What’s happening at Hoodland Senior Center

By Laura Peterson for The Mountain Times

Spring has fully sprung at Hoodland Senior Center (HSC), and we're looking fresh as a daisy!

The good folks of the Trillium Trails Garden Club arrived here and proceeded to weed, mow, trim, prune, and plant -- all kinds of tools, rakes, weed wackers, and even a small chainsaw were put to good use as they harnessed their enthusiasm and energy to do a fantastic job of spiffing up our beautiful spot. Big thanks to the whole crew for volunteering your time and expertise.

We’d also like to send out a huge thank you to local roofing company Klobas O’Neil for donating time, labor, and materials to replace the shabby and dangerously fire-prone roof on the former US Forest Service kiosk on the grounds in front of the Center. Besides increasing safety, it looks beautiful and very snazzy – we really appreciate their community-minded, giving spirit!  You can reach them at their office 67250 Hwy 26, Suite 5, in Welches (next to Smoke on the Mountain). (503) 622-5232. Website klobasoneilroofing.com

Speaking of volunteers, they remain at the heart of everything we do, and we’re always eager to welcome new additions to our team. There are many ways community members can share some of their time — from Meals on Wheels drivers to occasional errand and transportation drivers – these and other opportunities are always available. Flexible, low-commitment, and genuinely meaningful! No special skills required. Even a wee bit of time can make a huge impact and be very rewarding for volunteers. Lending a hand, even the smallest gesture, feels better than most people expect. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, and we greatly appreciate your consideration.

We’re excited to begin hosting the Hoodland/Sandy Library’s Bookmobile here at the Center! They’ll be here in our back parking lot on the third Monday of every month, from 11-1. Besides issuing library cards and lending books, they’ll be offering tech services – many of us weren’t aware that our local library can offer some tech support for residents. For tech visits to the Hoodland Library, we’ve been advised to call before going in to ensure someone there is able to handle our particular question. Their number is (503) 622-3460. Located at 24525 E Welches Road in Welches, open every day except Sunday. Website https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/library (Website shared with Sandy Public Library.)

Did you know there is an organization that provides pet food to folks who may sometimes struggle to afford pet food? F.I.D.O is an all-volunteer non-profit, and besides their pet food bank in Oregon City, they deliver food here to the Senior Center every two months for us to distribute along with Meals on Wheels (or for individuals to pick up). Their next delivery here will be the first week of July.  They also have a Veterans Program to assist veterans and active-duty personnel and their families.  For the Veterans Program, please contact F.I.D.O directly – for services through Hoodland Senior Center, you can sign up by contacting us here, or contact F.I.D.O at (503) 655-FOOD (3663) or info@fidoanimeals.org .  Website FIDOAniMeals.org 

If you’d like to get groceries delivered to your door, Safeway has a program for you -- FreshPass offers annual, monthly, and government-assisted plans that service our area. Visit their website to view your options: safeway.com/freshpass 

We’re always looking to raise funds for our programs and services, and returnable cans and bottles are a great way to help us out!  Please drop them off here anytime while we’re open.  

One of the many things our wonderful Leita fits into her workdays here is a great newsletter she emails out every two months – a fun, informative read, and wonderful way to keep up on the regular and occasional events here. Please reach out to be added to the list if you’re so inclined.

Hoodland Senior Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization located at 65000 E Hwy 26 in Welches (on the left as you enter Mt Hood Village).  Open Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm. Contact us at (503) 622-3331 or hoodlandseniors1@gmail.com.  Website hoodlandseniorcenter.org