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Community News

• “Rock the Grange” for landslide relief
• Cedar Mill Elementary Pancake Breakfast
• Composting Workshop at Leedy Grange Hall
• Skyline Memorial Easter event
• Cedar Mill Garden Club
• Washington County Forum schedule
• Legislative Town Hall
• AARP Driving Class
• Cowboy Music
• Beaverton Cares Tax Help
• Aloha Plant Sale
• Terra Linda EcoTour
• Sunset High School offers “Find Your Future” Event
• St. Pius Golf
• THPRD Cedar Hills Center Egg Hunt
• TVFR Levy
• Beaverton Historical Society sponsors talk by Alter Weiner
• Native plant sales
• Metro News

“Rock the Grange” for landslide relief

Donate to the Red Cross to provide relief to the victims of Washington’s recent terrible landslide, and have a fun evening in the neighborhood. Toddlers to boomers, everyone is invited~

Come out and support the Red Cross at “Rock the Grange” on Saturday, April 19, 7:30-10 pm at Leedy Grange Hall in Cedar Mill. $5 suggested donation. This is an all ages event. Dance to live rock from our local 1Wire Band and their guests, play board games in the dining area, and let your kids play and enjoy the kids area. A cheap date night without having to get a sitter, and a chance to provide relief to the unfortunate residents of the landslide area. Lemonade and light snacks provided.

Leedy Grange Hall is located at 835 NW Saltzman. Plenty of free parking, or use TriMet bus line 48 or 62.

Cedar Mill Elementary Pancake Breakfast

Cedar Mill Elementary School's fourth grade class will be hosting an annual pancake breakfast Saturday April 12, 8-11 am at Cedar Mill Elementary on Cornell Road. This fundraiser provides the resources Cedar Mill Elementary Fourth Graders need so students can have an overnight hands-on experience of what life was like for pioneers! The suggested donation is $5 per person or $20 per family.

Composting Workshop at Leedy Grange Hall

Mark your calendar for 1 pm on May 17. Ron Spendal, a Master Gardener and Master Composter, will present a one-hour composting workshop at the Leedy Grange Hall, on Saltzman Road, located near the corner of Saltzman and Cornell. After attending this workshop, you will be able to set up your own backyard composting system or improve the composting system you now have. Participants are encouraged to bring a small sample of their own compost for evaluation, and the best compost brought to the workshop will win a prize!

The workshop is organized by Terra Linda Conservation, Us and the Environment (CUE), a neighborhood group dedicated to promoting a livable, healthy, and environmentally-friendly neighborhood. The workshop is also supported by Leedy Grange, a grassroots, non-partisan advocate for agriculture, rural issues, and American values.

Compost not only improves soil health, it also helps with watering. Compost allows water to infiltrate into the soil and then be held like a sponge so the water is available to garden plants while still allowing oxygen to reach roots. Mulching plants with compost reduces evaporation and so reduces the need to water our gardens. To reserve your spot at the composting workshop, or if you have questions, please contact Terra Linda CUE: terralindaconservation@gmail.com.

Cedar Mill Garden Club

Did you know that carnivorous plants not only grow on the coast in Oregon, but can thrive in your gardens? Find out all you need to know about planting, caring for, and growing carnivorous plants at the April 16 meeting of the Cedar Mill Garden Club. The meeting begins at noon and the presentation by Phaedra Dunko of Courting Frogs Distributing will begin shortly after 1 pm. The meeting will be held at the Beaverton Community Center Community Room, 12350 SW 5th (and Hall Blvd.) across from the Beaverton City Library.

Club members are again preparing for the 11th Annual Cedar Mill Plant Sale and Garden Art Fair to be held May 10, 9 am- 5 pm, in the parking lot of the Cedar Mill Bible Church on Cornell Road, next to the JQA Young House and Falls, and just east of Saltzman Road. As usual, they will have a large variety of unusual and varied perennials for both sun and shade. Watch for more details about this year's addition of beautiful hanging baskets. Proceeds from the annual sale go toward a horticultural scholarship, Youth and Community Gardening Education and plant-related Community Projects.

If you would enjoy helping them pot up plants, or if you have divisions of plants that you can donate, they would greatly appreciate it. Just contact Barb Cushman, 503-649-7741 for information or see their website thecedarmillgardenclub.org.

Washington County Forum schedule

The Washington County Public Affairs Forum meets weekly from 11:45 am to 1 pm at the Peppermill Restaurant, located at 17455 SW Farmington Rd, Aloha. Their programs are also available on YouTube.com and local cable access channel 21, Tualatin Valley Community Television, TVCTV.org.

