeworthia and daphne mezereum will produce winter blossoms before their leaves come back. Early blooming forsythia and hazel blossoms will make hungry hummingbirds happy.
Dahlias, mums, echinacea, black-eyed Susans, asters, agastache/hyssop, salvia, penstemon, and daisies prevail — for now. Had I been more diligent with deadheading, the geum and globe thistles would still be blooming. Marigolds continue to thrive boldly, and the petunias stay cheerful and fragrant.
Speaking of fragrant, the honeysuckle is producing a second flush of heavenly blossoms and their aroma in the morning is delightful. Also, speaking of a second flush, pink azaleas are a surprise in the lower garden.
The asparagus has turned to airy ferns on very tall stems, the giant rhubarb leaves are beginning to turn yellow and droop. The tomatoes are smaller than a month ago. A few struggling strawberries linger, the blueberries are done, but evergreen huckleberries soldier on. The remaining walnuts and acorns have been gleaned by crows and squirrels.
That’s part of the greatness of a garden: it reminds us of cyclical time, time measured through the recurrent seasons rather than linear time marked by personal milestones. Garden glory always comes around again! In winter, gardeners’ catalogs come out and flowery dreams envelope waking hours in anticipation of the next growing season.
There is always so much to see and do in the garden. I’m grateful for the good health and strength to manage it and for each day in this microcosm that reminds me of the vast, beautiful world. The hummingbirds, cedar waxwings, finches, three kinds of woodpeckers, ground feeders, pesky rabbits and squirrels, and a few creepy-crawlers complete our little ecosystem. No garter snakes this year, and where are the crickets? Still, I’ll continue tending my small corner of the world, believing that every little bit helps. With that belief, I can smile as I work with my hands in the soil, brush spiderwebs out of my hair, or shoo squirrels away from freshly planted bulbs. I also smile when I imagine a new vignette for a neglected corner of the garden.
But I want to know what makes you smile? Will you call a friend and share what gladdens your heart? For no reason at all, might you send a ‘thinking of you’ card or pick a bouquet of seedheads and grasses to deliver to the front porch? Add a few found feathers — that would also be nice. Golden leaves? Acorns, walnuts, chestnuts? Windfall apples baked into a treat? Share a timely poem? Share a link to a music video you enjoyed?
What fills your heart and soul with joy and optimism? Where do you find beauty? Music? Art? Literature? Dance? Comfort food? Can you bring light to someone whose days feel dark? How do you balance ugly rhetoric and political upheaval with something more personally enriching?
Lifting the spirits of someone else will help lift your own!
Tell me the story of how you have brightened the day. Your story is part of the rich fabric of our Villages and our larger community. I’d love to hear from you!
~ Nancy Doty [email protected]
* Senate Bill 99 and the Recent Survey of the LGBTQIA2S+ Community *
Gerontologist Dr. Jeff Houghtaling, a Villages NW board member and a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, is extending his invaluable support to Village members who need or want to discuss resources to age in place or alternative housing options that promote the well-being of LGBTQIA2S+ Oregon residents. His expertise and dedication bring reassurance and hope to those in need. Jeff can be reached at [email protected].
Oregon has achieved a significant milestone with the passage of Senate Bill 99. This groundbreaking legislation prohibits certain long-term care facilities from taking discriminatory actions based on residents’ sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status. It’s a crucial step towards ensuring the rights and dignity of all residents.
A survey of Oregon residents who identified as LGBTQIA2S+ and 55 or older was completed in September 2021. The insights from this survey, where 1,402 participants shared their experiences with healthcare and housing, are crucial in understanding the challenges faced and the areas that need improvement.
As a result, Senate Bill 99 creates a Resident Bill of Rights for LGBTQIA2S+ older adults living in community-based or nursing facilities, mandated Facility Staff Training, established a standing Commission on LGBTQIA2S+ Older Adults to advise the Governor, ODHS/APD, and other state agencies. For more details on the Bill, visit this website.
The survey results revealed that more than 50% have service needs that are not met. The most common challenges they experience in accessing services include:
- Services experienced or perceived as not being LGBTQ+ inclusive
- Difficulty in applying or fear of not meeting qualifications
- High costs
- Lack of availability and difficulty locating and accessing services
- 24% of LGBTQ+ older adult participants have experienced elder abuse in the past year.
