Community News February 2024

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Join us for a friendly community event where skilled volunteers help people fix what is broken. Bring a sense of curiosity, patience, and a DIY attitude, and let’s fix some things! 

At Repair Fair events, fixer volunteers choose items on a first come first serve basis. They also choose items based on their skill set and comfort level. Although we try to move items through in the order they arrive, that is not always possible. However, items that have been signed up ahead of time are prioritized when possible. Wait times will vary.

Please wash clothing, and vacuum, dust off, and wipe down items as best you can before bringing them for repair so our fantastic volunteers are working with clean items. 

Please complete this form for each item you would like to bring to the Repair Fair. There is a limit of two items per attendee. Completing this form neither guarantees a spot at the front of the line nor a successful repair, but it does help us prepare for the event.

Find more information about Repair Fair in Washington County at www.WashingtonCountyOR.gov/swr/repair. Sign up to volunteer here!

Beaverton High School Band would like to invite our alumni band members to join us in the stands for a fun night of reminiscing and playing music, as well as connecting with our current band. Come join us before the school becomes ashes and a NEW school is born. Register on the BHSBE website. Meet in the band room at call time. Social hour afterward (TBD). Questions: Contact President@bhsbe.org or call Becky at 971-724-8138.

Want to know what’s at risk where you live, work, and play? What are your nearby geo risks? Join us for Be GeoHazard Smart in Beaverton. You’ll learn about fault lines, liquefaction, landslides, and flooding—and what you can do to stay safe and prepared. Our speaker, Aaron Fox, is a noted geologist and a top-notch emergency management coordinator. He’ll describe geo hazards in and around the Beaverton and Portland areas. He’ll also talk about tools you can use to learn about the hazards in places where you spend the most time. What should you be doing to make your home resilient once you know the geo threats? Rick Eilers from Prepare NW will present ideas for making your living space safer with seismic upgrades. Be safer, be ready, and be aware! This venue has plenty of FREE parking. If the weather is bad, we’ll set up a Zoom link and meet virtually. This event is open to the public. Invite all of your important people. Space is limited, so register early. Questions? Visit us at neighborsready.org or contact us at neighborsready@gmail.com

The mission of Neighbors Ready! is to create caring, connected and resilient neighborhoods. We are committed to making sure every neighbor is prepared and has the best chance of survival in the event of a disaster.

Burt Lazar and Judy Flynn will lead a discussion of the book “Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard,” by Douglas W. Tallamy. Tallamy lays out a grassroots approach to conservation where homeowners turn their yards into conservation corridors that provide wildlife habitat. This approach relies on initiatives of private individuals and not the government. Its practical wealth of information can easily be incorporated into each of our own yards and properties. Read it and join in the discussion.

Donations from 35+ households in our colorful neighborhood. Practical to zany! Huge! “Everything BUT the Kitchen Sink”

Hosted by OHSU Mobile Health Coalition, this one-day medical event will offer comprehensive vision exams, mammograms, skin cancer screenings, mental health screenings and consultations, blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests, dental services, and vaccines. To schedule, call Beaverton Resource Center through Care to Share at 503-591-9025

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. This workshop will include a great deal of personal engagement, small group work, meaningful connection, and even puppets! The essential goal of Nonviolent Communication is not to “solve” conflict, although that is often achieved as a byproduct of the process; instead, the focus is on creating quality connection with ourselves and others, based in a spirit of open-hearted giving and receiving. In other words, we practice how to celebrate and mourn our experiences together in a more deeply compassionate way that is likely to create an empathetic connection (instead of judgment, blame and defensiveness). Presented by Iain Haukka of Growth Point Facilitation, LLC. For questions, reach out to mediation@BeavertonOregon.go or call 503-526-2523. 

Packages are delivered at all hours of the day and can unfortunately attract common crimes of opportunity. Let’s keep our community safe by establishing preventative measures to keep package thieves away. 

