Community News September 2025

September 2, 2025   Uncategorized
group walking in parade
peanuts blood donation graphic

Friday, September 19, Cornell Family Dental, 12889 NW Cornell Road, 10-3 pm, sign up and reserve your spot here.

blood donation qr code

Cornell Family Dental is hosting a Cedar Mill community blood drive as the need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every two to three seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. Every donation helps! We hope to see you, and we thank you for your participation. 

Garbage & Recycling survey

Do you live or work in Washington County? Help us improve garbage and recycling services in the county.

Click the survey link. Take the 15-minute survey. This survey isanonymous. Enter to win a $50 gift card by November 1, 2025.

Ask WCSO: School bus safety tips

With school back in session, many school buses are now on the road, ensuring children get to and from school safely. As we adjust to the new routine, it’s essential for all drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic laws around school zones and bus stops.

Not sure when to stop for a school bus? Here’s a list of quick reminders:

• Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm on a school bus: This indicates that drivers MUST STOP before reaching the bus and remain stopped until the bus’s red lights have stopped flashing.

• Two-lane or multi-lane roads (without a physical median): All drivers MUST STOP when a school bus with flashing red lights stops to load or unload children – no matter what side of the road you are on.

• Divided highways with a median: Only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus MUST STOP. If the median is less than 20 feet long, all traffic must stop.

• Opposite lanes on a divided highway with a median: You do not need to stop if you are on the opposite side of a divided highway with a median of 20 feet or more; however, please proceed with caution.

Please be mindful of the flashing lights and stop signs on school buses, and let’s work together to keep our kids safe. We wish everyone a happy new school year! Ask WCSO is produced by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Family fun golf day at St. Pius

Sunday, September 28, 11-3, St. Pius playground, 1280 NW Saltzman, free to attend, mini-golf $5 for those over 12

Enjoy a day of games and food for the family. The Knights of Columbus have organized the event to bring the community together and raise funds for their charitable activities. A nine-hole mini-golf course with clubs provided is the main event. The giant inflatable Golfzilla target is free to play. Corn dogs, nachos, popcorn and cotton candy, along with sodas and beer, will be for sale.

Walk 4 Water fundraiser

Saturday, September 13, 9-12 pm. For details and to register click here.

The Agency Portland invites the community to join Walk 4 Water. This family friendly walk raises funds to bring clean, safe drinking water to communities in Uganda, with this year’s effort focused on the village of Walanga.

Walk 4 Water is a simple, powerful way for neighbors, schools, faith groups, and local businesses to make a measurable impact. Every dollar raised supports well construction, maintenance, and hygiene education that improves health, keeps kids in school, and strengthens local economies.

“Clean water changes everything. It keeps families healthy, reduces the burden on women and children, and opens doors to education and opportunity,” said Kristen Downer, event lead with The Agency Portland. “We would love to see walkers of all ages come out, bring friends, and be part of something truly transformative.”

Leedy Grange gears up for fall classes and events

Leedy Grange Hall 835 NW Saltzman

A variety of fun classes to choose from starting in September. The Leedy Grange website is temporarily down due to an issue with the National Grange website. Until it’s fixed, for information on rentals, events and activities at Leedy, please visit this page.

Free Dance Classes for National Dance Day
Saturday, September 20, 9 am-noon, with lunch break, all ages welcome, free

Join us for free classes to celebrate dance! We’ll include a preview of the new Every Body Dance program, Social Dance 101, and since it’s fall and soon to be Halloween, a tease of the classic “Thriller” Dance. Details at ImpressionsDanceClub.net

Second Saturday Community Dance
Saturday, September 9, 7 pm Lesson; 7:30-10 pm Open Dancing, all ages welcome. $10/adults; $5/students

DJ mix of Swing, Ballroom, Latin, and Country music and instruction with Impressions Dance Club. Proceeds from dances benefit dance programs in local schools. Monthly dances happen every second Saturday.

Dance for Every Body
Wednesdays, September 24-October 29, 11 am-noon, all ages; $15 suggested donation, care givers are free

Dance class designed for anyone who wants to explore and improve their movement potential through music and dance, including people with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions, or anyone who wants to improve their movement potential and balance. Seated and standing options available for all abilities.

