• Long-time CMN volunteer moves on
• Talkin’ Water Winter Prep
• Styrofoam & Electronics Recycling Drive
• Air quality reports
• Food resources for SNAP users
• Feed My Body, Feed My Brain
• Animal Services Academy
• Family caregiver workshops
• Health coverage shopping tool updated
• Put a Lid on Cooking Fires
• Local non-profit, CC-TDI, hosts Art & Writing Contest
• Ask WCSO: Ensuring Driver and Pedestrian Safety
• Viva Village news

Long-time CMN volunteer moves on

Sue Wendel, volunteer editor, is moving on. Sue joined the editing team in 2020 saying, “I’m a very community focused person… and felt like being a volunteer editor for Cedar Mill News would be fun, interesting, and a good way to connect and share news with the community.” Over the years she says that as readership grew and story topics expanded, she has enjoyed every minute of working with the CMN team. We have appreciated her dedication to local news reporting, and to her keen editing eyes, and we wish her the very best on her next adventure!

We’re always looking for help, so if you or someone in your family might like to help with editing, let us know with an email to info@cedarmillnews.com.

Talkin’ Water Winter Prep

Thursday, November 6, 12 pm, Microsoft Teams

Colder weather is on the way! Tualatin Valley Water District will host our next Talkin’ Water virtual forum to help residents prepare their homes and plumbing for freezing temperatures.

During this online session, we’ll cover how to prepare before freezing weather hits, what to do during freezing conditions, steps to take if pipes freeze or break and where to find and how to use your home’s water shut-off valve.

The forum will be hosted on Microsoft Teams, and all residential customers are encouraged to attend. If someone can’t join us live, the recording will be available afterward on our YouTube channel. We hope to see you there!

Styrofoam & Electronics Recycling Drive

Saturday, November 15, 10 am-2 pm, Free, Donations are welcome, Sunset High School, 13840 NW Cornell Rd.

In partnership with Green Century Recycling, Sunset High School Climate Change Club is hosting a recycling drive! Styrofoam (EPS Grade A & B, aka. rigid, styrofoam egg cartons and cups & LDPE, aka. spongey styrofoam) and electronics (anything with a wire, tablets, computers, toasters) are welcome to be dropped off near the main entrance of Sunset High School. We also take unexpired contact lens containers and Brita filters. Please come drive by and drop off any styrofoam with us for no fee!

Air quality reports

From November 1 through March 1, 2026, Washington County Health & Human services will be monitoring the air quality to make sure we aren’t reaching unhealthy levels of wood smoke. You can find the daily air quality status at https://wcor.us/air.

Thank you for doing your part to reduce wood smoke pollution by burning wisely and not burning at all when air quality is poor unless it’s your only heat source.

Washington County offers rebates of $1,500-$4,000 when you replace your old wood stove with a new stove, insert or other heating system. Some households will qualify for a full-cost replacement. We also have the occasional wood stove turn-in event where you can get paid to bring in your old wood stove. Learn more through our Woodstove Exchange Program.

Food resources for SNAP users

With federal support slated to end November 1, those who depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program help can visit this Food Resources in Oregon page to find food banks and learn about other programs.

In addition, some local restaurants and food-related businesses are stepping up with free meals or ingredients, including our local Laughing Planet. Community Services Network has shared a list of food assistance and resources here. We hope this situation is resolved soon.

Feed My Body, Feed My Brain

This November, Tualatin Hills Park District is proud to join Beaverton School District’s Feed My Body, Feed My Brain campaign, which helps provide meals for students who rely on school breakfasts and lunches during the academic year. Over winter break, many families face the challenge of replacing 22 missed meals per student.

To help bridge that gap, we’re aiming to raise $4,000 as part of a community-wide effort to ensure every student has access to nutritious meals while school is out. The campaign runs from November 1-30, and we invite our community to join us in supporting local students and families during this season of giving.

Animal Services Academy

Wednesday, November 19, 6-9 pm, downtown Hillsboro, registration required

The goal of the Animal Services Academy is to help community members 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.

Can’t make it this November? Sign up for our newsletter or our website for additional opportunities in 2026!

Family caregiver workshops

Fridays November 7-21, December 5, 10-11:30 am, via Zoom

Birding, long-term care planning, gratitude, and aging in place—these topics will be covered over four free sessions for unpaid family and friend caregivers. For more details visit this page, and to register, visit this web page. Questions? Call 503-846-3089 or email us at familycaregiversupport@washingtoncountyor.gov. Presented by Washington County Health & Human Services, supported by the Older Americans Act.

Health coverage shopping tool updated

Just in time for open enrollment, the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace has rolled out an upgraded Window Shopping tool at OregonHealthCare.gov. People in Oregon can use the tool to easily compare 2026 health plans, check if their doctors and prescriptions are covered and see how much financial help they may qualify for.

