01/01/2023
Writers
Brittany Kintigh
Hoodland Senior Center
Pat Erdenberger
Hoodland Community Planning Organization
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Ty Walker
Staff, The Mountain Times
![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 offering workshops geared towards offering support and guidance for members of the community who have experienced domestic violence. Community member and Hoodland Bazaar Event Manager, Christen Prudence, has been taking charge of the cause and organizing these events for members of The Mt. Hood Villages. Hosting their first “Support Your Neighbor Workshop” in October of 2025, Prudence explains that this isn’t just a way of spreading community outreach, but also a way to honor those who fell victim to domestic violence. “These events were created in response to the tragic murder of our dear Phoenix the year prior,” Prudence said. “We felt a strong call to provide support for our community — both for those currently experiencing abuse and for those who may not be personally affected but want to learn how to recognize warning signs, be allies, and offer meaningful help. Our goal was to create a safe, compassionate space for healing, learning, and connection,” Prudence added. According to The Oregon Health and Science University, domestic violence, although widely the most private of all incidents within the home, is very common. One in four women will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with one in five Oregonians losing their lives each year to domestic violence. With statistics on the rise and small towns such as The Mt. Hood Villages experiencing first hand the devastation and reality of domestic violence with the murder of Susan Lane in 2024, The Hoodland Bazaar and Clackamas County Women’s Services are now hosting workshops quarterly with the next event scheduled in April. “Each session begins and ends with a grounding meditation, creating a sense of safety and calm,” Prudence said. “The workshops include open discussion around recognizing warning signs of abuse, how to approach someone you may be concerned about, and what local resources and support options are available,” Prudence added. Although the population of The Mt. Hood Villages may not compare to those of larger cities and communities, the number of domestic violence survivors is still problematic and a cause for concern. While the number of participants at each event can vary, the turnout is still substantial. Prudence explains that while the tragic loss of Susan Lane [Phoenix] has been the turning point in organizing and hosting these events, the overall magnitude is reason enough. “Domestic violence often happens in silence, surrounded by shame and stigma, even though it is never the victim’s fault,” Prudence said. “These events exist to remind people that they are not alone and that help and support are available. This group of community members and county officials is a local and comfortable way for survivors to obtain the support and resources needed in a safe environment. And while this group primarily meets to give a voice to those in need, it is also an opportunity for friends and family members of potential victims to learn the signs and the red flags associated with domestic violence. “Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for those navigating abusive situations, offer hope through shared experiences from survivors who have found their way through, and educate the broader community on warning signs and ways to support neighbors in crisis,” Prudence said. The next Clackamas Women’s Services Workshop with Support Your Neighbor will be held April 7th, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at The Hoodland Bazaar in the Phoenix Room. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit https://calltosafety.org .](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f4f84d_383e4e0240f6476cbbba5a04838e2998~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpeg)
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Justin Andress
![As an avid lover of the written word, both from my own creativity and that of others, my fellow Mountain Times journalists have given me my very own column to discuss all things books and boy, oh boy, am I excited! A passionate pastime of mine, and part of my professional life as a book cafe owner, literature has always been the pinnacle of my existence and, by default, my beloved cat, Eleanor’s. So without further ado, I give to you, a brief synopsis of Maggie O’Farrell’s historical fiction novel, Hamnet. Historical fiction with facets of William Shakespeare’s real personal life, Hamnet sets the stage of what life could have been like for not just the world’s most beloved playwright, but more so, the life of his wife, Anne Hathaway [Agnes] and their three children. Set in Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, Hamnet becomes the blueprint of the “hows” and the “whys” of some of his most beloved works. O’Farrell introduces readers to a young, slightly withdrawn William Shakespeare. The son of an intense and at times, abusive tanner [leathersmith], Shakespeare is determined to do everything and anything he can to avoid becoming the worn out hands and jaded mouth of his father. Unlike other historical fiction novels and films with regard to Shakespeare’s life, O’Farrell does detail some of the