Seniors

Spring 2025 Newsletter "Diversity, Harmony, Community - Together 'WE' can make a difference!”

Read it now!

Spring 2025 Newsletter Inside This Issue: Slider the Otter returning to Nadaka Wilkes East Land Use Update Youth Activities in Gresham Quirky Shops in East County Advocating for Maternal Health

Download your copy here. (includes active web links)

¡Descargue nuestro boletín en español aquí!. (incluye enlaces web activos)

Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area 3 times per year, timed to correspond with our general meetings.

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By Jane Foreman
Chair, Steering Council
UpRiver Village

A new Village is forming in the Gresham-Troutdale area to provide older adults with a way to comfortably age-in-place. UpRiver Village isn't a real estate development or a retirement community. Instead, members live in their own homes; they can be homeowners, renters, in shared housing, or living with relatives. UpRIver Village will join Villages NW, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization with 13 existing and developing Villages in NW Oregon and SW Washington. The Village Movement embraces the strategy of bringing services to people rather than moving people to services. UpRiver Village will serve seniors within the city limits of Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village.

Steering Council Chair Jane Foreman was a volunteer with and member of Eastside Village for two years before moving to Gresham in December where there is no Village. So she set about creating one with support from Villages NW mentors. A core group of committed volunteers meets monthly to work on organizational development. When the development phase is complete, UpRiver Village will open for membership and start scheduling services.

UpRiver Village is building the foundation to provide practical services to members as well as opportunities for socializing. Volunteers will provide services such as transportation to appointments and shopping, occasional assistance with housekeeping and yard work, and help with technology. Social and recreational activities will include opportunities to meet like-minded seniors for coffees, book groups, potlucks, group walks, and more. Please see information on upcoming events at www.uprivervillage.org. Most events are open to the public at this time.

UpRiver Village currently needs volunteers to help with organizational development, infrastructure creation, communication, outreach and marketing. After UpRiver Village opens, volunteers will be needed for direct services to senior members.

The first Village in the United States - Beacon Hill Village - started in Boston 25 years ago. UpRiver Village will also be a member of the national Village to Village Network that includes more than 500 existing and developing Villages nationwide.

For more information about UpRiver Village visit www.uprivervillage.org, email contact@uprivervillage.org, or call (503)-489-8813.

S-t-r-e-t-c-h  your grocery dollar!

Enjoy the freshest produce, flowers, and plant starts direct from the garden.

Healthy and fresh
Farmer’s markets are a fantastic source for fresh, seasonal, locally produced foods and artisan products. Plus, you'll find great activities and fun for the whole family. Come experience the markets. Meet the vendors. Meet local cooks. Enjoy the freshest produce and products. Make your own statement in support of local food.

Portland's Eastside Farmer's Markets

• Gresham Saturday Market (mid Apr-Sep)
• Gresham Farmers Market (May-Oct)
• Hollywood Farmers' Market (year-round)
• Lents International Farmers' Market (Jun-Nov)
• Montavilla Farmers Market (year-round)
• Portland Farmers Market (year-round)
• Other Area Farmers Markets

(Complete details on these area markets below)

You'll find plenty of root vegetables, braising greens and lettuces, and of course plant starts for your own vegetable garden.

Bring your reusable shopping bags and plenty of small bills, though some of the markets will trade you a credit/debit card for wooden tokens that all vendors accept, which can be easier to handle than cash. We've indicated those markets that accept EBT or other food assistant coupons.

Summer 2021 Newsletter "Diversity, Harmony, Community - Together 'WE' can make a difference!”

Read it now!

Summer 2021 Newsletter Inside This Issue: Trackers, Never Lose Stuff Again New Special Needs Adult Program Wilkes East Land-Use Update Saving 267 Trees; Shaull Woods Meet City Councilor Dina DiNucci

Download your copy here. (includes active web links)

Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area 3 times per year, timed to correspond with our general meetings.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

Let's Go Walking! When: Thu, Dec 03, 2020 10AM-2PM Where: Meet at trailhead (Call or email for directions)

Hiking during COVID-19 pandemic

• All participants must wear facial masks and practice social distancing during Senior Healthy Hikers group events.
• We will no longer carpool to the trailhead. Participants are responsible for their own transportation.
• Driving directions (with the beginning point at Gresham City Hall) will be distributed at least three days prior to the event.

