★★ December 2023 Newsletter ★★
* Hiraeth *
Discovering this word, hiraeth, has brought so much to mind. It is especially meaningful around holiday time when reminiscence plays a large role in our gatherings and celebrations.
“Hiraeth [heer’ eyth] a complex combination of emotions sparked by the bond between our heritage, traditions, land, and community.” This is a Welsh word that captures many nuances of the human soul. More than nostalgia, it is akin to a combination of emotion, reminiscence, daydreaming, and homesickness. It connects us to memories that begin in childhood and carries on through a mature desire to reconnect with our roots. It is a deep, nostalgic longing for a time, place, and persons no longer accessible.
In Wales this word can evoke wistfulness, yearning for connections, daydreaming, and deep longing. It is a recurrent theme in storytelling, folklore, poetry, and music. Perhaps it is an element in our holiday celebrations that is not fully understood yet is probably present more than we acknowledge or that we can articulate.
We all hope that the holidays are a time of good cheer and happiness. The twinkling lights, music, thoughtful gifts, and gatherings that include traditional foods, ceremonies, and celebrations. Think of all the seasonal celebrations that you’ve anticipated and enjoyed over the years. Remember the people that have made the days special. Who has made ‘seasons greetings’ a happy day when that special card, letter, or email comes through? Where does your memory take you when you go back into the years when family was intact or dear friends were close?
This is the time of year when we put our best foot forward, a smile on our face, and a lift in the voice that suggests excitement. For some who are very fortunate, the memory of many happy years of remembrances will be a warm and soothing balm, even when those days are gone forever.
Ask your friends and family to tell you the story of “Once upon a time, many holiday seasons ago…”, and find joy in their joy. Help them find solace in the wistful memories that may reveal more wishes than reality offered up.
Believe in the Welsh ‘hiraeth’, the German ‘Sehnsucht’, the Scottish/Gaelic ‘cinales’ and English ‘yearning’. Make the table more festive. Bring more harmony to the music. Make gifts come from the heart. Make the dark days brighter. Give of yourself and you will become part of the soothing effect of hiraeth, a part of the deep, warm nuances of the soul that connect you with your loved ones, family, or friends, and memories that connect you to the past or help guide the future.
Think about how hiraeth may be incorporated into the values espoused by Villages—the sense of community, connection to our roots, daydreaming, and yearning—all so vitally important as we face older age and have a deep desire to stay ‘home’, connected to what we know and love.
Wishing you and yours a very happy and meaningful holiday season. The smile on your face, light in your eyes, and music in your heart will go a long way toward providing happiness and good memories, and the expanded concept of hiraeth.
~ Nancy Doty
* 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, December 9 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. We will outline what we have been up to historically. Registration is recommended.
Viva Village will host an Online Viva Village 101 on Saturday, December 9, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. This is an informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Register on the Website or contact the office for the Zoom link – by phone: 503-746-5082 or by email: vivavillageor@gmail.com.
From North Star Village member Anjala Ehelebe: You’re invited to our Village 101, an introduction to villages in general and North Star Village in particular. I lead a Village 101 on the third Thursday of each month. This month’s 101 will be held on Thursday, December 21 at 3:13 pm. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or member, or have friends who’d be interested, join me for a fast and informative overview of our village. We’ll meet at Good Neighbor Pizzeria, located at 800 NE Dekum St., 97211. It is fully accessible, with seats available in the well-ventilated interior or at comfortable tables outdoors. Call North Star Village at 503-793-8518 to ask questions and to let us know you’ll be there. See our website for more information: https://northstarvillage.clubexpress.com/.
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 (503-495-4934) and request an Introductory Chat, or email info@riverwestvillage.org. 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!
★★ November 2023 Newsletter ★★
* Thoughts From a Noteworthy Event *
On October 2nd, we gathered for our second Listen, Lunch & Learn event: Viable, Sustainable, and Thriving Villages. The event was well attended with just over 40 participants who gave the day rave reviews. We offer many kudos to the organizers, Lee Lancaster, Grace Merchant, and David Taylor. Thanks to John Chapman and Beth Sale from Villages Clark County who arranged the superb venue at First Presbyterian Church in Vancouver.
