New Norms in Hiring

Jonathan Crane
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New Norms in Hiring

It wasn’t very long ago when we were all tripping over help-wanted signs at nearly every business.  I had never seen anything like it.  There were signing bonuses, lowered criteria for hiring, loosening of disqualification over things like recreational drug use, criminal background issues and an overall lowering of hiring standards just to get the warm bodies companies needed to operate and push out product.  

Most people see the very low 3.7% unemployment rate as a very healthy sign that our economy is doing well.  Allow me to confuse the issue.  Unemployment numbers are a somewhat crude measure that doesn’t always reflect what might be true on a local level.  I believe the unemployment levels in our area are higher than the national average. Why?

For starters, there is quite a disparity between unemployment figures for larger companies versus smaller ones.  According to Ron Hetrick, a Labor Economist and former Bureau of Labor Statistics geek I met at an American Staffing Association convention, smaller companies (less than 50 employees) make up 27% of our employment population, but account for nearly 50% of our job openings.  If you expand that out and include businesses of 250 or less, that accounts for nearly 75% of job openings.  The larger companies (over 1000) account for only 11% of job openings.  Therefore, the perception of there being little to no job openings because unemployment figures are so low is not terribly accurate for most job seekers, particularly in our area where most businesses fit into the small to medium-sized business.  They are looking!

We are in what I would call a tweener job market.  It’s kind of a sweet spot.  There are many local jobs open, particularly in the light industrial category, but more applicants are seeking to fill them than just a year or two ago driving up competition to land these jobs.  Clients are becoming more selective in their hiring, and it’s been tough getting candidates to understand the new norm.  

I’ve been saying for a while that candidates need to bring their A-Game to interviews, but you’d be amazed at the feedback we receive about a candidate showing up late, for example, or forgetting their resume, or dressing inappropriately, or seeming to not care about getting the job, as that might have been acceptable in 2022, but is not at all the case now.  Again, this is predominantly for the light industrial positions we mainly fill and does not appear to be the case with the admin or professional jobs we fill.  

Wages are high, as is demand for talent, so the employee is in a fantastic position to find a great job.  However, the employers also have seen more applicants, despite what the 3.7% unemployment figure might indicate.  This combination can be a very healthy mix for employers and employees alike.  It sure beats tripping over help-wanted signs. 

The City of Tualatin names Charlie Rollins as 2023 Employee of the Year

Barbara Sherman
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The City of Tualatin names Charlie Rollins as 2023 Employee of the Year

Charlie Rollins was the man of the hour at the Feb. 12 Tualatin City Council meeting when City Manager Sherilyn Lombos announced that he was the 2023 Employee of the Year.

She said that the designation was designed to recognize the work and actions of city employees who bring credit to the city and “improve our ability to deliver excellent service to Tualatin’s customers.”

Besides the honor, the Employee of the Year gets $200, a paid day off and their name and photo on a city plaque. Lombos said that the nomination procedure is really a grassroots effort, with a committee reviewing nominations submitted by city employees and making a recommendation. This year there were 27 nominations for 23 employees from eight departments and 15 different work groups.

“Charlie is very deserving of this honor,” Lombos said. “He is a fleet technician II and has been with the city since 2008… We are so blessed to have Charlie and his expertise on our team.”

Mayor Frank Bubenik recapped Rollins’ history with the city, from his hiring as a fleet tech I to his promotion to fleet tech II in July 2017. “When our maintenance services manager retired in December 2022, Charlie stepped up as the interim manager, holding that responsible position for 10 months, which is a long time to do two jobs,” Bubenik said. “Charlie stuck through it with perseverance, patience and most of all, a great attitude. He never once complained and showed up to give it all every day.”

Bubenik noted that while Rollins is a highly skilled mechanic with more than 30 years experience, “he continues to learn as his field evolves, and he seeks out training opportunities and evolves…”

Bubenik said that Rollins has to do his job correctly and to the best of his ability all the time, “which is valuable, particularly in a role like Charlie’s, where haste or indifference about his work could lead to potentially dour outcomes.”

Bubenik also commended Rollins for not considering any job too small. “He will help a person with any kind of need at hand, whether it is filling a flat tire, helping someone get gas, or vacuuming stale french fries out of a rig,” Bubenik said. “No task is beneath him… he’s always around and available, even if it’s not in his job description.

