Monday, February 08, 2010

Bowl for Kids Sake Benefit!

It's Big Brothers/Big Sisters biggest fundraiser of the year. Local Businesses sponsor teams of 5 bowlers. Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Columbia Gorge Finds, trains and supports mentors for children and teens so they can do better in school and at home and make them less likely to use drugs or turn to violence to solve problems. More Info...

Updated Family Activity Guide for Hood River County

The latest 2010 updates to this great resource includes parenting tips, playgroups, help for parents in transitional relationships, support groups, library activities & more. Produced by New Parent Services of Hood River County.

Winterfest 2010 in Skamania County

Skamania County Facilities and Recreation is gearing up to host Winterfest 2010 at Oldman Pass Sno*Park on Saturday, February 13th, 10AM-2PM. The annual event invites participants to celebrate winter with a flurry of free and fun activities in the beautiful Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Bundle up the family, pack up the snow toys, and join us for traditional snow play activities, including sledding, snowshoeing, snow skating and a snowman building contest. Call 509-427-3979 for more info.

Hood Rotary Seafood Feast

February 10, 2010 at Hood River Valley High School from 5 to 7pm - fresh crab, oysters and more to benefit local scholarship programs and friends of the Hood River County Library. Tickets available from local Rotarians, Hood River Jewelers, Columbia Bank and Waucoma Bookstore.

Hood River County Library Winter Hours

Due to budget cuts, the Hood River County Library has new hours. Story times will go on as scheduled, and there is a dedicated table in the children's section for homework including lined paper, pencils, pens, globe & dictionary. Additional tools can be obtained at the desk. See our library page for more info...

Indoor Putt Putt Golf Course!

As the weather gets colder, are you looking for an exciting and different activity for your family right here in The Dalles? Wonderworks Children’s Museum of the Gorge has an indoor Putt Putt mini-golf course at 206 Madison Street, downtown The Dalles, next door to Taco del Mar. The Putt Putt course will help Wonderworks raise money to refurbish their new building while providing a safe place for the whole family to have fun during the winter months.

Parenting Classes and Opportunities in The Dalles

Check out these resources from the Wasco County Commission on Children & Families.

Recommended Websites for Kids

The Hood River County Library announces that the Association of Library Services to Children has created a guide to parents for their child’s online use.  See their recommended websites for kids.

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Volunteers offer gift of time and treasure to Gorge Health Care...

At first glance, they look like nice, easy going people. They give of their time and their talents. They perform a variety of tasks - everything from planning parties to greeting patients at the door and knitting baby booties. They are the volunteers at Providence Hood River’s hospital, clinics and senior facilities. And the impact on local health care really adds up – nearly $300,000 in 2009. More info on the Health Page.

Make Parenting a Pleasure!

This class is excellent for parents and caregivers of children 0-8 years old. Learn ways to kids to cooperate at home and in school. Yelling, nagging and pleading aren't necessary and parenting becomes a much easier, enjoyable and effective!

Wondergym by Wonderworks Museum

is a great opportunity for your child to play, run and jump with other kids in a warm environment at Studio Elan in The Dalles from 10:15-11:00 every Tuesday in February. For more information, see our events page.

10 Questions to Ask Your Child About His/Her Day at School

Jayne Guidinger of the Hood River County Library recommends this great online resource from Scholastic.

The Mid Columbia Child & Family Center

The Mid-Columbia Child & Family Center (MCCFC) has been providing education, treatment and assistance to children with emotional problems and their families for almost 30 years.

Tumbleweed Photography

Tumbleweed specializes in creating unique, family stories through their style of organic photography.

Good Parenting Support

Here are a few excellent places to check for information or to call when you, a parent or a teenager you know needs some quick support and help. Parent Trust for Washington Children.

Parent Trust Family Help Line: 1-800-932-HOPE (4673) - Toll-free in Washington State.
Washington State Teenline:1-800-562-1240

Parents of Multiples

Gorge Parents of Multiples s a support group for parents of multiple birth children currently holding meetings the second Monday of every month. Call Please contact Gayle Huwe at 541-399-2719 if you are interested in attending.