SERVE UP
See What’s Inside...
IS VOLUNTEERING GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH?
Explore the powerful connection between volunteerism and well-being.
YOUR CORNER
See inspiring messages and share your experiences
STORY SPOTLIGHTS
Read uplifting and powerful stories of volunteers making a difference.
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
See what’s going on in your area in August and September.
Is Volunteering
Good For Your
health?
Let Us Count the Ways.
76%
of people who volunteer say that volunteering has made them feel healthier
85%
of volunteers say their service has improved their sense of purpose in life.
Volunteers have a 20%
lower risk of depression than nonvolunteers, particularly among individuals aged 65 and older.
YOUR CORNER
VOLUNTEER POLL OF THE MONTH
What motivates you most to volunteer?
A) Making a difference in someone’s life
B) Being part of a community
C) Learning new skills
D) Feeling a sense of purpose
E) Other (tell us!)
�� We’ll share the results in the next newsletter!
STORY SPOTLIGHT
After wrapping up one of the busiest Medicare fall enrollment seasons on record, our SHIBA counselors were more than ready for a well-earned breather as the year came to a close—but the break would have to wait.
A surge in Medicare Advantage plans exiting the market, shifts in provider-insurance partnerships, and a sharp increase in Medicaid disenrollments all contributed to unprecedented demand for SHIBA’s services—helping the program set a new record for consumer assistance.
In just the first quarter, SHIBA saw a 53% increase in consumer visits compared to the same time last year. Even more impressively, our dedicated counselors logged 117 extra hours of counseling—on top of their already full schedules.
A huge thank you to the entire SHIBA team for your continued dedication and for going above and beyond to serve our community. Your commitment makes a real difference!
STORY SPOTLIGHT
I joined Meals-on-Wheels (MOW) shortly after my wife passed in January 2011 - motivated by her expressed concern for elder people who might not have in-home assistance as she did in her at-home bedridden existence. About March 2011, I started driving a route for MOW in Walnut Creek, CA and did so until moving to Oregon in 2018.
Immediately upon getting up to Carlton, OR (where I lived with my daughter and son-in-law) I found MOW in McMinnville and applied to assist there, and soon was driving Route A. There was about an 8 month break in this service at the time of Covid-19 because my daughter has MS (the reason I was there) and I did not want to be out in public and risk bringing Covid home to her. Upon returning to McMinnville, my Route A had been reassigned, so I worked in the kitchen and frequently drove various routes as a substitute driver after finishing kitchen duty. I have much enjoyed both route driving and kitchen assistance through these many years. I find treasure in both the realization of assistance to MOW clients and the close sharing relationship with members of the kitchen crews - both McMinnville and Dallas crews. I tried to express this when leaving McMinnville:
Meals-on-Wheels, the Tuesday crew, How I loved to work with you. Always laughter ‘mongst challenges new, Problems solved, our friendships grew.
From preparations for the day, Through filling properly each tray, And sealing all, the Oliver way, Then cleaning up, what’s more to say?
More indeed, about the sharing, And how for each the other caring, Your care for me I’m proudly wearing, As leave I do, with tear I’m faring.
-Sincerely, Lee Wagner, Meals on Wheels Volunteer
TOP COMMUNITY TOP COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS HAPPENINGS
Clatsop County Fair
�� July 30 – August 2, 2025
�� Clatsop County Fairgrounds, Astoria
Enjoy live music, food, exhibits, livestock shows, and family-friendly activities.
Astoria Regatta Festival
�� August 6 – 9, 2025
�� Astoria and surrounding areas
This historic maritime celebration features parades, boat events, Regatta Square festivities, and community gatherings.
US-101 Roadside Clean-up & Community
Potluck
�� September 20, 2025
�� St. Peter the Fisherman Church & Arch Cape Fire Station
Join the Arch Cape Falcon Cove Beach
Community Club for a morning clean-up followed by an evening potluck.
Columbia Flyway Wildlife Show
�� September 27 – 28, 2025
�� Clatsop County Fairgrounds, Astoria
A free event showcasing wildlife carvings, art competitions, and exhibits.
TOP COMMUNITY TOP
HAPPENINGS HAPPENINGS
Riverfront Family Fest 2025
�� August 2, 2025
�� Salem Riverfront Park
A family-friendly festival with entertainment and activities for all ages.
