New Member Involvement

Posted on February 19, 2025 by webadmin

Posted in General Interest | 1 Comment

In Memoriam: Thomas “Skip” Eytalis, #166

Posted on February 7, 2025 by webadmin

Our community was deeply saddened by the news that Thomas “Skip” Eytalis (#166) has passed away after a battle with cancer. Skip, as he preferred to be called, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 30, 2025.

Skip loved to camp using a tent and later moving up to a motorhome. His parents had a summer home in Wisconsin and he loved to take the family camping in that area. They traveled to 49 states in their RV and also traveled to Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. He also enjoyed riding on a train and took the family on many cross country trips via Amtrak. Skip and Sue moved into Timber Valley on September 7, 2010 and both have been active members ever since. Skip was a Junior Achievement member as a teenager and later a leader. He was a boy scout leader, managed a youth baseball team and took them on to win a championship. In his spare time he was a volunteer fireman and a member of the ELKS where he received Elk of the year award for his outstanding volunteer work. He worked at many jobs from mowing lawns and shoveling snow as a teenager in Illinois to several sales jobs and management jobs in California. Years ago and on one of their many “road” trips they came to this area of Oregon and he said, “We are going to retire here.” Thus that is how they made Douglas County their home.

At Timber Valley, Skip was an active member of a number of committees, was elected to the Board of Directors, and was always ready to volunteer when there was a project to be done. His favorite volunteer job in Timber Valley was being a member of the Men’s Cooking Group where his specialty was grilling ribs and pork chops.

He was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. In later years, he became a fan of the San Jose Sharks hockey team. They attended the opening game of the Sharks in San Jose.

Skip is survived by his wife Veronica “Sue” Eytalis, children Michele, Chuck, Julie and Mark. Eight grandchildren, 1 great-grandson, his sister Paula and brother Tony. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

At his request there were no services. The family gathered for a private service and raised a glass of beer in his honor at a local watering hole in Roseburg..

Sue would like to thank the Timber Valley community for your understanding and concern during this difficult period.

Posted in General Interest, Obits | 3 Comments

Welcome Eric & Marya Moosman

Posted on February 3, 2025 by Dick Shanahan

Eric and Marya Moosman started visiting the park in 2020. They are on Lot 79. Eric was raised in Preston, Idaho (southeast area). Marya was born in Driggs, Idaho (far east. They met in Utah, and not long after moved back to Idaho and raised their family of 5
children in the house Marya’s grandparents built. The house is as far east in Idaho as you can get. The house is in Idaho, and the mailbox across the road is in Wyoming. The Teton mountains have been their “backyard” playground. Together they enjoy hiking, camping, and kayaking. Eric has his own business providing executive assistant services to business
owners. He participates in Toastmasters, as well as giving presentations on work ethic and work enjoyment. Most of his daily work can be done remotely. He is working hard to not retire. Marya was able to experience being a full-time, stay-at-home wife and mother. Marya is a skilled bird watcher. She is also talented at playing the piano and organ. They currently come to the park for a few months in the winter to escape the cold, white stuff that covers the Rocky Mountains. Some of their other interests and potential
committee services are: Exercise and fitness, hiking, kayaking, landscaping, library, mail,
grievance, planning/construct/maintenance. At age 55, they are part of the pediatric division of our membership.

Posted in General Interest | 3 Comments

IN MEMORIAM: FRAN DEAN, #74

Posted on January 31, 2025 by webadmin

Timber Valley lowered the Member flag in honor of Frances Dean #74, who passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025. Fran, as she was lovingly known, was a cherished member of the Timber Valley community.

Fran and her beloved husband, Henry, made Timber Valley their home on December 27, 1993. After Henry’s passing on June 21, 2017, Fran continued to be a vibrant part of the park, actively contributing to many committees. She was also a 20+ year volunteer at the Sutherlin Senior Center where she made many friends. Her kindness and warmth were felt by all; she had a special talent for lifting spirits and bringing joy, often through her creative hats she donned for various occasions.

