Remembering Frank Johnson, Lot 15

Posted on June 27, 2019 by Thom Hoch

Aaron and great-grandpa Frank with their walking sticks.

Frank Johnson passed away the morning of Saturday, June 22, at Mercy hospital in Roseburg after taking a fall the previous Saturday.

He and his wife, Cathey, are long-time active leaseholders in Timber Valley, having gotten their lot in 1992. Frank (with Cathey’s assistance) is the “Johnny Appleseed” of Timber Valley, having planted 27 trees in just one year, as well as many others for the beautification of our park.  He has also volunteered on various projects throughout the park.

One of his hobbies was making walking sticks of varied materials, and always with a special flair. There are several being used by appreciative walkers in Timber Valley. Without a doubt, the most special one was a tiny one made of curly willow for his first great grandson, Aaron, when he was only 3 years old. That’s the two of them in the picture above, strolling across our golf course.

Frank was a man of many abilities and interests. After serving his country in the Navy during the Korean conflict, he worked as a policeman, for the Sheriff’s Department, and as a State Trooper in Alaska, where he also owned and operated a commercial fishing boat.

Cathey and Frank celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on March 30 of this year.

At his request, there will be no services.

Posted in Featured, General Interest, Members, Obits | 9 Comments

Helen and Gene Schrader Celebrate 65 Years Together

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Thom Hoch

Big Congratulations are in order for Gene and Helen Schrader, lot 70, who celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary this past Sunday, June 23rd. This energetic and talented couple has been an integral part of Timber Valley for many years.  If you haven’t already done so, extend your personal greetings when you see them around the Park.

Posted in Featured, Members, News | 2 Comments

Remembering Beverly Van Westen, #182

Posted on June 19, 2019 by webadmin

Dave and Beverly Van Westen on May 8, 2019 (Julianne G. Crane)

Beverly Van Westen passed on Thursday evening June 13, 2019.

She and her husband, David, lot #182, made Timber Valley their homebase in July 2018.

A little more than 17 years ago, David and Beverly met at a West Coast Swing dance lesson in Brentwood, Calif.

“We were both single, the same age, and at about the same expertise levels,” recalled David. “After a few weeks, we decided we needed to practice between lessons in order to improve.”

One thing led to another and fast forward five years, they married in 2007. Beverly continued as a “top notch” legal secretary for a law firm in Los Angeles County. David worked as a purchasing agent for McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach.

Born in Hawaii, Beverly identified herself as half-Chinese, half-Portuguese. Her two sons, from a previous marriage, still live in Hawaii.

Dave & Beverly Van Westen, 5/8/19 (Julianne G. Crane)

The Van Westens both retired at age 62 and became extended time RVers, exploring America about 10 months each year.

“We never had any particular destination in mind,” said David. “Every place we went we would stay for a couple of weeks, sometimes a month. We were never in a hurry.  We wanted to sample the neighborhood.” Along the way they became members of the Escapees.

Once they sold their house in 2013 they went fulltime. “We kept returning to the Pacific Northwest,” said David.

In 2014 they placed their names on the Timber Valley Active Wait List and about 3 1/2 years later became members.

Beverly loved taking short trips in their Lance camper and Silverado dually truck. “It has all the bells and whistles,” she said recently.  “It’s really cushy camping.”

Among other interest in the park, when possible, Beverly helped “pick up stix” with the landscaping crew.

There will be a Memorial in September. Details to follow. No flowers please. Make donations to the local cancer group.

Posted in General Interest, Members, News, Obits | 1 Comment

Longtime member Dorothy Pontsler, # 185, passed

Posted on June 19, 2019 by webadmin

Longtime Timber Valley member Dorothy Conner Pontsler, #185, passed “very unexpectedly” on April 11, 2019, according to her family.

She was 87.

Dorothy had been living in California with her family since her husband, Billy Dean Pontsler, died on May 24, 2017. They had been married, 66 years.

Dorothy (circa 2019)

Once retired, the Pontslers traveled in their motorhome fulltime, visiting 49 of 50 states.

“They made many treasured friendships during … their 28 years of RVing.”  The Pontslers joined  Timber Valley in 1991 and were active in the park for more than 25 years.

To read her obituary, click here.

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Board Meeting on Thursday, June 20

Posted on June 15, 2019 by webadmin

from the desk of Helaine…

Don’t forget the monthly open board meeting, Thursday, June 20, at 9 am.  Among the agenda items are:

  • A report from the Emergency Preparedness group on research into alternate power for emergency use.
  • Also the formal setting of the annual membership meeting date. Necessary because of recent change to meeting dates.
  • There is an issue with the current gravel being sold not matching former gravel in appearance or safety.
  • Work remains ongoing for the snowstorm cleanup. Much of the timber needs to be removed as it is an additional fire hazard. Fire season has officially been declared, already at level two. Harvesting some timber and cleanup must be done to prevent it from becoming an unacceptable fire risk.

These issues and others will be brought forward at the June meeting. Attend the meeting and be an informed member.

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Welcome Karen and John Ratcliff – Lot 58

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Thom Hoch

Karen and John Ratcliff, our newest members, were given their orientation by the membership committee on June 11th.  They can be found on lot 58.

Please give them a hearty Timber Valley welcome when you see them. Welcome to Timber Valley John and Karen.