inner workings of our great playwright’s mind, but soon shifts the focus and story’s main identity to that of Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes [Anne Hathaway]. Although not much is truly known of the real lives of Shakespeare or his wife, O’Farrell’s research in what is documented as fact gives way to creative speculation and allows the reader to witness just how complex and complicated their lives really were. An orphaned child, Agnes’ character is defined as a “healer.” Engrossed in the memory of her mother’s work as an herbalist, Agnes carries those traits throughout her life with Shakespeare, even aiding neighbors with illness and injury. And while O’Farrell did an outstanding job showcasing such a strong female character, the reality of her weakness was emphasized through the character’s journey upon the loss of her beloved son, Hamnet. Dancing in and out of every chapter, O’Farrell manages to intertwine England’s most devastating and deadly ordeal with the plague, and how it likely took the life of Anges and Shakespeare’s twin son, Hamnet. As the chapters navigate the beginning of the relationship between Agnes and Shakespeare and the “present” issue of her children fighting for their lives, Agnes’ character and unique abilities both as a healer and a mother are tested. For a large part of his children’s lives, Shakespeare is earning his namesake and literary notoriety in London, creating and performing all the while his wife is struggling to keep her children alive. Although O’Farrell explains that there is no definite proof of the actual cause of Hamnet’s death, it is widely accepted that the young boy likely died from the plague, given the age, time frame and rapid nature of his passing and burial. It is also historically accurate and accepted that the tragic loss of Hamnet was Shakespeare’s inspiration in creating “Hamlet,” one of his most prolific plays. As a historical fiction nerd through and through, I found O’Farrell’s “Hamnet” to be well written and extremely gripping. Although biased to strong female characters and authors, I believe O’Farrell’s secret, five star quality agenda in this novel was not to emphasize a man the world already knows and loves, but to give credit to the behind the scenes hero of his life and muse, Agnes. Both Eleanor the cat and I give this book five stars for its overall story, characters, and, in Eleanor’s opinion, the many mentions of cats and the prolific role they played in exterminating plague infested rats.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f4f84d_d5c3f981210944119d2f58b50cf69aac~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Devin Kelly
AntFarm Youth Services
Staff
The Mountain Times
![We have several delicious dining options on the mountain, offerings for your tastes or your budget. But few restaurants on the mountain have the same reputation for blending quality and comfort like the Rendezvous Grill. Original owners Tom and Susie were known far and wide. Tom worked the front and ensured that every customer was satisfied. Meanwhile, Susie spent her time in the kitchen inventing sumptuous delights for lucky diners. When news of their retirement broke, it sent a ripple of unease through the Hoodland community. Were we witnessing the death of a favorite? In fact, the Rendezvous was to get a new lease on life, thanks to new owners Tim Healy and Alex Steinmetz. The mountain locals were thrilled to take ownership of The Rendezvous, and — perhaps more importantly — they were ready to protect the legacy of this mountain institution. “Taking over the restaurant has been really tough, but also really fun,” says Tim. “You can never imagine how many moving pieces there are until you're in the thick of it. Tom and Susie left large shoes to fill but we have been so supported and welcomed by the community that it's made it really enjoyable. And the first year flew by!” Among locals, one of the largest concerns about new owners at the Rendezvous was the quality of the food. As one of the Hoodland area’s more upscale eateries, the quality of its food (and the restaurant’s array of signature dishes) were critical to its success. Fortunately, Tim understands how to introduce new dishes without disrupting the regular customers. “We are definitely aware that there are some staple menu items that we could never take off [the menu]! We love to keep the classics on the menu that people have been having for years, while also bringing in some fresh, new ideas. We strive to keep our food seasonal and high quality, so sometimes if a dish disappears for a while it's because we want to ensure we have the highest quality ingredients for it. We also want to provide unique dishes for people, and mix things up so no one gets bored!” “We want to maintain the Rendezvous’ legacy by continuing to be a place where people can celebrate special occasions and also come for a casual meal,” he continues. “We want to maintain the quality of food, and while food costs are going up we really strive to keep some items on our menu for everyone. We want anyone to be able to come and enjoy a Rendezvous experience.” In their first year, Tim and Alex also reached out to their community, hosting educational talks and meetings for groups throughout the area. “This community is such an amazing place. People come together and support one another through thick and thin and we are honored to be a part of that. One of our favorite things about taking over the Rendezvous is being able to give back to our community by creating a meeting space for people that need it, being able to collaborate with non-profits throughout the area, and supporting other local businesses.” “We've learned a lot of valuable lessons about what works and doesn't work in our first year,” says Tim. “So, we'll be continuing to build on that in year two. We also look forward to trying even more new menu items!” If you’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Rendezvous in the last year, you know that the restaurant (and Tom and Susie’s legacy) is in very good hands. If not, there’s no need to hesitate before you head into this delicious mountain favorite.