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November 2019 Community News

• Urban Conservation Photo Contest
• Writer’s Mill
• St. Pius X Catholic School Open House
• Folk Dancing at Leedy Grange
• Family Caregiver Conference
• Inside WashCo Radio
• Oregon Senior Peer Outreach
• Birth of the Bab Film
• PCC Music
• Beaverton Historical Society
• Is Your Home Rain Ready?
• Audubon Winter Break Camp
• League of Women Voters of Washington County
• Beaverton Community Band Fall Concert
• Washington County Forum
• Viva Village Events
• Put a Lid on Cooking Fires
• Sunset Presbyterian welcomes a new Pastor
• Severe Weather Shelter Opens November 7

Urban Conservation Photo Contest

The Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District urges us to enter photos for their Urban Washington County photo contest. Open to all photographers, amateur and pro. Photos can depict anything that represents Urban Conservation— here are some examples:

Views from the Backyard; Gardening Together; Natives found in Nature; Pollinators, Plants & Wildlife; Rain Barrels & Rain Gardens; Neighborhood Streams & Trails

You can find the requirements, the photo entry form, and photo release on our website at www.tualatinswcd.org. Photos will be judged by our staff and the top four contest winners will receive a $50 VISA Gift Card. All photos must be submitted by 5 pm on November 15, 2019. Any photos submitted after that date will not be eligible. We will announce the winners via social media and email on November 22nd, 2019.

Writer’s Mill

Sunday, November 17, 1-3 pm, Cedar Mill Library, 12505 NW Cornell Rd #13, Portland.

If you've ever thought you'd like to get your writing into book form, sell it on Amazon Kindle, or even just create a printed copy, this is the meeting for you. Members of the Writers' Mill have been editing this year's anthology, and Sheila Deeth will put the final touches onto it before uploading it at the meeting.

We'll look at conventions for page and content formats, how to use Word and Kindle Create, what goes into Amazon's cover creator, and more (depending on time) and take pre-orders for the book. New members always welcome. Find out more from our website, portlandwritersmill.org, or email admin@portlandwritersmill.org.

St. Pius X Catholic School Open House

Thursday, November 7, 3:30-6 pm, St. Pius School

Meet with Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten teachers and staff. Learn more about our academics & spiritual curriculum. Discover what STEM looks like in all grades. We prepare Preschool-8th grade students for high-school, college, and life.

Call 503-644-3244 or visit the website for more information.

Folk Dancing at Leedy Grange

Monday, November 4, 7-9 pm, Leedy Grange Hall, 835 NW Saltzman Rd., first time free, $6 / $10 couple.

Join in for exercise and fun folk dancing at Leedy Grange with Sue & Friends. Enjoy Israeli and International dances with this friendly group. Everyone welcome, 7-7:30 is for beginners, no experience or partner is necessary.

For details please visit Portland Israeli Folk Dance News at www.sites.google.com/site/pifdnews, and for questions please email Sue at pifdnews@gmail.com.

Family Caregiver Conference

Friday, November 15, 8:30am-3 pm, Tuality Health Education Center, 334 SE 8th Ave, Hillsboro

November is National Family Caregivers Month. The 16th annual Washington County Family Caregiver Conference is for unpaid family caregivers of older adults. Lunch is included. Space is limited, and registration is required.

This year’s conference, Connecting through Caregiving: Honoring Every Family Caregiver’s Voice, features keynote speaker Elizabeth Eckstrom, MD, MPH, who will present “You CAN Do This: Practical Tools to Build Caregiver Resilience.” Dr. Eckstrom is a professor and chief of geriatrics at OHSU. Her research focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle in older adults.

Breakout sessions include legal considerations for family caregivers, navigating the aging system, creative engagement, finding ease in caregiving and more.

Simultaneous interpretation will be offered in Spanish to those who request it when registering. Participants who require other accommodations should make their request at least seven days in advance. Call 503-846-3089 to register or for more information.

The conference is sponsored by Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services Family Caregiver Support Program, OHSU Tuality Healthcare, and VA Portland Caregiver Support Program.

Inside WashCo Radio

Listen to our interviews anytime on the website: insidewashco.org/interviews

They are released on the website and available for podcast subscriptions on the Monday of the week they’ll be broadcast on the radio. Interviews are archived for listening at any time.

