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ROOM 9: Where “Attitude is Everything”
By
Dale Dauten, Syndicated Columnist
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I’d heard about Room 9. And, having previously passed by on my way elsewhere, I had actually heard Room 9 — laughter spilling out into the passageway. It seemed as if it might just be the happiest place at Silveridge. So I was pleased to be able to talk with some of the ladies who bring their energy to it.
The first thing I learned is the motto of the women who work in that room – it’s on a smiling ceramic turtle they pointed out:
It’s fitting that the motto is on a piece of ceramics as Room 9 houses the ceramics group, along with the porcelain doll classes, and, until recently, the gourd artists (who’ve moved into nearby rooms).
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THE DOLLS
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I’m not the only one who felt drawn to Room 9. When I asked Judy Winter, one of the team leaders for the doll making program, how she got started, she said, “My first year down here, I happened to walk by, looked into the window, saw the dolls, and had to come in.” The timing was perfect: “My husband, Rick, was writing a textbook and had taken over the house and I wanted to get out. I came in and picked out a doll I wanted to make.” That was eight years ago.
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Judy explained that the doll parts arrive “raw,” looking like white clay, then are cleaned, sanded and fired in the kiln. That’s when the painting starts. After each coat the pieces are again fired, a minimum of four times. She says, “The larger dolls can take three months, coming in twice a week. We suggest that you have two on the go – one for the kiln and one to work on.”
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This holiday season you can expect to hear delicate music to go along with the raucous laughter of Room 9 — this year’s project is a music box that plays “Fur Elise” and features not just a doll but a spinning Christmas tree.
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THE CERAMICS
Nancy Lambertson is an RVer, happy to take off and head cross-country. She used to travel with her husband, but when she lost him six years ago, she heads out alone to Florida to visit her daughter and pick up her best friend. She’s driven to Montana, Alaska, Nova Scotia and just about everywhere in between. But when she’s at Silveridge, you’re likely to find her in Room 9, where, along with Jan Billings, she leads the ceramics program.
Nancy (right) and Jan with class projects
The friends started doing ceramics at Silveridge four years ago, just the two of them, but they now have 25-30 others joining in. While the atmosphere is fun-loving, there’s serious education going on. Both Nancy and Jan are credentialed teachers, known as Duncan Certified.
The materials come in as “greenware” (which, surprisingly are gray), then fired, painted, glazed, and fired again. Unlike the dolls, which take multiple layers of paint, the ceramics can be completed in a day.
There was a class going on when I visited and when I asked Nancy what happened to all the pieces they create, the group merrily joined the conversation, explaining that they were “mostly social.” That’s when the ceramics “wine days” were mentioned and a rowdy cheer went up.
“I think of us,” Nancy added, “as the sisterhood of ceramics.”
THE GOURDS
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Knowing nothing about gourd art, I asked Doreen Risdahl, who heads the program at Silveridge, for some background. She said, “The gourds are members of the squash family, but are not edible. We get them from a farm near Casa Grande. The gourds need a long growing season, so you mostly find them in California, Arizona and New Mexico. But you can see gourd art everywhere.”
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As for Doreen herself, she’s from Calgary, where she was an art teacher and where she still does programs for the City of Calgary Parks & Rec, working with kids. I asked her who was easier to teach, kids or the ladies of Silveridge. She laughed before saying, “The kids are more fearless.” Then she added, “That’s my job – to take the fear out of it.”
I was surprised to hear how popular gourd art is at Silveridge – in addition to a dozen members who come to all their sessions, they’ll see close to a hundred participants during a season.
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THE INVITATION
All three of the groups are open and welcoming of new members. Just walk by and you’ll be drawn in.
Porcelain Dolls: Monday & Friday, all day, Room 9
Ceramics: Tuesday & Thursday, 10-3, Room 9
Gourds: Tuesday 9-12, Room 4 and Wednesday 9:30-2, Room 5
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A Silveridge Season of Blessings
Message From Sue Arneson,
Activity Director
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There’s nothing quite like the enjoyment of having the tree all decorated, a batch of Christmas cookies baked and my home ready for family and friends. Then I snuggle up in my recliner and meditate on God’s blessings in my life. I thank God for Christmases past. I often ask my Mom how she and Dad could afford Christmas presents for 8 children. Yet, there were always presents under the tree. (My brothers and sisters would make sure that one did not have more presents than the other!) Even though it was so important to have presents little did I realize as a child that the best present of all was the gift of loving parents! We all have special memories of Christmases past but now we have our grown up Christmas List which includes so much more than packages under the tree. What takes priority is being blessed to bless others and praying for those in need.
