June 2025 Newsletter
The Aloha Free Press June 2025 Newsletter
Quick Links
Baker’s Aloha Pop Up Raises Money For Local LGBTQ+ Community
Aloha High Students Create Community with New Student Resource Center
In Case You Missed It: Neighbors Share Their Favorite Part About The Aloha Community Farmers' Market
Aloha-Huber Park Staff Member Receives Special Recognition by District
The Aloha Community Library Helps Kids Keep Reading During Summer Break
Editor’s Note: The Aloha Community Continues to Impress
Looking Ahead
Want to help the Aloha Free Press grow? Please like and share the Aloha Free Press on social media.
Consider supporting us with a donation through our ‘Buy me a Coffee’ page.
Baker’s Aloha Pop Up Raises Money For Local LGBTQ+ Community
Taking home Jorj Bread’s homemade baked goods this Saturday will help support three local organizations that serve the Washington County LGBTQ+ community. Jorj Bread founder Jordan “jorj” Martinez will donate 100% of the profits at his pop-up fundraiser this weekend at 185th Produce to the Q Center, the Marie Equi Center, and the Westside Queer Resource Center - local organizations that help LGBTQ+ individuals find resources, community and gender-affirming care.
Jorj Bread says he will have chocolate brownies and three kinds of bread loaves available for purchase on May 31st from 11 am to 3 pm or while supplies last.
Jorj Bread says he will have chocolate brownies and three kinds of bread loaves available for purchase on May 31st from 11 am to 3 pm or while supplies last. The baked goods for sale will include:
($8) Not Your Grandma’s White Loaf - white loaf with added wheat germ for extra flavor
($9) Jorj’s Loaf - rustic country loaf with wheat, rye, and spelt
($11) Three Amigos Loaf - porridge loaf with fermented 3-grain porridge featuring purple karma barley, rye, and oats
($6) Cosmic-ish Brownies - dark chocolate fudgy brownie with dark chocolate ganache and candy chips
“For this pop-up, I wanted to give to a local organization that was important to me,” Martinez says. He decided to donate to all three because he says they all deserve support. His hope is to help empower local LGBTQ+ individuals.
Since expanding this year from sharing loaves with family and friends to selling his baked goods, Martinez found that not only did it make for good business, it was also a perfect opportunity to help his community. He says he had the idea for his first fundraiser after seeing family and friends frightened by Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s recent arrests and deportations.
“I felt compelled to help in any way I can,” Martinez says.
Jorj Bread donated 100% of the profits from the first pop-ups to the National Immigrant Justice Center. The sales raised close to 900 dollars - selling out on baked goods, running out of nearly all his sourdough starters, and receiving extra donations. “I felt compelled to help in any way I can,” Martinez says.
“I have loved family and friends who are immigrants, trans, queer, and I’ve seen direct consequences and anxieties born from an administration looking to delegitimize their existence,” Martinez says. He wants them to know that “they are welcome wherever I reside, and wherever I do business.”
“He’s an incredibly talented baker and a super supportive member of the community. We love hosting him here for his fundraisers!”
“We’re thrilled that Jordan will be here this weekend with his amazing bread and brownies!” 185th Produce’s Kristin Ratten says. “He’s an incredibly talented baker and a super supportive member of the community. We love hosting him here for his fundraisers!”
Martinez says he’s glad for the support he’s received from both 185th Produce and the people that show up each time. “Everyone who contributes to selling out these pop-ups also are giving their support.”
More Info
Jorj Bread Pop Up Fundraiser, May 31, 11 am to 3 pm (or while supplies last), at 185th Produce, 18485 OR-8, Aloha.
Back to Top
Aloha High Students Create Community with New Student Resource Center
Any Aloha High School student in need can easily access resources at the new, student-run Student Resource Center. Thanks to the dedication of Aloha Student Action Counsel (ASAC), student volunteers, and individuals in the community, Aloha High School’s student resource center opened on May 1.
Modeled after the 15th night program founded in Eugene, Aloha High’s in-school student-run resource center is the first of its kind in the Beaverton School District. Decorated with string lights and decorative rugs found on online “buy nothing” groups, the resource center creates a welcoming atmosphere for all students.
Before the resource center, Aloha High social worker Joel Brown says available supplies for students at the school were limited and difficult to access. Now, there are organized racks of shirts, pants, jackets, shoes, school supplies and more permanently set up in the lunch area where students can swing by and pick up what they need free of charge.
In preparation to opening the center, Brown says donations come from in-school clothing drives, local churches and individuals in the community.