Track your packages: Utilize tracking numbers provided by the shipping companies to stay updated on the delivery status. This way, you’ll know when to expect your packages and can make arrangements to secure them promptly. 

Provide delivery instructions: If possible, provide specific instructions for the delivery driver, such as requesting packages to be placed in a secure location or held at a nearby pickup location. 

Opt for in-store pickup: When available, choose the option to pick up your packages from a local store or delivery locker. This way, you can personally collect your items and reduce the risk of theft. 

Secure delivery locations: If you have a secure porch or mailbox, consider installing security cameras or motion-sensor lights to deter potential thieves. Additionally, you may want to consider using a lockable package delivery box or having packages delivered to a trusted neighbor or your workplace. 

Stay connected: Use text or email notifications to receive real-time updates. If you are missing a package, check with neighbors to ensure it wasn’t delivered to the wrong address. If you believe your package has been stolen, call non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 or report it through our optional online reporting system. This tool allows community members to report specific incidents that meet the online reporting criteria. Our online reporting system is only available within WCSO’s jurisdiction, however, not within the cities of our municipal partners Banks, Cornelius, Gaston, or North Plains.

Leedy Grange is continuing to work with our neighbors in the community. As we move into spring, we will be hosting free after school events as well as community get togethers for seniors.

A group of senior dancers from the Elsie Stuhr Center will start holding social lunch get-togethers at Leedy Grange due to the closure of the Center from severe storm damage. Scheduling is to be determined but if you have an interest in signing up for further information, please email your name and contact info to LeedyGrangeRentals@gmail.com with the subject “Sign me up for information on Stuhr Center dance group luncheons”. We will post updated information on the Leedy Grange website

All abilities welcome! We will be working on an array of dances, with partners as well as team performance. All will culminate in a performance at the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts in June. No cost at all to any participants. We are trying to put together a secondary group with older students as well. If you have any interest please send your name and inquiries to LeedyGrangeRentals@gmail.com or reach out to Cynthia at ImpressionsDanceClub@gmail.com. We will put updated information on the Leedy Grange website.

For English Language Learners. Elevate your job search! In this workshop you will practice essential vocabulary, networking to find a job, and identify resources. Only available for Washington County residents. Download the flyer for a list of upcoming workshops 

An on-ramp for immigrants, refugees, and non-native English speakers. Are you interested in exploring new career and training opportunities? In this class you will discover educational and work-related resources that will help you achieve your goals. Download this flyer for a list of upcoming classes

For English Language Learners. Participate in this monthly workshop to build your digital skills! We will cover vocabulary, practice in-person, and learn about PCC programs that meet your interests. Download this flyer for a list of upcoming workshops

Visit the Opportunity Center website for more info:

I’ll be giving an update on the Oregon Legislature short session. And, of course, I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and feedback—all from the comfort of your own home. RSVP on Zoom!

Earlier this year, the Oregon legislature passed House Bill 3409 which allocated $10,000,000 to fund the creation and support of resilience hubs and networks throughout Oregon. This month, the Oregon Department of Human Services is expected to announce this grant opportunity which provides funding to support projects that enhance the resilience of our community in the face of disasters. Projects funded through this grant can focus on community resilience for any disruption the community faces, including, but not limited to, food insecurity, resource inequity, acts of violence, poverty, houselessness, climate change, and natural/man-made disasters. Join Washington County Emergency Management at this virtual workshop to brainstorm and collaborate on potential grant ideas to create and/or support resilience hubs. During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to network, share ideas, and collaborate on projects for the Resilience Hub Grant. Register through this link. If you have questions, please email WashCo_EM@washingtoncountyor.gov

black history month

Open to the public. 

africa fashion
Africa Fashion
Black Artists of Oregon

See Exhibitions on View

North the Musical
Pitchblack Business Event
February 7, 5:30 pm
Harlem Quartet
February 18, 3pm
The Evolve Experience
February 23-24

See All Upcoming Events 

Washington County Chamber of Commerce Black Excellence Panel Discussion – “Thriving in the C-Suite”

Viva Village is a Beaverton 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. Please RSVP for all events by contacting vivavillageevents@gmail.com or 503-746-5082. Links for zoom meetings will be sent to those who RSVP. Members-only events are listed on our website and in the web version of The News.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

Women’s Coffee (in person)

Wednesdays in February, 10-11 am, New Seasons Market Cedar Hills 3495 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard

Coffee and conversation. RSVP recommended.

