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Back by popular demand, The Mt. Hood Villages yoga scene returns to the area with a number of classes, days, and times for community members to choose from. After a long hiatus owing to different yoga instructors moving from the mountain to explore other avenues, fresh new community members have relocated to The Mt. Hood Villages, and with them comes a new influx of yoga for the community. Mt. Hood Villages resident and current yoga instructor Elle Mesa is just one of the many fresh faces of yoga within The Mt. Hood Villages. A community member for over two years, Mesa’s love of peace through movement ignited her passion to become a yoga instructor and share her trade with her community.  “Yoga spoke to me through the movements, the stillness, the contemplation in between it all. I fell in love with how much feeling happens during and after practicing yoga, and that’s why I decided to learn to teach it to others,” Mesa said, adding, “My hope is to teach others to allow themselves to feel their way through class and through life; any emotion that arises is meant to be felt fully instead of simply pushed away. This is a highly underrated superpower.” Since calling The Mt. Hood Villages home, Mesa’s classes are specific to the community. Within six months of arriving in the area, Mesa completed her yoga teacher training and has been offering classes twice a week at Coffee House 26. On Mondays at 6 p.m., participants can explore an energetic vinyasa class. On Thursdays at 6 p.m. Mesa teaches a restorative yin class. Both classes are $15 to attend. Although Mesa has made her mark in the yoga community in The Mt. Hood Villages, fellow yoga instructors are also showcasing their skills. Yoga instructor and Mt. Hood Villages resident Kseniia Bulgakova has also taken part in the mountain’s yoga resurrection. Practicing yoga for the last fifteen years, Bulgakova has added her own unique and peaceful touch to the classes she offers. An instructor since 2024, Bulgakova’s training consisted of fourteen hours per day living in an ashram.  “My main goal is to benefit people as much as possible. It’s a gift to be able to share my knowledge and experience with anyone who chooses to spend an hour of their life in a yoga session,” Bulgakova said. “I always try to include techniques that people can use in their everyday lives - for better sleep, managing anxiety, and getting proper rest. My hope is that people not only feel good during the class, but also leave with tools that make their daily life a little easier and more balanced,” Bulgakova added.  An advocate for community and giving back, Bulgakova’s classes aren’t just about honing in on her philosophy: they’re also about being a part of something bigger. “I wanted to do something meaningful for the people who live here. I’m incredibly grateful for this community - it’s been such a relief to finally feel at home after moving between so many places for so long,” Bulgakova added. Bulgakova will be traveling for the upcoming months, but will announce her scheduled classes once she returns. With the continued growth of yoga on the mountain, classes are also offered through Mt. Hood Villages own Lindsay Banik. A resident for the last five years, Banik is a skilled yoga instructor with over twenty years experience. With a passion for spirituality and healing, Banik admits the flow and feeling of the natural world has become intrinsic to her. “The deep esoterics of existence naturally give me drive and determination. I’ve always trusted the synchrony of life and tried to follow what felt true,” Banik said. “Yoga is a modality that, on an energetic level, can keep you connected to higher realms of existence, freeing yourself from so much inner turmoil,” Banik added.  Similar to the ideals of her local yoga instructor peers, Banik’s dedication to teaching yoga on the mountain is much more than the demonstration of a movement or pose –  it’s the overall gift of peace it gives to the community.  “In the summer of 2023, while navigating a divorce and starting the journey of sobriety, I needed something positive to give and receive. At the time I was full of liberation energy, ready to dive into personal sovereignty,” Banik said. “Yoga was the easiest, most familiar way to achieve that.”  Banik’s classes are offered every summer at Timberline Lodge on Wednesdays at 6 p.m., outside at the amphitheater in the main lodge. Classes at Timberline are donation-based, on average $10-$20 per person. Banik will also be the resident yoga instructor at Vinyasa Casa, a new wellness and yoga facility located next to Mogul Mountain Pizza.

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

The lack of snow on Mt. Hood is on many people’s minds these days. Our ski resorts are hoping for more, to salvage a disappointing season. Businesses are struggling with fewer visitors than usual. But there is hope: Data from Timberline Lodge show that in all four of the seasons with the lowest snowpack, the snowpack recovered significantly in the spring. In three of those seasons, snowpack ended up above the long-term depth by May, as the chart on this page shows. In 1980/1981, Timberline recorded a depth of 92 inches on May 1.  Will this year’s snowpack recover? Snowbody knows. Even if it does, the situation on mountains around the western US is not encouraging. As I reported in my April 2025 column, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data shows that April snowpack on mountains in the western US declined at 81 percent of the sites measured since 1955. A February 11 article by Oregon Public Broadcasting: “Oregon’s record low snowpack is not likely to recover, scientists say.” I had a fair bit of feedback from last month’s column, “The Woodsman’s Tips for Short-Term Renters.” One local resident, who asked to remain anonymous, wrote that they would not approach people target shooting in their neighborhood. I understand! I’m a fairly large guy, yet I felt a bit apprehensive when I walked up to the half-dozen young men who were shooting near my house a few months ago. I had the same experience several years back when three guys were shooting toward the Sandy River. I informed them that there were houses in the trees directly in the line of fire. Fortunately, the shooting stopped in both cases — no problem. Except for the lack of common sense in these twenty-somethings. The correspondent wrote that, “We have had trespassers get to the beach behind our houses, and use the kayak stored behind the trees. My courageous female neighbor went to the beach and got her kayak back. She also called Hoodland Fire Department about a campfire on the beach behind her house when there was a burn ban in Clackamas County.” “We can’t ask 911 to deal with neighborhood renters,” the writer continued. “We can’t access the [phone] number of the owner of the STR easily.Your article about rules for STR renters needs to be printed up on a 10 Commandments plaque in each STR. But then – who do we call if the renters are jerks? What will the owner do in a timely way, or ever, if the owner is a corporation?” Good questions! For answers, I recommend visiting the web site of the Mount Hood Livability Coalition, a group of locals with a mission “to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable mountain community that prioritizes livability, safety, and strikes a harmonious balance between the needs of our residents and the positive impact of tourism” (see mthoodlive.com ). The coalition has a summary of the county’s short-term rental (STR) regulations, as well as a place to submit complaints — or compliments. “We use this database to share information with the local STR administration, and the County Council. This provides invaluable statistics to show how well the regulations are working and what needs to be tweaked and changed,” says the coalition. One of the county regulations is that STR owner’s or agent’s business name and phone number must be posted within ten feet of the roadway nearest the rental property. I’ve seen such numbers on some, but not all, STRs in my area.  The coalition notes that the County will hold an in-person town hall meeting to discuss STR regulations on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, at 68010 East Fairway Ave., Welches. This is your chance to express your views on STR issues. “It’s worth noting that the County chose to hold the in-person session in Welches specifically because Mt. Hood area residents have been the most vocal about STR impacts on their neighborhoods,” writes the coalition. “That recognition is meaningful — and it’s an opportunity we should not let pass.” One of the common complaints about STRs is that renters sometimes build campfires, also known as recreational fires, during times when such fires are banned. If renters — or anyone — ignites a campfire or debris pile during a fire ban, call Hoodland Fire, (503) 622-3256, or the Clackamas County Sheriff’s 24 hour non-emergency line, (503) 655-8211. I hope all STR managers inform renters of fire bans and the need for safety. The reason for banning outdoor fires is obvious: We do not want a wildfire. Back in 2017, researchers from the University of Colorado, Boulder’s Earth Lab studied national statistics on the causes of wildfires in the US. About 16 percent are ignited by lightning, while the rest, 84 percent, are started by people.  Of the human-started wildfires with a known cause, 29% are started by debris burning — if you ever wondered why Hoodland Fire bans “backyard” burning every summer, this is why. Arsonists light 21 percent of fires. The use of lawn mowers and other equipment causes 11 percent of fires. And children playing with fireworks or matches cause five percent of fires. Campfires cause another five percent of fires (the 2020 Riverside Fire, which burned more than 138,000 acres east and south of Estacada, was started by an unattended camp fire).  Another startling statistic: Between 2015 and 2024, wildfires destroyed an average of over 8,000 homes and other structures every year. Now you know why Hoodland Fire and other jurisdictions ban not only campfires, but also the use of fireworks in the dry season.  Have a question about the snowpack in the Cascades? Want to know the difference between a campfire and a bonfire? Let me know. Email: SWilent@gmail.com .

Steve Wilent

Columnist, The Mountain Times

In my previous article, I talked about the Dental Office Bandits in Oregon and how their creative plan actually worked and they were never caught.  I also brought up that at about the same time as this was happening, the biggest and boldest heist in recent history was committed in Paris at the famous Louvre museum.  I promised an epilogue to that story involving the biggest art heist in history that was somehow tied to dentistry. While in dental school in Boston over 20 years ago, I met a cast of interesting characters whether it was treating patients at the school, hospital, prison, or community centers. One eccentric –  but very nice and polite –  patient I had in my last year of dental school was an older gentleman by the name of Myles Connor. He said he had just got out of prison and was looking to enjoy life on the outside now. He was also motivated to get his mouth in healthier order too!   He was a super friendly guy who also revealed that he was quite the criminal mastermind.  Soon after meeting him, I realized he was not joking, and that his name was all over the internet.  He was at one time one of the suspects in the biggest art heist in history of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, in 1990, which saw over half a billion dollars in priceless art stolen. This art heist involved multiple Rembrandts, a Manet, and even a French imperial gold eagle that was carried into battle by the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte. Two robbers dressed up like police officers tied up the security guards in the middle of the night and made off with the artwork that was never recovered. To this day, the case has never been solved. It is considered to be the biggest robbery of all time. My patient, Myles, had an alibi that night: he was in jail!  But that did not stop some people and authorities from suspecting that somehow Myles was the criminal mastermind behind the heist. After all, he was regarded as a genius and a master thief ,having already made off with a Rembrandt from a museum when he was younger.  What made me remember Myles though was right after the Louvre burglary. ABC News featured an interview and story about him. I mean, he was kind of an expert in the field.  There he was, my patient from many years ago, on national TV giving his “expert” opinion on the big robbery in Paris.  I have to say, criminal mastermind or not, he was nothing but polite, fun, and charismatic to me as a young dental student! Fortunately, I did not find anything missing from my tackle box of dental tools that week. Unfortunately, I did not find out where the missing Rembrandt was either.

Dr. Robert Kelly, D.M.D.

Dentist, McKenzie Dental

Chiropractic is rooted in a timeless understanding of life and health — one articulated and fiercely protected by B.J. Palmer, the developer of chiropractic and son of its founder, D.D. Palmer. Often called the philosopher of chiropractic, Palmer dedicated his life to preserving a core truth: that the body is intelligent, self-healing, and governed by the nervous system. He taught that life flows Above-Down, Inside-Out. From the brain, housed within the skull, messages travel down the spinal cord and out through the nerves to every cell, tissue, and organ. When this communication is clear and uninterrupted, the body can adapt, regulate, and heal naturally. Chiropractic exists to protect and restore this vital flow. Palmer wrote, “Time ALWAYS has and ALWAYS WILL perpetuate those methods which better serve mankind. Chiropractic is no exception to that rule.” Chiropractic endures not because it chases trends or symptoms, but because it honors how the body is designed to function. It is grounded in science, expressed through art, and guided by a philosophy that respects the body’s innate ability to heal when interference is removed. Spinal subluxations — misalignments that interfere with nerve communication — can disrupt this system. Because the nervous system coordinates the entire body, interference in the spine can create effects far beyond pain. Balance, sleep, digestion, immune response, movement, and emotional regulation may all be impacted. Symptoms often appear far from the source, but the cause is rooted in interrupted communication within the nervous system. I see this principle come to life regularly in practice. Recently, a patient came in after suffering from severe dizziness for six months. It affected her ability to function during the day and disrupted her sleep at night. Simple movements — like hugging her husband — would trigger intense dizzy spells. After a thorough evaluation and precise chiropractic adjustments to her spine and cranium, her dizziness resolved. Months later, it has not returned. She is now able to live her life fully again. I did not heal her. Her body did. When interference was removed, her nervous system was finally able to do what it had been trying to do all along — restore balance and function from the inside out. Interference doesn’t come only from injury. The pressures of modern life weigh heavily on the nervous system: emotional stress, financial strain, chemical exposures, inflammatory foods, poor posture, inadequate rest, and constant stimulation. These stresses accumulate quietly. As Palmer acknowledged, “The burdens are heavy; responsibilities are many.” Over time, the body adapts to survive — but survival is not the same as thriving. Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct spinal subluxations, not to force healing, but to remove interference. In his final writings, Palmer reminded chiropractors, “You HAVE in YOUR possession a sacred trust. Guard it well.” Chiropractic is not about chasing symptoms or quick fixes. It is about honoring the body’s design and supporting the nervous system through every season of life. When interference is reduced, life expresses itself more fully — Above-Down, Inside-Out. And that is why so many people choose chiropractic not just for relief, but for life. Dr. Melanie Brown is a chiropractor serving the Mt. Hood and Portland communities. Her monthly column explores health, healing, and the body’s remarkable ability to adapt and thrive.

Menus With Venues

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Letter to the Editor Dear Welches Family, Friends and Neighbors, I am reaching out regarding a new project I am working on for St. John in the Woods Catholic Church. This July marks their 100th anniversary in Welches and I am part of a team working on creating a commemorative book to mark the occasion. St. John in the Woods is rich in history, not only as a place of worship, but also as a symbol of the region’s past. In 1937, Henry Steiner built a new log church after the original church [built in 1926] collapsed under the weight of snow and rain. In 1972, with the widening of the highway, the log church was moved from its original location and placed by the Zig Zag Inn. Shortly following, construction of a new church began on Woodsey Way.  In 1976, the Steiner log church was purchased by Mike Gudge and moved, all in one piece, to a new address at 68835 E. Barlow Trail Rd., where it was restored. Today it is known as the 1937 Steiner Log Church. It no longer holds services but is open as a tourist destination, showcasing the history of Henry Steiner and his family. It is also available for events. St. John in the Woods stands as a testament to the enduring values of faith, community, and stewardship. Its history is woven into the fabric of Welches and its presence continues to inspire those who visit or call the area home. Whether as a place of worship or a symbol of the region’s history, St. John in the Woods remains an important part of the Mt. Hood corridor. As a child of a skiing family in the 50s, I have many fond memories of attending mass in the log church. And my husband John (before I was born) served mass there for the very first time when he was eight years old - the priest came up to him and his cousin and said, “you two will do” and handed them altar boy robes.  I am hoping that some of you will have photos or memories of the old log church that you could share with us for the commemorative book. You can text them to (503) 572-9628. Many thanks, Caryn Tilton

Caryn Tilton

For The Mountain Times

In late February, the Skiyente Women’s Ski Club marked 70 years of "badass" sisterhood on the slopes of Mount Hood, culminating in the annual Maryanne Cup race at Summit Ski Area. Named for the club’s legendary founder Maryanne Hill, the event celebrated both the club’s history and its thriving present. Founded in 1955, Skiyente began when a group of women decided they weren’t content to “putter around the bunny slopes.” They wanted to race – and race seriously. Seven decades later, the club stands as the oldest active, chartered all-women’s ski club in the United States. Hill’s competitive spirit shaped the club from the start. Raised in Government Camp, she learned to ski before lifts or rope tows existed, hiking uphill to ski back down. A determined racer, Hill competed with the Cascade Ski Club and entered the 1947 Olympic Trials just two weeks after breaking her tibia and fibula at Sun Valley, finishing 12th. “She always finished a race,” her daughter, Lesli Bekins, recalled. “Even if she had to hike back up to grab a missed gate, she finished. She was that determined.” “She wanted a serious racing club,” Bekins said. “Other clubs were social clubs. My mother was about competition, improvement, and athleticism.” Hill went on to become a Certified Ski Instructor at Mount Hood and a Certified Ski Instructor Examiner, shaping generations of skiers. She served as Skiyente’s first president, setting the standards and spirit that still define the club today. Members continue to honor her with the annual Maryanne Cup, which Hill attended for decades, cheering on competitors well into her later years. Her influence extended far beyond skiing. After graduating from Pacific University in 1944 with a degree in Education, Hill taught at Milwaukie High School, Lewis & Clark College, and Lincoln High School in Portland for 14 years. Following an inheritance from her aunt Grace Reid, she returned to Government Camp to run the Government Camp Water Company and Hills Place Restaurant, a summer attraction and community hub. Hills Place burned down in 1969, along with one of its cabins and the adjoining post office, but Hill rebuilt and continued to serve her community. Her ski medals from the war years survived, though many trophies were lost in the fire. Hill’s determination extended to her personal projects as well. She helped construct her own cabin, cutting cedar logs that now form the staircase and ceiling beams – a literal foundation of her home and a testament to her hands-on spirit. In 1998, she co-founded the Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum, sharing her love for Government Camp and its history with generations of visitors. That same spirit of leadership lives on in Skiyente: on race days, multiple generations of women compete side by side, a vivid reminder that the club’s values endure. Beyond racing, the club participates in PACRAT, hosts the Maryanne Cup annually, and has organized children’s events like the Betty Dodd Kiddie Classic, a race for ages 5 to 12. Members also uphold long-standing traditions such as the King Winter Coronation and Dance, originally honoring a man but now celebrating contributions from any gender. Annual social gatherings – including the Membership Drive, Fireside Holiday Party, Masters Mania, Thank You Night, Spring Fling, and Summer Function – combine camaraderie with community service, such as spring and fall highway cleanups near Mt. Hood Meadows. Skiyente’s commitment to the mountain community extends off the slopes. The club supports women’s and youth causes, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Hope on the Slope, Relay for Life, Cancer Ski-out, Portland Mountain Rescue, Mt. Hood Ski Patrol, and the Erin Nicole Scholarship Fund. For Hill, skiing was inseparable from her life in Government Camp. She grew up with her family running small businesses, building cabins, and shaping the town itself. Her daughter remembers her cutting cedar logs for her cabin staircase, hiking uphill for a ski run before lifts existed, and always insisting on finishing what she started. Her love of the sport – and the community – never waned, even after she retired from teaching and ran the family businesses into her late 90s. With seven decades behind them, the Skiyente Women’s Ski Club continues to celebrate competitive spirit, multigenerational participation, and community engagement on Mount Hood. Hill’s vision – of a supportive, skilled, and tradition-rich women’s ski community – lives on in every race, every training session, and every new generation of Skiyente women.

Marie Kennedy

Staff, The Mountain Times

On March 20, the Sandy Parks and Rec Department and Sandy Library are taking over the Sandy Community Center for a night of wholesome, nearly silent fun. For 15 dollars, kids in grades six through 12 can spend two-and-a-half hours hanging with their friends in an environment parents can feel comfortable with. It’s time for the fourth annual Silent Disco at the Sandy Community Center. The Silent Disco is organized by the Parks Department’s Recreation Coordinator, Carol Cohen, a woman who’s been working to improve Sandy for 25 years. While she’s worked several jobs throughout her tenure, nothing motivates her quite like the events she plans as Recreation Coordinator. “It keeps me focused and excited, coming up with new events instead of doing the same thing over and over.” With the Silent Disco, Cohen and her team hit a home run that appeals to teenagers of every stripe. That’s not an accident. Cohen and her partners work hard to ensure that introverts and extroverts, music kids and game fans alike can find something to enjoy at the Silent Disco. The result is an event that feels energetic without being overwhelming, structured without being restrictive — a balance that’s not always easy to strike when planning for middle and high school students. When the doors open at 7 p.m., a DJ will turn the Community Center’s upstairs auditorium into a choose-your-own-soundtrack music adventure. Kids can bring their Bluetooth headphones and pick from one of three available audio channels suggested by Sandy’s Teen Advisory Board. The format gives teens the freedom to switch between genres throughout the night, creating a shared experience that still feels personal. “We’re really listening to the kids, seeing what they want,” explains Cohen. “They wanted country for one channel. Retro for another channel. More like 80s, 90s and 2000s-type music. And then, [the third] channel is punk.” “It’s really funny,” says Cohen. “When you walk upstairs and look in the auditorium, everything's blacked out. We have laser lights going on, and you don’t hear the music because the kids are wearing the headphones. You'll see one group of kids singing one song, and then on the other end of the auditorium, you'll see another group of kids singing a completely different song.” Of course, not every teen is enticed by an evening singing their favorite songs (and that’s perfectly fine). Cohen has these kids covered. While the music is (not) thumping upstairs, the community center’s bottom floor will be filled with activities. The ping pong table will be ready for action. Teenagers can also try their hand at a variety of board games, offering plenty of chances to connect without stepping onto the dance floor. And Domino’s is catering, ensuring nobody has to power through the night on an empty stomach. One of the most popular attractions of the evening is the free photo booth, where partygoers can pose for complimentary keepsakes of the event. At the end of the day, Cohen’s priority is providing a space for Sandy’s teenagers to meet up (and get down). “It's all about seeing these kids here at a safe place,” says Cohen. “[Where they’re] able to hang out with their friends. They actually get a lot for these two-and-a-half hours.” For parents, that peace of mind may be just as valuable as the entertainment itself. Since the Community Center is located in the heart of Sandy, the Silent Disco is an ideal place for parents to drop off their kids before grabbing a bite at one of the city’s restaurants. It’s a perfect way to turn a teenaged outing into an impromptu date night. The Silent Disco doesn’t happen on its own. Cohen praises the companies that have joined the Parks Department and the Library to make the event happen. MAECO of Oregon, Bill’s Automotive, and Domino’s Pizza all pitch in to make the evening special for the teenaged attendees. Their support helps keep events like this affordable and accessible for local families. The Silent Disco is just one of the events coming up in Sandy in 2026. In April, teens can participate in the annual flashlight egg hunt. In May, pets take the spotlight with Yappy Hour, which Cohen describes as “basically a dog carnival.” June sees the return of Noah’s Quest, a run-walk to support parents who have suffered the tragedy of a lost child. And that’s just the next few months. Cohen and the Parks Department have several surprises planned between here and 2027. In other words, there are plenty of opportunities to get your family out and about this year without leaving Sandy’s beautiful city limits.

Justin Andress

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Relocation plans for the Mount Hood Rest Area are moving forward, bringing a significant change to Government Camp. When the existing facility moves southeast along Highway 26, the town will lose its only public restrooms – prompting Clackamas County to move ahead with a  replacement near the Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum. Teresa Christopherson, administrator for Clackamas County’s Social Services Division, said the county has identified a final site for the local facility and is now working through land use and environmental review. “This is such a community-based project,” she said. “The community has had enormous input and has been actively guiding the process. It’s important to provide an amenity that’s needed not just for visitors to Government Camp, but also for the people who live here.” “The community has been involved in draft designs,” said museum director David Winterling. “It’s intended to provide a convenient, accessible facility for visitors and locals while the larger highway rest area is in planning and development.” The current Government Camp rest area is no longer adequate for modern travel needs. Limited parking, especially for trucks, a small historic building, and outdated utilities make it difficult to safely serve skiers, hikers, long-distance travelers, and commercial vehicles alike. The facility has been a staple of the community for decades, but officials say it no longer meets today’s standards for highway safety or traveler services. Expanding the existing site isn’t feasible. As Phase I wraps up and Phase II commences, agencies have narrowed potential locations to two main zones and a possible third: the Skyline area near Skyline Sno-Park, a site at the Highway 216 junction known as Warm Springs Junction, and a potential partnership option on Warm Springs tribal land. Each option presents a mix of benefits and challenges in terms of accessibility, safety, and cost. “We’ve narrowed it to two possible zones on Mount Hood National Forest,” said Doug Decker, project manager with Oregon Solutions. “There’s more homework to do – particularly with Warm Springs – but we’re getting closer to a decision point. The goal is to find a location that balances safety, convenience, and long-term viability.” Within each zone, planners are evaluating roughly 25 criteria, including highway safety, visibility, slope, wetlands, cultural resources, and environmental impacts. Both forest locations are considered geographically suitable, but infrastructure – particularly electrical service – is expected to heavily influence the final decision. “Power is quickly becoming the number one driver of cost,” said Mac Lynde, executive director of the Oregon Travel Information Council (TIC), which operates most state rest areas. “Running power long distances could be a $10 million to $20 million factor. It’s a significant consideration for both planning and long-term operations.” The project is intended to address a long-standing gap along the roughly 80-mile stretch between Sandy and Bend, where safe stopping options are limited. Drivers have long struggled to find safe pullouts for rest, restroom breaks, or a quick pause to respond to winter weather and mountain driving conditions. “There really aren’t many places to stop in that corridor,” Lynde said. “Providing a proper facility improves safety and reduces environmental impacts from people pulling off the roadway, whether it’s on shoulders, in scenic pullouts, or at informal stops.” Unlike large interstate rest areas, the future Highway 26 facility is expected to occupy about three to three-and-a-half acres and serve traffic in one direction. Plans call for safer pull-through parking for trucks and passenger vehicles, dedicated space for travelers to rest, and a layout designed to minimize conflicts with recreation users, including snow sports enthusiasts and hikers. “It’s called a safety rest area for a reason,” Lynde said. “It’s a safe place to pull over, rest, take a mental break, or respond to weather, fatigue, kids, or pets – all the things that come with traveling in a mountain corridor. It’s not just a convenience; it’s about safety.” Bringing power to a new site could also create opportunities to improve cellular coverage in areas where service gaps have long concerned emergency responders. “It’s not just about bathrooms,” Lynde said. “We need to make sure travelers – and our staff – have access to power and communication in case of emergencies. That’s an increasingly critical aspect of a modern rest area.” Phase II planning is supported by a $750,000 Federal Lands Access Program grant and is expected to take 12 to 18 months. Once a preferred site and concept design are completed, partners will seek additional federal and state funding for final design and construction. “These projects take time, and funding is always part of the challenge,” Lynde said. “But we’re excited about the progress and the opportunity to create something that better serves both travelers and the community. The vision is for a 21st-century facility that combines safety, accessibility, and community support.” Jeff Kohnstamm, general manager of Timberline Lodge, said the process has been deliberate but productive. “It’s moving at a glacial pace, but it is moving. There are good people involved and everyone is pulling in the same direction. In the next couple of years, something needs to happen. We support the effort because the current site simply doesn’t work.” “This isn’t just a rest area,” Lynde said. “It’s a safety measure, a community resource, and a service to the traveling public. And after decades of limited facilities in this stretch, it’s about time we had one that meets the needs of the 21st-century traveler.”

Marie Kennedy

Staff, The Mountain Times

Place of birth: Salem, Oregon How long on the Mountain? 56 years; my entire life, as we have always had a cabin on the ZigZag and we have had two of them. If you were not brought here as a child, what brought you to the Mountain? I was adopted at a month old and the family that raised me brought me to the Old Forest from the time I was an infant. Profession: Philosopher, Researcher, Consultant, and Homeowner Board Member of Proud Ground (Community Land Trust). Other professions: I am an advocate for people with disabilities as I navigate several of my own. Favorites: Movie/and or Musical: Movie = Whale Rider and The Secret of Roan Inish + Musical = Moulin Rouge Actress and Actor: Hannah Waddingham and Caleb Landry Jones TV show: Hands down it’s TED LASSO . Book: The Kin of Ata are Waiting for You by Dorothy Bryant and Dreamtime by John Moriarty Type of music: House Music all night long! GenX club kid from Portland and I LOVE house dance music. I STILL like to go out dancing! I helped start the “rave scene” in Portland in 1989-1990, and I have promoted Reggae and Irish bands. I love KMHD and I have recently been listening to Laufey thanks to my daughter. Food: Koya Kitchen on the Mountain (the BEST food on the mountain plus the most righteous gift shop and selection of stickers and mushrooms) and Cibo (Italian) in Portland: chef’s kiss EVERY time I eat there. Hobbies: Medicinal gardening, remedy making, hot springs + geothermal pools, Doodles, puzzles, mushrooms, disco balls, producing music, vintage thrifting, and dancing to house music! If offered a dream vacation, where would you go, and why? Iceland because I have been dreaming it. I LOVE the variety of landscapes, I love walking the edge of volcanic craters and I LOVE soaking in mineral springs and geothermal pools! Best lesson learned as a child: A bear DOES crap in the woods and patience IS a virtue (thanks dad for both). Defining moment in your life or your greatest accomplishment: Giving unexpected birth to two daughters and raising them on my own with disabilities and the support of my parents. Completing my PhD in Recovery of Indigenous Mind. AND being the first female in history to patent a suppository mold invention. A memorable dinner: Sitting at a dinner table in graduate school at Volcano House on the edge of Kilauea Crater with my dissertation committee - Choctaw Elder Mary Jones, Hawaiian Chief Hale Harry Kealohalani Makua and Oneida/Gaul Elder Dr. Pamela Colorado - eating steak. And realizing I am one of them and an Elder in training. A funny moment from your life that you can share: Swimming with dolphins at Ho’okena Beach on Winter Solstice in 2004, getting caught in a wave swimming in and having the ocean spit me out with my bikini completely flipped up (now naked) and someone walking by saying, “Oh my, it’s a mermaid!” AND we actually come from a lineage of selkies from Iona, Scotland! If you could invite anyone (past or present) to dinner, who would it be, and why? My grandma, my brother, and Hale Makua who have all passed away and are now Ancestors. And Jesus. Dinner with Jesus. I want to check the facts lol. Describe yourself in one word: WarriorWizard (it’s one word lol) When you're not reading The Mountain Times , what book/author/magazine/other do you read: Currently = The Hobbit by Tolkien, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, ANYTHING Archeoastronomy (my favorite topic) and whole food recipe books. If your life were made into a play or movie, what would the title be: Remembering Our Ancestors Pet peeve: Cell phones that are not flip phones and lack of potlucks + old school house parties. Sleeping in rooms that don’t have windows that open. Bad habit you’d like to break: Info-dumping, feeling socially awkward and cringing at small-talk. Famous person(s) you have met, and the circumstances: I presented at the State of the World Forum in NYC in September 2000 with Gorbachov, Queen Noor and other world leaders ~ met Jane Goodall in the Ceremonial Room with elders and have her stickers and shirts from the Worldwide Indigenous Science Network. Favorite quote: My Kupuna (doctoral advisor who was Chief of Kilauea Crater) = “Love all that you see, live what you feel, and know what you possess because what you possess, possesses you.” ~Hale Harry Kealohalani Makua~ He also said, “Choose Easy.” Favorite part of The Mountain Times : Getting to my mailbox and seeing The Mountain Times in it and the excitement to get to the cabin, get unpacked, put on my slippers and get some tea – and read it cover to cover!

