16 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER September 2021
SpringRidge at Charbonneau
By KERRY PHILLIPS
Resident motivated , inspired by power of teamwork
There was excitement in the air as residents at SpringRidge at Charbonneau awaited Team USA ’ s entrance during the Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony and the official lighting of the Olympic cauldron . And for Oregon native Ron Allen , the moment was especially nostalgic . He was a member of the 1984 Summer Olympics torch relay team , carrying the torch from Mountain Home , Idaho to Portland .
“ I worked with AT & T , a sponsor of the games and was asked to be a coordinator , helping to manage the company ’ s team of 200 runners ,” explained Ron . “ I ’ d always been an avid runner and completed several marathons . One thing led to another and I was selected to join the team .”
The relay kicked off May 7 in Greece before the torch arrived in New York City on May 8 . Over 3,600 runners participated in the event , covering 9,300 miles and 33 states .
“ It was such an amazing feeling ,” said the 89 year old . “ There was an eruption of patriotism as Americans from all walks of life came out to cheer us on . They lined bridges , honked their horns and even cried as we ran by with the torch . I ’ ve never felt such a
COURTESY PHOTO
Ron Allen , right , holds his official torch with Cindy Foster during the community ’ s Senior Olympic Challenge .
sense of pride .” The most memorable show of support came as Ron ran through Oregon . He recalls being overcome with emotion as he saw Native Americans from nearby reservations beating their drums to welcome the relay team .
“ There are no words to describe the experience ,” he said . “ The outpouring of love was constant in every place we went . It was as though the flame from the torch had revived our sense of what it means to be American .”
Ron still has his official torch , which he proudly showed off to his Spring- Ridge neighbors during the active retirement community ’ s Senior Olympic
Challenge . He dressed in his relay team uniform and carried the torch to kick off the games . During the 12-day event , residents competed in team and individual sports ranging from synchronized swimming to cycling .
Ron and his teammates earned “ Gold ” in the 9-hole golf scramble , but he fell short of medaling in the table tennis competition .
“ Win or lose , we all had a great time ,” said Ron , an Air Force veteran who worked to develop vehicles for exploring space . “ There are so many wonderful things to do at SpringRidge . Plus , our monthly fee includes a complimentary social membership at the
Charbonneau Country Club . I just bought a golf cart and I ’ m looking forward to playing more golf .”
He and his late wife , Karole , moved to SpringRidge nearly five years ago from their home in Lake Oswego . Ron says the pool appealed to Karole while the idyllic , picturesque location helped seal the deal for him .
“ When we toured , everyone was extremely warm and friendly — from the marketing team to the residents we encountered ,” he added .
It is this sense of connectedness that SpringRidge calls , “ The Power of WE .” Zest Director Cindy Foster says the charm of the community has always been its friendliness and situations such as the ongoing pandemic and the February ice storm have only reinforced those connections .
“ We ’ re a big extended family working together to support and lift each other up ,” she said . “ From the friendly smile of a neighbor to a team member going the extra mile . ‘ The Power of WE ’ means living life with friendships , involvement , engagement and support . It ’ s all about teamwork , and together , we thrive !”
Nestled on an impeccable , 10-acre parcel of natural beauty and serenity , SpringRidge at Charbonneau is located in one of Oregon ’ s most desirable master-planned residential communities . The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options including CARF-accredited independent living as well as assisted living and memory care services . For more information or to schedule a personal tour of Spring- Ridge at Charbonneau , please call 503- 446-6250 or visit www . Spring- RidgeatCharbonneau . com .
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