“Storm or inclement weather, Charlie’s there to fix a broken police rig on a weekend or (respond to an) alarm going off at the library at 3 a.m. Charlie can handle it. Charlie always goes above and beyond without question, and Charlie treats everyone he encounters with respect and kindness…”

Following his reading of the proclamation, Bubenick handed Rollins his Employee of the Year certificate and said, ‘Now it’s your turn.” But Rollins demurred, saying, “I don’t have anything. Thank you.”

But a couple days later, away from the cameras and spotlight, Rollins had plenty to say. He said his job is multi-faceted and includes purchasing replacement vehicles and outfitting them correctly, which can be critical when it comes to police vehicles and utility trucks. “It’s pretty specialized,” he said. “We deal with vendors and need to get products that work well with what we have now.”

Rollins said that he had been working in the private sector before he applied for the Tualatin job. “I live a few miles away,” he said. “It’s a good fit, and I’m very happy.”

Rollins said that he spends about half his time in the office but also is out in the field a lot, whether it might be dealing with a problem with the city’s fuel island or something else. “We also train the end-users so they know how to use their equipment,” he said.

There are five employees in his area, two on the fleet side, two on the facilities side and one in inventory/warehouse plus a manager. “We are all cross-trained to be able to do each other’s jobs,” Rollins said. “We have to be that way because we are a small group.”

Rollins said that outfitting police vehicles was one of the hardest jobs he had to learn, but his department deals with everything from leaf blowers to wood chippers to heavy equipment used to sand and plow streets during snow storms.  And everything always has to be in top condition and ready for the next season.

Rollins is excited to be named Employee of the Year and pointed out that he is the third person in his small group to get the honor. “I am pretty happy about it, and you get a little trophy that you get to keep for a year until you pass it on to the next Employee of the Year,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the day off.”

Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project Seeks Volunteers

Sarah Hatfield
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Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project Seeks Volunteers

The end of Winter is near. But also, bird nesting season is near! Nesting season is the exciting season for Prescott Bluebird Recovery Project (PBRP). PBRP is a non-profit organization of over 50 volunteers dedicated to the recovery, restoration, and enhancement of the Western Bluebird. PBRP relies on volunteers to monitor the nesting activities in our bird boxes throughout the suburban areas near Newberg, Dundee, Scholls, Farmington, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Oregon City and Canby.

PBRP provides these boxes because of the loss of nesting sites for these cavity nesters. Loss of nest sites comes from the loss of naturally occurring cavities due to the reduction of native habitat from urbanization, plus the introduction of competition for sites from non-native (invasive) house sparrows. The Western Bluebird is listed as a “sensitive species” in Oregon by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Monitors are assigned to a route of multiple boxes, which they visit on a weekly basis from early April till the end of August. PBRP provides an experienced leader who will work with the monitor by conducting field training and answering questions throughout the season. Monitors are citizen scientists who collect information on the number of nests, eggs and hatchlings. Data is consolidated and shared with several scientific organizations.

Every year, some of the volunteers retire or relocate, leaving a few routes without monitors. PBRP holds an annual event to refresh current monitors and recruit needed new volunteers.

Several studies published in recent years found seeing and hearing birds improved people’s mental well-being for up to 8 hours. Couple this with the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, and you have a great chance to help out our Western Bluebird population.

So come and check us out! This year, we will host a meeting for anyone interested in volunteering. This meeting will inform you about bluebirds, bluebird boxes and how they are monitored. This Spring meeting will be on Saturday, March 2, from 9:30 am till 11 at the Heritage Center in Tualatin. There will be time after the presentation to visit and ask questions. Parking is free, and so is the meeting.

For more information and to register for this event, please visit prescottbluebird.com.

Celebration of Creativity Returns

Jean Collins
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Celebration of Creativity Returns
Jackie Howard Kraybill – textile arts

The Celebration of Creativity Fine Art Exhibit and Sale is excited to be celebrating 45 years of showcasing emerging and established Pacific Northwest artists.  Come join us in a beautiful array of creative talent displayed in a gallery setting.  The work of over ninety artists will feature paintings, drawings and prints, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fiber art, jewelry and many other mediums. 

Eileen Nolan Kressel – linoleum cut

The show will be held Thursday evening, February 29 through Sunday afternoon, March 3 at Southminster Presbyterian Church at the corner of Hall Blvd. and Denney Rd. in Beaverton.  Admission is free and there is ample free parking.  

Live music will enhance the beauty of the art.  Featured artists are:  Thursday evening – jazz duo, Blackburn & Duthie;  Friday evening – pianist, Dr. Kenn Willson; and Saturday day – pianist, Steven Schaefer.

