Community News July 2026

June 29, 2026   Aging, Community
STEM kids

WCSO Watch: 4th of July safety

This month’s Washington County Sheriff’s Office Watch highlights Fourth of July safety and celebrates Search and Rescue’s milestone birthday.

Celebrate safely this Fourth of July

WCSO asks everyone to be safe and considerate when celebrating the Fourth of July. In addition to extra patrols focused on impaired drivers, deputies will be prepared to enforce laws related to illegal fireworks.

Illegal fireworks continue to pose a safety risk to our community. Each year, law enforcement agencies across the county respond to a high volume of fireworks-related calls and prioritize responses based on safety concerns. Illegal fireworks can quickly disrupt the well-being of others, including pets. The noise can cause anxiety and stress in animals, leading them to panic and escape from their homes. To report non-emergency issues that do not pose an immediate threat, please call 503-629-0111. For emergencies, dial 911.

We appreciate your patience as deputies respond to fireworks calls throughout the community. Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July!

Search and Rescue Program 60th anniversary

WCSO’s Search and Rescue Program (SAR) is proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary! SAR equips teens and young adults with essential life skills and offers unique insights into exciting career fields such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency medical services. Learn more here.

Don’t let your E-bike bring you to the ER

E-bikes aren’t just “regular bikes with a boost.” Their speed and weight make crashes far more serious, especially for young riders.

Here are 5 things every parent should know:

Age Matters: Oregon law requires riders to be 14 years old to ride a Class 1 E-bike, and 16 years old to operate any other form of electric bike. If your child is under 14, they should not be using these devices. (Age changes effective January 1, 2027.)

Speed Changes Everything: E-bikes can reach speeds that make crashes far more serious than a typical bicycle fall. What once were scrapes and bruises are now broken bones, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries.

A Helmet is Non-Negotiable: Faster speeds mean harder impacts. A properly fitted helmet is essential—every ride, every time.

Different Bikes, Different Rules: Each E-bike classification has different rules for use. E-bike riders must know and follow all rules and regulations for their classification.

Supervision and Boundaries Matter: Set clear rules. Know the device your teenager is riding. Know where they are going. Know how fast their bike can go.

For more information, email Public Affairs at Washington County.

TVF&R swimming safety tips

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) wants you to enjoy the health benefits of swimming—it’s never too late to learn. Swimming works your entire body, enhances cardiovascular conditioning, builds muscle strength and endurance, and improves posture and flexibility. It’s also a low-impact exercise that protects your joints from stress and strain, making it an activity that can be enjoyed at any age. It’s never too late to learn how to swim, and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue encourages parents to ensure their children learn this life skill and how to stay safe in and around water. Both adults and children can enroll in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors.

This summer, as people head to area pools and local waterways to cool off and enjoy the outdoors, TVF&R advises you to plan ahead for possible risks, learn about water safety, and know how to respond to a water emergency. A drowning or near-drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. It typically occurs when a child is left unattended or during a brief lapse in supervision. Some may be surprised to learn that drowning is silent—there can be very little splashing, waving, or swimming to alert parents and bystanders to a swimmer in distress.

Make safety a priority when in or around water by following these tips: Always supervise children, giving them your undivided attention. Keep young kids within arm’s reach of an adult and make sure older children swim with a partner. Use the buddy system—even adults should never swim alone, especially in open water such as lakes, rivers, and streams. Know your swimming limits and keep an eye on weaker swimmers. Watch for the dangerous “toos”: Take frequent breaks if you are feeling too tired, too cold, too far from safety, exposed to too much sun, or experience too much strenuous activity.

Don’t dive in shallow water or unfamiliar areas. The American Red Cross recommends 9 feet as a minimum depth for diving. Young children should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in or around open water. Weak or non-swimmers should also wear a life jacket in pools. Do not use air-filled swimming aids in place of life jackets or life preservers with children. “Water wings” can give parents and kids a false sense of security. These air-filled aids are toys that are not designed to be personal flotation devices.

