• PGE Town Hall
• New community purchases property in Cedar Mill!
• Washington County Forum
• 8-Week Beaverton CERT Class Open for Enrollment
• Animal Services Academy
• CPAH’s Rent Assistance Bridge Fund helps with eviction prevention
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
• Be the One to Ask. Be the One to Help.
• Green business tracker
• Ask WCSO: Winter Vehicle Theft Prevention
• If you think it’s a heart attack, call 911 right away
• Viva Village Events

PGE Town Hall

Wednesday, February 18, 6-7:30 pm, Conestoga Middle School Library, 12250 SW Conestoga Drive, Beaverton

PGE is holding town hall-style meetings in every county within our service area. We want your connection with us to be more than reliable service and a monthly bill statement. You may have questions about what we’re doing in your community, energy costs, or you may just want to offer your point of view.

There has never been a more important time to talk about the future of energy. At these meetings, we discuss needed system upgrades, the transition to cleaner energy, and the steps we’re taking to make the electric system more resilient to wildfire risks. We’re here to share information as well as listen.

Learn more here. If you can’t attend but have a question, Just send an email and we’ll promptly get back to you.

New community purchases property in Cedar Mill!

A group of individuals, led by Cedar Mill resident Elissa Ryan Morris, is planning an intentional community for their adult children who are neurodiverse or have I/DD diagnosis.

The group is thrilled to announce they have purchased 1.5 acres just east of Murray Road. Bloom!, A WeBUILT Community, LLC, plans to build 18 units and a common house where supports and programs will be available for young adults with neurodiversity or developmental disabilities who want to live independent lives. Ten units are already sold. If your family, or anyone you know, might be interested in buying into this kind of community, please visit BloomAWeBuiltCommunity.

Washington County Forum

Monday, February 9, 11:30 lunch, meeting at noon, in person at the Old Spaghetti Factory, 10425 NE Tanasbourne Dr., and via zoom

The City of Beaverton continues to face a structural budget deficit—a challenge where expenses are growing faster than revenues. This issue is compounded by tax limitations at the state and county levels, which further restrict the city’s ability to keep pace with rising costs. Assistant City Manager Elizabeth Coffey will discuss Beaverton’s efforts to ensure financial stability and sustain the services that matter most to the community.

8-Week Beaverton CERT Class Open for Enrollment

Starting Wednesday, February 11, 6:30-9:30 pm, Beaverton Public Safety Center, 6125 Hall Blvd, Enrollment Required, Free

Ready to help your family and neighbors during a disaster? If you’re 18+ and live or work in Beaverton or the school district, join our volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for hands-on emergency training and response. Sign up for upcoming winter sessions and make a difference in your community when it counts most! For more information visit beavertonoregon.gov/CERT or email CERT@BeavertonOregon.gov.

Animal Services Academy

Saturday, February 21, 9 am-noon, downtown Hillsboro

The goal of the Animal Services Academy is to help community members (16 and older) understand how Washington County Animal Services and the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter work, as well as to empower people to share animal-related resources and information with friends, neighbors and online networks. Attending the Academy is also the first step for those interested in volunteering with us!

This free training covers everything from what happens to animals while they are at the shelter to how you can personally help lost pets get back home. We’ll also talk about the work Animal Services Officers do, how we collaborate with other local organizations, veterinary medicine in our shelter, and disaster preparedness for pet owners. Learn more and register now.

CPAH’s Rent Assistance Bridge Fund helps with eviction prevention

Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) built and manages the affordable apartment building at the corner of Cornell & Murray. With the help of our gracious donors, we created our first Rent Assistance Bridge Fund last year to mitigate what we hope is a temporary gap in funding for eviction prevention. Based on our experience working with residents over time, we intend for this fund to provide short-term support to CPAH residents who need a small amount of assistance before resuming their rent payments independently.

Eligible residents will work closely with their Resident Services Coordinator, who will help assess need, coordinate use of the fund, and work closely with the assisted residents. Our Bridge Fund is already making a difference by preventing evictions and keeping residents housed.

Learn more about the organization and consider making a donation to keep residents housed!

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

From January 1-March 31, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allows individuals currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan to switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan, or to return to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D prescription drug plan). This enrollment period is only for those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan. Individuals with original Medicare cannot make changes to their coverage during this time.

If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare Advantage options, Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) volunteers are here to help with free, unbiased assistance. Call 503-846-3094 for support or to schedule an appointment.

Be the One to Ask. Be the One to Help.

Tuesday, February 11, 10:30 am-1pm, Washington County, Registration Required, Free

Suicide is preventable—and you can be part of the solution. Join us for QPR Suicide Prevention Training, a nationally recognized program that teaches you how to question, persuade and refer someone who may be in crisis. This training is designed for everyday people—no clinical background required. Our upcoming session includes special information on veterans and firearm safety to help participants better understand the unique challenges veterans may face and how to support them effectively.

For more information, Contact Cindy Cosenzo at Just Create Community at 503-739-2647 for more information and to register.

