by Michelle | May 31, 2019 | Move Well
What began as an idea for a fun PE class has turned into a new community recreation asset. Thanks to the efforts of Jamie Dixson, Athletic Director and PE teacher, students at East Elementary and Tillamook Junior High School have a new disc golf course and curriculum added to their PE programming. The new Bohannon Disc Golf Course is also open to the public and hosted its inaugural tournament on May 30th.
Dixson frequently brings in members of the community and outside experts to introduce students to a variety of physical activities as part of the Junior High PE curriculum. Last year two pro disc golfers come to the school to teach a unit on disc golf. Kids of all athletic abilities were able to be successful at the sport and really liked it. Dixson realized they had the space to add a course within the school’s sports complex and got to work raising funds to bring the idea to fruition.
Located at 3906 Alder Lane in Tillamook, the Bohannon Disc Golf Course was built around Bud’s Community Fitness Trail at Tillamook Junior High School, just behind Tillamook Bowling Lanes. Like Bud’s Trail, the disc golf course has been made possible solely through grants and fundraisers. According to Dixson who has led the fundraising efforts, “Bud’s Fitness Trail and the Bohannon Disc Golf Course are works in progress. As donations come in, we are able to add more amenities to the facilities.”
When not in use for school programming, the course is open to the public, free of charge. Community members are encouraged to use the course and should be aware that it is a multi-use facility. Safety and respect for other users is important and may require flexibility of play, such as skipping a basket, depending on how many users are on the course at the same time. People are also reminded they need to respect neighboring property lines and school use. A sign located by the first station, or tee box, outlines the rules of play.
For more information, contact Jamie Dixson at (503 ) 812-8710 or Collin Walker at (503) 380-0484.
Follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook for information about local wellness activities.
by Guest | May 17, 2019 | Move Well
Imagine being able to trek through the forests of the Tillamook Coast with a mushroom foraging expert, hike Bayocean Spit with a local historian, kayak Netarts Bay in search of sand dollar beds, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Port of Garibaldi and learn where (and how) to buy fresh, sustainably-caught seafood. Now imagine that you get to do all this for free.
Welcome to the Explore Nature Series. Now in its fifth season, this popular program offers volunteer-led hikes, walks and paddles through a consortium of North Coast organizations and non-profits. Since 2014, hundreds of people have participated in mushrooming, beach clean ups, fossil hunting, clam digging, bird watching and much more. In fact, last year the Explore Nature Series hosted more than 60 events that brought people out all over Tillamook County to explore the natural world and learn about the work being done to preserve and conserve its natural resources.
The Explore Nature Series is comprised of several nonprofits including The Tillamook Estuaries Partnership; the Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS; Friends of Cape Falcon Marine Reserve; North Coast Land Conservancy; and the Lower Nehalem Community Trust. Each organization hosts its own type of educational events that can be everything from whale watching at Cape Lookout to hunting for predator tracks at Alder Creek Farm or poking around tide pools in Oceanside with sea-life experts. No matter what event you choose to participate in, one thing is for sure: it means getting outside.
“To appreciate all the beauty our county has to offer, you have to get outside,” said Alix Lee, the Community Education and Engagement Coordinator for Tillamook Estuaries Partnership. “It connects you to the area around you. Whether it’s going for a hike in a forest or a walk on the beach, we want people to get outside and experience the beautiful natural area we live in, and be encouraged to enjoy it in a responsible way so it’s here for generations to come.”
Several of the organization that are a part of the Explore Nature Series have also started adding action days along with their educational programs. These action days encourage participants to get involved in a more hands-on way, such as beach clean ups around Netarts, maintaining trails at Oswald West State Park, pulling invasive Scotch Broom on Whalen Island, or helping the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership pot native plants for use in restoration projects around the state.
“We work to sustain this beautiful area through education and stewardship,” said Chrissy Smith, with the Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS, an Explore Nature Series founder. “We think that if we can get you to love it, then when you are living here, visiting here or working here, you will think about the choices you are making and make wise ones to keep this place as beautiful as possible.”
Each event is free and open to the public, however registration is required. A seasonal calendar of events can be found at explorenaturetillamookcoast.com, or follow Explore Nature Tillamook Coast on Facebook to see what is upcoming. Some tours – such as Shop at the Dock, and kayak trips along Netarts Bay, are offered annually but have a limited number of spaces available and fill up quickly.
For more community events and activities, visit the Calendar page on tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook.
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by Michelle | Apr 18, 2019 | Move Well
Tillamook County Wellness partners are helping families spring into summer with local running clubs, disc golf and other fun community programs and events. Here are some things for families to consider when planning ways to keep kids active and engaged as the school year comes to an end.
Research shows being active outdoors improves kids’ physical, social and emotional development and even their ability to learn. While free play, riding bikes, running and jumping are important for developing motor skills, these activities also help form the neural networks kids use for learning. “Basically, moving helps wire the brain,” says Michelle Jenck, local fitness and movement specialist.
