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September 2013 THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW 15
INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING
1545 SE 223rd Ave | Gresham, OR 97030
1-877-811-1705 | www.watermarkcommunities.com
If you lived in Gresham in the early 1950s, you may have visited a wrecking yard
called “The Dugout.” Fast forward to 2013 and now you’ll see a vibrant
retirement community.
COURTYARD FOUNTAINS, in business over 15 years, is a 252-residence community
featuring both independent and assisted living residences.
Many people fear a loss of independence moving into a retirement community, but
Ryan Bethke, Director of Marketing at COURTYARD FOUNTAINS feels the opposite
is true. “Residents actually gain independence and freedom because they don’t
have to deal with the daily hassles of homeownership, bills, cooking and yard
maintenance.”
It’s all about a “culture built on choice” at COURTYARD FOUNTAINS. “Our residents
have more time to travel, spend time with family and play with the grandkids,”
said Bethke.
“People move here because they want to be here,” Bethke said, pointing out a
variety of services, including meals made from scratch, interesting activities, mind
and body fitness programs and a variety of engaging classes.
“COURTYARD FOUNTAINS is a unique community,” Bethke said. “One way we’re
different is the tenure of our team. Mary Beisley, our Executive Director, has
been here over 13 years. Our Maintenance Director and Food Service Director
have both been here over ten years.”
Yet it’s the residents that make COURTYARD FOUNTAINS special. “Residents take
great pride in the community. They’re the ones who actually make it what it is,”
Bethke said.
One of those residents, Georgene Honke, can look back on the days when
her father, George Wills, operated the wrecking yard that eventually became
COURTYARD FOUNTAINS.
“It was pretty good sized,” Honke remembers. “People would bring their old
cars in – my father, and the people he worked with, would dismantle them and
sell the parts out.”
These days, Honke is happy to call COURTYARD FOUNTAINS her home. She has
recommended the retirement community to quite a few people.
“I’ve told them what a good experience it has been,” Honke said. “I think people
are living longer, being in a place like this – you’re getting a new lease on life
here, because people are active. It’s amazing how active these people are.”
MORE ABOUT COURTYARD FOUNTAINS
Flexible financial options
Energy-efficient modern residences
with full kitchens
Restaurant style dining
Health and wellness services
Library
Computer Center
COURTYARD FOUNTAINS
By Scott Keith