Friendships flourish at SpringRidge
22 February 2026 Charbonneau Villager
SpringRidge at Charbonneau
By KERRY PHILLIPS
Friendships flourish at SpringRidge
When Sharin Meier signed up for a two-night trip to Lincoln City with fellow residents from SpringRidge at Charbonneau, she was looking forward to getting away for a few days and enjoying time by the coast. What she didn’ t expect was how the time away would strengthen bonds and deepen connections long after returning home.
“ I had a wonderful time. It was so much fun,” said Sharin, who has lived at SpringRidge for nearly eight years.“ It was my first overnight trip, and it turned out to be such a special experience.”
The trip, organized by Michelle Watts, the active retirement community’ s zest director, brought residents together for a relaxed getaway. Days were spent enjoying the town, walking the beach, shopping, dining out and taking in the scenery. Evenings were filled with playing games, talking and sharing stories.
“ It felt like being sorority girls,” said Caroline Hennessy, a SpringRidge resident of just over a year.“ We stayed up chatting all night. The conversations were long and intimate, and there was plenty of laughter.”
For Sharin, the time together reinforced something she already knew to be true.
SpringRidge residents enjoyed a trip to Lincoln City, organized by the community’ s Zest Director.
“ Friendships are so important, especially in a community setting,” she said.“ Being here gives me a reason to get up and get out of my apartment. We all benefit. There’ s exercise for the body and friendships for the heart.”
Research supports that sentiment. Findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness and health, show that strong social relationships play a critical role in emotional well-being and cognitive health. The research also shows these connections are closely linked to longevity, often more so than traditional health markers. At SpringRidge, those findings are reflected in everyday life.
That sense of connection was evident not only during the Lincoln
City trip but also in the weeks that followed. Sharin was especially touched when neighbors surprised her with a birthday celebration, complete with a ceramic piggy bank filled with 14 pounds of coins, given her love of thrift shopping.
“ It meant so much to me,” she said.“ They really know me.”
Before long, several residents from the trip began discussing where they might go next and decided to plan another trip together: A Mexican Riviera cruise!
“ We’ re really looking forward to it,” said Caroline.“ Even getting together to go over the trip details has been a great bonding experience.”
At SpringRidge, residents are free to be as active as they please. Some enjoy a full calendar of activities and outings, while others prefer quieter routines, knowing companionship is always close by. Whether through fitness classes, shared meals, celebrations or outings, friendships grow naturally and are supported by a community that values connections and camaraderie.
“ I just turned 87,” Sharin said.“ And I don’ t plan on ever growing up.”
The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of services and amenities, including complimentary membership at the Charbonneau Country Club. The SpringRidge community offers independent living in spacious private residences as well as CARF-accredited assisted living and a memory care neighborhood. To schedule a personal tour, please call 503-694-2700 or visit SpringRidgeatCharbonneau. com.
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