Library Foundation Supports Learners

Wayne Welch
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Library Foundation Supports Learners

Emma was so excited to visit the Tualatin Public Library. Just a couple of days before starting school, Emma had completed the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program. She was all smiles as she picked out her free book and added her name to the 1000 Books tree on the Children’s Room bulletin board.

Emma is one of 60 Tualatin children who have reached their 1000 book goal since the program started at Tualatin Library two years ago. Designed to encourage parents to read regularly to their young children, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is one of several youth reading programs supported by donations from the Tualatin Library Foundation.

The nonprofit Tualatin Library Foundation was established in 2008 to help the Tualatin Library expand its innovation and outreach to the community through private support. It is often only through private gifts that innovative new programs and services – such as 1000 Books Before Kindergarten – can be offered by the Tualatin Library to meet the community’s changing needs.

When families sign up for 1000 Books, they receive a free book bag and get to select a free book to take home. As families read books together, they track their reading on a log, which they can trade in for more free books and other prizes.

Britany, a parent to two young boys, said that the 1000 Books program has brought a new level of enjoyment when it comes to reading. “Participating in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten encourages us to visit the library frequently, where my boys learn how to find and check out books, learn how to properly care for and handle books, and helps instill a love for books and reading,” she said.

The single most important activity to prepare a child for a life of learning is to read with them every day. Christine said 1000 Books helped remind her and her daughter to do just that. “We have continued this habit since completing the program,” she said. “Thanks for offering such a great program for our kiddos.”

The Tualatin Library Foundation’s support helps give children the tools to become successful readers and students. Another program sponsored through the Library Foundation is the Oregon Battle of the Books, or OBOB. OBOB is a statewide voluntary reading program in which students are encouraged to read a set of books then compete as teams in a tournament where they answer questions about the books. Through its partnership with Tualatin Library, the Foundation has donated more than 2,000 books to Tualatin’s elementary and middle schools to support the program.

“When we first started OBOB six years ago at Tualatin Elementary, I only had a couple hundred dollars to buy books, program materials, and register our team for regionals. We weren’t able to fully participate in the program, and I wondered if I should even continue on with it the next year,” said Library Media Assistant Kathleen Cunnington. “The Tualatin Library Foundation saved our OBOB program and brought life to our school library.

“Teachers really embraced the program because they saw how it encouraged reading books of different genres. When students visit the library each week they race to the OBOB section. The OBOB books are the highest circulated books at our school library.”

Whether it is young children developing reading skills or discovering the worlds of science and new technologies, the Tualatin Library is the place for learning. Supporting learners is the primary focus for the Tualatin Library Foundation.

One of Tualatin Library’s goals is to provide equal access to learning opportunities. About 1/3 of Tualatin’s families earn less than a living wage. Children in these families often have reduced access to technology and books, which keeps them from being on a level playing field with their peers. By increasing access to reading and technology, the Tualatin Library is giving students a path out of poverty.

Tualatin Library has been doing innovative work in providing Tualatin’s youth access to science and technology learning tools. The Tualatin Library Foundation wants to help the Library build on its successes and create a classroom within the library where all ages will be invited to create, invent, and learn. Design work for this project will get underway this fall. Gifts to the Tualatin Library Foundation, large and small, can help make this transformation possible.

Tualatin is home to a much-loved library. You can help create positive connections between Tualatin’s children and the Tualatin Public Library through your financial gift. Any amount helps, and all gifts are welcome. Through our website, www.tualatinlibraryfoundation.org, you can make a one-time contribution or sign up for our repeat donor program by giving $5 or $10 per month.

The Library Foundation is also looking to expand our board of directors. If you have experience with fundraising and development or marketing, a passion for libraries, and want an impactful way to give back to the community, consider joining us. Contact us at info@tualatinlibraryfoundation.org.

An Amazing Race!

Tualatin Life
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An Amazing Race!

The 11th Annual Regatta Run could not happen without the wonderful support from the Tualatin Community. We want to thank the 480 people who registered and the 361 who participated in the run this year.

