The Mountain Times November 2024

NOVEMBER 2024

HOOD

Alder Creek, Brightwood, Cherryville, Firwood, Government Camp, Marmot, Mountain Air Park, Rhododendron, Sandy, Welches, Wemme, Wildwood and Zigzag

Hoodland Fire to Host Open House on Nov 7

By Hoodland Fire District

For The Mountain Times

Hoodland Fire District is holding an open house for members of the public to learn about efforts to replace the main fire station. This is the first of two open house events. Attendees will be able to tour the existing station, learn about the proposed location and see floor plans for the new fire station. Attendees will also have the chance to share their preferences on the new building’s exterior design.

HARVESTING FALL FUN AND GAMES

By Marie Kennedy

The Mountain Times

On Oct. 25, Welches students, staff and parent volunteers celebrated the annual Welches Harvest Festival, a

much-anticipated day of costumes, games and fall fun. All came dressed for the occasion.

Festivities started at 10 a.m., with classes gathering in the elementary

stage area to pick out their pumpkins, smaller ones but perfect nonetheless. Werewolves and fairies, witches, SWAT team officers, ballerinas

Heidi Celebrates 9th Birthday at Timberline Lodge

Since Timberline Lodge was built in 1937, the tradition of having resident St. Bernards has lived on through the decades and is a favorite of our guests. The tradition continues to this day with Heidi and Bruno.

Heidi is celebrating her 9th birthday with us on November 9 from 1-3 p.m.

Join us for cake and pictures with the birthday girl. Heidi’s birthday party will take place in the Barlow Room at Timberline Lodge. Free admission and everyone is welcome!

To celebrate, our retail outlets are offering a 20% discount on dog merchandise all weekend (Friday through Sunday), including Portland Pet Food dog treats, Pride Bites toys and accessories, and Wolfgang collars, leashes, and accessories. Visit the Wy'East Store in the Day Lodge or the Gallery Gift Shop in the lodge and shop for your fur baby!

HIKING WITH HEIDI OR BRUNO

A true Timberline experience! Enjoy a leisurely hike or snowshoe with our St. Bernard mascot and her handler. Hikes with Heidi are $150 and last 45 minutes.

Bottled water, trail mix, and doggie treats included! Please call 800-5471406 for availability and reservations.

HISTORY

The history of St. Bernards at Timberline is an interesting tale indeed. St. Bernards, as most people know, are commonly associated with snow-capped mountains. These large dogs are resistant to cold and have an uncanny sense of smell and direction. They earned their name for saving lives in the Alps’ St. Bernard Pass between Switzerland and Italy in the 1700s. St. Bernards have

Principal Payne leading the parade.

Mountain Profile Mark Fritch Mountain Profile

PLACE OF BIRTH? Snohomish, Washington. HOW LONG ON THE MOUNTAIN? Things all began around 1988.

IF YOU WERE NOT BROUGHT HERE AS A CHILD, WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAIN? A slow trail of migration. It clearly has been a great choice and very little of it was predictable.

PROFESSION? The most over-educated log builder on the planet would probably capture it.

OTHER PROFESSIONS? I grew up in a family that had a farm and a sawmill. This put me on the track of working with my hands and my head in forestry, lumber and construction.

FAVORITE MOVIE? It could be Popeye with Robin Williams; Defiance, based on the true story of the Bielski brothers; Reign Over Me and Spanglish with Adam Sandler.

FAVORITE ACTRESS/ACTOR? Sigourney Weaver, Julianne Moore, Geena Davis, Matt Damon, Kevin Costner, Adam Sandler, and Keanu Reeves fit here.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS? I do have a preference for public broadcasting work from both NPR/OPB here in the US and SVT, Sweden’s public broadcasting system.

FAVORITE BOOKS? I like most anything that makes me think. I have been reading a lot of Swedish historical novels the last few years as I am tracking down my ancestry.

FAVORITE TYPE OF MUSIC? Generally anything that deals with acoustic instruments, mostly guitar, and artists who are very well rounded and authentic. One person that exemplifies that for me is Brad Paisley.

FAVORITE FOOD? Just about anything that challenges the taste buds. I like various ethnic foods and to recreate them at home.

FAVORITE HOBBIES? Working, building, creating, and modifying anything that I can improve. I found that I have a knack for mechanics, solving problems and blending it all with an eye toward art.

IF OFFERED A DREAM VACATION, WHERE WOULD YOU GO, AND WHY? I am particularly attracted to northern Europe, central Europe, and the Nordic countries. I think it is a heritage thing and possibly even DNA.

BEST LESSON LEARNED AS A CHILD? The best lesson I would have loved to learn as a child, came as an adult. Looking back, I would have spent far more time with the older people in my life — my father’s father, my mother’s mother, and a wise old soul named Henry Berkebile. They are the ones that set me on my life’s course and I owe them everything.

DEFINING MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE OR YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? There is no one moment; it is all part of the process. I’ve learned many things and spent a great deal of time educating myself, but, as Mark Twain was to have said, “I have never let schooling interfere with my education.”

A MEMORABLE DINNER? Far too many to recall one in particular. They all would have involved friends gathering, cooking, eating, often with homemade beer, wine, or liquors, with great conversations.

A FUNNY MOMENT FROM YOUR LIFE THAT YOU CAN SHARE? In 1975-1976, I was at WSU in Pullman, Washington and my younger brother, Bruce, was living with me and supposed to eat all his meals at the sorority where he was a houseboy. It always irked me when Bruce would come in at night, generally when I wasn’t there, and rummage through the refrigerator, eating my food without helping on the food bill. He was like a dog going through someone’s picnic basket. I went down to the local supermarket and found a can of Alpo Beef Stew dog food. I went home, cooked it up, and put half of it away in the fridge. I knew that Bruce would be coming home that afternoon. I waited and tried to do homework, and Bruce came home and headed right for the refrigerator. He sat down, took one big spoonful, looked at me and said, “Damn your cooking is normally better than this. This **** tastes like DOG FOOD!!”

IF YOU COULD INVITE ANYONE (PAST OR PRESENT) TO DINNER, WHO WOULD IT BE, AND WHY? It would be Grandpa Fritch, Grandma Timmerman, and Henry Berkebile. Dad and his grandfather, Papa Borgen, to round out the meal. And I would do the cooking.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN ONE WORD? “Relentlesslycuriousandabsolutelyfascinatedbylife”

WHEN YOU’RE NOT READING THE MOUNTAIN TIMES, WHAT BOOK/AUTHOR/MAGAZINE/OTHER DO YOU READ? If I stop moving and have a moment anywhere, I’ll pick up anything with printing on it and start reading.

IF YOUR LIFE WERE MADE INTO A PLAY OR MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE TITLE BE? “It’s Never Too Late to Have a Great Childhood”.

PET PEEVE? Inconsiderate Narcissists.

BAD HABIT YOU’D LIKE TO BREAK? Not getting enough sleep.

FAMOUS PERSON(S) YOU HAVE MET, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES? No one that has been on the news or in the tabloids, but I have met hundreds of people who should have been famous had it not been for their humility. It has been my great good fortune to have met some of the finest people on the planet.

FAVORITE QUOTE? “If it isn’t working for all of us, it isn’t working for any of us.”

FAVORITE PART OF THE MOUNTAIN TIMES? I prefer anything that gives me insight into people and the history that surrounds us. Both are underestimated and underappreciated in their value in our lives.

Action Sports Fuel Academic Excellence

By Justin Andress

For The Mountain Times

Every day, residents drive past the unassuming Wy’East Mountain Academy campus (formerly Windell’s) with little idea of the world-class facilities and dynamic education taking place just beyond the trees on Highway 26. Over the last four years, Wy’East has guided its students toward an impressive 100 percent college acceptance rate.

“The idea is that [the students] dictate their future,” says Academy Head Mike Hanley. “If you sit in class and don’t do anything, nothing good is going to happen. But if you work hard, good things magically happen.”

That adherence to hard work permeates the school, where 57 students aged 12 to 19 split their days between studying and practicing in one of four action sports disciplines: skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing or mountain biking.

Walking through the grounds, you don’t have to be an action sports fan to see that something special has developed on the Mt. Hood campus. It’s hard not to be impressed with the Academy’s everexpanding facilities.

The 28-acre campus has been turned into a concrete playground that complements the natural beauty of the Hoodland area without disturbing it.

Skiers and snowboarders hone their skills on a year-round

slope that ends in an enormous landing bag perfect for practicing aerial maneuvers.

Skateboarders cruise the entirely skateable campus, gliding between two fully equipped skate parks. Mountain bikers climb hills and hit jumps on the multiacre course built into the mountainside.

Wy’East Academy has a vaunted place among action sports enthusiasts. First opened in 1989 by legendary snowboarder Tim Windell, the campus has played host to several action sports luminaries both before and after they made their name.

“Tim always tells this story,” says Hanley as we tour the campus. “Toward the end of the 2000s, there was a little kid … [Tim] let the family park their RV here and would actually give him a little piggy back up the halfpipe. That was one of our new owners: Shaun White.”

White spent several summers at the campus perfecting his technique before becoming a threetime Olympic gold medalist. Earlier this year, White invested in the camp, the camp that helped shape his future. Indeed, Olympic glory seems to have been sewn into the fabric of the Academy since it opened its doors in 2009.

“On that first day, we only had two kids,” says Hanley. “It was pretty terrifying. We had a staff of six and only two students. By the end of that year, we had 27. Three years in, we had seven [students]

ranked in the top 100 professionals in the world, including three in the top 10. Since that time, we’ve had a student or alum on the podium at every Olympics.”

Chasing Olympic gold isn’t the purpose of Wy’East Academy. Hanley explains, “The athletic components here are usually why people sign up, but we use athletics as a tool to get them to grow as a person. That’s what we’re working for. Our mission is life improvement through people, place and passion.”

That rigorous devotion to improvement extends to the classroom. Students work through Edgenuity’s self-guided curriculum under the supervision and tutelage of two attentive teachers.

“We check their pace every day to see where they’re at with their program,” explains educator Adam Moreschi.

That diligence has resulted in an average GPA of 3.5 for Wy’East’s students.

Hanley is understandably proud of that academic accomplishment when he discusses the philosophy behind Wy’East Academy. “We believe how you do anything is how you do everything. If they work hard with their sports, then it carries over into the classroom, and that carries over into residential. [We want them to learn to] be a nice person, be a good person, give back to the community. Everything we do here is with the goal of improving lives.”

To that end, the faculty of Wy’East Academy work overtime to ensure their students possess the ability to pursue their passions once they graduate. The academic staff hosts an advisory course to help students prepare for the PSAT and SAT. When test day arrives, they also host sessions for kids enrolled in both the Academy and the nearby Oregon Trail School District.

When the students are on the road at tournaments, accompanying staff members take them on tours of nearby college campuses to stoke their excitement for higher education.

When it comes time to apply for colleges, the staff works to relieve the financial burden on families by familiarizing parents with FAFSA applications and untapped scholarship potential.

Given Wy’East Academy’s record for excellence, it’s no wonder kids from nine countries, including Japan, Canada, Italy, China, and the Czech Republic have found their way to Mt. Hood to study and train.

“One of the biggest hurdles we’ve found is the perceived culture of action sports,” says Hanley.

Wy’East Academy isn’t interested in falling into stereotypes. The school is charting its own path forward by harnessing its students’ passion for action sports and channeling that drive into a passion for life.

HEIDI

From Page 1

been a part of Timberline’s traditions since 1937, when Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the lodge. The first Timberline St.Bernards were reportedly Hansel and Gretel, then Lady and Bruel.

For a brief time, the St. Bernard mascots were replaced with Huskies when the Kohnstamm family took over management of the lodge in the 1950s. The first mascot

under the Kohnstamms’ watch was Mac, who belonged to an employee. Then, due to popular demand, the Kohnstamms reintroduced St. Bernards. Since the early 1960s, the lodge has had St. Bernards named Heidi and Bruno. They lived at Timberline, had free-roam of the building, and greeted countless visitors, skiers and climbers. The dogs have been featured in the ski area’s

Heidi and Bruno, 2019.

OPEN HOUSE

From Page 1

Hoodland Fire District

Main Fire Station 351 must be replaced to ensure the area’s residents and visitors continue to receive adequate fire protection and emergency services. The current building located at 69634 E HWY 26, Welches, OR, is not earthquake resilient, lacks space for decontaminating gear and contains cancer-causing asbestos. It also lacks

adequate showers, bathrooms and sleeping facilities for firefighters and first responders.

The proposed new site for Fire Station 351 is at the former site of the Dorman Center/Hoodland Community Park, 25400 E Salmon River Road, Welches, OR. Funding would come from a general obligation bond if approved by voters in the May 2025 election. The land for the

Local News

brochures, ski pins, posters, and on Timberline Lodge matchbook covers.

In the 1980s a children’s book, “Heidi’s Rose,” was published. In more recent years the dogs have been featured in many of the outdoor-oriented fashion catalogs photographed at the lodge. Guests can also purchase their own plush Heidi or Bruno at Timberline’s gift shops.

In the mid-1990s, their job as mascots became more stressful. The increasing volume of visi-

site has been donated by Clackamas County and the District is actively seeking alternative sources of funding, such as grants, to reduce the bond amount Total cost will be determined once a preferred design is selected.

OPEN HOUSE #1

• WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 7

• TIME: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• WHERE: Hoodland Fire District Main Station 351, 69634 E HWY 26, Welches, OR 97067

tors to Timberline Lodge became a bit of a burden on the dogs, leading to concerns for their health and demeanor. After considering the situation, management molded the long-term tradition to a changing world and came up with a wonderful solution involving employees. Since that time, rather than allow the dogs to live independently at the lodge, Heidi and Bruno have belonged to longterm employees who become their primary caregivers and alpha

• WHAT:

• Station tours at 5:30 p.m.

• Presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Can’t attend? Participate in our online open house from Nov. 7-14. Instructions for participating will be posted at https://www.hoodlandfire.gov/main-fire-station-replacement-project in November.

Learn more and participate online at hoodlandfire.us.

Join Us for an Open House!

November 7, 5:30pm–7:30pm

Tour the station, learn about Hoodland’s proposed new Main Fire Station location and floor plans and share your input.

masters. The dogs cheerfully come and go to work with their appointed alpha master, still spending much of their time at the lodge carrying on tradition and bringing happiness to Timberline’s many visitors.

Bruno 11.0 (the eleventh Bruno) is currently

seven years

for by

be

the

Desk.

The current Main Fire Station 351 has outlived its useful life and cannot be remodeled to accomodate required needs due to the size of our current site. Hoodland Fire District (HFD) is developing plans to replace the existing Main Fire District Station 351 at a new location nearby to meet the needs of our growing community and keep our first responders safe. An online open house will be available from November 7–14. Learn more and participate online at hoodlandfire.us.

old. He is cared

our Assistant Director of Human Resources and can often

found in

hallway behind the Barlow Room in the HR office. Heidi 9.0 is turning nine in November 2024 and resides with our Hotel GM. She hangs out at the Front

One of Timberline’s first St. Bernards.

Meet the Athlete Kapper’s Energy Inspiring to Whole Team

By Joe O’Leary

The Mountain Times

When Sandy senior Dahlia Kappers moved up to the wing from her normal position of center back in a September game against Dallas, a simple “ugh ” could be heard from the defender that was then tasked with guarding her. Kappers is close to the last thing you’d want to see on a soccer field. Whether she’s defending or attacking, Kappers’ possesses solid strength and aggression that makes her a piece SHS girls soccer coach

Greg Pfleger can put anywhere and feel confident in.

“As a new coach to the program, having Dahlia has been invaluable. She knows the players well and has been a tremendous resource in helping me get to know them too,” Pfleger said. A four-year varsity player and two-year captain, Kappers has certainly developed a clock-in clock-out mindset over the years when it comes to the dynamic of the Sandy girls’ soccer team.

“We’ve discussed it. We need to keep the drama off the pitch. We’re a family, if there’s something going on at school we know it doesn’t matter once we go out there,” Kappers said. Making a consistent impact as both a leader and a playmaker, Kappers is making her fourth and final run with the varsity team in what looks to be, ultimately, a transition year for SHS. With quite a few sophomores and even freshmen getting extensive playing time, someone like Kappers is absolutely crucial in rounding the team out, as not only is she dominating now, she’s preparing her teammates for the future of the program under Pfleger.

“It’s been really different [this year], I’ve had three coaches my whole high school career. I’ve had Greg as my coach

before and he’s a really awesome coach, probably one of the best I’ve ever had,” Kappers explained. Three coaches in four years is an objectively bad hand that not only Kappers was dealt, but all of her senior teammates as well. You’re not likely to hear any complaints from the player, however, who has spent her time with the team caring exclusively about the their product on the field, as well as the family they have built along the way.

