Category Archives: Public Health
Recycling News October 2023
* Community members in urban unincorporated Washington County can now include food scraps in their yard debris roll carts
* Westside Planet Alliance Recycling Event
• SHS Recycling
Community News October 2023
• 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
Nature & Garden News September 2023
• Washington County Master Gardener programs
• Cedar Mill Volunteer Tree Planting
• Treekeepers of Washington County
• September Gardening Calendar
• Audubon programs and information
Washington County News
• Regulations on Public Camping Adopted by Board of County Commissioners
• New ambulance provider to start serving Washington County in August
In first year, 988 crisis line helps more people than ever
Over the past year, Oregon’s 988 crisis call centers provided mental health support during more than 53,000 calls, texts and chats—a significant increase from before. Prior to the launch of 988 last summer, people called a 10-digit number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which did not have texting or chat features.
Nature & Gardens August 2023
• Treekeepers presents: Sanctuary of the Firs Tree Walk
• Join the Cedar Mill Garden Club
• Grow Together! Families in the Garden
• Online Organic Gardening Class
WashCo News June 2023
• New animal shelter?
• Heat-mapping our region
• Short-term rental policy and the 2023-25 LUT Work Plan
• Time, Place, Manner Ordinance to address homeless camping
Protecting Agricultural Viability in Washington County
As Oregonians, we are lucky to have agriculture deeply seeded in our economy and cultural heritage. The Willamette Valley is one of the most diverse agricultural regions on earth due to its rich, fertile soils and ample rainfall. Washington County is among the top-producing agricultural counties in the state and home to thousands of acres of farms, farming families, and farm-related businesses.
Community News June 2023
• Join us for a flea market at Skyline Grange!
• Major disaster prep
• Sunset HS marching band: firework fundraiser
• Beaverton Community Band concert
• Treekeepers June events
• Milltown Soccer Camp
• Life Is Brewtiful blood drive
• Boat rentals from Tualatin Riverkeepers
• Discovery Day is right around the corner!
• Master Recycler registration open
• Special Recycle+ collection in June
• Bethany Village Last Day of School celebration
• Ask WCSO
• New art exhibition and featured events to celebrate pride
• Viva Village June events
The Connect Oregon Network
Many people who have ongoing mental and emotional health problems are survivors of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These can have lasting, negative effects on health and well-being, as well as on education, job potential, and other life opportunities. They often have difficulty knowing where to turn for help.
CPO News May 2023
• May meeting
• Future of the CPO system
• Neighborhood Meetings
• Development applications
• April meeting notes
Community News May 2023
• Two band concerts and an auction
• Sunset HS Marching Band Can & Bottle Drive
• Treekeepers of Washington Country Events
• TriMet to Mt. Hood or Columbia Gorge?
• Mental Health Resource Fair
• Music Night at Amaterra
• Become a “Changemaker” in the Eco-School Network
• Viva Village May events
• Ask WCSO
• Washington County Forum
CPO News April 2023
• April CPO1 meeting
• CPO 7 Special Event
• March meeting notes
• LUT Transportation Improvement Project Update
• Recycling Basics, Food Waste Reduction and More
Recycling News March 2023
• SHS Climate Change Club Recycling Drive
• PlanetCon rescheduled!
• ReStore offers more donation options
CPO News March 2023
• March meeting: road projects, recycling
• Hybrid CPO meetings?
• Development news
• West Union gas station
• February meeting notes
• Central Beaverton Neighborhood Association Committee Meeting
Recycling News January 2023
• Tree recycling
• Sunset Band bottle and can drive
• SHS Recycling drive
• PlanetCon returns!
• Recycling electronic devices
• Appliance recycling
Business News January 2023
• Owen West Electric
• Wildwood Taphouse has new hours
* Aura Aesthetics Open House
• Mortgage Rates Drop and Housing Prices Remain the Same
• Clear out your records and get ready for ‘Shred-it” Day
“• Ask the Organizer” Series – Scheduling for a Successful New Year!
• Electronics Unlimited Computer Service & Repair
• Recycle+ for Beaverton
• Village Gallery of Arts
• DuFresne’s Auto Service—Frenchy’s Espresso
• Touchmark adding new building dedicated to active, social living
• West Multnomah SWCD is Hiring!
