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November 2016 Community News

• Get involved! Join a county road committee
  
• Need a sidewalk? Comment now on safety improvements
  
• CMHS raffle raises funds for our history
  
• Sunset Theatre presents Twelfth Night
  
• Eat Smart movie series screens ‘Sourlands’
  
• Invasive plant removal at Lost Park
  
• Free conference for family caregivers
  
• Cedar Mill Garden Club sets the table
  
• Parks bond measure repayment reduced 18%
  
• Newts have their day in the rain
  
• Viva Village November events
  
• Sheriff offices collect coats for needy
  
• TVF&R seeks volunteers
  
• Water District joins Facebook, Twitter
  
• Interactive map highlights road hazards, closures
  
• Washington County Forum
  
• Washington County Museum events
  
• First pipes in place for Willamette water

Get involved! Join a county road committee

Have you considered serving on a road advisory committee? The Rural Roads Operations and Maintenance Advisory Committee (RROMAC) studies rural road issues, works with County staff, and advises the Board of Commissioners on issues related to rural roads. The Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee (URMDAC) works with County staff and advises the Board of Commissioners on issues related to services provided by the Urban Road Maintenance District (URMD). Both committees meet monthly. Meetings are open to the public. Members are volunteers appointed by the County Board of Commissioners. Serving on an advisory committee is a great way for Washington County residents to participate in decisions that affect them and to learn more about how local government works. Application deadline is Nov. 1 for positions starting Jan.

Need a sidewalk? Comment now on safety improvements

Help the Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee select safety improvements to be funded in 2017-18. View and comment on the top candidates through an interactive map. The URMD Safety Improvement program has funded more than 30 small safety projects in the last five years. Deadline for comment is Nov. 11.

If you have a location where a small safety project could make a big difference, and you don’t see it on the map, here’s the form to propose a new one.

CMHS raffle raises funds for our history

New Seasons Market donated a gift basket full of their great products to help raise money for the newly-formed Cedar Mill Historical Society. It was originally intended to be raffled off at the “History Tent” during the Cedar Mill Cider Festival, but we had a typhoon instead!

They graciously created a new basket, and we held the raffle at the final Cedar Mill Farmers Market on October 29. We raised over $100 for our first fundraising effort. Thanks to all the folks who bought tickets. Barbara Covey purchased the winning ticket. Big thanks to New Seasons for donating the gift basket stuffed with goodies, and the bottle of apple juice in honor of the Cider Festival.

Sunset Theatre presents Twelfth Night

November 11, 12, 18 & 19, 7:30 pm, Sunset High School Auditorium, 13840 NW Cornell RdTickets $10 adults, $8 students and seniors, and $5 children 6-12, children under 5 are free. See below for ticket info.

Twelfth Night, or What You Will, is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–02 as a Twelfth Night’s entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. The play centers on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola (who is disguised as a boy) falls in love with Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with the Countess Olivia.

Seating is limited to 150 seats per performance. Purchase tickets online at shstheatre.seatyourself.biz/or at the door. For more information, please contact Sunset High School at 503-356-2960.

Beaverton Historical Society presents ‘The Lighter Side of Lincoln’

Tues., Nov. 15, 7 pm, Elsie Stuhr Senior Center, 5550 SW Hall. Suggested donation:  $3 at the door. 

Norm Brecke, a spirited storyteller who revels in telling a good story, will show the humorous side of our 16th president, including songs of Lincoln’s period. An admirer of Abraham Lincoln since childhood, Brecke got his start in storytelling during his career as an elementary school teacher. A professional storyteller since 2002, he has been featured at the Powellswood Garden Storytelling Festival, Seattle Art Museum, the American Library Association Conference in Anaheim, CA, and narrated with the Seattle Symphony. He has told stories all over the west from Vancouver, B.C. to Los Angeles. He often performs with his wife, Anne Rutherford, under their tandem telling name, The Oregon Tellers. Proceeds benefit the Beaverton Historical Society.

Eat Smart movie series screens ‘Sourlands’

Sat., Nov. 19, 7 pm, Leedy Grange Hall, 835 NW Saltzman Rd.

This month’s film pits New Jersey farmers against an exploding deer population, invasive plants, habitat destruction and increasingly erratic weather. But it’s a film that presents a hopeful message: local engineers team with the farmers to seek new ways to save energy, stop global warming, and improve the farm’s financial situation. These are challenges faced throughout the world, including here in Oregon.

