SpringRidge’s Dorothy Poznanski Gives Gift of Independence
07-3-2018

Dorothy Poznanski, 93, has been a philanthropist for as far back at her daughter, Linda Merrihew, can remember. Dorothy, who resides at SpringRidge Court – located within the SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus – continues to play a vital role in the external Wilsonville and Portland communities as well as serve as the Director of the Board of the Poznanski Foundation, which she formed in the 90’s with her late-husband.

“Mom’s the head honcho,” said Linda. “My sisters and I serve on the Board but everything is run by her for her feedback.”

One of the Poznanski Foundation’s most recent initiatives was partnering with Portland Rose Festival to fund the purchase of three Trackstanders— an all-terrain wheelchair that can bring the user into the standing position—to wounded warriors. One of the recipients was Sergeant Paul Meyer, who was left paralyzed from the waist down when a tree fell on him during training as a police officer.

“The Trackstander has given me the gift of independence,” said Paul, a resident of Tualatin. “I’ve already started getting back to many of the things I wasn’t capable of doing. In fact, there’s a hunting trip I didn’t think I’d be able to attend but I’ll be there now that I have the new Trackstander.”

Dorothy was on hand to see Paul test out his new wheels.

“I feel very thankful that [the Foundation has] been able to do this because when you see what this man has gone through and the attitude he has now because of the unit he has, it certainly makes you feel good,” Dorothy told Fox 12 Oregon.

Paul, married with two children, was grateful to meet Dorothy and personally thank her for his newfound independence.

“It meant so much to thank her in person,” said Paul. “My wife took the day off from work and we pulled our sons out of school for the day. It was important for all us to shake her hand and tell her how much this wonderful gift meant to us.”

Linda says this donation, among others, represents and exemplifies the mission of the Foundation as first  established by her parents. The couple was married for 70 years and spent every day together at home or running their electronics company in Portland.

“They instilled their great values in us,” she said. “Mom has such a big heart and is always involved—whether it was at the company with my dad, volunteering at Meridian Park Hospital or taking part in various other organizations she belongs to. I think that’s what keeps her so sharp and active at 93. She always has a reason and purpose to get up in the morning.”

Among the many organizations Dorothy continues to be involved in are PEO, a woman’s philanthropic, group that focuses on education and occasionally hosts its monthly meetings onsite at SpringRidge at Charbonneau, Women of Meridian Park and the Broadway Rose Theatre. For many years, the Poznanski Foundation has also sponsored a team for Guide Dogs for the Blind in Boring.

Dorothy volunteered at Legacy Meridian Park Hospital for 18 years and as a result of her generous donations, will have a floor named in honor of the Poznanski Foundation when the current renovation project is complete.

“She couldn’t be a nicer lady,” said Paul. “Just because she can do for much for the community doesn’t mean she has to. Taking so many extra steps to be of service to others says a lot about the kind of person she is.”

The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options including CARF-accredited independent living as well as assisted living and memory care services. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call 503-446-6250 or visit SpringRidgeatCharbonneau.com.

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