As we contemplate on all the blessings of the past while being in the hustle and bustle of the present, I am in awe of all of you who take to heart the message of sharing your blessings with others. That is obvious with our 300 plus volunteers that work so hard to make our park the most “Giving Park” (and the Friendliest!!) Let me share with you some examples of those who understand the meaning of blessing others.
- A walker hears a distress call from a home and offers to help.
- A resident is having trouble breathing and several ladies offer to bring food and spend the night
- A couple cannot drive and a resident takes them to all their doctor appointments
- A couple steps up to the plate and patches holes in walls and orders glass for a broken window.
- A couple needs financial help and several pool their money together to help them
- Dedication is the word to describe a group who weekly get together and makes “Ugly Quilts” for the homeless
- The Decorators become “Santa’s Angels” by sponsoring a Toy Drive to children in the East Valley.
- Leaders work tirelessly give their time to plan meetings, educate, plan fundraisers and share their talents with us.
And the list goes on and on. With all there is to do during the holidays let’s not our busyness crowd out our reverence for the true gifts of the season. Know that your “Presence” to others is the best “present” of all!
Blessings to You this season, Sue
Click to view PDF of all Sue’s monthly updates
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DIRECT TV: OUR NEW EXCLUSIVE PROVIDER
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If you missed the last online newsletter, you might have missed the news about Direct TV. Empire Communications has been chosen as our exclusive provider. Instead of simply getting installers sent out from an out-of-town office, we get personal attention from Empire, here in Mesa.
The folks from Empire will be joining us for upcoming coffees, and will provide complete details.
Empire Communications
4830 East Main St #5
Mesa, AZ 85205
800-403-8402
CLUB UPDATES
Silveridge Billiards Club
Welcome from the Silveridge Men’s & Ladies Billiards. This is a great way to meet new people, learn or refresh your skills in the sport. The Billiard room is open to all (most days) and all evenings for anyone who would like to play, practice or observe.
We welcome new players, no experience necessary. Come and join in on the fun.
Weekly Activities
Men’s tournament every Monday at 1:00
Men’s League’s Tuesday – Friday
Ladies practice Monday 9:30 & Wednesday at 1:00 Lessons during practice
Ladies tournament every Thursday at 1:00
Mixed Fun Tournament Friday 1:00
Check out the bulletin board in the Billiard Room for other activities.
If you would like more information contact:
Rodger Benson 701-341-1397 or Eleanor Copeland 480-373-7690
Silveridge Computer and Technology Club
Visit the new link to our website at
http://silvercomctc.com
This is the hub for information dissemination to Club members.
Membership fee is $5 per person per year
Membership forms are available at Monday morning meetings, from the Silvercom bulletin board near the Activities Desk, or on the website.
Regular Club meetings are held on Mondays from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. in the Ballroom: Check the Website calendar for topics and meeting dates.
