Writers
![By Amber Ford, The Mountain Times The Mt. Hood Villages and Mt. Hood National Forest are home to many creatives who seek inspiration and refuge in the beauty that is their backyard. But one lifelong local has taken her residence and not only used it as inspiration for her artwork, but has created and designed pieces that give meaning, direction, and knowledge to her beloved community. Mt. Hood Villages resident Liz Cox is not only a gifted artist, but is also using her skills as an instructor at Mt. Hood Community College. A well-rounded artist in terms of her interests and skill, Cox finds herself fascinated with all forms of art. “I've been interested in learning all types of art, but I find myself most comfortable creating hand-drawn or digitally rendered artwork,” Cox said. “I love to draw on my tablet for my cartography business or as a graphic designer creating fun things like stickers,” Cox added. With a degree in Geographic Information Systems [G.I.S.], Cox found herself struggling to find a career path suited towards art and education after graduation. “I was often told the job of "cartographer" didn't really exist anymore,” Cox said. “So I made my own job as cartographer,” Cox added. Although map creation seems more like a scientific process, creativity is still required for facts and statistics to go from mind to paper. “I want to create maps that give some sort of call-to-action,” Cox said. “What I think makes a mapmaker great is having the artistic vision to take the data that's being communicated and enhance it to be visually striking,” Cox added. Although Cox went to college specifically for cartography, art in general has always been a large part of who she is. Since childhood, Cox has been surrounded by art and artists. “I credit my artistic beginnings to my late grandma, Jody Bushman,” Cox said. “She was a prominent Welches community member and a professional painter. Visiting my grandma in her home art studio up here were some of my favorite times. It's also why Mt. Hood has such a fondness in my heart,” Cox added. Inheriting the passion for creativity from her grandmother, Cox has dabbled in other art forms as well – one of her favorites being music. “Growing up I knew I wanted to play in the London Symphony Orchestra as a flute player and think I put more into that passion than anything else in my life,” Cox said. “I played in youth symphonies outside of high school band and was even lucky enough to be able to join a touring orchestra in Europe for a few weeks and experienced seven beautiful countries! When I realized continuing on the path of a musician meant being fiercely competitive, I no longer wanted that for myself,” Cox added. Growing up near the Mt. Hood National Forest has its perks for an artist and cartographer, and Cox feels deeply connected to her roots and to the inspiration it provides. “A lot of my inspiration comes from vintage National Forest Service pieces - maps, old signage, etc., Cox said. “People are drawn to nostalgia, especially when life feels too overwhelming. I think a lot of us tend to reflect upon memory to find comfort, the times when life felt a little less scary. A lot of those memories people have are experienced in nature. I think that's why I am often called toward the retro, nostalgic, nature-focused pieces of art. I am inspired to make my artwork reflect that as well,” Cox added.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97669c_682cadd13a2748e0916ce287866fc166~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.png)
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Clackamas County Fire
Justin Andress
![By Amber Ford, The Mountain Times Mt. Hood Villages residents wear many hats while living in this great community. Parents, business owners, librarians, retirees, students, and now, The Hoodland Cleanup Crew. As tourism continues to grow and passersby use Highway 26 as a scenic route to central and eastern Oregon, the growing concern for litter and its lasting impact on The Mt. Hood National Forest and Mt. Hood Villages is now a concern with a local solution. After many local reports of trash and debris found in nearby neighborhoods and National Forest areas, Mt. Hood Village resident, Bryan Baldwin, created an online forum via Facebook to organize a cleanup with other eager neighbors looking to help. “I have always picked up garbage in the woods,” Baldwin said. “In the last few years it’s become a huge problem and I knew I needed to figure out something to get our community involved,” Baldwin added. Around a dozen community volunteers put on their best mountain apparel and made their way up LoLo Pass Road with a mission to clean up as much trash as possible. Locals removed everything from everyday trash to construction debris. Among those volunteering their time, long time Mt. Hood Villages resident Molly Espenel, was profoundly saddened by the amount of trash. “I have seen an increase in the amount of litter in the forest for sure,” Espenel said. “More people are using pre-existing dispersed campsites or making their own, and they leave so much behind,” Espenel added. Although many residential neighborhoods throughout The Mt. Hood Villages do directly connect to areas of The Mt. Hood National Forest, this cleanup effort was orchestrated and completed with the backing of the community. “All cleanup that took place was near the McNeil campground area, the Riley Horse area, and the Top Spur areas up Lolo Pass,” Baldwin said. “With each cleanup there were nine people and as many as five vehicles and trucks with winches,” Baldwin added. While The Mt. Hood National Forest Service does provide cleanup and trash services at designated locations, the vast forest provides unauthorized dumping so community members get involved. “If our community doesn’t do it, it may not happen,” Espenel said. “We take pride in our community and forested areas and we do not need the eyesore,” Espenel added. The Mt. Hood National Forest service has acknowledged the commitment Mt. Hood Villages residents have made to cleanup efforts in their community. “I had a meeting with The U.S.F.S. [United States Forest Service] and they are on board, supportive, and appreciative,” Baldwin said. “We hope to coordinate our efforts in the future,” Baldwin added. Among those involved in Baldwin’s cleanup crew were Molly Espenel, Lisa Galbraith, James Caswell, Bry Birdwell, Chris Page, and Mike Sinz. Baldwin hopes to keep this going monthly as needed. For more information on how to get involved visit The Hood Cleanup Crew on Facebook.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97669c_08aa8cc3e07943e786736134dd609ff7~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpeg)
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
