Page 0: Page 1: WALLINGFORD CLUB HOUSE The World According to the Wallingford Clubhouse June 2010 Monthly Newsletter JUNE BIRTHDAYS Carl Allen Mervin Atkins Geoffrey Ayosa Steve Baumgarten Benhur Becerra-Alvarez Catherine Billiot Charles Brown John Buell Lydell Coleman Holly Combs Todd Derrick Joseph Dishman Larry Felder Leo Fernandez Debra Gordon Terrance Gully Celeste Harris David Justice Natasha Kairoff Auve Katsman Vladimir Kosyuk Frederick Mason Michael Morgan Daniel Naiman Edward Osterman Joseph Scheidel Claude Shumpert Antonio Tarrelli Brad Tevelde Cynthia Todd Felix Tyson Wendy Weber John Welker Glenn Williams William Young A Very Talented Man, Lee Roy Durden I had the opportunity to interview Lee Roy Durden today, which was the first time I’d ever really talked to him – even though he’s been a member of the clubhouse since last October. I discovered that he is a very talented guy with a lot of varied interests. Lee Roy went to Seattle Central College and did so well he made the Dean’s list. “I had math anxiety, though,” he confided. This caused him to experience some difficulty as far as completing his studies. He explained that his issues tend to be cyclic, his days sometimes run very high, and other days he feels very low. I’m sure we all know how difficult that can be. Background on Lee Roy: He was born in Blacksburg, Virginia. He is a 38-yearold Sagittarian and has lived in Seattle since 1986. “I love Seattle for the arts, culture, museums and summer activities”, he remarked. He has been a long-time volunteer with an organization called “One Reel” which sets up all kinds of cool events such as: the then assigned to one beach or another (Alki, Golden Gardens “my favorite” being two of them). His job was to engage people at the beach during low tides, and teaching the curious about all the marine critters. Lee Roy was also briefly enlisted in the Army. His least favorite thing is “small minded people”. He states that he is most happy when everything is “good and right with my girlfriend and me.” He says his girlfriend of four years is beautiful and warm-hearted. In closing, I asked him a few silly questions: His favorite colors are blue and green. He likes the movie “Fight Club” a lot. For music, anything by Metallica is a good thing. And he doesn’t watch television much. As always, I enjoyed getting to know a fellow member a bit better. It’s the neatest part of doing these interviews for the newsletter. Thanks for your time, Lee Roy. —Jacquelyn Willimon Lee Roy Durden concert series on the Pier, Bumbershoot, and the Family Fourth of July celebration. He’s been involved with setting up the events, and working the gate. As a result, he got to attend lots of activities and had a lot of fun. In his free time, Lee Roy likes to read (he loves the classics), although he doesn’t have a favorite author. He does like M. Scott Peck a lot though, and also likes working on computers. Lee Roy is a beach naturalist. It’s a really cool thing! – He volunteered with both the U. of W. and the Seattle Aquarium, taking classes in marine biology. He was Page 2: June 2010 Page 2 The first time I came to Wallingford, I was hoping to see a grand old-time house with other old houses in a neighborhood surrounding it. But when I saw it, I was shocked at the location, right beside a four lane thoroughfare, and the building was just a big blue box. I had applied at Sound Mental My First Impression of Walingford House Health, just a day before, and I stayed at the S.M.H mental health center, and then I applied to Wallingford. S.M.H. has a clubhouse too. It's located in the old Antioch mansion on Capitol Hill. It is very cramped and the kitchen is nothing compared to ours, it really turned me off. Our society declines so much even over five years, but the clubhouse standards still seem to be the same. Thanks Wallingford House for your principles, a marvelous work of the creator. —Mark Ireland Creative Writing Come Join the “I Can’t Find the Door” by Jade Beasle Another day like thousands before. I seek you out but you’re not here anymore. Makes no difference whose right or wrong, Only difference is that your permanently gone. I try to go home—but I can't find the door I look over my shoulder and ask— What would you like from the store? I try to touch the ceiling but I’m stuck on the floor. I get off the bus—nowhere to go. I’d like to go home—but home’s not there anymore. I eat, I drink but what for, I just like to go home—but home’s not there anymore. Bedazzled and lost, I walk in the morning frost. Waiting for the sun to shine on this old back of mine. Days are hazy, nights are insanely crazy— No comfort or reason—stuck in the same empty season. Climb the hill, you know you can. Group On Mondays from 3PM-4:15PM! key and very fun! with engaging in some brainThis group is low We start the group storming exercises and usually some basic education more creative writer. several prompts to After, we have about how to be a Without a Vision the People Perish As long as I remember I have had a goal to achieve. Striving and attaining my goal gave me a satisfied