The panelists were also the actors who provided entertainment and education with their skit about the many layers of Villages. Lee Lancaster (ESV), Suanne Jackson (WLLO) who graciously gave her time and photocopying skills, Carol Cookson (REV), Mary Shepherd (NSV), and Jin Darney (Board Chair + ESV) each represented strata from Village to Affinity Group, from Governing Councils, the COR and to the Board. We also learned about ad hoc work groups, and a disappearing task force that keeps reappearing as they play vital roles in the decision-making process that assures all relevant parties are engaged when policies and procedures are developed.
Based upon a review of the comments submitted after the Listen, Lunch & Learn event, it was declared a highly successful day. Many ideas were also promoted for next time (tentatively set for late February). As we ponder where we’re going we are well advised to remember where we’ve been. There have been some ups and downs, some growth and some setbacks, some times of gathering and times of COVID isolation. One Village has left the family, and another has emerged.
We turn our recognition to Lyn Trainer, our Managing Director, who has been our beacon of light as we have negotiated many milestones.
From a young age, Lyn has spent her career years—both professionally and in volunteer roles—in nonprofit service to others, raising funds, actively developing programs, and offering her growing knowledge and expertise to many outstanding organizations. Lyn has been involved with the volunteer services office at OHSU and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation. She was active in fundraising for the new hospital that opened in 1998. She was an active volunteer for the Kiwanis Doernbecher Children’s Cancer Program and Friends of Doernbecher. She has been on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Chapter of the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation.
Some time ago, personal experience led Lyn to search for solutions to a perceived problem. She wanted to be more proactive in helping a family member whose health and mobility issues were affecting their independence. Lyn discovered Villages NW as a potential network to support older persons’ autonomy—VNW became another worthy cause.
We see that Lyn may have retired from her previous career, but she has never really retired her knowledge, experience, and associations that have been invaluable in her role as the Managing Director of Villages NW. When we speak of Viability, Sustainability, and Thriving Villages, we think of many, many volunteers and members who have invested in the concept of Villages. We appreciate the ‘can do’ attitude and effort of the many.
We think of Lyn Trainer for the countless hours she has given and continues to give. We thank her for her vision, organizational skills, and calm approach to our challenges. Lyn, our Guiding Star—sometimes through the wilderness, sometimes through the quagmire, in sunny days and dark ones, uphill and down, always there to light the way forward.
We honor the indispensable efforts of the volunteers who stand ready to serve the Mission of Villages NW in the 10 Villages throughout the Portland Metro area and in Manzanita.
Viable, Sustainable, and Thriving, indeed!
THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL!
~ Nancy Doty
* Aging with Grace: Embracing Our New Normals *
Aging With Grace Embracing Our New Normals
Southminster Presbyterian Church
12250 SW Denney Road, Beaverton
Saturday, November 11, 1:00 pm – 4:00pm
Hosted by Viva Village
Glenn Rodriguez, M.D., and Jenny Sasser, Ph.D., address the normal physical and emotional changes of aging, when to seek professional advice, and how to respond to our changing selves. Includes presentation, Q&A, and small group discussions.
As we age:
- What are the normal physiological changes we might expect?
- How does our engagement with the healthcare system change?
- How can we best manage and benefit from our “new normals”?
This event is open to the public and other villagers. It is free to Viva Village members and volunteers! Fee to the public is $10/person or $15/couple.
Registration opens on October 2 at 6:00 pm. To RSVP, call Viva Village (503-746-5082) or send an emil to vivavillageor@gmail.com. Scan the QR code for more details and to register.
* 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, November 11 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Registration is recommended.
Due to our Aging With Grace presentation, our informational session, Viva Village 101, will not meet in November. Please join us online on December 9 from 10 am – 11:30 am to learn more Viva Village membership and volunteering. Register on the website or contact the office for the Zoom link.
