• Free COVID-19 tests available
• Garage Sale at Skyline Grange
• 4-H Open House
• Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair
• Cedar Mill Community Club meeting
• Sunset Youth Lacrosse offers free clinic for new players
• Learn about historical Vanport
• Tour the Hillsboro Pioneer Cemetery
• Free legal services available
• Cooking safety starts with YOU
• BEF’s Annual Fundraiser—Answer the Call
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers
• Viva Village news & events

Free COVID-19 tests available

People can now order additional free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government. Each household can order four tests at COVIDtests.gov, for tests that will arrive in your mailbox.

If you still have unused at-home COVID-19 tests, whether you bought them at a store or ordered them from the government, check the expiration dates. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) extended the expiration dates on many COVID-19 tests beyond what is printed on the box. Check this FDA webpage and search for your test’s brand and lot number to see if the FDA extended the expiration date. If your tests have expired, throw them away with the regular trash.

Garage Sale at Skyline Grange

Friday-Saturday, October 6, 9-5; October 7, 9-7 ; 11275 NW Skyline Blvd.

Uniquely Skyline flavor with items donated by 35+ local residents from our colorful friendly Skyline neighborhood. Huge selection and great prices. Clean functioning items. All proceeds go to our Capital Improvement Campaign to better serve our community.

4-H Open House

Saturday, October 7, 10-2, Westside Commons in Hillsboro, OR.

Please join the Oregon State Extension Service for our second annual 4-H Open House. This free event is open to families with youth ages 5-18 and will include opportunities to learn about 4-H club activities and find a short-term 4-H class. Other highlights will include: hands-on learning opportunities; archery, and a hot lunch fundraiser for the 4-H Wagon Train program!

The four H’s stand for Head, Heart, Hands and Health. You can follow local 4-H activities on their Facebook page. Volunteers are an essential part of the 4-H program. Information on volunteering is found on the Washington County 4-H web page.

Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair

Saturday, October 7, 9:30 am-1:30 pm, Hidden Creek Community Center, 5100 NE Hidden Creek Drive, Hillsboro, free

Washington County Developmental Disabilities will host a resource fair to help you learn more about providers and resources, including employment services, housing, behavior supports, recreational opportunities, and more. Plus! The fabulous inclusive and accessible playground at Hidden Creek is now open! Call 503-846-3119 for more information.

Cedar Mill Community Club meeting

Wednesday, October 18, 6-7 pm, Cedar Mill Library Meeting Room, 1080 NW Saltzman Rd, free

We meet every third Wednesday of the month. In September, we organized two committees: Adopt-A-Block and the Holiday Tree Lighting event (December 9). Both committees are looking for volunteers, so if you are interested, please contact Jan at jdempsey@windermere.com or 503-706-6358.

Sunset Youth Lacrosse offers free clinic for new players

Sunday, October 8, 1:30-3:30, Mountain View Champions Park, Field #3, 5915 SW 170th Ave, free

Sunset Youth Lacrosse is excited to announce the first date of our free fall lacrosse clinic series! We will be hosting two 1-hour sessionsL 1:30-2:30 for grades K-3, 2:30-3:30 for grades 4-8. These new player clinics are limited to players with 0-2 years of lacrosse experience and open to kids in grades K-8. No gear is necessary, just a water bottle, sneakers/cleats and a desire to have fun learning lacrosse! We will have volunteers at the clinic to answer any questions about the spring lacrosse season, equipment etc.

Learn about historical Vanport

Tuesday, October 10, doors open at 6:45 pm, presentation starts at 7 pm, 20001 SW TV Highway

Beaverton Historical Society and Aloha Historical Society are joining together to bring you this monthly presentation. Our topic this evening will be: “Vanport, The Company Town”. This will be the first in a two-part series presented by Libby Pruden of the Oregon Historical Society. Vanport typically refers to a flood in 1948 that wiped out a community on the Columbia River. Refreshments will be provided.

Tour the Hillsboro Pioneer Cemetery

Saturday, October 14, 1-3:45 pm, tours start every 15 minutes, Hillsboro Pioneer Cemetery, 1601 SW Baseline, adults $8, children 12 and under free

Take a leisurely stroll through the cemetery and visit with eight of Hillsboro’s early community members who were buried in the cemetery. Local, costumed actors bring these characters to life in this history-rich drama. To access the cemetery, you will need to travel westbound on SW Baseline Street/Oregon Highway 8. The cemetery is located at the edge of a one-way traffic grid. Register through this sign up form.