76% did not report the experience to the authorities. The most common barrier to reporting abuse is the distrust of authorities’ fair treatment of LGBTQ+ people (26%). Feeling ashamed because of the experience (20%). A lack of knowledge on how to report (16%) – Fear of having to disclose their identity (16%)
Nearly 60% of participants experienced discrimination within the last year. Most respondents experienced discrimination due to the perception of the following: Sexual orientation or gender identity or expression (56%), age (42%), and gender (30%). Risks of discrimination are notably high among people of color. 21% of participants do not disclose their sexual or gender identity to healthcare, aging, or other service providers.
* Aging with Grace: Conscious Living, Conscious Dying *
Southminster Presbyterian Church
12250 SW Denney Rd, Beaverton
Saturday, November 9
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hosted by Viva Village
RSVP: Visit vivavillage.org website, [email protected], or call 503-746-5082. Fee: $10/person or $15/two people. Fee assistance available. Viva Village members and volunteers: no cost.
* Tabling Event *
Wood Village Pumpkin Fest
Donald L. Robertson City Park
24300 NE Halsey St, Wood Village
Saturday, October 26
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Stop by UpRiver Village’s table!
* Get to Know Our Villages! *
Anyone who is interested in learning more about our Villages is invited to attend the informational events below.
Join Eastside Village virtually to discuss EV volunteering and membership on Saturday, October 12 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. They will outline what they have been up to historically. Registration is recommended.
An informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Please join us online on Saturday, October 12 from 10 am – 11:30 am. Register on the website or contact the office for the Zoom link.
RiverWest Village invites anyone interested in aging better and learning more about how to become involved either as a member or volunteer to have a one-on-one conversation with a RiverWest volunteer. Call their office and request an Introductory Chat (503-495-4934 to leave a message), or email [email protected]. You will be connected with a volunteer from their Outreach Team. Include your name, phone number, and email address in your message and RWV will be in touch with you soon.
Join Sunnyside East Village’s monthly Coffee Break event on Friday, October 4 at 9:30 am in the New Seasons Market café area, located at 15861 SE Happy Valley Town Center Drive, Happy Valley, Oregon. Social connections are critical to living a healthy lifestyle and the coffee break offers an opportunity to connect with others who are interested in the Village Movement. You will also get updates on Sunnyside East Village’s progress. Gather for coffee break in the New Seasons Market café area, just inside the store. Mark your calendar for the third Thursday of each month for coffee break.
UpRiver Village is currently in the development stage to serve the communities of Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village. Join UpRiver Village at its Monthly Pizza Get Together on Monday, October 21 at 12:00 pm at Flying Pie Pizzeria, 1600 NW Fairview Dr, Gresham.
★★ September 2024 Newsletter ★★
* Tomato as Talisman *
This is the time of year when we enjoy the bounty of a summer garden, ripe, lush, nutritional, and beautiful. The tomato stands out with colors that range from glowing yellow through every shade of glorious red, into surprising and elegant purple.
Tomatoes are a symbol of late summer and emerging autumn. They are jam-packed with antioxidants to reduce inflammation and enhance blood flow. Their carotenoids bolster general health and protect from some diseases. There is some evidence that they may help prevent sunburn. They are a significant source of lycopene for heart health. Surprisingly, processed tomatoes such as tomato juice, tomato paste, and even ketchup are higher in lycopene than fresh tomatoes.
Botanically, tomatoes are fruit — their development from a flower, their type of skin, and the presence of their seeds all lead to the strict identity of a fruit. How we enjoy them is more in keeping with vegetable status.
Fruit or vegetable, they’re also a symbol of hope!
In the words of Portland’s own Pink Martini band (lyrics and music by Thomas Lauderdale, China Forbes, and Patrick Abbey): “You gotta’ hold on, hold on through the night/ Hang on, things will be all right/ Even when it’s dark/ And not a bit of sparkling/ Sing-song sunshine from above/ Spreading rays of sunny love—Just hang on, hang on to the vine/ Stay on and soon you’ll be divine/ If you start to cry, look up to the sky/ Something’s coming up ahead / To turn your tears into dew instead. And so I hold on to this advice/ When change is hard or not so nice/ If you listen to your heart the whole night through/ Your sunny someday will come one day soon to you.”
Watch and listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiaBbzLJteY&list=RDkiaBbzLJteY&start_radio=1&rv=kiaBbzLJteY&t=0
Check it out and sing along— see if you find happiness and hope in the song. Let the simple tomato be your talisman of good things to come!
