Next Step was opened in 1992 and is staffed by volunteers Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-5pm. The Next Step organization is a locally funded program with 2 purposes: raising awareness to the needs of young men and women in this community who are facing parenthood, and helping clients make good choices for themselves and their children. Services include: free pregnancy tests, pregnancy information, resource library, community referrals, maternity/infant clothing, reproductive health information, abortion information, after care or recovery help, healthy relationship support and a 24 hour hotline. Next Step is located at 1002 Spring Avenue, Suite 2. 541-963-6918 (office), 1-800-395-4357 (24 hour hotline). Email: nextsteppic@a4isp.com

 

KidTalk serves preschool-aged children whose primary problem is a speech-language disorder. Free screenings, and speech & language evaluations are available by appointment. Speech-language therapy may be provided 1-2 times per week (one-on-one) and also periodic individual parent training.  Referrals are accepted from any source, including parents. KidTalk is an Oregon Scottish Rite Clinic program, a 501C3. Screenings are provided without charge. Evaluations and treatment sessions are billed on a sliding scale. No child is ever turned away because of a family's inability to pay. In La Grand: 541-523-5828, 2802 Adams Avenue.

The LHS ASPIRE Program provides mentoring and resources to help students access education and training beyond high school. Students meet with mentors to explore post-high school job training, college choices, and scholarship opportunities. Mentors help track needed steps to meet deadlines. The ASPIRE Program is looking for new and returning mentors interested in helping students this spring and on into the next year. Students benefit from having a mentor assigned this spring or in early fall. Juniors have first priority. This is a great program for parents to benefit from understanding all the resources available to students. If interested, call Pam Dodds at 541-663-3397.

The Public Health Division is hosting a statewide "Youth Photo Contest" for Oregon Public Health Week (April5-9). The theme: How Do You See Public Health in the World Around You. The contest is open to any youth in Oregon aged 12-18 on the date of submission. Entried must be received by March 15, 2010. For more information go to www.communityhealthpriorities.org.

In Union County, during Oregon Public Health Week, the Center for Human Development will sponsor a photo exhibit and reception for all Union County entries. To participate in teh Union County event, youth will need to email a jpg copy of their entry to dmansveld@chdinc.org. For additional information, please contact DeAnne Mansveld at 541-962-8822.

 

To celebrate reading and also Dr. Seuss's birthday, Greenwood Elementary students are working toward a goal of $1,000.00 for their library. If the students gather enough donations, their reward is a concert by some of their teachers and their principal, Mr. Gregory. As part of the March 11th festivities, staff and students will Drop Everything And Read to recognize DEAR Day. Ms. Ellen Lester, the media specialist at Greenwood, has arranged the reading program.

For every 3 items you donate to the Friday Backpack Program, receive a coupon for 20% off one regular priced item at Maurices. The Friday Backpack Program serves the needs of hungry children at Greenwood, Island City, and Central Schools. Items accepted: canned soup, fruit snacks, tuna fish, instant oatmeal, mac & cheese, protein bars, chili, pudding cups and granola bars. Foods must meet 3 of the following requirements: 275 calories or fewer  per serving, 10 grams or fewer of total fat, 2 or more grams of fiber, 17 grams of sugar or less, at least 3 grams of protein.

Help to support the work of the Grande Ronde Valley Habitat for Humanity in building decent, affordable homes in Union County. Volunteers are needed: construction, providing food, prayer, clean-up, anywhere. If you would like more information, contact Julie at juliebrown444@gmail.com.

Head Start Preschool is now taking applications for the 2010-2011 school year. Call Rosina at 541-962-3622 for more information and/or an application.

The Drug Free Relay is offering academic scholarships and community grants to qualified applicants. Visit drugfreerelay.org or call 541.963.0228 for information. Application deadline is February 15, 2010.

The Commission on Children & Families supports family-related programs in Union County. Our board is made up of volunteer community members that believe in advocating for children and families through resource and service development. Please consider joining us in our efforts to make Union County a great place to live and raise a family! Attend a CCF meeting to learn more: February 9th or March 9th, 2010, 4:00-6:00pm, Large Conference Room, 1106 K Avenue, La Grande (Union County Offices).