“Since my freshman year all of the seniors have been really nice. They’ve always given me examples of how to be a leader. They’ve always been a good example of how to treat people, on and off the field,” Kappers explained. So as the SHS girls soccer team turns the page and looks towards the future, it’s unlikely that the consistent contributions of Kappers will be forgotten by underclassmen. They will certainly not be forgotten by Pfleger, who is a constant preacher of building and looking towards the next step to climb the mountain, no matter the circumstance, a sentiment embodied more by Kappers than anyone else.

“Whether she’s on the field or leading by example, Dahlia’s energy is contagious, inspiring the entire team to push themselves further,” Pfleger said.

Fire Focus Student Firefighter Says It’s More Than Putting Out Fires

By Ty Walker The Mountain Times

When he was younger, Vincent Burnham thought it was all about breaking down doors and putting out fires. He knew firefighters responded to medical emergencies but didn’t realize to what extent. He would soon experience first-hand that the great majority of calls are medical and unrelated to fire.

Burnham is one of four trainees enrolled in the Hoodland Fire District Student Program, learning the ropes on the job, side by side with career firefighters and paramedics. In June, on just his second full shift on duty, he was part of a team that responded to a bad car crash on Highway 26. Crash victims required serious medical attention.

“I didn’t realize how much firefighters were involved in the EMS side

of things, going out to medical emergencies,” Burnham said. “I always thought it was busting down doors and putting out the fire when I was younger.”

Burnham was introduced to firefighting through Hoodland Fire District’s Fire Cadet Program, designed for youth ages 12-18. He learned basic firefighting and emergency skills in a hands-on structured environment on Monday nights at Hoodland Fire’s Main Station in Welches.

A 2021 graduate of the Clackamas Web Academy, Burnham was working as a mechanic until he got laid off from his job last December. That gave him time to reevaluate what he wanted to do for a career. He knew he wanted to do something that helped people.

His mother encouraged him to attend the cadet program, which is

where he found out there was the opportunity for serious-minded young adult students 18 or older to pursue a career as a certified firefighter and paramedic through the Hoodland Student Program.

“My mom had told me and my brother about it because we were both – I guess the best way to put it is aimless,” Burnham said. “I wasn’t satisfied with where I was and she told me about it. So we started going on Monday nights and that turned into learning about the Student Program.”

This opportunity to apply to the Student Program presented itself in February this year. He applied and was accepted. He started the two-year training program in June with the option of a third year to earn the paramedic certification.

“It’s really great,” Burnham said. “Everyone here is very nice. They all want to see me become better, improve my skills and perform my job the best I can. They want to see that constant improvement.”

He said being able to help people is something he always wanted to do. He feels a strong drive to help the community of which he feels a strong part. Now he’s learning the skills that can save lives.

Burnham said his goal is to become a career firefighter/paramedic. He

said he can help more people if he has good medical knowledge and is in a position to respond to fires when they happen.

“I knew it was going to be physically intensive,” he said. “I didn’t realize how exhausting it is to wear the full turnouts and SCBAs (self contained breathing apparatus) and be doing rigorous physical activity in that kind of insulating clothing. It’s very hot. I have to wash them frequently because I get pretty sweaty in them.”

Burnham said it’s a lot of fun to practice scenarios on a burn to learn house, using a fog machine to simulate smoke. Students work on their ventilation skills or search and rescue people inside the smoldering house.

Since much of the job is focused on the medical side, Burnham is drawn to his emergency medical technician studies. “I like learning about anatomy and physiology, how to help people and recognize certain symptoms,” he said.

In his spare time, when he’s not working a regular 48 hours on, 96 hours off shift, or attending firefighter certification classes at Portland Community College, Burnham enjoys working on cars and playing video games. He and his buddies run a side business flipping cars, but firefighting is his passion.

Vincent Burnham

Dick Hannah Donates 2023 Explorer to Sandy High School

By Joe O’Leary

The Mountain Times

For quite a while, there was a stigma that floated around in American high schools; college should be the standard path for students after they graduate. In the past few years, however, things have been shifting quite a bit. Entering trades or taking a gap year have always been options for students, but they certainly have never

been as widely presented and encouraged as they are today. Sandy High School is no exception to this trend, boasting a solid selection of CTE courses. Over the years, these programs, particularly the manufacturing and automotive classes, have jump-started various young students into careers through teacher/ school connections and years of attentiveness on the part of the graduates. At halftime of SHS’s

football game on October 10, the program received an invaluable boost, a 2023 Ford Explorer. Two years ago, Dick Hannah purchased the Ford and Chevrolet dealerships in Sandy. In the time since, the dealership has begun working alongside the automotive program at SHS.

“We suddenly realized that the stuff they were working on was old. It wasn’t up to date. There were a lot of things that needed to be changed. As far as tools, diagnostic equipment, all the stuff they use. But the biggest need was a vehicle,” Dick Hannah’s general manager Tony Hornbck explained. As vehicles have changed so rapidly in the past few decades, it cannot be underplayed how vital a modern vehicle is in jumpstarting the knowledge of students with the potential to join

the automotive field some day. The true beauty of the vehicle donation is that, not only does it help SHS, it’s also an investment for Dick Hannah, which pulls a fair amount of new workers from the school.

“I have two people from the 2023 class working for me right now. It helps, as people retire to have new workers ready,” Hornback said. The vehicle, which had an error in production Ford deemed unsolvable, was donated from the auto manufacturing company itself to Dick Hannah, with the intention of being passed on to the high school. And when the moment of Hornback passing the keys to SHS principal Sarah Dorn came, it was a break of jubilation in an already joyous night that oversaw a 61-21 blowout by the Pioneers over rival Gresham.

“Since I’ve been here we haven’t had a donation like this. This will benefit every single student in our automotive program. And not only our automotive program, but our entire CTE program,” Dorn said. All things considered, the donation shows that SHS is serious about being among the best with regard to student resources, and that the idea of a community as a collective looking out for what matters is a vital part of Sandy’s culture.

Even the hundreds of SHS students that Dick Hannah doesn’t pull into their shop, kids who go in and out of the automotive program every year, benefit.

“What our students are learning in this program allows them to enter Mt. Hood [Community College] and their program there and already be ahead, just because they have something like this [car],” Dorn said.

OTSD Ranks 11 in the State for Second Year in a Row

By OTSD

For The Mountain Times School Digger, a website that emphasizes tests scores and achievement data for data-driven comparisons, ranked the Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) as the 11th best district in Oregon for 2024, the second year in a row the district ranked in that spot.

“Our students and staff continue to achieve at high levels, and this ranking is a testament to their hard work,” said

Aaron Bayer, OTSD Superintendent. “We will continue to leverage all our abilities to help our students acquire the skills that will forever change the trajectory of their lives and put them on the path of the future they deserve.”

OTSD ranked as the second highest school district in Clackamas County and as the sixth highest in the state for districts serving more than 1,000 students.

“Oregon Trail

students are advantaged by being at our schools,” Bayer added. “Our goal is to provide the most robust, reliable and relevant opportunities to our students, from the first day of kindergarten to the day they graduate.”

Sandy High School’s (SHS) graduation rate in 2023 was 91.6 percent, more than 10 points higher than the state average, and students who completed one of the school’s eight different Career Technical Educa-

tion (CTE) programs graduated at 99 percent. Graduation rates for 2024 are expected to be released this winter.

Middle school students in the OTSD can earn high school credits in seven courses, including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Spanish and several CTE electives, while SHS students can earn dual-credit/ college credit in up to 27 classes and in the CTE programs.

Photo credit Oregon Trail School District.

VIEW FROM THE MOUNTAIN

From the publisher’s desk

HELLO MOUNTAIN TIMERS,

As we reflect on our role within this vibrant mountain community, we want to take a moment to reaffirm our commitment to the values that guide our work at The Mountain Times. We pledge to uphold integrity, truth and justice for all. These principles are not merely words; they are the foundation upon which we build our reporting and our relationship with you, our readers. We understand that in an era of misinformation, the responsibility to deliver accurate and fair news is more critical than ever. Our dedication to integrity means we will always strive for transparency in our reporting, ensuring that our sources are credible and our stories are balanced. We believe truth is a vital pillar of a healthy democracy, and we are committed to uncovering and sharing the facts, no matter how challenging that may be. Moreover, justice for all is not just an ideal; it is a call to action. We will work

diligently to highlight the stories and voices of those who are often marginalized or overlooked. We believe that every member of our community deserves to be heard and represented. Together, we can foster a community where integrity, truth and justice thrive. We encourage you to engage with us, share your stories and hold us accountable as we strive to meet this pledge. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. We are honored to serve you as your local paper and to be a part of this incredible community.

Sincerely,

Matthew Nelson Your

Publisher, The Mountain Times.

If you have an idea for a story, have a classified, milestone or an event you would like to have published, or if you own a business and would like to advertise with us, please give us a call at 503-6223289.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful people of our community for supporting Mount Hood Taxi over the years. It has been an incredible journey, serving the residents and visitors of this beautiful area. However, after much thought and due to health concerns, I am stepping into retirement.

Running Mount Hood Taxi through the challenges of the pandemic was not easy. The economic impact was hard on many of us, yet with the support of loyal customers and the dedication of our team, we managed to keep going. I am so grateful for the kindness, patience and encouragement I received from so many during these difficult times. You have all been an invaluable part of this journey.

As I step away, I encourage the community to continue supporting Mt. Hoodland Shuttle (971-930-7210). They are here to keep you moving safely and reliably, and I trust they will provide the same dedication to service that we have strived for at Mount Hood Taxi.

Thank you, once again, for the years of loyalty and friendship. I will always cherish the memories and the connections made.

With sincere appreciation, Dennis Bachman

DEAR EDITOR:

I got my directory today and I have to tell you HOMERUN!!!

Great job to you and your team!

Ryk H

VOTE ROBERTS FOR CLACKAMAS

COMMISSION CHAIR

Roberts is a Democratic style leader, just the opposite of the current Clackamas County Chair, who is an Authoritarian style leader who gives commands about what needs to be done, when it should be done and how it should be done.

Roberts has served Clackamas County over four terms as the Sheriff.

He understands the County and has been proactive in building programs to help the homeless, dealing with mental health issues in the justice system, domestic violence, quick to deal with crime, and was known for his effective collaboration with other County, State, and Federal agencies to help build strong problem-solving teams. He has faced challenges head on, and redefined policies to correct them.

Roberts notes that “Now more than ever, Clackamas County needs a Commission Chair that is transparent, respectful, financially responsible and willing to listen to the voters they serve.

Vote Roberts! A Leader we can Trust!

Laura Underwood

Sandy

Voters in the May primary agreed: Roberts is the change we need, winning 48.8% of the vote.

Craig Roberts will win the Clackamas County Chair on November 5th, because we can trust him to be transparent, respectful, financially responsible and willing to listen to the voters.

Shirley Morgan, Rhododendron

FOLKS,

One last thing I wanted to mention this month.

I wanted to take a quick moment to welcome back Marie Kennedy to The Mountain Times Writing Team. Many of you may remember when she and her late husband Tom owned The Mountain Times years ago. We are thrilled to have her back and happy to welcome her home.

Matthew Nelson Publisher

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Justin Andress, Donovan Darling, Amber Ford, Lucas Holmgren, Marie Kennedy, Robert Matsumura, Joe O’Leary, Ty Walker

AD DESIGN & LAYOUT Morgan King morgan@activemediausa.com

AD SALES Zac Wright zac@mountaintimesoregon.com

AMBASSADOR

Peggy Wallace

CIRCULATION MANAGER Tom Tarrants

CONTRIBUTORS

Bradford Bixby, Dr. Melanie Brown DC, Milt Fox, Robert Kelly DMD, Lloyd Musser, Gary Randall, Steve Wilent, PO Box 1031, Welches, OR 97067 503.570.3404

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The Mountain Times is an independent monthly newspaper serving Sandy, Brightwood, Wemme, Welches, Zigzag, Rhododendron, Wildwood, Government Camp and Boring. 8,500-plus copies printed and distributed monthly.

Printed at Eagle Web Press in Salem, Oregon.

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Legislator’s

As we approach the 2024 election in Oregon, the importance of voting cannot be overstated. Regardless of political affiliation, this is a critical moment for every eligible citizen to engage in the democratic process. Voting isn’t just your right; it’s your responsibility as a participant in our democratic republic. It’s the foundation upon which our system of

Inside Salem Opinion

Letter: An Update from Rep. Jeff Helfrich

self-governance rests, and it ensures that the voices of the people, from all walks of life, are heard in shaping the future of our state and nation.

This election carries profound implications for Oregon’s future. Our state is facing significant challenges — rising living costs, an escalating homelessness crisis, and public safety concerns. These issues have only been

getting worse over the last several years. They impact everyone, and they require strong leadership to address them effectively. In a few short days you will be able to provide the answer to the question: Have we as a state been moving in the right direction, or should we correct course?

Oregon has long been a place where we value personal responsibil -

ity, local control, and the principles of limited government. Our school board system is a wonderful example of that. These conservative ideas are essential to ensuring that government works for the people, rather than the other way around. Remember, the role of government is not to solve every problem but to create an environment where individuals, families and businesses can thrive on their own terms. In this way, they can address their own problems with local solutions. This election cycle we must fight to preserve those ideals.

The right to vote is a privilege granted to every citizen of our country. It provides the ability for us to keep a check on our

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government and chart a path for the future of our communities. This election presents us with a chance to engage in meaningful dialogue about the direction of our state.

Voters must consider how best to address our pressing challenges while preserving the freedoms and liberties that make Oregon unique. Issues such as economic growth, public safety and education need thoughtful solutions that prioritize accountability, efficiency, and respect for individual rights. Whether you agree or disagree with particular policies or candidates, the simple act of voting is a statement of belief in our system of governance. It’s a reminder that each of us has a voice, and, collectively, we shape the future.

As you prepare for this year’s election, remember that your vote is about more than just a single issue or candidate. It’s about ensuring our democracy remains strong, transparent, and accountable. Make sure your voice is heard, and that the principles of our republic — liberty, responsibility, and justice — are upheld for generations to come. Voting isn’t just a privilege; it’s the most powerful tool we have as citizens to secure the future of our state and our nation.

As always, you can reach me at Rep.JeffHelfrich@oregonlegislature. gov or 503-986-1452. My office and I would love to hear from you.

Mountain Matters: 2024 Bar Wars Golf Tournament

By Amber Ford

Mountain Times

On Wednesday, October 2nd, several Mt. Hood Villages businesses and community members participated in the return of “The Bars Wars Golf Tournament.” Bars from Government Camp to Welches competed in the golf tournament that has been a staple in the community for the last decade. While bragging rights and community fellowship are the goals for each team entered

into the tournament, this year’s Bar Wars left a lasting impact on the unity of the Mt. Hood Villages, as the event was organized with a goal to raise money for longtime Mt. Hood Villages resident, Krista Spiro, who is currently battling cancer.

After taking a hiatus from the event, Bar Wars returned with fierce and friendly competitiveness involving 32 teams with 128 golfers. This year’s tournament was organized with the help of

The Whistle Stop Bar and Grill, Charlie’s Mountain View, Pub 26 and Mt. Hood Oregon Resort.

“This year we definitely wanted, as a community, to support our friend and fellow bartender Krista Spiro,” Tekla Schmidt, owner of The Whistle Stop Bar & Grill, said. “She has been a bartender on the mountain for around 20 years, including the bar at the golf course, Mallards, for many years. She had been working the last few years as a manager at The Ratskeller in Government Camp,” Schmidt added.

Tournament participants were able to join the team [bar] of their choice, with many of the businesses having multiple teams represented. The bars represented included The Whistle Stop Bar & Grill, Pub 26, Charlie’s Mountain View, ZigZag Inn, The Skyway Bar & Grill, The Ratskeller,

Beer Stube at Skibowl, Warming Hut at Skibowl, Taco Shoppe, Rams Head at Timberline, Mt. Hood Brew Pub, Glacier Haus, Chicali Cantina, Coopers Wine Bar, Mallards at The Resort and Level Brewery. Included in the event were also charitable donations from US Foods and Sysco, who provided food for the golfers and those volunteering at the event. “The industry reps that came and played chose which bars they wanted to represent, but 90% of the players were local employees and customers of the bars they represented,” Schmidt said.