April 7: Cover Oregon: Health Care Reform 101 with Courtney Helstein, Health-Care Outreach Coordinator, One Main Street Alliance of Oregon; and Beaverton’s plan for a New Affordable Primary Health Care Center located in the West Gate Plaza, with City of Beaverton Staff Member, Dave Waffle.

April 14: Republican Candidates for HD 32—Louis DeMartino & Rick Rose; and Republican candidates for the 1st Congressional District—Delinda Delgado Morgan, Jason Yates, and Bob Niemeyer.

April 21: Bond Measures & Levies on the Ballot: Beaverton School District, with Board Member, Linda Degman; and TVF&R with Chief Mike Duyck

April 28: Republican Candidates for U.S. Senate: Dr. Monica Wehby, and Jo Rae Perkins; Candidates for State Representative Jason Conger and Mark Callahan.

Admission is free. Lunch is available off the regular menu. Volunteers are welcome to help with various aspects of the meeting. The Forum is a non-profit organization supported by member dues, just $45/year for individuals.

Legislative Town Hall

Please join our Oregon State Legislators, Representative Mitch Greenlick and Senator Elizabeth Steiner-Hayward MD for their upcoming town halls. The first one takes place on Saturday, April 19 at 11 am at the Friendly House Library on 26th Avenue. The second follows the first at 2 pm the same day at the Cedar Mill Library on Cornell Road. For more information contact 503-986-1717 or for the district, 503-277-2467.

AARP Driving Class

As we get older, we all need a brush-up on our driving skills and safety practices. AARP will be holding a six-hour Smart Driver class on May 2 from 9 am- 4:30 pm at the Cedar Mill Community Library Meeting Room. For only $20, or $15 with your AARP number, you can register by calling 503-286-9688 to attend this informative class. By attending, one can also qualify for an insurance discount. For questions, contact Tom Wilson at PDXCats@comcast.net or visit www.aarp.org/drive.

Tom Swearingen

Cowboy Music

Larry Wilder

In honor of Cowboy Poetry Week April 22-26, The Beaverton Historical Society is holding a special event on April 26 including Western Entertainer Tom Swearingen and Champion of Music Larry Wilder. The event takes place 10 am-2 pm at the Beaverton History Center on SW Broadway. Admission is a suggested $2 donation, and free for members. For more information visit HistoricBeaverton.org or call 503-430-0106.

Beaverton Cares Tax Help

The City of Beaverton, in partnership with AARP Tax-Aide and CASH Oregon, is expanding its hours for the free tax assistance program available to area residents (including those who don’t live within Beaverton city limits). Beginning March 31, volunteers will be available on Mondays from 11 am-7 pm at the Beaverton Activities Center on Allen Boulevard. Tax assistance is also available Tuesdays-Fridays from 11 am to 7 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. This annual program is coordinated by the city’s Beaverton Cares program in partnership with Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CASH) and AARP Tax-Aide. Free tax assistance is available through April 15 on a walk-in basis only.

“With just a few weeks left before the filing deadline, we want to make sure everyone who needs this service has access to it,” said Mayor Denny Doyle. “Working six days a week, our dedicated volunteers are striving to ensure that our residents get the most from their refunds.”

The city is encouraging eligible low and middle-income families to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Eligible low-income working families may be entitled to up to $6,044 in tax refunds, but according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), up to 25 percent of those eligible for the EITC file for it. The IRS reports that when those eligible do not file, the result is the loss of millions of dollars for low-income Oregonians and for thousands of eligible low-income families across the nation.

To receive tax assistance, residents must bring: Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all persons on return, and Form W-2 from every employer. Also bring other forms and receipts, such as 1099s from your bank, child and dependent care information, copies of last year’s returns, if available, and picture identification.

CASH, in partnership with AARP Tax-Aide, provides free tax preparation and filing to thousands of low- and middle-income families and individuals throughout the Portland-Metro area. The partnership provides a Beaverton Super Site, located at the Beaverton Activities Center from now through April 15. For additional tax preparation sites, call 211 or visit www.CASHOregon.org.

The Beaverton Cares program was developed by the Mayor’s Office Neighborhood Program to raise awareness of the resources available to those in need, and to identify ways neighbors could help neighbors. To view a comprehensive list of resources available to Beaverton area residents, please visit BeavertonOregon.gov/BeavertonCares. The city also recommends calling 2-1-1 to be connected to a wide range of social services available in the Beaverton area. For additional information, please contact Lani Parr at 503-526-2243 or lparr@BeavertonOregon.gov.

