Kathy Corjasso's Blog

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:15:26 -0800

9 April 1942 Bataan has fallen. The Philippine-American troops on this war-ravaged and bloodstained peninsula have laid down their arms. With heads bloody but unbowed, they have yielded to the superior force and numbers of the enemy.

The world will long remember the epic struggle that Filipino and American soldiers put up in the jungle fastness and along the rugged coast of Bataan. They have stood up uncomplaining under the constant and grueling fire of the enemy for more than three months. Besieged on land and blockaded by sea, cut off from all sources of help in the Philippines and in America, the intrepid fighters have done all that human endurance could bear. Radio Broadcast - Voice of Freedom

April 9, 1942, Bataan was surrendered and Eugene Davidson began the longest trip of his young life. Sixty Eight years later, the one thing that burns in Eugene’s mind is the hunger that he and the others endured during those months before surrender and during his years in prison camp. To honor Eugene and ensure no one today has to go hungry, I am collecting food for the Linn Benton Food Share.

Until April 9, 2010, · you are welcome to bring food to the Keller Williams Realty office behind Baha Fresh on 9th Street · you can ask me to make a pick up at your convenience · you can make donations to Linn Benton Food Share in honor of Bataan Heroes It doesn’t matter how or why or where you donate, it is right thing to do. Make sure no one today has to go hungry.

Aging in Place

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:55:19 -0700

Options for seniors are to move or not to move.

Not moving, or staying at home takes a lot of planning. Attachment to a home, neighborhood, friends or family nearby are reasons not to move. Aging in place simply means not having to move from one's present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to changing personal needs. "Aging in place" is living where you have lived for many years, or living in a non-healthcare environment.

A significant concern as people grow older is that they may have to leave their home. This would mean leaving behind a comfortable setting, familiar community and many memories. In addition a certain amount of control is lost when one leaves home. This contributes to our feelings of dignity, quality of life and independence. The home is a strong element in that sense of security.

Moving does not mean all this has to be left behind. One might choose an aged regulated community or another house that is more easily assessable, such as a single level. Whatever the choice, it is important to check over the house carefully and make sure it is safe for someone who will most certainly, at some point, have poor vision, hearing, and/or limited mobility. Chairs need to be evaluated as to height and should have sturdy arms to enable ease of use. Bathrooms should have grab bars and a safe way to enter and exit the bathing area. If you plan on doing extensive remodeling, you might want to consider widening doorways to accommodate future use of walkers or wheelchairs.

ECHO Cottage Housing Helps Families Stay Closer

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:51:30 -0700

An ECHO (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunities) unit is often a separate, small, manufactured home added in the side or backyard of a single-family house - usually an adult child's house. It can also be an apartment within the main house or added onto the main structure. Older parents can then live near their children but not with them.

ECHO is an ideal answer for many families. It allows older adults to get the support they need while all can stay independent in their own homes. It gives everyone the privacy they may desire.

ECHO units permit closeness without sacrificing self-reliance or independence. Often, they foster a spirit of mutual support between the households. Grandparents and grandchildren are more apt to develop close relationships. An ECHO unit can eliminate the hassle of distance traveling to offer needed support to loved ones.

A nursing facility in Albany, Oregon

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:55:05 -0700

I have been checking out senior facilities in Corvallis but hadn't gotten around to Albany yet. This past week I had the sad job of helping research an appropriate place for my uncle.

Eugene Davidson, ex POW of the Japanese, survivor of the Bataan Death March. 90 years old and just in the past year stricken with Alzheimers to the point that his wife can no longer care for him at home. The Corvallis Manor won't take him and the VA won't pay for Regent Court. So, to Albany we went. Timberview is on 6th Street right across the street from the hospital. I talked with Admissions and went on a short tour of the building. It was just a quick preview because ultimately it was his wife and children who would make the decision. I was just a scout. It was lunch time when I was there and everything was bright and clean. No smells evident and residents seemed well attended. They have a fenced in garden area where folks who want to get outside are able to walk in safety.

His family visited and were pleased with what they saw and sometime this week Eugene will move into his new residence. Maybe he will think he is visiting a fancy hotel in a far away country. Hopefully he will forget the unbearable hunger of his war years.

