LANE COUNTY EDITION DECEMBER 2015 • FREE!
Riding the wave SEE STORY, PAGE 2
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SEE STORY, PAGE 13
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TSUNAMI BOOKS
LANE COUNTY EDITION
NW BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS • DECEMBER 2015
Photo by Vanessa Salvia
Tsunami Books owner Scott Landfield received crowdsource funding to help him stay in his location in Eugene when his building was sold and his rent increased. It has been a struggle to stay in business and turn a profit.
Tsunami Books is more than just a bookstore
By VANESSA SALVIA BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS
It’s difficult to tell whether Scott Landfield, proprietor of Tsunami Books in Eugene, cares more deeply for the store’s books or the wood shelving his books rest on. He helped hand-craft the shelves, he says, from thick, clear-grained recycled lumber. The table he’s sitting at, he notes with a smack of his
hand, is crafted from wood reclaimed from the bleachers in Roseburg High School’s gymnasium. The bleachers were installed in 1952 and removed in 1998. “That’s when we got it and that’s how I met Ken Kesey,” says Landfield about the famous Oregon author who graduated from Springfield High School, attended the University of Oregon and was a champion wrestler. “I told Ken that I had bleachers from Roseburg High School and he was impressed. He said, ‘I kicked a lot of ass in that gym.’” As Landfield walks around the store, which functions as both a bookstore and community gathering place, he heads to his favorite area, the poetry section. There, he casually yet tenderly straightens the books
and admires the selection. He points out a sawcut on a shelf of light-colored, clear yew. “I told them not to cover this up when they were putting the shelves and books on it,” he says. “It’s making the most of a flaw. The whole interior is built from recycled lumber. We have examples of wood from over 30 high schools and universities and their gymnasiums from around the West. We consider that precious.”
From trees to books Landfield, 61, grew up in Illinois with three brothers and a sister. He came to Oregon in 1979 specifically to take a job planting trees. “There were thousands of jobs planting trees in the Northwest at that time,” he says. “The labor was legitimate.” He was a full-time tree
planter for 20 years, and also did wilderness construction and other outdoor work. He dislikes the noise and machinery of modern society, he says, and thoroughly enjoyed the quiet, solitary world of tree planting until the hard work took a toll on his body and he began contemplating a career change. His parents were both writers who operated bookstores and his grandfather worked in print media and advertising, so ink seemed to run as deep as tree sap in his blood. “I assumed I would become a professional writer and I loved planting trees but my body was giving out,” he says. So he went to work with the proprietor of another local bookstore, but eventually decided he didn’t want to work for anyone else. He bought out
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the partner and opened Tsunami Books in 1995 with new business partner, David Rhodes. The store was set up to be run by two worker/owners, but that’s not what ended up happening. Rhodes left after 12 years, and Landfield now averages about 70 hours a week to keep the store going. “We built it with no money,” Landfield says. “Our idea was that human energy would create capital. We said, ‘Go for broke or go broke.’ We thought it would produce a living. We were mistaken.”
Scraping out a living Landfield is rather blunt in explaining that though the store has remained open for 20 years, it doesn’t turn a profit. Expenses have gone up faster
See WAVE p. 3
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Of note
WAVE
Tsunami Books 2585 Willamette St., Eugene; 541-345-8986, tsunamibooks.org Call the store, drop in or send a Facebook message to join the bookstore’s private events mailing list.
CONTINUED FROM P. 2
than income and he’s become what he calls a “wizened scrapper” to get by. He lives simply and has found a strong group of supporters who value the bookstore and community space. “We manifest money every week to cover that week’s bills,” he says. “There’s no cushion. There’s not been a cushion in 10 years but somehow our book collection keeps growing. Find me an example of a business that didn’t make money that stayed open for 20 years, and then put them on the busiest street in town and make them influential. That’s a point of pride — that we keep growing. We still go by the theory that how much you do in a day is ultimately what we are worth.” Tsunami Books has always been more than just a bookstore. A self-serve coffee and tea bar is available for donations. Several community groups have keys to the store and hold meetings there. Writers’ groups meet there, such as Lane Literary Guild and the Wordos, who write science fiction and fantasy. So does a Tibetan Buddhist group and LandWatch Lane County, a group of residents who monitor land-use policy. Landfield doesn’t shy away from entering the political fray. A group called Save Civic Stadium, organized to support the restoration and maintenance of Eugene’s historic
Photo by Vanessa Salvia
Before Scott Landfield, 61, was a bookstore owner, he was a tree planter. He moved to Oregon from Illinois in 1979 and spent 20 years working in the outdoors. baseball field (before a June arson fire reduced it to ashes) met there, and the business became outspoken in its desire to also save the stadium. People who wanted the stadium torn down and replaced stopped shopping at his bookstore. When Eugene mayor Kitty Piercy was running for re-election, Landfield placed a large billboard in the parking lot supporting her candidacy. “People who didn’t like Kitty
stopped shopping here,” he says, with a shrug of his shoulders and a sad look in his eyes. He mourns the loss of customers, some of them old friends, but he also feels strongly that businesses have a duty to act in ways that cultivate the strength of the community they’re in. That community support is one reason that Tsunami has remained open, but the next two years will do much to determine the store’s future.
LANE COUNTY EDITION
About 10 years ago, Tsunami became a community shareholder corporation with 44 shareholders who made an initial investment. New shareholders are not being recruited right now until Tsunami can get a firmer foothold on its future. The building’s lease came up for renewal earlier this year, along with a hefty increase in rent. The building’s owners wanted to sell the building, and Landfield says that he was given first rights to purchase it, although he had no money to do so. In response, the bookstore held a crowdsourcing fundraiser that netted more than $30,000 to allow him to stay in the building through 2017. Local investors stepped forward to purchase the building, even though it was on the open market, and “anybody from here to Mars” could have made an offer, Landfield says. “The community wants to keep us as a community space,” he says. “The next two years are about determining the future of Tsunami. It’s about showing that we can be
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viable in this new era and that we can make a go of it.”
Vintage works The community has been generous in donating valuable books over the years, which Landfield sells through the shop’s rare and collectible book room, open by appointment. “Working in collections is my biggest joy,” Landfield says. “I like working in there because it’s just you and the books. I can put a couple hours into knowing what a book is all about. It’s a really good broadening of the mind.” Landfield has sold a book by Pliny the Elder for $2,000, “The Works of Thomas Hardy” for $600, and a copy of Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s first piece for $500, among many others. Books signed by Ken Kesey and other Northwest authors sit next to cookbooks, books on physics and engineering and first-edition children’s classics. Since the beginning, the store has sold record albums, which are supplied by one retired gentleman who keeps the store stocked with jazz, folk and rock. “Mostly vintage stuff from the boomer generation that the new generation wants,” Landfield says. “We get the Beatles or Pink Floyd in here and then it’s just gone.” Events such as poetry readings and concerts happen regularly. Landfield says the space has the best sound of any small venue in town and some artists
See BOOKS p. 17
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LANE COUNTY EDITION
Fit forever
NW BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS • DECEMBER 2015
Staying fit improves much more than just muscles By VANESSA SALVIA BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS
Feeling tired, achy or stiff? Is it harder to climb stairs or get up from a chair or couch? If so, exercise can help, and it won’t take very long to see improvements. Experts say getting regular exercise is even more important as we age, because our joints stiffen, tendons tighten and muscles shrink, making even a simple activity like checking the mailbox harder. Jeff Hardisty, 55, is a Eugene fitness coach who has seen how quickly a fitness routine can improve a person’s stamina. He speaks of 79year-old Shirley, who at first only could pedal five minutes on a stationary bicycle when she started. Once she started on the program Hardisty developed for her, in just a week she
See FIT p. 5
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LANE COUNTY EDITION center in Eugene, Hardisty teaches a class called Nutrition for Life, which revolves around inadequate nutrition and food policy. His exercise class, The Body Shop, attracts a full room on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. He’s also a conditioning instructor at Northwest Christian College. “The No. 1 issue with aging is muscle loss,” he says. “It’s very common. From about 35 on, if you don’t do anything to prevent it you’ll lose one-half to 1 percent of muscle tone yearly.” Eventually the loss of strength will be so great that sitting, standing and walking will be difficult. Experts report that loss of leg strength is a key indicator of a reduced life expectancy, and is one of the top reasons that older folks enter nursing homes.
