• Sunset High School Recycling Drive
• Free “Be 2 Weeks Ready” Workshop
• Portland Teens Found AI Education Organization
• License lookup tool helps lost dogs get home
• Bonny Slope Lego League shares video
• For unpaid family caregivers
• Parents’ Grief Group
• Washington County Forum
• Treece Town Hall
• Ask WCSO: Winter Safety Guide
• Viva Village events

Sunset High School Recycling Drive

Saturday, January 10, 10 am-2 pm, Sunset High School Main Office parking lot, 13840 NW Cornell Rd

Come to get your styrofoam and electronics recycled! We bring the styrofoam and electronics to Green Century in NW Portland. We will also have baked goods available for purchase to support the fees we pay, typically $500-600 per drive, to recycle the collections. Donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated! Our November drive cost over $600. 

For styrofoam, we accept: EPS Grade A (rigid styrofoam, breaks when bent), EPS Grade B (styrofoam egg cartons, styrofoam cups), and LDPE. All styrofoam must be clean and free of tape.

For electronics, we accept phones, computers, TVs, printers, headphones, chargers, small toasters, blenders, etc. We do NOT accept lights. All electronics data will be completely destroyed. We will also accept Brita filters and empty contact lens containers. Thank you for supporting our planet and Sunset’s Climate Change Club.

Free “Be 2 Weeks Ready” Workshop

Monday, January 19, 9 am-4 pm, Free and open to the public, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 12405 SW Butner Rd, Beaverton, Registration required

Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. When a disaster strikes, it could take days to weeks for first responders to reach you. That’s why individuals, families and communities should take steps to “Be 2 Weeks Ready.” Join us for a free, in-person workshop to learn how to help your neighbors, club, or other community group get prepared using the Be 2 Weeks Ready curriculum, a program developed by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. Reserve your space now.

This program is designed to help you and your community start from where you’re at and build your self-reliance and community preparedness step-by-step. It includes a free activity book filled with helpful hints, fun projects and resources to help you and your community prepare for a disaster.

Using the Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit, trained Neighbors Ready! volunteers will review, discuss and teach practical steps to prepare you for emergencies and disasters. Plus, you’ll learn presentation skills for teaching others in your communities.

This event is free and open to the community. Participants will receive a free Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit booklet. Class size is limited to 30 people. We welcome adults and accompanied-minors, 11th grade and higher, with a parent or legal guardian at the event. Prerequisites: No previous experience necessary, except a willingness to learn to help yourself and your community get prepared. Previous experience in presenting, community organizing, or preparedness work is helpful, but not required.

Questions? Visit us at www.neighborsready.org or contact info.neighborsready@gmail.com with questions. The mission of Neighbors Ready! is to create caring, connected and resilient neighborhoods. We are committed to making sure every neighbor is prepared and has the best chance of survival in the event of a disaster.

Portland Teens Found AI Education Organization

Workshop on January 23, 6 pm, Friendly House Community Center

With AI4Progress Hub, siblings Sanaya and Saurav Sharan are helping to close the artificial intelligence literacy and access gap

As artificial intelligence reshapes everyday life, two Portland teens are on a mission to ensure their community learns to use it effectively and responsibly. The sister and brother duo of Sanaya Sharan, age 15, and Saurav Sharan, age 13, founded AI4Progress Hub, an organization that hosts free workshops around the Portland area to help people of all ages understand what AI is, where it may appear in their daily lives, and how to use it while being aware of the risks and challenges.

The Sharans have presented to over 125 participants in the past year, in partnership with libraries and community centers. “AI is reshaping our lives at lightning speed,” says co-founder Sanaya Sharan, “yet access and understanding is not evenly distributed. We started this initiative because we saw something missing: a growing divide between those who understand and benefit from AI, and those who are being left behind.” Read more about the mission of AI4Progress Hub.

License lookup tool helps lost dogs get home

Did you know that if you find a lost dog wearing a Washington County license tag you can use the dog license lookup tool on our website to help the pup get back home? When you type a dog license number into the lookup tool, you’ll get the phone number of the owner. Other counties have similar services. We’re here to help, but contacting a dog’s owner directly is often the fastest way to get them home! 

Bonny Slope Lego League shares video

I’m Stephen Cai, a fifth grader at Bonny Slope Elementary. I’ve been reading the Cedar Mill News for years and I always grab a copy at Insomnia Coffee.

I’m reaching out on behalf of my First Lego League team, the Electric Engineers. We are a team of six 4^th-6th graders, competing in First Lego League (FLL) that involves building and programming robots to complete fun challenges as well as solving real-life problems. This year’s theme for our competition is archaeology.

The problem we’re solving is “prevention of vandalism of archaeological sites” and our solution is a stop motion movie that teaches young audiences about vandalism prevention before their teenage years, a time when people are most prone to committing vandalism.

Our movie “Scribble Stopper Saves the Day” is on many platforms, including YouTube  and Instagram. Just search “Scribble Stopper” and you’ll find it. 

