• Meals on Wheels lunches at The Opal
• WashCo Forum on Land Use
• Introduction to Compassionate Communication: Non-Violent Communication
• PCC’s Career Exploration Series
• TriMet bus route changes
• Earthquakes on Skyline Ridge
• Student-led hearing awareness campaign
• Sobriety Treatment Program Recognized Nationally
• Young Women can explore a career as a firefighter 
• Local author and illustrator publish Eleanor and Geraldine, a children’s book
• Ask WCSO: How Can You Make a Difference in your Community Safety
• Free Movement & Mobility Classes at Leedy Grange
• Viva Village Events: March 2025

Meals on Wheels lunches at The Opal

Mondays, 11-1 pm, The Opal Apartments, 12691 NW Dogwood

We have a Meals on Wheels location at our apartments and would love to get the word out to those in the area! The Opal is a one-of-a-kind apartment complex. We are the first, LGBTQ+ culturally specific low-income housing for adults 55 and older. With this Meals on Wheels site, everyone is welcome, but we are wanting to make sure people know that our location is LGBTQ+ focused and friendly, but everyone is welcome regardless of their sexuality.

We host our lunches every Monday (unless otherwise stated) from 12-1 pm. People are encouraged to arrive by 11 so they can socialize and get to know one another. Lunch is served at 12 pm, clean up begins at 1 pm. Anyone over the age of 65 can join and donations of any amount are encouraged and accepted.

WashCo Forum on Land Use

March 10, opens 11:30 am, The Old Spaghetti Factory, 10425 NE Tanasbourne Dr, or via zoom.

Sadie Carney from the Department of Land Conservation and Development will share the roles of DLCD, possible changes to land use rules about what can be built and how, and how we can participate in those decisions.

The monthly Washington County Public Affairs Forum meetings are where community leaders and residents connect to discuss public policy issues. The information and opinions expressed by our speakers are their own. The Forum does not take positions. Our meetings are hybrid: in-person and via Zoom.

Introduction to Compassionate Communication: Non-Violent Communication

Saturday, March 22, 9 am-5 pm, The Beaverton Building, 12725 SW Millikan Way, Free, preregister here

Developed by Marshall Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication is both a powerful communication tool and a philosophy of living that helps cultivate honest, meaningful relationships that come from the heart. It is useful for couples, friends, parents, and individuals interested in healing work. It offers a formula for communicating across differences, ensuring that our messages (and the messages we receive) are heard with clarity and compassion.

In this one day in-person workshop, participants will learn the Nonviolent Communication method and how to apply it to transform the way they treat others, and themselves.

We will provide coffee and light snacks. We ask that participants bring their own lunches. We are located near food carts and several restaurants.

PCC’s Career Exploration Series

Wednesday-Friday, March 5-7, 10 am-noon, Willow Creek Opportunity Center, 241 SW Edgeway Dr, Hillsboro

This workshop introduces participants to PCC training programs designed to open doors to higher-paying jobs. Offered at no cost to students and community members through PCC’s Opportunity Centers, the three-day series helps participants identify their strengths, explore career paths, and create actionable plans for their futures. 

The Career Explorations Series is for individuals of all experience levels who are looking for pathways to careers with economic mobility. This workshop introduces participants to PCC training programs designed to open doors to higher-paying jobs and gives students an opportunity to reflect on their goals, explore careers that align with their interests and values, and connect with resources to make their educational journey a reality.

PCC Opportunity Centers offer a range of other no-cost exploration classes for those interested in figuring out a career or what to study. Classes include Discover Healthcare, Discover Manufacturing, and Explore College and Careers for immigrants, refugees and non-native English speakers. Learn more about the full range of classes, workshops and programs at pcc.edu/opportunity-center. 

Student-led hearing awareness campaign

HearUsOut is a student-led campaign aimed to educate the youth about noise-induced hearing loss. Aryan Iyer, Kavin Ramadoss, and Sai Sahu are students at Sunset High School and noticed a harsh increase in harmful hearing practices such as the use of Airpods/earbuds. After researching more, it was evident that children have been faced with unhealthy habits with a universal increase in loud devices (video games, noise pollution, etc.). 

To make sure this habit doesn’t start at an early age, they decided to visit local elementary schools to educate the youth in August 2024. They started by visiting Sato Elementary and were able to target around 400 students with their presentations. Following this endeavor, HearUsOut was noticed by the Beaverton School District. When they made their next visit to their next school, SpringvilleElementary, they were accompanied by the Beaverton School DIstrict communications team to document their presentations to share with families around the area. 

