Category Archives: Uncategorized

Community Services – November 2017

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Speical Events

Corn Cross 2 went off without a hitch at the beginning of November. There were 210 particpants who brave the cooler weather and rain.  They seemed to be in there element with plenty of fun in the mud.  Carol Cohen led another fabulous event at Liepold Farm with great food, great atmosphere,and  happy people.

 

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)

Mountain Storm season kicking off with early season events and open gyms. Currently 212 kids playing. Community is really enjoying the expanded access to the Cedar Ridge gym. Parents and kids shared gym time together during a Mountain Storm Open Gym. Fun to see everyone having a good time and being active.

Senior Center (Tanya Richardson)

The seniors enjoyed the wonderful weather this month by going on some great hikes to Champoeg State Heritage area & Salmon Creek.  Our new Driver, Dani Van Dusen has made a great addition to the staff team at the senior center.  She has had many great compliments in regards to her friendly and helpful demeanor.  The Oregon Historical Society and Northwest Senior Theatre were just a few of the great trips Dani was able to enjoy with the seniors.

Community Service – October 2017

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Senior Center – (Tanya Richardson)

In October, Cami Henderson (Client Services Coordinator) worked with Seniors to apply for the Energy Assistance Program. She assisted 91 seniors to submit applications for assistance with energy costs for the coming winter months.  The staff celebrated Halloween by putting on the annual  traditional skit for all the seniors.  This year the theme was our own rendition of the classic “Sound of Music”.  Thanks to Muna, Lucy, Andi who helped with this years presentation.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)

Fall activities are in full swing including Indoor playpark, Refit classes, Soccer Fundamentals for ages 4-8 years old, Safe sitter training and new theater classes. The Harry Potter theater class was a huge success with a wonderul performance at the end of the session to show off our actor’s skills.  Registrations are just getting started for Mountain Storm basketball and we are off to a excellent start.

 

Community Services – September 2017

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Special Events

In September,the Community Services Department kicked off fall with the Corn Cross Cyclecross event and Dogs Day Out. Between the two events, there were close to 450 participants including family members two and four-legged alike. The cyclocross events have built a strong reputation among cycling enthusiasts, and combining these two events has proved to be a successful way to promote Sandy and raise funds for local dog parks.
Senior Center 
Seniors welcomed fall with a new “Walk with Ease” program with the goal of reducing pain and improving overall health. This program is presented by the Arthritis Foundation and has been a rewarding way to encourage Sandy Seniors to stay active and take control of their health.
Recreation 
The Fall Recreation & Leisure Guide was launched in early September and classes are well underway. New theater classes are part of the fall line-up, and the Harry Potter acting class proved to be a winner. Registration for Mountain Storm Youth Basketball has begun and plans for the upcoming season are in place. It’s always great to see kids in the community stay active and choose to participate in programs that teach them teamwork and other life skills.

Community Services – July 2017

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Senior Center (Tanya Richardson)
Again this year the Senior Center conducted direct pie sales. We sold 130 pies which was 20 more then last year.  All the fruit was donated and many volunteers pitched in to mix, roll, fill, bake and bag. Proceeds benefit the local Meals-on-wheels program.

Special Events
Summer Sounds kicked off with the Wine in the Woods on Sunday, July 16th. Patrons enjoyed great food by Busy Bee Catering and wine from the Beer Den.  Two great bands kicked off the Sunday Sounds bringing energentic tunes and multi-instrumental folk music.  Performances continued throughout July and into August on Sundays. Special Thanks to Katie Murphy for helping to orchestrate all the bands and advertising. Thanks to Carol Cohen for securing sponsors and vendors for this event.

The first Movie in the Park was a great success with over 75 people enjoying Meinig park, popcorn, and the movie Sing!

Recreation

Mountain Festival Kids’ events including the pet show, bike derby, and parade were well attended, even with the heat. The kids were treated to a puppet show prior to the start of the kids parad this year. The junior talent show showcased singers, dancers, and musician in the gym at Cedar Ridge. We utilized the play shed and track at Cedar Ridge as well as the lawn at Sandy Grade for the events this year.

The Recreation Department worked with Camp Namanu to expand to offer eight weeks of camp this summer. Unfortunately, due to low enrollments we were forced to cancel most of the remaining weeks for the summer.  We hope to re-evaluate the program offering for next summer.  A new mountain biking camp was a huge success which included learning trail safety, body position, climbing and decending, and a trail ride at Sandy Ridge.

Regular summer programs such as Kinderdance, soccer, and dog training were just a few of the activities enjoyed by participants in July. Several youth feild trips were offered ths summer including a trip to Kahneeta and Trillium Lake.  The kids enjoyed swimming, kayaking, and Stand Up paddling with Carol Cohen.

