Sept 2023 | Page 21

The Charbonneau Villager September 2023 21

Building Community Connections

By DANA BRENNER

Family of three live in The French Prairie Condos

Jordyn Stahl ( parents Jackson Stahl and Jolene Siaz )

Jordyn is a 14-year old , with a smile that lights up a room , and she resides in The French Prairie Condos with her parents and

BRENNER three dogs . Dad Jackson , ( who is deaf ), bought their home 12 years ago . Jolene , ( who is also hard of hearing ), moved to Charbonneau six years ago to join the family . Jolene has had a 26-year career as an ASL interpreter in the college setting , and raised a son who is now an adult .

I first met Jordyn at one of her “ Gnome Ornaments ” sales events . She has a deep desire to help animals and children . Her own experiences with trauma and neglect in early childhood ( before her dad and stepmom won full custody of her ) are what drive this personal passion . Her current business of crafting and selling Gnome Ornaments has raised $ 167 to help save the lives of cats and dogs . Profits are split between support for The Cat Adoption Team in Sherwood , Pawsitively Saved Rescue in Newberg and her college fund .

This fall , Jordyn will enter the brand new Riverside High School . The Business Management and Marketing pathway and the International Baccalaureate Program will help her further entrepreneurial and community service dreams .

The family has a rich and diverse background . In addition to experiencing hearing in three different ways and speaking signing in a visual language , Jordyn ’ s biological mom is a Vietnamese immigrant . Jolene is from a family of Japanese heritage that has ties to Hawaii . Jackson is of German heritage . This value for diversity is reflected in Jordyn ’ s Gnomes — which feature different colored noses , Rastafarian braids and Pride flag colors . The family loves to cook , read and play

board games together .

As an adult , Jordyn would like to develop comprehensive residential care and support facilities for kids with needs that go unmet . She envisions service animals , “ house parents ” and multi-faceted services and programming to support the whole child .

What are your favorite things about living in Charbonneau ?

Jordyn : It ’ s wonderfully quiet and has great walking paths . It ’ s beautifully green , with an abundance of wildlife to be seen — deer , beavers , racoons and frogs . We love the low-key and spacious vibe with low visual distraction .

What kinds of activities and amenities do you take part in here ?

Jackson : I walk five miles each day on the walking paths and would like to play basketball on the court at Edith Green Park . We enjoy the condo pool . We ’ ve considered taking up pickleball , but cost is a factor .

What are your hopes for Charbonneau as it develops ?

Jordyn : I ’ d like to have a way to meet and get to know other teens who live in Charbonneau . Maybe through free events for middle and high school kids . I ’ d like my mom to have opportunities to connect with other parents in the community . We both love crafting and would love a crafting group that is a community-building club , rather than a paid class .

What do you have to offer the community / your neighbors ?

Jordyn : My greatest value to give is my energy and commitment to making life better for others . I think it ’ s important for everyone to do their part to keep our Charbonneau beautiful .

What might you appreciate receiving from the community / your neighbors ?

Jordyn : Buy or commission Gnome Ornaments ! A good portion of the profits go to animals . I make theme-based and custom orders too . Single Gnomes are $ 7.50 , with discounts for multiples ( 2 for $ 14 , 3 for $ 20.50 , 4 for $ 28 , and 5 or more for $ 6 each ).

Jordyn and her family can be reached at gnomesbyjordyn @ gmail . com .

NOW WHAT ? WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE ?

ASSISTED LIVING SOLUTIONS IS WHO TO CALL FIRST

We are a resource to you and your family .

DECISIONS ABOUT THE CARE OF A LOVED ONE ARE SELDOM MADE EASILY It ’ s often diffi cult to know where to begin .

FREE HEALTH CARE REFERRALS At no charge , we can guide and refer our clients to any and all levels of state licensed care .

Elaine Rust

Registered Senior Living Advisor Independent Agent

503-481-1842

Elaine @ ALSolutions . org www . ALSolutions . org

COURTESY PHOTO : DANA BRENNER

Jordyn Stahl , with parents Jackson Stahl and Jolene Siaz , sells ‘ Gnome Ornaments ’ at a stand .

Honoring the memories of our faithful friends

Visit www . pamplinmedia . com and click the OBIT tab to see find our Pet Tributes