Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit & Camilla Henderson)
As a support group facilitator for the Alzheimer’s Association, Cami Henderson, Client Services Coordinator, was invited to participate in the Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day on Tuesday, February 11th at the State Capitol. She and others met with their individual legislators, including Senator Chuck Thomsen, to discuss pertinent issues before them. These included Senate Bill 1577, which would create a statewide Silver Alert system (similar to the current Amber Alert) and notify law enforcement in the case of a senior with Alzheimer’s who wanders. Fully two-thirds of such patients are at risk of doing so, and Oregon currently has over 76,000 people with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The bill would also provide training statewide for law enforcement on how to deal with persons with dementia who wander.
Another discussion with legislators focused on the importance of passing Senate Bill 1553, which would create a state office of the Oregon Guardian and Conservator. The bill would provide financial and other services for persons unable to make decisions about their own safety and health, and who do not have available financial resources, family or friends to assist them.
The critical need to fund services for family caregivers was emphasized as caregiving is an intense responsibility that often ripples through the entire family. Of the top 10 diseases in the US, Alzheimer’s alone currently has no effective treatment.
Additional discussion centered on the need to further address the problem of people diagnosed with memory loss who continue to drive, despite having had their license revoked by the DMV. Cami suggested examining laws in other states to see how they have dealt with the issue. Overall, it was a very successful day.
Note: At last report SB 1577 has been referred to the Governor for his signature, and SB 1553 has passed both the House and Senate.
Save the date! The Senior Center will celebrate its 40th Anniversary on April 24th.
Parks
The Park Board held its first meeting in February, 1996, and each year the momentous occasion is marked by a Board dinner at La Bamba. In its 18 years, Park Board members have overseen the development of a Parks Master Plan (currently in the process of updating the 1997 document); advised on the addition of 10 parks totaling 150+ acres; worked tirelessly for completion of the 1.75-mile Tickle Creek Trail; crafted park policy for Council approval; and donated thousands of hours attending meetings and completing numerous hands-on tasks. Thanks to all current and past Park Board volunteers!
Bornstedt Park Ribbon Cutting ~ Friday, March 14th at 6:00 PM
Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
Planning for summer 2014 is in the beginning stages. A shift in the focus of the summer camp schedule is in the works. Theme based camps will replace the traditional day camp format.
New Zumba classes are proving very popular, and staples like pee wee basketball, soccer, and Tae-Kwon-Do continue to draw strong registration.
Thank you to the Oregon Trail School District for its continued support of Mountain Storm Basketball. Gym use has been in high demand and the youth league has been allocated a great deal of time at the district gyms.
Transit (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 10,831 a decrease of 43% from the same period last year. SAM-Gresham decreased 44.7%; again this month, SAM-Estacada had the greatest drop in use, 54%; STAR had the most modest decrease, 15.5% this month; and ED ridership increased by 17.4%.
Snow and ice in early February challenged transit operations. Service continued as long as it was safe, and only the last run on Friday, a couple of late night runs Saturday and all day Sunday were eliminated. Excellent communications between operations and administrative staff kept current information before the public through the media, website and Facebook. Twitter will be added to future outreach efforts.
Once again the expanded Mt. Hood Express ridership hit a new high in February, 3796. Ridership on the new weekend SAM-Gresham Saturday & Sunday service continues to experience slight increases.
The Special Transportation Fund grant process is underway. Sandy Transit should see approximately $90,000 more in the next biennium due to additional funds made available from the state for elderly and disabled transportation services.