We also want to thank our sponsors- Title Sponsor Integrity Staffing, Platinum Sponsors Therapeutic Associates, Go To The Zone Wellness, The Old Spaghetti Factory, American Heroes Coffee Company, JAE, C & C Trucking, Beebe Chiropractic, and Kadmark, Gold Sponsors Tualatin Life, Wilsonville Honda, Tualatin Auto Body, Firehouse Subs, VFW Post 3452 and the Auxiliary, Attorney Robbert E. Kellogg, Cross Financial Management, Freeze Frame Photography, Silver Sponsors Century Hotel & Hayden’s, Tualatin Chamber of Commerce, Easy Power, Sports Medicine Oregon, Road Runner Sports, Bellagios Pizza, Fred Meyer, Tualatin Soccer Club, Bullwinkles, Cascade Coil, Gunnar Olson State Farm and Kershaw Knives. We couldn’t do this without all of you.

We would also like to acknowledge the various Tualatin High School groups who helped out this year: FBLA, for building the balloon arch, Crimsonnaires for singing the National Anthem, HOSA for manning the water station, the Cheerleaders, Volleyball and Cross Country Teams for manning the course and other volunteers who help out on Race Packet Pick-up and on Race Day with Registration.

Special thanks to art teacher Brenna White and student Trevor Hebert for designing this year’s Regatta Run T-shirt! The Timberwolf Support Organization has also provided the accounting for the run and the scholarship fund at no charge so that more money can go to kids, and the TuHS Tees & Prints print our Sponsor banner for race day.

We also want to acknowledge the Marine Cadets who help with set up, take down, and put on the Iwo Jima tribute and present the colors, followed by the leading of the Pledge of Allegiance by Dale Potts. A shout-out to United Site Services for donating the portable restrooms again this year! We’d also like to thank Bonnie Kiltow for making the quilt this year that we auctioned off. We made $586.00, which will be donated to the Semper Fi Fund, an organization that supports wounded Marines and their families.

Last, but certainly not least, the City of Tualatin is instrumental in providing the shelter and basketball court, barricades, picnic tables, open restrooms, and waiving the permit fee for the event. It takes all of us working together to put on this awesome family-friendly community event. Thank you!

Honoring and remembering Corporal Matthew is at the heart of this run, and we also want to honor ALL Servicemen and Servicewomen-they deserve our compassion, respect, and gratitude for all they have done for our country.

100% of the net proceeds from this year’s Regatta Run go into the Cpl. Matthew Lembke Memorial Scholarship Fund. Next spring, the proceeds will be awarded in the form of college scholarships to deserving TUHS seniors who apply. The criteria for the scholarships are honor, courage, commitment, and service to others. Applications will be available to seniors on Naviance after the start of the year. Recipients are notified in late April/ early May.

Thank you for supporting this wonderful community event and the Cpl. Matthew Lembke Memorial Scholarship Fund!

~Your Regatta Run Event Team: Dale, Claudia, and Carolyn Lembke; Kathy Hollamon, Debbie Dehler, and Celia Perkins.

Council Corner: What’s the Buzz? Bee City Certification Blooms in Tualatin

Bridget Brooks
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Council Corner: What’s the Buzz? Bee City Certification Blooms in Tualatin

Many in our city are buzzing with excitement over Tualatin becoming a certified Bee City.  What is a Bee City USA Affiliate? At first glance, our new status as a Bee City USA Affiliate seems like a straightforward question. But the answer isn’t simple or one-dimensional. It reveals a highly organized effort to foster a multi-faceted solution to a variety of dire problems impacting bees and other pollinators in the US.

Bee City USA Affiliate, Council Corner, Bridget BrooksDifferences emerge when we think about bees. One may imagine sweet honey or my childhood favorite, baklava. Others might think of fragrant lavender or other flowers. For others, it’s getting stung! We celebrate them with jewelry and clothing. Beeswax candles purify the air.

