Feb 2024 | Page 5

Pamplin Media Group February 2024 5

Get Fit Aerobics is led by instructor Jill Walker .

Get Fit Aerobics

Dance , sweat and thrive !

By DAVID MAUK Charbonneau Communications Committee

Step into a world of invigorating moves , good tunes and a fitness journey with Get Fit Aerobics . This dynamic fitness class offers an hour of fun dance exercises . It features seven choreographed routines that incorporate bands and weights to

Introducing work by Cathi McLain

By LESLIE LEEPER Charbonneau resident

After a long and rewarding career as a home economist and food marketing professional , Cathi McLain retired with an eye to writing , golfing and volunteering . She was surprised to discover that a penchant for painting would take over and become a new vocation .

“ I ’ ve always enjoyed drawing , and took required basic art classes in college , never dreaming that I would have a talent for painting ,” McLain said . “ Since attempting my first watercolor during a resort workshop in 2017 , I ’ ve been hooked ! I have taken many classes online and locally . I enjoy painting a variety of subjects in watercolor and acrylic — flowers and all manner of natural subjects , plus old trucks and boats … so many choices . I find many inspirations while walking the dog in our beautiful Charbonneau neighborhood , and during our travels near and

COURTESY PHOTO : DAVID MAUK

elevate your workout experience . The music rocks with energy , creating an atmosphere that encourages participants to sing along and embrace movement .

Led by instructor Jill Walker , a fitness enthusiast with a wealth of experience , Get Fit Aerobics offers a unique approach to achieving fitness goals . Jill has been a fixture at Charbonneau since 2005 , guiding exercise

See AEROBICS / 6

Check out the new paintings on Community Art Wall

far . People ’ s pets are a delight to paint , and I treasure the challenge of capturing their unique spirits .”

Cathi serves on the board of the Charbonneau Arts Association , a 501 ©( 3 ) nonprofit organization that hosts an annual Festival of the Arts to benefit arts programs at Canby and Wilsonville High Schools . Planning is already underway for the 40th annual Festival of the Arts , Oct . 11-13 , 2024 .

COURTESY PHOTO : LESLIE LEEPER

Cathi McLain was surprised to discover a knack for painting after she retired .

Community Safety Series

By NEIL KENNEDY

Reflecting on emergency planning and public safety in 2023

It seems an appropriate time to reflect on the changes that our community has made with Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety ( EPPS ), gauge our progress and plan the continuing advancement of our safety programs . As you likely are aware , the first visible changes happened in June 2023 . The most obvious was changing the contract security provider . There was a sense that the previous service was no longer as responsive as they once were . Switching to Corporate Crime Control Protective Services not only brings fresh eyes to our issues , but provides an entirely different mindset for delivering security services . This is readily apparent in the visual impact the officers and their vehicles make . It also comes across in the structuring of their company . They are smaller by design , providing a boutique service experience . Their size keeps them agile and allows them to better know us , their client , and that in turn provides a more intimate , informed level of service to Charbonneau .

The position of Community Safety Coordinator was created about the same time , and I was hired for it . This position gives the community a staff person dedicated to emergency planning , resident safety and overall security concerns . On the security side , the position handles daytime patrol coverage during the work week , as well as being available to track and follow up on reported incidents . For emergency preparedness , the position assists with planning and documenting our emergency management program , and

conducting drills . Also , I serve as the staff liaison to the EPPS committee , while helping translate their vision into action , and growing the program ( many planned items were shelved during COVID ).

We have heard from multiple sources within Wilsonville Police and Clackamas County Sheriff ’ s Office ( CCSO ) that calls for service in Charbonneau have significantly decreased since the implementation of our new programs . This is encouraging as it reflects a “ less active ” crime environment . This was confirmed by a story that a CCSO deputy shared with us in November . He said that while he was conducting an arrest on Miley Road , he asked the individual if they had just come from Charbonneau . The subject replied , “ No , we all know to avoid that place since they got their new security .” For me , that means the message we ’ re sending now has been received loud and clear !

When I was hired , I was told many stories of the 2018 Christmas thieves , and of various theft and burglary issues that would arise during the holiday season . Country Club General Manager Jim Meierotto said that in the five Christmas holidays he ’ s been here , there has not been one that was incident free . Additionally , these incidents occupied large chunks of his and Property Manager Rick Schram ’ s time . By contrast , I am not aware of any package thefts , and only a single non-residential burglary this past Christmas season .

We did hear about a recent burglary of a storage unit in the Haven Apartments . This was likely related to a transient issue , and was addressed swiftly with staff assistance . Rick agreed that it was one of the quietest holiday seasons he could remember . Crime became more brazen after the 2020 COVID lockdown . We have seen a big decrease in such types of criminal activities and are ready to respond if it occurs again .

I ’ m pleased by the work that has been accomplished in a short time and believe that the results will continue to speak to the success of our program . Next up … taking our community emergency management plan to the next level . Stay tuned !

NEW TRAINING

OFFERED BY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & SAFETY COMMITTEE

CPR & AED

( Automated External Defibrillator )

Provided free by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue

Open to all Charbonneau residents .

Two dates available : Thursday , February 15 : 9-10:30 a . m .

Wednesday , April 3 : 1:30-3 p . m .

Sign up at Charbonneau Activity Center

Classes limited to 25 participants so sign up early