The CHERRY PIT - CherryWood Village

CherryWood Village, Portland, Oregon
Volume 8, Number 10
October, 2016
The CHERRY PIT
Did you know that my mother, Elaine Burns, was the first
person to sleep overnight at CherryWood Village in the
Gardens on November 22, 1999? Some folks here call her the
“George Washington of CWV” because she was the first
Resident Council President from 2001 to 2003. She was also
instrumental in starting the CWV library.
I wrote about her in the February 2012 issue of the
Cherry Pit. That article told the story how she met the love of
her life, Henry Burns, at the bank. I explained how she had
lived at every level of living here: in the Gardens, then in the Greens 514, in the Royal
Anne 221 for six months, and now we live together in the Cottages at 10822 SE Cherry
Blossom Drive (I love our address!).
I thought you might like to know a little bit more about this amazing woman
who just happens to be my mother.
Elaine was born March 31st, 1926 in Lincoln, Nebraska, fifth in a family of seven
girls {Florence, Maxine, Hazel, Benita, Mom, Rachel, and Martha} all pretty and young
during the Second World War. Her sisters called her “Queenie” because they felt she
was the most beautiful one of all!
Twenty years later, she married my Dad, Alvin, and then she had me, her firstborn child in 1946. We lived here in Portland. My favorite house was at 3435 NE
Hassalo in the Laurelhurst neighborhood. I even remember the phone number, BE62200. Soon we became a family of five, including my brother Gene Alvin, and my
sister Chaila. Alvin and Elaine were divorced in 1968. Our house was popular with
the neighborhood kids mostly because we had a small, sunken, cement swimming
pool in the backyard, and my mother was the young, beautiful, welcoming, best
mother of all.
She still is. We live together in the only cottage facing Cherry Blossom Drive. I
have been here five years this summer and we love living here at CherryWood Village,
a wonderful community that offers so much to us, the residents: The Vitality Center,
the CWV Grill, the Movie Theater, the Beauty Shoppe and so many activities that no
one can do them all.
Elaine Burns is not only my dear mother; she is also my best friend. I love her
gracious, non-judgmental ways. She accepts and sees the best in everyone. All my
life, she has been very supportive of me in every endeavor. I know that she was proud
when I became an award-winning teacher at 40 years of age. She gets my silly jokes.
(Continued on page 2)
CherryWood Village, Portland, Oregon
Volume 8, Number 10
October, 2016
Page 2
We are both the last survivors of our family. Once I told her that we are the
Dynamic Duo and she said “Yeah, the Dynamic Duo who barely know what they are
doing!” Our first Halloween costume at CWV was two black sweatshirts, one with a
“W” and the other with “it”; we went as the Two Half-Wits!! Lately people ask us if
we are sisters. I tell them that my mother never smoked even one cigarette! And
that I survived the Sixties!!
I thank God for blessing me with my very special Mother, Elaine Burns. If you
see us in the Village Grill, please join us at our table. We love meeting new people
and welcoming them to the great life here at Cherry Wood Village.
Adrienne Jerman, Cottages
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Editor’s Note: Long time Cherry Pit reporter Phyllis Moore
passed away on September 1st. We will all miss her friendship
and wonderful writing contributions.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
RED HAT SOCIETY
The ladies of CherryWood Village Red Hat Society meet for lunch and
conversation the first Thursday of each month. The group began here about
twelve years ago when volunteer Edna Westover, offered her services to
Activities Coordinator Sara Lotstein to help start a Red Hat group. Edna, Sarah,
Connie Ruby and I met to plan the first luncheon. We agreed on the name of
Cheery Cherries. About ten women attended the first luncheon. We met for
about a year in the Grill, but as the group grew larger, and thanks to the invitation
of Edith Stacey, we moved our gatherings to the Orchards, 5th floor. Later we
moved to the Board Room.
