The Sandy Source

Volume 42 | November 2023

Get Ready for Winterfest 2023!

It's almost that time again!


After a wonderful winterfest season last year, we hope you'll join us for even more festive fun during Winterfest 2023! The magic starts on December 1st with a Tree Lighting Ceremony in Centennial Plaza at 6:00 p.m. After the ceremony, our Holiday Lights in Meinig Park will be on display from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. every day of December. The five December events in Meinig Park are also back for another year: Pet Pictures with the Grinch, Evening with the Snow Queen, Estampa Y Santa, Shortest Day Walkway, and the Holiday Happy Hour! Exact dates will be announced soon.


NEW THIS YEAR: Along with our events at Meinig Park, we will be hosting three additional Winterfest programs for you to enjoy! 


  • Merry Makeover Challenge: Businesses in Sandy's downtown area have the opportunity to sign up to participate in a holiday decoration challenge! Sandy residents will be able to vote on which holiday display should win top prize. (If you're an interested business owner and we haven't talked with you yet, please give us a call today at 503-668-5569).


  • Stocking Stroll: On December 15th, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. those same businesses will host a festive stocking stroll! Families can take their holiday stockings to all participating locations and fill them with gifts and treats. 


  • Jolly Trolley: Don't miss the Jolly Trolley ride trough town on December 18th from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Families can ride a specially-decorated trolley through some of Sandys most elaborately decorated neighborhoods.

Become a Winterfest Sponsor!

This year we are asking individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to sponsor some of our decorations to help us level up the lights, lasers, and other features we're planning for Meinig Park. We have many decoration options to choose from, ranging from candy canes, penguins, presents and more! 


Sponsorships range from $100 to $300. Please take a look at our flyer for some examples. If you choose to participate, a sponsorship sign will be displayed next to the decoration you select to sponsor. If you are interested or have any questions, please give us a call at (503) 668-5569.

Mt Storm is Back!

The Mt Storm Basketball League is returning this winter and registration is OPEN!


The 3rd/4th and 5th/6th grade leagues aim to provide recreational and entry level basketball skills for boys and girls in a fun way. Games will begin in January and run through mid-March. 


The registration deadline is November 13th, however we will accept late registrations with an additional $10 late fee after that date. It costs $125 per child to register. 


To learn more about the Mt Storm basketball program and to register online, please check out our website here.



If you have questions or concerns please reach out to Sandy Parks and Recreation at (503) 668-5569.

Veteran Pinning Ceremony

The Sandy Senior and Community Center, in partnership with Mt. Hood Hospice, will host a community Veteran Pinning Ceremony for all generations on Tuesday, Nov 7th at 2:00 p.m.


A Veteran Pinning Ceremony is a way for all of us to honor veterans and thank them for their service to our country. During the ceremony each veteran will stand and be acknowledged as they receive a pin and star (from a retired flag) in recognition of the military branch and war they served in. Please call the center at 503-668-5569 with questions, and if you are a veteran please RSVP.


Thank you to our wonderful event sponsors: Bill's Automotive Repair Inc., Mt Hood Senior Living, Michael O'Leary of LegalShield, Oregon Trail Chiropractic, Avamere at Sandy, and Embold Credit Union!

Get Text Notifications from the Library!

We are excited to announce that you can now get text notifications directly from the Sandy and Hoodland Libraries! 


What do I need to get text notifications?

A LINCC library card, a mobile phone, and the ability to send text messages to an email address.


How do I sign up?

Contact your library in person, by phone, or by email.


If I sign up for texts, will I still get emails, phone calls, or snail mail?

Unfortunately, our software only supports one notification type at a time. If you change to text, you will no longer receive other notification types.



When will you text me?

Between 9:00am and 6:00pm, but only when activity on your account triggers a message.


Common Commands

  • "HELP" - Request detailed descriptions of commands
  • "ALL" - Renew all items due in the next few days
  • "HL" - View a list of hold items ready for pickup
  • "MYBOOKS" - View a list of all items checked out or on hold
  • "IOWEU" - View a list of fines


Click here to see even more text commends!

Help Keep Our Storm Drains Clear This Fall

Did you know that blowing leaves into the street can clog storm drains and cause localized flooding? 


Blowing leaves from your property into the right-of-way can cause big problems for the stormwater system. And there's a financial factor at play too: the City of Sandy pays an hourly rate for our contracted street sweeping service. If we can limit unnecessary debris in the streets, it will reduce necessary service time and save taxpayer money.


So this fall, make sure to bag it, don't blow it!

