VOICE

Prevention Summit etc.

2009-11-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

Prevention Summit!

October 29th through the 30th a small group of our team went to Yakima to the Fall Prevention Summit to recieve an Exemplary Youth Volunteer Award. We went to workshops during the two days we were there, learned about making positive choices, and did a service project at an elementary school.
At the school we cleaned and painted walls, swept leaves, and painted foursquare courts outside. It was a wonderful expirience for our team to work together and help make positive changes in other counties.
The night before halloween there was an amazing dance, movie, board games, and henna tattoos. We all had a blast and danced until we could barely move.

Upcoming events!

Kickoff Concert

Friday November 13th, 8 pm, $5
Common Ground

Candysound and TwiDDY & the Argonauts

Please join us for a chance to listen to some great music and learn more about VOICE oppoutunities!

Upcoming Meetings!

Monday, November 9th : United General Hospital : 6-7 pm : Cedar Confrence Room

Monday, November 9th : Coho Cafe : Parent Dessert Event : 7-8 pm

Monday, November 23rd : Burlington Public Library : 6:30-8 pm

Monday, December 7th : Holiday Party! : Burlington Library : 6-8 pm

Call Lisa Mitchell with any questions

(360) 856-7388

Hello Skagit County!!

2009-10-22T14:58:00.001-07:00

Please don't forget about our meeting on Monday, October 26th at the Burlington Library from 6:30-8PM. ( See side box on blog for future meeting dates, locations, and times)

Make sure to check back in a couple of weeks for a very exciting announcement about VOICE!!!

Looking for projects! If you know of any future service learning projects that the group could get involved in, please contact Lisa. We are always interested.

What's New

2009-10-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Meetings:
Monday, October 12th, 6:30-8 PM, United General Hospital, Alder Conference Room
DINNER PROVIDED :)
Please Bring Chill N Spill Journals, Supplies to make Bio Pages or Halloween Cards

Monday, October 26th, 6:30-8 PM, Burlington Library
DINNER PROVIDED :)

Meeting Location Suggestions
We would like to meet in as many locations as possible so everyone can participate in meetings. If you know a location that would be great for our meetings, please let Lisa know. We would preferably like places free of cost and who let us bring in food.

Dinner Now Provided!
United General Hospital's Coho Cafe is donating food to the VOICE group for our meetings. We will now have dinner provided. THANKS COHO CAFE!!!!

Recruitment Raffle:
We love meeting new people, and we need to recruit more youth. For every friend you get to join VOICE, you will be entered into a raffle for a prize! Raffle will be held at the beginning of December!

What's up Skagit County!

2009-09-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? The Safe Homes Program is looking for child care volunteers for children age 10 and under each Tuesday night from 6:45-9:00 p.m. beginning October 6th through November 17th at the Burlington Community Center in Maiben Park. For more information, please contact Jennifer Fix by phone: 360-422-7621 or email: thefixgroup@hotmail.com .

Congrats to the VOICE group! Youth work incredibly hard on their Reducing Underage Drinking Project. Last night (9/23) 4 youth presented their project and resolution to the Sedro-Woolley City Council. The resolution, urging Sedro-Woolley retailers to voluntarily reduce their alcohol advertisements by 30%, PASSED! Great Job!

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

2009-09-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

THANK- YOU SKAGIT COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES FOR FUNDING!!!! We now have a secured coordinator (Lisa Mitchell) for this year!

SEDRO-WOOLLEY CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION: Josh Russell, Cherie Baggett, Nyka Tucker, and Morgan Curry will be giving their 2nd Reducing Underage Drinking presention to the Sedro-Woolley City Council. Come show your support : 7 PM, Sedro-Woolley City Hall, 325 Metcalf Street.

NEXT VOICE MEETING: Monday, September 28th, 6:30-8PM, Skagit Valley Food Co-Op, Conference Room 310. Bring a new friend!!