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f4f84d_915710e1be084235a25c273368334658~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Justin Andress
Orchid Health
For The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Justin Andress
Cassie Kanable
Welches PTCO
Steve Wilent
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Gary Randall
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Brit Allen
Staff, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Justin Andress
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Justin Andress
Lion Milt Fox
For The Mountain Times
Pat Zimmer
for The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Ty Walker
Staff, The Mountain Times
![“I technically got first place,” junior Rory Mason said, regarding her first swim meet of the 25-26 school year. “It was a really small meet, so I was the only person in the 100 I.M. category.” Despite being the only competitor in her category, Mason didn’t feel too unaccomplished. This is because Mason doesn’t find her motivation in what she places; instead, she focuses on improving her time between meets and bonding with her teammates. “I like that in swim, you can measure your success. It’s a time race sport, so you can compare your times and really know where you need to improve,” Mason said. She notes that she has improved greatly since her freshman year, “I’m proud of the difference between my freshman year and now; I think I've really improved on both speed and technique.” Mason began swimming competitively during her eighth grade year through Mount Hood Aquatics. “I’ve always loved to swim, and I’ve taken swim lessons since I was really little,” Mason said. Her freshman year, she joined the Sandy High School swim team where she learned to overcome her nerves. Mason recounts what swimming on the high school team was like for her, “We just jumped right into it. There wasn’t much prep – it was just go from the start.” This fast-paced start to the season contributed to Mason’s pre-meet nervousness. She used to worry about “how [her] dives would go or if [her] goggles would come off,” but she has since overcome this anxiety and claims to have significantly more fun. She credits much of this growth to her team. “We have a lot of fun in the pool. In between working out, we’re always playing around,” Rory said. “Once we actually start swimming, it’s definitely exhausting, but I think there’s such a rhythm to it – it becomes calming.” Mason enjoys the rhythm of swimming and the routine practice schedule. Despite having a large course load at school, Mason finds time to balance swim practice five days a week with all of her homework. She will often complete homework on the bus and in school, always attempting to finish her assignments as early as possible. This practice allots more time for her to focus on improving her swimming skills. “I definitely would like better dives; I think I could be a lot faster,” Mason says. Despite no current plans to swim competitively after high school, she is determined to continue improving her swimming skills throughout the next two years. This aligns with Mason’s belief that the most important aspect of her sport is “really giving it your all and working hard” because “you only have a few minutes at meets that really count.” Mason will continue to work hard not only for herself but for her team. “One thing I really love about swim is that when one person is in a race, everyone on the team goes and cheers for them by their lane,” Mason said. She notes that this is not only helpful to her when she is competing, but cheering for others helps to distract her from any pre-meet nervousness she may have. Her teammates’ encouragement paired with Mason’s determination results in constant improvement. At her second meet of the school year, Mason greatly improved her breaststroke time. “I was much happier with [the time]; I’ve also been working on my turns and felt good about it at that meet,” Mason said. It is evident that, even if Mason’s only competition is her own best time, her persistence and the community found in swim will result in even more growth throughout the season.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f4f84d_93f6ab0c1b914382a2511094dabe75f5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Megan Hutchinson
For The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Devin Kelly
AntFarm Youth Services
Staff
The Mountain Times
Amanda Beals
Sandy High Music Program
Cassie Kanable
Welches PTCO
Steve Wilent
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Dr. Robert Kelly, D.M.D.