Although sport and raising money for Spiro were the main focuses of the event, contenders were also able to indulge in other activities, drinks, and food throughout the day. “Distributors such as Columbia Distributing, Point Blank, Male-

tis, Pepsi, US Foods and Sysco donated raffle items, food, drinks and beer while Pfriem, Migration, Level and Pelican breweries also donated beer and raffle items,” Schmidt said. “There were free beer samples, free hot dogs mid-course, a troop of anti-cheerleading hecklers. A taco bar lunch at the award ceremony and silent auction with a 50/50 raffle was held as well,” Schmidt added.

While the engraved Bar Wars trophy had been housed by its previous winner, The Ratskeller,

2024 winner The Whistle Stop Bar & Grill now proudly boasts their iconic victory with the trophy sitting majestically above their fireplace. Participants and businesses enjoyed the day of fellowship and competition, but overall, all involved were winners, helping to raise over $11,000 for Spiro. Organizers of The Bar Wars golf tournament have a plan to sustain this tradition and hope to continue to use it as a benefit for future community members in need.

Mountain Representative Jeff Helfrich keeps the community updated with an exclusive look at the legislative process.

The

Exploring the Origins of Our Community Names: PART ONE

By Marie Kennedy

The Mountain Times

The towns that dot the map from Government Camp through Hoodland and down into the City of Sandy,have unique stories to tell. This is the first in a series, exploring the origins of our community names along with some intriguing and offbeat facts.

MOUNT HOOD

Let’s start at the top. Mount Hood stands tall, a prominent backdrop for the Portland skyline. The mountain offers a pristine water source, scenic beauty and recreational resources.

The name we use today, Mount Hood, was created by British explorers, not Americans, nor the Indigenous peoples who knew the mountain best. In 1792 Lieutenant William Broughton of the Royal Navy was exploring the Columbia River,

and officially recorded the mountain looming in the distance.

He wrote “... A very high, snowy mountain now appeared rising beautifully conspicuous in the midst of an extensive tract of low or moderately elevated land…” He named the mountain after Lord Samuel Hood, an admiral in the Royal Navy who had authorized the expedition to the Pacific Coast.

Mount Hood is also a volcano, lest we forget, although it is considered dormant for now. Scientists date the last major volcanic activity to sometime around the 1780s not long before the Europeans discovered it. Tree ring dating shows that the eruptions could have continued for up to a decade.

By the time that the American explorers Lewis and Clark arrived in 1805, they described

a river that was clogged with debris and called it Quicksand River. We now know it as the Columbia River.

WY’EAST

Many believe that Wy’East was the Native American name for Mount Hood. However, the name came from a legend written into a late 19th-century novel by Frederic H. Balch, Bridge of the Gods. Although Balch did not use the name Wy’East in his book, a popular play produced in 1911 that was based on Balch’s book did mention it.

Additionally, 20th-century scholars may have also used some creative “historical rewriting” to push the theory.

The lands surrounding Mount Hood were home to several Indigenous groups, each with its own name for the mountain. Wy’East was not one of them. Part of the legend talks about the Bridge of the Gods which was said to allow Native peoples to cross the Columbia River. It is possible that landslides and volcanic debris may have temporarily dammed the river, allowing passage by foot, so there may be some basis in historical fact.

The legend itself tells a compelling story though,

with several variations. It tells of Loowit, a maiden who had captured the hearts of two brothers, both brave warriors. The brothers clashed in a fiery battle for her affection.

The Great Spirit Sahale intervened, tearing down the Bridge of the Gods in his fury. In an act of divine transformation, he turned the three lovers into towering mountain peaks. Loowit, with her beauty, became the majestic Mount Saint Helens. The brothers, once rivals, were transformed — one into the powerful Mount Hood, and the other into the more subdued but enduring Mount Adams.

HOODLAND

The region stretching from Government Camp to Cherryville/Aldercreek is commonly known as Hoodland. This name is reflected in various local entities like the Hoodland Fire Department, and Hoodland Thriftway (in the Hoodland Shopping Center). In the 1950s, early promotional materials started referring to this area as the Hoodland Valleys. The mountain was buzzing with activity. But where did the name Hoodland come from?

I asked local historian

and well-known photographer Gary Randall about the origins of the Hoodland moniker, and of course, he had an answer. It seems the phone company first coined the phrase in the 1950s. In those days phone numbers included a two-letter prefix. This area used ‘HO’ for HOodland followed by 4 digits. There may have also been a Rhododendron exchange for the area, judging from the local listings of the time.

In 1966, the Silverton-based Interurban Telephone Company acquired the Hoodland Telephone Company. Hoodland was reportedly still using a war surplus battleship intercom system to provide telephone service to the Mount Hood corridor. In 1969 Continental purchased Hoodland and Interurban. (I still have the phone books to prove it… somewhere.)

Interestingly, the Hoodland phone service area had distinct boundaries. To the west, It ended abruptly on Cherryville, creating a situation where neighbors on opposite sides of this invisible line faced long distance charges to call one another, and long distance charges back in the day could be hefty.

West of that line, the phones were part of the Sandy exchange, but within the Hoodland area, calls were local. As a bonus, you only had to dial 4 digits to call within Hoodland. That was true until the early 1990s, when locals were given the option, for a fee, to make local calls to the greater Portland area. That seemingly small change altered life on the mountain for businesses and residents. History lives and breathes here; its presence is almost palpable. This series continues next month with a look at our towns and communities and some of their quirky stories.

Bringing Breast Health to Sandy This November

By Donovan Darling The Mountain Times

When Tami Beaty found out she had breast cancer, it was totally by accident. Now, after everything she’s been through, she’s on a mission to make sure other women in the Mount Hood area have easy access to cancer screenings. She’s helping coordinate an OHSU mobile mammography clinic in Sandy this November.

“Women often think that if what they’re feeling is small that it’s probably nothing,” says Beaty, who’s the volunteer event coordinator for Sandy Seventh-day Adventist Church. “I think it’s really important for women to understand that catching stuff early makes a world of difference. Don’t skip your mammogram.”

OHSU’s Mobile Mammography Program is offering screenings

at Sandy Seventhday Adventist Church, located at 18575 Southeast Langensand Road, on Thursday, November 14, by appointment only.

This is now the 3rd year the mobile program is coming to Sandy, and it’s all about making it easier for women to get screened closer to home. It’s designed to be a quick, effective option for regular screenings, especially for women who may not want to deal with the hassle of a long drive.

The van is the only mobile mammography service in Oregon offering 3-D mammography (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis) for the Mount Hood community. They’ve also recently updated the van, adding private dressing rooms and focusing on privacy. A female technologist does all the screenings, and OHSU radiologists take care of reviewing

the images. Results go straight to the patient’s primary care doctor.

“(The program) is very discrete, very private and very safe. It’s as safe as going to the hospital,” Beaty says. “Sandy is a growing community. We need services like this out here for people who don’t have access and so people don’t have to drive into town.”

To qualify, you need to be at least 35 years old, have gone a full year since your last screening, and have no pregnancy, recent breastfeeding, or known lumps, pain, or discharge.

The program accepts most insurance, including Medicare, Oregon Health Plan, and low-income programs like ScreenWise and Project Access. Kaiser Permanente is not a preferred provider. The Sandy Seventh-day Adventist Church plans to host the clinic three times per

year for the community.

Beaty says the mammogram clinic is part of a bigger outreach effort by the church, which will soon host a grief recovery program, plant-based cooking class, depression

and anxiety recovery program, a free vision clinic in the months ahead, and many more.

To book an appointment, call Tami Beaty at 503-698-4622. For more details about the event, check out www.

sandyadventistchurch. org/events/mammogram-van. You can also find more info about the mobile mammography program at https://tuality.org/hospital-services/ breast-health-services/ mobile_mammography/.

Clínica Móvil de Mamografía de OHSU

Check Out the New Mt. Hood Business Directory!

By Dennis McNabb

The

Whether you live on the mountain or just frequent the area, you’ll be familiar with the fact that cell phone coverage can sometimes be inconsistent. Prior to the cell phone age, when we still took note of important addresses and phone

numbers, it wasn’t such an issue. But nowadays, we rely so heavily on technology that we can become lost without it. It’s safe to say that, confronted with the challenge, many of us would fail to recollect the numbers of our closest friends, our folks, and even our spouses,

let alone our favorite local businesses. That is why, in a time when print media is incorrectly said to be “dying,” we here at The Mountain Times have taken up the gauntlet and printed a brand new business directory for the Mt. Hood Community.

When Matt Nelson initially purchased The Mountain Times in 2023, he took it upon himself to join Peggy Wallace (local resident and employee for the paper) in visiting many of the local businesses, introducing himself, getting a feel for the community, and gaining some perspective regarding where its surpluses and deficits lie. One of the most frequent requests he received was to publish a new directory. There hadn’t been one published since 2020 and many businesses had since come and gone. It was time for someone to rectify that situation and Matt set his team straight to work.

First, we hired and dedicated a sales associate to work with the local community. Next we contacted the previous publisher of the phone book in order to retrieve their source files (the master list used to compile the last phone book) but found that unfortunately those files had been erased and were no longer available. Starting almost completely from scratch then, we purchased a service broker’s list, crosschecked it with the old book published in 2020, and hand-typed every single listing into Google to confirm its veracity. Finally, we sent out social media blasts to notify busi -

nesses of our plans and encourage them to send in their information to be included.

Assembling all of these pieces and parts was painstaking, time-consuming work. There were several setbacks and delays (due to ice storms, power outages, etc.), but at long last, they are here! In fact, everyone who receives the Mountain Times should already have one in their hands. 10,000 copies were published and mailed out with the extras delivered to our drop points around the area. If for some reason you didn’t receive a copy, you should still be able to find one at a variety of local businesses on the mountain. They are free of charge!

We chose to only include businesses (no personal numbers) and list just the contact information: business name, phone number, and city, but no street addresses. This streamlined the layout and made the book less cumbersome, easier

to use and to carry. However, each entry is still listed twice: once alphabetically and once based on category. We hope this will make for a valuable resource, providing you with all the information you need at the simple flip of a page.

We would like to thank all of the businesses who participated and helped to bring this project to fruition. We couldn’t have done it without you! And so far, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. If all goes according to plan, we hope to publish a new directory every year going forward as long as the demand is there.

Next time you find yourself driving through any of our lovely communities, and your phone data starts acting up, don’t forget to use the new Mt. Hood Business Directory: quick, easy, and always available!

Mountain Times

Local News

and superheroes were among the pumpkin pickers. After locating their favorite pumpkin, students posed for a class photo, smiling as they called out a resounding “Halloween!”

Once the last pumpkin was chosen, it was time for the parade with their costumes on display. Winding through the building, older students high-fived the younger

students waiting to join the parade.

As the group wound its way up to and through the middle school, the students waved happily to the onlookers. “Their favorite part is definitely the costume parade,” shared WPTCO (Welches Parent Teacher Community Organization) president Heather Ostrander.

“All the classes march through the middle

school. It’s adorable.”

Meanwhile, parent volunteers were busily making preparations for the afternoon events, starting with the carnival. Once those activities started, the rest of the afternoon was a blur. Students lined up for the ping pong toss, the Duck Dip, a classic ring toss game and the ever-popular Dum Dum pull, followed by popcorn, juice and colorful mask decorating. Students also enjoyed the Thank You Ticket Store which offered

plenty of cool merchandise in exchange for tickets.

WPTCO promotes many activities throughout the school year. Volunteer coordinator Tanya Kayser remains the driving force behind organizing and managing the volunteers. “At the beginning of the year, I try to recruit more helpers for these events. I let parents know what events are coming up and see who can help out.”

Once again, the

Harvest Festival was a great success. Principal Kendra Payne said, “The Harvest Festival is a fun fall tradition at the Welches schools! Kids wear costumes, play games, join a parade and enjoy snacks. This year we added a costume contest for middle school grades.” She added, “Thanks to the WPTCO and volunteers, we were able to provide this fun fall activity for all students in grades kindergarten through eighth!”

“Fuzzy Feet” Brings Comfort to Kids in Need

By Mtn Times Staff

In the heart of Portland, a heartwarming initiative is underway to help brighten the days of children facing serious illness. The Fuzzy Feet slipper drive, spearheaded by Elite Foot and Ankle Associates, is collecting cozy soft

slippers for the young patients at Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. These kids are battling various medical challenges, and a little bit of comfort in the form of fun, fuzzy slippers can make all the difference. The event is currently in full swing and will

continue until November 15. While there are multiple donation spots at Elite Foot and Ankle locations, the biggest focus is on the Sandy location, where organizers are encouraging the community to contribute to this special cause.

Julie Lazar, who leads the Fuzzy Feet effort, shared her personal motivation for organizing the event. “At the end of July, I received some horrible news. My nephew’s 6-month-old daughter caught COVID. Her battle with the virus resulted in her experiencing severe heart failure. She is currently at Stanford Hospital in California waiting for a heart transplant. Hearing this made me reflect upon how lucky I am to have two healthy children and how devastating it would be to have a child suffering,” Julie explained. “The Fuzzy Feet slipper drive is an effort to provide something to brighten kids’ smiles when they are in the hospital. While my nephew is not local, Randall Children’s Hospital is a hospital caring for kids like my nephew’s daughter. They will be the recipient of the generous donations from the community.”

Julie’s story strikes a chord with anyone who has ever seen a child struggle with illness. The idea behind Fuzzy Feet is simple yet powerful: to give hospitalized children something small, but comforting — something that brings warmth, both physically and emotionally. After all, when kids are fighting serious health issues, it’s the little things that can bring the biggest smiles.

Donations of new slippers in all sizes are welcome and can be dropped off at designated locations, including Sandy, Portland, Tigard, Beaverton, and Canby. The organizers hope that the outpouring of support from the community will help them fill boxes with enough slippers to ensure that every child at Randall Children’s gets a pair. And while slippers may seem like a small gift, the warmth they provide goes beyond just their cozy fabric. It’s a message of love, care and

Meet the Artist: Gail O’Neill

By Amber Ford

The Mountain Times

A professional stained glass artist since 1974, Mt. Hood Villages resident Gail O’Neill has made her artist mark throughout the area, including several buildings in the greater Portland area. An artist since

childhood, O’Neill studied design and painting in college and also attended the Pilchuck Glass School where she honed her glass blowing and architectural glass design. “I studied architectural glass design with a noted German designer at UC Berkeley, CA. I learned to cut

glass and stained glass craft from Tim O’Neill, my former spouse,” O’Neill said.

With a stellar education in art and a foundation formed on creativity, O’Neill’s work has been showcased in many important facilities and buildings in the area.

“I’ve competed for ‘1% for Art,’public art projects and have two stained glass screens in the State Art Collection at the State Employment Office, Salem and Western Oregon University, Monmouth,” O’Neill said. “I designed and built 29 stained leaded glass windows

solidarity with these kids and their families during tough times.

Fuzzy Feet is more than just a slipper drive; it’s a chance for the community to show that they’re thinking of these kids, even if they’re not able to visit them in person. So whether you pick up a pair of fuzzy animal slippers, superhero-themed ones, or just some classic warm ones, know that your donation will make a big impact.

As the event runs until November 15, there’s still time to contribute.

Visit your nearest Elite Foot and Ankle Associates location to drop off your slippers, and be part of a collective effort to bring a little extra comfort to children who need it most. Every pair donated is a step toward brightening a child’s day at Randall Children’s Hospital.

The Sandy location is open Monday through Wednesday from 9-5 to accept donations.

for St. Vincent Hospital Chapel, Beaverton, in a competition I won in 1983,” O’Neill added. Alongside her showcased work throughout the greater Portland area, O’Neill’s professional portfolio also boasts its own achievements. Having been commissioned for private clients through the many architects and galleries she’s worked with, O’Neill’s portfolio has been exhibited in local and regional galleries, as well as The Smithsonian, as part of the Northwest Crafts exhibit. “I had a one-person exhibit in Tokyo, Japan of twelve stained leaded glass windows in 1982,” O’Neill said. “Two of my windows were included in the group Glass Exhibit at Timberline Lodge in 1983,” O’Neill added.

A resident of the Mt. Hood Villages for over 22 years, O’Neill finds inspiration for her work in the beauty where she resides. “My work has always been inspired by the landscape in which I live,” O’Neill said. “In the 70s, when I lived in the Columbia Gorge,

the lines of descending mountains and cliffs influenced my design. As a hiker and skier on Mt. Hood I’ve absorbed the beauty of landscape and reflect it in my design,” O’Neill added. While working with glass is where O’Neill has found success and a profound professional passion, she has also dabbled in other forms of art throughout her career.“ One of my pastel paintings of Mt. Hood was included in a Local Artists Group Show at Timberline Lodge in 2007,” O’Neill said. For a dozen years she was an Artist in Residence for Portland and regional public schools as well as the Young Audiences Program, teaching students of all ages mural painting on the walls of their schools. Although O’Neill considers herself “semi-retired,” she will still accept the occasional stained glass commission. Fortunately for those who are interested, her glass work can be seen at St. Vincent Hospital Chapel.

