• Washington County seeks volunteers to serve as advisors to Disability, Aging and Veteran Services
• The Year of the Oak Launch Party 
• Free COVID Tests 
• Ask WCSO: Winter Safety Guide
• Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is Recruiting Volunteers
• Viva Village Events: January 2025

Washington County seeks volunteers to serve as advisors to Disability, Aging and Veteran Services

Info session Thursday, January 16, 9-11 am, Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services, 5240 NE Elam Young Pkwy, Suite 300

Washington County is recruiting people age 60+ to join the Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council. Members advocate for system level changes, provide advice to Disability, Aging and Veteran Services (DAVS) regarding policies and programs, and connect with the broader community to understand the issues and priorities of DAVS focus populations. 

Members must be residents of Washington County, or people who work or otherwise serve older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans in Washington County. Attend the Information Session on January 16 either in person or through the Virtual Option. 

Five Oaks Museum temporarily closed

Five Oaks Museum, 17677 NW Springville Rd.
Due to financial hardship, the museum is closed and all services and programs are suspended. Learn more on the website.

Free COVID Tests 

You can now order another pack of free Covid-19 tests from the federal government. Each household is eligible to receive four at-home test kits. Shipping is free. Learn more and order here.

Ask WCSO: Winter Safety Guide

Winter calls for extra precautions and is a good reminder to stay safe and vigilant no matter the time of year. 

Check winter weather driving conditions: Ensure your tires and vehicle are ready for wet weather; Expect delays and allow extra time for travel; Take it slow and leave extra room between cars; Keep your gas tank full; Always stock an emergency kit in your vehicle. 

Be safe and be seen: Whether walking, riding, or rolling, make yourself visible with reflective gear, bright colors, and/or lights; Be extra cautious when driving in poor visibility conditions; Avoid distractions; put mobile phones away; Ensure your vehicle is well-lit and noticeable by pedestrians and other drivers; Walk or cycle on streets with good lighting or designated paths with street lamps.

Stay warm and safe: Check winter weather alerts that could impact you and keep a winter emergency kit stocked and ready; Dress appropriately with layers; Stay hydrated—dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, and confusion; Check in with vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors; Keep your communication lines open in case of an emergency. Ensure your phone is charged.

Prevent vehicle theft: Always lock all doors and close windows; Don’t leave your vehicle running while unattended; Remove all valuables from your car; Never leave your keys or garage door opener inside your vehicle; Park in well-lit areas—thieves generally avoid highly visible areas and seek the cover of obscurity.

Call us if you need us! Emergencies: 911, Non-emergencies: 503-629-0111. Visit our Winter Safety blog for more information. Ask WCSO is produced by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is Recruiting Volunteers

Interested in donating your time and serving your community as a TVF&R volunteer? This exciting opportunity gives you a chance to be part of your fire district. Applications will be accepted from January 9-February 10.

TVF&R offers two ways you can choose to serve your community. Incident Support Volunteer: These volunteers bring rehabilitation units to major incidents to provide TVF&R firefighters with assistance with breathing apparatus, medical monitoring, and other support in a non-firefighter capacity. They also participate in public education, attend parades, support community events and activities, and attend monthly drills; Auxiliary Volunteer: These volunteers play an active role in TVF&R’s public education program and attend community events. Auxiliary volunteers are non-emergency response volunteers. They may work once or twice a week or even a few times each year, depending on their area of interest and commitment. They can also help restore and maintain TVF&R’s fleet of antique apparatus. All volunteers must be aged 18 or older, have a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate, pass a criminal background check and drug screening, and have a valid Oregon driver’s license. All volunteers must obtain CPR and automated external defibrillator training within six months, and incident support volunteers must also obtain emergency medical responder certification within 12 months and live within TVF&R’s service area.

TVF&R Volunteer Interest Open Houses

• Saturday, January 18, 10 am-2 pm, TVF&R’s South Operating Center garage located behind Station 56, 8445 SW Elligsen Road in Wilsonville
• Saturday, January 25, 10 am-2 pm, Station 72, 11646 NW Skyline Boulevard in unincorporated Washington County off Cornelius Pass Road

For more information about TVF&R’s volunteer program or to apply to become a volunteer, visit www.tvfr.com/471/Volunteer-Program. 

