10 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER August 2022
SpringRidge at Charbonneau
By KERRY PHILLIPS
Sense of family creates special bonds at SpringRidge
“ There are friends . There is family . And there are friends that become your family .” - Unknown
Sharin Meier knew she was “ home ” the moment she walked into the lobby at SpringRidge . She ’ d already visited six other retirement communities , but none had been as welcoming .
“ Everyone was so friendly and the residents we saw during our visit either spoke to us or smiled ,” she explained . “ There was such a sense of belonging even from those initial first moments .”
It is this camaraderie that defines the spirit of togetherness found at Spring- Ridge . Zest Director Cindy Foster calls it the “ Power of We ,” where everyone is treated with honor , respect and support .
And while residents ’ families continue to be involved in their lives , often attending onsite events such as holiday parties and special events , residents have formed special bonds and forged new connections .
“ I adore my family ,” said Janet Long . “ However , it can be challenging to live with them as you get older . At Spring-
COURTESY PHOTO
SpringRidge residents form special bonds and enjoy many opportunities for fun , including outings to local venues .
Ridge , it ’ s wonderful to be with your peers . We have lots of fun together - from dancing to outings .”
Cindy and her creative team ensure there is a monthly calendar chock full of exciting programming for residents ’ enjoyment . Most recently , residents participated in a national cycling challenge , competing against seniors from California to Florida .
Much like a family , residents and staff also come together to celebrate each other . Birthday dinners are held monthly and new holiday traditions are established such as the official tree lighting ceremony and Angel Tea to usher in the holiday season .
“ It ’ s not unusual for residents to bake cookies and treats for each other to observe birthdays and anniversaries ,” added Cindy . “ And on the tough days , they know there will be someone to lend a listening ear or offer words of encouragement . The pandemic , for example , was especially difficult ; yet our resolve was strengthened .”
SpringRidge residents ’ sense of family also extends to the high schoolers working in the onsite restaurant , The Charbonneau Room . They ’ ve become “ surrogate grandparents ,” helping the young adults stay focused on their studies . “ When you move to SpringRidge , you learn rather quickly about the positive and caring relationship that exists between the students and residents ,” said resident Carl Hanacek . “ Unlike a traditional restaurant where you may be served by an impartial waiter , the students truly develop relationships with us .”
Each year , SpringRidge hosts a celebration to recognize student-workers graduating from high school , and scholarships - funded by residents - are awarded . To date , more than $ 150,000 has been provided for students to continue their education .
“ We all know each other by name and residents relish opportunities to enjoy a meal together , host friends in their residences and even vacation together ,” said Cindy . “ And with each new resident , we add to the vibrancy and spirit of our family .”
SpringRidge at Charbonneau is located in one of Oregon ’ s most desirable master-planned residential communities . The SpringRidge campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options , including CARF-accredited independent living as well as assisted living and memory care services at Spring- Ridge Court . For more information or to schedule a personal tour , please call 503-446-6250 or visit www . Spring- RidgeatCharbonneau . com .
Sunshine Service
By JOAN VEDDER
Please return items within reasonable amount of time
Our theme this month is FAMILY FUN . I ’ d like to share a couple of memories with our large family . On many occasions we piled a slew of little kids into the old
VEDDER station wagon and
drove , non-stop , from the San Francisco Bay Area all the way to Vancouver , B . C . to visit my mother ( 18 hours
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of driving .) Believe me , you haven ’ t lived until you ’ ve tried those “ fun ” trips .
And there was the time that we ALL got stomach flu at the same time . That event was really fun . The whole family was lying on the family room floor with blankets and buckets .
I guess “ fun ” means different things to different people ?
On to the Sunshine news of the day : Last week I was checking a client out with some equipment , and I saw that we only had ONE wheelchair in stock ! We actually should have about 14 so that was a real eye-opener . I also found that we have zero ‘ bedside commodes ’ right now .
Please understand that you must return things within a reasonable amount of time , preferably ONE MONTH . After that , I ’ m requesting that you phone one
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of the volunteers and ask for a small extension of time . At that point , we will make a note of the phone message and attempt to comply with more time as long as we have equipment to equal what you have borrowed .
I totally understand that , post-surgery , you might need items for six weeks , but several months is too long . In that case , we ask that you either rent or purchase what you need long-term . We simply don ’ t have enough to go around sometimes and it spoils the service we try so hard to offer ALL of our Charbonneau residents .
I purchased another wheelchair in hopes that we do not run out in the next week or so ; the cost was almost $ 300 so you see how we depend on donations as a thank you for what we do . We have a small bank account and one or two large
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items will deplete our funds . Check out the cost of medical equipment . It ’ s almost as bad as food or gas !
On the plus side we have some great things to offer ( in limited supply ): Three “ ice ” machines that help a lot with pain following surgery or a sprain and trays that fit the two-wheel walkers for convenience with a drink , a book , etc . We ’ ve also got two sets of Gel-Pacs with a velcro fitting wrap , one hot , one cold . It ’ s also helpful for swelling after surgery , or just a common ache or pain ! And , of course , the usual : crutches , canes , shower benches , wheelchair cushions , bed wedges , etc .
Our new facility resembles a STORE and we are very proud of it . You don ’ t have to be sick to come and visit the premises . Just give us a call and we ’ ll show you around .
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