Parking is available at Winco or at the parking lot for AgriServe Enterprises. Dress for weather and bring an umbrella if needed. The cemetery grounds are uneven and ground squirrel holes are present. Attendees are expected to walk cautiously. For more information, please call the City Recorder’s Office at 503-681-6120.

Free legal services available

Second Monday of each month (October 9, November 13, and December 11 and continuing in 2024), 2-6 pm, Willow Creek Opportunity Center legal clinic, 241 SW Edgeway Drive

The Portland Community College Willow Creek Opportunity Center has partnered with WorkSource Portland Metro to offer free legal services once a month at the Willow Creek Opportunity Center. This partnership now allows individuals in Washington County to access valuable legal and employment-related services. The CLEAR Clinic/PCC Legal Resource Center provides limited-scope legal services for various issues. These services include DACA support, criminal record expungements, eviction assistance, and help with name and gender-marker changes.

J.J. Caufield, a staff attorney at the clinic, explained that the clinic collaborates with WorkSource to provide job training and resume assistance, extending support beyond legal matters. “We can connect folks with resources for touching up their resume after their criminal record is cleared,” Caufield said. “We can set people up with job training and occupational skills training. Even if a participant is unable to fully clear their record, for example, they can meet with WorkSource partners to plan their career and set their life back on track. “Ordinarily, we are largely limited to assisting folks with legal issues,” he added. “But at the new Willow Creek Clinic, our sponsors at WorkSource can assist people with work issues as well.” For more information, please visit the clinic website.

Cooking safety starts with YOU

Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires and fire injuries. Last year, approximately 42 percent of the residential fires that Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) responded to, began in a kitchen. October is Fire Prevention Month and this year the National Fire Protection Association campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU—Pay attention to fire prevention,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when cooking.

TVF&R crews encourage you to minimize your risk of a fire by organizing a safe kitchen and practicing these safe cooking tips:

Keep a watchful eye on what you are cooking—never leave cooking unattended.
Keep your cooking area clean, including the stovetop, oven, and exhaust fan.
Keep dish towels and pot holders away from the burners on your stove.
Watch your sleeves to prevent them from catching fire or getting caught on pan handles.
Cooking oil can ignite quickly. Heat oil slowly and watch it closely.

Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Store it in an easy-to-reach location and know how to use it. The discharge of a portable fire extinguisher only lasts between eight and 10 seconds.

Put a lid on it: The easiest way to extinguish a small pan fire is with a pan lid. Turn off the burner and carefully slide a pan lid over the pan from the side. The lid will “smother” the fire, while turning off the burner removes the heat. Do not move the pan until the fire is completely extinguished and the pan is cool. If you do not have a pan lid, you may also use a baking sheet or pizza pan.

Never transfer a burning pan from the stovetop to the sink or out an exterior door. The fire may grow in size and burn you or spread to a countertop, cabinets, or curtains.

Grease and water do not mix: Never pour water on a grease fire. Water causes these fires to explode as the burning material stays on top of the water, causing it to spread and putting you at severe risk of getting burned. If the fire is large and/or continues to grow, do not attempt to extinguish it. Quickly get everyone outside and immediately call 911 from a cellphone or neighbor’s house. For additional safety tips, please visit the TVFR website.

BEF’s Annual Fundraiser—Answer the Call

October 17-26, or donate online today here

For 25 years, student volunteers from all Beaverton public high schools have asked community members to participate in our annual Beaverton Education Foundation (BEF) fundraiser—Answer the Call. Your investment makes an impact and provides funding for hands-on, innovative, academic programs and projects that go beyond normal school funding to ensure Beaverton students have an opportunity to learn, thrive and reach their highest potential. Together we can incubate promising ideas, create hands-on learning opportunities, and fill in funding gaps, all while connecting the community to the classroom. Your continued support will help all Beaverton’s 39,000 students reach their brightest potential.

