Charbonneau Villager Newspaper February 2021 | Page 2

By GENE TISH

TISH

No one who deeply desires to be in a leadership position should ever be trusted with the responsibility .

If you are sensing that I am not a fan of professional politicians , you would be correct . Few have proven to be truly interested in the American people , except perhaps

at election time . Everything is about power , their personal

thirst for power .

I have many faults . Some that I truly enjoy . But a thirst for power is not one of those faults . And this leads me to the purpose of this column . It is to say goodbye . This is a farewell column .

I plan to resign from the office of president of the Charbonneau Country Club Board , and as a board member , in the near future . It is not because of the extensive time demands , although there is that . And it is not because of the incoming and sometimes even friendly fire , although there is that as well .

The primary goals that led me to participate in community leadership after more than 20 years flying below the radar here in

Charbonneau have either been achieved or are at least on a good path . This leadership position is not something I desired . Governance is not really my thing . My desire was to help facilitate change ; to help our community solve some problems and cross some long overdue goal lines . Problem solving is my thing . That and fishing . And perhaps more golf .

The spring salmon season is around the corner and there will soon be occasional warmer days for crabbing at the coast . With new motors on my boat , a new electric crab pot lift and the new trolling reel Carol gave me for Christmas , I ’ m anxious to get started . Carol loves to golf , and I need to spend more time golfing with her . We are not very good . Maybe we will get better if we spend more time doing it . Maybe not . Doesn ’ t matter .

I will also be reducing my volunteer work as a court-connected mediator for the Clackamas County Circuit Court , but I plan to continue my volunteer work with the City of Beaverton ’ s Center for Mediation and Dialogue , where I participate in their Restorative Justice Dialogue Program for Juvenile offenders and their victims . It is truly meaningful and rewarding work .

So how will my early departure impact the Charbonneau Country Club Board ? Well , the reason I am telling you of my departure in this column is because you otherwise probably wouldn ’ t even notice . And everyone likes to at least be noticed .

As I have repeated often , Charbonneau has the most talented and professional nonprofit corporation board I have ever experienced or observed . It has truly been an honor to serve with them . During the time I have served as president , one of my biggest challenges has been to stay out of their way . The talent pool in our community truly runs deep . And it doesn ’ t end with the board itself . Well over a hundred community volunteers

serve on important committees that help our community function at such a high level . And that leads me to the next topic .

The terms of three directors end every year . And every year at the annual meeting we elect three directors . Sometimes directors run for re-election . Sometimes they don ’ t . Sometimes they can ’ t . Directors are limited to two consecutive three-year elected terms .

Recruitment of new directors is always a challenge . Board service is a lot of work . They tell you it is generally only one meeting a month and maybe some committee work . Ah — right . Most board members put in at least a few hours each week . Some much more than a few . I know one current director who serves on 13 committees and works almost full-time ( including often on weekends ). This is a working board . And that is what makes our community what it is — special .

Pat Tewell is chairing the nominating committee this year and applications are due by March 15 . If you have an interest in applying , or are just curious and want more information , call Pat or call the CCC office . If you are on one of our committees now and are potentially interested in moving up to a board position , give them a call . If you are not sure about a board position but are potentially interested in serving on a committee , you can call and ask about that as well . Even better , if you have a friend or neighbor who you think would be a good board candidate , put on your recruitment hat and pay them a visit . That ’ s what happened to me . I was cornered in the Post Office .

I have appreciated the opportunity to serve my community and thank all of you for your generous support and encouragement . I hope to see some of you on the river , or perhaps on Tillamook Bay .

Godspeed .

By KERRY PHILLIPS

According to research , “ What is love ?” is one of the most common questions searched on the internet . From philosophers to budding poets , there have been many attempts to define this strong emotion . But , is love constant or does it evolve ? Residents at SpringRidge at Charbonneau , an active retirement community , recently offered their insights into what love means to them and how , or if , it has changed with time and experience .

For Ardath Flomer , her definition of love has remained the same over the years : “ I ’ ve searched my heart and mind and come up feeling the same no matter what . Kindness remains the main ingredient in my love recipe .”

Her neighbor Candice Barnick concurs . She has

See SPRINGRIDGE / Page 3