Weekly Senior Tea Dances
Tuesday, September 16, 3-4:30 pm, all ages; $10 suggested donation

Dance Session for seniors that includes a 30-40 minute lesson followed by open dancing to DJ’d music—Swing, Ballroom, Country, Latin music.

Adult & Teen Beginner Social Dance Classes
Mondays 6 pm; Wednesday & Friday 6:30 pm, adults $50 for four-class sessions, $15 drop-in, teen classes first & third Saturdays, 11am, and second & fourth Fridays at 7:30. teens $10/class

Monday East Coast Swing; Wednesday Salsa for beginners and beyond; Friday Waltz. We work on each dance for the entire month. Singles and couples welcome. Teens are welcome at any of the classes but now have a specific class for that age group to learn swing and social dancing.

Modern Recreational Folk Dance
Mondays, 7 pm beginners, Open session 7:30-10 pm; all ages $7

Traditional Folk Dance along with modern styles and variations for a fun dance jam with a great group of dancers. Hosted by Donna Cole Studios 503-33-3537

Empower Her Women’s Self Defense
Wednesdays September 3 & 17, Thursdays September 11 & 18 7-9 pm, Adults; $225

This is a four-week self-defense class specifically for women taught by InstinctDefenseAcademy.com. Class size is limited. Register soon.

Meadowlarks—a Homeschool Youth Choir
Wednesdays, starting September 10, 10:15-11:15 am; Elementary Youth

This new program is being directed by Caroline from Primary Notes, a mobile music and movement studio for children ages 0-9 years. Contact 206-618-3260

Leedy Grange is available to rent for events and meetings. We have event space available on weekends, and limited meeting space during the week. Please send all inquiries regarding reservations to LeedyGrangeRentals@gmail.com 

Talk to your kids about fire and life safety

It’s that time again—when students head back to class. And for many students, this may be the school year where they will be trusted to be home alone after school. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue encourages parents and caregivers to review fire and life safety tips with them.

Talk to your kids about how and when to call 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance in the event of an emergency. Children should know their address, phone number, and your contact information so they can provide the information to an emergency dispatcher. It’s also a good idea to have phone numbers for family and neighbors posted on the refrigerator, near the phone, or on a designated bulletin board in the event kids need assistance but it’s not an emergency.

This is also a good time to set house rules on using the stove, oven, or microwave. The following tips may help your child avoid a fire:

Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires. Most of the fires start on the stovetop due to food or oil being left unattended while being heated or having items placed too close to the burners.

Allow cooking privileges based on age and maturity. Consider allowing younger children to only use a microwave or oven to heat food (versus the stovetop). However, use caution when heating food due to the potential for burn injuries. 

If allowed to use the stovetop, never leave food (especially oil) unattended—even for a moment! Pre-teens and teenagers enjoy many activities that can cause them to be distracted and/or forget they’re cooking. Remind them to stay by the stovetop when cooking. If they need to leave the room, turn off the burner.

Keep things that can burn or catch on fire such as potholders, dish towels, and food boxes away from the stovetop.

Water and oil do not mix! Never throw water on a grease fire or try to move the flaming pan. Either action can cause the fire to spread or cause burns to the body.

If a fire occurs, leave the home and call 911 from a cellphone or a neighbor’s home.

Other safety tips to share include: Never use matches, lighters, or candles. Keep these items away from children and remind them that they are not to be touched by anyone other than an adult.

Know two escape routes from every room in the house. One of those could be a window. Create and practice a home fire escape plan.

Do not place items that can burn such as clothes, blankets, or scarves over a lamp or near a heater.

Do not play with or overload electrical cords, and do not insert anything other than a plug into an electrical socket.

Never mix cleaning products together. Each product has a job to do, but together could cause harm, off-gassing, or an explosion.

Know where first-aid supplies are located. Consider signing up older children for a first-aid, home alone, babysitting, and/or CPR class.

For additional fire and life safety information, visit our website.

