★★ 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 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 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 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 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 *
 |
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 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 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.
★★ June 2024 Newsletter ★★
* Find your Third Place *
Recently, my grade school friends (8th grade class of 1963) gathered as we do, once a month, at a local bakery/bistro. Someone commented, “this is our third place.” A few of us raised our eyebrows and looked around, but hated to admit outright ignorance.
But now I know, ‘Third Place’ is a term coined in the 1980s by sociologist, Roy Oldenburg, in his book The Great Good Place. The concept is defined as that place we go, after first place (home) and second place (work) to connect with others in a way that is informal, free of expectations, relaxing, and offers relief from the demands of the first and second places. Unlike our first and second places, our third place has no mandated attendance. It is the pursuit of a pleasurable encounter with others.
Although many of us enjoy being occasionally immersed in nature, there is also value in finding our third place in a built environment where lighting, music, service staff, and background chatter can also be recuperative. The soft fascination of sky, water, flora and fauna are often available in decent weather, but not in the darkest, dampest months when we may feel especially hemmed in. We seek conversation, interaction, and engagement in our third place. We intuitively explore with others what we enjoy as we cultivate conversations about hobbies, cultural events, physical endeavors, and generally shared interests in this microcosm of the great melting pot of society.
Finding our third place in a coffee shop, restaurant or pub, library, recreation center, beauty salon, or urban park gives us a range of interactions that provide restorative recovery from the mental fatigue of unrelenting first and second places.
At the University of California, Irvine, a poll of 722 students identified how students find rest and relief from the daily grind of studies and work. It is thought that without this relief, mental fatigue leads to mistakes, a lack of ability to concentrate, irritability, and poor emotional regulation.
In our third place, where we practice a range of social interactions, we are providing very real health and mental health benefits when we reduce loneliness, enhance mood, and elevate our self-esteem. This balance is crucial to heart health, lowered blood pressure, better quality sleep, and a better overall attitude about other aspects of daily life.
To consider the important aspects of our third place, we see the positive value of Villages and the activities they offer. Perhaps volunteering becomes our third place. Perhaps it is our member-rich book clubs, coffee hours, discussion groups, outings, or just one-to-one interaction with a fellow Villager.
Regardless of the environment in which we find relaxation, creativity, or uncomplicated friendship, our third place is a place to be treasured and cultivated for the joy of balance and relief from the demands of our first and second places. Remember this the next time you chide yourself, thinking you don’t have time for an unstructured hour (or more) to simply relax and enjoy your third place.
~ Nancy Doty
* Tabling Events *
Village at the Falls at Oregon City Farmers Market
Clackamas Community College Green Lot #1
Near the corner of Beavercreek Road and Clairmont Dr, Oregon City
Saturday, June 8, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Visit the Village at the Falls booth to learn about volunteering and becoming part of the Village.
Viva Village at the Beaverton Volunteer Fair
Beaverton City Library
12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton
Saturday, June 8, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Visit the Viva Village booth. A great way to learn about volunteering for Viva Village and other community organizations.
Viva Village at the Beaverton Farmers Market
Beaverton Farmers Market
12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton
Saturday, June 15, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Visit the Viva Village booth to pick up information about Viva Village. Viva Villagers: RSVP to help staff our table by volunteering for a one or two hour shift.
Village at the Falls at Oregon City Farmers Market
Clackamas Community College Green Lot #1
Near the corner of Beavercreek Road and Clairmont Dr, Oregon City
Saturday, June 22, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Visit the Village at the Falls booth to learn about volunteering and becoming part of the Village.
* Garage Sale and Fundraiser *
Garage Sale and Fundraiser
12750 SE 125th Ave, Happy Valley
Saturday, June 15, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hosted by Sunnyside East Village
Sunnyside East Village needs your help. Donate items you no longer need to their garage sale. Items should be clean, in reasonably good condition, and not in need of mending or repairs. No electronics. Handcrafted items, fruits & vegetables from your garden, and floral bouquets are also welcome. Please price your items before delivering them to the sale location. Any items left over after the sale will be donated to charity.
Donations other than perishable items should be delivered to Carol Vandermiller by Sunday, June 9. Perishable items should be delivered on Friday, June 14, by 7:00 pm. Baked goods must include lists of ingredients as a protection for those with food allergies.
Volunteers are needed to help on the two days of the sale. To donate or volunteer contact info@sunnysideeastvillage.com. Plan to come shop on June 15. Proceeds will fund start up costs for this developing Village.
