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About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2015)
8 • The Southwest Portland Post FEATURES May 2015 The Hillsdale lady who collects napkins and what it means to age in place By Erik Vidstrand The Southwest Portland Post If you read this reporter’s story last month, you know that aging-in-place villages are a group of like-minded individuals in a geographic area who come together to figure out and develop the resources they will need to age comfortably in their own homes. As an example of aging-in-place, Dr. John Dougherty of Hillsdale, one of the organizers of River West Village, wanted to share an example of what this looks like. Dougherty has been involved with the “village” concept for several years now. He said that the only way for this concept to work is that it be intergenerational. “You need to get involved. Take time out of your schedule to look in on elderly residents, and have some fun while you’re at it.” Dougherty’s neighbor, Arlene Morrison, who would only say she was under the age of 100, has a habit, a unique habit. So unique, a friend of Morrison’s, Sandy Johnson, helped support her habit. Visiting from Alabama last summer, Johnson went out with Morrison to lunch at a local café. Johnson noticed that Morrison grabbed a few napkins as they were leaving. Johnson was curious. “I’ve never seen anyone do this,” Johnson confessed. M o r r i s o n re s p o n d e d s h e j u s t preferred them over the cheaper ones she could afford at the market. “They’re heavier duty and do a job better,” Morrison explained as if she were on a television commercial for Bounty paper towels. As it turns out, Morrison had a small collection of napkins at home, some with logos, and some with art. She shared them with Dougherty and her friend. Upon returning to Alabama, Johnson became a pen pal inserting a colorful napkin in each letter for Morrison to enjoy. First came the Halloween themes, then Thanksgiving; Christmas was next. Each time a lovely letter described the weather or the latest town gossip or ailment. A recent Easter theme had just arrived the other day along with a University of Alabama napkin. Then, Dougherty started collecting them for Morrison. He showed off the Delta Airlines and Amtrak ones he donated. Morrison’s granddaughter delivered a few colorful Intel ones. “I just had to call The Post and share Arlene’s story,” Dougherty said. “The funny part about this whole thing,” Morrison said, laughing, “is that I use them then toss them out!” “Even the real nice ones?” this reporter asked while visiting her and Dougherty in her neat, uncluttered apartment. This reporter imagined a hoarder with boxes and boxes of them Home. Cooked. Arlene Morrison collects napkins but not for the reasons one would expect. (Post photo by Erik Vidstrand) stacked to the ceiling or a scrapbook full of them labeled with dates and locations. Morrison and Dougherty both laughed and smiled. “Nope,” she said. “I’ve been downsizing for years and don’t need more stuff!” Morrison is moving to an assisted living facility in Raleigh Hills in a few months and Dougherty plans on visiting her and, yes, collecting more napkins. To use, of course! “This is what it means to age-in- place,” Dougherty said. He explained how he helps get her mail each day and if a letter comes from Alabama, they sit down to enjoy Parker Realty, Inc. Vermont Hills $549,500 GOODNESS . The taste of togetherness. the contents together knowing a napkin may be inside. Although Morrison didn’t show it, moving from one’s home to an assisted living facility is an emotional issue. A loss of independence comes with that as well as the community structure one is used to. “This is what we are hoping to address once the Rivers West Village concept is up and running hopefully,” Dougherty explained. “We want people to stay in their own homes as long as possible without the disruption of community, friends, neighbors.” Dougherty suspected that the facility Morrison is moving into would probably have linen napkins. Impeccable Vermont Hills traditional with triple car garage and loads of storage. Large master suite upstairs, with vaulted ceilings, fireplace, walk in closet and custom bath, along with 3 additional bedrooms and another full bath. Gourmet kitchen with attached family room with sliders to large deck, perfect for entertaining. Gleaming Brazilian hardwoods. Bonus room Jeff Parker over garage with wet bar, bath and door to deck. Convenient Your Neighborhood quiet location with views. 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