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email: info@wllovillage.org
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Note: This is a long newsletter, click the link at the very top that says, 'View this email in your browser'. Enjoy reading what's new and newsworthy with WLLO!
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This month's articles
(click on the title link to jump directly to the article):
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This article is from Dr. Santos' newsletter.
During the pandemic, some WLLO Village members took the Yale University "Happiness" course, "The Science of Well-Being," taught by Dr. Laurie Santos and available, free, on Coursera. This is the most popular course at Yale, and has been taken by millions of people on Coursera. https://online.yale.edu/courses/science-well-being https://www.drlauriesantos.com/about
Hey Happiness Lab listeners,
” Here’s your companion guide to help you put these insights into practice:How to Lead the Richest Life PossibleNow, you might be thinking, “That sounds amazing, Laurie, but my life is so busy! How can I possibly fit in more richness?” Well, Shige shared some practical tips for cultivating more richness in our recent episode. “
The book explores how we can live a psychologically rich life— that is, a life filled with the sorts of diverse, interesting experiences that often lead to a change in perspective. Think of it as having a wealth of stories and experiences stored in your psychological memory bank.Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better LifeI'm excited to share some key takeaways from my recent conversation with the psychologist Shige Oishi on The Happiness Lab podcast. Shige has a fabulous new book called
Five Tips for Leading the Richest Life Possible
Tip #1: Embrace Playfulness. Remember what it was like to be a kid, always curious and eager to explore? Tap into that playful spirit! Shige describes playfulness as taking a vacation from the obligations of your daily life. And playfulness isn't just fun— it can also help protect you from burnout.
Tip #2: Embrace Serendipity and Spontaneity. Leave some room in your schedule for the unexpected! Say “yes” to last-minute invitations from friends and don’t be afraid to be the one to suggest impromptu adventures with others. Try this: randomly text a friend with an idea for an impromptu meetup. And don't get discouraged if plans fall through. The key is to keep putting those invitations out there to make space for a departure from our routine.
Tip #3: Find More Awe. Awe is that feeling of being completely absorbed in something vast and inspiring, like a breathtaking view or a moving piece of art. Seek out immersive experiences that evoke awe, whether it's visiting a museum, attending a concert, spending time in nature, or even getting lost in a good book.
Tip #4: Explore More. To find more psychological richness, consider breaking out of your daily routine. Instead of always taking the same route home, try intentionally deviating from your usual path. Even small changes like getting lost (rather than staring at your map) can lead to unexpected discoveries. While stepping into the unknown might feel uncomfortable at first, cultivating an attitude that embraces uncertainty can lead to a psychologically richer life.
Tip #5: Turn Adversity into a Psychologically Rich Experience. We all face challenges. Tough experiences, while difficult, can contribute to psychological richness by changing our perspective. Try to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Ask yourself: “What have I learned from this experience?"
Finally, remember that a psychologically rich life isn't about being happy all the time. Part of the power of psychological richness comes from accepting the full spectrum of human experience— the good, the bad, and everything in between. Shifting to a mindset that embraces all your emotions can maximize your ability to live a truly rich life.
With gratitude,
Dr. Laurie Santos
P.S. If you're new to this newsletter and curious about what you've missed, you can find all the previous companion guides from this season of The Happiness Lab on my website. https://www.drlauriesantos.com/newsletter/
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Meet Judy Belk
Friends celebrating Judy Belk's birthday
Judy Belk is one of the original group that started WLLO Village and has served as our council secretary, membership committee member and chair of our nominating committee. This month our column features a guest columnist, Judy's granddaughter Cora. As an 11-year-old 5th grader, Cora interviewed and wrote this essay about what the 5th grade was like for Judy. Thank you for this wonderful profile, Cora!
The Story of a Great 5th Grader Called Judy
by guest columnist Cora S.
This story is about my grandma on my mom's side named Judith, but she goes by Judy, and I'm going to tell you about her fifth grade experience.
The school that she went to was named Woodrow Wilson and was located in the suburbs of Connecticut. To get to school she rode her bike or walked with her brother Bobby. School back then wasn't that different from what it is now, the desks were separated and it went from kindergarten to 8th grade. The subject that she thought was superior, and the one she was good at, was literacy. Her teacher's name was Mrs. McMullin, and when she was around her she felt safe and thought her teacher was really nice. Recess was dull because there wasn't any equipment to play with. Judy talked to the other girls at recess. If any minor things that were trouble occurred in class her mom would set up a meeting with the teacher, but Judy never got in trouble or caused it.
Lunch time was outside and the usual lunch was a PB&J and there was no hot lunch. P.E was once a month because there was only one P.E teacher for one whole district. Field trips were a no, because funds were tight. There was no dress code because there were only so many options for clothes. Boys wore design-less polo shirts and long pants, and girls wore skirts or dresses. There was a fashion trend going around to have matching accessories.
School was fun and easy, and usually any of the teachers were more believable than the kid, so the parents would believe the teachers rather than the kid. Her friends were Peggy G., and she was funny as well as respectful; she had another friend Arlene L. and she was the same as Peggy. For homework she would take books home. Back then they had more homework than kids do now.