Films are free, but donations for Homeplate Youth Services, a local organization helping homeless youth in Washington County, are accepted. For November, new items are needed for Homeplate’s Christmas gift program for teens to both get and give to siblings or others in their lives.

Invasive plant removal at Lost Park

Sat., Nov. 19, 9-noon, Lost Park, NW 111th Ave. south of Rainmont Rd.

Help remove English ivy and Himalayan blackberry from the forested portions of Lost Park. Please bring a re-usable water bottle to drink from throughout the project. Tools, snacks and a water cooler will be provided. A second cleanup day is scheduled for Sat., Dec. 3, 9 to noon.

Volunteers are asked to register at thprd.org/activities/nature/volunteer/park-improvement.

Parking is along neighborhood streets, including NW Lost Park Drive, at the south entrance to the park.

Free conference for family caregivers

Fri, Nov. 18, 9-2:30, Tuality Health Education Center, 334 SE 8th Ave, Hillsboro

November is National Family Caregivers Month. The 13th annual Washington County Family Caregivers Conference, titled “Resilience: Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.” is free for family caregivers. Lunch is included.

The conference will include information on legal considerations for caregivers, finding joy and connection through the journey, communication and memory impairment, emergency preparedness, and paying for long-term care when funds are limited.

Author Bonnie Nester will give the keynote address titled “Self-Care is Not Selfish.” Nester, once a caregiver for her mother, wrote “Moments This Good: The Softer Side of Alzheimer's.”

This event is sponsored by Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services Family Caregiver Support Program and Tuality Healthcare, with support from the Law Offices of Nay and Friedenberg, Adeo In Home Care, Home Instead Senior Care and PDX Elite Care Inc. Register by calling 503-846-3089.

Cedar Mill Garden Club sets the table

Wed., Nov. 16, 9:30 pm, Beaverton Community Center, 12350 SW 5th St., Beaverton

The Cedar Mill Garden Club will focus on centerpieces for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas at its annual floral design meeting. Last year we decorated pumpkins (see picture.) Members can bring a vase or container, clippers, gloves and materials to share such as greens, flowers,  and interesting accents, such as mossy branches or dried material.  The event is free to all interested gardeners.

For additional details about Cedar Mill Garden Club, please contact president Garnet Ascher, at 503-292-4460, check and like our Facebook page The Cedar Mill Garden Club, and/or our website at thecedarmillgardenclub.org.

Parks bond measure repayment reduced 18%

The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District’s $100 million bond measure, approved by voters in 2008, has produced many new and improved parks, trails, natural areas and upgraded recreational facilities for residents throughout the greater Beaverton area.

During that time, the district has also taken advantage of opportunities in the financial markets to reduce the fiscal impact of the bond measure on those same voters. According to Keith Hobson, THPRD director of Business & Facilities, the true cost of the $100 million bond measure over the 20-year payback period was originally scheduled to be $173 million.  Through favorable bond sales and refinancing measures, the district has reduced that liability 18% to $142 million—a $31 million savings for taxpayers.

In October, THPRD completed the refinancing of a portion ($8.7 million) of the issuing in 2011 of bonds that totaled about $40 million, the balance of bonds issued per the 2008 bond measure. The move reduced the debt service on that amount by more than 8%.

When the bond measure was approved in Nov. 2008, it was to cost property owners within the district 37 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, to be paid over the course of 20 years.  Now the rate is 31 cents per $1,000, and the term has been reduced to 18 years.

Hobson said the savings are attributable largely to continuing low interest rates and a favorable borrowing market.  But the district’s strong credit rating also has played a major role.

“As part of our refinance this month, we had a credit rating update,” he said.  “Moody’s reaffirmed our Aa1 rating on general obligation bonds, which is the second highest rating possible.”

Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 240,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area.  The district provides year-round recreational opportunities, 95 park sites, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.

Newts have their day in the rain

Sat., Nov. 5, noon-4 pm, Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan, Beaverton. Newt Day admission is $2 per person (children 2 and under are free).

Newt Day is back! This family-friendly event is designed to inspire exploration of nature during the season when it is tempting to stay inside. Visitors of all ages are invited to walk the grounds in search of these fascinating creatures, who enjoy seasonally wet weather more than most. 

“Newts are happiest when it rains,” said Karen Munday, environmental education program coordinator.  “Rain or shine, we’ll provide plenty to see and do. Visitors will learn what makes newts so special, why they love our winter weather, and which predator they fear most.”

Visitors can learn about how newts survive in and out of water, evade predators and adapt to their environment. Newt Day are indoors and out, with a self-guided walk on five miles of trail at the 222-acre Tualatin Hills Nature Park, and exhibits and interactive activities in the park’s nature center.

