Community News June 2026

June 1, 2026   Community, Education
life jackets

Loaner life jackets at Hagg Lake

life jackets

Local resident Mike Kondrat is the president of the Nautical Safety Foundation (NSF). He says, “Over the past decade, the all‑volunteer organization has delivered 13,644 life jackets to organizations throughout Oregon and SW Washington. We are a nonprofit that started up ten years ago right here in Cedar Mill!”

Hagg Lake in Scoggins Valley Park is one location that hosts the free lifejacket stations at all the designated swimming spots around the lake. Washington County Parks partners with Safe Kids Washington County, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Marine Patrol, and the Oregon State Marine Board to spread awareness of water safety. 

County Parks Superintendent Carl Switzer says, “During the summer, we now see people getting out of their cars and running over to them and grabbing one that fits them, and we’re seeing much more use of personal flotation devices. I think the messaging is being communicated by not only us and our partners but others in the region, and I think that the messaging is sticking.”

For more information, visit the NSF website, nsf-nw.org. Also the Oregon State Marine Board has a link to all the kiosks throughout Oregon if you swim, boat, or use other watercraft around Oregon. 

$100 for kindergarten students

Embark Savings is the new name for Oregon’s college savings program. It was established in 2001 as the Oregon College Savings Plan. Since then, Embark has helped people across the state take control of their finances and achieve their education goals. Now kindergarten students (5 or 6-year-olds) can get an extra $100 deposited into their account. 

State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner wants more families to know about it, and secure the free money, which will grow over time. The money will be there when youngsters finish high school and need cash for college, trade school, or an apprenticeship. Learn more and sign up here.

The parent, grandparent or other guardian who creates the account must deposit at least $25. Then, as long as the child is age 5 or 6, the state will automatically deposit the bonus $100 within three months, no extra paperwork required.

SAMBA fireworks stand

Saturday, June 26, noon-9 pm, June 27-July 4, 10 am-9 pm, QFC parking lot at West Hills Plaza, Miller & Barnes

July 4 marks our country’s 250th birthday! Sunset Apollos Marching Band and Auxiliary (SAMBA) is here with our annual fireworks stand fundraiser to help you celebrate. Fundraisers help us make music an accessible and enriching part of students’ high school experience. SAMBA (the non-profit 501(c)(3) parent club) uses these funds for scholarships, music rights, and specialized instruction for our students. If you are in the market for fireworks, stop by and support Sunset High School bands!

Washington County Forum logo

Washington County Forum: Election Results

Monday, June 8 11:30 lunch, noon program, Old Spaghetti Factory, 10425 NE Tanasbourne Dr, Hillsboro, no-host lunch, program is free, or join via zoom

John Horvick is a consultant with DHM Research, which has decades of experience in polling and public policy research. From that lens, he will talk about the mid-term election results.

Since 1956, the Washington County Public Affairs Forum has been bringing together community leaders, members, and guests who care about what happens in Washington County, the Metro region, and our State.

Oregon’s Plan on Aging: Share your comments

Oregon’s draft 2026-2030 State Plan on Aging, which shapes how older adults, people with disabilities, their families, and other unpaid care providers are served, is available for review and comment through Friday, June 12, at 5 pm. For the draft document and more information, and to submit a comment, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services’ website.

Meet Team Overcharged Robotics

Fresh off a stellar performance at the 2025-2026 Oregon FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) State Championship, Team Overcharged has earned top honors as a State Champion. Their hard work over the fall and winter paid off! After a series of league meets, they won the Rose City League in February and advanced to the Oregon Championship.

At the state level, team Overcharged won the Oregon FTC Championship as an alliance partner with team Proxima Nova. Additionally, they also secured the prestigious Inspire Award (3rd Place). These accomplishments secured them a coveted spot representing Oregon at the FTC World Championship.

Team Overcharged is made up of middle and high school students from families across the Cedar Mill community. They are passionate about sharing STEM education and inspiring the next generation of innovators. If you are interested in having the team visit your community or organization for demonstrations, mentorship, or hands-on learning experiences, please reach out to overchargedrobotics@gmail.com.

bonny slope kindergarten

Bonny Slope Elementary Kindergarten enrolling now

We are excited to welcome all of our incoming Kindergartners and their families. Please enroll now so you will get information over the summer (our office is closed from late June until August 3). View our flyer for more information. Please contact our office if you have further questions by emailing us or calling 503-356-2040.

Fourth of July safety

As we prepare to commemorate our country’s independence on July 4, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue offers firework safety tips to ensure you have a safe holiday. If you intend to use fireworks, keep them legal and safe. Oregon law bans fireworks that fly, explode, or travel on the ground more than six feet—this includes bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and M80s. Purchase all fireworks at a licensed Oregon firework stand. Fireworks purchased by mail-order, in the state of Washington, or at a Native American reservation may be illegal in our state.

Even legal fireworks are dangerous and can cause injuries and burns. Sparklers can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees (wood burns at 575 degrees, while glass melts at 900 degrees, according to the National Fire Protection Association). Only adults should light or handle fireworks. Supervise children at all times.

Use fireworks outdoors on a paved surface, away from buildings, vehicles, and vegetation. Never try to re-light a “dud.” Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, or buildings. Never alter fireworks or make your own. Have a hose nearby in case of fire and place “spent” fireworks in a metal bucket with water. Store fireworks, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children. 

Reporting firework incidents in TVF&R’s service area

Individuals needing to report a fire or medical emergency should call 911. Individuals wishing to report a nuisance or concern about illegal fireworks should do so via the non-emergency number: 503-629-0111. These situations will be logged, passed on to local law enforcement, and responded to as resources allow.