Staff

The Mountain Times

Grief Made Visible  is a collection of writing and visual art that fosters greater awareness and understanding of grief within our community. Each year, participants from Mt. Hood Hospice’s free community grief support groups are invited to share artwork and writings that reflect insights from their personal grief journeys. The exhibit typically features 50-70 pieces created by 10-20 artists. Hosted throughout the month of April at AntFarm Café and Bakery in Sandy, Oregon, this exhibit offers a public space for reflection and connection. In a culture where grief is often experienced privately and in isolation, Grief Made Visible  seeks to open conversations about loss and how we can better support those who are grieving. This exhibit is a partnership between Mt. Hood Hospice and AntFarm Café — both nonprofit organizations serving the Sandy community. Everyone is welcome and we invite you to share with others. The exhibit will open on April 3, 2025, from 5-7 p.m.  with a community reception and program. The display will remain open and accessible during regular business hours throughout the entire month of April. Mt. Hood Hospice offers free grief support groups year-round, both online and in person in Sandy. These groups are open to anyone seeking support as they adjust to life after the death of someone they love. No connection to hospice required. Contact Laura Lirette, Director of Bereavement Services at Mt. Hood Hospice. 503-668-5545 /  llirette@mthoodhospice.org

Brit Allen

Staff, The Mountain Times

When it comes to community involvement and dedication to giving back, the ladies of Wander Free and Queer have set the bar high. Not only do they design, create, and inspire with their LGBTQ+ merchandise through their business, they’re taking their voice and compassion to the community with events to help encourage and educate their fellow neighbors on what it means to be proud of who you are. Mt. Hood Village residents since 2020, Danella Demary and Allie Schouten began their journey with Wander Free and Queer in 2018. Living and traveling full time in their RV, Demary and Schouten began documenting their adventures. “Our journey began from the dashboard of our RV, traversing a wilderness that - while breathtaking - often felt silent in the lack of stories of people like us,” Demary said. “We believe that visibility is a form of advocacy. Through intentional content creation, cultivating community-driven events, and creating handcrafted goods, we work to bridge the gap between the LGBTQ+ community and the outdoors,” Demary added. In the midst of expanding and growing their footprint within the queer community, Demary and Schouten knew their roles needed to be bigger, brighter, and more importantly louder in the Mt. Hood Villages community. With a queer community that sometimes gets overshadowed by others and with the need to give those individuals a voice, Wander Free and Queer decided to connect the dots between exploration and identity. “Our work is both a reminder that you belong and an invitation to reclaim space in the wild,” Demary said. "Everything we do is grounded in a simple but powerful mission: visibility, representation, and inclusion,” Demary added. A prominent business within The Mt. Hood Villages, Wander Free and Queer have taken their love for crochet and expanded it into a reputable and successful business across fifteen states. “Crochet has been a part of our lives since we met in 2016. We always knew we needed it to be a part of whatever Wander Free and Queer developed into,” Demary said. “We started with a single table set up at our (then) local Portland, Maine Farmers Market. “While traveling full time, we attend local pride events as vendors. We create and sell a line of crafted merchandise and crochet accessories that reflect and celebrate diverse identities,” Demary said.  Although their business and their merchandise have become a community favorite at events, art shows, and farmers markets, Wander Free and Queer have taken their business model and transformed it into community awareness and involvement. With first hand experience on how LGBTQ+ individuals can feel a disconnect in rural communities, Wander Free and Queer has decided to not just elevate the exposure, but have become determined to educate The Mt. Hood Villages on the great importance of representation and pride. “A core part of our mission is creating dedicated, safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring they grow up with the mentorship and the community support they need to explore nature with confidence,” Demary said. “We also felt it was vital to bring intentional queer visibility to rural areas, demonstrating that our community belongs and thrives just as vibrantly in mountain towns as it does in city centers,” Demary added. Wander Free and Queer’s events include activities for all sorts of interested individuals and families. From hosting coffee and crafts events, accessible hikes, pop-up art markets, paddling local lakes, and campouts, there is an event for all LGBTQ+ community members to explore. “Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we're especially proud of the in-person events we are hosting,” Demary said.  “We have found that fostering deep connections for our community will always be a priority for us,” Demary added. While Demary and Schouten’s events are all memorable in their unique ways, the queer campouts they host will always be their favorite event. “One of our most memorable projects was organizing our first-ever queer campout weekend near Mt. Hood National Forest in September 2024,” Demary said. “Partnerships with Mt. Hood Territory, Mt. Hood Outfitters, and Coffee House 26 made this first of its kind event fantastic. We will be hosting another Queer Campout Weekend this May,” Demary added. Visibility and community will always be the forefront for Wander Free and Queer. Although they strive to continue to grow their crochet business, they are well aware the business is only as successful as that of their community. “Community outreach isn't just a checkbox or a marketing strategy — it is the very reason we exist,” Demary said. “By bringing our events to rural areas and mountain towns near Mt. Hood, we are sending a clear message: the outdoors belongs to everyone,” Demary added. For more information on upcoming Wander Free and Queer events visit their website www.wanderfreeandqueer.com .

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

Seven years ago, the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival returned home to the Mt. Hood Community College campus, where, in its heyday, it drew in thousands of jazz enthusiasts and big name musicians like B.B. King, Rosemary Clooney, and Tito Puente.  Now under the management of the college — and its Director of Jazz Studies/Music Instructor Dan Davey — the festival has expanded to not only serve up five days of terrific tunes, but opportunities for middle and high school musicians to compete and perform as well.  The 2026 festivities will kick off on Wednesday, April 22, with an opening performance at The Old Church in Portland. The evening will feature a performance from Emmet Cohen, honoring the works of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, and the 100th anniversary of their contributions to music history.  Throughout April 22-26, there will be professional performances as well as high school competitions and performances around the region and on the MHCC campus.  To see more info on the lineup or buy tickets, visit mhcc.edu/jazzfest .  “Each year since the pandemic, the festival has grown quite a bit,” Davey explained.  Since coming back to MHCC in 2019, the festival has been proud to welcome artists such as Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Helen Sung, and Etienne Charles. And they now host around 96 different middle school and high school bands for their programs, from as far away as Idaho.  “When I was younger, my high school used to go to the Berklee Jazz festival,” Davey said. “When I’d go to that, I felt overwhelmed in the best way possible. I remember the feeling of ‘Wow. I love this. I want to do this as an adult.’ I look forward to creating that for other people. At first I felt like I was creating (this experience) just for the students, but there are so many community members and adults who also experience that feeling I had. This is an act of service to the community.”  Aside from celebrating all that jazz, the festival makes an effort to highlight locally based artists and local businesses.  Businesses are welcome to contact the festival about advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Community members are invited to volunteer to help at the festival as well.  To get involved, email mthoodjazzfestival@mhcc.edu .

Brit Allen

Staff, The Mountain Times

Although the end of February provided some much needed winter weather in The Mt. Hood National Forest, reports indicate that this winter’s snowpack is at critically low levels. With little to no snow over the holiday season and January and February producing spring-like temperatures, Mt. Hood’s pristine snow-covered base was almost nonexistent.  According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA], as of mid February, the snowpack on Mt. Hood was around 34-36% of the median for the season, marking one of the lowest snowpack levels since 1980. While this time of year traditionally offers favorable conditions at ski resorts, mid-February depths at Mt. Hood Meadows were at approximately 41-47 inches, with Timberline Lodge at approximately 51 inches. Snow levels were so drastically low between January and February that operations were suspended several times at Mt. Hood Skibowl, with little to no snow falling at Government Camp.  As terrain on the mountain remained harsh throughout the beginning of the year, many winter sports enthusiasts were left without their ski and snowboard fixes. Pass holders at Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows were left with very few rideable days. Some even chose not to go at all: low snowpack presents specific dangers to inexperienced riders and beginners, and, by association, to pass holders.  Winter sports offer community members a chance to not only enjoy the recreation opportunities in their own backyards: they also provide residents mental and physical outlets. “The lack of snow has definitely affected people up here,” Mt. Hood resident and winter sports enthusiast Rebecca Tarbox said. “For people who actually work up there in a more tangible way, and for me it’s left a pretty difficult void in my emotional well-being bank,” Tarbox added.  The low snowpack level affects a number of natural resources and could likely increase fire danger this summer. The lack of winter weather has also resulted in a slower season for many local bars, restaurants, and service industry-related businesses.. Unlike winter seasons past, restaurants and bars between The Mt. Hood Villages and Government Camp have seen a significant decline in tourism, citing lack of snow as the main driver behind the numbers.  Tourism is the main source of income for those living in The Mt. Hood Villages, and the decline in lengthy stays at resorts, hotels, and short term rentals has heavily impacted businesses and those in the hospitality industry. Emma Urlwin, owner of Mt. Hood Cleaning, has seen a definite difference between this winter and last. With guests canceling or shortening their vacations, Urlwin acknowledges how the lack of winter weather has had a negative impact on her business and livelihood. “It’s just really scary for business,” Urlwin said. “This time of year we rely so heavily on people coming up to the mountain for winter sports,” Urlwin added. With check-ins minimal and those nonexistent tourists not shopping, eating, or drinking in local establishments, businesses all across the board are seeing the ripple effect from the lack of snow. “When conditions are consistently this bad, all local businesses struggle” Urlwin said.  The lack of snow has not only affected the Mt. Hood National Forest and Mt. Hood Villages, but many areas across the Pacific Northwest and West Coast. Ski resorts in Northern Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Northern California have also felt the impacts of this winter. Snowpack has been so scarce in these areas that the federal government officially declared those regions as in a “snow drought” by late January.  Although some snow has recently blessed the snowpack, base levels remain below average. And while it will take more winter storms to regain proper depths, Mt. Hood Villages residents –  both winter sports enthusiasts and business owners alike – hold out hope that March will bring some St. Patrick’s Day luck for a wintery and wonderful end of the season.

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

Hoodland Women’s Club member Emily Overland had been an urban kid all her life. But she’d always dreamed of living in the mountains. Then, two years ago, an opportunity to live on the mountain just dropped into her life. She and her partner moved up here in 2025. “It has been a big adjustment, but we love it,” Emily said. Trails into the woods are right out their front door. “I love the quiet and the slower pace on the mountain. It’s so easy, so fulfilling.” Emily joined HWC soon after moving to Hoodland and quickly started meeting people. Since her work in telehealth is all online, she said, she was especially interested in joining. “I’m committed to getting involved in and finding out how to help the community,” she said. “Are the school systems working? How are the public spaces? How can the community members support each other?” Last month, Emily led a chair yoga class at the HWC general meeting at Camp Arrah Wanna. The meeting highlighted women’s health, a topic near to Emily’s heart. And as she approaches her fourth decade, she said, “I’ve become more aware of the cycles in women’s health and women’s lives. “I want to help women to become more aware of their bodies.” Emily has been teaching yoga for six years and practicing yoga for 22 years. She integrates tarot, yoga, and astrology into her counseling practice. In March, she will join five other teachers to open a yoga center. In addition to a full schedule of yoga at the center, she said, “we hope to make it a ‘third place.’” Not work, not home, but a place to hang out, maybe have a game night, chill. “I’m so surprised by the little businesses on the mountain that are operating in these tucked-away places,” she said. “The business community is so vital.” Visit Emily’s yoga class Sundays at 10 a.m. at the new Vinyasa Casa next to Mogul Mountain Pizza in the Hoodland Park Plaza. HWC Events Coming Up Dress up and get your dancing shoes on! The HWC Spring Fling is on for Saturday, March 7, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Alpine Events. Cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., and dancing with a live DJ starts at 7 p.m. Come for one or all. Tickets $40 for dinner and dancing or $10 for just dancing. Get tickets at Cooper’s wine shop or online at www.hoodlandwomensclub.org And come get loving care for your beloved fur baby at the Mobile Vet Clinic, set for April 25 in a location in Welches to be determined. Reservations open March 20 for this great opportunity to visit a veterinarian right in your neighborhood, at reduced prices. “We hope this makes necessary care for people’s cats and dogs accessible and affordable,” said Emma Galligan, member of the HWC Community Fund Committee. The event is sponsored in collaboration with Northwest Mobile Vet.

Pat Zimmer

for The Mountain Times

Map Curve, also known as “Dead Man’s Curve” by locals, is a sweeping curve of Highway 26 just west of Government Camp. The scenic stretch of highway is notorious for being the site of serious car crashes over the years. Evan Jarvis will never forget that July night in 2023 when he responded to the call as a member of the special rope rescue team. He and other emergency first responders performed the daring rescue of two injured crash victims. Hoodland and Clackamas County fire crews worked all through the night extricating the pair from the vehicle that went down a steep embankment at Map Curve. They were transported by Life Flight helicopters to a Portland Hospital.  “It was a massive all-night rescue operation between Hoodland and Clackamas,” Jarvis said. “The crew performed a really technical operation, extrication from the vehicle and a rope rescue to get them to the top.” Jarvis, 36, is The Mountain Times Hoodland Fire District Fire Focus Firefighter of the month. The training officer for the fire district, Jarvis runs the special rescue programs, including rope rescue, water rescue, and snow ATV rescue teams. It’s his job to make sure his crew is well equipped and ready to respond to emergencies on the mountain such as Map Curve, one of the most memorable calls of his career. Jarvis, a career firefighter since 2014, got his start as a Hoodland volunteer in 2007. He is a full time paid staff lieutenant paramedic.  He enjoys working at Hoodland, especially with his fellow firefighters and the variety of calls they get. Working one 48-hour shift a week, there’s never a dull moment. “I love it here, it’s a lot of fun,” Jarvis said. “There’s no boring days. Every day is different. There is no monotony. I can be on an engine one day, a rescue the next. It’s a lot of fun to be able to have that change and not have to be stuck on one vehicle, running the same calls all the time. “We get a lot of variety here, which is really nice. We get diverse types of calls. Between medicals and car accidents, car fires and trail rescues, we have a diverse area here, which allows us to have diverse types of calls.” Fire service runs in the Jarvis family. His father has been a Hoodland volunteer since the 1980s. Jarvis grew up on the mountain, spending a lot of time at the fire station. “I grew up in the fire department.” Jarvis said. “What drove me to it was the camaraderie. We have fun while at work and get to help people at the same time. Getting to know my co-workers as friends, we spend a third of our life together. We have a lot of fun together. That’s what I enjoy about the job.” One of his favorite things about his job as a paramedic is making a difference in people’s lives. “I really enjoy getting to help people, see how it makes a difference in people’s lives, see how our skills really help people,” he said. “That’s really rewarding.” When he’s not working his full time job, Jarvis volunteers with the Hood River County search and rescue team. He also likes to ride ATVs and spend time with his wife and their Great Pyrenees. He and his wife bought a home in Zigzag around the time he started his career at Hoodland Fire District. Hoodland is seeking applicants for its volunteer firefighting academy training program, which begins next far more information, phone 503-622-3256

Ty Walker

Staff, The Mountain Times

If you’ve never made the drive up to Skibowl for a round (or six) of Cosmic Tubing, now is your best shot. Thanks to Skibowl’s rigorous commitment to keeping snow on the ground, there’s never a bad time to hit the slopes, whether you’re riding an inner tube or a pair of skis. It’s been a rough year for snowfall on Mt. Hood. For an anxiety-inducing example of that fact, let’s look at one of the key metrics used by professionals to measure the snowpack: snow water equivalent. Essentially, this indicator measures how deep the water would be if the snowpack melted all at once. Typically, that number hovers around 30 inches. As of late January, Mt. Hood’s snow water equivalent is just 10 inches. That lack of cooperation from Mother Nature can make for rough rides at the local ski resorts. Not at Skibowl, however. According to Skibowl’s General Manager, Mike Quinn, their team has been working since late September to ensure that both skiers and tubers find more than enough snow on the ground when they’re ready to ride. “We have two different snowmaking technologies that are vastly different,” says Quinn. “Traditional snowmaking requires temperatures to be below freezing and uses water and compressed air to blow water particles in the air and freeze into snowflakes before hitting the ground.” According to Quinn, Skibowl also makes use of an “All Weather Snowmaking Machine, [called] ‘SnoFlake.’ Unlike traditional snowmaking, it can make snow in temperatures well above freezing and into the 60- to 70-degree range by spraying water onto a refrigerated vessel, which gets scraped off and sent into a chamber that forces it out of a hose in the form of snow.” Once the manufactured snow is on the ground, the Skibowl crew grooms the snow to ensure that resort visitors can’t tell the difference between the snow they’ve created and the snow that’s fallen from the sky. Quinn explains that making snow is “critical to what we do. It allows us a more predictable start and end to the season and allows us to be more insulated from low snow years/periods.” That insurance policy is doing a lot of heavy lifting this year. Not that you’d notice if you visited. Skibowl is still a Winter Wonderland, and one of the best ways to experience that magic is through Cosmic Tubing. More than 300,000 LED lights are on display for this Mt. Hood tradition. Children, teenagers, and kids at heart are welcome (provided you’re over 36 inches tall). Nearby restaurants and bars (as in, right up the hill) mean you can make a night of it, whether you’re treating the family or hanging with your buds. Cosmic Tubing is a “party vibe,” says Quinn. You don’t have to be a pro skier or snowboarder. You don’t even need to be particularly athletic; indeed, the spindly couch potato writing this article had no trouble (and a lot of fun) making repeat runs on the tubing hill. Quinn calls Cosmic Tubing “a great entry into snow sports.” He’s absolutely correct. If you’re a mountain local with a kiddo who’s eager to get on some skis, Cosmic Tubing could be a great first step. Before you sign up for one of Skibowl’s 90-minute tubing sessions (and you’ll need to schedule your trip in advance), make sure to plan ahead. Even in a year with a low snowpack, you’ll still encounter rough road conditions when driving up the mountain. You’ll also want to pile on the clothes. Be sure to dress in layers, and don’t forget the hat, gloves, and thick socks. You should also plan to show up around 20 minutes before the start of the session to ensure that you’re ready to line up and grab your tube right when the time comes. Visit skibowl.com today and reserve your spot for their next Cosmic Tubing session.

Justin Andress

​

Eleanor did it again: Another swell book to curl up with and enjoy while waiting for our winter to arrive. One does wonder if her objective was more plotting than pleasure (I never know with her), but whatever her intentions, high praise is in order for Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club .  Unlike many other detective novels, the scene is set at a retirement home and not a dingy, dark, rundown office in some shady part of London. And unlike many other detective novels, the detectives in charge are not scornful, scruffy, and tormented middle-aged men with something to prove to an ex-lover or to their previous law enforcement profession. On the contrary, the individuals on the hunt to find a murderer belong to four retirees, longing for adventure and fighting (albeit slowly), for justice. While the characters represent a group of people many disregard after a certain age, they also hold unique abilities to their crime fighting hobbies. A retired MI6 agent, a nurse, a psychiatrist, and a union worker make up the Club. The detective skills among them may come across as sparse and incompatible, but these forces combined not only add value in a funny sort of way, but also lend a hand in connecting people from all of life’s professions. With the help of Elizabeth (former MI6 agent and the most secretive and sarcastic of the group), the group meets every Thursday to review and solve cold cases. In the puzzle room at Cooper’s Chase retirement home, the gang examines crime photos and victim identities, while piecing together ideas the authorities may have missed. And while all of this seems a dark, entertaining hobby for the characters, their excitement and amateur experiences become relevant when murder lands right on the front doorstep of Cooper's Chase. Main characters Ron (retired union laborer), Elizabeth (retired MI6 agent), Ibrahim (retired psychologist), and Joyce (retired nurse) are finally able to flex those investigative muscles, taking matters into their own hands. They begin to break down the case, one interview, body, and hilarious scenario at a time. With the help of two British police officers (Donna and Chris), The Thursday Murder Club unravels a world of corruption which seems to be transpiring not only within their sleepy retirement community, but also within the fabric of the friendships and relationships they’ve each made at Cooper’s Chase. Throughout the crime solving chapters of The Thursday Murder Club , readers not only feel the page-turning grip of a detective novel, but also find humility and compassion for the characters as we learn how and why each ended up at Cooper’s Chase. From losing connections with loved ones once retirement age occurred, to the loneliness and boredom that plagues many in these situations, and even the harsh realities of Alzheimer’s and death, Osman created a world of understanding while feeling compelled to jump into the pages and hug each character as they battle murder and the destination of old age. Finding humor in the most difficult of life’s adventures, The Thursday Murder Club not only educates readers and enthralls them with a crime fighting lifestyle, but also gears the chapters in a highly entertaining fashion. While Eleanor and I have conquered many novels in our time together, it is highly unusual for us to have good old chuckles out loud during our reads, but The Thursday Murder Club did just that. From the character’s drastic personality differences morphing into the group timing – how long it takes a senior citizen to get up from a chair in order to determine if they, in fact, had enough time to commit murder, for example – Osman’s unique ability to add comic value to this book is fantastic.  Although Eleanor and I typically find many detective series to be similar in theme and technique, Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club is a far stretch from what we are accustomed to. There was adventure, love, tears, death, and, most importantly, the ability to relate to each character in some perfectly absurd way. Osman’s series has recently become a Netflix film, but, as Eleanor always says “do yourself a favor and read the books first.”

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

As Sandy High School senior Payten Priester springs onto the mat in Anaheim, California, she realizes she is accomplishing something she never would’ve imagined possible her freshman year: cheering in front of 8,000 spectators at USA Spirit Nationals.  Priester began her high school cheerleading career her sophomore year, but her experience with cheer began far before that. In addition to several years of youth cheer, Priester has been attending practices and games since she was a baby, mostly due to her mother’s involvement in cheer. Her mom competed in and coached cheer for many years before Priester was even born. This love for the sport passed down to Priester and her mom acts   as coach and athlete on the Sandy High School Varsity Cheer Team.  “I love my mom being my coach because I get to spend time with her,” Priester said. “I love that we get to share cheer together.” Priester is thankful that her mom passed down her love for cheer, as the sport has significantly helped Priester step out of her comfort zone. “My greatest challenge was always my shyness. I used to be too shy to even talk to my teammates. I probably looked like a weirdo at first,” Priester laughed. She believes that cheer has helped her to overcome her shyness both in small groups and in front of crowds. “I don’t really get stressed out anymore,” Priester says. “When I did, I’d think about how many times I’ve done my routine and how confident I am in it. The nervous feeling normally fades away after that.” She adds that the adrenaline rush of competing drives away many nerves. Besides teaching confidence, cheer has imbued Priester with one of her greatest strengths, the ability to be coachable. “I’m always willing to learn and make changes to improve the team,” Priester said. “It’s easy to get cocky or irritated if you’re doing something wrong, but it’s important to listen to what your coach has to say.” She believes the most important aspect of cheer is having the right mentality, one that includes being easily taught and aiming to have fun.  “It’s important to be coachable when cheering because there’s always something you can learn or improve on. Nobody is perfect, and that's perfectly normal. It’s also important just to have fun and not be so serious all the time,” Priester said. She emphasizes her second point, advising others to “enjoy every moment because you only cheer for four years, and those years go by quickly.”  Priester is motivated by achieving new stunts. “I’ve always been more interested in doing unique stunting performances than anything else,” Priester said. Priester is a backbase and has no desire to trade positions. She backbases one of the hardest stunts performed throughout her team’s National’s routine, a liberty and a liberty hitch. It’s the show-stopping stunt to end their performance. The team recently competed this routine at OSSA Nationals on Feb. 13, placing seventh, only 1.5 points behind fifth place. Just five days later, the squad flew to Anaheim to perform for USA Spirit Nationals. Performing well at state and achieving a bid to Nationals are Priester’s biggest accomplishments. “Our state performance was one of our best performances of the season!” Priester said. Priester was extremely excited to push herself to perform at Nationals in front of a much bigger crowd. She applauds herself for curbing her nerves, as compared to her old self. Priester says, “I’m most proud of pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and doing things I would’ve never expected to do my freshmen year.”

Megan Hutchinson

For The Mountain Times

Most art that captivates its audience is displayed on canvas or inside a frame, but some of the more unique forms are the pieces of everyday or special occasion jewelry made by Mt. Hood Villages jewelry maker Patrick Looney – and his art is practical and perfect. A resident of The Mt. Hood Villages for thirty years, Looney’s passion for creating art with metals began in high school, and he has recently discovered that his jewelry not only reflects his creativity, but are top sellers at local art shows and markets. Honing his skills over the last decade, Looney’s artistic niche is chain maille, which is created by linking individual jump rings into various patterns called a weave. “I’ve learned several classic weaves in different sizes as well as designing some of my own. I use a variety of materials in my work, predominantly copper, brass, and silver. I would like to start working with more gold and rose gold,” Looney said. “For my designs, I like to incorporate gemstone beads into the weave,” Looney added. Self-taught, Looney’s success has come from hours of research, practice, and experimenting with different methods over the years. By understanding the techniques associated with chain maille, Looney has created pieces that demonstrate creativity with each link. “The first time I used chain maille to make jewelry was almost ten years ago. I found some thick copper wire in a scrap pile and thought maybe I could make it into a gift for a woman I was dating at the time,” Looney said. “I made the copper into links and paired it with some steel fence wire. I free-formed some sort of chain maille knot with a hematite center stone. It was rough cut and ridiculously heavy, but it was well structured. I had never made anything like it before, and it inspired me to want to make more; then I started down the path of researching chain maille jewelry,” Looney added. As with any other form of art, chain maille is ever-evolving and changing, through technique and education. By following other artists in the field, Looney has been able to learn new methods and hone his abilities. Chain maille artist and author Karen Karon is a fellow jeweler Looney follows. “Her book [Karon] provided me with well-illustrated instructions for many different patterns from beginner to advanced. She demonstrates how weaves can combine to make new and unique designs,” Looney said. “The book includes tips and techniques that really helped me in the beginning and also contains aspect ratio and conversion charts that are important when coming up with new designs. I still use those to this day. I recently discovered she is a member of the same chain maille group I joined on Facebook. She shares her new work and posts even more lessons. Many artisans in the group display work inspired by Karen,” Looney added. Looney is inspired by other chain maille artists, and also by his own desire to constantly grow and learn within this specific field. Looney explains that while every piece is unique in its own design and pattern, the process by which he makes the jewelry is an inspiration in and of itself. “Every time I learn a new weave, I get new ideas on how to incorporate it into new and complex designs,” Looney said. Beginning with a string of wire coiled around a thin steel rod called a mandrel, Looney tailors each piece based on size and piece. “I cut the coil using a jewelry saw to make all my rings. Next is assembling the rings together to form the desired weave. I fuse each link closed as it’s added, using a jewelry welder under a magnifying screen. The screen automatically dims to protect my eyes when the welder arcs,” Looney said. “The final step is to clean the finished piece. This step is more automated since I got a magnetic tumbler which uses a large spinning magnet to swirl the jewelry in a drum of cleaning solution and thousands of tiny steel pins. The solution removes the grime and oxidation from the welding process while the pins replenish and smooth out the metal. Wash, rinse, and repeat as necessary. It helps that the tumbler can fit several finished pieces in one session,” Looney added.  Looney’s work is unique in its own right, and connecting with other artists is important from a networking perspective. “I think the most inspiring thing about living up here is the other artists in the community,” Looney said. “Connecting with them and networking has been a big influence in getting me to participate in shows and share my work. Displaying my jewelry still feels new and unsettling, but I do feel supported by the group,” Looney added.  For more information on Looney’s work please visit his website at crescentknightjewelry.com .

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

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 through Oregon Conservation Corps via the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, along with workforce development support routed through regional partners, the program is training crews, expanding service areas, and reducing wildfire risk across rural Clackamas County. “The goal is twofold,” said Logan Hancock, AntFarm’s Community Wildfire Defense Program Manager. “We’re building fire-adapted communities, and we’re developing skilled workers ready to enter forestry, wildfire mitigation, and related fields.” Last year alone, the Community Wildfire Defense Program completed 352 Home Ignition Zone assessments and performed defensible space work on 193 properties in our area. Each assessment helps homeowners identify vulnerabilities. Each treated property represents reduced ladder fuels and improved structure survivability. For Hancock, success goes beyond acreage. “The more skilled tree workers we develop, the better the service we provide,” he said. “We invest heavily in training. It builds long-term capacity and professionalism.” Crew members begin with tree identification, introductory saw skills, physical conditioning, and fire behavior fundamentals. Those interested in climbing receive rigging and aerial rescue training. Winter windstorms recently shifted crews into storm damage cleanup and hazard tree removal, providing higher-complexity experience while meeting immediate community needs. Recent funding has also allowed the program to expand to two operational crews, increasing capacity across North and South County. At the center of that expansion are young adults gaining hands-on experience. Kaylee, who recently moved from Salem to be closer to family in the area, said she was drawn to the program for a simple reason. “I really like being outside, and I get to get paid to do that for work.” What began as an opportunity to work outdoors quickly became technical training. “I never even thought about the different types of trees before,” she said. Learning to identify species changed the way she sees the landscape. She also found herself drawn to the mechanical side of the job. “Now I’m sharpening chains and cleaning saws. I really like doing that.” Becoming familiar with equipment maintenance gave her confidence she had not developed in previous roles. Jessni, 19, entered the program after working seasonally at Silver Falls. Running a large chainsaw for the first time was intimidating. “The bar comes up to my chest,” she said. “It was really intimidating. But it’s super fun.” She has since gained confidence operating equipment, maintaining tools, and working within a professional crew environment. The experience builds both technical and transferable skills: mechanical familiarity, teamwork, safety awareness, and communication. “We’ve had participants move into ecological restoration, arborist work, structural firefighting, wildland fire, and line clearance,” Hancock said. “Seeing people step into those careers is what we’re looking for.” While crews are thinning vegetation and removing hazard trees, another critical piece of wildfire resilience happens during home assessments. Michelle Richardson, CWDP Assessment Coordinator, works directly with homeowners to evaluate risk and provide practical recommendations. She says many people are surprised by how small details can make a significant difference. “The roof is the home’s biggest vulnerability because it has the largest surface area where embers can collect,” Richardson explained. Keeping roofs and gutters clean, even covered gutters, is essential. Leaf litter that accumulates in valleys or near projections can allow wind-driven embers to ignite debris, even if the roof itself is noncombustible. Decks are another common concern, particularly when combustible materials are stored underneath or against exterior walls. Richardson emphasizes the “Zero Zone,” the first five feet around a home. “Remove all vegetation in the five-foot zone,” she said. “Ideally, this area would be rock.” During fire season, it should also be free of combustible items such as patio furniture and firewood. Early-season dryness simply means starting cleanup sooner. “Clean your roof and gutters. Rake the five-foot zone. Trim dead vegetation within 30 feet of the home,” Richardson said. “During high fire danger, especially Red Flag warnings and east wind events, running a sprinkler daily in that five-foot zone can make a difference.” Home assessments often uncover overlooked vulnerabilities such as attic and crawlspace vents. Standard quarter-inch mesh can allow ember entry, while one-eighth-inch mesh offers better protection. Public funding for wildfire mitigation carries accountability requirements, including documenting structures impacted, skills developed, and measurable community benefit. That structure ensures public investment produces tangible results. As uncertainty around snowpack and summer conditions continues, AntFarm’s crews are focused on preparation rather than prediction. “We can’t control the weather,” Hancock said. “What we can control is how prepared we are.” For young people interested in outdoor work, environmental stewardship, or hands-on technical skill development, the Community Wildfire Defense Program offers structured, paid eight-week sessions. The next session is expected to begin in mid-spring, and recruitment is open for applicants ages 16 to 26 ready to work hard and contribute to community safety. In a region where wildfire is a recurring reality, preparation is not alarmism. It is stewardship. Through thoughtful public investment and local leadership, AntFarm’s Community Wildfire Defense Program is strengthening both the landscape and the next generation prepared to care for it.

Devin Kelly

AntFarm Youth Services

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 complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card . So, you're letting your gonvernment know what's they should focus on and you could walk away with 50 bucks. That's a win-win, no matter how you look at it. County staff say the survey is designed to better understand what individuals and families are facing right now, particularly when it comes to the rising cost of living and access to basic necessities. Questions ask residents whether they are struggling to pay for essentials such as food, housing, healthcare, and other everyday expenses , and what types of services or support would make the biggest difference in their lives. Officials say hearing directly from residents is especially important in communities across the Sandy, Mt. Hood, and Hoodland areas , where cost of living pressures, housing availability, and access to services can vary widely depending on location. The survey is open to anyone living in Clackamas County, and county staff are encouraging residents to share the opportunity with neighbors, friends, and family members. Because the assessment only takes place once every three years, officials say the current survey represents an important opportunity for residents to shape how local resources are allocated. Clackamas County communications staff say the goal is simple: hear directly from people about what their communities need most. To fill out the Community Needs Assessment, visit this link . County officials say they hope as many residents as possible will participate before the March 15 deadline .

