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Friends and Neighbors,
 Photos by Hillsboro Fire & Rescue
Community Support for those Affected by New Year's Weekend Fires in Hillsboro
One of the things I have always valued about representing House District 30 is the deep-sense of community and the way we all come together to support and uplift each other through good times and bad. Over the New Year's Day weekend, there were two devastating fires in Hillsboro, with loss of homes and businesses. Please read below, from the City of Hillsboro, on how you can share in that community spirit and help those affected. Now, more than ever, it is our time for us to come together and help our community through this painful time. It is time for us to respond, help rebuild and recover from the trauma.
From the City of Hillsboro
Hillsboro community organizations are working collaboratively to provide resources, support, and assistance to all affected by two devastating fires in Hillsboro on New Year’s Day Weekend.
Here are 5 ways you can help: https://hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/13329
In response to the fires, Hillsboro Community Foundation, Hillsboro Downtown Partnership (HDP), Washington County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Hillsboro, and others are working together to help – and the community response has been overwhelming to date. Thank you to all who have reached out to ask how you can help those affected by the fires.
5 Ways You Can Help
The Hillsboro Community Foundation has set up the Hillsboro Community Relief Fund to provide resources directly to those in desperate need. Donations can be made online and are tax deductible. http://www.hillsborocommunityfoundation.org/fire-relief.html
Marcus Harvey, the owner of Portland Gear, has designed “Heart for Hillsboro” shirts and sweatshirts. Proceeds from the sale of these products will go toward the Hillsboro Community Foundation Relief Fund above. https://portlandgear.com/collections/heart-for-hillsboro
Insomnia Coffee is accepting donations of gift cards for essential items, such as gas and groceries, that will go directly to those displaced by the fires. Please drop off gift cards at the Downtown Hillsboro Insomnia location at 137 East Main Street.
The Hillsboro Downtown Partnership is compiling a list of immediate needs for those affected and displaced by the fires. The list will be posted on the HDP Facebook page in the coming days. https://www.facebook.com/DwtnHillsboro/
Other fundraisers are being planned throughout the community and will be announced through the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership. Be cautious of non-sanctioned fundraisers.
A Communitywide Approach
"What happens to our neighbors affects all of us, and we are in this together to help them recover," said Mayor Steve Callaway . "However you choose to support our friends and community members in need, you'll know it's the right thing for you and for them."
“It will take time for our community to recover, but it is imperative that we act now to assist the individuals and businesses impacted by the fires,” said Deanna Palm, President and CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. “There are immediate, urgent needs at this time, and our entire community must come together to help those displaced.”
The Hillsboro Downtown Partnership, Washington County Chamber, and the City of Hillsboro will continue to share information on ways to help via their respective social media channels and websites.
“We encourage those in Hillsboro and beyond to consider making donations to these efforts,” said E.J. Payne, Director of the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership. “A little bit of help goes a long way. Contributions of any amount will immediately help those impacted to rebuild and recover.”
Virtual 3rd Listen and Learn Event with Local District Leaders
Join me and other elected officials from the Hillsboro area, within House District 30, to share your thoughts, concerns and questions. It’s an opportunity to learn more about each of these government entities. We will start the meeting in one, main virtual room together and then rotate through breakout rooms to have more in-depth conversations with the different levels of government. I will be joined by members from Hillsboro School Board, Hillsboro City Council, PCC Board, Washington County Board of Commissioners and Metro. We will share the list of participants once the list is finalized. To join: Register Here.
Legislative Updates
Legislative Committee Days
This week (Jan. 11-13) Legislative Committees will meet for updates on past and potential bills and policies around healthcare, education, housing, COVID and more. Go to OLIS (Oregon Legislative Information System) here to tune in and watch. Click on "Meetings Today" to watch live or go to a specific committee page to watch the playback after the meeting has occurred. Links to the committees I serve on and the meetings I will participate in are below.
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Education Updates
From the Hillsboro School District
Master Recyclers and Quatama Green Team
Congratulations are in order for HSD Resource Conservation Manager Mia Hocking and Quatama first grade teacher Sheila O’Leary for finishing the eight-week Master Recycler program. Both are well on their way to becoming “certified” Master Recyclers, which requires the completion of volunteer hours. According to Mia, Sheila “has been a tremendous recycling and sustainability resource for the school over the years. Her dedication to the Quatama ES Green Team has proven results in the form of a Learning Garden funded by a grant awarded last summer. She has also been responsible for the coordination of the PlanetCon events hosted at the school in years past.” Pictured here are Mia (blue mask) and Sheila (green mask) along with members of Quatama’s Green Team.
Master Recyclers y Quatama Green Team
Felicitaciones a la gerente de conservación de recursos de HSD, Mia Hocking, y a la maestra de primer grado de Quatama, Sheila O'Leary, por completar el programa de ocho semanas Master Recycler. Ambas están en camino a convertirse en expertas en reciclaje (Master Recyclers) «certificadas», lo cual requiere completar horas de voluntariado. De acuerdo a Mia, Sheila «ha sido un magnífico recurso para la escuela en lo referente a reciclaje y sostenibilidad a lo largo de los años. Su dedicación al Green Team de la Escuela Primaria Quatama ha demostrado resultados en la forma de un jardín de aprendizaje (Learning Garden) financiado por una subvención otorgada el verano pasado. También ha sido responsable de la coordinación de los eventos PlanetCon organizados en la escuela en años pasados». En la foto aparecen Mia (mascarilla azul) y Sheila (mascarilla verde) junto con miembros de Green Team de Quatama.
Teach Kindness Curriculum
Shared from Stand for Children
Our friends at Teach Kindness help children learn to manage their emotions and navigate our challenging times. But there are practical lessons for parents, too. Teach Kindness can be accessed for free by any educator who teaches kindergarten through 8th grade. If you’re a parent interested in bringing Teach Kindness to your school, encourage your child’s teacher to learn more and register at weteachkindness.org.
COVID-19 Updates
From Oregon Health Authority
Looking for a vaccine or booster? Check out these vaccination sites.
You can protect yourself against all COVID-19 variants by getting vaccinated and getting a booster if you are eligible. Sites around the state are accommodating large numbers of people seeking vaccinations. Read more.
Find a COVID-19 Test
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you were a close contact of someone with COVID-19, you should get tested regardless of your vaccination status. Use the resources below to find testing sites near you.
Read the following article from NPR OPB: How to Get Insurance to Pay for At-Home COVID Tests, According to the White House
In the News
Congratulations to Lt. Abbie Ortman, a Hillsboro High School graduate and JAG Community member, for her accomplishments as the "Voice" of the Full Ship Shock Trials. Way to go Lt. Ortman! Read the full article below.
Judge Advocate is the “Voice" of the Shock Trials: By Navy JAG Corps Public Affairs
 Photo by Timothy Aguirre
Additional Resources
House District 30 Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his birthday on January 15th, I will be volunteering this year on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service which falls on Monday, January 17th. Please read the below information from Americorps and visit their website to find a volunteer opportunity near you.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make our communities more equitable and take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. While Dr. King believed the Beloved Community was possible, he acknowledged and fought for systemic change. His example is our call to action.
Observed each year on the third Monday in January, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. AmeriCorps has been charged with leading this effort for the past quarter century.
Making time to volunteer for MLK Day of Service is a great way to engage with your community while honoring the legacy of Dr. King. Whether you plan on cleaning up a public space, mentoring a young person, or assisting those who are food insecure, what you do makes a world of difference.
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 House District 30 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon’s past and we must honor them well into our future.
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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