Stand Up, Be Counted - Census 2010 is upon us in Union County and nationwide. The Census is a count of everyone living in the United States. The Census 2010 form is short, your answers are protected, and many benefits to our county rely upon an accurate count in Union County. Help our community receive the funds for which we are eligible!

The form asks: number/names of people in household, phone number, relationship, gender, DOB, ethnicity, and if you rent or own the home.  By law, the Census Bureau does not share your answers with anyone, even other governmnet agencies. Your answers are protected and your identity is safe!

Completing your form by April 1st helps to provide for: the Oregon delegation of seats for the US House of Representatives; planning and funding for roads, hospitals and schools, jobs, language services and health services in OUR community!

www.2010census.gov

 

Do you own a wood stove?  Would you like to support one of the sports, clubs or organization at LHS? National Honor Society students cut a cord of wood in the fall and will be raffling it at the end of February with delivery to follow soon after. A ticket is $5 or five tickets for $20. All sales proceeds go to the LHS group that YOU designate on the ticket! To purchase tickets contact Pat.Desjardin@lagrande.k12.or.us

LHS FBLA members are selling cookbooks for $10 to raise money to go to state competition. There are some pretty incredible family recipes that have been collected over the years from LHS students, staff and FBLA members! Contact Teresa Dowdy at 541-663-3307 to purchase one.

The Children's Winter Festival is Saturday, January 23rd at Max Square and the Cook Memorial Library in La Grande. Volunteers are needed for the third annual event that serves more than 400 children with FREE activities and art experiences for kids 2-10 and their families. Volunteer Orientation is at 10:30am and hours of operation are 11am-2pm. If you can volunteer for any of this time, give us a call! Older children are also welcome to volunteer. This event is also part of the Disney Day of Service program. Please contact Gina Bennett at 541-963-9665 to volunteer or for more details on the event.

A Walking School Bus is a fun, safe and active way for kids to travel to and from school. Each "bus" walks along a set route with at least one adult or teen "driver." Along the way, the bus "picks up" kids at the designated stops and walks them to or from school. This is a new program in our county and needs responsible volunteers. If you are interested in being a "driver," or a "planner" (to organize programs for a school district), there is an immediate and ongoing need. Please contact Robin Stedfeld, Union County Fit Kids, at stedfeld@ohsu.edu or 541-962-3134.

 

The Union County Healthy Start Program has a few little elves helping out this holiday season - and welcomes your support!

If you would like to contribute to the "Bucks for Baby Formula" drive, stop by Red Cross Drug Store in downtown La Grande.

If you are interested in helping the "Bucks for Baby Books" campaign, stop by Sunflower Books or the Expressions Salon in La Grande.

In the month of December, Albertsons is also accepting "Dollars for Diapers" at their La Grande location.

All contributions will go to support babies in the Union County Healthy Start Program. Happy Holidays!

Helpful Party Hints for Responsible Hosts

 

Be a good host…

Serve non-alcoholic beverages. Make them inviting and accessible.

If serving alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base. Carbonation enhances the body’s absorption of alcohol.

Do not rush to refill glasses.

Stop serving alcoholic drinks about 2 hours before the party is over to allow time for absorption.

Always serve food – high protein foods are ideal for many reasons.

Do not serve a guest who is visibly intoxicated.

Do not serve anyone under the age of 21 an alcoholic drink.

Watch for the warning signs of someone who has consumed too much, including a lack of coordination, rambling conversation, or radical changes in behavior.

 

Although most of your guests will show good judgment in regards to their alcohol consumption, some will not. You are ultimately responsible for the safety and wellbeing of your guest. Be sensitive but be stern and have a plan: make arrangements for alternative transportation home, offer them a place to sleep, take their keys away. Do whatever it takes to keep your friends off the road and encourage all your guests to wear their seatbelts.

 

Celebrate life this holiday season.

The La Grande School District is in the process of putting together a clothes closet for its kindergarten children. LGSD is asking for donations of lightly worn or new clothing that may be given to children who need a little helping hand. This includes coats, snow pants, jeans, shoes, shirts, sweatshirts, gloves and boots. The general size range is 4-7 for clothing and 13-2 for shoes and boots. Items may be brought to the Willow Kindergarten Office 8am-12noon and 1pm-4pm, Monday-Friday. For more information, contact Sue at 663-3550 or Sharry at 663-3202. Thank you!

