Artists’ Gallery hosting annual ‘Fill Don’s Truck’ food drive in October
MASKS REQUIRED All Indoor Public Spaces Outdoors in Crowds – Vaccinated or Not –
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The Sunriver Nature Center celebrates everything ’shroom during FungiFest Page 10
S U N R I V E R
S C E N E A NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE SUNRIVER OWNERS ASSOCIATION
OCTOBER 2021
VOLUME XLVII • NUMBER 10
By Susan Berger, Sunriver Scene SROA NEWS – In August 2018, the SROA Board of Directors adopted and implemented a Sunriver Code of Civility. The hope was that the association would never have to use it… that it would simply be a reminder and help to diffuse a person’s behavior before it escalated to a point of no return. Unfortunately, temperaments appear to be getting worse, rather than improving. In recent weeks, SROA has issued several Civility Code violations to owners for verbal attacks on committee volunteers and staff. The following phrase has been used before, but it warrants repeating: “Can we all get along?” This is the infamous quote by Rodney King (yes, these are his actual words – not the misquoted “Can’t we all just get along”). In any case, both versions remain very relevant today. A lack of civility is increasing at an alarming rate. Granted, any of us can have a bad day and unintentionally take it out on others. We never know what’s going on behind the scenes in someone’s life. Perhaps they are grieving a death, caring for an ailing family member, the dog threw up on them or the car wouldn’t start that morning. But… there is a big difference between being a bit snippy versus using foul language, name calling, throwing things, bullying or physically threatening someone. This should not be what Sunriver is known for. The respect for staff, committee/board volunteers and owners should be at the core of this community. Everyone should feel valued, safe to conduct their work and go home with a positive outlook about being here. “Providing a positive work enviTurn to Civility, page 3
Sunriver resident shows courage, resolve after accident By Paul Grieco Mike Spaniol, Sunriver resident since 2012 and active member of the local volunteer community, severed his spinal cord in a fall on Aug. 6 while working on a Habitat for Humanity home build in La Pine. Spaniol, 66, suffered multiple injuries including a T9 break with a complete transection of the spinal cord as well as a T8 fracture and is now paralyzed from his mid-section down. He also sustained multiple broken ribs, cuts and bruises. According to his wife, Carolyn, a bright spot is that there appears to be no permanent brain damage. His arms, hands, neck and head all have good range of motion, and he is physically strong and has vigorously involved himself in daily physical therapy with rigorous rehab, including acclimating himself to a wheelchair for the foreseeable future or beyond. According to Mike, it is too early to yield a prognosis, but he remains optimistic. Spaniol was moved Aug. 24 via
Mike Spaniol prior to the accident (above) and in the hospital (right) during a visit with his sister-in-law.
medical jet from St. Charles to a special research and rehab hospital in Chicago, where he will be an inpatient at least through September and perhaps afterwards for outpatient care. Anyone who knows Spaniol recognizes how hard he has worked in the community not only for Habitat for
Humanity, but also for the Sunriver group, The Woodchuckers, since 2013, cutting wood tirelessly throughout the year to raise money for those in need. He also volunteers for his church, Holy Trinity, as a greeter, a member of the Turn to Courage, page 6
Patrons, musicians help select new music festival maestro One of the highlights of the recently completed 44th summer season of Sunriver Music Festival was “The Maestro in Action” – experiencing the two final candidates for artistic director, Kelly Kuo and Brett Mitchell, as they conducted the Festival Orchestra. Concert attendees and musicians were invited to share comments and evaluations after hearing these talented leaders perform. “This wasn’t a competition,” explained Executive Director Meagan Iverson. “It was an extraordinary opportunity to see two acclaimed conductors shine and for everyone to be involved in the selection process.” Iverson adds that the Board of Trustees received hundreds of helpful evaluations submitted by patrons and musicians. Here is just a sampling: • “Both conductors were very well prepared and chose thoughtful and
Maestro Brett Mitchell
interesting programs.” • “The board is faced with the luxurious and challenging situation of having two wonderful finalists, each with different strengths. It’s comforting that you
can’t go wrong either way.” • “Kelly Kuo’s musicality, technique, rapport with the musicians and audience, humility and thoughtfulness, and clear commitment to education are inspiring. I feel fortunate to work with him and it’s clear he’s a rising star.” • “Brett Mitchell is a high-level conductor with very good conducting technique, rehearsal technique, big personality, very good. Keeping interest and energy levels high are Maestro Mitchell’s strongest qualities as a conductor, and he has many more.” • “Kelly Kuo came to every rehearsal with wonderful musical ideas and collaborated with the featured soloists, orchestral soloists, and the rest of the musicians. He was a great advocate for us musicians when things got tough, he showed real grace under pressure. He is Turn to Maestro, page 7 SUNRIVER SCENE SUNRIVER OWNERS ASSN. VOLUME XLVII • NUMBER 10 P.O. BOX 3278 SUNRIVER, OR 97707
Sunriver’s Code of Civility being enforced
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