Whoo! VBC came and went; Ernie and Erica helped with Toby Hemenway’s Permaculture Yard. There were 20-70 volunteers there almost every day – what a hubbub of activity! Many thanks to everyone who bought books, chipped in for the workshop, donated, and helped with meals, logistics, etc. Ernie has another little stash of money in the bank to cover expenses this month.

Ernie and Erica are now living with the Dana family on SW 58th Avenue, off of Hamilton, between Hwy 26 and Hwy 10. It’s a wooded, green place, but still accessible by bike or car. The Danas have been friends of Erica’s family for 3 or 4 generations, and are enthusiastic about Ernie and Erica being able to help care for the place this summer.

Ernie is starting to undertake work again.

Erica has mixed feelings: On the one hand, I’m gleeful to see him walking. I want everyone to offer him work, that pays something, so he can cover medical & living expenses, and maybe even take a vacation sometime soon. (It would also be nice to have the option of further surgery to repair tendons, etc. as the need arises.)

On the other hand, he can focus so hard on “doing a good job” that he hurts himself. This happened at VBC – when the job got “behind schedule,” he was splitting bamboo and ended up cutting his thumb to the bone. VA came through with emergency care (Yay!) but the last thing Ernie needs is another injured limb. Even when it’s not so drastic, he can sometimes ignore his healing and food needs when he’s focusing on a job.

Ongoing care from folks that do massage, body talk, acupuncture, reiki, etc. would be a blessing, and help support his transition into a more careful and full working life. If you’ve offered before, but haven’t been called, would you consider calling Ernie yourself to set up an appointment? 503-290-8479. He does need it; but when he’s in a lot of pain, he tends to try to distract himself rather than ask for help.

Thems my two cents. Thanks for listening.

Yours, Erica Ritter

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Hi, friends, Ernie and Erica need to move (again); the landlord on N Kerby is moving back and wants his house.

We could move in temporarily with family, but there are stairs and/or it’s far away.

Can you help put the word out, and see if there’s someone in our extended community who would like to have us as housemates (or house-sitters, or boat-sitters) for at least 6 months?

Yes, we’re looking on Cragislist and other sources, but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Ernie and Erica

Description: We are a couple in our 30’s, looking for a stable, low-rent situation for at least 6 months. Need 1 bedroom, shared kitchen, bathroom, living room, space for bikes. Access for crutches and/or wheelchair is important: ground floor, minimal stairs. Ideally, the house will also have outdoor space, Internet access, and be in N/NE Portland.

Who we are: “cultural creatives,” bright, resourceful, enjoy life, help others, variety of skills & interests, earth-friendly, composters, teachers, like kids & pets, omnivores who eat a lot of veggies/seafood.

Ernie is big, friendly, likes to talk, feed people, & fix things. His right leg was badly broken by a car in May 2006, so our immediate need is a safe, stable place where he can fully recover, and maybe make a difference for your DIY projects while he’s at it. Ernie’s friends help cover day-to-day expenses, and Erica will cover his share in a pinch.

Erica is smaller but also friendly, likes to write, read, do crafts and art, and get outdoors on a regular basis. Erica’s current occupation is taking care of her grandmother and of Ernie, but she also does freelance work in writing, education, and sustainability. Erica bikes when she can, and has a small car for carrying Ernie or cargo.

You’ll need to let us know if we bother you – we sometimes get cluttery, scatterbrained, or indulge in peculiar forms of humor (is there any such thing as a good pun?). We do our own dishes and help keep common spaces clean, usually with that “lived-in” feel. Our home will ideally be a safe space for people of all backgrounds, genders, religions, etc. We value excellence, honesty, curiosity, fairness, fun, love, and lifelong learning; do no harm, respect others’ right to choose their own path.

We’ll want to meet you and see your place before we all decide. No obligation if we don’t fit your needs, or vice-versa. Please let us know if there’s a good time to visit, and any other info – address, directions, phone – that we might need to find you. Yours,

Erica Ritter and Ernie Wisner 503-758-1093 503-290-8479 eritter @ or eawisner @ gmail.com

_{Posted @ 3/25/2007 3:58pm – Permalink – Edit}

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The Super Awesome Community Hoe-Down
was a fundraising event, organized by the Friends of Ernie Wisner and of the City Repair community.
It raised over $1500 to help pay some of Ernie’s rent, food, and medical bills.

Big thanks to everyone who helped organize it, came and had a good time, and who helped clean up afterwards.

