January 2021 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER 5

BY CLARA HOWELL

Members of the Niners were thinking about how to stay active and socialize this winter during golf ’ s off-season .

Carole Lukas , Bobbi Christiensen and Karen Giardinia approached Debra Nemes with an idea to start a women ’ s cornhole group , and Debra decided to help organize it .

“ We knew golf was coming to an end ,” Debra said . “ We were kind of looking for something we could still do that was outside .”

From November through March — when it ’ s too cold and mucky out for golf — a group of women convene outside under the pavilion every Tuesday and Thursday from about 1:30-2:30 p . m .

The pavilion could fit about six cornhole sets , Debra said , though they currently only have four . She said there is space for about 24 women in a sociallydistanced capacity .

The group began Nov . 5 with an introductory meeting but they had to pause the group after Gov . Kate Brown issued a two-week freeze mid-November for counties that were considered “ extreme risk .”

After the governor ’ s new criteria was released , which allows for outdoor recreation activities in a limited capacity , the group resumed early December .

“ It ’ s been a lot of fun ,” Debra said . “ Everybody ’ s really just been excited about it , embraced it and we ’ ve kind of run with it .”

People can participate on a first-come , first-serve basis and contribute $ 5 . Each person will play four 20-minute games and the person with the highest score receives the prize money .

Debra values the interaction with other women more than the physical aspect of the activity .

“ I think there ’ s only two of the gals that are from outside Charbonneau . The rest of them are all Charbonneau residents . Everybody is so close here ; it ’ s a phenomenal community ,” Debra said . “ Everybody looks out for each other and everybody ’ s very active to begin with . I think it ( forming the cornhole group ) helps everybody ’ s emotional being .”

Debra encourages other women to join , especially those who might be single and living by themselves . If people are interested or have additional questions , contact Debra at 503-708-2173 or flynlady @ comcast . net .

TOGETHER WE THRIVE . Connection is key to a longer and more vibrant life , and powers everything WE do here at SpringRidge . It ’ s like being part of a super supportive family of waiters , chefs , housekeepers , ZEST ® activity coaches , care & wellness teams , and even a bunch of really friendly and fun neighbors , all helping you thrive . This is what “ we ’ re in this together ” is all about . It ’ s all here at SpringRidge at Charbonneau senior living community . Experience the Power of WE !

Please call 503.925.4968 to schedule your personalized tour .

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