It’s the law to have a life jacket for everyone on a boat or paddlecraft (canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board, etc.); children ages 12 and younger must wear a life jacket when on a boat or paddlecraft. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Have a charged cellphone nearby in the event of an emergency. Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.

TVF&R also reminds you that swimming in a natural body of water is different than a pool. More skills and energy are needed, along with an eye for potential hazards. Those heading to swim outdoors in open water need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow, and changing weather. For more safety tips, visit our website.

Westside Sustainable Living Fair

Saturday, July 18, 9 am-1 pm, 2nd Ave. between Main St. and Lincoln St., Hillsboro, free

Join us in Downtown Hillsboro for a free community event celebrating sustainable living! Explore interactive exhibits, hands-on games and activities, giveaways, prize drawings, and local resources focused on clean energy, electric vehicles, water conservation, urban forestry, waste reduction, watershed health, wildlife-friendly gardening, and more.

westside sustaibable living fair

The fair is adjacent to the downtown Hillsboro Farmers’ Market, which features fresh local produce and goods, prepared food, and sustainable products. Visit PGE’s Ride & Drive experience on 3rd Ave. in the Heritage Bank parking lot, where you can learn about and test drive a number of electric vehicle options.

This event is hosted by the City of Hillsboro, Westside Planet Alliance, and 350 PDX Washington County. It is sponsored by the City of Hillsboro and PGE, with support from the Hillsboro Farmers’ Market.

Community action preschool now enrolling!

Helping people. Changing lives. Serving families in Washington County. Community Action Preschool provides safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environments, highly qualified teachers, age-appropriate learning that supports school readiness, health and wellness screenings, disability/mental health services, healthy daily breakfast, lunch, and snack, and parent/guardian/caregiver involvement opportunities. Apply today! Free programs available for eligible families.

Head Start Preschool (Ages 3-5): High-quality full-school day preschool classrooms that help children build skills for kindergarten success. Multiple locations. Transportation is very limited.

Early Head Start—Home-Based (Birth-3): In-home learning for infants, toddlers, and families through weekly home visits. Social gatherings are offered twice a month. Prenatal services available.

Early Head Start—Center-Based (6 weeks-3): High-quality, full school-day, full-year classroom at our Hillsboro Child Development Center that helps children build skills for preschool success. No transportation available.

For more information, email us, visit our website, or call 503-693-3262.

Bethany students shine in global STEM research

STEM kids

Bethany-area high school students are gaining international recognition for research and STEM outreach. In June, they received top honors at the International Research Conference for Children 2026 (IRCC 2026) in Milpitas, California. The students presented original work in topics including cost-effective wound treatment and cardiac tissue engineering, clinical decision support, economics and mental health, and environmental science.

Westview rising senior Adhav Madabooshi Sainath served as IRCC Volunteer Lead, and is a GYRA (Global Young Researchers’ Academy) High School Scholar and Student Ambassador. Sunset rising senior Ishita Grandhi also volunteered and is a GYRA Scholar. Leaders in the Stem4Girls program, where students mentor younger girls in STEM and help organize outreach activities, include Jesuit students Preethi Pinto (president) and Meghan Clement (vice president), and Westview students Dhikshaa Arunsundar (secretary) and Mahati Lakshminarayan (student ambassador).

The students also interviewed and interacted with global scientists, including 2012 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Brian Kobilka. They plan to continue mentoring elementary and middle school students on how to conduct publishable research through GYRA and Stem4Girls.

Enhance driving safety with AARP CarFit

Wednesday, July 29, 1-5 pm, Hillsboro Community Senior Center, 750 SE 8th Ave., free

CarFit is an educational program that provides a quick, yet comprehensive review of how well you and your vehicle work together. The program, developed by AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, provides information and materials on community-specific resources that could enhance your driving safety and increase mobility. Register ahead for a free 20-minute appointment by calling 503-615-1090.

Community sack lunch packing with Sonder NW

Friday, July 17, 12-1pm, Sonder NW, 9755 SW Barnes Rd., free

Every month, we gather as a community to pack hundreds of sack lunches that go directly to guests at Blanchet House here in Portland.