If you are still waiting to hear from us about an auction item or something, please contact Alexis and/or Erica.

_{Posted @ 3/25/2007 3:56pm – Permalink – Edit}

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Happy New Year! Ernie got a cell phone! You can call him directly at 503-290-8479, or email ewisn @ yahoo.com.

Here’s a super-long update. If you didn’t receive this by email, and would like to get them in future, please let Erica or Ernie know: eritter at gmail.com, ewisn at yahoo.com.

Hi everybody,

Intro to the FEW list

Surgery Update 12-15 and 12-22-06

Ongoing Needs

1. Housing -
2. Visitors / Nursing -
3. Financial -

Calls for Action

1. Save the Date – Big Fundraiser 2-23-07-
2. Workshop Hosting & Support -
3. List Organizing and Phone Trees -

We are the FEW: the Friends of Ernie Wisner. We have given ourselves this acronym to organize support for Ernie after his leg-mashing car incident May 26, 2006, during VBC in Portland.

As a community volunteer, Ernie’s best resource during this ordeal is us: his community. Please pass this message on to others who know Ernie. If you want to be added or subtracted from the FEW list, please say so in an email to eritter at gmail.com.

A big thank you to everyone for all the love and support so far.

Dec. 15 and Dec. 22: Both surgeries went exactly as planned.
- Details: Ernie’s leg bones still hadn’t healed after 7 months, so he was referred amicably to a new specialist, Dr. Friess. On Dec 15th, Dr. Friess and his team removed Ernie’s emergency rod and took some cultures. After a week’s cultivation, the cultures showed absolutely no sign of any infection – yay!
- So on the 22nd, he went into surgery again, and got all kinds of new hardware installed to firmly fix those bones in place. (He’s still more man than machine, or so he assures us). This time, everything went “even better than expected.” He stayed overnight at OHSU’s ortho ward, cheered up his former nurses, and was released to home care the morning of the 23rd.
- Ernie was in a lot of pain the first few days, and is taking it very slow this week. The holidays went well, with visits from friends and family. Two wonderful local RNs have offered help with home care, which will be a blessing for this post-op recovery period. Ernie is starting to go stir-crazy, though, so please visit when you can.

1 - Housing & Phone -
Ernie found a new place to stay, yay! thanks to a timely opening at the house of Matt Phillips, 4611 N Kerby. Ernie moved in by bike on Dec. 13th, along with third housemate Erica Ritter. Ernie got his own phone for Christmas: now you can reach him directly at 503-290-8479. (This is a T-Mobile ToGo account, so pre-paid T-Mobile phone time is also a welcome gift.)

2 - Visitors / Nursing -
especially Wednesdays. Other days are also good. Please call or email ernie to arrange a time: ewisn @ yahoo.com

Useful things to bring:
- food* (*no mangoes or cashews please, and nothing with fur or feathers – seafood & eggs welcome),
- cheerful distractions (cool websites, comic books, kids’ movies, small useful projects. Please remember, limited attention span while on painkillers, and please write name & number on anything you want to get back.)
- your willingness to help with mundane things like washing dishes, fetching, tidying up, laundry, and moving pillows.
- Healing Talents – special appreciation to anyone who can bring skills such as nursing / caregiving experience, massage, acupuncture, “Healing Touch,” hypnotherapy, Reiki, etc... (all subject to doctors’ orders – no direct contact with the wound at this point).

3 - Financial -
Ernie’s financial situation has improved slightly, from abysmal to merely tense. Elements in place:
- Lawyer Cary Nevotny has been negotiating insurance and hospital bills, and arranged a bargain that allows Ernie to receive continued care under the existing insurance. Whew!
- Small-scale fund-raisers have been successful, such as the Laughing Planet “Tall Redhead on Crutches Benefit Night,” the Rocket Stove workshop at TLC Farm, and some imprompetu holiday craft sales. More ideas welcome.
- Three or four regular donors remain the mainstay of Ernie’s support, plus many other donations from a wide range of people. Please keep telling Ernie’s story, offer support when you can, and spread the word about upcoming workshops and benefits.
- A big fund-raising event, incorporating speakers, food, live music, and auction, has been proposed for February 23rd. Please save the date!
- Workshops: Ernie and Erica are also planning more benefit workshops. See calendar below.