In preparation for opening the center, Brown says donations come from in-school clothing drives, local churches, and individuals in the community. The Columbia Rethread program also donates Columbia’s returned items which Brown says are very high quality and that the coats are helpful for winter time.
In addition to whatever is on the racks at the center, Aloha High has 100 individuals in the community called ‘Community Responders’ signed up to respond to message alerts anytime there is a specific or urgent need such as clothing in a specific size or items like air mattresses.
The students are responsible for making the resource center such a success with their enthusiasm, involvement and creativity.
“The first week they opened, students were so excited,” says Aloha High social worker Julia Brodie. While Brodie and Brown help supervise on the project, they say the students are responsible for making the resource center such a success with their enthusiasm, involvement and creativity.
Brodie says one of the unique ideas ASAC students have brought to the center is their themed outfits each week. ASAC students use donated clothes to display an outfit on the mannequin. It’s a popular feature on the ASAC’s social media and during school.
ASAC’s goal is to reduce the impacts of homelessness on Aloha High students so they can better participate in academic and extracurricular activities.
ASAC’s goal is to reduce the impacts of homelessness on Aloha High students so they can better participate in academic and extracurricular activities. The impacts go beyond needing for physical items like food and clothes.
They say making the center open to all students the center reduces the feelings of shame a student in need may have and instead provides a sense of autonomy and belonging. “We are trying to eliminate the stigma of people ‘needing things,’” Brodie says. “Everyone has needs and we’re just meeting everyone’s needs.”
Some students “don’t want to talk about what they are going through to get the help that they need, they just want to go get the help they need without talking about it.”
Mel, a Senior and ASAC member who regularly volunteers at the resource center, says that some students “don’t want to talk about what they are going through to get the help that they need, they just want to go get the help they need without talking about it.”
The center is especially important to Mel because of her own past experiences. When she first moved to the area in her Freshman year, she says she had only one set of clothes. Trying to get extra sets of clothes was a difficult process. “It sucked,” Mel says, but now “seeing people get what they need is pretty cool.”
Vicky, an Aloha High Sophmore, came by the center on Friday and found a shirt she liked. She says when the center first opened at the beginning of May, she saw so many people going in she wondered “y’all gotta pay for this or what?” Vicky says that it brought a positive vibe to the school and that anyone who needs something can just come get it.
“Everybody comes in here,” Mel added, and even though her circumstances have changed, “I come in here […] to get stuff that I need sometimes. And it’s for everybody. Not just one person.”
Aloha High School has the highest needs in the Beaverton School District with 200 or more students experiencing some kind of challenge with homelessness.
Aloha High School has the highest needs in the Beaverton School District. More than 200 out of 1,650 Aloha High students are experiencing some kind of challenge with homelessness - approximately 12% of the student population. Being considered ‘homeless’ can apply to students living in their car or ‘couch surfing’ without permanent space to call their own.
Students may be facing other challenges as well and need the center’s extra help. Brodie says that students who came as refugees were excited to see the center after arriving in the United States with very little.
ASAC invites more of the community to be a part of their work as they hope to expand. While there will be a break over the summer, donations are welcome starting in August for the new school year. Donations can include men’s and women’s clothing (brand-new or lightly used), hygiene products, school supplies, non-perishable food, and shoes.
“The Aloha community is amazing,” Brodie says. “From the churches that are willing to work with us, the fact that we have 100 community responders tells you everything you need to know about this community.”
“The Aloha community is amazing,” Brodie says. “From the churches that are willing to work with us, the fact that we have 100 community responders tells you everything you need to know about this community.”
More Info:
Back to Top
Neighbors Enjoy the Aloha Community Farmers' Market on Opening Day
Originally posted: May 2, 2025
Visitors at opening of the Aloha Community Farmers’ Market’s 10th Season Celebration were a mix of first-time visitors, long-time regulars, and everyone in between. Here’s a few highlights from Aloha locals on opening day:
Check out the market every Thursday from 3 pm - 7 pm from May to September at
17675 SW Farmington Road for live music, food, local vendors and lots of fun.
Back to Top
Aloha-Huber Park Staff Member Receives Special Recognition by District
An Aloha-Huber Park School staff member was honored for her hard work and dedication. Carmen Espejel, bilingual facilitator at Aloha-Huber Park PreK-8, was selected as one of three BSD Achievers for May.
“Her assistance is essential to guide the families when they arrive in this country, the state and the school,” Espejel’s nomination submission says, “she should be recognized to reward her solidarity at all times with the families at school and with the students. She is a liaison that allows us to know tools to develop ourselves in this country and help our family.”
