Connection Is a Resource, Strong communities built over time

February can be a quieter month. The holidays are behind us, winter is still very much here, and for many people this is when the days can feel long. It’s also a good moment to pause and check in with ourselves and with one another.

Over the years, I’ve learned that connection matters just as much as the practical things we all rely on. Knowing someone is looking out for you, having a familiar place to go, or feeling comfortable asking for help can make all the difference. Connection is not a small thing. It’s one of the resources that carries us through harder seasons.

In Beaverton, that sense of connection shows up in simple, everyday ways. It’s neighbors checking in on one another, friends sharing a cup of coffee, volunteers giving their time, and community spaces where people feel welcome and known. These moments may not be loud or flashy, but they are deeply important.

If this time of year feels heavy, please know that you are not alone. And if you’re doing well, I encourage you to reach out to someone who might appreciate a phone call, a visit, or a kind word. Those small gestures can mean more than we realize.

Strong communities are built over time, through consistency, care, and shared responsibility. That is something Beaverton has long understood, and it’s something I’m proud of every day.

As we move through the rest of winter, I hope you’ll take care of yourself and stay connected to the people and places that bring you comfort and strength.

—Lacey

Lacey Beaty was re-elected Mayor of Beaverton in 2024. Prior to serving as Mayor, she served for six years on the Beaverton City Council.