UnionCountyKids.org News and Announcements

Public Transit Update

uckids — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:01:15 -0700

Northeast Oregon Public Transit's second fixed route, The Loop, is up and running. Hop on board and make connections with the Trolley to get everywhere you need to go! For more information, call 541-963-BUSS.

Kids Club Accepting Children

uckids — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:59:40 -0700

Kids Club has openings for childcare for kids 5-12 years of age. The program is located at the Riveria Activity Center. Bus transportation to and from school is available. For details - Janine Thomas at 541-663-1492.

Marian Academy Offerings

uckids — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:57:57 -0700

Enroll now for this fall! The Marian Academy offers Pre-K and All Day Kindergarten. Transportation available. Children will benefit from Christian-based instruction, small class sizes and individual attention. Registration packets, scholarship information and details are available from the Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church office at 1002 L Avenue, La Grande. 541-963-7341 or 541-963-0861.

Grants Available

uckids — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:02:59 -0700

The Oregon and Southwest Washington Komen Affiliate has partnered with the Northeast Oregon Area Health Education Center to offer grants to high school students interested in conducting breast health education projects. The Komen Affiliate will fund 4 grants up to $1000 to high schools in 10 counties including Union, Baker and Wallowa counties. To read more about this opportunity, go to www.eou.edu/neoahec/news.html or contact Brenna Dunlap at 541-962-3801, or email bhines@eou.edu.

Drug Free Relay Accepts Team Registrations

uckids — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:21:57 -0700

The 13th Annual Drug Free Relay is planned for September 25th at the LHS Track. The cost for a 10-person team is $400. Teams registered by September 10th will receive a 10% discount. For more information, contact Pam at 541-663-3397 or 541-963-2523. To obtain a team packet, go to www.drugfreerelay.org

Christian Education & Childcare

uckids — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:19:13 -0700

The La Grande Adventist School and Little Friends Christian Preschool & Childcare still have openings available for fall. The schools offer Christian childcare, full-day kindergarten and grades 1-8. Located at 2702 Adams Avenue, you may call the school for details at 541-963-6390 or 541-963-6203.

Oregon Health Authority Public Forum

uckids — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:55:25 -0700

The Oregon Health Authority is developing a plan to lower costs, increase access, and improve the quality of health care in our state. One of the key parts of the plan is the health insurance exchange, which will serve as a central marketplace to purchase health insurance available to all Oregonions. Come and learn about the plan for health and health care improvements in Oregon and tell us how the health insurance exchange will work best for you. Union County residents are invited to attend the Baker City Forum, Tuesday, September 7th from 6-8pm at the Baker County Library (2400 Resort Street). If you are unable to attend, go to www.Oregon.gov/OHA to learn about other options for submitting input.

Help shape health reform in Oregon!

Central Meet & Greet

uckids — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:51:28 -0700

Central kids and families, come and meet your teacher, see your room and drop off school supplies. Plus get a free popsicle, sponsored by the Central PTA. Thursday, September 2nd, from 1:30-3:30pm. See you then!

2010 Summer Festival

uckids — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:52:38 -0700

Don't be late for all this fun! $5 general admission (free for Mobile Fun Unit participants) gets you a hot dog, ice cream and drink. Lots of games with prizes...relays and prize walks...3 on 3 basketball tourney...Train...Bouncehouse...FUN!

Tuesday August 24th

2:30-6:30

Riverside Park Pavilion

Health Coverage for Kids

uckids — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:50:09 -0700

Your child can have health coverage! Healthy Kids for a Healthy Oregon. Free or low-cost coverage for uninsured children until their 19th birthday. Middle class families qualify! Coverage includes: regular check-ups, dental and vision, prescriptions, mental health and chemical dependency services, and more! In Union County contact Lea at 541-910-6996 or Katie at 541-910-9129. www.OregonHealthyKids.gov

Volunteer Opportunity

uckids — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:42:37 -0700

Interested in gaining new experience in a professional field while making a difference in the community? Come volunteer for NEON!

NEON is a non-profit organization with a mission to increase health care access in Northeast Oregon for residents.