FIT CONTINUED FROM P. 4
was able to pedal for an hour on the bicycle. “Shirley was having issues just walking across the street to check her mail and she was worried that she was going to lose her independence,” Hardisty says. “When we started working together she said, ‘It’s probably too late for me.’ I said it’s never, almost never, too late. People just need to start with basics. They need to figure out where they are physically and start from there.” Hardisty became interested in fitness as a child, when a triple whammy of life events propelled him to a path of health. As a 6-year-old, he first saw Jack LaLanne on TV, which planted the seed, he says. Later that same year, Hardisty’s father died of heart disease. He recalls seeing older people shuffling along, having a hard time sitting and standing, and generally declining in health. He would have become a trainer at the age of 18 when he was offered a job at a gym, but his mother felt that was inappropriate employment and said no. “Finally in 2011, after several years of me doing endurance training and triathlons and things like that, I thought, ‘Geez, whatever happened to that goal of mine?’” he says. He attended the American College of Sports Medicine and opened his own business, My Trainer Jeff. Hardisty is a certified personal trainer who specializes in working with boomer-age clients. Ironically, in 2005 Hardisty
The case for strong bones Fitness trainer Cindy O’Brien, 60, of Strong Bones Strong Body, says a broken
Photo by Vanessa Salvia
Fitness trainer Cindy O’Brien uses resistance bands to help older adults strengthen their muscles. had a bout of heart disease despite his good health. At 46, the same age his father died, Hardisty told his doctor about a strange, cold feeling in his windpipe when he ran. Testing revealed a blocked coronary artery, and he immediately endured triple-bypass heart surgery and cardiac rehabilitation. “That’s when I decided to be a trainer,” he says. “Instead
of visiting people in surgery I wanted to do what I could to keep people out of the hospital.” At River Road Park and Recreation District community
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wrist in 2009 led her to become a fitness expert. Her wrist snapped when she went after the first ball in a volleyball game, and she was shocked when her doctor diagnosed osteoporosis in her spine and osteopenia (osteoporosis precursor) in her hips and legs. “It’s critical for women especially, but for anyone to strengthen their bones,” O’Brien says. “Keeping your muscles strong is what keeps your bones strong. The action of muscle pulling on your bones in your body is what builds and maintains your bones.” O’Brien is certified to work with clients aged 40 and older, and with arthritis or osteopenia/osteoporosis. After working with a physical therapist and improving her nutrition and general fitness, O’Brien saw a 3 percent improvement in her bone density within a year. She has seen even greater improvements in
See FOREVER p. 6
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LANE COUNTY EDITION
NW BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS • DECEMBER 2015
ments to make the most of the exercise time. “The biggestbang-for-your-buck exercises are squats and lunges, marching in place, leg lifts, strengthening the muscles in your torso,” she says, along with what she calls “fast feet.” “Fast feet is what I have named movements that will help your leg reaction time to help you catch yourself so you don’t stumble or fall,” O’Brien says. “It means that you’re moving your feet quickly in all directions and keeping your
FOREVER CONTINUED FROM P. 5
those she coaches. She was inspired to make fitness her life, and pursued certifications and training so she could specifically work with older adults to help them improve their fitness. O’Brien teaches exercise classes at various locations around Eugene and works oneon-one with clients. Her exercises focus on fun, easy move-
Of note
Jeff Hardisty - My Trainer Jeff, 541-729-2920, mytrainerjeff.com Cindy O’Brien - Strong Bones Strong Body, 541-345-9224, strongbonesstrongbody.com
core strong. It will help keep you from tripping. Stick on some music and move your feet.” Start slowly, and hold on to a chair or counter for safety. In her Tuesday evening fitness class, participants had chairs in front of them, resistance bands and balls. O’Brien punched “play” on pop hits from the 1950s. She led the class in various movements using simple motions such as seated arm curls with the resistance bands, and leg lifts while holding on to the chair. O’Brien reminds clients to exercise at your own pace to the point of being tired, then rest and relax until you have recouped. “If you can’t do an exercise, keep practicing,” she says. “You will get stronger and it will get easier.” She suggests getting together with a friend and putting some music on and moving for 15 minutes, to have some fun and get in a little work out. “In 10 to 15 minutes you can make a huge benefit to your life.”
Strength training Walking is a great exercise,
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Jeff Hardisty demonstrates a plank that helps build upper strength. He calls his classes “Fit for Life,” as a way to motivate his students to stay active and fit. but it’s not bone strengthening, unfortunately. It does, however, improve circulation and general physical and mental health, so don’t stop walking. But it is important to incorporate resistance exercises. These are moves that used to be called weight training — they exercise your muscles using an opposing force like dumb bells or resistance bands. Hardisty first gauges how much movement and mobility a client has, then adjusts exercises based on what they can do. For squats, for instance, he can help them using a suspension trainer. Some people can hold on to a countertop or doorknob to get a little support. For those who want to work out at home using minimal equipment, Hardisty has some tricks. “They can do something as simple as save their laundry jug or milk jug and fill it with either water or sand and use that as resistance to do exercises like a dumbbell,” he says. “Shirley saved her milk jugs and she had one full and one
half full. I got her to sit them on her lap and lift it up overhead. If they have the large laundry jugs that have a good handle they can squat down and grab it and stand up with it. That’s something very simple but it is resistance.” Hardisty calls his approach to training “fit for life.” This has multiple meanings, he says, and his philosophy is based on the idea that being fit can help a person save their own life. “If there’s a fire in a building, can you run down two or three flights of stairs to get out?” he asks. “Being fit makes things easier. I called my class Fit for Life because they should be fit for life, to get in shape and stay that way, and they should be fit for whatever life throws at them.” Not everyone enjoys physical activity, and the mental aspect of starting a fitness program may be the hardest part. But given all of the many proven benefits of even a small amount of exercise, and the variety of ways to get exercise, it is possible to be fit for life at any age. ■
Nurse: An Unsung Hero DECEMBER 2015 • www.nwboomerandseniornews.com
Tamera Drinkwater, a nurse care manager in Eugene, was honored in October as an “Unsung Hero” for her volunteer work at Hosea Youth Services. The award was presented during the Fourth Annual Community Service Awards Breakfast, hosted by Serenity Lane Health Services. The award reads, “I’m an Unsung Hero in the fight against disease and addiction.” Drinkwater, who works for ElderCare Resources in Eugene, has volunteered at Hosea Youth Services for more than two years, but volunteer work is a lifelong commitment. As a child, she watched her grandparents lend a helping hand when needed, which influenced her to volunteer as a teen-ager with the developmentally disabled. Through that work, she learned early on that one only needs to give a little to receive much more in return. “Every person has the ability to bloom with love and attention,” she says. “Our kids are the future of our society, so they deserve to be loved, cared for, and guided.” Because Drinkwater works as a nurse, she is able to help the youth at Hosea with medical monitoring and referrals, in addition to supervising the kitchen. The majority of youth seeking Hosea’s services are homeless due to abuse, mental illness and/or addiction issues in the home.