Staff

The Mountain Times

Photo of the Glade Trail in 1957 by Hal Lidell. (MHCCM Collection 2007.044.0126d, Donated by Judy Pahl in memory of Hal Lidell. On a clear winter morning in Government Camp, it’s easy to imagine what the mountain looked like decades ago. Before high-speed lifts and groomed runs became the norm, skiers carved their way through trees and open glades, following routes that felt more like backcountry adventures than resort laps. For many longtime locals, those early ski routes weren’t just recreation. They were part of life on the mountain. Later this month, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum honors that pioneer spirit with its annual Ski the Glade event on Saturday, March 28. The daylong gathering invites skiers and snowboarders to retrace a historic three-mile route down the mountain, celebrating a piece of Mount Hood’s winter sports heritage that many locals still remember fondly. According to a press release from the museum, “Weather allowing, the annual Ski the Glade event on Mt. Hood, hosted by the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum, is set for Saturday, March 28.” The event begins at Timberline Lodge, where participants set out on the historic Glade Trail and ski down to Government Camp, following a route that once represented one of the most adventurous descents on the mountain. Along the way, skiers are escorted by members of the Mt. Hood Ski Patrol and experienced local guides. The press release explains that “participants are escorted by Mt. Hood Ski Patrol members and local guides while on the mountain. The trail begins at Timberline Lodge and ends at Government Camp, a distance of three miles.” For many who attend, the event is less about speed and more about stepping into a living piece of mountain history. “It’s an opportunity for grandparents to ski with their grandchildren, and share the memories of skiing the Glade Trail, when it was the biggest ski adventure on Mount Hood,” the museum noted in its announcement. Shuttle service will be offered throughout the day, so you won't have to stop after just one run. Between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., this historic mountain chute will be open for business. The experience also includes a continental breakfast, a hearty lunch, and an après-ski celebration where drawings will be held. Be sure to plan your outfit in advance, because attendees are encouraged to show up in vintage ski clothing. If you’ve ever wondered what your old neon ski jacket or ugly wool sweater might look like on the mountain again, this is your moment. Beyond the skiing itself, the event helps support the museum’s broader mission of preserving the stories that shaped the Mount Hood community. “This unique day on the mountain helps fulfill the museum's mission of preserving and interpreting the history of Mount Hood,” the press release states. The Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum, located in Government Camp, highlights the region’s long relationship with winter recreation. Its exhibits cover early exploration of the mountain, the rise of ski culture, settlement in the area, and the natural history that continues to shape life here today. The museum operates year-round and also houses the Mt. Hood Information Center, making it a frequent stop for visitors and locals alike. Still, like much of the mountain this winter, the event depends on snow conditions. The current snowpack on Mount Hood has been lower than typical for this time of year. Because of that, organizers say a final decision about moving forward with Ski the Glade will be made by March 17. The good news is that the heart of Oregon’s snow season isn’t over yet. “There are still reasons to see the measuring cup as half full,” said Daniel Hartstock, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Portland, in the museum’s announcement. “From February through April, Mount Hood snowpack typically grows the most. This year there are no indicators that would suggest the precipitation outlook for that period will be either above or below normal levels.” According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Mount Hood’s snowpack often continues building into early spring, depending on storm patterns and temperature shifts. That means the coming weeks could still determine whether late-season events like Ski the Glade get their window. If the event moves forward, tickets will remain the same price as last year. Museum members can participate for $150, while non-members can purchase a ticket and membership package for $180. Youth ages 12 and younger, along with non-skiers attending the festivities, can join for $75. Organizers note that only a limited number of tickets will be available. For those who’ve spent winters on Mount Hood, the event offers something rare: a chance to step back into a story that’s still unfolding. It’s the kind of tradition that reminds people why they love living here in the first place. And it raises a question worth asking the community. Do you remember skiing the Glade Trail back in the day, or is this something you’ve always wanted to try? If you’ve got memories of skiing this route — or photos of vintage gear that might make an appearance on March 28 — locals would likely love to hear about it. Because on Mount Hood, the best stories are often the ones passed down on the slopes.

Staff

The Mountain Times

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 | Camp Arrah Wanna Inc

Staff

The Mountain Times

Hoodland Senior Center’s Executive Director, Carianne Stearns, has announced she will resign from her position in March 2026, marking the end of more than two years of dedicated service to seniors in the Hoodland community. Change is a normal part of life, and this moment offers a chance to reflect on the positive energy, growth, and care that Carianne has brought to the Senior Center during her time as director. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the center extends sincere thanks to Carianne for her strong leadership, deep community connections, and tireless work ethic. Since taking on the role of Director, Carianne has stayed true to the Senior Center’s core values while helping the organization grow stronger and more stable. Leading a small nonprofit means wearing many hats, and Carianne has done just that. She has remained focused in her work to make sure seniors have access to nutritious meals, opportunities to socialize, and activities that increase physical activity and mental wellness, ultimately supporting seniors in our community to live life to the fullest.  Under her leadership, the Senior Center locally raised thousands of dollars to support programs and services. She led many efforts to make daily operations smoother and more efficient. Carianne also increased participation in the Meals on Wheels program, ensuring more seniors received meals and regular check-ins. She expanded the Center’s activities to reach a wider range of interests. New and growing programs included Acoustic Jam sessions, a Writers Club, and Weekly Winter Movies. These activities gave seniors more ways to connect, learn, and have fun together. Volunteers are at the heart of the Hoodland Senior Center, and Carianne made volunteer support a priority. She recruited, trained, and encouraged dozens of volunteers who help keep the center welcoming and active. Their time and care continue to make a big difference in the lives of local seniors. Carianne has left her mark: being known for her kindness and availability. No matter how busy her day was, she often stopped to answer the phone or help a senior who needed support right away. Her care and compassion have been felt throughout the community. Her passion for helping seniors live full, independent lives and her strong leadership skills have clearly shaped the future of the Hoodland Senior Center in positive ways. With Carianne’s upcoming departure comes both change and opportunity. The Senior Center is now recruiting a new Executive Director to continue its mission to encourage healthy, active lives and build community with seniors by providing access to healthcare services, social activities, and economic stability. The position requirements are 32 hours a week Monday - Thursday with some flexibility for occasional weekend and evening events, with a salary depending on experience. Those interested in applying can email a resume and cover letter to hoodlandseniors1@gmail.com . Recruitment is now open. The Board of Directors thanks Carianne Stearns for her commitment and service. She will be missed by staff, volunteers, and the many seniors whose lives she touched.

Brittany Kintigh

Hoodland Senior Center

Most of you know that the mission of the Hoodland Community Planning Organization (HCPO) is to bring County information to our Hoodland community members and provide a loud voice back to the County. We also provide speaking opportunities of interest to the community. At the February 19 th  7:00 p.m. CPO meeting, we are pleased to bring Gary Randall, photographer and historian, back on a Zoom Virtual Meeting with his Barlow Trail Memorabilia and Historic Tales of the pioneers of this region.    The HCPO’s four main topics for 2026:  April 2026. The Short-Term Rental Program  The pilot program review and analysis by the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners (BCC). The BCC is planning a Town Hall in Welches on April 1 in the evening at the Resort to have a conversation with local citizens about what changes to the rules and regulations will be required when the program moves from pilot program to permanent program.  Please bring your best ideas, solid evidence, and your best community spirit to the town hall. The BCC is aware of the problems some areas have had since the Mt Hood corridor is one of the main tourist destinations in the county. We are all concerned, regardless of our proximity to problem short-term rentals, about what a high density of short-term rentals can do to a neighborhood. As a tourist destination we are ill-prepared to handle the masses of people who appear here to ski or play golf or hike. When you realize the numbers of people who come and go as temporary residents, it is surprising to find how few support mechanisms and infrastructure are provided to support our community, to offset the impact of that large influx and outgo of people. Ongoing, in the Hoodland Emergency Communication Network  (HECN) we now have more than 71 members with radios. Please consider joining us at HECN. We will begin monthly meetings for members and everyone interested. There’s no need to buy a radio to join us; join us and learn, then decide if it’s for you.  If you want to join in, or simply learn about GMRS Radio please write to us at HECN.hoodlandcpo@gmail.com    Our web page is at www.mthoodwildfirepartnership.org/hecn   where we will list meeting locations, dates and times. May 2026. Disaster and Evacuation Planning .  Along with the Clackamas Disaster Management Office and the Mt Hood Corridor Wildfire Partnership, we are working to develop an understanding of the processes set in motion during an emergency. Clackamas County is planning an evacuation drill exercise, tentatively scheduled for May 6, 7 and 8. As we receive Information from Clackamas County, we will be putting information on Facebook and Next Door and sending e-mail notices to the members of our CPO. We are planning on organizing a CPO meeting to discuss the county's plan when it's firmed up.  June 2026. The Welches Road Walk/Bike Path . We expect to hear from the County in June of 2026 and will conduct a meeting at that time.  Please write to us –  we welcome your comments on any matter Hoodlandcpo@gmail.com

Pat Erdenberger

Hoodland Community Planning Organization

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the Great Flood of 1996, a natural disaster that reshaped the Mount Hood corridor and tested the resolve of communities of the Mount Hood corridor. The winter of 1995–96 had been unsettled from the start. Snowpack was thin through much of December and early January. Then a late-month Arctic blast buried the Cascades under several feet of snow, which turned to ice, setting the stage for what followed. On February 6, a warm Pineapple Express pushed ashore. Temperatures climbed into the 50s and rain fell hard. At Government Camp, more than 11 inches of rain came down in four days. The warm rain tore into the fresh snowpack, sending runoff and melting ice down steep canyons throughout the Mount Hood National Forest. For many area residents, the crisis arrived in the dark early hours. Writing in the March 1996 issue of The Mountain Times , my husband Tom Teven – then co-publisher of the paper – described how “placid streams and rivers turned into torrents of devastation.” Many residents were awakened by the sound of rushing water, trees snapping and crashing, or neighbors knocking on doors. Phone lines went down, roads disappeared overnight, and in some areas, people were suddenly cut off from help. Before the era of cell phones and text messages, the Hoodland Fire Department and volunteers drove where they could, announcing that evacuations were underway. That’s how Tom and I learned that we needed to leave – immediately. For many of us, those first hours were a mix of fear and disbelief. At 4 a.m., a massive mudslide tore through Salmon River Road, destroying a home. Two holding tanks owned by the Salmon Valley Water Company collapsed, releasing roughly 150,000 gallons of water onto a hillside and shifting another house off its foundation. The Sandy River jumped its banks, carving a new channel nearly 150 feet from its original course and taking century-old trees with it. In Clackamas County, public damage estimates ran into the tens of millions of dollars, with additional losses reported to roads and Forest Service facilities. Countywide, more than 140 landslides were recorded and dozens of highway locations were closed. Across Oregon, eight people lost their lives. In an area long familiar with flooding, the mountain has continued to remind residents of the power of storms. In 2006, a major debris flow removed a section of Highway 35 at White River, while parts of Lolo Pass Road were completely washed out. In 2011, heavy flooding along the Sandy and Salmon Rivers forced the evacuation of more than 200 people on Lolo Pass Road, and two homes were swept away.

Marie Kennedy

Staff, The Mountain Times

John Drake is serving his third year of a four-year term as vice president of the Hoodland Fire District Board Of Directors. He was elected to the volunteer position in May 2023 and took office on July 1 of that year.  He retired after 26 years working as a firefighter for the Portland Fire Bureau. He spent 13 years as a line firefighter and 13 as a fire inspector with the fire marshal’s office.  He believes that being a Hoodland Fire board member and retired firefighter with lots of experience helps him do what’s best for the public as well as for firefighters.  “My goal is to serve the public,” Drake said. “I’m not trying to sound trite but I really want to do what's best for both the citizens and our firefighters because I’m a retired firefighter. Whatever the fire district can do that’s best for both – good response, good medical coverage, good fire coverage, good fire inspection coverage, all the things associated with the fire service. I’m not here just to put in some time, I want to see the best for all. I want to see the best for both the citizens and firefighters.”   The new fire station, for which voters approved a $19 million bond measure last May, benefits local residents as well as firefighters. It replaces an aging building riddled with asbestos problems, flooding issues, and antiquated sleeping quarters. The new station, which will be built on the Dorman site just .1 miles away from the current station, will enhance emergency services throughout the district. “The fire station was built as a 12-hour volunteer station with no sleeping quarters,” Drake said. “Guys used to come in the morning and leave in the afternoon. A bunk house was added to the back later. The engine bay used to flood, and there were asbestos problems. It has reached the end of its lifetime.” Drake has had three jobs since high school: F-14 crew chief in the U.S. Air Force, a position with Northwest Natural Gas, and Portland firefighter. He didn’t go to Vietnam because he broke his wrist playing football and was thus unqualified. “I got out of high school and went into the Air Force for four years. Got out of the Air Force and went to work for NW Natural Gas for four years. Quit there and went to the Portland Fire Department for 26 years. So basically I had three jobs my whole life.”

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 .

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

Let’s face it, folks. February can be a tough month on the mountain. The holidays are officially over, and our lush corner of Oregon is charging up for a green spring with an endless parade of gray, rainy days. Nothing knocks off that cold shroud like a hot, filling breakfast. Maybe that’s why February is National Hot Breakfast Month. For any mountain residents or visitors who want to start their day with a hearty hot breakfast, here are some of The Mountain Times’ favorite options. Whistle Stop Looking for a classic breakfast with all the fixings? Whether you’re craving eggs and bacon or one of their signature omelettes, you really can’t go wrong at the Whistle Stop. Located right on Highway 26, this mountain staple is a favorite among locals who are looking for a solid meal (and maybe a Bloody Mary or two). The Whistle Stop has plenty of room, so there’s rarely a wait. Spring days will see revelers spill out into the expansive back patio. Brightwood Tavern It’s possible for mountain tourists to miss the Brightwood Tavern entirely, since it’s tucked off Highway 26. That’s too bad for visitors, because this cozy little joint is a perfect pit stop for anyone in search of a wonderful hot breakfast. In recent years, the Brightwood Tavern changed hands, and the new owners have set to work transforming the bar into a community spot known for its scrumptious dining options. The breakfast options are no exception. (be sure to get there early to secure some of the scratch-made biscuits). Taqueria al Jalisciense We don’t always have time to sit down and enjoy a three-egg breakfast. Maybe you want to be the first in line at Skibowl. Maybe you have to visit the hardware store for a day full of honey-dos. If you need a grade-A breakfast while you’re on the move, consider checking out Taqueria al Jalisciense, a food cart with a knockout breakfast burrito. Located in the up-and-coming food cart pod behind Goodwynn’s, Taqueria al Jalisciense is an authentic Mexican restaurant with a taste unlike anything else on the mountain. There’s also a second food cart in the heart of Sandy. So you’ve got options. Zig Zag Mountain Cafe If you’ve got some time to spare, take a break and have a meal at the Zig Zag Mountain Cafe. The sumptuous breakfast options will leave you with fond memories that linger days after eating them. Give serious thought to any meal featuring white gravy. Biscuits and gravy, country-fried steak, it doesn’t matter. Just be sure you’ve got plenty of time on your hands, because these gourmet meals take a few minutes to whip up. Sandy Honorable Mention: AntFarm Sure, it’s not technically in the Hoodland area, but AntFarm Youth Services is more than just a critical part of Mt. Hood’s community-building efforts. Those traveling through Sandy can find their public-facing coffee and sandwich shop right in the heart of the town. And it’s worth the stop, whether you’re looking for a breakfast sandwich made largely from locally sourced ingredients or you just need a quick cup of coffee for your journey farther up the mountain. Bonus: Every penny you spend at the AntFarm Cafe goes to build a better mountain community. These folks do everything from mentoring youth to clearing trails to delivering seasoned firewood to homes in need. So you get a great meal and you’re helping a fantastic cause. Wrap-Up The restaurants we’ve featured here are just a few of our favorites. Of course, we’ve certainly missed a few. Mt. Hood has innumerable options for diners between Government Camp and Sandy. If we overlooked your favorite spot, we want to hear from you! Reach out to us on Facebook at @mountain.times.oregon, or on Instagram @the.mountain.times.

Justin Andress

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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.

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

Although most artists’ talents are derived from training, education, and hours and hours of practice, for some, it's the absolute desire and drive which gives them the tools, skills, and focus they need to become proficient in their trade. And for Mt. Hood Villages resident and former Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus performer, Mary Beth Ferlo, all of that is true. Born and raised in Portland, Ferlo knew from an early age that dance was her absolute passion. “Being a professional dancer was always a dream of mine,” Ferlo said. Honing in on her skills at an early age, Ferlo began training in a variety of dance forms. “I studied many forms of dance, including tap, jazz, and ballet. I also trained in acrobatics,” Ferlo said. “I took lessons with my sister at a dance studio named Broadwells,” Ferlo added. With the hours and hours of practice and training fueling her motivation and the unwavering determination she possessed since childhood, Ferlo set her goals as a professional dancer and never looked back. “I had my sights set on the Rockettes but found that I was too short,” Ferlo said. Not one to back down from a goal, Ferlo pushed onward with her professional dancing career and found the perfect fit not long after hopes of being a Rockette seemed to fizzle. “Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus were performing in Portland at the then named Coliseum,” Ferlo said. “They happened to be holding dancer (showgirl) auditions, so I went ahead with the audition and got the job, beginning my exciting career,” Ferlo added. Beginning her career with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey, Ferlo began her career in 1985. As a traveling performer, Ferlo had no shortage of experiences and travels during her time with the circus. “Ringling Brothers traveled the United States for 50 weeks per year, performing eight to nine shows on average,” Ferlo said. “That averaged out to roughly 400 shows per year for me during my time with the circus,” Ferlo added. Although traveling was a wonderful experience for her during her career as a performer, Ferlo’s best memories are that of the friends and family she met along the way. “Creating friendships with fellow performers from all over the world is something that I will always cherish,” Ferlo said. “The circus family has a bond unlike any other. Many, if not all, circus performers still keep in contact,” Ferlo added. Giving her a perspective and appreciation for the unique abilities and skills of others, Ferlo acknowledges how important her time in the circus was. Opening up her mind, finding family in friends, and passing down the pure love of performance to her sons, both of whom also perform in the circus arts. “Being a part of the circus changed my life in so many ways,” Ferlo said. “I feel naturally more accepting of people no matter their background. I truly enjoy meeting people from all walks of life,” Ferlo added.

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

February is often associated with love, generosity, and showing up for the people and places that matter to us. At AntFarm Youth Services, this season feels especially meaningful as we navigate a challenging moment for community-based organizations across the country, with unique pressures hitting rural communities especially hard. AntFarm started and exists to connect youth, families, and community members to resources, support, and pathways toward stability and empowerment. That work takes many forms. It includes safe, welcoming YouthHub spaces for teens, paid workforce development opportunities for young adults, housing stability support for individuals and families, and practical assistance for elders and people with disabilities who need help maintaining their homes. Our goal is simple but ambitious: to help people stay connected, supported, and rooted in their community. Over the past year, sustaining that work has become increasingly difficult. Shifting funding priorities, delayed grants, and reduced program dollars have created real strain for nonprofits like AntFarm. As we moved through 2025 and into 2026, the gap between community need and available resources has continued to grow. These pressures affect our ability to keep YouthHubs open and active, retain valuable staff, and sustain programs our community relies on. We are making thoughtful, strategic decisions every day to stretch resources while protecting core services, but the margin is tight. Community support has always been central to AntFarm’s ability to serve, and right now it is essential. There are many ways community members, businesses, and partners can support AntFarm’s work: Make a one-time or recurring donation. One-time gifts help us meet immediate needs, while monthly donations provide stability that allows us to plan and commit to long-term support for youth and families. Even modest recurring gifts make a meaningful difference https:// antfarmyouthservices.com/donate-now/%23sustaining-the-seasons Recycle bottles and cans through AntFarm’s Planet 365 program. Donating returnable containers supports AntFarm’s operations and helps fund essential community programs, including Community Connect and free firewood delivery. Drop-off locations include Mt. Hood Brewing, Sandy Transfer Station, Hoodland Shopping Center, and the AntFarm Outdoor Building. Large quantity? Call us and we can pick it up. Support youth workforce development through YouthCore services. Hiring AntFarm’s YouthCore crews for yard work and community projects is a direct investment in youth workforce development, providing paid, hands-on experience while strengthening local neighborhoods. Visit AntFarm Café & Bakery in Sandy. Every purchase helps keep this welcoming community space open, with proceeds supporting AntFarm programs. The café is one of the most accessible ways to support our mission while enjoying great food and coffee. Partner with us as a local business. Businesses can support AntFarm through sponsorships, program support, and both traditional and non-traditional partnerships. We welcome conversations about creative ways to invest in the community together. Volunteer your time and skills. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting events, programs, and hands-on community projects. Whether you have a few hours or want to get more involved, volunteering helps extend our reach and impact. https://antfarmyouthservices.com/volunteer/ Help amplify our work. Following AntFarm on social media, engaging with posts, and sharing our stories increases visibility and strengthens community support and awareness. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Nextdoor, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter. https://antfarmyouthservices.com/newsletter/   AntFarm has always been built on community trust and participation. During a time when funding is uncertain, and the need for services continues to grow, showing your support in any of these ways helps ensure that youth, families, and neighbors continue to have a place to turn when they need it most. Contact us at (503) 668 7962 or info@antfarmyouthservices.com .

Devin Kelly

AntFarm Youth Services

As we prepare to embark on another year, the team behind The Mountain Times is prepping for a truly exciting event: the launch of a new publication, The Sandy Standard . This new monthly newspaper will deliver a fresh batch of community-oriented stories focused on the residents of Sandy. In these divisive times, it’s critical to remember that we are all of us more alike than different. Every print edition of The Mountain Times  is a reflection of that comforting truth. The paper serves as a living, breathing testament to the diverse values that unite our small mountain community. It’s been a thrill to document the Hoodland community over the past several years. We’ve covered farmer’s markets, school events, business openings (and closings), and — most unfortunately — the murders of cherished community members. We’ve offered tips on where to find the best food for your budget, the best service in a variety of industries, and the best place to connect with new friends. The Mountain Times is proud to serve as a voice for Hoodland residents and visitors alike. As much as we love our corner of Oregon, it’s time to expand our scope. With that in mind, we’re coming down the mountain and launching a sister publication, The Sandy Standard . The Sandy Standard  will serve as another hyper-local source for events, community milestones, history, and all the news that’s relevant to your daily life in Sandy, Oregon. Expect the same diligent reporting, the same high-quality images, and the same upbeat attitude that characterizes every issue of The Mountain Times . We’re fielding a team of locals who know this area like the back of their hand. Alongside a few names you might recognize from The Mountain Times , this new team will set about covering stories in 2026 with expanding paper coverage throughout the year. You shouldn’t expect politics or divisive issues covered in The Sandy Standard . Both this new publication and The Mountain Times are committed to even-handed journalism that brings the community together.  And now here’s the part where you get involved! We love to hear from our readers. Have a story idea? Want a subscription? Want to provide feedback? We’d love to hear from you!

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.

Justin Andress

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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month — a time to focus on prevention, early detection, and caring for your long-term health. At Orchid Health Hoodland Clinic, we believe proactive, preventive care is one of the most powerful tools we have to keep our community healthy. Cervical cancer is largely preventable when detected early through regular screenings, yet many people delay or skip these important exams. Our Hoodland team is here to change that by providing care that is compassionate, confidential, and centered on you. Why Cervical Cancer Screening Matters Cervical cancer typically develops slowly, beginning with abnormal changes in cervical cells. Regular screening allows our providers at Orchid Health Hoodland Clinic to identify these changes early — often long before cancer develops. Screenings are a proven way to reduce both the incidence of cervical cancer and related deaths. When abnormal cells are found early, treatment is often simpler and more effective. Common risk factors include: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection Smoking A weakened immune system Family history of cervical cancer By identifying abnormal cells early, cervical cancer screenings can prevent cancer from developing altogether or ensure timely treatment when needed. Recommended Screening Guidelines At Orchid Health Hoodland Clinic, we follow U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines while personalizing care for each patient: Ages 21–29: Pap test every three years Ages 30–65: Pap test every three years, or HPV test every five years, or Co-testing (Pap + HPV) every five years Over age 65: Screening may no longer be necessary if prior results were normal, but this should be discussed with your provider. If you have higher risk factors, you may need earlier or more frequent screening. Our Hoodland clinicians take time to understand your health history and work with you to create a screening plan that fits your needs and comfort level. Cervical Cancer Screening Options at Hoodland Clinic Orchid Health Hoodland Clinic offers several cervical cancer screening options, including: Pap Test (Pap Smear): Detects abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous HPV Test: Identifies high-risk HPV strains linked to cervical cancer Co-Testing: Combines Pap and HPV testing for more comprehensive screening HPV Self-Collection (Vaginal Swab): In some cases, patients may qualify for HPV screening without a Pap test. This private, easy-to-use self-swab can be completed at home or in the clinic. Talk with your provider to see if this option is right for you. Our team is committed to making screenings as comfortable, respectful, and stress-free as possible. We understand these appointments can feel intimidating, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Local Care, Close to Home As your local clinic, Orchid Health Hoodland Clinic is proud to offer preventive care close to home. Our focus is on building trusted relationships, providing clear education, and making sure you feel heard and supported — not rushed. Whether this is your first screening or you’re due for a routine check, our team is here to help you feel confident in your care. Take Action This January Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to prioritize your health. Regular screenings save lives, and early detection makes all the difference. If you’re due for a cervical cancer screening — or aren’t sure when your last one was — schedule an appointment with Orchid Health Hoodland Clinic today. Taking this simple step is an important way to protect your health now and in the years ahead.

Orchid Health

For The Mountain Times

As The Mt. Hood Villages closes the door on 2025 and rings in 2026, many community members are sharing sentiments of excitement for the change and growth a new year can bring. Whether it’s trying to dedicate more time to hiking and outdoor activities or committing more time to family and friends, the new year offers a chance to shed the past and welcome the future with open arms.  Unlike many other small towns throughout the country, The Mt. Hood Villages offers an outdoor escape for its residents unlike any other. With many hiking trails, outdoor sports, and winter activities in abundance, resolutions revolving around outdoor activity can easily be achieved. For many locals, the new year offers a chance to get back to basics in their own backyard. “My goal for the new year is to dedicate more time to being outside and planning trips that don’t revolve around work,” Mt. Hood Villages resident Tristan Burnham said. “I focus so much on work, so I’m looking forward to taking the new year and using it as a way to grow and focus on the outdoor activities I really love,” Burnham added. Although new year’s resolutions tend to be a welcome idea to many, some Mt. Hood Villages residents find that a new year doesn’t necessarily give way to change. “The only time I ever made a New Year’s resolution and kept it was way back before the seatbelt laws. One year I resolved to always wear my seatbelt in the car and I have always done so since,” Mt. Hood Villages resident Cindi Sempert said. “Other than that, I’ve never really made any resolutions; or if I did, they were never kept,” Sempert added. While new year’s resolutions can vary in terms of one’s goals, one popular resolution each year is that of physical fitness. Although many fitness centers and gyms throughout The United States tend to see an uptick in gym memberships beginning in January, Mt. Hood Villages’ local fitness center, Hoodland Sport and Fitness, typically doesn’t see a jump in memberships in January. “Unlike most fitness facilities we do not see much of the new year resolution uptick,” Hoodland Sport and Fitness owner Seth Tinker said. “Generally over the last decade, our largest seasonal increase coincides with the rainy season,” Tinker added. As people setting new year’s goals revolving around fitness tend to fall off before winter even ends, Tinker shared some helpful tips on how to maintain fitness goals months after new year’s resolutions are made. “Make it a schedule,” Tinker said. “Pick a 45 minute block that will work for you every day. Make yourself exercise and go to the gym during that 45 mins for four to six weeks. At 6 weeks we call that adherence to program. Your body will need/crave exercise, and varying when and what time you workout becomes easier,” Tinker added. Tinker also explained that time management is one of the key components in how people tend to fall off of their fitness goals. “Having a trainer create a program and teach you how to implement it streamlines the learning curve and ensures you're being efficient with your time,” Tinker said.  For more information on a membership with Hoodland Sport and Fitness or to schedule personal training, please visit hoodlandsportandfitness.com

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

Most of you know that the mission of the Hoodland Community Planning Organization (HCPO) is to bring County information to our Hoodland community members and provide a loud voice back to the County. We also provide speaking opportunities of interest to the community.  December brought rains that only some of us have seen over the years. As soon as the power shut down – Wednesday, 12/17/25 3:11a.m. – while we still had cell coverage, the Ham Operators and HECN Radio volunteers were on their radios outlining the issues regarding conditions: “Repeater 17 down. Repeater 15 up. Power lines and debris down on Hwy 26, road closed. We can’t get out of our neighborhood near the Lion’s Club.  Emergency Services and PGE emergency dispatched to clear. Power lines down on Arrah Wanna. Have been pushing out this info on Amateur Radio 142.62, GMRS SIMPLEX 17, and GMRS REPEATER 15. We are monitoring amateur radio and GMRS 17 simplex.” And so it continued between Sleepy Hollow, Marmot Rd, Brightwood, Welches, Lolo Pass Road, Rhododendron, and Zig Zag all day Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. People were monitoring to disseminate information.  Dozens of people listened for any news, like the landslide on Salmon River Road that brought an evacuation Level 3 in the Mountain View area. The landslide continued to Welches Road, calling for a Level 3 evacuation of homes branching from Abernathy.  The stalwart and well-powered gas station in Welches kept filling propane and gas tanks: we owe a debt of gratitude to them.The USGS Water Gauge at Marmot shot up to 43Kcfs at 2AM Thursday in a shocking display of waterpower.  That day, power returned to some neighborhoods, only to go out again.  All the while, announcements were made by Ham and HECN volunteers. Division Chief Kline monitored GMRS 17 and brought us news after meetings with the County Disaster Management and other offices. When we asked, he answered. Many thanks. To be in distress and hear another person’s voice is calming for sure. Though they are too humble to be named, we want to thank every one of the members on the Hoodland Emergency Communication Network, the Hoodland Fire District, the Office of Disaster Management Clackamas County, and the Local Ham Operators who tirelessly worked between two types of radio to help us all. The HCPO’s four main topics for 2026:  The Short-Term Rental Progra m pilot program review and analysis by the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners (BCC). The BCC is planning a Town Hall in Welches in March to have a conversation with local citizens. Moving the Town Hall from February to March, at our request, will require a month’s extension of the pilot program. Disaster and Evacuation Planning .  Along with the Clackamas Disaster Management Office and the Mt. Hood Corridor Wildfire Partnership, we are working to develop an understanding of the processes set in motion during an emergency.  The Welches Road Walk/Bike Path . We expect to hear from the County in April or May of 2026, and will conduct a meeting at that time. In the Hoodland Emergency Communication Network  (HECN) we now have more than 60 members with radios. Please consider joining us at HECN. We will begin monthly Zoom workshops for everyone interested. There’s no need to buy a radio to join a Zoom call. Join us and learn, then decide if it’s for you.  If you want to join in, or simply learn about GMRS Radio, please write to us at HECN.hoodlandcpo@gmail.com    Our web page is at www.mthoodwildfirepartnership.org/hecn   We welcome your comments on any matter: Hoodlandcpo@gmail.com

Justin Andress

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As we head into the new year, we want to acknowledge the challenging end to December for our community. Welches Schools were closed 12/17–12/19 due to windstorms, heavy rain, and widespread power outages. We hope everyone has had time to recover and that, despite the disruption, you were still able to enjoy a restful and lovely holiday break with family and friends. Our community truly shows up for one another, especially during tough moments. Before the storms rolled in, December was filled with holiday spirit at Welches Schools. Our second annual Elementary Winter Wonderland Dance was a huge success, with students and families enjoying an evening of dancing, singing, and fun. The Middle School Leadership Class also shined by planning and hosting their festive Snowball Dance for middle school students. We’re thrilled to share that our Wreath Sale Fundraiser was another success. Thanks to our amazing community, dedicated parent volunteers, and generous partner Welches Mountain Building Supply , we raised over $5,000 to support vital programs for Welches Schools. As we step into the new year, winter sports are officially underway. Students are gearing up for the Timberline Winter Snow Sports Program, along with the start of wrestling and basketball season. Timberline Snow Sports Program – Sign Up by January 5th! Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity for students to learn or improve their skiing and snowboarding skills. Lessons take place on Fridays: January 9, 16, 23 & 30, and February 6. Space is limited, so register soon – no late forms will be accepted, NO EXCEPTIONS. Contact the Welches School office for details. Right Brain Initiative Artist Residency at Welches:  We’re also excited to see creativity come alive through a Right Brain Initiative artist residency, funded by proceeds from our annual Rainbow Run. Artist Beth Wilson  will work with students from late January into February. Each student will participate in three one-hour sessions and create a ceramic “imaginary friend” to bring home. We’re seeking volunteers to help keep the kiln running; if you’re interested in supporting this program in late January or early February, please contact volunteer@welchesptco.org . We are also collecting Thank You Ticket Store donations  for our school-wide positive behavior program. These items stock the student store where kids redeem tickets earned for kindness, responsibility, and school pride. We are looking for new or gently used stuffed animals, jewelry, craft supplies, fidgets, 3D-printed items, and costumes or dress-up pieces. Donations can be dropped off at the Elementary School office during school hours. Spring Fundraising Campaign:  Looking ahead, while we will not be holding our annual Spring auction this year, the WPTCO will be launching a spring fundraising campaign focused on monetary donations from businesses and community members. We are incredibly grateful to the Hoodland Women’s Club and an anonymous family who have already helped us get started with donations totaling over $2,750!  Their generosity makes a meaningful impact on the programs and opportunities we can provide for our students. Every contribution — big or small — makes a difference. To get involved, contact our Auction Chair at auction@welchesptco.org , more information to follow! Please check our fundraising page at https://www.welchesptco.org/donate . Join us at our Next WPTCO Meeting! The WPTCO is a non-profit group that supports Welches Schools and our broader community. Everyone is welcome! Join us on Tuesday, January 19th at 9:00 AM (after school drop-off) in the elementary school library. We’d love to see you there! Stay Connected:  Join our email list at welchesptco.org  or email info@welchesptco.org . Thank you for your continued support — let’s make 2025 a fantastic year for Welches students and schools.