Museum Chatter: Show Me the Money, Thank You

By Lloyd Musser For The Mountain Times

The financial position of most nonprofit organizations is rarely discussed or disclosed. Money management for nonprofits is complicated and difficult for the general public to fully understand. Generally, the only time the financial position of a nonprofit is revealed is when they close for lack of funds, or they receive a large donation of funds from a donor that supports their cause. Neither situation applies to the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum at this time, but we would like to discuss our financial position in an effort to recognize and thank our donors over the past 25 years and perhaps inspire future donors.

Nonprofit organizations receive funds from

several sources, none of which are guaranteed or automatic. The normal funding sources are: bequests, donations, grants, memberships, sponsorships and earned income. Bequests are usually made via a will or trust and usually are substantial amounts that have no use restrictions. Donations range in size from a few dollars to several thousand dollars with no restrictions on use. Donations are often made in honor or memory of a special person. Grants are usually awarded for specific projects based on highly competitive criteria. Membership dues are a predictable source of operating funds and more importantly provide up-to-date contact information for individuals most interested in the organization’s mission.

Sponsorships are long term agreements with local businesses to support nonprofit programs or events, without negotiation each year. Earned income is funds generated by the nonprofit from events, user fees, store sales and fees for services.

The Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum Board of Directors are proud of our positive financial position at this time. The Museum is debt free and has operating funds and reserve funds in the bank. This was not always the case. The financial liability of nonprofits in Oregon relies directly upon the organization’s Board of Directors. There were times in the past when the Museum President needed to ask the other Board members to make a cash donation to keep

the heat on and pay outstanding bills.

As we approach the end of the year, it is a good time to recognize and thank the individuals and other entities that supported the Museum so far this year. The late James Hooke, made a bequest to the Museum of the proceeds from the sale of five acres with a cabin. The Museum is now 25 years old, so bequests from wills are just beginning to occur. Cash donations range from a few dollars in the donation jar at the Museum reception desk to donations of several thousands of dollars.

Donations of $5000.00 or more are recognized on the Museum Honor Plaques. This year, the following names have been engraved on the honor plaques: the Carolyn and Bing Sheldon fund of the Oregon Community Fund; Robert and Mary Jane Smith Foundation; the Autzen Foundation; The Charles Paulson Fund, In Memory of Charles and Amy Paulson; Sandi Shaub; Bill and Sandie Davidson; and In Memory of late Maureen “Mo” Musser. The many donors of amounts less than $5000.00 are appreciated and recognized elsewhere.

The Museum is very thankful for receipt of a large grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust this year. The grant will fund the salary and support the cost of an Executive Director for three years. The Execu-

tive Director will strive to expand both the financial position and programing of the Museum.

The Museum is proud to recognize our local business sponsors for continuous support.

Timberline Lodge/Mt. Hood Brewing provides support with products and services for Ski the Glade, Social History Happy Hour and Heritage Night at the Museum. Mt. Hood’s Skibowl family of companies provides the Museum with telephone and internet service, plus food and merchandise. Next Adventure provides transportation and merchandise for Ski the Glade and other Museum events. The Mountain Times newspaper is our print media sponsor.

The Museum’s Board of Directors extend a huge thank you to all the contributors to the Museum. Next month in this space we will discuss Museum Memberships, donation incentives and the sources of earned income for the Museum. Lloyd Musser is the volunteer curator at the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum.

Hand forged blackiron, engraved plaques recognizing donors of $5,000.00 to the Mt. Hood Museum. Photo credit Mt. Hood Museum Collection.

I Remember When: We Made Friends On The Mountain

By Ty Walker The Mountain Times

Longtime Mount Hood residents probably know Paul Keller. A resident of the mountain since 1974, he became a part of a close community of friends – young adults who moved there in the late 1960s and ‘70s with a strong sense of independence and freedom.

They wanted to live in the foothills, in the woods, by the peaceful waters and away from the

big cities. Keller remembers forming friendships with others who shared similar outlooks. Keller counts himself a part of this group of rugged individuals who remain friends to this day.

“I’m so glad I moved up here when I did and there was this community of people my age who moved up here in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s,” Keller said.

The late David Rogers, known as the

“Log Doctor” for his work restoring old log cabins, was a good friend of Keller’s back in the day. Keller said Rogers described best this sense of community on the mountain:

“In those days, the mountain community was populated with similar-minded individuals. I think we all wanted to be away from the city. We wanted to be up here in the mountains, near the rivers, walking in ‘intact’ forests. We were all young with shared interests and a mutual sense of freedom.”

Keller was 24 in 1974, when he moved into a one bedroom cabin near the Salmon River in Brightwood to be near his new job at the Sandy Post. He said he learned a lot in his four years as editor of the Post.

He founded The Mountain monthly newsmagazine in 1979 and built it into a successful 3,000 paid-circulation operation before selling it in 1984 for a sizable profit.

Not to be confused with The Mountain Times newspaper, The Mountain was a separate

entity altogether. After Keller sold his paper, it changed hands three times in four years before going out of business years ago. Keller took on various newspaper positions around the region before settling down the past few decades to work out of his home as a technical writer and editor for the Mount Hood U.S. National Forest Service.

Keller is no sedentary journalist who just tells colorful stories. He has led an active lifestyle in between newspaper jobs. After graduating from the University Of Oregon with a journalism degree, he served for a year as a volunteer for the AmeriCorps VISTA program, giving aid to poverty-stricken people in Oklahoma.

When he left the Sandy Post, he got a summer job fighting wildland fires with the Zigzag Ranger District summit tanker crew.

“I fell in love with wildland fires. I loved it,” he said.

He got enough experience to join a hotshot crew, a self-contained unit specializing in fight-

Women In Business

ing wildland fires for the U.S. National Forest Service. After four years of seasonal work in the woods, he decided it was time to get back to his writing career.

He had stints at the Milwaukie Review, the Gresham Outlook and The Oregon Journal, for which he was hired as its Mount Hood correspondent. (The Journal eventually became part of The Oregonian in the 1980s).

But the woods always called Keller back, taking him away from steady newspaper jobs. In 2008, he got the opportunity to write for the Forest Service full time, working out of his own home in Mount Hood. He has been doing that ever since.

The same year he moved to the mountain in 1974, Keller remembers well covering a story that caught the FBI’s attention. “J. Hawker,” as the extortionist called himself, bombed three BPA power transmission towers near Brightwood as part of a plot threatening to sabotage the Bull Run Watershed.

J. Hawker wrote

letters to the FBI demanding $1 million or he would set fires aimed at Portland’s major water supply. Blowing up the BPA towers was used as a demonstration of the seriousness of his threats.

Keller remembers when FBI agents flooded the Mt. Hood area, searching for the suspects. Locals told stories about how there were all these people wearing new flannel shirts playing pool at the Whistle Stop Tavern. These were presumably undercover agents trying not to be conspicuous.

Ironically, J. Hawker and his girlfriend-accomplice were caught driving around Southeast Portland communicating with the FBI on his CB radio. Their location was triangulated using CB radios, the instruments the bomber used to communicate with the FBI authorities.

David Heesch, aka J. Hawker, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Sheila Heesch got 10 years as his accomplice.

Betsy LaBarge Looks Back at Successful Career

By Ty Walker

The Mountain Times

Betsy LaBarge is a self-made businesswoman. She committed most of her working lifetime to building a successful vacation rental business from its humble beginnings in her home in 1991, before selling it and retiring from the industry in 2022.

Her Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals grew to as many as 10 to 12 employees over the years and was managing 41 properties from Brightwood to Government Camp at its height. There were plenty of buyers interested when she decided to sell her business to

Meredith Lodging, a privately-held family-run property management company based in Bend.

“At the time I sold my business, there was a lot of movement in the vaca tion rental industry,” LaBarge said. “Lots of businesses were being bought and sold. So I had many interested parties. Right now most small businesses are having a hard time.”

LaBarge moved in 1984 to the Mount Hood area. While working for nearly a decade as a server at Timberline Lodge, what she heard from those dining room visitors was a real need for a property manage-

ment presence in the area.

“People were always looking for a place to live,” she said. So she started managing longterm rentals, which quickly changed to shortterm vacation rentals when a property owner asked if LaBarge could provide such services. Thus Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals was born.

LaBarge said that her small business was a benefit to the local economy by paying employees above the going rate commensurate with

dental insurance, as well as 401K plans and paid vacations.

“We paid people so they would be able to afford rent and mortgages,” she said. “We were flexible about giving days off. That did contribute financially to the community.”

LaBarge saw a lot of change in the industry since the early 1990s. Businesses didn’t have websites in those days. People still paid by cash or check. Transactions were made old-school. No one used cell phones

same location under the new ownership, off Highway 26 in Welches, with some of the same employees on staff.

During the pandemic, her last two years of ownership, LaBarge said she worked a lot at the office to keep her business in shape but neglected her own health. She wasn’t eating the right diet or getting exercise.

Today she and her husband, Paul, a retired construction contractor, enjoy being active, which includes hiking, biking and cross country skiing with Henry, their 3 ½-year-old lab mix and Max, an older Great Pyrenees, with whom they share their Welches home.

Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals remains in the

“I was not being healthy, the diet, the exercise, in my lifestyle,” she said. “So when I sold, I was able to make a commitment and change all that and do something every day.”

Retirement has given the couple more time to travel as well. In particular, they like to visit the deserts of the southwestern U.S.

The Woodsman: Confessions of a Firewood Fanatic

By Steve Wilent

For The Mountain Times

My name is Steve Wilent and I’m a firewood fanatic. When people ask about my hobbies, I say that cutting, splitting, and stacking firewood is at the top of my list, followed by burning firewood and watching it burn. I delight in the smell of woodsmoke; reading, cooking, camping and vegetable gardening come next.

One day while I was splitting and stacking firewood, a neighbor drove by, then stopped, backed up, parked, and walked over to see what I was up to. He said something like, “I’ve always admired your firewood stacking, especially the

way you alternate the pieces on the corners. Well done!” I have had few greater compliments. For what it’s worth, I usually stack firewood on two roughly 4-foot by 4-foot pallets set end to end, and build the stacks 5 feet tall or more, making more than one cord (4 feet by 8 feet by 4 feet tall). Alternating the direction of the pieces on the corners makes for a stable woodpile. Years ago I was talking with a fellow woodsman in upper New York state. The main purpose of the phone call was to talk about forest management and wildlife habitat, but — surprise —we ended up talking about firewood. His favorites: beech, black cherry, sugar maple, and American hornbeam (also known as ironwood) in the coldest months of the year, and birch, red maple, and white pine in warmer months. This eastern firewood fanatic and I talked, only half in jest, about meeting in Nebraska with pickup loads of firewood and swapping them. I would have taken him some

Douglas-fir, Oregon white oak, and lodgepole pine in exchange for eastern hardwoods.

In our area, Douglas-fir is by far the most common tree, so naturally it’s the most common firewood. It’s good stuff. Of the conifer species in the Pacific Northwest, dry Doug-fir has the highest potential energy content, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs): 26.5 million BTUs per cord (Doug-fir bark is a bit higher). Western hemlock is a close second at 24.4 million, while Western redcedar, another common species in Western Oregon, has much less, at 17.4 million. These values vary by wood density and moisture content. “Seasoned” means it is relatively dry.

One BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.

Red alder, very common in our area, has relatively little heat potential, at 19.5 million BTUs per cord. This alder, however, makes a

Mt. Hood Golf News

By

Welcome back, Dear Reader, to the last 2024 edition of Fore, the column that demonstrates how easily a good fluff piece can pass for news in our world of golf. The Resort was the site of another amazing tournament for locals – Bar Wars. Its triumphant return was blessed with a massive turnout with at least thirty teams participating. This event had a charity that really warmed the hearts of all of us, and that

was to help our favorite bartender Krista Spiro (nee Blazer) in her battle with cancer. Kudos to everyone involved, especially the vendors and suppliers who donated food and beverage for all. I showed up in my full waiter regalia including tie, apron and Timberline staff shirt. Why, you ask? Because when you go to war you do it in uniform! Nuff Said. And since this is the last column of the year I have a lot of Club news to share. The last big event of the year was the Presidents Cup played over two days on October 12th and 13th. There were five divisions, three for the men and two for the women. The winners for each division were based on their

great night log, because when a large well-seasoned log is placed on hot coals in a woodstove, it’ll smolder all night. Bigleaf maple, which makes fine firewood, has 22.7 million BTUs per cord.

Oregon white oak tops Doug-fir, with 28 million BTUs per cord. This species is uncommon in our area — it favors lower elevations west of the Cascades and is happy in drier areas east of the Cascades. I’ve driven as far as Hood River for a half-cord of Oregon white oak, a heavy load for a half-ton pickup. By comparison, American hornbeam provides 27.1 million BTUs per cord. I’m also happy to drive to the east side of the Cascades for lodgepole pine. Its 22.3 million BTUs per cord doesn’t match the BTUs of Dougfir, but lodgepole smoke has a delightful piney smell.

The BTUs in firewood is important information, but as someone who cuts his own firewood, usually on US Forest Service land (with a valid permit, of course), ease of access

— how far I have to drive to get to it and how far I have to carry it to get it in my truck — is often the deciding factor.

If you buy firewood and have it delivered to you home, how do you know if you’re getting what you pay for? There’s an element of trust involved, since firewood isn’t delivered in neat stacks 4 feet by 8 feet by 4 feet tall. You can use the ocular estimate method — eyeball it — by multiplying the rough dimensions of a truckload. If it’s stacked fairly neatly, this is simple: length times width times height. If the result is 128, that’s the number of cubic feet in one cord, and 64 cubic feet is a half-cord. With a load

that is piled in a jumble, rather than stacked, you’ll have to make your best guestimate.

My grandmother, who lived for many years on a farm in northern Alberta and relied on firewood for heating and cooking, knew what a cord looked like. She once ordered a cord of firewood, and after it was dumped in a pile on her driveway, she said to the delivery crew, “That’s not a cord! I’ll pay you when you bring me the rest of it.” And they did. She was one savvy woodswoman. Have a question about firewood? Want to know how firewood can warm you at least five times? Let me know: email: SWilent@gmail.com.

two day total scores. The women’s Senior division was won by Caryn Tilton with Lynann Solberg taking runner-up. In the women’s Open division Lyn Miscowicz took first place with Lesley Vermass grabbing second. The men’s Super Senior division was won by John Tilton with Clair Jones taking second place. The men’s Senior division was won by John Vermass with Steve Libke securing second place. And finally, in the men’s Open division Greg Johnson was the first place finisher with Mike Miskowicz in the runner-up spot. They enjoyed some gorgeous fall weather and a great time was had by all.

It’s also time for the year end awards, start-

ing with the women. The nine holers gross winners were Annette Ingersoll, Lyn Miscowicz, Lesley Vermass and Nancy Lujan. The net winners were Cathie Anderson, Terri Erickson, Caryn Tilton and Phillipa Jones. Lastly, the most improved award went to Lyn Miscowicz. Meanwhile, the eighteen holers held their Ace of Aces competition and Carmen Weisner had the low gross and won the title. Gross score runner ups were Mary Thompson and Lynann Solberg. Low net winner was Jan Eldredge and Carmen took the most improved award.

The men’s match play bracket winners are as follows: as reported last month, Ron Wood won the open division and was crowned men’s club champion. The first flight was won by Dave Ater, the second flight by Darold Hessell, the third flight was won by David Daniels and the red flight by Dave Kocer.

Well, Dear Reader, it’s been a great year and there is still time to get out and enjoy some fall golf. And when you do hit the links remember to “Hit Em Straight.”

Douglas-fir firewood cut, split, and stacked by The Woodsman.

Bradford Bixby

For The Mountain Times

Typical fall golf at The Resort. Photo by Bradford Bixby.

Mountain Times Events

*Please call Wraptitude for more information at 503.622.0893

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REPEAT EVENTS

Events & Activities Calendar

kaity@mountaintimesoregon.com. simplification. Due Date 15th of prior month. Events subject to change without notice.

A Historical Gem on Mount Hood

By Robert Matsumura

The Mountain Times

Many of us who have ventured about Mount Hood are familiar with the Cloud Cap Inn. Nestled on the rugged North Slope of the mountain at 6000 feet, the Cloud Cap Inn is rich with history, stunning views, and architectural significance, captivating visitors since its establishment. Have you ever wondered how this rustic structure came to be, and who was responsible for building it? The answers to that trace back to Portland in the late 19th century when the city itself was still in its infancy.

