Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
The Center offers many opportunities to stay active each month: Tai Chi, Flex & Stretch, hikes and other trips. June saw the start of a Wii Bowling League in the auditorium. It began with five participants and is sure to grow over the months.

Parks
Last minute planning took place up until go time for the Longest Day Parkway. The first-ever active transportation event was a huge success with the entire City Council, the City Manager & Department Directors and many, many City Staff on hand to ensure a good (and safe–we love Sandy PD!) time was had by all. Thanks to the Library staff for their expert accounting method clocking between 250 & 300 participants for the evening. Families turned out in force to travel the route and pick up information and freebies from each City Department.

The 11th annual Noah’s Quest 5/10k Walk & Run took place on June 25th. Around 150 people joined in the morning’s activities at Sandy Bluff Park.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
Preparation for the Mountain Festival kids’ events was in full swing and summer programs launched. Field trips are offered most Thursdays and include excursions to Bullwinkles and Oaks Park.

Adult Softball kicked off mid-month with 10 enthusiastic teams. They are excited to play on the top-notch Sandy High School varsity & jv fields.

Transit (Andi Howell)
Total ridership this month was 10,005.  SAM continues to see a decrease in ridership with the exception of E&D rides.  Overall ridership decreased by 11.4%; the SAM-Gresham route decreased by 11.9%.  STAR rides decreased by 10.7%.  SAM-Estacada ridership decreased by 12%.  The Elderly and Disabled program saw another large increase in ridership of 42.7%.

An analysis of ridership trends and the rise in E & D riders led SAM to apply for and obtain funding for a new deviated route.  This route has been funded through the STF discretionary program to provide a circulator route.  It is designed as an augment to the STAR dial-a-ride program and will serve as a feeder service into the main fixed route in the commercial corridor.  In June, SAM staff and the Transit Advisory Committee (TAC) tested and compared low floor bus options for the route, discussed roll out timelines, route destinations, times, schedules and outreach material.

Ridership and bus replacements are top priorities for SAM.  SAM has procured a 35’ transit bus to replace a 2008 that has surpassed its useful life.  The transit manager met with bus personnel at the factory for a 2-day pre-production meeting.  Touring the facility was insightful and lead to a few small changes in the final design request.  The vehicle is scheduled for production in January of 2017 and SAM is anxious to receive it.  SAM continues to explore funding options for 3 more heavy duty transit vehicles.

SAM and MHX applied for a continuation of funds through a Federal Highway Administration Program, referred to as FLAP (Federal Land Access Program).  Funding approval would maintain SAM’s current early Saturday morning and all day Sunday service.  These runs serve as vital connector links between the Mount Hood Express system and the greater metro region.  The additional service has seen a steady growth in ridership since implementation. The FLAP grant is also the primary funding source for Mount Hood Express.

Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
Passport to Wellness was held on May 17th. The Lions Club Screening Van was on hand to offer free diabetes testing, glaucoma screening, visions checks and blood pressure tests. Free hair cuts and massage therapy were offered as well as several exercise demonstrations. Participants received a punch card and once completed earned a prize–a pedometer and some personal care products.

An AARP Smart Driver course was held towards the end of the month. The 6-hour class provides invaluable information on defensive driving and suggests behind-the-wheel tips for adjusting to some of the changes that may come with age.

Parks
The Park Board took its annual tour in May. As always, the group was proud of the beautifully maintained variety of facilities so many of Sandy’s citizens and visitors enjoy each day.

Thanks to David Snider for moving along the process of developing an updated Bike Map for the area. Using suggestions gleaned from a 2015 meeting of cycling enthusiasts, new routes (including detailed descriptions, distances and elevations) are presented. The brochure was funded through a Clackamas County Tourism Grant and highlights local support services as well. In addition to the printed piece, David has updated the “Cycling in Sandy” portion of the City’s website including tabs for more info on road and mountain bike riding.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
The Summer Recreation & Leisure Guide was published in early May. The partnership with Camp Namanu is a highlight. Girls and boys, grades 1-5, are transported from the Community Center to enjoy a day at Camp Namanu. Outdoor adventure is the theme, and kids get the full camp experience of songs, arts & crafts, camp food, and water sports.

New programs include soccer and multi-sport camps offered through Challenger Sports. Returning favorites include Peewee sports, tennis classes, Tai Chi and Yoga.

Transit (Andi Howell)
Total ridership this month was 10,159.  SAM continues to see a decrease in ridership, with the exception of the Estacada route and E&D rides.  Overall ridership decreased by 10.7%; the SAM-Gresham route decreased by 12.2%.  STAR rides decreased by 13.8%.  SAM-Estacada ridership increased again this month however by 12.2%.  The Elderly and Disabled program also saw another increase in ridership of 22.9%.

SAM drivers participated in the Community Transportation Association of America Roadeo competition in May.  Both drivers were competitive among the other local and national contenders and one SAM driver won the highest written test score among Oregon entries.

Sandy Transit staff, as well as 4 employees from RoJoy Services, also attended the CTAA Expo and Conference: Innovation in Action.  The workshops were well-rounded and informative, including network mapping, asset management, driver training, and procurement.

SAM partnered with Compassion Sandy in May.  Compassion Sandy is a group of churches and volunteers that puts together medical and dental services as well as clothing donations in a one-day event for low income families and individuals.  SAM provided free rides all day to ensure there were no barriers for people to access the needed goods and services.

Sandy staff learned that a grant request for a new 35 foot low-floor bus was not awarded through the 5339 program.  The Federal bus replacement program received an overwhelming number of requests and Sandy Transit did not make the cut.  Staff have located another possible funding source and will apply for a grant again in the fall.  One large transit bus has been purchased and is scheduled for production in January 2017.