Alan Higinbotham – ceramics

The Celebration is proud to support local artists as well as art in our schools and community.
  

For more information, please visit celebrationofcreativity.org.

Tualatin Historical Society Hosts 3rd Annual Arbor Day Poetry Contest

Mary Baylor
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Tualatin Historical Society Hosts 3rd Annual Arbor Day Poetry Contest

With April comes the beginning of Spring and National Poetry Month, but more is in store! Tualatin Historical Society is hosting its 3rd Annual Arbor Day Poetry Contest. This is a unique opportunity to submit your poetry and be recognized by your fellow writers. 

These are the requirements. All poems should celebrate the spirit of Arbor Month and must be submitted by March 17th, 2024.  Participants include, but are not restricted to Tualatin residents. Please submit one previously unpublished poem of no more than 200 words. Times New Roman, 12 point font only. No reprints, no previous posts on social media and no simultaneous submissions. There is no submission fee. 

Judges will evaluate poems based on their ability to entertain as well as their technical excellence. This year’s judges are: Loyce Martinazzi, author, playwright, and Historical Society co-founder; Cindy Dyson, local author and host of the Poems by Heart podcast; and Tom Swearingen, Tualatin’s very own “Oregon Cowboy Poet” who is the 2022 and 2019 International Western Music Association Male Poet of the Year.  All submissions are judged anonymously. 

All participants will win a free one year membership to Tualatin Historical Society and all submissions will be recognized by being posted on our web page and permanently placed in our historical archives. 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners will receive special prizes.

Winners will also be invited to read their entries live on April 3rd at the Heritage Center which will also feature Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District discussing how to improve your Backyard Habitat for trees, animals, plants, birds and bees.   Last year’s prize winners included: 1st Place “Trees and the Human Connection” by Shelby Bell; 2nd Place “Growing Green” by M. L. Lyons and 3rd Place “Enduring Presence” by Trish Brisbois.  See all 2023 entrants:  tualatinhistory.org/innews/2023poetrycontest

To submit your poem, please email ask@tualatinhistory.org. Please include your title in the subject line.

Tualatin Petco shares love (and giant check) with Cat Adoption Team

Barbara Sherman
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Tualatin Petco shares love (and giant check) with Cat Adoption Team

A beautiful, long-haired white cat was the center of attention at the Tualatin Petco on Feb. 12 as Rumi (named after the greatest poet of Islam), along with his owner Melanie Howe, was responsible for Cat Adoption Team (CAT) in Sherwood being awarded a $10,000 grant from Petco Love.

Rumi, who loves to run through forests and alongside rivers, was named after the greatest poet of Islam. Courtesty of Melanie Howe

Each year Petco Love, in partnership with BOBS® from Skechers (TM), has invited adopters of pets to share how their pets have changed their lives, with the entries providing the organizations they have adopted from a chance to receive award grants.

Howe, who lives in Portland and adopted Rumi 10 years ago from CAT, had one of just 25 winning entries from among thousands submitted. Howe’s entry described how she and Rumi, who is deaf, have traveled cross-country twice, camped in a yurt and hiked all over the Pacific Northwest, which has been a form of therapy for both of them.

“I realized being deaf made (Rumi) fearless and confident in the forest, and filled him with endless joy,” Melanie said in her entry. “I love watching his playful kitten energy come out as he leaps from rock to rock, tightrope walks logs and flops down on the trail for a dirt bath. He brings giant smiles to anyone we pass on the trail, too! My depression and anxiety melt away when I’m with Rumi on an adventure!”

(To share their joy with others, Melanie posts about Rumi’s adventures on social media at instagram.com/rumi.roams.)

For submitting a winning entry, Howe won a Petco shopping spree and a pair of BOBS® footwear. “This is so exciting,” said Howe, who volunteered for years at CAT. “He’s my adventure cat. I promised him an adventure after this.”

Brandon Follett, the Tualatin Petco store manager, noted that this year the winning grants total $500,000 and go to animal-welfare organizations.

The store has a glass-walled room complete with human-sized furniture, with a kitty from CAT available for adoption always living in-house. “We are CAT’s only outside location with adoptable cats,” Follett said.

Melanie Howe wrote a winning entry about her adventures with her deaf cat Rumi that she adopted from Cat Adoption Team 10 years ago. Barbara Sherman/Tualatin LIfe

Representing CAT were Karen Green, executive director; Heather Miller, development and communications director; Mia Osherow, communications assistant, and Allison Baer, development and grants officer.