MOTIVATING THE TEEN SPIRIT WORKSHOP: Saturday, September 26, 2009
Where: West View Elementary (515 West Victoria Avenue, Burlington)
Sign-in:9:30 am
Workshop:10am -5 pm
Graduation: 5:15pm-6:15pm (Parents strongly encouraged to
attend)
Who: open to all teens 12-19
Cost: fully sponsored event (no cost to Teens)

HAUNTED HOSPITAL NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!!!
United General Hospital needs volunteers for Friday and Saturday nights in October for their haunted hospital at the Northen State Hospital Grounds. They need volunteers to help with costumes, makeup, selling tickets, and taking tickets. Interested? Contact Lisa @ 360-856-7388 for more details.
FALL PREVENTION SUMMIT:
Lisa Mitchell, Allison Johnston, and Sophia Beltran will be taking a group of VOICE youth to the Fall Prevention Summit in Yakima on Thursday, October 29th to Saturday the 31st.

Fall Kick-Off Event

2009-08-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

VOICE is in the process of planning our second Fall Kick-Off Event. The first planning meeting will be held Friday, August 14, 2009 at Noon. If you are interested in helping contact Nyka Tucker at nyka.tucker@unitedgeneral.org

Whatcom Falls Meeting

2009-08-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

Our next VOICE meeting will be held at Whatcom Falls in Bellingham!

Monday, August 24, 2009 2-5pm

(weather permitting)

We will have a regular business meeting, followed by free time to swim and play at Whatcom Falls. Permission slips are required since this meeting will be out of the county, so if you are interested in going, contact Lisa and she can get one to you.

Migrant Camps and St. Charles Church Projects

2009-07-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Migrant Camps

There will be several oppurtunies to help out at the Migrant Camps this summer:

Thursday July 16th
Tuesday July 28th
Thursday July 30th

St. Charles Church Projects

On Wednesdays, St. Charles Church holds a food/clothing bank. VOICE wants to volunteer this summer doing games, crafts, and other activities with the children, as well as helping out the the adults such as in ELL classes.

If you are interested in either project call Sophia Beltran (360)856-7148

Burlington-Edison Back to School Fair

2009-07-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

August 22nd 10am-2pm

VOICE is going to have an information table at the Burlington-Edison Back to School Fair. If you can help out, let Lisa know.

Cement City Street/Health Fair

2009-07-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday, July 25th, 9am-4pm

Concrete

Volunteers Needed

The Cement City Street Fair offers free health screenings, resource tables, arts & crafts, and sidewalk sales. Annie will be running a booth which will have Tobacco Prevention Materials. She needs help, so if you can make it out to Concrete to help for a few hours, give her a call.

Annie Pankiewicz

(360) 856-7386

Top 5 Summer Projects!

2009-07-07T12:43:00.001-07:00

At the July 6th VOICE meeting we voted on the top 5 summer projects. Here is what VOICE members voted for:

1. Gang/Violence Prevention
2. Community Gardens at Migrant Camps
3.Teen Art Show
4. Educate and have 3rd/4th Graders Write Letters to High Schoolers asking them not to Drink and Drive before Big School Dances
5. Environmentally-Friendly Activity

These are the top projects we will be focusing on, but it doesn't mean we can't do more! Drop Dead Day, RUaD in Mt. Vernon and Burlington, and other projects are still possible.

Photographers Needed!

2009-07-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

We need to start recording VOICE meetings and events through photos!

If you are interested, bring your camaras, and help us start taking pictures!

Meeting Voting Results

2009-07-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,
So we tallied up the votes for when, where, and what days everyone wanted VOICE meetings to be held on. The consensus seemed to be:
Mondays 6:30-8pm at Burlington Library

Some suggestions for new places to meet were:
Mount Vernon Public Library
Coho Cafe at United General
Mount Vernon Food Co-Op
Common Grounds Coffee House
and Skagit Valley Hospital Conference Rooms.

Anyone have any other ideas or input?

Chill n' Spill Journals

2009-07-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

If you don't already know, North Cascade Health Council donated a bunch of Chill n' Spill Journals to VOICE! Chill n' Spill is a guided expressive journal that offers teens "a place to put it down and work it out." It has tons of guided art projects, including collages, creating maps of your emotions, creative writings, and lots more. At each VOICE meeting we will be working on one of the prompts, so don't miss out!

Next VOICE Meeting

2009-07-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

The next VOICE meeting is going to be at at Burlington Public Library on July 20, from 6:30-8pm. Don't forget your Chill n' Spill Journals and VOICE Binders!

