Community News

Red Hats, Purple Attire, Tea and Cookies… The Perfect Combination of Fun.

May 24, 2013

The Red Hat Society is nationally recognized for their sisterly commitments. Their assembly is made up of diverse women who take pride in their independence; optimistically trying to reshape the views of females. The women bring a legacy of fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment and fitness.

Gilman Park formed their RHS roughly three years ago. The group steadily consists of ten vivacious women who enjoy tea parties, scenic drives, picnics, movies nights and fundraising for charities; they partake in an assortment of spontaneous outings.

Each club is unique. Sue Ellen Cooper, the “exalted queen mother” of the RHS, encourages her sisters’ to make their own traditions. One common trait each group does share, however, is this- women who are fifty years of age will dress in red hats and purple clothing; while women under fifty wear pink and lavender until they “reduate.” Our club meets monthly to configure a plan. Typically we honor the birthday girl by letting her choose the restaurant and location to celebrate at. For the month of May we did not have a birthday to celebrate. And seeing that Princeton Village (our sister community) had recently formed their RHS we wanted to show them some hospitality and decided to host a special tea party.

Princeton Village brought 6 lovely ladies over to our community. We decorated with flowers that we potted in teapots and teacups. We served earl grey and raspberry hibiscus tea, and baked homemade shortbread cookies in a few varieties from plain to chocolate drizzled with raspberry jam.

One of the gals commented on how she liked the Red Hat tea party because it gave her and the other women an opportunity to get acquainted with other folks. She says, “I like getting to know other people and making new friends.” The Gilman RHS is sure thriving, it the source for new friendships and great memories.

Leader Named Frontier Executive Director of the Year

August 2012

We are pleased to announce that Julie Campbell-Taylor, the Executive Director at Gilman Park Assisted Living, was named the Frontier Management Executive Director of the Year for 2011. Julie joined Frontier Management in September 2008 as the Executive Director at Rosewood Specialty Care and transferred to Gilman Park in October 2009. Since joining Gilman Park, she has done an outstanding job in supporting the Frontier Mission Statement and Values Statement. Gilman Park provides quality care to the residents, a healthy work environment for the employees, and a well maintained community. The results of Julie's efforts in these areas are reflected in the consistently high census as well as the financial performance of the community. Please join us in congratulating Julie for a job well done!

Julie has also won the Oregon Health Care Association Innovative Programming and Improvement Award. This award was presented to Julie for her contributions to the community through the programs she has developed for local Elementary Schools and various charitable organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association. This is quite an honor as nominations are accepted by members throughout the State of Oregon.

8th Annual 'Gilman Games' Celebrates 2012 London Olympics

August 14, 2012

In anticipation of the 2012 London Olympic Games, Gilman Park Assisted Living held its 8th annual 'Gilman Games'. During the last week of July, residents competed in eight events, such as Outdoor Bowling, "Basket" Ball, and Horseshoes among others.
Rose Hahn, participating in her eighth consecutive year, looks forward to the Gilman Games each summer. "There is an excitement that fills the air. Everybody talks about it. We're excited to observe or to participate. It's fun to watch and everybody can do it," said Hahn.
"I thought 'this is going to be interesting' and lo and behold, I won a bronze medal in my first game," said resident Jan Paeth, participating for the first time. "I had no idea how exciting it would be to win a medal in the Gilman Games." Jan went on to medal in the Scooter Race, Ball Toss, and Obstacle Course.
Sher Johnson, Activity Director, has facilitated the Gilman Games since 2010. "We try to plan activities that enhance and engage residents, strengthening connections to the physical, social, and emotional elements of life. The Olympics are great because they cover all of these areas, boost community spirit, and give all who participate a sense of accomplishment," said Johnson. "The residents proudly wear their Gilman Games medals long after the games have ended."
The Gilman Games evolve each year with the 2012 Games including Opening and Closing ceremonies, patriotic songs, and 24 engraved medals for the winning 'Olympians'. Each resident participating also received a custom certificate at the Medal Ceremony. Planning for the 2013 Games is already underway with a desire to expand events.

Gilman Park Residents Team with Mt. Pleasant

March 2012

UP FRONT /Oregon City School District Newspaper

There are few genuine win-win situations in life, but Gilman Park bringing seniors together with Mt. Pleasant Elementary sixth graders is definitely a great arrangement for both groups.

“It was very successful,” Julie Taylor, Executive Director of Gilman Park Assisted Living Residence in Oregon City says of the recent lunch date.

The retirement community brought six residents and two staff members to be “lunch buddies” with Mt. Pleasant sixth graders. The buddies eat lunch in the library and swap stories. The group is expected to add a few more members and make the lunch date once a month, Taylor says.

Both the residents and the students are benefitting. “It teaches the kids respect for all ages of people,” teacher Pam Stearns says. “One student strode up and introduced himself to his lunch buddy and then after lunch, helped push his wheelchair to the van. It was wonderful.” Stearns says. “It helps build this young man’s self confidence that he can really shine in this situation.”

“Our biggest hope was that the seniors would benefit from the intergenerational piece,” Taylor says. Although meeting new people can be awkward sometimes. Kemhus said the students were welcoming.

The buddies found they had many things in common. One student who plays the flute found out her buddy was a music teacher. Another buddy pair both are interested in horses. Gilman Park Assisted Living has plans to add a short activity such as origami to keep things fresh. “The time goes by really fast.” Taylor states.

