The Charbonneau Villager Newspaper 2019 May issue Villager newspaper | Page 9

THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER 9 May 2019 Boys and Girls Aid By MARGARET WIESENTHAL Volunteers donate Easter baskets to girls at Seneca House Boys and Girls Aid has a number of resources for the children it serves. One of these is a place called Seneca House where teen and preteen girls are cared for. Here is a story that is typical of the experience of one of the girls. We will call her Sophie. Twelve-year-old Sophie has been at Seneca House for a week. She had been shuffled from one foster family to another before Boys and Girls Aid stepped in and placed her at Seneca House. Sophie really be for me?” Sophie shuts her eyes and thinks to herself that maybe this is a dream and she is still sleeping. But when she opens her eyes again it’s really there. As she looks around and into other bedrooms she sees that each girl has one. COURTESY PHOTO Each one is a bit different but Volunteers Cheryl Brennan, Judy Brennan, just as beautiful. Sophie is Diane Wallace, Toni Van Horn, Margie Wiesenthal and Terri Royse donate Easter wondering if it’s OK to eat the baskets for Boys and Girls Aid. candy now, but even if she does, she will save some for hopes that she can stay here later so that it lasts longer. for a long time. What you have just read is She is tired after a big day. an example of one of the That night she sleeps hard wonderful things that the and dreams a lot. When Cypress Branch of Boys and morning comes she opens her Girls Aid does for children. eyes, crawls out of bed and We say, “Yes, Sophie it’s sees something she has never Easter and this is your Easter seen before. She says to basket. The whole basket and herself, “What is this? What everything in it is just for you is this basket filled with and no one else. You may stuffed animals, chocolate even eat the candy before candy, socks, a notebook and breakfast, while you cuddle so many things I can’t even the stuffed animals.” see them all? It’s all tied with Sophie doesn’t know it, but now that she is at Seneca a beautiful bow. Could this House things will get better for her. She is an example of many of the girls here that are cared for until they can go to a permanent place. Some go to really good foster care. Some are adopted. Boys and Girls Aid carefully screens all of the placements and counsels foster parents and adoptive parents for as long as is needed. To find out more about Seneca House come to our next luncheon at SpringRidge May 17 at 11:30 a.m. Cost of the luncheon is $15 at the door. Visitors and guests are welcome. For further information about this luncheon call Cherie Sanville at 503-694-5826. For more information about Boys and Girls Aid please visit our website at www. boysandgirlsaid.org. To see what is happening at the Charbonneau Cypress Branch please visit www. cypressonline.org. ■ Celebrate I-5 Connection Spring Concert By DENNIS MEFFORD, FOR THE VILLAGER The I-5 Connection Chorus — a local group of singers and musicians — invites community members to its free 2019 Spring Concert at Meridian United Church of Christ, 6750 Boeckman Road, Wilsonville. During the performance, the chorus will honor and celebrate the 11-year journey of their director Jocelyn Higgins and their pianist Katie Turner. ■ Residential Decks • New or Replacement • Cover cracked or damaged concrete patios • Multiple options for long life, easy care aluminum railing (Pickets, Glass or Cable, Infill) Specialize in using "Trex" composite decking and trim. #1 composite decking with a 25 year warranty. Easy to clean/non skid/attractive color selection. Find your Ask about our Move-In Specials! D.W. Woodworking INC nt depende Quality In g in iv L d & Assiste • Pet Friendly • Month-to-Month • Restaurant-Style Dining • Wi-Fi & Basic Cable TV • 3 Delicious Meals & Snacks • Housekeeping & Linen/Laundry • Transportation (local & out of town) • 24-Hour Emergency Response System • Activities and much, much more! joy. Call 503.981.0033 today to schedule a tour of our beautiful community! Local since 1989 with over 700 jobs completed Always free consultation & estimate BB#104432 Neighbors Caring for Neighbors 950 North Cascade Drive Woodburn, OR 97071 CascadeParkRetirement.com Derek Hart - 503.705.4985 Email: [email protected] • Website: dwhart.com