Some andom thoughts on how we finance county government in Oregon
It has been awhile since I last posted here. There have been some changes in my life. I’m now have a Boring address (location, not frame of mind) and am living in my great niece’s granny unit/laundry room. Hey, it’s not bad. I have more room than I have had for several years. There is only one problem. The noise of the washer and dryer drowns out my music.
I have been thinking about the problems facing many of the counties here in Oregon that are facing the loss of federal funding. They have been paid millions and millions of dollars over the years and have become dependent on the federal handouts. The payments may be justified because of the large tracts of federal land that are exempt from the local tax bases. Are there other ways for the federal government to pay? For example, could the counties charge the government for services provided, such as law enforcement.
Local voters continue to vote down tax increases. Is it time to re-look at how we fund local government? If the people are unwilling to tax themselves, is it time to revoke the county charters? Oregon has 36 counties. Are 36 necessary today? Could be govern ourselves between if we had 12 counties?
Something needs to be done. Libraries are being closed. County law enforcement is being cut back to bare bones. Jails are being emptied.
Just some random thoughts on the state of things here in this great state.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
A Real Lesson
Every once in awhile I get an email that really hits me. This is one of those. I have gotten into the habit of checking these out on the Urban Legend website (http://www.snopes.com/). According to the website this story is true. I could not pass up reprinting it here. I just have two words for you Mrs. Cothren: Bravo Zulu (Navy lingo for well done or great job).
Classroom Desks
Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies schoolteacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock, did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she took all of the desks out of the classroom.
The kids came into first period, they walked in, and there were no desks. They obviously looked around and said, "Ms. Cothren, where's our desk?" And she said, "You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn them."
They thought, "Well, maybe it's our grades."
"No," she said.
"Maybe it's our behavior."
And she told them, "No, it's not even your behavior."
And so they came and went in the first period, still no desks in the classroom. Second period, same thing. Third period. By early afternoon television news crews had gathered in Ms. Cothren's class to find out about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of the classroom. The last period of the day, Martha Cothren gathered her class. They were at this time sitting on the floor around the sides of the room. And she says, “Throughout the day no one has really understood how you earn the desks that sit in this classroom ordinarily." She said,
"Now I'm going to tell you."
Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it, and as she did 27 U.S. Veterans, wearing their uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. And they placed those school desks in rows, and then they stood along the wall. And by the time they had finished placing those desks; those kids for the first time I think perhaps in their lives understood how they earned those desks.
Martha said, "You don't have to earn those desks. These guys did it for you. They put them out there for you, but it's up to you to sit here responsibly to learn, to be good students and good citizens, because they paid a price for you to have that desk, and don't ever forget it."
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Be an Early Riser
I hear people complaining that they don’t have the time to do the things they want. Yet there is a simple technique that will allow them to add a month to their year. The math is simple. A 40-hour workweek means we will work around 2000 hours annually (assuming a two week vacation), or around 166 hours a month.
Getting up an hour early five days a week will add 260 hours of available time. That still leaves two days a week to sleep in. What could you do with an extra 260 hours?
According to Julia Cameron, author of “The Right to Write,” lawyer Scott Turow wrote his novel “Presumed Innocent” on his daily commuter train, while his fellow passengers slept, read the newspaper or talked among themselves.
The trick is not finding the time. It is taking the time to do what you want. It’s a choice: the Wheel of Fortune or a 30 minute walk. You make similar choices all day.
Some people use their extra hour to run. That never looked like fun. Most runners I see never smile. I have used my extra hour to walk. That is one activity I really enjoy. I also use my hour to meditate, to study and to write. After reading Julia’s Cameron book “The Right to Write” I started writing morning pages. She recommends three pages in longhand.
For some this early morning hour is their most productive time of day. There are no telephones, no interruptions, and no distractions.
Dale Carnegie, in his book “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living” takes a different approach to adding an hour to every day of your waking life. His recommendation is taking breaks throughout the day. His theory is that you should rest before you get tired. “If you are over fifty and feel you are too rushed to do it, then buy immediately all the insurance you can get. …Your spouse may want to take your insurance money and marry a younger person.”
Just imagine what you could accomplish both being an early riser and taking breaks throughout the day.
Getting up an hour early five days a week will add 260 hours of available time. That still leaves two days a week to sleep in. What could you do with an extra 260 hours?
According to Julia Cameron, author of “The Right to Write,” lawyer Scott Turow wrote his novel “Presumed Innocent” on his daily commuter train, while his fellow passengers slept, read the newspaper or talked among themselves.
The trick is not finding the time. It is taking the time to do what you want. It’s a choice: the Wheel of Fortune or a 30 minute walk. You make similar choices all day.
Some people use their extra hour to run. That never looked like fun. Most runners I see never smile. I have used my extra hour to walk. That is one activity I really enjoy. I also use my hour to meditate, to study and to write. After reading Julia’s Cameron book “The Right to Write” I started writing morning pages. She recommends three pages in longhand.
For some this early morning hour is their most productive time of day. There are no telephones, no interruptions, and no distractions.
Dale Carnegie, in his book “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living” takes a different approach to adding an hour to every day of your waking life. His recommendation is taking breaks throughout the day. His theory is that you should rest before you get tired. “If you are over fifty and feel you are too rushed to do it, then buy immediately all the insurance you can get. …Your spouse may want to take your insurance money and marry a younger person.”