VOICE Spring Retreat!

2009-05-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon-

The VOICE (Voicing Our Ideas Challenging Everyone) youth coalition is planning a Spring Retreat, and is looking for new members to join the group! This will be the second annual Spring Retreat for VOICE, with the focus of the Retreat being on sustainability of the group and FUN!

VOICE is open to all 8-12th graders who want to be involved in making Skagit County a healthier and safer place for youth! The Retreat is scheduled for June 5th-7th at Quaker Cove Camp in Anacortes. More information about Quaker Cove Camp can be found at www.quakercovecamp.org. There are 20 youth spots available. Please request an application form if you are interested in this leadership opportunity.

Thanks for your help! Please let me know if you have questions!

United-- Craft Fair!!!

2009-04-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

Craft Fair at United General Hospital
Saturday, May 2, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Coho Cafe

Vendors Galore !!!! Just in time for Mother's Day !!!
Jewlery, Books, Uniforms, Handpainted Cards, Yard decorations, Hand-made Crafts, Candles and more.
Come shop for a worthy cause. Help support United General Hospital's fight against cancer.

Please contact Mary Rogers at 424-3918 (after 6 p.m.) if you have any questions.

Concrete turns 100!!

2009-04-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

Town of Concrete Centennial Celebration

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Events:

11am : Centennial Parade

12:30: Time Capsule presented

Town Photo

12-3: Kid Games- town park

12-3: Cake Walk - 100 Cakes!- town park

12-3: Special Postage Stamp- town park

2-4: Old-time Story-telling - Senior center

2-4: Photo/article exhibit

For More Information:

Andrea Fichter
Clerk Treasurer
Town of Concrete
P.O. Box 39
Concrete, WA 98237
(360)853-8401
andreaf@concretewa.gov

Spaghetti Feed

2009-04-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

Take a night off from cooking and support the Sedro-Woolley Boys & Girls Club!

You’re invited to a Spaghetti Feed on Wednesday, April 29th from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at the Sedro-Woolley Community Center!! You’ll enjoy some yummy pasta, salad, garlic bread, a beverage and dessert! Proceeds benefit the Sedro-Woolley Boys & Girls Club.

Adults and youth 9 and older are just $7.

Kids ages 4-8 are only $3

Children 3 and under with a parent are free.

Tickets are available at the Sedro-Woolley Boys & Girls Club or at the door on the 29th.

-- Meal prepared by the Cascade Job Corps Culinary Arts Program!

-- Entertainment provided by Mike in the Morning from KAPS!

Thank you to our event sponsors: the North Cascades Health Council and The Foresters.

Please call 856-1830 for more information. Hope to see you on the 29th!!

FUN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!!!

2009-04-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Hi volunteers and friends! We are looking for a few more hands this week to pull off “Healthy Kids Day,” a fun, free YMCA event on Saturday.

Saturday, April 18th

The YMCA Healthy Kids Day at Bakerview Park
We need volunteers for set up (8 am to 10 am), booths (9:30 am - noon), and clean up (noon to 2 pm). Booth jobs include being a greeter, Youthfit nutrition, youth fitness testing, Youthfit obstacle course, popcorn, and bounce house attendants. Responsible youth are welcome to volunteer!

Bakerview Clean-up
Wednesday, April 15th noon-5pm
Come for as long as you can to help prepare Bakerview Sports Center for Healthy Kids Day! Volunteers can bring brooms, dust pans, dust rags, and other general supplies. Please label tools you bring! Youth are welcome to volunteer after school!

Amber Wilson
YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter
Outreach coordinator
(360) 336-9622

VOICE on MySpace!

2009-04-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

Search using this email address....

skagit_VOICE@hotmail.com

EVENING of EXPRESSION!!!

2009-04-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

Come join us for an evening of
creative expression using art!

Bring your photos, poetry, songs, drawings, and posters that express:

How you have been impacted by alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Friday, April 17th
7-9:30pm
Common Ground Coffee House
351 Pease Road in Burlington

AGES 13-25 WELCOME

FREE FOOD, OPEN MIC, AND MUSIC!

Call Sherry with any questions at 360-757-1015

RETREAT!!!

