SENIOR CENTER (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
As part of the Clackamas County Transportation Consortium, Sandy Senior Center is eligible for grant funds through Ride Connection towards purchase of a new lift van.  Replacement is based on need combined with a rotation system among the ten county-wide senior centers.  The center’s current van was purchased in 2002 and now has over 100,000 miles on it.   Many thanks to Julie Stephens, Transit Manager, who diligently waded through the procurement process on behalf of the center.

PARKS
Staff has been working with Jim Slagle of Recreation Trails (who happens to live in Sandy) and Northwest Youth Corps to coordinate work in Sandy River Park.  Jim has flagged in an alternate alignment, and the crew will construct the new route, for the steep section of trail closest to the river.  The crew will also repair existing trail sections and attempt to channel water run-off away from the trail surface.  Completion is targeted for the end of June.

RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
The Summer Recreation Guide was completed and mailed in May. Some great new summer programs are available for summer 2012. Day camp weeks have also been expanded to provide for families who need options later in the summer.

New programs include improvisation and voice lessons for kids, volunteer days (capped off with lunch and a movie) for tweens and teens, a SandyNet workshop and a new Babysitting class called “Safe Sitter”.

Summer Adult softball teams formed in May and the league is up to 14 teams this season.

TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 24,058, representing an 11% increase over the same period last year.  The SAM-Gresham and STAR routes were up by 10.6%, while SAM-Estacada increased almost 16%. The use of ED has tapered to a 16% increase over the same period last year.

This is the first time ridership has hit this level since before significant route changes were made in 2009. Ridership for the year has increased by 5.8% which is also a greater annual increase than we’ve seen in recent years.

Staff continued work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan.

Eighteen participants joined the Transit Adventure to Sellwood to explore the Pendleton and Columbia Sportswear outlet stores.

SENIOR CENTER (Nancy Ream Enabnit & Dena Isbell)

The Sandy Golden Age Club, a non-profit that supports senior center programs, donated money towards purchase of a fancy new drinking fountain in the dining room and water pitchers for the lunch tables.  The new fountain offers chilled, filtered water and includes a bottle/pitcher filler with a counter.  To date 668 disposable water bottles have been spared from the landfill/recycling plant.  Thanks to Joe Preston for installing the fountain.

PARKS

The 2012 SOLVE-It in Sandy brought in 120 volunteers to help clean up streets, parks and other public places in Sandy.  An impressive aspect of this year’s event is the number of current and former City employees and officials, and their families, who gave up part of their Saturday to help beautify our community.  New this year was a work party at theCherryville Cemetery, spearheaded by Joyce Yam (a Beaverton resident) whose great-grandparents are buried there.  That site alone attracted 40 volunteers.  This year’s shred event processed four tons of paper—quadruple the number of last year’s total.

RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
The Summer Recreation and Leisure Guide was developed in April. New classes include Speaking Chinese, Couponing, Theater and Voice Lessons, and a SandyNet workshop.  The Guide will be mailed May 16^th.

Summer Day Camps return to Cedar Ridge with an expanded schedule to provide more options for area families. A new babysitting class will be offered through Safe Sitter allowing the recreation department to continue providing this service at a reasonable cost.

TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 22,400, representing a 3% increase over the same period last year.  The SAM-Gresham route, up by 4.3%, carried most of the increase while SAM-Estacada had a decline of 6.6% andSTAR was down by 2.2%. The use of ED has continued this year’s upward trend with a 45% increase over the same period last year.

Design plans for theTransit Center were completed and it went to bid.

The OPUS bus was sold and the procurement for the replacement for the Estacada bus was completed.

Staff continued work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan.

Fifteen participants joined the Transit Adventure to the Portland Chinese Garden with lunch at Dan & Louis Oyster Bar.

SENIOR CENTER (Nancy Ream Enabnit & Dena Isbell)
Each year the Center serves as a site for the AARP Tax Aide program.  This year is no   exception as trusty volunteers Joanne Anderson and Virginia Frasier returned to help those who need assistance in completing state and federal tax forms.  Joann and Virginia began this year’s weekly appointments on Wednesday, February 1^st and have added extra days to accommodate the overflow number of requests.  150 individuals received help through the Sandy site.

PARKS
At the March 26^th Planning Commission meeting, staff gave an overview of the process to develop master plans for Sandy River Park, Meinig Park and Bornstedt Village Park.  The plans were before the Commission for approval.  After some public comment and discussion among the Commissioners, there was a unanimous decision to forward the master plans to the City Council for adoption as part of the Parks Master Plan.  Thanks to Tracy Brown, Planning Director, for bringing the process along.

