Santa Visits Aspen Ridge
December 21, 2011
Yes! There IS a Santa Claus and he made a surprise visit to Aspen Ridge the very day that 45 High Lakes Elementary 2nd
graders give a musical presentation and share hot cocoa and cookies with Aspen Ridge Retirement, Assisted Living and Memory Care residents.
High Lakes Elementary second grade teacher, Ben Baxter and mom, Cuchy Liendo organized the wonderful program. Sandi Nowell, Life Engagement Coordinator states, “Aspen was honored with the presence of the children and their parents for a great afternoon of fun.
The children brought cookies to share and Tim, our Executive Chef brought a huge pot of steamy hot cocoa. Santa topped off the event with a bag full of candy canes. The look on the faces of the children as Santa entered the room with a big “HO HO HO! Merry Christmas” was priceless. Santa’s authenticity was questioned, but as you can see ...his beard is the real thing!:
It was a very Merry Christmas party indeed!
Aspen Ridge Gives Boost to Bend Fire and Rescue
November 10, 2011
On November 10th, Aspen Ridge Retirement Community Executive Director Ron Baker presented the Bend Fire Department a check for $500. This check was presented at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the community taking place to celebrate the completion of the recent remodeling project there.
Baker stated that this donation is to be used for any programs that the Fire Department sees fit.
Bend Fire Department Chief Larry Huhn has asked that the donation be used for the Fire Department Community Assistance Program, a program used by Fire Department personnel to assist citizens that they encounter during the conduct of their duties who need immediate help with critical needs such as shelter, food, clothing, and the like.
The Bend Fire Department extended their sincere thanks to Mr. Baker and the Aspen Ridge Retirement Community for this generous donation.
Aspen Residents and School Kids Enjoy Pumpkin Painting
October 28, 2011
Aspen Ridge Retirement and Assisted Living residents have had an ongoing relationship with the students at High Lakes Elementary School. In 2010 the students presented knitted afghans, they had made, to residents. “The students were so proud of their projects and our residents equally excited about receiving the afghans,” said Executive Director Ron Baker.
This year Aspen residents wanted to something for the students. With the donation of 23 pumpkins from the local Safeway store, residents and students worked in teams to design and paint the pumpkins.
Many residents looked on as the spooky scary faces began to appear on the pumpkins. The students were excited as they worked and munched on chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate provided by our awesome kitchen staff.
When the project was completed, students delighted the residents with Halloween stories they had written at school. They then presented each residents with their hand written stories for which they had illustrated in a book form.
It was an afternoon filled with smiles and happiness from both students and residents. What a delightful illustration of intergenerational happiness and cooperation.
Oktoberfest was in the Haus!
October 21, 2011
Aspen Ridge Retirement and Assisted Living celebrated the arrival of fall with a traditional, festive German Oktoberfest.
Residents enjoyed happy hour with German appetizers and beer from Bend’s own Good Life Brewing as well as root beer. German musicians Mirko Pressler and Nathan Baustecheck, dressed in their lederhosen rocked the room with great Oomph music on the accordion and tuba. Sandie Nowell, Life Engagement Coordinator said, “Smiles and laughter abounded from our residents and guests as they clapped and sang along.”
The Happy Hour was followed by a German style dinner complete with sauerbraten, hot German potato salad and apple strudel for dessert.
2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's
September 25, 2011
Aspen Ridge joined in on the Walk To End Alzheimer’s in Portland, Oregon to be on the Frontier Management team of nearly 160 members. “It was really important to be a part of this collective effort and voice for those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease,” stated Ron Baker, Regional Vice President of Frontier Management and Executive Director of Aspen Ridge Retirement & Assisted Living in Bend, Oregon.
A Warm Donation
May 13. 2011
Cuchy Liendo places an afghan on the lap of Pat Nixon, 102, as first-grade students from High Lakes Elementary School, Bend, OR watch Thursday afternoon at Aspen Ridge Retirement Community. With the help of Liendo - the mother of a student - Ben Baxter's first-graders knitted individual squares in their own chosen colors and patterns over the past three months; those squares were used to make three afghans to be given away. "I love this," Nixon told a fellow resident after receiving her afghan. "I just can't believe how lovely it is. I can't wait to tell my daughter."
Aspen Ridge Communities Recognize Volunteers
April 14, 2011
The third week of April was proclaimed National Volunteer week by President Richard Nixon in 1974. This a time in which we honor and thank those individuals that have given their time and service in an effort to make tomorrow better than today.
 A special thanks was given to Norm Stauffer who volunteers every day at Aspen Ridge Memory Care |
Aspen Ridge Retirement, Assisted Living and Memory Care honored their thirty plus volunteers April 13th with a special luncheon and recognition. Volunteers were welcomed by staff members, Bristolyn, Dawn and Angela. Sandie, Activity Director stated in her thanks to the many volunteers: "Aspen Ridge is fortunate to have volunteers that devote their time, talents and resources in helping our residents with many fun and daily living activities."
Volunteers assist with activities such as Bible Study, pastoral visitations, sing along and dancing, and health seminars. Several schools nearby bring children who interact with their adopted grandmothers and grandfathers doing arts and crafts. Other volunteers provide memory exercises, pet therapy, and a weekly blood pressure clinic.
Sandie personally thanked each volunteer with a brief description of the area the volunteer assists Aspen Ridge Retirement, Assisted Living and Memory Care to stand about other senior living communities. "From everyone at Aspen Ridge, we thank our volunteers for their continued commitment to our Aspen Ridge," Sandie stated.
Lisa and Lori ... Partners in Care volunteers visiting with Sandie
Angela, Life Enrichment Coordinator with Sherril, a Bible Study volunteer.