Why volunteer for NEON? To learn about non-profits...for experience in office work, outreach, marketing and grant-writing...to build your resume and references...to help our community and those who live here.

Contact Tayde McAndie at 541-624-5102 or email tmcandie@neonoregon.org

Kindermusik Preview Day - FREE!

uckids — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:38:10 -0700

FREE preview class for Kindermusik with Miss Jamie. Come see what Kindermusik is all about. For those already enrolled, come and get a bonus class! Bring a friend and RSVP. There is no cost and no obligation to sign up for the fall season, just come and play! Preview day classes will run 30-45 minutes. To RSVP or for details call or email: kindermusikwithmissjamie@hotmail.com
Our Time (16 months to 3 years): 10am
Imagine That! (3-5 years): 3:30pm
Family Time (newborn to 8 years): 6pm

August 30th

Community School for the Arts

Corner of 6th & L Avenue

Miss Jamie - 541-910-1102

Jacobson Fundraiser

uckids — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:33:38 -0700

The community is invited to a Taco Feed & Silent Auction to support the family of Daniel Jacobson, who ishaving open heart surgery in October. The event is Wednesday, August 25th, from 5-8pm at Valley Fellowship, 507 Palmer, next to the Veteran's Pool. There will also be snow cones, live music and more. Come out and support this fine family! For questions or to make a donation, contact Beth Koza at 541-568-4678.

Central Yard Sale

uckids — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:20:19 -0700

The Central PTA Yard Sale is Saturday, August 28th from 8am-1pm at the Central School lot. If you have items to donate, contact Emily at 541-663-9193 before Friday the 27th. All proceeds go to support PTA projects at Central.

Central School PTA Up & Running

uckids — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:18:15 -0700

The first PTA meeting at Central School will be August 25th, 6pm in the Central Library. Childcare will be provided. The agenda includes: meeting (new) Principal Doland, organizing Open House participation, setting the PTA calendar for 2010-2011, brainstorming PTA goals and finalizing the PTA Yard Sale plans. All Central parents (and grandparents) are encouraged to get involved! Call Emily for details - 541-663-9193.

Mobile Fun Unit Reaches Goal

uckids — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:16:46 -0700

The Mobile Fun Unit would like to thank all the community members, far and wide, who contributed to the fundraising campaign. Due to your generousity, the $5,000 goal was reached and the Mobile Fun Unit was able to serve local children this summer.

Platinum Level Sponsors: EOU Athletic Teams, Jan & Jody Ward. Gold Level Sponsors: Soroptimist International of La Grande, La Grande Rotary Club, City of Island City. Silver Level Sponsor: Forest Capital Partners. Bronze Level Sponsors: Oregon Trail Electric, Grande Ronde Retirement Residence, Loveland Funeral CHapel, Koza Family Dental Care, Legacy Ford Mercury, Guyer and Associates, John Howard Real Estate, CHD Prevention, Mark Harris (DMD, PC), Tim & Tressa Seydel Family, Howard, Genevieve & David Pidcock, Kiwanis Club of La Grande. Other Sponsors: Union County CCF, Union County Safe Kids, Allied Mortgage, Janet Hume (CPA), Robin Stedfield, Pat & Vicky Brogoitti, Howard & Teresa Butts, Jean Falbo Trust, The Observer, Bugs & Butterflies, The Short Stop, Willow Grocery, Spruce St. Market, Primos Pizza, Red Cross Drug, D & B Supply, La Grande Grocery Outlet.

Vaughn Fundraiser

uckids — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:10:29 -0700

Come and enjoy a night out and help a friend! Kory Vaughn, La Grande resident, is currently hospitalized in Portland and facing uncertain times ahead with his family. Kory and his wife Tiffany have given endless hours of time to Central School, the Riverside Playground Project and many other community organizations - now let's help them!

July 16th, 6pm, Riverside Park Pavilion: Chili & Hot Dogs, desserts, 50/50 tickets, plus a Silent Auction.

If you have goods or services to donate, contact Heidi Halsey at 541-962-9629.

