was begun in earnest in 2022 and , as any regular golfer at Charbonneau will attest , the firmness of the fairways and improvement in the turf is noticeable . After a day of rain , I played a round of golf here in February with past CGC President Dale Owens . Dale commented that , for all the years he has played here , the course is now playing like prime summertime conditions — in the winter . The improved conditions will help us attract more players in the wetter months and improve our ability to remain self-sufficient . This spring will also see us begin to upgrade the drainage on the Green course after having done so on the Yellow course in 2021 .

Tolstoy also wrote “ Meanwhile spring arrived . My old dejection passed away and gave place to the unrest which spring brings with it , full of dreams and vague hopes and desires .” Well , I know that each golfer comes into spring with renewed hope and thoughts about improving their game and anticipating the joy of getting out on the course after the winter months . We will do our best to add to that enjoyment when playing a round at Charbonneau Golf Club .

For residents of SpringRidge at Charbonneau , being of service to others is a year-round goal .

“ Unfortunately , there are many things that get overlooked in the world ,” explained Sharon Wright , who has lived at the active retirement community for four years . “ If we take the time to notice someone in need or a task that needs to be fulfilled , the world would be a better place .”

One of the places Sharon aims to leave her mark is at SpringRidge . She has spearheaded an annual community-wide sale to raise funds for the Graduates Scholarship program , which provides scholarships for high school seniors working at the community to attend college . To date over $ 120,000 has been awarded to more than 65 students .

“ I think people who do good should be rewarded ,” she said . “ These students work at SpringRidge after school and do an amazing job serving in our restaurant . I ’ m happy to help support their educational pursuits .”

Neighbor Susie Funk also believes in the importance of giving back . She graciously volunteers to read to residents in SpringRidge ’ s memory care community . As a former middle school teacher , she relishes opportunities to share her love of reading .

“ Honestly , it doesn ’ t matter what you read ; it ’ s that you show up ,” she said . “ I look forward to the time we spend together .”

Susie says she ’ s been given so much by SpringRidge - friendship , companionship and support - that it feels right to give back to her neighbors .

“ We become a family at SpringRidge ,” she added . “ When I help someone , it ’ s like caring for a family member . Plus , it gives me such a great sense of satisfaction knowing I can brighten their day .”

Clair Simmons , who has lived at SpringRidge for almost six years , knows firsthand the joy that comes with spreading joy . He ’ s started several activities at SpringRidge that have become synonymous with laughter , friendship and an

all-around good time : weekly Trivia , Margarita Mondays and Bean Bag Baseball .

“ It ’ s always better to give than receive ,” he said . “ SpringRidge is such a wonderful place to live , so I ’ m happy to volunteer anywhere there is a need .”

And , there are numerous ways to give of one ’ s time and talents at SpringRidge . Marilyn Owens credits the maintenance-free lifestyle and freedom to choose how to spend each day with enabling her to volunteer on her own terms .

“ I co-chair the Hospitality Committee , welcoming my newest neighbors ,” she explained . “ I enjoy meeting people , and I like the flexibility that comes with serving on the committee . I have time to pursue other interests , such as driving to play bridge with friends once a week .”

Don Exner serves on the Hospitality Committee as well and says volunteering gives him a sense of purpose . He is also Chairman of the Resident Council , acting as an interface between residents and the SpringRidge management team .

“ SpringRidge has greatly enhanced my life ,” he said . “ I enjoy socializing and sitting with different neighbors each night at dinner . It ’ s interesting to learn about my neighbors ’

Sharon Wright has spearheaded an annual communitywide sale to raise funds for the Graduates Scholarship program , which provides scholarships for high school seniors working at the community to attend college .

COURTESY PHOTO

backgrounds , where they ’ ve been , what they ’ ve seen , etc . It ’ s wonderful to be a part of the community and give back some of what I ’ ve received .”

In addition to his official title of chairman , he also holds the unofficial title of “ Resident Techie .” Once a week , he assists fellow residents with all their tech questions and provides one-on-one guidance on using their smartphones and computers .

“ I spend about 5-6 hours a week in service to others , he said . “ I credit volunteering with keeping me young and young at heart !”

Research supports Don ’ s assertion . The Journal of the Institute for Volunteering Research found volunteering has a direct impact on successful aging , helping to improve physical and mental health . With so many resident-volunteers calling SpringRidge home , Sharon says it ’ s no wonder the vibrancy of the community is felt the moment you walk through the front door .

The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options , including CARF-accredited assisted living and memory care services at SpringRidge Court . For more information or to schedule a personal tour , please call 503-446-6250 or visit SpringRidgeatCharbonneau . com .