Each month, two Red Hat ladies are hostesses for the day. With the Dining
Room Catering Service, they plan a meal for us to enjoy. They also set a theme
for decorations and group sharing. 16 to 20 ladies come and, in keeping with
tradition, they wear their red hats with purple and red garments. Residents of
CWV are welcome to join the group.
The next luncheon is Thursday, October 6th at 11:30. Cost is $7 with exact
change requested. If you would like to attend, or have questions, please call
October Hostess, Barbara Harrison, 503-257-3884.
Lauralee Ware, Orchards
CherryWood Village, Portland, Oregon
POETRY CORNER
Volume 8, Number 10
October, 2016
Page 3
SEPTEMBER CONVENTION
By Joan Rinehart
Orchards
I see them in the gold and precious afternoon,
Diptera scores upon thousands,
convene a Colloquium of Dance.
Dear zephyrs do twitch-em and swirl-em in
Sparkling ballroom of sky,
And Do-si-do, around they flow.
Up they Joggle and twirl,
Ecstatic embrace of the dance.
Grim bees they buzz alarm notes now,
Referendum Re: “Flight of the Day“.
Stern directives are out now.
September is slipping away!
Fouette and desist from the dance!
We must all fly off from the dance.
This raucous caucus pays no heed as they
carpe diem away,
These jitterbugs jiggle with rapture and sway,
These minions of midges just wiggle all day,
As September’s Convention of Midges and Gnats
Boogie to Doom, delight in their Fate, and they Dance.
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
CHERRYWOOD VILLAGE CHOIR extends an invitation to all singers to join the
group for the 2016-17 season. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday at 7pm in the chapel.
Fall performances are scheduled for October 7th, December 2nd and December 16th.
♫♫
ITEMS NEEDED BY PACS (Portland Adventist Community Service)
Toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap & egg cartons.
Contributions may be left outside Chaplain Mick’s office door.
CherryWood Village, Portland, Oregon
Volume 8, Number 10
October, 2016
Page 4
Excursion to Leavenworth, Washington
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Patty and I have made several visits to Leavenworth, a Christmas chalet town located in
the mountains in mid-Washington. We have a time-share located there, so we decided
to join the CherryWood group on a trip. Leavenworth was an old railroad connection
for shipping logs and lumber out of the area. With the rerouting of the Great Northern
Railroad to avoid the continuous landslides in the area, and with the closing of the saw
mill, the town nearly folded. The city fathers decided to gamble and in the 1960’s,
established the town as a cutesy alpine Bavarian theme in an attempt to attract tourism.
The experiment was a total success. Today, over 2 million tourists visit on a year-round
basis...but, especially at Christmas time, as most of the shops have a Christmas theme.
We found that the front door of our time-share, the Blackbird Lodge, was within
easy walking distance to the Bavarian Hotel where the CherryWood group was staying.
So, we walked the block and half to the hotel and rode to and fro on the CherryWood
bus. We were able to share in all planned activities while staying in our own quarters.
Even though the town is an authentic representation of a typical Bavarian town in
Austria, even though it absolutely overwhelms the senses with the flower boxes, the
designs and the friendliness of the folks there, the most predominant memory I brought
home was the exceptional kind assistance of the CherryWood staff who traveled with
us and who were always there to assist us in every way. Our driver, Noel, was the
epitome of patience as well as were Korissa, Deanne and Andreea, who cared for us in
every way. The staff displayed a patience and kindness that was just incomparable.
Actually, I was just stunned by the efficiency and patience of the staff and couldn’t thank
them enough for their kind assistance on this trip.
In addition, they had planned every aspect of our adventure without benefit of
personal experience with the different proprietors…all of the stops for restaurants,
shopping and the trip to the mountainous setting for the outdoor play. The staff had
never been there, but they had to ferret out the best restaurants that could accommodate
a group of 25 or more. This proved to be a bit more challenging. And, the few issues
that were not up to expectations were easily handled.
In addition to feeding, there were other events and stays to be planned. The
lodging was exceptional. A large Bavarian lodge with all the amenities necessary for a
good vacation.
