The Community Services staff attend a staff retreat in October at the Collins Retreat Center. Cole Chatterain with Paradigm Shift led staff through various practical exercises that focused on conflict resolution, communication strategies, purpose-driven motivation, and goal setting. It was extremely valuable and gave our team tools to create continuity and perspective.
Senior Services
October was a very busy month for Senior Services as we continue to see increases in the Meals on Wheels deliveries. Seniors also enjoyed trips to B17 Museum, Hoyt Arboretum, MHCC Planetarium, and trips to Hood River for apples, along with a hike at Graham Oaks Nature Reserve. We have also added some local trips to increase our understanding of local agencies and experience local restaurants. This month we took a tour of the Guide Dogs for the Blind with lunch at the No Place Saloon.
- Served 274 congregate meals
- Delivered 1921 meals to homebound individuals
- Provided 13 hours of Case Management services
- Provided 17 units of reassurance
- Provided 234 referrals to resources outside of the center
- Held 8 Tai Chi classes (average attendance 12 individuals)
- Provided 48 hours of respite care (5 days of 4 hours; average attendance 4)
- Aging and Disability Resource Connection meeting
- 11 new riders for transportation (shopping, activities/outings, to and from center)
- coordinated 13 medical/other rides through TRP
- We have 2 volunteers for this program, at this time.
- Melissa Thompson was certified in Mental Health First Aid for Veterans.
- Amy Seabrooke attended Pre-Service Dementia Care Training.
- Olga Gerberg was certified in a Bilingual/Bicultural Emergency Preparedness Program
Recreation
Mountain Storm basketball for grades K-6 is underway with fundamental classes for K-2 and pre-season activities for grades 3-6. As a recreational league Mountain Storm encourages an active and healthy lifestyle, builds fundamental athletic skills, and through the team sport experience life skills that will be valuable on and off the court. The Recreation Department collaborates with the school district to reserve gyms and appreciates the support the district provides. Without the use of the school gyms, Mountain Storm would not be possible. Keeping the program local and the scheduled family-friendly is a priority.
Indoor Playgroup started in September and will run through May. Providing a warm and safe indoor space for parents to gather with their preschool-aged children helps create community connections and support. We appreciate the volunteers who lead the program and its success is entirely due to their dedication and commitment.
Planning and programming for Winter/Spring are underway with new opportunities for the arts and outdoor education. Playwell will be back with Lego-inspired after school STEM programs.
Special Events
On Halloween Day the Community Center put on a carnival for the seniors. The majority of the seniors dressed up in costumes along with all the staff. We had 10 different stations for the seniors to participate in like pumpkin carving, corn hole, ring toss, bowling, selfie station, pin the eyes on the monster, walk the beam, toss the ping pong ball in the commode, cake walk, and even a pinata. It was the first year to offer this and the seniors had such a blast and some of them mentioned it was their first time ever decorating a pumpkin and hitting a pinata. It was so fun to see them doing kid’s activities. It kept them active and put a smile on everyone’s face.
Parks
Nancy Enabnit and Kathleen Walker spent a large amount of time transferring preliminary information to ESA (Environmental Science Associates) to prepare for the Kick off Meeting for the Parks Master Plan. Additionally, letters will be sent out to invite specific members of the community to serve on the Technical Advisory Committee. The goal is to attain a good cross-section of representatives from the school district, youth sports, development community, Latino community, and other underserved populations.