16 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER August 2021
SpringRidge at Charbonneau
By KERRY PHILLIPS
Residents at SpringRidge savor new experiences
When Joan Niklas signed up for SpringRidge at Charbonneau ’ s Tour de Zest competition , a spin on the famed cycling event , she simply wanted to diversify her workouts . Instead , she found personal fulfillment , friendships and a greater sense of community . It is these types of experiences that Joan , 72 , and her neighbors at the active retirement community are savoring , which research shows are keys to successful aging .
“ I ’ ve exercised all my life but typically use the elliptical machine or go swimming ,” said Joan , who spent 25 years in the banking industry before joining the family ’ s wholesale greenhouse business . “ Tour de Zest sounded like a fun , new workout . I ended up pedaling 100 miles during the 10-day competition !”
In addition to the feeling of accomplishment , Joan was thrilled about the physical changes she ’ s seen as a result of Tour de Zest .
“ The pandemic caused many of us to lead a more sedentary lifestyle . I was afraid to slip on my summer slacks , worrying I ’ d gain weight ,” Joan said . “ I was able to get into them without laying on the bed . That ’ s a direct result of the daily 30-minute cycling classes .”
COURTESY PHOTO
Alice Smyth ( seated ), Joan Niklas ( left ) and Sharron Morris ( right ) participated in SpringRidge ’ s Tour de Zest cycling challenge .
Tour de Zest was the first communitywide initiative since the beginning of the COVID-19 restrictions . Therefore , residents were eager for the return to normalcy . Joan said it was wonderful getting to know different people and loved the camaraderie that came with knowing they were “ all in it together ” as they competed against sister SRG senior living communities for the most accumulated miles .
Neighbor Sharron Morris moved to the community during the pandemic and found Tour de Zest was the perfect way to introduce her to SpringRidge ’ s vibrant , engaging lifestyle . She signed up to be a team leader , encouraging and motivating her group — The Road Warriors — to attend the onsite cycling activities .
“ It was amazing getting to know everyone , especially my teammates ,” she said . “ There was so much to savor about the experience — social connections , improving stamina and getting more involved within SpringRidge .”
Like Sharon , Alice Smyth found Tour de Zest was a great way to meet new people , having moved to the community shortly before the event ’ s kickoff . Alice , 83 , said she felt the warmth of the community from the moment she stopped by for a tour and was pleased to find she was welcomed as the “ new kid on the block ” with open arms .
“ After visiting about eight other communities , SpringRidge felt like home ,” said Alice , who worked with the IRS prior to retirement . “ There are just so many firsts to experience here . For example , I ’ ve worked out my entire life , but wellness coordinator Leslie James has taught me about muscles I didn ’ t
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even know I had and the correct way to move them to stay healthy and independent .”
In addition to savoring the experience of Tour de Zest , SpringRidge residents have also embraced new opportunities to discover ( and rediscover ) hobbies and interests thanks to the senior living community ’ s maintenance-free lifestyle .
“ I ’ ve started playing cards again , and now I ’ m learning pinochle , which I absolutely love ,” said Sharron , a former registered nurse . “ I also have more free time to bake . I recently invited 12 of my neighbors over to enjoy freshly baked cookies and milk . I enjoyed entertaining in my home in Kansas , so I ’ m glad to be able to continue that at SpringRidge .”
Joan has also developed a fondness for the card game bridge . Her mother was an avid player and Joan feels nostalgic about their shared interest .
“ If she could see me now ,” said Joan with a laugh . “ There so many positive aspects to living at SpringRidge . I ’ ve started embroidering and just completed a set of towels for my nieces . It ’ s nice being able to spend my time as I wish — whether being a 100-mile pedaling athlete or simply relaxing with my embroidery .”
Nestled on an impeccable , 10-acre parcel of natural beauty and serenity , SpringRidge at Charbonneau is located in one of Oregon ’ s most desirable masterplanned residential communities . The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options including CARF-accredited independent living as well as assisted living and memory care services . For more information or to schedule a personal tour of SpringRidge at Charbonneau , please call 503-446-6250 or visit www . Spring- RidgeatCharbonneau . com .
Charbonneau has many opportunities for you to enjoy an active lifestyle . Come to this Community event and you will learn about the Golf Club , Tennis Club , Fitness Center , Exercise Classes , Art Classes , Arts Festival , Bridge , Mah Jongg , Special Events and more …..
Friday , Aug 13 , 5:00-7:00 pm . For more information , email Jennifer @ charbonneaucountryclub . com