After school she had Hebrew school with her brother and they learned how to read and write in Hebrew; she also liked listening to music on the radio or record player.
Her mom was the leader type and was always helping the community. There was a book that influenced her called "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan, and it was quite popular back then. It was an old traditional household until the mom started rebelling because she was upset about how things were.
The president was Harry S. Truman who had his run from 1945-1953, and the world was still recovering from WWII. So there is Judy's story.
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Welcome New Members and Volunteers
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We welcome our new members and volunteers!
Greetings and Welcome to our new members Carol Higgins and Robert (Bob) and Lore (Lori) Cassidy.
And Welcome to our new volunteer Julia Williams, we're pleased to have you on the team!
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WLLO VILLAGE ANNUAL MEETING AND SPRING PARTY
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WLLO VILLAGE ANNUAL MEETING AND SPRING PARTY
Wednesday APRIL 30
All WLLO Village members and volunteers are invited to our annual meeting and party on April 30 from 2:00 to 4:00! Please join us to meet newly-elected and returning officers and village council members, as well as a host of new members and volunteers. Refreshments and nibbles will be provided. Come enjoy visiting with old and new friends! Stay tuned for details in Week at a Glance or by contacting the WLLO Village office.
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April was Volunteer Appreciation Month!
WLLO celebrated our second annual “Volunteer Appreciation Lunch” on April 3rd.
While our volunteers are always busy helping members, it’s not often we get to visit with each other. We had a great lunch at Si Senor restaurant. The restaurant was able to accommodate our crowd of 29 volunteers. It was great to see familiar faces and to make new friends. Thanks again everyone who could make it, and to everyone for being WLLO volunteers.
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NO GUILT BOOK CLUB’S NEXT MEETING IS
TUESDAY, May 13 AT 10:30 AM
Thank you to Sue Driggs who hosted our April bookclub meeting at her home. We had an interesting discussion about the book How to Read a Book by Monica Wood.
Join us in May! Ellen Steel will be hosting and we’ll be discussing The Winter of our Discontent by John Steinbeck.
Our upcoming reading list is:
May – The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck
Jun – What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
July – Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
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MEMBER AND VOLUNTEER RECOMMENDATIONS
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SCHREINERS IRIS FARM - BLOOMING IN MAY
Have you ever noticed the colorful fields of blooming irises 35 minutes south of us, along I-5 south of Wilsonville and north of Keizer? This is Schreiner’s Iris farm, with expansive display gardens and 150 acres of irises, blooming in May.
This year is their 100th anniversary and they are having a bloom festival May 9 to June 1. Tickets for this special time of blooms are $8 on weekdays. Worth it. See beautiful gardens with irises in amazing shades you never imagined. Take home an armful of cut irises, if you have a vase that is tall enough!
3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, OR 97303
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There are 11 villages in the Portland metro area, coordinated under the VIllagesNW hub. Save the date for a Village-wide celebration!
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Lake Oswego Farmers' Market begins May 10
Saturdays, May 10 through October 4, 2025
8:30am-1:30pm
Millennium Plaza Park
Discover the region's finest agricultural & food products at the Lake Oswego Farmers' Market. Delight in finding a wide variety of superior produce, meats, seafood, nuts, cheeses, artisan baked goods, jams, jellies, salsas, hummus, nursery items, hot foods, artisan crafts and more--there is something for everyone! Enjoy live music from 10:30am-12:30pm.
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Online Author Talk: Thriving with Anxiety with Dr. David H. Rosmarin
Wednesday, May 7th at 11:00 AM | This is a live virtual author talk that will be recorded and accessible for future use.
Register for this author talk and check out other online author talks here: https://libraryc.org/westlinnlibrary/upcoming Let’s face it: Everyone has anxiety. Furthermore, our incessant quest to rid ourselves of this ubiquitous human emotion worsens it. What if, instead of fighting our anxiety, we could turn it into a strength? In this enlightening online webinar, you will learn how to use anxiety to become more self-accepting, connected to others, and resilient. Author of Thriving with Anxiety, Dr. Rosmarin’s constructive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach will not make you less anxious. Instead, it will empower you to use anxiety to thrive. You will learn:
- To rethink anxiety from being a “disease” to being a normal human emotion;
- How to use anxiety to increase our self-compassion;
- How to harness the power of anxiety to enhance emotional intimacy; and
- How can anxiety help us accomplish what we truly want in life?