Cassie Kanable

Welches PTCO

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 vehicle’s dashboard. I recommend reading the Cultural Pass Express FAQ — frequently asked questions — for more information. Passes to a variety of other venues also are available, such as the Oregon Garden and Portland Opera. You’ve probably noticed numerous crews trimming trees in our area, often using bucket trucks to lift crew members high into tree canopies and grinders to turn limbs into chips. If those crews are working around power lines, they are probably from Portland General Electric (PGE) or Asplundh Tree Expert LLC, and they have two main goals: the overall reliability of our power supply and protecting us from wildfire.  PGE and its contractor, Asplundh, have performed such work for many years, but the 2020 Labor Day wildfires led them to redouble their efforts. None of the several large wildfires that year started in PGE’s service area. Other power companies, where fires were found to be caused by sparks from downed power lines or other equipment, are still dealing with the aftermath. In November, PacifiCorp reached a $150 million settlement with 1,434 plaintiffs associated with the Labor Day 2020 fires; so far, the company has settled nearly 4,200 wildfire claims for $1.6 billion. Overall, the Labor Day fires destroyed more than 3,000 homes, killed at least 11 people, and burned more than one million acres, mostly in western Oregon. The Riverside Fire, which burned in Clackamas County, was started in or near a campground along the Clackamas River, probably by an abandoned campfire. PGE serves an area with a population of about 1.9 million. Asplundh, which provides tree-care and power-line clearance services nationwide, was founded nearly a century ago by the children of Swedish and Swiss immigrants. In Swedish, asplundh means “a grove of aspen trees.” In our forested area, falling trees and limbs pose a threat to power lines, poles, transformers, and other equipment year-round. Most of us have experienced power outages in winter, when storms blow trees and branches onto power lines. In summer, downed power lines falling on dry vegetation can cause fires. PGE spokesperson John Farmer told me how the company is managing that threat during wildfire season. “With our Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings system, or EPSS, we operate our electric system more conservatively when there is increased fire risk due to factors like high winds, dry conditions, or high temperatures. Operating the system more sensitively during fire season helps prevent utility infrastructure from becoming the source of ignition,” Farmer said.  “We have devices on our power lines called reclosers, kind of like a circuit breaker, and if a branch hits the line, the recloser de-energizes that line. Sometimes a branch just hits the line and falls down to the ground, and the recloser checks the line one, two, or even three times and, if it’s safe, reenergizes it,” he said. “If it’s a hundred degrees outside and a fir branch that is dry as a bone falls onto a power line and gets stuck there, you don’t want that power line to re-energize itself. So instead of two to three chances to turn power back on during fire season, those devices get one chance. And if that issue is still there, it stays de-energized and we send crews to go check it. In that situation, we’re not willing to have any level of risk associated with an automatically repowered line.” PGE’s EPSS web page, at tinyurl.com/h8ua7zdc , explains more about how it works. The PGE and Asplundh crews work year-round to reduce the risk of trees and branches setting off the EPSS. Alex Konopka, PGE Senior Manager, Vegetation Management, said the company’s Advanced Wildfire Risk Reduction Program has been in operation since 2019.  “Property owners are seeing us more frequently on an annual basis, as we’re making multiple patrols before fire season during the active growth period. We work to make sure we have appropriate clearances around poles and overhead lines,” he said. “Sometimes we identify trees that a customer or property owner might consider otherwise green and healthy, but we’re performing more detailed assessments on these trees, looking at growth habit, whether it’s a dominant or co-dominant tree, whether it has multiple tops, cracks, conks, decay, root rot — the kinds of things that might be signs that it is unhealthy and thus potentially a risk to the power line over its lifespan.” If trees need to be removed, Konopka said he and his colleagues see working with property owners during this process as crucial. “We’re doing a lot of knocking and talking, a lot of education,” he said. “We make an effort to notify customers about this work. We typically send letters to property owners about our assessments, and the first line says, hey, in Oregon, we love our trees. And that’s certainly true. PGE is one of the largest at-scale forest managers in the state. We’re managing close to three million trees up in the Highway 26 corridor, from Sandy to Government Camp, and about 225,000 or so of those trees have the potential to fall onto the power lines. So we have the opportunity to work with customers on a daily basis. By and large, our interactions go pretty smoothly. I’ve been in this role for 10 years, going on 11. There’s nothing I haven’t been able to accomplish with a customer through meeting in the field at their tree and having that conversation.” Konopka noted that PGE customers can request wood chips, which crews will deliver for free. See tinyurl.com/5y27tn6t . Have a question about PGE’s tree work? Want to know where you should NOT put wood chips? Let me know. Email: SWilent@gmail.com .

Steve Wilent

Columnist, The Mountain Times

In late December 1964, as the Mountain was preparing for Christmas, the weather in the upper Sandy River valley began to shift quickly. A warm Chinook wind swept into the region, accompanied by days of heavy rain, melting a deep early-winter snowpack, while frozen ground prevented the water from soaking in. Creeks rose first, then the rivers. By the time people realized how serious it was, the water was already moving fast and carrying things with it — logs, boulders, and entire sections of riverbank. It was reported that Government Camp received 16 inches of rain in four days. The Sandy River and its tributaries, including the Zigzag, Still Creek, and the Salmon River, pushed beyond their channels, reshaping the course of the river in a matter of hours. The river roared as it made its way down through the mountain communities. Those who were there remember the sound of the rushing water and the low thunder of rocks and timber rolling downstream as the water continued to climb. Schools were dismissed early as conditions worsened. Children crossed the bridge over the Zigzag River at Rhododendron, which was already shifting beneath their feet, escorted carefully as the river surged below. Families gathered what they could carry, moving belongings to higher ground or leaving altogether as the water rose faster than expected. For Rhododendron, the flood became a crisis when bridges began to fail. The Still Creek Bridge east of town started to pull away from its banks, while the Zigzag River bridge collapsed completely, along with the swinging footbridge that crossed the river just upstream. Farther west, the river continued its destructive path. The Sandy River Bridge at Brightwood, which was under construction at the time, was heavily damaged as homes and logs slammed into it while trying to pass beneath. Bridges over Alder Creek and Wildcat Creek were also destroyed, along with homes that lined the banks. Even Marmot Road washed out. With Highway 26 and side roads severed in multiple places, Rhododendron was suddenly isolated. There was no simple way in or out. With roads cut and access limited, the community rallied. Welches school became an emergency center, sheltering stranded residents and students who could not get home. Food was shared, people slept where they could, and neighbors looked after one another while the river continued to tear through the valley. For children, it was confusing and frightening, but also communal — and probably a little bit fun — spending those long winter nights together, sleeping in the school gym while the world outside changed. In the absence of a functioning bridge over the Zigzag River, a temporary solution was improvised. Local ski legend and capable mountain woman Joie Smith helped rig an overhead cable across the river, suspending a boatswain’s seat beneath it. Using this makeshift crossing, people and essential supplies were ferried back and forth across the flood-swollen water. For a time, it was the only practical connection between Rhododendron and the outside world. When the water finally receded in early January, what remained was a landscape few recognized. Riverbanks had shifted, channels had moved, and familiar places were simply gone. Cleanup began almost immediately, but progress was slow. Heavy equipment appeared in the river itself, pushing massive boulders and logs in an effort to guide the water back into a more stable channel. It was painstaking work, done in cold conditions, with no guarantee that the river would cooperate. Just weeks later, heavy rains returned: in late January, 1965, they brought another rise in water levels and renewed flooding. While less destructive than the Christmas flood, it delayed repairs and reminded already weary locals how fragile recovery could be. For those who lived through it, the Christmas Flood of 1964 is often remembered less as a single event than as a long winter of disruption and loss. Roads, bridges, homes, and routines were all altered. More than sixty years later, the rivers still carry those memories — etched into the bends of the channel and in the stories passed down by those who remember when the water rose and changed their world forever.

Gary Randall

Columnist, The Mountain Times

As The Mt. Hood Villages begin a new year with potential winter weather finally on the horizon, 2025 decided to go out with a bang full of high winds, heavy rains, flooding, and landslides all within the borders of the community. With two significant weather patterns, back to back, the Mt. Hood National Forest and Mt. Hood Villages became significantly damaged with both systems that fell across the area. The first wave of storms hit the second week of December, bringing warmer temperatures and heavy rains throughout the greater Portland area. The snowpack that had originally landed on Mt. Hood in November soon became rivers and streams as it dumped into the Sandy and Salmon rivers. Not to be outdone by its predecessor, the second atmospheric river event the week before Christmas caused widespread power outages, downed trees, and landslides that sent community members panicking.  Hitting The Mt. Hood Villages on the night of December 16th, strong winds took out power lines and large trees in the area. Wind gusts clocked at 138 miles per hour rocked the Mt. Hood National Forest, forcing some residents to evacuate their forest covered homes to open parking lots such as The Thriftway Plaza. By Wednesday morning, more than 200,000 Oregonians were without power from the storm, and several neighborhoods in The Mt. Hood Villages were trapped due to downed trees and downed live power lines. Side streets and major roadways in the community were closed for significant periods of time while crews worked to remove debris, power lines, and trees. Highway 26 was closed most of Wednesday morning from Zigzag to Government Camp due to a downed power line, causing a backup of traffic for several hours.  Although power outages and intense weather are nothing new to the residents of the Mt. Hood Villages, the aftermath and devastation of such storms is still something no one ever wants to experience. While many residents and community members have purchased generators since the devastating fires and power outrages in 2020, there are still many without. Mt. Hood Villages residents Kate Wille and Justin Stuck were just a few of the standout neighbors who took in neighbors and friends during the storm, allowing them to use their generator for heat and power. Using their generator to charge devices, warm up and shower, friends of theirs, such as community member Nicole Guyer, were able to work and proceed with normal life in spite of the uncertainty of power restoration. “I received a text from Kate on Wednesday at 7 a.m. opening up their home to my dog and me,” Guyer said. “Over the week they provided us, and 20 other people, shelter from the storm and a place among friends to feel safe during such a scary and uncertain time. Kate and Justin always act from a place of love and kindness which was seen and felt wholeheartedly that week,” Guyer added. Sentiments of community fellowship were shared widely as residents woke up to the devastation from the storm. Neighbors in the RV Village helped rescue a man and his dog from a tree which crushed his camper, pinning him in a corner. Others used their own chainsaws and tools to help open roads and driveways for neighbors. Restaurants and bars such as Charlie’s Mountain View in Government Camp were able to open their doors with the use of a generator, giving residents the option of a warm meal.  As the first wave of the storm ended and power was slowly being restored to The Mt. Hood Villages (residents of Lolo Pass and other areas near the Salmon river taking longer), the second wave of the storms hit, causing widespread flooding and giving way to landslides in the area. Clackamas County issued a level 3 (go now)  order to those in the south end of East Salmon River and East Welches Road due to a landslide. “My husband and I have seen some pretty high waters on the Salmon, but we knew it was getting bad and decided we should leave,” Mt. Hood Villages resident Marlyne Casley said. “I was just grabbing our bags when I saw the fire department come down our street and I knew they were coming to evacuate us,” Casley added. With cell service spotty at best without power and internet, many residents near the Salmon River were going door to door to make sure neighbors knew of the landslide and took appropriate precautions.  Although The Mt. Hood Villages took a beating from the atmospheric river event, the aftermath of the flooding and power outages was felt heavily in other parts of the state as well. Communities near the Clackamas River were forced to evacuate as water levels breached, flooding communities and parks. Coastal highways such as Highway 6 between Portland and Tillamook are closed indefinitely due to a landslide, and several other major roadways were temporarily shut down due to storm debris.  As power has been restored and many Mt. Hood Villages residents prepare for the start of the new year, many are still on edge as to what weather patterns this new year will bring. “Being prepared is half the battle,” Guyer said. “While we can’t really ever predict how bad it can get here, knowing the forecasted reports and always having your go-bag and power outage supplies ready is becoming the new normal,” Guyer said.

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

As children awaited the arrival of Santa Claus, Mount Hood ski resorts and hydrologists alike were hoping and waiting for the arrival of the next big winter storm.  As of Dec. 15, Timberline Lodge, Meadows, and SkiBowl were all still waiting for enough snow to open, and USDA supervisory hydrologist Matt Warbritton and his team were likewise looking for some lower temperatures and wintery precipitation to hit the Hood, Sandy, and Lower Deschutes region (and other parts of the state).  Early season snowpack readings showed a drastic difference compared to the same time in 2024. While the snow water equivalent measurements were around 104% of normal the year previous, as of Dec. 15, the region’s measurements were at a concerning 2% of normal, keeping consistent with the warmer, drier conditions around the state.  Even the higher altitude SNOTEL sites on Mount Hood, some as high up as 5,400 feet, are showing “pretty poor” snow accumulation, Warbritton said.  “November was pretty warm,” he explained. “And the latest storm we had (the atmospheric river that hit in early December) was also warmer. Temperatures in this area have been pretty detrimental to snow accumulation.” The water year to date readings in the region seemed to be fairing a bit better, with numbers around 110% in the Hood region (the best in the state at the time). But that precipitation alone would not keep the region from experiencing drought in the summer without the proper snowpack reserves.  Despite the picturesque snowcapped look of Mount Hood in the early season, the type of snow is what matters. And the mountain simply hadn’t experienced enough water-dense snow accumulation by mid-December.  Some SNOTEL sites in the region are actually showing period record lows for snowpack, and a similar trend is occurring across the state with the lowest snowpack on record for this time of year since 2015.

Brit Allen

Staff, The Mountain Times

Seventy-five years ago this winter, a city bus rose off the ground at Government Camp and began climbing Mt. Hood – not on pavement, but on steel cables suspended high above the forest. Packed inside were reporters, photographers, and radio announcers, all invited to witness the debut of one of the most unusual transportation experiments in Oregon history: the Mt. Hood Skiway. The January 3, 1951 preview run marked the arrival of what promoters called the longest aerial tramway of its kind in the world. Part ski lift, part streetcar, and part logging technology, the Skiway was designed to carry passengers 3.2 miles uphill from Government Camp to Timberline Lodge, a climb of more than 2,000 feet. Though its lifespan was short, the Skiway remains one of Mt. Hood’s most audacious ideas – an emblem of postwar optimism and engineering bravado. A Postwar Vision The Skiway was conceived by Dr. J. Otto George, a Portland physician and avid skier who spent weekends running a small clinic in Government Camp. In the years following World War II, skiing surged in popularity, and George believed Mt. Hood needed a modern, efficient way to move visitors between the village and Timberline Lodge. In 1947, George and a group of investors formed the Mt. Hood Aerial Transportation Company. That fall, the U.S. Forest Service granted a permit to build an aerial tramway on federal land. Construction began in 1948, with crews clearing a wide corridor through forest and snow. The massive project ultimately required 38 steel towers and more than 25 miles of cable. Originally named the “Skyway,” the project was quickly renamed the “Skiway” after copyright issues surfaced. The new name soon became synonymous with a design that set the system apart from any other tram. The “Most Extraordinary of Busses” Rather than using small gondola cars, the Skiway relied on two modified city buses, soon nicknamed “cloudliners.” Adapted in Portland, each bus was fitted with two gasoline engines designed to pull the vehicle along fixed steel traction cables – a system borrowed from heavy-duty logging operations. Each car seated 36 passengers in heated cabins featuring large windows and forward-facing seats. The experience, however, was anything but quiet. As the bus climbed from tower to tower, cables clanked and engines roared. Oregonian writer James Stewart, who rode the Skiway during its preview run, described it memorably, noting that “practically everyone aboard was too busy holding his breath and gaping at the spectacular scenery” to focus on the mechanics. He also observed that the “clanking and grinding of its cables make conversation aboard impossible.” The Skiway opened to the public on February 3, 1951. A one-way ticket cost 75 cents, and early crowds lined up to try what popular media dubbed “the most extraordinary of buses.” That summer, the tram celebrated its 1,000th trip, and souvenir tokens were issued to mark the occasion. Trouble on the Line Despite its novelty, the Skiway struggled almost from the start. The buses were heavy and fuel-hungry, placing immense strain on the cables and towers. The trip took 20 to 25 minutes one way, and because each bus could make only a single round trip per hour, capacity was limited to just 72 passengers at a time. Even more damaging was competition from the ground. Improvements to the Timberline Highway opened around the same time as the Skiway, making the drive faster and easier. A conventional shuttle bus could reach the lodge in less time and for only 50 cents. For many riders, one trip on the Skiway was enough. As the novelty wore off, ridership declined. By the mid-1950s, the tram often ran only on weekends or during periods of peak demand. Company records show repeated discussions about redesigning the system – replacing the buses with smaller gondolas or shifting to a more conventional lift model – but the cost of rebuilding proved daunting. One board member, after riding the tram himself, complained of the “shrieks” and jolts over the towers, concluding the system had been fundamentally flawed in its conception. What Remains In 1956, just five years after opening, the Mt. Hood Skiway ceased operations. A liquidation committee followed, and by the early 1960s, the towers and cables had been removed. The buses were eventually sold off or scrapped. The Skiway’s lower terminal building, however, found new life. Reopened in 1962 as Thunderhead Lodge, it still stands in Government Camp today. On the mountain, the old tram route remains visible, now followed by the Glade Trail and Skiway Trail, used by skiers descending from Timberline. For those who pause along the old route today, imagining a city bus floating through the winter air, the Skiway still feels less like a mistake than a marvel – one that dared, briefly, to lift Mt. Hood transportation off the ground.

Marie Kennedy

Staff, The Mountain Times

In the late hours of November 21, just a few days before Thanksgiving, a residential fire erupted just off Barlow Trail in Rhododendron. Luckily the fire was contained in just 17 minutes thanks to the robust response of local fire officials — however, the house is a total loss for the family.  Hoodland Fire Division Chief Brian Henrichs spoke to The Mountain Times , in the aftermath of the blaze. “The first call came in just after midnight, at 12:32 a.m,” he says. The first crews arrived on the scene just 11 minutes later, at 12:43. By 1:00 a.m., the fire was declared contained. “We use the term, ‘fire under control,” explains Henrichs, “but I think they are synonymous. That means that the fire is no longer spreading or that we have stopped it from progressing any further.” In all, 21 fire response units arrived. Twelve came from the Hoodland area and nine arrived from the Clackamas Fire District. Henrichs says this kind of cooperation is standard operating procedure, as machinery and personnel are called on frequently to assist neighboring areas. The home in question was a (thankfully) uninhabited short-term rental. It was a neighbor who noticed the flames and called in the emergency. In another lucky coincidence, the firefighters who arrived on scene had ready access to a nearby water main. This allowed them to focus on containing the blaze rather than having to worry about sourcing enough water to extinguish the flames. The fire was an understandable draw to the surrounding community. Some people even came out to the street to get a better view of the fire. Bystanders kept their distance, however, and neither residents nor firefighters suffered injury. The cause of the fire remains a mystery. Personnel determined that the fire started somewhere in the kitchen or living room and spread from there. According to Henrichs, the insurance investigator concurred with that assessment and the property has been released to the owner.  Though the fire was under control in a matter of minutes, crews were on-site until the wee hours of the morning to ensure that the fire was entirely extinguished. The last unit rolled off the scene just before 6 a.m. Henrichs says that we’re currently in “the elbow season.” That is, fires are less common during this period of time because the summer heat has died down, but ski season (and thousands of visitors) hasn’t arrived. In the Mt. Hood area, fire is a fact. Dry months during the summer give rise to concerns about massive forest fires. Celebrations in the winter lead to accidental blazes. With that understanding, it’s wholly comforting to know that the fire agencies in the area are not only quick to respond, but they’re intelligent, efficient, and cooperative. In a community where fires will always happen, it’s good to know that the men and women whose job it is to control the fires are always ready for action.

Justin Andress

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The call came through and the question was simple: were we interested? Why, yes. Yes we were! There was going to be an Irish festival in Boston, and we’d been invited to perform. The festival was supposed to have it all: plenty of music on several stages, Celtic dancers, vendors, specialty foods, events for children. They’d cover airfare and accommodations, which was standard, plus a nice check at the end of the day. Big names from Ireland and Scotland were flying in from both sides of the Atlantic. It was 1993. Our contact was Jeannie (not her real name, because honestly I can’t remember it anymore). An April fête at the Boston Trade Center: three days of live traditional music. Contracts, paperwork, and conversations about the shows followed. What could go wrong? My husband and musical partner, Tom, was a Scottish native, with the brogue to prove it. He had an incredible singing voice and a rather salty wit. We often performed as a duo, especially on the road: Tom on guitar and vocals, and me on bass and vocals – sometimes playing the bodhrán (an Irish drum), and the occasional fiddle tune. We performed as Celtic Pride, or simply as Tom and Marie Teven. His humor served us well on stage, especially when he leaned into stories from the old country. As the date crawled closer, Jeannie became, let’s say, harder to find. It nagged at me. I wanted to confirm flight times, tickets, our hotel – all the boring but important details. Still, it wasn’t unheard of. Festival folks get busy, especially wrangling 30-plus acts. I had the contact info for a couple of other organizers, but they didn’t seem to know much. About anything. Tom and I had played plenty of festivals, so we knew the drill. And with so many performers, many of them friends, all headed to the same place, surely it would go as planned. Ultimately, the details were confirmed, and we already had a signed contract, notarized and all. That should have been enough, right? Our ‘friend’ Jeannie hadn’t bothered to tie up the last few details with us, but all the other musicians seemed to be heading to Boston. So early Thursday morning, we arrived at the Portland airport. Our reservation was there, but unpaid. Tom had had it. “We’re not going,” he said flatly. Maybe that should’ve been the final red flag. But I pushed it. “Come on. It has to be a mistake.”  So I swallowed hard, and put the flights, over $1,300, on our Amex card. We were going to Boston. In the ’90s, flying with instruments wasn’t a big deal. You didn’t need an extra seat or a special blessing. You just carried them on, and the airline staff tucked them away with the strollers and oversized odds and ends in the back of the plane. At Logan, we ran into several friends who were performing too. Some were arriving, others were already there and hanging out. One thing about traditional musicians, especially Scots and Irish, is that any time is a fine time for a party. Some of them were already at it in the airport bar. Of course they were. We piled into one of the festival cars for the 20-minute ride to the hotel. Arriving, we realized that these were quite the luxurious digs for traditional musicians – the Swissôtel, with thick towels, bathrobes in the closet, and a view of the city. Tom’s first move upon entering the room? Checking the mini-fridge – stocked to the brim. More on that later. Our first performance was scheduled on Friday, with brief dress rehearsals in the morning to sort out the sound. Everything seemed good. Most everyone had arrived, and we were reconnecting with musicians left and right. We decided to stay and hear the show rather than just showing up for our own time slot. As it turns out, that was a good plan. Because when the first act took the stage, the room was, let’s say it: empty. Rows and rows of empty seats. Uh-oh. Tom leaned over and said, “We’re not getting paid, are we?” I’m an optimist, although by then it was becoming more difficult. I mumbled something about it being Friday, and how the big crowd would surely come tomorrow. But I knew. I think we all did. By Saturday morning, there were murmurs over breakfast that things were going off the rails. Rumors were starting to spread. Vendors were muttering. Performances were supposed to start at 10 a.m., but the audience consisted of, well, nobody. I found myself mentally adding up the costs: rent for the Trade Center facility, equipment, hotel rooms, travel – and all those musicians – it made my stomach flip. Saturday, the “big” day, looked much like Friday – just a handful of folks scattered about. Sunday was worse. Still, we all played, performed our little hearts out and supported each other by clapping and cheering. Loudly.  After the show on Saturday, Tom and I took a taxi to an Irish pub that, blessedly, had instrumental music, song, dance – and an actual crowd. We ended up sitting in with the musicians there and having ourselves a grand time. We asked around, and no one had heard a thing about a festival at the World Trade Center, which was telling.  And Jeannie? We saw her flitting around intermittently all weekend. She lamented that she hadn’t promoted the event well enough. Yup. I agreed. And I wasn’t kidding. Most of us were scheduled to fly out Monday morning. So when the last performances wrapped up at 6 p.m. on Sunday, someone suggested a brilliant idea: let’s clear out the mini-bars and have a ceilidh – pronounced kay-lee, a gathering with music and dancing – in the lobby. The rooms were prepaid, after all. We didn’t have to ask Tom twice.  Performers from all over the hotel gathered, dragging chairs and benches together. And the staff said that they didn’t mind. Players pulled fiddles and guitars from their cases, along with a couple of wooden Irish flutes and penny whistles. An Uilleann (‘ill-an’) pipe player turned up – the instrument a much softer sounding cousin of the Scottish Bagpipes. There were concertinas and some young jean-wearing dancers practicing on the side.  Cases were piled around, rather haphazardly. Yet the entire picture was extraordinary, if anyone had thought to take a photo. Of course, we didn’t – no phone cameras in those days. Besides, these were players whose primary interest was the music itself.  Some of the best performances of the entire weekend happened right there. A couple of larger bottles made the rounds – remember, this was the ’90s, and as long as you weren’t driving, it was fine. Right? Management tried to shoo us out around 9:30, but if memory serves, it was a little after 11 when we finally packed up our guitars and headed for bed. Jeannie did give us a paycheck, the full $1,500. Of course, it bounced. Twice. Many of the other musicians didn’t even get that. Tom and I had paid for our own airfare and food. I’m not sure how the mini-bar raids were accounted for, and I admit I felt a touch of guilt there. But that ceilidh in the lobby made the whole weekend for us.  On the flight home, Tom wrote a brilliant song about the fiasco, the whole affair, including the lobby jam. It was long, with lots and lots of verses. I’ve searched everywhere for the lyrics – through the chaos of Tom’s enormous three-ring binder, which was famous for its disorganization. But they seem to have vanished. So you’ll just have to trust me. And what happened to Jeannie? Her entertainment company went bankrupt later that year. Some of the players talked about suing, but there was nothing left to sue for. Ultimately, I think she was just in over her head. In other words, she meant well, but didn’t have the team to pull off a festival of this size. I spoke with her once more, just to confirm there wasn’t going to be another check. I wished her luck in whatever came next. I believe she went back to selling real estate.

Marie Kennedy

Staff, The Mountain Times

Place of birth: Paris, TN How long on the Mountain: 25 years If you were not brought here as a child, what brought you to the Mountain: My husband and I started praying about where we should begin our life together, God paved the way to Oregon, and it was meant to be. It's been a blessing ever since. What a great place to raise children and be a child at heart yourself!  Profession: Welches School Assistant Building Secretary and co-owner of Salmon River Electric  Other professions: Physical Therapist Assistant, Barista, Flower Tender Favorites: Movie/and or Musical: The Greatest Showman and Real Steel Actress and Actor: Hugh Jackman TV show: Gilmore Girls              Book: I love a good mystery with twists and turns.         Type of music:  Most anything with a danceable beat. I am not big on rap or country though. Food: Oh man, don't get me started. I don't think I’ve ever met a food I didn't like, particularly if it is cooked for me!             Hobbies: Gardening, dancing, singing, reading, yoga, being the life of the party but it has to be before 7pm maybe even 6. Haha! I'm a morning person.  If offered a dream vacation, where would you go, and why: It would probably be some all inclusive retreat where they feed you healthy farm to table food, yoga and daily spa treatments, lodged in huts above turquoise water in Bora Bora. Best lesson learned as a child: Be kind, you never know what others have gone or are going through, and you gotta work hard to earn the play and rest. Defining moment in your life or your greatest accomplishment: Becoming a mom and with the faithful guidance from God and the loving support of my husband of 27 years, we raised them babies to be grown adults. I love them so much!  A memorable dinner: My mom was not a very good cook and she is no longer here with us, but looking back I enjoyed her boxed Kraft spaghetti made by her hardworking hands.  A funny moment from your life that you can share: I’m not sure of a specific moment but my most fun and funniest moments are listening to little kids tell me stories. They say the funniest things and their hearts are pure and full of wonder and curiosity. I want to be more like them! If you could invite anyone (past or present) to dinner, who would it be, and why: I have always thought it would be fun to have one of those Hallmark dinners where people all prepare a dinner together, chatting and laughing, and then enjoy what they created together.  I would invite my mom and Jesus (they are tight), Meghan Markle (she would facilitate the cooking and she seems delightful). I would round it out with friends and family, and maybe Bob Seger and his band for some after dinner dancing. I love his voice.  Describe yourself in one word: Fun-Loving I like to keep things light hearted and seek activities and adventure that make my life joyful, fill my heart with gratitude, and make me smile. When you're not reading The Mountain Times, what book/author/magazine/other do you read: I'm into audio books. I always have one going. Right now I just started a book recommended by my neighbor. It's called “The Book of Doors.” It's magical.  If your life were made into a play or movie, what would the title be: In the words of Cass Elliot “Don't let the good life pass you by” Pet peeve: Chronic Tardiness and lack of accountability, playing the blame game Bad habit you’d like to break:  Looking at my phone too much and beating myself up too much internally (too much accountability I guess) Famous person(s) you have met, and the circumstances: Shaun White, though I’m sure half the Mountain has met him. He came in with a friend to the Welches Garden Center to buy a bouquet for his friend to give to his crush.   Favorite quote: I have many but I really like, “if you meet a butthole in the morning, you met a butthole, but if you are meeting buttholes all day long, maybe you are the butthole” (Lord knows I’ve been the butthole more than a handful of times).  Sorry…can I say butthole here? I also really love “Choose Joy” . It really is a choice. Favorite part of The Mountain Times: I like the Mountain Profile and the Calendar of Events. I enjoy learning how many things I have in common with others in my community and how unique we all are too. I also love to read about the fun things going on that I can be a part of as well.