Gilman Park is no stranger to Mt. Pleasant. The assisted living community began the relationship with what Taylor calls the ABC program. Gilman provides the school with pencils with message that say students are “awesome” or “brilliant.” Mt. Pleasant teachers can use the pencils as rewards or incentives. Gilman Park also adopted a sixth grade classroom, providing badly needed funds for classroom supplies and activities. Several Gilman staff also helps out in the classroom. Taylor reads with four girls, in addition to the lunch buddy program.

But the lunch buddy program is the most fun. Kemhus says: “It has been amazing.”

Tea Party

February 11, 2012

The Gilman Park Assisted Living “Red Hat Ladies” hosted a tea for the “Sassy Sisters”, a sister Red Hat group. The wonderful tea party included homemade traditional foods prepared by Gilman Park residents and staff. Lovely tea sets for the event were provided by families, friends and residents. Some of the china was several generations old and residents enjoyed sharing their stories about the sets. In addition, party guests enjoyed guitar music, a birthday celebration and giveaways. Guests expressed a HUGE thank you to Sher, Activity Coordinator, and the Gilman Park “Red Hat Ladies” for hosting such an enjoyable event.

Litter ‘patrol’ has long reach along Clackamas River Drive

January 25, 2012

by Raymond Rendleman, The Oregon City News

Margaret Stuwe was trying to stay fit, not get a lot of attention

Margaret Stuwe wasn’t looking for recognition when she started picking up trash along Clackamas River Drive years ago.

Stuwe, who turns 80 on March 1, began walking the road about 20 years ago so that she could remain active even in retirement from the Clackamas County district attorney’s office. She walks six days a week, 52 weeks a year (except if the roads are icy), a total of about 1,200 miles a year.

“I just started walking out here to get my exercise, and then I soon started bringing bags with me because I saw all kinds of litter along my route,” she said.

She’d often find candy wrappers, bottle caps and even hubcaps next to the thoroughfare that winds its way for six miles roughly parallel to the Clackamas River from Oregon City to Carver.

The two-lane road serves as a scenic byway for weekenders, as a commuting route connecting East County to its county seat and as an extended driveway for hundreds who generally live in country-style homesteads on several acres.
Stuwe’s neighbors were immediately supportive of her efforts and helped purchase sets of “pickup sticks,” which are reaching and grabbing tools so that she can collect trash without bending over. Then the county offered to stop by her house to take away trash whenever she called to say she had two bins full.

Passersby more frequently reward her habit by stopping to encourage her to continue. The local Kiwanis Club has called her in for an Everyday Heroes Award, and Former Oregon City Mayor Alice Norris and Gilman Park Assisted Living awarded her “outstanding and selfless service” to the community with a plaque.

“People will often stop to thank me for the work that I do, and that’s always nice to hear, but mostly I do this for myself,” Stuwe said.
Watching ‘Law and Order’

While she treasures spending time with her family and at church, Stuwe was always looking for other activities to fill a lifetime that she expects will exceed 100. After her husband died 10 years ago, she began volunteering more at Willamette Falls Medical Center’s hospice as front-desk receptionist at least five days a month.

She’ll spend time at home just watching TV; “Law and Order” is her favorite show. She’s an avid reader of mysteries and love stories as well, and she’s immersed in Debbie Macombor’s “Mrs. Miracle.”

Gilman Park Residents Enjoy Halloween Party

October 31, 2011

The pictures tell the story -- Residents and staff enjoyed carving pumpkins in preparation for the annual Halloween party. They dressed in costumes depicted their favorite movie character, animal or profession. Witches brew, hawks eyes and cupcakes were the featured refreshments for the party.

2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's

September 25, 2011

A team of 30 walkers from Gilman Park joined the nearly 160 member team of Frontier Management as the Presenting sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association annual Walk To End Alzheimer’s in Portland, Oregon.

“My entire team embraces this program, Walk and cause and we enthusiastically participate together,” stated Julie Taylor, Executive Director of Gilman Park Assisted Living.

Gilman Park also raised over $4500 prior to the event through donations and sponsorships. Collectively, Frontier Management and its many communities raised over $20,000 through its sponsorships, donations, fundraising activities and other means.

Operation Santa Is Recognized in April

April 27, 2011

It's true! On April 27th Gilman Park Assisted Living, along with Oregon City Mayor Doug Neeley, honored Jeff Nowland as their "Volunteer of the Year." This annual award recognizes someone in the Clackamas County Area who has deeply impacted the lives of residents in their community, through their volunteerism. Jeff Nowland meets these criteria.

Jeff is a volunteer firefighter for Fire District #1 and is the coordinator for Operation Santa here in Oregon City and surrounding communities. Operation Santa provides food and necessities to needy families during the Holiday Season. Jeff unselfishly dedicated evenings and weekends, the entire month of December. He coordinated the collection and distribution of thousands pounds of food and practical gifts to families in need. Children and parents alike are in awe of the kindness, generosity and goodness that is extended to them through Operation Santa.

In addition, Jeff and many firefighters voluntarily also participated in 12 community parades during the month of December. Participation in these parades raises awareness of Operation Santa but more importantly, SPREADS GOOD CHEER.

Jeff's commitment and great joy in serving is evident in his enthusiasm when he talks about helping these families and the positive impact that Operation Santa has had on North Clackamas County and himself. Jeff never spoke about Operation Santa and its success without including gratitude to all those who volunteered with him, including his family.