OCTOBER 2014

The Science Factory Children’s Museum & Exploration Dome will showcase its From Here to There exhibit through Jan. 4. At this exhibit, kids can ride a hovercraft to experience air pressure, float a boat to experiment with air flow and lift, launch and levitate their way through hands-on exhibits to explore how things move by land, sea and air. The exhibit also features hands-on exhibits that make learning about gravity, friction, and the laws of motion fun! To see museum hours and admission prices, visit The Science Factory.

 

Lone Pine Farms offers several fun events during the month of October including, a pumpkin patch, haunted and non-haunted corn mazes, and a cow train roller coaster! Lone Pine Farm, located at 91909 River Road in Junction City, is open Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices vary per event.

 

The Eugene Public Library hosts Sensory Story Time every Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the downtown branch, located at 100 W. 10th Ave. This is a special story time for kids of all ages with sensory integration issues or other special needs and their caregivers.

 

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History offer free admission during University of Oregon Ducks home game weekends throughout the 2014 football season. Visit the museums from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 2. Both museums are located on the University of Oregon campus. Visit the museum’s websites for information on current exhibits and museum locations.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host a Parent Wellness Workshop on Thurs., Oct. 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building at the University of Oregon, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. This workshop is designed to help parents adjust to their “new normal” life of raising a child with different needs. Parents will learn ways to process their feelings and how to deal effectively with them, as well as tips for self-care. Gail Richards, MSW and a parent of a child with special needs, and Judy Newman, co-director and founder of Early Childhood CARES, will co-facilitate this workshop. Preregistration is required. Parents need to register for the meeting even if childcare is not needed. To register, please call 541-346-2578 by Wed., Oct. 1. Please note, the support group will be cancelled if fewer than five parents register.

 

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History offer free admission on Fri., Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both museums are located on the University of Oregon campus. Visit the museum’s websites for information on current exhibits and museum locations.

 

The Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN) hosts a monthly Respite Night for parents and caregivers of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, mental and/or physical challenges and special needs. This month’s Respite Night will take place on Fri., Oct. 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children have access to movies, Wii, crafts, coloring, free play and games while the adults get a much needed rest. Children are supervised and interact with trained youth activity leaders and OFSN staff. Dinner and a snack are provided. This is a popular event and fills up fast! Preregistration is required. To RSVP, call 541-342-2876.

 

The City of Eugene will host a Family Fun Night on Fri., Oct. 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Petersen Barn Community Center, located at 870 Berntzen Rd. Dinner will be served until 6:30 p.m. There will also be games, crafts and live entertainment. This is a free, drop-in program; no registration is required.

 

The City of Eugene Recreation Services will host a free First Saturday Park Walk for all ages on Sat., Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ridgeline Trail – Wild Iris Ridge – Meet at the end of Bailey View Drive. Naturalists from the Outdoor Program will lead this interpretive walks. Drop-in; no registration required. For questions, call 541-682-5329.

 

The Home Depot hosts free monthly Kids Workshops the first Saturday of each month. This month’s workshop will take place on Sat., Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. Kids will build an EMS truck. Kids workshop activities are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more and to register for the workshop, visit The Home Depot Kids Workshops.

 

The Arc Lane County will offer its JumpStart Saturday Respite Program on Sat., Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4181 E St., Springfield. This is a low-cost program. The Arc Lane County provides to families the first Saturday of each month. Families may use thier K-Plan support funds to pay for JumpStart Saturday. Alternatively, the cost is $10 per day per child with disability and $5 per day for siblings. Families must email Becca Hope or call 541-654-7649 as soon as possible to confirm space availability and reserve a spot for their child.

 

The Eugene Public Library will host Family Music Time on Sat., Oct. 4 from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the downtown branch, located at 100 W. 10th Ave. Kris Olsen of Do Re Play inspires learning through musical exploration and play. Admission is free.

 

Kids and families are invited to the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make a creative reuse project. From magnetic puzzles to robot rockets to sock creatures, there’s always a fun, all-ages craft project for kids and families each Saturday. There is no need to preregister, and all materials are included for each workshop. A $3 to $5 sliding scale donation is requested per child. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. MECCA is located at 449 Willamette St. in Eugene.