Adult Coed Softball was in high gear in July. Lots of games and a fun, family-friendly, recreational atmosphere. The final tournament is Saturday, August 12th and will again be held at the Clackamas Hoodview Softball Complex.

 

 

Community Services ~ June 2017

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Senior Center

Seniors enjoyed various trips including a trip to the Portland Japanese Garden, Elk Rock, Crystal S pring Rhododendron Garden and Tenino Wolf Haven.  Additionally,  a group of adults along with the Mt. Hood Athletic Center seniors spent their Memorial Day at the Spirit Mountain Casino.

The Senior Center also had a Yard sale to fundraiser for the senior center.  We had 7 different families sell items as well as staff sold coffee and cookies.

Parks

In conjuction with all City departments, City Council, Parks Board, Fire Dept, and Otto’s we hosted the second annual Longest Day Parkway on June 19th.  Each table who were  involved had free giveaways, a game or activitiy and provided information for the community members.  We had well over 200 participants who walked the course in the Sandy Bluff Park neighborhood.  In the park, the council served up hot dogs, lemonade, and ice cream.  Thank you for your participation.

 The following weekend June 24th was the 12th annual Noah’s Quest event which was also held at Sandy Bluff Park.  We have many people from all over the Metro area that participate in this very moving and emotional event.  140 walkers and runner registered. This event is for anyone that has lost a child or for those who would like to support those that have lost a child.  Each participant receives a pair socks, 12 doves were released, and bricks are sold for the pathway at Sandy Bluff Park.
Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
Summer Camps, adult softball, and other programs kicked off in late June.
After two successful summers with Camp Namanu the recreation department and Columbia Campfire shifted gears in order to be able to provide before and after care for campers. It is the hope that this program will help to support working parents. The camp is now based at Cedar Ridge and is open from 7:00am-6:00pm. Campers can sign up by the week or by the day giving families optimal flexibility.  Each week features a different theme and includes a trip to the resident Camp Namanu where campers can swim, experience archery and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting and a traditional camp experience.
A new Mountain Biking Camp was developed with Wenzel Coaching. With great trails surrounding Sandy and the new availability of the Cedar Ridge field it was a natural fit. Encouraging young people to get outside, be active, and have fun in their own “backyard”.

Monthly Report – April 2017

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Senior Center (Tanya Richardson)

The Senior Center hosted a Gift shop sale in conjunction with the April Birthday party.  The sale was a success and some new faces visited the center.  Our seniors enjoyed some wonderful trips including the Wooden Shoe Tulip gardens, the museum at Warm Springs, and a hike at Frenchman’s Bar. The Change of Pace Respite program has seen an increase in attendance over the past 2 months serving 112 participant hours.  This program allows caregivers some time off  while their love ones whom may have memory problems, Alzheimer, or Dementia  participate in activities such as crafts, music, brain games, and conversation led by instructor Sara Reis.

Parks
We had a successful Solv- it Sandy day Saturday, May 22nd.  We had over 95 volunteers participate in clean ups throughout Sandy including Sandy River Park, Tickle Creek Trail, Dubarko, Ruben Rd. and the spreading of Bark Dust at Timberline Park and Centennial Plaza. with .33 tons of garabage plus 4 tires.  During the shredding event at the Community Center, 5,800 pounds were collected. Water conservation in rain barrels we gave away 4 barrels.

The Community Services Dept. was awarded a grant to update the Parks Map.
A grant application to add maintenance funds for the dog parks is in the works.

 

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)

The Summer Recreation & Leisure Guide is in the final development and publishing stage. New programs include the revised Camp Namanu Day Camps, Bridges Teen Leadership Camp, and a Mtn. Biking Camp.
Planning for adult Softball and summer and fall events is underway.

Monthly Report – March 2017

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Senior Center (Tanya Richardson)

Tanya Richardson, New Community Services Director, started on Monday, March 13th and enjoyed the monthly senior birthday party lunch  and singing from senior music group, the Silver Tones. The Center is hosting three AARP Tax Aide volunteers every Wednesday from February 1st through April 12th, the volunteers help moderate to low-income individuals with basic tax returns. This year over 66 people took advantage of this valuable service.  The center had wait list of over 25 people and multiple phone calls about this tax service.

Parks

Raised beds at the Bornstedt Community Garden opened for rent, and 64 out of 67 beds have been claimed for the 2017 growing season. The shed houses a nice selection of tools, two wheelbarrows and 25 yards of top soil was provided for gardeners to top off their beds. A local Eagle Scout constructed a compost bin which is now available onsite.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
The new Camp Namanu Summer Day Camps are open for registration. This new version of our partnership with Camp Namanu includes before and after care. Campers can be dropped off between 7:00am and 9:00am and picked-up between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. This type of before and after care can be hard to find and we believe this will fill an important community need. The camp features a weekly theme and lots of outdoor activity. Campers will visit the Camp Namanu resident site along the Sandy River once a week and will utilize the Cedar Ridge Campus as a base of operations. The program also includes a two-week leadership program for middle and high school students in August.
Early Bird registration provides a $25 discount and is open until April 30th.
Winter/Spring programs are winding down and planning for summer programs and events are in full swing. The Summer Recreation Guide will be published in early May.