Justin Andress

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Happy New Year to all of you from the Mt. Hood Lions Club. Let’s hope we have a great 2026! Christmas Toy Drive Dinner, “The Polar Express“ That mean old Grinch couldn’t derail “The Polar Express.“ Thanks to all of you for attending our Christmas Toy Drive Dinner the evening of Saturday December 6th. We had a great turnout with about 160 in attendance. There were lots of toys contributed for the local children. This year we will also be giving out lots of gloves to folks. The dining room was beautiful, decorated by Lion Sarah O ‘Dowd with her crew of creative Lion Elves. The dinner was wonderful, prepared by Lion Chef Craig Calvert and his crew of very capable and hard working Lions.This year’s event was chaired by Lion Marlyne Casley, who, along with all of us at the club, offered special thanks to St. Michaels Church for the use of their kitchen equipment. Thanks, too, to Welches Clackamas County Bank, Welches Mountain Building Supply, Coffee House 26, The Brightwood Tavern, Mt. Hood Cannabis, and the Whistle Stop Tavern for the sale of our tickets. We appreciate you all! Donations of food items were also made to the Hoodland Community Christmas Basket Program.  I was at the dinner, sitting across from a woman who was asking me all kinds of questions about this Lions Club project. People kept coming up to her and introducing themselves. Maybe she’s a food critic or a reporter?  Then she said, “ So are you from up here?”  “Yes,“ I said.  “Do you know any of the Lions?”  “Yes.“  “They seem like they are all working and having fun, right?”  “Yes they are a well oiled machine, never a hiccup.“  “How long have they been doing this project?”   “Since 1996.“  “Wow, are you a Lion?”  “Yes.”  “Have you ever worked on this project?”  “Yes.“  “Why aren’t you working tonight?“  “This is the first time I’ve been allowed to eat in the dining room, I guess so I could visit with you, right?“  “Oh, I think I’ll have seconds.“  And off she went.       Bingo! Please remember that Bingo will resume again on Friday January 9th, 2026, and continue running until mid May, 2026. Doors open at 6:00pm and Bingo starts at 7:00 p.m.. We hope to see you there!  Red Cross Blood Drives coming up! We have scheduled two Red Cross Blood Drives. The first is scheduled for Saturday February 21st 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. and the second Saturday April 18th, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..  Some Important Information from our Sight and Hearing Committee Chairman Lion Brian Strothmann: The Oregon Lions’ Sight and Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) sponsors three programs to help qualified individuals with sight and hearing needs. The Foundation programs include LEAP (vision), ROAR (hearing), and Patient Care (vision or hearing surgery and treatment).   Qualifications include there are no other insurance coverages available to cover the supplied services, and total income does not exceed a certain level, which is currently set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The sight program (LEAP) will provide an eye exam and eye glasses.  If glasses are needed, there is an out-of-pocket fee of $20 for the fitting. Lenses can be single vision, lined bifocal, or lined trifocal. The glasses come complete with frame, clear polycarbonate lenses, case and lens cleaning cloth. Mt. Hood Eye Care in Sandy is the current provider of this service. The hearing program (ROAR) will provide an audiogram and, if needed, hearing aids, at the out-of-pocket cost of $200 per hearing aid. Gateway Hearing Aids in Gresham is the current supplier of this service. In order to receive these services, one can go to olshf.org , click on the Get Help form link at the top right of the web page, fill out the form online, and submit it.   If the online option is not available, please contact the Hoodland Senior Center at 503-622-3331 or contact the local OLSHF chair, Brian Strothmann, at 503-622-6134, for additional assistance or information. OLSHF also administers the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (LERC), one of 18 LERC’s worldwide. Collection boxes are stationed in the Mt Hood area to collect used eyeglasses, hearing aids, and cell phones. Boxes are stationed at Orchid Health, Hoodland Senior Center, Clackamas Credit Union, the Lions Club, Whistle Stop, and Welches Mountain Hardware. Mt Hood Lions Club 50/50 Raffle Reminder We have 2000 Raffle tickets for sale! Tickets are $5 each and are available at Lions Club events or ask any Lion! We may also be asking if some of our usual business outlets would be willing to sell some of these tickets. We will have three winners: 1st prize is 25% of the gross proceeds, 2nd prize is 15% of the gross proceeds, and 3rd prize is 10% of the gross proceeds. A special drawing will take place at our Mexican Dinner on May 16th 2026. The proceeds of this Raffle will go to help support our 2026 Swimming Lessons program held at Camp Arrah Wanna. Lion David Buoy is our Swimming Lessons Chairman.   Coming up in 2026: Our Lion President David Anderson will be keeping us busy this 2026. Along with our many projects we will also be celebrating our 75th anniversary this May. Lion Dave is our Anniversary Committee Chairman and he promises a memorable event. We are gathering old pictures and stories about our club, and are also planning to invite all Past Presidents so that they may be recognized. More to come. It’s Great to be a Lion!

Lion Milt Fox

For The Mountain Times

Lori Neely, HWC Vice President, models a wrap for sale at the HWC craft booth at Mount Hood Villages in December. The Hoodland Women’s Club celebrated the season on Dec. 15 with a festive holiday party at Alpine Events. The donation table piled high as the night progressed, with members bringing canned food and unwrapped gifts for teenagers to give to the Holiday Baskets for our community. “Seeing the donation table fill up was a beautiful reminder of what this group is capable of when we come together,” said Marketing Chair Kim Anzarut. “The party was filled with great food, festive cheer, and the kind of camaraderie that reminds us how lucky we are to live in and serve this incredible mountain community.” Holiday craft fairs were another great opportunity for HWC women to contribute their love, talents, and spirit to the Hoodland Community. HWC had booths at the Christmas Bazaar at the Resort at the Mountain and at the Night Market at Mount Hood Villages. The crafts group had a wide range of Christmas decorations, ornaments and gifts of all kinds for sale. Crafts chair Anne High said the proceeds will go to HWC’s Community Fund for supporting our Hoodland neighbors. Next meeting at the Girl Scout Homestead Next HWC meeting will be at the iconic Girl Scout Homestead Jan. 12, with guest speaker Kim Wheeler, Executive Director of Ant Farm. Curious about the Homestead or Ant Farm? Join HWC for a $25 annual membership or come as a guest to the potluck. Ant Farm is doing some great things in Hoodland, Sandy, and Estacada – providing volunteer service opportunities for at-risk youth like community gardens, hiking programs, and community service. Join us and continue to learn about our mountain community! Save the date Coming up in March – the Spring Fling at Alpine Events, March 7. Join us for dinner, dancing, friends, and fun. Watch this space for ticket availability. Interested in becoming a member? Interested in becoming a member or finding out more about HWC? Membership is open to anyone who calls the Hoodland Community home, whether full or part time. Find out more at www.hoodlandwomensclub.org About Us.

Pat Zimmer

for The Mountain Times

It was pouring outside Welches Elementary School on December 13, but, for the students of Sandy High School, the weather was just a backdrop to an annual tradition. A district van and two school buses pulled up, loaded with students and gear, and the "schlep" began. With rain hitting the pavement in sheets, students and helpers dodged raindrops as they hauled in a heavy marimba, various drums, and carts loaded with chairs and music stands. Despite the damp start, the atmosphere inside the building quickly shifted from soggy to celebratory as the Sandy High music department set up for the last leg of a district-wide tour that included Cedar Ridge, Boring, and Welches middle schools – all in one day. The performance opened with the Pionaires, Sandy High’s select vocal jazz group. Known for their intricate a cappella harmonies and a repertoire that swings from jazz to blues, they delivered an eclectic mix of holiday songs. Following them, the full choir took the stage – a sea of vibrant red robes – performing with gusto. The concert concluded with the full band. They performed classic holiday music along with contemporary tunes featuring a rock beat, a highlight for the young audience members who excitedly sang along from their seats. Amidst the sea of performers was a familiar face to the Welches community: soloist Scarlett Stenson. When I covered this performance last year, I spoke at length with Scarlett and her mother. Now a senior at Sandy High, Scarlett attended Welches schools from kindergarten through 8th grade. Her return to her old stomping grounds added a deeply personal layer to the event, though this year’s performance carried a bittersweet weight. In August, Scarlett lost her mother, Nicole Stenson. Nicole played an active role in the Sandy High Music Foundation (SHMF) and was known as a dedicated supporter who spoke proudly of her daughter’s talent. Watching Scarlett perform this year, it was impossible not to feel her mother's legacy in the music. Between sets, I had the chance to speak with Scarlett. She is a versatile musician – playing piano, learning guitar, and writing her own music. Beyond the instruments, she simply sings like a bird. As she prepares to graduate, her sights are set on the Ivy League. She has applied to Cornell University, where she plans to pursue a unique "Plan A and Plan B" double major in entomology and music. Whether she is studying the complexities of the natural world or the structure of a song, it is clear she has the drive to succeed in both. As the rain continued to fall outside, Scarlett’s performance served as a reminder of the resilience of the local spirit. We wish her the very best in her final year at Sandy High and beyond: may her music take her everywhere she dreams of going.

Marie Kennedy

Staff, The Mountain Times

This past May, local voters passed a $19.1 million dollar bond measure to help build a new fire station for the Hoodland Fire District. They also elected retired attorney Kirk Peterson, a strong advocate for the bond measure, to fill a vacancy on the board of directors. A member of the fire district budget committee since 2019, Peterson looks like a good fit for Hoodland. The newest director on the board has a handle on the issues facing the fire district.  “After retiring as an attorney, I wanted to be more involved in the community,” Peterson said. “I felt I had the experience and ability to serve the community well in this type of position.” Residents of the district elect a five-member board of directors to serve four-year terms. The board governs the Hoodland Fire District and is responsible for overseeing district policies, approving budgets, and making key decisions.  Peterson, 70, and his fellow board directors are unpaid volunteers for the district. They meet the second Tuesday of every month at the main station in Welches, 69634 E Hwy 26. Meetings are open to the public. During his 25 years as a labor and employment lawyer, he represented employers in the public sector, including special districts. Hoodland Fire District was created in 1966 as a special district by Clackamas County to serve the needs of small Mount Hood communities.  Hoodland Fire District is located 35 miles east of Portland, along historic Highway 26, in East Clackamas County. The fire district serves a 45-square-mile area between Sandy and Mt. Hood.  Peterson’s main concern last spring was pushing for the new fire station levy to be passed. Now that he is on the board, he expects to help shape the design as the project moves forward. There is still work to be done before it is finalized by the county. “Being on the budget committee, I had a substantial understanding of what the issues were for the fire district and fire station,” Peterson said. “The existing primary station in Welches had a host of structural issues. Asbestos was patched together as a group and the components were not tied together very well. It is not seismically sound. There are no sleeping quarters in the station. On duty crews have to sleep in a trailer behind the fire station.” Now that the bond measure has passed there is a lot of work that goes into finalizing the plans and making it a reality. “My main concern was the bond measure,” Peterson said. “Since it passed, we have extra meetings that go into design. At this point, the county has not granted us the property. We have an agreement that they will. We don’t expect any problems. County government moves kind of slowly.”   A big issue the board faces in the new year is the search for a new fire chief to replace Fire Chief Jim Price, who, despite being retired, is working again as chief under a contract that expires this summer. The board has the option of extending his contract six more months if it doesn’t find a new chief. Peterson and his wife live on two and a third acres on Barlow Trail Road across the Sandy River from the Hoodland Fire Station. They have owned the property for 18 years, living there full time for the past 10. Peterson also volunteers as a delivery driver for the local Meals On Wheels program, bringing meals to seniors facing hunger and isolation.

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.

Megan Hutchinson

For The Mountain Times

Art can come in a variety of different mediums, but it’s usually the nonconformists that deliver the most unique and moving pieces. Different stroke angles with a brush or glasses melted into a rainbow of colors, even fire breathing life into creativity, an artists’ world is filled with unending mediums and for Mt. Hood Villages local and artist, Damien Weisgerber, all of that rings true. A recent Portland transplant, Weisgerber is no stranger to The Mt. Hood Villages. Born and raised in Portland, Weisgerber spent a great deal of time visiting the area as a child and when the opportunity to live on the mountain presented itself, he found himself in a creative melting pot. Skilled and trained in the art of pyrography, Weisgerber is able to use fire as his paintbrush and wood as his canvas. “I’m still learning, but I have found burning images into wood for others to enjoy for years to come is quite rewarding,” Weisgerber said. “I hope in 100 years some of my pieces will be taken to The Antique Roadshow and make folks a lot of money, since the pieces will stand the test of time with lacquer and polyurethane,” Weisgerber added. While the art of pyrography is a relatively new medium for Weisgerber, being creative and finding an outlet for his work is something he has been doing since childhood. “I’ve always done something artful as far back as I can remember,” Weisgerber said. “My handwriting is very calligraphy-influenced and I even tried tattooing in my early 20s,” Weisgerber added. While his talent and skills have been mastered through experience,, Weisgerber’s family also gets some of the credit for the artistic DNA they’ve shared. “My mother was always drawing when I was young. She now makes art with glass,” Weisgerber said. “My brother is a great artist and makes his art in paint, wood, and stickers in Hillsboro,” Weisgerber added. Unique in his ability to turn a piece into a work that stretches the imagination, Weisgerber finds inspiration for his work in just about every facet of life. “My inspiration comes from enjoying doing new things and different spaces within my medium,” Weisgerber said. “I’m always trying to outdo myself with challenging images, to entertain people with funny images and sayings. Dragons, skulls and fantasy images are just really cool,” Weisgerber added. For more information or to view Weisgerber’s work please visit his Instagram page at Creative.Devil.Welches.

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

As winter settles into our area, AntFarm’s housing team is working with heightened awareness. The colder months bring additional stress for people already living close to the edge. Bills increase. Missed hours on a paycheck carry more weight. Transportation becomes more complicated. Firewood runs out sooner than expected. When maintaining basic necessities is already unstable, winter has a way of magnifying every vulnerability. Housing instability in smaller communities like ours does not always look the way it does in larger cities. It often appears quietly: rotating between friends or relatives, staying temporarily in unsafe or unsuitable situations, or living out of vehicles. These realities can be easy to overlook or look away from, but they are increasingly present in our area. Since 2020, AntFarm’s housing services programs have existed to support people facing these hardships with practical assistance, accountability, and care rooted in local connection. Housing Services in a Rural Context AntFarm provides housing services through outreach, case management, and partnerships with Clackamas County and the State of Oregon. These services currently include rapid rehousing, short- and long-term rental assistance, housing stabilization support, and participation in programs such as the Direct Cash Transfer pilot. All housing services operate under strict program guidelines, contract requirements, and compliance standards. Each household and person served is tracked through required case notes, audits, and reporting systems. While this reporting is essential, housing team members emphasize that the work never feels abstract. “These aren’t just numbers. These are real people,” shared AntFarm’s Senior Housing Services Manager. “We take the responsibility very seriously.” Right now, AntFarm’s housing team is actively supporting 88 households across Sandy, Estacada, and Molalla. While outcomes are tracked by head of household, staff estimate that this actually represents approximately 175 to 200 individuals currently receiving some form of housing-related support. Trust Is Built, Not Assumed Housing support team members note that for many participants, trust is not immediate. Past experiences of being turned away, placed on long waitlists, funding inconsistencies in support programs, or being told they did not qualify for help often shape how people approach or receive services. Early conversations tend to focus on consistency and follow-through rather than rushing toward solutions. Building trust takes time, especially in smaller communities where people and histories are closely connected. “In small communities like ours, this work is personal,” explained the Senior Housing Services Manager. “We live here too.” A Youth Perspective: Direct Cash Transfer as a Stabilizing Tool AntFarm is participating in the Direct Cash Transfer pilot program, funded through the Oregon Department of Human Services. The program provides flexible financial support to eligible youth participants ages 18–24 experiencing housing instability, with the goal of reducing immediate financial pressure while supporting longer-term stability alongside case management and goal setting. One young adult described his housing situation as constantly moving between friends and relatives for the last few years. “‘Let’s see if you’re eligible for DCT,’” he recalled AntFarm staff saying. “And once they explained it, I was like, ‘Oh. That’s me. I didn’t really think of myself as homeless,” he added. “I was just staying wherever I could.” What stood out most about AntFarm’s support was how the process felt. “A lot of times people just kind of think of you as a number,” he shared. “But this didn’t feel like that.” Through participation in the Direct Cash Transfer pilot, the financial support became a stabilizing tool that created breathing room. “It wasn’t just about receiving money,” he said. “It was about being able to plan.” AntFarm’s DCT Advocate and Youth Case Manager emphasized that the program is designed to support stability alongside guidance and goal setting. “The goal is to help people use this support in a way that actually moves them toward stability,” she explained. Over time, he described a shift away from constant short-term decision-making toward thinking ahead. “Before, everything felt day to day,” he reflected. “Once things stabilized, I could actually think about what came next.” Now housed, working full time, thinking about continued education, and enjoying the relief of paying down debt that had previously held him back, he reflected simply, “I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.” From Crisis to Stability AntFarm’s housing services often involve a combination of outreach, temporary shelter support, rapid rehousing, and housing stabilization services. These programs are designed to help individuals move from unsafe or unstable situations into permanent housing as quickly as possible, while addressing barriers that may have prevented stability in the past. One adult participant, with deep roots in the area, shared his journey after more than ten years of housing instability, including long periods living out of a vehicle. “I went to a lot of different places,” he shared. “I was trying to reach out for help for years.” The experience was often discouraging. “Nobody really listened,” he said. Connecting with AntFarm’s housing outreach felt different. The approach emphasized patience, clarity, and follow-through. “She was really the only person that listened to me and actually helped,” he shared. “I truly believe she saved my life.” With support from outreach and case management, he moved from living in his car into temporary shelter and eventually into stable housing within the community he had lived in his entire life. Staying close to where he grew up and family became especially meaningful after the loss of his mother. “Being able to stay here matters,” he said. “This is my home.” The change was immediate and tangible. “I’ve got heat. I’ve got a refrigerator. I’ve got a place to dry my clothes.” Today, he describes improved health, restored routine, and renewed stability. “I’m doing better than ever,” he shared confidently. “I’m never going to be homeless again. I want to give back. I can’t thank them enough.” Care Rooted in Place Housing outreach staff describe this work as grounded in care for the community. “We want people to stay in their community and be okay,” shared a Sandy Area Housing Outreach and Engagement Specialist. Staff are constantly balancing compassion with accountability, using the limited tools available to them carefully and intentionally while recognizing the weight of responsibility that comes with the work. Accountability and the Bigger Picture Housing and human services are sometimes reduced to simplified narratives that do not reflect how participants, staff, or funding partners actually experience them. In reality, this work exists at the intersection of accountability and care. Programs operate within defined guidelines and reporting requirements, while housing stability is widely recognized as foundational to individual well-being, especially when support is delivered with understanding, respect, and no judgment. In smaller communities, housing instability rarely affects just one person. Its impact reaches families, workplaces, and support networks across the community. Looking Ahead As winter continues, AntFarm’s housing team remains focused on meeting people where they are, using practical tools and steady follow-through. The stories shared by participants reflect hardship, resilience, and the difference stability can make. AntFarm approaches this work with the belief that supporting people and ensuring community members are cared for is something we can all prioritize. Together, we sustain more than services; we sustain each other. If you would like to support this work or learn more, please visit: https://antfarmyouthservices.com/donate-now/#sustaining-the-seasons  If you or someone you know is in need of housing services or support, please call 503-668-7962 .

Devin Kelly

AntFarm Youth Services

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 ceremony honored 36 Clackamas County residents who passed away. The vigil will include a solemn reading of names, a candle ceremony, important words for reflection, and a time for community remembrance. Community Support Encouraged: Those who attend are encouraged to bring a donation of new warm socks, hats, gloves, or a new or gently used warm winter coat to help those in need. Please help spread the word through your networks and social channels. For More Information & Outreach Links: Facebook Event Invitation Official Media Alert Facebook Post Instagram Post

Staff

The Mountain Times

Hello Mountain Times Readers,   My name is Amanda and I’m the fundraising chair volunteer of Sandy High Music Foundation and a Sandy High parent. SHMF is a nonprofit parent volunteer group supporting the music program of Sandy High School. We are not affiliated with the Oregon Trail School District.   This year, our fundraising goal is a new piano! 12/10 is the High School Winter Band concert 12/17 is the High School Choirs concert! Each night we will have a silent auction and bake sale to help raise funds for the new piano.  The current Steinway piano is 120 years old, and while it still plays music, it needs a major tuneup. It also has to be rolled down the hall and onto the stage every time there’s an event. We know our music program deserves better! This new piano will live on the stage keeping it in tune and in pristine condition longer. Our terrific Choir director, Mr.Chase , reached out to Michelle’s Pianos and they have one on consignment. It’s a 9’ concert grand piano on loan to us for our concerts this winter generously from Michelle’s piano. The Samick concert piano was just delivered to the Sandy High stage on 12/6. We have less than 2 weeks to raise $16,500 or the piano has to go back to Michelle’s Piano store.   This piano, if we can raise the funds, will be an amazing new addition to the music and community of Sandy for decades and generations!   Please help us share this terrific opportunity with the community.  Thank you Amanda Beals

Amanda Beals

Sandy High Music Program

Hello, Welches Families! November was a wonderful month filled with community and holiday spirit! Students and their families joined us for an engaging morning of learning and treats at our Music, Math, and Muffins event — our largest turnout yet with 148 guests. We also kicked off our annual Wreath Sale Fundraiser with Welches Mountain Building Supply. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far! Wreaths remain available for purchase at the hardware store while supplies last. As we step into December, there’s still plenty happening before winter break. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events: December 2nd & 4th – Wreath Sales at Drop-Off & Pick-Up Stop by during morning drop-off (8:30–9:30 a.m.) or afternoon pick-up (3:30–4:30 p.m.) to grab a wreath. All proceeds support important school programs. December 5th – Winter Wonderland Dance Join us for an evening of dancing and fun from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the Elementary Multipurpose Room. Entry is $2. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Concessions and raffles will be available, with proceeds benefiting the Hoodland Holiday Baskets Program. December 11th – Middle School Band Concert Enjoy a festive performance by our middle school musicians at 7:00 p.m.. December 16th – WPTCO Community Meeting Meet us at 9:00 a.m. in the Elementary School Library as we plan ahead for the new year. December 22 – January 2 – Winter Break Enjoy the holidays! School resumes Monday, January 5th. Canned Food Drive – December 1–12 Support the Hoodland Community Holiday Baskets Program by donating canned and non-perishable food items. The top two classes will win prizes. Suggested donations include boxed dinners, cereal, canned vegetables, rice, beans, tuna, peanut butter, chili, and soups (expiration dates must be after January 2026). Hoodland Community Holiday Baskets Program This program provides food and gifts for children under 18. Sign-Up Deadline: December 12th by 2:00 p.m. Pick-Up Dates: December 19th (4:00–7:00 p.m.) or December 20th (11:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m.) at Mt. Hood Lions Club. Sign-up forms are available at Welches School and various local businesses. How You Can Support the WPTCO This Season As we head into winter break, the WPTCO has several ways families can help us support our students and classrooms. Thank You Ticket Store Donation If you’re decluttering before Christmas, consider donating items to our Thank You Ticket Store. Students “shop” with tickets they’ve earned. We are accepting: stuffed animals, craft supplies, small toys and fidgets, 3D-printed toys, and cute posters (we’re not accepting books at this time.) Weekend Snack Sack Donations:  With the recent suspension of SNAP benefits and growing uncertainty around food security in our community, the WPTCO continues to prepare snack sacks filled with easy-to-eat items for students who need extra support over the weekends. Each week’s specific needs will be shared on our social media posts, but in general we are seeking donations of shelf-stable, kid-friendly foods such as easy-to-heat meals (like Easy Mac, ravioli, or spaghetti and meatballs), shelf-stable fruits (squeeze pouches, applesauce cups, or fruit cups), shelf-stable treats (fruit snacks, cookies, or fruit leather), granola or protein bars, breakfast items (oatmeal packets, cereal cups, breakfast bars, or pastries), grain snacks (crackers, popcorn, or chips), and shelf-stable proteins such as meat sticks, dried edamame, or roasted chickpeas. The Welches PTCO is here to serve and support our school community. Stay up to date by joining our email list at bit.ly/WPTCOlist  and following us on Facebook & Instagram @welchesptco . We wish you a joyful and restful holiday season!

Cassie Kanable

Welches PTCO

I confess: As a teenager, I occasionally avoided paying campsite fees by leaving early in the morning before the rangers could stop by to demand payment. Hey, I was 16 years old and making $1.80 per hour at a restaurant, and $3 a night seemed like a lot of dough. (on the other hand, I was more than willing to pay $1.99 for a 12 pack of Lucky Lager beer in 11-ounce bottles. Don’t ask how I got them.) Okay, I cheated. I apologize. Since then I’ve been a good citizen and paid fees for campgrounds, picnic areas, trail heads, and other sites. I see them as user fees: While parks are generally supported by our tax dollars, it seems fair for users to chip in for trail maintenance, bathroom cleaning and supplies, garbage services, and so on.  At $5 per vehicle, a day pass at the US Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wildwood Recreation Site seems reasonable, since the park has picnic areas, trails, a sports field, restrooms with flush toilets, group shelters, and other amenities. (The fee is $10 for vans with more than 10 people, $20 for buses with 20 or more visitors). At Barlow Wayside County Park, which I wrote about last month, the county charges $5/day, since it’s a “limited service” park — no drinking water, no picnic tables, no flush toilets. I think parking at Barlow should be free, since the vault toilet there was installed and is maintained by the BLM, and volunteers do most of the maintenance. But okay, a $5 user fee isn’t unreasonable. The county charges $9/day at “full service” parks such as Eagle Fern County Park, with a lovely picnic area, trails, and restrooms with flush toilets, and more in an old-growth forest along Eagle Creek. Wildwood is a “full service” park, too. An annual pass for Wildwood costs $30/year.  I grumble about having to pay day-use fees, but making the payments sometimes has me seeing red. You can buy a day pass for Barlow Wayside online, except from the parking lot, where there is weak, if any, cell service. So much for spontaneity. An annual county parks pass costs $60/year.  At Eagle Fern and Wildwood, visitors can pay with credit cards online or at kiosks near the parking areas, or directly to park staff, when they are present at the entrance stations. Like many other parks, visitors have the option of paying with cash or checks by placing the payment in the provided envelopes and depositing them in the “iron ranger” fee collection boxes.  What about the Northwest Forest Pass? A one-day pass costs $5 and is valid only at day-use sites in Oregon and Washington that are operated by the Forest Service. However, concessionaires are not required to accept the day pass at sites they manage on behalf of the Forest Service. I learned this the hard way: When Lara and I visited the Trillium Lake day-use area last summer, we were surprised to find that employees of the concessionaire, Alaska Recreational Management (ARM), had set up an impromptu entrance station where they accepted only  $10 in cash or the Annual Northwest Forest Pass ($30) — no other permits qualified. Not the one-day Northwest Forest Pass or even my America the Beautiful national parks and federal recreational lands pass. Even if we’d had cell service, ARM does not accept electronic payments. Between us, Lara and I managed to come up with $10 in cash. We even found a parking spot. On the way home, we passed a line of dozens of cars at the entrance station. I reckon few drivers found places to park. ARM manages most of the recreation sites in the Mt. Hood National Forest, except in the Clackamas River corridor. It’s also $10/day for day-use at Little Crater Lake, where this summer I chatted with an ARM employee about visitors’ reaction to the fee and permit limitation. She told me that — no surprise — many visitors don’t like having to pay the fee and some try to evade it. Most are polite, some are rude. I wonder how much of the money ARM collects goes to paying employees to collect the fees. For what it’s worth, the America the Beautiful and other interagency passes are  valid at Wildwood, but the Northwest Forest Pass is not  accepted — it’s Forest Service only. Neither pass is accepted at state or county parks.  Confused about which passes are valid where? Me, too. I’d like to see the agencies get together and create one pass that is valid at all sites, period, including those operated by concessionaires. One pass to rule them all!  A final note: If you can buy an annual America the Beautiful pass for $20 or, if you’re 62 or older, a senior lifetime pass for an $80 charge. The entrance fee at Crater Lake National Park is $15 to $30, depending on the season, but it’s free if you have an annual or lifetime America the Beautiful pass. Such a pass also will get you a 50-percent discount on most campsites on federal lands, even those operated by concessionaires, including ARM.  So ARM gives you a discount with the America the Beautiful on camping at Trillium Lake, but they don’t accept the pass for the day-use area. Odd. Have a question about park fees? Want to know the best way to avoid them? Let me know. Email: SWilent@gmail.com .

Steve Wilent

Columnist, The Mountain Times

I read a recent news article by Melissa Busch about a quirky donation made to a Salvation Army Red Kettle in Arizona. Every year, you can always count on the familiar Big Red Kettle outside retail shops with someone happily ringing a little holiday bell reminding every one of us about the Salvation Army’s support of those in need.  Well, for the second time in recent years, a gold tooth was donated into the Red Kettle!  This may sound weird, a bit gross, and a curious choice for a donation. However, when you consider how much gold is now and the fact that the person donating it obviously did not have a use for the tooth anymore, it makes sense! The gold tooth could be worth about $100 which is a pretty generous donation. A few years ago, the same site received an even bigger and heavier gold tooth worth about $300.  I wonder if it is the same person making these donations, and whether it is a dental patient or dentist putting these “retired gold teeth” into the kettle?  Hopefully for that Santa ringing the bell, the tooth was cleaned properly! Gold crowns were once used frequently, as they tended to closely mimic the physical properties of teeth, and held up so well to the continuous wear and tear of chewing, grinding, and eating over time. However, they are not used very frequently anymore due to cost, and have been replaced by newer technology: ceramic porcelain crowns, a technology that continues to get better over time.  Ceramic and porcelain crowns have become extremely durable and strong, and obviously better mimic the tooth-colored aesthetic properties of natural teeth.   Everybody in the past few years is familiar with the problems of inflation and rising prices. It makes sense to also include the price of gold in that equation of rising costs.  When I graduated from dental school 20 years ago, the average price of gold – in 2005 –  was $445 per ounce. The price of gold hit an all time high last month at $4379 per ounce. That’s about an 800% gain, which translates to an extraordinary cost for making a gold crown these days.  Dentistry in this country is already prohibitively expensive for many, and if we were still doing gold restorations for people, very few of them would be able to afford any extensive dental work. Luckily for all of us, over the past 20 years, the rising cost of gold has run parallel to the increasingly excellent technology of ceramic alternatives. Most people put coins or small amounts of cash in the Red Kettle every year, but there are sometimes unique donations. One donation recently was a diamond ring glued to a dollar bill. That donation even one upped the gold tooth! The world still does have generous – and very unique – people.

Dr. Robert Kelly, D.M.D.

Dentist, McKenzie Dental

The holiday season settles over the Mountain communities in a way that feels both magical and demanding. Between the early nightfall, the cold damp air rolling in off the forest, and the pressure to “fit everything in,” many of us feel our bodies tightening up long before the snow really starts to fall. Even when we love this season, our nervous systems often get overwhelmed — especially here in the foothills of Mt. Hood, where winter asks a little more from our bodies. Your Nervous System Doesn’t Know It’s the Holidays Whether you’re hurrying through Sandy on errands, hauling firewood in Welches, or juggling visiting family in the Villages, your nervous system reacts the same way: stress is stress. And when stress builds, the sympathetic nervous system — the fight-or-flight mode — kicks in and often stays stuck there. That’s why December brings a noticeable uptick in: Neck and shoulder tension Headaches TMJ flare-ups from clenching Digestive changes Sleep issues Low back pain from long drives, slippery walkways, and winter chores Your body isn’t misbehaving — it’s trying to protect you. It just doesn’t realize you’re racing to a holiday concert, not running from danger. Northwest Winters Intensify the Load Cold, damp weather tightens muscles faster than people expect. In the Mt. Hood corridor, with our mix of rain, occasional ice, and quick temperature swings, the body works harder just to stay warm. Add in heavy coats, stacks of Amazon boxes, and the annual ritual of pulling decorations out of storage, and it’s no surprise we see more injuries this time of year. We also naturally move less in the winter — shorter days mean fewer walks, more time indoors, and more screen time. All of this adds stress to the nervous system. Why Chiropractic Helps During the Holidays Chiropractic care supports the nervous system’s ability to self-regulate — something we desperately need in December. Gentle adjustments can help: Reduce tension and improve circulation Support deeper, more restorative sleep Calm the stress response Improve mobility (especially important with slippery steps and heavy coats) Give your body a “reset” when stress stacks up Patients often tell me, “I didn’t realize how tight I was until after that adjustment.” Winter tension can sneak up on even the healthiest bodies. Simple “Holiday Nervous System Reset” Tips A few small habits can support your body through the season: Morning sunlight exposure: Even on cloudy Mt. Hood days, natural light helps reset your circadian rhythm. Warm up your muscles: A few minutes near the fire or a warm shower before doing chores can reduce injury risk. 10-minute walks after meals: umbrella optional — even brief movement helps circulation and digestion. Screen-free wind-down: Give your brain at least an hour off screens before bed. Chiropractic support: Don’t wait for pain. December is a great month for maintenance. Give Your Body a Break This Season The holidays have a way of pulling us in every direction — celebrations, travel, family responsibilities, and work. But your nervous system needs care during the season, not after it passes. Supporting your body now means more energy, fewer flare-ups, and more capacity to enjoy the beauty of winter on the Mountain — the quiet mornings, the fresh air, the lights in the trees, and the moments that make this season special.