 

The Eugene Public Library will host Cuentos y Canciones (Stories & Songs) on Sat., Oct. 4 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Bethel branch, located at 1990 Echo Hollow Rd. Cuentos y Canciones is a weekly story time in Spanish for children and families. Admission is free.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 2 of its Fall Behavior Management Parent Group on Mon., Oct. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building located on the University of Oregon campus at 901 E. 18th Ave. This is an eight-week training designed to help parents learn effective behavior support strategies to use with preschool-age children with challenging behaviors. Early Childhood CARES will offer another Behavior Management Parent Group in the winter.

 

The Arc Families Connected will host an Out & About at Bounce Gymnastics for children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their siblings every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The group of volunteers will not be there to help. Parents must remain on site while their children play. The cost is $3 per child. For more information, call 541-343-5256.

 

Come join a group of parents and share in the joys and struggles of parenting a child with special needs. This is a great group for parents looking to connect with other parents. The bimonthly Early Childhood CARES Parent Support Group will meet on Tues., Oct. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in room 201A of the Clinical Services Building, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene. Preregistration is required. Parents need to register for the meeting even if childcare is not needed. To register, please call 541-346-2578 by Fri., Oct. 3. Please note, the support group will be cancelled if fewer than five parents register.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host a meeting for Spanish families to come learn about our agency and the services it provides. This Spanish meeting and greet event will be held on Tues., Oct. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in room 201A of the Clinical Services Building, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene. Preregistration is required. Parents need to register for the meeting even if childcare is not needed. To register, please call 541-346-0742 by Fri., Oct. 3. Please note, this meeting will be cancelled if fewer than five parents register.

 

The Eugene Public Library hosts Sensory Story Time every Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the downtown branch, located at 100 W. 10th Ave. This is a special story time for kids of all ages with sensory integration issues or other special needs and their caregivers.

 

Valley River Center will host a Kids Club on Thurs., Oct. 9 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 293 Valley River Center in Eugene. Come and learn about Gerbils, Rabbits, and Fish! Also fun activities to support anti-bullying. Kids Club is free and is geared for children ages 4 to 10 years.

 

Bridgeway House will host a Parent Support Meeting on Thurs., Oct. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wesley United MethodistChurch, located at 1385 Oakway Rd. in Eugene. The support group is for parents and caregivers of children with autism. Childcare is available, but parents must call in advance. Please call 541-345-0805 to make childcare arrangements. All parents and guardians are invited to attend.

 

Parents and preschool-age children are invited to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History (MNCH) at the University of Oregon on Fri., Oct. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for stories and hands-on fun, including crafts, songs, games and museum exploration. The theme of this month’s Little Wonders is “Animal Tracks,” Animal tracks are a great way to learn about an animal without seeing it. This month, we’ll explore different types of animal tracks – and children will make some of their own to take home. Admission for a family of four is $5 and is free for museum members. Little Wonders is hosted the second Friday of every month at MNCH, located at 1680 East 15th Ave. in Eugene.

 

The Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN) will host a Family Fun Night on Fri. Oct. 10 from 5 to 8 pm for families with children who experience mental, emotional, and/or behavioral health challenges and are served by South Lane Mental Health or Oregon Family Support Network. Children have access to movies, WII, crafts, coloring, free play, and games while the adults get a much needed rest. Children are supervised and interact with trained youth activity leaders and OFSN staff. A light dinner and a snack are provided. This is a popular event and fills up fast! For more information or to RSVP call Diana Hawkins at 541-342-2876 or Chris Cooper at 541-767-4201.

 

The Eugene Public Library will host Family Music Time on Sat., Oct. 11 from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the downtown branch, located at 100 W. 10th Ave. Join Samuel Becerra for the high-energy music of Mexico and South America. Admission is free.

 

Kids and families are invited to the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make a creative reuse project. From magnetic puzzles to robot rockets to sock creatures, there’s always a fun, all-ages craft project for kids and families each Saturday. There is no need to preregister, and all materials are included for each workshop. A $3 to $5 sliding scale donation is requested per child. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. MECCA is located at 449 Willamette St. in Eugene.

 

The Eugene Public Library will host Cuentos y Canciones (Stories & Songs) on Sat., Oct. 11 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Bethel branch, located at 1990 Echo Hollow Rd. Cuentos y Canciones is a weekly story time in Spanish for children and families. Admission is free.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 3 of its Fall Behavior Management Parent Group on Mon., Oct. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building located on the University of Oregon campus at 901 E. 18th Ave. This is an eight-week training designed to help parents learn effective behavior support strategies to use with preschool-age children with challenging behaviors. Early Childhood CARES will offer another Behavior Management Parent Group in the winter.