City of Beaverton Celebration Parade

Saturday, September 6, 10-noon, 12500 SW 4th St., free. For all the details, please visit the parade webpage.

group walking in parade

Join us for a beloved Beaverton tradition! Since 1957, the Beaverton Celebration Parade has brought the community together with over 60 vibrant entries, including marching bands, cultural groups, local businesses, and more than 600 youth participants. This year’s theme, Wild Wonders, celebrates the incredible animals and plant life that make our world extraordinary—so get ready for a wildly creative showcase!

The parade marches through Central Beaverton. Bring a chair or find a spot along 5th Street between Griffith Drive and Menlo Drive to enjoy the fun. Don’t miss this colorful, family-friendly event! We’re proud to recognize our 2025 sponsors: Beaverton TenderCare Dental and the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Viva Village September Events

Viva Village is a Beaverton-area grassroots organization of members and volunteers who focus on enhancing and expanding the ways we can age well. We provide connections, programs, volunteer services, and referrals so members can lead engaged, healthy lives. For more information visit www.vivavillage.org. Please RSVP for all events by contacting vivavillageor@gmail.com or 503-746-5082. Links for zoom meetings will be sent to those who RSVP. Members-only events are listed on the website and in the web version of The News.

Viva Village Events Open to the Public

Women’s Coffee (in person)
Wednesdays in September, 10 am-noon, New Seasons Market Cedar Hills, 3495 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard, RSVP recommended

Meet for coffee and conversation.

Age Café
Friday, September 5, 11 am-noon, Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th Street

Registration is available a month ahead on the library’s website or use the registration link on the Viva Village calendar. Small-group conversations exploring topics of interest to older adults. New topics each session. Co-hosted by Viva Village, Beaverton City Library, Beaverton Committee on Aging (BCOA), and Washington County Disability, Aging and Veterans Services (DAVS).

Viva Village Nature Walk
Saturday, September 6, 9:30 am, Noble Woods Park, 6208 E. Main Street, Hillsboro, RSVP recommended

Enjoy a morning walk with Viva Village friends.

Introductory Conversation about Viva Village
Thursday, September 11, 2-3:30 pm, at a Viva Village member’s home, RSVP for the address, register on our website or contact the office, limited to 8

A small group conversation in a casual setting with current members and volunteers to learn about Viva Village and to ask questions.

Online Viva Village 101
Saturday, September 13, 10-11:30 am, register on our website or contact the office for the Zoom link

An informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village.

Viva Village Forum
Monday, September 15, 2-3:30 pm, United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 12555 SW 4th Street, RSVP recommended, register on our website calendar or contact the Viva Village office.

Stretching for Longevity: How to Stay Mobile and Active at Any Age. Join Christine Hammer, Area Manager for StretchLab, who talks about stretching and common issues, demonstrating stretches to do at home.

Men’s Coffee Break
Monday, September 22, 10-11:30 am, Market of Choice Cedar Mill (mezzanine), 250 NW Lost Springs Terrace in Timberland Town Center, RSVP recommended

Conversation and coffee.

Online Viva Village Book Club
Tuesday, September 23, 1-2:30 pm, RSVP for the Zoom link

Selected book: My Friends by Fredrik Backman.

Viva Village at the Elsie Stuhr Health and Wellness Fair
Saturday, September 27, 9-12:30 pm, Elsie Stuhr Center, 5550 SW Hall Boulevard, no RSVP needed

Visit the Viva Village table to say “hello” then explore other community resources that are available.

Viva Village Events for Members and Volunteers:

Online Tai Chi Classes
Mondays in September, 10-10:45 am. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Practice Tai Chi techniques and skills with certified instructor, Richard Chew.

Fiber Crafts: Quilting, Crocheting, Knitting, Sewing
Tuesday, September 2, 1-2 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, RSVP required, register on the website or contact the office, limited to 12

Use a variety of fiber craft skills to create art squares and projects for charity together.

New! Red Room “Speakeasy” Italian Dinner: Drinks and Convivial Conversation
Tuesdays, September 2, 16, 30, 7-9:30 pm, The Red Room, 4708 NW Bethany Boulevard, RSVP required, register on the website or contact the office, limited to 9

Join Viva Villagers for excellent Italian food, drinks and lively conversation in a unique speakeasy setting.