Beyond just school lessons, HearUsOut has also spread awareness in their community through conventions at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). With the help of the tech department, they were able to host a HearUsOut portion of the convention with interactive models for the public on two separate occasions. In all, HearUsOut has been able to target almost 15,000 (and counting) people through their lessons, OMSI conventions, and their social media (via Instagram and LinkedIn). 

Some organizations that currently recognize HearUsOut are The Beaverton School District, Providence St. Vincents, Walgreen’s Pharmacy, and more. They plan to continue to visit schools and partner with local businesses to spread their mission with our community and help combat early noise-induced hearing loss. Contact Sai Sahu for more information.

TriMet bus route changes

TriMet is adding new service to employment centers in Hillsboro and North Portland as of Sunday, March 2. We’re improving several bus lines to better serve riders’ needs, especially those who count on TriMet to get to and from jobs and classes.

Line 47-Main/Evergreen will serve a new route with stops at Intel’s Ronler Acres campus and the Willow Creek Transit Center in Hillsboro. This improvement connects Line 47 riders to the MAX Blue and Red lines and additional bus lines at Willow Creek. It also provides direct service to one of the region’s largest employment centers.

The new route means Line 47 will no longer serve Northwest Bronson Road, 174^th Avenue and Laidlaw Road, due to low ridership. However, we’re adding more trips on Line 67-Bethany/158th, both earlier in the morning and later in the evening on weekdays, so we can better serve riders in the Bethany area. Line 67 will continue to provide TriMet bus service to the Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus. 

Line 48-Cornell bus arrival times are also being adjusted “six minutes or more.” 48-Cornell runs between Hillsboro Transit Center, Hillsboro Airport, Tanasbourne, Cedar Mill, and Sunset Transit Center, along Cornell and Barnes.

Earthquakes on Skyline Ridge

Wednesday, March 28, 7-8:30 pm, Skyline Grange Hall, 11275 NW Skyline Bl, free, open to all

Jay Wilson will provide an overview of the threat and risks of a major earthquake for the Skyline Ridge area and the CEI Hub (fuel storage tanks) in Linnton. Wilson is the former Chair of the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission, and former Programs Coordinator for Oregon Emergency Management. He will be speaking as a Portland resident and concerned citizen. This talk is brought to you by Skyline Grange’s Education Committee as part of its Skyline Living Series. The main hall is handicap accessible, but restrooms are accessible only by stairs.

Sobriety Treatment Program Recognized Nationally

The Beaverton Municipal Court and the Beaverton Sobriety Opportunity for Beginning Recovery (B-SOBR) program have been selected by the All Rise Treatment Court Institute as one of 10 treatment courts in the United States to serve as a national model for new treatment courts nationwide. 

The B-SOBR program is an innovative specialty court model that assists repeat Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) offenders to recover from alcohol and drug addictions. Since 2011, more than 175 individuals have graduated from the program with meaningful results—less than six percent of this high-risk group have repeat DUI convictions after successfully graduating from this program.

B-SOBR was created in response to a growing number of DUII citations in the area. The program focuses on drivers with multiple DUII convictions and severe alcohol and/or substance use disorders who want to focus on rehabilitation and recovery. In addition to sobriety, participants focus on creating healthy social support systems, engaging in mental health treatment, and other activities that enhance wellbeing.

“Dignity and respect for the individual are core values in our city,” said Mayor Beaty. “I’m a firm believer in second chances—if you make a mistake and take responsibility for it, you should have the opportunity for a fresh start. The B-SOBR program helps make that possible. I’m proud of the impact it has made locally and glad to see it getting the recognition it deserves.”

“The B-SOBR team is thrilled to be selected as a model for new treatment courts across the United States,” said Presiding Judge Juliet Britton. “Beaverton’s B-SOBR team has developed a DUII Treatment Court that we know saves lives, promotes recovery for families, and increases public safety. This designation will enable our experienced, dedicated team to share our knowledge with courts across the United States on treatment court best practices, accountability and rehabilitation programs that work.”

Learn more about Beaverton Municipal Court programs at BeavertonOregon.gov/Court.

Young Women can explore a career as a firefighter 

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) invites young women ages 16-22 to apply to participate in this summer’s Portland Metro Fire Camp. This camp is an all-encompassing introduction to a rewarding profession. The camp is designed to instill confidence while building leadership and team skills. 