The amount of the check was a surprise, and the CAT team clapped their hands when a label was torn off the huge check and the amount of $10,000 was revealed. “Thank you so much,” Green said. “This is so amazing. And thank you for hosting our off-site location.”

Follett replied, “We love having (the cats) here. The staff takes their breaks in there.  And when people bring in donations, they go to CAT.”

Green added, “Stories like these highlight the love and joy that pets bring to our lives. We are grateful to Melanie for sharing her story to help CAT receive this lifesaving investment from Petco Love, which will help us give more cats and people the opportunity to find love.”

In a statement, Petco Love President Susanne Kogut said, “For the past 25 years, Petco Love Stories has spotlighted the incredible effects of pet adoption. With the awarding of 25 grants this year, we’re not just celebrating milestones but also acknowledging the significant roles these pets play in enriching the lives of their adopters.”

Since its inception in 1999, Petco Love Stories has shared more than 25,000 adoption stories and donated an impressive $8 million to animal welfare organizations. For more information, visit petcolove.org.

Cat Adoption Team is the Pacific Northwest’s largest cat-only animal shelter committed to finding a home for every cat it takes in. Since its founding in 1998, CAT has found loving homes for more than 60,000 cats and kittens, and provided thousands of low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and other services to the community. For more information, visit catadoptionteam.org.

Tualatin CIO President’s Report: February 2024

Cathy Holland
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Tualatin CIO President’s Report: February 2024

Your CIOs have been busy. Ibach and Bryom held their annual meetings in February. If you missed your meeting, you can read the agenda and minutes on the CIO website at tualatincio.org.

CIOs support the Tualatin CERT program. Tualatin CERT basic class starts March 5. If you are interested in joining your Community Emergency Response Team, email TualatinCERTRegistrar@gmail.com.

Tualatin has already experienced winter weather. There is still time to prepare for the risks cold weather can bring. Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds. These conditions can create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite and more.

Here are some tips from FEMA to help you stay safe:

Pay attention to watches and warnings.

 A Winter Weather Advisory is issued for snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet that will cause significant inconveniences but is not serious enough to issue a warning. A Winter Storm Watch is issued up to 48 hours before the possibility of a blizzard, snow, freezing rain or sleet that could be more severe and dangerous. Where you live determines the conditions needed to warrant a Winter Storm Watch. A Winter Storm Warning is issued when the potential for hazardous winter weather like heavy snow, freezing rain or sleet is expected soon or may already be happening.

Stock up before the storm. 

Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Also make sure you have flashlights and extra batteries. Only use generators outside and be sure to set them at least 20 feet away from your home’s doors and windows.

Limit your time outside. 

Stay off the roads if possible. Keep your car’s gas tank full and keep an emergency kit that includes a blanket in your car. If you need to go out, wear layers of warm clothing.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. 

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes. If it occurs, go to a warm room as soon as possible. You can soak the affected part in warm water. Do not massage or use a heating pad. Hypothermia, an unusually low body temperature below 95 degrees, is a medical emergency. Warning signs include shivering, exhaustion, slurred speech, confusion and drowsiness. Get the person to a warm room, remove any wet clothing they’re wearing, and warm the center of the body, including the chest, neck, head, and groin, using warm, dry blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets. If you have an electric blanket available, use it to warm the person. Get the person medical attention as soon as possible.

Check on neighbors. 

Consider exchanging contact information including phone, email, and social media, with neighbors to stay in touch during emergencies. Reach out to those who are older or who have a disability, as they may be more vulnerable to winter hazards.

Help get your neighborhood prepared. Tualatin CERT offers in-person neighborhood presentations on personal and neighborhood preparedness. Interested in hosting a presentation? Email Barbara Bracken at TualatinReadyMYN@gmail.com.

Riverpark CIO President, Janine Wilson:
RiverparkCIO@gmail.com

East CIO President, Doug Ulmer:
CIO.east.west@gmail.com

Midwest CIO President, Richard Harrison:
TualatinMidwestCIO@gmail.com

Martinazzi Woods CIO President, Sallie Olson:
MartinazziWoodsCIO@gmail.com

Ibach CIO President, Patricia Parsons:
TualatiniBachCIO@gmail.com

Byrom CIO President, Tim Neary:
ByromCIO@gmail.com

Commercial CIO President, Catherine Holland:
TualatinCommercialCIO@gmail.com

The First Note

Hannah Cashman
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The First Note

There is this feeling when I sit down to write. It is an odd mix of excitement and nerves. It is similar, in my memory, to getting ready for a big performance. While I have performed in a variety of different methods, from dancing in talent shows to public speaking, I particularly recall this exact feeling during piano recitals. I remember sitting down at a grand piano on a small stage. In a dark room, shining with large spotlights so bright it felt like I could not see into the audience. Although, admittedly, it may have just been the tears of pressure forming in my eyes. 