From North Star Village member Anjala Ehelebe: You’re invited to Village 101, an introduction to villages in general and North Star Village in particular. I lead a Village 101 on the third Thursday of each month at 3:15 p.m. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or member, or have friends who’d be interested, join me on Thursday, November 16 at 3:15 pm, for a quick and informative overview of our village. We’ll meet at Good Neighbor Pizzeria, 800 NE Dekum St., 97211. It is fully accessible, with seats available in the well-ventilated interior or at comfortable tables outdoors. Call North Star Village at 503-793-8518 to ask questions and to let us know you’ll be there. See our website for more information: https://northstarvillage.clubexpress.com/.
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. Just call their office (503-495-4934) and request an Introductory Chat, or email info@riverwestvillage.org. 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 Villages Clark County for “Aging in Place” informational meeting on Saturday, November 18 from 10:30 am – 11:30 am at the Battle Ground Community Library, Meyer Memorial Trust Community Room, 1207 SE 8th Way, Battle Ground, WA. Come learn about Villages Clark County and how you can “Age in Place”.
★★ October 2023 Newsletter ★★
* Autumn Housecleaning *
There, in the night,
You don’t see that
The sky has darkened.
Stars wink between clouds
And the harvest moon
Has lost its sharp edge.
You sense the closeness of the storm
And begin to smell the rain
On the breath of the storm’s sigh.
A few renegade raindrops
Run ahead of the rest,
Announcing the imminent stampede.
Soon the wind rises
From a distracted sigh
To the full inhale-exhale
Of a storm exercising,
Flexing stiff muscles.
Autumn housecleaning has begun.
~ Nancy Doty
* Aging with Grace: Embracing Our New Normals *
Aging With Grace Embracing Our New Normals
Southminster Presbyterian Church
12250 SW Denney Road, Beaverton
Saturday, November 11, 1:00 pm – 4:00pm
Hosted by Viva Village
Glenn Rodriguez, M.D., and Jenny Sasser, Ph.D., address the normal physical and emotional changes of aging, when to seek professional advice, and how to respond to our changing selves. Includes presentation, Q&A, and small group discussions.
As we age:
- What are the normal physiological changes we might expect?
- How does our engagement with the healthcare system change?
- How can we best manage and benefit from our “new normals”?
This event is open to the public and other villagers. It is free to Viva Village members and volunteers! Fee to the public is $10/person or $15/couple.
Registration opens on October 2 at 6:00 pm. To RSVP, call Viva Village (503-746-5082) or send an emil to vivavillageor@gmail.com. Scan the QR code for more details and to register.
* Happy Valley Village Meeting *
Happy Valley Village Meeting
Ledding Library
10660 SE 21st Ave, Milwaukie
Tuesday, October 24, 6:00 pm
Hosted by Villages NW
There were 16 interested people from Happy Valley, Clackamas and Damascus at the September 26 meeting to explore the possibility of a Village in the Happy Valley area. The group plans to meet again on October 25. If you know people who would be interested in learning more and getting involved, please have them contact by email to info.happyvalley@villagesnw.org.
* Tabling Events *
Tabling events are an excellent community gathering place. It’s a good way to be supportive of the community while encouraging non-profit organizations to use the time and space to introduce and promote their programs and activities.
During October, Villages Clark County and RiverWest Village will have some tabling events. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of these events, be sure to check out that village’s event calendar for more information.
Neighbor Helping Neighbors Safety and Services Fair
Fairway Village Ballroom, 15509 SE Fernwood Drive, Vancouver WA 98683
October 6, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
for Villages Clark County
South West Aging at Home Resource Fair
Southwest Community Center, 6820 SW 45th Ave, Portland 97219
October 22, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
for RiverWest Village
* 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 for an EV informational session on Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Registration is recommended.
Viva Village will host an Online Viva Village 101 on Saturday, October 14, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. This is an informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Register on the Website or contact the office for the Zoom link – by phone: 503-746-5082 or by email: vivavillageor@gmail.com.
