Mt. Hood Villages Give Thanks
By: Amber Ford, The Mountain Times
While life in The Mt. Hood Villages can be challenging at times with the ebbs and flows of tourism, dark and rainy days setting in, and families and community members struggling to make ends meet, there is still a resounding feeling of gratitude and thanks from many who call this most beautiful mountain home. Whether it’s the community that binds us, the trees that shade us, or that majestic volcano that defines us, The Mt. Hood Villages, even when life seems a bit harder, still finds things to be thankful for. And during this Thanksgiving season, some community members were more than willing to explain why.
Emma Urlwin
A lifelong resident of The Mt Hood Villages, Urlwin understands just how precious and unique living on the mountain is. Having traveled the world, including stays with family in the Caribbean, she has found that her place and her people are right here in The Mt. Hood Villages. Acknowledging the strength in her community, she explains “my favorite part of living on the mountain and what I am most thankful for is the community.” She went on to say “our people really do show up for their friends and neighbors and it’s something I love to see.”
From fundraising for those suffering from medical and financial issues to checking in on neighbors during severe weather and power outages, her respect and appreciation for The Mt. Hood Villages has grown substantially over the years. “I know if I needed help in any way I would have at least ten people I could call for aid and that’s really something special,” she said, adding “you just don’t find that in many places anymore.” Giving thanks to her community and the mountain which raised her, gratitude and thanks are in abundance. “I really hope that all of my friends and the people who have helped me call this place home know how much I appreciate them and all they have done,” she said.
Danella Demary & Allie Schouten
Residents of The Mt. Hood Villages for several years and owners of local business, Wander Free & Queer, Demary and Schouten never take for granted the lush, green forest and many trails they have come to love and respect. Whether it is walking out their front door or exploring areas of The Mt. Hood Villages and Mt. Hood National Forest, the thanks they feel towards this diverse landscape is overflowing. “We love that we live in a place that reminds us repeatedly of its diverse and resilient natural elements,” they said, adding “we appreciate the lookouts and trails we get to enjoy.”
Experienced in travel and exploring new places, both feel connected to the outdoors, but even more so when it’s the comfort and peace of their own backyard. “We’ve seen many beautiful places and adventured all over, but The Mt. Hood Villages is where we belong,” they said. Hosting several campouts for the local queer community, giving crochet lessons, and organizing Coffee & Craft events at Coffee House 26, these ladies continue to give back as much as they get from their community. “From the beauty that is The Mt. Hood National Forest to the community that binds us, we are proud to be a part of this area,” they said, adding “we appreciate everything from the breathtaking lookouts and trails and the way the seasons all offer something to be thankful for.
Your’s Truly, Amber Ford
Having lived on this mountain for well over a decade and having experienced everything from heartbreak to healing, mental health illness to sobriety, if there’s one thing I have come to appreciate and be thankful for it’s the long-lasting chosen family I have in this community. A transplant from an old steel city (Youngstown, Ohio), I relocated over 2,500 miles with a young heart and naive mind. Although life on this mountain came in emotional waves ranging from despair, regret, happiness, and (finally) peace, the bonds and relationships I’ve made throughout all of it are humbling to say the least.
Although friendships are invaluable at any age, for a woman in her early 40s they are vital. Having established remarkably strong bonds with women of all ages on this mountain, I have come to the realization that these women aren’t just friends; they are sisters. As I count my blessings this holiday season (and boy do I have many), I would be remiss to not acknowledge one dynamic in my life that didn’t just change it for the better, it saved me. To my dear friend, Cindi Sempert, in this most precious time of your healing, I would like you to know that the impact you’ve had on my life and those who are lucky enough to know you has been cosmic. As you continue on this path of struggle with your cancer treatment, may you feel the warmth and love of the many who consider your life and who you are, a blessing.