Just imagine what you could accomplish both being an early riser and taking breaks throughout the day.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
A Second Life
Five years ago I started publishing a weekly E-Letter. In my first issue I talked about the second life that each of us will have the opportunity to experience. My friend, and subscriber, Dave immediately emailed back and said, “A second life after 50? I think I'm on my third right now.”
Dave is right; he is in his third age.
Alan Pifer, former chairman of the Carnegie Corporation Project on an Aging Society, has suggested that our increasing longevity gives us a new third quarter in our life span. He says this “should constitute a period of rebirth, with the awakening of new interests and enthusiasm for life, and few possibilities for being productive.”
The challenge that we face is how can we make our additional years better for ourselves and better for our society.
William A. Sadler, author of The Third Age, uses sigmoid curve (a S laying on it’s side and stretched out). According to Dr. Sadler there is a brief dip in the learning curve during early adaptation to life. Then we progress upward towards a peak near the middle of life, where we reach a plateau. From there it is a gradual descent. This is the old, conventional view of life.
The poet T. S. Eliot, at age seventy expressed a conventional view of the second half of life in very unconventional and blunt terms: “I don’t believe one grows older. I think that what happens early on in life is that at a certain age one stands still and stagnates.”
What has really changed is our lengthening life span. In eighteenth-century American, the average life span was barely forty. From 1900 to 1993 the average American life expectancy went from 47.3 yeas to 75.5 years. As we enter the twenty-first century, the average American life span is nearly eighty.
Many of us are getting a thirty year bonus. I’m going to live mine to the fullest. Dr. Walter Bortz of Palo Alto, California, has specialized in vital aging, says that we should plan on living one hundred years or more. Between 1960 and 1996 the number of centenarians in America increased from 3,000 to over 55,000. He feels that millions will pass this milestone in this century. There will be too many of us to be mentioned on the Today Show. Willard will have to up the age to 110 or 115.
According to Dr. Sadler, “Getting older has commonly been associated with five deadly D words: decline, disease, dependency, depression and decrepitude (feebleness). After these, of course comes the sixth dreaded D word, which marks the end of the line.”
Ever since that first E-Letter I have focused on the R words, such as rebirth, renewal, regeneration, revitalization and rejuvenation. It has also lead into a new career field and looking at new dreams and goals. I’m enjoying my second life.
I welcome and encourage feedback. I want to hear your stories. It also lets me know I anyone is reading this.
Dave is right; he is in his third age.
Alan Pifer, former chairman of the Carnegie Corporation Project on an Aging Society, has suggested that our increasing longevity gives us a new third quarter in our life span. He says this “should constitute a period of rebirth, with the awakening of new interests and enthusiasm for life, and few possibilities for being productive.”
The challenge that we face is how can we make our additional years better for ourselves and better for our society.
William A. Sadler, author of The Third Age, uses sigmoid curve (a S laying on it’s side and stretched out). According to Dr. Sadler there is a brief dip in the learning curve during early adaptation to life. Then we progress upward towards a peak near the middle of life, where we reach a plateau. From there it is a gradual descent. This is the old, conventional view of life.
The poet T. S. Eliot, at age seventy expressed a conventional view of the second half of life in very unconventional and blunt terms: “I don’t believe one grows older. I think that what happens early on in life is that at a certain age one stands still and stagnates.”
What has really changed is our lengthening life span. In eighteenth-century American, the average life span was barely forty. From 1900 to 1993 the average American life expectancy went from 47.3 yeas to 75.5 years. As we enter the twenty-first century, the average American life span is nearly eighty.
Many of us are getting a thirty year bonus. I’m going to live mine to the fullest. Dr. Walter Bortz of Palo Alto, California, has specialized in vital aging, says that we should plan on living one hundred years or more. Between 1960 and 1996 the number of centenarians in America increased from 3,000 to over 55,000. He feels that millions will pass this milestone in this century. There will be too many of us to be mentioned on the Today Show. Willard will have to up the age to 110 or 115.
According to Dr. Sadler, “Getting older has commonly been associated with five deadly D words: decline, disease, dependency, depression and decrepitude (feebleness). After these, of course comes the sixth dreaded D word, which marks the end of the line.”
Ever since that first E-Letter I have focused on the R words, such as rebirth, renewal, regeneration, revitalization and rejuvenation. It has also lead into a new career field and looking at new dreams and goals. I’m enjoying my second life.
I welcome and encourage feedback. I want to hear your stories. It also lets me know I anyone is reading this.
Friday, March 09, 2007
A Memorial Day Note
I know Memorial Day is still several weeks away, but I came across this article I had written in 2002. I was looking or something else but this one spoke to me. If we want to do something different this Memorial Day, May 28th, we should start planning now.
While researching material for my Memorial Day presentation to the Columbia Gorge Kiwanis Club I came across the following on the Internet:
"This weekend I am going to do something different. I am going to buy some carnations each day and go to one of the nearby cemeteries and walk through the sections for soldiers. When I find a grave that has no flowers, I'll leave one and say a prayer for the family of that person, who for some reason could not bring their soldier flowers. I will pray for our country and all who serve or have served. For their families, who also serve by losing precious days, weeks and months spent with their loved ones who are off serving, preserving peace and the freedom we have in this country. I'll pray for the families who paid the ultimate price, who's loved ones died, or were taken captive and never returned. I'll pray for anyone who may still be held in captivity and thinks perhaps they are forgotten. I do NOT forget."