Terra Linda EcoTour

Terra Linda CUE is a volunteer committee dedicated to promoting a livable, healthy and environmentally friendly neighborhood. On Saturday April 19 they will be holding a Terra Linda Eco tour from 10 am-1 pm in the Terra Linda neighborhood just north of Cornell and Murray. They will offer a free tour of home solar electric systems and irrigation efficiency. For more information and a map of the event locations contact Dean Moberg at terralindaconservation@gmail.com.

Sunset High School offers “Find Your Future” Event

Over 25% of students at Sunset High School choose something other than attending college when they graduate from high school. On April 16, from 6-8 pm, Sunset’s College & Career Center will host an event designed to provide information and resources about post high school options for students who are considering options other than a four year college.

College & Career Center Specialist Amy Little is organizing the event, in partnership with the Counseling Department at Sunset. According to enrollment numbers at Sunset, 25% translates to over 500 students school-wide (well over one hundred students in the graduating class alone) choosing to pursue something other than college when they graduate.

“We want to help all students find the right fit for their future. Our goal for this event is to bring a lot of information to one place for students to consider,” says Little. Sunset’s Find Your Future event aligns closely with the Oregon Education Investment Board’s 40-40-20 vision: by 2025 the OEIB will ensure a 100% high school graduation rate and that 40% of graduates will complete a 2-year degree, 40% of graduates will complete a 4-year degree, and 20% of graduates are career ready. The Find Your Future event will focus on this third group.

“A close examination of labor market statistics will tell you that there are good jobs for students without a college degree,” Little explains. College isn’t a fit for everyone, and Little believes that students who don’t plan to attend college shouldn’t feel like they are missing out. Little also says that the intent of this event is not to discourage anyone from attending college, but rather to provide a range of options so students and parents can make informed decisions.

The event will include an expo, a keynote speaker, and breakout sessions on topics such as how to use LinkedIn, write resumes and improve interview skills. The event is open to all students in the Beaverton School District and their parents. Event registration is required. For more information, please call 503-259-5145 or visit the event website at findyourfutureatsunset.weebly.com.

St. Pius Golf

On May 31, from 1-8 pm, Eleete Real Estate will sponsor the first annual St. Pius X Panther Scramble Golf Tournament at The Reserve Golf Club in Aloha. The cost is $150 a player or $600 per team with a shotgun at 1 pm that day. Come out and help support the local community! For more information contact David Dechant at dechant11@comcast.net or visit pantherscramble.org.

Beaverton Historical Society sponsors talk by Alter Weiner

Come hear Alter Weiner, a holocaust survivor, author and speaker, discuss his book “From A Name To A Number,” on Tuesday, April 8, from 7-8:30 pm at the Elsie Stuhr Center on Hall Boulevard. They promise you will never forget Alter's story. Admission is free with a five dollar suggested donation. For questions or more information visit info@historicbeaverton.org or call 503-430-0106.

Native plant sales

Replacing non-native ornamental plants in your landscaping with natives has many benefits, including reduced need for summer watering, resistance to garden pests, and providing habitat and food for wildlife and birds. Spring is a great time to see these natives in bloom and choose some for your garden.

Clean Water Services has a Native Plant Finder on their website to help you choose the perfect plants for the various areas of your yard.

Here are some of the local sales going on this month:

Skyline Grange, April 11-12.

Audubon Society of Portland, April 12-13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Jackson Bottom Wetlands, April 12, 9 am-3 pm

Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District, Nature Park Interpretive Center, April 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

And for an inexpensive touch of non-native color, head to your local Fred Meyer on Saturday, April 12 between 7 am and 4 pm for their popular annual Fuchsia Saturday event. Bring or purchase plants and planters and Fred Meyer will plant them for you for free, using premium Black Gold Soil. Limit of eight planters with a maximum of 16" diameter each per person

Skyline Memorial Easter event

On Sunday April 20, there will be an Old Rugged Cross Easter Sunrise Service from 6-9 am at the Skyline Memorial Gardens on Skyline Boulevard. This very special service will be held high above the metro area atop the majestic West Hills, overlooking Portland and the coast range. The sun rises directly over the "Old Rugged Cross" adding to the splendor of this significant service. Celebrant services and refreshments round out the communal Easter celebration. Should inclement weather be present services will be held in a chapel with a view. For more information contact Rachel Fox at 503-292-6611 or rachel.fox@dignitymemorial.com.