In just one hour, volunteers work together across simple packing stations to assemble 200 to 300 lunches that are distributed to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity or accessing support services through Blanchet House. These meals provide something immediate, practical, and deeply needed.

For us, this event is about more than packing lunches. It’s about showing up consistently for our community and creating simple ways for people to care for one another in real life.

Blanchet House has been a longtime community partner of ours, serving meals, offering supportive services, and creating spaces where people are treated with dignity and care. We’re proud to support the work they do and invite others to be part of it with us.

No experience needed. Just come ready to help, meet good people, and make a real impact in a single hour. Bring a friend, coworker, partner, or family member. We’d love to have you there. Register online here.

Summer storytime series for older kids

Wednesdays, July 1, 15, 29, 11 am, Jan’s & Arcade Book Exchange, 4838 SW Scholls Ferry Rd., Portland, free

Join a Cedar Mill children’s author for summer storytimes! We’ll be reading aloud books geared towards older kids (ages 4-8) every other Wednesday morning while school is out. Show up a little early to help choose the books!

World Cup watch parties with American Outlaws Portland

The Independent Sports Bar & Grill, 225 SW Broadway #100, Portland

American Outlaws Portland, the main U.S. Soccer supporter group in Portland, is hosting a World Cup watch party downtown at The Independent Sports Bar & Grill for every single U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team game. The venue offers amazing food, a full bar with over 20 taps, more than 30 screens, and is described by organizers as very kid-friendly.

Michelob and U.S. Soccer representatives will be on hand at some events with fun activities and giveaways, adding to the party atmosphere. Follow American Outlaws Portland on Facebook or Instagram for updates and more details.

Legislative Town Hall

Wednesday, July 15, 6-7 pm, Jackie Husen Park, 10955 NW Reeves St.

Join State Senator Lisa Reynolds, State Representative Mari Watanabe, and other guests for this in-person town hall that is a chance for us to hear from you about what’s on your mind, and for us to share what we are working on in Salem. Please RSVP for this free event here and feel free to submit questions you would like us to discuss. Although this RSVP is not required and all are welcome, it is very helpful for us to anticipate the number of people who plan to attend.

Summer food benefits now available to many Oregon families with kids

For the third year in a row, many Oregon families with school-aged children will have access to financial assistance for their summer groceries. Oregon is one of 39 states participating in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, or Summer EBT, offering families a one-time payment of $120 for each eligible child to be used on groceries during the summer. In 2025, at least 336,000 Oregon children received these benefits.

The state recently began rolling out the benefits, and families with children enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and those receiving benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, will automatically receive an Oregon EBT card to use at grocery stores, farmers markets and convenience stores.

Other automatically eligible families include those with a child attending a qualifying Head Start program, a child in foster care, in a migrant education program, experiencing homelessness or participating in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

Interested in Summer EBT? Those who didn’t automatically receive Summer EBT benefits can apply online or with a paper application available on the Oregon Department of Human Services website. New families must apply for the program by September 1.

Families are eligible if they have a child attending a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, or if they meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals at school. The program does not use immigration status to determine eligibility, and the benefits expire four months after they show up on an EBT card. For questions about Summer EBT in Oregon, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services website or email summerebtinfo@odhs.oregon.gov.

Updated guidance for youth participating in outdoor activities from OHA

Reflecting increasing scientific evidence that smoke can harm the health of children at lower levels than previously thought, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is revising the guidelines that help families and youth-serving organizations make decisions about outdoor activities. The update is to the Oregon Air Quality Guide for Children and Youth, covering any person under 18. Regardless of any health condition, this population is considered to be sensitive to poor quality air.

Most people are familiar with the Air Quality Index (AQI) on which the guide relies. Part of the AQI is a measurement of particles in the air measuring 2.5 microns, which can penetrate the lungs and travel in the bloodstream causing damage throughout the body. The AQI has a range of color-coded categories from “good” to “hazardous.”

