Senior Center (Tanya Richardson) Right in the middle of a major heat wave the senior center main air conditioning unit went down with a broken compressor. Fortunately, we were able to get a contractor in quickly and replace the compressor to … Continue reading
Community Services – July 2017
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Monthly Report ~ December 2016
Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
December began with a family tradition that has lasted 29 years, Breakfast with Santa. The Center raised $3,266 in breakfast sales, raffle tickets and cash donations to help support the Sandy/Boring meals-on-wheels program. Volunteers and staff decorate the center, solicit prizes, prepare and serve the meal, greet attendees, take & develop photos and clean up. Local businesses once again donated merchandise for the raffle or money to directly support the fundraiser. Breakfast with Santa is a wonderful reminder of the special community in which we live.
Parks
Work continues to inch along on the restoration project in Meinig Park. Additional survey work is currently underway to provide accurate information to ensure appropriate slope percentages to meet ADA requirements. A tree survey will also assist in path and dog park location.
Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
Final detail for the Winter/Spring Recreation & Leisure Guide was completed. The Guide went live on the first day after Christmas break. New programs included the science-based Little Medical and Little Veterinarian School. These programs introduce 6-11 year-olds to the fields of medicine and veterinary practices through hands-on activities, games, and projects. Classes take place after school and on weekends.
The department is in ongoing talks to expand the partnership with Camp Namanu. They will be offering a spring break camp and meetings are planned to look at bringing after-school programs to Sandy.
Dog training classes have returned to the Community Center. They include Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Manners and more. Recreation staff has received frequent requests to bring back dog training programs, and we are looking forward to offering more as interest grows.
Mountain Storm Youth Basketball was off to an early start this year, but Mother Nature had other ideas. Participation continues to grow and the program is already utilizing increased access to Cedar Ridge to meet the need for more practices and games. Programs for K-2 have been expanded to include an intermediate fundamentals class for 1st and 2nd graders at Cedar Ridge on Saturdays.
Transit (Andi Howell)
Total ridership this month was 9,043. Overall ridership decreased by 5.4%. The SAM-Gresham ridership decreased by 4.6%. This route was negatively impacted due to the snow and ice in December. Although the route was never completely canceled, there were delays, canceled runs and often hourly headways rather than half-hour.
SAM-Estacada ridership decreased by 42%. Staff made significant changes to the Estacada line, including the route itself. The new route was particularly impacted by the snow and ice, and several runs were canceled. This was unanticipated and future steps will be taken to address the inaccessibility of the in-town portion of this route in bad road conditions.
STAR ridership did not experience a significant increase or decrease. Elderly and Disabled ridership on STAR remained at 67%. The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) experienced a 45.5% increase in ridership as compared to December 2015. Both STAR and ED were impacted by the snow and ice and several trips were canceled.
The new Shopper Shuttle was successful in the first month of operation, especially given the weather. This route was canceled one day and was driven by an SUV rather than a bus several days in December due to road conditions. The route provided 120 rides in the first month.
Due to a delay in the grant agreement process for the Shopper Shuttle, 5 planned months of operations were not possible. At the request of Sandy staff, ODOT agreed to allow Sandy to reallocate those operations funds to the capital component of the grant. These increased funds will allow the City to purchase a “trolley style” bus. It will be a low floor bus with a ramp and 2 wheelchair locations, which will provide accessibility for everyone, with the added charm of a trolley. The procurement process will occur in January and the “trolley bus” is expected by June 2017.
The Mount Hood Express (MHX) service experienced increased ridership last month due to the weather conditions on the mountain. This increase in ridership has changed the boarding patterns of MHX riders, leading to an increase of riders utilizing the Sandy Operations Center as a park-and-ride location. MHX buses depart the Sandy Operations Center so riders who board in Sandy have the first access to seats. Sandy staff debriefed with the operations crew to better plan for the increased traffic, staff time, riders and garbage in the parking lot. The bus stop was moved to an improved location, a new sign was posted and a garbage can will be installed. Sandy staff have also begun conversations with Clackamas County to encourage passengers to ride SAM from the Gresham Transit Center, lessening traffic on Hwy 26 and the impact on staff time at this facility. It is very encouraging to see MHX and Sandy Transit staff successfully collaborate with Clackamas County for the betterment of both systems.
Monthly Report ~ November 2016
Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
Dan Pribeagu, a nurse practitioner student from Gonzaga University, concluded his internship with the Senior Center by offering a 3-week Brain Health class. He offered tips on how to increase memory, lifestyle changes to improve mental awareness and foods that help increase brain health. The series concluded with a Brain Healthy lunch on the 17th.
Parks
The Park Board was sad to say goodbye to members Melissa Filich and Christina Frasl who resigned due to school, work and home life conflicts. Their invaluable contributions will certainly be missed. Tanya Richardson has attended two meetings and has shown interest in serving on the Board. More information on Tanya’s qualifications to follow.
Recreation (Sarah Richardson & Carol Cohen)
November was a busy month for youth basketball and planning for Winter and Spring recreation activities.
29 teams have formed for the 2017 Mountain Storm Basketball season. The program has grown and the Recreation Dept. is working with the school district to use the Cedar Ridge gym on Saturdays to accommodate the expanded program. Opportunities for open gyms, team practices, fundamentals classes, and adult programs will be planned.
The Camp Namanu partnership is also expanding. A new Spring Break Camp and other day camps are in the works. The summer program will grow to 4 or more weeks and it will include programs for middle school aged campers.
The Little Medical School program is coming to Sandy. Look for programs that introduce to children the fields of medicine and veterinary care. After-school programs incorporate fun and creative activities to help kids learn about healthy lifestyles for the whole family.