According to Jenck, encouraging kids to be active in as many ways as possible, from the time they are born, is critical for brain development. Just like kids, babies need to have free time to move in unique ways. “Early reflexes have to be integrated for sensory processing and other key systems of the brain to develop properly,” states Jenck. “Babies need ‘tummy time’ on the floor and should be allowed to roll and crawl to support brain development. As children grow, movement continues to impact how well the brain processes information. When these systems are not working well, it can affect kids’ behavior, impulse control and emotional regulation, all traits that are foundational for developing health relationships and self-esteem,” Jenck continued.
The largest study on this topic came from the State of California. They compared state-wide physical fitness and academic scores of all children in 5th, 7th and 9th grades and found a consistent and significant correlation between the two areas. “In other words, the more active kids are, the better they perform in school,” states Jenck.
There are several local programs and events for families looking to help kids become more active. A new Ultimook Youth Track Club has formed. Kids 1st-8th grade meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:00 pm at Bud’s Fitness Trail located at Tillamook Junior High. Coaches will work with kids to develop aerobic training, teamwork, character and leadership skills. Participants will have the opportunity to register and compete as part of the Ultimook Youth Track Club at fun runs and track meets. For more information, visit ultimooktrackclub.oregoncoastalflowers.com.
Also at the Tillamook Junior High School, is the new Bohannon Disc Golf Course, which is fully accessible to the public at no charge. Disc golf is played like traditional golf but with discs, similar to frisbees, rather than balls and clubs. Participants will need to bring their own discs.
Mark your calendars for May 4th! The City of Tillamook is hosting the Waterfront Walk to celebrate the grand opening of the new paved path connecting Goodspeed Park with the Hoquarton Trail. Several community partners will be on hand with interactive games and activities, raffle prizes and more. The event begins at 11 am.
Then, from 1-3 pm on May 4th, families can participate in Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA, located at 610 Stillwell Avenue in Tillamook. Early Learning Hub partners are teaming up to offer fun, activity stations for kids of all ages. The event is free and open to the public.
The YMCA, NCRD and OSU Extension all offer a variety of youth programs and services over the spring and summer months. Call or visit their websites for more information. Follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook or visit our website tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org for more local wellness information and updates.
by Michelle | Apr 4, 2019 | Move Well
Step It Up! Tillamook County
April is “Move More” month and the first Wednesday in April is National Walking Day. To celebrate, we are teaming up to offer Step It Up! Wellness Walking Groups. Being active and having positive social support are keys to lifelong health. Research shows people are more successful in making lasting health behavior changes when they feel supported and find enjoyment in new activities. Joining a walking group is a great way to get healthy while having fun with friends, old & new.
Walking groups that formed last spring are welcoming new walkers in south, central and north Tillamook county. Groups are informal, volunteer-led and drop-ins are welcome. Comfortable shoes, layers and rain gear are recommended as groups walk outdoors, rain or shine. Groups walk approximately ½ hour, arrive a few minutes before the start time since groups begin walking immediately. Walking groups meet at the following locations/times:
South County – starts April 1
Kiawanda Community Center, Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10 am. For more information contact Julie, 503-863-9307, Juliekrohn@gmail.com or Cathy, cathy@griffinnetwork.com
Central County – starts April 1
PRI Building/OSU Extension Office, Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10 am. Contact Corinna, 503-801-0789, matsell83@charter.net for more information.
Tillamook Junior High, Saturday, 9 am. Contact David & Doris Mast, 503-801-2944 or 503-812-6789, davidmast48@gmail.com or dmast0526@gmail.com for more information.
North County – starts April 16
Neah-Kah-Nie High School Track, Tuesdays, 8 am. Contact Patty, 503-355-8040 or Lena, mamalinabest@gmail.com for more information.
If you can’t attend an existing walking group, you can form your own. Ask co-workers or other walking partners to join you and set a regular schedule for days and times you plan to walk. Lunch breaks are a great time to get in a quick 20 or 30-minute walk. Consider walking together as a family after evening meals. Whether you walk, hike or run, alone or with others, you’ll feel refreshed and energized being active outdoors.
Visit our website tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org and follow us on Facebook at “Tillamook County Wellness” for more health tips and information.
by Michelle | Mar 14, 2019 | Move Well
Making Time for Family and Fitness Pays Off in a Big Way
Juggling priorities of work, family life and kids’ activities make it hard for people to have time for their own health needs. For Trina Vogel, the motivation to take care of herself was high and she had support from her family but her ability to sustain those efforts yo-yoed as other life commitments got in the way. Now that she is working in the healthcare field, she sees first-hand how important it is to be proactive and make preventive wellness a priority. “I don’t want to have a huge list of medications or have to use a walker when I get older,” said Trina. “I want to be active with my grandson and I want to feel good about myself,” she explained.