Hike details

• Distance: 3.8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 125 feet
• Trail conditions: Rocky in places
• Round-trip travel: Approximately 40 miles

The Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a complex of wetlands, meadows, and forest, mainly fed by springs, at the base of the Willamette River bluff in Sellwood. Waterfowl can be seen at any time of the year, and beaver and nutria are active in the backwaters. We will hike the Bluff Trail, which can be muddy in spots, but includes railed boardwalks and viewing platforms. The wooded trail goes through cottonwoods, Oregon ash, and cedars, and skirts algae-covered ponds. Above the trail is a large wildlife mural on the walls of the Portland Memorial Mausoleum. At over 40,000 square feet, it is the largest hand-painted mural in the country.

We will walk for a short distance on the Springwater Trail, which gets lots of bike traffic, so we will need to go single-file and stay to the far right side of the trail to avoid bikers.

Plan to bring water and snacks. No group lunch is planned for this hike, but there are a variety of small restaurants on 13th Avenue, if anyone is interested in having lunch before returning to Gresham. Wear good hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Hiking poles are optional. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

For more information about this hike please contact Mary Ann Buck at 971-344-1946 or buckbanter@gmail.com.

Senior Healthy Hikers asks that participants be 50 or older. A couple wishing to hike is welcome if one member of the couple is 50 or better.

Pets are not permitted on our hikes or walks.

Senior Healthy Hikers member guidelines

Let's Go Walking! When: Wed, Dec 16, 2020 10AM-2PM Where: Meet at trailhead (Call or email for directions)

Hiking during COVID-19 pandemic

• All participants must wear facial masks and practice social distancing during Senior Healthy Hikers group events.
• We will no longer carpool to the trailhead. Participants are responsible for their own transportation.
• Driving directions (with the beginning point at Gresham City Hall) will be distributed at least three days prior to the event.

Hike details

• Distance: 3.8 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 50 feet
• Trail conditions: Paved pathway, boardwalk, and some bark dust trail
• Round-trip travel: Approximately 62 miles

This out-and-back trek will take us along a mostly paved pathway that follows the Rock Creek Trail from Orchard Park to Orenco Woods Nature Park. At Orenco, we will explore some of the local history, as well as the stickwork sculptures created by artist Patrick Dougherty. There are seven of these 18-foot-tall sculptures . each with its own personality. After our hike we will have lunch on our own. There are several restaurants in the area, a list of which will be added to the driving directions.

Bring water and snacks for the trail. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Doug and Dana Duval at 907-230-6543 or danakol24@aol.com.

Senior Healthy Hikers asks that participants be 50 or older. A couple wishing to hike is welcome if one member of the couple is 50 or better.

Pets are not permitted on our hikes or walks.

Senior Healthy Hikers member guidelines

Let's Go Walking! When: Tue, Dec 29, 2020 10AM-2PM Where: Meet at trailhead Get Map!

Hiking during COVID-19 pandemic

• All participants must wear facial masks and practice social distancing during Senior Healthy Hikers group events.
• We will no longer carpool to the trailhead. Participants are responsible for their own transportation.
• Driving directions (with the beginning point at Gresham City Hall) will be distributed at least three days prior to the event.

Hike details

• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: Minimal
• Trail conditions: Packed dirt through forest, some gravel
• Round-trip travel: Approximately 16 miles

Since weather at the end of December is unpredictable and possibly icy, this out-and-back hike is appropriate because it.s level, but is still a nice walk through a forest on both sides of the trail. If the weather cooperates, we can take a side trail that has some ups and downs. As always, keep the weather in mind and bring poles, as needed. Sturdy hiking boots and, of course, appropriate clothing are also highly recommended. You will probably want to bring water and snacks.

Unfortunately, there are no restroom facilities at the trailhead and since Boring is a very small town, there are no fast food restaurants or supermarkets, so please take appropriate measures prior to your arrival.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, lunch will have to be decided closer to the hike date. We.ll get something out with the driving directions a few days prior to the hike. A local restaurant in Boring called Red Apple serves American and Chinese food. They have booths for four, and as of mid-October, every other one is closed off for safety. They open at 11:00 for lunch, so those who want to go will be the first ones in and can choose appropriate seating. Those not wanting to eat indoors can choose to have a brown-bag tailgate at the trail.

For more information about this hike please contact Steve and Micky Solcz at 503-367-8483 or steve.solcz@gmail.com.

Senior Healthy Hikers asks that participants be 50 or older. A couple wishing to hike is welcome if one member of the couple is 50 or better.

Pets are not permitted on our hikes or walks.

Senior Healthy Hikers member guidelines

Let's Go Walking! When: Thu, Aug 06, 2020 10AM-5PM- Where: Meet at trailhead Get Map!