Participants will learn what it takes to be a firefighter while completing hands-on training in hose and ladder skills, vehicle extrication, search and rescue, ropes and knots, live-fire operations, aerial ladder climbs, forcible entry, emergency medical skills, and other firefighting tasks. 

They will also receive instruction from professional female firefighters from multiple agencies on how to prepare for interviews and gain insight on what it’s like to have a career in the fire service as well as the importance of good nutrition and physical fitness. 

This free fire camp will take place June 20, 21, and 22 at Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s Training Center at 12400 SW Tonquin Road in Sherwood. The application period opens March 3, and TVF&R will select as many as 50 participants. The deadline to apply for camp is May 12 at midnight. Space is limited. Applications and more information are available online at portlandmetrofirecamp.com.

Local author and illustrator publish Eleanor and Geraldine, a children’s book

Beaverton resident, Doug Katagiri, and southwest Portland resident, Jim Rosenbaum, met as freshmen in Portland’s Lincoln High in 1963. They have remained friends for more than 60 years. Recently, they combined their talents to publish an illustrated children’s book, “Eleanor and Geraldine.” It’s a story about the friendship between Ellie the Elephant and Gerry the Giraffe.

Themes of the book include camaraderie, individuality, taunting, forgiveness, and unintended consequences. It’s meant for children roughly between the ages of 3 and 9. The book is available on Amazon and debuted as the number one new release on teen and family issues (despite being written for a younger age group). The book has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 with comments that include: “Absolutely charming book! I want to adopt Eleanor and Geraldine….” Or “All 3–9-year-olds should read this book! This delightful children’s book is beautifully illustrated and contains important messages for children.”

Doug is a retired graphic artist who worked for the Oregon Zoo for nearly 3 decades. His colorful art brings the story to life. Jim is a physician and former Oregon Health & Science University Professor. He also chaired the Legacy Devers Eye Institute where he continues to see patients as the Chair Emeritus. The book is based on a bedtime story that Jim created 40 years ago for his children.

Ask WCSO: How Can You Make a Difference in your Community Safety

If you see something, say something! Communicating what you observe is essential for preventing or deterring crime and helps keep everyone safe. We rely on the community to report suspicious activity, crimes in progress, or crimes that have already occurred. Reporting what you see can help us identify trends in suspicious activity and adjust our patrols accordingly.

If you witness an emergency or a crime in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately. For non-emergency situations or crimes that have already occurred, please contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111. Examples of non-emergency situations include abandoned vehicles, graffiti, suspicious persons or vehicles, or stolen packages.

When reporting, there are several important details you can provide to assist us: Location: Where did it happen? If you don’t know the exact address, street name, closest intersection, or landmarks will help; Subject(s) description: Who was involved? What do they look like? General physical description, clothing, and distinguishing marks like tattoos or scars; Vehicle description: Make/model, color, license plate, and any identifiable features; Sequence of events: What happened?

It’s important to remember that while we often post information and safety tips to social media, we cannot monitor posts through social media platforms by others; please do not report suspicious or criminal activity through these channels.

We are committed to providing you with the high level of service you deserve. So, if you see something, please report it. By working together, we can keep our neighborhoods safe! Ask WCSO is produced by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Free Movement & Mobility Classes at Leedy Grange

Wednesday, March 5, 3:30-4:30 pm & 5:30-6:30 pm, Leedy Grange Hall, 835 NW Saltzman Road, free

Movement and mobility class at Every Body Can Dance! Working in collaboration with Dance for PD Portland, we’ve put together a class for all abilities. Whether you have Parkinson’s or other neurological issues that make movement difficult, this class is for you. Even if you just want to improve your balance, stretch, activate your memory, and have fun—join us!

Funky Fun Dance Jam Intro Class: for people who want more than line dancing or Zumba. Musical Theatre Style dance-based workout combines jazz, ballroom, Latin, Broadway and more. Get ready to unleash your energy and creativity with this vibrant mix of varied rhythms and groovy moves for your inner diva. This class is perfect for those who love to mix styles. have fun and let their personality shine on the dance floor. All ages welcome!

Register by sending an email to ImpressionsDanceClub@gmail.com. 

