Community Involvement

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 15th Annual Chef’s Dinner & Wine Extraordinaire

March 8, 2012

Nearly 250 guests and supporters attended the 15th Annual Chef’s Dinner and Wine Extraordinaire on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at The Nines Hotel in downtown Portland Oregon, where a multi-course meal was prepared by a team of the Northwest’s finest chefs. Each chef prepared an appetizer or a course for the dinner. Winemakers collaborate with the chefs, pairing a different wine for each course. “We have participated in this event for nearly 10-years and each one is better than the last,” stated Greg Roderick, Frontier’s CEO. A silent and live auction are featured along with the signature live auction of each Chef being auctioned to prepare a meal at the winning bidder’s home.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that (1)clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and (2) obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Frontier Management was represented by its CEO, Greg Roderick and its EVP Matthew Dunham and wife Paula. “Matt and I have been continuous supporters of this foundation and this event for many years. We have the chance to see many friends, visit with the foundation leadership, visit with the medical team from Oregon Health Sciences University and give money toward finding a cure,” continued Roderick. Frontier Management donated $6,000 toward finding a cure at the event.

Bend Retirement Community Starts Microbrewery

Oregon Health Care Association - Feb 14, 2012

With the baby-boomer population entering retirement, a new precedent for lifestyle options is being set at a Bend retirement community. Aspen Ridge, a community offering Independent living cottages and apartments as well as Assisted Living has begun offering lifestyle options more befitting its current and future residents.

"We are seeing a huge culture change in retirement lifestyles," says Mallory Jenkins, Community Relations Director for Aspen Ridge. "Folks have more diverse and active interests, retirees are not content to just stay inside and play Bingo. They want to participate in community events, take classes and try new things."

The residents of Aspen Ridge have begun putting together a home brewery workshop, with the assistance of mentors from the Central Oregon Home Brewers Association, and local brew masters.

"The goal of our residents is to brew several batches of beer and hopefully enter one in the COHO Spring Fling. We also plan to serve our beer at our Oktoberfest this fall," says Sandie Nowell, Life Engagement Coordinator for Aspen Ridge. A "Pre-Brew" meeting will be held by the resident brew-committee on February 21st and the big "Brew-day" will be on March 14th in true St. Pattie's Day Fashion.

This class is being offered under Aspen Ridge's newly created continuing education series and is free and open to the public. The series encompasses many academic topics including Archaeology, Biology, History, and literature while also including engaging workshops in Dramatic Arts, Music, and of course Home-Brewing. It includes an esteemed faculty of both retired and active teachers who plan to present topics in the same academic fashion as they would at a University.
The intent of the program is to offer everyone a chance at lifelong learning, and to involve residents in substantial engaging activities that compliment what they have done throughout their lives. Jenkins and Nowell hope that these classes and workshops will continue enriching lifestyle options for folks in retirement.

"If I am taking classes and brewing beer when I retire, I will consider that a great success," says Nowell, "People are not interested in only being entertained, they want to be engaged... there is a very big difference!"

Vineyard Heights sponsorship at McMinnville Mayor's Charity Ball

It was a privilege for Vineyard Heights Retirement and Assisted Living to be a $1500 sponsor of the 23rd annual Mayor’s Charity Ball in McMinnville, Oregon. The theme for the black tie affair was the “Kentucky Derby Dream”. Mayor Rick Olson encouraged guests to enjoy the evening of fun and entertainment, with several bands providing music from swing, to rock, and the blues. A southern buffet of a wonderful array of mouth-watering foods, a souvenir wine glass and opportunities to support “Kids on the Block through scholarship donations, purchase of raffle tickets and the silent auction of donations from local businesses, was held during the evening. Vineyard Heights was represented by Carolyn Creighton, Executive Director, Sarah Hernandez, Office Manager, and Ken Johnson, Maintenance Director and his wife.

KOB logoBut the main reason for the this occasion was to benefit the local “Kids On The Block,” after school enrichment program. This program gives McMinnville’s children a safe and productive place to go after school.  It is through these sponsorships and donations that “Kids On The Block” can continue to thrive.  Carolyn Creighton stated, ”This was a great way to reach out to the McMinnville community and share our desire to continue programs that support our youth.”