School’s Out for the Summer!

A photography teacher, a child psychologist, a logger, nurses, farmers: what do these people have in common, aside from being retired?  As it turns out, these individuals are part of the  30% of Cornell Estates residents from all walks of life who have been contributing to five school-based intergenerational community programs this school year . . . and school’s out for the summer!

The school-based programs are just one part of Cornell Estates’ innovative Encore Opportunities initiative, which understands that staying engaged with others in meaningful projects in our community is good for human health at every age.  This school year, residents have been reading with children at Mooberry Elementary in the SMART Reading program, exchanging Pen Pal letters with Miss Nicole Mito’s 3rd Grade writing class, and making costumes for Mooberry’s 6th Graders’ final music performance.

Other residents have prepared craft materials and recorded children’s books to support reading comprehension for the pre-schoolers at Adelante Mujeres.  And more participants have traveled to Adelante Mujeres each month to assist the pre-schoolers in their classroom activities and to help their mothers with English practice.

School may be out for summer but many of Cornell Estates’ residents don’t want the summer off!   So, an Adelante Mujeres Conversation class for non-English speakers is beginning in June, and a summer camp reading program is in development, along with a support project for foster families.

Want to get involved?  Cornell Estates offers a wide variety of encore opportunities for our residents, and we encourage each of you to participate alongside our residents in the community.  To find out more, please visit our Encore Opportunities page!

Cornell Estates Sponsors 10th Annual Christmas Marketplace Bazaar

When: Saturday, November 20th from 10 am – 3 pm

Where: 1005 NE 17th Avenue in Hillsboro, OR

Now in its 10th year, our annual Christmas bazaar is a fundraiser for the Hillsboro Fire Fighter’s Toy & Joy program. Stroll the aisles and mingle with Frosty the Snowman, the Gingerbreadman, Mrs. Claus, local carolers, and more! Enjoy beautiful heart-warming melodies from special guest harpist Jenny Linder of the Portland Opera.

Best of all, get a head start on your Christmas shopping! Over 30 local artists and crafters will be selling handcrafted jewelry, hand-sewn items for babies and children, glass art, floral arrangements, and Christmas ornaments and decor. Chase away the November chill with homemade soups, chili, and salads. Many of these items are under $25. Support the Hillsboro Fire Fighter’s Toy & Joy Program and complete your Christmas shopping at the same time!

About the Hillsboro Fire Fighter’s Toy & Joy Program

Every year, the Hillsboro Fire Fighters collect new toys for thousands of children who otherwise would not receive Christmas gifts. Several organizations support their efforts, including the Portland Air Show and Cornell Estates. For more information, click here.

About Jenny Linder

Currently, Jenny plays Principal Harp with the Portland Opera and the Oregon Ballet Theatre, and works frequently with the Oregon Symphony. She has played the harp since 1966 and has studied with Marion Fouse of Portland, Eileen Malone at the Eastman School of Music, and Catherine Michel, Marie-Claire Jamet, and Pierre Jamet in Paris. In addition to her performance duties, Jenny also teaches at Portland State University, owns a private studio, and freelances.

Dear Cornell,

When I joined the choir, I had not realized I became a part of a huge, “Generation’s In Song” at Liberty High School (singing with choir members from 8 to 80+ years).  My heart was filled with joy and gratitude for having the opportunity to be in everlasting joy.

- Rose Boyd

Dear Cornell,

When I joined the choir, I had not realized I became a part of a huge, “Generations In Song” at Liberty High School (singing with choir members from 8 to 80+ years).  My heart was filled with joy and gratitude for having the opportunity to be in everlasting joy.

- Rose Boyd

At dinner last night with friends, my husband and I were enjoying telling “Lois” stories.  The lady across from our table excused herself for easvesdropping, but wanted to ask where my mother was, as they were considering assisted living for their mother and they were so happy to (over) hear our stories of her entry into her new life.  Of course, we HIGHLY recommended Cornell Estates - with pleasure.  You folks are amazing!

- Tobey

Over the yesrs, we’ve had contact with numerous other retirment/assisted living facilities, some even newer than Cornell Estaes.  But never, ever, have we found a finer staff than you folks.

Here are all the things you do right, some of them unique to Cornell Estates:

1.  Time after time, you smile.  Also, you all seem to know the names of many of the residents, addressing them personally and chatting with them as if you are friends.

2.  All of you who know us greet us, as family members, every time we visit.

3.  You check in on our mom regularly to assist her.  Yes, we know it is protocol to do this every two hours, but it has made a difference in her well-being.  When she has needed your help, you have been responsive, professional, and caring.

4.  Twice in the past two months you deemed it necessary to send our mom via an ambulance to the emergency room.  You called to notify us of her needs and you moved quickly to respond to her.  Always, you were calm and eased our concerns.  Then you continued to update us.

5.  About a month ago, we arrived to update our mom on business.  We came from out of town, with no time to eat, and were very hungry.  Your kitchen staff went out of their way to bring us the most yummy turkey sandwiches.  Then guess what, when we offered to pay, you declined our offer.

6.  You never put pressure on us, as the family, to come at your convenience.  When we cannot attend a meeting due to a prior engagement, you understand.  Generally, we reschedule, or you handle the meeting on your own and move on.

7.  Every time we’ve heard you address a resident, or a family member, we hear kindness and respect in your voice.

8.  You take the initiative to communicate with us on other issues, such as when our mom needs personal items like shampoo, soap, etc.  You give us updates on issues such as medicines, laundry/clothing, etc.  Again, sometimes we can come immediately, and somtimes we can’t, as we have our own busy lives, too.

9.  On numerous occasions, you have reassured us that things are fine, that our mother is doing well, and that you are glad to have her as a resident.

So, thanks to each one of you.  You give our mother great care and consideration.  We know of no other retirement, assisted living, or adult foster home that gives better customer services.  You are the best!

- Teri