“She doesn’t just serve, she inspires, uniting voices and building bridges so that every student and family feels seen, heard, and empowered.”
Espejel has a “tireless advocacy, deep love for community, and unwavering commitment to uplift everyone around her,” says Aloha-Huber Park Principal Sarita Amaya. “She doesn’t just serve, she inspires, uniting voices and building bridges so that every student and family feels seen, heard, and empowered. We are so proud to celebrate Carmen’s well-deserved recognition as a BSD Achiever."
Each month, a committee selects BSD Achiever honorees from among all submitted nominations. Nominations are submitted by the students, parents/guardians, staff and community members. Anyone employed by the Beaverton School District can be nominated. If you have any teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, custodians or other BSD employee you would like to nominate, fill out the BSD Achiever Nomination Form.
Felicidades to Carmen Espejel for her hard work in the Aloha community!
Know a community member doing great work for others? Share with us why you believe they deserve the spotlight.
Back to Top
The Aloha Community Library Helps Kids Keep Reading During Summer Break
Kids out of school for summer vacation can have fun and keep up their reading skills with several Aloha Community Library summer programs. From June through August the library offers a variety of in-person programs for all ages, including a monthly outdoor storytime at Mountain View Champions Park along with weekly Family Storytime, monthly Teen ‘Crafternoons’, and more.
The library invites kids, tweens, and teens to stop by the Aloha Community Library and pick up a reading log in the library to keep track of the time spent reading this summer.
The Summer Reading program starts on Monday, June 2 and runs through August. The library invites kids, tweens, and teens to stop by the Aloha Community Library and pick up a reading log to keep track of the time spent reading this summer.
“No sign up necessary,” Community Engagement Specialist Maggie Hannahs says. “Just pick up a reading log and start tracking! Return as many reading logs as you like for entry into our monthly prize drawings, and choose a free book to take home, starting July 14th.”
Throughout the summer, weather permitting, the library’s monthly storytime will be at Mountain View Champions Park from 10:30-11am on June 9, July 7 and August 11.
Throughout the summer, weather permitting, the library’s monthly storytime will be at Mountain View Champions Park from 10:30-11am on June 9, July 7 and August 11. There will be signs and bubbles to follow to the storytime area. The library says that seating will be in an uncovered area on the grass, so consider bringing blankets or folding chairs to sit on.
“Research shows that those who participate in their local library’s summer reading program significantly improve their reading skills and are better equipped to retain what they learned at school.”
Hannahs says that “research shows that those who participate in their local library’s summer reading program significantly improve their reading skills and are better equipped to retain what they learned at school.”
More info:
Full event calendar at alohalibrary.org/calendar.
Summer Reading for kids through age 9 at alohalibrary.org/info-by-age/summer-reading.
Summer Reading for tweens and teens ages 10 through 18 (entering 6th through 12th grade) at alohalibrary.org/info-by-age/teen-summer-reading.
Back to Top
The Aloha Community Continues to Impress
I am delighted to share about how people in Aloha are stepping up to provide for their communities in creative ways. Seeing people notice big needs and come together to meet them made me feel proud of Aloha and impressed with you all. Thank you to those who invited me to come into their spaces and trusted me to share their stories.
If you like what you see and want to read more, share our content on social media to raise awareness about this Aloha news source and please support us financially through our “Buy me a Coffee” page. As a volunteer run operation, word of mouth and community donations help us continue to do great work for readers and the Aloha community.
Until next time,
Kianna
Back to Top
Looking Ahead
CPO 6 meeting - June 5, 7 pm, last meeting until fall.
Hillsboro Pride Party 2025 - June 7, 12 to 5 pm - Shute Park 750 SE 8th Avenue, Hillsboro.
Aloha Community Farmers’ Market, every Thursday, 3 pm - 7 pm, Farmington and Kinnaman.
Aloha Swim Center summer camps, see THPRD Classes for times, cost, and availability: https://www.thprd.org/activities/search-classes-and-camps.
Beaverton Summer Meals, every Monday - Thursday, starting June 16th. Open to all children 1-18, Various locations including Aloha Huber Park K-8 School.
Washington County Election results will be certified on June 16.
THPRD - Free Summer Kick-Off Concert & Event, June 26, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Mountain View Champions Park, 5915 SW 170th Ave.
Beaverton Pride in the Park, June 29 11:00 am - 5:00 pm, 12500 SW 4th St, Beaverton.
Back to Top