ORIGINS AND CONSTRUCTION

The year was 1889 when prominent Portlanders William M. Ladd, a banker, and Charles Erskine Scott Wood, an attorney and writer, had a vision of a mountain lodge on Mount Hood. Enlisting the expertise of architect William Whidden, they commissioned his firm to design a rustic 3,500-squarefoot structure in a style that would be harmonious with its natural surroundings. Whidden and Lewis was a prominent firm at the time, having designed the grand Portland Hotel, the Forestry Building at the Lewis and Clark Expo of 1905, and later Portland City Hall.

To improve access to this remote location, Ladd and Wood hired Chinese laborers to enhance an existing wagon road up the mountain. A stagecoach company was also established to transport guests, ensuring that the inn was accessible to those from the city wishing to experience its beauty.

Lumber was sourced from the area with men from Hood River cutting the timber needed for construction. Originally, the inn was named the Inn at the Glaciers, but eventually it was re-named Cloud Cap Inn by Wood’s wife, Nanny, adding a personal touch to its history. Ladd’s wife Tilly Jane contributed to the effort by helping to run the work camp down the hill for the men who constructed the Inn. In honor of her efforts, a campground now resides there bearing her name. By the time Cloud Cap Inn was completed, Ladd and Wood had spent over $50,000, but they had succeeded in bringing their vision to fruition. Cloud Cap Inn blended seamlessly into the alpine landscape, providing magnificent views of Mount Hood and the surrounding forest, and providing top-notch accommodations for guests.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF CLOUD CAP INN

In the early 20th century, the Cloud Cap Inn flourished as a popular destination for tourists. With the rise of automobiles and improved roadways, access to Mount Hood became easier, encouraging more people to visit the mountain. The inn became a base for hikers and climbers aiming to reach the summit of Mount Hood, and it also drew skiers, as the sport exploded in popularity throughout the region.

In 1891, Ladd and Wood turned the Cloud Cap’s operation over to James and Sarah Langille, who added a homier feel and telephone service to the inn, making it more comfortable for guests. The

Langilles ran Cloud Cap Inn for sixteen years until Sarah retired and turned operation of the inn over to their nephew, Horace Mecklem and his wife Olive, who had already been helping out for some time. In 1919, Homer Rogers, a Parkdale innkeeper, purchased Cloud Cap Inn, and eventually sold it to Cascade Development Corporation, which had grand plans for the site. With a loop highway planned for Mount Hood, the developers envisioned a lavish, enlarged hotel, including a tram to the summit. It wasn’t long before the Great Depression dashed those dreams to pieces and the construction of Timberline Lodge in 1938 pushed Cloud Cap into the background.

DECLINE AND PRESERVATION EFFORTS

In 1940, the U.S. Forest Service purchased the inn for $2,000. Sadly, however, it fell into disrepair and was closed in 1946. The agency initially planned to raze Cloud Cap, but in the 1950s, the Crag Rats, a mountain-rescue group, negotiated to maintain the inn. Utilizing Cloud Cap as their base of operation, the group conducted snow surveys, rescue operations, and outings — operations which

continue to this day. Since 1999, the Crag Rats have coordinated extensive renovations on the inn in an effort to preserve Cloud Cap. Although the inn is currently closed to the public, the Crag Rats and the U.S. Forest Service occasionally offer tours, allowing a glimpse into the rich history and enduring charm of this remarkable structure. The Cloud Cap Inn remains a symbol of the region’s heritage and an inspiration for future generations of adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.

MOVING FORWARD

More than just a building, Cloud Cap Inn is a cherished part of the state’s history, reflecting the Oregonian spirit of adventure and the natural beauty of Mount Hood. From its origins in the late 19th century to its current status as a preserved historical site, the inn tells a story of resilience, community and the enduring allure of the great outdoors. As efforts continue to maintain and celebrate this iconic landmark, the Cloud Cap Inn will undoubtedly remain a significant piece of the Pacific Northwest’s cultural landscape.

Current day Cloud Cap Inn.

Tourists relaxing on the front porch of the Cloud Cap Inn in the 1950’s.

Welches Parent Teacher Community Organization

By Cassie Kanable, WTPCO

For The Mountain Times PARENT TEACHER CORNER

October was a wonderful month of fundraising, community connection, and fall festivities! Our Welches students kicked off the year by raising over $14,000 during our annual Rainbow Run, with each class proudly sporting their class colors and school spirit! These vital funds have already been released to Welches Schools and will go toward student activities and arts programs, including the Right Brain Initiative, helping to enrich the learning experience for all students.

Our October events were filled with laughter and fun, from our first movie night featuring Encanto to our annual Harvest Festival where students enjoyed arts & crafts, festival games, and showing off their creative costumes at school! We were thrilled to see so many volun -

teers helping make these events a success. If you’re a community member who’s interested in volunteering, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Tanya Kayser, at volunteer@welchesptco. org for more information. As we transition into November, the holiday season is upon us, and we’re excited to announce the launch of our annual Holiday Wreath Fundraiser! Starting this month, we’ll be offering beautiful, locally crafted wreaths to help raise funds for Welches Schools. All wreaths are made of fresh noble fir with pinecones, cedar and juniper accents, finished with a festive red bow. You can place your orders online at welchesptco.org/holidaywreaths or visit the QR Code at the end of this article –decorate your home and support Welches schools at the same time!

Here are a few important dates to keep in mind for November:

Monday Nov 18th 6:00 PM – Little Steps

to Success: Join us for a special evening for local preschoolers (ages 3-5) and their parents to enjoy stories and skill-building activities, and meet future classmates and teachers. Free childcare for siblings provided. For more information visit oregontrailschools.com.

Tuesday Nov. 19th 4:30 PM – Welches PTCO Community Meeting: Join us for our monthly meeting in the Elementary School Library. Childcare will be provided, and we welcome all families to come share ideas and learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

Friday Nov. 22nd 8:00 AM – Music, Muffins & Math: Welches students and their families are invited to join us for a morning of learning & connection with their students.Families will enjoy math games, jazzy tunes, and delicious muffins!

As always, we’re hard at work planning even more community

events, movie nights, and our auction fundraiser this spring! Don’t forget to save the date for our annual auction this spring: April 26, 2024 at Camp Arrah Wanna. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Welches PTCO is a non-profit organization that exists to serve and support the students of the Welches Schools and our community as a whole. To keep up to date on community events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities, make sure to visit our website at welchesptco.org.

Sponsored by Marti Bowne, Broker, Merit Properties Group

BACK ROW (left to right) Raegan Hryciw, 6th Henry Starr, 5th | Jaxson Coyne, 5th | Maddox Prudence, 4th Coen Gaittens, 5th | Lizzy Rose, 8th | Madisyn Struever, 3rd LEFT OF BENCH Abel Pfeiler, 3rd RIGHT OF BENCH Isabella Ross, 3rd

ON BENCH Indica Lamance, 1st | Brantlee Powell, 1st Layla Glenn, Kinder | Alida MacDonald, 2nd ABSENT (below) Clifton Brown, 5th | Ruby Garmon, 7th

HONOR ROLL OCT 2024

STUDENTS OF MERIT

WELCHES ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL

Kindergarten fall art.

Fifth grade pumpkin art and poems.

Fall art and writing pieces from first grade.

The Whole Tooth: Concerning Hobbits and Toothaches

By Dr. Robert Kelly, D.M.D.

General Dentist, McKenzie Dental

So every now and then I encounter a brave and unique soul who requests that I do a major dental procedure like a filling or crown with no anesthesia. After about 10 “Are you sures?” I reluctantly begin, holding my breath for maybe the first 30 seconds to see if they change their mind. You know with all of these encounters, even after repeated “have you changed your mind?” questions throughout the procedure, not one of these patients has ever said “ok, numb me up after alI.” If you can believe it, none of them regret their decision! For

us mere mortals though, if something is going to hurt, and we can make it not hurt, I am reaching for the medicine to make it pain free.

On rare occasions though you may be faced with a dental dilemma. One such dilemma is illustrated by a funny story I encountered recently about toothaches, emergency dentist appointments, The Lord of the Rings movies, and Hobbit feet. And yes, all four of these things are part of the same story.

At a recent convention in Salt Lake City, three of the original Lord of the Rings’ Hobbits, with Gimli, got together on stage to talk about their time making the famous movie trilogy. The most entertaining story was told by Billy Boyd, who played the Hobbit Pippin.

The cinematography, special effects, and costumes for these movies was really groundbreaking, especially for that time. The Hobbit feet in fact were so elaborate – gluing the costume on and painting

and adding hair to them – that it took an hour just to do those feet every day they filmed.

One day in the middle of filming, Billy Boyd was waiting in his trailer to go on set and he got a horrible toothache. Always terrible timing, isn’t it? So Boyd had to immediately go see a dentist. And because nobody knew about these movies yet and they had to keep filming a secret, they had to drape Boyd in a robe and attach giant boot coverings over his hobbit feet.

He shows up at the dental office and the dentist confirms he needs a filling. As she gets ready to numb Boyd up, he stops her and asks her if he can do it without the numbing. Not that he wants to do it that way, but he is afraid that the numbness will prevent him from saying his lines for the next few hours and he wants to be ready to get back on set right away. I believe this dentist had the same reaction as me and she reluctantly got to work

getting Boyd fixed up. Boyd said that the dentist was nice and kept checking in on him but that he wanted to power through the procedure to avoid delaying production of the movie. Ironically though, Boyd said he started sweating so much in the chair that his feet fell off in the procedure! To which

Elijah Wood, Hobbit Frodo, laughed and joked “she drilled your feet off!”

In the end Boyd had to walk out of the office with his feet in his hands and go again through the whole process of putting the Hobbit feet back on. Which of course, by that time, any numbing he would have had would have been wearing off.

Facepalm. At least he had a good laugh about the whole ordeal, remarking that Aragorn actor Viggo Mortensen’s chipped tooth repair during filming was nothing compared to his experience! As Gandalf always believed, Hobbits can surprise you with how tough they are!

Clock changes go back to 1916 when Germany thought it would be brilliant to save energy during World War I by making better use of daylight. Other coun -

tries followed their idea, and 100 years later we’re still fiddling with our clocks twice a year. Thanks, Germany. So, don’t forget to “fall back” this weekend. Or do, and enjoy the confusion.

Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck and Peregrin “Pippin” took from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Merry is portrayed by Dominic Monaghan and Pippin is portrayed by Billy Boyd.

By Dr. Melanie Brown Chiropractic Physician, Mountain Life Clinic

The glymphatic system, a network of fluid-filled tunnels in the brain discovered in 2012, is essential for maintaining brain health. Acting as the brain’s “cleaning crew,” this system removes toxins and metabolic waste accumulated throughout the day. The name glymphatic is derived from “glia,” the brain’s support cells, and its similarity to the lymphatic system that clears waste from the body. Only recently did scientists begin to understand its critical role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases by

Well Adjusted: Supporting Brain Health

removing harmful clumps and tangles of proteins in the brain, such as amyloid beta, and tau, which have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Studies now suggest that there is also an intimate link between glymphatic system dysfunction and diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease.

A recent Oregon Health & Science University study shed new light on the glymphatic system’s activity. The research shows that this system becomes highly active during sleep, particularly deep sleep when cerebrospinal fluid flows through the brain to flush out toxins. This fluid washes through brain tissue, clearing away harmful substances, including amyloid beta and tau, before draining into the body’s circulatory system to be eliminated. During the day, the glymphatic system is largely disengaged, focusing instead on supporting the brain’s activity

and energy needs. This nightly cleaning process is crucial for maintaining long-term cognitive function and brain health.

However, modern habits like excessive screen time, especially at night, can disrupt this process. Studies show that the bright blue light emitted by screens delays melatonin production, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. When melatonin levels are suppressed, it can lead to poor sleep quality, preventing the glymphatic system from engaging in its vital work. Chronic disruption of this process may result in a build-up of toxins, increasing the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases over time.

The glymphatic system’s role in brain health highlights the importance of quality sleep and screen management. Proactive steps can support the glymphatic system and protect against long-term

brain damage. The first and most critical change is maintaining consistent sleep habits. Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, ensuring your brain has enough time to complete its cleaning cycle. Research suggests that side-sleeping may create more effective glymphatic clearing than sleeping prone or supine. Additionally, reducing screen exposure, particularly in the hour before bedtime, is critical to

supporting melatonin production and allowing your body to transition into a restful state. Consider using blue light filters or setting devices to “night mode” in the evening to minimize the impact on your circadian rhythm.

Physical activity also enhances brain health by improving overall circulation, which supports the glymphatic system’s function. Staying hydrated and avoiding large meals or alcohol before bed

can further ensure your brain’s nightly detox process goes uninterrupted. Stress reduction and intermittent fasting studies in relation to brain clearing have begun to emerge. By prioritizing sleep, hydration, exercise and reducing evening screen time, you can give your brain the support it needs to clear out waste, lower the risk of disease and promote long-term mental clarity.

Extreme Caution Recommended When Hiking This Winter

By Amber Ford

In September, Washington’s Skamania County sheriffs responded to two different locations where human remains had been found. On September 4th, a bear hunter in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest contacted the sheriff’s

department after finding what they believed to be a human skull. After examination it was proven to be of human origin, but the identity of the remains is still under investigation. A second and separate set of human remains was located on September 14th, also in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest,

and DNA analysis is in process. Unlike the first set of human remains, Skamania County sheriff’s office believes that these remains belong to missing hiker John Hopkins, who disappeared in November 2022.

While both cases are still under investigation, the remains found are a stark reminder of how dangerous and unpredictable our vast wildernesses can be.

According to Christopher Van Tilburg of the Hood River Crag Rats Search and Rescue, their organization has been on 34 missions this year. “Because we specialize in mountain rescue, we’ve recently gone to

Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Mount Jefferson, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens,” Van Tilburg said. “Several times a year we provide mutual aid to Wasco, Multnomah, Clackamas and Klickitat Counties,” Van Tilburg added.

As the weather and temperatures begin to change to cold and wet, and darkness sets in early, basic hiker safety and a knowledge of your surroundings is imperative in preventing disastrous situations. According to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s office, in March of 2024 an entire family of hikers were rescued after the department received an

emergency SOS notification sent from one of the missing hiker’s Apple phones. The hikers had gone nearly eight miles and gained more than 3,500 feet in elevation from their starting point on The Salmon River trailhead. Clackamas County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team were able to rescue the missing family with the help of a snowcat deployed from the Deschutes County sheriff’s office. While smartphones, satellite phones and GPS devices are all helpful when hiking, regardless of the weather conditions, knowing your surroundings and keeping to the trail are extremely import -

ant when hiking in and around the Mt. Hood National Forest. “The best advice: be prepared for the unexpected night out,” Van Tilburg said. “Extra food, water, clothing, power for cell phone, shelter and headlamp. Also know how to use a map app for your phone,” Van Tilburg added. As the Skamania County Sheriff’s office continues to work on identifying the human remains found in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, local officials and search and rescue organizations encourage those visiting the Mt. Hood National Forest to use extreme caution when hiking in hazardous weather conditions.

Increased function of glymphatic clearance during sleep compared to wakefulness. Figure from researchgate.net. No alterations were made to this image.

The Mountain Times

Hoodland Women’s Club Highlights

By Cathy Lavin, HWC

For The Mountain Times

The Hoodland Women’s Club (HWC) ushered in fall with several activities and events beginning with a candle making class for members only on September 21. That was followed on October 15 with the club’s twice yearly Adopt-A-Road activity when members cleaned up a two-mile stretch of Salmon River Road. Next up was HWC’s Spooky Ball and costume party on Octo-

ber 24. Club members ended the month supporting the community’s annual Spooky Alley event, an opportunity for children and teens to gather in a safe environment to collect goodies, play games and show off their costumes.

A centerpiece making class on November 16 is the next activity open for HWC members. In addition, the club’s crafting group will showcase its work at the November 30-December 1 Holiday Fair at the Resort at Mt.

Hood, Oregon. It’s not too soon to make sure HWC’s Photos with Santa and its 2025 Sweetheart’s Ball are on community members’ calendars.

Photos with Santa is open to all ages and is scheduled for Sunday, December 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Alpine Events Center in Rhododendron. Tickets are available on the HWC website (www.hoodlandwomensclub.org) and include options for both photos and brunch.

The Sweetheart’s Ball on February 13 from 7-10 p.m., also at Alpine Events Center, builds on the 2024 dance that has its roots in one of HWC’s earliest events 60 years ago. It is open to individuals and couples 21 and over. Tickets are available on the HWC’s website beginning November 1.