From North Star Village member Anjala Ehelebe: You’re invited to Village 101, an introduction to villages in general and North Star Village in particular. I lead a Village 101 on the third Thursday of each month at 3:15 p.m. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or member, or have friends who’d be interested, join me on Thursday, October 19 at 3:15 pm, for a quick and informative overview of our village. We’ll meet at Good Neighbor Pizzeria, 800 NE Dekum St., 97211. It is fully accessible, with seats available in the well-ventilated interior or at comfortable tables outdoors. Call North Star Village at 503-793-8518 to ask questions and to let us know you’ll be there. See our website for more information: https://northstarvillage.clubexpress.com/.
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. Just call their office (503-495-4934) and request an Introductory Chat, or email info@riverwestvillage.org. 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!
★★ September 2023 Newsletter ★★
* Labor Day: More than just the end of summer *
In 1887, Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day as an official holiday. Within the year, several other states (Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York) followed suit.
In the 1800s, there was much interest in—and recognition of—the Labor movement. Several municipalities and, eventually, states sought to celebrate the contribution of laborers. Festivities, recreation, and amusements for workers’ families became popular.
As early as 1882, the Central Labor Union workers took a whole day off to collectively march on City Hall in New York City, demanding improved conditions. In observance of the day, parades became a way to exhibit the strength and camaraderie of workers.
However, it was far from simple fun and celebratory good cheer. Workers had to organize against unfair labor practices, poor wages, very long hours, unsafe conditions, and ultimate exploitation of their efforts. Children as young as 5 or 6 had been put to work in factories. The Haymarket Riot saw a clash between uprising workers and police, and several people were killed.
Finally, in June of 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed into law the holiday we now know as Labor Day, “in honor of American workers, in recognition of their part in prosperity, production, and contribution to the social fabric of our great nation.”
Conditions were improving incrementally, slowly progressing toward regulated hours and better wages. Benefits began to appear (paid holidays and insurance). Children were no longer allowed to work in dangerous manufacturing and manual labor jobs. American laborers continued to secure better standards through organized Labor Unions.
Today we tend to be distracted by other milestones, most notably Labor Day as the end of summer and children returning to school. However, Labor Day can be remembered as a turning point in our history, as manufacturing surpassed agriculture and laborers flocked to the cities. Production and traditional work ethic ideals are deeply rooted in Labor Day, and we should not forget the impact on our current daily lives.
Celebrate with friends, have a neighborhood barbecue, gather the family for a final end-of-summer trip to the beach, or go hiking in the forest. Check and double-check school supplies. Do not lose sight of the history behind the day; think of the many laborers who are behind the scenes making your life better every day. Happy Labor Day!
~ Nancy Doty
* Tabling Events *
Tabling events are an excellent community gathering place. It’s a good way to be supportive of the community while encouraging non-profit organizations use the time and space to introduce and promote their programs and activities.
During September, Villages Clark County, Villages NW, Viva Village, Village at the Falls, Eastside Village, and Rivers East Village will have some tabling events. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of these events, be sure to check out your nearby village’s event calendar for more information.
Ridgefield Farmers Market
Ridgefield – David Park
Saturday, September 2
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
by Villages Clark County
The Standard Volunteer Expo
Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, Oregon
Thursday, September 7
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
by Villages NW
Beaverton Farmers Market
SW Hall Blvd, between 3rd and 5th Streets, Beaverton, Oregon
Saturday, September 9
8:30 am – 1:30 pm
by Viva Village
Oregon City Summer Market
2051 Kaen Rd, Oregon City
Saturday, September 9 and 23
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
by Village at the Falls
Peace and Justice Fair
Esther Short Park
Saturday, September 9
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
by Villages Clark County
Woodstock Farmers Market
4600 SE Woodstock Blvd.
Sunday, September 10
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
by Eastside Village
Fall Housing and Senior Services Fair
Milwaukie Community Center, 5440 SE Kellogg Creek Dr, Milwaukie, Oregon
Thursday, September 14
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
by Rivers East Village
Salmon Creek Farmers Market
Legacy Medical Center
Thursday, September 21
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
by Villages Clark County
Beaverton Celebration Parade
SW Griffith Drive, along 5th Steet, to Menlo Dr, Beaverton, Oregon
Saturday, September 23
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
by Viva Village
Camas/Washougal Health and Safety Fair
Station 42, Camas
Saturday, September 23
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
by Villages Clark County
Elsie Stuhr Health and Wellness Resource Fair
Elsie Stuhr Center, 5550 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton, Oregon
Saturday, September 30
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
by Viva Village
* New member to the Villages NW Board of Directors *
Victoria “Vici” Wolff
We are delighted to welcome Vici Wolff to the Villages NW Board of Directors. Vici was nominated by the Circle of Representatives and elected at the July Board meeting.