Penalties for misusing fireworks

Law enforcement agencies enforce criminal laws related to the use of illegal fireworks in Oregon. Under Oregon law, officers can seize illegal fireworks and issue criminal citations, including reckless burning, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and more with fines up to $500 per violation. People can also be held civilly liable for damages resulting from improper use of any fireworks—legal or illegal. For more safety tips, visit our website.

Viva Village news and 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 VivaVillage.org. Please RSVP for all events by calling 503-746-5082, or email info@vivavillage.org. 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.

June 2026 Viva Village events open to the public

Women’s Coffee
Wednesdays in June, 10 am-noon, New Seasons Market Cedar Hills, 3495 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton

Coffee and conversation. RSVP recommended.

Age Café
Friday, June 5, 11 am-noon, Beaverton City Library Rooms A/B, 12375 SW 5th St., Beaverton

Small-group conversations exploring topics of interest to older adults. New topics each session. Theme for June: Resilience. Co-hosted by Viva Village and Beaverton City Library. Register on the library’s website or use the Viva Village calendar.

Viva Village Nature Walk
Saturday, June 6, 9:30 am, Willow Creek Greenway Boardwalk, at the trail head that starts from 1069 NW Waterhouse Ave. (½ block west from intersection of NW 158th and Waterhouse), Beaverton

Enjoy a morning walk with Viva Village friends. RSVP recommended.

Beaverton Volunteer Fair
Saturday, June 6, 10 am-1 pm, Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St., Beaverton

A great way to learn about volunteering for Viva Village and other community organizations. Stop by the Viva Village table to say hi.

Viva Village 101—in person
Thursday, June 11, 2-3:30 pm, Viva Village Office, 4800 SW Griffith Dr. #102, Beaverton

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

Viva Village 101—online
Saturday, June 13, 10-11:30 am

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

Viva Village Forum
Monday, June 15, 2-3:30 pm, United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton

Eye health for seniors. James Wentzien, M.D., Associate Professor OHSU, and Division Head of Comprehensive Ophthalmology at Casey Eye Institute, discusses the eye conditions that can especially affect seniors. Learn about cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other conditions. Discover ways to maintain healthy vision throughout life and find out about current treatment options. No charge. Refreshments served. RSVP recommended. Register on our website calendar or contact the Viva Village office.

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

Conversation and coffee. RSVP recommended.

Online Viva Village Book Club
Tuesday, June 23, 1-2:30 pm

Selected book: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Viva Village events for members and volunteers

Living Solo Happy Hour
Thursday, June 4, 2:30 pm, Murrayhill Taphouse, 14550 SW Murray Scholls Dr., Beaverton

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

Patio Picnics
Fridays, June 5, 19, 12:30-2 pm, notification of location and host sent the day before the picnic

Conversation and lunch on a deck or patio. Bring your own lunch. Weather permitting. Limited to 16. RSVP required by noon on the Wednesday before the picnic. Register on the website or contact the Viva Village office.

Living Solo Sounding Board
Monday, June 8, 1-2:30 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr., Beaverton

Limited to 10. Register on the website or contact the office.

Life Stories
Tuesday, June 9, 2-3:30 pm, Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road, Beaverton

Viva Villager Rose Klas talks about what she learned growing up in a grocery store in a Polish neighborhood in Detroit. RSVP appreciated.

Red Room Italian Dinner: Drinks and Conversation
Tuesdays, June 9, 23, 7-9:30 pm, The Red Room, 4708 NW Bethany Blvd., E-5

An evening of conversation in a lively speakeasy atmosphere. Next door to the Brooklyn Trattoria. Limited to 6. Register on the website or contact the office. RSVP required.

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond
Wednesday, June 10, 1 pm, Olive Garden, 11650 SW Canyon Road, Beaverton

Register on the website or contact the office. Limited to 15. RSVP required.

Couples Happy Hour
Thursday, June 11, 4 pm, Olive Garden, 11650 SW Canyon Road, Beaverton

Join other Viva Villagers for a happy hour get-together. Limited to 8 couples (16 people). Register on the website or contact the office. RSVP required.

Online Mindful Meditation Classes
Mondays, starting June 15-July 27 (no class on July 13), 11-11:45 am

This series focuses on cultivating happiness. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Living Solo Discussion Group—in person
Wednesday, June 17, 12-1:30 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr., Beaverton

Bring your own lunch or snack. Limited to 12. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Tech Talks
Wednesday, June 17, 1-2:30 pm, Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Room, 12375 SW 5th St., Beaverton

Topic: Using ChatGPT. Learn how to make life easier with ChatGPT. RSVP required. Limited to 25. Register on the website calendar or contact the office.

Music Salon
Thursday, June 18, 10-11:30 am, in a member’s home

The Viva Village Music Salon is a congenial group of music lovers who enjoy performing and listening to music. Limited to 12. Register on the website or contact the office. The address is included in your registration email.

Mystery Book Club
Thursday, June 18, 1-2 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr., Beaverton

June selection: The Late Show by Michael Connelly. Limited to 12. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Living Solo Discussion Group—online
Thursday, June 18, 4-5:30 pm

A time to share experiences, tips, and strategies for living on your own. RSVP if you need the Zoom link.

ADHD—You and Me Discussion Group
Monday, June 29, 2-3:30 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr., Beaverton

Note: Day changed due to room availability. Talking through the challenges and sharing the opportunities. Partners welcome. Refreshments served. Limited to 10. RSVP required. Register on our website or contact the office.

Open Mic
Thursday, June 25, 2:30-4 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr., Beaverton

For readers, writers, and listeners. Feel free to come to listen and be inspired. Limited to 11. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Thursday Evening Social
Thursday, June 25, 5:30 pm, Oswego Grill, 3211 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton

Enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation and dinner with Viva Village friends. Limited to 12. Register on the website or contact the office.