In the early planning stages for 2025 are the club’s annual golf tournament fundraiser and its annual scholarship awards. For the first time in 2025, a professional development scholarship will be added to the four scholarships provided to graduating high school seniors.

This new scholarship is for adults to use for continuing education, conference attendance and/or purchase of textbooks and workbooks. Applicants must live within HWC boundaries (from Alder Creek to Government Camp) and show financial need. Applications for this scholarship will be accepted from June 1-August 31, 2025. The application form will be available on the HWC website.

With colder weather in the offing, HWC wants to remind Hoodland residents of its Community Fund to help individuals meet immediate physiological needs (biological requirements for human survival). Those requesting funds are asked to first request help from at least two other organizations before submitting a request to HWC. A community resources list is available on the HWC website referenced previously. Request forms are also available via this website and paper forms are available at the Hoodland Library, Hoodland Senior Center and Neighborhood Missions. Those who have questions or who need help completing the form can email info@hoodland -

womensclub.org. Members of the community who aren’t yet HWC members are invited to join via the club’s website. Dues are just $25 per year. Those who want more information before joining can also attend one of the club’s monthly meetings to learn more. Again, contact board@hoodlandwomensclub.org for details. The next meeting will be a potluck on Monday, November 4, at 6 p.m. at the Girl Scout Homestead Outdoor Program Center at 72180 US 25 in Rhododendron – the superintendent of the Oregon Trail School District will be the featured speaker.

Edited by Margie E. Burke

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Each

(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue)

The 2024 spring clean up crew

November 2024 SUDOKU

by Margie E. Burke

CROSSWORD by Margie E. Burke

SUDOKU by Margie E. Burke

November is the Time to Pull Spurge Laurel!

By Lisa Kilder Clackamas Soil & Water Conservation District For The Mountain Times

As the soil softens with the early fall rain, it is the perfect time to pull Spurge Laurel. The control tasks you accomplish today will make your forest a better place in the spring!

This month the focus is on Spurge Laurel (Daphne laureola). This plant, in the Daphne family, is native to Europe. It was introduced in Oregon as an evergreen landscape plant but quickly fell out of favor due to its aggressive growth habit. Unfortunately, it naturalized in woodlands and is found in the forest understory. It is a perennial plant with poisonous berries and is aggressively spreading in the forests in Clackamas County.

Spurge Laurel is listed as an Oregon Class B noxious weed. This means it is a weed of economic importance and the propagation, transport, and sale of this plant is prohibited by law.

WHY SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT SPURGE LAUREL?

Spurge Laurel displaces the native vegetation needed by wildlife for food and shelter. It grows in thickets and competes with native vegetation in the forest understory. This prevents the regeneration of native trees in our natural areas, harming the native habitat needed by our local wildlife. Spurge laurel is a significant threat to rare oak woodland ecosystems. The plant reproduces through seed germination but can also spread locally from underground roots. Birds and rodents spread spurge laurel seeds when they consume the berries whose seed

passes through the animals unharmed. The random distribution of the seeds by these animals make detection difficult, allowing spurge laurel to spread into natural areas.

It is important to note that the sap of Spurge Laurel is toxic to humans and can cause severe rashes and skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling this plant. Sap can also disperse into the air, causing breathing and respiratory problems. Remember, the bark, leaves, and berries are toxic to humans and most pets.

HOW DO I IDENTIFY SPURGE LAUREL?

Spurge Laurel is an evergreen, shade-tolerant shrub that grows 2-4 feet high. Adult plants form dense patches. Young branches are green, while older branches turn gray with age. Mature plants have many shoots, with most, if not all, originating near the base of the plant.

The plant has glossy, narrow, spoon-shaped, dark green leaves between 2-7 inches long and half an inch to two inches wide, arranged in a spiral around the stem. The leaves are densely clustered near the shoot tips. The shrub has small green to pale pink flowers that develop from the base of the leaves and bloom from late January to May. Berries are dark purple to black.

How Do I Control Spurge Laurel on My Property?

Control small infestations by hand pulling or digging up plants. All roots need to be removed to limit regrowth. Check the area at least once per year to remove any

new seedlings that might emerge. Dispose of berries in the trash, but the remainder of the plant may go in yard waste bins.

Late fall into winter is the best time to remove the plants before the berries can spread: digging or pulling plants after a rain makes the job easier. A weed wrench or similar pulling tool will effectively remove larger plants. Borrow weed wrenches and similar tools free of charge from the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District. Call ahead about availability. 503-210-6000

The best way to control larger plants or dense infestations is to cut the shrubs off at ground level. Immediately treat the stump with an herbicide containing the active ingredient triclopyr to prevent regrowth. Read the herbicide label to be sure the product is suitable for use at the site. The label is the law.

Before beginning an herbicide treatment,

contact the WeedWise program or consult the Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook for the most up-to-date recommendations.

Report Spurge Laurel Have you noticed invasive Spurge Laurel in your area? If so, please report your sightings to the District’s WeedWise program at 503-2106000. You may also submit your information online to the Oregon Invasive Species hotline or call 1-866-INVADER. Reporting locations of invasive weeds does not ensure enforcement. Instead, it provides landowners with information and assistance to control priority weeds. Controlling invasive weeds protects our local communities and can stop a new invasion before it starts!

Spurge laurel infestation in the forest understory.

Spurge Laurel is toxic to humans. Its seeds are spread by birds

The Orzechowskis’ MHCC Welding Program Journey

By MHCC

For The Mountain Times

The story of former Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) students Misty and Walter Orzechowski stands out as an example of what our students can achieve through growth, hard work, and the right support. Their journey through MHCC’s welding program is not just about learning how to weld. It’s a tale of sibling support, overcoming hardships, and forging new paths.

Misty, who worked in fashion for 15 years, was laid off during the pandemic. Her situa -

tion was compounded by the challenge of finding employment for her brother Walter, who has autism and struggles with shyness and a lack of confidence. After a year of sporadic sewing jobs and ongoing frustration with Walter’s job placements, Misty decided on a major change.

“Welding was really left field, but it gave me the freedom to go anywhere. I needed to be able to pay my mortgage,” Misty said. Misty’s choice to enroll in the welding program at MHCC with Walter was driven by more than just the pursuit of job security.

It was about ensuring her brother could thrive.

“I felt really bad leaving Walter at home, being completely isolated,” she said.

From the outset of deciding to attend MHCC, Misty and Walter felt the decision was right and they had found a supportive place to grow. The head of the department met with them, easing Misty’s concerns and ensuring Walter would receive all the support he needed.

Walter achieved immense growth over the course of the program. Misty speaks candidly about the challenges and her initial overprotectiveness.

“A big challenge for me personally was just my fears for my brother. The faculty at MHCC really helped me with that,” she said.

This protective nature initially made it hard for Walter to fully engage on his own, but with the faculty’s guidance, Misty began stepping back, which allowed him to flourish.

“Seeing people believe in my brother - he’s a better welder than me,” Misty said.

his experience, acknowl edges the role the program and his sister have played in his growth.

at times. But that’s kind of nice, to have someone to take me to class, to learn the skills I need for weld ing,” he said.

work at a fabrication company. The skills Walter gained have opened the door to a future where he can be more independent, a pros pect that fills Misty with a blend of pride and relief.

opportunity - so he doesn’t have to have his annoying older sister around all the time. He can just have his own life and his own career,” Misty said.

advice to current and prospective students resonates with her jour ney: “Showing up is the biggest thing. Even if you suck every day, just show up and let people know what help you need.”

clearly served the Orzechowski siblings well, changing challenges into opportunities and uncer tainty into security.

Community Connections: My Day with a Meals on Wheels Volunteer

By Brittany Kintigh

For The Mountain Times

On a cloudy fall day, with the sun peeking through, I had the joy of riding along with volunteer Bob Boertien on his Meals on Wheels delivery route from the Hoodland Senior Center (HSC). For 21 years, Bob has dedicated his Mondays to delivering meals to seniors, and his passion shines through in every interaction. For Meals on Wheels to run smoothly, Monday through Thursday two volunteers split a preplanned route, visiting approximately 20 homes each over the course of two hours to

deliver food.

Our day began at 10:45 AM, where we picked up coolers at HSC before heading to Alpine Events Center to collect freshly prepared lunches. Each week, local gem Busy Bee Catering creates delightful meals. Today’s spread included mouthwatering Reuben sandwiches, homemade slaw, and watermelon slices—definitely a treat for the seniors!

As we set off, it was clear that this route was second nature to Bob. From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, we visited about 20 homes from Rhody to Tim Rim. Bob never needed a GPS; he knew not only

the addresses but also the stories behind each door. He eagerly inquired about health updates, family, and even pets, showcasing the genuine connections he has built over the years.

I was curious about his approach when someone didn’t come to the door. Bob explained that some recipients prefer to use a cooler outside their home for convenience. However, if a regular participant is unexpectedly absent, he always informs HSC staff, ensuring a follow-up call later in the week.

When I asked Bob what he loves most about volunteering, he

said, “It’s all about help ing seniors stay in their homes and live inde pendently.” In our rural community, where trans portation can be a chal lenge, Meals on Wheels guarantees five meals a week for those who need it most. Bob noted, “Recipients are very resilient and doing pretty well, all things considered.”

As we chatted with each person along the route, I noticed a lovely theme: many had neighbors checking in on them, offering groceries or rides. It was heartwarming to see how our community supports one another.

INSURANCE

Siblings Misty and Walter Orzechowski devise a strategic plan together on the job.

Outdoors

The Viewfinder: Discovering Hidden Landscapes in Oregon

By Gary Randall

For The Mountain Times

Because I’m a landscape photographer, I’m prone to seeking adventure in the outdoors.

Sometimes I can be found in the middle of nowhere in the dark photographing the night sky. It’s a common part of my life but it’s not for everyone. It’s certainly not something that my 82-yearold mother does.

I was visiting my mom for a few days recently and there was a forecast for a large aurora display and the chance to be able to see the lights with our eyes and not just with a camera. I asked mom if she wanted to head out to see what we could see, and she said yes enthusiastically.

Mom lives in Prineville in Central Oregon and so

we decided to go to The Painted Hills near Mitchell, about an hour away.

We had dinner, packed some drinks and snacks, some warm clothes, a warm blanket for mom, and we, along with Hazel, my dog, headed out on our adventure.

Mom was excited as we headed down the road but reminded me that we needed to watch for deer. I assured her that I would drive with caution, not knowing she was foreshadowing what was to come.

Going north on Highway 26 we drove through the dark night with the caution that I promised mom. And as mom predicted, on our way through the Ochoco pines, two elk walked in front of the car. It happened so fast that

all I could do was react. As I got closer it looked like I might not stop soon enough but as I approached, they both took a step apart. I chose a path between them just wide enough for the car to pass and stepped on the gas.

Once we passed the elk my mom looked at me, obviously impressed by my driving skill, and said, “You’re incredible. You missed those elk!”

I’m glad she credited my driving skill because my heart was pounding, thinking about how lucky we were to miss them.

With the elk experience behind us we made our way to the Painted Hills overlook safely and to my surprise found nobody there. We turned the car off and sat until our eyes adjusted to

the dark. I grabbed my camera and walked a short distance up the trail to a vantage point, with little dog Hazel on my heels. There was a faint moon and some scattered clouds that at one moment obscured the sky and at another revealed the stars. Once my eyes adjusted, I was able to see faint color in the sky.

Mom wrapped herself in her blanket and stood there in the dark taking it all in. She pointed at the southern sky near the moon and asked if I could see the color in the sky. Once she pointed it out, I stood there with her, amazed at the experience. Being outside in the beautiful moonlit scenery at the Painted Hills with the aurora a faint color in the sky

was such a breathtaking experience. I hugged mom and reminded her of how much I loved her.

I proceeded to roam around to different places to stand for a different point of view while the sky changed with a dynamic that made for dramatic and unique photos. Although what we saw didn’t quite match what the camera saw, I was excited about the photos I was taking.

I wandered back to the car. Mom and Hazel had decided that they would sit inside where it was warmer and snack on cookies while I was wandering in the darkness. I opened the door and hopped in with them. I showed mom the photos I’d taken. We sat and chatted about the aurora and the fun we were

having in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night. Mom was so happy to be outside with me and Hazel. It was a total departure from her evening routine. And we spent the time together. A mom and her son. We decided to head home before it got too late. The drive home was uneventful, unlike the drive to the hills, and we arrived about 1:30 in the morning, still excited by the adventure that we’d had together.

The next morning we both slept in a bit, and what great conversation we had over our coffee. Risking our lives on the highway dodging elk, standing under the stars, sitting in the car eating cookies – I’m not sure the night could have been much better.

What’s Happening At Your Hoodland And Sandy Public Libraries

WEEKLY EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

Fiber Arts Circle: Tuesdays & Saturdays, 2 PM

Fiber artists, come join other hand crafters at an informal Fiber Arts circle. Weavers, spinners, knitters, crocheters, if your work is portable, you are welcome. Sandy Library Fireplace Room

Read to the Dog: Tuesdays, 4:15 PM

Do you have a child working to improve their reading skills? Bring your child to the Sandy Library to read to Tanis! Tanis will be in the Sandy Library children’s area and he would love it if you read him your favorite book!

Read to the Dog is a great way for your child to practice their reading in a fun environment.

We are partnering with DoveLewis’ Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams program to offer interactive reading sessions for readers looking to develop their confidence in reading aloud with a furry companion. Sandy Library Kids’ Room

Storytime: Thursdays, 10 - 11 AM

Miss Monica will read books and we will sing songs and learn rhymes together. Todos Juntos will provide a fun craft activity afterward. This program is for preschool children aged 2-5 and is designed to help your child learn the important early literacy skills needed to help them learn to read. Sandy Library Community Room

Storytime: Fridays, 10:30 - 11 AM

Join us for Storytime at the Hoodland Library! We will be reading books, singing songs, and learning rhymes together.

Hoodland Library Community Room

Family Storytime: Saturdays, 10 - 10:30 AM

Storytime for the whole family! Miss Monica will read picture books and we will all learn some songs and rhymes together. Sandy Public Library

Spanish Storytime: Saturdays, 10:30 - 11 AM

Leeremos libros juntos, cantaremoscanciones y aprenderemos rimas en la hora del cuento en español.

We will read books together, sing songs, and learn rhymes at Spanish story time. Sandy Library Community Room

Hora del Cuento en Español: Sábados, 10:30 - 11 AM Leeremos libros juntos, cantaremos canciones y aprenderemos rimas en la hora del cuento en español Biblioteca Pública de Sandy

Spanish Class: Sundays, 3 - 4PM

Learn Spanish with teacher Maria Smith. This free class is intended for beginners. Sandy Library Community Room

Clase de inglés/English Class: domingos/ Sundays, 4 - 5PM

Clase de inglés para estudiantes principiantes o con un nivel intermedio de inglés. English class for beginner to intermediate English Language Learners. La Biblioteca Pública de Sandy Sandy Library Community Room MONTHLY & BI-MONTHLY EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

Repair Fair: Saturday, Nov 2, 10 AM - 1PM

Join us for a free community repair event What can I bring to be repaired?

- Small electronics - Small home appliances

* Some repairs may not be available at every event. To confirm an item you want to bring can be repaired, email sustainability@clackamas.us with a description of your item. This page is not always monitored! Sandy Library Community Room

LEGO Club: Saturday, Nov 2, 1 - 2PM

Join us the first Saturday of each month and see what you can build with LEGO! For ages 5-10. Hoodland Library Community Room.

Teen Hangout: Monday, Nov 4 & 18, 4- 6PM Fall Holiday Diamond Art. This program provides teens, ages 12-17, or grades 6th-12th, a dedicated space to hangout, watch YouTube and anime on the big screen, play board games, listen to music, ignite creativity using art and

Hoodland

craft supplies, pique a new interest, and connect with a community. Popcorn, snacks, water, and juice provided. Sandy Library Community Room Info: Rebecca at rhanset@ci.sandy.or.us

Men’s Book Club: Monday, Nov 4, 7 PM

“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig Sandy Library Community Room. Info: Maureen at mhouck@ci.sandy.or.us

Mouse and Keyboard Basics: Tuesday, Nov 5, 10 - 11:30 AM

Are you a new computer user with little or no experience using a keyboard and mouse?

If so, come to this class and learn how to left-click, right-click and use basic command keys as you prepare to enter the online world! Space is limited. Registration is required. Call the library at 503-668-5537 to register for a class. Sandy Library Community Room

Election Day: Tuesday, November 5

Drop off your ballot by 8 PM using the ballot box at either the Hoodland or Sandy Public Library.

