Carol Colburn We live on a distressed planet and it seems to me it is important to develop life style options that are not as destructive as those we are commonly a part of. It is possible to make choices to live lightly and co-housinng offers one option. Long ago and far away my parents were models of "stewards of the land." Seventy-five years ago in the midwest, I remember hearing their discussions of "terracing," "crop rotation," conservation of water, "the generations to come" and so on: therefore, I come to an interest in environmental concerns on an almost predictable path. From my point of view, for a co-housing community to thrive, it requires commitment, engagement and participation, hard work and patience. It also requires thinking in terms of "we" not just "me" and "mine." I have lived in this co-housing community for nearly seven years and I can say wholeheartedly there are many rewards for me personally. There are a number of writers whose work I appreciate and enjoy: Wendell Berry, Terry Tempest Williams, Barry Lopez and others. I concur with Margaret E. Murie, Two in the Far North, "it is possible that an attitude of consideration and reverence is an integral part of an attitude toward life, toward the unspoiled...If man does not destroy himself through his idolatry of the machine, he may learn one day to step gently on his earth."

Charles Maclean Whatever growing up I didn't do as a kid gets accelerated in a good way in cohousing. It's extended family; contact with our kids makes my day. I learned a lot by finding initial funding for our community and doing early public relations and marketing. www.philanthropynow.com is my home business promoting community give-back through coaching, research and consulting. Past lives include careers in medical education in emergency medicine and organizational turnaround. Wisdom for thriving in cohousing - "no use scratching where people don't itch" and "Six days out of seven cohousing is great . . . on the seventh day it's like any other family except there are 29 families. I agreee with US Cohousing Board Member Zev Pace when he said, "Cohousing is the longest, most expensive personal growth course you'll ever take.

Eileen Spencer I am a sixty something mother of 3 adult children and grandmother of two boys and one girl. I am a travel counselor for AAA Oregon/Idaho. I belong to Aurora Women's Chorus, Powerful Women, Singing for Peace. I like bird watching, walking, and gardening.

Enid Griffin I'm a happy grandma of two lovely girls. I'm a retired med tech. Some of my interests are birding, reading and naturescaping here at Trillium and removing invasives such as ivy and Himalayan blackberries at Trillium and various parks around Portland. I am proud that Trillium Hollow is registered with National Wildlife as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat which has produced a list of 43 bird species sighted here at Trillium Hollow.

Gathel

If you've seen my previous bios you know I have a strange sense of humor. But for the moment I'll be serious, promise.

I moved to Portland in 1996. Before that I've lived in Wisconsin, California, Texas, Ohio, and Oklahoma (in descending order based on lenght of time in residence). I like Oregon and don't plan on leaving anytime soon. Along the way I've been a bartender, archaeologist, baker, restaurant manager, computer tech, and unemployed. Doing computer stuff now but looking to change again and try to save the world. It would be nice to retire now and then go back to work when I'm old and don't have the energy left to do much but I haven't figured out how to do that yet.

Trillium Hollow is a good match for me, it allows both independence and interdependence. And the view is great.

James Mater was born and raised in Corvallis Oregon and has lived in the Portland area almost 30 years. At Trillium he has been a member of the Board, the Outreach Team and is currently acting as Legal Liason. James also organizes annual Trillium Alpine Club backpack trips in the Northwest. Professionally he heads up a small software company of about 80 employees and worked for Tektronix, Floating Point Systems and International Harvester before starting his own business. He has a BA in Physics from Reed College, Portland, OR, and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. James is married to Sharon and has two daughters, Alexa and Elana. They have lived at Trillium since it was first occupied in 1998. Hobbies include skiing, mountain climbing, camping and reading. Trillium has been a delightful experience for both James and his family.

Jim Hartnett

Joan Bailey Grew up in Connecticut; headed west to Montana (MSU, Missoula) and got a BA and MA in sociology; Penn State for 3 years while husband got Ph.D. and I taught in sociology dept. One Montana summer spent 3 months in Forest Service Fire Lookout tower. Lived in Ontario, Canada 15 years; then 8 years in the Caribbean; arrived Oregon 1986. Worked with hunting dogs from 1967-2003. Am a writer and have just started my third book. Founding member T.H., attended first meeting July 1994. Most of my work at T.H. has been on the Community Building Team, Outreach Team, giving tours, and BOD. Since moving here in June 1998, I can't imagine living any other place.

Joanne Delmonico

John Summer Professionally I'm a dentist with a specialty practice limited to treatment of TMJ disorders, a writer and researcher on the related subjects of facial growth and orthodontics, and an inventor with a number of patents that occupy much of my time in the associated research and development. Ideologically I’m a dedicated communitarian and progressive. My life style is Mr. Natural. I love inventing solutions to problems, creating projects with friends, bicycling, public transportation, and doing almost anything outside, especially if it involves moving rocks or building innovative playground structures and watching my 7 year old daughter and her friends have fun with them. I came to Trillium to tribalize for the social and psychological health of my family and to join what I see as a long overdue progression to higher levels of communication and cooperation among people from diverse backgrounds on both a community and a global scale.

Ken Milner I came here because of family-of-choice. I found myself on the side of the road one day. I drifted up to Charles' doorstep who took me into his rental Unit where I've tried to escape, but have not been successful to date.

I am an avid user of non-combustion forms of transportation (I walk).

Ken S.

I originally grew up on the east coast in both Florida and New Hampshire. After years of ignoring an urge to visit the Pacific Northwest I finally gave in to curiosity and took a trip to Portland with my wife, Sandy, in January of 2000. After seeing Portland in all it's wet, rainy, and gloomy winter glory we fell in love with the area and decided to move here.

