The Charbonneau Villager Newspaper 2019_ Dec issue Villager newspaper | Page 27

THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER 27 December 2019 SpringRidge at Charbonneau By KERRY PHILLIPS SpringRidge’s ‘Helping Hands’ spread warmth of holiday season ‘T is the season for giving has special meaning for SpringRidge residents who are part of the se- nior living community’s “Helping Hands” club. The group will visit the Portland VA Medical Center on Dec. 10 to deliver handmade fleece blan- kets — just in time for the holidays. In addition to spreading the warmth of the season with a donation of 24 blan- kets, there will be plenty of good cheer as they sing Christmas carols in the hospital’s lobby and put everyone in a festive mood. A family holiday celebration By DENNIS MEFFORD CHARBONNEAU VI LL AG ER VOL. 42, NO. 2 Q FEBRUARY Q CHARBONNE AU, OREGON 2019 The dedicated members of “Helping Hands” have been anticipating the an- nual visit all year. They’ve met monthly to work on blankets for the servicemen and women receiving care at the VA hospital. The project is especially signif- icant for many residents who also served in the Armed Forces. “I had veterans in my family and I think it’s important to give back to the military community,” said Donna Schmitt. “I like to help those in need; it’s not about me.” She and her neighbors meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month to hand-tie colorful swatches of fabrics that are used to create the blankets. Participants say they feel fulfilled and have a sense of pride and accomplish- ment through their involvement in the noteworthy project. From patriotic designs to sports and animals, the blankets are made in a va- riety of themes. Not only do the service members receive the blankets, but the VA hospital gives the kid-friendly de- signs to veterans’ children who are hav- ing a difficult time coping with a par- W e invite you to join the I-5 Connection Chorus for its annual Holiday Concert Celebration Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. at the Meridian United Church of Christ (Frog Pond Church). This has become a fun tradition for the express pleasure of the Wilsonville and surrounding communities and is free and open to the public. Under the direction of our new conduc- tor Gary Young and new accompanist Ar- deth Fulmer, the chorus members have been preparing new music and working PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID GRESHAM, OR PERMIT NO. 32 COURTESY PHOTO SpringRidge residents donate blankets to Portland VA Medical Center. ent’s illness. “Helping Hands” also graciously ac- cepts blanket requests from the external community to be used as raffle items in support of organizations such as the Al- zheimer’s Association and the Diabetes Association of Oregon and causes includ- ing breast cancer awareness. Earlier this year, for example, the group created a special purple quilt in honor of SpringRidge’s annual “Al- zheimer’s Walk to Remember,” with proceeds being used to fund research for the disease which affects nearly 6 million people in the U.S. hard to produce a crisp clean sound to make this the best performance ever. Gary, an accomplished professional mu- sician and vocalist, with over 50 years ex- perience is also the music director for the Tualatin Presbyterian Church. Ardeth Fulmer, a noted pianist, is also the assistant music director for the West Linn Community Chorus. She has a music degree from Portland State University and was a member of the Sweet Adelines In- ternational for over 50 years. I-5 Connection is a local group of dedi- cated singers and musicians, that has ADVERTISE IN THE VILLAGER! — Page 2 Thank you, Cindy! — Page 10 Singles club goes all female — Page 15 Contact Jesse Marichalar Changes for board nominations Plus Event Calendar, all club reports and more! Published by With love in their hearts — Page 6 been bringing joyous four-part harmony to the local community for years. As part of its mission, I-5 Connection performs twice monthly at local retirement commu- nities, throughout the year. The holiday season also adds holiday caroling which the chorus especially looks forward to. So, bring the kids, grandkids and revel in the joy of the season. We look forward to see- ing you for this seasonal celebration. I-5 Connection, gratefully acknowledges the continued support, of the City of Wil- sonville as this concert is made possible in part, by a City of Wilsonville Grant. Reach every resident in Charbonneau. Inside the Villager New year, new management — Page 8 “Our maintenance-free lifestyle af- fords residents an opportunity to pur- sue passions and projects that are near and dear to their hearts,” said Zest Di- rector Cindy Foster. “The “Helping Hands” group started in 2013 and each year, they work tirelessly to top the pre- vious year’s donations and help even more veterans and families.” Extra blankets are sold at Spring- Ridge throughout the year for the group to purchase materials and supplies for future donations. Longtime volunteer Diane Anderson established the “Help- ing Hands” group and helps coordinate projects for residents. “It means a lot to make the blankets,” said resident Phyllis Schechter. “I feel really good giving back.” The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options, including CARF-ac- credited independent living as well as assisted living and memory care servic- es. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call 503-446-6250 or visit SpringRidgeatCharbonneau. com. JON HOUSE PAMPLIN MEDIA GROUP PHOTO: 971-204-7774 [email protected]