Green business tracker

Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling has a program, Green Business Leaders, that provides information and tools to help businesses of all sizes in the county become more sustainable by providing technical assistance, free supplies such as recycling and composting bins, bags, and signs, and staff training.

They are offering a new online tool called the Green Biz Tracker that helps businesses see their sustainable efforts in real-time. It’s easy to use and can create quick reports on your environmental impact. This allows you to make gradual changes that can lower operational costs, save resources, and meet sustainability goals. Want to see a demo of the tool? Contact us at 503-846-3605 or Recycle@WashingtonCountyOR.gov to meet with one of our Green Business Advisors!

Ask WCSO: Winter Vehicle Theft Prevention

With the cold weather here, many appreciate warm vehicles before heading out. However, this can lead to an increase in vehicle theft when leaving your car unattended while de-icing or warming it up.

Protect yourself by following these precautions: Don’t leave your vehicle running while unattended, even for a few seconds. It gives car thieves a chance to steal it or even return to burglarize your home. Install and use anti-theft devices or audible car alarms. Use a camera to record activity and help identify thieves. Always lock your vehicles. Never leave valuables inside your car. Get to know your neighbors, watch for suspicious behavior, and report concerns to law enforcement to reduce opportunities for criminals.

Remember, would-be car thieves are always looking for an easy target. If you witness a crime in progress, call 911 immediately. If you discover it after the fact or notice anything suspicious, call non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 to report it.

Ask WCSO is produced by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

If you think it’s a heart attack, call 911 right away

During American Heart Month, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVFR) invites you to join us in raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the importance of immediately calling 911 in the event you or someone nearby experiences symptoms. Unlike a cardiac arrest that strikes suddenly and includes a loss of consciousness, a heart attack can develop slowly enough that you’re not aware you’re having a medical emergency. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely.

Symptoms typically include: Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and returns. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain; upper body discomfort, such as pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach; shortness of breath before, during, or after other discomforts; other signs, including breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

The most common heart attack symptom for women and men is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to experience other symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, back or jaw pain, pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, fainting, or extreme fatigue.

The heart is a muscle. It can deteriorate with each passing minute you delay medical treatment. Don’t ignore your symptoms, and don’t drive yourself to the hospital. Firefighters often hear heart attack patients say, “I wasn’t sure it was a heart attack,” or “I didn’t want to bother anyone.” Remember, TVF&R crews are here for you. Our highly trained firefighter paramedics can diagnose a heart attack and start treatment right away. Crews can also relay your EKG information to the hospital, enabling its staff to activate special heart teams and prepare for your arrival.

A heart attack can cause sudden cardiac arrest when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. Sudden cardiac arrest leads to death when the heart stops working properly. This can be reversed if CPR is performed, and a defibrillator is used to shock the heart and restore a normal heart rhythm. Studies show that CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest patient’s chance of survival.

Your assistance in performing hands-only CPR until crews arrive can make a difference. Hands-only CPR has just two easy steps: Call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the disco song “Stayin’ Alive.” For more information, visit www.tvfr.com.

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 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.

Viva Village Events Open to the Public:

Women’s Coffee

Wednesdays in February, 10-noon, New Seasons Market Cedar Hills, 3495 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton, RSVP recommended

Age Café

Friday, February 6, 11-noon, Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton

Small-group conversations exploring topics of interest to older adults. New topics each time. Co-hosted by Viva Village, Beaverton City Library, Beaverton Committee on Aging (BCOA), and Washington County Disability, Aging and Veterans Services (DAVS). Optional registration on the library’s website.

Viva Village Nature Walk

Saturday, February 7, 9:30 am, trails at Dawson Creek Lake, 2850 NW Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro

Enjoy a morning walk with Viva Village friends. Park in the north lot behind the Hillsboro Brookwood Library. RSVP recommended.

Online Travel Talk

Monday, February 9, 7-8 pm, Zoom

Enjoy Viva Villager Kathe Fradkin’s trip to the stunning Adriatic coastline with the beauty of the walled city Dubrovnik, the history of Split, and the majesty of Plitvice National Park. Experience the uniqueness and diversity of this region in Central Europe! RSVP for the Zoom link. Register on our website or contact the office.

Viva Village 101

Thursday, February 12, 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 by registering on our website or contacting the office.

Online Viva Village 101

Saturday, February 14, 10-11:30 am, Zoom

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, February 16, 2-3:30 pm, United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 12555 SW 4th St, Beaverton

Youth Foster Care: Connection and Community. The founder and CEO of FosterClub, Celeste Bodner, will lead an inspiring conversation about how connection and community can change outcomes for young people in foster care. Find out how FosterClub supports youth in foster care across the country; how foster care works and how it can have a lasting impact on young people’s lives; and how you can help improve the lives of these young people. No charge. Refreshments served. RSVP recommended. Register on our website calendar or contact the Viva Village office.

