Community News April 2026

March 30, 2026   Uncategorized
bikes

Youth Summit 2026: Mental Health

Saturday, April 11, 1-4 pm, Tualatin River National Wildllife Refuge, 19255 SW Pacific Hwy, Sherwood, free

Portland high schoolers from different clubs and schools are organizing the fourth annual Oregon Youth Climate Summit. The 2026 summit will be focused on addressing how wildlife affects our mental health. Our goal is to bring youth together to have important discussions about the environment, hear from people who work in environmental fields, get out in nature and, most importantly, inspire our youth! We plan to have many different activities for participants, including yoga, booths from local schools and organizations, and talks from guest speakers. View poster here. Sunset Climate Change Club is one of the organizing groups.

Open house: Cedar Hills Emergency Resiliency Hub

Sunday, April 26, 1-4 pm, Cedar Hills Recreation Center, 11640 SW Park Way, free

What’s in the big green box? Join us for a look inside the new Cedar Hills Emergency Resiliency Hub, located on the field at the Cedar Hills Recreation Center. You’ll learn how our new Emergency Hub will make our community better able to recover from a major disaster as a communication and resource center. Meet the community and emergency management partners and volunteers and learn how to build resilience in the event of a major disaster. Don’t miss out! Be prepared, not scared!

No registration required. Sponsoring organizations include Oregon Chinese Coalition, Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Neighbors Ready!, Oregon ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. Questions? Visit us at NeighborsReady.org or send us an email.

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.

Free electronic waste, athletic shoe, and sock recycling event

Saturday, May 2, 9 am-1 pm, St. Juan Diego Catholic Church, 5995 NW 178th Ave, free

St. Juan Diego Catholic Church will be holding a free electronic waste recycling event in the church parking lot. Recycle electronics like computers, laptops, TVs, monitors, hard drives (secure data destruction provided), computer components, cords and cables, keyboards, mice, cell phones, cameras, stereos, VCR players, DVD players, small appliances, etc. There will also be free recycling of worn-out athletic shoes (no dress or casual shoes) and clean worn-out socks. Donations of in-date non-perishable food for our St. Vincent de Paul food pantry are welcome. Questions? Email us.

bikes

WashCo Bikes Clean and Fix Events

Second Wednesdays, 4-7 pm, fourth Tuesdays, 1-4 pm, 1940 Pacific Avenue, Forest Grove

Washco Bikes gives away thousands of bikes each year. We do this great work because of volunteers like you! No experience needed, but volunteers with mechanical skills are always welcome. For more information: Todd Kelley 402-202-1195 or tkelley@gmail.com. Learn more about WashCo Bikes on their website, WashCo Bikes.org.

Legislators Coffee and Chat

Saturday, April 11, 8:30 am, Oyatsupan Bakery, 16025 SW Regatta Lane

Join State Senator Lisa Reynolds and State Representative Mari Watanabe to hear about the recent Oregon legislative session and let them know about your concerns.

flotilla stories

Flotilla Stories

Sunday, April 12, 11:15 am, Cedar Hills UCC, 11695 SW Park Way, free

Portland’s own Paul Reid will share his experience aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, a 50-vessel international flotilla that sailed to Gaza in 2025 with food and medical aid, in an attempt to breach the blockade of Gaza. Medical professionals, journalists, government officials, and people of faith from around the world joined together in this adventure. Childcare available on request: 503-644-3838

Car wash fundraiser for families with children being treated for cancer

Saturday, April 18, 1-4 pm, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 14175 NW Cornell Road

scout Varun

Scout troops 618 and 5618 will hold a fundraising car wash to honor fellow scout Varun Suraj Varma. He passed away from cancer August 24, 2025. In typical scout fashion, the scouts and Varun’s family are raising money to purchase and assemble wagons for use by families at the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, where he received treatment prior to passing. These wagons will help other families with children being treated for cancer in transporting personal items as required.

