SENIOR CENTER (Nancy Ream Enabnit & Dena Isbell)
Volunteer Meals-on-wheels drivers do much more than deliver food. They provide an on-site welfare check for some of our community’s most frail individuals. This past month, in two separate incidents, drivers noticed unusual circumstances as they approached the homes of the meal recipients. Drivers alerted Center staff and the authorities and, as it turned out, both people had passed away over the weekend. Currently there are 50 individuals receiving hot meals on four separate routes. Sixteen regular drivers and a crew of back-up drivers are at the ready to make these deliveries and provide a valuable safety check as well.
PARKS
Two Park Board members resigned after many years of service. Ted Ladd and Rhonda Freeman have made many contributions toSandy’s park system, and we wish them well in their future pursuits.
RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
Many new computer classes are being offered, and participation is steadily growing. Choices range from basic computer skills to mastering the iPad.
The Healthy Start free play group continues to grow. The center is fortunate to have great volunteers, coordinated throughClackamasCounty, leading the activities. The play group meets on Wednesdays from10:30-Noonand includes special holiday activities, crafts and snacks.
Mountain Storm Youth Basketball for 5th and 6th graders kicked off the game season and the K-2 instructional program continued in January as well.
The seniors will be “walking the red carpet” for a special Oscar Party on February 26th.
TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 19,958, representing a 1.5% increase over the same period last year. All services were relatively flat with the exception of ED (Elderly & Disabled) service to out-of-area medical appointments, which continued an upward trend. It increased by 32% over the same period last year.
Back-to-back meetings with the project management team, public and Council furthered the refinement of the preferred option for theTransitCenter. Pre-app materials will follow via email.
We took delivery of the third Gillig bus this month. It went into service on the 24th following required documentation, maintenance training and graphic installation. Staff and Contractor worked with prospective new maintenance vendors because, after at least eleven years of reliable service, Mt. Hood Diesel will be closing in February.
Staff worked with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan.
Eight people joined the Transit Adventure to the Grand Central Bowling Alley inPortlandfor some fun, recreation and mass transit use training.