Viva Village Events: January 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 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:

Women’s Coffee (in person)

Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29, 10 am-12 pm, New Seasons Market Cedar Hills, 3495 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard

Coffee and conversation. RSVP recommended.

Age Café

Friday, January 3, 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

January 11, 10-11:30 am, online on Zoom

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, January 13, 7-8 pm, online

Viva Villager, Barbara Walker, takes us on a virtual visit to Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg. RSVP for the Zoom link, register on our website or contact the office.

Viva Village Forum – Healthy Aging and Top Tips for Brain Health

Monday, January 20, 2-3:30 pm, United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 12555 SW 4th St., free

Are you concerned about your or a loved one’s memory? Join us as Dr. Kevin Duff, Ph.D., Clinical Neuropsychologist at OHSU’s Layton Aging & Alzheimer’s Disease Center and a Professor of Neurology, discusses: 1) how aging affects the brain and ways to preserve cognitive health, 2) differences between age-related forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s, and 3) opportunities to participate in Alzheimer’s research. Refreshments served. RSVP recommended. Register on our website calendar or contact the Viva Village office. Refreshments served. 

Men’s Coffee Break

Monday, January 27, 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, January 28, 1-2:30 pm, online 

Selected book: The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. This is the Beaverton City Library selected book for the “One Book, One Beaverton” program. Pick up a free copy at the library while supplies last. Participate in free events that explore themes from the book. Discuss the book with Viva Village friends. RSVP for the Zoom link. RSVP recommended. Register on our website or contact the Viva Village office.

Viva Village events for members and volunteers:

Living Solo Happy Hour

Thursday, January 2, 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.

Viva Village Nature Walk

Saturday, January 4, 9:30 am, Trails at Dawson Creek Lakes, 2850 NW Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro 97124, behind the Hillsboro Brookwood Library

Park in the north lot of the library parking area. Enjoy a morning walk with Viva Village friends. RSVP recommended.

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, January 6, 13, 20, 27, 10-10:45 am, online 

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

Online Women’s Coffee

Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28, 10-11 am, online

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

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond

Wednesday, January 8, 1 pm, Tom’s Pancake House, 12925 SW Canyon Rd. 

Join other Viva Village members and volunteers for lunch and conversation. Wear your Viva Village name badge. RSVP required by 1 pm on Tuesday, January 7. Space limited to 15 people. Login to register on the website or contact the office. *Please notify the office if you need to cancel.

Soup Lunch

Thursday, January 9, 2-3:30 pm, private home in South Beaverton (Progress Ridge neighborhood)

A small monthly gathering to share a meal and conversation. Vegetarian-friendly. Two soups and bread will be provided. Participant limit of 7. RSVP required. Login to register on our website or contact the office. Address sent on registration.

Couples Happy Hour

Thursday, January 9, 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.

Online Mindful Meditation Classes

Mondays, January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 11-11:45 am

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

Life Stories

Tuesday, January 14, 2 pm, Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Rd.

Breakouts and Breakthroughs in my Professional Life. Viva Villager, Kathe Fradkin, will share her story about her unique professional life, moving from the public sector to a private corporation and then to the nonprofit world. RSVP is appreciated so we have enough refreshments on hand.

Living Solo (In person)

Wednesday, January 15, 12-1:30 pm. Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Room, 12375 SW 5th St.

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, January 16, 1-2 pm. Viva Village Third Floor Conference Room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive

Selected book: City of Bones by Michael Connelly. Space limited to 12. RSVP required to participate. Login to register on the website or contact the office. Please notify the office if you need to cancel.

Online Living Solo

Thursday, January 16, 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.

Soul Collage

Tuesday, January 21, 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. Please notify the office if you need to cancel.

Thursday Evening Social

Thursday, January 23, 5:30-7:30 pm, Nonna Emilia Italian Restaurant, 1710 SW Shaw Street, Aloha 97007

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. Please notify the office if you need to cancel.

Viva Village All-Volunteer Meeting

Friday, January 31, 1:30-3:30 pm. Beaverton City Library, Room A, 12375 SW 5th Street

Update on Viva Village volunteer programs. Ask your questions. Learn what’s new. RSVP recommended. Register on the website calendar.