feeling until I became sick. It became rather difficult to live a day by day existence without a notion about tomorrow. Either I set my goals too An excerpt taken from The Streets Become Mirrors, Images by Don Dias. high or I grew disenchanted with the meticulous effort for day by day needs. Now that I’m ready to pursue another dream I think I will feel for comfort and ease myself towards attainable objectives that I hope will work out. —Don Dias choose from. You are always free to use your own prompts; we even writing music. So come in and join the fun! have members Page 3: June 2010 Page 3 This I believe: By Ed Davis Social Activities at Wallingford House Social activities at the clubhouse have really been picking up steam. Our social committee meets every Friday, and recently we have started some really fun things. Mary, Jackie, Kelly, Steve, Zack, Dennis, and Mike at Safeco Field. Also, Lady can be seen at the bottom-center. I believe in taking care of one another I believe in feeling good most of the time I believe a dog should not run out in the middle of street I believe in a big world and small world I believe in love helps I believe in doing unto others as You would have them do unto you On Thursday, April 21st, twelve of us (including Steven and myself) enjoyed a Mariners game at Safeco Field. It was a beautiful (if cold) night, and the roof was open. What a gorgeous view of Seattle’s skyline. I’ve always thought our city had one of the best, and from Safeco, it looked like a postcard. To top it off, our team won 4-1. (See photo) Cassie’s creative writing group is going great guns. Sometimes as many as 14 members (men & women) gather Monday afternoons. We meet from 3 pm to 4:15 pm. Usually we have decided on a subject to write about, or Cassie comes up with some awesome prompts. There is much laughter. We write for about ½ the time, and share what we’ve written the second ½. Writing is such a great way to vent feelings, be silly, or write something you’ve had a hard time saying. at the Homesick Restaurant, by one of my favorite authors – Anne Tyler. Not all of us have found a copy of this book though, so we are kind of waiting for the slowpokes (tee hee). Book club meets Tuesday afternoons at 3 pm and just kind of lasts as long as it lasts – depending on who shows up! When I By Tim Jezik Jackie’s book club has had a slow start. We are still hoping for more to join us. Since we started, we tackled Moby Dick but found it to be too cumbersome. So Felecia, Michael and I read The Five People You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom. That was a phenomenal book. Presently we are attempting to read Dinner Malinda is still doing a 2:30 pm afternoon walk, so please remember to grab some members and go for a jaunt each weekday. (We usually just walk one direction for ten minutes or so, then turn around and walk back.) It’s a great way to stay in shape, and some of us are using it as training for the next item I wanted to mention. (Continued on page 4) When I (Tim Jezik) am afraid of people due to my schizoaffective disorder, I’m afraid of them period end, regardless of where I am who they are and so forth. My being a Christian can be affected by it although not ultimately who I give it to God and it works. A lot of times I feel functional or emotionally pinned by the problem in my head therefore LOOK OUT! OK? Page 4: June 2010 Page 4 Social Activities (cont.) (Continued from page 3) The NAMIWalk is May 15th. See Steven if you are not already registered to participate in this great activity. We are walking to raise money for NAMI and all of the great programs they provide for those of us living with psychiatric disabilities, and our families. We will be wearing our Wallingford House t-shirts, so go to the snackbar if you want to purchase one. You do not necessarily need to have people pledge money to join us – the show of support for our team alone would be greatly appreciated. --Jacquelyn Willimon Wallingford House Groups: Creative Writing Group Mondays from 3:00-4:15 Book Club Tuesdays from 3:00-3:45 Crocheting Class for All Levels Thursdays from 2:30-3:00 Art Class Thursdays from 3:00-5:00 Social Activities Committee from 1:30-2:15 A page from...Jackie’s Notebook 5/10 I BELIEVE IN: gummi bears purring kitty cats boots with every outfit fake tans Beanie Babies Pearl Jam Thunder & lightening storms sleeping in a cold bedroom (Did I say “boots with every outfit”? hehe) lightenin’ bugs and Hoppin’ John menudo on New Year’s Day nicknames sweet tea a first kiss I ALSO BELIEVE IN: putting salt on peanut butter toast letting a puppy lick my face previews at the movies never throwing a hat on a bed spontaneous affection boots with every outfit not owning a scale breakfast for dinner falling asleep on the couch being matchy-matchy flirting that first cup of coffee beer games fresh-cut flowers karaoke on Friday dancing my butt off Tom Petty I REALLY BELIEVE IN THESE FEW WORDS: “Say what you mean, Mean what you say But don’t say it mean” MOST OF ALL I BELIEVE THIS: I believe in all of us —Jacquelyn Willimon Guitar Man “As