Dentist, McKenzie Dental
Dr. Melanie Brown
Chiropractic Physician, Mountain Life Clinic
Gary Randall
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Blake Miller
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Justin Andress
Justin Andress
Marie Kennedy & Brit Allen
The Mountain Times
Justin Andress
Brit Allen
Staff, The Mountain Times
Lion Milt Fox
For The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Kelly Romo
The Mountain Times
Pat Zimmer
for The Mountain Times
![Get ready for a new restaurant coming soon to the Mountain. Mt. Hood Village Deli and Sweets is set to open in the Mt. Hood Village RV Resort right off Highway 26 in Welches. Mother and daughter owners Alexis McElheran and Kelley Jee are thrilled to be adding another restaurant option for locals. The long-time Mt. Hood residents are hard at work making repairs and sprucing up the space in advance of their opening. The anticipation is palpable and contagious. “I know people are really excited,” says McElheran. “[Our first Facebook post] got almost 1900 views within 24 hours.” While the mountain has its share of standout restaurants, there’s been little in the way of a solid middle-ground option — something that isn’t a long sit-down meal or quick grab-and-go. You’re either sitting down and investing a few hours in a luxurious meal at Chicali Cantina or the Rendezvous Grill, or you’re heading to the Dairy Queen or the food carts behind Goodwynn’s. With the introduction of Mt. Hood Village Deli and Sweets, however, locals will have a place that sits somewhere in between, a place where someone can stop in for a quick muffin or a takeout sandwich. Jee and McElheran are excited to deliver several delicious soups and sandwiches plus a rotating variety of seasonal dishes. The duo isn’t stopping at staples, however. McElheran is excited to put her prodigious baking skills to the test. Visitors to the restaurant can expect everything from cheesecake to cookies to banana bread. Both women are long-time residents of the Mt. Hood area. At one point, Jee owned Mogul Mountain Pizza. She sold her interest in that business in 2019 and resigned herself to a quiet life on the mountain. She, her husband, and McElheran worked at the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort in the intervening years, and they’ll continue to work there to make ends meet until the deli takes off. Judging by the excitement coming from the community, that shouldn’t be too long. Even as I’m on-site asking them a few questions, a curious passerby pops in the door to ask when they’ll be opening. The community is genuinely buzzing. At the moment, there isn’t a set date for the opening of Mt. Hood Village Deli and Sweets, though Jee and McElheran are hopeful that their final approvals from the county will come in shortly. “Fingers crossed before Thanksgiving,” says McElheran. Until that exciting day arrives, you can get all the exciting updates from Mt. Hood Village Deli and Sweets by following them on Facebook.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f4f84d_dc103ba7889c4bccbbb7fcf3926f19e2~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.png)
Justin Andress
Lucas Holmgren
The Mountain Times
Ty Walker
Staff, The Mountain Times
Brendan Addis and Lisa Kilders
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District
![“No matter what you’re doing, give it 110%,” Sandy High School football coach Josh Dill tells his team. “Even if you make a mistake, make sure to give it your full effort.” Dill has coached right guard and defensive end Tanner Sedgwick for the last four years; that coaching recently came to a close after the Columbia Cup finals game took place Nov. 22. As Sedgwick prepared for his final football game, he reflected on his time spent playing for Sandy High School. Sedgwick began playing football in kindergarten; he attempted to play as a wide receiver and as a tight end, but he wasn’t succeeding. He says he didn’t start to thrive in the sport until he got older when “people started growing into their body types… we got put in positions that were more suited to us.” That was when Sedgwick was placed as a lineman and defensive end. “Once you’re in a position you’re actually good at, the sport becomes a whole lot more enjoyable,” Sedgwick said. Since starting his career in kindergarten, many new athletes have joined the Sandy Football Program. Several athletes, such as Caden McMahon and Teagan Turin, have played with Sedgwick all the way from flag football through senior year. Sedgwick deeply values the community he has formed, saying his favorite part of football is “being able to hang out with the family that I’ve grown since I was a little kid.” Sedgwick is a senior this year, so he aims to appreciate every moment he has with his team. At the end of the quarter-finals game, “it kind of hit me that it’s my senior year and it could end at any moment. This is the last time I get to spend on the field with these guys that I’ve been with my whole life,” Sedgwick said. This revelation helped