up faithfully twice a week for three years and she just never stopped showing.” Drinkwater, says Tinnes, is more than a regular volunteer; she is family. “She loves these kids like they are her own,” she says. “She is thoughtful and has this welcoming and comforting presence that gives these kids a moment of peace in the storms of their lives. She listens and patiently waits for kids to let her in. A lot of times, working with these types of youth, they have difficulty accepting love and the way Tammy services these kids, day in and day out, is a true testament to what love looks like.” The best part, Tinnes says, is that the youth really have affection for Drinkwater. “They ask for her, they want their kids to call her ‘Grandma Tammy,’ they want to be with her, they
Courtesy photo
Registered nurse Tamera Drinkwater was given the “Unsung Hero” award from Serenity Lane Health Services. Hosea provides the youth with a breadth of services, but most importantly with love, support and encouragement. “Coming into a place, you never know exactly what to expect from the organization or its volunteers,” says Karri Tinnes, Hosea’s volunteer supervisor. “Tammy quickly became more than just a typical volunteer. She showed
“Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.” ― Dalai Lama XIV
Tsunami Books USED, NEW & REMAINDERED BOOKS FOR THE PROGRESSIVE MIND
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LANE COUNTY EDITION
come to her for anything because they know that they can trust her and rely on her,” she says. “Tammy always follows through and always shows up. Even in the midst of Tammy’s own storms, she does not grow weary and abandon these kids. She is faithful.” As a care manager, Drinkwater acts as a health care advocate for clients of all ages. One of her clients says, “Tamera is my hero. I have end-stage renal disease. If not for Tamera, I truly believe I would be dead. Her guidance, wisdom and knowledge not only kept me alive, but along with her advice and care, have put me on track to be eligible for the kidney transplant recipient list. I now am able to enjoy my family, including seven grandchildren, and thank the Lord for blessings like Tamera.” ■
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LANE COUNTY EDITION
TSUNAMI Tsumani is a big, white bundle of pure love (he’s a bit overweight but he’s big-boned). He’s around 9 years old. Tsunami is very gentle, and appreciates all attention that he receives. He immediately purrs and makes biscuits when you pet him and whisper sweet nothings in his ear. He wants to be a lap cat. Tsunami is a bit shy and like most adult cats that have lost their homes, it will take him a bit of time to get comfortable. Tsunami has lived with dogs and would probably do well with a catfriendly, mellow dog friend. He has not lived with cats but has been non-
NW BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS • DECEMBER 2015
reactive to cats at his foster home and would most likely be fine with another mellow, friendly cat with a slow introduction. Tsunami has done fine with kids but appreciates gentle pets so older kids that understood how to be gentle with him would be best. Tsunami is not big on playing with toys but can be coaxed to play with a feather on a stick, if there are treats following play time. Another good way to get him to exercise is place some of his food in places where he has to go find it. Tsunami has chronically weepy eyes, probably due to a viral infection as a kitten but overall he is in excellent health. Tsunami has been neutered, tested negative for FELV/FIV, is up-to-date on vaccinations, micro-chipped, has been treated for fleas and de-wormed and comes with a free vet visit. Tsunami’s adoption fee is just $60 (adoption fees help us help more of Lane County’s homeless cats). Tsunami is currently in foster. Call Beth at 541-255-9296 to meet Tsunami. West Coast Dog and Cat Rescue, westcoastdogandcat.org. â–
BELLE A house rabbit may sound like a special breed of bunny, but any rabbit can share your home. Because of their tidy nature, rabbits can be trained to use litter boxes. Belle enjoys being petted and you’ll enjoy it too. As a purebred, miniature Rex, Belle has
plush, dense fur. Watching your house rabbit hop and kick high into the air while racing through your living room will be your new, favorite pastime. At just 9 months old, Belle has enough energy to entertain you for hours. See all of Greenhill Humane Society’s small animals’ profiles at Green-Hill.org Give a gift that gives twice. Tell someone special that they inspire caring with a donation to Greenhill. Thousands of animals each year depend on Greenhill Humane Society in their time of need. Help us be there for them. Visit Green-Hill.org to learn more. Greenhill Humane Society is open for adoptions and visits from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday to Tuesday, 88530 Green Hill Road, Eugene. For more information call 541-689-1503 or visit green-hill.org. â–
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SAI offers look at January classes
Here’s a sneak peek at upcoming winter classes at Successful Aging Institute. Contact SAI at 541-4636262, or lanecc.edu/sai, for registration costs, locations and other information. Holiday Recovery: Great Lean Meals, noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 23-30. Injury Rehab and Prevention: Corrective Exercise, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Jan. 5 or 7 (free introductory class). Optimizing Social Security Benefits, various times and dates. PCA Preview, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12. Ongoing: AARP Driver Safety Program. Visit lane cc.edu/sai/course-descriptions for dates, times and locations. â–
Diabetes: An unrelenting force rolls on
DECEMBER 2015 • www.nwboomerandseniornews.com
By MARY OWEN
BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS
Statistics show that diabetes kills more Americans each year than AIDS and breast cancer combined, and recent estimates project as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050 unless steps are taken to stop the disease. So why is diabetes growing to epidemic proportions in Oregon and across the nation? “The simple answer is obesity and lack of exercise, resulting in Type 2 diabetes,” said Sondra Underberg, president of Diabetes Support Services. “A news article (recently) spoke of a 3-year-old child in Texas having been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the youngest ever. Children with diabetes generally have a diagnosis of Type 1.” Based in Salem, Diabetes Support Services provides free support group meetings in Marion and Polk counties, among other services. DSS hosted a Power over Diabetes health fair at Chinook Winds Resort in Lincoln City in early November. All services, support group meetings and events are free, and more information can be found at sugarsmart.org. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 398,554 people in Oregon, or 12.3 percent of the population, have diabetes. Of these, ADA says an estimated 98,000 don’t know they have diabetes, greatly
increasing their health risk. “According to the Centers for Disease Control, Marion County’s rate of diabetes is 9.9 percent and Polk’s, 10.2 percent,” says Andrea Bruno, executive director for the American Diabetes Association of Oregon, Southwest Washington and Idaho. “This compares to just 12 percent for the state of Oregon.” Additionally, more than 1 million people in Oregon, 36.1 percent of the population, have prediabetes with blood sugar levels higher than normal, but not yet high
enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, according to CDC statistics. Every year an estimated 24,000 people in Oregon are diagnosed with diabetes, a disease that causes such complications as heart disease, stroke, amputation, end-stage kidney disease, blindness and even death, the CDC reports. “Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death of people in Polk County,” says Katrina Rothenberger, public health administrator for Polk County Public Health. “Diabetes
See DIABETES p. 10
LANE COUNTY EDITION
9
Photo by NWBSN staff
Since her husband was diagnosed with diabetes several years ago, Sondra Underberg has learned all she can about the disease, and now runs a nonprofit to help educate others.
INDIVIDUAL | GROUP |
10 LANE COUNTY EDITION
DIABETES CONTINUED FROM P. 9
mortality is higher in men than in women in Polk County and statewide.” Statewide between 1990 and 2014, Rothenberger cited statistically, the obesity rate climbed from just over 10 percent to nearly 30 percent. Also, the 2013 Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke in Oregon report states more than 18 percent of adults who are 65 or older have been diagnosed with diabetes compared to only 2 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 34. According to Bruno, seniors should watch for common symptoms of the disease. According to the ADA, Type 2 symptoms include urinating often, feeling very thirsty or hungry, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, cuts/ bruises that are slow to heal, and tingling, pain or numbness in the hands and feet. A diabetic risk test can be found at diabetes.org/areyou-at-risk.