* Garden and Art Tour *
Garden and Art Tour
Oregon City
Saturday, June 29
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hosted by Village at the Falls
Village at the Falls is holding its 3rd annual Garden and Art Tour! 8 private gardens are featured.
Tickets are now available at villageatthefalls.org. Cost: $12 per person.
* 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, June 8 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, June 8 from 10 am – 11:30 am. Register on the website or contact the office for the Zoom link.
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, June 20 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., Portland, 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 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 address in your message and RWV will be in touch with you soon.
Please join Sunnyside East Village’s monthly Coffee Break event on Friday, June 7 at 9:30 am in the New Seasons Market cafe 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 a coffee break in the New Seasons Market café area, just inside the store. Mark your calendar for the third Thursday of each month for a 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, June 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.
★★ May 2024 Newsletter ★★
* The Merry Month of May *
If it is true that April showers bring May flowers, will the end-of-April downpour bring even more flowers in May? This is important because flowers are important on May 1st, May Day. In days gone by, this was the day we would hang Tussie- Mussie bouquets on someone’s front door, ring the bell and run. Did we hide well enough, quickly enough, to observe undetected the smiles we hoped to elicit with the surprise bouquets? It was such a small thing in the big picture. But it brought joy to the deliverer and the recipient, usually an older lady (or couple) on the block.
In our current social environment, May Day and Tussie-Mussies are a thing of the past.
However, a new trend may be developing on the first Saturday of each May—this year May 4th called Join Hands Day. This is an emerging annual event that calls for a day of volunteering to unite older community members with the younger generation. It is hoped to create an opportunity for mutual awareness and benefit.
In your community or in your Village, this is a reminder to offer yourself to the older neighbors whose day will be brightened by kindness, optimism, and service as delivered by someone from a younger generation.
As Villagers, we are already aware of the need to lessen isolation and the potential for depression. A lack of self-care may accompany the feeling that elements of personal daily care no longer matter. Poor personal hygiene, poor nutrition, withdrawal from social activities, lack of follow-through with health care matters like daily medications—these may be indicative of isolation and depression. The inherent potential for spiraling self-neglect is too great to ignore.
So, pick a little bouquet of spring flowers, make a Tussie-Mussie and deliver it with a smile. Offer yourself as a neighbor or friend who can provide little acts of kindness and service, gladdening a heart.
Mark your calendar for Join Hands Day this year and in the future. Think ahead about how you may make an impact as a Village volunteer or just a good neighbor. Seize the opportunity to demonstrate to an older generation that the younger generations are aware, willing, and able to lend a hand in service or in friendship. Springtime is a perfect time to grow new relationships and watch friendships blossom across generations.
~ Nancy Doty
* Developing Villages *
Volunteers are actively working to create new Villages in three communities and are eager to connect with others in their area who are interested in helping out. If you or someone you know lives in any of these areas, please contact the volunteers to learn more.
Sunnyside East Village, (https://sunnysideeastvillage.org/), covering Happy Valley and Clackamas. During the organizational phase, there are opportunities to help with publicity, event planning and outreach. Join Sunnyside East volunteers on May 16 at 9:30 am for Coffee Break at the New Seasons Market café area, 15861 SE Happy Valley Town Center Drive to get acquainted and learn more by email at info@sunnysideeastvillage.org.
UpRiver Village, (http://www.uprivervillage.org/), covering Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale and Wood Village. UpRiver is making presentations at senior centers, neighborhood associations and Lions Clubs among others to get the word out. They are actively recruiting for two key volunteer positions, communications and outreach. Connect with UpRiver volunteers by email at info.upriver@villagesnw.org to learn more.
MAC Village, covering McMinnville. MAC Village is developing a core group of volunteers and building its mailing list. An informational meeting is planned for May. For the date and location or more information, contact MAC Village volunteers by email at MACVillage2024@gmail.com.
* You are invited! *
Come cheer for Villages NW: June 1, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at Sellwood park!
Toss for a Cause: A community day in the park, presented by Housecall Providers, is an event promoting awareness of the Portland area nonprofits who offer support and services to our community’s elders, adults with disabilities and those facing the prospects of aging at home.
Villages NW is competing in the cornhole tournament and will be present at Nonprofit Row together with more than 25 metro area nonprofits that share a Mission to support our older and vulnerable community members.
Come cheer as we compete for the title of Portland Toss for a Cause Champion 2024.
The day will feature music, entertainment, refreshments from two delicious food carts and a beer/wine garden.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore Nonprofit Row where you can learn about the other organizations competing in the Toss for a Cause and find out about ways to get involved. Whether you’re seeking information, assistance for yourself or a loved one, or planning the steps to age in place, you’ll find answers at Nonprofit Row.