 

The Arc Families Connected will host an Out & About at Bounce Gymnastics for children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their siblings every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The group of volunteers will not be there to help. Parents must remain on site while their children play. The cost is $3 per child. For more information, call 541-343-5256.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host a Statutory Oversight Committee Meeting on Wed., Oct. 15 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at its main office which is located at 299 E. 18th Ave., Eugene. The Statutory Oversight Committee is comprised of service providers, agencies, school districts and parents who meet to discuss fiscal issues and the delivery of services to Early Childhood CARES children and their families. Childcare will not be provided; however, parents will be paid a $25 stipend for self-arranged childcare. Parent attendance is welcome at these meetings and parent input is appreciated!

 

The Oregon Family to Family Health Information Center will host a Regional Family Gathering on Weds. Oct. 15 from 9:30-11:00 am at The Arc Lane County, located at 4181 E St in Springfield. This workshop is for parents and caregivers of children and youth with special health, developmental or behavioral needs. Parents will learn about resources and programs to help their child and family. The first ten families to RSVP may participate in a special “listening session” from 10:30-11:00 am and receive a $20 stipend. Parents must RSVP to be included in the listening session. For more information and to RSVP call 855-323-6744 or 503-494-0865. Leave a message stating that you are registering for the Springfield event.

 

The Eugene Public Library hosts Sensory Story Time every Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the downtown branch, located at 100 W. 10th Ave. This is a special story time for kids of all ages with sensory integration issues or other special needs and their caregivers.

 

The Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN) hosts a monthly Family Support Meeting the third Friday of every month for families of children and youth who experience mental, emotional, behavioral and/or physical special needs. The Family Support Meeting will take place on Fri., Oct. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Emerald Park Pool, located at 1400 Lake Dr. in Eugene. Kids can swim for free and a light snack will be provided. Preregistration is required. To RSVP, call 541-342-2876.

 

Enjoy a Family Movie Night at the Amazon Community Center on Fri., Oct. 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Goonies (Rated PG) will be the featured movie. The room will open at 6 p.m. and the movie will start at 6:30 p.m. Popcorn will be provided. The Amazon Community Center is located at 2700 Hilyard St. The cost is $1 per person.

 

Grab the family and enjoy some recreation time together in the gym, pool and playground at Family Fit Friday on Fri., Oct. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sheldon Community Center, located at 2445 Willakenzie Rd. There will be different planned activities, movies, games and special parties to attend. Call to register ahead or visit the website for more details. Swimming will be available for a fee. For questions, call 541-682-5312.

 

The Eugene Public Library will host Family Music Time on Sat., Oct. 18 from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the downtown branch, located at 100 W. 10th Ave. Rich Glauber delights all ages with interactive music play. Admission is free.

 

Kids and families are invited to the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make a creative reuse project. From magnetic puzzles to robot rockets to sock creatures, there’s always a fun, all-ages craft project for kids and families each Saturday. There is no need to preregister, and all materials are included for each workshop. A $3 to $5 sliding scale donation is requested per child. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. MECCA is located at 449 Willamette St. in Eugene.

 

The Eugene Public Library will host Cuentos y Canciones (Stories & Songs) on Sat., Oct. 18 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Bethel branch, located at 1990 Echo Hollow Rd. Cuentos y Canciones is a weekly story time in Spanish for children and families. Admission is free.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 4 of its Fall Behavior Management Parent Group on Mon., Oct. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building located on the University of Oregon campus at 901 E. 18th Ave. This is an eight-week training designed to help parents learn effective behavior support strategies to use with preschool-age children with challenging behaviors. Early Childhood CARES will offer another Behavior Management Parent Group in the winter.

 

The Arc Families Connected will host an Out & About at Bounce Gymnastics for children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their siblings every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The group of volunteers will not be there to help. Parents must remain on site while their children play. The cost is $3 per child. For more information, call 541-343-5256.

 

Come join a group of parents and share in the joys and struggles of parenting a child with special needs. This is a great group for parents looking to connect with other parents. The bimonthly Early Childhood CARES Parent Support Group will meet on Tues., Oct. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in room 201A of the Clinical Services Building, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene. Preregistration is required. Parents need to register for the meeting even if childcare is not needed. To register, please call 541-346-2578 by Fri., Oct. 17. Please note, the support group will be cancelled if fewer than five parents register.