Most importantly, they are pollinators. According to the Xerces Society, “one in three bites of food we eat is courtesy of insect pollination, and 90% of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators to reproduce.” The gifts we get from bees are invaluable and fundamental to our survival!

Bee City USA Affiliate, Council Corner, Bridget BrooksFortunately, experts are working toward solutions. Xerces developed the Bee City USA program to reverse the threat to pollinators. By becoming a Certified Bee City, we are committed to creating sustainable habitats for pollinators.  “Becoming a Certified Bee City is a key step in our path to becoming a more sustainable city,” said Ross Hoover, Tualatin’s Parks Director, who manages the Tualatin City side of the affiliation.

I am grateful to our Tualatin City Staff as well as the City Council, who passed the initiative unanimously. In our 2030 Council Vision, we assert that we are an “Environmentally active and responsible community that values and protects our natural resources.” By becoming a pollinator-friendly community, we will create healthier ecosystems and improved crop yields. This is an outline that residents and businesses alike can utilize as a model to contribute to our success and commitment to the health and wellbeing of everyone.

Bridget Brooks 503-360-2835 Bbrooks@tualatin.gov

Tualatin High School Welcomes New School-Based Health Center Partner

Tualatin Life
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Tualatin High School Welcomes New School-Based Health Center Partner

Tigard-Tualatin School District Superintendent Sue Rieke-Smith announced last month that Neighborhood Health Center (NHC) will replace Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center (VGMHC) as the service provider for the School-Based Health Clinic (SBHC). Virginia Garcia will continue to be the SBHC service provider at Tigard High School.

VGMHC, who opened its first student health center in partnership with TTSD in 2007, has consolidated its school-based health services to Tigard High School. Previously the sole service provider for TTSD, VGMHC transitioned out of the Tualatin High School health clinic, which opened in May of 2015.

Working in tandem with the Washington County Department of Health and Human Services, TTSD is pleased to announce they have formalized a partnership with NHC to assume the delivery of health services at the district’s TuHS School-based health center. NHC will operate from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

“The inclusive delivery of health services to our students and families is a top priority,” said Superintendent Rieke-Smith. “We are very happy to introduce NHC to the Tualatin community. They have a strong reputation dedicated to serving diverse populations and a spirit of partnership that will complement our work dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our students at TuHS. We thank VGMHC for their 12 years and counting delivering health services to TTSD students and families. We look forward to supporting their continued work at THS. With the addition of NHC, we are certain we have a solid foundation of medical and mental health supports.”

For more information on Neighborhood Health Center, visit NHCOregon.org.

The Naturopathic Revolution

Dr. Wendy Rogers
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The Naturopathic Revolution

The Naturopathic Revolution. I did not coin the phrase, hearing it for the first time last month at a conference filled with incredible colleagues. This phrase helped remind me of why the medicine I’ve chosen to practice is so important and to think about what this “revolution” means to me. So while I’m riding the wave of inspiration, I thought I would share some of my thoughts and dreams.

#1: Everyone should know of AND have access to naturopathic medicine as part of managing their health care.

This does not mean naturopathic medicine is or should be the only answer to health care. I respect and am grateful for my conventional colleagues for their knowledge and expertise.

In 2013, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating a week in October as Naturopathic Medicine Week. Fast forward six years, and there are still many, even in the Portland area where we have a naturopathic medical school, that have no idea naturopathic doctors exist or what kind of medicine we practice. So here are the basics:

A licensed naturopathic doctor is educated through a full-time, doctoral-level program in a federally accredited naturopathic medical school. The training includes two years of basic sciences and two years of clinical sciences for a total of 4100 hours, 1200 of which are clinical training. Our first two years of science training are virtually identical to any other doctor. The “swerve” comes in the next two years, where we learn about all of the options for our “toolbox” from diet, nutrition and herbs to name a few. N.D. graduates must pass national board exams in order to be state-licensed. Here in Oregon, we are licensed as primary care providers, which includes the ability to prescribe medications when deemed necessary. Each year we complete multiple hours of continuing education, of which several of these hours are based on pharmacy in order to maintain our license. Our practice methods, like any other doctor, include performing clinical history, physical exams, ordering labs and diagnostic imaging when needed, referrals and/or co-management with other medical providers.