How are you going spending this Memorial Day? Is this just the third day of the three day weekend that marks the beginning of summer? Did you visit the grave of someone who served his or her country? Did you pause for a moment to remember the true meaning of today?
I will be in a local cemetery tomorrow morning with a bunch of carnations, looking for the graves of servicemen without flowers. I will leave one and say a prayer for that person. In many cases, it’s not that the families forget; there are no families left to remember these men & women. I do not forget.
Moina Michaels wrote in the following in 1915.
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
General Order 11 of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued in 1868, states:
“Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s gratitude, the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.”
In 2002 I went to a local cemetery. Since then I have traveled to Cathlamet, Washington, my mother’s hometown and visited the cemetery when my relatives are buried. I have taken a bunch of carnations and visited each of their graves. I have also honored the veterans long forgotten.
Where will you be on Memorial Day, May 28th, 2007?
Friday, March 02, 2007
The Mess at Walter Reed
You may have not noticed the news coverage of living conditions at the Walter Reed Medical Center for solders well enough to be outpatients.
The Army and the Defense Department began investigations after The Washington Post published stories that documented problems in soldiers' housing and in the medical bureaucracy at Walter Reed, which has been called the Army's premier caregiver for soldiers wounded in. Even the network news programs picked up the stories.
The problems at Walter Reed pertain not to the quality of medical care for wounded soldiers but rather to the treatment of those who are well enough to be outpatients, living in Army housing at Walter Reed. One building, called building 18, was singled out in the Post reports as being in bad repair, including having mold on interior walls.
The Commanding General at Walter Reed has now been relieved of his command. His firing could very well mean an end to his Army career. I had been hoping that they would treat him like the slum landlord that he is and make him live in building 18.
The investigation is now beginning to look at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and other military medical treatment facilities around the United States. A blue ribbon panel is looking the housing conditions and the processing of determining disability when soldiers are unable to return to duty.
I spent 23 years in the Navy Medical Department and was stationed at Bethesda in the late 1970’s. As young, new commissioned Medical Service Corps officer at the Naval Hospital, St Albans (in the heart of Queens) New York I had first had experience dealing with patients from all the uniformed services. During the Viet Nam war patients were sent to the military hospial closest to their home. We always had more Army patients and Navy and Marine Corps.
The challenge has always been how to keep these young men and women motivated. They are separated from their units and most are also separated from loved ones. They are in limbo, waiting for the medical and military bureaucracy.
We need to find new and creative ways to make these young men and women feel useful and productive. With all the modern technology there has to be better ways.
Congress says they fully support our troops. Now it is time for them to provide the resources necessary to take care of our wounded warriors. They need more than just the lip service that our politicians are famous for.
The Army and the Defense Department began investigations after The Washington Post published stories that documented problems in soldiers' housing and in the medical bureaucracy at Walter Reed, which has been called the Army's premier caregiver for soldiers wounded in. Even the network news programs picked up the stories.
The problems at Walter Reed pertain not to the quality of medical care for wounded soldiers but rather to the treatment of those who are well enough to be outpatients, living in Army housing at Walter Reed. One building, called building 18, was singled out in the Post reports as being in bad repair, including having mold on interior walls.
The Commanding General at Walter Reed has now been relieved of his command. His firing could very well mean an end to his Army career. I had been hoping that they would treat him like the slum landlord that he is and make him live in building 18.
The investigation is now beginning to look at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and other military medical treatment facilities around the United States. A blue ribbon panel is looking the housing conditions and the processing of determining disability when soldiers are unable to return to duty.
I spent 23 years in the Navy Medical Department and was stationed at Bethesda in the late 1970’s. As young, new commissioned Medical Service Corps officer at the Naval Hospital, St Albans (in the heart of Queens) New York I had first had experience dealing with patients from all the uniformed services. During the Viet Nam war patients were sent to the military hospial closest to their home. We always had more Army patients and Navy and Marine Corps.
The challenge has always been how to keep these young men and women motivated. They are separated from their units and most are also separated from loved ones. They are in limbo, waiting for the medical and military bureaucracy.
We need to find new and creative ways to make these young men and women feel useful and productive. With all the modern technology there has to be better ways.
Congress says they fully support our troops. Now it is time for them to provide the resources necessary to take care of our wounded warriors. They need more than just the lip service that our politicians are famous for.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Artist Dates
Thanks to a chance encounter with a book, The Right To Write, written by Julia Cameron I can publicly admit that I’m a writer. According to Julia “we should write because it is human nature to write.”
While reading The Right To Write, I learned about Morning Pages, Weekly Walks and Artist Dates. Morning Pages and Weekly Walks have become part of my daily life. The last tool I have adopted is the artist date. Julia says the artist date is to nurture the creativity that is within each of us. I am getting into the habit of taking a weekly solo expedition to do something that is just plain fun.
Last week I went to a furniture store to look for ideas. I will be moving within the next couple of months and will need to outfit an apartment. I was looking for ideas. Yesterday it was a visit to Troutdale, Oregon, and a visit to the many shops in the downtown area, including the gift shops and the antique shops.
Now it’s becoming fun to plan my future dates. Sometimes it’ a visit to a museum, sometimes a special store. On other dates I have gone to parks. One of my favorites is a visit to Oneonta Gorge and Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. The best time to visit is a summer weekday at around noon. Getting to the falls requires wading up Oneonta Creek. I enjoy looking at the awesome power of mother nature.
