Popcorn popped, balloons bounced, and laughter filled the halls on October 24 as Welches Elementary and Middle Schools held their annual Harvest Festival, one of the schools’ favorite fall traditions. The day began with each class visiting the indoor “pumpkin patch” to pick the perfect pumpkin. Among the costumes, fairies, pirates, mermaids, and skeletons held their pumpkins proudly for a class photo. Midday brought the costume parade, led by Principal Kendra Payne. Third-, f

Sandy Actors Theatre is pleased to announce the second show of their 49th season, Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple (Female Version),” directed by Joni Tabler. The show runs from November 21-December 14, 2025, with tickets available for purchase online at sandyactorstheatre.com or at the door. “The Odd Couple (Female Version)” is based on Simon’s original, The Odd Couple. This adaptation introduces the audience to Olive and Florence, two women whose desperation and loneliness res

The Hoodland Women’s Club turned community spirit into celebration this fall, hosting its first Harvest of Hope Gala – a night of good food, live music, and local generosity that raised nearly $14,000 for neighbors in need. When more than 70 guests gathered at Alpine Events on October 4 for the club’s inaugural gala, it wasn’t just an elegant evening – it was a statement of purpose. Beneath the soft lights, live music, and laughter, the community came together to support an o

The Hoodland Community Planning Organization (HCPO) is happy to welcome local favorite Gary Randall to its community meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, main building in the Osprey Room at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort. Gary’s a familiar face around Mount Hood – a photographer, storyteller, and a guy who knows his Oregon history. He’s spent a lifetime exploring the backroads and beauty of this place. He’ll start the evening with a quick Mountain Minute about his photography,

Dear Friends and Neighbors, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for standing by our seniors, especially during challenging times. For 49 years, the Hoodland Senior Center has been a place where older adults in our community can find connection, care, and resources they depend on. Things like home-delivered meals, exercise classes, wellness checks, transportation to medical appointments, a place to gather and socialize, and simply a friendly face to talk to. It’s a trusted

Back for another Halloween season, Spooky Alley is set to transform the Thriftway plaza into a lively celebration for families on Friday, October 31, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. A longtime tradition in the Mt. Hood Villages, the event has become more than just trick-or-treating — it’s a carnival-style gathering where kids, teens, and families come together to celebrate in a safe, spirited environment. Spooky Alley offers plenty of candy, but what makes it stand out are the activiti

Late summer rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the nearly 200 supporters who came out to the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp Walk, Roll, or Stroll at Oaks Amusement Park on Sept. 14. The rain-soaked participants helped make the Kiwanis fundraiser the largest in its18-year history. “Together, we made history,” Kiwanis Development and Communications Director Skye Burns said to the supporters. “Thanks to your amazing generosity and enthusiasm, we raised over $54,000, making this our most

For immediate release: " Vancouver, WA – October 12, 2025 – Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of serious illness and death among women—especially among women of color and those in rural communities. To raise awareness and funds for breast health education, and funds for early detection, financial assistance, and emotional/psychological support programs, Pink Lemonade Project has been named the beneficiary of the 19th Annual Girlfriends Run/Walk by WHY Racing Eve

When Susan “Phoenix” Lane was found last year, and her death ruled a result of domestic violence by those who love her, people on the mountain reached out — to the county, the state, legislators, and anyone who would listen — requesting better resources to help those experiencing abuse in their community. It wasn’t the first time Mount Hood residents had professed a need for this kind of support, but the circumstances and media coverage of Phoenix’s death helped emphasize th

The sound of live music, laughter, and dancing spilled out of Pub 26 in Welches on September 19, as neighbors gathered for Fiesta Latina, an annual event honoring Latino and Hispanic heritage on the mountain. Guests enjoyed food and drink specials courtesy of Pub 26, colorful decorations, and a packed dance floor energized by the lively northern Mexican music of Los Nuevos Palomitos. Raffle prizes from local businesses helped support Mt. Hood Unida’s ongoing programs. Now in