One of many reasons our medicine is unique is the set of philosophical principals that form the basic structure of how we manage health care, no matter how different our individual practices might be.

These principals are:

  1. First Do No Harmnatu
  2. The Healing Power of Nature
  3. Treat the Whole Person
  4. Identify and Treat the Cause
  5. Doctor as Teacher
  6. Prevention

Our visits focus on spending time with our patients, getting to know and understand not only their health complaints but the patient themselves. We then use education, lifestyle changes, diet, herbs, nutrients and, if necessary, medication to begin the process of either returning to a place of health or even better, staying healthy!

Access remains a problem and is a topic in and of itself. Briefly, some insurance companies do not offer coverage for naturopathic medicine and licensing is not yet available in all states. And then with insurance companies that provide coverage, the reimbursement rates are frequently so low it’s difficult for providers to accept insurance AND make a living wage. My obvious dream would be for anyone wanting to utilize naturopathic medicine to have the ability to do so.

#2: Naturopathic medicine can save the world.

This was also discussed at my conference. It’s big and bold and I believe it in my heart of hearts. Chronic disease is a worldwide health epidemic. Per the CDC, in the United States alone, 90% of the 3 TRILLION dollars spent EACH year on health care are used to manage chronic diseases and mental health.

Naturopathic medicine shines with our focus on prevention and when chronic disease exists, doing our best to determine the “why” so that individuals have the possibility of resolving their health issues vs. simply trying to “maintain” via medication.

If everyone embraced the importance of diet and basic nutrition in the prevention and treatment of diseases, just think how much healthier we all would be as a general rule. If everyone realized how important access to good quality, real food is then we would insist upon it instead of accepting processed food as the standard norm. Many chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are preventable with education and access to better choices.

You can be a part of this revolution by talking to your legislators about access to the healthcare you need and want. You can use your voice by choosing real food, supporting your local farmers and opting out of fast, convenient “food” whenever possible. The doctors at True Health Medicine are always here to help you learn more!

Rotary Furnishes a Home For All Seasons

Tualatin Life
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Rotary Furnishes a Home For All Seasons

Blink and the holiday season will be here. It is the time when most people focus on their home and family to plan celebrations and gatherings. But what if you had no home. 

Over two hundred school-aged children in the Tigard-Tualatin School District are homeless. Their families live with many insecurities. They may not have a plan for a place to sleep, food to eat or clothes to wear. In sharp contrast to their neighbors, living without a home becomes a burden too great to conquer.

Family Promise is a non-profit organization that reaches out to serve homeless families.  Thanks to a network of religious and civic organizations, Family Promise is able to provide safe sleeping spaces, meals and resources to families in transition. It is a long-held belief that if a child can remain in their school, maintain their routine and participate in their community; their family has a better chance for success. The Tualatin Rotary Club looks for opportunities to support underserved youth. Partnering with Family Promise was a necessary decision.

Once a local family has been identified as homeless, they are given the opportunity to enroll in the Family Promise program. For a period of fourteen or more weeks, they will have shelter in a local church. Their children will be enrolled and transported to school and the parents will be given resources to attain and maintain new living quarters. Networking services are provided to help the parents with job opportunities and career advancement through additional schooling.

Family Promise of Tualatin Valley saw a missing piece in their service plan. They needed a day shelter. The families had a secure sleeping arrangement but no home during the day. Through extensive work and volunteer stamina, the community secured a house in Tualatin and began a major remodel. Rotary Club became the furnishing component. When the home was complete, Tualatin’s Rotary Club donated twenty-five thousand dollars to furnish each room. Families now have a place to shower and do laundry. They have a preschool room for children too young for school. There are napping spaces for infants and toddlers. Homework tables are ready for students when they return from a day of instruction. Parents have computer centers to research job opportunities and educational advancements. The day shelter is home. It is a happy place where families can connect and grow.