![By Amber Ford, The Mountain Times Life in The Mt. Hood Villages is different for every family residing within the vast wilderness that is the national forest. From work, school, sports, dance lessons, and fitting in family time, dads raising kids in The Mt. Hood Villages share one common bond: showing unconditional love, protection, and teaching their kiddos what it means to be a true mountain resident. Although there are more dedicated fathers on this mountain than there are allotted pages for this paper, here are just a few of the standout and standup dads in our community. Ryan Barnes Long time Mt. Hood Villages resident Ryan Barnes is the ultimate “girl dad” raising his daughters among the trees, hikes, and ski resorts near Government Camp. A registered nurse, Barnes understands the challenges and rewards.“I feel like I have two best friends for life,” Barnes said. “My daughters are absolutely everything to me and they make me laugh more than anybody else. I just really enjoy seeing them growing, learning, and experiencing things together,” Barnes added. Barnes’ kids have the best of both worlds with time spent in the city with their mom and life up here with their dad. “My girls have so much room to just run outside in the fresh air and be close and connected to nature,” Barnes said. “This is a really great place to teach kids outdoor sports and let them find their love for nature,” Barnes added. Like many parents raising children in a remote location, Barnes cites the distinct differences from raising kids in the city. “When my kids were of daycare age that was very difficult to find,” Barnes said. “The constant power outages are also super challenging as a parent,” Barnes added. Although Barnes finds it sometimes difficult to navigate fatherhood on the mountain, the rewards outweigh the challenges. “Parenthood is the hardest thing, but I can’t imagine my life without my kids,” Barnes said. “Once you have kids there’s just so much love,” Barnes added. Dan Johanesen Mt. Hood Villages resident and father, Dan Johanesen, has set the bar high while achieving ultimate dad status. Father of 13 year old son Alex, Johanesen can’t believe how fast the journey has gone. “I have loved watching my son grow and change, but he didn’t stay little for very long,” Johanesen said. “It went too fast,” he added. A resident of The Mt. Hood Villages for over 20 years, Johanesen and his wife decided the mountain would be the best and most financially effective place to raise a family. Although fertility was a challenge at first, Johanesen fondly recalls the moment they found out they were expecting their son. “We tried to get pregnant for 11 years,” Johanesen said. “We had less than a 20% chance of having a child, so my wife’s doctor took her off of the meds after months and told her unless we did in-vitro that we should come to grips with the fact that we would never have children. Shortly after that she found out that she was pregnant,” Johanesen added. Johansen cites some of his best moments as a dad have been teaching his son the basic but most important lessons. “I’m trying to make sure I’m a good role model for my son and working to raise a good human,” Johanesen said. Though the mountain can be a challenging area to raise a family, Johanesen acknowledges that the tight knit community has been very important, becoming friends with other families and relying on one another as they grow as parents. Jim Callantine While this may come as a surprise to Jim Callantine, showcasing him under the Father’s Day piece just seemed right as his pseudo mountain daughter. A father of adult children living off the mountain, Callantine quickly adopted this coffee shop-owning journalist during one of the hardest, most challenging of times. A skilled and educated business man with years of business ownership under his belt, an amazing glass artist, and a master at always forgetting his hearing aides, Callantine’s presence is, at times, larger than life [especially if you’re Ms. Kaye]. A world traveler and part time Mexico snowbird (anyone that knows Callantine knows he’s never without a tan, so swift exits from Oregon in the fall are a must), Callantine served in the US military and spent time abroad while active in the Navy. Although Callantine and I have many differences (I am well trained at knowing how not to aggravate Ms. Kaye – he has yet to master that skill), our commonalities and our connection have been years in the making. Both avid readers, swapping books and giving recommendations, both fairly obsessed with the magical lyrics of Leonard Cohen, and in a constant summer race to see who can get the best tan, Callantine has not only become my dear friend, but a father figure in so many ways. From fixing wobbly tables at my coffee shop to allowing me to use his home while he was in Mexico, I will forever be grateful to the mountain’s most colorful of dads. Thank you, Jim.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97669c_91c5c231cefd48ea9a0d13053dc85ab4~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpeg)
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Gary Randall
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Laura Peterson
Pat Zimmer
for The Mountain Times
![By Justin Andress, The Mountain Times Beginning June 5, the expansive lot behind Dick Hannah Ford will host the fourth annual Sandy Invitational Chainsaw Competition and Forest Festival. The yearly celebration draws attention to the work being done at Trajectory, a Sandy-based nonprofit that works to bridge the cultural divide between forestry conservation and the logging industry. And what better way to get the public excited about that mission than with a celebration of the wild world of forestry? What began as a humble celebration of chainsaw sculpture has, in a short period of time, become a highly anticipated family outing as organizers have upped the ante with new attractions each year. First came the chainsaw carvers (more than 20 can be seen plying their trade at this year’s event). Then timber sports were added. In 2026, there are more sports on display than ever, and cash prizes are being awarded to winners in every category. This year, there’s also an auction so some lucky attendees can walk away with their own chainsaw sculpture. Still, this year’s SICC Forest Fest has another trick up its sleeve. They’re going for a Guinness World Record. What’s more, they’re going for the first Guinness World Record in a new category established this year. Stumptown Carving owner and professional chainsaw artist Johnny Kimball will attempt to sculpt with his chainsaw for 24 hours straight. He’ll get a few minutes to take a load off each hour, but that’s it. “They were kind enough to give me a break of four minutes,” says Kimball. “I earn four minutes every hour that I carve.” No naps. No sit-down meals. Just a man and his chainsaw, carving for an entire day and night. Kimball isn’t seeking fame for this feat of human endurance, and he’s not looking for a payout. Well, at least not for himself. The carver hopes the 24-hour carving marathon will draw people to the SICC Forest Festival and Trajectory’s homegrown cause. “This year, instead of competing, I thought I could do the most good [with this record]. They could use this for publicity and then garner some interest for Trajectory.” If you’re not familiar with Johnny Kimball or Stumptown Carving, then you’ve undoubtedly seen the artist’s work. His carvings can be found in prominent locations throughout the Hoodland area. The California artist began submitting his work to galleries at the