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Community News January 2020

• Master Gardener Training
• "Inside Washington County" Radio Show
• Exploring the Mysteries of Coyotes in the City
• Folk Dancing at Leedy Grange
• Experience Music at PCC
• Washington County Forum
• Nature in Neighborhoods Grants
• Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation
• Beaverton Historical Society
• Alzheimer’s Caretaker Training
• Viva Village
• Beaverton Climate Action Plan
• Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue
• Join Metro’s Public Engagement Review Committee

Master Gardener Training

Are you passionate about gardening? Do you want the real dirt on tried-and-true gardening practices? Yes? Then OSU Extension Master Gardener™ training is right for you! Registration is open for the 2020 Master Gardener training program. Training is available in Washington County, beginning the last week of January 2020. Training consists of a combination of in-person classes, online content, and hands-on workshops. For more information and to register go to extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/metro.

“Inside Washington County” radio show

Former WashCo Forum President Rob Solomon has developed an interview show featuring in-depth conversations with interesting and influential people in Washington County. You can also go direct to the website to listen to any or all the interviews archived there, or sign up to be notified when they post a new one. Original show plays Friday at 1:30 pm and is repeated the following Sunday at 5 pm.

Here’s the schedule for KUIK Radio 1360 am for early 2020.

January 6: Money in Politics, featuring Jason Kafoury

January 13: City of Tualatin, featuring Mayor Bubenik

January 20: Native American Issues, featuring Congresswoman Furse

January 27: Affordable Housing part one, featuring representatives from City government and nonprofit organizations

February 3: Affordable housing part 2.

Exploring the Mysteries of Coyotes in the City

Tuesday, January 14, 7-9 pm, Oregon Zoo Cascade Crest ballroom

Don’t miss your chance to hear a fascinating story about urban wildlife from a world-renowned expert! Stanley Gehrt, PhD will be joining us to share his nearly 20-year study of how coyotes in Chicago have adapted to the city as their natural environment. He’ll share previously unknown details of how they live in harmony with the bustling concrete jungle.

Stan’s one-of-a-kind work has been featured on NPR, PBS, National Geographic! This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the wonders of natural life. This Nature Night event is brought to you by the Portland Audubon. Register here: http://bit.ly/nature-night

Folk Dancing at Leedy Grange

Mondays, January 6 and 20, 7-9 pm, Leedy Grange Hall, 835 NW Saltzman Rd., first time free, $6 for one, $10 per couple.

Join in for exercise and fun folk dancing at Leedy Grange with Sue & Friends. Enjoy Israeli and International dances with this friendly group. No partner necessary. 7 to 7:30 pm is beginners level instruction and dancing. 7:30 to 9 pm is intermediate level instruction and dancing. Folk dancing is great for brain and body health, and for making new friends too! For details please visit Portland Israeli Folk Dance News at sites.google.com/site/pifdnews, and for questions please email Sue at pifdnews@gmail.com.

Experience Music at PCC

Tuesday, January 21, 7:30 pm, Portland Community College Rock Creek, Forum Theater, Room 114, Building 3, 17705 NW Springville Rd., admission is a donation at the door, parking is $2.

The Portland Community College Rock Creek Experience Music Series presents the Northwest Piano Trio in concert. The Trio will perform a program titled "Romantic Notions," featuring works by Robert and Clara Schumann and their great friend Johannes Brahms. For more information about the concert, 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/events/466553850792584/ .

Washington County Forum

Mondays, 11:30 am, speakers start at noon, 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. Here are the exciting Forum topics for October:

January 6: The Impeachment, The Trial – How it works and what it means

Local constitutional experts will break down what is happening in Washington DC with the House impeachment and possible Senate trial.

January 13: PERSiIs it a retirement system that works for everyone?

Kevin Olineck, PERS Director, and Michelle Morrison, CFO Hillsboro School District, will discuss the future of Oregon’s public employee retirement system and how its unfunded liability might affect local government employers and future retirees.

January 20: Young leaders

An influx of new young leaders have been elected in the last couple years. Ben Bowman, Tigard-Tualatin School Board Member; Juan Carlos Gonzales, Metro Councilor; and others will give their perspectives on today’s political climate and share how they are leading our county and region.

January 27: Pete Truax, Mayor of Forest Grove

Ahead of his February State of the City, he’ll give us his thoughts on the future of his city and the region with a glimpse of what lies ahead in his upcoming State of the City speech.

Nature in Neighborhoods Grants

Grant applications due Wednesday, January 29

With the goal of building cultural, environmental, and economic equity, these grants provide communities of color and underserved communities educational opportunities, work training, organizational development, and the chance to get out and spend meaningful time in nature.