WashCo News December 2022
• Law enforcement collaborates with Jiffy Lube to deter catalytic converter theft
• Auditor report critical of county efforts to diversify advisory boards
• New Commissioner Districts adopted
• Town Hall December 6
• Special Recycle+ string lights collection
Opinion: Re-Imagining the Hillsboro Airport
According to a Feb. 14, 2021, Oregonian article, “The Port of Portland is considering a major overhaul…the restructuring is part of a sweeping philosophical shift away from facilitating trade for powerful business interests to a ‘shared prosperity initiative’ intended to spread the wealth to people of color, the poor and the marginalized. In some cases, that could mean selling off profitable operations in order to pursue these new, broader aims, which are taking root amid a resurgent civil rights movement.”
Community News December 2022
• COVID-19 resources undergo transition
• Local Organization helps our neighbors in need
• Light Up a Life: Care Partners’ Service of Remembrance
• Learn and enjoy dances from around the world!
• December Viva Village events
• Afterschool Is Cool! Poster Contest
• PlanetCon returns!
• WashCo Bikes clinics
Development News November 2022
• Gas station hearing rescheduled
• American Family Urgent Care in the Kirkland segment of Timberland
• Milltowner update
WashCo News October 2022
• County rolls out new website design
• Boards & Commissions vacancies
• Sign up for WashCo alerts
• HHS promotes Repair Fairs
• WashCo awards $2M to hire community health workers and improve COVID-19 health literacy
• Help your community access free interpretation for government-funded services
Community News October 2022
• Skyline Grange Garage Sale
Treekeepers’ Fall Color photo contest
• Specialty bikes at the ReStore
• Indigenous Peoples Day
• Clean Water Services leaf disposal and food drive
• Emergency Preparedness Fair
• Booverton Halloween Festival
• 101 Extraordinarily Awful & Truly Terrible Ways to Die (In One Night)
• Who’s ready for Halloween?!
• A Spooktacular Blood Drive
• SHS Grad Party Holiday Pie Sale
• SHS Climate Change Club Recycling Drive
• Bottle & Can Drive
• Sunset Classic Marching Band Competition
• Metro transportation online survey
• TriMet survey and open house
• October events by Viva Village
• October happenings at The Reser
• Public Affairs Forum
• Cedar Mill Scouts, Troop 207
• Your organization could receive up to a $5,000 grant!
• Organizing for Caregivers with Whitney Zeigler
Community News September 2022
• CASA for Children Needs Volunteers
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers
• Oktoberfest at Bethany Village!
• Oak Hills 1st annual fun run and music festival!
• Bottle & Can Drive
• Green Days Recycling Event!
• Nature Night: Cats Safe at Home
• Caring Discipline Series
• Beaverton Arts Mix!
• Cedar Mill Scouts Troop 207 Back to School BBQ
• Beaverton Welcoming Week
• The Reser presents Dakhabraka in Concert
• Big Horn Brass Fall Concert
• Share your fall tree color photos and win!
• Washington County Forum update
• It’s time to consider a Woodstove Exchange
• Parenting Workshops
• Cultivating Humility workshop
• Beaverton High School Band
Electronic Recycle Event
• Grave Matters cemetery tour
• Skyline Grange Garage Sale
• Safe Routes to School
• Multilingual volunteer trainers for Suicide Prevention Program needed
• Waste Prevention Educator position
• September events by Viva Village
• What are some back-to-school safety tips for myself and my student?
• Talk to Your Kids About Fire and Life Safety
WashCo News
• Redesigned county website debuting in September
• Budget-focused Town Hall meeting
• We want your feedback to make our community safer!
Recycle+ coming to Beaverton!
On August 16, Beaverton City Council members unanimously approved resolution 4811 which will establish rates for optional expanded recycling services provided by solid waste and recycling franchisees who serve Beaverton residents.
An ash tree’s worst nightmare
The emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle (Agrilus planipennis) is being called the most destructive forest pest in North America, and that’s saying something when you consider the devastation caused by other pests such as gypsy moths and bark beetles.
Walker Garbage offers Recycle+
We are excited to offer Recycle+, a new service offered to residential customers in urban unincorporated Washington County since July 1, 2022.
Washington County News
• Middle Housing Ordinance adopted
• Ridwell sues again but Recycle+ is available now
• Reduced rates for garbage and recycling
Washington County News June 2022
• Hauler recycling plan set to begin in July
• Virtual Town Hall: Needs of Older Adults
• Board will address Significant Natural Resources regulations
• Short-term rental requirements and license process
• Commercial food scraps collection services
Ash trees cool the water for fish
Ash trees provide more than just wood for baseball bats. Oregon ash trees (Fraxinus latifolia) are particularly suited to soggy soils and give back by shading streams for fish.