How thankful I am for the people who dedicate their lives to care for these folk that have no where else to go. They take on tasks that most of us could never imagine ourselves doing. They care for our Vets everyday, those who have been dedicated enough to care for us. God Bless.

Another ramdom thought, I am getting old

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:58:54 -0700

Yes, I am old. I am moving slower and thinking slower. To you I am just an old person. But you don't know ME.

Think of my age and others my age, those with names you might reconize. Did you ever think that I might have known any of those people, dreamed with them, traveled with them? Maybe I was lucky enough not to have been on the FBI most wanted list. Maybe I wasn't around the day the big one went down. I might have watched Further sink into the swamp. I might have hung with Janis, smoked some with Jimi, maybe I knew Tania. There may be more than a few things that I would rather forget and never will. Do know anything about the political unrest of the 70's? Kent State, Democratic Convention, SLA. What about Charlie? Abbie? Angela?

Yes, I am getting old. Moving and thinking slower. But now just an old person. You don't know ME.

Have you heard of KIVA and what are your thoughts?

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:54:25 -0700

Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website. They let you lend to the working poor.

http://www.kiva.org. I just came across the web site and while I haven't taken the time to read through it or do any research it certainly seems like a great idea. I just wondered what someone elses take on it is.

I currently go to www.freekibble.com where you answer their little quiz and they donate food to shelter dogs and cats. This does not cost to play and they really do donate the food. You can play once a day and im my case the food goes to Safehaven in Linn County.

Recently I spent some time helping at Vina Moses. This is a place where everything is free to the people who sign up to shop there. They put out nice clothes, (nothing with stains or tears). They have bedding, kitchen items, shoes, full layettes for newborn babies. Everything thing a person donates is given to a family (or individual) in need. It is like a free Goodwill store. The volunteers are the nicest ladies you could hope to meet. Right now they are putting aside all brand new things that come in and before school starts they will outfit childen with all they need to go to school feeling good about themselves. This is a true angel organization. What an opportunity to give back to a community that provides us such a wonderful place to live. I will certainly want to spend more time here.

Avamere Heart of the Valley closing

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:06:32 -0700

This care center will be closing as soon as the current residents can be placed in other residences. Corvallis Manor is now the only short term skilled nursing facility in Corvallis. While Corvallis Manor is an excellent nursing home with a better than wonderful physical therapy team, it seems to bad that there is not going to be a choice of where to go for short term rehab. Unless you go to Albany or further. Heart of the Valley is the sight of the old Corvallis Hospital. I'm telling on myself, but both of my children where born in that hospital. I wonder what will become of it. Yes, it is old and in need of repair. Time passes and things change. Just like in the real estate business. Just like the weather in Oregon. Cheers.

Follow up to my disappointing day

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 10:34:28 -0700

Two hours after I scanned and e mailed my rescind. to the other broker, he called and said my clients offer was approved. When I called my clients to see if they wanted to proceed, they just laughed and said "well isn't that good timing, we will let you know". Haven't heard back from them. By the way, thank you for all the kind words. It is nice to have the moral support. Kathy

Disappointing Day

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:00:36 -0700

I had clients involved with a short sale and I guess that they just got tired of waiting. I got a call saying that they want to withdraw their offer and are buying something else with another agent. I could never really get through to them that the banks work in mysterious ways and we agents had nothing to do with the long process of getting an answer back. I am sorry, not only to lose the sale, but to lose the clients I really liked and thought I had established a relationship with. It's a hard lesson to learn and i guess everyone has to pay his dues. Give me a day or so and I will be fine and back on track. Until then I will hide my head under the covers and pretend this day isn't happenning.

First Time Home Buyer Seminar

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:00:23 -0700

Several of the agents from our office are putting together a seminar to be held in our local library meeting room. We have invited a loan officer and someone from a title company to give a little information on loans and escrow. Since time is getting short for those who want to use the tax credit, we have created a sense of urgency by limiting the number of seats available and asking for RSVP.

