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