SpringRidge at Charbonneau By KERRY PHILLIPS
Resident choir brings joy to SpringRidge In SpringRidge at Charbonneau , the atmosphere is filled with more than just the day-to-day conversations and laughter ; there ’ s literally a song in the air . Under the leadership of the active retirement community ’ s marketing director , who combines a passion for music with expertise in music therapy , the choir has become a source of joy and connection , offering both entertainment and therapeutic benefits .
“ We started with six-to-eight people , and we ’ ve grown so much ,” said Monique Larkin , who joined the community almost a year ago . “ A marketing director typically is involved with residents through move-in , and then the relationship tapers off . Here , I ’ ve been able to cement those relationships . We truly have a unique bond that speaks to SpringRidge ’ s ‘ Genuine Hospitality ,’ where staff and residents become an extended family .”
Monique studied music at Brigham Young
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University and later earned a degree in music therapy from Marylhurst University . She started a music therapy business , working with older adults in Salt Lake City before transitioning to sales and marketing for the senior living industry . However , she has always incorporated her love of music , starting over five choirs at the communities she ’ s served .
The SpringRidge choir was formed in October 2023 . Most recently , the group of 20 performed a spring concert for their neighbors , friends and family .
“ Music is magic ,” added Monique . “ It stimulates both the left and right sides of the brain , creates a shared experience and improves breathing .”
Carl Hanacek , who joined the choir almost three months ago , said he enjoys the fun and fellowship of being a member . Though he loves listening to music , he had never participated in a choir before and was thrilled to be warmly embraced by the group .
“ The beauty of music is that anyone can participate . Research shows that even people with memory-related disorders , such as dementia , can benefit from music or singing . It can trigger memories and elicit strong emotions ,” Monique explained . “ The choir is within our independent living community , but our entire campus , including assisted living and memory care , takes advantage of the power of music .”
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Sharin Meier has lived at SpringRidge for seven years and joined the choir because she thought it would be fun . She took part in her high school and church choirs but said she ’ s never had a choir director like Monique .
“ She ’ s amazing ,” she said . “ I ’ ve learned so much from her in the brief time I ’ ve been a member . She is very encouraging and helps us push beyond self-imposed limitations .”
Residents have shared that they ’ ve gained confidence since joining the choir and eagerly anticipate opportunities to showcase their talents . They are inviting the entire Charbonneau neighborhood to join them for a sing-a-long during the SpringRidge annual Hoedown on July 17 . The event takes place from 11 a . m . to 2 p . m ., with the choir performing ‘ cowboy ’ songs from 1-1:30 p . m .
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The SpringRidge choir was formed in October 2023 . The group recently performed a spring concert for their neighbors , friends and family .
COURTESY PHOTO : KERRY PHILLIPS
Pat Moore is the accompaniment on the piano and said she feels “ pure joy ” watching and listening to the choir .
Monique shares this sentiment , saying seeing residents ’ progress each week brings her immense satisfaction .
She said , “ This goes beyond a musical connection . The choir has become an investment in relationships and friendships .”
The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options , including CARFaccredited assisted living and memory care services at SpringRidge Court . For more information or to RSVP for the Hoedown , please call 503-694-2700 or visit SpringRidgeatCharbonneau . com .
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