SpringRidge at Charbonneau By KERRY PHILLIPS
SpringRidge residents celebrate National Craft Month For Shirley Slack and Howard Wells, creativity isn’ t just a hobby; it’ s a lifelong passion that continues to thrive at SpringRidge at Charbonneau. With National Craft Month kicking off this March, these talented residents are excited to dedicate more time to their artistic pursuits, all made possible by the active retirement community’ s maintenance-free lifestyle.
Shirley, who has lived at SpringRidge for 4 ½ years, meets with her sewing group every Thursday to work on projects that bring joy and comfort to others.
“ My mom was a professional seamstress, and she inspired me to sew,” she shared.“ It feels good to do something for someone else. Sewing lets me use my artistic ability, coordinate colors, and relax. It’ s like reading a good book.”
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Shirley is also a proud member of the Northwest Quilters Guild, which supports more than 30 charities. Whether sewing quilts for children impacted by trauma or crafting comfort items for Habitat for Humanity, Shirley’ s work is a testament to the power of creativity and community.
“ It’ s wonderful to have so many opportunities to be creative here,” she added.“ I’ ve even started making jewelry with a friend, and we’ re talking about adding a jewelry-making class. SpringRidge offers everything I need – good friends, engaging activities and the freedom to focus on what I love.”
For Howard and Peggy Wells, who moved to SpringRidge two-and-a-half years ago, crafting has been a shared joy. Howard, a stained-glass artist, discovered his talent decades ago while creating a custom transom for his historic Pennsylvania home. Today, he continues to work with fused glass, turning his hobby into meaningful gifts for friends and neighbors.
“ The craft sales at SpringRidge and monthly themed display cases are a great way to showcase our work,” Howard said.“ Living here gives me time to enjoy my
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Shirley Slack and Howard Wells
COURTESY PHOTO
hobbies while staying active.”
The community provides an array of arts and crafts programs designed to inspire creativity, including the newly introduced whittling class, which is growing in popularity among residents.
Both Howard and Peggy balance their creative endeavors with recreation at the neighboring Charbonneau Country Club,
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which SpringRidge residents enjoy as part of their complimentary social membership. Howard plays pickleball several times a week, while Peggy is an avid golfer who enjoys 18-hole rounds two to three times a week.
Peggy, a multi-medium artist specializing in encaustic painting, finds inspiration in the picturesque beauty of the Charbonneau community. Her art, which blends wax and crystals into stunning pieces, is even featured in a gallery in Seaside.
“ Art keeps my mind busy and gives me new ideas,” Peggy explained.“ It’ s a way to connect with others who share the same passion. Being at SpringRidge has made that possible.”
The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of services and amenities, including complimentary membership at Charbonneau Country Club. The SpringRidge community offers independent living in spacious private residences as well as CARFaccredited assisted living and a memory care neighborhood. For more information or if you would like to volunteer at our community, please call 503-694-2700 or visit SpringRidgeatCharbonneau. com.
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