Try having an artist date. If you don’t think of yourself as an artist, call it something else, just get out and experience new things. Explore your community.
It’s Friday and I’m off to the Portland Garden Show.
While reading The Right To Write, I learned about Morning Pages, Weekly Walks and Artist Dates. Morning Pages and Weekly Walks have become part of my daily life. The last tool I have adopted is the artist date. Julia says the artist date is to nurture the creativity that is within each of us. I am getting into the habit of taking a weekly solo expedition to do something that is just plain fun.
Last week I went to a furniture store to look for ideas. I will be moving within the next couple of months and will need to outfit an apartment. I was looking for ideas. Yesterday it was a visit to Troutdale, Oregon, and a visit to the many shops in the downtown area, including the gift shops and the antique shops.
Now it’s becoming fun to plan my future dates. Sometimes it’ a visit to a museum, sometimes a special store. On other dates I have gone to parks. One of my favorites is a visit to Oneonta Gorge and Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. The best time to visit is a summer weekday at around noon. Getting to the falls requires wading up Oneonta Creek. I enjoy looking at the awesome power of mother nature.
Try having an artist date. If you don’t think of yourself as an artist, call it something else, just get out and experience new things. Explore your community.
It’s Friday and I’m off to the Portland Garden Show.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Just A Random Thought
I’m bothered by all the senators and congressmen who say they support our troops, yet they deny funding to the programs that support these very troops.
The Veterans Administration is under funded and the very veterans they claim to support are being turned away everyday.
The Labor Department, with a major veterans training program, is left to languish on a continuing resolution. Funding for state level training programs have been cut to 40%.
The states have been stripped of vital equipment with no replacement in sight. They have important missions at home that are being compromised.
If Congress really supports our young men and women, then lets fund the Veterans Administration to 100% of their needs. Not a single veterans should be denied benefits.
The Labor Department needs a budget and the Veterans' Employment & Training Service (VETS) should be funded at 100% of their needs. Not a single veteran should be turned away because of a lack of funding.
The state National Guard units need all their equipment replaced in a timely manner.
Finally we need to show our active duty men and women that we really support them. We can not afford to pay them what they are worth, but we could make a step forward by eliminating all income taxes (federal, state and local) on our men and women in uniform. Several states have found they can live with taxing retired military pay, why not extent the exceptions to everyone?
With fully funded training programs our veterans will more than make up the lost tax revenues. At worst, the Air Force might have to give up one bomber or the Navy a couple of ships.
It’s time to write letters to the editor’s, your senators and representatives. You may not support the war, but show the troops that you support them.
The Veterans Administration is under funded and the very veterans they claim to support are being turned away everyday.
The Labor Department, with a major veterans training program, is left to languish on a continuing resolution. Funding for state level training programs have been cut to 40%.
The states have been stripped of vital equipment with no replacement in sight. They have important missions at home that are being compromised.
If Congress really supports our young men and women, then lets fund the Veterans Administration to 100% of their needs. Not a single veterans should be denied benefits.
The Labor Department needs a budget and the Veterans' Employment & Training Service (VETS) should be funded at 100% of their needs. Not a single veteran should be turned away because of a lack of funding.
The state National Guard units need all their equipment replaced in a timely manner.
Finally we need to show our active duty men and women that we really support them. We can not afford to pay them what they are worth, but we could make a step forward by eliminating all income taxes (federal, state and local) on our men and women in uniform. Several states have found they can live with taxing retired military pay, why not extent the exceptions to everyone?
With fully funded training programs our veterans will more than make up the lost tax revenues. At worst, the Air Force might have to give up one bomber or the Navy a couple of ships.
It’s time to write letters to the editor’s, your senators and representatives. You may not support the war, but show the troops that you support them.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Living Treasures
While surfing the net I came across a reference to the living treasures program in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Check out their website at http://livingtreasures.kxx.com/
According to their website Living Treasures is
“…a simple concept of honoring those in communities, schools, or the workplace who make a difference. Honoring those who serve as models and mentors--those who provide quiet inspiration with their hope, heart and wisdom. "Living Treasures" are the folk heroes who live among us. This special distinction is a community's gift to a beloved elder and a gentle reminder that we all need more Thank you's!”
I have always been bothered that we wait until someone is gone before saying thank you. The people of Santa Fe have found a way to say Thank You while our heros are still with us. They offer a free workbook designed to help other communities create a Living Treasures program. Every community should be honoring their local hero’s. How about starting a committe in your community? I will let you know how I'm with introducing Living Treasures in Sandy, Oregon.
According to their website Living Treasures is
“…a simple concept of honoring those in communities, schools, or the workplace who make a difference. Honoring those who serve as models and mentors--those who provide quiet inspiration with their hope, heart and wisdom. "Living Treasures" are the folk heroes who live among us. This special distinction is a community's gift to a beloved elder and a gentle reminder that we all need more Thank you's!”
I have always been bothered that we wait until someone is gone before saying thank you. The people of Santa Fe have found a way to say Thank You while our heros are still with us. They offer a free workbook designed to help other communities create a Living Treasures program. Every community should be honoring their local hero’s. How about starting a committe in your community? I will let you know how I'm with introducing Living Treasures in Sandy, Oregon.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
What Type of Retirement for You?
While surfing my favorite blogs in the internet I came across a reference to the Vanguard Center for Retirement Research (https://institutional.vanguard.com) talks about six paths to retirement. For the past couple of years I have been very interested in our second fifty years.
