The Advisory Newsletter

January/February 2023

New year, new look

Happy New Year! We thought the new year would be a great time to refresh our e-newsletter. We hope you like the new look!

Veteran events and news

Painting class for LGBTQ+ veterans

LGBTQ+ veterans can learn to paint with a professional artist this spring. Classes will be held Thursdays from March 23 through April 27, 6-8:30 p.m. in downtown Hillsboro. At the end of the free series, Washington County Veteran Services will host an artists’ reception and gallery showing to celebrate Pride. Email Wendy Socha or call 503-846-3078 for information. Attendance is limited to 12 people. Sponsored by Washington County Veteran Services, Oregon Society of Artists and The Walters Cultural Arts Center.

Women veterans invited to share their stories

In honor of the 75th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Service Integration Act (enacted 6/12/1948), Washington County women veterans are invited to share their stories in a video series being created by Washington County Veteran Services. To learn more or to participate in the four-part series of conversations that will air on TVCTV and YouTube during June, email Paul Riggs or call 503-846-3057.

Participants needed for Veterans History Project

The Veterans History Project was created by Congress to collect and preserve first-person narratives from U.S. military veterans so that future generations may hear their stories directly from veterans and better understand the realities of military service. Veterans and families are invited to share their stories! Washington County Veteran Services can help you both record your veteran story as well as submit your items to the project. Email Wendy Socha or call 503-846-3078 for information.

Read more about history project

Women Veterans Conference this May

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) has announced that the Oregon Women Veterans Conference will return as an in-person event in 2023, celebrating 25 years of recognizing women veterans of all eras of military service from every corner of the state. The theme of the conference is “Stronger Together: Voices of Service.” The free two-day conference will take place May 20-21 at the Salem Convention Center. Hosted by ODVA since 1998, this biennial event has celebrated the contributions, diversity and strength of Oregon’s women veteran community. It is the largest gathering of women veterans from every era of service in the state.

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More than 80 veterans receive assistance at Stand Down

Thank you to everyone who participated at the Veterans Stand Down on October 28. More than 80 veterans attended the event, receiving services from 47 registered service providers. They also had access to a job fair, haircuts, foot care services, vaccinations, other medical screenings, and surplus gear and warm clothing. Planning for the 2023 Stand Down begins in March. For more information, or to volunteer or support this event, email Sean Files or call 503-846-3047.

Helpful information for older adults

Fair Housing Guide available

At some point in their lives, many older adults move into housing with services attached, such as continuing care communities, assisted living facilities, adult foster care homes, board and care facilities, and residential or skilled care facilities. All these types of housing fall under federal, state and local fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination based on many protected classes including race, national origin and disability. Learn more in Fair Housing: A Guide for Senior Communities.

Prevent falls during winter weather

Winter has arrived, and along with it comes wet and sometimes icy pathways, sidewalks and streets. One in four older adults falls every year, so it’s a good time to learn how to prevent falls from happening.

  • Wear appropriate footwear, such as slip-resistant shoes or boots with a treaded sole.
  • Take your time. Remember this rhyme: Take it slow when there’s rain and snow.
  • Use a backpack instead of a bag. Keeping our hands free helps us to keep our balance and gives us a chance to grab ahold of our surroundings for support if we begin to slip.
  • Look down for slippery floors. As we go indoors, we can track snow and water onto the floor. Remember to glance downward, wipe your feet and step carefully as you enter a building.
  • Use extra caution getting in and out of vehicles. Before you step out, tap the pavement with your foot to check if it’s slippery. Hold on to the car for support as you get in and out.
  • Consider using walking sticks, a cane or a walker. While we may not need them all the time, it can be a good idea to bring walking aids with us when we venture outside during the winter. 
Learn more about fall prevention

In case you missed it: caregiving conference, loneliness summit and Medicare enrollment

Family caregivers inspired by workshop presentations

For the 19th annual Family Caregiver Conference, we held five events throughout November and received wonderful feedback from our community. As one caregiver expressed, “It was a really good workshop. [Scott Rose] was an inspiring presenter and I learned about how I can find the joy in caregiving.” Watch our website for details about the 2023 conference.

A few key takeaways from annual loneliness summit

On December 8, Washington County Older Adult Behavioral collaborated with partners across the state to hold the 3rd annual Loneliness Summit with 150 service providers, loneliness experts and community members. Here are some of the highlights:

  • From Dr. Ruth Zuniga’s keynote, Sabiduria y Honora: Cultural Considerations and perspectives to support Latinx older adults: Latinx older adults are more likely to live in an intergenerational home environment but are also more likely to be isolated from peers due to cultural and language barriers, especially if they’ve experienced a recent move.
  • From the Male Experience of Loneliness Panel: Men can experience unique challenges when it comes to loneliness, including limited bonding opportunities with other men, stigma around mental health issues and discussing feelings, and a cultural expectation to be tough and self-sufficient.
  • From The Resource Break: National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults (engAGED) is a national effort to increase the social engagement of older adults. Visit their website for more resources, training and information.

SHIBA volunteers help hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries

The seven-week open enrollment period for Medicare ended December 7. Washington County SHIBA’s 10 active volunteers (pictured below) spent 236 hours helping 301 beneficiaries with their coverage during this time. Thank you! For those beneficiaries who have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can still switch Advantage Plans in the early new year if you need to. Call 503-846-3094 to leave a message for a SHIBA volunteer if you need assistance.

Many thanks to our amazing SHIBA volunteers!

Next AVSAC meeting details

Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council (AVSAC) meeting

Thursday, January 19, 9-11 a.m.

In person at 5240 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 300 in Hillsboro

Or join via Zoom

Meeting ID: 882 7128 6596

Passcode: 974484


We welcome guests and invite public comment on the issues facing older adults and veterans in our community.

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