age of thirteen. He spent time working as an artist for Lucky Brand Jeans. He worked as an in-house artist at an ad agency. Then, ten years ago, he moved to Mt. Hood in search of a slower pace. He quickly found himself enamored of the culture and inspiration of the place and fell into one of the area’s most honored (and challenging) artistic expressions: chainsaw carving. “I didn't even know that chainsaw carving was an option. I grew up on the beach in California,” says Kimball. Kimball has received steady work since his shop opened four years ago. To date, he’s carved eagles, dragons, and more than a few bears. Each work shows a care and attention to detail that’s exploded Kimball’s regional reputation. For his Guinness World Record attempt, Kimball will carve a 10-foot gnome planting saplings. The enormous sculpture is a direct comment on the festival and the educational work being done at Trajectory. “I wanted something that would relate to forest conservation and would tie in to the festival. And, I like gnomes.” Even though Kimball will stay up all night carving, he’s still scheduled more work for himself once the Guinness World Record people go home. Once his chainsaw-carving requirements are met, the artist will continue his all-nighter long enough to add fine details and sealant to the sculpture in time for it to be sold at auction on Sunday. All the proceeds for the piece (and the auction at large) will go to fund Trajectory’s educational efforts. “Those profits will go toward Trajectory’s scholarship program. They give scholarships to kids and provide training and apprenticeships and all that for careers in forest-related industries.” For his part, Kimball remains humble in the face of this unprecedented record attempt. “My thought was that doing it would bring people to the event. And, you know, it'd be good to do some good for the kids. So if that goes well and I'm able to get a few extra scholarships this year, then I'm happy to do it.” Kimball has also started a GoFundMe to raise scholarship funds prior to the event. Want to keep tabs on Kimball’s Guinness World Record Attempt? The whole thing will be livestreamed on the Dirt N’ Diesel YouTube page.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97669c_f07893806c0f4bdb94b017d51ba7f78b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Justin Andress
Gary Randall
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Profile
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Profile
![By Justin Andress, The Mountain Times It’s early May, and Austin Ernesti and Wayne Stone are standing in an expansive field behind Dick Hannah Ford, a Sandy landmark that runs the length of two city blocks. The two men are talking choker races, single- and double-buck, and log burling. As the fourth annual Sandy International Chainsaw Competition and Forest Fest approaches, Stone and Ernesti are two of the myriad people charged with making sure that the event’s timber sports come together. That means planning the layout, raising funds, and ensuring that everyone — even non-athletes — gets their shot at some timber-sport fun. For the uninitiated, the SICC Forest Fest is a three-day event scheduled for June 5, 6, and 7. The yearly festival draws prominent wood carvers and timber athletes from across the region to compete in an array of events both creative and physical. It’s an extension of Ernesti’s nonprofit, Trajectory, an organization that works to improve awareness of woodland conservation, logging, and the need for collaboration between the two. As the logging industry dwindles and climate concerns rise, it’s a mission of critical importance. It’s also good, family fun. The June 5 start date may be fast approaching, but the experts have the situation well in hand. While most people know the SICC Forest Fest for the extraordinary chainsaw sculptures it produces each year, event founder and organizer Ernesti is devoted to expanding the offerings each and every year. This year, SICC Forest Fest is putting extra emphasis on timber sports. These acts of skill, precision, and derring-do sprang from the daily work of the loggers who helped settle the Pacific Northwest. “We’re trying to grow every year and make [SICC] a full forestry-incorporated event. So last year was the first year we had spur poles in the ground and were running them. And this is the first year where we’re actually advertising as a big timber sports event.” SICC Forest Fest certainly has enough timber sports planned to be worth the drive, whether you’re competing or watching. The best all-around logger will take home $500, while individual category winners will be awarded $200. Popular sports like axe throwing will be represented at the event alongside other timber sports staples. Spur pole climbing sees competitors race to the top of a limbless pole using minimal equipment. Single- and double-buck saw races find loggers working solo or in a two-person team to cut through a tree trunk using one of logging’s most iconic manual tools. For the log burling event, the SICC team will carve a small pond out of the ground, flood it with water, and watch as competitors put their balance to the test. Ernesti and Stone are also working on setting up an obstacle pole. “It's a pole on a bit of an angle,” explains Stone. “And you walk up with a power saw, but the pole's shaking, and you gotta have good balance. Then you cut the end off, and then you race back off. When you're falling and bucking timber, you do that. You walk out a log, and it might be 15 feet off the ground. Usually, it's a bigger log where you're not gonna fall off.” “In the city, it’s nice to think, oh, you cut down a tree. Okay, it’s done,” adds Ernesti. “But up there, they gotta worry about … where everything's going to lay at the end. So, if a tree comes down in the wrong spot, you have to walk up and lop off the end because you don't want the next piece to come down and launch something into kingdom come.” There’s sure to be plenty of spectacle when the timber sports competition kicks off at the SICC Forest Fest. As with every expansion of the SICC Forest Fest, though, Ernesti is keenly interested in using these events as a learning opportunity for every attendee. Four years in, he remains pleasantly surprised at the reaction timber sports get from the community, especially children. “When I take some of this stuff to kids' schools, they love it,” he says. “It's like it comes from a different realm for them. This is their heritage, and it's a good way to get them reinvested in it again.” Stone nods, adding, “Logging actually built this town. Logging and saw milling. I mean, hardly anybody knows that anymore, but the roots go deep.” June 5–7, the community will get its chance to taste the timber when the SICC Forest Fest returns to Sandy.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97669c_54041a53eb81457292e164070d940d40~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Justin Andress
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Welches Art Students
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Blake Miller
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Dr. Robert Kelly, D.M.D.
