In August of 2019, Community Service applied for the Portland General Electric’s (PGE) Drive Change Fund in partnership with SAGE (Senior Advocates for Generational Equity) and Prisma Point. The intent was to develop a pilot electric vehicle project focused on seniors and facilities that serve seniors (e.g., senior residences, senior centers, nonprofits serving seniors). The goal of the pilot is to increase awareness among seniors about electric vehicles and to boost use of these vehicles. As a participant in the pilot, participating seniors and facilities will learn how use of electric vehicles and electric charging stations can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve other social benefits. This grant supports projects that help electrify Oregon’s transportation sector, from transit buses to passenger vehicles to micro mobility solutions such as electric bikes and scooters. Grants are funded by the sale of Oregon Clean Fuels Program credits, which PGE aggregates on behalf of residential customers who charge their electric vehicles at home.
In February of 2020, SAGE was awarded the grant with Sandy being one of two sites which will participate in this project. This project will include the installation of an EV station at the Community Center and an electric vehicle which will be available for Community Services to provide transportation and use to deliver Meals on wheels. Due to COVID, the installation of the EV station and progress of the implementation of this program have been slowed. Additionally, the program will be operated in different phases to account for the unknowns of the COVID pandemic.
We are excited to announce that the installation of the electric for the installation of the EV Station took place in January. The EV station is set to be completed in February with the arrival of the Electric vehicle to be in March.
The Community Center had a new awning installed on the west entrance of the building. This awning created a larger area of coverage for seniors as they await transportation. The project also included updated lighting and a new door will be installed as well.
Senior Services
Over 1,700 meals were provided to our service area through the meals on wheels program in the month of January. Community Service staff including, Tanya Richardson, Bernice Jordan, Sarah Richardson, and Carol Cohen continue to drive meals on wheels along with limited volunteers. We want to recognize Larry & Mary Stidham, Kate Lane, Jennifer Gohr, Kip Frey, Jan Funk, Kimberli Maltman for continuous dedication to volunteering for this essential service.
Client services provided 23 hours of case management and reassurance for seniors as well as fielded over 56 calls for information and assistance to resources. Much time is spent by Client Services Coordinator, Olga Gerberg, talking with clients, family members, and connecting them with organizations and resources to continue to assist the seniors in staying independent in their homes.
Carol Cohen has been providing a door to door shopping shuttle for seniors. These seniors are picked up at their homes and brought to Safeway or Fred Meyer. This essential service allows seniors to shop for food and other items and then are brought back to their homes. This essential service provided 10 trips to seniors for the month of January.
Staff continue to make check in phone calls to seniors. Mental health and continued isolation, due to the pandemic, has been very concerning when speaking to the seniors. Staff continue to direct them to resources including virtual programs, 211, Senior Loneliness Line, Clackamas County Crisis and Support line, and Mt. Hood Hospice support groups.
Recreation
Virtual classes continue such as Bingo, Coffee Chat, Functional Fitness. Staff are looking at expanding virtually program offerings for the spring and summer. Virtual Tai Chi classes are planned to begin in February.
Parks & Trails
On January 13th, The Parks & Trails Advisory Board had an informal thank you presentation to several board members who will no longer be serving. These members include Kathleen Walker who has been instrumental in development of parks & trails for the last 20+ years is now serving as a City Councilor. It will be wonderful to have her continued participation and input in the parks & trails master plan and the future of Parks and Trails. Susan Drew has also been very active over the years with much input and support for parks and trails. Michael Weinberg and Sam Schroyer are also members of the board who have resigned. These board members were presented with a framed photo of Mt Hood from Jonsrud viewpoint.
Parks & Trails Master Plan
ESA had several meeting in January including meeting with city staff to discuss parks maintenance, preliminary capital improvement list, and SDC’s methodology. The CIP will be reviewed by City staff, Technical Advisory Board, and the Parks & Trails Advisory Committee. Additionally, FCS Group is being subcontracted to look at options for Parks SDC’s. A follow up meeting is scheduled with ESA and FCS to provide some preliminary guidance on the complex SDC options. The Parks SDC methodology update will follow the adoption of the Parks Master Plan.