August 15, 1997
SMOKE SIGNALS
Local team continues successfully
with great efforts by many
By Sheriff Tom O'Brien
Again the Grand Ronde Service Integration Team hit a home run. Anyone interested in
what is happening within our community needs to become involved with this organization
of volunteers and professionals. The first and third Thursday of every month at the Grand
Ronde Elementary School (GRES) at 1:30 p.m. these folks meet to tackle issues affecting
us all.
Issues addressed range from gang prevention, reading buddies at school, health fair,
food banks, teen pregnancy, after school activities, and the list goes on. One function
discussed is called Coyote Camp. This activity provides field trips and activities during the
summer for all Grand Ronde children who are interested.
As many of you know, I am originally from New England (not Rhode Island) so I know
a lake when I see one. The "lake" we visited was actually a large pond Hebo Lake
even so, on July 10th it was large enough to accommodate forty happy local school chil
dren, accompanied by five adults, and several Service Integration Team members who met
us at the lake.
One of the new team members provided the children with a dozen new fishing rods and
reels for use on the trip. Everyone who went was able to wet a line. These rods and reels
were donated to the team and are available for future use. I believe most of the hooks are
still clean and shiny!
Hebo Lake failed to provide the opportunity to tell embellished fishing stories, but it
certainly afforded all who went a great experience, and sense of community. We endured
a school bus ride to and from the lake. Some children just managed to clear the bus door
before having to express themselves in the lake parking lot. (Next time we will bring
Dramamine.) At the end of the day we returned to GRES, with three more children then we
started with.
Coyote Camp activities this summer also included building birdhouscs, tie dying t-shirts,
sports every Tuesday, and a unforgettable trip to the beach with 51 kids and 9 adults!
The next local event put together by this team is the Second Annual Grand Ronde Health '
Fair held at GRES on Friday, September 12 from 1 to 8 p.m. Many agencies will again
participate. This is an opportunity for an interesting and fun filled family outing. Many
volunteers will spend the afternoon answering your questions and showing off their equip
ment and skills. I hope to see you there.
HSr jiSS''W (530 SsSW2853''3fflE
Ages 5-13 Grand Ronde Elementary
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS
Soccer Basketball (J) Baseball
We have $$ for uniforms and equipment. Our goal is to give the youth
something positive to do after school. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
COACH HREF DORGANIZE DHELP OUT 1 OR MORE HOURS?
PLEASE ATTEND OUR MEETING:
Tuesday, August 26 at 5:1 5 p.m.
Grand Ronde Elementary School
AT THE BEACH:
As mentioned in the
story at left, Coyote
Camp's last field trip
of the summer was
very enjoyable by
everyone. Fifty-one
local kids and
teenagers had fun
in the sun!
Friday, September 12 1 to 6 p.m.
Grand Ronde Elementary School
Family services provided Everyone Welcome
Learning techniques and self awareness
Special presentation from 6 to 8 p.m.:
"Managing conflict at home"
Free Immunizations for kids
Fingerprint IDs for kids
Life Flight
Fire Truck
Medic Unit
K-9 unit (police dog)
Dental screening
DARE
Water safety
Safe streets
Baby care info for new moms
Disability challenges
Blind demonstrations
Teenage pregnancy prevention
WIC eligibility
Blood pressure checks
Insurance information
Hearing tests and displays
Prizes for kids and adults ff