Dentist, McKenzie Dental
Steve Wilent
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Press Release
Andrea O'Neil
Ty Walker
Staff, The Mountain Times
Pat Erdenberger
Hoodland Community Planning Organization
Douglas Lyon MD
Lion Milt Fox
For The Mountain Times
Malika Cox
Jeff Helfrich
Cassie Kanable
Welches PTCO
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Creanna Gallegos
Dr. Robert Kelly, D.M.D.
Dentist, McKenzie Dental
Dr. Melanie Brown
Chiropractic Physician, Mountain Life Clinic
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Orchid Health
For The Mountain Times
Dennis G. Welches
Jeff Helfrich
Pat Erdenberger
Hoodland Community Planning Organization
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Lion Milt Fox
For The Mountain Times
Steve Wilent
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Gary Randall
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
![By Justin Andress, Mountain Times There’s a little shakeup happening at Mt. Hood Village, a Welches-based community that sits on Highway 26. Longtime employee Brandi Ray has been promoted to Administrative Assistant, and that’s nothing but good news for the mountain community. Mt. Hood Village is a pivotal spot on Mt. Hood, whether you realize it or not. Not only is it home to a core group of tenants, the Village sees a wide array of short-term visitors, too. “Traveling nurses, you know, people in the medical field that work little gigs here and there,” says Ray. “[There are also a] lot of full time families that are traveling. They come and they're here for four months, and then they go on to the next park, and, you know, so I feel like it's a wide mix here.” That eclectic mix is ideal for Ray, who thrives on working with the community around her. “I really am an empathetic person,” says Ray. “It's hard for me to just ignore somebody's need. I really want to jump in and help what I can.” Though she wasn’t expecting to get interviewed today — oops — she’s still happy to sit down and chat about her new position and her growing role in the community. Eight years ago, Ray didn’t anticipate finding a community when she moved to the mountain from Portland. As is the case with so many mountain residents, she soon found herself ensorcelled by the area. “I was like, oh, we'll just live up there for a year,” says Ray. “But I just fell in love with the area, and the people. I really do enjoy the people here.” For the last seven years, visitors to Mt. Hood Village’s store likely bumped into Brandi Ray as she worked behind the counter. The Village Store is the daily hub for the Mt. Hood Village; it’s the spot where every resident or visitor eventually spends a few minutes, either spinning the small DVD rental rack or browsing the thoughtfully-selected goods on offer. The people behind the counter at the store do equal duty as cashier, tour guide, and welcoming committee. That work suited Ray. She loved the aspects of the job that had her interacting with members of her community on a daily basis. At first, she was wary when entering her new role. She was worried her interaction with the public would fall by the wayside. “I thought it would be less people-y,” she laughs. “But it’s not.” Her new role requires Ray to lean on her strength as a communicator as she helps coordinate day-to-day operations at the facility. She can be frequently seen walking the grounds with prospective tenants as the primary leasing coordinator on the property, and she’s always available (during work hours) to help residents solve whatever problems come their way. “I try to make those connections with the people and offer whatever assistance I can,” she says. As an admin, Ray remains keenly focused on helping improve the experience at Mt. Hood Village. “We have a recycling enclosure that tends to be a little overwhelmed by people throwing incorrect recycling items in. So, we partnered up with Clackamas County to put new signage around the park and additional recycling bins for the residents who live here.” Primarily, though, the Welches resident sees herself as an advocate for the community at Mt. Hood Village. “I think it's nice,” she says. “Because I do live [in the area]. So, when things directly affect our community, people can't say to me, ‘Well, you don't know what it's like.’ Well, no, I do know what it's like because I live here.” That close connection to the area is the fuel that propels Ray each day on the job. “I really think that communication is key, and people often just need to be heard, to be listened to,” says Ray. “Sometimes you don't even have to solve the problem, though we try. You just have to listen to them.”](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c6852_05bd5fc6979a4f729fb897129fcd892b~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpeg)
Justin Andress
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
![By Pat Zimmer, for The Mountain Times Mary Larrabee and her dog Kody in an agility competition. Registration is now open for HWC’s 22nd annual Golf Tournament and benefit Thursday, June 25, at the Oregon Resort. Last year’s event attracted 112 golfers and raised $26,500. Register by June 15 and for $100, grab your spot, gather your team, and get ready to tee off for a great cause. Proceeds from the Tournament go to HWC’s Scholarship and Community Giving funds. You or your business can also be a Golf Tournament sponsor, at levels from Individual ($100) to Diamond ($2500). Sponsors are listed in the Tournament materials and get many other promotional perks. Register to be a sponsor now on the HWC website. Current Diamond sponsors are member-owned business ACRE [All County Real Estate], owned by Adriane Bovero, and Allay Consulting, owner Kim Anzarut. Gold level sponsors to date are Luna and Craft; Advantage Mortgage; the Karen and Ed Bassett Fund; Welches Smoke, Vape, and Gifts Shop; and Sandy Decor. HWC giving and volunteer activities This year HWC doubled its Community Fund budget to support neighbors. To date, the Fund has supported 16 families and 33 individuals and distributed $7,784 for needs such as housing payments, utilities, and medical costs. There’s still time to order flower baskets. Order by May 22 on the HWC website and pick up May 30 in the fire department parking lot. And watch for HWC members on Salmon River Road April 14, where we’ll be doing our semi-annual road clean-up. Member Feature: Mary Larrabee Mary Larrabee’s 40-year career spanned Fortune 500 companies in the high-tech industry, teaching kindergarten, and helping run a dog training company. She’s lived overseas and in many parts of the United States. She raised four children. Today, she’s happy to be retired and living by the Salmon River. “I wanted to live in a quieter, more remote place,” she said. “I’ve lived in plenty of busy places.” Her daughter lives in Oregon, and when Mary came upon the small, neat, park home last January, she said, “I couldn’t believe it. It was right on the river. I thought, ‘I can have this?’” Now she loves her walking circuit in Wildwood and her time for herself. And her three dogs, Kiah, Kip, and Kody. For years, Mary had been entering and winning agility competitions with her dogs, qualifying twice for nationals in AKC competitions. It was when she got Kody, though, a purebred border collie, that she fell in love with sheepherding. She’s working up to entering Kody in a local herding competition for the first time this summer. Sheepherding is a fine-tuned art for dog and handler, Mary said. Your dog must be impeccably trained, and dog and handler must have the proper credentials. At some herding competitions, “sheep are literally brought off the range. They’ve never been corralled; they’ve never seen a dog. Those sheep are wild. That’s why the dogs have to be so good.” When Mary got settled here in Hoodland, it didn’t take her long to find the Hoodland Women’s Club. She is drawn to HWC’s mission of giving back to the community. “I’ve worked for everything I have in my life, and I’ve worked very hard, but I also know I’ve been lucky and blessed.” Through HWC’s many efforts, Mary can help spread more blessings around. Become a member and join us in giving back May’s HWC meeting is set for May 11 at the Rendezvous Grill. The meeting will feature a speaker on inclusion. If you’re not a member yet, join for $25 on our website and join us in May or at the annual HWC celebration and installation of Directors at Timberline Lodge June 8.