Community News November 2024

November 3, 2024   Uncategorized
person raking leaves away from storm grate

Leave Your Leaves or Leave ’em With Us!

person raking leaves away from storm grate

Got leaves? Clean Water Services has solutions!

Leave your leaves. Leaves can make excellent natural mulch. You can leave the leaves that fall on garden areas or mulch them with your lawnmower for use in planting beds. Natural compost benefits your lawn and garden, provides winter habitat for beneficial species, and protects against clogged drains and flooding.

Or drop them off with us! Help keep your neighborhood storm drains and streets safe and clear. Bring your leaves to one or more of these convenient events.

If you plan on dropping off leaves at one of our leaf disposal events, here’s what you should know:

  • We can accept leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings
  • Bring debris loose or in a paper bag (no plastic)
  • Please limit debris to 50 pounds per bag
  • The events are for residents, not commercial operations
  • We will also be collecting monetary and food donations for local food banks.

November 9, 9 am-3 pm­ Home Depot (Science Park), Indian Hills Elementary, and Cedar Park Middle School

November 16, 9 am-3 pm – Hazeldale Elementary, Meadow Park Middle School, and Oak Hills Elementary

November 23, 9 am-3 pm– Home Depot (Science Park), Indian Hills Elementary, and CWS Field Operations

Program Benefits

Clean Water Services collects about 2,400 cubic yards (about 240 dump truck loads) of leaves each year and takes them to West Union Gardens to be made into mulch.

Participating in the leaf disposal program helps:

  • Reduce localized flooding caused by leaf-clogged storm drains.
  • Keep nutrients from decaying yard debris out of local creeks, wetlands, and the Tualatin River.
  • Keep streets safe and clear for bikes and pedestrians.

This program is funded by Clean Water Services’ $10.55 per month surface water management (SWM) fee. This fee pays for flood management and water quality protection and improvement programs including street sweeping, 24-hour emergency flood response, catch basin cleaning, water quality monitoring, watershed planning, and public education.

Five Oaks Museum events

This IS Kalapuyan Land

Learn Kalapuyan history from Kalapuyan and prior Five Oaks Museum Guest Curator, Steph Littlebird! Presentations include an introduction to local Kalapuyan history and culture, an overview of the exhibition This IS Kalapuyan Land, and a Q&A session.

Thursday, November 7, 4:30-5:30 pm, in person at Five Oaks, 17677 NW Springville

In this in-person presentation of the exhibition’s central ideas, Steph questions how Native history is told, shares Tualatin Kalapuyan history from a contemporary Indigenous perspective, and features artworks by Indigenous creators who are contributing to cultural survivance today. Register here.

Wednesday, November 13, 6-7:30 pm, virtual

In this virtual presentation of the exhibition’s central ideas, Steph questions how Native history is told, shares Tualatin Kalapuyan history from a contemporary Indigenous perspective, and features artworks by Indigenous creators who are contributing to cultural survivance today. Register here for zoom link.

Beyond Land Acknowledgements

Thursday, November 7, 6-7 pm, in person at Five Oaks, register here
Wednesday, November 20, 6-7:30 pm, virtual, register here for zoom link

With the rise in popularity of land acknowledgments, Indigenous artist Steph Littlebird asks us to reexamine this trend and go beyond the statement. What comes after we acknowledge the land and its Native stewards? How can individuals and institutions contribute to lasting changes and be true allies for Indigenous communities? Learn more about past and present Native identity, how to look critically at land acknowledgments, and move past words toward action.

James Recycling Depot is open

Mondays 11 am-2 pm, Wednesdays 10 am-1 pm, Thursdays 12-2 pm, Fridays 5-7 pm, 5541 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway

We will be collecting the following non-curbside items:

  • Straws & Utensils
  • Plastic screw-on caps
  • Clear (no color) #1 PET plastic
  • #2 HDPE Plastic
  • #4 LDPE plastic
  • #5 PP plastic
  •  #6 PS plastic
  • Styrofoam (must be clean, dry and without tape, labels, glue, ink, paint, food residue & sorted into the categories shown HERE)

Please note:

  • Lids (such as yogurt and sour cream lids) need to be sorted by number
  • Screw-on caps do not need to be sorted by number
  • Caps MUST be taken off of prescription pill bottles

Green Century Recycling will be onsite during our Thursday and Friday business hours to collect electronics, appliances, and a variety of other items at no cost.  For a complete list of items they will be accepting click HERE.
Fees (cash or card only): $3/grocery bag of sorted recycling (or similar sized container)
$10/45-gallon bag of Styrofoam

James Recycling is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. At James Recycling we help keep the earth clean by recycling difficult-to-recycle plastics while empowering adults with developmental differences to find independence and purpose through meaningful employment. Learn more here.