Men’s Coffee Break

Monday, February 23, 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, February 24, 1-2:30 pm, Zoom

Selected book: James by Percival Everett. Join us! RSVP for the Zoom link.

Viva Village Events for Members and Volunteers (RSVP to info@vivavillage.org or 503-746-5082.)

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, 10-10:45 am, Zoom

Practice Tai Chi techniques and skills with certified instructor Richard Chew. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Online Mindful Meditation Classes

Mondays, February 2, 9, 16 (New series February 23-March 30), 11-11:45 am, Zoom

This year we are exploring the topic of Self-Compassion. February 23 starts a new 6-week series also focusing on Kindness. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Fiber Crafts … Quilting, Crocheting, Knitting, Sewing

Tuesday, February 3, 1-2 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr, Beaverton

We’re working on a Fidget Quilt to donate to a local Alzheimer’s care facility or bring your own project to work on. Limited to 12. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Red Room Italian Dinner: Drinks and Conversation

Tuesdays, February 3 & 17, 7-9:30 pm, The Red Room, 4708 NW Bethany Blvd, E-5

Join Viva Villagers for a night of good food, fine wine, mixed drinks, and lively conversation. Limited to 6. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Living Solo Happy Hour

Thursday, February 5, 2 pm, Murrayhill Taphouse, 14550 SW Murray Scholls Dr, Beaverton

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

Living Solo Sounding Board

Monday, February 9, 1-2:30 pm, third floor conference room. 4800 SW Griffith Dr, Beaverton

The Sounding Board is a small group for exploring and giving feedback about ideas, plans, questions, concerns and things of interest that are occurring in your life. Limited to 10. Register on the website or contact the office.

Life Stories

Tuesday, February 10, 2-3:30 pm, Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Rd, Beaverton

My Life in Politics: Viva Villager Mary Beth Robertson will speak about her life as a community organizer and bureaucrat. Mary Beth’s father was involved in environmental politics and introduced her to three people who were running for Seattle’s mayor. This was her entry into politics. Hear about her adventures in congressional campaigns as well as Jimmy Carter’s run for President. RSVP is appreciated.

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond

Wednesday, February 11, 1 pm, Thai Bloom!, 3800 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton

Join other Viva Village members and volunteers for lunch and conversation. Wear your Viva Village name badge. RSVP required by 1 pm on Tuesday, February 10. Limited to 15. Register on the website or contact the office.

Soup Lunch

Thursday, February 12, 2-3:30 pm, a member’s home

A small monthly gathering to share a meal and conversation. Vegetarian-friendly. Two soups and bread will be provided. Limited to 6. RSVP required. Register on our website or contact the office. Address sent with registration.

Couples Happy Hour

Thursday, February 12, 4 pm, McMenamins at Cedar Hills, 2885 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton

Join other Viva Villagers for a happy hour get-together. Enjoy friendly conversation and Happy Hour specials. Your non-Viva-Village spouse or partner is welcome! Limited to 8 couples (16 people). RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Ready or Not Workshop

Series of 4 weekly sessions. Choose between: Tuesday Series: February 17, 24, March 3, 10; 10:30-noon, Viva Village member’s home

SNAP Friday Series

February 20, 27, March 6 & 13, 1-2:30 pm, Viva Village member’s home

Referencing your SNAP binder, this workshop is a four-session facilitated small-group discussion to help members identify and plan for important life decisions plus develop plans and strategies before the unforeseen strikes. Each workshop is limited to six. Participants are asked to commit to attending all four sessions. RSVP required for workshops. Contact the office to register. If the session is full, you will be added to the wait list.

NEW! Tech Talks

Tuesday, February 17, 1-2:30 pm, Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Room, 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton

Managing passwords: Are you frustrated by keeping track of passwords? Do you have a hard time finding the paper where they are written? Do you use the same password for every site? Join us for a discussion on password management, guided by Viva Villager Elaine May. RSVP required. Limited to 20. Register on the website or contact the office.

Living Solo (in person)

Wednesday, February 18, 12-1:30 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr, Beaverton

Share experiences, tips, and strategies for living on your own. Bring your own lunch or snack. Limited to 12. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Mystery Book Club

Thursday, February 19, 1-2 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr, Beaverton

February selection: Den of Iniquity by J.A. Jance. Limited to 12. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Online Living Solo

Thursday, February 19, 4-5:30 pm, Zoom

Share experiences, tips, and strategies for living on your own. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Open Mic

Thursday, February 26, 2:30-4 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr, Beaverton

Open Mic is for readers, writers, and listeners. Want to share your writing or the writing of someone who inspires you? Bring short pieces to read aloud, whether it’s your own story or poem or writing that is meaningful to you. Feel free to come to listen and be inspired. Hosted by Gary V Anderson. Limited to 11. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Thursday Evening Social

Thursday, February 26, 5:30 pm, Thirsty Lion Gastropub, 10205 SW Washington Square Rd, Tigard

Enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation and dinner with Viva Village friends. Limited to 15. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.