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c6852_e68564d3d8b840f1abdf88282df389c6~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpeg)
Pat Zimmer
for The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Bradford Bixby
Columnist, The Mountain Times
![By Justin Andress, Mountain Times Paranormal activity is part and parcel of life on the mountain. Several spots on the mountain have a reputation for otherworldly happenings. Some have even earned an international reputation for their spooky vibes. However, few people think about the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort when they conjure up the area’s most active haunted spots. For most, the resort is the place where you stop to grab a drink or celebrate an occasion with a good meal. Locals know it for the luxurious spa or the well-maintained golf course. According to some resort employees, however, spirits seem to love the place, too. From unseen partiers to phantom phone calls to a few sightings, Mt. Hood Oregon Resort has plenty of ghost stories for those willing to look. “When I was doing security,” one former security guard explained, “I’d walk through and hear audible footsteps upstairs, but there wasn’t anybody up there. Mallard’s was pretty notorious for that. A bunch of bartenders refuse to close by themselves or say they won’t work past a certain time frame because, in one of the times that they did close … they would hear things or see certain lighting that kind of freaked them out.” In fact, one reliable source says that the entire east side of the resort sees occasional unexplained events. Last year, a guest was moved after complaining about noisy upstairs neighbors. She was the sole person booked in her building. A few years before that, a news crew left the hotel in the middle of the night after members of the four-person team spotted a mysterious figure walking around their room. According to staff, sightings and interactions tend to occur most frequently when occupancy is at its lowest. On one occasion, an evening in the fall of 2019, a staffer recalls, “One room kept calling the front desk. I would pick up the phone and it kind of sounded like you were listening to an empty room. It’s a weird noise. It’s not a dead line, and it’s not static. It just sounds like someone picked up the hook and left it on the counter, and you can kind of hear the room.” As the calls poured in, the staff began to worry that a guest had injured themselves or had a medical emergency and couldn’t call out for help. An employee rushed to the room, only to find it empty. After confirming the disturbance wasn’t being caused by a prankster employee, anxiety set in. “So, then, I think, okay, someone broke into the room and this could be a bad guy or a burglar or whatever. I don’t know. So I swing the door open ... there’s no lights on, there’s nothing. So I turn on my flashlight, flip over my radio, hold it by the antenna so I can hit someone if I need to. I check the bathroom; there’s no one in there. I check the closet, I look at the back door, and the back door is dead-bolted from the inside. … so there’s probably nobody in the room. “So, then I think, okay, there could be someone under the bed, so I get down on my hands and knees and I flip up the bed skirt and shine my light, and there’s no one there,” he laughs as he recalls his own nerves. “Thankfully. The worst part was lifting up the bed skirt.” A quick check of the phones confirmed everything worked, but the disturbances weren’t finished for the evening. “I go back up to the front desk,” he says. “And then the housekeeper [working the building I just came back from] was at the front desk with the new front desk lady, and I go up and they look kind of ashen, and I’m like, hey, yeah, the room’s fine. There’s no one in there. I don’t know what’s going on. “They asked, ‘You checked the room?’ I was like, ‘Yeah.’ They’re like, ‘The entire time that you were gone, up until you walked in, that room was still calling the front desk.’” Those are just a sample of the ghost stories on offer at the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort. While they’re not quick to advertise their haunted happenings, most of the staff will readily confirm that the resort seems to coexist with some kind of paranormal presence. The next time you’re having a late-night drink at Mallards or you’re staying in one of the resort’s east-side rooms, keep your eyes (and ears) open for an encounter from the beyond.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c6852_38c53531d4494b0a9f2b4275bbd033cd~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.png)
Justin Andress
Ty Walker
Staff, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
![By Amber Ford, The Mountain Times Since Eleanor has been exceptionally patient with our exploration of different genres of late, I humored her and jumped back into historical fiction with our latest literary adventure. Unique in its backstory, plot, and character development, Kate Quinn’s “The Alice Network” is a tale of heroes, villains, war crimes, historically accurate events, and, of course, love. With a time frame jumping between World War I to post World War II, readers can not only experience what it was like living in war-torn Europe, but what it was like for a specific group of women risking it all for the sake of humanity and their country, a group of female spies operating via the British government known as “The Alice Network.” The novel jumps between two female characters, present during both world wars. We are introduced to Charlie St. Clair, an American socialite, who is looking tirelessly for her French cousin Rose Fournier, who hasn’t been seen since Germany invaded France during World War II. Intertwined into her chaotic search is Eve Gardiner, a retired spy of The Alice Network who, as we learn throughout the novel, has her own secretive and dangerous past. No stranger to historical fiction novels, both Eleanor and I did enjoy this novel with some minor critiques. World War I and World War II historical fiction novels are a dime a dozen. From Anthony Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See” to Kristen Hannah’s “The Nightingale” (Eleanor’s personal favorite), it’s hard to keep regenerating storylines that don’t “cross the streams” in terms of content and plot. There is undoubtedly always a soldier who promises to come back and doesn’t, a Nazi soldier with a change of heart, a downed ship or plane