Save the Date: Friday Night, February 23rd, at the “Cathedral.” (on N Mississippi)
Organizers and networkers needed: some ways to help include:
- connect with artists & art lovers to help ensure a successful auction;
- collect donations of food, drink, and auction items;
- find hot local musicians & MC’s who might be willing to donate time or cut their rates;
- flyer-and-poster spreading maniacs, and
- behind-the-scenes “get-it-done” types who can help keep things running smoothly.

One Question for Everyone: Please brainstorm inspiring local famous people who might make compelling speakers, or add other lovely elements to the event.

Please contact Alexis, mOceaN, and/or Erica to help: solidarity@econet.org, moontrout@cityrepair.org, eritter@gmail.com

Please contact Erica or Ernie if you are interested in ...
- hosting a class, workshop, or private tutoring session
- reserving a chunk of Ernie’s or Erica’s time for other paid work.
- helping to publicize, gather materials, taste-test recipes, etc.

What kind of workshops? Well, the next few proposals include:
-”Snowflakes and Valentine’s Lace:” BYO Scissors, and create your own winter decorations and valentines. Instructions included for sharing these techniques with others. Location TBA, taught by Erica on January 27th / 28th, 12-2 pm. eritter@gmail.com

-Chocolate Truffles and possibly Cheesecake, a small-group workshop using Ernie’s favorite recipes to generate Valentine’s packages for sale. Yes, You Will Get to Take Some Home. Sat. Feb 3rd, 12 - 4 PM at the Kerby Kitchen. (4611 N Kerby, between Alberta & Skidmore) ewisn@yahoo.com

-Baking Basics – 4 hour workshop, featuring “3 hour bread” and other kitchen favorites – location TBD, March 3 (rain date March 10); want to host it? contact ewisn@yahoo.com

Other ideas for March:
Mud Maintenance workshop -
Anyone interested hosting Ernie as a trainer in plasters, repairs, and weatherproofing? Suggested dates March 23 or 30. Contact ewisn at yahoo.com
-“Keep Up With The Gimp” bike tour.... or not. Timing TBD.

While I enjoy writing an elegant missive now and then, a FEW willing accomplices would make a big difference to keeping the ball rolling. Would you like to:
- set up / moderate a free listserv, e.g. Yahoo group, or website?
- coordinate/participate in a phone tree for friends-and-family updates?
- take on organizing for a particular event or project?
Any such support would be gratefully accepted.

Existing resources:
http://www.cityrepair.org/wiki.php/Ernie (this site) http://www.journalscape.com/ecca (Erica’s journal)
www.cobcottage.com www.cityrepair.org www.tryonfarm.org www.naturalbuildingnetwork.org www.Shift2Bikes.org

Yours, Erica Ritter
eritter@gmail.com * 503-758-1093

_{Posted @ 1/2/2007 2:59am – Permalink – Edit}

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Ernie just got Moved By Bike to Matt Phillips’ house, at N Kerby and Blandena. (see Shift’s calendar listing for Wednesday the 13th, “FEMA Move By Bike,” at www.shift2bikes.org). As a bonus, he’s now got Internet access on a regular basis, so email him at ewisn [at] yahoo.com.

Please keep Ernie in your minds and hearts as he goes in for surgery again Friday the 15th, and a week later the 22nd. What’s going on? Briefly, there’s a new ortho surgeon on his case, and they’re going in to investigate and stabilize the bones that have still not healed in his injured leg. More hardware will be involved, and probably antibiotics.

Donations, food, company, and other support are very welcome at this time, especially between Dec. 16th & 21st.

Happy holidays, and please be as safe as you can on the roads!

love, Erica

_{Posted @ 12/14/2006 1:35am – Permalink – Edit}

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p.s. Since the benefit auction has been postponed (again), we’re offering holiday crafts as a fund-raiser. If you’d like naked pictures of Ernie, Corvallis artists will oblige!

Please see Erica’s last journal entry from November, “Holiday Commissions,” for a list of other arts & crafts available: http://www.journalscape.com/ecca

_{Posted @ 11/30/2006 7:21pm – Permalink – Edit}

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Hi again! Erica here. Let’s see... We’re looking for a living situation, financial help, and experienced vets or vet agents to help Ernie claim VA benefits.

Ernie’s bones have still not healed together, so he’s been referred to another doctor at OHSU, a specialist in bone trauma & repair. Ernie is scheduled for two more surgeries December 15th, and December 22nd. (Food and comfort visits after these surgeries would be most welcome.)