The conventional view of retirement – working full-time until a set date and then shifting to full-time leisure – does not match the experience of many older Americans, according to the Vanguard national survey. According to the study “The paths to retirement are varied, and different types of work are common in the early retirement years.”
What I found interesting is that only 29% of Americans age 55 to 69 fall into the Early Retiree’s category. These are the people who exit the workforce in their 50’s or 60’s and stop all work thereafter.
Others plan to continue working in various forms through their 60’s and beyond (10% of Americans age 55 to 69) Their decision to never retire is based on a desire to be active, the type of work, or working to meet basic living expenses.
The other groups include Work and Play (12%), Still Working (35%), Returnee’s (5%) and Spouses Retirement (9%). There are various reasons people in these groups are still working. Some are semi-retired and working part-time or are self-employed.
The Vanguard survey of 2,474 individuals age 40 to 69 indicates that “The conventional view of retirement — working full-time until a set date then shifting to full-time leisure –- does not match the experience of many older Americans.”
I guess the boomers are not going to become conventional in retirement. Are we rejecting the system created by our grandparents and parents? Interesting thoughts. I would love your comments.
The conventional view of retirement – working full-time until a set date and then shifting to full-time leisure – does not match the experience of many older Americans, according to the Vanguard national survey. According to the study “The paths to retirement are varied, and different types of work are common in the early retirement years.”
What I found interesting is that only 29% of Americans age 55 to 69 fall into the Early Retiree’s category. These are the people who exit the workforce in their 50’s or 60’s and stop all work thereafter.
Others plan to continue working in various forms through their 60’s and beyond (10% of Americans age 55 to 69) Their decision to never retire is based on a desire to be active, the type of work, or working to meet basic living expenses.
The other groups include Work and Play (12%), Still Working (35%), Returnee’s (5%) and Spouses Retirement (9%). There are various reasons people in these groups are still working. Some are semi-retired and working part-time or are self-employed.
The Vanguard survey of 2,474 individuals age 40 to 69 indicates that “The conventional view of retirement — working full-time until a set date then shifting to full-time leisure –- does not match the experience of many older Americans.”
I guess the boomers are not going to become conventional in retirement. Are we rejecting the system created by our grandparents and parents? Interesting thoughts. I would love your comments.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Red Dirt and T-Shirts
You own a t-shirt company on the island of Kauai when flooding from hurricane Iniki damages your inventory. Now you’re on the verge of financial ruin. What to you do? Some people would give up and move on.
Paradise Sportswear looked at the pile of white t-shirts now stained with the red volcanic dirt of Kauai and saw their future. Kauai’s Hanapepe Valley is the source of their natural dye; the rich red dirt used to create their now famous Red Dirt shirts. I loved the picture of the row of washing machines covered with the red dirt. Their brand is known around the world as Original Red Dirt Shirts.
I discovered Paradise Sportswear during a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and picked up a t-shirt and a flyer. The t-shirt is one of my favorites and the flyer has been sitting on my desk for a year. Today I decided to write about a great American success story and a little Hawaiian red dirt.
Paradise Sportswear looked at the pile of white t-shirts now stained with the red volcanic dirt of Kauai and saw their future. Kauai’s Hanapepe Valley is the source of their natural dye; the rich red dirt used to create their now famous Red Dirt shirts. I loved the picture of the row of washing machines covered with the red dirt. Their brand is known around the world as Original Red Dirt Shirts.
I discovered Paradise Sportswear during a cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and picked up a t-shirt and a flyer. The t-shirt is one of my favorites and the flyer has been sitting on my desk for a year. Today I decided to write about a great American success story and a little Hawaiian red dirt.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Thank You Sean...
The Oregon National Guard said Sergeant Sean Patrick Fennerty died after a bomb hit a vehicle he was in while fighting anti-Iraqi forces in the Al Anbar Province.
Fennerty graduated from Jesuit High School 1999 and Oregon State University in 2004 as a history major.
He joined the U.S. Army and became an Airborne Soldier and was stationed at Ft. Richardson, Alaska with the 25th Infantry Division, the Guard said.
According to newspaper articles, Fennerty loved to ski, fish and spend time with his friends. Officials said he was survived by his mother Mo, father Brian, two sisters, Kelly of Seattle, and Colleen of Chicago, and brother Conor of Washington D.C.
The following statement mourning the loss of Sgt. Sean Fennerty, was released by Jesuit High School.
It is with deep sadness that Jesuit High School has learned of the death of Sgt. Sean Fennerty of the Class of 1999.
Sean is remembered as a faith-filled person who participated in all areas of the school. He took it upon himself to strengthen the school community with his generous and giving spirit. These qualities enabled him to be a friend too many faculty and students while he attended Jesuit.
His classmates will miss his sense of humor and deep sense of loyalty to them. His awareness of duty to make our world a better place is what led him into the military service of our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sean's parents, sisters, brother, and the extended Fennerty family during this difficult time.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Requel, Oh No!
Raquel Welch was on Today this morning. She was talking about how the 60’s of today. My mind was not on the interview. I was remembering Raquel at an earlier time. It was Christmas 1967. I was serving onboard a hospital ship, USS Sanctuary (AH-17), supporting Marine operations in Northern South Vietnam.
Raquel was traveling with Bob Hope. Bob, Requel and a large contingent of photographers flew out to the ship to visit the patients. We were all excited. I remember standing between two Navy nurses and making a comment about getting to see a real American woman again. I survived but the nurses started saying they couldn’t wait to see Bob, a “real American man.”
I was the senior ward Corpsman or two sixteen bed Urology wards. The wards had upper and lower bunks and Requel was trapped in the back corner by the photographers. It was exciting for all of us.
That was 39 years ago. Seeing Requel on the Today Show brought back a lot of memories. To me she has not changed at all. She is still one very beautiful woman. I’m glad I had the chance to met Bob and Requel.
Raquel was traveling with Bob Hope. Bob, Requel and a large contingent of photographers flew out to the ship to visit the patients. We were all excited. I remember standing between two Navy nurses and making a comment about getting to see a real American woman again. I survived but the nurses started saying they couldn’t wait to see Bob, a “real American man.”
I was the senior ward Corpsman or two sixteen bed Urology wards. The wards had upper and lower bunks and Requel was trapped in the back corner by the photographers. It was exciting for all of us.
That was 39 years ago. Seeing Requel on the Today Show brought back a lot of memories. To me she has not changed at all. She is still one very beautiful woman. I’m glad I had the chance to met Bob and Requel.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Retirement, Not!
Marika and Howard Stone have given me the the best advice on retirement I have received so far: Don’t!
"Think about it. Why would you want to quit something that provides a place to go and people to see, mental stimulation, a feeling of being needed, a way to hone skills and experience and keep learning, not to mention an income? Even if you can afford to join the leisure class, there is ample evidence that good work– even part-time, flex-time, on your own terms — is good for you. "
Howard and Marika Stone are co-founders of http://www.2young2retire.com/ and and co-authors of Too Young to Retire: 101 Ways to Start the Rest of Your Life . Visit their website and sign up for their newsletter “Reinventing Retirement.”
"Think about it. Why would you want to quit something that provides a place to go and people to see, mental stimulation, a feeling of being needed, a way to hone skills and experience and keep learning, not to mention an income? Even if you can afford to join the leisure class, there is ample evidence that good work– even part-time, flex-time, on your own terms — is good for you. "
Ok, I have decided not to retire. Now I have to put a plan together that will carry me into my 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. I agree with the Stones “Retirement is just so 20th century!”
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Good Bye Arthur
Have you ever heard of Arthur Winston? He is the Los Angeles transit employee who retired on his 100th birthday in March. President Clinton gave in an “Employee of the Century” citation in 1996.
During his more than 70 years with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Arthur missed only one day of work. That was to attend his wife’s funeral in 1988. He supervised the workers who cleaned and refueled the bus fleet.
Arthur passed away last Thursday, a month after retiring. Could it be that he no longer had a reason to live. I am sure Arthur will be missed. He is an example to all of us that our careers do not need to end at age 65. We can continue to make our contributions to society (and the social security fund) well into our second fifty years.
During his more than 70 years with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Arthur missed only one day of work. That was to attend his wife’s funeral in 1988. He supervised the workers who cleaned and refueled the bus fleet.
Arthur passed away last Thursday, a month after retiring. Could it be that he no longer had a reason to live. I am sure Arthur will be missed. He is an example to all of us that our careers do not need to end at age 65. We can continue to make our contributions to society (and the social security fund) well into our second fifty years.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Jazz in a Strip Mall
Working in a retirement and assisted living community can lead to all kinds of new adventures. Last month one of my volunteers, Ivan, who plays piano at lunch on Mondays, suggested a trip to a little jazz place.
So, last Friday night I loaded seven residents in the van and we headed out. I have lived here for six years and knew where I was going, a strip mall featuring a Bi-Mart Store and Harbor Freight, an outlet for tools of all kinds. I had never noticed Dy’s Broadway Diner or Donna Marie’s Pizza, as it was formerly known.
The owner invited Ivan and Bill, one of our residents, and a former dancer to play before the entertainment started. Bill had not been behind a set of drums in a number of years. This was a special night out for him
The owner, Jim Federman, is a California native who had lived and played music in New York City for several years, created a place where jazz musician could gather and play.
My favorite was Margie Hayas, an 82 year old clarinet player and singer. The Brooklyn native is a show all by herself. She plays, she sings, she entertains. She is a class act.
The highlight of the evening was when Jim invited Ivan and Bill to play for play while Margie sang and played the clarinet.
It was a great evening and I just might be hooked on jazz.
So, last Friday night I loaded seven residents in the van and we headed out. I have lived here for six years and knew where I was going, a strip mall featuring a Bi-Mart Store and Harbor Freight, an outlet for tools of all kinds. I had never noticed Dy’s Broadway Diner or Donna Marie’s Pizza, as it was formerly known.
The owner invited Ivan and Bill, one of our residents, and a former dancer to play before the entertainment started. Bill had not been behind a set of drums in a number of years. This was a special night out for him
The owner, Jim Federman, is a California native who had lived and played music in New York City for several years, created a place where jazz musician could gather and play.
My favorite was Margie Hayas, an 82 year old clarinet player and singer. The Brooklyn native is a show all by herself. She plays, she sings, she entertains. She is a class act.
The highlight of the evening was when Jim invited Ivan and Bill to play for play while Margie sang and played the clarinet.
It was a great evening and I just might be hooked on jazz.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Dodging Eva
An Associated Press article this morning reminded me of one of the games I used to play in my hometown. Like small towns across America, we had a local reporter who reported time “local news” for the three nearby papers, The Stayton Mail, the Mill City Enterprise and the Scio Tribune. At one time her weekly column might have been carried in the Salem paper.