with no survivors, and, Eleanor’s least favorite, war-torn lovers, reunited years after the wars have ended, almost always with a love child in tow. And although this novel did have a few of those consistent themes, “The Alice Network’s” use of historically accurate female spies was definitely a twist most historical fiction fans [Eleanor included] seek. Like the many other gifted historical fiction authors, Quinn did her research when it came to female spies and the powerful roles they played during both world wars. Many characters living within “The Alice Network” have roots planted in historically accurate events. “The Alice Network’s” World War I character and female spy, Lili, is based on the real life heroism of Louise de Bettignies, a French woman who oversaw a spy network of nearly 100 people and was nicknamed “Queen of Spies” by British intelligence. The tactics and missions of the female spies in the novel also showed historical accuracy and merit. Quinn outlines the detailed and rigorous training each spy character in the novel endured before entering the battlefield. The novel echoed the difficulties of European female spies, who were trained at designated secret locations, learning how to pass information on to the Allies in Nazi occupied territories. Although “The Alice Network” was not a top five historical fiction novel for Eleanor, it was one of the most historically accurate fiction novels we’ve read in some time. The events that took place post World War II did seem to drag with an inability to connect to the characters. But the World War I storyline, characters, and adrenaline-driven, page-turning moments were definitely worth the read. As with any and all books reviewed from The Mountain Times to The New York Times, don’t take our word for it: go ahead and take the adventure for yourself!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c6852_b7ef8ae677cf410ea6821730002ba796~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Dr. Melanie Brown
Chiropractic Physician, Mountain Life Clinic
Brit Allen
Staff, The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Jeff Helfrich
Carianne Stearns
Executive Director, Hoodland Senior Center
Christen Prudence
![By Justin Andress, The Mountain Times For decades, the Wy’East Artisans Guild has supported local “art, artists, and artisans” throughout the greater Mt. Hood area. Residents know the nonprofit for their stirring public art or their regular art classes, but perhaps their largest impact comes from nurturing the skills and showcasing the talent of some of the area’s most respected artists. The Mountain Times sat down with Communications Chair Becky Hawley to discuss the nonprofit’s history and legacy, its upcoming public reception, and its goals for the future. “The original Guild was formed to sell the work of its members,” says Hawley. That modest pursuit quickly blossomed into full-fledged community outreach as the Wy’East Artisans Guild (WAG) gained momentum and members. In 2008, the collective doubled down on their community fellowship when they reformed WAG as a 501(c)(3). Classification as a nonprofit opened innumerable avenues to work alongside their community. Not only can they apply for federal grants, but Guild donors can get tax deductions for donating their hard-earned money. Donating to a collective like WAG is a smart investment in your community, too. Funding the arts is proven to boost the local economy. According to Americans for the Arts, “In 2022, nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences generated $151.7 billion in economic activity. The impact of this economic activity is far reaching, supporting 2.6 million jobs, generating $29.1 billion in tax revenue, and providing $101 billion in personal income to residents.” Of course, that’s just a statistic. The real-world impact of those donations is evident to anyone who passes through Sandy and the surrounding areas. As Hawley recounts the Wy’East Artisans Guild’s triumphs, it’s impossible not to be impressed. “WAG created a gallery wall in the Sandy Actors Theatre, where we have art shows in conjunction with four to five plays per season. Artists may sell, or just show, artwork. Our art adds flavor to the lobby,” says Hawley. When members of the Guild underwent chemo, the Guild started Solace in Silk, a project that saw the artists “hand-dye hundreds of silk scarves to support [the cancer patients] in their journey. We also had members crochet and knit Happy Hats & Cozy Caps.” Working through the Sandy Arts Commission, several WAG members “used our networking knowledge to restore two murals in Sandy: the Pioneer Mural on the side of ACE Hardware and the Historical Logging Mural on City Hall. Guild members and community volunteers cleaned, repaired, and repainted [these two murals from the 1990s].” WAG’s public art efforts didn’t stop at restoration. They resolved to add their own mark to the city. In 2020, they got their chance when Hawley spearheaded “Better Together,” a 120-foot-long mural that sits opposite Centennial Plaza in the heart of the city. “I designed and painted it,” says Hawley, “with help from community volunteers. People say they walk by and see things they had not noticed before.” As the organization has developed, their sights have turned to the next generation. Last summer, WAG worked in conjunction with the Sandy Historical Museum to begin art classes for grade school kids. Hawley says, “In the first class, the children each designed something for me to add to the mural. I also had several students come and paint along. It was a wonderful project and experience for everyone. Thanks to a grant from the Clackamas County Cultural Coalition, the museum can now offer free classes.” Interested in participating? You can sign up through the Sandy Historical Museum’s website. “The children’s classes are especially gratifying to me, and to other volunteers,” says Hawley. “We enjoy passing along our knowledge and artistic passion.” Even with so much on the Guild’s plate, individual members still find time to follow their individual artistic pursuits. That talent is currently on display at the Sandy Library, where WAG’s annual art show will run until June 8. On April 21, you can even stop by the Library at 6 p.m. for a public reception, where Guild artists will speak about the art presented. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get in touch with the region’s most passionate artists. After a vibrant history promoting artists and supporting their patrons, the Wy’East Artisans Guild is at a pivotal moment in its history. Even with decades of community service in their rearview mirror, Hawley has growing concerns about the Guild’s future. “Most of our members are retired, some can’t drive at night, and our meetings are not as well attended as they once were. Are we going to be a Senior group and make accommodations, or are we going to find another, more creative solution?” You can get in on the discussion by joining the Wy’East Art Guild for its monthly Guild Gatherings at AntFarm Cafe on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. between September and May. https://aep6.americansforthearts.org/](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c6852_cb245598fb4f43e6845d2680ce6644d0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpg)
Justin Andress
Cassie Kanable
Welches PTCO
Steve Wilent
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Dr. Robert Kelly, D.M.D.
