Friendsview Retirement Community

The 2010 Spring edition of The View has been released and is now available as a PDF download. Find out what has been happening around Friendsview by downloading the current issue below.

Download The View Spring 2010 (PDF)

Friendsview’s needle art group recently discovered a way to show compassion beyond their own circle. Verna Munn, Friendsview resident and a member of Newberg’s breast cancer support group, told them that breast cancer survivors, who have undergone mastectomies, need special little pillows. Right away the Friendsview group connected with this need and agreed to help fill the void. Soon they delivered 20 pillows to Providence Newberg Medical Center along with a promise to augment that supply as needed.

June May explains, “After surgery, pillows are placed underneath the patient’s arm to keep it from rubbing against the incision. The pillows bring comfort, and they help with the healing.”

Each one comes with a removeable pillow case made with pieces of fabric left over from other projects, such as quilt making. May machine stitches “Made for you with love” on each pillow case.

The needle art group meets regularly in the art center at Friendsview to work on individual projects that presently include hooking a large rug, embroidery, and quilt-making. They have earned an outstanding reputation with their variety of beautiful quilts constructed by different members of the group. Together they made two quilts given to the Friendsview health care center.

“They’re fantastic,” exclaims Todd Engle, health services administrator, when asked about the ministry of Friendsview’s spiritual care teams, which began in 1999.

Rita Winegar remembers, “I knew residents who longed for someone to visit and pray with them.” With the aid of Frank Engle, director of marketing, the project later expanded into two teams composed of residents from many different denominations.

Dennis Russell, Friendsview’s executive director says, “When I came to Friendsview and learned about the spiritual care teams, I saw the value of this model immediately. Having many individuals with the collective experience and wisdom who could minister to the varied and often complex needs was a significant improvement over a single chaplain.”

Evelyn Piersall and Rita share responsibilities as leaders of the two teams. Evelyn acknowledges, “This ministry is very fulfilling for me. To sit with someone and pray for them brings joy.”

In addition to fall and spring training sessions and an annual retreat the teams meet monthly for fellowship, prayer, and to plan schedules for visits and sending greeting cards.

Todd Engle says, “It’s truly a blessing for residents, their families, and staff to know that nobody will ever have to be alone during hard times.” Families often express their appreciation. Team members take turns at the bedside of residents whose families cannot be with them or who need relief. Rita admits, “We share the load.”

Sherry Oakley, resident services coordinator, lends support along with Frank Engle, who leads training sessions and plans on-going education for the spiritual care teams.

“The prayers and willingness of residents called to this ministry is truly humbling and a real value to all who call Friendsview home,” adds Russell.

Retirement years often provide time not available earlier in a person’s life. Friendsview residents enjoy opportunities to choose from a variety of offerings to learn new skills, participate in group activities, and pursue hobbies. Read this article about two of the possibilities for life-long learning at Friendsview.

The first Friday morning, September to May, a group of enthusiastic readers gather in the Creekside 2nd floor meeting room to engage in a lively discussion about the book chosen for that month. Mildred Minthorne leads the Friendsview reading group, telling details about the author and often other facts relating to the book. At the end of each season, the group suggests books for the following year. A committee from the readers then selects nine books for the list that usually features non-fiction, fiction, a classic, and a story written especially for children or youth.

“I make sure the books we choose are available in the public library, the Friendsview library, for purchase online, or in bookstores,” Minthorne notes. She has led the group, formerly known as the George Fox University reading group, for 15 years.

Under the expertise of Grace LeCouix, who helped carve figures for the Salem Carousel, Friendsview carvers meet Monday mornings in the art center to learn how it’s done. They each bring their own tools and work on individual projects, some with intricate designs.

On the day The View’s photographer and writer visit, an audible groan signifies someone having difficulty with his piece of wood. Another carver admits, “I’m not very good at this.” The visitors give generous compliments about the variety of carvings and skill of the carvers.

“I love getting together with the carvers,” says LeCouix, wearing a bright striped apron. She also instructs carvers in her home at Springbrook Meadows.

Friendship between Beryl Woodward, born in 1905, and Athena Bourne, born in 2005, knows no age difference. The two good friends get together several times a month in Friendsview’s health care center. Angela, Athena’s mother, says, “She loves to come here.”

Athena dashes into the health center, brimming with anticipation. If Beryl is dozing when Athena and her mother arrive, she quickly wakes up when someone says, “Beryl, Athena is here.” They play balloon volleyball, work puzzles, sing together, and simply enjoy one-on-one time together. Athena’s grandmother, Alice Cooper, who is the health center’s receptionist and in charge of residents’ medical records, explains, “Sometimes they take little walks down the hall together, Beryl in her wheel chair and Athena walking alongside.”

Besides Beryl, Athena enjoys another special friendship in the health care center. She and Walt Gaibler are golfing buddies. They take turns practicing their skills on the mini-putting green. He claps when she makes a hole-in-one, and affirms as he smiles, “She’s my friend. I love her.”