Friday, November 1, 1:30 pm

Features: Justin Brecht, representing Oregon Firearms Federation. This podcast episode will replay Sunday, November 3, 5 pm

Friday, November 8, 1:30 pm

Features: Hilary Uhlig, Director, Moms Demand Action. This podcast episode will replay Sunday, November 10, 5 pm

Friday, November 15, 1:30 pm

Features: Raziah Roushan, Executive Director, Tualatin Valley Creates This podcast episode will replay Sunday, November 17, 5 pm

Friday, November 22, 1:30 pm

Features: Felicita Monteblanco, Board Chair Tualatin Valley Parks & Recreation. This podcast episode will replay Sunday, November 24, 5 pm

Friday, November 29, 1:30 pm

Features: Cindy Cosenzo, Coordinator, Age Celebration. This podcast episode will replay Sunday, December 1, 5 pm

We will take the month of December off and be back with a full schedule in January.

Oregon Senior Peer Outreach

It can be hard to look forward to the holiday season when the cold and darkness of winter can be so isolating for many of us. Sometimes staying connected is just a phone call away. Oregon Senior Peer Outreach provides intentional peer support by phone to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation for adults 55+ in Washington County.

Get matched with a friendly peer specialist and receive regular phone calls that offer compassionate support and connection. Call 1-833-736-4676 to learn more.

Birth of the Bab Film

Sunday, November 10, 2-4 pm, Cedar Mill Library, 12505 NW Cornell Rd #13

Come watch Dawn of the Light! Simple Refreshments will be served after the Film.

We also have a greeting card making service project for the children in collaboration with Meals on Wheels at the same time. All are welcome!

For more information, please go to bicentenary.bahai.org/the-bab.

PCC Music

The following PCC Rock Creek Experience Music Series concerts will be held at 7:30 pm, Portland Community College Rock Creek, Building 3, Forum Theater, Room 114, 17705 NW Springville Rd., donations appreciated, parking $2

Americana duo Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms

Caleb & Reeb

November 12

NPR Radio has said of Caleb and Reeb: “Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms stake a claim as two of the finest traditional musicians in America.”

Women’s Choral Ensemble

November 19

In Mulieribus (a Latin phrase meaning "amongst women"), is a female vocal ensemble dedicated to the promotion and enrichment of community through the art of music with a focus on works written primarily before 1750.

For more information about these two concerts, please contact Anthony Catalan at anthony.catalan@pcc.edu or call 971-722-7866, or go to at pcc.edu/musicrc or the Series Facebook page at facebook.com/ExpMusicSeries.

Rock Creek Choir

Friday, November 15, 7:30 pm and Saturday, November 16, 2 pm, First Unitarian Church of Portland, 1011 SW 12th Ave., $10 donation appreciated

“Reminiscences of the carefree days of youth” is the theme of the PCC Rock Creek Choir’s fall program. Fern Hill, by American composer John Corigliano, will be one of the highlights of the concert. The concert will also include The Lake Isle by Ola Gjeilo, a setting of the spiritual Roll Jordan, Roll, by Stacey Gibbs, and The Old Church by Stephen Paulus.

Dr. Samuel Barbara, director of choral and vocal studies at PCC Rock Creek, will conduct, with special guests mezzo soprano Angela Niederloh, pianist Lee Nolan, guitarist Lee Barbara, and a chamber orchestra.

For more information about the concert, please contact Samuel Barbara at Samuel.barbara@pcc.edu or 971-722-7867 or go to pcc.edu/musicrc.

Beaverton Historical Society

Tuesday, November 12, 7 pm, Elsie Stuhr Senior Center, 5550 SW Hall Blvd., suggested $3 donation to support the Beaverton Historical Society

Beaverton Historical Society Presents The Life and Times between the years 1840 and 1865, and stories of mountain man Joseph L. Meek. Nici Edmonds is a descendant of the famed mountain man, Joseph L. Meek. Nici along with her husband Robert will share stores of the pioneers and their trek west, and the stories of Joseph Meek from his mountain man days to his life in Oregon. One of his favorite things to say was “I was born in Washington County Virginia USA and want to die in Washington County USA.”

They will share artifacts including a cast iron dutch oven, wooden kitchen box, utensils, flintlock rifle, coonskin cap, capote (long coat), buckskin clothing, prairie dresses, footwear, tomahawks, and more.

For more information, please visit www.historicbeaverton.org.

Is Your Home Rain Ready?

Prepare your home for this rainy season. Rake the grate and help prevent flooding in your neighborhood and at home:

Grab a rake, boots, gloves and a bin to collect leaves.