Dr. Melanie Brown

Chiropractic Physician, Mountain Life Clinic

Last week I was in Uncertain, Texas - yes, that’s the real name, supposedly chosen because  nobody was certain what to call the town when the first maps were drawn – co-leading my  annual photography workshop at Caddo Lake. After four years of visiting, the place has  become familiar, but never ordinary. The bayou stretches out in a maze of slow, still, dark  water, lined with ancient bald cypress trees draped in long strands of Spanish moss. It’s a world that feels half-wild, half-mythic, and completely its own entity. What I didn’t expect was that it would become the backdrop for one of the most unique photographic opportunities I’ve ever had.  My co-leader Alyce Bender and I had wrapped up our day and were ready to turn in. We  had an early morning ahead, and the humid Texas air had drained what energy we had left, especially for this Oregonian. I checked my phone one last time and noticed photographer friends across the country posting spectacular northern lights photos. Half-joking, I wondered aloud if it might be visible from East Texas. Alyce laughed. An aurora that far south? Not likely.  Still, I told her I wouldn’t be able to sleep unless I checked. I grabbed my camera and tripod and went looking for a dark place with a clear view to the north. As soon as I found a break  in the trees, I saw a faint red glow with my naked eye - something I never expected to  witness at that latitude. A few test shots confirmed it. The preview screen showed a true aurora over the bayou.  I rushed back to the lodge, apparently with the kind of wide-eyed look that doesn’t require  explanation. Alyce took one glance at me and knew. I showed her the photos, and within minutes we had a map spread out on the table, marking places where we might have a clear northern view. We headed to Caddo Lake State Park, where we photographed the aurora reflecting off the still water between the cypress trees. It was surreal - the southern swamps lit by a northern sky.  Word spread that the aurora might return the following night, possibly even stronger. We knew we had to be ready. We hired a local guide named Todd, who grew up on the lake and navigates those waters the way most of us walk a familiar trail. He arrived in a jon boat with  a mud motor built for shallow channels and submerged roots. Our goal was to get out onto the open water to photograph the cypress silhouettes with a clean horizon.  The second night’s display was weaker, but it still appeared. We drifted through the  darkness, cameras and tripods ready, surrounded by moss-covered cypress rising from the still surface. The night was calm and quiet except for the hum of the motor. Todd positioned us in front of a lone tree and held us in place with a pole while we set our tripods directly into the shallow lake. With our cameras just a foot above the water, we watched the scene unfold and captured the images we had envisioned.  On the way back, Todd swept his spotlight along the banks, hoping to show us a pair of  glowing alligator eyes. Their eyes shine red at night, he said, though we didn’t find any. That  was probably for the best. The bayou at night has enough atmosphere without reptilian company.  What we did come back with were photographs and memories we never expected when we  packed for Texas. The surprise of the aurora, the scramble for the perfect vantage point, the slow glide through the dark waters - all of it reminded us that even a familiar workshop can  lead to something extraordinary. Even without the aurora, a night on the bayou with  someone who knows every bend, every stump, every sound, is unforgettable.  That’s the thing about Caddo Lake and small towns like Uncertain. Wonder has a way of  showing up when you least expect it. Sometimes you just have to step outside, look up, and  keep your camera close.

Gary Randall

Columnist, The Mountain Times

The holidays bring rich food, decorations, guests, and travel. They also bring a spike in preventable emergencies. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping dogs and cats safe and comfortable through Thanksgiving and Christmas. Kitchen and table risks Rich, fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas. Keep pets away from turkey skin, gravy, ham trimmings, prime rib fat, and buttery sides. Do not give cooked bones. Poultry bones splinter and can cause choking or intestinal injury. Watch for kitchen strings, skewers, and foil that smells like food. These are common causes of foreign body obstruction. Toxic foods to avoid Chocolate is a year round problem and dark varieties are the most dangerous. Sugar free gum and baked goods that contain xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Grapes and raisins in stuffing or fruitcake can cause kidney failure. Onions, garlic, and chives can damage red blood cells. Alcohol is unsafe even in small amounts. Raw bread dough can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol as it rises. Macadamia nuts can cause weakness and tremors in dogs. In the Pacific Northwest, raw or undercooked salmon and some trout can carry an organism that leads to salmon poisoning in dogs, so keep fish scraps off limits. Trash and leftovers Secure the trash can and clear plates quickly. Corn cobs, husks from tamales, fat trimmings, bones, and roasting twine are frequent culprits when we see vomiting and abdominal pain after a holiday meal. If your pet raids the trash, call for guidance before problems occur. Having the package or a photo of the ingredient list helps us advise you.  Guests, doors, and routine changes Extra visitors and noise can stress pets and increase the risk of door dashing. Set up a quiet room with water, a bed, and for cats, a litter box. Ask guests not to feed table scraps. Make sure collars fit and that microchip information is current. If your dog or cat is anxious with visitors, travel, or fireworks, talk with us ahead of time. We do have medications that can make specific stressful events easier.  Decorations and plants Tinsel, ribbon, and string are very tempting for cats and can cause dangerous linear intestinal problems. Fragile ornaments can cut paws or mouths. Keep batteries, small toys, and silica packs out of reach. Cover electrical cords, and never leave pets unattended near candles or space heaters. Christmas tree water can contain fertilizer or bacteria that cause stomach upset. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and even small exposures can cause kidney failure. Holly and mistletoe can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Poinsettias are usually mild irritants but still best kept away from curious pets. Cold weather and outdoor hazards Many ice melt products irritate paws and can cause stomach upset if licked off. Wipe feet after walks. Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is highly toxic and attractive to pets because of its sweet taste. Clean spills right away and store containers securely. When to call a veterinarian Contact us promptly for repeated vomiting, diarrhea with lethargy, a swollen or painful belly, breathing changes, tremors, seizures, known ingestion of a toxic item, or if a pet seems off after getting into food or trash. Quick action often prevents a small problem from becoming a crisis. At Northwest Mobile Vet, we are here to help you navigate the season with practical, calm guidance. If you have questions about what is safe or what to do after a mishap, reach out!

Blake Miller

Columnist, The Mountain Times

Trillium Lake has long been a popular destination in the Mt. Hood National Forest, drawing thousands of visitors each year for its calm waters and uninterrupted views of Oregon’s tallest peak. This fall, the popular 1.9-mile trail reopened in full for the first time in several years after a multi-season effort to rebuild deteriorating sections of the Trillium Lake Boardwalk. Multiple stretches of the boardwalk, originally built in the early 1990s, had reached the end of their lifespan after decades of weather exposure, shifting soils, and heavy foot traffic. The U.S. Forest Service began closing unsafe segments in 2021, breaking up the loop and limiting access to several shoreline viewpoints. Rebuilding the structure quickly became a priority. Reconstruction took place in phases over several years, culminating this fall when the final pieces were put into place. Seven major segments were rebuilt in 2023 alone, using more durable materials and meeting modern design standards intended to extend the boardwalk’s lifespan. The walkway now exceeds 40 inches in width, giving visitors – including those using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers – more room to travel comfortably. Several small viewing platforms were added to provide resting points and improve access to some of the lake’s most iconic vistas. The National Forest Foundation coordinated the project alongside the Forest Service and a mix of contractors, volunteers, and youth crews. In a full-circle moment, the contractor who built the original boardwalk more than 30 years ago returned to lead the rebuild. The restoration effort was celebrated at a partner event on September 24, 2025, at the Trillium Lake Day Use Area. Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, National Forest Foundation, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory, Timberline Lodge, and others provided remarks and guided visitors through portions of the rebuilt boardwalk. With winter approaching, visitors still have an opportunity to enjoy the renewed boardwalk before the snow settles in. For many, the chance to once again walk the complete loop around Trillium Lake is a welcome one.

Justin Andress

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As SNAP benefits are finally becoming accessible to those in need of assistance after the longest government shutdown in American history, The Mt. Hood Villages community became a light to so many during what felt like a very dark time for those in need. Stepping up to the plate, many neighbors and local businesses began to not only fill designated food pantries,  but created new ones in different locations accessible 24/7. Businesses such as Mogul Mountain Pizza, Mount Hood Cannabis Company, and Coffee House 26 were just a handful of organizations that added to or created food pantries, with a large amount of community support filling the bins to the max. Everything from nonperishable food, hygiene products, pet food, and even fresh produce were just a few of the items community members began to collect and donate. Mt. Hood Villages community members of all ages and demographics not only stepped up to help their fellow neighbors, but continued to do so days after the SNAP benefits were reinstated. “I am a big believer in paying it forward, not back,” Mt. Hood Villages resident Cari Gesch said. “When I see a need my first response is always to see how I can help, because so many have been there for me in my time of need – this situation is no different,” Gesch added. Through her community outreach on social media platforms such as Facebook, Gesch was able to not only share what her community’s needs were, but also encouraged others to spread the word and take action. “I am pretty good at going on Facebook and sorting through the information to get the word out,” Gesch said. “I am known for my distinctive, and yes, a little loud, voice, and I try to translate that into my online presence. I am pretty good at getting the word out, searching out the right people for the job, helping connect people to the right resources and doing my small part in getting the help flowing,” Gesch added. Although SNAP has been reinstated and those who rely on the benefits are finally seeing their funds accessible, The Mt. Hood Villages community members are committed to keeping current food bins and pantries available. Relying on friends, neighbors, local small businesses, and Mt. Hood Villages nonprofit organizations, residents seem to always find a way to lift spirits and provide even in the harshest of times. “Community is so important because here we can count on each other when maybe we have been a little forgotten by the rest of the world,” Gesch said. “There are a lot of people living up here with kind and giving hearts who realize the importance of helping their neighbors,” Gesch added. Mt. Hood Villages food pantries are currently located at Mount Hood Cannabis, Mogul Mountain Pizza, and Coffee House 26.

Justin Andress

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When people learned of Susan “Phoenix” Lane’s disappearance last November, the mountain community was shaken, even more so when she was found murdered eight days later on Nov. 29, and her husband Michel Fournier was taken into custody.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t because something like this has never happened on the mountain, but because of what Lane was to so many — a mother, a sister, a friend.  Dozens of people joined the search to look for her, adamant that she wasn’t a “missing hiker,” as law enforcement initially labeled her. And many mourned her death at a vigil held by her community on Dec. 2: the community mourns her yet.  A year later after Lane’s death, her loved ones are still seeking justice and finding ways to keep her memory alive, as they await Fournier’s trial while continuing to feel the absence of their friend.  “The next couple of weeks are going to be difficult for a lot of people up here,” Cari Gesch, friend of Lane’s and organizer of the Team Phoenix Facebook group. “I think we're looking for justice. Until the trial is over and he (Fournier) is convicted, what we went through, what we’re still going through, is not finished. This experience has changed me forever.” “I am looking forward to the trial finally getting started in February so we can get justice for Phoenix and move onto healing,” added friend Christen Prudence. “Her story has been woven into mine. It is important to me that Phoenix’s dogs, Elros and Elrond’s, murders are also added to the charges. I don’t understand why that hasn’t happened yet, even if they were in another county. The fact that they were also killed just shows what a heartlessly cruel act this was, and not one done in the ‘heat of the moment,’ but one of thoughtful malicious intent.” Prudence has been hosting sound baths throughout the past year. This is a practice Prudence actually learned about from Lane when she invited Prudence to experience a sound bath at the Hoodland Bazaar.  The room where these sessions take place is now called the Phoenix Room, and Prudence hosts sound baths there twice a month, at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday and third Saturday of the month. “I can feel her spirit in that room,” Prudence has said. “It’s a very spiritual place for a lot of people. The mountain has a lot of people looking for healing and safety.” Prudence’s session on Nov. 29 was particularly dedicated to Lane,with proceeds benefitting her sons. She also plans to host a Solstice Sound Bath at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20.  “I still think about and miss Phoenix every day,” Prudence explained. “Her kindness was imprinted on our community. She was a friendly smile, a helpful neighbor. She is in the birds that soar our skies, a dog’s howl, and in the rushing river. I feel called to bear witness to what happened to her and will continue to share her story with others so she will not be forgotten. I am honored to be managing Community Wellness events in the Phoenix Room at Hoodland Bazaar. The request for my help in doing so pulled me from a dark depression I was sinking into after everything that happened. It gives me purpose to bring offerings to our community that help bring us together to heal and get to know each other in healthy ways. We have regularly occurring yoga classes, meditation circles, sound baths, Reiki, and host a domestic violence support group facilitated by Clackamas Women’s Services, plus much more goodness in the year to come.”  Before, and especially since Lane's death, community members have been calling upon state and local officials and service providers to help bring awareness to a history of domestic violence on the mountain and a need for resources.  On Oct. 28, Clackamas Women’s Services hosted its first workshop on the mountain to hear from people and educate them as to how to be there for neighbors experiencing domestic violence.  Community members who loved her still find ways to honor her in their events and traditions, and Lane’s spirit is believed to still be with them. “We really miss her,” said Hoodland Bazaar Manager Khalid Kamahwee. “We have had people come back, the same time as last year, who bought from her and who are so sad to hear the news. She made everyone feel like a friend. Last year, she was the only person here to do the singing bowls. She was the one who started it all. So she brought that to us — more classes and more community services. Honestly, I know it’s been a lot for the mountain, but going through this situation, I see people coming together as a community and supporting each other, coming together like a family. This is what I see now: we have community workshops here, make this room a place for gathering as a community.”  “I think there are a lot of steps that have been made in the right direction — Clackamas County Women’s Services was up here recently for a workshop, which was a good start. And they’ll be back on Jan. 6 in the Phoenix room at Hoodland Bazaar,” Gesch added. “There were about 15 people there. A lot of the focus was how to identify someone who may be experiencing abuse. But most of the attendees had been directly affected by domestic abuse. The next workshop will spend more time on how we can help. I will miss her forever in my heart. You know, I didn't see her every day, but every time I did, it was just magic. She touched everyone around her.”

Marie Kennedy & Brit Allen

The Mountain Times

For nearly 30 years, Jamie Simpson has hiked into the local forests in search of edible treasures. Over that time, he’s gathered countless chanterelles, hedgehogs, and lobsters. This mushroom season has been different, though. Fewer finds and a busier schedule has left him low on returns. On Sunday, November 16, however, that tough run ended when Simpson hauled in an enormous cauliflower mushroom. This rare species of mushroom typically weighs about two pounds. The big boys top out at around 10 pounds. Jamie Simpson’s cauliflower mushroom weighed 24 pounds. “It was in such pristine, perfect, clean condition,” says Simpson of the find. “It was wonderful.” In retrospect, in spite of a low-yield season, the discovery seemed fated. Simpson was foraging for chanterelles in a popular spot on Road 19 near Castle Canyon. As he returned to the gravel road and began toward his car, he spotted the cauliflower mushroom just a few feet away. “Bam! There it was. It really stood out in the forest,” he recalls. Simpson’s fellow foragers quickly noticed the find and rushed forward to take pictures. Veteran mushroom hunters called it the biggest cauliflower mushroom they’d ever seen.  For Simpson, the joy of foraging is all in the hunt. He’s not in it for the payoff. “I enjoy it. It keeps me in the woods.” Simpson gives away most of the specimens he finds, and the cauliflower mushroom was no different. The lucky recipient was his brother-in-law, who set about processing and vacuum-sealing the prize.

Justin Andress

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For nearly 50 years, Brightwood resident Nathan Mills has lived with an imbalance. At birth, his right leg was shorter than his left. And even after surgeries in his youth to keep his left leg from outgrowing his right, Mills was left with a four-inch difference between the two.  This has required creativity — such as specially lifted shoes — and years of pain management.  Even so, Mills operates with a very positive mentality in his daily life, choosing to “focus on the things you can control.”  “There’s only so much, living in a body, that you can control,” he said, citing the serenity prayer as a source of wisdom he lives by. “Up until now this hasn’t been something I can control.”  Nov. 24, Mills underwent surgery to lengthen his right leg. This is a procedure he’d explored multiple times before but felt stopped either by cost, insurance’s unwillingness to pay, or other factors.  “I’d written this off a long time ago, but now suddenly it’s on the table,” Mills explained in the weeks leading up to his surgery. “Every piece just seems to be falling into place.”  One aspect that has kept this goal unattainable for Mills in the past is the thought of lost income from not being able to work during his months-long recovery period. Mills is a massage therapist for an accident care practice in Gresham, and will not be able to work for about 4-6 months.  Knowing his time spent in bed or on crutches would impact his income, as well as that of his wife Heather, the couple decided to try posting a GoFundMe for support. The money will help defer hardships caused by Mills’ time out of work and also the cost of some alternative therapies to help with his healing (which aren’t covered by insurance).  As of Nov. 16, the Mills had raised 92% of their $18,000 goal — $16,498 — since publishing the GoFundMe page on Oct. 25.  “I’ve had a lot of support from the community,” Mills said, and this felt like another sign to him that he was meant to undergo this procedure now.  He added that while some might question the point of having this leg lengthening done now, as he’s lived decades without it, Mills explained that this is about bettering his quality of life going forward and giving him a healthier life into the future.  The imbalance Mills lives with causes chronic pain as well as impacts day-to-day experiences some might take for granted.  “Something that might seem trivial: I’ve had the same person making my shoes since I was 6, and that person is planning to retire soon,” Mills explained. “It’s actually hard to find shoes that I’m able to have a lift put on.”  He added that he’s tried three different Portland-area cobblers, sending in shoes to be modified and having them returned in unusable condition, and resigned himself to sending shoes out of state to be built properly.  With that one cobbler retiring, Mills isn’t sure how he’d have shoes made in the future.  The goal of the surgery he underwent on Nov. 24 was to give Mills at least two more inches on his right leg — three if he’s lucky.  Even deciding to have the surgery was no small feat.  Mills said: “I have a healthy distrust of the healthcare system” because of past experiences with Western medicine.  “I’ve always taken care of my body,” Mills explained. “I’ve always really been able to take care of my body naturally. The fact that I’m even doing this is a leap of faith.”  Fortunately, a recent experience with another surgeon restored some of his faith, and reading positive reviews for Lake Oswego-based leg lengthening expert Dr. Stephen Wallace has inspired him to move forward.  Despite the odds, Mills has always been a very active person, so one of the other bigger challenges of his recovery will be the inability to move in ways he’s accustomed to. He’s been ramping up his mindfulness practices and embracing meditation.  On his GoFundMe page, Mills also asks for community support by way of companionship for his wife during his recovery. He has entreated the couples’ friends to make sure Heather “gets out of the house” and makes time for herself outside of being his caretaker. “I feel grateful daily that I have (Heather’s) support,” Mills said.  In the weeks prior to his surgery, Mills naturally has some concerns — as anyone facing such a major procedure would — but his overall outlook seems to be optimistic.  He is looking forward to things he’ll be able to do after recovery that were once only dreams for him.  “I’ve always wanted to walk on the beach with both feet on the sand; that’s kind of a driving image for me,” Mills explained. “That’s one of those little things maybe people don’t think about.”  While living with his imbalance has been a challenge, Mills said he feels like the hardship has also “polished” him in a way. He added that his life until now has not been a bad life – merely a challenging one.  “If I had to live with this the rest of my life, I’d live a fine life,” Mills said. But he’s ready for a new chapter — in balance.  If you are able or inclined to give to Mills’ GoFundMe, you can do so by visiting gofundme.com/f/help-nathan-walk-in-balance .  If any funds go unused, Mills has committed to donating them to another person with a similar need or to a facility like Shriner’s Hospital, which helped him in his youth.

Brit Allen

Staff, The Mountain Times

Christmas Toy Drive Dinner! “POLAR EXPRESS” We hope you’ll come out to this year's Christmas Toy Drive Dinner and make it the best ever! The dinner will be held Saturday December 6th. Happy Hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:00 p.m., price at the door is $30.00.Special presale tickets are available for $25.00 at Welches Clackamas County Bank, Welches Mountain Building Supply, Coffee , The Brightwood Tavern, Mt. Hood Cannabis, and the Whistle Stop Tavern. Lion Chef Craig Calvert says that we will be enjoying a meal consisting of Roast top sirloin of beef, ham, and all the trimmings. This year’s Christmas Toy Drive is chaired by Lion Marlyne Casley. Please bring a new unwrapped toy for local kids and join us for this delicious dinner, helping others in need. We will also be collecting nonperishable food items for the Hoodland Community Christmas Basket Program. Thank you for supporting this Mt. Hood Lions project, a community tradition since 1996.  Bingo! Thanks to our many Bingo players and a hard working crew of dedicated Lions.  We have enjoyed a very good fall Bingo season, with 65 players last Friday night, November 7th. There will be no Bingo during the month of December, but we will be up and running again beginning Friday, January  9th, 2026. We thank all of you for supporting this very important Lions Club fundraiser.  Red Cross Blood Drives! We have scheduled 2 Red Cross Blood Drives. The first is scheduled for Saturday February 21st 9:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. The second is Saturday April 18th, 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.  Mt Hood Lions Club 50/50 Raffle! We have 2000 Raffle tickets for sale! Tickets are $5 each and are available at Lions Club events or ask any Lion! We may also be asking if some of our usual business outlets would be willing to sell some of these tickets. We will have three winners: 1st prize is 25% of the gross proceeds, 2nd prize is 15% of the gross proceeds, and 3rd prize is 10% of the gross proceeds. A special drawing will take place at our Mexican Dinner on May 16th, 2026.  The proceeds of this raffle will go to help support our 2026 Swimming Lessons program held at Camp Arrah Wanna. Lion David Bouy is our Swimming Lessons Chairman.   Thanks to all of you for your continued support of the Mt. Hood Lions Club and its many fundraisers and community projects. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Mt. Hood Lions Club.  It’s great to be a Lion!

Lion Milt Fox

For The Mountain Times

Name :  Leslie Stockdale  Place of Birth : St Helens, Oregon  How long on the Mountain : 38 years (6 months after we got married) If you were not brought here as a child, what brought you to the Mountain : Definitely as a child, we used the old Ivy Bear as the icon of We’re Almost there, usually heading to Lost Lake for summer vacation  Profession :  Customer Service (DG 4 years) Other professions:   OTSD custodian for 12 years  Maid Service at the Resort for 9 years And Thriftway for 15 years Favorites : Movie/and or Musical : Fiddler on the Roof  Funny Girl Hello Dolly Leap Year ..shall I go on..? Actress:  Barbra…but so many others too Actor: Daniel Craig…but again, so many others, too  TV show/Series: Strange New World  Book: Stranger in A Strange Land Watership Down Type of Music: All…well mostly  Food: Seafood Enchiladas  Hobbies :  Bees, chickens, writing, and karaoke (some of you may have noticed I can’t stop singing..lol) If offered a dream vacation, where would you go, and why : Scotland and/or Ireland ..  They’re there, they’re beautiful  Best lesson learned as a child:   If you’re asked to go pick out your spanking utensil ‘cause you were bad enough for a spanking, don’t get the smallest stick … it hurts the worst. Defining moment in your life or your greatest accomplishment : Marriage, motherhood, being published (children’s stories) A memorable dinner: . Well…it was my 12 th  birthday and my parents took us out to a fancy restaurant in Portland. I was told “whatever you want, it’s your birthday.” I ordered Lobster Thermodor (I think). It was disgusting and I couldn’t eat it. A funny moment from your life that you can share:   The next time I was asked to get my own spanking utensil, I brought a 7 ft long 2x4. Dad laughed so hard, I didn’t get a spanking. If you could invite anyone (past or present) to dinner, who would it be, and why:  . My Dad, he was an awesome man, taught me so much, I really miss him. Describe yourself in one word :  Hopeful When you're not reading The Mountain Times, what book/ author /magazine/other do you read : Science Fiction, Mystery, Issac Asimov, Agatha Christie  If your life were made into a play or movie, what would the title be :  She Did What ?!? Pet peeve: Littering, we Live in an amazingly beautiful place…let’s keep it that way  Bad habit you’d like to break : Being shy still hits once in a while, but I’m getting better  Famous person(s) you have met and the circumstances : Working at the Resort and Thriftway, I’ve met a few…John Denver, Brenda Strong, Karl Urban, Pat Boone Favorite quote: Faith, Hope and Love, and the greatest of these is Love. Not all who wander are lost. Favorite part of The Mountain Times : This part, it’s fun finding out these little things that make us who we are.

Staff

The Mountain Times

For the first time in several years, the Resort hosted a Halloween event for kids of all ages on Friday, October 31. The doors opened at 6:00 p.m. and while there was a slow start (in part because folks were finishing up attending the long-time mountain tradition, Spooky Alley), things really began in earnest a short time thereafter. Games, vendors, food, beverages, and live music together with an extremely accommodating staff made for a most enjoyable evening. The Mountain Times was present, providing candy, coloring pages and crayons, trinkets and, of course, copies of the “hot off the presses” November edition of The Mountain Times. Peggy Wallace and her granddaughter, Kaela Castro and (Kaela’s boyfriend) Dylan Comstock made sure that everyone who passed by the table did not go away empty handed! Everyone who participated (vendors, Resort staff, and attendees) were treated to live music by Gabe Hess who took music that is familiar to most and added his own special touches, making for a mellow, bluesy, outstanding listening accompaniment to an event. Resort staff is already planning for a 2026 Halloween bash! Look forward to seeing you all again!

Staff

The Mountain Times

Head Coach Leah McMahon builds the Mt. Hood Community College women's basketball program around more than skill. Her approach extends beyond the court to emphasize effort, teamwork, and a love for the game. With a roster made up mostly of freshmen, the players grow together as they balance academics with competition and find meaning in the work that strengthens them as a team. The team plays with intensity and pride, built on a foundation of effort, focus and defense. Every possession becomes an opportunity to improve, and players push one another to stay focused from the first whistle to the last. Win or lose, they bring the same energy, determination, and commitment to getting better each time they step on the court. Team chemistry has become one of this group's biggest strengths. Practices often blend hard work with laughter, from singing through tough conditioning drills to writing letters to their future selves that they'll open at the end of the season. McMahon also uses creative exercises to help players assess how much they've learned, such as letting them teach plays and concepts to each other without the coach's involvement. These activities have helped the team bond and build confidence across the lineup. When recruiting, McMahon looked for players who would bring positivity, resilience, and gratitude to the program. Many of them came seeking a new start or a chance to rekindle their love for the game. Together they've formed a group that feels more like family — one that trains, studies, and spends time together because they genuinely enjoy being part of each other's lives. Each week includes two-hour practices, regular strength and conditioning sessions, and optional skill work for players who want extra time on the court. McMahon also reinforces the importance of every role — whether a starter, a reserve, or a voice from the bench. Awards for effort, energy, and team spirit highlight the values she wants her athletes to carry forward. The team spent the off-season sharpening awareness and understanding of the game while building confidence and mental toughness. Players begin each practice by naming something they do well and something they want to improve. The routine keeps them focused on growth and reminds them how far they've come. McMahon believes this group's spirit and connection will make them a team worth watching. Their love for the game and for each other shows in the way they practice and play. Fans can stay up-to-date with their season, roster, and schedule through Instagram@mhccwbb or their Link Tree at linktr.ee/mhccwbb .

Kelly Romo

The Mountain Times

What’s your passion? At the Hoodland Women’s Club’s monthly meeting Nov. 10 at the Rendezvous Grill, members sat at tables designated for women who love books, nature and hiking, or gardening. Together, they discovered new hiking trails, gardening tips for our mountain growing zone, good reads, and new friends. “Meeting other mountain ladies across all walks of life and in various life stages, feeling welcome and included in our local mountain community, and ongoing opportunities to develop communication, advocacy, and leadership skills are just some of the many benefits of belonging to the Hoodland Women’s Club,” said Bri Dittlinger, HWC Board member.  It's there in the HWC mission statement: “Women with vision, empowering each other to create a better life for our neighbors here in Hoodland.” Dittlinger said the Club currently has 110 members, including two charter members who’ve been with HWC since its inception in 1963. Fundamental to HWC’s mission is supporting our mountain community. Last year alone, HWC raised $26,000 to support neighbors in our community who are experiencing hardship. It awarded another $15,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and adults seeking to further their education. Thanks to successful fundraising events like the annual Golf Tournament, HWC almost doubled its annual giving this year.  Join for just $25 a year and get in on monthly gatherings with delicious food at iconic locations all around Hoodland – Camp Arrah Wanna, Timberline Lodge, the Girl Scout Homestead – and speakers on mountain history, women’s wellness, and community issues. Volunteer at our many community support activities – road cleanup, mobile vet services, and Red Cross training. Dress up and celebrate at gala auctions, sweetheart balls, and holiday celebrations. "Whether you are looking for connection, community news and insights, personal growth, or local philanthropy, it’s all there,” said Dittlinger.  “The Hoodland Women’s Club is a phenomenal group of mountain ladies.”  Membership is open to all women that live on the mountain full or part time. Join us. More information at www.hoodlandwomensclub.org   PHOTOS WITH SANTA! The ever-popular Photos with Santa event, sponsored by HWC, is coming up Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the beautiful Fireside Room at Mount Hood Village and RV Park. Come join us for some holiday cheer and bring the kids to meet Santa. And bring your furry friends! For the first time, we’re inviting dogs and cats to get their photos with Santa.  Photos are $10 for one pose and $25 for three poses. You can reserve a time on the HWC website at https://www.hoodlandwomensclub.org/

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.

Justin Andress

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While actual fishing techniques and concepts like reading water are key to successful angling, I've found several factors that can affect a trip. These may be obvious to some, but I've neglected them on various trips. They apply to every fishery in varying degrees, and can hinder the experience if not considered. Outdoor Apparel The first factor is proper clothing and outdoor gear. Shivering between casts is a sure fire way to regret going in the first place. You don’t need the most expensive gear, but base layers, hoodies, sweatpants and waterproof outer layers are essential for Northwest fishing.  It is best to over-dress and remove layers when needed. Twice in early August, I have dressed lightly, and driven to Astoria only to find drizzling rain and gray skies. Instead of fully enjoying excellent salmon fishing, I felt wet and disheveled. With a raincoat, bibs and warm layers, it's surprisingly comfortable. If you are bank fishing rivers, quality waders are a big advantage. Snacks, Drinks & Meals Second is a well-rounded mix of food and drinks. While a gas station burrito and 20oz. soda is convenient, it's not likely to help you fish at full capacity. If you have a normal range of protein, carbs, fats, and hydration, then change it while fishing, you'll feel less capable on the water.  Bringing enough quality food and water helps your body have the energy and sustenance to focus on fishing effectively. It’s easy to forget to eat when the fish are biting, but a good lunch break can be just what you need to get back to it. Who You Fish With The third factor that can be hardest to prepare, is co-angler choice. Different types of fishing require different levels of persistence and commitment. A warm, sunny day fishing with stationary gear is best for bringing novice anglers, family, and friends. A cold, wet day wading a small river is not for everyone. If you’ve got a friend who’s deep into Steelhead fishing, plan those challenging days with them. A co-angler who’s not prepared, or unwilling to work hard for fish, may ask you to go back home within an hour. This has happened to me a few times, and it can put a strain on the fishing experience in general.  While not every factor is within our control, preparation is always key to fishing…and catching.

Lucas Holmgren

The Mountain Times

Since Christi Harris joined the Hoodland Fire District staff as a part-time administrative assistant in March 2024, she has become a valuable part of the Hoodland team. She brings a lifetime of experience caring for others to the fire district. Christi has worked the last 14 years as head caregiver and administrative assistant for a special event childcare company. A widowed mother of four grown children, Christi also has served as a foster mother for medically fragile infants. Being a mother and foster mother have been the closest things to her heart. Christi is in the spotlight of this month’s Mountain Times Fire Focus. The following is an edited transcript of an email conversation she and I had.   Tell me about yourself. Who are you? What are your goals, dreams and passions? I'm a mom of four amazing grown kids who are now grown.  I love doing creative projects and finding new ways to grow, both personally and professionally.  I've spent most of my adult life caring for others, which has shaped my perspective and who I am today. My goals are to continue growing personally and professionally while making a positive impact wherever I can.  What does an administrative assistant do?   My days are always different.  One moment I'm updating the website, and the next I'm doing timesheets, bills, or creating social media posts and flyers for upcoming events.  I love my job and the people I work with, they're dedicated, friendly, and it is a pleasure to be part of the team. What inspired you to work in the emergency services field? What is your work background?   I've always been fascinated by the emergency services field and love learning how everything functions behind the scenes. The interest probably began when I was a candy striper in high school. In addition to my work at Hoodland, I've spent the past 14 years as a head caregiver and administrative assistant for an event childcare company. That role has taught me to manage many responsibilities at once and stay calm under pressure. Most of my training has been hands-on, which has helped me become organized and adaptable.   Where do you live? Where did you grow up? What's your family background history? I live in Boring with my sister, my nieces, and my dog Teddy.  I grew up in the Troutdale area.  I'm a widowed mom of four grown children.  Two are biological, and two were our foster babies that we adopted. Being a mom, and especially a foster mom, has been a huge part of my life. We specialized in medically fragile infants, sometimes having four under the age of one at a time, which was definitely challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Have you had any challenging experiences on the job you would like to share?  One of the more challenging parts of my job has been learning all the fire-specific terminology.  For example, I quickly learned that a fire engine and a fire truck are not the same. Fire trucks have ladders. I've really enjoyed learning how the fire district operates and all the details about the apparatus that Hoodland Fire has. What activities do you do for fun outside the workplace?  When I'm not at work, I love getting creative and participating as a vendor at crafts shows and holiday markets. I'm also a bit of an adventure seeker. I love paddleboarding, kayaking, and exploring new places around the country. Traveling gives me a chance to see new sights, try new things, and just enjoy life to the fullest.   What stands out as an accomplishment you are most proud of? I'm most proud of my family and the life I've built as a mom. Raising four children while caring for medically fragile infants has been one of the most challenging, meaningful, and rewarding experiences of my life. It's taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of love and support. Professionally, I'm grateful to contribute to the Hoodland Fire District team in my own way and to be part of the important work that they do.