February Staff Report

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Senior Center (Tanya Richardson)
After 30 years of service, Nancy Ream Enabnit retired as the Community Services Director.  Her last day was celebrated with a gathering  of  over 125 staff, friends, and community members on February 28th at the Community Center.  Her contributions to this community are invaluable and we will be forever grateful for her dedication and service.
Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
Mountain Storm was in full swing the month of February. 28 teams played and practiced throughout the Oregon Trail School District. Teams enjoyed the opportunity to utilize the Cedar Ridge property on Saturdays. Thank you to the OTSD for all the facility support.
Pee Wee Soccer and Basketball continue to be popular along with Kinderdance programs. The new dog training classes attracted interest and the feedback has been great. New Bunco nights and Refit classes are growing and are a good addition to the recreation program.
Due to the increase in attendance the Wednesday playgroup has divided into two age groups. This is working out well and both sessions are busy with happy kids and parents. We have some wonderful volunteers!
Registration is now open for the expanded Summer Camp program in partnership with Camp Namanu. Camps will be offered for 8 weeks and will include before and after care (7:00am-6:00pm), and leadership opportunities for teens. Camp Namanu is also interested in hiring local to help staff the camps.
The annual senior “Walk the Red Carpet” Oscar party was at a whole new level this year.  Barclay Events donated beautiful linens, dinnerware, and other items to make this a really special event.

Monthly Report ~ January 2017

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Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
January weather presented some challenges in providing meals-on-wheels delivery as well as other services. Thanks to clever planning by Iris White, Food Services Manager, and volunteers and staff willing to take meals out on snowy, icy roads, meal service to those in need continued uninterrupted. Many excursions were canceled due to weather. Most will be rescheduled when the threat of snow and ice has passed–possibly April?

Parks
Thanks to Joe and Casey in Parks Maintenance, signs went up in Centennial Plaza and all parks reminding folks to “Enjoy Sandy’s Smoke-Free Parks.” The ordinance banning smoking, vaping and tobacco use has been in effect since November. A visual reminder will aid enforcement efforts.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
Winter/Spring classes launched in January with some great new classes. They include Little Medical School, Little Veterinarian School and Dog Training.

Mountain Storm youth basketball for boys & girls in 3rd-6th grades is in high gear after some delay from the weather. Fortunately, the league has been able to use Cedar Ridge on Saturdays to keep the season on schedule.

Plans for an expanded summer program with Camp Namanu are coming together. Parents will be able to drop off children as early as 7am and pick them up as late as 6pm.

Transit (Andi Howell)
Total ridership this month was 8,740.  Overall ridership decreased by 10.45%.  The SAM-Gresham ridership decreased by 7.8%.  This route was negatively impacted due to the snow and ice in January.  Although the route was never completely canceled, there were delays, canceled runs and often hourly headways rather than every half-hour.

SAM-Estacada ridership was 419 which is a 41% decrease from the previous year.  This route was most heavily affected by the weather in January with many canceled runs and delays.  Due to the heavy ice, the Estacada run operated on a snow route for nearly a week.

STAR ridership decreased by 14%.  Again, due to the weather, there were several days when STAR was used for life-sustaining services only.  Elderly and Disabled ridership on STAR remained high at 65%.  The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) experienced a 21% increase in ridership as compared to January 2016.  Both STAR and ED were impacted by the snow and ice and several trips were canceled.

The new Shopper Shuttle experienced an 8% increase in ridership to 130 passengers.  The Shopper Shuttle was often run using an SUV, due to road conditions, but many used it in order to get supplies during the storm.

Sandy staff spent many hours preparing for the State Special Transportation Fund (STF) and Federal 5310 program grant cycle.  Applications were due in January.  Sandy staff participate on the STF Advisory Committee as well as newly elected Sandy TAC member Caren Topliff.  This committee helps guide the Coordinated Transportation Plan and the STF and 5310 grant allocations, both of which are very important to good transportation planning in rural Clackamas County and the region in general.

Finally, Sandy Transit received a new, heavy-duty transit vehicle on January 21.  This much anticipated vehicle will replace one of the SAM Gresham workhorse vehicles which has reached its useful life of 500,000 miles.  The vehicle to be replaced has a much less efficient diesel engine that is more costly to maintain and operate than the 2017 cleaner burning Cummins engine.  The new bus was funded by STF Discretionary grant funds as well as Federal 5339 funds.  It should be insured, licensed, wrapped and ready to hit the road by early February.