Sedgwick to continue to bring energy and positivity, two of Sedgwick’s greatest strengths, through two more football games. When on the field, “I go into my own kind of zone; everything in my outside life kind of just goes away. Any kind of stress gets relieved, and I’m just able to focus,” Sedgwick said. Sedgwick also participates in Sandy High School wrestling and track, but football will always be unique in this way. Sandy’s Football program has taught Sedgwick more than just football and perseverance, it’s taught him how to be a good man, have accountability, and how to treat others. Sedgwick says that if he didn’t play football “[he] would probably be stuck up and try to blame things on other people.” Instead, he can “own up to mistakes that [he] made and actually grow from them.” He credits much of his personality and growth to Sandy Football. “Family, accountability, citizenship, and earning it,” are the key foundational values of Sandy Football. Sedgwick believes in those core values and tries to always base his life on them. “Something that’s different about Sandy is that we own up to our mistakes, we pick each other up, and we grow from [our mistakes],” Sedgwick believes. Overall, Sandy’s Football program fosters a sense of community and instills values like no other program does. Even when students end their time at Sandy High School, they will carry the values and teachings with them through the rest of their life.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f4f84d_85703a232c55468ca63b16039d9d5606~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Megan Hutchinson
For The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Devin Kelly
AntFarm Youth Services
Justin Andress
Brit Allen
Staff, The Mountain Times
Brit Allen
Staff, The Mountain Times
![Closing the chapter on yet another successful Bar Wars Golf Tournament, members of The Mt. Hood Villages, golf participants, and the sponsors are reveling in the afterglow that is community fellowship, outdoor enjoyment, and competition. Hosted on October 1st at The Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, local bars competed for the glory that is “Bar Wars Champion.” While the weather was less than stellar [although typical Mt. Hood liquid sunshine in October], teams from local bars assembled to give their best shot at becoming winner of the year in a haze of rain, golf balls and good old fashioned mountain fun. According to Cooper’s Wine Bar and Shop owner Bri Dittlinger, the fellowship of those involved always surpasses the actual outcome of the tournament. “Despite the cold and rain, everyone had a phenomenal time,” Dittlinger said. “There is such great camaraderie and support from the local industry and it’s always amazing to see each other outside the restaurants and bars. Very happy people, having a great time, no matter how well they were playing,” Dittlinger added. Although there can only be one winner of The Bars Wars Golf Tournament [The Mt. Hood Oregon Resort team taking home the glory this year], every team and golfer felt a genuine sense of community as they hit the course. Bar Wars Tournament player and The Whistle Stop Bar and Grill team member Kate Wille explains that while the game itself is exciting and fun to be involved in, the real winners are those who show up for the community and encourage others to do the same. “A highlight for me was not only hitting the pin on my drive as a golf beginner, but also how supportive my team members were,” Wille said. “It feels like we all contributed that day and they were really rooting for me. I played the best I ever have,” Wille added. While the game of golf is taken very seriously among its players and community, The Bar Wars Tournament likes to always add its very own “mountain touch” to the day. From different events throughout the day including food and drink, to the hecklers causing comic relief from the weather and from the seriousness of the game, each year the tournament brings a vibe that is uniquely a part of the community, from swag to swing. Pub 26 owner Dave Ogletree explained how impressive it was to not only see team members compete, but also enjoy themselves in the process, despite the weather conditions. Ogletree also acknowledged the time and dedication it takes to organize such an event for the community. “We appreciate all the hard work and planning that went into it and enjoyed being a part of the planning as well as the friendly competition and festivities,” Ogletree said. As teams unwind and remember the fun-filled day the tournament had to offer, you can bet that even as we enter the dark and cold months of fall and winter, each bar, golfer, and team member is preparing to retake the title as “winner” with each passing day.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f4f84d_5bbf987c764c48f393b4ced3d3c2a227~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Justin Andress
Steve Wilent
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Brit Allen
Staff, The Mountain Times
Dr. Robert Kelly, D.M.D.