Vici spent most of her career in healthcare, as a Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) of specialty practices or Director of Patient Accounts in larger systems such as Legacy and the Oregon Clinic. After soul searching that led to nonprofit work, she was Operations & Database Manager at Friends of the Children and Director of Development Services & Stewardship at Catlin Gabel School; both serve her well in advancing her volunteerism goals.
Vici has been on the board of St. Ignatius School Foundation, Beaverton Arts Commission, Oregon Friends of CG Jung, and Senior Advocates for Generational Equity (SAGE). She was a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and completed Leadership Beaverton, Class of 2015. Vici is a Centurion level Master Recycler, will soon begin Beaverton CERT training and believes deeply in the value of, and need for, meaningful DEI training.
She is currently on the Viva Village Governing Council as well as the Advisory Board of Washington County Dept. of Disability, Aging & Veteran’s services. Vici enjoyed the fruits of her career but finds retirement ‘work’ much more rewarding!
* Viva Village YouTube Interview *
Viva Village Interview: Smart Money – Keeping Seniors in Their Homes
(on YouTube – Interview by Tualatin Valley Community TV)
A recent noteworthy Viva Village happening was an August interview on Tualatin Valley Community TV. Mike Conner and Karen McCune were excellent in giving a great overview of Villages in the 21-minute interview—very professional. For sharing, the link to the YouTube video is https://youtu.be/530MMYfjOak. The video is also on Viva’s homepage vivavillage.org.
* Proposed Happy Valley Village Informational Meeting *
Happy Valley Village Informational Meeting
Happy Valley Library, Community Room, 13793 SE Sieben Park Way, Happy Valley, Oregon
Tuesday, September 26
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Hosted by Villages NW
Do you love being a villager? Do you have friends or family in the Happy Valley area who might be interested in a Village?
Carol Vander Miller, a Happy Valley resident, will host the gathering at the Happy Valley Library on September 26 at 6:00 pm to explore the idea of developing a Village. RSVP, http://evite.me/cDEyvUu2Ub. Questions? Call 503-515-1948 or email info@villagesnw.org.
* 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 for an EV informational session on Saturday, September 9 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Registration is recommended.
Viva Village will host an Online Viva Village 101 on Saturday, September 9, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. An informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Register on the website or contact the office for the Zoom link.
From North Star Village member Anjala Ehelebe: You‘re invited to Village 101, an introduction to villages in general and North Star Village in particular. I lead a Village 101 on Thursday, September 28 at 3:13 pm. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or member, or have friends who’d be interested, join me for a fast and informative meeting. Good Neighbor Pizzeria is located at 800 NE Dekum St., 97211. It is fully accessible, with seats available in the well-ventilated interior or at comfortable tables outdoors. Call North Star Village at 503-793-8518 to ask questions and to let us know you’ll be there. See our website for more information: https://northstarvillage.clubexpress.com/.
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. Just call their office and request an Introductory Chat, 503-495-4934 to leave a message, or email info@riverwestvillage.org. You will be connected with a volunteer from their Outreach Team. Include your name, phone number, and email in your message and RWV will be in touch with you soon!
★★ August 2023 Newsletter ★★
* What makes us human? *
Hominids, homo sapiens, and human beings. What makes us so special?
In this big world of complex environments, geography, and uncountable animal organisms, what is it that allows human beings to reign supreme? How are we so different from other animals?
Homo sapiens (meaning mankind and wise) have the most highly developed brain that allows abstract reasoning, self-awareness, articulate speech, and the ability to make choices based upon our respective religions, cultural beliefs, customs, and values. We have developed rituals, ceremonies, and institutions. We demonstrate creativity through literature, music, and art. We hold ourselves erect, allowing our hands to manipulate other organisms and objects. We can demonstrate compassion.