New Dog Training classes are also on the schedule. Several options will be available to choose from including Puppy Manners and the Canine Good Citizen program.
Corn Cross II, the OBRA State Cyclocross Championship was held at Liepold Farms. Over 500 participants enjoyed riding the outstanding course under mostly clear skies. The partnership between the City of Sandy, Liepolds & Sellwood Cycles is a successful model that will likely expand into new events in 2017.
Transit (Andi Howell)
Total ridership this month was 9,506. Overall ridership decreased by 3%. The SAM-Gresham route showed no significant change in ridership; the route increased by 7 rides over November 2015. This is the first time in 4 years that SAM Gresham ridership has not experienced a decrease. This is very promising news for the new fare structure changes that took effect just last month.
SAM-Estacada ridership decreased by 35%. Staff made significant changes to the Estacada route and times last month. It was also discovered that a driver was counting incorrectly on this route, but this was corrected within 1 day. We expect Estacada ridership to rebound soon as riders get used to the changes.
STAR rides decreased by 3.5%. STAR has experienced some decreases due to the cancellation of same-day scheduling. By January, STAR should be able to return to same-day scheduling as the Shopping Shuttle will begin operations December 1. The percentage of elderly and/or disabled riders on STAR was 67%.
The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) remained unchanged with 69 rides, the same as November 2015.
The Special Transportation Fund Advisory Committee began frequent meetings in November. The STF grant process will begin in December with grants due in January. Andi Howell is the rural transit representative on this committee and will attend meetings frequently through February. Additionally, Caren Topliff was appointed to the committee as a representative from Clackamas County. She is a wonderful addition to the committee and has a long history of advocating for disabled and senior transportation in the State. It was an honor to introduce her to the committee and nominate her for the position.
The Mount Hood Express (MHX) service surveyed ridership in October and found that 25% of their ridership reported transferring from a SAM service. Sandy and the MHX service operated by Clackamas County continue to have a strong commitment to work together at the benefit of the systems and the riders. This relationship was once again recognized by the Federal Highway grant program (FLAP) and both Sandy and Clackamas County were awarded funding for 4 more years. The FLAP funding allows Sandy Transit to operate the expanded Saturday morning hours, from 5:30-9:30 AM, and 8 runs throughout Sunday. This grant was not intended as a stable source of funding, and both Sandy and Clackamas County are thrilled to receive continued support.
Monthly Report ~ October 2016
Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
The 2016 world premier Halloween skit opened (and closed) to outstanding reviews. Staff took their costumes and performances to a whole new level with caricatures of the Kardashians, Sonny & Cher, Heart, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly Parton. Even Santa Claus made an appearance. Not to be outdone, dozens of Center participants came decked out in Halloween garb and earned prizes in the costume contest. Everyone’s a winner!
Parks
Sandy City Council approved Ordinance 2016-09 designating Parks and Centennial Plaza smoke, tobacco and vape-free. The ordinance will take effect in November with the intended results of a cleaner environment in which to enjoy outdoor recreational activities.
The Ant Farm Trail Crew donated a day of labor in Sandy River Park. Kathleen Walker volunteered her time to supervise the workers as they repaired a few mountain beaver holes in one section of the Jim Slagle Loop Trail and install remaining signs.
Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
Fall classes and Mountain Storm Youth Basketball geared up in October. Friday afternoons the Community Center was host to Shakespeare Theater as a group of young people participated in a new program. A Midsummer Night’s Dream was the script and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time learning and performing.
The youth basketball program is once again on pace for a busy year. Numbers are strong and the kids are benefiting from healthy activity and the experience of team sports.
Regular ongoing classes have strong numbers and families are enjoying soccer, Kinderdance, horsemanship and more.
Indoor Playgroup resumed and as attendance grew an additional time slot was added.
Transit (Andi Howell)
Total ridership this month was 9,940. Overall ridership decreased by 15.4%; the SAM-Gresham route decreased by 12%. SAM-Estacada ridership decreased by 43.6%. STAR rides decreased by 21.6%. The percentage of elderly and/or disabled riders on STAR was 66%. The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) increased by 11.9%.
Sandy Transit began posting notices regarding significant changes to the Estacada route scheduled to go into effect November 1; this could explain the drop in ridership on the Estacada route in October. STAR ridership has been declining due to the lack of ability to schedule same day rides; that capability will be restored by January 1, 2017.
In October, the City Council approved a resolution to create a fare structure change for Sandy Transit. Fixed route services (SAM Gresham and SAM Estacada) in Sandy city limits will be fareless. This change is expected to boost in-town ridership, support local businesses and provide more accessible transportation for Sandy residents.
Much of October was spent preparing for many changes that will begin to take effect November 1. In addition to planning a new route for Estacada and changing the times of the runs, Sandy Transit will begin a shopping shuttle on December 1, 2016. This shopper is intended to alleviate the scheduling difficulties for STAR, returning that service to same-day scheduling. Although it seems like a luxury to be able to schedule same-day service, in reality it is a necessity for some. Unplanned events, such as a trip to medical facility or to pick up a prescription cannot always be planned in advance.
Staff continue to serve on the Oregon Transportation Association board which met frequently in October in an effort to prepare legislative material for the upcoming legislative session. Staff are encouraged that, through OTA as well as other efforts, transit throughout the state will be included in a 2017 Transportation Package should one be successful.
Sandy staff remain involved in the Mount Hood Transportation Alliance that meets regularly regarding transportation in the Mount Hood communities. Mount Hood Express and the Villages Shuttle surveyed in October to gauge customer service and obtain feedback regarding schedule changes on the mountain service. Mount Hood Express and Sandy Transit once again partnered in an application for continued FLAP funding and expect information regarding the success of the grant proposal in November.