“All the days of the past year have prepared you for the new tomorrow” —Benjamin Franklin
MOUNTAIN VENUES with MENUS Local Drinks and Dining Guide See Inside
Postal Customer Prst Std U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 39 Welches, OR.
“The Most Read Paper on the Mountain”
Happy Holidays from
The Mountain Times! Vol. XXXII, No. 12 n A Free, Independent Newspaper n www.mountaintimesoregon.com
DECEMBER 2024
n SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF MOUNT HOOD n Alder Creek, Brightwood, Cherryville, Firwood, Government Camp, Marmot, Mountain Air Park, Rhododendron, Sandy, Welches, Wemme, Wildwood and Zigzag
Photos With Santa Event Set for Dec. 8
Hoodland Fire Seeks New Station By Marie Kennedy The Mountain Times
Hoodland Fire Department (HFD) opened its doors to the public last Saturday, not for an emergency, but to showcase a different kind of crisis: the increasing need for a new fire station. The open house introduced the department’s proposal for a larger, safer facility, giving the community a chance to engage in the planning process and share their design preferences for a new fire station. The land that the station sits on currently is too narrow to allow for further expansion, so the proposal includes moving and building a new facility. The proposed new fire station would be located at the former site of the Dorman Center on Salmon River Road, across from Welches Middle School. This property is owned by Clackamas County, which has agreed to convey it to the fire department for free if the project is funded and considered feasible. The property alone is valued between $800,000 and $1,000,000. Having undergone several remodels over the years, the existing fire station See HOODLAND FIRE Page 4
Santa and Mrs. Claus with their helpers from last year’s event.
By Kelly Romo The Mountain Times
The Hoodland Women’s Club invites families to kick off the holiday season at the second annual Photos with Santa event on Sunday, December 8th, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Alpine Events. This festive community gathering brings families together
for holiday photos with Santa, holiday treats like cocoa and cookies and a chance to enjoy seasonal music in a beautifully decorated setting — all while supporting a worthy cause. Created as a fundraiser for the Hoodland Women’s Club Community Giving Fund, Photos with Santa aims to help
Hoodland residents facing financial challenges. The fund also allows Hoodland Women’s Club to host essential events, such as the community CPR training held this past June. Guests can support local families by contributing to the event’s toy drive. Donations of unwrapped toys and non-perishable
food items go to the Hoodland Community Holiday Baskets, spreading joy to even more neighbors. Acclaimed photographer Gary Randall, who captured memories at last year’s event, is set to return. Families can enjoy one photo with Santa for $15 or opt for a three-pose See SANTA Page 4
Community Celebrates New Medical Clinic With Ribbon Cutting Ceremony By Marie Kennedy The Mountain Times
Orchid Health’s team commemorates their new location.
The Orchid Health Hoodland Clinic recently opened, restoring access to healthcare for residents following the closure of the Adventist clinic last spring. When the Adventist clinic closed, many longtime residents were left without a local care provider. Salmon River Professional Center owners John and Caryn Tilton actively sought a replacement. Their efforts proved successful when, in May, Orchid Health announced plans
to open a new clinic in the location. The community celebrated the clinic’s grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on November 7th. Attendees toured the new facility, met the staff, and learned about the services offered. Orchid Health has earned a 5-star Patient-Centered Primary Care Home (PCPCH) rating. “We’re not just a clinic in the community,” said Jennifer Harris, Director of Operations. “It’s important to us that we’re a part of the community.” See ORCHID HEALTH Page 13
ADDITIONAL AD ON PAGE 5