Trail people from Metro and the Milwaukie Trolley Trail project ventured out to Sandy for a tour of the Tickle Creek Trail led by Kathleen Walker and staff.  Everyone was duly impressed, and Mel Huie, Metro’s Regional Trails Coordinator, asked if Sandy would host the quarterly trails forum in July and show off the trail to a larger audience.  They enjoyed the setting, the surfacing, bridge construction and were astounded by the relatively low price tag.

RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
Preparations and planning for the Summer Recreation Guide took place in March. There will be some new offerings and an extended day camp schedule.

Mountain Storm wrapped up the 2011-12 season with the 5^th and 6^th Grade Jamboree at Sandy High School. Mountain Storm appreciates the leadership of Chairperson Scott Maltman and thanks him for his support and enthusiasm.

TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 21,453, representing a 1.3% increase over the same period last year.  Most routes experienced modest increases with the exception ofSAM-Estacada which had a decline of just over 16%.  Weather was unusually cold, including three days that required route adjustments for snow.  The average ridership loss during such weather is 20%.  Use of ED has increased this year with the month of March showing a sharp increase of almost 60%.   

Progress continues on the Transit Center; it is projected to go out for bids in late April. 

Marketing efforts continued to dispose of the OPUS bus.  Many agencies were contacted and it was listed on Craigslist.

The new passenger shelter at Ruben Lane & Hwy. 26 was completed with several glass panels etched by Moon Shadow Glass of Sandy.

Staff continued work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan.

ODOT Public Transit Division conducted a discretionary process to distribute surplus funds for eligible transit projects across the state.  Sandy Transit secured $62,000 to compensate for higher fuel costs.

The Transit Adventure included several new participants with a total of 21 going to the Culinary Arts Institute in Portland for lunch.

SENIOR CENTER (Nancy Ream Enabnit & Dena Isbell)
A fun, new event was added in February as Center members had a chance to attend the Walk the Red Carpet Oscar Party.  Over 20 people dressed in their formal finery and took advantage of the evening’s activities (coordinated by Sarah Richardson and assisted by Dena Isbell).  Each participant was interviewed as she/he made her/his Red Carpet entrance.  A social hour with food and drink (which may or may not have contained alcohol) started the evening.  Folks made their predictions and watched as the televised broadcast of the Academy Awards unfolded.  Prizes were given for fanciest clothes, most accurate predictions, etc.  The party earned rave reviews.

PARKS
Permanent signs are in place along the Tickle Creek Trail.  A fourth dog waste station/trash can was added at the entrance just west of 370^th and the receptacle at KnollwoodPark was moved to a more optimal location.  It is still in the park but closer to the trail.

RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
Computer classes, launched a year ago, continue to grow and develop. Registration has increased, and more people are learning about the new classes. In addition to basic computer classes, residents can learn more about website development and social media.

Preparations for summer 2012 have begun, and some new twists on regular programs are planned. Look for, among others, new field trips, voice lessons, and additional outdoor activities.

TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 20,462, representing a 13% increase over the same period last year.  All services transported more riders, lead bySAM-Estacada with an increase of 22.3% and ED with 23.6%, thenSTAR at 12.9% and Sam-Gresham at 12%.  It’s a bit early to identify with certainty, but the sharp increase follows the spike in fuel prices.

Progress continues on theTransitCenter.

Following the delivery of the third Gillig bus, the large transit vehicles each spent extra time in maintenance for catch-up TLC.

Two vehicles were surplused through a bid process.  The minivan sold for $7500; the OPUS received no bids and will need further effort to sell.

TheTransit Advisory Committee convened to discuss topics such as the Transit Center and adding etched art to the passenger shelters.  Mayor King attended the meeting and recommended using the branded bus graphic ofMt.Hoodfor the art pattern. A repurposed shelter was installed by a local company, Ortiz & Associates, at Ruben Lane in front of the Adventist Clinic.  Several glass panels required replacement and offered the perfect opportunity to move forward with the art graphic created by the local business, Moon Shadow Glass, Inc.  We won’t be doing a large make-over, but will replace broken panels with etched glass.

Staff continued work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan.

The Transit Adventure took 15 participants to view exceptional treasures brought out of the vault at the Oregon Historical Society.

SENIOR CENTER (Nancy Ream Enabnit & Dena Isbell)
Volunteer Meals-on-wheels drivers do much more than deliver food.  They provide an on-site welfare check for some of our community’s most frail individuals.  This past month, in two separate incidents, drivers noticed unusual circumstances as they approached the homes of the meal recipients.  Drivers alerted Center staff and the authorities and, as it turned out, both people had passed away over the weekend.  Currently there are 50 individuals receiving hot meals on four separate routes.  Sixteen regular drivers and a crew of back-up drivers are at the ready to make these deliveries and provide a valuable safety check as well.
 