Pizza Hut MOPS Night

uckids — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:23:39 -0700

Come and eat pizza at Pizza Hut in La Grande on Wednesday, June 23rd between 5-8pm! Any size pizza and toppings for $10. 20% of the proceeds during this timeframe will go to support MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). Works for dine-in or carry out. Take it easy, eat a pizza for a great cause!

Soccer Camp Expanded

uckids — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:21:28 -0700

The EOU Soccer Camp for grades 3-5, offered through Parks & Recreation, has been expanded to include 1st and 2nd graders. The camp runs August 16-20, from 9:30am-11am at the Pioneer Park Soccer Field and costs $30.00 To register or get more information, contact Minnie at 541-962-1352, ext. 201.

Save the Mobile Fun Unit

uckids — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:12:00 -0700

Friends of the La Grande Mobile Fun Unit are trying to raise $5000 by June 30th to close budget gaps and continue to serve children. The Mobile Fun Unit is a 10-week program that visits 7 sites per week with a themed mini-camp - offering youth 3 and up a very low-cost opportunity for safe and healthy fun.

Any size donation accepted. Contact Tressa at CCF, 541-963-1034, to find out about business sponsorship levels. All donors will be publicly recognized.

Donations for Kids

uckids — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:53:32 -0700

If you are interested in supporting local foster kids and their families, consider donating items such as washable markers, coloring books, activity books, bubbles, craft items and snacks. Donations may be dropped off at DHS, 1607 Gekeler, or contact Tammy to make arrangements - Tammy Pierce, 541-524-1800, X406.

NEON Grants Available

uckids — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:14:58 -0700

NEON is a 501(c)3 non-profit rural health collaborative of providers, agencies and community members in Union, Baker and Wallowa counties. NEON's mission is to create a network focused on meeting the diverse helath needs of rural communities.

NEON Annual Mini Grants ($1000 per county) support health promotion activities administered through local community efforts with the hopes of strengthening the sustainability of those projects for future years. Applicants must be non-profits among other criteria. Applications accepted though April 30, 2010 with decisions made and applicants notified no later than May 20th.

For full information and application, download attachment.

La Grande School District Communication Survey

uckids — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:45:03 -0700

Please take a moment and complete this online survey. The survey is to help the school district assess how the public prefers to receive information from the District. It should only take a few minutes of your time!

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22AFZ44KKHP

To get onto the Key Communicator email list, contact Sharry Sherman at ssherman@lagrande.k12.or.us

You can also find the La Grande Schhol District on Facebook under "La Grande School District," and on Twitter under "LGSchools."

Change for Change

uckids — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:22:35 -0700

Help make a difference in the life of a local child! This month Pepsi is sponsoring "Change for Change" at Curves, Rosewood Cottage, Spicy Creations, Clothes Closet, Eastern Oregon Nursery & Landscaping and the Union-Wallowa-Baker Federal Credit Union. In recognition of Child Abuse Prevetnion Month, drop your extra change into the collections cans in these local businesses and make a difference!

Volunteers Needed April 22

uckids — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:17:42 -0700

As part of Union County Walk to School Day on April 22, many area schools are coordinating walking school buses and/or short walks to recognize the day. Adult volunteers interested in the health and fitness of kids are welcome!

Greenwood Elementary in La Grande School District - Short walk(s) prior to start of school day. 541-663-3580

Island City Elementary in La Grande School District - Short walk prior to start of school day. 541-663-3270

Cove - Walking School Bus after school. Meet in the alley between the school and gym at 3:40pm.

North Powder - Meet in front of the school after Elementary release at 3:05 for short walk and/or Walking School Bus.

Union - Meet on playground at 3:30pm for short walk and/or Walking School Bus.

Elgin - Multiple groups walking to school and meeting at various lcoations. Contact Diane Greif or Diana Grandeen for more information.

Imbler - Buses will drop kids off at the City Park at 7:35am. Parents and interested volunteers should be there and will walk kids down Esther Street to school.

