Community News March 2026

fire camp

Don’t miss our 41st Sale with a uniquely Skyline flavor with items donated from 40+ households in our colorful Skyline neighborhood. Huge. Organized. Great prices. Clean functioning items. Friendly. Now that our big renovation is complete, most sale items are ADA accessible, though garden, tool, home maintenance, sports, and pet sections are accessible only by stairs. All proceeds go to pay off our recently-completed Accessibility Improvement Project.

And remember, the Grange Hall is available for rentals for your meetings, parties and other gatherings.

Join us for a fun, free community Egg Hunt! Bring your baskets and invite your neighbors for a morning of egg hunting, smiles, and springtime fun for kids and families. We will have arts and crafts, prizes, and snacks for the kiddos. Open to the community. Egg Hunt #1 at 11 am, Egg Hunt #2 at 12 pm. For more information, visit the CUMC Egg Hunt Event Page.

Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District is teaming up with Beaverton School District to collect donations of new or gently used formal wear for BSD high school students of all genders and sizes. Drop off dresses, suits, shoes, ties, and other accessories at any THPRD center or at Clothes for Kids (16550 SW Merlo Rd.). We’ll be sharing more about the giveaway event soon!

waste

Households often accumulate hazardous products – like old paint, pesticides and cleaners. Hazardous products like these should never be thrown in the trash or poured down the drain, as they can harm people, pets, and the environment. Metro encourages households to bring these materials to hazardous waste collection events.  

These events are a service provided by Metro to keep communities and waterways safe. There is no charge to drop off household hazardous waste at Metro’s neighborhood and community collection events.

Metro hazardous waste facilities also accept hazardous waste from households for free. A small portion of your monthly garbage bill goes to help pay for these services.

Shireen Farrahi wears many hats. As the Beaverton CERT Outreach Coordinator, her mission is to ensure that we are ready for whatever disaster we may face, from the big Cascadia earthquake to our home catching on fire, to anything that would take the electrical grid down for more than a few days. She will share what to think about to get ourselves and the people around us ready.

You never know what might happen. Consider coming with a peer or a neighbor to hear what to consider and share some ideas of how to get your workplace, neighbors, family ready one step at a time. Learn more about the Forum and join here.

woodstove

If you use a wood stove or wood stove insert for heat, you may be able to exchange it for a new, more efficient heating device, like a heat pump, furnace, and or a newer gas, or pellet stove. This is perfect opportunity to reduce your heating expenses!

This program helps advance heating efficiency and improves air quality in your home along with reducing air pollution. All projects must complete installation by June 30, 2026.

Apply for the Washington County Wood Stove Exchange Program at WoodStoveExchange.com or call us, 503-846-4443 to receive a rebate of $1,500-$4000, or to see if you qualify for a full cost replacement grant of $5,500 depending on household income. New devices may also qualify for additional rebates from your utility company or a federal wood stove tax credit up to $2,000.

All are welcome to come support Bonny Slope Elementary in an effort to raise funds for the student’s field trips, books, PE equipment, school playground and garden upgrades, art literacy lessons and projects, and our Raise and Release Salmon project! Come dressed to dazzle and join us for an unforgettable evening of glitz, glam, and giving! This year’s adults-only BSCO Auction is a formal, speakeasy-themed affair. Can’t join the live event? Please join the online auction April 23-26!

Early Bird discount tickets are available through March 8. Reach out to auction@bonnyslopebsco.org for any questions, or if you or your business would like to donate or sponsor.

Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services’ Family Caregiver Program is hosting a Memory Cafe for people living with dementia and their family and friends. Register by phone at 503-846-3090 or email familycaregiversupport@washingtoncountyor.gov. Learn more about our programs on our website.

fire camp

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue invites young women ages 16-22 to apply to this summer’s Fire Camp. This camp is an all-encompassing introduction to a rewarding profession. The camp is designed to instill confidence while building leadership and team skills. Participants will learn what it takes to be a firefighter while completing hands-on training in hose and ladder skills, vehicle extrication, search and rescue, ropes and knots, live-fire operations, aerial ladder climbs, forcible entry, emergency medical skills, and other firefighting tasks. They will also receive instruction from professional female firefighters from multiple agencies on how to prepare for interviews and gain insight on what it’s like to have a career in the fire service as well as the importance of good nutrition and physical fitness. Applications will be accepted beginning March 9, and TVF&R will select as many as 25 participants. Space is limited. Applications and more information are available online at Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue.

Spring is here! It’s the perfect time for spring cleaning, barbecuing, gardening, and bicycle rides. Don’t forget to review the following safety measures as you enjoy the season.