For unpaid family caregivers

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Mondays, January 5, 12, 26, and February 2, 9, and 17, 10:30-noon, Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Room, 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, suggested donation of $30 is requested to cover the cost of the book

This is a six-week course designed to help unpaid family and friend caregivers learn to care for themselves while caring for others. Participants will learn to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate more effectively and make tough decisions.

SAVVY Caregiver

Saturdays, January 31, February 7 and 14, 10-noon, Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Room, 12375 SW 5th Street, suggested donation of $15 is requested to cover the cost of the book

This series is for unpaid family and friend caregivers of those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Participants will gain a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, develop self-care strategies, learn skills and strategies to successfully provide daily activities of ‘contented involvement’ for a family member living with dementia, and identify and engage family and other resources for care-related assistance and support. The series is typically six weeks, but this winter, DAVS is offering a three-week “express” course.

These programs are offered by Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services (DAVS). Register for either series by calling 503-846-3089 or emailing familycaregiversupport@washingtoncountyor.gov.

Parents’ Grief Group

My name is Jane Oh, and I am a grieving mother. Nine years ago, I lost my son to SIDS and viral pneumonia—a loss that forever changed my life. Out of this profound grief, I felt called to create a support group for parents who have endured the unimaginable loss of a child. Having walked much of my own grief journey alone, I deeply understand the importance of standing together in community. No parent should have to navigate this lifelong journey in isolation.

What makes this group unique is its accessibility and intention. We offer Zoom meetings for parents who are unable to attend in person, as well as biweekly gatherings where I provide structured support materials, shared connection, and a space for reflection and communion. This group was created out of love, in honor of my son, and with the hope of reaching as many grieving parents as possible.

The loss of a child is not something one “gets over” or fully heals from—it is a lifelong journey. I have found that there is immense value in community, shared understanding, and meaning making through connection.

Contact Jane Oh for more information, or visit the Healing Hearts Child Loss Facebook group.

Washington County Forum

Monday, January 12, noon, in person at the Old Spaghetti Factory at 10425 Northeast Tanasbourne Dr. and via zoom

Washington County Commission Chair Kathryn Harrington will present what is happening in the County—successes and challenges. The room will open at 11:30 to order lunch. Learn more about the Washington County Public Affairs Forum here, including how to join. 

Treece Town Hall

Wednesday, January 7, 5-6:30 pm, The Opal, 12691 NW Dogwood St.

Our county commissioner, Pam Treece, is campaigning to replace Kathryn Harrington as County Chair in the May election. She is holding on of her ten county-wide campaign events in Cedar Mill this month. Visit her website to learn more.

Ask WCSO: Winter Safety Guide

Check winter weather driving conditions: ensure your tires and vehicle are ready for wet weather, expect delays and allow extra time for travel, take it slow and leave extra room between cars, keep your gas tank full and always stock an emergency kit in your vehicle.

Be safe and be seen: whether walking, riding, or rolling, make yourself visible with reflective gear, bright colors, and/or lights, be extra cautious when driving in poor visibility conditions, avoid distractions; put mobile phones away, ensure your vehicle is well-lit and noticeable by pedestrians and other drivers, and walk or cycle on streets with good lighting or designated paths with streetlamps.

Stay warm and safe: check winter weather alerts that could impact you, and keep a winter emergency kit stocked and ready, dress appropriately with layers, stay hydrated; dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, and confusion, check in with vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors, keep your communication lines open in case of an emergency, and ensure your phone is charged.

Prevent vehicle theft: always lock all doors and close windows, don’t leave your vehicle running while unattended, remove all valuables from your car, never leave your keys or garage door opener inside your vehicle, and park in well-lit areas; thieves generally avoid highly visible areas and seek the cover of obscurity.

Call us if you need us! Emergencies: 9-1-1, Non-emergencies: 503-629-0111. Visit our Winter Safety blog for more information: Winter Safety Guide. Ask WCSO is produced by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Viva Village 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 or to RSVP for all events, contact www.vivavillage.org 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:

Age Café

Friday, January 2, 11 am–noon. Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, Registration required

Small-group conversations exploring topics of interest to older adults. New topics each session. January Topic: Intention. Co-hosted by Viva Village, Beaverton City Library, Beaverton Committee on Aging (BCOA), and Washington County Disability, Aging and Veterans Services (DAVS). Register on the library’s website or use the Viva Village calendar.

Viva Village Nature Walk

Saturday, January 3, 9:30 am. Commonwealth Lake Park, park on the street near the corner of SW Dellwood Avenue and SW Foothill Drive, Portland, RSVP recommended

Enjoy a morning walk with Viva Village friends.

Women’s Coffee

Wednesdays in January, 10 am–noon, New Seasons Market Cedar Hills mezzanine, 3495 SW Cedar Hills Bl, RSVP recommended

Coffee and conversation.

Introductory Conversation about Viva Village

Thursday, January 8, 2-3:30 pm at Viva Village Office, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, #102, Beaverton, RSVP required. 

