6 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER February 2022
SpringRidge at Charbonneau
By KERRY PHILLIPS
Friendships and connections foster love of community at SpringRidge
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines community as “ a unified body of individuals ,” and for residents at SpringRidge at Charbonneau , it ’ s the unity , camaraderie and “ Power of We ” that fosters their love for the active retirement community .
“ We felt at home the moment we walked in ,” said resident Sharin Meier , who moved to SpringRidge after visiting six senior communities . “ Everyone was so friendly and the residents we saw during our visit either spoke to us or smiled . It was very welcoming .”
The ongoing pandemic has continued to strengthen the bonds between residents as well as among staff . Zest Director Cindy Foster calls these connections the “ Power of We .” It ’ s a resident visiting with a neighbor who is recently home from the hospital , the welcoming smile of a server in the onsite restaurant or the selflessness of the SpringRidge bus driver who picked up staff members for their shifts during the recent snow days .
“ Though intangible , these acts of togetherness truly define the “ Power of We ” and help both residents and staff feel supported ,” added Cindy . “ It ’ s also reflected in how we treat , honor and respect each other .”
Neighbor Ardath Flomer concurs : “ I ’ ve made so many lifetime friends here . When you ’ re in this stage of life , it ’ s hard to imagine meeting lifetime friends but it ’ s true . We ’ ve become like a family . I ’ ve met their grandchildren and gone to their children ’ s homes as well .”
The ladies say their love of community also extends to the maintenancefree lifestyle and services offered at SpringRidge . A host of services such
Left to right : Sharron Morris , Sharin Meier , Sharon Wright , and Marilyn Buchman enjoy themselves at the Roaring 20s party in September .
as restaurant-style dining , interior and exterior maintenance , all utilities ( except telephone ) including basic cable television and a full calendar of activities and programs are all included in the monthly fee . The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus also offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options , including CARF-accredited independent living and assisted living and memory care services .
Similar to the five-star rating of the hospitality industry , the CARF certification is the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to a retirement community and shows the community ’ s substantial conformance to the advanced values established by CARF . The voluntary peer-review process includes demonstrating to a team of surveyors that programs and services are of the highest quality , measurability and accountability .
During a recent CARF re-certification evaluation , surveyors praised Spring- Ridge ’ s “ real sense of family ” that was expressed in many ways by residents and family members and the community ’ s “ holistic ” approach to care offered through the Zest wellness initiative focused on mind , body and soul .
Sharin encourages older adults who are delaying a move to an active retirement community such as Spring- Ridge do it sooner rather than later in order to be able to make new friends and take advantage of the lifestyle offered .
“ We ’ ve never felt a pang of grief about moving . It was the right thing to do , especially being able to do it on our own ,” she said . “ Look at a move this way : If you make the move while you ’ re still healthy and able to do it on your own , you get to make the decisions . You decide what you want to take , give away and throw away . Besides , I think everyone needs the comfort and support of a community as we age .”
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 . One- and two-bedroom residences , set amidst lush outdoor courtyards and verandas , feature fully-equipped kitchens , a washer and dryer and a 24-hour emergency call system .
For more information or to schedule
COURTESY PHOTO
a personal tour of SpringRidge at Charbonneau , please call 503-446-6250 or visit www . SpringRidge atCharbonneau . com .
Jakey misses you
BY GERRI MARTIN
Goodbye to my friends .
Jakey , who has been in Charbonneau for 14 years , has recently gone to Rainbow Bridge . I know he is missing all his friends here in Charbonneau who would always give him special pets and love . He looked forward every morning to
JAKEY seeing each and every one of you . Thank you so much for being so sweet and kind to Jakey
and his mom . He knows he was dearly loved and is certainly missed .