~ Nancy Doty
* Tabling Events *
The Standard Volunteer Expo
Pioneer Courthouse Square
701 SW 6th Avenue, Portland
Thursday, September 5, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Stop by the Villages NW and UpRiver Village booths at The Standard Volunteer Expo. The Standard Volunteer Expo brings nonprofits together in one place, helping Oregonians discover service and donation opportunities that fit their skills and interests.
Participating organizations represent a wide variety of focus areas including arts, culture, humanities, the environment, animal welfare, health, human services and more. Whether you’re looking for a one-time volunteer opportunity or a longer-term commitment, the Volunteer Expo is a great way to connect with nonprofits and start making a difference.
Village at the Falls at Oregon City Farmers Market
Clackamas Community College
19600 Molalla Ave, Oregon City
Saturday, September 14, 9:00 am
. . – and –
Saturday, September 28, 9:00 am
Viva Village at the Elsie Stuhr Health and Wellness Resource Fair
Elsie Stuhr Center
5550 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton
Saturday, September 28, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Stop by the Viva Village table to say “hello,” then peruse the many other resources available in the community.
* Get to Know Our Villages! *
Anyone who is interested in learning more about our Villages is invited to attend the informational events below.
Join Eastside Village virtually to discuss EV volunteering and membership on Saturday, September 14 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. They will outline what they have been up to historically. Registration is recommended.
An informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Please join us online on Saturday, September 14 from 10 am – 11:30 am. Register on the website or contact the office for the Zoom link.
RiverWest Village invites anyone interested in aging better and learning more about how to become involved either as a member or volunteer to have a one-on-one conversation with a RiverWest volunteer. Call their office and request an Introductory Chat (503-495-4934 to leave a message), or email [email protected]. You will be connected with a volunteer from their Outreach Team. Include your name, phone number, and email address in your message and RWV will be in touch with you soon.
Join Sunnyside East Village’s monthly Coffee Break event on Friday, September 6 at 9:30 am in the New Seasons Market café area, which is located at 15861 SE Happy Valley Town Center Drive, Happy Valley, Oregon. Social connections are critical to living a healthy lifestyle and the coffee break offers an opportunity to connect with others who are interested in the Village Movement. You will also get updates on Sunnyside East Village’s progress. Gather for coffee break in the New Seasons Market café area, just inside the store. Mark your calendar for the third Thursday of each month for coffee break.
UpRiver Village is currently in the development stage to serve the communities of Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village. Join UpRiver Village and Villages NW at The Standard Volunteer Expo on Thursday, September 5 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, Oregon.
★★ August 2024 Newsletter ★★
* Envisioning My Future: Housing Options *
On July 25, Villages NW hosted an event at the Multnomah Arts Center — “Envisioning My Future: Housing Options”. The two-part presentation led to a morning of exciting opportunities to learn more about resources to support staying home, and an eye-opening afternoon session that addressed many aspects of transitioning.
As described by one of our panelists, we’re all on the same train, ultimately bound for the same destination. The journey along the way may reveal new terrain, or new ways of viewing old, familiar terrain as we move on. The journey may be short or long and the more we plan, the more we organize the journey, the more pleasant it may be!
“Failing to plan may be planning to fail”
The panelists and exhibitors shared their knowledge and expertise in areas of in-home medical care, home modifications and repairs, home safety, organizing and decluttering, placement advice, home share program, and community support. Information touched on many different aspects of housing, addressing both low-income and private pay scenarios. It was an excellent line-up.
Several worker bees gave their time to develop the programming, organize food and beverages, secure the panelists, set up the tables and chairs (and stow them away again), and offer support to the entire event. We cannot thank them enough for all that they did.
Photo credits: Cori Traylor / Cascadia Health
Around 120 participants attended the event, a very encouraging number that has inspired us to continue to plan for future events. For all who attended, we want to say THANK YOU, for making the day a success.
This event was a grand demonstration of how many hands make light work. It was also a collaborative effort, with several Villages represented on the planning committee. Those of us who actively planned and presented the event are buoyed by the participants who invested their time and attention, and who have stated a thirst for more events like it.
We’re grateful for the valuable feedback that was offered in the post-event survey. We are working on the constructive criticism, following up on questions regarding housing, and reviewing ideas for future events.
We’re going to continue to meet, brainstorm, plan, engage, and create more programs of shared interest for Village-wide benefit. We invite you to join the planning team! It was fun, educational, creative, and very satisfying to see to fruition a program that was reportedly meaningful to so many Villagers.
Last week we were given the opportunity to meet many of your needs in the arena of housing options. Now, stay tuned for the next exciting program in the Fall (details TBD).
