SENIOR CENTER (Nancy Enabnit)
Two special events highlighted the month.  On October 22nd the third ever Candidates’ Forum was hosted by the Center.  Candidates for state, county and local offices presented information to the 90 or so in attendance.

Another world premier Halloween Skit was performed by staff.  The adoring audience had rave reviews for Snow White and the Seven Senior Dwarfs.

PARKS (Nancy Enabnit)
A draft park survey was presented at the October board meeting.  Members reviewed the questions and made suggestions for the final product.  The survey is scheduled to reach Sandy homes in January, 2013.

RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
Preparations for the 2013 Winter/Spring Recreation Guide are in full swing. New classes include pre-school music, adult fitness and antiquing.

The new season of Mountain Storm youth basketball is in high gear with grades 3 & 4 hitting the court.

New fitness, computer, and pre-school classes were added to the fall calendar after the publication of the Fall Recreation Guide. The relatively new online system and database allows new classes to be added and advertised mid-season. Email blasts, Facebook, and occasional newsletters help to advertise new classes and to remind residents of deadlines and upcoming classes.

TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
October was a very busy month for transit with many projects and strong ridership.  Total ridership this month was 23,128, representing an increase of 7.6% from the same period last year.  The SAM-Estacada route led with an increase of 22%; SAM-Gresham increased 6.6%; STAR’s increase trailed with 2.2%.

The transit center at the plaza on Hoffman Avenue continues to take shape.  Two new street lights were installed; curbs and sidewalks have been completed along with the road surface repaved.  The shelter stands strong with its beautiful wood handsomely stained as the roof is being added.  Plumbing and preparation for the bathrooms awaits arrival of the pre-fab building.  Lighting will soon be installed in the shelter and final completion, which includes a change in traffic direction, is slated for early December.  The tentative date to begin use of the new facility is January 7, 2013.

The solar lighting at bus shelters arrived just in time for the dark winter months.  Drivers and passengers are enjoying the improved visibility.  Thank you to the Public Works crew for the installation!

The new bus for the Estacada route is in the barn and ready to roll into service as soon as staff can be trained.  The bus is new for our system.  It is a larger (31’) body-on-chassis style.  The chassis is a Freightliner equipped with a heavier-duty engine and transmission and increased seating (26 passengers) as the route often runs at capacity.  The diesel engine should provide improved fuel efficiency.

Staff continued work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan that will be adopted just in time for the biennial grant process.

It looks as if a funding source from the Oregon Department of Energy, the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC), which has made solid contributions to our transit system since 2004, will not survive as a viable option in the future.  The loss of this funding, along with other recent changes to the federal grant programs, will necessitate a thorough review of options.

The Transit Adventure, with thirteen participants, explored the Pearl District using the Streetcar in addition to SAM and MAX.

Senior Center
Two vans full of Center members attended the Sandy High School Grand Opening on September 7th.  Included in the group was 1936 SHS graduate Grace Reich.  Grace’s father owned a sawmill on land that is now the Nicholas Glen neighborhood, and she has remained active in the Sandy community serving on many committees.  She has coordinated the Center’s meals-on-wheels drivers for over 27 years, and a few years back won the Clackamas County Heart & Hands Volunteer of the Year Award for her efforts.  Grace was thrilled to meet Governor Kitzhaber in person. 

In anticipation of open enrollment time for Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit, representatives from Clackamas County held an informational meeting at the Center on Wednesday, the 29th.  Individual counseling sessions will be available here in November by appointment.

Parks
At the September meeting, Park Board members heard Chief Yamashita’s proposal for making Sandy River Park an alcohol-free facility, and restructuring alcohol use in other parks to a permit system only.  Follwing discussion, the majority of board members voted to support the Chief’s recommendations.  Revised code language will come before the City Council for discussion sometime in the near future. 

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)
It’s fall so it must be time for Mountain Storm Basketball. For the first time, registration forms were included in the Fall Recreation Guide in an effort to get the word out sooner and to rely less on forms making it from schools to backpacks to parents. Girls and boys, grades 3 & 4, play October-December, and Grades 5 & 6 begin open gyms in November to prepare for the start of their season in January. The popular K-2 program will be back in January as well.

The current guide features old favorites and some new classes including tips for traveling abroad on a budget and a new format for fall hikes. Learn to make mozzarella cheese and pizza dough in a cooking class offered in October.

The online system allows classes to be added ongoing. Zumba and Art & Tumbling were added after the Guide was printed, and both are proving to be popular. Email alerts are sent when new classes are added which helps get the word out.

Transit (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 19,920, representing around a 6% decrease from the same period last year.  It was a short month for days of operation and all services had about the same use.

The contractor for the transit center has made significant changes to Centennial Plaza and Hoffman Avenue.  Curbs have been removed, and the street lights and electrical will be installed next week.  Solar lighting for existing bus shelters will be delivered next week with installation completed just in time for the dark, winter months.

Delivery of the new bus for the Estacada route is expected in mid-October.   

Julie, Joyce and Harriet attended all or part of the Oregon Public Transportation Conference along with Transit Advisory Committee members Joseph Lowe and Roxy Tolva.  Joyce was awarded the Outstanding Transit Employee Award.  She was nominated along with three other employees from around the state.  Her long and exceptional career in transit secured the top honor.  The City is fortunate to have her leadership in transit operations.

Julie also attended two days of the CalAct Conference in Monterey which focused on rule changes for ADA and the new Transportation Act, MAP-21.

Staff continued work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan which will be adopted just in time for the biennial grant process.

Eight participants took the Transit Adventure to the Oregon City Farmer’s Market, then onto the Bomber Restaurant in Milwaukie for lunch.

Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)

Trips to the Clackamas County Fair and Oregon State Fair were the most popular activities in August.  The monthly hikes target destinations region-wide and continue to attract a large following.