There is always a need for foster and/or adoptive parents in Union County. If you are interested in learning more about this unique opportunity, please attend the Orientation session on October 21, from 5:30-7:30pm at DHS, 1607 Gekeler. Presentations will be made by foster/adoptive families and child welfare staff. Pizza and soft drinks will be provided, but no childcare will be available. Please, adults only. Call Susan and register by October 19th, at 963-8571, extension 426.

A Heidi Ho fundraiser, have your family's picture taken by Cindy Sherman on October 23-25. Very nice, high quality pictures, taken at Hilgard Junction State Park. Touch-ups will be available at additional cost. Prices start at $33 for an 8 x 10 picture, with a sitting fee of $25 that goes toward your purchase. Call Heidi Ho to schedule at 963-8795.

The Imbler School Music Department is in need of musical instruments! If you have any that are not being used and you would be willing to loan or give them to the department, please contact Becky Mullarkey at 534-5331. Thank you!!!

Do you or someone you know have a 3 or 4 year old? Do you wonder how they can best be prepared for school? Are you looking for a preschool experience? Interested in meeting other parents? Like to receive a free kids' book every month?

Greenwood & Island City offer "Little Steps to School Success." Once a month, an evening of special stories and activities that take place in a school setting. Your child will meet other friends, practice listening and following directions, and experience components of preschool on a mini-scale.

Each family that attends will get a copy of the evening's book to take home and a packet of activities. Childcare for older and younger siblings will be provided.

To find out more, contact Ms. Barthel at 663-3294.

Due to budgetary cutbacks, the DHS Office at 1607 Gekeler (as well as statewide) will be closed the following days. Emergency assistance will still be available by phone.

2009: October 16 and November 27

2010: March 19, April 16, June 18, August 20, September 17, November 26

2011: March 18, May 20

The Destination ImagiNation Program is designed to help students become world-class innovators and critical thinkers. It provides hands-on and minds-on experiences that teach creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Elementary, middle and high school students form teams and each team selects one of 7 mind-bending Challenges. The team then works together with the guidance of a teach or parent to develop an action plan to create a solution to the Challenge. Interested? Attend the Info Meeting in La Grande on October 12th, 7pm, at the public library.

All these events will be held in Union on October 24th from 12noon-5pm.

12noon (line-up/register 10:30) Costume Parade - contact Adina at 805-8410 for details

Pumpkin Patch, Straw Maze, Dutch Oven Demonstration, Horse Shoe Cruise In (starts at 10am) at Joshua's COunty Store & Inn, 1598 N. Cove Street.

Punkin Chunkin - after the parade at the Stock Show grounds. Debbie 910-3695 for details. Food Concessions sponsored by UHS Senior Class. Games & Crafts for kids.

Pumpkin Painitng Workshop at Stock Show grounds.

Hay rides provided by Mark Wing, between downtown and Stock Show grounds.

Scarecrow Alley contest, contact Sandra at 562-5197.

Night Fright at Union Hotel - contact Jeri at 910-5042.

Shrieking Shack on Main Street (dusk until 11pm) - Rick at 910-8717

 

Walking in our communities is happening less and less as trips that were once made by walking or biking are replaced by car travel. Unsafe crossings, speeding motorists and a lack of sidewalks limit many children's ability to walk or bike through their own neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the number of overweight children is growing at an alarming rate (yes, even here in Union County) putting kids at risk for life-long health problems.

On the other hand, communities are building sidewalks, trails and pathways, improving street crossings and increasing law enforcement for speeders in areas that children frequent - all to encourage us to get out and walk and bike again.

Each October millions of children, parents, teachers and community leaders across the globe walk to school to celebrate International Walk to School Day. This event reminds parents and children of the simple joy that can be found by walking or biking to school.

A one-day event is not enough. Parents and children, teachers and elected officials all see the promise of healthier, happier students, quieter, cleaner, safer streets, and more connected neighborhoods. Take it beyond a day by talking about health and fitness, offering pedestrian and biker safety trainings, and daily "walking school buses" to maintain the momentum.

In the end, Walk to School efforts are about building an environment that's more inviting for every walker or biker, young and old.

If you are interested in becoming involved, check out www.walktoschool.org or contact the Union County Commission on Children & Families at 541-963-1034.

