Community News December 2025

December 1, 2025   Uncategorized
cut tree

Coffee and donuts for veterans

First Saturday & third Monday of each month, 10-11 am, American Legion Post 104, 20325 SW Alexander St., Beaverton

american legion

Join us for coffee, donuts, and conversation. Membership in the American Legion is not required to attend; all veterans are welcome.

jim moore

Washington County Forum

Monday, December 8, 11:30-1 pm, in person at the Old Spaghetti Factory at 10425 Northeast Tanasbourne Dr. and via zoom

Come celebrate with our long-time Elections Analyst, Jim Moore, who is retiring. We will have a special lunch and hear reflections on his biggest takeaways regarding our local, state and national elections in the past and going forward. The room will open at 11:30 to order lunch. The presentation is at noon with what will be profound thoughts and questions about the future of our Government.

Then plan to join us on January 12 to hear from Washington County Commission Chair Kathryn Harrington on successes and challenges in the county. Learn more about the Washington County Public Affairs Forum here, including how to join.

Wyden Town Hall on the Environment

Friday, December 5, 3-4:15 pm via zoom, rsvp here

senator ron wyden

With the doom of the federal government shut down and ongoing federal threats against our environment, we need climate champions now more than ever. Senator Wyden has been a champion for clean energy tax credits, climate, and the environment. During OLCV’s Town Hall on the Environment with Senator Wyden, we’ll take questions about public lands, clean energy, climate, including Endangerment Finding, federal funding cuts to environmental programs and agencies, and other environmental issues. Use this form to sign up and submit your questions! Sponsored by the Oregon League of Conservation Voters. Zoom link provided after signing up.

TVF&R Offers Holiday Safety Tips

cut tree

It’s the holiday season and traditions abound. One tradition many families have is bringing a cut tree into their home and decorating it with twinkling lights and ornaments. Each year, these trees account for hundreds of fires across the nation. But keeping your tree healthy and green will help keep your holiday safe! Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue encourages you to choose a healthy tree that has been recently cut or to cut one down yourself. Below are some tips to keep your tree merry:

Right before placing the tree in its stand, cut about two inches from the base of the trunk. This helps the tree draw up water. Once the tree is in its stand, add water daily or as needed. Place the tree at least three feet from any heat source such as space heaters, fireplaces, heat vents, etc. Trees placed in a room where fireplaces and woodstoves are used will dry out much quicker and should be placed as far as possible from them. Make sure the tree doesn’t block an exit.

Use only decorative lights that have a label of a recognized testing laboratory and make sure the bulbs, strings, and connections are not damaged or broken. Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Check for dryness by running your hand down a branch; if the needles fall off, the tree is too dry and should be taken down and disposed of properly. Never burn a tree in your fireplace. The combination of dry branches, pitch, and tree oils can ignite within seconds, sending sparks and flames into the room.

Most communities in TVF&R’s service area have a recycling program where a dry tree can be disposed of properly. If your choice is an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” This does not guarantee the tree won’t catch fire, but it indicates the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

When it comes to brightening your home with twinkling lights, TVF&R offers the following tips: Only use UL-approved, low-heat lights. Always use outdoor lights outside and indoor lights inside. Never use light sets with broken sockets, frayed and/or cracked wires, or missing sockets. Any one of these problems may cause an electrical shock or a fire. Prior to using a light set, place it on a non-flammable surface and plug it in for 10 to 15 minutes to check for smoking or melting. Lights should only be used on fresh or fire-resistant plastic trees. Never use electric lights on a metal tree as the tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights and a person touching the tree could be electrocuted.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to exterior walls, trees, or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage. Do not use nails or tacks to hold light strings in place. Instead, use plastic light string holders or run your light strings through hooks. Only use outdoor-rated extension cords with outside lighting displays. Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights can short out and start a fire. For more fire and life safety tips, visit tvfr.com.

Ask WCSO – Secure Your Home this Holiday Season

Are you planning to travel this holiday season? If you are going to be away from home for an extended time, it’s important to avoid giving criminals any hints that your house is unoccupied.

Here are some precautionary measures to help ensure the safety of your home and belongings while you’re away. Ask a friend, trusted neighbor, or family member to monitor your home. Consider leaving them a key to stop by and ensure everything is in order. They can alert you if anything is off, like a broken window or an open door. Take care of mail deliveries. Ask someone to collect your mail, or place a vacation hold on it through the United States Postal Service website. Be sure to do the same for any scheduled package deliveries as well.