To those who gave us contact information for help with future events: rest assured that we are looking forward to speaking with you about your interests and availability.
Thank you again!
~ Nancy Doty
* Tabling Events *
UpRiver Village at Troutdale Music at the Market
Mayor’s Square
114 # Historic Columbia River Hwy
Tuesday, August 6, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Village at the Falls @ Oregon City Farmers Market
Clackamas Community College Green Lot #1
Near Corner of Beavercreek Road and Clairmont Dr, Oregon City
Saturday, August 10, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
RiverWest Village at Multnomah Days
Multnomah Village
SW Capitol Highway, Portland
Saturday, August 17, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Eastside Village at Woodstock Farmers Market
Key Bank Parking Lot
4600 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland
Sunday, August 18, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Village at the Falls at Oregon City Farmers Market
Clackamas Community College Green Lot #1
Near Corner of Beavercreek Road and Clairmont Dr, Oregon City
Saturday, August 24, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
UpRiver Village at Fairview Sunday Market
Fairview Food Plaza
22320 NE Halsey St.
Sunday, August 18, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
– and –
Sunday, August 25, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
* Get to Know Our Villages! *
Anyone who is interested in learning more about our Villages is invited to attend the informational events below.
Join Eastside Village virtually to discuss EV volunteering and membership on Saturday, August 10 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. They will outline what they have been up to historically. Registration is recommended.
An informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Please join us online on Saturday, August 10 from 10 am – 11:30 am. Register on the website or contact the office for the Zoom link.
RiverWest Village invites anyone interested in aging better and learning more about how to become involved either as a member or volunteer to have a one-on-one conversation with a RiverWest volunteer. Call their office and request an Introductory Chat (503-495-4934 to leave a message), or email [email protected]. You will be connected with a volunteer from their Outreach Team. Include your name, phone number, and email address in your message and RWV will be in touch with you soon.
Join Sunnyside East Village’s monthly Coffee Break event on Friday, August 2 at 9:30 am in the New Seasons Market café area, which is located at 15861 SE Happy Valley Town Center Drive, Happy Valley, Oregon. Social connections are critical to living a healthy lifestyle and the coffee break offers an opportunity to connect with others who are interested in the Village Movement. You will also get updates on Sunnyside East Village’s progress. Gather for coffee break in the New Seasons Market café area, just inside the store. Mark your calendar for the third Thursday of each month for coffee break.
UpRiver Village is currently in the development stage to serve the communities of Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village. Join UpRiver Village on Tuesday, August 6 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Mayor’s Square, 114 E Historic Columbia River Hwy. On Sundays, August 18 and 25 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm they will be at the Fairview Food Plaza, 22320 NE Halsey St.
★★ July 2024 Newsletter ★★
* The Garden of Friendships *
We were expecting guests; the recent home improvements were laid to rest and the sprucing up felt pretty much under control. Time to get outside and do a little inventory of tasks that were slightly neglected due to the concentration of projects indoors. Thus, walking around in the garden, looking at things as I thought others would see them, the beauty of chaos was revealed!
I garden in small pieces that I call my vignettes. There is too much to do to get it all done at any one time. Small parcels are tackled, and the overall garden comes to fruition in patchwork pieces. There’s the pollinator garden, the rose terrace, the blueberry patch, the street-side terrace, and the lower terrace. There is the top of the rockery, the rhododendron rockery, and the dahlia garden. All small pieces, all doable in bursts of time as allowed by other interests and commitments.
Our guests arrived. Eventually, we walked the garden together and I looked at it through the eyes of others: the rich, attractive colors in the pollinator garden, a huge salvia, fading weigela, monarda, lilies, asclepias and a stunning red & purple fuchsia. In the blueberry patch, the soft, grey-green leaves are punctuated by emerging deep blue berries with a dusting of silver that may be fairy dust.
On the dedicated rose terrace, Jude the Obscure holds court with globes of buff-colored blossoms that are most fragrant roses in the whole garden. At our house, roses also must be able to mingle with other plants, demonstrated by yellow Happy Child with purple asters, Jacqueline du Pre thrives with burgundy clematis, and Clair Matin is lovely with white and pink lilies. Black Gold seems to be happy with canterbury bells and penstemon that have replaced the early-blooming columbine.