Beaverton Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) community-based nonprofit organization that connects community and classrooms. Since 1988, BEF has helped Beaverton School District educators access community resources for innovative classroom projects, after school and summer programs, and classroom materials. Our mission is to ensure Beaverton School District students thrive and to prepare them for their brightest future. We transform teachers’ ideas into powerful solutions that benefit thousands of students and advance equitable education.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Tuesdays, October 17-November 28 (no class Nov 21), 1:30-3 pm, Hillsboro Library Shute Park, free

Register now for Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a free six-week series for unpaid family and friend caregivers. This class focuses on giving you the tools to take care of yourself while you are caring for another person. Learn how to reduce stress, communicate more effectively, and connect with resources. Call 503-846-3089 to register.

For more information on services offered by the Disability, Aging, and Veterans Services division of Washington County Health & Human Services, visit this page or call 503-846-3060.

Viva Village news & events

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.

Aging With Grace

Saturday, November 11, 1-4 pm, Southminster Presbyterian, 12250 SW Denney Rd., $10 per person, $15 per couple, free to members

For many seniors, the sense of normal changes suddenly, and others more gradually. Changes related to aging make us question how to adapt while still moving forward. For expert answers, hear Glenn Rodriguez, MD, explain the physical changes to expect as we age, how our definition of normal evolves throughout life, when to seek professional advice, and how to navigate the healthcare system. Jenny Sasser, PhD, a gerontology professor at PCC will focus on a holistic approach to aging. For more information, view this event flyer. To register, visit this event webpage.

Events open to the public:

Women’s Coffee

Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 10 am, 4130 SW 117th

Meet at Jim and Patty’s coffee for some coffee and a conversation with other women.

Age Cafe

Friday, October 6, 11-12 pm, Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St.

Small group conversations exploring topics of interest to older adults with a new topic each month.

Online Viva Village 101

Saturday, October 14, 10-11:30 am, online, free

A fun, informative session about Village life for prospective members/volunteers. RSVP for Zoom link.

Viva Village Forum

Monday, October 16, 2-3:30 pm, United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 12555 SW 4th St, Beaverton, free

A representative from the Assistance League of Greater Portland will talk about how the organization supports youth and families and how their consignment shop is an option for seniors who are downsizing. Refreshments served. RSVP recommended. Register on the website calendar or contact the Viva Village office.

Men’s Coffee Break

Monday, October 23, 10-11:30 am, Ki Coffee, 4655 SW Griffith Dr #160

Conversation and coffee with other men. 

Online Viva Village Book Club

Tuesday, October 24, 1-2:30 pm, Zoom

Selected book: News of the World by Paulette Jiles, RSVP for Zoom link

Members Only Events:

Online Women’s Coffee

Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10 am.

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

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10-10:45 am, Zoom

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

Patio Picnics

Fridays, October 6 & 20, 12:30-2 pm

Conversation and lunch on a deck/patio. Bring your own lunch. You’ll be notified of location and host a day or two before the picnic. RSVP required the Wednesday before the picnic on the website or the Viva Village office.

Viva Village Nature Walk

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

Enjoy a morning walk with fellow Viva Villagers.

Recycle and Donate day

Saturday, October 7, 10-1, Viva Village Office, back lot

Items to be recycled or donated can be dropped off at the Viva Village office or picked up from your home by a volunteer. Call the office to request a pickup or for more information.

Life Stories

Tuesday, October 10, 2 pm, Southminster Presbyterian, 12250 SW Denney Rd, free

Viva Villager Ross will talk about his and his wife Nancy’s 66-year marriage, his life in ministry, and life as a community educator. Please RSVP so we have enough refreshments.

Dine Around Beaverton

Wednesday, October 11, 1 pm, Wildfin American Grill, 2725 SW Cedar Hills Blvd

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 the 10th.

Living Solo

Wednesday, October 18, 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.

Mystery Book Club

Thursday, October 19, 1-2 pm, Viva Village office, 4905 SW Griffith Dr #104, free

Selected book: “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” by Mary Higgins Clark and Alifair Burke. RSVP required, space limited to 10, login to register or cancel or contact the office.

Online Living Solo

Thursday, October 19, 4-5:30 pm, online, free

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

Thursday Evening Social Group

Thursday, October 26, 5:30-7:30 pm, Ernesto’s Italian Restaurant, 8544 SW Apple Way, Portland

Enjoy an evening of dinner and conversation with Viva Village friends. RSVP required, space limited to 15, login to register or contact the office.

For more information visit the Viva Village website. 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 the website.