We are doing our part to help the environment and our community by holding frequent events and pop-ups to collect material that complements recycling offered by local garbage haulers. Our goal is to make it easy to recycle more! Please contact us with suggestions on additional resources we can provide or other ways that James Recycling can make the process fast, simple, and convenient for you.

12th Annual Coat Drive

Month of November, DuFresne’s Auto Service 10690 NW Cornell Rd

"coat drive" letters hanging on coat hangers

DuFresne’s Auto Service is Partnering with Portland Rescue Mission to collect new or clean and gently used coats and jackets all November. All coats will be donated to the “Portland Rescue Mission.” We are also collecting hats, gloves, scarves, warm clothes, blankets and socks. You will receive $5 Coupon for service for the first coat you donate and $2.00 for every coat after—up to $50.00

Washington County Public Affairs Forum

Monday, November 11, 12-1 pm, Old Spaghetti Factory, 10425 NE Tanasbourne Dr., Hillsboro, also online via zoom

Jim Moore from Pacific University will present: What Just Happened? Wild National Elections, Pretty Normal Oregon Elections. We will hold our Annual Meeting right after at 1 pm. The room will open at 11:30 am to order lunch.

Be 2 Weeks Ready!

Coinciding with Oregon’s new Preparedness Month (September), Office of Emergency Management (OEM) recently launched this amazing program to support individual and community efforts to prepare for the initial two weeks following a disaster. Currently available in five languages, this program is divided into eight units (each with 3-4 activities) that can be completed in any order. We love that the activities are rated by the amount of time, money, and effort they take, as this can help folks decide which ones to give higher personal priority. You can download the entire program or individual units here.

History presentation on “Confronting the Cascades”

Tuesday, November 12, 7 pm, 20001 SW TV Highway, Aloha

Beaverton Historical Society and Aloha Historical Society present John Jarvie, from the End of the Oregon Trail Visitor & Interpretive Center. Mr. Jarvie’s talk will focus on the development of the last legs of the various routes (of the Oregon Trail or its offshoots) that brought emigrants and their wagons to the western valleys of the Pacific Northwest in the 1840s and 1850s. Slowly lumbering westward with their limited possessions and remaining provisions, worn out from months of travel on the trail, all had to confront the mighty barrier of mountains just before reaching the end of their journeys. How did groups up and down the Cascade Range try to deal with that final obstacle? How successful were they in their attempts to do so? The story is often filled with forgotten drama and deep misfortune, as well as surprising and lasting advances. Doors open at 6:45 pm. Refreshments provided. There is a $5.00 suggested donation. We look forward to seeing you then!

About the Beaverton Historical Society: Our mission is to provide education to the community about our cultural heritage through the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of our historic past. Contact us at  beaverton.pioneers@gmail.com

Washington County Kids Parenting Forums

Communicating Effectively With Your Kids

Wednesday, November 6, 6:30-7:30 pm, online, free

Our Future. Our Community. Our Kids. Gabrielle Correales. Registration and more information on the Washington County Kids website.

Skills for Parents Concerned About Teen Drug Use

Thursday, November 14, 6:30-7:30 pm, online, free

Free virtual presentations and Q&A presented by Washington County Kids to help guide parents through the unique journey of raising children. Registration and more information on the Washington County Kids website.

Free new player soccer clinic!

lacrosse

Saturday, November 16, 10-11 am, 11-12 pm, grades K-4, grades 5-8, PDX Fieldhouse, 11040 SW Allen Blvd, Register on TeamSnap.

For boys and girls who would like to try the sport of lacrosse, Sunset Youth Lacrosse, the youth lacrosse program that feeds Sunset High School, is offering this free opportunity. All equipment is provided. For more information visit the Sunset Youth Lacrosse website.

Beaverton Winter Lights & Tree Lighting

Friday, December 6, 6-8 pm, Beaverton City Park, 12500 SW 4th St

Bring the whole family for an evening of festive fun, featuring live performances by local musicians, crafts and activities for all ages, and vendors selling seasonal items. The night will sparkle as we light up the tree and City Park with thousands of lights at 7 pm, followed by a special surprise visit from Santa Claus himself! Bundle up, bring your festive spirit, and join us for a magical night to remember! Learn more here.  

Very Merry Holiday Bazaar

Saturday, December 7, 10 am-2 pm, Anthology Senior Living, 910 NW 185th Ave

24 local vendors, refreshments, and special appearances from Santa and Melf on the Shelf. Come tour our community and shop for the holidays.