Home and Belongings: If you’re planning to travel, let a trusted neighbor know so they can watch for any suspicious activity around your home. Secure all lawn and gardening equipment when not in use. Always ensure that doors and windows are locked, even if you only step out for a moment to check the mailbox.

Window Safety: Keep windows closed and locked when not in use or when young children are present. If needed for ventilation, try to open a window that is out of reach of children. Install window stops or guards and ensure that windows are open no more than four inches, even with screens installed.

Daylight Savings Safety Checks: Springing forward is a great time to check the batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security cameras. Properly dispose of any unneeded or expired medication. Ensure you have unexpired first aid kit supplies needed for any type of emergency.

Bicycle Safety Rules: Always wear a properly fitted helmet, adjust your bicycle to fit your height, and check the tires and brakes before you ride. Use hand signals to alert other vehicles in which direction you are traveling. Wear bright-colored, neon, or reflective clothing, and use lights when riding. For more tips, visit: bit.ly/WCSO_SpringSafety

search and rescue person in helmet

If you are between the ages of 14 and 17 and are interested in joining an elite team of teenagers to help your community, this might be the opportunity for you!

The Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue program equips teens and young adults with essential life skills and provides unique insights into exciting career fields, including law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency medical services. This program has an excellent reputation and is often sought after by law enforcement agencies across the state.

Members are primarily involved in search and rescue missions for lost people, downed aircraft, and evidence in significant crimes. To participate, volunteers must meet the following requirements: Between the ages of 14-17; Washington County resident; positive community record; good physical health; minimum 2.3 GPA with no failing classes; basic training academy. Accept a minimum two-year commitment as an active member. Learn more and apply here.

The Spring 2026 Hybrid Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Course is now open for enrollment. The class is a hybrid model consisting of 12 hours of online study at your own pace, followed by two eight-hour in-person Saturday sessions for hands-on practical training, simulated disaster exercise, and graduation. We also require Incident Command Structure classes through FEMA.

cert training

The online courses begin in April and end in June. You can complete the courses at your own pace in this window of time. The successful completion of the course is required to graduate. Please make sure you can commit to the class schedule before enrolling.

You must live or work within the City of Beaverton and/or the Beaverton School District Boundaries and be 18 years old to take CERT training. Training is offered for Winter, Spring, and Fall sessions. Questions? CERT@BeavertonOregon.gov

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 calling 503-746-5082 or email info@vivavillage.org. Links for Zoom meetings will be sent to those who RSVP.

March 2026 Viva Village Events Open to the Public

Women’s Coffee

Age Café

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

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

Online Travel Talk

Viva Villager Karen McCune will share her Rick Steves Paris and the Heart of France tour. We’ll visit châteaux, magical Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy beaches, Monet’s Gardens, and the charm and museums of Paris. RSVP for the Zoom link. Register on our website or contact the office.

Viva Village 101-in person

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

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

Preparing for a Successful Recovery after a Health Crisis. A panel of experts share their perspectives about how to best navigate the transition from a hospital stay to supportive care before returning home. Learn about the hospital’s discharge procedure and next steps, what to know when going to a skilled nursing environment, caregiver resources, respite care, and benefits. No charge. Refreshments served. RSVP recommended. Register on our website calendar or contact the Viva Village office.

Men’s Coffee Break

Conversation and coffee. RSVP recommended.

Online Viva Village Book Club

Selected book: Mountains Beyond Mountains, by Tracy Kidder. This biography of physician and humanitarian Paul Farmer further solidifies Kidder’s reputation for blending compelling storytelling with social relevance. RSVP for the Zoom link.

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

Online Tai Chi Classes

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

Online Mindful Meditation Classes

This series we’ll focus on Kindness.

Fiber Crafts: Quilting, Crocheting, Knitting, Sewing

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

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

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

Ready or Not Workshop

Last two of four facilitated small-group discussion to help members identify and plan for important life decisions plus develop plans and strategies before the unforeseen strikes. Limited to six. Participants asked to commit to attending all four sessions. RSVP required. Contact the office to register.

Living Solo Sounding Board

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

“How the St. Louis Blues helped me square things with my dad.” Viva Villager Lee Baldwin shares key pivot points of his life. RSVP appreciated.

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond

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

Soup Lunch

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

Couples Happy Hour

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 eight couples (16 people). RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Tech Talks

Encore presentation: 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 Discussion Group in-person

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.

Music Salon

The Viva Village Music Salon is a congenial group of music lovers who perform live music and enjoy listening to one another. Limited to 12. Register on the website or contact the office. Someone will contact you with the address and learn how you’d like to participate.

Mystery Book Club

March selection: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. Limited to 12. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Living Solo Discussion Group online

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

Open Mic

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

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.