Parks

The Conditional Use Permit application for Bornstedt Park went before the Planning Commission.  Concerns were expressed regarding the application, and the Commissioners voted to continue the public hearing to the September meeting.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)

The adult Softball League capped off a successful season with a two day double elimination tournament. There were a total of 14 teams and 254 players. Truck Design Auto Body for the fourth year in a row took home the trophy.

Development of the Fall Recreation and Leisure Guide took place in August. New computer and technology classes were added as well as a full schedule of fall hikes.

Transit (Julie Stephens)

Total ridership this month was 23,914, representing just over a 5% increase from the same period last year.  TheSAM-Gresham increased by 5%, whileSAM-Estacada was flat andSTARuse was up by 14.9%. The ED program increased 38% over the same period last year.

Progress continues with the Contractor for the Transit Center.  Staff met with the solar lighting vendor; we should be installing the lighting by October, just in time for the dark winter months.

Staff continued work with TriMet and the other regional transit providers toward an update of the regional Elderly and Disabled Transportation Plan which should be completed within a couple of months, just in time for the biennial grant process.

The Transit Adventure took 12 participants to OMSI for the Wild Minds: What Animals Really Think exhibit.

Senior Center (Nancy Ream Enabnit)

If it’s July, then pie happens.  Another profitable Sandy Mountain Festival yielded $4000 in pie, cookie, coffee and tea sales.  The net proceeds benefit the area’s meals-on-wheels program.

The Sandy Senior Center was selected as a site for a new type of Tai Chi-based exercise program focusing on helping older adults maintain and improve their balance and wellness.  Bonnie Newman, long-time recreation department Tai Chi instructor, received specialized training and is serving as teacher.  Classes are held on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and are at capacity with 20 participants.

Parks

On July 25th Sandy hosted the Quarterly Trails Forum sponsored by Metro.  Trail enthusiasts came from throughout the region to learn about construction of Tickle Creek Trail and walk the trail from east to west.  Kathleen Walker of the Mt. Hood National Forest presented information on trail development in the Villages of Mt. Hood and in the Zigzag Ranger District.  She explained the long-term goal of a Timberline to Town (Portland) Trail. Staff from Clackamas County conducted an on-site tour of the Boring Station Trailhead and discussed its construction and relevance to the Springwater Corridor.  Participants also toured a section of the Cazadero Trail escorted by personnel from Oregon State Parks.

Recreation (Sarah Richardson)

Sandy Adult Softball League was in full swing throughout July.  With construction of new fields at Sandy High School, the fourteen teams played all games at schools in Boring and Welches.  The league culminates with a playoff tournament in August.

Once again a successful slate of Mountain Festival Children’s activities were offered free of charge.  The Pet Show, Bike Derby and Kids’ Parade attracted record numbers of boys and girls.

Citizens enjoyed day camps, field trips, soccer camps and many other offerings advertised in the Summer Recreation Guide.

Sandy Summer Sounds and Starlight Cinema got rolling in July with another successful Shakespeare in the Park, Wine in the Woods (new this year) and weeks of a fantastically diverse line-up of live music as well as five weeks of popular outdoor movies.

Transit (Julie Stephens)

Total ridership this month was 21,751, representing just over a 5% increase from the same period last year.  The SAM-Gresham increased by 4.6%, while SAM-Estacada increased 7.3% and STAR use was up by 6.8%. The ED program jumped to 143% over the same period last year.

Progress continues with the Contractor for the Transit Center.  Solar lighting has been ordered for the bus shelters.

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

Eleven participants went to the Portland Farmer’s Market in Pioneer Square this month.

SENIOR CENTER (Nancy Ream Enabnit)
Center members are gearing up for the Sandy Mountain Festival Pie & Cookie booth.  Proceeds from the efforts benefit the area’s meals-on-wheels program.  Many thanks to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary who helped mix cookie dough.  Once again the Festival music at the Birdcage Theater got a jumpstart from the center’s own Silvertones band and vocal group. 

PARKS
New members were approved by City Council for appointment to the Park Board just in time for the annual park tour.  Working towards the updated Park Master Plan, board members completed facility inventory forms for each of Sandy’s Parks.  Christine Gaare, wife of new board member Craig, provided valuable information on effective survey techniques. 

RECREATION (Sarah Richardson)
Adult Coed Softball is back to a full 14 teams for 2012, up from 10 teams in 2011.

A new program for middle school aged kids combines a visit to learn about volunteer opportunities with the Oregon Humane Society, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Oregon Food Bank with lunch and a movie.

Classes for pre-school aged kids in dance and soccer are very popular this summer with growth in both programs.

A variety of Martial Arts programs for all ages continues to expand and grow in popularity. 

The 7^th Annual Noah’s Quest 5k/10k Walk & Run was held on June 30^th.  New this year was a 1k Kiddie Run featuring an enthusiastic group of boys and girls.  About 170 people participated in all events.

Check out this year’s Sandy Summer Sounds & Starlight Cinema schedule at www.sandysummersounds.com or pick up a nifty brochure at any City building.

TRANSIT (Julie Stephens)
Total ridership this month was 22,348, representing just under a 2% decrease from the same period last year.  The SAM-Gresham and STAR were down by approximately 2%, while SAM-Estacada decreased 9.4%. The use of ED increased again by 15.4% over the same period last year.  There were fewer days of service due to the way the calendar fell.

Ridership for the fiscal year finished up by 5.8%, which is a greater annual increase than has been seen in recent years.

TheTransit Center bids came in with only one respondent; which, despite coming in over the estimate, was accepted.  Contract documents will soon be completed with construction expected in the fall.

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

Thirteen participants joined the Transit Adventure to The Old Church in downtown Portland.

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.