Summer Programs Benefit Youth

WAITSBURG - Two new programs were approved last week, which will help make summer even more enjoyable for Waitsburg youth. Waitsburg's School Board approved a summer food program that will provide both breakfast and lunch to students, while the Waitsburg Resource Center (WRC) mapped out a "Knock Out Boredom" Summer Fun program for the month of July.

Because over 50% of Waitsburg students - 55% in the elementary school and 51% in the middle school -- receive free or reduced lunches, Waitsburg qualifies as a low income site and is eligible to apply for the federally funded Seamless Summer Food Program. The program allows the school to provide free breakfasts and lunches for all children, 18 years and under, from low income areas. There are no income requirements to receive the free meals and all students are welcome to take advantage of the program.

Dr. Clarke said the school had discussed the program last year, but "decided to make it happen this year." Food Services Supervisor Susan Wildey will run the program which will most likely operate five days per week. Clarke said meals may frequently be served outdoors in order not to interfere with school maintenance crews. She also said that the program is unlikely to cost the school anything because the program reimburses for both food and production costs. In a "worse case scenario" the school could have to cover Wildey's summer wages.

At their May 16 Board Meeting, the WRC Board unanimously approved a "Knock Out Boredom" summer fun program for students in grades K-12. The program will run for 90 minutes, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. The Center plans to coordinate timing with the school so that youth may take advantage of the school lunch program following each summer fun event.

WRC Board Member Pam Conover has slated a tentative schedule of activities - that are easily adapted to students of all ages -- for the month of July. The program may be extended if more volunteers step forward to provide more activities in August. The current schedule includes:

July 8: Birds Presentation by Blue Mountain Wildlife of Pendleton, Ore.

July 9: Salmon Recovery by Deb Seney and Steve Martin

July 10: Pet Care by Sandra Farley

July 15: Art Pottery Painting by Vickie Beckmeyer

July 16: Watercolor Flamingos by Pam Conover

July 17: Mixed Medium Art

July 22-24: Rocket Build and Launch by Tim Quigg

July 29-31 Music, Music, Music by Mike Ferrians and Friends

The WRC is also planning a Bicycle Rodeo and Safety event in June. Children needing bike helmets will be fitted and provided with helmets at no charge. "These are the types of things we envisioned providing when we first started the Resource Center," said Board Member Mike Ferrians. "We want to be more than just a food bank. We want to benefit the community in even bigger ways."