Dentist, McKenzie Dental
Dr. Melanie Brown
Chiropractic Physician, Mountain Life Clinic
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Timothy R. Carlisle
Minister of Outreach, Hoodland Lutheran
Gary Randall
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Justin Andress
Dennis McNabb
The Mountain Times
Oregon Trail School District
for The Mountain Times
Blake Miller
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Justin Andress
![As immigration continues to be a topic of relentless discussion, it goes without saying that many people are accepting risk and danger to enter countries for better opportunities. Whether it is due to economic crisis, organized crime, or an overall desire to better themselves, refugees continue to risk everything for a chance at a better future. And while many members of our community can say they have experienced this firsthand, a few members of our Mt. Hood Villages family are going above and beyond for the cause. Dr. Douglas Lyon and wife, Solymet Lyon, of Mt. Hood Villages founded TodoSomos, a nonprofit organization which shares personal testimonies and stories of those crossing the Columbian/Venezuelan border. A complex humanitarian crisis in terms of economic collapse, food and medical shortages, and a complete breakdown of public services, Venezuelan citizens have been experiencing what Americans will never have to endure. According to Dr. Lyon, to really understand the plight these people are in, you must first hear the stories they share as to how and why they have made the dangerous decisions of immigrant life. “We had the hope that with a rigorous and sequential collection of first person testimonies we could create an undeniable record of the roots of the Venezuelan Refugee crisis and the experience of refugees as they fled their country,” Dr. Lyon said. “With such a record, we had the hope that others might begin to see the world, and the refugee crisis, with empathy, and develop an understanding of the root cause of displacement,” Dr. Lyon added. According to Dr. Lyon, an estimated seven million people have fled Venezuela between 2020-2025. Having experienced the grueling life of a refugee through his wife’s own story and his work in South America, Dr. Lyon is determined to use their trials and life-threatening experiences to educate and light a flame of compassion and awareness in The Mt. Hood Villages. “As a medical doctor, much of my life has been working to know and understand the needs of my patients and their communities,” Dr. Lyon said. “I have always felt that if those that had the ability to make change at a higher level [government] and their constituents had the same understanding, we’d get closer to a better world where we are working for and pushing for the right things - both domestically and internationally,” Dr. Lyon added. TodoSomos [a word derived from two common Spanish words, meaning ‘we are all of us brothers, sisters and refugees] was founded in 2020. The organization currently has eight members on their volunteer board of directors. Ranging in professions from journalists to engineers and medicine, the work of TodoSomos relies heavily on the work of hundreds of volunteers and their stories. “Our work in the U.S. and Colombia has been testimony collections, analysis, abstraction, radio programs, theater shows, book publishings, website creation and drafting of formal reports to the U.N. and humanitarian communities,” Dr. Lyon said. As members of The Mt. Hood Villages continue to hear reports of different immigrant communities living in fear, seeking a better future, we seek a basic understanding of how brutal the life of a refugee can be. Perhaps these stories can inspire a change of heart with regard to how we view the world outside of our own borders. And while politics attempts to control this most serious of situations, it is the collection of stories TodoSomos has published that could, quite possibly, sway the hearts of our community for change. “…I would like to have a stable job and not have to rely on begging on the bus. Believe me, that it is not easy when people judge and criticize you for not having a nationality like theirs and for being different,” said a young woman on a bus with her sister, asking for money. ‘Que Pass Venezuela?, page. 29 - this makes no sense For more information on TodoSomos please visit their website at todosomos.org](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f4f84d_84587dddcda141e6b277f1abd4a72273~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Brit Allen
Staff, The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
![Basketball player Michael Jordan was cut from his school’s basketball team his sophomore year, the New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony was cut from his high school team, and Lena Smith was cut from her 4th grade basketball team. Smith, unlike Jordan and Anthony, did not go on to play basketball. Instead, as a freshman on Sandy High School’s Varsity Volleyball team, she placed second at nationals. After being cut in fourth grade, Smith’s PE teacher offered her a spot on the volleyball team. Smith accepted, and she has worked tirelessly ever since. Smith found her love in volleyball and joined NPJ – North Pacific Juniors – a club volleyball team. It is with this team that she placed second at nationals. Between nationals in July, open gyms, privates, and school volleyball, Smith is honing her skills year round. This lack of an off season exemplifies Smith’s remarkable determination. “I missed homecoming to go to University of Tulsa to watch them play football, because that’s the school I want to commit to,” Smith said. Smith is always willing to sacrifice social events to achieve her goals; she states that “Volleyball is my number one priority.” Smith intends to enroll at Tulsa to play Division One volleyball and major in physical therapy. She hopes to play professionally one day depending on where she is in life. Smith plays as a six rotation pin, meaning she’s on the outside as a defensive hitter for all six rotations opposed to being substituted out. This is only her second year as an outside; she used to play as a middle. “I really liked middle, but I knew I was going to be too short to go pro or D-one. So, I moved to the outside, and I actually loved it