Not only will your attendance boost the visibility of Villages NW and the people we serve, the festival will be a fabulous family day at the park. You won’t want to miss it.
If you have questions or want to find out about ways to help us make a splash, contact Nancy Doty, ndoty@villagesnw.org, 503-577-1015; or Bruce Erickson, berickson@housecallproviders.org, 503-310-1646.
* Garden and Art Tour *
Garden and Art Tour
Oregon City
Saturday, June 29
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hosted by Village at the Falls
Village at the Falls is holding its 3rd annual Garden and Art Tour! 8 private gardens are featured.
Tickets are now available at villageatthefalls.org. Cost: $12 per person.
* 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, May 11 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. They will outline what they have been up to historically. Registration is recommended.
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, May 16 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., Portland, 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 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 address in your message and RWV will be in touch with you soon.
Please join Sunnyside East Village’s monthly Coffee Break event on Thursday, May 16 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.
★★ April 2024 Newsletter ★★
* World Happiness Day – Every Day *
On March 20th, in honor of World Happiness Day, it was announced that Finland — for the seventh year in a row — embraced more per capita happiness than any other country in the world.
Measured by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Gallup World Poll, and the University of Oxford Wellbeing Centre, Finland came out on top of the heap again. However, what makes the Finnish people so happy?
Happiness and satisfaction with life were measured through many criteria, including healthy longevity, freedom, perceived generosity, social support, GDP per capita, and a lack of national corruption. It is interesting to note that in the US, which fell from the top 20 happy countries, happiness under the age of 30 received a lower score than happiness at age 60 and beyond.
Nevertheless, beyond National Happiness, what makes daily, deeply satisfying personal happiness?
On March 24th, the New York Times article, “Toddlers Teach Happiness”, outlined several things that healthy developing toddlers do to promote their own happiness: positive self-talk, physical activity and constant motion, asking lots of questions (“what’s that?”, “why?”, “how come?”), reliance on comforting routines including sleep habits, and a sense of playfulness or humor.
Another article in the same NYT, “Four-legged Key to a School’s Recovery”, suggested that pets of any description can offer unconditional love, provide distraction from troubles, give a sense of security, and get individuals outside of themselves as they learn to bond and care for pets, all of which supports personal happiness.
In the Journal of Happiness Studies, authors Chowkan, Samavatyan, and Zadeh want us to think of happiness as more than just the avoidance of misery. Their universal goals for happiness rely on a degree of social approval, community status, behavioral conformity, experience based on life conditions, and positive receipt of affection.
So here we have a list of ingredients for a perfect recipe that Villages can look to as a measure of how we contribute to the overall happiness of our members and volunteers. With all this talk of happiness and different perspectives on where happiness originates, we can look to our bridge-building relationships, services, and social activities that contribute to many of the criteria by which happiness is measured.
Whether we use the World Happiness Day criteria or turn to toddlers, whether we have pets or can just avoid abject misery, there are many opportunities for supporting personal happiness and general life satisfaction if we accentuate the positive.
Villages are very good at accentuating the positive! So, select your model or choose varied criteria that you embrace as standards for happiness. Then share with neighbors and other Villagers as you practice positive self-talk, find humor and demonstrate playfulness, give and receive unconditional love, or share experiences. Your power to enhance personal happiness is immense. It is an attribute that can come from within and shine to the outside world. Villages are a perfect place to practice and share the wonderful world of happiness!
~ 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 your Eastside Village hosts virtually to discuss EV volunteering and membership on Saturday, April 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, April 13 from 10 am – 11:30 am. Register on the website or contact the office for the Zoom link.
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, April 18 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!
Please join Sunnyside East Village’s monthly Coffee Break event on Friday, April 19 at 9:30 am in the New Seasons Market cafe area, which is located at 15861 SE Happy Valley Town Center Drive, Happy Valley, Oregon. It’s a chance for SunnySide East Village to tell you about the progress they’ve made in creating a new Village in Happy Valley/Clackamas for people who want to age-in-place. It is a chance for you to tell them what services you’d like to see the Village offer. Rides to doctor appointments? Help stringing the Christmas lights? A friendly visit while you recover from knee surgery? There are dozens of Villages providing services throughout the United States. These aren’t cookie-cutter operations. Each one is established to serve the needs of people who live within its boundaries. Please come to the Coffee Break and help them build Sunnyside East Village.