Key strategies are to focus on nutrition, get physically active, quit smoking, reduce high blood pressure, and lose excess weight, the ADA recommends. “Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health,” she says. “Modifiable risk factors include being overweight, smoking, lack of physical activity, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol. Since the prevalence of diabetes increases with age, schedule regular check-ups with your primary care provider and talk about your diabetes risk. Know your numbers: your hemoglobin A1C, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and body mass index number, and retest as recommended by your doctor.” Rothenberger encourages seniors who are currently living with diabetes to find a support group. “Connecting with others may make the transition toward effectively managing diabetes a little bit easier,” she says. According to Bruno, dia-
NW BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS • DECEMBER 2015
Of note
■ American Diabetes Association: education, advocacy and support. Info: diabetes.org Most health providers also provide education, support and other help. To find out more about diabetes, contact your doctor or Medicare supplement insurance provider. Many diabetes organizations can also be found online or on Facebook.
betics have medical expenses approximately 2.3 times higher than those who do not have the disease. Statistically, direct medical expenses for diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, prediabetes and gestational diabetes is estimated at $3.1 billion, with another $1 billion spent on indirect costs from loss of productivity, totaling $4 billion in Oregon. “Annually, diabetes and diabetes-related costs in the
Courtesy photo
Try out this vegetable tray at your next holiday gathering. It’s fun, festive and, most importantly, diabetic friendly. U.S. is estimated at $245 billion,” Bruno adds. The American Diabetes Association advocates at the local, state and federal level for people with diabetes and prediabetes, Bruno says. “We work hard to ensure people with diabetes have access to health care and the resources they need,” she says. “We also advocate locally and nationally to ensure the rights of people with diabetes are upheld.” This year in Oregon, Bruno says the ADA established the Oregon Diabetes Caucus in the state legislature, led by Sen. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay). No legislation is pending at
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this time, she says. “Oregon has a statewide strategic plan to reduce the burden of diabetes,” Rothenberger says. “In January, an update was provided to the 2015 legislative session.” November was Diabetes Awareness Month, and Lavinia Goto, project manager with Long Term Care Innovation in Salem, says whether diagnosed yesterday or 10 years ago, there are always things to learn and share about managing diabetes. The ADA offers a free 12month Living with Type 2 Diabetes program that offers five informational packets throughout the year to help people learn how to live well with diabetes, healthy recipes, monthly e-newsletter, six free issues of Diabetes Forecast, and an opportunity to receive personalized text messages from Care4Life to help with healthy eating habits, remembering medications and appointments, and staying motivated. The program is available in both English and Spanish. To find out more about diabetes, visit ADA Oregon, diabetes.org; public.health.oregon.gov; or sugarsmart.org. ■
DECEMBER 2015 • www.nwboomerandseniornews.com
LANE COUNTY EDITION
Picture yourself living at Mennonite Village... AN Not-for-Profit Not-f ot-fforr-Pr Profit fi Continuing CContin ontii uing Care ontin Car Carre Retirement Retir irement Community CComm om unit omm ity Providing Pr Prooviding Life-Enriching Liffee-Enriching Services Servicces 275-acree ccommunity setting,, Mennonit Mennonitee VVillage provides A 275-acr ommunity in a rrural ural setting illage pr ovides spaces levels shortt driv drivee frfrom spacious living spac es ffor or all lev els of rretirement etirement – just a shor om CCorvallis, orvallis, SSalem, alem, or EEugene. ugene. With With award-winning award-winning healthcare healthcare and landscaped grounds, Mennonitee Village beautifully landsc aped gr ounds, Mennonit Village is an inclusive inclusive community community of amazing people. people.
Mennonite Village offers offffers ers regularly regularly scheduled transportation at no cost cost to to Mennonite Village transportation at its Village Transportation can can be arr arranged anged ffor or a Village and Quail Quail Run residents. residents. Transportation group events, ents, such as ccollege ollege football football group of rresidents esidents ttoo aattend ttend special ev games or a symphony Additionally,, personal transportation transportation can can symphony concert. concert. Additionally, be hired hired by by the hour through through our In-Home In-Home Care Care Services. Services.
• • • • •
The The wellness wellness program program at at Mennonite Mennonite Village Village encompasses encompasses the physical, physical, emotional, emotional, spiritual, spiritual, and intellectual intellectual w well-being ell-being of each resident. resident. In addition to to daily activities activities andd classes offered by fitness instructors, instructors, offffer ered by residents residents enjoy enjoy playing playing pickle ball and Pétanque Pétanque (lawn (lawn bowling), bowling), putting, putting, gardening, gardening, and walking walking on miles of scenic scenic walking walking paths. paths.
Independent living homes and apartments apartments Assisted supportt aavailable Assisted living apartments apartments with care care and suppor vailable 24/7 Memory on-sitee ffoster Memory ccare, are, including rrespite espite care care and on-sit oster ccare are Skilled Skilled nursing & rehab rehab services, services, both inpatient inpatient and outpatient outpatient In-Home ounties In-Home Care Care services services in Linn, BBenton, enton, and Marion ccounties
541-928-7232 Mennonite Mennonite Village Village considers considers and admits people age 55 and older without regard national regard ttoo rrace, ace, ccolor, olorr, na tional origin, religion, religion, gender, genderr,, sexual sexual orientation, orientation, or disability. disability.
www.mennonitevillage.org w ww.mennonitevillage.org www.facebook.com/mennonitevillage w ww.facebook.com/mennonitevillage 5353 CColumbus olumbus SStreet treet SSoutheast, outheast, AAlbany, lbany, OR
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CAMP 18
LANE COUNTY EDITION
NW BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS • DECEMBER 2015
Photos by Pat Snider
Chainsaw carvings (above and below right) decorate the cabin’s porch at Camp 18, located off the Sunset Highway, on the way from Portland to Cannon Beach.