Union County Youth Soccer Revs Up

uckids — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:51:46 -0700

Team Sponsors Needed: If you are interested in sponsoring a youth soccer team for $200, please contact Mike Barry at 541-910-4456, ASAP.

Website: www.unioncountyyouthsoccer.org Visit the website for all kinds of important information!

Referees Needed: Referees are needed for the 2010 summer rec league season (July & August). There will be a clinic and schedule before games start in July. Call or email Hank Hudson: 541-963-6908 or Hank@eotitle.com

Select Soccer: Select Soccer is a competitive league consisting of separate boys and girls U12 (5th/6th) and U14 (7th/8th) teams designed for serious players who want to take their skills to the next level. Teams play 2 months every fall and spring. Travel may be involved, try-outs are held annually. Practice is 2-3 times during the week with games on Saturday. Costs vary depending on the team - scholarships are available. Call Tim Schoenfelder at 541-975-1505.

Volunteer Coaches Needed: More than 800 Union County youth participated in summer soccer last year - thanks to parents and adults who are willing to volunteer! If you are interested in coaching, you will receive a Coaches Manual, plus provided free coaching clinics before practices begin. You will be successful even if you have never coached or played soccer before! Please contact David Ebel for more information: 541-963-5684 or 541-910-1809; ndebel@eoni.com

Registration: $35 per player before May 4th. Mail in to UCYSA, POB 3038, La Grande, or drop off to The Hobby Habit. Check website for dates of walk-in registrations in your community, beginning April 22. Registration closes May 14th.

Blue Monday Family Fun Fair

uckids — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:14:30 -0700

On April 26^th the fourth annual family fun fair will be held in Max Square. Family activities, games, drawings, food, music and entertainment will fill the time between 5pm-7pm. The day is designated as “Blue Monday,” and residents all over Union County are encouraged to wear blue in support of child abuse awareness and prevention. Community members, faith and school groups, service organizations, and more are welcome and encouraged to bring their families and have a good time. For more information, call CCF at 541-963-1034.

Child Abuse Prevention Month & Family Activity Calendar

uckids — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:12:39 -0700

In 2009 Oregon counted 10,421 victims of child abuse or neglect - 49% were under the age of 6. Union County children accounted for 110 of the victims – with 51% under the age of 6. In Union County, 28% of these founded referrals were related to substance abuse.

In April of 2010, the Board of County Commissioners joins with mayors from Island City, La Grande, Imbler, Summerville, Elgin, Union, Cove and North Powder to declare April “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in Union County. Family Matters is the Union County theme and the Commission on Children & Families, in collaboration with other community partners, is raising awareness of this proclamation in support of families that might be struggling with issues such as substance abuse, unemployment, parental involvement with law enforcement and domestic violence. For a complete listing of helpful child and family resources and services, go to http://www.unioncountykids.org .

Remember, every child is worth saving. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please contact DHS at 541-963-8571 or local law enforcement at 541-963-1017.

DOWNLOAD THE APRIL 2010 FAMILY ACTIVITY CALENDAR HERE.

Volunteer Link Activities

uckids — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:09:22 -0700

National Volunteer Week is April 18-24 and the Volunteer Link Committee encourages community members of all ages to volunteer in Union County! If you are interested in finding a local volunteer opportunity that matches your interests and time, please call the Volunteer Link Committee at the CCF Office, 541-963-1034. Or, simply download the attachment.

If you are interested in participating on the Volunteer Link Committee, a group dedicated to recognizing, supporting and recruiting community volunteers, our next meeting is May 25th at 10am, 1106 K Avenue. Call for more information: 541-963-1034.

Home Party Roundup

uckids — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:30:41 -0700

La Grande MOPS is sponsoring a wonderful "Home Party Roundup!" Included Reps: Arbonne, Close to My Heart, Pampered Chef, Party Lite, Premiere Designs, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, and more! Door prizes, snacks, and plenty of shopping! Support your local MOPS chapter and have a great time! Also shop online at lagrandemops.com and click on Home Party Roundup.

Tuesday, April 20th. 6-9pm. Valley Fellowship, 507 Palmer, La Grande. Contact: Diane 541-568-4715