Living Solo Happy Hour
Thursday, September 4, 2:30 pm, Murrayhill Taphouse, 14550 SW Murray Scholls Drive, RSVP is appreciated

Enjoy an afternoon of relaxed conversation with other Viva Village solos.

Patio Picnics
Fridays, September 5, 19, 12:30-2 pm, RSVP required by noon on the Wednesday before the picnic, register on the website or contact the Viva Village office

Conversation and lunch on a deck or patio, weather permitting. Bring your own lunch. You will be notified of the location and host a day or two before the picnic. Or consider being a host! Enjoy this fun opportunity!

Walk with us at the Beaverton Celebration Parade
Saturday, September 6, 10 am-noon, register on the website or contact the office

Celebrate our Village and our city as you enjoy a festive morning! Walk with fellow Viva Villagers behind our banner or cheer us on from the sidelines! We’re looking for walkers and watchers. Let us know if you will be joining us!

Living Solo Sounding Board
Monday, September 8, 1-2:30 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, space limited to 10, register on the website or contact the office, a waiting list is available

Explore and share feedback about ideas, plans, questions and concerns with a small group.

Online Women’s Coffee
Tuesdays, September 9-30, 10-11 am, RSVP for the Zoom link

Join members and volunteers for a morning of coffee and conversation.

Life Stories
Tuesday, September 9, 2-3:30 pm, Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road, RSVP is appreciated

A Visit to Colombia: Viva Villager, Janet Cruz, will share experiences from her recent visit with her daughter, a member of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Colombia. She’ll talk about village life in the mountains and the United Nations’ role in implementing the peace accord between the FARC and the Colombian government.

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond
Wednesday, September 10, 1 pm, Mingo West Restaurant, 12600 SW Crescent Street, (the Beaverton Round), RSVP required by 1 pm the Tuesday before, space limited to 15 people, register on the website or contact the office

Join other Viva Village members and volunteers for lunch and conversation. Wear your Viva Village name badge.

Couples Happy Hour
Thursday, September 11, 4 pm, Murrayhill Taphouse, 14550 SW Murray Scholls Drive, RSVP required, limited to 8 couples (16 people,) register on the website or contact the office

Join other Viva Villagers for a happy hour get-together. Enjoy friendly conversation and happy hour specials. Non-Viva Village spouse or partner is welcome!

Living Solo (In person)
Wednesday, September 17, 12-1:30 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, (note the location change,) RSVP required, register on the website or contact the office, space limited to 12

Share experiences, tips, and strategies for living on your own. Bring your own lunch or snack.

New! First Galactic Viva Village Online Solitaire Tournament
Wednesday, September 17, 6:30-8 pm, RSVP for the Zoom link, register on the website or contact the office

Lee Baldwin will host the first ever Viva Village solitaire tournament for experienced players of conventional Solitaire, formally known as Klondike One Turn. Meet on Zoom and play from a vetted set of winnable games. Two timed rounds for the evening. Join for a fun evening of friendly competition.

Mystery Book Club
Thursday, September 18, 1-2 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, limited to 12, RSVP required, register on the website or contact the office.
Online Living Solo
Thursday, September 18, 4-5:30 pm, RSVP for the Zoom link

Share experiences, tips, and strategies for living on your own.

Day Trip to Astoria
Monday, September 22, 9 am-5 pm, RSVP required, limited to 20 people, register on the website or contact the office

Join Viva Village friends for a day exploring the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria and more. Viva Village will provide bus transportation. Bring a sack lunch. Museum entry is $15 for seniors 65+ and includes the Lightship Columbia.

Open Mic
Thursday, September 25, 2:30-4 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, space limited to 11 people, RSVP required, register on the website or contact the office 

Share your writing. Bring short pieces or excerpts, your own or others (about five minutes long) to read aloud.

Thursday Evening Social
Thursday, September 25, 5:30-7:30 pm, Casa Lola, 16325 SW Barrows Rd., #100, space limited to 15 people, RSVP required, register on the website or contact the office 

Enjoy an evening of conversation and dinner with Viva Village friends.