Re-Use, Re-Model, Re-duce waste

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Sat, 16 May 2009 09:52:44 -0700

In my last post Kellie remarked that it would be wonderful to see our historic homes remodeled green and I so agree. What great fun to be on the hunt for old fixtures, trim and molding. I have to admit that I recently have discovered a fondness for the mid century designs. Just the basic 3 bedroom 1 bath ranch styles so commonly built right after World War II. These homes were castles to young familys happy just to have their own place. Many of these young couples never moved and raised an average of 3 kids there. They have their own history and stories to share. Amazing how times have changed.

How "green" is building green?

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Sun, 10 May 2009 10:03:47 -0700

It seems to me that if you want to be truly green, you would want to take an existing building and remodel. You would be reusing land space and much of the original materials in the building. Everything new that you put in would be recycled or sustainable materials and most of what you tear out would be reused somewhere else or recycled. If one is going to build anyway than of course you have to be responsible, but the key words are reduce, re-use and recycle. Don't pass by a perfecty good house because it does not have "green features". Talk to a local contractor and work together for a better world.

Plastic is forever. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Sat, 09 May 2009 21:50:47 -0700

I was reading an article in the Sierra Club magazine. And to shorten the story, it said that plastics just keep breaking down smaller and smaller. you may think they have decomposed because you can't see them anymore but there they are serving as fillers in the food wild animals eat. Microscopic bits of plastic eaten by fish which are eaten by birds and.. you get the idea. My friend won't read these articles, says they come off as doomday, end of the world news and we can't really do anything about that part. Well, yes. But I say that we can use the information scaled down and make us aware of how important it is to pick up that bottle we see in the gutter on our daily walks. Even the ones without a deposit.

I carry a bag and pick up all plastic and metal when I walk. Heavy metals also stay in the land forever. Pick up that crushed soda or beer can and put it in the recycle box. It is the responsible thing to do. Thank you, thank you very much.

Timberhill Place

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:57:42 -0700

Timberhill Place is an assisted living Community. When I went there I received a folder of information but no one was available to show me around or answer questions. Since I have no thoughts or opinions I will just tell you what the brochure says. They do accept Medicaid and seem to offer the same services the other facilities offer. If one is able to get out and about on their own, it is quite close to to the aquatic center and shopping. They also have a shuttle that go out regularly. They offer month to month rent.

Conifer House

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:59:06 -0700

i got a really great reception at Evergreen Conifer House. Audry took me on a tour, showing me rooms and explaining how everything works. This is a residential care facility where the level of assistance ranges from minimal to comprehensive. Breakfast is cooked to order from 5:30-9:00 am with three meals being served daily. Everyone I met there was very helpful when talking to me. The building clean and cheery. This facility does allow for Medicaid payments. I was liking what I saw here.

What if you gave a party and nobody came?

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:04:33 -0700

Last night I went to see the movie Mamma Mia. I think there were 2 other people there besides the ones screening the movie. Granted it was at the county fairgrounds with fold up metal chairs but it was free with a donation, and I found it fun watching with other people. Come on, give it up for the animals. A donation does not have to be in the form of money. Give some old towels, blankets, chew toys, food, or cleaning supplies.

A tire with a slow leak and Begg's

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:29:29 -0700

This is in appreciation for Begg's Tires in Corvallis, Oregon. Recently I had a flat tire and took it to a big name tire dealer to have fixed. The cost was $12.00. A week later it was still going flat and being pumped up every morning before work, so I took it back to the tire dealership and an hour later they had replaced the valve stem at no charge. The next week just repeated the week before with the tire going flat so I took it Beggs. In 5 minutes, the young man there pulled out a nail, fixed the tire, and brought me my keys. When I pulled out my check book he said "oh, no charge". From now on they will get all my business and I will recommend them to everyone I know.

You won't want to miss this

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:33:26 -0700

Movie Night! Come support Heartland Humane Society while watching "Mamma Mia" View "Mamma Mia" for free while all donations and concession proceeds go to supporting the animals of Heartland!