Community News June 2022
• Celebration of Life for Mr. James
• It’s prep time. Let’s get ready for the wildfire season together.
• Join us “virtually” at the Washington County Public Affairs Forum!
• Metro funding for Westside Trail? Take the survey
• Civics for Adults
• Scavenger Hunt and Food Drive to support DVRC
• Meet Your Watershed Navigator
Legislative Town Hall
• Tualatin Valley Creates: Kaleidoscope from the Sea
• Fourth of July concert with Britnee Kellogg
• Museo Ambulante—Walking Museum
• Ask WCSO: My kids are good swimmers; is there still an expectation for them to wear life jackets?
• Retirement 101
• City of Beaverton events
• Gallery at The Reser
• Access to the arts: Cultural Coalition survey
• Beaverton Community Band Spring Concert
• Sunset HS Marching Band Bottle & Can Drive
• PlanetCon Fair offers recycling, gear swap, learning, and more
• Become a Master Recycler
• Cedar Hills Ready! presents: Emergency Water Filter Workshop
• Viva Village
Recycle News May 2022
• Washington County to launch new Recycle+ program
• Repair Fair at Beaverton Library
• SAMBA Bottle & Can Drive
• Climate Club recycling
Adopt One Block
Does it bother you to see trash and discarded items littering your neighborhood? Would you like to feel empowered and prepared to do something about it? There’s a group for that!
Community News April 2022
• Student Academic-Contests for Grades 1-12
• Ask WCSO
Neighborhood Ready? How to win friends and survive a disaster!
• SAMBA Can and Bottle Drive
• Summer childcare help from WCK
• Inside WashCo Shows
• Events at The Reser
• Old Wood Stove Turn-in Event
• Donate a bike to Free Bikes for Kids
• Registration for WashCo Bikes Saddle Up Summer Camps is now open!
• Driver’s Ed for Cyclists
• Legislative Town Hall
• State of the County 2022
• Artist Mingle
• Earth Care Fair
• Call for Beaverton Night Market Vendors
• Public Affairs Forum
• Viva Village April activities
• Everyday Choices Can Improve Your Odds
Area wetlands gain a footing again—with help
It’s no accident that Oregon is named “The Beaver State.” Beaver-created wetlands historically laced this entire region. Often called “nurseries of life,” wetlands provide important habitat for thousands of species of plants and animals.
Community News March 2022
• When the Water Stops: Water Survival Skills for a Disaster
• Inside WashCo Radio shows
• Beaverton Symphony Orchestra Annual Spring Concerts
• Beaverton Community Band Winter Concerts
• James and the Giant Peach at Lovegood Theatre
• Skyline Grange Garage Sale
• James’ Recycling event
• Student Stop at Bonny Slope and Cedar Mill schools
• HomeWord Bound gala to support CPAH
• Civics for Adults
• Join Beaverton’s Human Rights Committee
• SAMBA Band fundraiser
• Washington County Kids Parent Speaker Series is set to launch!
• Academic Contests
• Treekeepers of Washington County
• Join us Virtually at the Washington County Public Affairs Forum!
• ACMA PTO Monthly Fundraiser
• Take action today to prevent fall injuries
• I see an ESPD sign posted on my road. What is ESPD?
• The Cultural Coalition of Washington County Celebrates 2021 Grant Recipients
• In-Person Networking: Artist Mingle
• Viva Village Monthly Calendar
CPO 1 February: Recycling: Beyond the Bin?
• CPO 1 February meeting: Recycling: Beyond the Bin?
• Neighborhood Meetings
• Development applications
• Saltzman Retirement Housing Public Hearing
• CPO 1 January Meeting Summary
Cleaner Air: Coming soon to a highway near you
Sunset Highway is a well-used corridor for traffic, including heavy diesel trucks. In 2018, ODOT counted as many as 285 commercial trucks in a 24-hour period on that route. That translates to a hefty amount of air pollution spewing out of tailpipes, creating health problems for anyone along their path.
Japanese Beetle update
After another successful year conducting our Japanese Beetle Eradication project, it’s our pleasure to share with you how our 2021 season went.
Mighty oaks
Has a towering tree standing alone caught your eye? It’s likely to be an Oregon White Oak, Quercus garryana, the only oak native to this part of Oregon. Some of these slow-growing oaks may live to be 500 years old and can eventually command a space over 100 feet tall and sixty feet wide, with roots growing far beyond the boundaries of its massive branches.
