A2 January 2025 Charbonneau Villager

By ANNE SHEVLIN

As we embark on a new year , let ’ s also take a quick look back at a very busy 2024 . Charbonneau residents enjoyed

SHEVLIN a record number of activities and events this past year . We closed the year with the grand opening of the new addition at the Sports Center in December . Members can now play tennis and pickleball on four indoor courts year-round . Individual and family pickleball memberships are available for residents . Learning to play pickleball is a great way to stay active and , for qualifying family members , it ’ s a fun way to keep the grandchildren busy when visiting over vacations and school holidays . Please ask for membership information at the Sports Center or Activity Center .

We are also happy to report that the solar panels installed on the roof of the Activity Center are beginning to show us a savings in electricity costs for the building . A 36-kilowatt photo voltaic ( solar ) system was put into operation in 2023 . After rebates , the cost was $ 110,354 . In the meantime , Portland General Electric rates increased by 17 % in 2024 and , for

2025 , they went up another 7.7 %. With the use of solar energy , we recognized a savings of approximately $ 7,500 in electricity costs for 2024 and an overall savings since installation of $ 13,768 . We can expect to pay off the cost of the system installation by 2036 , if not before , simply by using solar energy to offset PGE costs . As rates increase , the savings from our solar system will likely allow us to see a return on our investment sooner than projected .

We have one final new Charbonneau Country Club board director to highlight , which begins with apologies to Bubba Heard , who was misidentified in last month ’ s column . Bubba joined the board in 2024 . He grew up in Sacramento , where he spent 30 years as a high school and college football official , and worked in the bread business for 42 years . He spent 20 years on a bread route in Sacramento and a combined 22 years as an account executive at Sara Lee and Franz Bakery . Bubba stumbled on Charbonneau by accident and he and his wife Liz fell in love with the community right away . They began looking for a home to buy after renting a condo for the first year . Bubba ’ s and Liz ’ s fathers were golfing buddies in California , and the two youngsters met over a Thanksgiving dinner . It was several years before they began dating and they just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary . Bubba describes Liz as his “ rock and best friend .” The couple have two daughters , both of whom are teachers . One lives in Walnut Creek , California , and one

in Reno , Nevada . Their two grandchildren are currently 15 and 13 years old . He also recognizes that he has two great sons-in-law .

Bubba is an avid golfer . “ You can ’ t live on a golf course and not love to play golf ,” he states . You can also find his smiling face behind the desk at the pro shop several days a week . He also spends a lot of time working in his yard , which he claims is the most relaxing thing he does . He enjoys woodworking and claims to be a pretty good birdhouse builder . Bubba and Liz enjoy traveling and just returned from a European cruise . He also volunteers weekly at their church , which he says brings him back to reality and what life is really about .

After living in Charbonneau for more than 15 years , Bubba decided it was time to give back to his community and joined the Country Club board in 2024 . He currently serves as the liaison to the Charbonneau Golf Club and the Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety Committee . He actively attends these board and committee meetings and reports back to the CCC board each month . He has become a strong advocate for the work of the EPPS committee and all it does to keep us safe and prepared for any emergency . We are grateful for the time and energy Bubba spends in support of our community . He is a “ calls it as I see it ” kind of guy and we appreciate his honesty and candor .

One last interesting fact about Bubba … that ’ s not his real first name and very few residents know his given one . And he ’ s keeping it a secret for now .

By CHRISTINA LUCY Charbonneau resident

January often marks a time for fresh starts and setting new goals , such as getting in better shape or adopting healthier habits . If improving your fitness is on your list this year , Charbonneau Country Club offers excellent opportunities to get moving and stay motivated .

A standout offering at Charbonneau Country Club is the Stretchercise class , held every Tuesday and Friday at 11:15 a . m . This engaging class caters to both men and women at beginner and intermediate fitness levels , providing a balanced approach to staying active .

The hour-long session features two distinct halves :

■ Strength training ( first 30 minutes ): Build muscle and balance with bands , tubes and light weights , all while enjoying the upbeat tunes of the 1950s and ‘ 60s .

■ Stretching and relaxation ( second 30 minutes ): The second half shifts to stretching and relaxation exercises , promoting flexibility and helping you unwind both physically and mentally .

This class is perfect for those just starting their fitness journey or seeking a fun way to stay active and mindful .

Learn to eat smarter : Free nutrition talk

For those focusing on nutrition , in the Charbonneau Country Club ’ s Activity Center there will be an eye-opening talk , “ Unpacking the Standard American Diet : Decoding Deceptive Food Labels for Better Choices ,” on Saturday ,

See HEALTHY / A4

Published monthly at P . O . Box 45 , West Linn , OR 97068 . Periodicals postage paid at Wilsonville Post Office and additional mailing post offices . POSTMASTER , send address changes to : Charbonneau Villager , P . O . Box 45 , West Linn , OR 97068 | ( USPS 021-752 ) | Subscription rates : $ 36 per year in West Linn-Portland area ; all other areas inside Oregon and outside of Oregon $ 64 .