The La Grande School District now offers PaySchools - an online payment processing system so parents can make online deposits for school meal items or to pay high school fees. Parents may pay using e-check, Matercard, Visa or Discover, 24/7. To use the system, go to www.lagrande.k12.or.us and click on the PaySchools link. For assistance, contact Susie at 663-3214.

You can complete a degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education ONLINE at EOU! This is a Bachelor's degree offering. EOU also has available an Associate's Degree in ECE and a one-year ECE certificate program. Call today for details! 541-962-3412 or email Ruth Davenport at rdavenpo@eou.edu

Monday, September 28th is National Family Day - A Day to Eat with Your Children!

COVE

Cove Drive-In: Free jr. cone with purchase of dinner meal

ELGIN

Pizza & A Movie: 10% off any take-and-bake pizza

LA GRANDE

Bear Mountain Pizza:15% off total, kids make their own personal pizza, Mr. Bear available for pictures.

Cinco De Mayo: Buy 1 entree, get 2nd of equal/lesser value 1/2 off

Cock-n-Bull: Buy 1 entree, get 2nd of equal/lesser value 1/2 off

Dennys: 25% off total bill from 4-10pm

Domino’s Pizza: 20% off any regular priced pizza.  Ask for   “National Family Day Special” when ordering

Flying J Restaurant:  Free soft drink for children 18 and under

Foley Station:  10% off children’s meal (lunch or dinner)

Golden Crown:  10% off total bill and 1 free soft drink

New York Ritchie’s:  $10.00 cheese pizza, $15.00 all other pizzas

Papa Murphy's: Family Pizza Special

Primo’s Pizza:  0-2 yrs. free, 3-4 yrs. $.99, family plan: 2 kids      (4-18) & 2 adults $19.99 (includes 4 drinks)

Quizno’s:Free kid’s meal with purchase of adult combo

Smokehouse:10% off total

Sub Shop:10% off total

Ten Depot:10% off total

Yiayia Nikki’s:10% off total

UNION

Gravy Dave’s:10% off total

Union Spotlight:Family size pizza 1/2 pepperoni & 1/2 hawaiian, large fries, & 4 soft drinks $20.00

 

*To qualify for discount, a family must have at least 1 adult plus 1 child under age 18

 

*If your restaurant would like to participate in National Family Day 2010,

call the Union County Prevention Committee at 541-963-1034

 

 

 

 

 

Complete the "Our Community - Union County Survey" and Enter to Win a $20 Fuel Card!  (Must be 18 or older to enter).

Online Survey & Drawing:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2hF8OJLyhxO3ZpHBPCwdBw_3d_3d

Paper Survey: Download the attachment, complete the survey and return to: Union County Prevention Committee/CCF, 1106 K Avenue, La Grande, OR 97850.     (Paper surveys are not eligible for the drawing)

Survey Deadline: October 31, 2009. Fuel Card winner(s) will be notified no later than November 30, 2009.

Questions: Union County Prevention Committee, 541.963.1034

 

 

Do you or your child have asthma?

Secondhand smoke...harms babies and children. It causes bronchitis, ear infections and pneumonia. Secondhand smoke...contains 43 cancer-causing agendts, including cyanide, carbon monoxide and arsenic. Secondhand smoke...triggers asthma attacks.

The best thing you can do for asthma is to quit smoking. These can help you quit: Nicotine Patches, Zyban (a pill that combats cravings), Counseling (support from someone who knows what you're going through). Ask your doctor or call the OREGON TOBACCO QUIT LINE - free call, free service. 1-877-270-7867. www.oregonquitline.org

This six class series focuses on Jean Clarke's work around recognition and consequences of overindulging children. Instructed by Barbara Tyler, MSW/CSWA/Trainer, the classes are sponsored by Child Care Resource & Referral. Attendance at all six classes is preferred as it a consecutive learning style series. Classes run September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13 and 20 from 6:30-8:30pm at the CCRR classroom. Call to register: 963-7942.

Beginning October 7th, Mommy & Me, a parent/child activity group, will begin at the Indoor Park (United Methodist Church basement, 1612 4th). Mommy & Me will be held in this location the first Wednesday of each month throughout the school year from 10:30am-11:30am. Participation is FREE. Activities are for children ages 2-5. Call Amy George for details, 963-0602.