Fran is survived by her son, Hal Dean of Winston, and daughter, Juanita Simmons of Roseburg. Both Hal and Juanita are comforted by the thought that Fran has forever been reunited with Henry.

Fran’s bright spirit and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  According to family, services are pending.

Posted in General Interest, Obits | 1 Comment

Safety at the Propane Pump Station

Posted on January 25, 2025 by webadmin

Safety At The Liquid Propane Pumps

Volunteers who work at the propane pumps are greatly appreciated. No matter the weather, they help to keep the members’ tanks filled and are more than willing to assist people, when possible.

IMPORTANT

There is a release of gas after each tank is filled, before it can be released from the pump. As a safety measure, the Propane Team stops filling tanks when there is a vehicle running too close to the pump. It is important that vehicles dropping off tanks or picking them up turn off their engines (just like at a gas station).   Thank you.

Posted in General Interest, Safety | 1 Comment

IN MEMORIAM: BOB DUMILIEU, Lot 146

Posted on January 23, 2025 by webadmin

Timber Valley lowered the Member Flag in honor of Bob DuMilieu, #146, who passed away on January 11, 2025. Bob and Merrie DuMilieu became members of Timber Valley on August 11, 2014. Bob had worked for financial institutions in Oregon for 42 years, starting in Lakeview, Oregon and finishing here in Sutherlin as a Regional Senior Vice President of the Banner Bank organization, where he stressed the importance of exceptional customer service and the personal side of banking.  Bob served as a Board Member and Treasurer here in Timber Valley for many years. He later served on the Park’s Audit and Finance Committees. He is survived by his wife, Merrie, children Bradley DuMilieu and Sharla Maher, and grandchild, Chellsey Maher.  Merrie will continue to reside at Timber Valley. As she says, “Timber Valley is my home.”  

Furthermore, Merrie wants to extend her deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love she’s received from all the members of Timber Valley since Bob’s passing. Thank You.

Posted in Announcements, Obits | 3 Comments

Congratulations to ALL who Contributed to Refresh and Refill

Posted on January 13, 2025 by webadmin

Together we did this!!

Congratulations! On the outstanding success of the Refresh and Refill Fundraiser on January 1st. We raised $2,159.00 in cash and checks. We collected 890 pounds of food
to give to the Sutherlin/Oakland Food Bank. This was the second annual fundraiser for the
food bank. Last year we raised $1337.38 and donated 625 pounds of food.  Thank you all for your help and participation.

Many many thanks for all the help that made this happen. Special thanks to Dar Hoch (and her grandchildren), Richard Hickethier and others. We have all heard the saying “It takes a village” and our park has shown how it to do that.

Joy Stalnaker

P.S. And a special thanks to the anonymous person who gave me the lovely gnome with
thanks written on it. I love it!

The crew that delivered the food to the food bank.

Richards van was loaded.

Posted in Announcements, Events, General Interest | Comments Off on Congratulations to ALL who Contributed to Refresh and Refill

Under the Bridge

Posted on January 10, 2025 by webadmin

A Guest Post By Fred Prout

I just got a series of emails from the CEO of a mid sized organization I belong to.He was, no better way to put it, begging for money. Seems like he thinks some of the rank and file of this organization might be running a little short of cash. He suggests that rather than their having to give up their membership or, get a reduction, we should all kick in a few bucks to help them out. With all due respect, Mr. CEO, BULL CRAP. I’d like you to read a few words and then pass them on where they might do some good. Continue reading →

Posted in Creative Work, Opinion/Editorial | Tagged | 8 Comments

Life with a Dog (or a Cat)

Posted on January 9, 2025 by webadmin

Dogs have owners, cats have staff.  Most people may think that is true but personally I think they both have staff.  Some of us humans have just taken longer to realize it.  Dogs may be a little more subtle, allowing their humans to think they are in charge while all the time they are snickering behind their paws at their human’s gullibility.