NW Creations Night Market

Friday, December 13, 6-9 pm, 11830 NW Cedar Falls Dr. Ste 120, Summa Real Estate Group, free, Toy Donation

nw creations night market toy drive banner

NW Creations Night Market is having their annual toy drive to benefit The Domestic Violence Resource Center. Host Bethany Marsh has curated 14 local vendors to be at this year’s night market. As always, if you make a toy donation between now and the event, you will be entered to win a gift basket full of the evening’s creators. All proceeds always benefit The Domestic Violence Resource Center.

Ask WCSO: Stay safe while shopping online

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office wants you to know that online shopping scams are all too frequent, especially during the holiday season. Shopping from the comfort of your home and on the go has become increasingly popular; still, it’s essential to be cautious about where and how you share your personal information. Here are some tips to protect yourself.

Keep your personal information safe. Avoid sharing personal or credit card information over public Wi-Fi. Always wait for a secure network before making purchases.

Choose websites that use the “https” encryption. Never provide credit card information unless you are on a secure site showing “https” at the beginning of the URL and the lock symbol. This indicates the site has a protected network connection.

Beware of deals that are too good to be true. Products advertised at unbelievably low prices or claiming remarkable benefits may not be what they seem. Stay cautious by researching and reading reviews before taking advantage of the promotional discounts.

Always pay by credit card and retain your receipts for extra protection. Credit card companies have better fraud protection, making them more secure to use online. Avoid scammers who may insist on payment by wire transfer or electronic funds transfer.

Know before you buy from an online retailer and shop with trusted companies. If you purchase from a company for the first time, do your research and check reviews. Be cautious if an online retailer does not provide adequate information about their privacy policy, terms and conditions, or contact details. Stay informed and protect yourself and your money from fraudsters. Happy shopping!

Ask WCSO is provided by Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Viva Village Events

Viva Village is a Beaverton-area grassroots organization of members and volunteers who focus on enhancing and expanding the ways we can age well. We provide connections, programs, volunteer services, and referrals so members can lead engaged, healthy lives. For more information visit the Viva Village website. Please RSVP for all events by contacting vivavil-lageor@gmail.com or 503-746-5082. Links for zoom meetings will be sent to those who RSVP. Members-only events are listed on the website and in the web version of The News.

Viva Village events open to the public:

Online Age Café

Friday, November 1, 11 am-12 pm, online

Small-group conversations exploring topics of interest to older adults. Topic: Asking for Help. Co-hosted by Viva Village, Beaverton Committee on Aging (BCOA), Beaverton City Library, and Washington County Disability, Aging and Veterans Services (DAVS). Register for the Zoom link.

Women’s Coffee (in person)

Wednesdays in November, 10 am-12 pm. New Seasons Market Cedar Hills, 3495 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard

Coffee and conversation. RSVP recommended.

Online Viva Village 101

No session in November.

Aging with Grace: Conscious Living, Conscious Dying

Saturday, November 9, 1-4 pm, Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road, $10/per, or $15/two people, free to members and volunteers

Accepting our mortality to enhance our living. How can awareness of our own death enrich our lives now? How does accepting loss, grief, and death help us live a fuller life? How do we encourage conversations about death? Join us for a conversation among experts, Rev. Jo Laurence, MA, BCC, Nancy Linnon, MA, MFA, and Jennifer Traeger, MSW, LCSW, with moderator, Holly Pruett, MS. A panel discussion with a Q&A session. Fee assistance available. Register: vivavillage.org, vivavillageor@gmail.com, or 503-746-5082.

Viva Village Forum

Monday, November 18, 2-3:30 pm, United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 12555 SW 4th Street, free

Topic: Preparing for Emergencies. Claudia Steiner-Fricker, a lead Community Emergence Response Team (CERT) instructor will talk with us about what emergencies you should prepare for and how to take proactive steps to be ready for a disaster. Learn about the Be 2 Weeks Ready Program. Refreshments served. RSVP recommended. Register on our website or contact the Viva Village office.

Men’s Coffee Break

Monday, November 25, 10-11:30 am, Market of Choice Cedar Mill (mezzanine), 250 NW Lost Springs Terrace in Timberland Town Center

Conversation and coffee. RSVP recommended.

Online Viva Village Book Club

Tuesday, November 26, 1-2:30 pm

Selection: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi-Coates. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Viva Village events for members and volunteers:

Viva Village Nature Walk

Saturday, November 2, 9:30 am, Commonwealth Lake Park, Park on the street near the intersection of SW Dellwood Avenue and SW Foothill Drive

Enjoy a morning walk with Viva Village friends. Login to the website for a map of the meeting place. RSVP recommended.

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, November 4, 18, 25, 10-10:45 am. (No class on Veterans Day.)

Practice Tai Chi techniques and skills with certified instructor, Richard Chew. RSVP for Zoom link.

Online Women’s Coffee

Tuesdays, November 5, 12, 19, 26, 10-11 am, online

Join members and volunteers for a morning of coffee and conversation. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Living Solo Happy Hour

Thursday, November 7, 2:30 pm, Murrayhill Taphouse, 14550 SW Murray Scholls Drive,

Get together for an afternoon of relaxed conversation with other Viva Village solos. RSVP is appreciated.

Online Mindfulness Meditation Classes

Mondays, November 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9, 16, 11-11:45 am

Mindful Meditation sessions led by Martha McJacobs. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Life Stories

Tuesday, November 12, 2 pm, Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road

Poetry and Place: Viva Villager Gary V. Anderson will share the power of place in excerpts from his three books of poetry, My Finnish Soul, Bunchgrass and Buttercups, and Skyfixer. RSVP is appreciated so we have enough refreshments on hand.

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond

Wednesday, November 13, 1 pm, Oasis Lebanese Cuisine, 14845 SW Murray Scholls Drive.

Join members and volunteers for lunch and conversation. Wear your Viva Village name badge. RSVP required by 1 pm on the day before the event. Space limited to 15 people. Register on the website or contact the office. *Please notify the office if you need to cancel.

Couples Happy Hour

Thursday, November 14, 4 pm, McMenamin’s Cedar Hills, 2885 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard

Make a date with your spouse or partner to join other Viva Villagers for a happy hour get-together. Enjoy friendly conversation and Happy Hour specials. Your non-Viva Village spouse or partner is welcome! RSVP required. Limited to 8 couples (16 people.) Login to register on the website or contact the office. *Please notify the office if you need to cancel.

Soul Collage

Tuesday, November 19, 1-2:30 pm, Location to be announced

Soul Collage is an intuitive collage card process that anyone can enjoy! No artistic talent needed! Join member, Sherri Zysk, to create collaged cards that are meaningful to you, each card expressing its own unique voice/energy/presence. Bring scissors, glue, and magazines. Sherri will provide the cards. Space limited to 8 people. RSVP required. Login to register on the website or contact the office. Please notify the office if you need to cancel.

Living Solo (in person)

Wednesday, November 20, Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Room, 12375 SW 5th Street

Meet in person to share experiences, tips, and strategies for living on your own. Bring your own lunch or snack. RSVP appreciated.

Mystery Book Club

Thursday, November 21, 1-2 pm, Location TBA

Selected book: The Best of Friends by Lucinda Berry. Space limited to 10 people. Please notify the office if you need to cancel. RSVP required. Login to register on the website or contact the office.

Online Living Solo

Thursday, November 21, 4-5:30 pm, online

A time to share experiences, tips, and strategies for living on your own. RSVP if you need the Zoom link.

Thursday Evening Social Group

Not meeting this month due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Join the Thursday Evening Social and Dine Around groups for a combined holiday celebration on December 12.

VA housed nearly 48,000 Veterans experiencing homelessness in fiscal year 2024

These final FY 2024 numbers surpass VA’s goal by over 16%, marking the largest number of Veterans housed in a single year since FY 2019

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it housed 47,925 Veterans experiencing homelessness in FY 2024, surpassing its goal to house 41,000 Veterans by 16.9% and marking the largest number of Veterans housed in a single year since FY 2019. VA also ensured that 96% of the Veterans housed during this time did not return to homelessness. This follows last month’s announcement that VA had surpassed its FY 2024 housing goal a month early.

Ending Veteran homelessness is a top priority for VA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration. Since FY 2022, VA has permanently housed nearly 134,000 homeless Veterans, and the total number of Veterans experiencing homelessness in the U.S. has fallen by over 4% since early 2020 and by more than 52% since 2010.

“Nearly 48,000 formerly homeless Veterans now have a safe, stable place to call home—and there’s nothing more important than that,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “No Veteran should experience homelessness in this nation they swore to defend. We are making real progress in this fight, and we will not rest until Veteran homelessness is a thing of the past.”

VA’s efforts to combat Veteran homelessness are grounded in reaching out to homeless Veterans, understanding their unique needs, and addressing them. These efforts are built on the evidence-based “Housing First” approach, which prioritizes getting a Veteran into housing, then providing or connecting them with the wraparound services and supports they need to stay housed, including health care, job training, legal and education assistance, and more.

Visit VA.gov/homeless to learn about housing initiatives and other programs supporting Veterans experiencing homelessness.

If you are a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) or visit VA.gov/homeless.