Hoyt Community Room Dedication Ceremony: Thursday, Nov 7, 5:30 - 7PM

Come honor George Hoyt as we celebrate the dedication of our new Hoyt Community Room at the Sandy Public Library. Live music, mingling, and sweet treats. Sandy Library Community Room

Digital Book Club: Thursday, Nov 7, 7PM

“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie Via Zoom. Please email Kat for the Zoom link. Info: Kat at kaden@ci.sandy.or.us

Mahjong: Saturday, Nov 9, 2PM - 4PM

Come play Mahjong at the Sandy Library.

Beginners welcome. An introductorycourse will take place at 2:00 pm, followed by regular play at 2:30 pm. No set (game pieces) required to join, but if you have a set, please bring it with you. Sandy Library Community Room

Computer Basics: Tuesday, Nov 12, 10 - 11:30 AM

New to computers or been awhile since you used one? Come to Computer Basics and learn how to start and shut down a computer; create, save, and open a file; create a folder; and rename files and folders. Space is limited. Registration is required. Contact the library at 503-668-5537 to register for a class. Sandy Library Community Room

Kids Club - Legos: Tuesday, Nov 12, 4 - 5:30 PM

Visit the library after school to make LEGO creations that will be displayed at the library!

Sandy Library Community Room

Teen Dungeons & Dragons: Wednesdays, Nov 13 & 27, 6 - 8PM

Following old-school D&D rules from 1980 —just like in the hit show “Stranger Things” —we are a friendly group of players both experienced and new to the game that gather around the table. Using a flexible sandbox-style approach, the players choose their adventure. Will you explore the mysterious ruins seeking the rumored treasure within? Or clear a cave complex of ferocious orcs and earn great reward and fame from the local lord? No matter what you choose, adventure and treasure awaits! We play the traditional way, rolling dice in-person around a table using “theater of the mind” and are open to players aged 13 to 3,000 (sorry, no liches allowed). Seats are limited. Registration is required. Sandy Library Community Room Info: Dungeon Master Steve Williamson, gaming@ruckerworks.com

Women’s Book Club: Thursday, Nov 14, 6PM

“Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver

Read any book by Harlan Coben for this discussion! Sandy Library Community Room Info: Maureen at mhouck@ci.sandy.or.us

Holiday Cards for Seniors: Friday, Nov 15 - Sunday, Dec 15

A special winter holiday Take & Make Kit for Kids, Teens, and Adults will be available at the Hoodland and Sandy Public Libraries

starting Nov 15, while supplies last. You are invited to make greeting cards for home-bound seniors to celebrate the holiday season. Some craft supplies will be enclosed in the kit along with two blank cards. You are welcome to use additional supplies of your own. Finished cards should be returned to the libraries by Dec 15. Info: Lara at lwilent@ci.sandy.or.us

Holiday Tree at the Hoodland Library: Monday, Nov 18 - Wednesday, Dec 11

Bring your new or handmade hats, ear-warmers, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks and slippers, as well as new/unopened toiletries, to decorate the holiday tree at the library. The items will go to the Hoodland Community Christmas Basket program for local families. Applications for baskets will be available at various locations in the community, including the library, beginning Nov. 1.

Solstice Symphony Art Reception Show: Monday, Nov 18, 5:30 - 7PM

Come celebrate the Sandy Library’s latest art exhibition and meet the artists of Solstice Symphony: Visions of Winter. Sandy Library Fireplace Room

Internet Basics: Tuesday, Nov 19, 10 - 11AM Are you an internet novice in need of more information? If so, sign up for Internet Basics! Learn basic internet terminology and how to navigate a browser, locate a website, identify common domains, build search skills, and stay safe while searching in this class. This class will focus on the Google Chrome browser. Space is limited. Registration is required. Contact the library at 503-668-5537 to register for a class. Sandy Library Community Room

Hoodland Library Book Group: Tuesday, Nov 19, 4PM “Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club” by J. Ryan Stradal Hoodland Library Community Room. Info: Alex at asteinmetz@ci.sandy.or.us

Creation Station: Monday, Nov 25, 10 AM - 12PM

Paint a winter scene for the Art Show. Creation Station, a twice monthly interactive program that welcomes adults with developmental disabilities, offers several arts and crafts stations with a variety of materials to accommodate different interests and abilities. Sandy Library Community Room Info: Katie at kmurphy@ci.sandy.or.us

French Conversation Group: Monday, Nov 25, 2:30 - 3:30 PM Improve your French conversation skills in a friendly setting. 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. All levels welcome! Hoodland Library Community Room Info: hoodlandlibrary@ci.sandy.or.us or 503-622-3460

Kid’s Club STEM - Light Up Holiday Cards: Tuesday, Nov 26, 4- 5PM Kids in grades 1-5 are invited to join us for a fun and creative STEM workshop where they’ll make their very own light-up holiday cards. Design, decorate, and add a special glow with easy-to-use LED lights. Bring your festive spirit and creativity, and let’s make some bright holiday memories together! This class is limited to 24 kids. Registration required. Sandy Library Community Room

Giving Tree at the Sandy Library: Friday, Nov 29, 10AM Please help us keep our neighbors warm and cozy during this chilly season by bringing NEW or HANDMADE, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and extra warm socks to the Library. A tree will be in the lobby for you to decorate with your donations. Donated items at the Sandy library will go to the Sandy Community Action Center. Sandy Library Lobby ONGOING EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

The Hoodland and Sandy Libraries offer free reading tutoring for students in grades 1-3. The program is run by volunteers who meet with students once a week for one-on-one tutoring in reading. We’re always looking for volunteers to tutor, too! Info: Monica at msmith@ci.sandy.or.us

Art at the Hoodland Public Library! Visit the library to see the beautiful quilt made by a member of the local group, The Piecemakers! The Clackamas County Arts Alliance exhibits the work of a local (County) artist. Both exhibits change quarterly. Art at the Sandy Public Library! Visit the library to see the art display of collage work by Sheri Braun with the Clackamas County Arts Alliance. Beginning November 10th, we will be featuring various artists from Clackamas County in our Solstice Symphony: Visions of Winter art show.

Sandy Public Library

Monday: 10 am to 7 pm

Tuesday: 10 am to 7 pm

Wednesday: 10 am to 6 pm

Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm

Friday: 10 am to 6 pm

Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm

Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm

Hoodland Public Library:

Monday 10 am - 4 pm

Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm

Wednesday 12 pm - 7 pm

Thursday 12 pm - 6 pm

Friday 12 pm - 6 pm

Saturday 12 pm - 5 pm

Tech Help

Have a question about using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Call the library at 503-668-5537 to schedule an appointment with a librarian. Help is available on such topics as:

EMAIL

SOCIAL MEDIA

MICROSOFT WORD

PC BASICS

USING THE INTERNET

Curbside Delivery of hold items is available. Call us from the parking lot during our open hours, provide your library card number, and we will check your items out and bring them to you. Mobile Printing is available from your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Send what you need printed to the library using one of our mobile printing options, then come to the library during our open hours to print your documents. Info: ci.sandy.or.us/ library/page/mobile-printing-princh

The Sandy and Hoodland Library’s newsletter is being emailed on a monthly basis. Call us or email libraryassistants@ ci.sandy.or.us if you would like to be added to the mailing list. Or follow our blog at sandylibrary.blogspot.com/2024/ eCards: If you don’t already have a LINCC library card, you may apply for an eCard by visiting lincc.org. An eCard grants immediate access to online resources, including eBooks and eAudiobooks. You may also place up to five physical items on hold, but must upgrade to a full library card with your current photo ID and proof of address (if not on your ID) to check them out. eCards are available to all residents of the LINCC Library District (Clackamas County, Oregon), ages 13 and up. Request a Book Bundle: Don’t know what to read next? Let us pick something out! The more you can tell us, the better the recommendation will likely be. Visit www.ci.sandy.or.us/library for the form, or email libraryassistants@ ci.sandy.or.us and we will send the form to you. www.ci.sandy.or.us/library.

The Cultural Pass program offers passes to cultural venues so you can treat the family to a free or discounted adventure. Visit culturalpassexpress.quipugroup.net/.

Some SAM/STAR and MT HOOD EXPRESS bus passes may be purchased at the libraries, including the SAM/STAR 24-ride punch pass and a pack of five individual ride tokens; and SAM and MT HOOD EXPRESS daily unlimited ride passes. Check out these Facebook groups for more information on what’s happening at the libraries: City of Sandy, Oregon – City Government Sandy Public Library Friends Sandy & Hoodland Libraries - Storytime Parents Group

The Hoodland and Sandy Public Libraries will be closed for Veterans Day: Monday, Nov. 11 and Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 28

Outdoors

The Angle: How are the Steelhead Doing?

By Lucas Holmgren

Mountain Times

Southwest Washington rivers were once the “Valhalla” of steelhead according to a wise fish conservationist named Dave Brown. As he showed his springfed fish rescue facility,

he told me about how he’d moved to the area because of the abundance of steelhead born in creeks and rivers like the East Fork Lewis, Salmon Creek, Kalama and many others. Over a few decades he saw the direct decline of what

was once a barely-hidden treasure of fishing.

Historically, adult steelhead were inhabiting rivers like the Washougal, East Fork and North Fork Lewis year-round in various run timings, while glacier-fed rivers could hold year-round runs of Chinook salmon as well. Each river had its own unique “strains” of fish that would out-migrate to the ocean and return at specific times to spawn. Southwest Washington has rivers with larger waterfalls, which not only block some species like Chum salmon from going up, but also provide oxygen and cold water in the summer. Because of these falls, rivers like the East Fork Lewis and Washougal could support adult summer steelhead that could hold at these falls during the low, warm water periods.

Today one can still say that technically there are “year-round” steelhead in Southwest Washington rivers. However, the abundance and flourishing

runs have dwindled down to a disappointingly low percentage. This is not something to be blamed on any one factor, but rather a “death of a thousand cuts.” Does this mean Southwest Washington steelhead are doomed to extinction? I don’t think so at all.

Although we’ve lost a few species to extinction, a documentary by a fishing friend Shane Anderson called “Rising from the Ashes” details how wild summer steelhead were trapped by dams and landlocked. These fish simply kept spawning and feeding in the reservoir created by the dam as rainbow trout. Steelhead are rainbow trout and they are well documented to spawn together, with some going to the ocean and others staying “resident.” When the dams were removed, those “great grandkids” once again had the chance to migrate to the ocean decades later. Within four years it was clear that the species had not only survived, but were immediately able

Local News

to make the massive migration to the Pacific and back again, resulting in the largest wild run of summer steelhead on the Washington coast.

This amazing example gives me hope for the summer steelhead that have gone “extinct” in their adult life cycle, trapped behind the three dams on the North Fork Lewis River. I don’t believe they are acknowledged, but they existed before the dams in the thousands. Could these steelhead still be swimming to this day? Are they just wild

“rainbow trout” waiting for their opportunity to swim out into the ocean to feed? Summer steelhead in Southwest Washington rivers such as the Washougal and East Fork Lewis have barely hung on, and 2024 even had some solid fishing, but it’s the most at-risk fish we have. Any chance we get to keep cold, clean water flowing and help these fish to thrive? Let’s do what we can. Broodstock anyone?

Outreach Vehicle on Order for Sandy and Hoodland Public Libraries

By Dennis McNabb

The Mountain Times

In a time when print media is increasingly giving way to a myriad of digital platforms, our local libraries remain an essential resource in the dissemination of information — especially in rural areas where cell service and internet access are often unreliable. Library outreach vehicles (bookmobiles) in particular play a pivotal role in bringing books, digital resources and educational tools to underserved areas. While advancements in technology continue to revolutionize how we consume information, these vehicles ensure that people who live in remote areas still have access to all of the most vital information and community services libraries provide. Accordingly, we are very excited to announce that the Sandy and Hoodland Public Libraries have a brand-new outreach vehicle on order!

Sarah McIntyre, Library Director for

both Sandy and Hoodland, could not be more enthusiastic. This is a project that is both near and dear to her heart and one that has been mired too long in development. She initially broached the subject with the City Council almost two full years ago. At that time, research was done, a make and model were decided upon and the entire endeavor was met with widespread approval. Unfortunately, between that time and when she was ready to place the order, the chosen vehicle had been retired from production. Even more discouraging, she could find no alterna tives for less than twice the dollar amount of the original vehicle.

Adamant that this was a worthy cause, Sarah conducted further research and discov ered a new model that would not only fulfill the project’s purpose as it was envisioned but also garner the support necessary for the council to approve the higher price

tag. At the August 19th City Council meeting, approval was granted and the vehicle was ordered. That said, the Council did not approve a higher budget, leaving it up to the library to raise the additional capital. Since Farber Specialty Vehicles (the automotive outfitter hired for the project) estimates 18-24 months to complete the job, that gives the library just that long to raise over $160,000!

Sarah is hopeful that a portion of that cost will be covered by grants.

the public’s assistance. Anyone who is passionate about the project is encouraged to submit letters of support and/or make donations directly to the program. Every little bit helps! And, in the coming months, Sarah also plans to administer a variety of community fundraising efforts. The public will be allowed every opportunity to both support and track the project’s status. The vehicle itself is a marvel of modern engineering. In case you imagined this as nothing more than a glorified van capable of carrying -

rials, think again. With enough room for five desks, computer equipment, printers, and 15 interchangeable shelves, this will literally be a mobile library. As such, they will have the capacity to provide access to computers, to teach computer classes, and to engage children in a variety of STEM activities, as well as lending the standard selection of books, DVDs, CDs, graphic novels and more. On certain visits the bus will be stocked with materials geared towards children, while on others it will be stocked for adults.

This is a fantastic

opportunity for our local communities here on the mountain to gain access to both materials and technology that we may not otherwise have. Sarah is incredibly passionate about the project and committed to seeing it to fruition. With a little help from us, the people who will be benefiting from this endeavor, there is no doubt it will become one of the single greatest investments we’ve made. Make sure to visit the local library in person or online (www. ci.sandy.or.us/library) for more information.

The

Josh Helmes with a harvestable “hatchery” Steelhead which allows anglers to catch keeper fish and release wild fish (Identified by intact Adipose fin.)

An ultra fresh Summer-Run Steelhead is bright “chrome” but will develop more Rainbow Trout coloration after about a month or more in freshwater.

Community Events

Community Unites: Holiday Projects at Libraries

By Hoodland and Sandy Public Libraries

For The Mountain Times

This holiday season, the Hoodland and Sandy Public Libraries are excited to introduce two community-driven projects designed to spread joy and warmth. Join us in celebrating the spirit of giving

and make this holiday season brighter for everyone in our community!

First we offer the annual Take & Make kit that is made available at both the Hoodland and Sandy Public Libraries, as well as at the City of Sandy tree lighting event. Those who take a kit

are asked to use their artistic imagination to create two non-religious greeting cards for homebound senior citizens to help them celebrate the holiday season. Each of the 350 kits contains two cards, a glue stick, and various other items. Participants are welcome to use other materials they might

have at home. Kits are made available starting Nov. 15 and are due back to either library by Dec. 15. Cards are distributed to Meals On Wheels recipients, and to residents at senior living facilities and Mt. Hood Hospice.

CRAFT FOR A CAUSE: HOLIDAY CARDS FOR SENIORS

The special winter holiday Take & Make kit for all ages will be available at the Hoodland and Sandy Public Libraries starting November 15, while supplies last. You are invited to make greeting cards for home-bound seniors to celebrate the holiday season. Some craft supplies will be enclosed in the kit along with two blank cards. You are welcome to use additional supplies of your own. Finished cards should be returned to the libraries by December 15.

Info: Lara at lwilent@ ci.sandy.or.us or 503-622-3460

Also coming up is the annual holiday tree at the Hoodland Library. We coordinate with the group who organizes the Hoodland Community Christmas Basket program. We collect items for them to give as Christmas gifts, as well as make available the applications for gifts and food baskets. We usually put the tree up the day after Thanks -

giving, but with the holiday being so late in the month this year, we will put the tree up early, on Monday, Nov. 18.

For more info on the Christmas Basket program, contact Carol Norgard at craisinorazion@gmail.com

8Bring your new or handmade hats, ear-warmers, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks and slippers, as well as new/unopened toiletries, to decorate the holiday tree at Hoodland Public Library beginning Monday, Nov. 18, through Wednesday, Dec. 11. The items will go to the Hoodland Community Christmas Basket program for local families. Applications for baskets will be available at various

locations in the community, including the library, beginning Nov. 1 and should be turned in by a yet to be determined December date.

Info: hoodlandlibrary@ci.sandy.or.us or 503-622-3460.