Posted in Featured, General Interest, Members | 3 Comments

Jim (Gale) and Martha Brown – New Members on Lot 75

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Thom Hoch

On May 29 new Members Jim (Gale) & Martha Brown were given their orientation by the Membership Committee.  They are on lot 75 and are eager to be involved. So please welcome them to Timber Valley… the best little RV community in the Western USA.

Jim (Gale) and Martha Brown

Posted in Featured, Members, News | 5 Comments

Emergency Preparedness: Everyone in the Park should have a copy of ‘Prepare! A Resource Guide’

Posted on May 7, 2019 by webadmin

The Emergency Preparedness Committee has been tasked with, among other responsibilities: “Develop an emergency information system,” and “Identify and maintain an inventory of human and other resources useful in mitigating threats of disruptions.” 

For those of us who were in the Park during the ‘March Snowmegeddon’ and 4-day power outage, one of our biggest challenges was getting accurate information in a timely fashion.

Within a couple weeks of that event, an Emergency Communication SubGroup was formed under the leadership of Rick De Young (# 184). At its first meeting, eleven emergency communications teams were formed (one for each street in the Park), with volunteer captains and co-captains.  These ‘Team Captains’  (AKA Block Captains) have agreed to be responsible for disseminating (and gathering) information for members and guests on their streets. (For a list of Team Captains, click here.) 

Team Captains or Co-Captains will be contacting each member in the Park to introduce themselves, and to distribute a copy of ‘Prepare! A Resource Guide’ published by the CascadeRegion of the American Red Cross. This 28-page brochure is packed full of information on how each of us can be better prepared for an unexpected emergency. It includes strategies on how to be more self-reliant, including having your own individual Emergency Preparedness Plan.

When Team Captains visit members, they will be asking each member if they have any special skills that might be of help in an emergency–such as do they know first aid or are a ham radio operator. Team Captains will also ask: in the event of an emergency and you are out of the park, do you have equipment or supplies you would be willing to share if needed, such as a generator, propane, or extra fuel.

You, of course, can choose to answer these questions, or not.  It is all voluntary.

These questions are being asked because during  our 4-day power outage the most critical, survival needs were extra generators, gasoline and propane.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact your Block Captain or come to the next Emergency Preparedness Committee meeting on Monday, May 20, 9 a.m. in the Clubhouse.

Thank you for your willingness to be a good neighbor and helping support our SKP community.

You can also download a copy of ‘Prepare! A Resource Guide’ by clicking here.

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‘Kentucky Derby Run for the Roses’ great success

Posted on May 6, 2019 by webadmin

At last count, more than 60 Timber Valley members and guests stopped by for the 145th Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 4, 2019.

Before the main racing event, people wagered on their favorite horses at the betting table (center) and munched on crackers and donated Rose City Pepperheads ‘Farm to Jar Pepper Jelly.’ Next came the ‘Taste of Kentucky’ ham, turkey and roast beef sandwiches, Kentucky Derby Pie, and bourbon balls prepared by Terry Hilty (#71).

All the Kentucky Derby events and final Running for the Roses were projected onto the Clubhouse Big Screen. Special thanks to Rob Hendershot (# 82) for setting up the race on the big screen; and to Jim McIntosh, Dennis Hellawell and Thom Hoch for technical assistance.

(L-R) Patty and Dal Healey (#117) prepared Mint Juleps for Thom Hoch and Dave Hall.

When not noshing, mingling or drinking Mint Juleps, Derby goers tested themselves by working on several word and trivia games.

Mike Hilty and his new Derby Hat

MC Fred Prout (#44),  kept events entertaining and moving. He also whip up the crowd to raise  $132 for the Sutherlin Food Bank from the auction of Derby Hats. An addition, $9 from betting winnings were also donated, for a total of $141 going to the help our local community fight hunger.

Derby Hat winners (L-R) First place: Dar Hoch (#31), Third place: Toby Anderson (#153), and Second to Marti Cady (#172)

Two dozen folks participated in the popular Derby Hat Competition. First place went to Dar Hoch (#31) for her dazzling red chapeau creation. Second place was won by Marti Cady (#172) for her charming southern ensemble; and Third place was Toby Anderson (#153) with his pink rose production.

For the third year, the event was organized by Linda Zink and David Arndorfer (# 16), assisted by Julianne Crane and Jimmy Smith (#197) and Terry and Mike Hilty (#71).  Other volunteers that made the success happen include Connie Lankford (#121), Jackie Deal (#109) and Patt Anderson (153) registration; Marti Cady (172), Susie and Jack Varner (# 105) at the betting table; bartenders Patty and Dal Healey (#117) and Chuck Williams in the kitchen. Derby hat judges included Micky Thompson (#9); new member Mike Resnick (#53); and Larry Heath (AWL #32).  Lastly, a big thank you to everyone who helped with set-up and clean-up.  Many hands equals fast, fun work.

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Welcome Mike Resnick, Lot 53

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Thom Hoch

Mike Resnick, who has actually been a leaseholder for the past 3 years, just arrived in the park for the first time a few days ago. He was given his new member orientation April 29. He comes to us from Florida and has already explored his new surroundings from Crater Lake to the coast. Enjoy a visit with him on lot 53.

Posted in Featured, General Interest, Members | 1 Comment