Since October 2018, Vogel has lost 26 pounds. She attributes her success to eating healthier and just eating less. She also found an exercise program that fits her work schedule and family needs. In fact, she has combined the two — doing at-home workouts in the evenings with her daughter and her daughter’s friend who lives with them. “The girls really like the workouts. They are short and we are seeing the results which keeps us motivated,” she commented.
When asked what specific changes she has made and the lessons she has learned along the way, Vogel states, “The biggest thing with my eating changes has been figuring out which changes I will stick with, not just to lose weight but that will help me be healthier. I always keep cut up veggies on hand and we have cut out junk food. Even so, I think it is important to give ourselves grace to have a cheat meal or treat every once in a while.”
Vogel also realized how important it was to have a routine in order to sustain her exercise practice. She struggled to maintain her workout regimen during the summer months when the family’s schedule changed from day to day. Morning workouts did not always happen as planned. By switching to evenings and working out together, the routine has been easier to maintain.
Another factor in her success is that she joined an on-line workout community called “Street Parking.” The subscription-based fitness app encourages people to make the time and space (in the garage, for example) for exercise by offering pre-planned, short workouts which can be done with minimal equipment. The workout options come with modifications for different fitness abilities and allow people to progress to more challenging workouts as they get in better shape. For Vogel, app-based challenges created added motivation and encouragement. “My body has changed a lot since I started doing the workouts, so I know it works,” she added.
In addition to seeing positive physical changes, Vogel notices a change in the girls, “My daughter’s grades have improved a lot. She’s consistently getting all A’s now. She doesn’t get as tired as she used to either. In the past, she has struggled with depression and anxiety. Her Principal at school recently told me she is a totally different kid now.”
Being creative and starting with small, doable habits has led to this family’s success in making positive lifestyle changes.
For more tips and inspiration, visit our website Tillamookcountyhealthmatters.org or like and follow us on our Tillamook County Wellness Facebook page.
by Michelle | Nov 24, 2018 | Move Well
By Laura Swanson
From the beginning of the Tillamook County Wellness efforts, an emphasis has been on simple, easy changes folks can make that will have a positive impact on their overall well-being. Walking and hiking were part of that equation (which also includes making healthier eating choices, like eating more vegetables, improving self-care and drinking more water.)
Tillamook County Wellness has brought multiple partners together and early on identified that increasing and improving our local trails would assist with improving our community’s overall health. Enlisting local residents to help with trail building and maintenance is a win-win-win for everyone!
Through meetings with various local groups, including Tillamook County Wellness, Oregon Coast Visitors Association determined that utilizing funds for a Trailkeepers of Oregon position to support trail development and maintenance would benefit the local communities as well as support tourism efforts.
One of the first work parties occurred at Hoquarton Slough trail on November 3rd, led by Susan Schen of Trailkeepers of Oregon, where volunteers cleared brush on a portion of the trail. The newly formed Tillamook Mid-County Parks and Recreation was approached by the City of Tillamook regarding the need to revitalize the Hoquarton Slough trail, which connects to the newly established Crosstown Connections trail at Goodspeed Park. Board members for the Parks & Rec coordinated a meeting between the Rotary Club, Trailkeepers of Oregon and the City, which resulted in the work party. “This is just one example of how community partners are coming together in unique and creative ways to get things done in Tillamook County,” said Michelle Jenck, Mid-County Parks and Recreation board member.
There are more opportunities to assist with trail building and maintenance throughout Tillamook County.
Trailkeepers of Oregon is also working with the Lower Nehalem Community Trust on new trails at the LNCT’s Elk Meadows property. The first work party was on November 14th. There is another opportunity to assist at Elk Meadows on Wednesday November 28th from 9 am to 1:30 pm. Registration is requested – go to the Trailkeepers Facebook events page, or at https://tinyurl.com/yddeadyr. Elk Meadows is located between Manzanita and Nehalem, down Bayside Gardens Road, off Neptune Way.
Here’s what you can expect if you’d like to try your hand at trail building. Volunteers will help with cutting back brush and carving new tread using loppers, hand saws, and digging tools. There will be some walking on uneven ground and it may get muddy. A mandatory, detailed safety discussion will be held before work begins, and they will teach you all the skills you need to know, so feel free to join them if you’ve never done trail work before! For more information about LNCT’s Elk Meadows trail-building, contact Shane Sjogren, Stewardship Lead at shane@nehalemtrust.org or go to www.nehalemtrust.org.
For more about opportunities with Trailkeepers of Oregon, contact Susan Schen at susan.schen@trailkeepersoforegon.org or www.trailkeepersoforegon.org.
There will continue to be multiple trail-building and trail maintenance projects throughout the area with various groups and agencies, such as the State Department of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service. Tillamook County Wellness will be an information resource to connect community volunteers with these fun and rewarding opportunities. Providing trails and more access for local residents to experience and enjoy the natural beauty of our surroundings is one of the keys to improving community wellness.