more than I was in the middle,” Smith says. Despite her fairly recent position swap, Smith plays with as much determination and skill as any other player. Smith recounts a story from several years ago where she was told she wasn’t good enough to play up a year or make it as a professional volleyball player. While this would bring many other players down, Smith wasn’t discouraged. Instead, she used it as motivation to train harder than ever before. “I kept telling myself that I believe that I can go pro if I push myself hard enough and work my butt off,” Smith said. The instance only solidified her self assurance with Smith saying, “Who are you to tell me what I can do?” Aside from her incredible ability to problem-solve on the court, Smith’s biggest strength is her uplifting spirit. “If something happens and [my teammates] get down on themselves, I try to pick them up and tell them they got it,” Smith stated. Smith believes that all of her teammates do the same for her, and she is just reciprocating their energy. Smith values her team immensly, even saying they’re “my support system that I can always rely on.” Her teammates can often be heard telling her “next ball mindset.” The phrase “next ball mindset” is something Smith says frequently to both herself and her teammates as a reminder that the game isn’t over till it’s over. She says it so often that her teammates have started saying it back to her; it essentially means to not dwell on past mistakes when the game is still ahead. Sandy High School’s Varsity Volleyball team won eight of their first twelve games, and Smith is excited to see the team’s growth over the rest of her high school career. She plans to continue with both school and club volleyball for the rest of high school and will undoubtedly continue to hone her skills. So despite being cut from her fourth grade basketball team, her perseverance, encouraging attitude, and “next ball mindset” has pushed Smith to become a great volleyball player.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f4f84d_171a47da330c46c69bc280a9456e7293~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Megan Hutchinson
For The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Devin Kelly
AntFarm Youth Services
Carianne Stearns
Executive Director, Hoodland Senior Center
Pat Erdenberger
Hoodland Community Planning Organization
Staff
The Mountain Times
Orchid Health
For The Mountain Times
Ty Walker
Staff, The Mountain Times
Press Release
Brit Allen
Staff, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Gary Randall
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Blake Miller
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Justin Andress
Justin Andress
Staff
The Mountain Times
Oregon Trail School District
For The Mountain Times
![(from L to R): Malika Cox, Julie Lazar, Andrew White, Fran Stier, Cayla Solso, Ryan Ellsworth Folks in the Hoodland area are a pretty insular bunch. Getting to know us is a big job. Fortunately for all of our collective well being, Orchid Health is wrapping up a year of putting in work at their Welches office. Orchid Health was founded 11 years ago in the pursuit of a community-focused approach to healthcare. Their founders hoped to work alongside communities to foster a holistic understanding of healthcare that took into account not just traditional medical care but every aspect of daily life. Over that decade, the organization has slowly expanded into six locations across Northwest Oregon. Last year, Orchid Health brought their mission to the mountain. Julie Lazar is Orchid Health’s in-house Community Health Worker. it’s a position you’ll find at each of Orchid Health’s locations. “I help get patients connected to resources outside the practice,” says Lazar. “That can be anything from prescription discounts all the way to food or housing resources and everywhere in between. So things that impact them and their health, but outside of our practice.” Lazar is the Orchid Health team member you’ll find manning a booth at the Hoodland Farmer’s Market, or helping to organize a Halloween event at the Thriftway in Welches. “I’m involved with different community events to try to be present and visible and therefore be more inviting to those who may be nervous or apprehensive about seeking care.” Once patients are in the door, they’ll find an eager medical staff that’s focused on bringing more considered care to their patients. At the moment, Orchid Health is in a state of transition. After a year on staff, physician’s associate Andrew White is moving out of state at the end of October. Meanwhile, provider Doug Lyon remains on paternity leave celebrating the birth of a new child. He’ll return to his duties December 1. Experienced temporary provider, Dr. Fran Stier, is picking up the slack to ensure that Orchid Health is consistently covering its patients’ needs. White’s departure, though a tough loss, creates an opportunity for the team, something White himself is the first to mention. He explains that over his time in the clinic, he’s noticed a recent influx of younger families with kids. As a result, when searching for his replacement, the focus is on finding a new teammate who can meet these emerging needs. “If we can find somebody who has a particular interest [in pediatrics and women’s healthcare], we’d love that,” says White. There’s also a focus on mental well-being at Orchid Heath. Ryan Ellsworth, the office’s behavioral clinician, is readily available for short-term supportive counseling. “Any established patient can schedule an appointment with me without a referral for individual, short-term supportive counseling,” says Ellsworth. “And that could be anything from a new medical concern … to mental health, depression, anxiety, substance use, grief and loss, big life changes, work, or school stress, family, or, personal conflict.” Though still a newcomer to the Hoodland area, Orchid Health has already made strides to become part of the fabric of the mountain. With each passing day, they further their ongoing mission to improve not just the health, but the lives, of their community.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f4f84d_171090a8af16434180fd072c4b86f191~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Justin Andress
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times