■ Log cabin is one man’s dream to create a logger’s paradise By PAT SNIDER BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS
The highways and backroads of America are dotted with offbeat landmarks, gargantuan works of art, unusual museums and wacky tourist traps, all falling under the classification of roadside attractions. There’s the world’s largest ball of twine in Kansas; Wall Drug Store in South Dakota; the Stonehenge replica at Maryhill, Washington; and Harvey the Giant Rabbit in Aloha, Oregon. Most of these start as a vision, a dream of one person combined with large doses of imagination, determination and dedication. Such is the story of Camp 18 in the hamlet of Elsie, Oregon. Lumberman Gordon Smith set out in the 1970s to build the largest log cabin, on his property in the woods inland from the Oregon Coast, not far from Cannon Beach. A third-generation logger, Smith felled, hauled and cut all the timber himself. The main beam, said to be the largest in the United States, measured 85 feet, weighed 20 tons, and contained 5,600 board-feet of lumber. Two carved, wooden doors constructed of 4-1/2-inch oldgrowth fir and weighing 500 pounds each marked the cabin’s entrance. All the timber came from the area and was cut in Smith’s nearby mill. The interior (14,000-
square feet) was filled with logging tools, historic photos, two mammoth, rock fireplaces, chandeliers crafted from elk antlers, and a stuffed cougar. Like many old logging camps known only by a number, the cabin was labeled Camp 18 after its milepost marker on the Sunset Highway, U.S. 26. Over time, a restaurant was added inside the cabin and today is a popular stopover for travelers heading to and from the coast. A quick glance through the pages in the guest book shows visitors from all over the United States and Canada, and even a pair from Kaliningrad, Russia. The menu features hearty, family-fare dishes designed to satisfy the caloric requirements of a lumberjack. Although they serve lunch and dinner, the kitchen’s specialty seems to be brawny breakfasts of eggs, omelets, local razor clams and flapjacks. Their fresh, home-made cinnamon buns are a signature item and more than match the size and scope of the log cabin. Surrounding the cabin is an open-air museum dedicated to preserving logging history with equipment and machinery from Oregon’s early timber heydays. Smith and a friend, Maurie Clark, started collecting and restoring bits of old logging equipment, a passion which soon became a
See CAMP p. 17
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Untangling technology
DECEMBER 2015 • www.nwboomerandseniornews.com
LANE COUNTY EDITION
13
Older adults embracing new smart devices through local classes By DEB ALLEN BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS
No doubt, technology has invaded our lives and become a vital component in our society, both in business and personal realms. Many organizations, including our own government, actually require users to access and submit information using a computer. The tech marketplace has exploded, offering so many types of computer devices, from desktops and laptops, to tablets, ereaders, smart phones and cameras. They’re all intended to enhance our lives and even make tasks simpler. Many of these products, however, can be frustrating and overwhelming to use. It’s not so simple after all. “So many older adults are given phones or other technology equipment from their children, but not all users of technology are great teachers,” says Beth Sutton, who runs the adult technology programs at Willamalane Adult Activity Center in Springfield. “I think it’s really helpful to have someone (other than) family members doing the teaching.” She’s amassed a cadre of able-bodied instructors and receives much praise for their efforts. What they hear most is an appreciation toward the instructor’s patience and use of common language, rather than assuming those attending their classes already possess familiarity with technical jargon. Not even sure how to turn on your computer or other electronic device? Look no further than Willamalane’s beginner classes, which cover the very basics. “One thing I hear boomers and seniors say a lot is that they’re dumb, or they’re techdumb,” says technology instructor Aaron Andrus. “And that really, really bothers me, ‘cause they’re not. No question is a dumb question.” He believes that the problem lies with the manufacturers, and feels the developers are not doing an adequate job of making their products and instruction materials simple to understand. “If you got in a car and it was too difficult to drive, you wouldn’t blame yourself, you’d blame the manufactur-
Photo by Deb Allen
In this Willamalane class titled “iPad Out There,” instructor Jan Moursund familiarizes patrons with their iPads. She taught them to use email, initiate voice-activated information requests, obtain free eBooks, play games and more. er,” Andrus says of this deficiency in technology application. Thus, Willamalane’s technology program has reaped great reward in bridging the gap between users and their technological devices. “I think it’s refreshing for people to come (to the various technology classes) and have information presented to them in a way that’s accessible,” Andrus says. He most enjoys shedding light on the ability to use a technology device for the first time. “There are ‘a-ha moments’ — and that’s my favorite thing as an instructor because you can hear it — it’s audible,” Andrus says. “That’s very rewarding, because then you know people are warming up to their devices.” The program’s knowledgeable instructors are happy to answer any questions to help their students understand their devices as well as make good decisions, drawing from their wealth of experience, and sometimes learning from their mistakes. During the class on using an iPad, for example, instructor Jan Moursund shared the importance of leaving your passwords off of portable devices. “That’s a dangerous thing to do,” she says. “Four weeks ago I lost an iPod in Turkey and it had some passwords on it. So, do as I say and not as I did.” Willamalane opened its computer lab in 1998 with a
few basic classes. In the years that followed, and as computer use gained in popularity, Willamalane expanded its class offering. As she looks back over the past 15 years, Sutton observes how their programs have grown along with technology and in response to patron requests. “We keep a pulse on the trends and add classes accordingly,” she says. Some of those requests have come in learning how to use email, word processing and spreadsheet software programs. With the onset of digital photography, Willamalane has offered classes in using digital cameras and photo editing programs. Now, they offer classes in personal technology, which covers smart phones, tablets and cloud computing. There also are specialized classes in researching genealogy and in using eBay and Craigslist. Sutton is enthusiastic about a new series, “Avoid Buying a Technology Problem,” which is “organized to be an adult show and tell, an opportunity to learn about different types of technology before they choose to purchase new equipment.” Laura Philips, community relations and volunteer program director at Eugene Public Library, says she hears from library staff that many seniors are coming in to the library with mobile devices and wanting to learn how to use them for downloading audiobooks, eBooks and
other things. “Technology and online resource topics that have been especially popular with older adults include genealogy, self-publishing, how to search the Internet effectively, and social media,” she says. “We also see many seniors coming in with mobile devices that they want to learn to use for a specific reason.” Many are not especially interested in gaining more
skills with computers, Philips says, but rather they want to learn to use a particular device or service that’s new to them, such as a tablet or Skype. “Our instructors think this trend will continue and increase as more older adults decide they don’t really need to own a PC, because smart phones and tablets do the things they want to do, and
See TECH p. 14
Non Smoking Site
14
LANE COUNTY EDITION
TECH CONTINUED FROM P. 13
also travel well,” she says. The library regularly offers classes on how to download eBooks, one-onone computer help, online genealogy, word processing and more. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the level of interest in these technology classes,” says Barbara Butzer, facility manager at Willamalane. “Most of them fill quickly. I’ve sat in on a couple of the classes myself and have found the attendees knowledgeable and asking great questions. It rather dispels the notion that ‘seniors’ aren’t tech-savvy or even interested.” Clearly, they are, she says, and these classes help them learn at a pace that is appropriate in a low-pressure environment. Classes can be repeated by patrons as often as is needed. If you’re thinking about getting someone a new piece of technology this holiday season, consider combining the gift with a class on operating the device as well. ■
NW BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS • DECEMBER 2015
Of note
Willamalane Adult Activity Center, 215 West C St., Springfield, 541-736-4544, to obtain a seasonal catalog. See schedules at willamalane.org. Eugene Public Library, 10th and Olive, 541-682-5450, Eugene-or.gov/library. Free library workshops at the downtown location in December:
■ Downlaoding eBooks and more, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2.
■ Mobile Genealogy, 10 a.m. Dec. 5, and 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Sheldon branch.
■ Intro to Skype and video chat, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7. ■ Store and Share Photos Online, 10 a.m. Dec. 12.
■ iPad and iPhone for Beginners, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14.
C L A S S I F I E D
Courtesy photo
A D S
Eugene Public Library staff at the downtown location often are called upon to help patrons learn to use new technology. The library offers monthly technology classes.
Ads must be RECEIVED BY the 6th of the month PRIOR to publication Go to www.NWBoomerandSeniorNews.com for ad form and instructions.
7 House for Rent
AVAILABLE: TWO HOUSES for rent Damascus, rural setting. Two & three bedroom, $1295 & $1795/mo + deposits/lease. 503780-0454.
bedroom apartments with private balconies, on-site laundry facility, community room & a courtyard with a nice Koi pond. All in the heart of downtown Eugene! Call 541-3430433 for more information! Lawrence Court Apartments provides equal housing opportunities. Emerald Property Management, 541-741-4676.