PARKS
Two Park Board members resigned after many years of service.  Ted Ladd and Rhonda Freeman have made many contributions toSandy’s park system, and we wish them well in their future pursuits.   
 
RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
Many new computer classes are being offered, and participation is steadily growing. Choices range from basic computer skills to mastering the iPad.
 
The Healthy Start free play group continues to grow.  The center is fortunate to have great volunteers, coordinated throughClackamasCounty, leading the activities. The play group meets on Wednesdays from10:30-Noonand includes special holiday activities, crafts and snacks.
 
Mountain Storm Youth Basketball for 5^th and 6^th graders kicked off the game season and the K-2 instructional program continued in January as well.
 
The seniors will be “walking the red carpet” for a special Oscar Party on February 26^th.

TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 19,958, representing a 1.5% increase over the same period last year.  All services were relatively flat with the exception of ED (Elderly & Disabled) service to out-of-area medical appointments, which continued an upward trend.  It increased by 32% over the same period last year.
 
Back-to-back meetings with the project management team, public and Council furthered the refinement of the preferred option for theTransitCenter.  Pre-app materials will follow via email.
 
We took delivery of the third Gillig bus this month.  It went into service on the 24th following required documentation, maintenance training and graphic installation.  Staff and Contractor worked with prospective new maintenance vendors because, after at least eleven years of reliable service, Mt. Hood Diesel will be closing in February.
 
Staff worked with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan.
 
Eight people joined the Transit Adventure to the Grand Central Bowling Alley inPortlandfor some fun, recreation and mass transit use training.

SENIORCENTER (Nancy Ream Enabnit & Dena Isbell)

December started off with another successful Breakfast with Santa.  Once again sincere thanks go to our local businesses who generously contribute the raffle prizes. Along with proceeds from the Breakfast and raffle, many individuals choose December to make financial donations to the local meals-on-wheels program.

Bernice Powell, Administrative Secretary, is now an official Notary Public.  Her training and certification add another service available to Center members free of charge.  Non-members can avail themselves of the service for a $10 fee.

Holidaycelebrations included a 4-day trip to Leavenworth, Washington.  Iris White and JoAnn Bernhardt accompanied 18 happy travelers on this trip via school bus (thanks to a donation from First Student) and Amtrak train.  The Christmas dine-out required use of a 3^rd bus (thanks to Sandy Transit) to accommodate the overwhelming participation.

PARKS

Two additional dog waste stations were added at the east and west ends of the Tickle Creek Trail.  An updated map of the trail was created by Liz Storn, Engineering Tech, and a link and trail description is available on the City’s web site, thanks to the City Manager.  Soon to come is additional signage.

RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
Mountain Storm held a Jamboree for 3^rd and 4^th grade basketball teams to end the season. Teams for grades 5 & 6 were formed with a total of 11 teams scheduled to begin their season in January.

The 2012 Winter/Spring Recreation Guide was published and mailed in mid-December. Lots of new computer classes are offered, including classes forMACusers. 

Two field trips took place during the holiday break to help busy parents keep the kids happy and productive. A fun, chilly trip to the zoo was a treat.

TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 19,424, representing a 5.4% increase over the same period last year.  TheSAM-Gresham route had a ridership increase of 8.3% and theSAM- Estacada route was down by 10.8% over the same period last year. STAR ridership decreased by 6.4%.  ED use was flat with 64 trips.

End of year statistics show an increase in total ridership this year of 7% with 250,484 rides provided and 2,224,871 since service began in 2000.  The strongest growth was on the Estacada route with 9.6%.  All other individual routes showed close to the same 7% growth.

TheTransitCenterproject moved forward with project management and Council meetings to review the preferred design option and any outstanding issues.  Upon direction of Council, refinements for the preferred design option will be presented in another public meeting and at Council inJanuary.

Grant applications were approved for FY13 Special Transportation Funds for continued operations forSTARin the amount of $133,188.

Two local businesses were secured as pass-through partners for Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) projects for FY10 & FY11 Transit Operations.  The payments to transit amounted to $468,075 and will bolster the contingency reserves.

The #20 Gillig bus completed production this month.  The production takes a mere nine days but the lead time from the time of secured funding is two years and approximately 18 months from time of order.  Funding for the $350k vehicle will be a mix of federal grant ($216k), BETC ($89k), and reserves ($45k).

The Transit Adventure toClackamasTownCenterwas cancelled due to low response.