We are thrilled to have Amy Seabrooke on our team as our Alzheimer’s Respite Program Coordinator. She began the position on March 20th and has jumped right in. She assisted the participants in planting seeds, storytelling, art/craft projects, snacks, and other activities which then allows their caregivers some personal time. Additional Building monitors have been needed in the evening hours to supervise the building and provide safety and security to non-profit organizations which utilize the center daily. Weekends continue to be just as busy with various organizations fundraisers, private rentals for birthday parties, and private events.
The bus and MV1 received an updated look with the branding. They look fresh, clean, and surely will be see throughout the community.
Senior Services
The seniors enjoyed trips to MHCC for the play Music Man, a visit to the Sister of the Eucharist, Oregon Rail Museum, Red White and Blue Thrift Store, Oregon State Capitol tour and Willamette Valley Pie company tour, and a dine out to Saylor’s. Two local trips included a tour of the Fire Dept with lunch at the Red Shed and a tour of the aquatic center, participation in a water exercise class and lunch at the Ant Farm.
Services provided included the following:
- Served 258 congregate meals
- Delivered 1994 meals to home bound individuals
- Provided 8 hours of Case Management services
- Provided 14 units of reassurance
- Provided 253 referrals to resources outside of the center
- Held 9 Tai Chi classes (average attendance 12 individuals)
- Provided 36 hours of respite care (4 days of 4 hours; average attendance
- Coordinated 21 medical/other rides through TRP
There was a decrease in coordinated rides due to having been down 2 drivers. 1 driver was on extended vacation. 1 driver was in a pretty bad car accident.
Recreation & Community Enrichment
The month began with the Glen Svaren Mountain Jamboree on March 8th at the Sandy High School gym. Glenn Svaren was involved with the Mountain Storm Basketball League for years as a coach, referee and board member. Glenn passed away in July of 2003 and will always be remembered by those whose lives he has so positively affected. The memory of his bright eyes, caring smile and his upbeat attitude will be with us forever.
Private music classes, Mini & PeeWee Basketball and Soccer, Kinderdance, and ReFit classes are going strong with great attendance. Many recreational activities have been offered with little to no registrations. These offerings include Toddler music classes, group guitar, group violin, adult singing, musical theatre for teens, STEM challenge with Lego engineering, Family Outdoor Adventure outings, and Crochet classes. Marketing of the programs include the Recreation Guide, city website, flyers to schools, and use of Social Media.
Community Garden
Current bed owners had the opportunity to pay annual fees for the upcoming season through March 15th. At that time, the remaining beds opened up for new community members to register. Each bed is $15.00 for the season. The Respite program will be using one of the beds this season to allow the group to venture out of the center and have some time enjoying gardening and the outdoors.
Aquatics
In March, the aquatic center saw an increase in usage with 76% for Lap/Open recreation and 24% for Water Exercise classes. 32% usage by seniors, 22% by adults, and 46%by children. Winter swim lessons completed with 99 children enrolled in the American Red Cross program. 60% Sandy Residents and 40% from other communities. 68 private lessons, 21 water exercise classes, 78 swimming lessons were taught. 21 children from Lil Cubs preschool received swimming lessons. 19 Birthday parties with approximately 15 – 20 people each were booked and Empire Water Polo rented the pool for for a total 9 hours.
Special Events
The City of Sandy Community Partnership Program Grant Review Committee
approved not just the $2000 that was requested for the new City Wide Bingo Event.
The committee instead approved $4000 as they would like to see this event happen twice this year. The committee was very excited to see a brand new event which will include the businesses.
Planning continues for the upcoming fundraiser “The Aaron Nigel concert and Taco Bar” to support programs for seniors. It will be held on May 17th at 7:00pm at the Community Center. Additional events being planned include the Solv-it Sandy on April 27th. The Longest Day parkway will be held Thursday, June 20th this year at the neighborhoods near Deer Point and Timberline Park.