Meet in our office for a casual small-group conversation with current members and volunteers. Learn about Viva Village and ask questions. RSVP to reserve your spot. Limited to 8. Register on our website or contact the office.

Online Viva Village 101

Saturday, January 10, 10-11:30 am, Zoom, Registration required

An informational session for prospective members, volunteers, or anyone interested in Viva Village. Register on our website or contact the office for the Zoom link.

Online Travel Talk

Monday, January 12, 7-8 pm, Zoom, RSVP required

The European Alps: Austria’s Sound of Music Country, the Dolomite Mountains in Italy with its flower-covered meadows, fairy-tale Bavarian castles in Germany, Berner Oberland in Switzerland, and spectacular Chamonix in France. Join Viva Villager, Barbara Walker, as she shares the fresh-air thrills of the European Alps that she and her son enjoyed on a Rick Steves “My Way” Tour. RSVP for the Zoom link. Register on our website or contact the office.

Viva Village Forum

Monday, January 19, 2-3:30 pm, United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, RSVP recommended

AI for Seniors: Uses and Abuses. Nicholas Di Salvo, CEO of Edge One Media, will talk to us about artificial intelligence and how seniors can use it effectively and with care. No charge. Refreshments served. Register on our website calendar or contact the Viva Village office.

Men’s Coffee Break

Monday, January 26, 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, January 27, 1-2 pm, Zoom, RSVP required

Selected book: Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O’Connell’s urgent mission to bring healing to homeless people by Tracy Kidder. This is also the 2025 selection for the Beaverton City Library’s “One Book/One Beaverton” program. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Viva Village Events for Members and Volunteers:

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays in January, 10-10:45 am, Zoom, RSVP required

Tai Chi with certified instructor, Richard Chew. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Fiber Crafts…Quilting, Crocheting, Knitting, Sewing

Tuesday, January 6, 1 pm, Third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, Beaverton, RSVP required

The group is currently working on a Fidget Quilt to donate to a local Alzheimer’s care facility. Limited to 12. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Red Room “Speakeasy” Italian Dinner

Tuesdays, January 6 & 20, 7-9:30 pm. The Red Room, 4708 NW Bethany Boulevard, E-5, RSVP required

Dinner, drinks and conversation, space limited to 5. Register on the website or contact the office.

Living Solo Happy Hour

Thursday, January 8 (second Thursday this month only), 2 pm, Murrayhill Taphouse, 14550 SW Murray Scholls Drive, Beaverton 

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

Soup Lunch

Thursday, January 8, 2-3:30 pm, RSVP required.

A small monthly gathering in a member’s home to share a meal and conversation. Vegetarian-friendly. Two soups and bread will be provided. Participant limit of 6. Register on our website or contact the office. Check your confirmation email for the address.

Couples Happy Hour

Thursday, January 8, 4 pm. McMenamins at Cedar Hills, 2885 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard, Beaverton, RSVP required

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! Limited to 8 couples (16 people.) Register on the website or contact the office.

Online Mindful Meditation Classes

Mondays, January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 11-11:45 am, Zoom, RSVP required.

This coming year we’ll explore the topic of Self-Compassion. This first series focuses on Kindness. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Life Stories

Tuesday, January 13, 2-3:30 pm. Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road, Beaverton

Gabe Farkas will share stories from his life. RSVP is appreciated.

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond

Wednesday, January 14, 1 pm, Casa Colima Mexican Restaurant, 6319 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, RSVP required

Register on the website or contact the office. Space limited to 15 people. RSVP required by 1 pm on Tuesday, January 13.

Mystery Book Club

Thursday, January 15, 1-2 pm, Third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, Beaverton, RSVP required

January selection: Slow Horses by Mick Herron. Limited to 12. Register on the website or contact the office.

Living Solo Round Table

Tuesday, January 20, 12-1:30 pm, Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Room, 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, RSVP required

Join a lively and engaging discussion to help shape the direction of Living Solo. Do you love what we’re currently doing monthly? A light lunch will be provided. Space limited to 35. Register on the website or contact the office.

Open Mic

Thursday, January 22, 2:30-4 pm, Third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, Beaverton, RSVP required

Opportunity for readers, writers, and listeners to share their writing or the writing of someone who inspires them. Bring short pieces to read aloud. Hosted by Gary V. Anderson. Space limited to 11 people. Register on the website or contact the office.

Thursday Evening Social

Thursday, January 22, 4:30 pm, East Harbor Restaurant, 18855 SW Tualatin Valley Highway, RSVP required

Enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation and dinner with Viva Village friends. Limited to 12 people. Please notify the office if you need to cancel. Register on the website or contact the office.

All-Volunteer Annual Meeting

Friday, January 30, 1-3 pm, Beaverton City Library, Rooms A/B, 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, RSVP required

Catch up on the latest and share your ideas for strategic planning. What are your thoughts about moving Viva Village into the future? Register on the website or contact the office.