Contact Cynthia 971-226-1119 or visit ImpressionsDanceClub.net 

Viva Village Events: March 2025

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 ser-vices, 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:

Women’s Coffee (in person)

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

Coffee and conversation. RSVP recommended.

Age Café

Friday, March 7, 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. 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

March 8, 10-11:30 am

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.

Online Travel Talk

Monday, March 10, 7-8 pm

Let’s Go to France! Wine, painted caves, a giant hole in the ground. Viva Villager, Gerry Lukos reprises her presentation of her trip to the beautiful city of Bordeaux, with visits to vineyards and a few of the ancient painted caves that are plentiful in the Dordogne region of France. Join us to revisit (or see for the first time) the beauty of Southwest France. RSVP for the Zoom link. Register on our website or contact the office.

Viva Village Forum

Monday, March 17, 2-3:30 pm, United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 12555 SW 4th Street, free

Planning for a Green Disposition. Refreshments served. RSVP recommended. Register on our website or contact the Viva Village office.

Men’s Coffee Break

Monday, March 24, 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, March 25, 1-2:30 pm 

Selected book: “The Women” by Kristin Hannah. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Viva Village events for members and volunteers:

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays in March , 10-10:45 am

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

Online Women’s Coffee

Tuesdays in March, 10-11 am

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

Living Solo Happy Hour

Thursday, March 6, 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 Mindful Meditation Classes

Mondays, March 10-April 14, 10:50-11:35 am 

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

Life Stories

Tuesday, March 11, 2 pm, Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road

My Gypsy Quest: My Journey Home to Myself. Viva Villager Martha McJacobs shares her journey. As she describes it, “How did I end up today: living in Beaverton, with two children adopted from China; married to a wonderful husband; contributing my passion for normalizing the realities of aging and dying; and teaching Mindful Meditation classes?” She looks forward to sharing her gypsy quest with you! RSVP is appreciated so we have enough refreshments.

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond

Wednesday, March 12, 1 pm, East Harbor Chinese Restaurant, 18855 SW Tualatin Valley Highway

Join other Viva Village members and volunteers for lunch and conversation. Wear your Viva Village name badge. RSVP required by 1 pm on Tuesday, March 11. Space limited to 15 people. Login to register on the website or contact the office. *Please notify the office if you need to cancel.

Beaverton Thrift Shop Tour

Thursday, March 13, 12:30-3 pm, meet at our office to carpool 4800 SW Griffith Drive #102

Discover three local thrift stores: Assistance League, GHM Boutique, and Sam’s Attic, all supporting worthy causes. Join us for a fun afternoon exploring these stores, seeing what’s on display, and maybe finding a treasure! Afterwards, we’ll return back to our office. RSVP recommended so we know to expect you. You will receive a reminder email. Login to register on our website or contact the office.

Soup Lunch

Thursday, March 13, 2-3:30 pm, A member’s home

A small monthly gathering to share a meal and conversation. Vegetarian-friendly. Two soups and bread will be provided. March only: participant limit of 6. RSVP required. Address sent on registration. Login to register on our website or contact the office.

Couples Happy Hour

Thursday, March 13, 4 pm, Murrayhill Taphouse, 14550 SW Murray Scholls Drive

Join other Viva Villagers for a happy hour get-together. Enjoy friendly conversation and enjoy 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, March 18, 1-2:30 pm, Third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, Elevator available.

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. RSVP required. Space limited to 10 people. Login to register on the website or contact the office. 

Living Solo (In person)

New time this month only! Wednesday, March 19, 12:45-2:15 pm, 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, March 20, 1-2 pm, Viva Village Third Floor Conference Room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive

Selected book: “Bluebird, Bluebird” by Attica Locke. RSVP required to participate. Space limited to 12. Login to register on the website or contact the office. 

Online Living Solo

Thursday, March 20, 4-5:30 pm

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

Open Mic

Thursday, March 27, 2:30-4 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive

Want to share your writing or the writing of someone who inspires you? Bring short pieces or excerpts (about 5 minutes to read aloud), whether it’s a story, poem, or other writing you would like to share in a supportive environment. Led by Gary V. Anderson, poet and storyteller. RSVP required. Space limited to 11 people. Login to register on the website or contact the office. 

Thursday Evening Social

Thursday, March 27, 5:30-7:30 pm, Thai Bloom, 3800 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard

Enjoy an evening of conversation and dinner with Viva Village friends. RSVP required. Space limited to 15 people. Login to register on the website or contact the office.