Continued on page 5
CherryWood Village, Portland, Oregon
Volume 8, Number 10
October, 2016
Page 5
The Bavarian Lodge was the largest such facility in the area, served an ample breakfast
every morning and made a great meeting place. There was a place to park the bus and
loading was easy. There were several excursions including shopping, restaurants and
visits to the Aplets & Cotlets production in a nearby town, Cashmere. Just way too much
temptation!!!
We took a bus up into the woods and attended an outdoor theater showing “The
Sound of Music”…rather appropriate for the setting. The staging was very clever,
providing several primary stages on a turntable assembly. The play began with the
ensemble entering from the woods beyond the seating area. We learned that one of the
principal players had performed in this play every year for the past 20 years. Of course,
there was a complete orchestra and a full staff portraying the Von Trapp family, friends,
soldiers and servants. The children were especially talented…well, they were all
talented and the performance was very enjoyable.
There were many side adventures made by our members including shopping
throughout the quaint Bavarian town…together with a Cold Stone Creamery store.
And, probably the most important aspect of the excursion was the fellowship, the many
new, and renewal of old, friendships that occurred during the trip. This was such a
wonderful trip that we are eagerly looking forward to the next. We hope you decide to
join us on the next excursion.
Robert Keller, Wynridge
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION FUND
CherryWood Village is again giving recognition to all CherryWood employees by
sponsoring a Christmas dinner at a Portland restaurant. At the dinner, full-time and parttime employees (except for the Wait Staff) are given a gratuity. The gratuities are from the
Employee Appreciation Fund which consists of donations from CherryWood residents.
Donations are a token of our appreciation for the extra effort of the employees to meet the
needs of all CherryWood residents.
Last year over 100 qualified employees received gratuities. Full time employees
received $100 each, and part timers $50, for a total of $11,105. We want to do the same this
year. Your donations are needed now.
Cash, or checks made payable to the Resident Council and designated EMPLOYEE
APPRECIATION FUND can be given to the 2nd floor Business Office, the front desk, or the
Treasurer, Barbara Beamer.
Barbara Beamer, Greens
CherryWood Village, Portland, Oregon
Volume 8, Number 10
October, 2016
Page 6
Book Review
Where Lilacs Still Bloom
By Jane Kirkpatrick
A few weeks ago, I walked into the CherryWood Village library to pick out a
paperback book. I was planning a trip and wanted a light-weight book to carry with
me. I chose a Jane Kirkpatrick book, Where Lilacs Still Bloom. I had not read one of
her books for several years.
As I read through the story of Hulda Klager of Woodland,Washington, I
realized that I was reading about the Lilac Gardens that I had visited several years
ago when Cherrywood’s Activities provided a trip there. The story’s history
increased my interest in the book. I was interested in her persistence and her
diligence in developing lilacs of a darker purple and one that was white. She also
experimented with a bloom that had more petals.
Hulda Klager was a German immigrant and farm wife with only an eighth
grade education. She had a burning desire to create something beautiful. What
begins as a hobby to create an easy-peeling apple for her pies, becomes Hulda’s
driving purpose; a time-consuming interest in plant hybridization that puts her at
odds with family and community, as she challenges the early twentieth-century
expectations for a simple housewife. She reached out making some contact and
friendships with a newspaper journalist and others with similar interests.
Through the years, seasonal floods continually threatened to erase her
Woodland, Washington garden and a series of family tragedies caused even Hulda
to question her focus. In a time of practicality, can one person’s simple gifts of beauty
make a difference? She quoted, “Beauty matters. God gave us flowers for a reason.
Flowers remind us to put away fear, to stop our rushing and running and worrying
about this and that, and for a moment, have a piece of paradise right here on earth.”
She had a positive and happy relationship with her husband and children. Her
lilacs continue to give enjoyment through the generations. Now I have a desire to
revisit the Woodland, Washington gardens.