Online Viva Village 101

Saturday, February 10, 10-11:30 am, online, free

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

Viva Village Forum

Monday, February 19, 2-3:30 pm. United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 12555 SW 4th Street, free

Topic: Elsie Stuhr Center: Past, Present, Future. The Elsie Stuhr Center has been a mainstay in the Beaverton area since 1975, providing a wealth of offerings for older adults in our community. Learn about its history, the current status of the center, and its future. More levy information on the Local Option Levy webpage. Refreshments served. RSVP recommended. Register on the website calendar or contact the Viva Village office.

Men’s Coffee Break

Monday, February 26, 10-11:30 am, Ki Coffee, 4655 SW Griffith Dr. #160, free

Conversation and coffee. RSVP recommended.

Online Viva Village Book Club

Tuesday, February 27, 1-2:30 pm, online, free 

Selected book: “These Precious Days,” by Ann Patchett. RSVP for the Zoom link.

MEMBERS ONLY:

Viva Village Nature Walk

viva village walkers

Saturday, February 3, 9:30 am, free Commonwealth Lake Park

Park on the street near the intersection of SW Dellwood Avenue and SW Foothill Drive. Enjoy a morning walk with fellow Viva Villagers. RSVP recommended.

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, 10-10:45 am

Practice Tai Chi technique with certified instructor, Richard Chew. RSVP for Zoom link.

Online Mindfulness Meditation Classes

Mondays, February 5, 12, 11-11:45 am

Mindful Meditation, the final two sessions of this series, guided by Martha McJacobs. 

New Series: Mondays, February 26-April 1, 11-11:45 am.

Martha McJacobs will lead a new series of six mindful meditation classes. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Online Women’s Coffee

Tuesdays in February, 10 am, online, free

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

Soup Lunch

Thursday, February 8, 2 pm, a private home in the South Beaverton (Progress Ridge neighborhood)

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

Online Travel Talk

February 12, 7-8 pm 

Join the fun as Viva Villager Karen McCune shares highlights of her GAS (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) Tour—Mountains, Mozart, and Mugs of Beer! RSVP for the Zoom link. Login to register on our website or contact the office.

Life Stories

Tuesday, February 13, 2 pm. Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road

Founding Viva Village member and volunteer Dick Eyde will talk about his career in the Navy and finding meaning in volunteering after retirement. Please RSVP so we have enough refreshments.

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond

Wednesday, February 14, 1 pm, Red Lobster, 10330 SW Greenburg Road, Tigard (Washington Square)

Join members and volunteers for lunch and conversation. Wear your Viva Village name badge. Space limited to 15 people. Please notify the office if you need to cancel. RSVP required by 1 pm on Tuesday, February 9. Register on the website or contact the office.

Mystery Book Club

Thursday, February 15, 1-2 pm, Viva Village Office, 4905 SW Griffith Drive #104

Selected book: “The Last Thing He Told Me,” by Laura Dave. Space limited to ten. 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, February 15, 4-5:30 pm, online, free

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

Living Solo (In person)

Wednesday, February 21, 12-1:30 pm, Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Room, 12375 SW 5th Street, free

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

Thursday Evening Social Group

Thursday, February 22, 5:30-7:30 pm, China Town Restaurant, 4021 SW 117th Avenue

Enjoy an evening of conversation and dinner with Viva Village friends. RSVP required. Limited to 15 people. Login to register on the website or contact the office. Please notify the office if you need to cancel.