By now, most of us have seen and admired the new exit sign visible to those leaving the Park. I asked Dennis Hellawell (#66) to explain how this great new addition came about. He, and the entire Communications Committee, deserve a big pat on the back. Here’s the story from Dennis…
Our old Timber Valley exit sign was falling apart and in desperate need of replacement. Being on the Communications Committee I floated the idea of maybe coming up with a more contemporary, artistic look. I have a background in art, photography and computer design so I came up with this idea. It is not entirely original though. I searched the internet for graphic resources that were not copyright protected. I found many and decided on an illustration for the foreground and a photograph for the sky. I combined them on the computer and changed the colors and added the type.
The Communications Committee approved the idea and the high resolution computer file was printed at Umpqua Graphics in Roseburg. It’s basically like a large color print on a printer that can print as much as 4’ high by as long as you want. Then they laminated the print onto a strong vinyl backing and then mounted that onto a piece of polymetal, the same material we used for the background on the member photo board in the clubhouse. Much to my amazement, Umpqua Graphics only charged us $178 for the finished product and delivered it for free to the office. I dropped off the artwork to them on a Friday and they delivered it to us the following Monday. Please spread the word of this great company if you have the opportunity. Thank you to Jim Mcintosh who turned me on to Umpqua Graphics.
These are the two images referred to above. They are combined to make the image on the sign.
Background
Foreground
Courageous, caring, loving: Rita Prout was all of these and more. Though legally blind she completed a music degree and taught music. She co-directed a Community Theater. In Timber Valley she served on many committees, including Welcome Committee and the Library Committee. Commendable for a sighted people but requiring a high degree of courage and confidence for a sight- impaired person. Many did not realize she was blind, because she was so active and competent.
The Timber Valley Community was deeply saddened by the recent death of Rita Prout, a well-known member. Rita and her husband Fred moved into Timber Valley in 2009. Among the many ways she volunteered, she served on the Jacks and Jills Library Committee as Chairperson for many years. She was a generally happy spirit that uplifted everyone she met. Fred and Rita left Timber Valley in October 2019, moving to Linus Oaks Retirement Living in Roseburg. Fred and their dog, Kelly, still reside in Roseburg.
The condition of the cement deer family in Snoopy’s Meadow had fallen (two of them had actually fallen over) into a severe state. Over the years they faded, cracked and parts broke off. In addition they were partially obscured by surrounding blackberry and weed overgrowth. It took major reconstructive and cosmetic surgery repair to help them. The fawn had literally lost it’s leg and required building a prosthesis. The brushy overgrowth has been cleared back, cracks filled, missing parts including the leg, rebuilt as best as could be. Now coated in fresh paint they await your return visits to Snoopy’s Meadow. Thank you Suzie Rupert for seeing something that needed attention and independently stepping forward to take on the task.
Our community was deeply saddened by the recent loss of Bruce Boone, Lot #47 who passed away on May 05, 2020. Bruce has been a resident Leaseholder since 2003. Bruce was residing in Sutherlin with his daughter and son-in-law, Doug and Carol Brink, former Leaseholders. Bruce was very active with the Sutherlin Lions Club for many years. He also enjoyed life and bringing happiness to everyone he met.
Our community was deeply saddened by news of the recent passing of Ketty Sorensen in California. Along with her husband Poul, they became members of Timber Valley in 2001. She was reportedly very active with social and volunteer activities during her time here. She left the Park in 2014.