The popular Friday Help Sessions from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Computer Room begin when our “experts” arrive at Silveridge and occur weekly except for holidays.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) get together to share info and learn from each other. Check the website calendar for meeting times of the following groups:
Camera Club Genealogy Apple Androids Windows 10 may be formed–TBA
Classes for members are taught by Silvercom CTC members or by out-of-park teachers. A fee is charged for each class. All classes are scheduled in January, February, or March. Minimum number may be required; limited seating. Times may be subject to change. Full descriptions of all classes can be found by clicking CLASSES tab at the top of the website Home Page, and class times are listed on the website calendar. REGISTRATION BLITZ DAY will be announced. After REGISTRATION BLITZ DAY, you may sign up on the lists on the bulletin board by posted deadlines. The following classes will be offered:
Taking, Editing, and Organizing Great Photos with Any Device
iPhone, Beginning iPad, Advanced iPad, Windows 10, Photoshop, G-Mail
Other Events
Christmas Party—Sun, Dec 11, 4:30pm
Donut Day—Mon, Jan 16, 8:30am
Chili Supper Fundraiser—Fri, Feb 10
Recognition Night—Sat, March 11, 4:00pm
Silvercom Officers for 2016-2017
Carol Folker – President
Dick Grudt – Vice-President
Debra Christmas – Secretary
Paul Martinsen – Treasurer
Mike Folker, 2013-16 – Bd Member
Leo Jean, 2014-17 – Bd Member
Vail Williams, 2015-18 – Bd Member
Silveridge Pickleball Schedule
All Play for Pickleball Club Members is from 8am to 11am Monday through Saturday – All Courts are Reserved
Inter Park Round Robins – Mondays – All Courts are Reserved
11:00am to 12:30pm 2.0-2.5 skill level
12:45pm to 2:15pm 3.0-3.5 skill level
Member Only Round Robins – Wednesdays – All Courts are Reserved
11:00am to 12:30pm 3.0-3.5 skill level
Member Only Round Robins – Fridays – All Courts are Reserved
11:00am to 12:30pm 1.0-1.5 skill level
12:45pm to 2:15pm 2.0-2.5 skill level
Tuesdays and Thursdays – Courts 1 and 2 are Reserved
1:00pm to 4:00pm – Tournament Players Round Robins
Must have official tournament ranking of 3.5 or higher.
Saturdays from 11am to noon
Pickleball Clinic for members only
Thursday mornings from 10am – noon
Beginners Lessons – 1 court is reserved
Ceramics
Are you ready to get your creative juices going? Come join the Silveridge Ceramics Club in Room 9 Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-3. We have greenware and bisque for sale and you can special order pieces you might want to do. We have all the tools, brushes and paint for you to use as well as 2 kilns on site. Classes are taught by two Duncan Certified Ceramics teachers: Nancy Lambertson, Club Leader and Jan Billings. We will also have open painting time on Wednesdays.
Silveridge Ceramics Club is a $20.00 per year fee and $3.00 per class charge. The class charge includes instruction, tools and most paint. The club charge includes all firings for the year.
Come on over to Room 9, have a cup of coffee, look around and see for yourself that this is not the ceramics you remember from 30 years ago!
Watch for our one day Make and Take Classes.
Gourds
The Silveridge Gourd Art Club will be running again this year. Come for one class or join as a member!
We will meet 9-12noon in Rm.5 on Tuesdays plus Rm.9 on Wednesdays starting in Jan. The schedule & classes will be posted on the Activities Board. Join the club for $20.00 & the Renter’s Association for $5.00. This will give you access to the materials, tools, & expertise. There will be a fee for individual classes but it includes all supplies.
Take a look at some of the upcoming projects in the Rm.9 display window. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends & meeting new ones!! Please contact me if you have any questions.
Doreen Risdahl
“The Gourd Lady”
Unit # 278 Ph. # 7278
drisdahl@gmail.com
Hiking
If you want to enjoy some beautiful Arizona scenery while getting exercise, then hiking is for you! Hikers meet on Tuesday mornings at 7:30am in the lobby area. Betty Royal leader #374 At the time of this printing the Hikers and Walkers are not meeting. Thank you to the McDonalds who are retiring from leading hikers and walkers. New leaders are needed! Please contact Betty Royal or the McDonalds if you are interested in leading. Please check the hiking board for information.
Church/Bible Study
Bob Oelschlagel will continue to teach the Wednesday Bible Study where many enjoy the opportunity to not only study the Word but to participate with questions and discussion. Bob invites you to join him starting Wednesday, Nov 9th at 7pm in Room 5 for this year’s study.
Everyone is welcome to join the fellowship and fun of the Silveridge Choir while practicing the songs and hymns of the faith. The choir sings during Silveridge Fellowship Sunday services. Please watch for announcement when practice will begin.
Our service is every Sunday at 9:00am in the Auditorium. We invite you to join us and Pastor Charles Simmons for a non-denominational service, beginning Nov. 6th, to worship with your friends and neighbors from the park. Please join us after the service for coffee and fellowship. We look forward to seeing you. Pictured below is Mr. and Mr. Charles Simmons.
