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Friends and Neighbors,
Virtual Community Conversation
Following the November Legislative Days (15th-17th), join me for a virtual Community Conversation on Saturday, November 20th from 10:00-11:00am. This is a great opportunity to ask your questions, share your concerns and listen to the conversation. Register to attend here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
COVID-19 Updates
From the Oregon Health Authority
Pediatric COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccines Will be Available Soon
(From yesterday) Today, a panel of medical and public health experts convened by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), voted 14 to 0 to recommend the pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 5 through 11. CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the recommendation.
The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, composed of health experts in Oregon, Washington, California and Nevada, will meet this evening to consider the recommendation. If approved, Governor Brown's office will announce the decision. As early as tomorrow, state health officials will issue standing orders that will allow providers to begin administering vaccinations to children 5 years and older as soon as supplies become available.
The Pfizer vaccine for this age group is a smaller dose (10 micrograms) than the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12+ (30 micrograms).
Vaccinations remain the most effective tool for slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Oregon is working to make pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine available through Oregon’s federally qualified health centers, local public health authorities, pharmacies, doctor’s offices and pediatric clinics. Pfizer is shipping the pediatric vaccine to each state in batches.
Oregon’s first batch arrived on Nov. 1, with additional shipments expected in the coming days. It may take a few weeks for vaccinators to be fully prepared to administer vaccinations.
Additional information to know:
- Pharmacies can now provide COVID-19 and flu vaccines to children age 3 and older. (The pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be authorized only for age 5 through 11.)
- Not all pharmacies may be able to offer these vaccines to younger children.
- Call your pharmacy to ask if they will be providing COVID-19 and flu vaccines for younger children.
- If you have Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage, make sure your pharmacy accepts OHP coverage.
If you are currently uninsured, you can apply for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) at any time of the year. To apply online, go to ONE.Oregon.gov to create an account. You can learn more about OHP, here.
To learn more, read Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) news release about the CDC recommendations and anticipated pediatric vaccine availability in Oregon.
Call your provider or visit Get Vaccinated Oregon to find a vaccine location near you with pediatric doses available.
Read the complete story at, Oregon Vaccine News.
Find a COVID-19 Vaccine in Washington County
From Washington County Health & Human Services
Washington County's Mobile Vaccine Team: Our mobile team is traveling the county to make it easier for you to get the vaccine close to where you live, shop, work or hang out. Our priority is first and second doses for those who have not been vaccinated. Starting on November 2, we will also provide booster doses. Other options for boosters include your pharmacy or health care provider. Find mobile vaccine schedule here.
Local pharmacies:
Beaverton Resource Center: This Friday drive-thru clinic is located across the street from the Beaverton Resource Center on Walker Road (look for tents and banners) and will extend into December. You can drive up or visit Project Access Now's website to make an appointment or find out what vaccines are available.
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Centers: All vaccination events are open to the community, do not require an appointment, and do not require you to be a Virginia Garcia patient. You do not have to have insurance in order to receive a vaccine. If you have insurance, please bring your card with you. Remember, vaccines are free!
Still have questions or need language assistance? Call our HelpLine at 1-833-907-3520.
Claim Your Child Tax Credit-Upcoming Deadline
Families of over 60 million children are already receiving the Child Tax Credit - $3,600 annually for children under 6 and $3,000 for kids between 6 and 17 – but families who haven’t signed up and earn too little to have to file taxes are missing out. These families must sign up by November 15 to get payments this year.
Between now and November 15, families can go to GetCTC.org, an easy to use tool to sign-up for the Child Tax Credit for families who aren’t required to file taxes. This tool, created by Code for America, in collaboration with the White House and Treasury, is in English and Spanish and is mobile friendly, and most families can complete it within about 15 minutes. But families need to know about the tool if they’re going to use it. Please share those you know that may qualify.
Out and About - Working for House District 30
Last month was busy with many opportunities for me to listen and learn from businesses in House District 30 and beyond. I value being able to hear from community members and business owners and see the work they do and learn of their successes and challenges and how legislation will impact their business. If you have a business or community organization you would like me to come visit, reach out to my office at (503) 986-1430 or rep.janeensollman@oregonlegislature.gov.
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA): Stoneboat Farm
Community-supported agriculture is a great way for communities to interact and support their local farms. CSAs have members that sign up and purchase a share of the farm's produce that they can enjoy and consume during that farm's season. Last month, I had a great visit to a House District 30 CSA, Stoneboat Farm. When I visited, it was their weekly CSA pick-up time and the place was hopping! Aaron was an awesome host for showing me the pride he has for working the land and supplying healthy food to locals. He shared with me the hurdles of family farming in today's world.
Reduce, Reuse then Recycle
Last week I visited a company in Oregon that puts the Reduce Reuse Recycle model to good use, helping to divert packaging or product from the landfill. Thank you to Representative Tawna Sanchez for inviting me to tour Ridwell recycling plant. It was mind-blowing and awesome. As a certified Metro Master Recycler, I got geeky. Their specialty item they collected this particular week was crayons. They collect broken crayons and donate to a company that separates the broken crayons, melts them down, makes new crayons and donates them to children's hospitals. They also take a wide variety of things that would otherwise end up in landfills, from lightbulbs to old rubber boots to clothing not suitable for resale, but good for a local company that makes rags. I was thrilled to see the process in action.
Eshragi Nurseries
Last week I also visited Eshraghi Nurseries, just south of Hillsboro, with several of my colleagues. It was beautiful to walk among the 25+ million plants and Christmas Wreath magic happening. I really appreciated hearing the grower perspective and talking with the workers. It was a great day to put the boots on and enjoy Oregon's agricultural bounty.
Community Outreach
Celebrate Diwali: The Festival of Lights
From "What Is Diwali? The History Behind the Important Holiday" by Goodhousekeeping.com
"For people of Indian descent across that country and the world, Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals, according to The Hindu American Foundation. The festival, whose name comes from the Sanskrit word dipavali, meaning “row of lights,” serves as a beacon of brightness every year, celebrating the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It’s a time to gather with friends and family and bask in the light of each other’s company, while preparing for a fruitful year ahead.
This year, the third day of Diwali, often the most prominent celebration, falls on Nov. 4, 2021."
Read the full article and learn more about the traditions, celebrations and customs of Diwali.
November 10 - Statewide Veterans Day Celebration
From the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
ODVA will honor all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during the 2021 Statewide Veterans Day Celebration — which will return to an outdoor and in-person format this year, within public health guidelines.
This year’s event will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10 — the day before Veterans Day at the Oregon State Capitol Park.
Find more information and details here. The event will also be streaming live here.
4th Annual Fiesta de Tamales
Order your tamales by Friday, November 12th!! Pick-up your tamale order on Saturday, November 20th between 12:00pm and 3:00pm at:
M&M Marketplace
346 SW Walnut St
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Drive-thru pick-up in parking lot. Find more information and order form here.
Additional Resources
House District 30 Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
I’ll be volunteering at the Fall Shred Event at the Hillsboro School District office on Saturday. You safely and securely dispose your paperwork and protect your information, while giving a donation to the Hillsboro Schools Foundation ($5 suggested donation). It is a win-win event. See you there!
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-487, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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