Ty Walker

Staff, The Mountain Times

All kinds of wildlife — furry mammals, flying birds, crawling amphibians, and even tiny insects — need food, water, and shelter to survive. Each species has its own needs. Some animals can live in small spaces, while others need much larger areas. Some animals need consistent conditions all year, while others only need them at certain times in their life cycle. Your yard or property might already have some of the habitat needed by wildlife. But by improving what’s there or adding new features, you can help local animals find a safe and comfortable home. No matter how big or small your space is, you can make a difference! During winter and spring, when you are trimming trees, thinning your forest, or cleaning up after storms, think about creating habitat piles. A habitat pile is an easy way to give wildlife shelter using natural materials you already have on hand. These piles can be big or small. Larger “bio-dens” use logs and roots, while smaller piles can be made from branches. Birds can use them for nesting and finding food. Mammals can hide from predators or raise their young. Amphibians and reptiles can stay cool and hunt for insects among the damp wood. To build a habitat pile, place the largest logs or branches on the bottom in a crisscross pattern, creating spaces between them. Then add smaller branches on top and finish with evergreen boughs or smaller brush. Habitat piles provide year-long benefits for wildlife. In winter, animals can stay warm and protected from the wind. In summer, the lower parts of the pile will stay moist, giving amphibians a cool place to rest. Bark and leaves attract insects and provide food for many species. The open spaces between branches also let animals move around safely. Over time, the wood in the pile will start to break down. This creates food for insects and adds nutrients to the soil, helping your ecosystem stay healthy. You can add to your habitat pile throughout the year or make new ones in other spots. Safety is important, too. Build your piles away from low tree branches to reduce fire risk in dry weather. Because the bottom layer touches the ground and stays moist, it helps lower fire danger. Whether you have a small backyard or a big piece of land, you can help local wildlife. To learn more, check out information about habitat piles, bio-dens, hibernacula, and other shelters. The Woodland Fish and Wildlife Group has a great guide to help you get started and inspire your next project! https://bit.ly/3JyF57f If you have additional questions, you are always welcome to contact Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District for help. 503-210-6000 or info@conservationdistrict.org

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.

Megan Hutchinson

For The Mountain Times

When it comes to creating art that has fundamental and realistic touches, Mt. Hood Villages resident Cassandra Peters sets the bar high. A resident of the area for almost two years, Peters finds passion in the work she creates and shares with her community. Gifted in the art of photorealistic paintings and drawings, Peters takes an image and replicates it through paint with as much of photogenic likeness as possible. “My primary focus is rendering subjects such as people, pets, landscapes as photorealistic as my ability goes,” Peters said. “I mainly use oil and acrylic mediums with mixed media like gold leaf and pens. I absolutely love adding gold leaf to my paintings because I love how it creates a glow, which in turn reminds me of Gustav Klimt,” Peters added. Connecting with art at the early age of eight, Peters has fond memories of her first painting, which seems to have informed her drive and desire to continue on with her passion. “I remember taking an art class and painting with tempera paint a still life of a blue vase,” Peters said. “I'm not sure where that painting is now, but it definitely was the first of many that got my interest piqued,” Peters added. With high school and college level art classes as her foundation, Peters studied the arts and honed in on her skills throughout most of her education. “I got accepted into a magnet school in Las Vegas called the Las Vegas Academy of Performing and Visual Arts, where they had an amazing art program,” Peters said. “I had to audition to get accepted into the program and spent my four high school years studying my regular studies as well as college level art courses in preparation for college,” Peters added. After Peters made the move to Portland, her art studies continued, as well as her range of creative outlets. “I spent a couple years at Portland Community College focusing on drawing/painting/printmaking, then transferred and graduated from Portland State University,” Peters said. Graduating from Portland State with a degree in fine arts, Peters had some pretty remarkable experiences during her tenure as an art student. “I studied abroad in Florence, Italy through a program called SACI, Studio Art Centers International,” Peters said. “It was such a memorable and enlightening experience that taught me so much about culture and the arts, and created inspiration for years to come,” Peters added. With a plethora of experience under her belt, Peters not only uses her background and education to propel her creativity, but also finds her environment a source of constant inspiration. “I see the beauty and try to incorporate something new in my work. I see light through the trees and smell the rain and just want to go home and paint,” Peters said. “I've always been attracted to high contrast, black and white photographs the most. I think they are striking and beautiful and I love trying to render them as closely as possible,” Peters added. Seeing the beauty in everyday images, Peters also values how living in The Mt. Hood Villages has given her momentum. “I swear, every day I look at the trees, smell the clean air, see deer everywhere – I just feel inspired to go home and draw something,” Peters said. “It's very freeing and comfortable and has also inspired working on wood surfaces. I've also been working on a few more landscapes these days than I have ever done,” Peters added. For more information on how to view and purchase Peters’ work, please visit her Instagram page @artbycassandra21 or email her at artbycassandra21@gmail.com .

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

AntFarm continues to serve youth and families across Sandy, Estacada, Molalla, and rural Clackamas County, through programs that offer safety, connection, skill building, outdoor learning, and community support. YouthHubs, gardens, workforce development, outdoor stewardship, the AntFarm Café and Bakery, and bilingual family programs all depend on the same essential ingredient: a community that chooses to invest in its own people. This week brings a major moment for that investment.  Giving Tuesday  arrives on December 2 and invites people around the world to practice generosity with intention. For rural nonprofits like AntFarm, Giving Tuesday is more than a date on the calendar. It is a chance to strengthen programs that respond immediately when youth need support, when families face barriers, and when community needs shift faster than funding cycles can keep up. One of the most effective ways to support AntFarm during Giving Tuesday is to become a recurring donor. Monthly giving is one of the strongest tools available to stabilize vital programs. Public funding changes without warning. Grants ebb and flow. Community needs do not. Monthly donors create a dependable base of support that carries AntFarm through every season, allowing staff to plan responsibly, remain flexible, and keep programs open even in uncertain times. Starting December 1, AntFarm is launching a gratitude perks program for its “Sustaining the Seasons Monthly Donor Program.” These perks are a simple thank you for helping sustain youth programs year-round: $15 to $20 monthly: complimentary small drip coffee or freshly baked cookie each month $25 to $45 monthly: complimentary 16 oz espresso drink each month $50 to $95 monthly: complimentary entrée each month • $100+ monthly: two complimentary entrées each month to share with a guest These thank you menu items come from the AntFarm Café & Bakery  in Sandy, a community gathering space and welcoming doorway into the larger mission. The Café is often where individuals first learn about youth resources, family support, outdoor programs, and the initiatives that strengthen local neighborhoods. Giving Tuesday is a reminder that generosity builds strong communities. AntFarm invites residents across East Clackamas County to join the circle of support that keeps youth learning, families connected, and opportunities growing. Monthly gifts, along with one time Giving Tuesday donations, directly support programs that make a real impact close to home. To contribute: scan the QR code, visit our donor page  , or call us at 503-668-7962 to donate today.

Devin Kelly

AntFarm Youth Services

There’s a palpable air of excitement at Alpine Events. New owners Dani Wolfe and Tony Kelner are set to take over the event venue and catering company as its first owners, Jan and Todd Ostrom, prepare for retirement. In true Alpine Events style, the transition will be marked with a New Year’s Eve bash that will give mountain locals the chance to bid a fond farewell to Jan and Todd and sample the delectable treats that Dani and Tony will serve up in the years to come. For over twenty years, Jan Ostrom has worked events across the Hoodland area through both Busy Bee Catering and, as of 2020, at their home base, Alpine Events. Over that time, Jan’s cooking has become legendary to a growing number of people who both hire her for events and wait eagerly for her monthly public pop-up dinners. Working together, she and her husband Todd have satisfied stomachs on the mountain for more than two decades. For the last several years, Wolfe has worked alongside Ostrom in the kitchen, prepping meals and trading recipes. “We live and breathe food,” says Wolfe. Kelner, too, is no stranger to Alpine’s inner workings. He’s served various functions among the crew, drawing on his extensive service industry experience and his training as a butcher. For their part, the two new owners of Alpine Events prefer to let their food do their talking. Even as Ostrom speaks lovingly of their skills, both Wolfe and Kelner bustle around the kitchen, crafting a gourmet lunch for the team’s upcoming break. “Trust me,” says Ostrom. “I will eat anything they make. I'm super excited for the community and for them, because … it’s gonna be a good thing for everybody.” For those who haven’t attended an event hosted at (or by) Alpine Events, you’ve been missing out. The meals are all created in-house, completely from scratch. Once a month, the public can even swing by for their monthly pop-up dinner. (seats are still available for their December 7 prime rib pop-up!) Not only will this tradition continue, but Wolfe and Kelner are toying with the idea of adding occasional brunches to their monthly offerings. That means the public will soon have even more access to the goodies coming out of Alpine Events’ kitchen. As business owners who are deeply rooted in the community, Wolfe and Kelner will also continue to support Mt. Hood’s elderly residents through Meals on Wheels. Once a week, the team puts together delicious meals for seniors struggling with food uncertainty or mobility issues. In the coming months, Wolfe and Kelner hope to expand that mission to twice weekly. Both Jan and her husband are ready for retirement. She’ll remain a fixture in the community in the years to come. They’re excited to prepare one last, exciting party to ring in 2026 and embark on Alpine Event’s next chapter. You can get tickets to the event by calling Alpine Events at (503) 622-6743 or visiting their website: alpineeventsmthood.com

Justin Andress

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As temperatures drop and fall settles in, come enjoy an evening of fairytales with more than a dash of dark humor from the Sandy High School Drama Department.  “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon,” written by Don Zolidis, opens Friday, Nov. 14, and runs Nov. 15, Nov. 20-Nov. 22. All performances are at 7 p.m. and will be on the Sandy High main stage, 37400 Bell St., Sandy.  “This production is like if you took the original ‘Brothers Grimm’ stories before Disney got their hands on them and made it into a comedy show,” said drama teacher and director Christina Moroney.  The show does include some very dark humor, so parents are advised to bring younger children at their own discretion. Moroney said it’s likely a PG show.  She also added that it is quite “over the top and silly,” so it should be a good time for those who attend.  “I was looking for something that would be a classic comedy,” Moroney said of her choice to produce “Brothers Grimm” this fall. “None of last year’s shows were straight up comedy. I also really like that this show allowed me to have a larger cast.”  Moroney has cast 23 students, some playing multiple parts as the show can have up to 43 people on stage.  “Everybody’s really excited to get to be a part of it,” Moroney explained. “It’s a really good mix of returning students and brand new students.”  Keeping with the silliness, Moroney said she’s looking forward to the lightning round portion of the show at the end during which the actors attempt to rapidly recap the show within the span of two minutes. It’s like the cherry on top of the comedy sundae. Tickets are $5 for students, $8 for adults, and free of charge for kids under 5 years of age and seniors 65 years old and older. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at sandyhigh.ludus.com .  For more information about the department or the show, visit SandyDrama.com .  Local theatre supporters and businesses are able to sponsor the show, and buy an ad on the big screen that is displayed before and after the show and at intermission. For information on how to sponsor this production, as well as the spring musical, visit sandydrama.com/sponsorship-opportunities .  Company & Crew:  Aliesia Hutsul Andy Reese Angie Rodriguez-Diaz Antoni Quintanilla Audrina Powell Ava Ewing Axel Mumford Bryson Pettersen Estela Grabiel Gracie King Isabelle Deitchman Jayden Lee Jocelyn Haines Lucy Heininge Madeline Hohl Mason Johnston Milo Schneider Olivia Schmidt Piper Hanley Quinn Nelson Reese White Riley Berg Sunny Sherriff Aidan Scheller – Sound Forrest Lafayette – Lights Parker Altman – Stage Manager

Brit Allen

Staff, The Mountain Times

The Sandy and Hoodland Libraries have been raising funds to defer costs to outfit a new mobile library vehicle for several months.  With the vehicle, the staff plan to facilitate programs like their storytime and 1,000 Books before Kindergarten at daycare centers, preschools, and kindergarten classes; provide STEM activities at schools; and offer technology classes at senior centers and retirement communities. "Access to technology and proper instruction empowers seniors to stay connected, informed, and engaged in an increasingly digital world,” said Librarian Maureen Houck. “The Mobile Library will be able to provide internet access and have staff available to teach technology classes. The Mobile Library will play a crucial role in providing accessible training and support, help seniors build confidence, reduce isolation, and improve access to essential services.” It is a goal of the vehicle to serve those unable to come to the brick-and-mortar libraries for services. And that effort has received generous community support so far, but the libraries’ goal has not been reached.  The libraries still need to raise $65,000-$80,000.  “Our goal with the Mobile Library is to bring the public library directly to students, helping to spark a love of reading while also opening the door to exciting STEM opportunities,” explained Librarian Monica Smith. “By meeting students where they are, we can inspire curiosity and support stronger skills in both literacy and math.”  From their recent restaurant fundraisers, the libraries raised $1,500. This is on top of $17,000 in individual donations, as well as a Ford Family Foundation grant of $10,000. Businesses have also been invited to show support. So far SandyNet has donated five new laptops and a new printer, and Scenic Fruit has donated $250.  The library is offering a range of incentives for businesses who donate. Those interested can contact Library Director Sarah McIntyre at 503-489-2168 or smcintyre@ci.sandy.or.us .  “Since we are in the first year of our two-year budget cycle, we still have time to do additional fundraisers to get to our goal of $160,000 raised,” said McIntyre. “ The Library is so pleased and amazed by the wonderful and generous response of the community as we endeavor to raise funds for the Mobile Library. We are beyond excited to get the vehicle out on the road to begin our outreach efforts and community programs.”

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.

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

Over the last eight months, Shannon Shora has crafted soothing massage experiences for clients both local and visiting. She has cultivated a reputation for high quality massage, backed by her 24 years of experience with massage therapy. While a relative newcomer to the Mt. Hood area, the Texas native has spent the last six years living around Oregon and cultivating a love for the lush natural world that defines the state. “I love the mountain,” says Shannon. “I love the forest. It has a healing power.” That affection for the beauty of our area — and the people who live in it — compelled Shannon to start a series of Wellness Retreats. She and a partner have converted a home into a complete spa experience, curated to please as many as six guests at a time. Shannon says, “Mainly, it’s a women’s wellness retreat where we plan yoga, massage, hikes, sound baths, meditation, and freshly-cooked vegetarian meals. I want it to be a healing getaway for busy women who have busy lives and need a mental and physical break from everything.” Prices and accommodations range to fit most budgets. Whether you’re planning a solo getaway or a bridal party excursion, Shannon can help you unwind, heal, and prepare for the next steps.  Zentopia Massage’s getaways are set to start between late December and mid-January. You can visit   zentopiamassage.com  to email Shannon about availability. In the meantime, you can support Zentopia Massage by scheduling a massage with Shannon. Whether you want to visit her Mount Hood Village location, or you require an in-home appointment, she can accommodate.  “Sometimes,” says Shannon, “You think, ‘I don't really want to leave the house today, but it would be nice to be pampered.’ Then I pack up and I go to their house and do massages.” This kind of luxurious experience is at the core of Shannon’s mission with Zentopia Massage. She’s working to spread her love of the natural world in a way that improves her clients’ lives day-in and day-out. To learn more, visit   zentopiamassage.com . You can explore the possibilities behind Zentopia’s retreats and schedule a massage.

Justin Andress

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Lon Welsh (left) and Mitch Williams. We wouldn’t have Barlow Wayside Park without them. Photo by Steve Wilent If you haven’t yet visited our local Clackamas County park, Barlow Wayside, you’re missing out on a sweet place to walk in the woods and along a quiet mountain creek, witness salmon and steelhead spawning, and relish the sight and sound of two small but lively seasonal waterfalls. It’s not a large park, compared to other local parks, such as the US Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wildwood Recreation Site, but with more than a mile and a half of trails, it’s big enough for a rejuvenating walk. The Wayside is on Barlow Trail Road, just west of the Sandy Ridge Trailhead, a popular mountain bike trail system. Even the many locals who know and love Barlow Wayside don’t know that we wouldn’t have the park without the tireless efforts of Mitch Williams, who calls himself Barlow’s caretaker, and Lon Welsh, both of whom live nearby. More than 30 years ago, the two began a campaign to improve the 100 acres of county land to make it more accessible to the public.  “Lon landed in this area back in the early 1980s and I moved up here a couple of years later, and we got to know each other as we wandered the area. We quickly became very attached to that piece of property,” said Williams. Welsh recalls walking along deer trails and through areas of open forest.  “It’s beautiful, with all that old timber in there,” Welsh said, “and I’ve never taken it for granted. When I first moved here, about 120 acres of private property to the east had just been clearcut. We were very concerned that the county might clearcut its property, too.” That concern led Williams to look into the history of the property. He discovered that it had been acquired by the county in 1946, likely through property tax foreclosure. Ten years later, in 1956, the county established a park commission that soon permanently protected the property.  But there was much work to be done to turn that property into a park. Many locals knew the land, and some had long used it as a dumping ground. “All along Barlow Trail Road and up the service road to the waterfall, that area was full of garbage. A lot of it had been there for years and was grown over,” Williams recalls.  Williams, Welsh, and numerous volunteers, including the Mt. Hood Corridor Community Planning Organization (CPO), the county forester, and a contingent organized by SOLVE, an environmental nonprofit group, removed tons of trash from the park and surrounding area over a couple of days in the 1990s. Other volunteers and youth groups, with funding from federal grants, worked to remove invasive plants. In 1993, the CPO developed a formal proposal to the county to develop the property as a park. In 2006, the Board of Clackamas County Commissioners voted in favor of the park proposal. The following year, the non-profit Mt. Hood Stewardship Council obtained a conditional use permit to build the park infrastructure, and development started in 2009, with assistance from the BLM. “We broke ground in the summer of 2009, with all parties involved — County Parks, BLM, MHSC, various youth groups, and a host of volunteers,” Williams said. “We started building formal trails — Lon and I had already laid out the routes for a lot of them.”  “Old deer trails and informal footpaths were improved, and we made changes as necessary,” added Welsh. “We had to cross the wetlands, and some of the old trails weren’t in the right places, so we rerouted them and built bridges wherever it made the most sense.” The BLM installed a kiosk and the pit toilet, which it continues to maintain. The county contracted with Jim Turin and Sons to build a gravel parking lot; the Turins paved it in 2018. Local artisans – David Rogers (who died in 2022), T&P Machine/Welding, and the Gallery at Alder Creek –  created a beautiful wooden roadside sign for the park, also in 2018.  County Parks personnel played an important role in developing the infrastructure, including some bridges and the view deck, over the first year or so. Since then, Williams, Welsh, and other volunteers have done most of the maintenance and repairs. Most recently, they and a handful of volunteers rebuilt a footbridge that was deteriorating. They plan to replace the wetland boardwalk this fall. The county provided the materials and volunteers provided the labor.  “Today, the park is what it is because of Mitch and his passion for the park,” Welsh said. “I help whenever I can, because I’m passionate about the park, too, but it’s Mitch who has really been the driving force. He’s tenacious — he never gives up.” After reading this edition of The Woodsman, I hope you’ll have a new appreciation for the work of Mitch, Lon, and so many others. “You turn on the tap on your sink and you get water. You flip a switch and the lights come on. That’s what’s supposed to happen — you don’t even think about it,” Welsh said. “It’s the same with the park: you show up and it’s there. It’s well maintained, there are informative signs, there’s no trash laying around. And people have no idea how that happened. Or that, while it’s a county park, it’s Mitch and a bunch of us locals that make it happen.” “We can put a call out and five or six folks will show up. They’re always enthusiastic and willing to work hard,” said Williams. “The volunteers are the biggest gift.” Some volunteers — there are too many to list here — work occasionally, some pitch in several times a year. New volunteers are always welcome for a variety of tasks, from keeping trails clear to rebuilding bridges. Want to lend a hand? Email me at SWilent@gmail.com with your contact information and I’ll pass it on to Williams, who is chair of the MHSC (see mthoodstewardshipcouncil.org ). For more maps, a trail guide, and information about the wayside, see clackamas.us/parks/barlowwayside.html . Have a question about Barlow Wayside? Want to know about other opportunities to volunteer in our area? Let me know. Email: SWilent@gmail.com .

Steve Wilent

Columnist, The Mountain Times

Tiffany Vanek and Hans Wipper opened Wippersnappers in Sandy 10 years ago, when their daughter Anika (pictured) was only seven. (Credit: Brit Allen) When Hans Wipper and Tiffany Vanek opened Wippersnappers Kids Play Place in 2015, their own little whippersnapper was only seven years old, and loved helping her parents design the play structures that she — and hundreds of other kids — would get to traverse.  Now their daughter Anika is 17 and helping out with the family business behind the counter, and the family business will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Nov. 26.  “It’s come full circle from her playing here to working here,” Wipper said.  The idea for the now beloved Sandy business came from Vanek’s time as a nanny. She’d spent years taking kids to other play places and saw a need for something similar for the Sandy area. After bringing the idea to Wipper, he says she told him: “If we don’t do this and someone else does, I’ll never let you forget it.”  And now a decade later, Wippersnappers has become a fun destination for kids and a solace for parents in need of a place for their kids to burn off some energy while they enjoy lunch or a drink from the cafe.  Despite knowing the need for such a place in Sandy, Vanek said she was surprised by the initial reception from the community and the times they were busiest.  “(We didn’t expect) the waves of people,” she explained. “That's kind of why we went into doing sessions. You never truly have a day off, but you meet a lot of great faces and people in the community.” “Time flies when you’re having fun,” noted longtime employee Corissa Shaw, who started with the business 10 years ago.  That said, even at the play place, it hasn’t always been just fun and games.  The COVID-19 pandemic was a rough time for the business, as it was for so many, especially because the nature of the play place wasn’t very amenable to social distancing.  But Wipper and Vanek pivoted during that time: offering food from their cafe to-go and eventually offering a space for students to safely study and complete their distance learning classes together.  With a daycare license, the couple was able to allow 14 kids to come to Wippersnappers for online schooling in a distanced group setting. And now they still offer day camps in their off season. “Kids were able to get social interaction at a time when they weren’t really getting that elsewhere,” Wipper explained.  And the kids remain at the heart of why Wipper and Vanek still do what they do 10 years in.  “Seeing the kids play, having fun, has been the best part,” Wipper said. “Sometimes people coming in ask: ‘Oh, how do you stand the noise?’ But that’s the point. The kids are just having fun. It’s been fun watching kids grow up here. Sometimes we even get to give kids their first job.”  On Nov. 26, to celebrate the anniversary, Wippersnappers will offer a special $10 entry as well as provide games and opportunities to win prizes with multiple giveaways throughout the session. The hours on Nov. 26 will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  “We take a lot of pride in what we built and want to keep it a great place to be,” Wipper added. “We want it to be a good place where parents are comfortable and don't mind being here.” Wippersnappers Kids Play Place 16542 SE 362nd Dr. Sandy, Oregon 97055 (503) 668-7221 Hours:  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday  10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Brit Allen

Staff, The Mountain Times

Last week I attended my 20-year dental school reunion in Boston. It’s still a bit crazy for me to accept that 20 years have flown by since I graduated from dental school. I spent a few days in Boston strolling down a nostalgic memory lane.   In addition to seeing old classmates and visiting old stomping grounds in the city, I got a chance to visit my old school and attend a class by my old Operative Dentistry professor.  He was the best professor at the school and he is still teaching even though surely he must be at least in his late 70s, and he has not skipped a beat. The dental school was pretty unrecognizable, having undergone significant remodels and upgrades to its space and equipment over the past 20 years. We got to have a tour of the new facilities by current dental school students and talk to them about how things were going. It was so fun to talk to these students, as it reminded all of us of everything we went through decades ago.   There was such palpable excitement and energy from them about their accomplishments and their positive outlook on the future career and professional life ahead. It was really nice to see and talk with them about this exciting time in their lives, when their whole future is wide open and waiting. I  have to admit, though, there was also a tinge of anxiety and worry about how expensive dental school is now and the ramifications for their lives once they graduate. The cost of dental education had been steadily rising even before I got to dental school 24 years ago, and it was not uncommon for many dental students to have over $200,000 in school debt when they graduated. It was a fact, even long ago, that dental schools were one of the most expensive schools to run, even more expensive than medical schools. That was daunting and scary decades ago. Fast forward to today: my dental school and out of state dental students at OHSU here in Oregon are paying $100,000 per year in just tuition. At OHSU, if you are in state, you are paying $70,000 per year. If you count all of the other fees needed for classes plus room and board, it is now not uncommon for dental students to graduate with over $500,000 in school debt. And this is not even taking into account undergraduate studies. I have heard of dental students graduating from NYU in New York City with sometimes $750,000 in student debt, which is mind boggling. I have loved being a dentist and continue to believe it is a wonderful profession and a great fit for me.  I do not doubt that it is not a profession for everyone: for the right person and personality it is a lifelong career, and one that I personally am passionate about. I do worry though about what the future holds for the profession, as becoming a dentist will be so out of reach for many young people. And even for those that do go ahead and make the commitment, the ramifications of being in so much debt upon graduation is daunting. It will probably be awhile till AI and robots take over dentistry. Can you imagine letting a robot do local anesthetic and a filling for you? I think we are going to have to figure out how the next generation of dentists are going to make all of this work in the future. Unlike my amazing dental school professor, I’d like to retire before I am 80!

Dr. Robert Kelly, D.M.D.

Dentist, McKenzie Dental

The holiday season has a way of creeping up on us. One moment we’re admiring the last of the fall colors, and the next we’re knee-deep in to-do lists, gift wrapping, and blinking lights. It’s a season meant for connection, but it can easily become one of exhaustion. This year, I’ve been thinking about how important it is to protect our mental health by slowing down and savoring the moments that really matter. Working hard is a beautiful thing — it gives life structure and purpose. But there’s a balance between doing and being, between striving and enjoying. The holidays give us permission to lean into that slower rhythm, to remember that joy, laughter, and togetherness are just as vital to our well-being as any wellness routine or treatment plan. Traditions are a simple yet powerful way to nurture that balance. They give shape to our celebrations, creating familiar moments that anchor us across generations. When we take the time to make special memories with our children, we’re not just filling their childhoods with magic — we’re planting seeds for the future. Someday, we’ll find ourselves circling back to those same moments with grandkids in tow, smiling as they giggle through the same family games or reach for the same favorite cookie. For years, our family would pack up and travel back to the Midwest for the holidays. It was wonderful — full of familiar faces and snowy roads — but it was also a lot. As our family grew, we began to create our own Oregon traditions. Some of them have stuck, others have come and gone, but all of them have brought us joy. We’ve had years of pumpkin bowling, cutting down our Christmas tree at Frog Lake, and doing our “trip around the table,” where everyone shares what they’re thankful for that year. And of course, there’s always something special baking in the kitchen. For me, it’s my grandma’s Swedish Kringle — a flaky, almond-scented pastry that instantly transports me back to her cozy farmhouse kitchen. The smell alone feels like home. So this season, take a breath. Step away from the endless tasks, even if just for a moment, and create something that lasts longer than any present. Make memories, bake something from the heart, laugh until your cheeks hurt. Those are the gifts that never fade — and the ones our families will cherish for generations. G’ma Charmeon’s Swedish Kringle Preheat oven to 350 Combine: 1 cup flour 1/2 cup butter 1 tbsp water Mix and pat on cookie sheet in 2 strips and bake 10 min. Meanwhile bring to boil: 1 cup water 1/2 cup butter 1 cup flour Beat until smooth - continue to cook and add 3 eggs while beating. Add 1 tsp almond extract. Spread mixture over the 2 crusts and bake until crust starts to brown, 20–30 min. Cool then frost with: 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp butter Add enough cream (or whole milk) to beat and spread.  Add 1 tsp almond extract Sprinkle with shaved almonds  Enjoy!

Dr. Melanie Brown

Chiropractic Physician, Mountain Life Clinic

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-, fourth-, and fifth-graders wound through the elementary halls, waving to classmates in their classrooms, before continuing up to the middle school, where older students gathered to cheer. Afternoon activities included snacks, Halloween Bingo, and fun with masks in the elementary building, a busy Harvest Carnival with games in the middle school covered area, and a cookie walk and game station in the Multipurpose Room. The Harvest Carnival featured classic games and new favorites, including Duck Dip, Trick or Toss, and Hay Day. There was even a Fortune Teller. The biggest hit was Hay Day, where students circled piles of hay until the music stopped, then dove in to collect hidden candy. “That was the best ever,” said one slightly out-of-breath student, arms full of candy and dressed head-to-toe in black with kitty ears. Even a light drizzle didn’t slow down the fun. Covered outdoor spaces kept participants dry, while middle schoolers shot hoops nearby, unfazed by the Oregon weather. Behind the scenes, parent volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly. Stacie Powell and Taylor Galloway handled all of the planning, coordinating games, treats, and decorations. “We had some amazing parent volunteers planning the Welches Harvest Festival this year,” said WPTCO President Heather Ostrander. “Stacie Powell and Taylor Galloway really stepped up and planned fun and engaging activities for this year’s festival.” Ostrander added that strong volunteer involvement is key to the WPTCO’s success. “So far we have had some incredible volunteer turnout this year, and the board is looking forward to finding our next group to carry on the WPTCO. Most of us are in year four on the board and hope to phase in new leadership in the next year or two. It’s been an incredible experience.” Principal Kendra Payne said the festival continues to thrive thanks to community support. “This event has become such a special part of fall in Welches,” she said. “Our families and the WPTCO make it possible for every K–8 student to enjoy a day of celebration together.” As the last students headed home and volunteers packed up decorations, the smell of popcorn lingered — a small reminder of a day full of games, costumes, and community spirit at Welches Schools.

