With lower snowpack across much of Oregon and early signs of dry summer conditions, wildfire preparedness is already part of the conversation in many rural communities. On the west side of the Cascades, spring rain can still influence how fire season unfolds. But when snowpack is lower, preparation becomes even more important. In Sandy and surrounding areas, AntFarm’s Community Wildfire Defense Program is not waiting to see what summer brings. Backed primarily by funding thro

Clackamas County officials are urging residents to take a few minutes to share their experiences with rising living costs and access to essential services before a key deadline later this month. The county’s Community Needs Assessment survey , which is conducted once every three years, is open now and will remain available through March 15 . Officials say the feedback helps guide how social services funding and resources are directed throughout the county. Residents who compl

Camp Arrah Wanna's annual youth Winter Camp this coming weekend, February 13th-16th and have had four last-minute cabin counselor cancellations, plus a medic, due to unforeseen circumstances with travel. Are you or do you know someone that would be willing and able to volunteer? Volunteer positions needed:     (2) Female cabin counselors      (3) Male cabin counselors     (1) Medic WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!! Scan the QR code on the flyer or follow this link to apply:  Sign-in | Ca

With domestic violence numbers on the rise across the United States, many state and local government agencies are taking to their communities to educate, provide resources, and offer support to survivors. Small towns all across the country, including The Mt. Hood Villages, are reaching out to community members in show of support to those who have suffered at the hands of domestic violence. The Hoodland Bazaar, in partnership with Clackamas County Women’s Services, has been of

Before I climb into this month’s topic, an update to last month’s column on park/parking passes. A faithful reader reminded me that you can get a free day-use pass to any of the several Clackamas County Parks, including Barlow Wayside, through our local public library system. To reserve, you’ll need a library card and access to the library web site, www.ci.sandy.or.us/library (click on Cultural Pass Express). Note that your pass must be printed out and displayed on your vehi

Clackamas County and Homeless Solutions of Clackamas County are inviting all neighbors to a poignant evening of reflection and remembrance at the annual Longest Night Homeless Persons’ Memorial candlelight vigil. The powerful gathering is set for December 21st in Oregon City , intentionally held on the first day of winter—the longest night of the year—to honor the memory of those in our homeless community who tragically lost their lives over the past year. Last year's ceremo

To read more, please check out the latest updated version of this article published in our November edition. On a warm summer morning, the IWAKT Community Garden is alive with color and sound. Tomatoes climb their stakes, bees hum among the blossoms. It’s quiet today, but the squash, berries, pungent herbs, and blooming flowers don’t mind the calm. They are soaking up the sun. Community Garden Board member Lisa Galbraith walks through the garden, pointing out various plots, d

Every year, hundreds of tourists flock to Mt. Hood to jog through the summertime heat as participants in the annual Hood to Coast Relay. The organization has its eyes on celebrating the rich diversity on display for runners making the trek from the tip of the mountain all the way to the relay’s finish line in Seaside. Since the race is a fixture in the community, we asked locals for their personal opinions on the annual event, and the reviews were ... mixed. Across Instagram

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

While many people throughout the country view summer as the season of vacations, rest, and relaxation, many Mt. Hood Villages residents are feeling the exact opposite. Tourism is a prevalent and important part of the economy from Sandy to Government Camp, with most residents in the corridor having careers in the service industry. Pile on the added traffic and extreme number of visitors in such small areas, and the overwhelming feelings of financial success and mental and phys

Each summer, Swan Island Dahlias in Canby invites visitors to bask in a stunning display of color, community, and creativity at its annual Dahlia Festival. Running Wednesdays through Sundays from August 1 through September 28, the festival is a breathtaking 40 acre showcase of 370+ dahlia varieties. Admission is free, and the event features live music, local food carts, and family-friendly activities. Wander through display gardens and vast flower fields bursting with vibrant