Hiking during COVID-19 pandemic

• All participants must wear facial masks and practice social distancing during Senior Healthy Hikers group events.
• We will no longer carpool to the trailhead. Participants are responsible for their own transportation.
• Driving directions (with the beginning point at Gresham City Hall) will be distributed at least three days prior to the event.

Hike details

• Distance: About 5 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
• Trail conditions: Forest trail with rocks and roots
• Round-trip travel: 84 miles

This hike on Bald Mountain is on the west side of Mt. Hood, up Lolo Pass Road. The trailhead starts at 3,900-foot elevation and climbs to 5,100-foot elevation. There are stunning views of Mt. Hood, wildflower meadows, and alpine streams. For the first half mile, the trail is rocky with exposed roots, climbing through old growth forest before joining the Timberline Trail. Soon there are views of the Muddy Fork of the Sandy River valley 2,000 feet below and wildflower meadows, with Mt. Hood just across the valley. We will have lunch at one of the view points. The trail passes through forested sections and open meadows.

Bring a lunch, snacks, and water. Hiking shoes/boots required. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also recommended. A National Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. The road for the last 1.5 miles to the trailhead is gravel, with some potholes, but four-wheel drive is not necessary.

For more information about this hike please contact Linda Matthews at 503-766-9443 or lindaraematthews@gmail.com.

Senior Healthy Hikers asks that participants be 50 or older. A couple wishing to hike is welcome if one member of the couple is 50 or better.

Pets are not permitted on our hikes or walks.

Senior Healthy Hikers member guidelines

Let's Go Walking! When: Wed, Aug 19, 2020 10AM-5PM Where: Meet at trailhead Get Map!

Hiking during COVID-19 pandemic

• All participants must wear facial masks and practice social distancing during Senior Healthy Hikers group events.
• We will no longer carpool to the trailhead. Participants are responsible for their own transportation.
• Driving directions (with the beginning point at Gresham City Hall) will be distributed at least three days prior to the event.

Hike details

• Distance: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy/moderate
• Elevation gain: 74 feet, with a few steep hills
• Trail conditions: Packed dirt, some gravel, pavement
• Round-trip travel: 54 miles
• Parking fee: $3 per car

This hike begins at the Ponderosa I-3 parking area at Lewisville Park in Battleground, Wash. We will begin by crossing a bridge onto a river trail that leads to the park entrance and a grassy area to check out the unique birdhouses. Then we will follow a 12- to 15-foot-wide forest trail with rolling hills and many types of edible berries (be careful not to touch any stinging nettle plants). After 1½ miles, we will descend steeply from the forest trail to a paved path that parallels the Lewis River. Along the way, look for pygmy rabbits and Steller's Jays/ We will gather near the river to eat our lunch (restrooms available). Following lunch we will continue on a natural trail to see the rapids and then head back to our cars.

Bring water, snacks, and a sack lunch. Sturdy hiking shoes/boots are needed.

For more information about this hike please contact Ruth Cummings at 503-926-4840 or cummings0465@frontier.com or Ron Janzen at 503-333-8419.

Senior Healthy Hikers asks that participants be 50 or older. A couple wishing to hike is welcome if one member of the couple is 50 or better.

Pets are not permitted on our hikes or walks.

Senior Healthy Hikers member guidelines

Let's Go Walking! When: Tue, Aug 25, 2020 10AM-5PM Where: Meet at trailhead Get Map!

Hiking during COVID-19 pandemic

• All participants must wear facial masks and practice social distancing during Senior Healthy Hikers group events.
• We will no longer carpool to the trailhead. Participants are responsible for their own transportation.
• Driving directions (with the beginning point at Gresham City Hall) will be distributed at least three days prior to the event.

Hike details

• Distance: 2.9 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 565 feet
• Trail conditions: Packed dirt, rocky in places
• Round-trip travel: Approximately 125 miles

This hike starts at the 6,525-foot level, so there could be snow patches on the trail. The hike climbs through subalpine meadows to the scarp of Lookout Mountain, then follows the shoulder of the peak through stunted forests until reaching open slopes, rock pinnacles, and expansive views of Mount Hood. At the summit, on a clear day, views of Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters are visible to the east, and Mt. Rainier to the north.

Plan to bring water and snacks, along with a sack lunch to enjoy at the summit. Wear good hiking shoes and sunscreen or a hat for the sun, since there is no tree cover at the top. Hiking poles could be helpful, but not necessary.

For more information about this hike please contact Mary Ann Buck at 971-344-1946 or buckbanter@gmail.com.

Senior Healthy Hikers asks that participants be 50 or older. A couple wishing to hike is welcome if one member of the couple is 50 or better.

Pets are not permitted on our hikes or walks.

Senior Healthy Hikers member guidelines