22 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER
April 2019
SpringRidge at
Charbonneau
By KERRY PHILLIPS
SpringRidge
observes Earth Day
Earth Day is observed annually on
April 22 and is designed to bring
awareness and education about
environmental issues. To mark the
occasion, SpringRidge at Charbonneau
residents will pool their creative
talents and participate in Earth-
friendly activities with a community-
wide project.
Under the guidance of Zest Director
Cindy Foster, the group will create bird
feeders and houses for mason bees.
"We reached out to Wilsonville
Parks & Recreation to learn how we
could contribute to the neighborhood
at large," Cindy said. "They
encouraged projects that attract birds
and bees which are keys to the
pollination cycle."
According to the Honeybee
Conservancy, of the 4,000 bee species
native to North America, the mason
bees are amazing pollinators. The
organization states that, "We can
increase mason bee populations by
raising them in our backyards and
gardens, which is a great way to
supplement the stressed honeybee,
sustain our future food supply and
provide nesting sites for other native
bees, too".
SpringRidge resident Ed Dey, 87, is
looking forward to the project. In fact,
Val Schmitt at a previous SpringRidge butterfl y
release and garden party.
he's been asked to cut the bamboo
which will be used to create the
specialty mason bee houses.
"I'm always happy to help out," he
said. "Cindy has lots of interesting
ideas for residents to get involved."
Ed will use the retirement
community's on-site woodworking
shop to create the bamboo tubes which
the bees will use as a nest. An avid
woodworker, he volunteers to run the
shop alongside fellow resident Clair
Simmons.
Val Schmitt, 85, is also eager to
participate in the Earth Day activity. A
few years ago, she attended the
Garden Luncheon and Butterfly
Release held at SpringRidge Court,
which offers assisted living services.
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"People are still talking about that
event," she said. "It was such an
enriching activity and the butterflies
still return throughout the summer.
Anything that can be done to get
someone outdoors or to pay attention
to nature is a positive thing."
The opportunity to welcome new
birds and insects to the Charbonneau
neighborhood is also meaningful for
Val. Her favorite exercise is walking
alongside the river that runs below the
community and soaking in all Mother
Nature has to offer.
"Seeing how each creature is
provided for in nature reinforces my
faith. Even the angleworms have a
source of food though they themselves
may become food for a robin," she said.
"There is such beauty and variety in
nature — from flowers to different
shades of greens and reds depending
on the season."
It was this serene setting that
initially attracted her to SpringRidge.
"The moment I exit I-5 and turn onto
Southwest French Prairie Road, I feel
a sense of peace," she explains. "It feels
like my blood pressure drops 10
degrees. I'm originally from the
Midwest — close to the plains where it
is very flat, dry and hot. It really is
relaxing and refreshing being
surrounded by all the trees and golf
course."
Much like Val, Ed relishes
opportunities to be outdoors. Thanks to
the maintenance-free lifestyle offered at
SpringRidge he spends much of his time
fly fishing — in-between teaching
himself how to play the keyboard.
Val finds that in today's high-paced,
high-tech world, we often forget to
slow down and appreciate the benefits
that the great outdoors and Mother
Nature provide.
"Fresh air, sunshine, open spaces
with birds, butterflies and bees flying
around give us a sense of freedom we
just can't achieve in a closed space,"
she said. "I find that those who walk or
work outdoors and engage with nature
seem to have a more positive attitude
towards life and a greater appreciation
for creation."
In addition to the Earth Day project,
SpringRidge facilitates Earth-friendly
activities year-round such as recycling
and the use of "green" products in the
housekeeping department.
Additionally, the Enliven memory care
community located within SpringRidge
has raised garden beds for easier
access and to allow residents to
continue to pursue their gardening
passions. Each year, residents and staff
plant and harvest organic fruits and
vegetables such as tomatoes, beans
and zucchini.
Nestled on an impeccable, 10-acre
parcel of natural beauty and serenity,
SpringRidge at Charbonneau is located
in one of Oregon's most desirable
master-planned residential
communities. Operated by Senior
Resource Group (SRG), SpringRidge
takes an integrated approach to
support the vitality, longevity and
health of residents by offering a
hospitality-centered lifestyle with first-
rate amenities and services. The
SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus
offers a comprehensive menu of
lifestyle options including CARF-
accredited assisted living and memory
care services.
For more information or to
schedule a personal tour, please call
503-446-6250 or visit
SpringRidgeatCharbonneau.com. ■
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