Open enrollment – November 1, 2025-January 15, 2026 – is the time when individuals who don’t get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), can sign up for a Marketplace plan. For many, it is the best chance each year to secure affordable, comprehensive coverage, and the upgraded Window Shopping tool makes it easier than ever to explore options.

The Window Shopping tool is available in English and Spanish and provides personalized estimates based on income, age, and location to help people in Oregon find coverage that fits their life and budget. Key updates and enhancements to the Window Shopping tool at OregonHealthCare.gov for 2026 include:

• Enhanced plan comparisons so you can see real costs before you buy.
• Expanded provider and prescription lookup features, making it easier to confirm your care team and medications are covered.
• Updated savings estimates that reflect financial help available to most people in Oregon.
• Stronger benefit transparency, including details about coverage for services like gender-affirming care, preventive services, naturopathy, and mental health support.

Free local help is available to guide people in Oregon through enrollment. Licensed insurance agents and certified community partners can walk you through your options and answer questions, in-person or virtually. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to connect with an expert.

Put a Lid on Cooking Fires

Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires and fire injuries. Last year, more than one-third of the residential fires that Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue responded to began in a kitchen. TVF&R crews encourage you to minimize your risk of a fire by organizing a safe kitchen and practicing these safe cooking tips: keep a watchful eye on what you are cooking—never leave cooking unattended; keep your cooking area clean, including the stovetop, oven, and exhaust fan; keep dish towels and pot holders away from the burners on your stove; watch your sleeves to prevent them from catching fire or getting caught on pan handles; cooking oil can ignite quickly—heat oil slowly and watch it closely; keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen–store it in an easy-to-reach location and know how to use it—the discharge of a portable fire extinguisher only lasts between eight and 10 seconds.

Put a lid on it—the easiest way to extinguish a small pan fire is with a pan lid—turn off the burner and carefully slide a pan lid over the pan from the side. The lid will “smother” the fire, while turning off the burner removes the heat. Do not move the pan until the fire is completely extinguished and the pan is cool. If you do not have a pan lid, you may also use a baking sheet or pizza pan. Never transfer a burning pan from the stovetop to the sink or out an exterior door. The fire may grow in size and burn you or spread to a countertop, cabinets, or curtains.

Grease and water do not mix—never pour water on a grease fire. Water causes these fires to explode as the burning material stays on top of the water, causing it to spread and putting you at severe risk of getting burned. If the fire is large and/or continues to grow, do not attempt to extinguish it. Quickly get everyone outside and immediately call 911 from a cellphone or neighbor’s house. For additional safety tips, visit www.tvfr.com.

Local non-profit, CC-TDI, hosts Art & Writing Contest

Submissions open until November 30, Winners announced early January, $10 for first entry, $8 for every entry after that

The CC-TDI Youth Art & Writing Contest invites K-12 students to showcase their creativity while joining the fight against childhood cancer. Whether through visual art or powerful writing, contestants will explore ideas of resilience and hope in relation to the theme “United against Pediatric Cancer.”

The winners of the Junior (K-8) and Senior (9-12) divisions will receive official certificates, a prominent feature on CC-TDI’s website and social media, and a display with the City of Beaverton. Every submission contributes to raising awareness for pediatric cancer research.

Join the fight against pediatric cancer! Submit your work and channel your creativity into action. Submission guidelines can be found at Art & Writing Submission T&C and the form at Art & Writing Contest Entry.

Ask WCSO: Ensuring Driver and Pedestrian Safety

The change of seasons serves as a reminder that as our days grow shorter and darker, pedestrian visibility on roadways can become challenging. Both drivers and pedestrians must take extra precautions during these darker months to stay safe. Here are some practical measures you can implement.

Driver Safety: yield to pedestrians—always yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection when the flashers are blinking; stay alert for unexpected situations—pedestrians may appear suddenly, so maintain a safe following distance and never block crosswalks; slow down and exercise caution—especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic and during poor visibility conditions; keep your vehicle visible—ensure your vehicle is well-lit and easily noticeable by pedestrians and other drivers; eliminate distractions—put away mobile phones or other devices while driving.

Pedestrian Safety: always stay alert—avoid distractions such as wearing headphones or looking at your phone when walking; use designated crossing areas—only cross the street at crosswalks or intersections, and never in the middle of the road; choose well-lit routes—when possible, walk on sidewalks, well-lit streets, or designated paths with streetlamps; practice the basics—before crossing the street, stop and look both ways to ensure no cars are coming towards you; increase your visibility—wear reflective gear, bright colors, and lights to increase visibility.

