Friendsview Retirement Community

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.