Dec 2022 Dec 2022 | Page 4

4 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER December 2022

Solo Sisters

By CANDY FERGUSON

Stepping outside the box

In October , 20 members of Solo Sisters spent a funfilled afternoon at the Red Chair Farm in
FERGUSON
Canby .
There we painted wine glasses , stemmed and stemless , and vases and many of us were surprised to find that our artwork didn ’ t look too bad . Now , I didn ’ t put MY
COURTESY PHOTOS
Top : Members of Solo Sisters enjoy an afternoon of painting at the Red Chair Farm in Canby . Bottom : Ann Elsenbach impressed us with her art .
glasses next to the creative glasses produced by our resident artist , Ann Elsenbach , but as stand-alones they looked pretty good , and are modestly displayed in my home ! Many of us were filled with trepidation as we filed into Jackie Paolo ’ s art classroom .
I , for one , can ’ t paint my way out of a bucket ! But the room was inspiring with walls filled with Jackie ’ s unique and beautiful artwork , most of it available for purchase . Jackie herself was a lot of fun and an excellent teacher , and I think she had as much fun as we did !
A little liquid refreshment helped us overcome our inhibitions regarding painting in public , and , since we are a non-judgmental group , we felt safe and secure to produce our own interpretations of the sample glasses Jackie showed us . This was definitely an “ out of the box ” experience for Solo Sisters , and it was a huge success . Thanks go to Tracie Wright for suggesting the Red Chair Farm to us and to Jackie Paolo for providing a fun experience in her studio .
In November , Solo Sisters traditionally do not meet in order for everyone to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends . Our December holiday party is always a very special gathering , and it will be again this year .
On a personal note , if you read last month ’ s abbreviated Solo Sisters article , I did make it down to California to visit my sons and their families . My case of COV- ID-19 kept us from gathering in May for my 75th birthday , so I was determined to make the trip .
Once back in Oregon , I did face
my medical crisis , a malignant melanoma in my nose . On Halloween I underwent seven hours of surgery at OHSU to remove the tumor , and now I face up to 1 1 / 2 years of treatment ( radiation and immunotherapy ). There may be times when I just don ’ t feel like writing this column , so please excuse my absence . I love the Solo Sisters organization and have received so many prayers , love and offers of help from its members . We are a wonderful group of single women , and , if you are single ( and a woman ) and would like to join us or know more about Solo Sisters , please reach out to Deanna Morgan at deannamorgan @ gmail . com . We would love to have you come paint with us the next time we go to the Red Chair Farm !!

Communications

� From Page 3
erty manager , is responsible for adopting , adjusting and enforcing Charbonneau ’ s architecture and landscape standards . Their work is vital and ensures that our community retains its consistently high standards for architectural conformity and landscape beauty .
� When you admire our new Activity Center , see the work that will be happening at the Event Center and the Tennis Center , and at other locations around Charbonneau . Think about the countless hours of effort your neighbors who serve on the CCC Asset Management Committee have devoted to help make Charbonneau the growing , thriving community it is . This committee ,
with the support of CCC staff and the property manager , has responsibility for the intricate and time-consuming details of proposals , evaluations , contracting and much more for the many assets that comprise our beautiful , ever-changing community .
� The CCC Financial Oversight Committee , in conjunction with the general manager , oversees the long-term planning , formulating and monitoring of the CCC budget and financial forecasts and policies to ensure that adequate resources are available to meet the long-term goals set by the board . This is a time-consuming and detailed process that is critical to the board ’ s fiduciary duty to all Charbonneau residents . Monthly reports and long-term forecasts are today more detailed and more transparent to residents than ever before .
� The CCC Civic Affairs Committee establishes
and maintains relationships with a wide cross-section of parties involved in governmental affairs at the city , county , Metro , and state levels . This committee is vital to ensuring that we maintain the livability and property values so critical to all of us here in Charbonneau .
� The CCC Activities Committee plans the many fun events and activities so many of us enjoy throughout the year .
In the spirit of giving , what do I make of all this ? It is that what we have here in Charbonneau doesn ’ t just happen . It happens because hundreds of individuals commit their time and energy and skills in a variety of ways to make our community what it is , and what it will be in the future .
But that ’ s not all . In addition to all this activity , Charbonneau residents are involved in over 40 very active clubs and
groups . While there are too many to list here , they include the Library Committee , the Charbonneau Book Club , the Chess Club , Solo Sisters , Alzheimer ’ s Support Group , Knotty Knitters , and many more . If you ’ re interested in joining or forming a group or club , contact Jeanette Winkler , jeanette @ charbonneaucountryclub . com .
We want and need more people with a spirit to serve , whether on a committee or on the board of directors . If you have that spirit , contact CCC Board President Gary Newbore , garynewbore @ yahoo . com . He ’ ll be glad to hear from you .
As they say at the Emmy Awards , I probably forgot to mention some group or someone important . If I did , I ’ m sorry . If so , please let me know and I ’ ll mention it in my next column .
Happy holidays !
Matt Harris Financial Advisor
8995 Sw Miley Rd . Suite 107 Wilsonville , OR 97070 503-694-1157
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