Community News June 2024

neighbors ready tents

This is a community event where we build all the walls for a Habitat for Humanity house in our parking lot. This is our seventh annual event. All members from the community can participate. Those between 5-105 can join in—the church will have their nursery open for those under 5. Visit the Christ UMC website for more details. Sign up on the registration form.

According to our year-end survey of twenty-eight neighbors, the preparedness tasks that were completed by the most people were: 1) Locate home utility shutoffs; 2) Meet adjacent neighbors; and 3) Check extinguishers & smoke alarms. The most oft-mentioned topics of interest were: 1) Prepare Your Neighborhood (PYN) including for apartments and condos; 2) Transportation; and 3) Cooking (and foraging).

There are upcoming chances to learn more about many of these topics. This year, our PYN team has met with dozens of neighbors and organizations, and we would love to continue the trend by training your group of neighbors to get Neighbor Ready (send us an email to get started). On the topic of cooking, we’re publishing a new monthly blog on Eating without Electricity. And in July, we’re partnering with the Scouts to host an overnight camping skills event.

neighbors ready tents

You never know when the unexpected might happen: a major earthquake, fire, or other disaster event could displace you and your family. If your home was uninhabitable, how would you survive?

At this event, you’ll learn survival camping skills for a variety of disaster scenarios from our expert guides–experienced scouts (Troop 618) and Neighbors Ready! volunteers. Our event involves two parts: An afternoon training with hands-on exercises in small groups, and an optional overnight campout in the field at the Cedar Hills Recreation Center. You can join us for only Saturday’s training or for the overnight camp, too. Camp ends at 10 am on Sunday, July 14.

Our scout guides will lead us through these skills: tenting; cooking with non-electric heat; cleanup with limited water; basic first aid; basic sanitation & waste management; and water collection, filtration, and purification, and more. You’ll enjoy preparing camp-cooked meals together, including dinner and—for overnight campers—breakfast on Sunday.  

We welcome adults and accompanied-minors, sixth grade and older, with a parent or legal guardian at the event. Enrollment is limited to 35 people to keep groups small for a personalized experience. Our $15 tickets cover just materials and supplies; we welcome donations. Scholarships are available. Pack your go bag and camping gear and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with your community. Space is limited, so sign up early!

Questions? Visit us at www.neighborsready.org or contact  info.cedarhillsready@gmail.com with questions. 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.

All groups, including youth organizations, sports teams, non-profits, businesses, and civic groups, are encouraged to apply for participation in the parade. We welcome unique and creative entries that showcase the vibrant fabric of our city. For more information and/or to submit a parade entry application, please visit the City of Beaverton Parade Website. Applications are open until July 19.

Interested in giving back to your community but unsure where to start? Join us for the Beaverton Volunteer Fair! This event is dedicated to raising awareness of local nonprofits and community groups with the hope of increasing donations and sharing more about their volunteer opportunities to help drive their cause.

Get your wellness questions answered and find help on topics ranging from financial planning, retirement facilities, insurance options, medical equipment, vision services and more. Local resources will be on site providing educational workshops and presentations. The fair will be focused on Senior Wellness and other resources available to the Washington County community.
The event is co-hosted by the Friends of the Hillsboro Community Center. 

sunset band fireworks stand logo

Get your Oregon-legal fireworks and support the Sunset Band and Color Guard programs.

If you SEE something, SAY something! Communicating what you see is key to preventing or deterring crime and helps us keep everyone safe! By reporting what you see, we can watch for trends in suspicious activity and adjust patrols. If you witness an emergency or crime in progress, call 9-1-1. If you observe a crime that has already occurred, you can call our non-emergency dispatch at 502-629-0111. Examples of a non-emergency call include abandoned vehicles, suspicious persons or vehicles, or stolen packages.

It’s important to remember, 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. When reporting, there are many details you can provide that assist us, including: location of incident—Where did it happen? Subject(s) description—Who was involved? What do they look like? Vehicle description—Make/Model, color, any identifiable features. Sequence of events—What happened?

We strive to provide you with the high level of service you deserve. So, if you see something, please say something. By working together, we can keep our neighborhoods safe! We are here to help!

Ask WCSO is produced by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

August 11, 11 am-8:30 pm, Beaverton City Park, free to attend

Visit the website for more information.

Tanya Little and Linda Steffen have been civil war reenactors for over 20 years. Both ladies are passionate about history, especially the 1860’s. They have been giving school presentations during this time focusing on the life of women and children plus ladies’ fashion. This presentation will be a Parlor Talk. Life for women during the war, war efforts, joys, and sorrow. Questions are always welcome. Refreshments provided. Please accept their invitation to time travel and share an evening together.

pride beaverton logo

Pride Beaverton‘s mission is to bring joy, support, and acknowledgement to the LGBTQ community in Beaverton. The Farmers’ Market parking lot will be filled with local vendors offering pride gear, artisan crafts, local services and more.