The Tualatin Rotary is a small club with fifty members from this community. Raising funds for projects like the day shelter takes work, time and treasure. Rotary members are constantly working behind the scenes to make this neighborhood a better place for children and families. Support for Rotary’s “giving” comes from its membership and also from anyone in the community who is willing to join with the club and donate to its events and fundraisers.

This holiday season, our neighbors will have more to cheer about. Thanks to an organization like Family Promise and the generosity of The Tualatin Rotary Club, children and their parents have a homelike place to gather and celebrate their journey towards a sustainable home of their own.

2020 Health Insurance

Cydni Klauss
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2020 Health Insurance

As in prior years, Open Enrollment for the purchase of individual health insurance is Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. For those of you who buy your own health insurance through healthcare.gov or directly from insurance companies, this is likely the only opportunity for you to buy an Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) qualified health plan. Special Enrollment Periods will still be around for people who lose coverage due to life-changing events such as job loss or moving out of the service area of the insurance carrier. Please note that you will not be able to enroll in a qualified insurance plan after open enrollment unless you first lose coverage and enroll within 60 days of the event.

Premium increases are generally lower than we’ve seen in prior years – in fact, one carrier’s average price is decreasing for 2020. Average premium changes from 2019 to 2020 for plans offered on the individual market range from -3.2% to 5.7%. You should also note that the increases are AVERAGE so some plans will have higher than the average increases. And, don’t be fooled – with premium reductions or low increases, plan benefits may be reduced, and you’ll be paying the about the same for less coverage.

Helpful Hints

  1. Many insurance carriers are now offering telemedicine and express care options at low or no cost for the treatment of minor ailments. Be sure to review what your plan offers before you get sick or injured so you know when and how to seek telemedicine and express care options.
  2. Stay in-network. Most individual plans offer in-network coverage only – except in the case of an emergency. If you go to an out-of-network provider in a non-emergency situation, you’ll likely pay the full cost of that service.
  3. Establish your primary care doctor before you get sick. Often it takes 6 weeks on longer to get an appointment with a new primary care doctor and if you need to see a provider quickly, you may need to seek treatment at the more expensive urgent care co-pay. Once you’re established with your primary care doctor, you can usually get an appointment more quickly, often within a couple of days.
  4. Review the benefits your plan offers. Many of the carriers offer discounts and benefits not included in the summaries you look at when you’re choosing your plan.

Short Term Medical (STM) Plans

Do a quick internet search for health insurance, and you’ll find plenty of ads for plans that cost $59 or less per month. Be careful – these prices are usually for short-term medical plans. Deceptive marketing can make finding coverage harder, and STM plans could leave you on the hook for potentially ruinous medical bills.

Even though short term medical (STM) plans are approved for up to 364 days Federally, the State of Oregon has opted to leave the term for STM plans at 30 to 90 days, including renewals.

STM plans work well for their intended purpose to bridge coverage gaps when changing insurance. Remember that STM plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. Use of an STM plan for an accident or illness may be cited as a pre-existing condition when you apply for another temporary policy – and that could result in denial of claims.

In Conclusion

Remember, agents and brokers are available to you at no cost. As always, my goal is to help you stay healthy, wealthy, & wise, so please give me a call to schedule a time to review your health insurance options. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sam Keator and Anne Doherty recognized by the City of Tualatin

Tualatin Life
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Sam Keator and Anne Doherty recognized by the City of Tualatin

Sam Keator and his wife Anne Doherty, S&A Irish Entertainment and also members of Winona Grange #271, received the City of Tualatin, Community Enhancement Award for artistic contributions to the cultural events the City of Tualatin and the Winona Grange.

Tualatin Arts Advisory Committee of the Parks and Recreation Department identifies award candidates and makes recommendations to the City Council for their selection. The Community Enhancement Award recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to significant art endeavors and experiences within the Tualatin community.  S&A Irish Entertainment (Sam and Anne) who give Irish Dance lessons and performances at the Winona Grange hall were one of two honored. The other was Trimet for the “Coho Commute” Sculptures at the Mohawk Street park and ride.