With the perceived advantages over other animal organisms in the universe, how can we continue to hold our position without hubris and self-destruction? We see scientific reports that we are impacting the earth’s natural balance. How do we continue to ‘reign’ without annihilation?
Perhaps the way to start is to start small. Start local and with our own efforts. Calling upon those unique ‘human’ characteristics, we can use our abstract reasoning and articulate speech to enhance our relationships with like-minded individuals who share our ideas and reasoning. We can create a better world right in our own little corner.
There is no better place than Villages to begin our practices of being human. We can find common cause in our beliefs and customs, creativity, and, best of all, compassion. We lift those who feel low due to challenge and change. We connect with those who have lost their relationships with others through diminished physical abilities (for example, becoming homebound). We step in to combat isolation and loss when loved ones move away or pass away. We use creativity to develop social activities and provide services to our neighbors in need. We demonstrate our humanness by calling upon the parts of ourselves that offer compassion and awareness. We strive to protect the beauty and balance of nature right where we live every day.
Villages are the perfect place for us to live our best selves through kindness and creative solutions to build a stronger, healthier, and more humane community. United we stand, divided we fall. So let us stand together, as homo sapiens with our well-developed brains, to build a better world, one Village at a time.
~ Nancy Doty
* Tabling Events *
Tabling events are an excellent community gathering place. It’s a good way to be supportive of the community while encouraging non-profit organizations use the time and space to introduce and promote their programs and activities.
During August, Villages Clark County, River East, RiverWest, Village at the Falls, and Eastside villages will have some tabling events. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of these events, be sure to check out your nearby village’s event calendar for more information.
La Center Farmers Market
Thursday, August 3 and 17, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
for Villages Clark County
Gladstone Community Festival
Max Patterson Park
Friday and Saturday, August 4 and 5
for Rivers East Village
Ridgefield First Saturday
Davis Park
Saturday, August 5, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
for Villages Clark County
Maplewood National Night Out
April Hill Park, SW 58th Ave and Miles St, Portland, OR 97219
Saturday, August 5, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
for RiverWest Village
Hillsdale Farmers Market
Rieke Elementary School Parking Lot
Sunday, August 6, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
for RiverWest Village
Salmon Creek Farmers Market
Legacy Medical Center
Thursday, August 10 and 24, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
for Villages Clark County
Oregon City Summer Market
2051 Kaen Rd, Oregon City, Oregon 97045
Saturday, August 12 and 26, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
for Village at the Falls
Multnomah Days
Multnomah Village
Saturday, August 19, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
for RiverWest Village
Hawthorne Street Fair
SE Hawthorne, between Cesar Chavez Blvd and SE 30th Ave
Sunday, August 27, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
for Eastside Village
Fort Vancouver Regional Library
1007 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98663
Wednesday, August 31, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
for Villages Clark County
* Get to Know Our Villages! *
Anyone who is interested in learning more about our Villages is invited to attend the informational events below.
Eastside Village will host an Information Session on Saturday, August 12th from 10:00–11:00 am. Join Eastside Village hosts virtually as they discuss EV volunteering and membership. They’ll outline what they’ve been up to historically, since the beginning of the pandemic, and as they begin to visit in person once again. If you or a friend, neighbor, or family member is interested, call the Village Office (503-866-0571) and Office Manager Kathi will send them the link for online conferencing via Zoom.
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. Just call their office (503-495-4934) and request an Introductory Chat, or email info@riverwestvillage.org. 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!
Viva Village will host an Online Viva Village 101 on Saturday, August 12, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. An informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Register on the Website or contact the office for the Zoom link – by phone: 503-746-5082 or by email: vivavillageor@gmail.com.
★★ July 2023 Newsletter ★★
* The Heat of Summer *
When a heat dome is headed our way, we need to look out for one another. Heat exhaustion, and the more serious heat stroke, are very real dangers for our older neighbors as well as ourselves.
