March 2025 Newsletter
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Healthy Klamath announces that plans are underway to build the Klamath Falls Pump Track north of Eulalona Park. This state-of-the-art project is a collaborative effort involving the City of Klamath Falls, Klamath County, Healthy Klamath, Sky Lakes, Oregon Department of Transportation, Cascade Health Alliance, and Klamath Trails Alliance.
A pump track is a circular trail designed for riding wheeled sports equipment such as bikes, skateboards, and scooters. Riders generate momentum by pumping their bodies up and down instead of pedaling. This type of recreational infrastructure offers numerous benefits to our community, including supporting bike tourism, community engagement and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for residents of all ages.
"We're excited about the Klamath Falls Pump Track project, which we know will be a fantastic addition for our community," says Merritt Driscoll, Director of Healthy Klamath and Sky Lakes Foundation. "But to make this happen, we need support. Klamath Falls has a great track record of coming together to implement projects like the Moore Park Playground, and I am confident that, together, we can bring the Klamath Falls Pump Track to life."
Healthy Klamath is currently halfway to its fundraising goal, and we encourage community members and local businesses to contribute. Once the final funds are secured, construction will commence, with the aim of completing the project by Summer of 2027.
For more information about the project, how to get involved or to make a donation, visit healthyklamath.com/pumptrack for more details.
Join Our Team! Healthy Klamath is looking for a Grant Coordinator.
The Grant Coordinator at Healthy Klamath/Sky Lakes reports to the Healthy Klamath Director and is responsible for managing multiple grant-funded projects. This role involves leading grant initiatives, securing additional funding, and ensuring the successful implementation of grant-funded efforts in Klamath County. The coordinator will collaborate with a small team to drive community health initiatives, aligning projects with organizational priorities. Key responsibilities include grant project management, project implementation, monitoring budgets, tracking progress, and preparing reports to meet grant requirements. The ideal candidate is passionate about community health, skilled in engaging diverse audiences and community groups, and committed to advancing health promotion and disease prevention through effective project coordination, grant management, and grant acquisition.
Sky Lakes Medical Center is proud to be a community hospital that gives back. We are supportive of collaborative approaches to addressing community health issues, and we welcome proposals developed by partnerships and coalitions with clearly articulated goals and strategies. Each applicant may apply for funds up to $5,000 each grant funding cycle.
The Member Services Team at CHA: Connecting Klamath County to Care At Cascade Health Alliance (CHA), our Member Services team serves as the first point of contact for over 27,000 Klamath County residents, ensuring they have access to the care, resources, and support they need from our providers and partners.
We work closely with providers, community partners, and internal teams to help members navigate their benefits, address barriers to care, and stay engaged in their health.
We assist with:
Medical Benefits Support – Explaining coverage and assisting providers and members.
Resource Connection – Linking members to community services that address social determinants of health (SDOH) like food, housing, and transportation.
Outreach Initiatives – Helping members establish care with providers, complete preventive screenings, and maintain eligibility.
Care Coordination – Supporting case management, health equity, and risk assessment efforts to improve health outcomes.
Through collaboration and innovation, we strive to make healthcare more accessible. Our team is expanding technology-driven solutions, such as AI-driven insights and a member portal with live chat and easy access to health information, ensuring a seamless experience for members.
Together we are creating a healthier, more connected community!
Upcoming KTA Events
March 8th - Canal Bike Path Clean up
Join us for International Women’s Day & our first KTA maintenance event of 2025 to clean up the “A” canal bike path! Event will be from 9am-12pm followed by a BBQ lunch. Please RSVP on Meetup.
March 21st - SMC/KTA movie screening fundraiser at the Brevada annex.
See our feature article in this newsletter for all the details.
April 5th - Trail Maint. Event at Spence (TBD)
RSVP and more details will be posted to Meetup as we get closer to this event.
April 22nd - Earth Day Trail Maint. Event at Spence (TBD)
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than helping keep our trails beautiful! This event will be in the afternoon/evening. RSVP & details to be posted on Meetup.
May 3rd - Trail Maint. Event at Spence (TBD)
RSVP and more details will be posted to Meetup as we get closer to this event.
May TBD - Family Bike Day at Moore Park at the Bike Skills Area
The super popular Family day is back! Follow our Facebook and Instagram page for announcements and details for this fun day!