Remove leaves, debris and garbage from streets and off storm drains.

Clear your gutters and downspouts.

Put leaves in your yard debris bin, compost pile or bring them to a free Leaf Disposal & Food Drive event, November 16 and December 7 at The Home Depot (13700 NW Science Park Drive)

Remember, never stand on a storm drain or try to move it. If water is more than a few inches deep, give us a call: 503.547.8100.

Audubon Winter Break Camp

We have exciting outdoor and indoor adventures for 1st through 8th graders during the school break. Sign your child up for an experience in nature they won’t forget.

Whether your child wants to go adventuring on Mt. Hood on an overnighter at our brand new Marmot Cabin, learn the art and craft of candlemaking, visit a wolf sanctuary, make nature inspired art, or search for raptors, we’ve got the perfect camp for the artist, adventurer, and wildlife lover in your family.

Learn more and register here. Classes fill quickly!

League of Women Voters of Washington County

Monday, November 11, 3 pm, Shute Park Library, 775 SE 10th Ave.

At our next meeting, we will be hearing from a special guest, Steve Berger, Washington County Corrections Director and member of the Public Safety Coordinating Council.

Beaverton Community Band Fall Concert

Sunday, November 10, 3-5 pm, Bethel Congregational United Church of Christ, 5150 SW Watson Ave., free, but donations accepted to support for Bethel Congressional United Church of Christ’s food programs

The Beaverton Community Band opens its 2019-2020 season with its Fall Concert. This year’s theme is “Music from Across the Atlantic,” highlighting the music of Europe. Though the pieces in the program are united by their connection to Europe, they nonetheless will provide the audience with a varied listening experience. Pierre Leemans’ “March of the Belgian Paratroopers,” Holst’s “Jupiter,” and a Rachmaninoff rhapsody are just some of the compositions featured in the program. In addition, the program also includes several Christmas and Hanukkah selections in preview of the holidays ahead.

Visit www.beavertoncommunityband.org for more information.

Washington County Forum

Mondays, 11:30 am, Coyote’s Bar and Grill, 5301 W Baseline Rd., free

Founded in 1956, the Forum provides a place for the interchange of ideas on civic matters. Each week the Forum brings together community leaders, members, and guests who care about what happens in Washington County, the Metro region, and our state.

Lunch is available to order off the menu. Asking questions of the presenters is a privilege of Forum Membership. Learn more here.

Monday, November 4

The State of the Judiciary—Martha Walters, Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court, Danielle Hunsaker, Presiding Judge Washington County Circuit Court

The Forum welcomes the top judicial officials of the state and county to give an insiders view of the judicial branch, challenges that lie ahead, and how our courts work.

Monday, November 11

Washington County agriculture—Farmers with the Washington County Farm Bureau will discuss what’s happening in the local agricultural industry in light of state and federal policies that impact the ability to not only grow and sell crops but also maintain the local culture of family farming.

Monday, November 18

The Willamette Water Supply Project—Dave Kraska, Director Willamette Water Supply Program, Tom Hickman, Tualatin Valley Water District CEO, Representatives from the Cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton

Washington County residents will be having their water needs supplied in part from the Willamette River. This groundbreaking project will be presented to Forum attendees by those local experts who are leading the effort.

Monday, November 25

Washington County’s Century Farms—Family farms that have continuously operated for at least 100 years are recognized by the Oregon Farm Bureau as Century Farms. In this special Thanskgiving Forum, Washington County families that have achieved this distinction will share their family’s remarkable stories of passing down the legacy of farming through the generations.

Viva Village Events

For information, to RSVP, or to register where indicated, contact www.vivavillageevents.org or 503-746-5082. For a complete list of November events go to www.vivavillage.clubexpress.com; click on Calendar.

Nature Walk

Saturday, November 2, 10 am, Commonwealth Lake. Meet at intersection of Dellwood and Foothill Drive, Beaverton.

Village 101 Presentation

Saturday, November 9, 10-11:30am, Elsie Stuhr Center, 5550 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton. Information for prospective members and volunteers. RSVP: 503-746-5082.

Village Fundraiser at Casa Lola Kitchen

November 11, 12 & 13, 11 am-10 pm.

Enjoy lunch or dinner on these days and 30% of the ticket will be donated to Viva Village.

Village Forum

Monday, November 18, 2-3:30pm, Fireside Room at First United Methodist Church, 12555 SW 4thStreet, Beaverton.