friendly as they come”. That’s how this author describes 54-year old Martin Hurt, a Seattle native and long-time clubhouse member. The son of a postal worker and housewife, Martin comes from a large family of five sisters and one brother. Martin was prepped in the Queen Anne school district. However, his real passion was and is playing the guitar. More on that later. Martin lived at North Lake Halfway House from 1989 until 1992. His house managers, Richard Meeks and Mindy Riley encouraged him to join Wallingford House as a member. In 1992, he moved into cluster housing. His favorite part of the clubhouse is the lunches. Concerning CPC, he states “You can’t always get what you want, but I like my current doctor. Certain medications conflict with my well being, but Dr. Wayne fixes me.” I have heard Martin play guitar several times, and he really has a knack for it. In 2007 and early 2008, he jammed often with Jim Fickens, our former manager. Among the most memorable were times when Martin and Jim entertained other members on Thursday afternoons after yoga – and while the art class was functioning. It was truly enjoyable. Martin Hurt (Continued on page 5) Page 5: June 2010 June 2010 Menu is subject to change due to market conditions and/or the whims of the kitchen. Tue Wed Thu Fri Page 5 Guitar Man (cont.) (Continued from page 4) Mon 1 Potato Soup, rolls, salad 2 Turkey Tamale Pie 3 Salad Trio 4 Turkey Breast, roasted carrots & potatoes 7 Turkey Noodle Soup/rolls 8 Jon’s teriyaki chicken, rice, salad 9 Grilled ham and Chinese chicken Dan’s Spanish cheese sandwich salad rice 10 11 When I asked Martin to elaborate on his talent with the guitar, he explained, “I started at age 15. I went to an old friend Tom’s house. He was already a professional electric guitar player, and piano player. So I started at age 15-1/2, and got a got an electric guitar at 16.” He continues, “In 1971 there was a lot of rock ‘n’ roll going on. Back then I used to play Sweet Sixteen by Chuck Berry. I really didn’t know much. I learned all I could and started playing my own stuff. Music became a part of me.” And he will continue jamming: jamming well! —Marc Kachel 14 French bread pizza 15 Beef stroganoff over rice 16 Spicy lentil soup with Italian sausage 17 Baked vegetarian Chef’s choice lasagna 18 We First Make Our Habits We first make our habits, Then our habits make us If who I am Is what I have And what I have is Lost, then who am I It is impossible For us to break the law. We can only break Ourselves against the Law I'm starting with the man In the mirror I' asking him to change His ways and no message Could have been any clearer If you want make the world 21 Green chile pork Sloppy Joes stew 22 23 Chef’s salad, rolls 24 Chicken alfredo w/ pasta 25 Grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup 28 Mexican tortilla soup 29 Hoagie-subs, salad, chips 30 Baked chicken, twice-baked potatoes (Continued on page 6) Page 6: WALLINGFORD CLUB HOUSE Opening up to a new life We First Make Our Habits (cont.) (Continued from page 5) 4122 Stone Way N. Seattle, WA 98103 Phone: 206-461-3773 Fax: 206-545-8641 Email: wallingfordhouse@hotmail.com A better place, take a look at Yourself and then make a change Whether I fail or Succeed shall be No man's doing bit My own I am the force So often, in our quest To be more popular And to be part of the In group Pride gets no pleasure Out of having something Only out of having it More of it than the next man Differences create the Challenges in life that Open the door to discovery Synergy doesn't Just happen it's a process You have to get there Let no one ever come to you Without leaving better and Happier be the living Expression of god's kindness Kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. —Anonymous If you wish to receive an electronic copy of this newsletter via email, please send us an email with your full name in the subject line. The real tragedy is the tragedy of the Man who never in his life braces Himself for supreme efforthe never Stretches to his full capacity, never Stands up to his full stature Always be a first-rate Version of a second-rate Version of somebody else People are just about as Happy as they make up Their mind to be We lost sight of things That are far more important Two roads diverged in A wood, and I took The one less traveled by And that has made all The difference One kind word Can warm three Winter months Visit our web page at: www.wallingfordhouse.org “7-11/Debt” by Ron Kariya No Theft—No Debt—No Arrest No Money—No Drugs No Checks—No Laugh. Hairdo as of five “decades of yore”— Hot Dogs and Rolls. Mary Miller is looking for If you have—or know playmates for Lady. Dinner in June! Watch for information about our upcoming Worker’s Dinner in June! This will be the first in a series of monthly events to give all members an opportunity to enjoy evening activities at the club, and to honor our members who are employed, studying or volunteering out in the community. We hope to see you at this important event! pooch, please see Mary—for a playdate with her Lady. someone who has a great Page 7: