• Receive emergency alerts with Everbridge 
• BSD seeks applicants for Generative AI Advisory Committee
• Share your input on Beaverton’s vision for transportation
• College Scholarship Opportunity
• This Holiday Season, Protect Your Packages
• Find your new career at WCSO
• Viva Village Events – December 2024

Receive emergency alerts with Everbridge 

Do you want to get direct public safety and emergency information? Have you previously received alerts through the CodeRed system? In 2021, Washington County transitioned to a new emergency alert system, Everbridge. Everbridge allows us to send targeted emergency information to communities, including notifications for wildfires, floods, and missing persons. It also gives us a direct line to let you know if your neighborhood has a public safety concern. When signing up, individuals can choose their preferred method for receiving time-sensitive information, such as via landline phone, cell phone, email, text message and more. Even if you had an account before on CodeRed, you’ll need to sign up again to keep receiving alerts. Make sure to register today to stay informed at publicalerts.org/signup. 

BSD seeks applicants for Generative AI Advisory Committee

The Beaverton School District is seeking applicants for a new Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Committee. The committee will explore and develop suggested guidelines for the responsible use of Generative AI applications in BSD. The focus will be on ensuring that AI technologies are used to enhance teaching and learning outcomes for students and improve operational efficiencies for staff. The advisory committee will provide input to support safe and effective AI adoption.

Membership will include students, parents/guardians, staff, and administrators. The committee will meet monthly beginning in January 2025 and concluding in April 2025, though additional meetings could be scheduled if needed. Meetings will be on Wednesdays from 6-7 pm at the District Administrative Office; a light dinner will be served. 

If you’re interested in serving on this committee, please apply online here by December 6.

Share your input on Beaverton’s vision for transportation

Beaverton is updating its Transportation System Plan, a guiding document for transportation policy, plans, programs, and investments in the system, such as sidewalks, bike facilities, and streets. The transportation system influences our lives in a variety of ways. Every trip to buy groceries, to get to school, to meet with a friend, to get to work, requires travel choices. Help shape the final plan! Share what is important to you in an online survey by December 15. When you’re finished, you’ll have an opportunity to enter a drawing to receive a $25 gift cards to a local Beaverton business. 

College Scholarship Opportunity

High school and college students in Yamhill, Columbia and Washington County take note! The Pioneer District Garden Clubs are offering a $1,500 scholarship to students pursuing a degree in horticulture, floriculture, landscape design, conservation, forestry and several other related subjects. Applications will be accepted through March 2025. Use this scholarship application form to apply. 

This Holiday Season, Protect Your Packages

Don’t let the Grinch take your holiday packages. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office acts against package thieves in our community, but we can’t do it without your help! Here are some tips to keep your packages safe and secure: 

• Track your packages: Use the tracking numbers provided and stay updated on the delivery status. Know when to expect your packages and plan to secure them promptly
• Provide delivery instructions: Request packages to be placed in a secure location or ask delivery companies to require a signature before dropping them off
• Opt for in-store pickup: When available, you can pick up your packages from a local store or delivery locker
• Do not leave packages unattended: If you plan on being gone for an extended period, ask family, friends, or neighbors to pick up packages
• Stay connected: Use text notifications to receive updates on your deliveries. Let your neighbors know if you had a package stolen so they can stay vigilant. 

To report suspicious activity or if you are a victim of package theft, please call the non-emergency number at 503-629-0111. If you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1. You can also file a police report online if the crime fits the reporting requirements at https://bit.ly/WCSO_Reporting. Let’s work together to prevent crime in our community! Ask WCSO is produced by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Find your new career at WCSO

Join the largest Sheriff’s Office in Oregon—Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). You can unlock the potential to earn $100K+ per year in a thrilling and rewarding career. Experience a range of comprehensive benefits designed to support you throughout your career and beyond. Visit JoinWCSO.com to learn more.

Viva Village Events – December 2024

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 vivavillageor@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:

Not meeting in December: Viva Village Forum; Men’s Coffee Break; Online Viva Village Book, Mystery Book Club. See you in January.

Women’s Coffee (in person)

Wednesdays, December 4, 11, 18, 10 am-12 pm, New Seasons Market Cedar Hills, 3495 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard

Coffee and conversation. RSVP recommended.

Age Café

Friday, December 6, 11 am-12 pm, Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th Street

Small-group conversations exploring topics of interest to older adults. Interesting new topics each session. December Topic: Asking for Help/Self Care. Co-hosted by Viva Village, Beaverton Committee on Aging (BCOA), Beaverton City Library, and Washington County Disability, Aging and Veterans Services (DAVS). Registration for the Zoom link is available a month ahead on the library’s website or check the Viva Village calendar for registration link.

Online Viva Village 101

Saturday, December 14, 10-11:30 am, online 

An informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Register on our website or contact the office for the Zoom link.

Viva Village events for members and volunteers:

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, December 2, 9, 16, 10-10:45 am (No class on December 16, 23, or 30).

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

Online Mindful Meditation Classes

Mondays, December 2, 9, 16, 11-11:45 am, online 

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

Online Women’s Coffee

Tuesdays, December 3, 10, 17, 10-11 am. Not meeting December 24 or 31. 

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

Living Solo Happy Hour

Thursday, December 5, 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.

Holiday Candy-Making Party (members & volunteers)

Thursday, December 5, 1-4 pm, Private home in Bethany area, $5, max 5 people

Fun making (and eating) chocolate candies of all varieties. Bring a filling of your choice (nuts, dried fruits, peppermint, etc). Take home the goodies to use as gifts or yummy treats to continue to eat. Cost is for the chocolates and chocolate boxes. RSVP required for the address. Login to register on the website or contact the office.

Viva Village Nature Walk

Saturday, December 7, 9:30 am, Commonwealth Lake Park

Park on the street near the intersection of SW Dellwood Avenue and SW Foothill Drive, Portland 97225. Enjoy a morning walk with Viva Village friends. Login to the website for a map of the meeting place. RSVP recommended.

Viva Village Holiday Luncheon

Saturday, December 7, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, St. Bart’s Episcopal Church, 11265 SW Cabot Street

Celebrate the Holiday Season! Enjoy a delicious holiday buffet with Viva Village friends. Space is limited, so the luncheon is open only to Viva Village members and volunteers. RSVP is required. Login to register on the website or contact the office.

Life Stories

Tuesday, December 10, 2 pm, Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road

Fun and Folly in the Music Biz: Life Lessons Learned. Viva Villager, Dee Crawford will talk about her life and career in the 1980s/90s music distribution business, including celebrities met plus inside information on how and why the industry changed over the years. RSVP is appreciated.

Soul Collage

Tuesday, December 11, 1-2:30 pm, Third Floor Conference Room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, Elevator available, RSVP required, max 8 people

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. Login to register on the website or contact the office. Please notify the office if you need to cancel.

Thursday Evening/Dine Around: Special Combined Event for the Holidays (members & volunteers)

December 12, 4 pm, Oswego Grill-Beaverton, 3211 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard

Celebrate the holiday season with Viva Village friends. RSVP required. Limited to 20 people. Login to register on the website or contact the office.

Couples Happy Hour

Thursday, December 12, 4 pm, Murrayhill Taphouse, 14550 SW Murray Scholls Drive, max 8 couples (16 people)

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. Login to register on the website or contact the office. *Please notify the office if you need to cancel.

Living Solo (in person)

Wednesday, December 18, 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.

Online Living Solo

Thursday, December 19, 4-5:30 pm 

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