Sandy Community Campus (Tanya Richardson)

At the end of November with the help of Opsis we held 12 different stakeholder meetings with groups to discuss ideas for the property at the old Cedar Ridge Middle school and Olin Bignall Aquatic Center.  It was decided at the time to help reduce confusion to refer to the project moving forward as the “Sandy Community Campus”. Several walk-thrus we conducted with OTSD at the close of the month to be sure vacancy and proper clean up were completed with the intention for the city to take possession of the buildings at the start of the new year.

Information has also been published in the Sandy Post and announced at the council meetings of the pool remaining operational thru February with the intent to allow the high school swim team to complete their season.  Mavericks will continue to run regular programming which includes lap swim, water exercise classes, open recreation swim, birthday parties, and swimming lessons.

Senior Center (Tanya Richardson)

The center was festive with seasonal decorations and to prepare for the Holidays.         It was the 30th year for the Breakfast with Santa event which is one of the year’s biggest fundraisers for Meals on Wheels.  The event net over $2,000 and could not have been possible without your dedication and efforts of volunteers and staff. The fundraiser included a full breakfast, photos with Santa, and a raffle with prizes from Local businesses. We also had over 50 volunteers assist with serving breakfast, decorating the center, busing tables, handing out candy canes, set up and clean up.

Seniors enjoyed cocoa, cookies, and singing carols as they toured homes beautifully lit including the home of Councilor Hamblin.  Other trips included visiting the Victorian Belle Mansion, attending the Mt. Hood Pops Orchestra, and a hike along Cazadero trail.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)

Mountain Storm Basketball is gearing up for a great season with 218 registrations and 47 volunteer coaches and assistants.  Practices and games will be run at the gym at the Sandy Community Campus through March.  Winter/Spring Recreation guide is available online with registration open for programs offered from January – May.

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.

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.

Special Events

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)

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.