About the Author: David H. Rosmarin, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, a program director at McLean Hospital, and Founder of Center for Anxiety. Through his work as a clinical psychologist, scientist, educator, author, and keynote speaker, David has helped thousands of individuals and organizations to thrive by embracing the emotion of anxiety. His clinical work and research have been featured in Good Morning America, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, and TED. David is available for organization speaking and consultation via his website www.dhrosmarin.com
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Discovering Off-the-Beaten-Path International Destinations
Friday, May 16, 2025 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Lake Oswego Adult Community Center
Discovering Off-the-Beaten-Path International Destinations is a captivating session that will open your eyes to the myriad of travel opportunities that exist beyond the usual tourist spots. Marylou Colver will guide participants through a fascinating journey of exploration, highlighting how visiting these lesser-known locales can lead to more authentic and enriching experiences. The talk will delve into the benefits of traveling off the beaten path, including a deeper understanding of local culture, history, and natural beauty. Participants will learn how to plan unforgettable adventures that allow for genuine immersion in local life, away from the hustle and bustle of crowded tourist areas. Details:
- Date and Time: Friday, May 16th, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
- Location: Lake Oswego Adult Community Center
- Cost: Residents: $5 / Non-Residents: $7
- Class Number: 30961
- Registration is required. Call the Adult Community Center to register (503) 635-3758
This event is a fantastic opportunity to expand your travel horizons, connect with fellow travel enthusiasts, and gain practical tips for planning your next extraordinary journey. We invite you to embark on this exciting exploration and discover the beauty of traveling off the beaten path.
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Deconstructing Deception: Understanding Conspiracy Theories
Saturday, May 24, 2025 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Join us at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center for an engaging session as part of our Senior Scholar Program, specifically designed for older adults eager to expand their horizons and deepen their understanding of contemporary issues.
About the Speaker
We are honored to welcome Political Science Professor Robert Asaadi, Ph.D., a distinguished academic with a robust background in political theory and international relations. Professor Asaadi is renowned for his insightful analyses and dynamic presentations, making complex topics accessible and engaging for all audiences. His work often focuses on the intersection of politics, culture, and media, providing a comprehensive understanding of the societal forces shaping our world today.
About the Talk
Deconstructing Deception: Understanding Conspiracy Theories is an enlightening session that will take participants on a journey through the captivating world of conspiracy theories. Professor Asaadi will explore their historical and cultural roots, offering insights into why these theories persist and how they have evolved over time. The talk will also examine the powerful influence of media and technology in the spread and acceptance of conspiracy theories. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind these phenomena and their impact on modern society. This session promises to be both thought-provoking and informative, providing tools to critically assess the information encountered in everyday life.
Details:
Date and Time: Saturday, May 24th, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Lake Oswego Adult Community Center
Cost: Free for both residents and non-residents Call the Adult Community Center to register (503) 635-3758
This event is an excellent opportunity to engage with peers, challenge your perspectives, and enrich your understanding of a topic that is increasingly relevant in today's world. We look forward to welcoming you to this dynamic and educational session.
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TERRY'S EARTH FRIENDLY TIPS
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 Terry is taking a break this month! Stay tuned for more helpful tips next month.
Be sure and click below ("view entire message") for the Recycling Schedule.
RECYCLING SCHEDULE:
Please check out the revised pickup schedule below. Our next pickup is May 13, and every other month afterwards.
ITEMS FOR OUR NEXT RECYCLING COLLECTION
May 13 is our next pickup day, and we’ll collect all those things that help make a house a home. See below for details. We pick up plastic film, (no crinkly plastic film), and all clean clear #1 PET and PETE plastics. Please, no black or colored#1 plastic . We can no longer accept #6 PS or Styrofoam plastics. Thanks.
WLLO RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE
May 13: Furniture, linens, dishes (no chips or cracks or alcohol-themed items), kitchen utensils, mattresses/box springs, small appliances (in working condition), decorative items and artwork, rugs etc. Items are donated to the Community Warehouse. https://www.communitywarehouse.org/give-furniture/
July 8: Building materials, tools, plumbing and lighting fixtures, fasteners etc. The Rebuilding Center breathes new life into these items. https://www.rebuildingcenter.org/donations
September 9: Cleaners, pesticides, chemicals, light bulbs, smoke alarms, paint, batteries and other hazardous materials. Metro South Hazardous Waste site reclaims and recycles.
https://www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-living/garbage-and-recycling/garbage-recycling-hazardous-waste-disposal-oregon-city
November 11: Electronics and everything with a power cord. PLEASE: NO LIGHT BULBS OR SMOKE DETECTORS! But LED light bulbs are ok! Free Geek rehabilitates and recycles this stuff. Please wrap up cords and cables and secure with a twist tie or rubber band.
https://www.freegeek.org/take-action/donate-technology
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WLLO & Villages Events
Check out our calendar on our website homepage. It's easier to read, you can change how information is displayed and the calendar is also printable.
- Also be sure to check your Week-At-A-Glance email. Members and Volunteers receive Week-At-A-Glance emails every Sunday with detailed information for the upcoming week.
- Summary of Regularly Scheduled Events:
- Ted Talk Discussion Group - Monday 11:00 AM
- Book Club 2nd Tuesday at 10:30
- Brisk Walk Wednesdays at 9:00 AM
- Chat and Stroll Wednesdays at 10:00 AM
- Chat and Craft 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 10:30
- 2nd Thursday of the month - Happy Hour in person at 4 PM
- The 3rd and Last Friday - Coffee in person at 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM
- One Friday of each month - Coffee Hour on Zoom at 9:00 AM. Watch Week at a Glance for date.
- For registration, calendar questions, or log-in help, contact the WLLO office (503-308-8223). To get log in details to specific events, email info@WLLOvillage.org. (Many events are for members and volunteers only.)
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