Coincidentally, December 15th is also the date by which Ernie needs to move out of Jodie and Guillermo’s apartment, into new digs.

We are still looking for those new digs. At this point, Ernie and Erica have become an “item,” so we’re looking for couples-compatible living situations. Please keep an eye out. If you know of a room with a door that shuts, in a house with friendly people, near OHSU or near 39th/42nd street in NE or SE Portland ... please let us know. We’d also be happy to house-sit.

Try-On Life Community Farm has hosted another workshop (”Kitchen Alchemy”), which was enjoyable but not as lucrative as the Rocket Stove workshop. TLC folks are excited to host more workshops, but have decided not to bring Ernie and Erica in as Cedar Moon residents.

Contributions are still welcome to the Washington Mutual account, the Ernie Wisner Benefit Fund. Many thanks to those who contribute regularly – you are making a world of difference.

Speaking of “world of difference,” Ernie’s family has gotten in touch again after years of minimal contact. We visited his brother and father in Washington State last weekend, and Ernie heroically allowed other people to put the chains on the car while we drove back across the iced-over highways. A big thank-you to old friends who have called, and put other friends in touch.

Military types in the Portland area, do you know anyone who’s good at talking to the VA? Ernie could probably get some help from VA benefits, if he had a clue how to navigate the system.

Many thanks, and ongoing help much appreciated.

-Erica Ritter eritter@gmail.com

_{Posted @ 11/30/2006 6:53pm – Permalink – Edit}

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Thanks to the folks at Tryon Farm, Ernie and Erica were able to present a very successful Rocket Stove workshop the weekend of Sept. 30-Oct.1, with all proceeds going directly to Ernie’s benefit fund. Ernie’s been back a few times to supervize further work on the stove. If interested in future workshops (either to host one, or participate) please email Ernie at ewisn @ yahoo.com.

The next fund-raising initiative is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 11th, a cooking substitutions workshop just in time for Thanksgiving. (Ernie can make vegan “Beef Stew” or “chicken soup,” as well as converting recipes to use ingredients on hand or avoid comon allergens.) Email ewisn @ yahoo.com.

Ernie still misses his friends in Coquille, and the projects he’s had to postpone. He can only visit for a few days at a time, since the uneven terrain is exhausting on crutches. Sometimes it’s tricky to set up a ride down for a particular weekend. If you’d be willing to lend a car or truck, or provide a ride down the Southern Oregon Coast & back, please let Ernie know. (Finding a driver is generally not a problem.) Either of the remaining weekends in October would be awesome. Email ewisn @ yahoo.com to respond to any of these points.

_{Posted @ 10/20/2006 1:32pm – Permalink – Edit}

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This message id for Ernie Wizner.

Ernie,

Denise passed this along to everyone. I hope your recovery goes well. Christie and I were talking about you the day before we got word of this. We both have fond memories of you from our wedding, and in spite of how things went for you, your wedding.

If only we had heard about your injury sooner. We have been to Portland several times this Summer. I am even familiar with the spot of your injury. If I had known about your problems, Christie and I would have brought you some seafood and some walnuts (I trust your hands still work).

Call us sometime at 541-928-6238. We would love to hear from you. Greg and Jen would also enjoy talking to you, but I will not put their nimber on this post out of courtesy to them (I will give it to you, though, if you have forgotten).

Get well soon,

dug and Christie

_{Posted @ 9/14/2006 12:33am – Permalink – Edit}

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Hi, friends,

Did you lend Ernie stuff, that you want to get back eventually?

As Ernie’s belongings are now somewhat neatly sorted, this would be an especially good time to stop by and reclaim your videos, books, CD players, Cob goddesses, and other beautiful and much-appreciated items. Call Ernie at 503-234-7962 to set up a time to get your stuff. Or tell him it’s his for keeps.

General Update: Guillermo and Jodie are home again from Vancouver Island, to keep Ernie company. (and to motivate said sorting and neatness...) Ernie is leaving Sunday, to spend a week with his friends Chip and Clara from the Homestead. Wish him luck as he attempts to be useful without falling over. He’ll be back around Sept. 8th.

Ernie’s leg is looking steadily better... the skin is healing, all but a little area around the ankle that keeps breaking open and then scabbing over. The bones still aren’t healed up; next appointment with the bone-doctors is Sept. 20th.

Big thanks to everybody who came and bought food and made donations at the Laughing Planet on Tuesday – it was a very successful night.

Keep in touch!