Varun was a kind, loving and caring individual. He was involved as a student at Sunset High School, in Troop 618, and in our community. He was always looking to give back and never let his diagnosis define him. The wagons will help serve others, which he would have wanted. If weather does not cooperate, a make-up event will be held the following weekend on April 25 at the same time and location. Please drop by to show your support. If you have questions, please email us. Thank you, Troop 618 and Troop 5618

WCSO Watch

Distracted driving awareness month

Distracted driving is a serious and preventable danger on our roads. Cell phone use, including texting, talking, and scrolling through social media, remains a leading cause of crashes. As we observe April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to reset their habits and stay focused behind the wheel.

Safety reminders: Pull over to a safe location if you need to send or expect a text. Use a passenger as your “designated texter.” Avoid all social media use while driving. Hands-free still means keeping the phone out of your hands. It remains illegal to use a handheld device even at a red light or stop sign. Find more information here.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Traffic Safety Unit will be focusing on distracted driving all of April. Be sure to follow us on social media @WCSOOregon to learn about our focused, multi-agency missions.

What’s new: Recruitment website

WCSO has launched an updated recruitment website, JoinWCSO.com, to make exploring career opportunities easier than ever. The refreshed site provides a clear look at the many career paths within the Sheriff’s Office, along with updated information on hiring, benefits, and what it’s like to be part of our team. If you or someone you know is considering a career in public service, now is a great time to visit the new site and learn more!

PGE accepting applications for advisory council

PGE is currently accepting applications for people to join our new Washington County Community Advisory Council. The Community Advisory Council will consist of 20–25 community members with diverse backgrounds who live or work in Washington County. Members provide input into how decisions about building community infrastructure are made and how PGE plans improvements to the electrical grid. The aim is to use these councils to gather meaningful input and share information on PGE’s major projects that could affect the whole community and entire region.

Meetings will be hybrid and held approximately quarterly on a weekday evening. Applications will be received through the end of March, with the first meeting planned for April. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what goes into powering your home and community while making your voice heard. More information and a link to apply can be found at: Power Together: PGE in the Community.

Cedar Mill Summer Camp

Session 1: June 15–19; Session 2: June 22–26; Session 3: June 29–July 3; Session 4: July 13–17, 8:30-3:00, 12755 NW Dogwood St, ages 5–12, $395 per week

Cedar Mill Summer Camp is a fun, active summer program created and run by local certified elementary teachers. Each day blends art, crafts, science and engineering projects, and plenty of outdoor play. Kids stay moving with games, water fun, relays, and team challenges, while also building, creating, and exploring. Most of all, it’s a place for fun, friends, and great summer memories. Junior Camp Leader Program available for ages 11–12. Space is limited! Register now at Cedar Mill Summer Camp.

Free medical interpreter training for multilingual high school seniors

linguava

The Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) and Linguava have launched a new partnership offering high school seniors the opportunity to become qualified medical interpreters at no cost. Beginning March 30, multilingual students across Washington, Columbia, Clatsop, and Tillamook counties can apply for professional training through Linguava’s Interpreter Academy—opening a powerful pathway into a purposeful, in-demand healthcare career.

Access to trained medical interpreters is increasingly vital as healthcare systems serve growing multilingual populations. Clear communication not only improves patient safety and trust but also helps providers deliver accurate diagnoses and culturally responsive care. The need for qualified interpreters continues to rise across Oregon and nationwide.

medical interpreters illustration

“In a diverse community like Washington County, access to qualified medical interpreters is critical to equitable healthcare,” says Todd Warlik, a registered nurse and the director of quality and patient safety at Hillsboro Medical Center. “Their work helps ensure that every patient, regardless of the language they speak, can receive safe, respectful, and informed care.”

Linguava is a nationally recognized language services company specializing in healthcare interpreting, translation, and interpreter training. Through its Interpreter Academy, bilingual individuals develop professional interpreting skills, medical terminology proficiency, and a strong foundation in ethics—competencies increasingly sought across hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems.

“This partnership creates a meaningful career pathway for multilingual students while directly addressing a growing workforce need,” says Adam Whalen, executive director of school performance and workforce development at NWRESD. “By offering regional access, we ensure students from urban, suburban, and rural communities alike can participate and explore a high-demand healthcare career that may not be available in their local high school.”

