Cob Cottage Company

Community,

As you might know, our dear friend Ernie Wisner, a member of the Cob Cottage Co. and caretaker of the North American Retreat Center for Natural Building in Coquille, Oregon, rode his bike to Portland to participate in the Village Building Convergence. On May 26th, while Ernie worked on the Arleta Triangle Project community space Arleta Triangle Project, a car lost control within the intersection of SE 72nd & Woodstock, accelerated into the triangle, and crushed Ernie’s lower right leg against the backside of the cob bench he was building. His friends supported him. EMTs responded immediately, performing their job with great care and efficiency. Police were professional and courteous in gathering evidence and witness support. The saving of Ernie’s leg is directly attributed to the skill found at OHSU’s Intensive Care Unit and the resiliency found in Ernie’s spirit and framework.

June 7th, Ernie received his 6th intensive surgery to reset and repair the structure of his leg, decrease swelling caused by major tissue damage, and stave off infection. On June 11th, Ernie was released from the hospital and is now staying with friends.

Ernie recognizes that he is very fortunate. “Something good will come of this...”, his own words only minutes after the accident, have echoed through the actions and outpouring of support from his friends, extended family and YOU: his community. You have brought him compassion and comfort in severe pain, engaging conversation amidst the monotony of his sterile environment, and nurturing organic foods. You have been some of his best medicine.

Legal counsel has been prepared. The Ernie Wisner Benefit Fund has been established at Washington Mutual Bank. Fund raising events are being planned and some funds have been raised. The City Repair website for Ernie (updatable web page) is a central hub for information, with the purpose of disseminating updates, mobilizing volunteer efforts and raising funds for the short and long term costs associated with supporting Ernie’s daily well being and prolonged rehabilitation. Find it at http://www.cityrepair.org/wiki.php/ernie.

Please check back from time to time to find out how you can best offer your support and assistance. If you have more specific questions please feel free to contact his friend and advocate, Guillermo A. Maciel at, (503) 367-8333 or by email: mailgmo[at]gmail.com

In the interim you can make cash, check and coming soon, Pay Pal donations at the following locations:

1. All branches of Washington Mutual Bank - Pay to the Order of: Ernie Wisner

2. The Cob Cottage Office - mail to: Cob Cottage Co., PO Box 942, Coquille, OR 97423. Make checks “Pay to the Order of Ernie Wisner”

3. Contact his advocate - Guillermo A. Maciel (503) 367-8333

Support upcoming fund raising events (to be announced on this page and the City Repair page http://www.cityrepair.org/wiki.php/ernie) through your attendance and by spreading the word of these events through your networks.

Please continue to visit him: He’s out of the hospital now, currently staying with Guillermo & Jodie. Please call (503) 234-7962 to arrange a visit. Bring healthy eats if you can, especially foods that are high in iron, calcium, and healthy fats (Note: “Nothing with Fur or Feathers,” and no mangoes or cashews due to allergies. Fresh fish and seafood are especially welcomed). Above all, please continue your focus and good intention on our friend’s healing.

Thank You