Make a plan for trash pickup. Ask a neighbor to put away your bins for you so they don’t stay on the curb for too long. It could be a sign that no one is home. Program your home with safety tools. A smart plug is a great way to control your lights with an app on your phone. Old-style mechanical timers work well, too. Alarm systems, video doorbells, and cameras are great tools as well. Limit content shared on social media. Consider waiting until you get home to share the details of your trip.

Stay safe this holiday season! 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 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.

Women’s Coffee (in person)

Wednesdays, December 3, 10, 17, 10-12 am, New Seasons Market Cedar Hills, 3495 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard, Beaverton, RSVP recommended

Online Age Café

Friday, December 5, 11-12 am. Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, Zoom, Registration required

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). Register on the library’s website for the Zoom link.

Viva Village Nature Walk

Saturday, December 6, 9:30 am. Trails at Dawson Creek Lake, 2850 NW Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro, behind the Hillsboro Brookwood Library, RSVP recommended

Park in the north lot of the library parking area. Enjoy a morning walk with Viva Village friends.

Online Viva Village 101

Saturday, December 13, 10-11:30 am, Zoom, Registration needed

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, December 22, 10-11:30 am, Market of Choice Cedar Mill (mezzanine), 250 NW Lost Springs Terrace in Timberland Town Center, RSVP recommended

Conversation and coffee.

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

Online Tai Chi Classes

Mondays, December 1, 8, 15, 10-10:45 am, Zoom, RSVP required

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

Online Mindful Meditation Classes

Mondays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 11-11:45 am, Zoom, RSVP required

Mindful Meditation sessions led by Martha McJacobs. RSVP for the Zoom link.

Fiber Crafts … Quilting, Crocheting, Knitting, Sewing.

Tuesday, December 2, 1-2 pm Third floor conference room, 4800 SW Griffith Drive, Beaverton, RSVP required

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

Living Solo Happy Hour

Thursday, December 4, 2 pm (note earlier start time), Murrayhill Taphouse, 14550 SW Murray Scholls Drive, Beaverton, RSVP appreciated

An afternoon of relaxed conversation with other Viva Village solos.

Dine Around/Thursday Evening: Special Combined Event for the Holidays

Thursday, December 4, 4:30pm, Oswego Grill, 3211 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard, Beaverton, RSVP required

Celebrate the holiday season with Viva Village friends. Space limited to 20 people. Register on our website or contact the office.

Viva Village Holiday Luncheon

Saturday, December 6, 11:30-1:30 pm, St. Bart’s Episcopal Church, 11265 SW Cabot Street, Beaverton

Celebrate the Holiday Season! Join Viva Village friends to enjoy a delicious catered lunch, beautiful decorations, festive holiday music, and door prizes! Space is limited, so the luncheon is open only to Viva Village members and volunteers. Wear your Viva Village name badge. Registration closed.

Life Stories

December 9, 2-3:30, Southminster Presbyterian Church, 12250 SW Denney Road, Beaverton, RSVP appreciated

Suellen Bergdorf will share three stories about her life.

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

Tuesdays, December 9 & 23, 7-9:30 pm, The Red Room, 4708 NW Bethany Boulevard, E-5, RSVP required

Join Viva Villagers for a night of excellent Italian food, drinks, and lively conversation in a unique speakeasy setting. Space limited to 5. Register on our website or contact the office.

Soup Lunch

Thursday, December 11, 2-3:30 pm, A private home, RSVP required.

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

Couples Happy Hour Holiday Potluck

Thursday, December 11, 4 pm

The potluck will be in a member’s home. Bring your favorite holiday appetizer to share. Your non-Viva Village spouse or partner is welcome! Register on our website or contact the office.

Holiday Candy-Making Party

December 15, 1-4 pm. Private home in Bethany area, RSVP required

Fun with making (and eating) chocolate candies of all varieties. Bring a filling of your choice. Take home the goodies to use as gifts or yummy treats to continue to eat. The cost is $5 for the chocolates and chocolate boxes. Space is limited to 5. Register on our website or contact the office.

Living Solo (in person)

Wednesday, December 17, 12-1:30 pm, 4800 SW Griffith Dr., third floor conference room, RSVP required

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

Online Living Solo

Thursday, December 18, 4-5:30 pm, Zoom, RSVP required

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