I had a tee shirt with a picture of my tiny Yorkie that read:  Things To Do Today: Let dog in, let dog out, let dog in, let dog out.  Did I really think I was in charge of that situation?  Another tee shirt I created had a picture of my Jack Russel, Kadi.  It read:  My outfits are not complete without Kadi hair.  I always said she shed about a dog a week  My son-in-law is swayed by his black Lab’s demand for just one more ‘Scooby Snack’.  Just one more goes on for several snacks.  My dog, Cotton, swears he needs to go out to potty.  I open the door, he walks out, looks around the deck and wants back in – no potty.  Was I ever in charge?  Going on a walk is a very big deal.  A tiny dog can morph into an Iditarod sled dog when he sees something down the street like a rabbit, a squirrel, or another dog.  It’s social time as you are dragged along.  All leash etiquette is forgotten in the desire to meet the new friend.

Your lap is not your own when you sit to watch TV, read a book or play on your tablet.  Dogs and cats both will lay on your device or pull your hand away with a paw.  It’s amazing what those little paws can accomplish while looking at you with adoring eyes.  They really know how to use those eyes to make you think you are the most important human in their world.  When they lay quietly beside you in your chair, their internal heaters kick on.  You find yourself either nodding off or waking up from a cat/dog nap.  A dog bed on the floor is no substitute for a human lap.

If you have a spouse, they become adept at playing Mom against Dad.  This is a way to get extra treats without the other spouse knowing.  Throwing a ball or toy is their way of helping you with your cardio.  After all they want you healthy and active for a very long time.

When it is time for bed, a whole new ritual begins.  They usually go to bed first while you are getting ready.  When you try to get in bed, they are smack in the middle.  They weigh 400 pounds if you think you can move them over.  Being on the edge, gains new meaning.  If you have to get up to go to the bathroom,  they scooch over into your warm place and now weigh 600 pounds.  The edge just got edgier.  Sometimes you wake with a foot in your face, sometimes worse, your nose near a tail.

Life with a pet is never dull.  For all the drama, you wouldn’t change a thing.  Pets are amusing and keep us active.  They make us laugh and cry and sometimes cuss.  They become our children when our human children have grown up and moved away.  For some, they fill a hole in an otherwise lonely life.  People with pets are healthier and a rescued pet is happier.  

Excuse me now while I try to move this 800 pound little dog off my lap.  My leg is asleep along with the dog.

 Ruby Bonham

12-18-2024

Posted in Creative Work, Featured, General Interest | Tagged | 7 Comments

Math Is Not My Forte

Posted on January 3, 2025 by webadmin

By Jackie Deal

Math is not my forte. It’s not my one-two-threete either. You can call it
arithmetic like we did in grade school but it’s the same ole thing. Once upon a
time I knew my multiplication tables; since I started using a calculator (on my
phone yet!) I’m beginning to forget them.

But where it really affect things is in everyday stuff not in multiplication tables.
For example, my car’s clock has been off since cars learned to tell time.

It’s been ten minutes off; no problem. I just add ten minutes to what it says.
Let’s see, is that fast or slow? Anyway, ten minutes is no biggie so I’ve been
adding it for ages now. And doing quite well, thank you.

But then daylight savings time rears its ugly head. Now my car’s clock is one hour
and ten minutes off. I don’t remember how to set it and to look for the
instruction book (there is an instruction book? Really? I though those went out
with computers.) Anyway, who has time to look for instruction books?

But back to the problem: do I add or subtract an hour? Let’s see I add ten
minutes so I must subtract one hour. So okay: subtract an hour and then add ten
minutes and ….and….Wait a minute, well, wait ten minutes.

If I leave the clock alone in another six? five? Well, a few months, it will be right
again. Yah, then all I have to remember is to add ten minutes. See? Higher math
isn’t so hard after all.

So from now on I’ll either be early or late . Even if I don’t figure out which you’ll
see me: either being early or late.

Posted in Creative Work, General Interest | Tagged | 1 Comment