BRENNER

This monthly feature is intended to broaden representation of resident faces and voices , allow us to better get to know our neighbors , increase a sense of intergenerational community and highlight events and efforts that do any of the above .

Katie Jordan and family ( Brad , Claire and Savannah )

Katie was first introduced to Charbonneau in 1998 when her family moved here during her high school days at Canby High . She was largely raised in parts of Canby that felt like “ the country ,” and chuckles when she talks about how it felt so much more “ city-ish ” in Charbonneau to her . “ We could walk to a store , had things nearby , things to do ... I had freedom I had not had before . That was very cool to a teenager from the country .” Her family moved back to the country after two short years , but Charbonneau had earned a special place in her heart .

Soon after , Katie went to college , and met and married Brad ( who is an airline pilot ). They lived all over the country . It was while living in Texas that Katie became homesick for her family and the culture of Oregon . “ I just wasn ’ t a Texas person . I knew that Oregon was my place and I wanted to feel at home again .” Brad is based out of Las Vegas , and , with his job requiring being away flying for stretches of days at a time , he wanted to support Katie in being where things felt like home . They have lived here , in the Country View Lane area , since 2018 , and are raising their two daughters Claire ( 8 ), and Savannah ( 6 ) here . The girls attend Sherwood Charter School . Claire spends free time playing Pokémon and reading , and Savannah is

obsessed with everything unicorns , princesses and fairies . The girls are best friends .

Katie worked as a special education teacher previously , and now raises her girls and writes fiction . Her work spans many genres , from thrillers to westerns , to fantasy . When he isn ’ t flying planes , Brad enjoys anything outdoors — camping , skiing , running and a bit of golf now and then .

Q : What are your favorite things about living in Charbonneau ?

A : What stands out most is the kind and positive attention my girls get from neighbors and people we encounter . My neighbor Janice is retired , and she has taken my girls in to play with her grandchildren . She calls it “ Mimi ’ s Playschool ”, and it ’ s set up in her garage . They do crafting , learning and general playing . It ’ s like my girls have a surrogate grandma and cousins . And with my husband gone for days at a time , I feel I can count on people around me to support me if I need it . I also love that it is so scenic here . There are so many things to do and not much need for driving . It ’ s walkable , we love the pools and parks and these places are not crowded like they are in Villebois . I adore Lux Sucre and Give

and Gather . Q : What kinds of activities and amenities do you take part in here ?

A : We ’ ve dabbled in all kinds of things . I had a bunco group that met in our HOA clubhouse for a time . I tried out the Women ’ s Association this year . We ’ ve sampled events such as Tony Starlight , the car show , the Crab ’ n ’ Rib Feed , the annual Easter Egg Hunt and the art show . I enjoyed a watercolor class , and I wish that the woman who taught about singing bowls would be back ! I ’ d also love to join a Book Club . We walk and use the fitness center regularly , and Brad runs here and sometimes plays golf .

Q : What are your hopes for Charbonneau as it develops ?

A : I love the idea of expanding activities and making them more social in nature at times , in addition to the event or class-based opportunities we have now . For the kids - art and storytelling , and opportunities for play-dates are all appealing . Times when kids and grandkids are rounded-up to meet and do things together would be nice . If we can have events where there is conversation and getting to know neighbors more , I ’ d appreciate

COURTESY PHOTO

Katie Jordan and her family including Brad , Claire and Savannah .

that . Q : What do you have to offer the community / your neighbors ?

A : can host playdates ! I am a great party planner , and I have experience working with kids as an educator , including kids with special needs .

Q : What might you appreciate receiving from the community / your neighbors ?

A : I ’ d love to know about the teens out there in our community who might be interested in babysitting ! And I invite contact from parents and grandparents of school-aged kids to get our kids together .

Katie and her family can be reached at Jordan . KL @ live . com .

Do you have a suggestion for a Charbonneau resident or family to be featured in this column ? Would you like to be involved in the efforts to foster greater connection and community and offer more intergenerational activities ? Let me know ! We seek to feature profiles that represent the diversity of residents in our community , and promote inclusion of all .

Contact : Dana Brenner , dbrenkel @ gmail . com .