THPRD Cedar Hills Center Egg Hunt

It’s springtime! Hail the annual arrival of green grass, sunshine, blooming flowers, colored eggs, friendly bunnies, and—of course—fun, family-oriented activities at THPRD recreation centers. Our spring egg hunts are always among our most popular events each year,” said Eric Owens, superintendent of Recreation. “If you’re new to the area, they provide a great opportunity to come meet our staff and check out our facilities before summer registration begins.”

A springtime tradition at Cedar Hills Recreation Center, the Spring Egg Hunt is back on Saturday, April 19, from 9 am to 1 pm. A busy bunny will host two egg hunts and a pancake breakfast. Simultaneously, the center will host its annual artisan bazaar (free admission) with a variety of local vendors selling everything from crafts and jewelry to handmade baskets and baked goods. No preregistration is required for the breakfast, which runs from 9 to11:30 am and costs $3 for kids and $5 for adults. All ages are welcome.

The artisan bazaar continues until 1 pm. Space is limited for the spring egg hunts; early signup is encouraged. Specially marked eggs can be redeemed for prizes. The $7 cost covers one adult and one child. For more information, call 503-629-6340 or register at thprd.org for class CH46202 Parent & Child Egg Hunt (ages 1-3; 10 am.) or CH46203 Youth Egg Hunt (ages 4-9; 11 am).

Registration for THPRD classes and camps begins on Saturday, April 26, at 8 am for district residents. The summer activities guide is at www.thprd.org now, and printed copies will be delivered to homes throughout the Beaverton area next week. After April 1, copies can also be picked up at any THPRD center or other community gathering places, including libraries.

TVFR Levy

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) provides firefighting, emergency medical, rescue, and fire prevention services for 454,000 citizens in nine cities and portions of Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah counties. On May 20, voters will decide whether to continue funding for TVF&R that would take the place of a current levy, which expires in June 2015.

TVF&R’s highest priority is to provide fast and effective emergency response and the levy supports that mission by:

1. Retaining 42 current firefighter medics hired since 2000. These firefighters help ensure each crew has enough personnel to enter a burning building without waiting for backup, and provide immediate life-saving care at medical and rescue incidents.

2. Adding up to 44 firefighter medics as well as apparatus and three new fire stations in areas where response challenges exist.

From the point firefighters leave the station, their objective is to arrive at an incident within five minutes or less. Increases in 9-1-1 calls, traffic congestion, and an aging population are resulting in longer response times and more time spent on scene. Additional firefighters at new and existing sites within TVF&R’s network would improve response times and increase the reliability of current stations to serve their immediate neighborhoods. Positions that support safe and reliable emergency operations such as fire prevention, training, and apparatus maintenance would also be funded.

Response challenges would continue to degrade the speed and effectiveness of emergency response services. While maintaining emergency response services would remain TVF&R’s priority, the current levy provides 14% of total District operating revenues. As a result, reductions in staffing and operations would be required. If the measure fails, property taxes on a typical home would decline by $58/year. The replacement levy has a tax rate of 45¢ per $1,000 of assessed value, a 20¢ increase over the current rate. This would result in a total levy cost of $104 for a typical home with an assessed value of $230,000, a $46 increase over the current levy. The average homeowner would pay approximately $3.53 more per month than the current levy. For more information, visit www.tvfr.com.

Aloha Plant Sale

The Aloha Garden Club is holding their annual plant sale and Garden Faire on Saturday, April 26, from 9 am-2 pm at the Aloha Huber Park Elementary School, 5000 SW 173rd. There will be a variety of perennials, trees, and shrubs, donated from members' gardens. Most of their plants will sell from $1 for four-inch pots to $3 for gallon pots. Some specialty plants will be available at slightly higher, but still bargain prices.

Plant sale proceeds are used for grants and scholarships within Washington County. The Aloha Garden Club has awarded grants and scholarships totaling more than $64,000 from the proceeds of their plant sales since 2003. In addition to plants, shoppers will find a variety of vendors with garden-related treasures for purchase. If you have any questions regarding the sale, please contact Carolyn Guinther at 503-649-3375.

Metro News

Metro has released the draft 2014 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Update for public review and comment through May 5. The Metro Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the RTP on Thursday May 15 at 2 pm at the Metro Regional Center.

Metro has also posted a short survey at www.makeagreatplace.org that will inform the RTP Update, the Regional Active Transportation Plan, the 2015-18 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) and the Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project.

Metro will also host a Community Forum on these topics on Thursday April 17 at 5:30 pm at the Beaverton Library.

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