Free Friday Movie Nights are sponsored by the Cook Memorial Library at 2006 4th Street in La Grande - bring your own comfy chair and popcorn!  Friday Movies (7pm) this fall include: 9/11 - Tale of Desperaux, 9/25 - Benny and Joon, 10/9 - Fellowship of the Ring, 10/23 - The Two Towers. Call Ryan at 962-1339 or 1335 for more information.

Central PTA is very excited to get the 2009-2010 school year started - we have many fun events planned for students and their families. With your help we can make events and activities bigger and better! Witha  school the size of Central, having a lot of input and help makes it more fun for everyone involved. Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday at 6pm in the Library on a monthly basis - the kick off meeting is scheduled for September 24th due to a conflict on the 17th. Contact PTA President Tiffany Vaughn at 963-8009 with any questions.

Come and tour the school, meet the teachers and staff, and see where your child will spend his or her days!

5th Grade - 6pm Sept. 15.  4th Grade - 6pm Sept. 3.  1-3 Grades - 6pm Sept. 17

"Make Parenting a Pleasure" is a free parenting class designed to help parents create a  support network, develop and accomplish parenting goals, encourage positive interactions with kids, share community resources and recognize positive steps toward change. Kids Program and Dinner is included. The class is geared for the parents of children 0-8 years of age. Classes run for 6 Thursday evenings, 5:30-7:30 each week, beginning Thursday September 24. Classes will be held at the Mt. Emily Safe Center, 2107 3rd. Call Amy at 541-963-0602 to register today!

The La Grande Philly Kids will be selling Family Portraits as a fundraiser again this fall. The family pictures will be taken on November 20 and 21. Please contact Ellen Blackman at 541-663-3271 to purchase a package or for more information. An excellent value for a worthy fundraiser!

LHS Football is selling Tiger Cards for the 2009-2010 school year. Contact a student football player to purchase, or Patty at 963-0285. Cards will also be available for purchase ($10) at the LHS main office starting August 31st. Money raised will be used to purchase new football jerseys. Also, this year, $1 from each card will be donated to Sam Werner, an LHS student who is battling with cancer.

Dance Arts, Inc. 2009-2010 season starts the week of September 14th. Hip Hop, ballet, modern, jazz, creative. Award winning teams, current choreography, active performance schedule (half time shows, local events, competitions). For class placement and registration, call 541-963-6549 - Patricia Sandlin, BA in Education, EOU Dance Team Advisor, certified creative dance specialist with over 30 years of teaching experience.

Register your child now for the Fall 2009 preschool or kindergarten class. Ninetta Armstrong is the preschool teacher. Scholarships are available. Call Our Lady of the Valley for more information. 541-963-7341 or 541-963-0861.

The Grande Ronde Academy, in its new location, is now registering students for the 2009-2010 school year. Accepting students 4 years old to 8th grade - call 541-975-1147. The Grande Ronde Academy serves this community with Christian academic excellence.

The Blue Mountain Montessori School is now enrolling 3 and 4 year olds for TWTh morning classes. Children must be potty-trained. Healthy snacks are provided and no sweets are used as incentives. The School offers individualized learning and has been owned and operated by Hank and Cheryl Hudson since 1982. Please call 541-963-6908 to arrange a visit.

"Back to School Project" (free) backpacks with school supplies for kids in grades K-12 will be available at the La Grande Salvation Army, 1114 Y, on August 27th. If you know of a child in need, call Tammy at 541-524-1800, extension 406, to sign up. Or, contact Holli at 541-963-4829.

TV Turnoff Week is September 20-26 this year and is the perfect time for family bonding - take the family to a movie, on a hike, to the park, play a game or ride your bikes! A recent study found that the more time kids spend in front of a screen (television, movie, computer, video game), the more likely they are to be obese, smoke cigarettes and not graduate from college. (National Inst. of Health & Common Sense Media).

It's that time of year and the stores are often out of lists when it is time to buy...here's the information for LGSD elementary schools.

Greenwood Elementary: Charges a $27.00 fee per student with $54.00 max per family.

Island City Elementary: Charges a $29.00 fee for first student in a family, $24.00 for subsequent students from the same family.

Central Elementary: See attached school supply list.

Willow Kindergarten: Charges a $25.00 fee for each student.