Over the last several years, Mt. Hood has rediscovered one of its most valuable cultural treasures: the Steiner Cabins. On October 18, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum (MHCCM) in Government Camp will host an open house and raffle in honor of these once-forgotten marvels. Get set for fun, education, and some pretty enticing prizes when the event kicks off at 1 p.m. For any readers who may have missed our coverage of the Steiner Cabins, October 18’s event is the perfect

Sandy Actors Theatre is proud to announce the upcoming production of The Odd Couple (Female Version ), written by Neil Simon. The play will run from November 21 to December 14, with performances held Friday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m., at Sandy Actors Theatre, located at 39435 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy, OR 97055. Directed by Joni Tabler, this timeless comedy features an all-female cast as it reimagines the iconic Odd Couple dynamic. The Odd Coupl

As we close the chapter on September and Suicide Awareness month, mental health continues to grow into the limelight with different organizations around the country. From small face-to-face groups to large online communities, mental health is seeing advanced awareness in reducing the stigma and focusing on a positive change. And although The Mt. Hood Villages is a small community, the need is not relative to its size. Acknowledging the mental health crisis throughout all wa

Mark your calendar for November 1, 2025, and attend the annual Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum’s Heritage Night celebration. This fun event, from 6-9:30 p.m., is being held at the museum in Government Camp. It marks the beginning of winter activities on Mt. Hood and is an opportunity to socialize with old and new friends. You’ll enjoy heavy hors d’ oeuvres, libations (donated by local restaurants and businesses), and participate in winning select raffle prizes, as well as i

Mt. Hood Hospice and the Sandy Senior Center have partnered on hosting this event to honor veterans for three years. Credit: Mt. Hood Hospice As a nonprofit organization, Mt. Hood Hospice serves those nearing the end of life, and their families, regardless of their ability to pay. About a quarter of those they care for have served our country. As part of the national We Honor Veterans program, their team is dedicated to recognizing the unique needs of veterans and their fam

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines. It’s time to rev it up and go to the 27th Annual Sandy Cruisin’ Car Show on Saturday, Sept. 13, on the grounds of the St. Michael Catholic Church. More than 200 vehicles are expected to roll into the sprawling church lot to compete in the show. Trophies will be awarded in 23 classes, with winners selected by people’s choice. The Dick Larrowe Memorial Trophy, named after one of the car show’s founders, will be awarded to the best in sh

Sandy Actors Theatre is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of FOOLS, a delightfully witty comedy by the legendary playwright Neil Simon. Directed by Patrick Roth, the play will open on Thursday, September 12, 2025, and run through Sunday, October 5, 2025, with performances on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the Sandy Actors Theatre. Set in a remote Ukrainian village during the late 19th century, FOOLS tells the story of Leon Tolchinsky, an enthusiastic young scho

While Clackamas Community College President Tim Cook’s 1,500-mile trek around the state to run to all 17 Oregon community colleges concluded on Aug. 4, the message of his mission didn’t lose ground after he crossed the finish line. Cook took off on this summer-long endeavor not just for the exercise but to spread awareness about the unfavorable conditions affecting many community college students. Many students in the state find themselves having to juggle their academic res

For four years, Mt. Hood Hospice has recognized those — Vietnam veterans, their family members and the people of Vietnam — impacted by Agent Orange with a small but meaningful ceremony around Agent Orange Awareness Day. The nationally recognized day, August 10, commemorates the anniversary of the first time the herbicide Agent Orange was used as a weapon of war in Vietnam in 1961. Mt. Hood Hospice outreach and volunteer coordinator Jolie Phanton led the ceremony on Monday, A

The annual Art Skipper Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament is almost upon us, and with it comes a reminder about the important program it benefits: No Pioneer Left Behind. For more than a decade, people have enjoyed a day of golf with the mission of helping students afford extracurricular activities in mind. Though the tournament is named for Sandy High grad and Olympic athlete Art Skipper Jr., with the No Pioneer Left Behind program, Oregon Trail School District students can acces