S&A Irish Entertainment was established in 2007 with performances. It has expanded to include a variety of cultural opportunities including concerts, classes, Ceilis (Irish dances) and Irish music jam sessions. It encourages community participation in dance, performances and social engagement.

More info on what is planned for the community, go to www.IrishPDX.com.

Caitlyn Quwenikov Joins the Tualatin Chamber of Commerce as Business Developer

Tualatin Life
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Caitlyn Quwenikov Joins the Tualatin Chamber of Commerce as Business Developer

The Tualatin Chamber of Commerce announces a new hire as the organization’s Business Developer.

Chamber of CommerceCaitlyn brings to the Chamber, 15 years of professional sales and customer service experience. As the past store manager of Road Runner Sports, she also has twelve years of management experience, including performance development, operations management and grassroots marketing coordination. Her proven ability to work in unison with staff, clientele, management and teams, along with her experience in both sales and management, give her a unique understanding of what it takes for businesses to succeed.

Caitlyn says, “I’m excited to be a part of the Tualatin Chamber and look forward to working with area businesses in support of their growth and success.”

Please join me in welcoming Caitlyn Quwenikov to our team. You can reach Caitlyn by calling the Chamber office #: (503) 692-0780 or her email: Caitlyn@tualatinchamber.com.

Aging in Place: Aging in Community

Susan Noack
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Aging in Place: Aging in Community

Last month’s column spoke of living in a community, being good neighbors, and of seniors aging in place and not feeling isolated, without social interaction, meaning and purpose. So instead of ‘Aging in Place’ this month, this column is about Aging in Community. Aging is a team sport – we are all doing it – so let’s do it together. How about “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Stay Neighbors.” It really does take a whole community to watch over each other and share with each other.

Of course, there are a variety of resources available to help and support seniors. Our Tualatin city government, Council and Staff, work diligently to improve our housing and transportation needs, keep our parks safe and accessible, our streets safe. We have the Juanita Pohl Senior Center, Ride Connection, a wonderful library, access to medical care, a variety of local businesses for shopping, entertainment opportunities. With all of that, it’s still the community that makes it work. That means all of us, being involved, engaged and helping each other.

There is a movement afoot called Villages NW, a non-profit run by and for people 60+. Its mission is to support people who choose to age in their own homes and communities and to promote better health, foster an active lifestyle and fight social isolation among the ever-growing 60+ demographic. The underlying concept is certainly not new – in some form, we have been taking care of each other forever, just not always in a larger, overarching group that offers support and helps create better ways to age in your community.

This movement could reduce medical costs, help seniors get the most out of life and offer concrete ways to stay in our homes and communities as we age. It’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Stay Neighbors.” It’s providing services and volunteer opportunities that help seniors stay in their homes as long as they want. Whether it’s changing a light bulb, unclogging the sink, a ride to the doctor or grocery store, volunteers give of their time and skill set to help out their neighbors.  There are 11 villages in the metro area: 4 in Portland, and seven more in Oregon City, Milwaukie, Forest Grove, Vancouver, Beaverton, Lake Oswego/West Linn and Manzanita. Now there is one coming to the Tigard/King City/Tualatin area – TiKiTu.

Terry Hall, a gentleman from California, decided that Oregon was where he wanted to retire and the King City/Tigard area was where he wanted to live. Upon moving here, he saw a need and is now working to fulfill that need by starting a new chapter of Villages NW here. There will be an information meeting to learn more about TiKiTu on Monday, Nov. 18, 2:00 p.m., at the Juanita Pohl Center, 8513 SW Tualatin Road in Community Park. Everyone is invited to this meeting to learn about TiKiTu Village, how to become a member, volunteer or help the core committee build this program.

For more information on Villages NW, visit their website at www.villagesnw.org.

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