AVAAILABLE: CASITA/ STUDIO, Palm Desert Sun City. 55+ gated community. Includes all utilities, washer/ dryer, refrigerator, kitchennette. $1095 HUD SUBSIDIZED UNmonth/lease + depos- ITS for senior citizens 62 or older, disabled its. 503-780-0454. and/or handicapped, Vacation Rental available at this time. We are committed to LINCOLN CITY OCEAN providing equal housFRONT, fantastic view, ing opportunities. All fireplace, TV/VCR/ utilities paid. SurfDVD, 2 bdrms, kit/ wood Manor, 4545 SW dishwasher, no smok- Hwy 101, Lincoln City, ing, no pets. Very 541-996-3477. comfortable. 503-8433157. Email: holton@ HUD SUBSIDIZED UNITS for senior citizens macnet.com. 62 or older, disabled Units for Rent and/or handicapped, available at this time. HUD SUBISDIZED AP- We are committed to ARTMENTS for senior providing equal houscitizens, 62 or older. ing opportunities. All We offer spacious one utilities paid. Briar-
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wood Manor, 643 income. Beavercreek, Manbrin, Keizer, OR OR. Experience + alter97303, 503-981-8614. nate source of income required. 503-632HUD SUBSIDIZED UN- 6903. ITS for senior citizens 62 or older, disabled Services and/or handicapped, available at this time. HOUSESITTING & PETWe are committed to SITTING FOR SENproviding equal hous- IORS. $15 per day. ing opportunities. All Experienced, referutilities paid. Glen- ence. Eugene/Springwood Manor, 1687 NW field. Book now for Division St., Corvallis. 2016. 541-707-0951. 541-753-3408. SLOW MICROSOFT HUD SUBSIDIZED UN- COMPUTER?? UpITS for senior citizens grades, setups, tutor62 or older, disabled ing, troubleshooting, and/or handicapped, etc. $20 remote, $25 available at this time. hour in your home or We are committed to office! Ken, 503-390providing equal hous- 5582. ing opportunities. All utilities paid. Millwood Miscellaneous Manor, 2550 14th Ave SE, Albany. 541-928- SINGING HU CON2545. QUERS your fears &
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32 Cemetery Plots TWO PREMIUM VIEW LOTS. Belcrest Memorial, lots 1 & 2. Section 94, block 13. Transfer fee included. $7000, obo. 503-8776897, 503-873-2291.
33 Wanted
BASEBALL & SPORTS MEMORABILIA wanted. Buying old cards, pennants, autographs, photographs, tickets, programs, Pacific Coast League, etc. Alan, 503-481-0719.
CASH FOR PRE 1970 sport & non-sport gum or cigarette cards, model kits, comic books, old toys, old car or?? Private OLD SPORTS CARS collector. 503-313WANTED: 1948-1972. 7538. Alfa, Austin Healey, Ferrari, Jaguar, MerCASH FOR GOOD CONcedes, MG, Porsche. DITION reloading eq“American Classics uipment & supplies. also!” 503-538-8096 541-905-5453.
pickup! Call Sharon, 503-679-3605.
42 Entertainment “...KNOW WHERE TO H O L D ’ E M ? ” Info@SalemPokerClub .com! (Non-profit). Multiple places to play live, friendly, social poker games! $5 buyins! 503-390-5582. NOTICE: Oregon state law (ORS 701) requires anyone who contracts for construction work to be licensed with the Construction Contractors Board. An active license means the contrctor is bonded and insured. Verify the contractor’s CCB license through the CCB Consumer Website www.hirali censedcontractor.co m or call 503-378-4621.
CASH for DIABETIC 30+ YEARS TRUSTED, TEST STRIPS. Help REPUTABLE ANTIQUES those in need. Paying BUYER. ALWAYS BUYup to $30 per box. Free ING: old photos, postcards, costume jewelEQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY ry, most anything All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act antique or vintage. which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, Please call 503-422- or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal 8478. custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.
opens your Heart to Love, Joy & Spiritual freedom. Online: www. PARTTIME LIVE-IN miraclesinyourlife.org. KENNEL ASSISTANT Or: www.eckankar-orneeded for caring for egon.org. our dogs. We offer one bedroom apartment + utilities, with small Buy - Sell - Trade it
18 Help Wanted
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WANTED. Portland Music Co. always buying! Reputable since 1927. Free appraisals. 531 SE M.L.K. Blvd. Ask for Doug. 503-226-3719.
in the Classifieds
This newspaper will not knowlingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The Toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
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Looking back to see ahead
DECEMBER 2015 • www.nwboomerandseniornews.com
DIGGIN’ IT!
By GRACE PETERSON
LANE COUNTY EDITION
MASTER GARDENER
Any gardener will tell you there is a never-ending list of projects to be done to maintain their little slice of heaven. It might be compost to spread, bulbs to plant, dead foliage to haul to the compost pile and much more. And just as we finish picking up all the fallen debris from the last storm, the forecast calls for more wind. Sometimes it feels like futility. Dealing with the vagaries of Mother Nature can be frustrating, so it sure helps to have a healthy sense of humor. We can’t take it too seriously. One year in particular comes to mind. It was the week between Christmas and the New Year. I had time off from work and was planning to steal away some time in the garden. But wouldn’t you know it, that was the year two feet of snow blanketed my best intentions. Because gardening requires working with the elements, it is largely a trial and error undertaking and mistakes are inevitable. This is the time of year I like to take stock of my garden’s performance
Photo by Grace Peterson
The one flower that grew from this misplaced dahlia. during the previous growing season. What did I love about my garden? What plants exceeded my expectations and which gave me fits of frustration? How should I correct my blunders? And how should I implement all those ideas kicking around in my head?
I’d say at least 50 percent of my gardening blunders come from placing plants in the wrong spot. The specimen will either get too big and crowd its neighbors or not get big enough and be dwarfed by its neighbors. Or to make things really interesting, it will do both. Centaurea altopurpurea, a type of perennial bachelor button with deep red blooms, is a perfect example. The first year after planting it in the front of the border, it grew to almost five feet tall. So early the following spring, I carefully dug it up and moved it to the middle of the border. And what did it do? It grew to only two and a half feet tall and I could hardly see it peeking out from behind a towering ornamental grass that the year before had only topped out at three feet. After much consideration, I’ve decided to move the grass and leave the bachelor button. But I have a feeling this won’t be the end of it. Another example of plant misplacement happened after a renewed interest in growing dahlias. I bought several tubers and tucked them — admittedly a bit haphazardly — into bits of space between perennials with the idea that they’d all mingle together
15
and look pretty. (My sister does this flawlessly.) However, by summer’s end it became clear to me that the experts are correct when instructing the gardener to plant them in full sun. The tubers in semi-shade bloomed very little, if at all. Sometimes plant placement starts out well and good but after say, 10 years, it’s time to rethink things. Such is the case with my “Autumn Bliss” raspberry plants. Those poor plants really suffered this past summer with the record-breaking heat. The soil was so compacted that no amount of watering made a difference. My solution has been a project in the works for the past several weeks. I got rid of all the old raspberry plants and my son helped me build a raised bed. We’ll be adding amended soil and new plants next spring. I have high hopes. Sometimes moving the misplaced plant isn’t an option. A few months ago we cut down an old, sad pear tree. Now that it’s gone, I’ve got big ideas for filling that space. I’m sure it will take a lot of trial and error to get it the way I want it. But I won’t take it too seriously. ■
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16 LANE COUNTY EDITION
NW BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS • DECEMBER 2015
Informational meeting about Social Security with Ginger Ottesen, 6 to 7 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 3528 Gateway St., Springfield. Also from noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 3 (lunch provided), First American Title Company, 2892 Crescent Ave., Eugene. 800-696-8083.