Lined up in a row with my fellow performers, I always wanted to look my best. I wore a slightly uncomfortable formal dress pressed so neatly that I was afraid to move. I would sit through all the performances silently, praying that nobody had prepared the same song, because nothing would be worse than a direct comparison to my nervous playing. 

When it became my turn, I was keenly aware that I did not spend nearly enough time practicing. I would always promise to practice more if only I could make it through this one performance, much like the prayer before you sit down at the dentist… I swear I will floss every day if I do not have any cavities today. Walking up to the piano, I would start to falter, and no matter how much confidence I had in my memory, there was always a brief moment when my hands hovered above the keys and just shook. 

At that exact moment, I would take a breath, close my eyes, and hope I hit the first note correctly. Even the memory has me sweating slightly. Then, I would simply play. 

I only played piano for three or four years. It was simply too much pressure for my little self to take. Yet, I still remember vividly, the first time someone complimented my playing. It was my final performance. I played a piece I had been working on for years and chose to play it from memory. A fellow student came up to me, her mother in tow, and they both, dare I say, gushed over my playing. 

I was overwhelmed with feelings, first shock, then excitement, then a little bit of stress. The shock came from the fact that they did not notice my shaking hands, the slightly off-timing, or the single missed note that rattled in my brain like nails on a chalkboard. The excitement was pure; somebody other than my mother enjoyed my playing! Followed then by stress, and the realization that someone was listening to me play. I had not been playing in an empty room. 

From my elementary years playing the simple piano, this story eerily mirrors my adult years writing this article. I still feel the shock, the excitement, and then the stress every time someone mentions my stories. People are reading what I write (and liking it!) 

To me, it feels like this season in the garden also follows the same flow. The spring is the gardens way of putting on a grand performance. I can tell that the Garden Corner is getting ready to perform, and this time, I get to be in the audience for a change. 

As I quietly sip my coffee, the sun shines down like a bright spotlight. The plants pay no attention to those of us watching. They are getting dressed in their finest leaves, shaking off the dust of winter. New arrivals come rolling in every week, lining up along the tables. Each plant is ready to put on an entirely different show, certain that no other bloom will play the same spring song. 

I cannot tell you if the plants get nervous, or if they wish they had practiced their growing earlier. Although, in my mind, there are a few varieties of plants that could use a little more confidence. This is the season where they are steadying their breath, closing their eyes, and getting ready to grow. 

Some will play beautifully, and we will enjoy their performance. Others will stay cute and small, and we will appreciate their efforts. Others will still make mistakes, and we recommend they try again next year. One thing is for certain: I do know that I will thoroughly enjoy watching as they hover silently in the yard, building a little hum of excitement, all waiting for the one of them who hits that first note: spring is here.

Aging in Place: February 2024

Susan Noack
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Aging in Place: February 2024

I saw a FaceBook post, “Retirement is not for Wimps!” How about “Aging is not for Wimps!?” Either way, it’s true for most of us, I bet. I can personally attest to both and honestly say I was a wimp. I worked for over 50 years, and one day, I stopped. Then, I had to admit I was aging. Both were hard and not easy to navigate. I was a wimp! It took about a year to stand up and shout, “I’m not a wimp.” Then, a new word entered my vocabulary – Ageism. 

The definition of Ageism – this word refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age. I knew my life had meaning and value, at least to me – raising a family, a career, volunteering, wisdom, experiences good and bad, laughter and tears, good health and sometimes not so good, purpose, productivity, contributions, grace. But why didn’t others see that?  

I found out that Ageism is real. So real in fact, I felt sucker punched. I decided to stand up and fight instead of being knocked down. Do not insult me, do not minimalize me, do not disrespect me, do not undervalue me, do not dismiss me. Actually, do not do these things to anyone, any age, not just me. You can acknowledge the graying hair and wrinkles, a slower step, a louder TV, a bit of forgetfulness. It’s called Aging – we are all aging – there is no cure for aging. It happens. Aging isn’t the problem. Ageism is the problem. And to be clear, Ageism is not just a problem for older adults; other age groups can be the target of this prejudice at various times, too. 