Dentist, McKenzie Dental
Justin Andress
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Blake Miller
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Staff
The Mountain Times
Orchid Health
For The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
![By Amber Ford, The Mountain Times They say it takes a village to assure the overall well-being of a community, and when it comes to providing for those who cannot provide for themselves, the Welches Laundromat is doing their part and then some. Located off of Welches Road behind the library, the Welches Laundromat has been a huge resource to community members and to those passing through or vacationing. Owner and Mt. Hood Villages resident Heather Kelner sees her role in the community as a means of giving back by way of her business. “Free Laundry was a vision that God gave me not long after I bought the mat,” she said. “I was cleaning late one night and the idea just popped into my head. Maybe more accurately, it flooded into my heart. I wanted the laundromat to be a safe place where people felt cared about,” Kelner added. With almost three years of business ownership under her belt, Kelner’s laundromat has not only been a continued success in the community, but has also helped her understand the values that tie her religion and community together. “I just want to give all of the credit for this to God. I am so thankful that He cares about the details of our lives and wants to be a part of the ins and outs of our days,” Kelner said. “He has put this amazing team of people in my life to make His vision a reality. Who knew He would heal my heart through a laundromat,” she added. With a dozen washing machines and dryers, including six brand new machines, The Welches Laundromat has become a key part of The Mt. Hood Villages. With many full-time rental homes in the area lacking washers and dryers, and campers needing facilities while vacationing, the Welches Laundromat is a valuable part of keeping the community clean. “My next big goal is to purchase an even bigger washer in the next year or so,” Kelner said. “Our community deserves great equipment,” she added. Kelner’s faith and dedication to her community has inspired the free laundry events at the Welches Laundromat, and her partnership with Clackamas County’s LoveOne nonprofit organization has propelled the event into an ongoing community outreach program. Their mission of providing clean clothing, shower facilities, meals, and personal care resources, LoveOne’s goal is to showcase the self-respect all neighbors deserve, regardless of income. “They [LoveOne] are equipped with social workers and community outreach workers that are there to help,” Kelner said. “They not only bring fanny packs full of quarters for the machines, they also bring lots of free hygiene items, socks, flashlights, tents and sleeping bags, tarps, Narcan, and anything else they think people might need or appreciate,” Kelner added. While clean laundry is at the forefront of the free laundry events at the Welches Laundromat, other services and community fellowship are also provided. From free meals to neighborly congress, Kelner and her crew of volunteers take each free laundry event to the next charitable level. “I make lunch for everyone and we just hang out and talk and visit and eat and do laundry,” Kelner said. “I have met so many terrific people in our community. As much as we are trying to bless others, I always feel like I am the one who is most blessed by these events,” she added. Although Kelner and LoveOne are at the core of the free laundry events at the Welches Laundromat, other local businesses and community members volunteer their time and resources. “The Rendezvous Bar and Grill catered one event with soup and sandwiches, and Mountain Life Clinic was there last week giving free 10 minute chair massages. A generous community member named Ryll came a couple of times and gave free haircuts,” Kelner said. “We welcome any local individuals or businesses to get involved in any way they like,” Kelner added. Free laundry and lunch are available at the Welches Laundromat every first and third Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Laundromat is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information on how to get involved or participate in The Welches Laundromat’s free laundry events visit their Facebook page [Welches Laundromat] or email welcheslaundromat@gmail.com.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c6852_47ca955772cb4d549e92a13d6ce421b1~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpeg)
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Lion Milt Fox
For The Mountain Times
Pat Zimmer
for The Mountain Times
Bradford Bixby
Columnist, The Mountain Times
Ty Walker
Staff, The Mountain Times
Pat Erdenberger
Hoodland Community Planning Organization
![By Justin Andress, The Mountain Times It’s been a roller coaster of a decade on the mountain. We’ve seen historic wildfires, a massive influx of attention (and tourists), and we’ve all endured a pandemic. Throughout the tumult, Mt. Hood Resort General Manager Chris Spinner has worked tirelessly to distinguish himself and his service at the Mt. Hood landmark. To some degree, Spinner has lived the American Dream. While he now sits atop the ladder as General Manager, he first began working at the Mt. Hood Resort as a housekeeper. “At the time, I was just looking for seasonal work for the summer,” says Spinner. That need to earn some cash quickly gave way to a genuine love for the industry. “Hospitality and customer service came very naturally to me. I transferred to the front desk a few months after being hired and found my passion in front desk operations.” Spinner demonstrated such an aptitude for the work that he was promoted to Front Desk Manager by the end of his first year. “I think I was most proud when I was promoted to my first management position as the Front Desk Manager. It was a sign of my hard work paying off in a big way. That was one of my favorite jobs and I look back at those times very fondly,” says Spinner. A few years into his time at the Resort, Spinner experienced perhaps the toughest times in his professional life when COVID struck and shut down the resort for three full months. “When we first closed, we announced it to staff and started layoffs. The layoffs were very emotionally difficult. I was one of the few people that stayed on with some select managers and our maintenance team. Everyone who stayed on ended up working double shifts for the most part. I would work many 16–20 hour shifts, answering the phones and managing the desk during the day, and then doing security overnight. “We had people camp in our parking lots, lots of crime activity, attempted break-ins, and enough ghost activity to keep us on our toes.” You read that right. Spinner recalls several instances during the pandemic that remain unexplained. “I would be working at the desk at night and hear footsteps upstairs and doors closing in other rooms when I was the only one in the building. One thing I remember vividly: I would have to check the Mallards building and lock it up each night (while being alone on property), and I would turn off this light upstairs in the old office. You can see this light is on from the parking lot through the outside window. I would leave and go back to my other tasks. “When I would patrol that area again a few hours later, the light would be on again. After turning it off a few times and then seeing it on again, I decided I would stay away from up there at night.” Though COVID brought its share of troubles, Spinner is thrilled with the way that the Resort has bounced back. “I tell my staff, ‘Change is inevitable, but growth is optional.’ Over the past few years, we have been choosing growth, and I think it has paid off.” For Spinner, his role as General Manager is about more than ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations. It’s about preserving a legacy. “For over 100 years there has been a campground, hotel, or resort serving guests on this property, offering what we call ‘authentic Oregon hospitality.’ The main thing we offer is a place for people to stay, rest, relax, and recover. The Resort has [also] supplied thousands of jobs over the years and has been a key staple in our local economy. I think it is important for it to continue to do just that.” As he begins another decade at the helm of the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, Spinner remains grateful for the experience he’s earned and the team he’s built. “I could not be prouder of my staff than I am right now. I would describe them as resilient, hardworking, dedicated, caring, community-oriented, and hospitable. I think we are set up well to face any challenges that come our way.” Speaking with Spinner, it’s abundantly clear that he cares deeply about his position and its place on the mountain. He’s approaching his next decade with hope, an eye on the horizon, and an abiding appreciation of what came before. “I look forward to seeing this Resort continue to grow into something special,” Spinner concludes. “It will change over time and I can't say what it will look like, but I know our focus on growth will continue for the positive and I am thankful to be a part of that history.”](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c6852_871bee1d83f348a59b7feb2f626f1d5e~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpeg)
Justin Andress
Justin Andress
![By Amber Ford, The Mountain Times In an effort to continue to force Eleanor a little more out of her comfort zone (our girl is truly dedicated to her detective novels, particularly those with a female villain), we have been exploring new genres with storylines we’d normally avoid. So when we found Australian author Daniel O’Malley and his “whodunnit” science fiction books, we knew this would be the best way to dip our toes into the world of the weird and unimaginable. O’Malley’s “The Rook” Series is what would happen if Ian Fleming’s James Bond decided to date, marry and then procreate with Stephen King’s horror novel, “Carrie.” A genre unique in its own right, O’Malley took our favorite parts of espionage, superpower, and secret government agencies into all five of the books in his Rook series. Beginning with his breakthrough novel, “The Rook,” O’Malley uncovers a secret British government agency, dating back centuries, housing agents from all walks of life: varying socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels, and family histories. All had one common denominator: every member of “The Rookery” possessed a power that could either save or destroy humanity. In O’Malley’s vision, there are not just generic supernatural forces working to save the world, but several who mean harm, in extremely specific and gruesome ways. Much like their counterparts who work for the greater good, O’Malley’s villains share similarly unique abilities, and in the eyes of all Rook agents, “you’re either with us or against us.” From a being who has four separate bodies that share one brain, to humans who can create fire and electricity with a touch of their fingers, Rook agents and villains are a force to be reckoned with, for the good and the bad. Unlike other detective series, O’Malley’s novels share the same theme, with The Rook as the hub of the plot, giving each book a different main character with a different catastrophe to prevent. Far-fetched and complex, the novels pit an average human against a secret government entity with superhuman agents. The fiction goes beyond any novel I’ve seen since Tolkien. O’Malley’s ability to merge characters and abilities is almost seamless. In no way do Eleanor and myself place O’Malley’s writing style and creative genius on the same axis as Tolkien (although O’Malley did attend Ohio State University, and, as an Ohio native, any reason to celebrate the rust belt is good enough for me), but his creation of worlds, realms, and realities requires serious talent. Although all the novels in the series build excitement through detective work, supernatural battle scenes, and the extensive training each Rook agent must face, it is the character development and the various emotional challenges each character faces that really drive the stories into true page turners. Throughout the novels, each character’s supernatural abilities are examined and explained in detail. O’Malley reveals that while some characters are born shooting flames out of their mouths, the unique identities and abilities of others are not discovered until later in life. This causes turmoil for the character, as they must shed one life to inhabit another. O’Malley’s ability to showcase the uniqueness of each character, highlighting the skill and the cost of that skill, is his superpower. O’Malley’s series of supernatural good guys and bad guys is definitely the perfect distraction for any real life blahs. While Eleanor and I find distraction in any literature a blessing, discovering works that keep you saying “one more page before lights-out” is definitely a bonus. Each literary adventure Eleanor and I take together is special in its own way: reading the most recent O’Malley novel “Royal Gambit” meant a little extra to us. We began this series with “The Rook” a few years back, when this literary gang was known as “The Literary Adventures of Amber and Eleanor-and-Allen, the Cats.” We completed it down a soldier, as we lost our Allen this last November. So as we closed the final chapter in this series, we could finally say “we finished it, Al!” Eleanor [Allen] and I highly recommend reading O’Malley’s Rook series for fun, for adventure, and for the small possibility that you, too, may be harboring some unexamined superpower.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c6852_41a14530b4c4419ebf3e8ede2c8e1f71~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_139,h_139,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Image-empty-state.jpeg)
Amber Ford
Staff, The Mountain Times
Marie Kennedy
Staff, The Mountain Times
Megan Hutchinson
For The Mountain Times