(also Dec. 21) +55 Support Group, 11:30 a.m., Garden Way Retirement Community, 175 S. Garden Way, Eugene. Chrz.redmond55@ gmail.com.
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(through Dec. 14) Tree of Giving, Family Resource Center, 5 St. Johns Way, Reedsport. 541-2719700. (through Dec. 25) Christmas at the Village Green, 5 to 9 p.m., Village Green Resort, 5 to 9 p.m., Cottage Grove.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of Lane County, 10:30 a.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 777 Coburg Road, Eugene. 541-345-2988.
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Open microphone musical benefit for Habitat for Humanity, 6:30 p.m., Axe and Fiddle Music Pub, 657 E. Main St., Cottage Grove. Donations taken. 541-942-3878.
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to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Sheldon Branch, 1566 Coburg Road. 541-682-5450.
Download eBooks and More, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th and Olive. 541-682-5450.
The Nutracker: Short and Suite, 4 and 6 p.m., Downtown
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Northwest Mixtape: Hip Hop Culture and Influences, 6 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th and Olive. 541-682-5450. (also Dec. 3) Holiday Marketplace: Handcrafted gifts and homemade delicacies, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Willamalane Adult Activity Center, 215 W. C St., Springfield. Free. 541736-4444.
(also Dec. 6, 12-13) Holiday Pet Photo Day, noon to 4 p.m., PetSmart, 2847 Chad Dr., Eugene. Benefits West Coast Dog and Cat Rescue. Holiday bazaar and bake sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., SorgenFri Park, 3400 Hawthorne Ave., Eugene. Hourly drawings. 541-520-1967.
Lindsay Straw with Osprey, 7:30 p.m., House Concert, 755 River Road, Eugene. $10-$15.mmeyer@efn.org.
Holiday bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Eugene Hotel, 222 E. Broadway. High tea: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m./$10. 541343-8574.
Shasta Session Jazz Choir, 6 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th and Olive. 541-6825450.
Make and Take Home: Needle Felt Ornaments and Figurines, 9 a.m. to noon, Willamalane’s Dorris Ranch Tomseth House, S. 2nd and Dorris St., Springfield. $13/$15. 541-7364444.
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Eugene Lions Club’s Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 8 a.m. to noon, St. Thomas Episcopal Fellowship Hall, 1465 Coburg Road, Eugene. $8/$5. 541-344-1049. (also 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5) 54th Annual Holiday Bazaar, 4 to 8 p.m., Reedsport Community Building, 451 Winchester Ave. Mobile Genealogy, 10 a.m. to noon, Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th and Olive. Also 6
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Holiday Greens Decorations Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Eugene Garden Club, 1645 High St., Eugene. 541485-5772.
Eugene Concert Choir, “A Dickens of a Christmas,” 3 p.m., Silva Concert Hall, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene. $20+. 541-682-5000.
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(also Dec. 10, 17, 24, 26, 31) Candlelight Tours, 6 p.m., Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, 303 Willamette St., Eugene. $6/$3.
Community Ecstatic Dance, a benefit for Bernie Sanders for President, 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays, WOW Hall, 291 E. 8th St., Eugene. $5-$10 donation. meyercounseling@ gmail.com. Calamity Jane, Traditional Jazz Society of Oregon, 1 to 5 p.m., Springfield Elks, 1701 Centennial Blvd., Springfield. $10. 7 Intro to Skype and Video Chat, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th and Olive. 541-682-5450. Walter Scott, European Romanticism and Opera, by Elizabeth Bohls, 6 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th and Olive. 541682-5450.
EXPLORE • DISCOVER • SHARE Give the gift of an OLLI membership—the perfect fit for those who know learning has no age limit.
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EUGENE OFFICE 541-687-8851
Create Holiday Treats: Flavored Sugars and Salts,
6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Willamalane Adult Activity Center, 215 W. C St., Springfield. $18/$21. 541-736-4444. Holiday Market, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Crescent Park Senior Living, 2951 Coburg Road, Eugene.
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Store and Share Photos Online, 10 a.m. to noon, Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th and Olive. 541-682-5450.
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Emerald Valley Opry, 6 to 9:30 p.m., Powers Auditorium, Willamette High School, 1801 Echo Hollow Road, Eugene. $6/$5. Bring toy or nonperishable food. 541-688-0937.
See CALENDAR p. 17
At the University of Oregon
THEIR MINDS
So You’re Going On Medicare, 1:30 p.m., Campbell Community Center, 155 High St., Eugene. Free. 541-6825318.
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Call Any Day, Any Hour, 24/7
INDULGE
Eugene Public Library, 10th and Olive. 541-682-5450.
FLORENCE OFFICE 541-997-8115
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DECEMBER 2015 • www.nwboomerandseniornews.com
LANE COUNTY EDITION
Intro to iPhone and iPad, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th and Olive. 541-682-5450.
Winter Family Walk, 10 a.m. to noon, Mount Pisgah Arboretum, Eugene. $5/$8.
CALENDAR 14 CONTINUED FROM P. 16 American Association of University Women annual holiday brunch, featuring Top Notchers, 10 a.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 777 Coburg Road, Eugene. $20. 541344-4572. Yeast bread workshop, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community of Christ Church, 1485 Gilham Road, Eugene. $35. 541-344-5859.
Mythbusters Jamie and Adam Unleashed!, 8 p.m., Hult Center for the Performing Arts. $48+. 541-6825000. Breakfast with Santa, 8:30 to 11 a.m., Viking Sal Senior Center, 245 W. 5th St., Junction City. $5.
BOOKS CONTINUED FROM P. 3
have even recorded there. Last year, blues musician David Jacobs-Strain rented the place for two nights of standingroom-only live recordings. “We had five women from the China National Orchestra come do folk music here,” Landfield says, “and we’ve had the Celtic Fiddle Festival which is considered the best group of fiddlers living. It’s a listener’s venue ... people come here to listen.” The store has even hosted three wakes. One person chose to have their wake there before they passed, and the other two were posthumous. Landfield says these folks chose to have their
CAMP CONTINUED FROM P. 12
lifelong avocation. Today, the property is filled with a variety of rusted machinery, train cars, trucks, a water tower, boilers, steam donkeys and all kinds of logging paraphernalia. In addition, there are a number of larger-than-life chainsaw carvings of lumberjacks, wildlife, and Bigfoot decorating the grounds. Some might glance around at the haphazard collection and label it junk; but to Smith, it is a way of sharing his love of Oregon logging history and honoring the men who worked in the woods. Logging has always been a dangerous and physically demanding occupation. Even in today’s computerized world when most large-scale logging is done by specialized machines, there are dozens of ways to be injured.
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Open Jam, 7 to 9 p.m., Sonrise Christian Church, 1300 Irvington Dr., Eugene.
Using an iPad for Advanced Beginners, 6 p.m., Campbell Community Center, 155 High St., Eugene. Free. 541-682-5318. “Ivanhoe,” 6 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th and Olive. 541-682-5450.