Every child should start the school year right - help by donating school supplies for kids who don't have what they need! Union County drop boxes can be found at: Bi Mart, Dollar Tree, Grocery Outlet, Rite Aid, and Walmart. For more information,  contact Tammy Pierce at DHS, 541-524-1800, extension 406.

The United Way of Eastern Oregon Benefit Golf Scramble is September 12th at Buffalo Peak Golf Course. Community members are invited to participate as players or as sponsors...everyone is welcome!

100% of funds raised will go to support 15 local organizations that assist Union County residents. This is a great event, sponsored by The Observer and Mt. West Moving & Storage. 2009 Recipients include: Neighbor to Neighbor, UC Search & Rescue, Shelter from the Storm, CASA, Mt. Emily Safe Center, American Red Cross, Kids Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, Stepping Stone Foundation, Food Banks (Elgin, Union, North Powder, Cove).

For details on how to participate or to become a sponsor email or call: uweo@eoni.com, 541-962-0306.

The La Grande School District would like to publicly thank the La Grande Lions who voted on August 5th to authorize $3000.00 for athletic and activity scholarships! This scholarship donation will help tremendously in guaranteeing that any student who wants to participate will not be denied the opportunity due to financial hardship. Thank you, La Grande Lions Club!  All student scholarship requests should be directed to LHS Athletic Director Bill Burns.

Fundraising to acquire enough money to run sports and activities at La Grande Middle School and La Grande High School for the coming school year is a sign of the challenging economic times we live in.  Most of us agree that sports give our youth opportunities to learn things like sacrifice, teamwork, hard physical and mental effort, tenacity and a cooperative yet competitive attitude.  All of these are very important qualities for life success. 

 

Many of us would agree that FFA, FBLA, band, choir and theater allow students to develop knowledge and performance skills that enhance self confidence and contribute to a well rounded education.  These extracurricular activities should be a critical component of a comprehensive high school education in the 21^st century.

 

As you may already know, state funding for schools fell short during the 2008-2009 school year and La Grande School District was required to make significant budget cuts in the middle of the school year.  This was not expected and created quite a surprise for the administration, staff and students. The unanticipated shortfall was addressed by freezing all nonessential spending including: not ordering  classroom supplies, canceling contracted services, eliminating student field trips and travel for teachers and administrators. 

 

The economic downturn worsened with time and in order to balance the 2009-2010 school budget we were required to make about 2.3 million dollars in reductions to school programs.  Several teaching positions were cut,  as well as two district office administrative positions and several classified positions.

 

Initially, all middle school and high school sports and activities were cut from the budget.  However, through negotiations the La Grande teachers gave up four work days for the 2009-2010 school year, and accepted a freeze in salary and health benefits.  This allowed the district to restore an elementary teacher, middle school counselor, and salaries for coaches and activity directors.  I might add that administrators, classified staff and confidential employees have made the same financial sacrifice as teachers.  I must commend our staff for making a sacrifice during tough times so that kids are better served in our schools.

 

The immediate challenge confronting us is to raise $75,000 in the La Grande community by September 1^st, 2009 to provide transportation and officials for sports and activities for the 2009-2010 school year.  The September 1^st deadline is imposed so that no sports or activities are left hanging without funding in the later part of the school year.

 

Two groups are working very hard to meet this goal.  The Tiger Booster Club is raising money through booster memberships.  One hundred percent of all membership money goes to support sports and activities.  As of this date the Boosters have raised $34,710.  If you would like to learn more, renew memberships or to join the Tiger Boosters contact Booster President, Mark Goss at 963-4161.

 

The second group working to raise money for this effort is the LHS activity-athletic fundraising banquet scheduled for August 15^th 6:30 p.m. at the Blue Mountain Conference Center.  This is a dinner along with an auction and raffle prizes.  Contact Melinda Becker at 663-1391 or Teresa Dowdy at 963-2950 for ticket information or to donate auction items.

 

Please consider joining us in this community wide effort to ensure that our kids have all the educational opportunities that past generations have enjoyed.  The time for getting involved is now.

 

Supt. Larry Glaze

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parents of LGSD Kindergarten students who have not yet registered their child for the 2009-2010 school year are asked to complete the registration by August 14. Enrollment information may be picked up at the distrcit office, Willow School, 1305 Willow St., Monday-Thursday, 8am-1pm.

