New bus brings mobility to Hood River's Sunshine Club

“The bus is a miracle come true,” said John as the group chatted with each other over breakfast last week. “We try to go different places throughout the year, and the bus makes it so much easier.”

“The bus is tremendous,” said Dennis. “It’s the most comfortable, and any seat has a wonderful view.”

Sunshine Club is a resource for local families living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Monday through Thursday, day groups provide a respite for part-time and full-time caregivers while their loved ones participate in a variety of activities in a safe environment.

With the bus, the group can now add field trips to the list.

“None of them drive anymore,” said Program Manager Tonya DeHart. “It’s freedom for them.”

The bus was designed with special features to make loading and unloading easier. Everything but the automatic doors is manually operated to keep maintenance to a minimum, like a ramp instead of steps and a place to store walkers and transport wheelchairs. Big windows mean every seat has a great view, and the stereo system allows them to listen to music while they travel.

The inaugural field trip was to Bette’s Place in downtown Hood River, and then to the waterfront to watch windsurfers and Panorama Point. Since then, they’ve traveled to Packer Orchards in Odell, gone on a drive by Toll Bridge Park in Parkdale, Cascade Locks for ice cream and to watch the fishermen on the dock, and to Rowena Crest, among others. DeHart has been behind the wheel, but she’s found another volunteer who will be able to drive on longer trips, such as to the Portland Zoo.

Fundraising for the bus began prior to COVID-19, and thanks to money raised by a Providence Hearts of Gold gala, Sunshine Club had enough money to purchase a bus. But when COVID-19 hit, the price went up almost $100,000, DeHart said. So the group fundraised the rest.

“The people in this community are so generous,” DeHart said, adding that she couldn’t run the program without her assistant, Stephanie Garza, and a core group of volunteers: JoAnn Frazier, who handles office tasks; Craig Terry, who provides “maintenance and everything else;” Bev DeHart in the kitchen; musicians Marilee Saur and Roxanne McClure; and Debbie Sanguras and Penny Phelp, who help plan parties, accompany the group on outings, and show up whenever DeHart needs a hand.

DeHart does need two more volunteers to play games on Tuesday and Thursday mornings; for more information or to help, email hoodriversunshineclub@gmail.com or call 541-645-5195.

“I know what you can put in the paper,” added Margaret as breakfast was finishing up. “Tonya is the best person in the whole world.”