-Erica

_{Posted @ 9/1/2006 7:11pm – Permalink – Edit}

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Tall Redhead on Crutches Benefit Night

Ernie’s friends have arranged a benefit evening this Tuesday, August 22nd, from 6-10 pm at the Laughing Planet Cafe (SE 33rd & Belmont). Laughing Planet has generously offered to donate all the profits from food and drink sales to the Ernie Wisner Benefit Fund. Spread the word – this is a delicious way to help.

Laughing Planet has yummy burritos, local Hot Lips berry sodas, good beer, fabulous vegan and not-so-vegan options. And toy dinosaurs. Bring your friends.

Inquiries to mOceaN 503-381-5885, or contact Ernie directly at 503-234-7962.

_{Posted @ 8/16/2006 2:24pm – Permalink – Edit}

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Update from Erica: Ernie’s still staying at Guillermo and Jodie’s place in Portland. They’ve been fantastic about putting him up; donations are still much appreciated for basics like food, helping with rent, and medical supplies (dressing gets changed daily). Donations can be deposited to the “Ernie Wisner Benefit Fund” at any Washington Mutual branch, or delivered through his friends in Portland. Checks can be made out to Ernie Wisner.

Ernie visited his doctors here this week and was told they’ll see him again in 8 weeks, at which point they’ll evaluate whether to do another surgery. But he’s allowed to put some weight on the leg now (up to 40 lb) and increase this gradually week to week. He was also able to get down to Eugene last week, to visit some friends there. They’re still estimating a year, total, before he’s off crutches. Knowing Ernie, that means at least eight months. So he’s looking for gainful employment that can be done sitting down. Any leads on writing, professional gigs, or other work ideas are welcome.

_{Posted @ 7/28/2006 1:09pm – Permalink – Edit}

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*==⇒» WISHLIST FOR ERNIE «⇐==* This post is intended to update the community with specific needs that Ernie will have for his upcoming recovery. Anyone can update it by clicking on the <Edit> button associated with this specific post.

* Ernie will need a wheelchair for the short-term after he is discharged from the hospital. We are hoping to avoid buying one. He is 6’6” and approximately 250lbs. Do you have a wheelchair that would fit him that he can borrow or have? Do you know of someone who does? He would need a functioning support for his right leg. The wheelchair would ideally be able to travel to southern Oregon with him, so no “time-shares” with your grandma! :) If you’ve got a lead on wheels for our man Ernie, please email me at valkyrie713(at)yahoo(dot)com

_{Posted @ 6/8/2006 6:34pm – Permalink – Edit}

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Several of Ernie’s friends were at City Repair this evening during the PSU Capstone Students’ VBC party. (Which was great, by the way.) Guillermo updated this Wiki (web page) above, and also made a general announcement about Ernie’s status and the availability of ways to contribute to his benefit fund.

If you admire Ernie’s cob-gobbing abilities, here is a painless way to help:

Cob Cottage Co. has donated a bunch of first-class books on natural building, including how-to manuals on earthen building and greywater systems and splendid illustrated books on hand-built housing from all over the world. When anyone buys one of these books, the entire price goes into a benefit fund for Ernie’s recovery.

You are also welcome to donate without getting a book. (Or, if you like, you could buy some of these books and donate them to the City Repair office library for all to enjoy.) Guillermo has included ways to donate and his phone number above; he is currently the best person to ask about books & prices.

-Erica

_{Posted @ 6/7/2006 11:53pm – Permalink – Edit}

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Just talked to Ernie. He is currently at OHSU in room 13A Rm 20. He would love visitors and healthy food and, if visiting in the morning, good, black coffee! His special request is that, all of us, think about OHSU as a system that is a success, but that we also think about ways to improve this system. How do we bring in healthy eating in an institutional setting? Where would we like OHSU to go and how can we make this happen? Also, Ernie is working on a wheel chair bike project. His idea is to create a wheel chair bike that provides real transportation and therapy at the same time and can fit on the bus. He would love to toss around ideas with other mechanically inclined peeps! The main gist of the conversation was (this is a quote from Ernie) “Let’s keep this party going! Bring your encouragement and love and healthy food and energy. Bring your brains and lets take a look at this system on the hill.” I am heading up Wed morning (around 10). If anyone has something they would like to pass along to Ernie or wants to come along, my email is goblinsprout@yahoo.com. Love and Light! KIM

_{Posted @ 6/4/2006 1:34pm – Permalink – Edit}

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