Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
Cami Henderson, Client Services Coordinator, finished out 2012-13 with record-breaking numbers. The 65+ age group is the fastest growing demographic in the United States, so the need for assistance with transportation, in-home support, selecting health insurance, financial advice and nutrition services will continue to grow.
Parks
The Park Board enjoyed its annual park tour. One highlight was a stop by the Bornstedt Park construction site. Members had fun imagining the completed park full of happy families.
As Bornstedt Park construction proceeds, a special shout-out goes to Mike Walker and his public works staff. They have spent countless hours reviewing technical plans, locating utilities and working with Paul Brothers and other contractors.
Another special mention goes to Kelly O’Neill for coordinating construction of the Tupper/Scales path connection. A passionate group of volunteers donated hours and equipment to get the job done. Neighbors were using the packed-gravel path before it was even completed.
Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
Adult Coed Softball kicked off in June with teams playing for the first time on the new High School fields. With the increase in fees there are fewer teams but the players are enjoying the better fields and playing close to home. It is expected team numbers will be back up next summer as players adjust to the new fee structure.
New format for the summer camp is in the early weeks with participation lighter than last summer but with expected growth after Mtn. Festival.
Specialty soccer camps are in session and enjoying the outdoor venue at Bluff Park.
Horsemanship classes offered by Iris White continue to be popular for all age groups.
Another successful and meaningful Noah’s Quest was held on June 29th. This year’s 5k/10k run/walk saw record-breaking attendance with 196 entrants. Sandy Bluff Park has become the permanent home of the event, and the Cohen-Mallon Family, in conjunction with Brief Encounters Support Group, bought a bench and marker to offer a permanent point of reflection for those coping with the loss of a child.
Transit (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 19,065, a decrease of 14.7% from the same period last year. The SAM-Estacada route showed a decrease in ridership of 12%. SAM-Gresham decreased 15.7%; STAR use decreased by 8% this month. ED use increased by 13.3%.
Andi and Julie attended the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) conference in Albuquerque. It was a great learning and networking opportunity with over 600 in attendance. One of the highlights was the special guest speaker, Lt. General Russel Honore, discussing the vital importance of community and public transit in emergency preparedness response. He came into New Orleans post-Katrina to manage the aftermath of the disaster. He told people to “put those guns down”, handed twin babies to his soldiers to help an overwhelmed mother and led with humanity to “get the job done”. I felt like I did after seeing Star Wars the first time—I knew the Force was with me.
As a side-note to the CTAA Conference, Andi Howell won the grand prize in the raffle drawing–$200 cash. In an extremely ethical and generous gesture, Andi donated the money to the recent Bark for the Park fundraiser.
I was invited to speak about the transit system at the Oregon Trail Democrats June meeting. The group was quite knowledgeable and we had a very engaging discussion.
In a bittersweet turn, the ten-year relationship with OHAS/Wheels came to an end as RoJoy Services took over the reins for operating the transit service.
Transit tax collection audits continued as efforts moved forward on advanced tax collection methods for those accounts which have not come into compliance by the routine procedures.
We received good news about the joint application submitted by the Forest Service, Clackamas County and Sandy for additional service to Timberline and the Mt Hood National Forest. Funding for a two-year project was awarded by the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) which will include new service hours between Sandy and Gresham on Saturday mornings and throughout the day on Sunday. The Mountain Express route will connect with SAM in Sandy and go to Welches, Rhododendron, Ski Bowl and Timberline. Service will begin in October.