Coral bells line the walkway. Sunset ferns provide subtle backdrop to hostas and late epimediums. The climbing rose, Cecile Brunner is on the wane, but a pale purple clematis clambers up the other side of the archway. The beautiful and fragrant star jasmine has recovered nicely after being hit hard by winter weather. Mexican feather grass and Agastache sway in the breeze. Petunias fall off the edge of the street-side terrace. Echinacea and daisies are a cheerful bee buffet. The structural and year-round understudies like dwarf blue holly, heathers, and kinnikinnick wait patiently for their roles to be resurrected when the Summer Glories are fading.
As I strolled the summer garden with guests and listened to their comments, I pulled a thistle, saw a blackberry threading its way through the roses, noted that there is some more dead-heading to be done, saw new leaves finally coming back to a winter damaged camellia. Most of all, I saw (despite benign neglect) that there is beauty in letting the garden go feral for a short time. Yes, weeds, pruning, and dead-heading to be done. But the pleasure of a garden is not necessarily dependent upon all day, everyday effort to turn it into a park-like setting.
Being with our guests, it occurred to me that friendships are much the same. True friends may pass through our lives at intervals. Perhaps they are not physically beside us every day. But spiritually and emotionally, we know they are there, they will re-emerge. We know they mix and mingle with other aspects of their own lives as well as ours. They may be the colorful standouts in our garden of friends. They may be the subtle backdrop that offers others the opportunity to be noticed. Perhaps we have friends that are loud and boisterous, like a wildly colored begonia in the middle of a shade garden.
Regardless of the time we spend in their presence, our friends are part of the ‘vignette’ gardening of our lives. They are tended and cultivated to a degree that allows their presence to thrive in our company. They are cherished as important elements in our daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly activities and celebrations.
So pull a few weeds, grab the thistle, cut out the blackberry. Make more room for friends who enhance your days with their presence—even when not physically beside you. You know they’re there. Be there for them.
~ Nancy Doty
* PBS NewsHour Features Village Movement *
In case you missed it: PBS Newshour recently did a story that includes information about Villages. The Village content starts at around the 4:40 mark, https://youtu.be/rSfciNzN0k4.
* New Villages NW Board Member: Jeff Houghtaling *
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Since the early 1990s, Jeff Houghtaling has advocated for successful aging, instructing fitness classes for older adults while managing large fitness clubs throughout the Portland Metro Area. His interest evolved into pursuing a PhD in Gerontology, and he has developed significant research on older adults experiencing social connection with technology. He specializes in aging in place, from home modifications to discovering alternative living spaces. Jeff has been a volunteer with NorthStar Village for over two years. |
* Tabling Events *
Sunnyside East Village @ Happy Valley 4th of July Family Festival
Happy Valley Park
13770 SE Ridgecrest Rd, Happy Valley
Thursday, July 4, 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Village at the Falls @ Oregon City Farmers Market
Clackamas Community College Green Lot #1
Near Corner of Beavercreek Road and Clairmont Dr, Oregon City
Saturday, July 13, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
and on
Saturday, July 27, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
* Get to Know Our Villages! *
Anyone who is interested in learning more about our Villages is invited to attend the informational events below.
Join your Eastside Village hosts virtually to discuss EV volunteering and membership on Saturday, July 13 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. They will outline what they have been up to historically. Registration is recommended.
An informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Please join us online on Saturday, July 13 from 10 am – 11:30 am. Register on the website or contact the office for the Zoom link.
RiverWest Village invites anyone interested in aging better and learning more about how to become involved either as a member or volunteer to have a one-on-one conversation with a RiverWest volunteer. Call their office and request an Introductory Chat (503-495-4934 to leave a message), or email [email protected]. You will be connected with a volunteer from their Outreach Team. Include your name, phone number, and email address in your message and RWV will be in touch with you soon.
Join Sunnyside East Village’s monthly Coffee Break event on Friday, July 5 at 9:30 am in the New Seasons Market café area, which is located at 15861 SE Happy Valley Town Center Drive, Happy Valley, Oregon. Social connections are critical to living a healthy lifestyle and the coffee break offers an opportunity to connect with others who are interested in the Village Movement. You will also get updates on Sunnyside East Village’s progress. Gather for coffee break in the New Seasons Market café area, just inside the store. Mark your calendar for the third Thursday of each month for coffee break.
UpRiver Village is currently in the development stage to serve the communities of Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village. Join UpRiver Village volunteers for a Happy Hour on Monday, July 24 at 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm in the Troutdale Station, 151 SW 257th Drive, Troutdale. Volunteers will have conversations, camaraderie, and an update on their progress and how you can get involved.