“What’s Going on in Beaverton.” Presented by Cadence Petras, Division Manager for Development for the City of Beaverton. RSVP: 503-746-5082.

Urban Hikers

Thursday, November 21, 9:30 am, Tualatin Nature Park,15655 SW Millikan Blvd, Beaverton.

Participants will hike for 1-2 miles at a moderate pace. RSVP: 503-746-5082.

Thursday Night Social

Thursday, October 17, 6 pm, Ernesto’s Italian Restaurant, 8544 SW Apple Way, Portland. RSVP: 503-746-5082.

Northwest Senior Theater

Saturday, November 23, 2 pm, Alpenrose Dairy Opera House, 61449 SW Shattuck Rd. Portland.

Presentation of “Christmas is Just Around the Corner.” Meet in Lobby. Tickets $10.

Put a Lid on Cooking Fires

Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires and fire injuries. Last year, approximately one-third of the residential fires that Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded to began in a kitchen.

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 panhandles.
• 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.

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. Remember, water causes these fires to explode as the burning material stays on top of the water, causing it to spread and putting you at a 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, visit www.tvfr.com.

Sunset Presbyterian welcomes a new Pastor

In 2010, Steve Ruetschle survived a near fatal motorcycle accident that rendered him a quadriplegic. Doctors thought that Steve would never walk again. Against all odds and with people praying for him around the world, today Steve not only walks but has regained most of the use of his limbs. Steve credits his faith and the faith of devoted family and friends as a key factor in his miraculous recovery.

Three passions run throughout Steve’s life story: passion for the arts, for people, and for Jesus Christ. Steve pursued these passions in successive careers as an artist, counselor and pastor. At a young age, Steve created a comic strip that the local newspaper published. His love for the arts led to a Bachelor of Fine Arts and working for Hanna-Barbera. Steve incorporates the arts into his sermons in unexpected ways, ranging from a rap song he wrote and performed about the Book of Mark, to a children’s tale of the Christmas story with zany illustrations that delighted young and old alike on Christmas Eve. A love for people led to a master’s degree and private counseling practice. Then one day in church Steve sensed a strong call to preach, resulting in another master’s and a new career as a pastor. Before joining Sunset Presbyterian, Steve spent 13 years at Union Church of Manila as Senior Pastor.

Steve’s wife and best friend Michelle, a lawyer who worked in international development, enjoys partnering with her husband in ministry and raising their three sons, Aidan, Jude and Zephyr.

The Ruetschle family resides in the Bethany neighborhood. A family vote prior to leaving Manila resulted in a unanimous decision to move to Portland. As they researched schools, the boys insisted upon living where they could attend Sunset High School, just down the street from the church.

Located at the intersection of Cornell Road and the Sunset Highway at 14986 NW Cornell Road, Sunset Presbyterian Church offers a weekly worship service Sundays at 10 am. Throughout the week, the building serves the community with a variety of programs including a day shelter for homeless families, periodic overnight housing for the homeless, community pantry and clothing outlet for the needy, and home for a Spanish-speaking church. To accommodate growth, in 2000 Sunset moved from its original mid-century campus on Wilshire Boulevard due east of the Cedar Hills Shopping Center to its current site.

Severe Weather Shelter Opens November 7

Beaverton’s Severe Weather Shelter will open for the season on Thursday, November 7. The shelter, a collaboration between the city and Just Compassion of East Washington County, will provide a warm and safe space to stay for adults experiencing homelessness.

The shelter is open on Thursday nights through March from 5:30 pm to 6:30 am. Additional open hours will occur on any Friday, Saturday or Sunday when temperatures are at or below freezing and there is sufficient volunteer capacity to support operations. The shelter is located at the Beaverton Community Center at 12350 SW 5th Street and has capacity for up to 30 adults (age 18 or older) on a first come, first served basis.

Last year the Beaverton Severe Weather Shelter was open 31 nights and provided 771 bed stays to 179 individuals. More than 60 volunteers throughout the season provided 1,400 hours of volunteer service. The public can find out when the shelter will be open by visiting www.BeavertonOregon.gov/shelter. Open hours also will be posted at the Beaverton City Library.

A shelter coordinator and volunteer staff will assist with operations including greeting guests, serving meals provided by Meals on Wheels, staying overnight, and closing the shelter. For more information, contact 503-526-2584 or mcohen@BeavertonOregon.gov.

Beaverton’s Severe Weather Shelter is part of the Washington County Coordinated Response Plan.

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