Junction City Arts Council’s “Third Sunday at 3:30” Christmas Cantata, “Let the Whole World Sing,” 3:30 p.m., St. Helen Catholic Church, 1350 W. 6th Ave., Junction City. Donations taken. 541-998-3547. Lane County AARP resource team (ALeRT), Jon Bartholomew, AARPOR director of government relations, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Elsie’s Room, Campbell Center, 155 High St., Eugene. Checkright Electronics Repair, 11 a.m., Campbell Community Center, 155 High St., Eugene. Bring your small appliance or electronic device. Free. 541-6825318.
memorial party at the bookstore because they were “people of the books.” Ultimately, it is the books that Landfield treasures the most. Or is it the people and the stories behind them? Whatever the secret to Tsunami’s tenacity is, it’s got to be made up of equal parts wood fiber and ink, sweat equity and a respect for art. Landfield clearly relishes his interactions with the writers, artists and performers who share their time and energy with the store. “The good moments are the amazing events we have and the extremely intelligent people who give me the time of day, who share the space and buy books. That’s what’s going to keep us going. What an honor.” ■
Of note
Learn more about Camp 18, its history and collection, or work up an appetite perusing the extensive menu, at camp18.com
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, logging workers lead the list in the number of fatal occupational injuries. With that in mind, the most recent addition to the grounds is the Loggers’ Memorial, a separate structure dedicated to individuals who made logging their work and passion. The interior centerpiece is a bronze sculpture of a logger felling a tree. Around the room are large slabs of Douglas fir with bronze plaques memorializing those who worked in logging or the wood products industry. ■
Local Holiday Lights Trip, 4:30 p.m., Campbell Community Center, 155 High St., Eugene. $15. 541-682-5318.
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Retired Senior Providers of Lane County, “Homeless Youth” with Nicole Marshall, 2 p.m., Sheldon Oaks Retirement, 2525 Cal Young Road, Eugene. 541-342-1983.
Jake Joliff Trio, featuring Alex Hargreaves, 7 p.m., Tsunami Books, 2585 Willamette St., Eugene. $13.50/$15. 541345-8986.
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Facebook: Connecting with People You Care About, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Willamalane Adult Activity Center, 215 W. C St., Springfield. $11/$13. 541-736-4444. Gerontologist Donna Peterson, 2:30 p.m., Crescent Park Senior Living, 2951 Coburg Road, Eugene. (through Dec. 20) Radio Redux: “Miracle on 34th St.,” 7:30 p.m., Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene. $21/$18. 541682-5000.
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Winter Bird Walk, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Mount Pisgah Arboretum, Eugene. $5. Keizer Miracle of Lights Holiday Tour, 6 to 10 p.m., Willamalane Adult Activity Center, 215 W. C St., Springfield. $25/$29. 541-736-4444.
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Holiday Luncheon, noon, Viking Sal Senior Center, 245 W. 5th St., Junction City. $5. 541-998-1556. NARFE, Lane County chapter, noon, Sizzler Restaurant, 1010 Postal Way, Springfield.
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18
Decorations with meaning LANE COUNTY EDITION
NW BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS • DECEMBER 2015
Suzanne Comeau fills her home with the Christmas spirit
By BARRY FINNEMORE BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS
Courtesy photo
Suzanne Comeau stopped counting her Christmas decorations when she got to 400. But each one has special meaning to her.
For Suzanne Comeau, the holidays have always been special. She was born on New Year’s Eve, and when she was growing up her parents made the day important — not by giving lots of presents, but by emphasizing that it was truly her day, marking her arrival on earth. They also kept the family Christmas tree up until her birthday party was over. “It’s always been a happy time,” Comeau says.
For decades, her enduring love of the Christmas season literally has been on display at her home north of Vancouver, Wash., which she adorns for several weeks with hundreds of decorations and multiple Christmas trees, large and small. Comeau’s vast trove ranges from framed pictures, bedspreads, toy trains and nativity scenes to Santa, Mrs. Claus and snowmen figurines and plates. She decorates a Christmas tree in red, white and blue; another features a Donald Duck theme. She acquired the collection over many years, in some cases buying things she liked, and in other cases receiving decorations as gifts. She also has made a few ceramic decorations. Each year, when she opens the storage containers to deck out her house, each
HEALTHY LIVING DIRECTORY NAME & LOCATION
BrightStar Care of Lane County Home Care and Medical Staffing 935 Oak Street, Suite B Eugene, OR 97401 Call us 24/7 at: 541-632-7800 www.brightstarcare.com/ lane-county
Comfort Keepers 1310 Coburg Road, Suite 10 Eugene, OR 97401 541-214-4788 Eugene-970.ComfortKeepers.com EugeneOR@ComfortKeepers.com
Good Samaritan Society Eugene Village 3500 Hilyard Street Eugene, OR 97405 Kelcy Maxwell, Social Services Director 541-687-9211 www.good-sam.com
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Valley West Health Care & Rehabilitation Center 2300 Warren Street Eugene, OR 97405 For further information: Cheryl Hall 541-686-2828 www.lcca.com/valleywest
See DÉCOR p. 19
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DECEMBER 2015 • www.nwboomerandseniornews.com
DÉCOR CONTINUED FROM P. 18
decoration calls to mind special memories of family and friends. “It’s like reliving those times,” she says. Comeau isn’t sure how many decorations she has, but well over a decade ago her late grandson and a friend counted more than 400 items. She has in excess of 100 Christmas pictures, some of which are antiques. One image depicts Santa and his reindeer in a snow-covered field, while another shows a winter scene with a tree loaded in a wagon and a farmhouse in the background. She’s certain that today she has even more decorations, but a few years ago she imposed a rule that she wouldn’t buy a new one unless she parted with one. “There’s nothing I want to get rid of,” Comeau, 74, says with a smile. Each ornament and decoration has a special meaning to her. For example, she has a nativity scene from her parents, and a miniature tree her son made in high school. A small, artificial tree she decorates in a spare bedroom features ornaments she inherited from her parents. “It makes me feel good, because it’s like a part of them,” she says. She loves anything with Santa’s likeness on it. She has Santa piggy banks; small Santa figures dressed as a cowboy, chef and other characters; a Santa clock she bought for her late husband, Bob; and a music box featuring Santa as a carpenter, in honor of her father, who worked as a carpenter. With so many decorations, it might seem natural for Comeau to have a few favorites. But she doesn’t. “They’re all my favorites,” she says. “They all mean so very, very much.” Transforming her house for the holidays is a labor of love. She begins by removing and storing all
the everyday items, as well as the Thanksgiving and fall decorations that adorn her walls, counters and shelves. She then takes the Christmas decorations from storage and arranges them, a process that usually begins in mid- to late November and wraps up in about a week. “It’s almost like moving out and moving back in,” she says. “Usually I’m up at four or five in the morning and work all day. I work at it, but you have to enjoy it or you wouldn’t do it.” As she accumulated more and more decorations, her husband at one point started taking pictures of displays around the house so she could remember how she arranged things. Comeau lives on slightly more than an acre, just a stone’s throw from where she grew up and next door to her son, Paul, and daughter, Susan. Leading up to the holidays last year, friends, sensitive to the September 2014 death of Comeau’s husband, asked if she planned to decorate her house again. She responded, “Bob would want me to. It meant as much to him as it does to me.” Comeau did tweak one thing last year. For the first time, her main tree was artificial instead of natural — her husband loved putting up a natural tree so much, and it typically was so large, that it could hold up to 2,500 lights and branches had to be removed just to get it in the house. She likes the artificial tree because it’s more convenient and she can leave it up longer. “I miss the smell (of a real tree), but I don’t miss the mess,” she says. For Comeau, Christmas itself and the act of decorating are inseparable and have a powerful meaning. “People ask me when I’ll quit (decorating), and I say, ‘When it’s not fun anymore. To me, it’s Christmas,” she says. “It’s love. That’s what I get from it.” ■
LANE COUNTY EDITION
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Photo by NWBSN staff
Suzanne Comeau puts away her everyday home décor and fills her home each holiday season with hundreds of Christmas items, including at least three trees.
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LANE COUNTY EDITION
NW BOOMER & SENIOR NEWS • DECEMBER 2015