Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
Once again the Center is hosting two AARP Tax Aide volunteers. Every Wednesday from February 3rd through April 13th, the volunteers help moderate to low-income individuals with basic tax returns. Over 100 people take advantage of this valuable service.
Members put on their glitzy best to “Walk the Red Carpet” at the annual Oscar Party on Sunday, February 28th. In addition to the photo op area, attendees made predictions on Academy Award winners, sipped bubbly and snacked on treats, including tuxedo strawberries.
Parks
The Park Board recognized its 20th Anniversary in February. We convened at La Bamba and celebrated the many accomplishments achieved over the past two decades. One of the first goals of the Board was to create a Parks Master Plan. That plan has guided the methodical development of the truly remarkable park system in Sandy. Many, many thanks to the dedicated group of volunteers who has unselfishly given of their time over the years.
Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
The Safe Sitter Babysitting program continues to be popular. The February class was full and there is a second session scheduled for May.
Coming up on the cooking class menu – Tasty Thai Cuisine, Family Cooking, & Chinese Soup – One Pot Wonders.
Indoor Playgroup is at capacity on Wednesday mornings, and there is discussion about possibly adding a second day. Other consistent favorites offered include Kinderdance, Pee Wee Soccer, Horsemanship, and Tae Kwon Do.
Transit (Andi Howell)
Total ridership this month was 9125. This is a slight decrease in ridership of 1% from February 2015. The SAM-Gresham ridership decreased by 2% with a total of 8267 rides in 2016 compared to 8434 in 2015; SAM-Estacada ridership increased by 30%; STAR decreased by 13.5%; and ED ridership increased by 105%.
Sandy Transit staff have been analyzing ridership trends. Sandy’s STAR dial-a-ride system has seen a steady increase in the percentage of Elderly and Disabled utilizing the service. In 2013 the percentage of E&D riders on STAR was 57%. Just two years later the percentage increased to 65%. Due to this increase, STAR passengers have seen longer boarding times and scheduling has become more difficult. To alleviate the strain on riders and schedulers, STAR can no longer offer same day service on the dial-a-ride system. Staff are looking into ways to augment the STAR dial-a-ride system with the expectation of returning to same-day service as soon as possible. One possible solution may be a weekday shopping shuttle in the south section of Sandy. The main shopping centers in town, such as Fred Meyer, Safeway and Bi-mart/Grocery Outlet, are large trip generators for STAR riders who do not drive and live too far from the main bus line. A deviated bus route could accommodate these users, provide trips for shopping, as well as access to the main bus route, the Post Office, the medical clinics and the Senior Center.
The Transit website became functional with an embedded trip planner, updated photographs, links and interactive maps. The maps allow passengers to identify all stops available and are much easier to understand, especially on a mobile device, than the pdf route map. The route map is still available for those who may like to print the full schedule.
The STFAC committee, of which staff and TAC members participate, is working diligently to update the regional coordinated plan for the elderly and people with disabilities. This process will continue until May.
Transit staff are also involved with the Community Transportation of America Association’s (CTAA) steering committee for the 2016 national conference that is to be held in Portland in May. This is an annual conference held in various locations throughout the United States; the fact that it is in Portland is a wonderful opportunity for Oregon transit professionals. Workshop planning is well underway and the schedule of classes and presentations is impressive. Sandy staff will attend and the transit manager will participate on a panel of Oregon providers as the rural transit representative.