Highlights of the changes include: in moderate AQI (yellow, 51-100), caution should be used in activities lasting more than 4 hours; in unhealthy for sensitive groups AQI (orange, 101-150) all youth should reduce activity intensity, regardless of underlying health conditions; unhealthy, very unhealthy, or hazardous AQI (red, purple, maroon >150), recommends cancelling or move activities for all youth; defines “medium” activities to 1-4 hours instead of the previous 1-2 hours; and recommends considering total daily exposure, not just length of activities.

“We fully recognize the importance of outdoor time and exercise for the physical and mental health of children and youth,” said Gabriela Goldfarb, manager of the Environmental Public Health Section at OHA’s Public Health Division. “We offer this guide to support adults making decisions that balance those needs with the reality that children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke, because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults.”

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 emailing info@vivavillage.org. Links for Zoom meetings will be sent to those who RSVP.

Print version of Cedar Mill News has only events open to the public. See the web version for member activites.

Women’s Coffee

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

Viva Village 101—in person

Thursday, July 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, July 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.

Men’s Coffee Break

Monday, July 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, July 28, 1-2:30 pm, Zoom

Selected book: The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild by Lawrence Anthony. A memoir about the author’s experiences rehabilitating a herd of “rogue” elephants at his Thula Thula game reserve in Zululand. 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, July 2, 2:30 pm, Murrayhill Taphouse, 14550 SW Murray Scholls Dr., Beaverton

RSVP appreciated.

Patio Picnics

Fridays, July 3, 17, 12:30-2 pm, locations TBA

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.

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, July 6, 13, 9:45-10:45 am, Zoom

RSVP for the Zoom link.

Online Mindful Meditation Classes

Mondays in July (no class July 13), 11-11:45 am, Zoom

RSVP for the Zoom link.

Red Room Italian Dinner: Drinks and Conversation

Tuesdays, July 7, 21, 7-9:30 pm, The Red Room, 4708 NW Bethany Blvd., E-5

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

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond

Wednesday, July 8, 1 pm, The Stockpot Broiler, 8200 SW Scholls Ferry Rd., Beaverton

Join other Viva Village members and volunteers for lunch and conversation. RSVP required. Limited to 15. Register on the website or contact the office.

Couples Happy Hour

Thursday, July 9, 4 pm, Golden Valley Brewery, 1520 NW Bethany 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, July 13, 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, July 14, 2-3:30 pm, Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Rd., Beaverton

Grit, Grist, and Mysticism: My Life’s Story. Come listen as Viva Villager Jerral Sapienza shares stories from his life. RSVP appreciated.

Living Solo Discussion Group in-person

Wednesday, July 15, 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.

Music Salon

Thursday, July 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. The address is included in your registration email.

Mystery Book Club

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

July selection: The Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman. Limited to 12. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Living Solo Discussion Group online

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

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

Tech Talks: Photo Books

Tuesday, July 21, 1-2:30 pm, Beaverton City Library, Cathy Stanton Room, 12375 SW 5th St., Beaverton

Learn how to turn your digital photos into a book. If you have a laptop, bring it with you. Limited to 25. RSVP required. Register on the website or contact the office.

Open Mic

Thursday, July 23, 2:30-4 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Dr., Beaverton

Open Mic is for readers, writers, and listeners. Bring short pieces to read aloud. 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, July 23, 5:30 pm, Cafe Murrayhill, 14500 SW Teal Blvd., Beaverton

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

Viva Village Family Summer Picnic

Saturday, July 25, 11 am-1 pm, Evelyn Schiffler Park, 5495 SW Erickson Ave., Beaverton

Potluck Picnic with Village friends—family welcome! Bring your favorite summer dish to share (plus serving utensils). Drinks provided. For comfort, bring your own lawn chair. Curbside greeters can help carry your food and lawn chair. Look for the Viva Village sign. RSVP required. Login to our website for more information and to register or contact the office.

ADHD—You and Me Discussion Group

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

Talking through the challenges and sharing the opportunities. Partners welcome. Refreshments served. Limited to 10. RSVP required. Login to register on our website or contact the office.