INTRODUCTION TO THE “THEN AND NOW” SERIES
Visitors touring CoHo sometimes ask how our expectations for community prior to move-in differ from our current day-to-day reality.
Comparing “then and now” is the framework for this series of blog postings. The source of historical perspective is the CoHo newsletters published in 2006 and 2007 (they are still available on our website). This was an intensive time, with the primary focus on actively building the community (both in terms of actual construction of buildings and the collection of folks who would be our neighbors).
What were our dreams in 2006? What is our daily life like now in 2014?
First, read the original newsletter (link below), then return to this posting for current perspectives.
THEN…
AND NOW…
Tabling
In 2006 and 2007, CoHo staffed a booth at most Saturday Farmers Markets and other community events. Over time, the frequency of tabling has dropped, but CoHo is still reaching out to let folks know about our community.
CoHo kids played marimba at the Farmers Market to raise money for AHIC (A Home in Community).
On August 16th, CoHo will have a booth at the Corvallis Saturday Farmers Market to promote the pubic tour on Sunday, August 24th.
Salmon/Parades
CoHo’s salmon (powered by multiple CoHoots) had a facelift and has appeared at more parades. There wasn’t sufficient interest to participate this year, so the undulating salmon may shift to an every-once-in-awhile phenomena.
Pets
The central story of Issue 12 (CoHo pets) continues to be a popular tale/tail at CoHo. Pets are a very important part of our extended family.
Pet care is easy to arrange as all of your neighbors literally live “right next door.” In addition to the basic feeding and nurturing, neighbors have even helped each other administer medications and subcutaneous fluids.
One CoHoot has fostered many cats and kittens for Heartland Humane Society and several have been adopted by CoHoots (both on site and off site). Kids of all ages help to socialize young kittens with regular visits. Some CoHo dogs even make house calls so the kittens can be introduced to feline-friendly canines.
Several CoHo kids started volunteering at Heartland once they reached the minimum age of 8.
A service dog in training spent 18 months at CoHo and made many friends before her departure for more training and eventual placement with a young girl.
One canine resident was honored for her service as a therapy dog. She also performed an amazing feat in a CoHo Talent Show.
When you count our birds, bunnies, gerbils and guinea pigs, CoHo’s animal census keeps climbing.
Our pet cemetery is the final resting place for both pets and wild creatures who spent their last days at CoHo.
So when visitors ask “are pets OK at CoHo?” the response is an emphatic YES!