Eva was an institution. The close proximity to the post office may have helped her in her gathering of the news. Being the sister of the local telephone operation must have also helped. Her weekly columns recorded the coming and goings in the small town I call home. Some call it the “quilting-bee” kind of news, the kind of news picked up during conversations.
Each visit home for my oldest brother, my sister and myself (all three Navy) was reported by Eva. It soon became a game to see if we could visit home and get away before Eva discovered us.
With the old phone system Eva’s sister Alta knew the movements of my brother and sister. When my parents weren’t home when they called she would track them down. That personal touch was lost with the arrival of the new dial system.
I remember when I was still in high school. We had to ride a bus 10 miles back and forth to Stayton. One afternoon we pulled up behind Eva’s car at the elementary school in Lyons. Eva came out and walked between her car and the bus, got into her car, started it and backed into the bus. Soon after that Eva had to give up driving.
Small town newspapers have changed. I dropped by subscription to the Stayton paper when state and national news became more prominent than the local news. People read their local paper to see their names. Now the obituaries are the most prominent local news and by the time your name gets there it is too late.
I’m glad to here that some small town papers cling to the local columns, reporting about the lives of everyday people, their out of town guests, family reunions and Sunday dinners.
Eva was an institution. The close proximity to the post office may have helped her in her gathering of the news. Being the sister of the local telephone operation must have also helped. Her weekly columns recorded the coming and goings in the small town I call home. Some call it the “quilting-bee” kind of news, the kind of news picked up during conversations.
Each visit home for my oldest brother, my sister and myself (all three Navy) was reported by Eva. It soon became a game to see if we could visit home and get away before Eva discovered us.
With the old phone system Eva’s sister Alta knew the movements of my brother and sister. When my parents weren’t home when they called she would track them down. That personal touch was lost with the arrival of the new dial system.
I remember when I was still in high school. We had to ride a bus 10 miles back and forth to Stayton. One afternoon we pulled up behind Eva’s car at the elementary school in Lyons. Eva came out and walked between her car and the bus, got into her car, started it and backed into the bus. Soon after that Eva had to give up driving.
Small town newspapers have changed. I dropped by subscription to the Stayton paper when state and national news became more prominent than the local news. People read their local paper to see their names. Now the obituaries are the most prominent local news and by the time your name gets there it is too late.
I’m glad to here that some small town papers cling to the local columns, reporting about the lives of everyday people, their out of town guests, family reunions and Sunday dinners.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
I'm Back
Wow, what a year I have had. At the end of March last year I accepted a position as Activities Director for a retirement and assisted living community. It has been a very busy 11 months of learning.
I discovered 94 great people. We have had residents die. Some have moved. New residents have joined the community. They are a great group of people to work with.
One of the things I have missed is working on this Blog. I have missed writing. I'm back now. The posts may not come as frequently as they did at the beginning.
Thank you everyone who has taken the time to send comments.
Tom
I discovered 94 great people. We have had residents die. Some have moved. New residents have joined the community. They are a great group of people to work with.
One of the things I have missed is working on this Blog. I have missed writing. I'm back now. The posts may not come as frequently as they did at the beginning.
Thank you everyone who has taken the time to send comments.
Tom
Sunday, May 22, 2005
A Diversion
Two months ago I was happily enjoying my retirement and the second fifty years of my life. Then the activity director of the retirement community where my Kiwanis club volunteers decides to quit. Two of the residents talked me into applying for his job. I did and now I’m an activity director for nearly 90 residents living in a retirement and assisted living community in the Portland area.
It has been an exciting two months. They have kept me busy and many of my “normal” activities have gone by the wayside. That includes keeping my by blog. There is just too much to do each day and for the first several weeks I was exhausted at the end of the day.
Now things have gotten better and an email from someone who had found this blog reminded me of how much I miss writing.
I am the oldest employee at the facility and there are only a few residents who are younger than my 59 years. According to one of my twin daughters I get to hang out with my peers all day. Yes, that’s right and I am enjoying every minute of it.
According to George E. Vaillant, author of Aging Well: Surprising Guideposts to a Happier Life from the Landmark Harvard Study, there are four “basic tasks” that are essential to postjob satisfaction: social activity, play, creativity, and lifelong learning. Neglect any of these, he says, and you will not enjoy your later years as fully as you might.
My job is to create opportunities for social activity, play, creativity and lifelong learning. It is an interesting challenge, especially with people have withdrawn into themselves or have physical or mental challenges.
This month I organized a Red Hat Society. Next month we will have our first men’s breakfast. Sometimes I just sit and talk. That is what they seem to like; someone to listen to their life story and each of them has a unique story.
I’ll be writing about my adventures at the old folks home.
Tom
It has been an exciting two months. They have kept me busy and many of my “normal” activities have gone by the wayside. That includes keeping my by blog. There is just too much to do each day and for the first several weeks I was exhausted at the end of the day.
Now things have gotten better and an email from someone who had found this blog reminded me of how much I miss writing.
I am the oldest employee at the facility and there are only a few residents who are younger than my 59 years. According to one of my twin daughters I get to hang out with my peers all day. Yes, that’s right and I am enjoying every minute of it.
According to George E. Vaillant, author of Aging Well: Surprising Guideposts to a Happier Life from the Landmark Harvard Study, there are four “basic tasks” that are essential to postjob satisfaction: social activity, play, creativity, and lifelong learning. Neglect any of these, he says, and you will not enjoy your later years as fully as you might.