Lauralee Ware, Orchards
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
On CWV Spirit Day, which is usually the 5th of the month, we are encouraged to
celebrate by wearing our CherryWood T shirts. However, there are exceptions. If the
5th falls on Saturday, we celebrate the day before. If the 5th falls on Sunday, we
celebrate on Monday. If the 5th falls on a holiday (as it did in September) we celebrate
on Tuesday, or the day after. October’s Spirit Day is Wednesday, October 5.
FLASH: At press time learned there is now a 2nd Spirit Day on the 20th of the month
(with the same variables). So we'll also celebrate Spirit Day on Thursday, Oct. 20.
CherryWood Village, Portland, Oregon
Volume 8, Number 10
October, 2016
Page 7
CLASSIFIED ADS
NEEDED – Items for the Cherry Pit. Poetry and prose pieces written by residents are
encouraged. Hand them in at the Front Desk and ask that they be placed in the Cherry Pit
wall file. For poems, leave for Ed Fritz. B.J. Nichols wants the drawings. For book reviews,
use Joanne Weiss’s name. For classified ads, stories under 400 words, letters, brief recipes,
jokes, puzzles, etc. leave for Joan Walborn. Deadline for next month is 4pm on October 17th.
SEWING TECHNICIAN – Sewing repairs of all kinds. Lauralee Ware, 503-956-5457.
DONATE – Your old computer or printer to FREEGEEK. Call Jim Anderson,
503-975-8956. FreeGeek, a non-profit organization, relies on donations of money to support
its continuing work that includes providing grants of rebuilt computers to needy non-profit
organizations in the Portland area.
POKER PLAYERS – CherryWood’s oldest established permanent floating poker game is in
need of additional players. This is a low stake, low-key friendly game that
meets on the first and third Saturdays from 1:30 to 4pm. Anyone interested
in joining the group should call Mike Sands at 503-719-4748.
WANTED - BAND MEMBERS – The small, but faithful band would like others to join them.
Band rehearsals are every Tuesday at 2:30 PM in the chapel. The band performs monthly
on Fridays at 7 PM in the chapel and on special occasions in the Royal Anne dining room.
All instrumentalists are welcome. The music is easy to play. Speak to Chaplain Mick Turner
who is the band leader.
FOR SALE – Jazzy 600 Power Chair. Works great, hardly used. $500. Bill & Louise Calder,
503-719-5488.
GUIDEPOSTS – Thank you for your generous response to my request for old Guidepost
magazines. I have read them all, and would welcome any more you have to give. Shirley
Eggiman, 971-255-1307.
MANY THANKS to the residents of CWV who have contributed to my pet project,
Operation Three Squares. This past meeting yielded another two lap blankets, seven
scarves and ten hats for the Veterans Administration. If you are interested in joining us,
contact me at Gardens 101 or call 503-281-6613. We would love to have you.
Donna Winkler, Gardens.
CherryWood Village, Portland, Oregon
Volume 8, Number 10
WELCOME, NEW RESIDENTS
Frank Howatt, RA 211
Anna Kamalich, Wynridge 405
Kathryn LaFord, Pv 113
Bruce Shelley, RA 214
Roger Tomlinson, RA 122
Stan Vitello, RA 203
Alice Zindler, RA 148
IN MEMORIAM
Ota Binegar, RA 136
Philomena Deitrich, Pv 113
Wally Gobble, Pv 108
Bill Harris, Gardens 113
Steve McShatko, Orchards 501
Phyllis Moore, Pv 217
Jack Steinberg, RA 140
October, 2016
Page 8
CHERRY PIT
Staff
Joan Walborn, Editor
Shirley Eggiman, Reporter
Bob Fix, Proofreader
Ed Fritz, Poetry Editor
Cynthia Glass, Reporter
B.J. Nichols, Art Editor
Chris Peake, Reporter
Joanne Weiss, Book Review Editor
The purpose of the Cherry Pit
is to get news to the residents,
furnish some entertainment,
provide little-known facts of
CherryWood, and have fun.
Deadline for ads for next issue is
4pm on 3rd Monday of the month.
The pit is the heart of the cherry.