Kindergarten students will begin their school year the week of August 31 with a staggered start. Parents will receive a letter of nitification for their child's attendance during the staggered start week. All kindergarten students will be attending their regular scheduled sessions beginning September 8. Call Sharry Sherman at 663-3202 for more information.

Is it possible to feed a family on $80 per week?  Try these tips...

1.  Use cash. Period. Using cash only turns you into a creative shopper.

2.  Purchase sales items. Check the weekly ads and create a menu and shopping list before leaving home. Only buy what is on sale.

3.  Go beyond the grocery store. Check the local dollar and grocery outlest stores for canned goods, meat and produce. The selections change often and are often deeply discounted. Check the price of milk at your regular gas station if they have a convenience store attached. Take advantage of the local Farmer's Markets in La Grande and Cove for fresh produce.

4.  Cook from scratch. Stay away from preprocessed and conveniently packaged foods that cost more. Go online for easy recipes at debtproofliving.com.

5. Set a dinner limit. There is a new trend  - set a limit, say, $5, to make an entire meal for your family. It can be done with planning, smart shopping and portion control. Check out 5dollardinners.com.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC, is designed to address health dispariteis and reach families most in need of preventive health services. 174, 000 women, infants and children are served by WIC in Oregon: 1,465 of those are from Union County. WIC also benefits our local economy: $570,203 went to local grocery stores in 2008, and $2,556 to local farmers. In 2008 565 families were served, and 67% of those households had at least one working family member. 63% of families that receive WIC services live at or below the federal poverty level of $1,467 per month for a family of 3.

There are many exciting changes ahead for Oregon WIC - a new participant-centered counseling approach as well as the "Fresh Choices" food packages. "Fresh Choices" is a major change to WIC food packages being rolled out in August 2009 and will increase whoe grain and fiber consumption, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, decrease saturated fat in the diet and continue to support breastfeeding. These changes are more aligned with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and will result in  a more nutritionally balanced program.

For more information on WIC in Union County, contact Patty Rudd at CHD, 962-8800.

Head Start is a FREE preschool for income eligible 3 and 4 year olds. We are now taking applications for La Grande, Elgin, Union and Baker City. Call 541-962-3622 for additional information. Download the application here in English or Spanish.

The Cove Food Pantry operates the 3rd Saturday of each month, from 9am-12noon in the basement of the Cove United Methodist Church, found at 1708 Jasper Street in Cove. The purpose of the pantry is to help local families suffering the harsh realities of our depressed economic times. This service for the Cove community provides emergency food assistance to those families meeting eligibility requirements. Call 910-0377 for details.

Community members who wish to donate to the pantry may do so by contributing canned foods and personal toiletries to the barrels at Dollar's Corner Store, the Cove Library and the Cove Post Office. Monetary donations may be made out to the Cove Food Pantry and placed in a donation jar or mailed to 60056 McNeill Road, Cove, OR 97824.

Show you care!

The Veteran's Memorial Pool is offering Water Babies for babies and their caregivers from August 4th-20th. Classes run from 4pm-4:45 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the series is $35. Call or stop by the Pool for more details or to register. Classes fill up fast! 541-962-1347 or 1367.

Attached find the July agenda and minutes from June for the Commission on Children & Families.

Are you undecided about vaccinations?  Would you like more information about them from a reputable source? Come join us for an informational meeting! We'll answer your questions about whether vaccinations are needed, are they safe, and when is the best time to vaccinate. Sponsored by the Center for Human Development, Public Health. July 23rd, 12noon at the Public Library Community Room in La Grande.

The Downtown Association in La Grande is sponsoring a Kids Carnival as part of the annual Crazy Days festivities. Free for kids, the carnival will include things like a ring toss, bowling, fishing, a petting zoo, sand art and a bouncey house! The carnival will run on Saturday, July 11th from 12noon to 3pm in downtown La Grande, on Adams Avenue in front of Sterling Bank. For more information, contact Darci at 541-663-1066.

The local Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group is conducting a raffle to raise funds for their team to attend the MOPS Int'l Convention this fall. Tickets are $5 each for a cord of 15-inch split Tamarack firewood, including delivery in Union County. No more than 60 tickets will be sold and the drawing will be held July 31st. Call Sarah at 962-7080 or Diane at 568-4715 for tickets.