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About Columbia Gorge news. (The Dalles, OR) 2020-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 26, 2020)
10 Wednesday,August26,2020 Columbia Gorge News HoodRiverNews.com • TheDallesChronicle.com • WhiteSalmonEnterprise.com Care facility renovates kitchen Columbia Basin Care renovates kitchen as part of mission to improve resident experience ■ By Drew Myron Columbia Basin Care A MAJOR RENOVATION project designed to improve work flow and enhance resident meals is nearly complete, to the relief and joy of Columbia Basin Care’s food service team who prepare and serve over 200 meals at the facility daily. Reconstruction of the southwest side of the build- ing began a year ago with plans to add restrooms, cre- ate office space for employ- ees cramped in converted resident rooms and overhaul the commercial kitchen for the first time in decades. While the kitchen footprint remains intact, the layout and workflow have been substan- tially reconfigured with addi- tional windows, energy-sav- ing lighting, expanded prep area, improved ventilation, new flooring and new more efficient appliances, includ- ing refrigerator and walk-in freezer, steamer, microwave, beverage bar, ice machine and dishwashing system. A few cherished workhorses remain, namely a 1960s-era mixer and a stove purchased a few years ago. “It’s so spacious and bright,” Sarah Troxell, room service lead, said of the new kitchen. “I love it.” Even grueling tasks have improved, said Ashly Ringer, dietary aide. “The dishwasher is so fast!” The food service staff of 13 employees are not alone in being impacted by the change. Residents will notice changes, too, said Joe Fischer, food service director. “These improvements help us provide better food quality and food will remain hot for a longer time.” The renovation is one of several recent food service upgrades. In 2018, Columbia Basin Care became the first skilled nursing facility in the Pacific Northwest to implement MatrixCare MealTracker, a meal manage- ment program that substan- tially reduced food waste and costs. To further maximize Ashly Ringer, dietary aide at Columbia Basin Care, shows off a tray of pudding in the facilities remodeled kitchen. “The dishwasher is so fast!” she said. Below, Austin makes sandwiches in the new kitchen. Contributed photos/Drew Myron efficiency, all food service employees are now cross- trained to fill multiple roles, further strengthening meals and service for residents. The kitchen renovation caps a major five-year improvement project that created a fresh new exterior with large courtyard, walking paths, garden space, and specially-designed areas for practical applications of physical and occupational therapy. In addition, a one- acre parcel of undeveloped land adjacent to the nursing home was transformed into a park with pavilion, wheel- chair accessible paths, and picnic tables. “We’re thrilled to make these valuable enhance- ments,” said Aubree Schreiner, executive director of Columbia Basin Care. “The improvements are an import- ant investment in our resi- dents, staff and community.” Founded in 1964, Columbia Basin Care is the region’s only independent, not-for-profit facility for short-stay rehabilitation and long-term care. As a nonprof- it, the facility is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of individuals who live and work in The Dalles. While Wasco County owns the building and grounds, Columbia Basin is an independent compa- ny with local control and decision-making authority. As a non-profit, there are no owners or investors, and funds are dedicated to facility located at 1015 Webber St. upgrades and staff improve- in The Dalles; 541-296-2156, colbasin.com. ments to increase quality of life for residents. Columbia Basin Care is Wasco County holds final hearing on comprehensive plan Plan to guide land use for next 20 years The Wasco County Planning Commission is seeking public input for the last series of updates for Wasco County 2040, the County’s Comprehensive Plan, at two public hearings scheduled for Sept. 1 and 15. Updates include revisions to sensitive wildlife maps, new policies for forest lands and recreation and the addition of an introductory chapter. Staff has prepared a FAQ page with more infor- mation about the updates, which is available on the project website, wasco2040. com/faq/2020-updates. Recognizing the impacts of recent wildfires on many Wasco County residents, the planning department is recommending the planning commission hold an addi- tional hearing on Sept. 15 to allow the maximum number of residents and property owners to participate. A mailed notice was sent that listed the hearing date as Sept. 1. If the continuance is passed, that hearing time will be allocated for a brief staff presentation and public comment. Additional public comment may be provid- ed at the Sept. 15 hearing. CGCC holds special session Columbia Gorge Community College Board of Directors will convene in special session at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, to consider items of business relevant to capital construc- tion (workforce skills center and student residential hall). This is a public meeting to be conducted via Zoom. Call-in details are includ- ed on the meeting agenda, which is posted at www.cgcc. edu. Following public testimony, the planning commission will deliberate and then make its final recommendation to the Wasco County Board of Commissioners. “The public’s participation in the 2040 project has been fantastic,” said Planning Director Angie Brewer, “we’ve heard from many residents throughout the county about their concerns, needs, and goals — helping to ensure the Comprehensive Plan embraces community visions and provides a path forward. "We are grateful for our residents’ time and commit- ment to this work and are absolutely thrilled to provide them with a final product in the coming months.” Due to COVID-19, Wasco County is currently holding all public meetings online via video conferencing software. Instructions and a registra- tion link, as well as the packet of information, are available on the Wasco County website at www.co.wasco.or.us/de- partments/planning/agen- das_and_minutes.php. Wasco County 2040 is an update to the Wasco County Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is the guiding document for the next 20 years of land use planning in Wasco County. These updates mark the last phase of the multi-year project. The Comprehensive Plan impacts the quality of life for residents and development rights of property owners located in unincorporated areas of Wasco County. Incorporated cities have their own land use plans. People interested in participating but who are un- able to attend to the meeting are encouraged to visit the project website (wasco2040. com) to submit comments and read more about the planning efforts. AndersonsTributeCenter. com to leave a note of condo- Continued from page 7 lence for the family. DEATHS Lillian Esther Hutson , 87, died Aug. 19, 2020, at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Ore. She was born on Aug. 22, 1932. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center, Hood River. Visit www. Shirley Winnifred Summers. 98, died Aug. 23, 2020, at Ashley Manor in Hood River, Ore. Shirley was born on Jan. 31, 1922. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center, Hood River. Visit www. Th ank you Hood River and Stevenson for your support! FRESH SALMON CAUGHT DAILY KLICKITAT DIP-NET TED FISH Wild Columbia Salmon KING SALMON STEELHEAD BLUE BACK AVAILABLE FRESH & SMOKED WHOLE or FILLET SERVING THE ENTIRE GORGE • New Construction • Industrial • Commercial • Residential • Remodels • Service & Repair • Drain Cleaning • Camera & Locate • Backflow Testing • Water Heater Installation & Repair BONDED & INSURED OR #177235 WA #CAMPSPL938Q9 10% Veterans Discount! 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