Hoodland Community Planning Organization

By Pat Erdenberger, Hoodland CPO

For The Mountain Times

The goal of the Hoodland Community Planning Organization (HCPO) is to bring County information to our Hoodland community and give the community a voice back to the County.

We have several speakers at our November 21st Meeting, 7pm, Church on the Mountain. Mike Ward, Project Manager with the Clackamas County and Cameron Ruen will be touching base with the Hoodland

Community. They will go through the results from the April survey on the Welches Road Pedestrian Improvements Bike/Walk Path project. We hope you’ll join us to help plan the future here in Welches. Details at: www.clackamas.us/engineering/welches-road

Our second speaker at the meeting will be Alex Cettle, Project Manager for Fire District #74, with regard to the new station house plan for the property (Dorman Center) on Salmon River Road.

The Mt Hood Corridor Wildfire Partnership will

be holding another debris collection on Veteran’s Day Weekend, the 9th and 10th of November. Please trim excess fuels on your property and have them ready for quick and free disposal. Limited to woody debris, those are the branches and twigs that snap a bit. Likely to be at the Dorman Center on Salmon River Road, notice of the location will go out via email, social media and the many information boards at post offices and businesses locally. You will find complete details at: https://www.mthood -

wildfirepartnership.org/ collection-days

Regarding a change to Temporary Dwelling Status for RVsThe Board of County Commissioners (BCC) met and voted 4-1 not to amend the previously approved Zoning Change that will allow RVs as permanent dwellings. We thank Commissioner Savas for his effort to amend. Like other CPOs in the Mt Hood Corridor, we welcome ADUs, but HCPO membership objected in a vote on RVs as permanent dwellings outside mobile parks.

Recently a resident contacted us regarding an apparent hazardous RV on Barlow Trail Road. The resident had pictures and an address.

We drove by and saw the same problem. They reported this situation to Clackamas County Code Enforcement and copied the CPO in email, as we did, to report the hazard. Code Enforcement has taken the case and that begins a process with a letter and a 10-day wait for response. We are hoping to learn more about how Code Enforcement will work with the CPO in the future; I know they have excellent plans for change.

Documents to and from the County and the CPO have lacked the sort of consistency we’d prefer. Beginning November 1st, documents such as permit applications, CPO comments, final decisions, zoning changes,

meeting agenda and minutes associated with the Hoodland CPO will be organized and available on our Google drive: https://drive.google.com/ drive/folders/1haVrFeVDh3UpHKIjGp2g33YK1N2bkoSO?usp=sharing

Please consider offering your time and talent to the Hoodland Community Planning Organization as a volunteer. Should you have special interest in volunteering to produce social media content, to advocate for river trails and village walk and bikeways, or if you have questions on fuels reduction, permit applications or any questions, please contact us at hoodlandcpo@gmail.com It takes this village.

Meals on Wheels Delivering Good Food and High Spirits to Community Seniors

By Justin Andress

For The Mountain Times

Five days a week, dozens of elderly Mt. Hood residents rely on Hoodland’s Meals on Wheels program for a nutritious meal and much-needed human interaction. Those goals are increasingly important during the holiday season as the volunteers and staff at Hoodland Senior Center work to deliver high spirits and good food to those in need.

Carianne Stearns has been Director of the Hoodland Senior Center for nearly a year, an experience she describes as a “whirlwind.” Along with Assistant Director Leita Bibler-Thomas, she orchestrates an ever-expanding list of activities and services to keep the mountain’s senior citizens comfortable and happy.

Those services include daily exercise classes, guest speakers, trips to the doctor, help paying bills, and outings to local hot spots. The Hoodland Senior Center’s most significant undertaking, however, is Meals on Wheels, a program that feeds needy seniors from Alder Creek to Government Camp.

Most Americans likely know about Meals on Wheels. The charitable organization has been feeding American senior citizens since 1954. Today, the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the nation’s oldest and largest organiza -

tion of its kind. That level of prestige might lead one to believe that the Welches branch of Meals on Wheels operates with a nearly limitless budget.

That is far from the case.

Hoodland’s Meals on Wheels receives zero funding from the national organization. Instead, it relies on a small government subsidy and local fundraising to cover its costs.

“We get reimbursements each month through the county,” says Stearns. “But it doesn’t cover the cost of the whole program.”

In fact, it doesn’t even come close. Local donations make up a whopping 25 percent of the Meals on Wheels budget, making volunteer and fundraising efforts critical to the program.

Says Stearns, “We’re here doing our thing with a little bit of county funds and whatever we can scrape together from community fundraising and the generous donors from the local area.”

On average, Meals on Wheels has about $5 a day to spend on each resident in need. That minute budget doesn’t stop Stearns, BiblerThomas, and their volunteers from going the extra mile. Whereas many Meals on Wheels providers tend to stick strictly to frozen meals, the Hoodland Senior Center has partnered with local businesses on Mt. Hood to create

things up a notch when the holidays roll around. The daily meal budget doesn’t increase, but the efforts certainly do. As Stearns explains, “We like to send out a special meal [for the holidays], something that’s different from the normal weekly meals.”

The team at Hoodland Senior Center also includes seasonal surprises for program participants.For Halloween, they send out bags of sweet treats (nothing too sugary).

The Trillium Trails Garden Club sends out a seasonal plant in the winter. The Hoodland Library provides greeting card kits for visitors to fill out so Meals on Wheels drivers can deliver them to program participants.

a one-of-a-kind experience for the people it serves.

Mt. Hood Village Market pitches in to hand out sack lunches to eager seniors. Twice a week, Busy Bee Catering’s Jan Ostrom and her staff prepare fresh meals. Ostrom regularly spends more than the $5 allotted to make the meal.

“It gives them more variety and more wholesome meals than they would otherwise receive,” says Ostrom. “It’s important. You shouldn’t have to get to that age in life and not have anything to eat.”

The Hoodland Senior Center likes to kick

For Stearns and her volunteers, these added flourishes are integral to the program. Meals on Wheels is about more than delivering food; it’s about ensuring that the most fragile members of the Mt. Hood community receive care and attention.

“Social isolation is a big thing up here,” says Stearns. “Each day, we go and knock on their door, hand them their meal, see how they’re doing. Sometimes, that’s the only person they’ll interact with all day.”

Stearns is hesitant to take credit for any of her work. Instead, She’s quick to praise the

volunteers surrounding her. “Without our volunteers, we couldn’t serve the community.”

Volunteers fill a wide variety of roles at the Senior Center and, by extension, Meals on Wheels. They answer phones, transport seniors to doctor’s appointments, deliver meals, and even sort bottles and cans to generate extra cash for the program.

Stearns and her crew continue to keep an eye

on those who frequently go unnoticed during the holiday season. As the weather gets colder and the mountain becomes more isolated, the benefits of those efforts are immeasurable.

The Meals on Wheels program is always looking for community members to donate time or money. To get involved, contact the Hoodland Community Center or visit HoodlandSeniorCenter.org.

Leita Bibler-Thomas and Carianne Stearns.

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If you are considering getting a pet, please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter, or choose a responsible breeder.

NOTICE: People selling or giving animals away are advised to be selective about the new guardians. For the protection of the animal, a personal visit to the animals new home is recommended. Please remember to spay and neuter – prevent unwanted litters!

Edited by Margie E. Burke

(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue) 4 9 3 1 9 7 8 6 8 8 1 9 4 3 5 3 5 2 6 4 6 9 2 5

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HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Nicole Lynn Kosta

1983–2024

It is with a very sad and heavy heart that we have lost our loved one. Nicole Lynn Kosta, born May 31, 1983, lost her long battle with metastatic breast cancer on Sept 30, 2024. She moved to Welches OR with her family in 1984 where she enjoyed the activities and wonder of living on the mountain. This is where she made lifelong friends and built her life. She attended Welches grade school and middle school then moved on to high school in Sandy, later graduating from Eastern Oregon University with Bachelors degree in Business Administration. Nicole had

many talents including working on her own vehicles, photography, gardening, crafting, baking and she especially loved her pets. She never let the difficulty of a task stop her from the challenge. If she wanted to do a project or something she knew little about, she would research it and make a plan. She was always successful in accomplishing what she set out to do. She was fun, loving, compassionate and always supported others in their endeavors. Nicole never let her cancer define her. When she was diagnosed she told her loved ones and friends “everything is fine, I’ll be alright.” This world will certainly be a sadder place without her, but those who knew her will always have the memories of her and know that they were well-loved by her. She was preceded in death by her brother Samuel “Sam” Kosta, several uncles, grandparents and others. She leaves behind her mother, Joyce Kosta, father Rodney

Kosta, brother Lucas Kosta, and her only living grandparent, Naomi Kosta of Sierra Vista, Arizona, as well as many beloved friends who she considered her family. She will forever be loved and never forgotten. Celebration of life will be November 9, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, located at 39901 Pleasant Street, Sandy Oregon. Join us from 1pm to 4 pm. Refreshments to follow.

Philip David Clark 1950–2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Phillip David Clark, 74, of Welches, Oregon. He passed away peace-

was born in Portland to Vernon Terry and Mae Hazel Clark on July 22, 1950. He went on to graduate from David Douglas High School in 1968. Phil became a contractor, building and remodeling homes and hotels all around the country. Phil married Linda Bolster, and they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary this August. Phil loved playing and watching baseball, even sliding into the bases well into adulthood. He was a big fan of Smoky the Bear, buffalo, and his pugs. He enjoyed hunting with his family and friends every year, and the card games they played together in the tent at night. He is survived by his wife Linda, his three kids, Jessica, Alex, and Carrie, and seven grandkids, Owen, Evan, Mason, Zia, Jaxson, Jace, and Reya. He’s also left behind a large extended family of relatives that made his life so full of love and laughs. He was a family man all the

us no matter what, and we all miss him dearly. He had friends everywhere he went, with his charming wit and great laugh, he knew how to fill a room with love. He often reminded us that “All you need is love.” Phil was predeceased by his parents, and his two brothers, Robert Terry and Charles Harvey Clark. A celebration

of Phil’s life will be held at Alpine Events, 73365 US-26, Rhododendron, OR 97049, on November 30 from 1 to 4 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that tributes be paid through the fund set up by the Lion’s Club to help contribute to his memorial at mealtrain.com/trains/ nwvkwo/donate/init?

By Lion, Milt Fox

For

The Mountain Times BINGO!

Bingo continues to be very popular this year: we’ve been averaging 55 players on Friday nights. The last two years’ we set attendance records. Come on out and have a great Friday night. Doors will open at 6:00 pm with Bingo starting at 7:00 pm. The last night of this

Mt. Hood Lions Club: Mountain Roar

year’s fall Bingo season will be November 29th, 2024. Bingo will reopen after the holidays on January 17. 2025. Our Bingo chairwoman is Lion Carol Norgard.

FALL PLANT SALE SATURDAY OCTOBER 12TH!

Our Fall Plant sale was a great success, with beautiful fall weather and lots of beautiful plants donated by local nurseries. We sold everything by noon. Funding from this event will help support next summer’s Swimming Lessons program; the event was chaired by Lion David Buoy

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE!

Thank you to those of you who donated blood at our October 19th Red Cross Blood Drive. We had a nice turnout.

NEW MEMBER INITIATION!

Our club initiated several new members at our Wednesday October 23rd club dinner meeting. Lion Dan Wolf performed the initiation ceremony.

R.I.F. DINNER:

Our Reading is Fundamental (R.I.F.) Steak and Prawn Dinner was held Saturday October 26th. We had a great crowd of happy customers. Once again, we thank all of you who came out and supported our R.I.F. program fundraiser.

Thanks go to the Portland French Bakery for the donation of those wonderful dinner rolls. We also thank Welches Clackamas County Bank, Welches Mountain Building Supply, Coffee House 26 and the Whistle Stop Tavern for the sale of our tickets. Our R.I.F. Chairwoman is Lion Molly Espenel.

MOBILE HEALTH CLINIC:

Thank you for your continued support of our Mobile Health Clinic. Remember if you have health needs or concerns consider inquiring at “femforward” Mobile Health Clinic. Making appointments can be made through their website, by texting or

calling. Watch for our advertising!

COMING UP!

CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE DINNER!

Please plan to attend this year’s Christmas Toy Drive Dinner, which will be held Saturday December 7th. Happy Hour begins at 6:00 pm with dinner served at 7:00 pm; price at the door is $22. Special presale tickets are available for $20.00 at Welches Clackamas County Bank, Welches Mountain Building Supply, Coffee House 26 and the Whistle Stop Tavern – or ask any Lion. According to Lion Chef Craig Calvert we will enjoy a meal consisting of roast top sirloin of beef, in addition to ham

and all the trimmings. This year’s Christmas Toy Drive is co- chaired by Lions Sarah O’Dowd and Molly Espenel. Please bring a new unwrapped toy for local kids and join us for this delicious dinner and help others in need. We will also be collecting nonperishable food items for the Hoodland Community Christmas Basket Program. Thank you for supporting this Mt. Hood Lions project, a community tradition since 1996. PS: We are also making plans for another Red Cross Blood Drive Saturday December 14th. Please mark your calendars. It’s great to be a Lion!

Wildfire Workshop Saturday November 2nd

Saturday

2nd

nership.org/homeowner-workshop Hosted by the Mt Hood Wildfire Partnership Thanks for shoutout and support from Hoodland CPO!

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Hoodland Fire Aquires New Engine

By Hoodland Fire

For The Mountain Times

Hoodland Fire has made an important investment in community safety by acquiring a new Type 3 wildland interface engine which arrived last month. This acquisition was made possible through the careful financial planning and savings accumulated in their Apparatus Reserve Account over the past few years.

The fire engine was built on a four wheel drive Freightliner chassis by Boise Mobile Equipment (BME). BME specializes in building wildland fire apparatus and is a major supplier to wildland fire agencies and structural fire departments throughout the country. It is very common for fire appara-

tus to be custom designed and built to meet the specific needs of the agency. At the moment, that can mean build times as long as four years for specialized rigs due to backlogs at the manufacturers. In the wildland fire apparatus world, vehicle design is based on nationally developed specifications that meet the needs of the Federal agencies along with one of the biggest users of these types of vehicles, the State of California. Knowing that development and refinement of this type of rig has been ongoing for years, Hoodland Fire chose to purchase a standard variation without any significant customizations.

Boise Mobile Equipment builds a number of “stock” units while also

building customized rigs. Several stock units were available for purchase when Hoodland Fire was ready to buy, which meant they were able to procure a brand new unit that was nearing completion, lowering the delivery time from years to a couple of months. This also reduced costs due to lower engineering fees. Fortunately, the stock rig was coming in the color red, which essentially matches the department’s existing paint scheme, but it will be missing the white cab top that most other HFD vehicles have, as there wasn’t time to include that paint specification prior to completion.

The biggest difference between a vehicle designed for wildland fire use and one designed for structural fires is mobility. Structural fire engines are designed to arrive at the location of the fire and set up for stationary pumping operations and support crews with a supply of hose, tools and equipment. Wildland fires by their very nature move, sometimes quickly, necessitat-

ing an agile vehicle that can pump water to extinguish fire even while on the move. This is referred to as pump and roll capability.

Hoodland Fire already has three “Type 6” wildland apparatus. These are smaller units, and while they are very agile, they don’t have the same capabilities as the new vehicle. Two of the existing rigs carry 400 gallons of water and one carries 300 gallons - all of them pump about 125 gallons a minute and carry a crew of two. The new engine carries 500 gallons of water, has a main pump that can pump 500 gallons per minute and a separate auxiliary pump used for pump and roll operations that can deliver 275 gallons per minute. Crew size can be up to four personnel, and more hoses and equipment can be stored on the rig, including a ladder that will allow firefighters to reach rooftops of structures and clear them of debris, a prime fuel source for embers.

The need for these capabilities was demon-

strated this year on the Service Fire near Fossil.

The Clackamas County task force, including a Hoodland Fire unit, was positioned to defend a large log structure from the quickly advancing fire. A Type 3 engine from Clackamas Fire was able to draw water from a lake to supply its own hose lines and provide water to the rest of the task force, enabling them to prevent the fire from destroying the structure and other surrounding buildings.

The smaller pumps on Type 6 apparatus do not have that ability.

The new engine is currently undergoing outfitting with equip -

ment, and crews are engaged in training sessions to familiarize themselves with the engine’s capabilities and features. Once outfitting and training are complete, the new engine will be placed in service. It will replace an aging 1996 Type 3 Engine, which lacks the ground clearance and pump and roll capability present in the new engine. It has served the district well but has become increasingly less reliable.The members of Hoodland Fire are excited to have this powerful new tool to help combat the increasing threat from wildland fires.