May 24 & 25th - Spence Mountain Spring Cleanup
We hope you will join us for this annual event to cleanup Spence Mountain before the Mountain Run and the Mountain Mayhem Race. RSVP and details will be posted to Meetup.
June 7th - Annual Spence Mountain Mayhem
See our featured article in this newsletter for all the details!
June 19th (July 17th, August 21st) - Third Thursday
Stop by and see us at our booth during the Annual Klamath Falls downtown Third Thursday from 6-9pm on Main Street. Our booth will be close to Zach’s Bikes Shop.
June 28 & 29th - Rye Spur Maint. Event
Join us for a collaborative work event on the fabulous Rye Spur Trail. We will be working with National Forest Volunteers, Backcountry Horsemen High Desert Riders, Siskiyou Mountain Club, and KTA this year. Details and RSVP will be posted to Meetup as we get closer to this event so stay tuned!
August (TBD) - Overnight Backpack trip
We are so excited to organize a fun overnight backpack trip this year. We are looking at possibly hiking into Sky Lakes Wilderness via Cherry Creek Trailhead then camping overnight around Trapper Lake. Details will be forthcoming so keep your eye out for the RSVP on Meetup.
June 7th will be the 3rd Annual Spence Mountain Mayhem.
As in years prior, we are happy to announce that kids under 18 can register for free for the Mountain Mayhem. All participants do need a $5 OBRA license for insurance purpose. It is an add on or bring $5 cash to event.
There will be food and drinks provided for registrants for $10 (add on at checkout or bring cash to event). Youths racing can either bring their own lunch or purchase one. Embroidered hats will also be for sale and can be purchased as and add on when you register (hat sale will close two weeks prior to event).
There are 3 courses available. 24 mile “long route” for advanced riders (Cat 1), 16 mile “medium route" for intermediate riders (Cat 2) and 10 mile “short route” for beginners (Cat 3).
We are also happy to announce that the Running Y is offering a special code for everyone who registers. The code “SPENCE” offers a special rate, and a portion of the proceeds will go back to KTA. This code is good for not only the event, but also year-round! 100% of proceeds from the race go to Klamath Trails Alliance (hosting the race).
Go to Ultrasignup.com to register for race or for more details.
Mosquitoes will be out, so bring a light weight long sleeve or bug spray.
Prior to the event, we will be holding a trail cleanup day May 24 & 25th at Spence Mountain.
Keep your eye our Meetup group for RSVP and details.
May 31st, Linkville Lopers will be doing their annual Spence Mountain Run. Check out their Facebook page for more information or to register go to Ultrasignup.com.
Black-Eyed Peas and Greens
Comforting and filling, this recipe is easy to make for New Year’s luck any time of the year.
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chopped celery (optional)
½ cup chopped bell pepper or 2 to 4 Tablespoons chopped hot pepper (optional)
4 cups low-sodium broth (try vegetable or chicken)
1 cup dry black-eyed peas, soaked in 3 cups water for at least 6 hours and rinsed (see Notes)
1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
1 teaspoon thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
3 to 4 cups trimmed and chopped fresh collard greens (about 6 medium leaves) (see Notes)
1 teaspoon vinegar or hot sauce
Directions
Wash hands with soap and water.
Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
Heat oil in a large skillet or soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and other vegetables, if desired. Stir and cook until onions soften, about 5 minutes.
Add broth, black-eyed peas, paprika, thyme, pepper and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the peas are tender, about 30 to 35 minutes.
Add the greens and stir until they are wilted. Return the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot and cook for 10 to 30 minutes or until the greens are as tender as you like.
Add vinegar or hot sauce. Serve with rice or cornbread.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Notes
Save stems after trimming from the middle of fresh greens to cook with onion, garlic and other vegetables.
No fresh collard greens? Use 1 bunch or about 12 ounces of fresh spinach, chard, kale or other leafy green. You can also use 2 to 3 cups frozen greens or 1 to 2 cans (15 ounce) drained greens. Cooking time will be less in step 6 depending on the greens used.
No dry black-eyed peas? Use 3 cups frozen black-eyed peas or 2 cans (15-ounces) black-eyed peas that have been drained and rinsed. Cooking time in step 5 will be less.
