Charbonneau Villager December 2020 | Page 18

18 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER December 2020

SpringRidge

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ing others — for both the giver and the receiver . “
Clair and his neighbors donated much-needed clothing , winter jackets and other essential supplies and were honored to be able to make a difference in someone else ’ s life .
“ It meant a lot knowing everything went to a good cause ,” said Clair . “ Giving back to others can be quite cathartic .”
SpringRidge offered yet another way for residents to channel their
concerns for wildfire victims into a meaningful activity in addition to the clothing drive . The “ Helping Hands ” club created handmade fleece blankets that will be donated to the American Red Cross .
The club gathered weekly in November — while being mindful of social distancing guidelines and safety precautions — to hand-tie colorful swatches of fabrics used to create the blankets . Participants say they feel fulfilled and have a sense of pride and accomplishment through their involvement .
Last year , “ Helping Hands ” spread the warmth of the season with a donation of 24 blankets to the Portland VA Medical Center . The group created patriotic designs for the servicemen and women receiving care at the hospital as well as kid-friendly designs for their children who may have a difficult time coping with a parent ’ s illness .
Throughout the year , “ Helping Hands ” graciously accepts blanket requests from the external community to be used as raffle items . In the past , the group has donated items in support of organizations such as the Alzheimer ’ s Association and the Diabetes Association of Oregon and causes including breast cancer awareness . In 2019 , a special purple quilt was created in honor of Spring- Ridge ’ s annual “ Alzheimer ’ s Walk to Remember ,” with proceeds being used to fund research for the disease which affects nearly 6 million people in the U . S .
“ We can all do something to make the world a better place ,” added Clair . “ I felt wonderful knowing I ’ d taken my wife ’ s clothing and done something great with it . That ’ s a very gratifying feeling .”
The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options , including CARFaccredited independent living as well as assisted living and memory care services .
For more information or to schedule a personal tour , please call 503- 446-6250 or visit www . Spring- RidgeatCharbonneau . com .

Solo Sisters

By CANDY FERGUSON

A year of memories

You may have to look a little harder , but there is much to be thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving , even in the wacky year of 2020 . By the time COVID-19 struck in mid-March , the Solo Sisters , Charbonneau ’ s single women ’ s group , had already enjoyed five gatherings . We had held our monthly Happy Hour evenings for January , February and March at the Backstop Bar & Grill , Langdon Farms and the Wild Hare . We had used the Card Room twice , once for a Mexican Pot Luck in January to welcome the year 2020 and discuss
plans for the year with our 50 members . And the next month we had returned to the Card Room for a Game ’ s Night , a group favorite and one of several planned for the year .
And then it was over ! People were told to shelter-in-place , Charbonneau Country Club shut its doors and Solo Sisters , like so many Charbonneau groups , ceased to exist . It was an adventure , for a while . Houses were spotless , closets and drawers were cleaned out and organized , wills were updated and people took to baking bread and working on jigsaw puzzles to the point that along with toilet paper , you couldn ’ t find yeast or puzzles in the stores any more . Spring turned to summer and the spirit of adventure was over as pools stayed closed and outdoor dining meant looking into the bug encrusted grills of the cars in the parking lot . The Crab & Rib dinner /
auction was canceled and we couldn ’ t go to movies or concerts ! Some of us started enjoying an extra glass of wine at night as we put on our COV- ID-19 weight and mourned the passing of the endless summer . We learned how to Zoom our family , friends and financial advisors and attended virtual fundraisers and art shows .
Fires broke out in the not-so-distant mountains , forcing us to remain indoors for what was probably the worst 10 days of the pandemic ! An already isolated community of people were forced to be even more isolated as we had to give up all outdoor activities . Then , fall finally came , and the leaves turned red , yellow and brown and began to fall in copious amounts on our streets and in our yards . We now lived with a cacophony of noise from leaf blowers and street sweepers as we tried to rid ourselves of nature ’ s beauty but
could never quite stay ahead of the mess .
Still , there is no other place I would rather live through a pandemic than Charbonneau . As I walk its tree-lined streets , I seek out my fellow Solo Sisters to share a joke and a laugh . I wander along the banks of the Willamette River and marvel at the peaceful waters and silent woods . I watch golfers enjoying time with friends and dog owners letting their dogs run free in our dog park . The holidays are quickly approaching and though there will be no holiday parties for Solo Sisters this year , I wish everyone a peaceful and fulfilling holiday . If you are a single woman , new to Charbonneau , Solo Sisters would love to welcome you to our group next year . Think about it . You will have fun and make many memories to help get you through the hard times .

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