Tualatin Riverkeepers is asking us to answer a survey about our experiences living, working, and recreating in the Tualatin watershed. Capacity Building Partnerships is conducting this survey to help Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District and Tualatin Riverkeepers learn from the community about Tualatin watershed opportunities and challenges. Both organizations are embarking on strategic initiatives and value community feedback about what it is like to live, work, play and access the Tualatin watershed areas.

The survey should take 15-30 minutes to complete. All responses will be kept confidential. At the end of the survey, you may choose to enter a drawing to win one of two 3-hour boat rentals (at Cook Park or Rood Bridge Park) or one of three $20 VISA cards.

To better allocate federal funding, Washington County has partnered with the cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton to conduct a survey on housing and community development needs. The survey responses will help inform how the municipalities utilize funds from Community Development Block Grants over the next five years.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development supplies these grants to counties, cities, and states annually to be used for housing, community improvements and economic opportunities that benefit low- and moderate-income households.

Respondents are asked for demographic information and data about where they live, if they rent or own their residence, their income and about barriers they’ve faced in finding affordable housing. Additionally, the survey asks respondents about the need for various social services and publicly owned amenities, and if they feel certain areas in Washington County have better access to those items than others.

This survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. We will have a drawing for three (3) $100 gift cards to be awarded from a random drawing at the close of the survey. If you are interested in participating in the drawing, you can add your information at the end of the survey and your name will be entered into the drawing. Your survey responses will be separated from your email address and your responses will remain confidential.

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-lageevents@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, June 5, 12, 19, 26, 10 am-12 pm, New Seasons Market Cedar Hills, 3495 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard

Coffee and conversation. RSVP recommended.

Online Age Café

Friday, June 7, 11 am-12 pm.

Small group conversations exploring topics of interest to older adults. Interesting new topics each session. Topic: Brain Health. Co-sponsored by Viva Village, Beaverton City Library, and Washington County DAVS. Registration optional. Register on the Library website to receive a reminder email.

Online Viva Village 101

Saturday, June 8, 10-11:30 am

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 at the Beaverton Farmers Market

June 15, 9-1, Beaverton Farmers Market, 12375 SW 5th Street

Stop by our booth for more information about Viva Village.

Viva Village Forum

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

Topic: Bringing History to Life: A Broader View of the American Revolution. Lars Hedbor is a local author with a love of history and a deep knowledge of the American Revolution. Join us as he shares what led to his series of novels about the Revolutionary era, how events from the past can impact us now, and how the Colonists were different from us, yet their hopes and fears can still resonate. Refreshments served. RSVP recommended. Register on the website calendar or contact the Viva Village office.

Men’s Coffee Break

Monday, June 24, 10-11:30 am, Market of Choice Cedar Mill (mezzanine), 250 NW Lost Springs Terrace

Conversation and coffee. New location in Timberland Town Center! RSVP recommended.

Online Viva Village Book Club

Tuesday, June 25, 1-2:30 pm.

Selected book: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Viva Village events for members and volunteers:

Viva Village Nature Walk

Saturday, June 1, 9:30 am, Fanno Creek Trail, 8405 SW Creekside Place

Please park in the street (not in the adjacent lot). Enjoy a morning walk with Viva Village friends. RSVP recommended.

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, June 3, 10, 17, 24, 10-10:45 am

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

Online Mindfulness Meditation Classes

Mondays, June 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 11-11:45 am

Mindful Meditation sessions led by Martha McJacobs.

Online Women’s Coffee

Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 10-11 am

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

Living Solo Happy Hour

Thursday, June 6, 2:30 pm, Golden Valley Brewery, 1520 NW Bethany Boulevard

Get together for an afternoon of relaxed conversation with other Viva Village solos. New time and location!

Patio Picnics

Fridays, June 7, 21, 12:30-2 pm

Conversation and lunch on a deck or patio. Bring your own lunch. You will be notified of the location and host a day or two before the picnic. Weather permitting. RSVP required by noon on the Wednesday before the picnic. Login to register on the website or contact the Viva Village office.

Life Stories

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

Viva Villager Dan Tuecke will share stories of his life of adventure, from growing up on a farm in Iowa to setting up a shark-fishing business in the Marshall Islands. Please RSVP so we have enough refreshments.

Living Solo (In person)

Wednesday, June 19, 12-1:30 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, June 20, 1-2 pm. Viva Village Office, 4905 SW Griffith Drive #104

Selected book: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Space limited to 10. RSVP required. Login to register on the website or contact the office. Please notify the office if you need to cancel.

Online Living Solo

Thursday, June 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.

Thursday Evening Social Group

Thursday, June 27, 5:30-7:30 pm. Murrayhill Café, 14500 SW Murray Scholls Drive #103

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.