The Tualatin Hills Nature Park is a wildlife preserve in the heart of the Tualatin Valley that features evergreen and deciduous forests, creeks, wetlands, ponds, and meadows. The park is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and smaller creatures. Its trails network includes 1.5 miles of paved pathways plus 3.5 miles of well-maintained, soft-surface trails.

For more information, call the Tualatin Hills Nature Center at 503-629-6350.

Viva Village November events

Viva Village is dedicated to enabling older adults in the Beaverton area to remain in their homes and communities through a variety of trained volunteer and paid support services and activities.

The following activities, in chronological order, are set for November:

Sat., Nov. 5, 9-10 am, Vista Brook Park on Fanno Creek Trail. Nature Walk. RSVP to VivaVillageNatureWalk@gmail.com.

Thurs., Nov. 10, 7-8:30 pm, private home in the Highland Neighborhood. Village 101: Introduction to Viva Village. RSVP to VivaVillage101@gmail.com or 503-327-5578.

Tues., Nov. 15, 6:30-8:30 pm, private home in Central Beaverton. Book Club:  Discussion of “The Other Boleyn Girl,” by Philippa Gregory.., RSVP to VivaVillageBookClub@gmail.com or 503-644-7417.

Thurs., Nov. 17, 6-8 pm, Thai Apsara Restaurant, Beaverton Town Square, 11793 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. Thursday Social Time: RSVP to VivaVillagesocial@gmail.com or 503-644-7417.

Fri., Nov. 18, Alpenrose Dairy Opera House, 6149 SW Shattuck Rd., Portland. Holiday Gala Event: “Jingle, Jingle, Jingle,” a production of Northwest Senior Theater. Meet in the Opera House lobby at 1:15. For carpool information, RSVP sherriewinner@gmail.com or 503-526-0550.

Sheriff offices collect coats for needy

Through Friday, December 2, various locations.

Have a coat you don’t need? Here’s your chance to help needy foster children and their families by donating to Washington County’s One Warm Coat community service project. Coats of all shapes and sizes are welcome. One Warm Coat is dedicated to distributing reusable coats, free of charge, directly to local children and adults.

Coats will be collected from now until December 2. All donated coats will be given to Foster Closet, who will distribute them at no cost to foster children and foster families.

Just bring your coats and jackets to one of the county sheriff’s offices during their regular business hours: Sheriff's Office East Precinct and Washington County Elections, 3700 SW Murray Blvd., Beaverton (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm) or Sheriff's Office Bethany Precinct, 4576 NW Bethany Blvd, Suite L5, Portland (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm).

One Warm Coat is a national non-profit organization that supports and encourages coat drives. It helps individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country collect coats and deliver them to local agencies that distribute the coats free to people in need. More than one million coats have been provided to those in need at no cost since its inception in 1992.

TVF&R seeks volunteers

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is seeking a few good men and women who are willing to donate their time and serve their community as volunteers. TVF&R offers three volunteer opportunities:

• Volunteer Firefighter: These volunteers are trained to respond to emergencies. They have to complete a Volunteer Fire Academy, attain an EMT-Basic certification and attend weekly drills. They also assist with public education and support community activities.
• 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. They also participate in public education, attend community 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 18 years old, be a high school graduate or have an equivalent certificate, pass a criminal background check and live within TVF&R’s service area. An open house to learn more is Dec. 13, 6:30-8:30 pm, Station 50, 12617 SW Walnut St., Tigard. For more information visit www.tvfr.com. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 16.

Water District joins Facebook, Twitter

Follow TVWD on social media for news about your water service (and perhaps win $100!)

Tualatin Valley Water District is now using Facebook and Twitter (@TVWDNews) to connect users to services and alert them to emergencies such as temporary loss of service or pressure, and during a boil water notice.

By following TVWD on social media, users can get additional information about their water service, including water quality updates, maintenance or construction projects happening in their neighborhoods, billing and technology updates, conservation and weatherization tips and more.

Users who follow TVWD before January 16, 2017, will be entered into a drawing to win one of two $100 VISA gift cards. TVWD will select one Facebook friend and one Twitter follower at random at the conclusion of the social media sign-up campaign. The contest is open to anyone who follows TVWD. More information can be found at www.tvwd.org/contest.

Interactive map highlights road hazards, closures

An interactive map displaying current emergency road closures and restrictions is now posted on the Washington County Roads webpage. This map will remain active while the storm is impacting County roadways.