Click-it to Ride!

Announcing a new one-stop trip planning website: RideClackamas.org! Now you’re just one click away from finding your next ride to anywhere in Clackamas County. Easy trip planning, real-time bus tracking, and connections with popular rail services are all available, right from your phone!


RideClackamas.org is a new, interactive website launched in June of 2023 to make riding the bus — as well as using other types of public transportation — easier for people who live and work in Clackamas County.


The mobile-responsive website features a trip-planner that connects all six Clackamas County bus systems (including SAM of course!) as well as other regional transit services; real-time bus tracking; and an interactive map with route schedules and photos of bus stop locations to help riders easily navigate the various transit systems.


Detailed system information including fares, routes, connection points, and alerts for Canby Area Transit (CAT), Clackamas Connects Shuttle (ClackCo), Mt. Hood Express (MHX), Sandy Area Metro (SAM), South Clackamas Transportation District (SCTD), and South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) can all be found, along with connection information to other regional transit services such as TriMet. It's a user-friendly, one-stop website for bus riders looking to get to any corner of Clackamas County across the various transit systems.  


Sponsored by Clackamas County, and funded through the Oregon Department of Transportation, the project was guided by input from leaders at each of the bus systems as well as numerous community members.


Check it out today!

Ride the Wave of Benefits with SAM!

Public transit systems like SAM are key resources for communities, and with good reason. Beyond the convenience of getting from point A to point B, transit offers a wide range of benefits that improve quality of life for everyone!


1. Economic Advantages

  • Cost Savings: Using public transit is much more economical than owning and maintaining a vehicle.
  • Job Creation: Investment in public transit systems lead to job creation in construction, operation and maintenance, stimulating the local economy.
  • Generating Income for Local Business: The availability of public transportation also attracts homeowners and tourists, who, in turn, frequent local businesses.
  • Accessibility: Public transit provides affordable mobility options for those who may not be able to afford a car or drive.


2. Environmental Benefits

  • Reduced Emissions: Public transit produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile than an individual car, reducing pollution.
  • Less Congestion: Fewer cars on the road means less traffic congestion and reduced idling, leading to reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
  • Energy Efficiency: Public transit is often more energy-efficient per passenger mile compared to private vehicles. This is even more so when electric or hybrid buses are utilized.


3. Positive Community Impacts

  • Reduced Traffic Accidents: Reducing the number of vehicles on the road leads to fewer accidents and safer streets.
  • Increased Social Interaction: Public transit encourages social interaction, fostering a sense of community among passengers and reducing feelings of isolation.


4. Health and Well-Being

  • Physical Activity: Walking to and from transit stops can provide passengers with essential physical activity, contributing to healthier lifestyles.
  • Stress Reduction: Public transit allows you to leave the driving to someone else.
  • Air Quality: Reducing emissions benefits public health by reducing respiratory problems and related illnesses.


5.  Time Efficiency

  • Productivity: Commuting via public transit allows passengers to use travel time productively, whether for work, leisure or personal development.


6. Sustainability and Future-Proofing

  • Long-Term Sustainability: Investing in public transit is a step toward sustainable planning and transportation solutions for the future. Stay tuned for an upcoming exciting new announcement from SAM!
  • Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels: As public transit systems transition to even cleaner energy sources, the City becomes less dependent on fossil fuels.


Learn more about the benefits of transit here!

City Leadership Opportunities

The City of Sandy has several fantastic opportunities to get involved and make a difference as a leader in our community!  


If you live in Sandy and are interested in serving on any of the City boards / committees below, please don't hesitate to apply before the deadline on November 10th!


(Make sure to review the membership requirements listed for each board).






Current Land Use Applications


Here's the latest in our comprehensive database of active land use applications, complete with links to public meetings, documents, plans, maps, explanatory videos, staff reports, and other materials! You'll also find links to opportunities to take part in the decision-making process by submitting your own testimony.


Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Be a part of the process! Members of the public are always welcome at meetings of the City Council and other boards and commissions.


Get meeting details and learn more about the variety of ways you can participate by visiting our online meeting portal.


Mark Your Calendars:

  • City Council Meeting: November 6th
  • Urban Renewal Board Meeting: November 6th
  • Parks and Trails Advisory Board Meeting: November 8th
  • Economic Development Advisory Board: November 8th
  • SandyNet Advisory Board Meeting: November 16th
  • City Council Meeting: November 20th
Stay Connected - Sign Up for City of Sandy Newsletters
City of Sandy, Oregon | Visit the City Website
Facebook  Youtube