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

Viva Village news

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 contacting vivavillageor@gmail.com or 503-746-5082. 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 (in person)

Wednesdays in November, 10 am-noon, New Seasons Market Cedar Hills, 3495 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard, Beaverton, RSVP recommended

Coffee and conversation.

Online Age Café

Friday, November 7, 11 am-noon, Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th Street

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

Online Viva Village 101

Saturday, November 8, 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 office for the Zoom link.

Introductory Conversation about Viva Village

Thursday, November 13, 2-3:30 pm at a Viva Village member’s home, RSVP needed

A small group conversation in a casual setting with current members and volunteers. Learn about Viva Village and ask questions. Limited to 8. RSVP for the address. Register on our website or contact the office.

Viva Village Forum

Monday, November 17, 2-3:30 pm. United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 12555 SW 4th Street, Beaverton, RSVP recommended

The Power of Pets: Pet Ownership in the 21^st Century. Our panel includes a long-time pet owner (benefits for seniors), a representative from the Humane Society (pet adoption and fostering), a veterinarian (pet health concerns and costs), and a representative from PetSmart (pet services and supplies). Register on our website or contact the Viva Village office.

Viva Village Galactic Online Solitaire Tournament

September 19, 6:30-8 pm, Zoom, RSVP needed

Join us for the Viva Village solitaire tournament for experienced players of conventional Solitaire (Klondike One Turn). We’ll play online from a vetted set of winnable games. Two timed rounds for the evening, players will receive a random list of 5 games for Round 1 and 4 games for Round 2. A fun evening of friendly competition. Prize: Bragging Rights! RSVP for the Zoom link. Register on our website or contact the Viva Village office.

Men’s Coffee Break

Monday, November 24, 10-11:30 am, Market of Choice Cedar Mill (mezzanine), 250 NW Lost Springs Terrace, in Timberland Town Center, RSVP recommended

Conversation and coffee.

Online Viva Village Book Club

Tuesday, November 25, 1-2:30 pm, RSVP for the Zoom link.

Selected book: One Long River of Song by Brian Doyle.

Viva Village Events for Members and Volunteers:

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, November 3, 10, 17, 10-10:45 am, Zoom, RSVP needed

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

Online Mindful Meditation Classes

Mondays, November 3, 10, 17, 24, 11-11:45 am, Zoom, RSVP needed

Beginning a new six-week series, The Experience of Impermanence. Mindful Meditation sessions led by Martha McJacobs. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Living Solo Happy Hour

Thursday, November 6, 2:30 pm, Murrayhill Taphouse, 14550 SW Murray Scholls Drive, Beaverton

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

Living Solo Sounding Board

Monday, November 10, 1-2:30pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, Beaverton, RSVP needed

Explore and share feedback about ideas, plans, questions and concerns with a small group. Space limited to 10. Register on our website or contact the office. A waiting list is available.

Life Stories

Tuesday, November 11, 2-3:30 pm. Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road, Beaverton

Growing up in the United Kingdom, 1945 to 1973. Join Viva Villager, Angelica Williams for a conversation about family life and culture in the UK between 1945 and 1973. RSVP is appreciated.

Dine Around Beaverton and Beyond

Wednesday, November 12, 1 pm, La Provence, 2855 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard, #115, Beaverton, RSVP required

Join other Viva Village members and volunteers for lunch and conversation. Wear your Viva Village name badge. RSVP required by 1 pm on Tuesday, November 11. Space limited to 15 people. Register on our website or contact the office.

Soup Lunch

Thursday, November 13, 2-3:30 pm, RSVP required

A small monthly gathering in a private home to share a meal and conversation. Vegetarian-friendly. Two soups and bread will be provided. Participant limit of 6. Register on our website or contact the office. Address sent with registration.

Couples Happy Hour

Thursday, November 13, 4 pm, Bethany Public House, 4840 NW Bethany Boulevard, RSVP required

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

Red Room “Speakeasy” Italian Dinner: Drinks and Convivial Conversation

Tuesdays, November 11, 25, 7-9:30 pm, The Red Room, 4708 NW Bethany Boulevard, E-5, RSVP required

Join Viva Villagers for excellent Italian food, drinks and lively conversation. Space limited to 5. Register on our website by November 11 or 25, respectively, or contact the office.

Living Solo (In person)

Wednesday, November 19, 12-1:30 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, RSVP required

Share experiences, tips, and strategies for living on your own. Bring your own lunch or snack. Space limited to 12. Register on our website or contact the office.

Mystery Book Club

Thursday, November 20, 1-2 pm, third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, RSVP required

November selection: The Watchman by Robert Crais. Limited to 12. Register on our website or contact the office.

Online Living Solo

Thursday, November 20, 4-5:30 pm, Zoom, RSVP required

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