To apply go to the Metro website to learn more about Metro nature education and outdoor experiences grants and fill out a simple application by the due date.

2020 Nature in Neighborhoods grants workshop

Tuesday, January 7, 3:30-5 pm or 5:30-7 pm, Metro Regional Center, room 270, 600 N.E. Grand Ave.

Please join us for an optional grant information workshop about the application and process.

Would you like to discuss your ideas or review your nature education and outdoor experiences grant proposal with the grant program manager, Crista Gardner, or the Community Investments Manager, Juan Carlos Ocaña-Chíu? Please go to this schedule and choose an available time between January 8-23 for an in-person meeting or phone call. If none of those times work for you please contact Oriana Quackenbush at 503-797-1834 or oriana.quackenbush@oregonmetro.gov to try to find another time.

Join the grants review team!

Application due January 15

Are you committed to helping the people in our region experience nature? Do you want to see greater environmental, cultural, and economic equity in greater Portland? You can help by joining Metro’s nature education and outdoor experience grants review committee.

To apply, send a simple email and attach a resume describing your background and experience to the grants program manager, Crista Gardner. Find the review committee application at the bottom of the nature education and outdoor experiences grants website. Metro staff will begin reviewing committee applications January 15.

For more information about any of Metro’s great grant programs, please see our website at www.oregonmetro.gov/grants.

Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation

Youth Summer Programs

Are you thinking about what will keep your teens busy this summer? THPRD offers youth volunteering programs for teens to gain leadership skills and learn about specific career tracks in nature and recreation, while also having fun.

Fill out the interest form here to get started.

Volunteer in Nature: Stewardship Leader and Park Steward Programs

Stewardship leaders help lead volunteer projects at THPRD parks and trails, teaching other volunteers how to safely use tools and identify native versus invasive species. Stewardship leaders can work with school groups, community groups, and at one-day events.

Park stewards donate their time in their chosen park(s), engaging with patrons, and communicating with THPRD about anything in the park that needs attention. You can volunteer as an individual, with friends, or with your family. Best of all, you set your own schedule and volunteer while enjoying the park you’d be visiting anyway!

Apply to volunteer as a Stewardship Leader or a Park Steward or other youth programs online on the THPRD Volunteer Interest Form

Beaverton Historical Society

Tuesday, January 14, 7 pm, Elsie Stuhr Senior Center, 5550 SW Hall Blvd., $3 donation

History of the Phillip Foster Farms Historic Site

The presentation will touch on the history of the Phillip Foster Farms Historic Site, and the relationship with Sam Barlow and the Barlow Road. Who were Phillip Foster and his family, and how did they come to Oregon? There will be photos, artifacts, and a discussion on how this history is interpreted. Refreshments are provided.

For more information, go to www.historicbeaverton.org or call 503-820-8765.

Alzheimer’s Caretaker Training

Thursdays, January 16 - February 20, 1:30-3:30 pm, Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St. or Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12, 1:30-3:30 pm, Tuality Health Education Center, 334 SE 8th Ave.

Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can be challenging and overwhelming. Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services (DAVS) is offering a free six-week training geared toward helping unpaid caregivers. The SAVVY Caregiver Training has been found to increase skills and reduce stress. Participants will learn skills to manage daily life and communicate more effectively, build new strategies and tools to help manage challenging behaviors, and take care of themselves. Limited respite care is available. Call the Family Caregiver Support Program at 503-846-3089 for more information or to register.

Viva Village

Nature Walk

Saturday, January 4, 9:30 am. Bethany Lake Park, 5061 NW 185th St.

Women’s Coffee

Tuesday, January 7 and 21, 10 am. Jim and Patty’s Coffee, 4130 SW 117th Ave.

Village 101 Presentation

Saturday, January 11, 10-11:30 am. Elsie Stuhr Center, Cedar Room, 5550 SW Hall Blvd.

Information for prospective members and volunteers. RSVP at vivavillageevents.org or 503-746-5082

Urban Hikers

Thursday, January 16, 9:30 am. Gabriel Park, 4056 SW Canby.

Hike at a moderate pace for 2 miles through forest and open meadow. RSVP at vivavillageevents.org or 503-746-5082

Thursday Night Social

Thursday, January 16, 6 pm. Ernesto’s Italian Restaurant, 8544 SW Apple Way.

RSVP at vivavillageevents.org or 503-746-5082.

Village Forum

Monday, January 20, 2-3 pm. Fireside Room, First United Methodist Church, 12555 SW 4th St.