6:00 pm Benton County Fairgrounds

Avamere Heart of the Valley

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:52:24 -0700

Heart of the Valley is a Skilled Care and Nursing Care Facility in Corvallis, Oregon. One of the first things that caught my eye were the finch aviary and the larger birds in cages. They were so cheery and welcoming. There was a sofa in front of the aviary where one could sit and watch the happy little birds go about their daily lives. There was also a fish tank and I saw one big cat napping on a chair. I spoke with Hollie Martin who is the director of social services. She helps provide long range planning for the clients individuals needs. For short stays, she works with discharge planning and home needs. You can check out the rehab program for OT, PT and ST with Infinity Rehab at their website www.infinityrehab.com.

Samaritan Village

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:56:12 -0700

Samaritan Village is about senior living with dignity. This is an independent living housing facility in Corvallis Oregon. All residents need to fall within income limits since this is a HUD project. It is affordable and located in a residential neighborhood. Besides the independent apartments, there is a center building which houses a nice lounge area. Also, there is a dining room where a large mid-day meal is served. While checking it out I had the opportunity to visit with two lovely ladies who were spending some time in the lounge area at a table where a picture puzzle was in progress. They both both said they come in most afternoons to vist and really love the fact that they can choose whether they want to spend private time in their own apt. or be socially involved. The like the bus that takes them shopping every week. This is a very nice place with gardens and paved walking paths.

Heron Pointe

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:57:26 -0700

Located in Monmouth, Oregon Heron Pointe is a retirement and assisted living residence. They have cottages with garages along with their apartments. It is a beautiful building, very light and cheery with lots of open spaces. They work with medicaid and operate on a month to month rent with no buy in. The community is invited to get involved and are invited to activities including a once a month Sunday brunch ($5.00) and weekly bingo. Meals are served restaurant style and the dining room is very spacious.

Corvallis Caring Place

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:04:59 -0800

Corvallis Caring Place is an assisted living facility. It seemed bright and cheerful when I visited. Their staff covers the full range of needs and services. Each apartment has individual temp controls for heating and cooling, kitchenette, private bath with walk-in shower and emerge call systems. This is one of very few ALF's in Corvallis that accepts Medicaid. I am still visiting places and will post on any others I come across that also accepts Medicaid. I

Regent Court, Corvallis Oregon

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:51:34 -0800

Regent Court is a memory care center. It is locked and totally secure to keep wanderers safe.

I visited Regent Court and saw a facility with living area "communities or neighborhoods" of no more than 12 residents each. It is strucdtured so that the residents can stroll around freely both inside and out.There are family type dining areas, loosely scheduled meals and housekeeping and laundry service.

I liked the peaceful and homelike feel of the building. The staff were friendly and seemed very caring. It was clean and did not smell institutional. I would recommend this over a nursing home or Assisted Living if you have the choice. They do not accept Medicaid which is a big factor for some families. But it is a safe place and seems to have a great staff.

Adult Day Services

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:12:36 -0800

Corvallis, Oregon has a great place called Grace Center. www.grace-adultdayservices.org Their goals are to provide respite and support for family and other caregivers. I visited this amazing place and cannot tell you how impressed I am with their state of the art facility. I would strongly encourage anyone in the area to check it out and refer them to someone you know who might need this kind of help. A husband or wife caring for their spouse or a working child caring for a parent could well benefit from having a safe place to leave a loved one whether for a couple of hours or a full day.

Just my random thoughts

Kathy Corjasso (Keller Williams) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:30:19 -0800

My first blog and my first post.

I just read a headline that stated "Don't wait for the change, be the change." How great is that? I love it. The whole concept of starting the revolution. Takes me back (quite) a few years.

I have a friend who laments that life hasn't turned out the way he had planned, all his big dreams and hopes. Forty years later, Christmas with the family and grandchildren at the knee, not happening. He doesn't feel that he has accomplished anything. Never mind the fact that if he had not been there Earth Day 1970, if he had not helped begin the recycling movement in Corvallis, if he had not been on the many boards and committees, who would have done it? He was the change in his small area of the world and a part of the bigger change that rippled out of his view.

We can all be the change and we can all be part of the the bigger change. Don't sit and look out the window, get a up and make a ripple. Who knows where it will go. Meet someone new. Reconnect with someone from your past.