I was fortunate to find work with a Portland web design firm in May of 2000 and so Sandy and I packed up and moved to Portland from Ann Arbor, Michigan. The longer I live in Portland the more in love with this place I become.

Sandy and I had a son, Cameron, in 2001 and begain to look for a place to raise our family. We found Trillium Hollow via an internet search in 2001 but utimately didn't move here until May of 2004. Sandy, Cameron (now 4), and I can think of no other place we would rather call home.

The impact of living in a community like Trillium Hollow is deeply felt in my life. To be surrounded by people who consciously choose to open themselves to others and to include others in their lives is a blessing. While I haven't been here for very long, I can't help but feel like my neighbors here at Trillium are more than just community, they are family.

Len Laviolette Born and bred in Michigan I was a businessman and industrialist until age 33 when I further opened my mind and ventured to the west coast. Living in several places from the Bay Area to Bellingham, where my daughter Leah was born in 1991. She lives with me here about half time.

I appreciate different cultures and religions having had the pleasure of exploring some 20-30 different foreign countries. I've also enjoyed a variety of different adventure sports over the years and now spend much of my time sailing. When I'm not fixing things for people I am likely to be found out playing or volunteering for a favorite charity.

Lorraine Heller Mother of five, grandmother of eight; I enjoy making bread, gardening, folk dancing, hiking, birding and singing in a choir. Portland activist working on justice and environmental issues. I love living here where my grandchildren feel as much a part of the community as I do. Here at Trillium I am passionate about removing invasive species, to restore habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Louise Waitt Career Background-Raising and educating children, world travel, and technical writing about computer programs. Three grown daughters: two married, one single. I have 3 grandchildren: a girl and a boy in Sydney, Australia, and a granddaughter in Hillsboro. Hobbies and interests include reading and thinking about social issues and how life could be made better by personal and political action. Greatest joy in life: experiencing nature, singing in the choir, drama, knitting, sewing and seeing my cooking disappear. I read and listen to alternative (to the mainstream) sources of information: KBOO radio, Air America, The Nation, In These Times, Dollars and Sense and others. I live at Trillium because I believe that developing new ways of living and relating with others in essential for the survival of the human race. By being part of this experiment, I am demonstrating my faith in building new ways of thinking and living.

Marcia Kessler

Polly Helm

In September of 2007 I left my home at Trillium Hollow to serve in the Peace Corps Mexico program. I'm currently living in San Cristobal de Las Casas and enjoy my work here. A big piece of my heart is at Trillium Hollow with my partner Marcia who continues to live there while I'm gone. One of the reasons we moved to TH was with the thought of my eventual departure for a volunteer experience in some capacity, which turned out to be the Peace Corps. It was the best move we ever made because she is surrounded by a loving community and active in its growth. While it's not for everyone, this particular co-housing community works for us. If you are considering a move into co-housing, please take the time to think through all the implications and talk to as many people as you can who live here. Belive me, it's different "in here" than it is "out there", and will require you to stretch in many ways.

Rene Pino

Born in 1918, in Cienfuegos, Cuba. A product of the Missionary Methodist Church in Cuba. My career has been in education. First, as teacher in American high schools and College; second, as Director of Youth Work for the Methodist Church; and third, as Trainer, Consultant, and Developer of training materials for public school classroom teachers in communication and problem solving skills. And in parnetship with Ruth Emory, for the past 40 years providing facilitation in Professional Organization Development groups.

Now enjoying the great environment of cohousing and learning to be a ZONE health practitioner, a priviledged cook for Ruth Emory.

Sandy S.

My soul's calling is to help build healthy extraordinary relationships everywhere I go. I am most passionate about children, parents and empowering women. Personally I do this with my dear husband Ken and sweet three year old son Cameron; with my co-workers at Southwest Washington Medical Center where I work part-time as a rehab nurse; and with my community which is happily growing in number and in our personal lives. Professionally, I do this as a life coach.

My interests are respectful parenting, unschooling, creating life by listening to my guide, personal growth and transformation, meditation, sewing, knitting, crochet, hiking, biking, running, walking, swimming, dancing, and playing and growing with my son, husband, friends and family.

Shara Loichtl At 25 years old, I am the youngest member. I attend school full time obtaining a BA in business, I married Peter in 2004. We have a beautiful 2 year old son named Landon.

After we decided to sell our home in Aloha, we knew we made the right decision when we miraculously stumbled upon Trillium Hollow. Within 15 minutes of looking at the property and meeting neighbors, we knew we were home.

I fall in love with Trillium everyday. It’s the amazing people who are closer than family, the beautiful views of natural habitat outside my windows, the organic garden, the sounds of children, a warm comfortable home, the great dinners we share, and the new life Trillium offers that tells my heart I am where I belong.

Living here has allowed me the privilege of learning from knowledgeable neighbors. Trillium hollow is very unique; I have yet to meet someone normal. I don’t ever want to leave for I have found utopia. American politics is a different story.

“Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them.”

Susan Rosenthal I am 41 years old and single. I am a NJ native. I came to Oregon in 1997 by way of Vermont, where I lived for 8 years. I have been involved with Trillium Hollow since I moved to Oregon, and have lived here since June 1998.I am a customer service representative for a cell phone company. I have a 4-year-old, who I am raising as single parent. He is the joy of my life. I am a member of the First Unitarian Church, and attend services regularly. Most of my time is spent working, caring for my son, and doing things at Trillium. Additionally, I am a car-free person and avid bicyclist.