Ageism is a hurtful, insulting and uninformed type of discrimination. Older adults are a vital and important part of society. They make countless contributions and represent a meaningful and growing segment of the population. By the year 2030, there will be more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 18. Think about that – 2030 is really not that far away.

How do you combat Ageism?

Are you stuck in your ways? Embrace change and be flexible. This doesn’t mean changing who you are. It means being open to new experiences and new possibilities and that age doesn’t equate to stagnation.

Are you neglecting self-care? We tend to put ourselves last on the self-care list which can lead to a decline in our overall well-being. When you take care of yourself, you are better positioned to take care of others. Your needs are important too, and add years to your life.

Do you communicate your value? Society often equates youth with value, overlooking the wisdom and experience that comes with age. Be your own advocate and showcase your unique strengths and insights. Gracefully share your experiences, knowledge, skills and accomplishments, big and small, and you will help others see the unique contributions you offer.

Are you forgetting to laugh? Laughter is truly the best medicine and keeping our sense of humor can make all the difference as we age. Laughter brings people together, breaks down barriers and fosters connections. So, embrace your silliness, find joy in little things and don’t be afraid to share a hearty laugh. It’s not only good for your soul but also a great way to invite appreciation from those around you. Who doesn’t love being around someone who lightens up their day?

Do you appreciate yourself? When you appreciate yourself, you set the standard for how others should treat and appreciate you. Plus, it boosts your self-esteem, happiness and overall well-being. Treat yourself with kindness and respect because, ultimately, you deserve to be appreciated and that starts with you. 

“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” Betty Friedan

SPRING into fun with the Juanita Pohl Center!

Marilyn Brault-Binaghi
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SPRING into fun with the Juanita Pohl Center!

Come meet new people, make friends, and make healthy behavior changes this spring at the Juanita Pohl Center, Tualatin’s Active Aging Center! The Pohl Center offers a variety of new and inspiring classes for active adults. From puzzling escape rooms to therapy bunnies to fitness and more, there’s something for everyone this spring! Check out some of the new and unique upcoming programs:

Day trips & Hikes:

Hopscotch Art Experience: Don’t just look at art – experience it! Immerse yourself in creativity at this unique interactive art gallery featuring digital projections to traditional medium and beyond.

Friday, March 29 | 11:30am-3:30pm | $40 resident/$50 non-resident

Mindtrix Escape Rooms: A whole new game experience! With the aid of a series of puzzles, locks, and carefully laid clues, work as a team and use your deduction skills to solve the mystery and escape!

Tuesday, April 2 | 9:30am-12pm | $43 resident/$54 non-resident

Old Salmon River Trail (Easy): Kick off the hiking season with this picturesque out-and-back trail paralleling the wild and scenic Salmon River.

Friday, April 26 | 9am-2pm | $37 resident/$47 non-resident

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (Easy): Enjoy a guided tour around this tranquil garden sanctuary with water features, trails, and over 2500 blooming plants.

Tuesday, May 14 | 9:30am-12pm | $19 resident/$24 non-resident

Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler Brunch: All aboard a replica sternwheeler for an impressive cruise on the Columbia River and a catered brunch featuring fresh, local culinary pairings.

Sunday, May 19 | 8:30am-2pm | $115 resident/$144 non-resident

Longevity & Enrichment Programs:

Discover Native Pollinators: Mason Bees 101: Mason bees are non-aggressive and fun to observe. Learn about their fascinating life cycle and receive the materials you need to start a colony in your own backyard!

Friday, March 8 | 2-3pm | $19 resident/$24 non-resident

Beginning Yang Tai Chi: Yang-style tai chi is the most popular worldwide. Learn the foundational movements of this style in an 8-movement set. You will experience the calming, healing power of tai chi and the joy of this lovely art form. 

Monday/Wednesday, March 11-May 22 | 2:15-3:15pm | $121 resident/$151 non-resident

Introduction to Nordic Walking: Join us for a FREE introduction to this enjoyable combination of cardio and strength exercise! No equipment or prior experience necessary.

Friday, May 3 | 8:45-9:45am | FREE

Mental Wellness Fair: Resources for mental health in our area, therapy bunnies, forest bathing and more!

SAVE THE DATE! Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | 10:30am-2:30pm | FREE

Let the Pohl Center make it easy for you to improve your health and have fun doing it! Enjoy good company, make new friends, and try something new with the Juanita Pohl Center, “Where Active Adults Engage!” Space is limited! Register now for in-person wellness programs & day trips online at www.tualatinoregon.gov/recreation or call 503.691.3061 for more information.

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