Sadly, in the heat dome of two years ago, we lost a neighbor when she insisted she was fine and her family took her at her word. Too late she was discovered to be suffering from a heat stroke and subsequently died! We neighbors would have been glad to help if we’d only known. So, I am here to ask you to check on your elderly neighbors or anyone who has any underlying health condition that may make them more vulnerable to the stress of heat.
Take seriously the weather predictions that offer an opportunity to think proactively to avoid the health consequences of extreme and/or prolonged heat. Discuss with friends and neighbors what precautions you may wish to put in place. Be prepared to cover windows, even if you must use blankets or newspaper—anything that will block the direct sun and keep out some of the radiant heat. Have spray bottles on hand to provide cool mist. Use fans to keep the air inside moving as it helps to cool you through evaporation of moisture on the skin. Stock up on foods that don’t require cooking—prepared foods, sandwich makings, salad ingredients, and so on will help keep the kitchen cool and offer healthy alternatives to hot foods. Reduce outside activity or reserve tasks for the early morning coolest part of the day.
The indications for heat-related health problems may include such symptoms as headache, nausea, dizziness, general weakness, thirst, profuse sweating, elevated body temperature, fast and weak pulse, muscle cramping, and fainting.
Any of these symptoms should be taken seriously. Help the affected person (or yourself) move to a cooler location such as a basement, an air-conditioned building, or a designated cooling center. Loosen or remove heat-trapping clothing. Apply a cool damp cloth to ‘pulse points’ that can be found at the neck, armpits, groin, wrists, and feet. In fact, putting feet and/or hands into a cool tub can be immensely helpful. In extreme cases, offer a cool tub or shower to reduce the effects of the heated environment.
Offer cold beverages: water or a specifically formulated electrolyte replacement drink, coconut water, milk, eating watermelon, cucumbers, celery or cherries, berries, and grapes will all help. (If you choose a ‘sports drink’, be sure to check the ingredients, as many are simply glorified sugar water.) Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine.
By being alert, planning ahead, and preparing simple interventions, we can manage what is coming. Villagers, as neighbors who help neighbors stay neighbors, can build a safe, compassionate, reasonable plan to face a heat-related emergency and assist our vulnerable neighbors. It can be a small kindness or a huge health-preserving act to be prepared for the heat dome that may be on the horizon.
~ Nancy Doty
* Get to Know Our Villages! *
Anyone who is interested in learning more about our Villages is invited to attend the informational events below.
Eastside Village will host an Information Session on Saturday, July 8th from 10:00–11:00 am. Join Eastside Village hosts virtually as they discuss EV volunteering and membership. They’ll outline what they’ve been up to historically, since the beginning of the pandemic, and as they begin to visit in person once again. If you or a friend, neighbor, or family member is interested, call the Village Office (503-866-0571) and Office Manager Kathi will send them the link for online conferencing via Zoom.
From North Star Village member Anjala Ehelebe: You’re invited to Village 101, an introduction to villages in general and North Star Village in particular. I lead a Village 101 on the third Thursday of each month at 3:15 p.m. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or member, or have friends who’d be interested, join me on Thursday, July 20 at 3:15 pm, for a quick and informative overview of our village. We’ll meet at Good Neighbor Pizzeria, 800 NE Dekum St., 97211. It is fully accessible, with seats available in the well-ventilated interior or at comfortable tables outdoors. Call North Star Village at 503-793-8518 to ask questions and to let us know you’ll be there. See our website for more information: https://northstarvillage.clubexpress.com/.
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. Just call their office (503-495-4934) and request an Introductory Chat, or email info@riverwestvillage.org. 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!
Villages Clark County will host a Villages 101 presentation on Saturday, July 8, from 10:30 – 11:30 am at the Camas United Methodist Church. Anyone interested should RSVP to info@villagesclarkcounty.org or call 360-553-1520 for more information.
Viva Village will host an Online Viva Village 101 on Saturday, July 8, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. An informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Register on the Website or contact the office for the Zoom link – by phone: 503-746-5082 or by email: vivavillageor@gmail.com.