Presentation on Marijuana: Its Uses and Abuses, What Seniors Need to Know. RSVP at www.vivavillageevents.org or 503-746-5082.

Men’s Coffee Break

Tuesday, January 28, 10-11 am. Ki Coffee, 4655 SW Griffith Dr, #160.

Viva Village Book Club

Tuesday, January 28, 4-6 pm. Private home in Westbrook Neighborhood. Selected Book: The Wanderers by Meg Howrey. RSVP at vivavillageevents.org or 503-746-5082, for address.

For information, contact vivavillageevents.org or 503-746-5082. To see a complete list of January events, go to www.vivavillage.clubexpress.com and click on Calendar.

Beaverton Climate Action Plan

The City of Beaverton has released its first Climate Action Plan. The document includes 86 action items that will help reach community goals. The plan was adopted by City Council at its November 12 meeting.

The Beaverton Climate Action Plan (BCAP) is built upon a guiding principle of keeping the global temperature increase to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius with a community target of a 100 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and city operation targets of 50 percent fossil fuel reduction and carbon neutral by 2030.

 “We must approach the issue of climate change together,” said Mayor Denny Doyle. “We know we can achieve much more if our local, state, national and global priorities match. I want us to leave Beaverton better for future generations and now is the time to make this happen.”

Prior to BCAP adoption, the city received survey responses from more than 500 community members. Eighty percent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the city should adopt a climate action plan to reduce our community’s impact on climate change.

City staff, in consultation with Good Company of Eugene, Oregon, authored the document with input from public and private agencies in the region. Implementation of the plan will begin in 2020 and include opportunities for residents and businesses to get involved.

One of the ways the city will engage with households, schools and community groups is with an online tool called the Beaverton Climate Challenge, which enables participants to set household level goals for climate action and monitor their progress. Details on that program will be shared in spring 2020.

The BCAP is available at www.BeavertonOregon.gov/green.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue

Tips to Carry You Safely into 2020

With the New Year and resolutions on everyone’s mind, now is the time to think about some personal and home safety steps that can help carry you and your family safely into and through 2020, as well as save you time and money by avoiding winter-related damage to your home or business.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue firefighters always see an increase in outdoor-related injuries around the first of the year. Keep these things in mind to minimize your risk of personal injury:

• Increased slip and fall injuries are of particular concern this time of year. Be extra careful on icy surfaces around your home ─ use kitty litter or sand to increase traction.
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• Make sure to dress appropriately for outdoor activity; dress in layers with hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. Be aware of the windchill factor, which can often lower the temperature by several degrees.
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• Avoid traveling when the weather service issues storm advisories. If you must travel, make sure someone knows where you are going, what time you expect to arrive, and the route you plan to take. Pack extra water, food, blankets, and clothing in case of an unexpected emergency or delay.

There are also steps you can take to improve the safety of your home this winter.

• Have your home heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
• If you are heating with wood, inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
• Always discard ashes in a metal container away from combustible materials.
• Check your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly.
• Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies by installing a CO alarm in your home.

In addition to fires, TVF&R firefighters respond to other types of emergencies that can cause severe damage to homes and businesses. We recommend that you take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the water shut off for your home/business if you haven’t done so already.

For the past several winters, TVF&R firefighters responded to hundreds of calls for frozen water pipes that burst and begin flowing water. Businesses and homeowners suffered thousands of dollars in damage because they didn’t know how to stop the water from flowing.

During region-wide weather events, first responders must prioritize their response to life-safety incidents. Knowing how to shut off your water and calling a professional can prevent significant damage to your home. Also, insulate exposed water pipes in the garage and cover outdoor water spigots.

Visit www.tvfr.com for more winter safety tips.

Join Metro’s Public Engagement Review Committee

Are you passionate about public engagement? Interested in helping engage greater Portland on topics from transportation, housing and land use to parks, garbage and recycling? Metro is seeking volunteers to serve on the Public Engagement Review Committee.

This year, Metro is recruiting three at-large community members and one community organization representative.

The committee meets four times a year and serves as a key component of Metro’s ongoing efforts to develop and implement successful public engagement processes. In selecting Public Engagement Review Committee members, the Metro Council seeks a mix of representatives who demonstrate a commitment to community involvement; skills, knowledge or experience that support the public engagement principles adopted by Metro; and the ability to represent the geographic and demographic diversity of the region.

Duties of the committee include, but are not limited to, reviewing and making recommendations on Metro's engagement strategies and practices at the project and program level; reviewing the annual public engagement report; and making recommendations to the Metro Council about engagement priorities.

Find out more about the committee and apply at oregonmetro.gov/perc.

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