Smoke in the air—not just in the summer!
A crackling fire may make you feel snug and homey, but it’s a significant health threat. Many Washington County households use wood burning stoves for heating in winter and others enjoy fires just for their coziness and ambiance. What many people don’t realize is that, when a lot of people are burning wood in their homes, the cumulative effect on air quality can be similar to a wildfire. It’s time to rethink how—and whether—we burn wood.
Love trees? Be a Treekeeper!
It’s easy to appreciate trees when they are in the glory of their fall colors, but at Treekeepers of Washington County we celebrate trees all year around. Besides being beautiful, trees provide environmental, economic, and social benefits—including fighting climate change—by absorbing carbon dioxide and airborne pollutants, storing the carbon, and emitting pure oxygen.
Community News October 2021
• Cedar Hills Ready: Home Fire Safety
• Older Adult Meals in Washington County
• Ask WCSO: What are some things I can do to make my home less attractive to crime?
• Sunset HS Marching Band Can and Bottle Drive
• Special Age Cafe: Celebration of the International Day of Older Persons
• Tualatin Valley Creates offers ArtPass
• Inside Washington County Radio
• Free lacrosse skills clinics offered this Fall
• Cultural Coalition of Washington County 2022 grant applications open
• West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting their annual meeting
• Viva Village events
• Free N95 and KN95 masks for the AG community!
WCSO and homeless population in Washington County
We asked James M. Coley, Lieutenant – Patrol Division, Washington County Sheriff’s Office to help us understand how the Sheriff’s Office responds to homeless folks in the county, and what residents should do if they encounter campers.
Japanese Beetle eradication update
The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is a serious invasive insect pest that threatens Oregon and the western United States. The largest infestation of Japanese beetles ever found in the state was detected in 2016 around Cedar Mill, Bonny Slope, Oak Hills, and Bethany.
Let’s hear it for these teams!
To the people of our community, my Cedar Mill neighbors and I hope that other residents of the area—and around our region—will find a way to express our gratitude to the caregivers of Oregon.
Gardening in the drought
Looking around my garden, I am noticing the plants that are damaged from the heat event that we all endured recently. My water bill increased several times the last few months since I turned on my sprinkling system.
WashCo News August 2021
• BCC gives green light to develop comprehensive substance use treatment center
• What is Middle Housing?
Seniors speak out!
There seems to be a universal human drive to make connections with each other and find meaning in our daily experiences and challenges. In the days before the pandemic, people met in coffee houses, meeting rooms, and living rooms to share ideas and learn from each other. But even though COVID-19 changed the location of those gatherings, it didn’t stop people from coming together.
Public Safety News August 2021
• FEMA Grant-funds safety gear
• Mental Health Response Team expanding
Meet Jess Fong
We have been publicizing recycling events at Sunset High School for several months, and we got curious to learn more about one of the students behind this great community service.
Updated vaccination access for Washington County
For the latest information on how and where to get your COVID vaccination, visit the Washington County page here. See below if you don’t use a computer or need other help in scheduling your vaccination.
Earth Month editorial
With some effects of climate change already upon us, we challenge Washington County to view all their actions through the lens of climate.
If we don’t stop contributing to the problem, our efforts at achieving equity will be meaningless. The powerful will find ways to avoid the consequences, and the rest of us will have to adapt to a planet that may not support the life we want for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren.
Washington County should establish a Climate Challenge Task Force to advise all county divisions on how to establish goals, make climate friendly decisions, and implement sustainable practices. The Task Force needs to include representatives from commerce, industry, development, science, and community organizations.
We understand that it will take time and effort, but we must begin now. If you agree, send a message to your Washington County Commissioner and to the Chair.
Why get vaccinated? Here’s what our neighbors say
The head of the CDC challenged us all to do our part to make sure we conquer COVID by getting folks vaccinated. I’ve included updated vaccination information above, but I’d also like to share some reasons to do it. Sometimes we’re motivated by knowing what our neighbors care about.
Dining out safely in Washington County
• What is the county’s responsibility in restaurant safety?
• How is HHS getting the updated guidance to county restaurants?
• Does it need to be translated? How many languages? Or are restaurant owners responsible for making sure all employees understand?
• Are there any regulations or guidance about ventilation in the indoor dining spaces?
• About mask wearing while dining and drinking?
• What enforcement powers does HHS have?
• How many staff can do that work?
• What’s the public’s role in reporting? Best practices?