Marie Kennedy

Staff, The Mountain Times

This is a revision of a story originally posted in our October edition . Clarifications are posted below. On a rainy October afternoon, the warmth inside the Timberline Rim Recreation Lodge was unmistakable. Sweaters, raincoats, and the hum of friendly conversation filled the room as about two dozen members of the IWAKT Community Garden gathered for a harvest celebration marking not only the end of the growing season but also the beginning of a new partnership with the Hoodland Fire District. Tables were laid with foods from the garden’s bounty – roasted vegetables, salads, homemade breads, preserves, and local honey – alongside steaming coffee and tea. Near the entrance, the IWAKT Garden Board of Directors displayed garden maps, history, and information about the site. The community garden, also called the Dream Garden, has flourished on the former Dorman Center property east of Welches for more than 16 years. It’s a space where 31 gardeners – families, seniors, and newcomers alike – grow vegetables and flowers. The afternoon’s event celebrated both the harvest and a presentation by Hoodland Fire Division Chief Scott Kline, who shared updates and clarifications on the status of the garden as plans move forward for the new fire station on the same site. Rain tapped steadily on the lodge’s windows as garden member Dr. Melanie Brown alternated between piano and guitar, filling the room with music that lent the gathering a gentle calm. After lunch and a brief introduction by Rogers, Kline stepped forward and turned on his projector. “I’m here more to get feedback from the community garden as we move through the planning process,” Kline began. “The first thing I want to point out is that we’re not changing the size of the original garden – unless Clackamas County requires us to. And if they do, we’ll still maintain the same square footage. The layout may change, but the garden size will remain the same.” Kline explained that the District’s Land Use Hearing with Clackamas County is scheduled for December 4 and that he will advocate to preserve the garden’s existing boundaries. “We’re going to ask them to keep that original shape of the garden,” he said, pointing to a planning map. “Our goal is to maintain that footprint while also improving the space where we can.” A key part of his presentation focused on the Celebration of Life Garden, a memorial bed planted in 2009 by the Trillium Trails Garden Club to honor late members. Under the proposed redesign, that memorial will be relocated to the front of the fire station, enlarged, and integrated into the landscaping plan. “The memorial garden will move to the front of the station and be enlarged,” Kline said. “We’ll transplant the existing plants and, when we work with our landscape artist, I want Trillium Trails and community gardeners to help design the new layout. The idea is to include Hoodland Fire memorials as well – volunteers, firefighters, and board members who have passed over the years. Our meeting room will overlook that garden.” Kline also offered practical updates: “You’ll see a little square here,” he said, pointing to a map of the design layout. “Everything’s been stored in the privies. Those are going away. Our board of directors has approved donating a 12-by-16-foot Tuff Shed to the garden.” Attendees welcomed the offer, and several noted that the donation would be gladly accepted. “It’s a really big shed,” Kline said, adding that he’d help resize it himself if needed, as his personal contribution to the garden. He noted that the design includes two parking spaces for gardeners and that solar studies confirm the new fire station will not cast shade on the garden. “Any shading comes from existing trees, some of which may be removed,” he said. “That may actually improve light conditions for the garden.” Questions from attendees focused on preserving the original garden footprint. Kline reiterated that the County would make final determinations during the December land use hearing, but that the plan was to retain as much of the original garden as possible.  He also explained that an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) will contribute $5.6 million toward the new station. “They lost Ripplebrook in the wildfires of 2020,” Kline said. “We’ll have two bays dedicated to the Forest Service, and they’ll have office space for about 14 people.” He added that the station’s design is meant to serve the community for at least 50 years. As the gathering wound down, the rain outside began to ease. Inside, gardeners lingered over coffee and conversation, discussing winter plans and the upcoming hearing. The mood was one of cautious optimism. For updates on the Hoodland Fire project, contact Division Chief Scott Kline at (503) 622-3256 or scottkline@hoodlandfire.gov For garden information, email Dona Rogers at DreamCommunityGarden@gmail.com —----------------- Clarifications from Hoodland Fire District following last month’s article regarding the IWAKT Community Garden.  Garden footprint preserved: The new station clarified that it will not reduce the garden’s overall square footage. Layout adjustments possible: Individual plots may be reconfigured, but none will be eliminated. Celebration of Life Garden: The memorial will be relocated and expanded to include tributes to both community gardeners and Hoodland Fire members. Sunlight concerns resolved: Solar shading studies confirm the new fire station will not shade the garden; any shading comes from existing trees, some of which may be removed. Programs continue: Activities such as the children’s garden, school partnerships, and “Grow a Row for a Senior” can continue under the revised layout. Ongoing process: The project remains under Land Use Review, with final design details still in progress. For updates on the Hoodland Fire project, contact Division Chief Scott Kline at (503) 622-3256 or scottkline@hoodlandfire.gov For garden information, email Dona Rogers at DreamCommunityGarden@gmail.com .

Marie Kennedy

Staff, The Mountain Times

"Feeding Our Neighbors through Radical Hospitality!" What does that even mean? Simply   — DOING WHAT IS RIGHT—FEEDING PEOPLE WHO ARE HUNGRY -- NO EXCEPTIONS . Race, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or not, right, left, or in-between — everyone deserves to be fed. Government funding cuts, combined with rising consumer costs, are having a chilling effect on our neighbors’ ability to maintain essential household funds for living. Families cannot keep up. They are hungry, cold, sick, and dying — and our nation’s “safety-net” charitable organizations, large and small, are struggling to bridge the gap for those needing a hand-up. Oregon Food Bank (OFB), which serves as a crucial distribution hub for food pantries throughout Oregon, has lost funding—and with it, access to many foods from across the nation. This is a devastating setback for every food pantry in Oregon. Food pantries, farmers’ markets, and targeted food drives by schools, churches, and social service clubs are stepping up to help. Hoodland’s Farmers’ Market doubles your purchasing power when using SNAP benefits. Sandy Action Center accepts canned and non-perishable foods at their ongoing food donation program. While Neighborhood Missions’ monthly drive-through food distributions are just a few examples of efforts continuing to offer a hand-up. To this extent these sustained challenges have not been encountered before, and we must recognize the far-reaching consequences of these funding cuts on the well-being of our community and the people who rely on these essential services. In response to these challenges and assistance in extending a hand of support, Hoodland Lutheran Church, Brightwood, Oregon is dedicating exclusive web presence through the month of December and January to Neighborhood Missions’ on-line fundraising campaign: Feeding Our Neighbors through Radical Hospitality! Neighborhood Missions need your help to keep the shelves stocked and the welcome wide. 100% of your generous tax-deductible gift will go directly to the support of Neighborhood Missions. Feeding our community; I T’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO—PERIOD. NO EXCEPTIONS.   Thank you for your time and support, Timothy R. Carlisle – Minister of Outreach Hoodland Lutheran Hoodland Lutheran Council and Congregation Neighborhood Missions Organization

Timothy R. Carlisle

Minister of Outreach, Hoodland Lutheran

Who are we as a community? We may not be incorporated towns, but we have an identity  nonetheless - one built on shared history, hard work, and the unique beauty of this place we call home. Our story is one that’s been passed down through generations, and it continues to grow with every person who puts down roots here.  A community that remembers its past has an identity. A community with an identity has  pride. And pride leads to protection - protection of the forests, rivers, and open spaces and the community that drew us here in the first place. When we understand the story of where we live, we plan more thoughtfully for what comes next.  Each of our Mount Hood communities - Brightwood, Wemme, Welches, Zigzag,  Rhododendron and Government Camp - has its own history and character, yet all are  interwoven into one greater story. Together they form a fabric of shared experience,  stitched together by generations who built homes, businesses, and lives here because of their love for this mountain and its surroundings.  Growth is inevitable. But how we grow - and what we choose to protect - will define whether  we remain communities with heart and character or become another stretch of highway lined with generic development. There are those who see our home as a blank slate, a  place to capitalize on, clear-cut, subdivide, and develop. But those of us who live here  know it’s not just land - it’s our community’s heritage.  The first blow to our sense of place came decades ago with Highway 26. What once were  distinct towns became fragments along a fast-moving corridor. The highway created an  illusion that our area is nothing more than a strip mall along a freeway leading to Mount Hood, rather than a collection of living, breathing communities filled with people who care deeply about where they live.  But we are still here - and we are still more than that.  Unless we become intentional about preserving our community's character, the wave of  dollar-driven development spilling east from Sandy will reach us sooner than we think.  Without clear boundaries and thoughtful planning, we risk losing the very things that make  this place special - the quiet, the forests, the rivers, and the connection to nature that brought us here in the first place.  We don’t live here because it’s convenient or trendy. We live here because we love the  woods, the clean water and the mountain air. We live here because this place still feels real. It’s time for us to take a careful look at what kind of growth we want - and what kind we  don’t. Development doesn’t have to mean destruction, but it requires awareness, participation, and a shared understanding of who we are as a community.  If we fail to protect the character and history of our home, we lose more than old buildings  or scenic views - we lose our identity. But if we honor our past while planning wisely for the future, we ensure that our story continues, strong and true, for generations to come.  Because this place - our Mount Hood home - is worth protecting.  For information about the history of our communities please visit   www.mounthoodhistory.com

Gary Randall

Columnist, The Mountain Times

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 results in them sharing an apartment. The show is Sandy Actors Theatre’s sophomore offering in a 2025-2026 season centering entirely on celebrating Neil Simon’s work.  “Simon has always been one of the most revered American playwrights, as well as one of mine,” says director Joni Tabler. “His comedies, many loosely based on his own life, have delighted audiences for decades.”

Justin Andress

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In an era when police departments nationwide are grappling with staffing shortages and strained public relations, finding new ways to connect with the community has never been more essential. The Sandy Police Department is taking a particularly creative approach to that end through a new video project that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the men and women serving the city The project, spearheaded by Sergeant Thornton, whose responsibilities include recruitment, retention, and public information for the department, has been a long-standing objective that has finally come to fruition thanks to the volunteer efforts of Nick Vago and Guardian Films. For years, Sergeant Thornton has been pondering and developing different ideas to help residents acquire a better understanding of the people behind the uniforms. Some kind of video project seemed like the most viable approach. The department wanted to showcase who their officers are, what they value, and what drew them to a life of service. How better to do that than a video highlighting the officers themselves? The recently released video introduces three new recruits: Samantha Berglund, Jordan Ferguson, and Kelsey Neubauer, as they share their impressions of the Sandy community and discuss what inspired them to join the force. Over several months of filming, Nick joined the officers on multiple ride-alongs, capturing candid interviews and moments of real-world experience. His decision to volunteer for the project stemmed from a desire to give back to the community and to help highlight the dedication and heart shown by the recruits. When it came right down to it, he stated simply, “It was the right thing to do.” In addition to personal reflections, the video highlights key milestones in the recruits’ training and the positive impact they are already making in the community. Viewers get a firsthand glimpse into the life of an officer, the camaraderie between first responders, the people they serve, and some of the challenges and rewards of policing in Sandy. Sergeant Thornton hopes this effort will foster transparency and connection between officers and residents, allowing the community to see the human side of law enforcement. The completed video is now available on the Sandy Police Department’s Facebook and Instagram pages, where it has already drawn positive feedback from locals. Sergeant Thornton expressed deep appreciation for Nick Vago’s time, skill, and generosity in bringing the idea to life. He hopes to produce more videos in the future that center on the department's veterans, among other things. This project marks an important step in the department’s ongoing story of service, connection, education, and community engagement.

Dennis McNabb

The Mountain Times

Mary Forrest, owner of Forrest Insurance Agency, had been to the Welches School before, thanks to watching her two boys play sports there. But on Tuesday, Oct. 14, Forrest got a much more nuanced look into what goes on during school hours, thanks to the annual Principal for the Day event held in partnership with the Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce. “I expected to observe a day in the life of a principal, but I came away with so much more,” she said. “I had no idea just how full and complex a day at school can be from the administrative side.” Forrest spent the morning with Kendra Payne, Welches School Principal, which included classroom visits, a tour of the buildings, and all the unexpected interruptions that happen just about every day, including some upset students. “The staff was patient and kind the entire time,” said Forrest, who has lived in the school district for 35 years and been with Farmers Insurance for 25 years, including the last four with her own agency based in Sandy. “The way the school wrapped around those kids with compassion was nothing short of inspiring.” She added that she saw how much more there is in a school day besides teaching, as staff also support students emotionally, socially, and even during challenging times. “I was especially impressed by how well they knew each student personally, including the challenges they might be facing at home,” Forrest said, describing Payne as “incredibly warm, professional, and responsive.” “That level of care and awareness made a huge impression on me,” Forrest added. “The building was welcoming and clearly designed to support both learning and community.” Payne appreciated the chance to show off the students and staff that she oversees. “All our teachers and staff work so hard to help our students grow,” she said. “And the Welches community is special, in the passion for our school and in supporting our students.” Forrest, whose sons graduated from Sandy High School in 2014 and 2016, shared those sentiments as she reflected on their elementary school years at Cottrell Elementary. “I left feeling emotional, inspired and grateful. I now see the school not just as a place of learning, but as a place of healing, growth, and real community,” she said. Other Principal for the Day participants were Ken Harrison of Sandy Kiwanis at Firwood Elementary, Brian York of Clackamas County Bank at Boring Middle School, Seth Olson of Clackamas County Bank at Kelso Elementary, Paul Reed of Mt. Hood Athletic Club at Cedar Ridge Middle School, Kim Turin of Jamba Juice/Mt. Hood Eye Care at Sandy Grade School, Lacy Renard of Stow-A-Way Mini Storage at Sandy High School, and Lisa Snider of the Mountain Festival Committee at Oregon Trail Academy.

Oregon Trail School District

for The Mountain Times

Cats have a way of inserting themselves into whatever we’re doing. If you’ve ever made a bed with a cat in the room, you know it becomes a full-contact sport. They leap onto the sheets just as you’re smoothing them out, tunnel under the comforter, and eventually sit proudly in the center like they’ve helped. They climb into boxes before you’ve even unpacked them, and they treat the items on your nightstand as if they're part of a science experiment. What starts off as a stylish new piece of furniture usually ends up being repurposed by my cat as a scratching post, I’ve learned to accept that. Despite all this, or maybe because of it, we love them. Living with cats means learning to work with their instincts and habits. One of the most common concerns we hear about is inappropriate urination. Before assuming it’s behavioral, it’s important to rule out medical causes like urinary tract infections or kidney disease with a simple urine test. If health issues are ruled out, take a close look at the litter box situation. The general guideline is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Litter boxes should be in quiet, accessible areas and cleaned daily. Covered boxes and scented litters may be convenient for us, but many cats avoid them. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as one more box, a larger, cleaner box, or moving it to a more cat-friendly location. Creating an enriched home environment is just as important as food and water. Cats love to perch up high, so providing vertical space like cat trees, wall shelves, or even the top of a sturdy bookcase can help meet this need. Setting up a bird-watching spot near a window gives indoor cats mental stimulation and satisfies their natural curiosity. Scratching posts, both horizontal and vertical, should be scattered throughout the home. Scratching is how cats mark territory and stretch, and redirecting that behavior to appropriate surfaces protects your furniture (sometimes) and keeps them happy. Cats are also masters at hiding illness. This is especially true for older cats, who often won’t show obvious signs of being unwell. Watch for subtle clues like weight loss, a rough or greasy coat, drinking more water than usual, urinating more often, or being picky with their food. These signs are worth checking out, especially as cats age. Conditions like kidney disease and hyperthyroidism can be caught early with lab work and managed with simple treatments. Flea prevention is another area where cat owners often run into trouble. Even indoor-only cats are at risk. Fleas can hitchhike into your home on clothing, shoes, or other pets. Over-the-counter flea medications often don’t last a full month or are no longer effective against modern flea populations. Prescription products remain the most reliable and safest choice, and treating every pet in the household consistently is key to getting rid of fleas for good. Caring for cats means understanding what makes them feel secure, comfortable, and healthy. From litter box placement to vertical territory, and from recognizing signs of illness to choosing effective flea control, small changes can make a big difference in their quality of life. And while they may continue to knock everything off your nightstand, they’ll also curl up beside you at the end of the day, content in a home that works for them. 503-765-6702 www.northwestmobilevet.com info@northwestmobilevet.com

Blake Miller

Columnist, The Mountain Times

In November, Tommy Tarrants will enter his tenth year working for The Mountain Times . Tarrants is the person charged with delivering roughly 4,500 newspapers to bars, resorts, hotels, golf courses, and grocery stores between Government Camp and Sandy. Tarrants began his career with The Mountain Times  approximately four owners ago, by his count. He was simply doing a favor for his friend. At that point, the Times  was owned by Larry Berteau. “Larry was delivering the paper himself at that point,” says Tarrants. “I thought, ‘Sure, I can take a day off each month to do that.’” Even from the beginning, Tarrants was well-suited to the position. “I did my first route with Larry,” explains Tarrants. “He wanted to introduce me to everybody. I told him he didn’t need to, but he insisted. Then, when we got done, he said, ‘You already knew everybody.’ I said, ‘I told you.’” There’s a reason Tarrants is such a known quantity. For the majority of his life, Tommy Tarrants has happily called the Mt. Hood area his home. And while he’s lived in a few other places in his life, he’s always been drawn back to the mountain.  In that time, he’s worked a variety of jobs. He’s worked at the Mt. Hood Resort golf course. He put in a few seasons in a snow cat for Ski Bowl. Today, he does odd jobs and small engine repair for locals in need. Once a month, though, Tarrants is tapped into service to ensure that visitors and locals alike get their copy of The Mountain Times . Much like postal carriers of the past, Tarrants must complete his deliveries regardless of the weather, the time of year, or the traffic. He works in the rain, the snow, and (when necessary) on holiday breaks. After 10 years on the job, he’s become a welcome, reliable sight for proprietors up and down Highway 26. It hasn’t always been an easy ride. Early in the job, Tarrants stopped off to drop some papers at a local bar only to have the delivery truck stolen from right out front. “Somebody came out of the woods,” he says. “They showed me the video.” At first, it seemed like the truck had vanished. A week later, however, Tarrants got a call from Portland police. “They said, ‘We got your rig.’ So, I got a ride down there. They took my battery. Stole all my little knick knacks, any tools I had in the cab, and my brand new Carhartt coat. They didn’t take any of the papers.” In the years since that adventure, the paper has changed hands four times. Tarrants says, “I figured I’d be doing it for 2-3 years. Then, Larry would sell and that would be it. And now, here I am, four owners and ten years later.” Through all those changes, Tarrants has remained the constant. He’s seen businesses change hands, watched resorts expand, and weathered economic shifts right alongside his delivery stops. This decade of consistency hasn't just made him a dependable vendor; it's woven him deeper into the fabric of the local community.  He’s not just the 'paper guy'; he’s a community member making his rounds. This connection is a major reason he’s stuck with the route for so long, finding value in the relationships and the simple act of keeping his neighbors informed. “I just like being part of the community. The worst day here is still the best day ever.”

Justin Andress

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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

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

Name: Julie Frederick-Todd Place of birth: Scobey, Montana How long on the Mountain: 1990 - short break from 1995 to 1997, then back again. If you were not brought here as a child, what brought you to the Mountain: My sister brought me to the mountain. Back in the late 70s we went to Parkrose and skied as teenagers. She was on the ski team and ended up coaching at Cooper Spur and working at Timberline Lodge for 20 years. Everyone who skied the mountain knew Camille for her snow phone. She even did an MTV Thrill Cam run down Palmer during a Rock Block. She is my famous sister. We are tight, so I would stay with her quite a bit and I fell in love with the Mountain. In 1990 I took a position in Human Resources at The Resort at The Mountain where I worked for five years and developed many friendships. In 1997 I met my husband who had a home just past the Ivy Bear where we live today. Profession: Teacher for Oregon Trail for 15 years. It isn’t a job. It is my passion. When students walk into my class, they know they are in a safe place where learning can be an amazing experience and that my metaphorical “door” is always open. Other professions: human resources, marketing, broadcasting, Mountain Times journalist and graphic design artist! I loved working at the Mountain Times with Thomas Teven, Marie Kennedy, Peggy Wallace, Steve Wilent, and then Roxanne Korda back in the early 2000s. I also have experience as a banquet server, cocktail waitress and bartender. Favorites: Movie/and or Musical: Three way tie: White Christmas, Mama Mia, and Mama Mia, Here We Go Again. Actress and Actor: Meryl Streep. She is a class act! Chris Hemingway. TV show: Ted Lasso – I had students tell me I am a female version of his character. They know me so well! Book: The Hobbit Type of music: Classic Rock and Elvis Food: Squash with lots of butter and salt! Hobbies: Hiking (Salmon River Trail is my favorite), performing in variety shows for fundraisers in my hometown of Scobey, Montana, or through Gateway/Gresham and Milwaukie/Portland Elks. All shows are fundraisers for various meaningful charities. If offered a dream vacation, where would you go, and why: Ireland, Norway and Iceland. If I’m over in the Eastern Hemisphere, I might as well drop back down to England, Germany, Italy, and Greece! I’m a history buff who is honored to teach it. My husband and I both have ancestry that originates in County Cork, Ireland. I also want to see the Fisherman’s Friend perform. Norway for the Northern Lights and both Norway and Iceland for the use of energy from geologic features to power their population. It fascinates this self-proclaimed nerd. Best lesson learned as a child: Mom always said, “If you aren’t having fun, do something about it.” When I was a teenager it morphed into, “If you aren’t having fun, check your attitude, find out what makes you happy and pursue it.” As an adult, “You have the power to make your own happiness.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used this logic in some way or another with a student who is having a rough time of it. We can’t control fate, or what may come our way, but we can choose how we tackle it. Defining moment in your life or your greatest accomplishment: Every day is a defining moment. My actions have a direct impact on every person I come in contact with in life. My greatest accomplishments? They happen every time I can elevate someone to do better or be their best. A specific defining effort is raising my son to be a kind human being who values his friends for who they are and the gifts they bring as individuals to our world. A memorable dinner: While on the train going back to Montana, I was seated with Dr. James Lowen, a professor of sociology and history who challenged the textbook industry on content and the way history was taught in the late 1970s. Before I knew this was the famous Dr. James Lowen, he asked what I did for work followed by” tell me about some of your lesson plans.” His response was, “Well, it sounds like you must have read my books.” It was amazing listening to his stories of taking on the status quo. Most people my age and older remember history as the class with “THE TEXTBOOK.” Everyday it was a lecture or reading from a chapter and answering questions. Lowen made history come to life, the good, the bad and the ugly! What an honor it was to share a meal and have the conversation about his life’s journey! A funny moment from your life that you can share: So many. A person has to be able to laugh at themselves. The old Human Resource office at The Resort was on the east side of the property by Housekeeping. I had gone to the bathroom in a hurry and somehow or another got my skirt tucked into the back of my control top pantyhose. After leaving the bathroom, I stopped to speak with a job applicant in the lobby and went back to my office. I wandered back to accounting and fortunately, Curt Ott had the honor of telling me I might want to pull my skirt out of my panty hose. Curt offered to go get the job applicant. We laughed! That applicant must have been mortified! If you could invite anyone (past or present) to dinner, who would it be, and why: My mom. I miss her terribly and I know she would have the answers from the great beyond that we used to ponder over our dinners, including “Did aliens help build the pyramids?” Describe yourself in one word: Energetic When you're not reading The Mountain Times , what book/author/magazine/other do you read: Anything that has to do with history or science intrigues me. If your life were made into a play or movie, what would the title be: Go Get ‘Em Tiger! Pet peeve: Litter bugs Bad habit you’d like to break: Getting rid of clothes I don’t wear anymore, but might! Famous person(s) you have met, and the circumstances: Bruce Willis. I literally ran into him on the way to the bathroom in Las Vegas. It was the night he married Demi. The news hadn’t hit. He was wearing blue jeans, a blue shirt and a blue baseball hat. I said, “I am so sorry,” looked up, realized who it was, and for the first, and only time in my life (which can be verified by anyone who knows me), I was speechless. Another lady was there and said, “You are Bruce Willis. What are you doing here?” He told us he had just married Demi! Nobody believed me that night, until the news broke. Favorite quote: “Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing.” Optimus Prime Favorite part of The Mountain Times : Anything that has to do with history, or when I see one of my students has submitted an article. Love submissions from Gary Randall, Steve Wilent, Peggy Wallace, and recently Marie Kennedy. Oh, the whole thing.

Staff

The Mountain Times

Mark Bachmann has spent more than half a century in pursuit of fish – and something deeper. His book, The Virtue of Fly Fishing V2 , published last spring, gathers those decades of reflection into a 409-page work that is part memoir, part natural history, and part meditation on how humans fit within the living systems that sustain us. “The Virtue of Fly Fishing,” Bachmann writes in his foreword, “is about the art, science, history, politics, religion, romance, and adventure in the sport of fly fishing.” It is, at heart, the story of a life shaped by rivers – a book that blends the tactile craft of casting and tying flies with big questions about nature, stewardship, and survival. Early reviews have been glowing. One reader described Bachmann as “a painter using words rather than brushes and pigments,” noting his ability to shift between scientific precision and poetic mysticism. Another called the book “an enormously interesting and educational read,” praising its depth and breadth – a mix of personal story, environmental history, and sharp-eyed philosophy. A re-edited and expanded version of his 2023 release, The Virtue of Fly Fishing V2 adds six new chapters and keeps the larger print that readers of the first edition appreciated. The essays move fluidly through time and geography – from Bachmann’s boyhood in northern Idaho to the river canyons of Oregon, from early conservation battles to modern-day reflections on the cycles of nature. The title, Bachmann says, grew out of years of thinking about what fly fishing really teaches. “I’m absolutely fascinated with the natural world,” he recently told me. “And how the natural world works – and how humans fit into it. We’re part of it ourselves. Most of the time we’re totally out of control, even though we think we can control stuff. We really can’t control very much.” Bachmann’s fascination began young. He grew up fishing the creeks and rivers that crossed his family’s cattle ranch near Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho. At age eleven, he caught his first trout – a seventeen-inch native cutthroat from Grouse Creek – with a worm impaled on a bare hook and presented with a long, homemade tamarack pole. That stretch of private water, he writes, became his first classroom. When he moved to Oregon in 1963, his curiosity found new currents to explore. He caught his first steelhead from the North Umpqua River and, two years later, his first winter steelhead on the Sandy River. By the late 1960s, Bachmann had become one of the fly-fishing pioneers on that river. During the winter of 1969-70, he landed sixty-four steelhead, including one measuring forty-two inches. If those numbers sound like the exploits of a driven angler, Bachmann would agree – but he insists the pursuit has always been more than the catch. “I’m just a detective,” he says. “I’m searching for clues, trying to figure out what’s real and what isn’t.” That detective’s instinct served him well when he and his wife, Patty Barnes, opened The Fly Fishing Shop in Welches in 1981. The couple built it into one of the most respected fly-fishing businesses in the Pacific Northwest – a place known for expert advice, strong coffee, and the camaraderie of anglers who made it their morning ritual. The shop’s reputation soon extended far beyond Mt. Hood. In the early days of the internet, when online shopping was still an experiment, Bachmann and his team built FlyFishUSA.com, one of the first e-commerce sites devoted entirely to fly fishing. It grew to thousands of pages and attracted customers from around the world. He was ahead of the curve when the internet came along. I remember helping the shop with its computer network and printed catalog back in the 1990s. Mark saw what was coming and just figured it out – like he always does. He retired from retail in 2023, though “retired” hardly fits. Mark and Patty now spend their free time traveling around the Northwest – and fishing, of course. And when they return home, they’re glad to be back. It’s all part of the cycle. That same long view informs The Virtue of Fly Fishing V2 . The book doesn’t shy away from the hard truths about rivers and fish – the decline of steelhead runs, the politics of dams and water rights, the ways human ambition has reshaped ecosystems. Yet Bachmann’s tone is neither nostalgic nor despairing. Instead, he writes with the curiosity of someone still learning from the water. One of the most striking passages explores how nutrients from spawning salmon nourish entire forests: “From these fish going to the ocean and feeding and storing those nutrients in their bodies so they can run up this river and spawn ... their bodies die and decay and are absorbed by the water itself and by all the vegetation along these streams. It just becomes a cycle,” he writes. For Bachmann, those cycles – of water, of life, of attention – are the heart of both fishing and writing. “The water cycle is a good example,” he says. “Water evaporates from the oceans, forms clouds, drifts inland, rains over the mountains, and runs back to the ocean again. I think there are many cycles like these that we’ve interrupted without even understanding what we’ve done.” That awareness gives The Virtue of Fly Fishing V2 a moral and ecological dimension that goes far beyond tackle and technique. The chapters range from playful to profound – “Dynamite Politics,” “Lessons in Catch and Release,” “Sport Fishing Tribalism,” and “The Rock Lady,” a reader favorite about a mysterious figure who builds rock cairns on gravel bars along the Sandy River. Through it all runs Bachmann’s belief that the act of fishing, done thoughtfully, connects people back to the systems they depend on. As one reviewer put it, “The book exudes tender love, rugged conflict, scientific explanation, and a deep exploration of the human condition – all backgrounded by an ancient method called fly fishing.” That ancient method has shaped nearly every chapter of Bachmann’s life, from his days guiding on the Deschutes and Sandy rivers, to his years running one of the Northwest’s most beloved fly shops. Now, in his eighth decade, he still follows the currents wherever they lead. “I don’t like to just accept things,” he says. “I like to dig into it and figure out what’s really going on.” For readers – anglers and otherwise – The Virtue of Fly Fishing V2 offers that same invitation: to look closer, question assumptions, and find meaning in the quiet motion of a cast or the flow of a river. It’s available now in paperback, hardback, and Kindle editions through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, both in print and digital formats – a fitting reach for a man who helped bring fly fishing itself into the digital age. After all these years, Mark Bachmann is still doing what he’s always done best – teaching people to see the world through water.

Marie Kennedy

Staff, The Mountain Times

It isn’t often an entire community can say they have witnessed greatness born. It also isn’t often an entire community can say they witnessed greatness flourish. And it is almost never that an entire community can say they have witnessed greatness become legend. But now, the entire communities of Mt. Hood Villages and Sandy can say, without a doubt, they have been a part of that most unique phenomenon with the life and death of Jeff Flood. Born to Colene and Jeff Flood on July 25th, 1985, Jeff not only became a living testament to his father’s namesake, but was also nicknamed “Pee Wee” after Hall Of Fame baseball shortstop Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. And while his parents always had high hopes for his athletic future, they could never have prepared themselves for the legacy his own talents, sportsmanship, and overall spirit would bless an entire community. A graduate of Sandy High School in 2003, Jeff immersed himself in all things sports. While his outstanding moments were on the softball field in his adult life, Jeff was not timid about trying new things, welcoming fear and challenge, always ready for his moment to make the sport his own. Jeff also attended Mt. Hood Community College and shortly thereafter began his professional career with DeMarini Sports Inc. as a research and development designer, followed by becoming a skilled light rail mechanic for Tri-Met. Staying true to his father’s loving and lasting impression on his life, Jeff honed his athletic skills after the sudden and tragic passing of his father in 2005. Refusing to allow grief to consume him, Jeff dove deeper and found himself at softball fields throughout the country. Jeff began his professional softball career in 2016 with the U.S. Men’s Futures Team, quickly moving up to the US Men’s National Team in 2021. Known for his genuine love of the game and competitive spirit, Jeff’s career as a professional softball player seemed to have no strike count, and no limits on success both on the field and off. Throughout his life, Jeff was known by many different and prestigious titles: US Men’s National Team star shortstop, coach, son, brother, nephew, friend, cousin and, his most coveted and honored title, dad to Landyn Krash (12) and Jaxsyn Babe (10). Jeff knew how important it was to be present for his children. To know “Pee Wee” was to know the brightest star in the sky. His personality, his positivity, and his ability to turn any situation into something lighthearted was an endearing trait. He loved big and he loved hard, and his infectious smile and love of life will be missed. “His sister was born when he was five,” Jeff’s mother, Colene Flood, said. “He was so excited to be a big brother.” Jeff was able to put his needs aside while he worked with his family during what was then the most unforgiving of times - losing the family patriarch. And while the list of those who will mourn the loss of this most extraordinary life is long, it’s the little voices who had the biggest impact on Jeff’s life. An athlete in every definition of the word, Jeff shared his talents and skills as a mentor to the youth in his community, coaching everything from football to baseball, even umpiring youth sports until his own boys were old enough to play. A founder of Golden Spikes youth baseball, Jeff was a coach on and off the field. Among the many who will do their best to live the “Pee Wee standard” are his mother, Colene Flood (Mt. Hood Villages), sons Landyn and Jaxsyn, former spouse, Mikelle Flood (Sandy), sister Makenna Pearson (Mt. Hood Villages), nephew Emmett Pearson, girlfriend Casey Ingraham (Sandy), grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and a list of friends that could take up an entire page in The Mt. Hood Times. While Jeff’s short, unique, and beautiful life reminds us to never take one minute for granted, his death was senseless. On average, 34 people are killed each day from alcohol-impairment. According to The Center for Disease Control, DUI cases and alcohol-related fatalities are on the rise and continue to plague communities. If there is a silver lining in this loss, it will be someone rethinking their decision to drive while impaired. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol or substance abuse issues, please contact 988 or Alcoholics Anonymous Rehab Hotline at 866-210-1303. Local A.A. and Al-Anon meetings are featured in The Mountain Times monthly calendar.

Amber Ford

Staff, The Mountain Times

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