Water Aerobics
Stay fit and have fun every day in the beautiful pool with water exercise. Instructor is Nita Dressel. Monday-Friday 7:45am
Step Aerobics
Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 6:45am Instructors Nita Dressel/Ellen Jones
Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 8:00am Instructor Judy Minto. Classes held in the Exercise Room
Water Volleyball
Come to the pool every day (except Sunday) at 12:30pm and have fun soaking up the sunshine while playing a couple of games of water volleyball. Call Ed Wladyco #608
Lapidary
Learn the art of polishing and designing stones. Mon., Wed, Fri. 9-12 Leader: Bob Brown
Silveridge Wood Workers Shop
We welcome back all our past members and look forward to meeting new participants who would like to join us in the Wood Workers Shop commencing in early November. If you have an interest in working with wood the shop is open from 08:30 AM to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 PM from Monday through Saturday (closed Sunday). Notice of hours will be posted on the shop door if qualified monitors are not available to cover all shifts in early November. Monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of each Month from November through March. The November meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 9th at 1:00 PM in the shop. A $20 annual fee puts a wide variety of excellent power and hand tools at your disposal. Knowledgeable individuals are available to assist you in learning to use the equipment and for help on your projects. Display your projects and help in supporting the club at the local craft.
Silveridge Singles Group
If you are a widowed or divorced Silveridge resident and would enjoy activities with others who have suffered a significant loss, we welcome you to our circle of friends. We are here to offer you a caring atmosphere filled with a variety of activities: however, matchmaking is not our purpose or goal.
We meet the first Monday of each month at 11:30AM for a sack lunch in Room 4 followed by our business meeting at 12:00 noon. Also, we meet every Friday night with a planned activity. Check our bulletin board in Room 4 for current activities and members. We would like all unattached persons to join us and participate in our fun.
Why stay in your unit and be lonely when you can come be with others, have fun, enjoy lots of conversation and laughs and meet new friends. We are here to support one another in time of sorrow and laugh with one another in times of joy. Please call any of us if you need someone to talk to or would like a visit from a member. Anytime you need help, we can be here for you.
# 447 Lou Hyde, President #447 Louise Baker, VP, #282 Phyllis Nelson, Sec.
in #410 or Flo Cranor, Treasurer in #281.
The Silver Screen
Our theater is open year round for your viewing pleasure!! And it’s free too!
A big thank you to Gary Bryant who has run the movies all summer. Gary tries hard to vary the movies so there is something for everyone. If you have any suggestions call Gary at #480-221-9263 or email him at Gary noc1995@gmail.com. Do watch for movie showings on the park channel, on the marquee by the theater and on the activity board. Starting in November. Movies are being shown on Wednesdays at 1:00pm and Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00pm.
If there are volunteers there will be popcorn available. Please be a team player and offer to stay after the movie to clean up.How about bringing your honey and calling it a date night!
How many of you know that the theater has the NFL package (700’s) as well as ESPN? The theater is available to watch sports, but not on a movie day or night Because of the valuable equipment the theater is locked at all times unless there is a scheduled showing for movies, or sports. Only trained operators may run the equipment! Requests for theater sports need to be turned in at the activity desk by noon on Friday. There must be a minimum of six people attending. When reserving the theater, please leave the building clean! If there is a game on Mondays the Social Hall television may be available. Please check with Sue, the Activity Director if you would like to reserve the Social Hall.
The theater is available to all of us. In order to keep things running smoothly a few rules have been established
The theater cannot be reserved for a private party for a sports game. Anyone can watch any games. If more than one party wants to watch different sports , the majority rules (over 6) for watching The BIG SCREEN The 8 side televisions are available (without sound) to watch any other sports that may be playing at the same time.
Please see me if you want to reserve the sports Big Screen for a game. I try to accommodate everyone with their requests but with more residents in the park at this time of the year please be understanding You may book a private party if it is not during the time of a movie or a previously booked sport event. It is a good idea to book early!
If you have visiting guests they are welcome to come but they must be accompanied by you ( the resident.)
If you have a private party 90% of the participants must live in the park.
Out of park guests may rent the theater at $250.00 for 4 hours, $50.00 for each hour after $500.00 deposit paid in advance (as set by the Home office)
Let’s all enjoy our new theater and don’t forget to bring your popcorn bowls!
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