• Aside from you and the state websites, are there other resources for restaurant owners that you know about? Professional groups, unions, etc?
Continuing the “Beetle Battle”
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is continuing its multi-year effort to eradicate the Japanese beetle, an invasive and destructive insect pest in your neighborhood in 2021. Thanks to your support and cooperation, we have had success in reducing the Japanese beetle populations in Oregon, but more efforts are required.
Cedar Mill News Pandemic Resource Guide
• General Information
• Food Resources & Places to Donate
• Rental & Housing
•Jobs & Unemployment
• Health Care
• Mental Health
• Veterans’ Assistance
• Childcare
• Education
• Fitness & Exercise
• Shopping Help
• Internet & Computer Resources
• Social Connections
• Community
• Entertainment & Arts
Mental Health Support
Undoubtedly our lives have changed over the past year. It can be overwhelming to think about addressing mental health issues that may have cropped up or intensified during the pandemic. In this article, I’m sharing some tips to consider implementing, as well as resources for further support.
Getting the COVID vaccine in Washington County
• What is Washington County’s role in COVID-19 vaccination?
• Can I get on a list to get vaccinated?
• How long will Phase 1A last? (visit website for details on phases)
• Current Prioritized Phases
How clean is our air?
Portland Clean Air is a nonprofit that has been working for seven years to study and promote public understanding of government agency industrial air pollution data, and advocate for prevention. We asked them to give us a snapshot of the current situation in the Cedar Mill area, along with some ways to take action if you are concerned.
Oregon recycles! and plans to lead into the future
Starting with our famous “Bottle Bill” in 1971, Oregon was the first in the nation to create a system of waste management that allowed glass and aluminum containers to be recovered from the trash.
Sunset students tackle climate change
Climate change has been a looming threat to us for many years. With the short amount of time we have left to make a change, we need to buy more time for permanent, systemic solutions. Though climate change is a difficult problem to solve, there are simple ways for us as a community to delay its destructive progress.
State Legislative Update
Governor Brown called for a special legislative session on December 15 with the primary goal of providing additional wildfire and COVID relief. The session successfully began and concluded on December 21.
August 2020 COVID-19 update
At the July meeting of the CPO Leadership group, CCI, we had a valuable presentation by Adrienne Donner, Washington County Public Health Branch Director, on the current state of things in the county and its response. We have permission to share the PDF version of her PowerPoint presentation here. The links should be active.
Local artist working as contact tracer
Chris Kondrat is a popular local artist and long-time member of Village Gallery. We learned that she joined the team of contact tracers working to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the county, and wanted to bring you her story.
June 2020: COVID-19 in Washington County
• State approves Washington County for Phase I starting June 1
• House cleaners and other home services
• Face coverings guidance for businesses and transit
• Reporting violations
• FAQs now available on OHA website
• Safety advice from WCSO
• Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter update
COVID-19 in Washington County
According to Wendy Gordon, Lead Public Information Officer, Washington County Emergency Operations Center, Washington County will follow the governor’s plan on when and how to reopen. On April 14, Brown’s office introduced a “Framework for Reopening Oregon” that outlines the prerequisites for the safe way to move forward.
COVID-19 in Washington County
Most of us are aware that Washington County is leading the state in the number of confirmed cases of the virus. People have been speculating on the reason, so we have included what seem to be some good clues. We have compiled this article from a variety of sources, and links to them are in each section. We’ve also included information about Washington County response and resources…
A closer look at Zoom
Yearning for more than FaceTime for visiting with your family and friends? Craving a platform more cohesive than Skype? With Oregon public schools closed until at least April 28, students are at a loss of their daily communication with peers and teachers…
Getting your dose of nature
While being stuck at home is a current necessity for the health and well-being of our community, it can be extremely stressful and boring for many people. Nature lovers everywhere who are now forced to stay inside are restless and getting creative in how they feed their passion…
Pharmacies and other shopping
Most patients can get their prescriptions by mail order, although this may be less flexible and take longer than using a local source. The following local pharmacies offer free prescription delivery or have drive through prescription windows…
Grocery shopping in the virus era
COVID-19 has pushed us to find our new normal. Unfortunately, that means our local grocery stores must accommodate our dramatically changing circumstances as well. Health and safety of shoppers is most important to our grocery stores…
Hungry for something different?
Many of our local restaurants are still open for business. Just place your order, pay with a credit card, pick up your meal and enjoy at home. Most of them also offer delivery, either with their own people or through one of the meal delivery services…