The color-code legend is in the upper right: click the middle icon (three stacked lines). Click on a circle or line for information on specific projects.

Road crews are responding to storm-related road hazards as quickly possible. To report a road hazard, call 503-846-ROAD (846-7623), submit an online road request or call 503-629-0111 after hours.

Washington County Forum

Mondays, 11:30-1, Peppermill Restaurant in Aloha at 17455 SW Farmington Rd.

The Washington County Public Affairs Forum meets over lunch every Monday, September through June, (except holidays). There is no charge for admission. Doors open at 11:30 am, and the speakers start at noon. Lunch is available to order from the menu.

Following the speaker, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Asking questions of our speakers is a privilege of Forum membership.

Nov. 7: Claudia Steiner-Fricker, Outreach Program Coordinator, will discuss the Beaverton Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.

Nov. 14: Dr. Jim Moore, Pacific University, will review the election in a talk titled “It's over! What exactly happened, and what now?”

Nov. 21: No forum due to Thanksgiving holiday

Nov. 28: Bandana Shrestha will present AARP legislative goals and give an update on the Washington County Age-Friendly Survey results.

Dec. 5: Glenn Montgomery, Executive Director, Vision Action Network (VAN) gives an overview of Vision Action Network – Who We Are & What We do

Washington County Museum events

Oregon’s part in U.S. Chinese Exclusion Act

Sat., Nov. 5, 1 pm, Washington County Museum. Free

Oregon’s part in the restricting of Chinese immigration to the U.S. is the topic of Patricia Hackett Nicola’s rescheduled lecture “The Chinese Exclusion Act Case Files.” The Chinese Exclusion Act restricted Chinese from immigrating to the United States from 1882-1943. The National Archives branch in Seattle holds thousands of Chinese Exclusion Act files on the Chinese living in Oregon. Patricia Hackett Nicola, who has been working as a volunteer with the Chinese Exclusion Act files in Seattle since 2001, will present documents found in select files, the history of the Act, and how to access the files. This program is made possible by the Oregon Historical Society, which hosted two exhibits on Chinese history in the United States and Oregon earlier this year. Visit ohs.org for more information. Rescheduled from our August Crossroads Lecture.

Crossroads lecture series: Missoula flood effects today

Wed., Nov. 16, 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm), Washington County Museum. $6 adults, $4 seniors, members free.

Rick Thompson, president of the Lower Columbia Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute, will present a talk titled, “Lake Missoula Flood in Your Backyard.” Rick will give an overview of what caused Glacial Lake Missoula, trace its path across eastern Washington and down the Columbia River Gorge, and then focus on the effects of the Flood in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington that are still visible today.

This Crossroads Lecture complements our traveling exhibit, “150 Years of Statehood; 150 Million Years in the Making” that illustrates how geology crafted Oregon’s landscape and natural resources and continues to shape the land and lives of its citizens.

Learn to dance, Bollywood style!

Sat., Nov. 12, 10 am-noon, Washington County Museum. Free

Celebrate India with Bollywood Movez dance school, a mini dance workshop will take place at 10:30 am and noon. Try crafts and get a henna tattoo throughout event.

Free Family Mornings occur the second Saturday of each month, September-May from 10 am-1 pm.

First pipes in place for Willamette water

The first of 30 miles of pipe to deliver Willamette River water to augment the county’s water supply have been installed, marking a milestone for the regional water system partnership between the Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) and City of Hillsboro.

“This is a historic event,” said Dave Kraska, program director. “Installing this first pipe brings to life the vision and good planning taken by TVWD and the City of Hillsboro over the years. It is the first of many pieces of pipe that will stretch across Washington County, creating a regional, reliable and resilient drinking water supply.”

The Willamette Water Supply System includes water pipeline, water storage tanks, water intake improvements on the mid-Willamette River at Wilsonville, and a water treatment plant. The City of Wilsonville, with partial federal aid assistance from the Federal Highway Administration, is constructing the project.

Two other projects along the pipeline route are underway, including a partnership with Washington County for work on the 124th Avenue Partnership Project, which extends SW 124th Avenue north from Wilsonville to Tualatin-Sherwood Road, and initial work on the South Hillsboro Pipeline Project, the portion of the pipeline to be installed in coordination with the extension of Cornelius Pass Road through the new South Hillsboro development.

Although current demands are met through other sources, the addition of a new source will provide improved water supply reliability and system resiliency. The earthquake-resilient system is on schedule to deliver water by 2026. For more information about the Willamette Water Supply Program, visit www.OurReliableWater.org or call 503-941-4570.

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