34th Annual Carousel Cruise Car Show
�� August 30, 2025
�� 200 Water St NE, Salem
A showcase of classic cars along with food and entertainment.
MOregon State Fair
�� August 22 – September 1, 2025
�� Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem
Enjoy concerts, carnival rides, exhibits, and food booths at this annual state fair.
Salem Art Fair & Festival
�� September 12–14, 2025
�� Bush's Pasture Park, Salem
Features fine art, crafts, live music, and food vendors.
TOP COMMUNITY TOP COMMUNITY
HAPPENINGS HAPPENINGS
Polk County Fair
�� August 5–9, 2025
�� Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall
Celebrate the 112th annual fair with the theme “Wool
See Ewe There at the Polk County Fair.” Enjoy livestock shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits, local food vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Youth Market Auction
�� August 9, 2025 | ⏰ 10:00 AM
�� Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall
Support local 4-H and FFA youth as they showcase and auction their livestock projects
PIndependence Farmers Market
�� Saturdays through September
�� Independence, OR
Browse local produce, artisan goods, and enjoy live music at this community market
Bigfoot BBQ & Brews Festival
�� September 27–28, 2025
�� Dallas City Park, 266 SW Academy St, Dallas, OR
�� 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Daily
�� A smoky celebration of Bigfoot, BBQ, and local brews in the heart of Polk County. This two-day festival offers flavorful food, craft beer, live music, and themed fun for all ages, centered around the legendary Sasquatch.
TOP COMMUNITY TOP COMMUNITY
HAPPENINGS HAPPENINGS
22nd Annual Old Iron Show
�� August 16, 2025
�� 2001 Blue Heron Rd, Tillamook, OR
A showcase of antique tractors, engines, and machinery celebrating the region's agricultural heritage.
Flower Pounding Workshop
�� August 16, 2025
�� 2105 Wilson River Loop Road, Tillamook, OR
An interactive class where participants create botanical art using natural dyes from flowers.
Bay City Pearl & Oyster Music Festival
�� August 23–24, 2025
�� Bay City, OR
Enjoy live music, local seafood, and community festivities celebrating the coastal culture.
Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
�� September 2025 (Opening date TBA)
�� Tillamook, OR
Family-friendly fall activities including pumpkin picking and navigating a corn maze.
TOP COMMUNITY TOP COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS HAPPENINGS
Yamhill County Fair & Rodeo
�� July 30 – August 2, 2025
�� Yamhill County Fairgrounds, McMinnville
Celebrate the 171st edition of Oregon’s oldest county fair with a full lineup of events, including a rodeo, demolition derby, carnival rides, 4-H and FFA exhibits, livestock shows, concerts, and more.
Bounty of Yamhill County (BOYC)
�� August 10 & 17, 2025
�� Various locations
A fundraising event celebrating local wineries, chefs, and sustainable farms. Highlights include the SOUNDS OF JOY Concert on August 10 at the Chehalem Cultural Center and the BIG NIGHT
Salmon Bake on August 17 at Sokol Blosser Winery
Oktoberfest 2025 – Oregon Brews & BBQ
�� September 19–21, 2025
�� Yamhill County Fairgrounds, McMinnville
Experience a family-friendly Bavarian celebration featuring craft brews, smoked BBQ, live music, dancing, and festive decorations. General admission is $10; Beer Lovers Admission is $25 and includes a ceramic mug.
Oregon International Air Show – McMinnville
�� September 26–28, 2025
�� McMinnville Municipal Airport
Enjoy aerial performances, aircraft displays, and family-friendly activities at this annual air show.
Phone: 503-981-5138 To get this document in other languages, email your request to: language@nwsds.org We are
Dallas Office
260 NE Kings Valley Hwy
Dallas, OR 97338
Phone: 503- 831-0581
Salem Office
3410 Cherry Ave NE
Salem OR 97303
Phone: 503-304-3400
Warrenton Office
2002 SE Chokeberry Ave
Warrenton, OR 97146
Phone: 503-861-4200
To connect with Northwest Senior & Disability Services, click here. Email us at: information.nwsds@nwsds.org
McMinnville Office
300 SW Hill Rd S
McMinnville, OR 97128
Phone: 503-472-9441
Tillamook Office
3010 E 3rd St
Tillamook, OR 97141
Phone: 503-842-2770
Woodburn Office
2100 Progress Way
Woodburn, OR 97071