 

The Eugene Public Library hosts Sensory Story Time every Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the downtown branch, located at 100 W. 10th Ave. This is a special story time for kids of all ages with sensory integration issues or other special needs and their caregivers.

 

The Arc Families Connected will host its monthly Dinner Night on Thurs., Oct.23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 4181 E St. in Springfield. At this month’s meeting we will brainstorm future trainings and activities. Childcare will be provided, but parents must RSVP in advance. Please RSVP by emailing Laura Dahill or calling 541-343-5256 ext. 113.

 

Bridgeway House will host a Parent Support Meeting on Thurs., Oct. 23 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 1385 Oakway Rd. in Eugene. The support group is for parents and caregivers of children with autism. Childcare is available, but parents must call in advance. Please call 541-345-0805 to make childcare arrangements. All parents and guardians are invited to attend.

 

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Come visit the 2014 Lane County Halloween Festival from Oct. 23-Oct. 31 for a variety of fun events. Bring your carved/decorated pumpkin to the pumpkin palace, enjoy trick-or-treating, zombie hunt, raffles and great food. Free admission for children who experience disabilities and free admission with a carved or decorated pumpkin. The festival is located at 1650 Centennial Blvd at the corner of Mohawk and Centennial.

 

The Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN) hosts a monthly Family Fun Night the fourth Friday of every month for families with children who experience mental, emotional, behavioral and/or physical special needs. Family Fun Night will be held on Fri., Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Skate World, located at 3188 Gateway Lp. in Springfield. Children must be supervised by their parent or caregiver. The cost is $1 for roller skates or $4 for inline skates.

 

The Eugene Public Library will host Family Music Time on Sat., Oct. 25 from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the downtown branch, located at 100 W. 10th Ave. This week, join Anahid Bertrand of Early Ears. She’s fluent in musical fun — and six languages! Admission is free.

 

Families Connected will host its monthly Family Fun Day on Sat., Oct. 25 from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Volunteers with the University of Oregon will be on hand to buddy with kids with a disability and their siblings as part of the Make a Difference Day. The location for this event will be announced soon. Families must preregister for this event to ensure their child (and siblings) has his/her own U of O buddy. Parents must remain on site during this event. Please preregister now by sending an email to Laura Dahill or calling 541-343-5256 ext. 113. It is important families preregister for this event so we know how many U of O buddies we will need for the event.

 

Kids and families are invited to the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make a creative reuse project. From magnetic puzzles to robot rockets to sock creatures, there’s always a fun, all-ages craft project for kids and families each Saturday. There is no need to preregister, and all materials are included for each workshop. A $3 to $5 sliding scale donation is requested per child. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. MECCA is located at 449 Willamette St. in Eugene.

 

The Eugene Public Library will host Cuentos y Canciones (Stories & Songs) on Sat., Oct. 25 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Bethel branch, located at 1990 Echo Hollow Rd. Cuentos y Canciones is a weekly story time in Spanish for children and families. Admission is free.

 

Early Childhood CARES will host part 5 of its Fall Behavior Management Parent Group on Mon., Oct. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in room 145 of the Clinical Services Building located on the University of Oregon campus at 901 E. 18th Ave. This is an eight-week training designed to help parents learn effective behavior support strategies to use with preschool-age children with challenging behaviors. Early Childhood CARES will offer another Behavior Management Parent Group in the winter.

 

Sibshops, a workshop for siblings of children with special needs, will start Tues., Oct. 28 and run weekly through Tues., Dec. 2. At this workshop, siblings will connect with other children and share their unique experiences of having a sibling with a disability. The classes will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Clinical Services Building at the University of Oregon, located at 901 E. 18th Ave. Preregistration is required. For more information and to register, email Susan Schulz or call 541-346-1286.

 

The Arc Families Connected will host an Out & About at Bounce Gymnastics for children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their siblings every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The group of volunteers will not be there to help. Parents must remain on site while their children play. The cost is $3 per child. For more information, call 541-343-5256.

 

The Arc Lane County will offer its JumpStart Saturday Respite Program on Sat., Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4181 E St., Springfield. This is a low-cost program. The Arc Lane County provides to families the first Saturday of each month. Families may use thier K-Plan support funds to pay for JumpStart Saturday. Alternatively, the cost is $10 per day per child with disability and $5 per day for siblings. Families must email Becca Hope or call 541-654-7649 as soon as possible to confirm space availability and reserve a spot for their child.