Meet the Friends

Margaret Robinson, Chair

Margaret Robinson, Chair

After retiring from a 32-year career with the Oregon State Bar, I started participating at the Elsie Stuhr Center. I found a welcoming environment providing opportunities for physical fitness, social interactions, and educational seminars. By being a member of the Friends of the Elsie Stuhr Center I can support its values and funding priorities to assure that the Elsie Stuhr Center meets the needs of older adults in the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District.

Bio

Nancele Blake

Nancele Blake

I have a bachelor’s degree in Business and Journalism. I have been an active volunteer for many years and served on the boards of Women’s International Day and Fiesta Latina. During my career, I worked as an administrator at the Oregon Bach Festival for many years. I also served as the general manager of the Florence Events Center and as volunteer coordinator at the Grotto. I play several instruments and was in a band called Balladina where I handled all the administrative tasks. I am proud to serve on the board of the Friends of Elsie Stuhr Center because I strongly believe in the mission of Elsie Stuhr Center.

Bio

Joanne Gulbranson

Joanne Gulbranson

I spent my early years in the Midwest, moving to Portland in 1995. Prior to my retirement I spent more than 35 years in commercial property management and corporate real estate in both management and financial roles. I enjoy golf, reading and exercising at the Elsie Stuhr Center. In addition to my exercise classes, I am a member of the Friends of Elsie Stuhr and volunteer there when and where needed.

Bio

Julie Martell

Julie Martell

I was born and raised in Oregon and have lived in Beaverton most of my life. I owe my love of the Elsie Stuhr Center to my father who was devoted to the Center. To honor him I'm working with my colleagues of the Friends board to make the Elsie Stuhr Center the best place it can be for older adults.

Bio

Barbara Ring

Barbara Ring

At the age of 19, I became a hair stylist and later ran my own salon for over 15 years, retiring in 2017. After my husband passed away in 2007, I became active at the Elsie Stuhr Center. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The friendship and experiences I have had gave me a new perspective on life. I have loved working with incredible staff and the Friends have become like a family to me, in addition to my two daughters, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Bio

Dorothy Schock

Dorothy Schock

I joined the Friends because I want to focus on making everyone feel welcome at the Elsie Stuhr enter. I raised two children in Beaverton and over the last 38 years my family and I have participated in many, many classes and activities at THPRD.

Professionally, I was an esthetician and successfully built a woman-owned business until my retirement. I enjoy taking classes at the Elsie Stuhr Center, writing novels, and spending time with my two kittens.

Bio

Karen Stark

Karen Stark

For years, I worked to provide home care to seniors along with cleaning services. I have been coming to Elsie Stuhr Center for over 15 years, have taken many classes, worked on many events, and made many friends along that way. I volunteer when I can. The Center is a home away from home.

Bio

Alice Williams

Alice Williams

Over the years of being a member of the Elsie Sthur Center, I’ve participated in a variety of programs that have contributed greatly to my quality of life. The community environment supports healthy living, personal and creative enhancement, and is a rich source for the development of friendships. Being a member of the Friends of Elsie Sthur allows me to contribute to a positive quality of life for my fellow seniors, something which is important to me. My professional career included almost 20 years as an administrator at UC Santa Cruz, and as a psychotherapist in private practice here in Portland, after having transplanted from California.

Bio

Caren Wilson Coday

Caren Wilson Coday

A lifelong Beaverton resident and dedicated volunteer, I spent my career in customer relations and property management before retiring. I love community service. From CERT emergency response to many years with a patriotic woman’s organization—and a lifetime with my faith community—I believe in showing up for others. I’m especially excited to serve at the Elsie Stuhr Center on the Friends Board. To me, providing recreation and companionship for my fellow seniors isn’t just a service; it’s a way to honor a community that deserves our full support.

Bio