My job is to create opportunities for social activity, play, creativity and lifelong learning. It is an interesting challenge, especially with people have withdrawn into themselves or have physical or mental challenges.
This month I organized a Red Hat Society. Next month we will have our first men’s breakfast. Sometimes I just sit and talk. That is what they seem to like; someone to listen to their life story and each of them has a unique story.
I’ll be writing about my adventures at the old folks home.
Tom
Monday, March 14, 2005
Portland's Baby Boomers Social Club
Last Saturday night I stepped way outside the box and attended a singles dance sponsored by The Baby Boomers Social Club. It was a spur of the moment thing. I saw a tv new report on the dance and decided to go.
Getting there was easy. The Portland Red Lion is right on the MAX (rapid transit) rail line. Many of the boomers who grew up in Portland remember it as "Top of Cosmo", where in the 1960s and 70s it was the place to go for Prom Night or that special night on the town. The view is spectacular overlooking Portland city lights and the Towers of the Convention Center. It is a nightclub atmosphere offering music from the 50s to the 70s with a few 80s.
I got there early so that I could attend the dance class. For the past 45 years I have been telling myself that I cannot dance fast. There were two women for every man at the class. I knew I was going to be in for a fun evening.
After a short half hour lesson the games started. I found a spot to set at the end of a long table. Before long I was joined by Elizabeth, Arlene, Maureen and Evelyn. Like most boomers, they could dance and they took turns with me. It was a fast four hours and before I knew it I was on the train heading home.
The following is from their website http://www.babyboomerssocialclub.com. They say it better than I can.
“The Baby Boomer Generation was born 1946 to 1964. Boomers grew up in a time of change, music was changing, we ushered in rock n roll and we proved it was here to stay. There were many societal changes whereby we were called "The Me Generation, If It Feels Good Do it". Well, it still feels good to dance and the Baby Boomers Social Club is meeting that demand and making it happen for hundreds of Boomers. Music is good for our soul and dancing is good for our hearts. Most all health organizations tell us we all need to exercise more, what better way than meeting a group of your peers and dancing to the music you love. The Baby Boomers Social Club provides this form of recreation and entertainment.”As we get older, our children leave home, our parents or a spouse pass on, or we could be in a rut and need change. There is emptiness and we all deal with change differently. The Baby Boomers Social Club is here to help us get out of our comfort zones, go out and meet new and old friends, to establish new relationships to last our lifetime. The Baby Boomers Social Club provides an atmosphere where friendships can be cultivated and members feel they have an extended family. We want to grow into our old age and beyond "in our own way". As always, we are changing the definition of middle age and old age. We are not going to age quietly.
“Everyone has their own reasons for coming but many are saying, "We really needed a place like this", "we needed a place for our age group, our time and our music". Some have run into friends they had not seen for 25 years.
“We can be ourselves, aging rock n rollers out to have fun, dance and remember the good times. We are now making more good times. We have left our inhibitions, clicks and attitudes back in high school, now we just have fun.”.
Getting there was easy. The Portland Red Lion is right on the MAX (rapid transit) rail line. Many of the boomers who grew up in Portland remember it as "Top of Cosmo", where in the 1960s and 70s it was the place to go for Prom Night or that special night on the town. The view is spectacular overlooking Portland city lights and the Towers of the Convention Center. It is a nightclub atmosphere offering music from the 50s to the 70s with a few 80s.
I got there early so that I could attend the dance class. For the past 45 years I have been telling myself that I cannot dance fast. There were two women for every man at the class. I knew I was going to be in for a fun evening.
After a short half hour lesson the games started. I found a spot to set at the end of a long table. Before long I was joined by Elizabeth, Arlene, Maureen and Evelyn. Like most boomers, they could dance and they took turns with me. It was a fast four hours and before I knew it I was on the train heading home.
The following is from their website http://www.babyboomerssocialclub.com. They say it better than I can.
“The Baby Boomer Generation was born 1946 to 1964. Boomers grew up in a time of change, music was changing, we ushered in rock n roll and we proved it was here to stay. There were many societal changes whereby we were called "The Me Generation, If It Feels Good Do it". Well, it still feels good to dance and the Baby Boomers Social Club is meeting that demand and making it happen for hundreds of Boomers. Music is good for our soul and dancing is good for our hearts. Most all health organizations tell us we all need to exercise more, what better way than meeting a group of your peers and dancing to the music you love. The Baby Boomers Social Club provides this form of recreation and entertainment.”As we get older, our children leave home, our parents or a spouse pass on, or we could be in a rut and need change. There is emptiness and we all deal with change differently. The Baby Boomers Social Club is here to help us get out of our comfort zones, go out and meet new and old friends, to establish new relationships to last our lifetime. The Baby Boomers Social Club provides an atmosphere where friendships can be cultivated and members feel they have an extended family. We want to grow into our old age and beyond "in our own way". As always, we are changing the definition of middle age and old age. We are not going to age quietly.
“Everyone has their own reasons for coming but many are saying, "We really needed a place like this", "we needed a place for our age group, our time and our music". Some have run into friends they had not seen for 25 years.
“We can be ourselves, aging rock n rollers out to have fun, dance and remember the good times. We are now making more good times. We have left our inhibitions, clicks and attitudes back in high school, now we just have fun.”.
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