The initiative allows students to transform the language skills they already possess into a valuable professional credential—while supporting the long-term healthcare needs of their communities. Learn more and apply here.

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 in the online version of Cedar Mill News.

Viva Village Events Open to the Public

Women’s Coffee

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

Age Café

Friday, April 3, 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). Theme for April: Humor. Optional registration on the library’s website.

Nature Walk

Saturday, April 4, 9:30 am, Summerlake Loop Park, 11450 SW Winter Lake Dr, Tigard

Meet in the parking lot. Enjoy a morning walk with Viva Village friends. RSVP recommended.

Viva Village 101 in person

Thursday, April 9, 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, April 11, 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.

Online Travel Talk

Monday, April 13, 7-8 pm, Zoom

South America… Wonders of the Built and Natural World: Machu Picchu and surrounding Inca sites plus the Galapagos Islands. Join Viva Villager Elaine May as she and her wife travel Peru and Ecuador. RSVP for the Zoom link. Register on our website or contact the office.

Viva Village Forum

Monday, April 20, 2-3:30 pm, United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 12555 SW 4th St, Beaverton

Dancing: Fitness for all Ages! Cynthia Hively from Impression Dance Club will show us that dancing is for people of all ages, not just the young! Learn the value of dancing for seniors: the physical, mental, and emotional benefits; dance moves adaptable for all abilities, how to make dancing a regular part of your life, and easy and fun ways to express yourself through dancing. There will be time to enjoy line dancing! Wear comfortable clothing. No charge. Refreshments served. RSVP recommended. Register on our website calendar or contact the Viva Village office.

Men’s Coffee Break

Monday, April 27, 10-11:30 am, Market of Choice Cedar Mill (mezzanine), 250 NW Lost Springs Terrace

Conversation and coffee. RSVP recommended.

Online Viva Village Book Club

Tuesday, April 28, 1-2:30 pm, Zoom

Selected book: Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune. RSVP for the Zoom link.

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

Living Solo Happy Hour

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

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

Fiber Crafts—Quilting, Crocheting, Knitting, Sewing.

Tuesday, April 7, 1-2 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr, Beaverton

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

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond

Wednesday, April 8, 1 pm, Oasis Lebanese Cuisine, 14845 SW Murray Scholls Dr, Beaverton

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

Couples Happy Hour

Thursday, April 9, 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.

Living Solo Sounding Board

Monday, April 13, 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.

Red Room Italian Dinner: Drinks and Conversation

Tuesdays, April 14, 28, 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.

Life Stories

Tuesday, April 14, 2-3:30 pm, Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road, Beaverton

Living on the Margins. Viva Villager Elaine May was raised to be a traditional wife and mother but was actually a butch lesbian who became an engineer and broke several barriers along the way. RSVP appreciated.

Living Solo Discussion Group in-person

Wednesday, April 15, 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.

Music Salon

Thursday, April 16, 10-11:30 am, in a member’s home

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

Thursday, April 16, 1-2 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr, Beaverton

April selection: Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen. Limited to 12. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Living Solo Discussion Group online

Thursday, April 16, 4-5:30 pm, Zoom

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

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, April 20, 27, 9:45-10:45 am (no class on April 6 or 13), Zoom

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

Online Mindful Meditation Classes

Mondays, April 20-May 25, 11-11:45 am, Zoom

Classes led by Martha McJacobs. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Tech Talks

Wednesday, April 22, 1-2:30 pm, Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Room, 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton

Internet Tips and Tricks. We’ll learn about cookies (not the Oreo kind!), tabbed browsing, configuring your browser, some popular sites to check out, and how to stay safe on the internet. Come with your questions! RSVP required. Limited to 20. Register on the website or contact the office.

Open Mic

Thursday, April 23, 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, April 23, 5:30, Ickabod’s Bar & Grill, 12475 SW 1st St, Beaverton

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.

ADHD Discussion Group

Monday, April 27, 2-3:30 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr, Beaverton

A place for seniors with ADHD and their loved ones to discuss the challenges and opportunities a “neurodivergent” brain can offer. Refreshments will be served. RSVP required. Space limited to 10. Register on the website or contact the office.