2009-04-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

VOICE youth are planning a Retreat!!!

The planning meetings are being held one hour prior to the weekly VOICE meetings.
Upcoming Retreat planning meetings as follows:

-- Monday April 13th 5-6pm United General Hospital Conf. rm #502

-- Wednesday April 22nd 5-6pm Burlington Library

-- (No retreat planning meeting prior to April 29th VOICE Meeting)

So far:
The retreat will be held the first weekend of June.
There are around 20 openings for the retreat. (plus or minus a few) -- Registration will be application style.
We are currently searching for Cabin-y type accomondations for two nights.
We are beginning to fundraise.
We are planning content to include: VOICE improvement, Youth led workshops, Youth led meals, VOICE recognition, Teamwork/leadership/bonding activities... And fun!

Motivating the Teen Spirit Workshop

2009-04-13T14:05:00.001-07:00

Teen Empowerment Workshop

Sponsored by Northwest ESD

This program offers powerful life skills for teens with an emphasis on communication and leadership so they can overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. It is designed to address the challenging issues of the Teen Experience—making smart choices about drugs, alcohol, and the other pressures they face today.

Where: Burlington – Common Ground Coffee House
When: Saturday, May 9, 2009
Registration: 9:30am-1oam
Workshop: 10am-5:15pm
Graduation: 5:30pm-6:45pm with parent participation
Who: open to all teens 12-18
Cost: fully sponsored event (no cost to attendees)

To register or for more information call, text or email Cheryl Bruemmer
At 360 202-1185 or Email:Cheryl@motivatingtheteenspirit.com

OASIS Teen Shelter Needs Stuff!!!

2009-03-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the needs of Oasis Teen Shelter, help if you can. :)

1. At least two couches
2. A DVD player
3. A TV
4. A gaming system like an X-Box or a Playstation (our first choice is a Wii)
5. A foos ball table
6. Board games
7. Teen friendly décor (like posters and wall hangings)
8. Dish towels
9. Bath and toilet mats
10. Laundry hampers
11. Shampoo and conditioner
12. Clothing especially socks

That’s all I can think of right now…I know it’s a lot. Anyways, thanks for all your help and support!

Camille Danon
Oasis Teen Shelter Director
Skagit Valley Family YMCA
215 East Fulton Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
work 360-336-9622 cell 360-708-9042

DAY of SILENCE

2009-03-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

April 17 2009

The Day of Silence, a project of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), is a student-led day of action when concerned students, from middle school to college, take some form of a vow of silence to bring attention to the name-calling, bullying and harassment -- in effect, the silencing -- experienced by LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) students and their allies.

GLSEN encourages participants to register and be counted. In order to promote the Day of Silence’s positive impact, we need to know how many people participate. Many critics wish to downplay the number of people who support addressing the problem of anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment. By registering, you are helping us prove that this is an important issue that needs to be addressed.Register here and be counted!

Green Festival -- Seattle

2009-03-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday March 28th 10am-7pm
Sunday March 29th 11am-6pm

Washington State Convention & Trade Center
800 Convention Place Seattle, Wa

Here for more information!!
www.greenfestivals.org/seattle

EARTH HOUR

2009-03-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

THIS IS THE WORLD’S FIRST GLOBAL ELECTION, BETWEEN EARTH AND GLOBAL WARMING.

On March 28 you can VOTE EARTH by switching off your lights for one hour.Or you can vote global warming by leaving your lights on.

The results of the election are being presented at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009. We want one billion votes for Earth, to tell world leaders that we have to take action against global warming.

RELAY for LIFE

2009-03-20T14:50:00.001-07:00

Morgan (VOICE MEMBER) has created a Youth Relay for Life Team. Because the team is youth-Led, there is no registration fee!

Contact Morgan (through me, or any VOICE Meeting) to let her know you'd like to participate.

It is an overnight fundraiser where participants stay up all night at the Burlington High school Football field and track in order to raise money for Cancer Survivors.

Event is June 13th (evening) - June 14th (morning)

Between Now and June, Morgan will be leading a number of fundraising efforts for this event... Keep your eye out!!!

Upper Skagit Tobacco Run

2009-03-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

April 2nd
Prevention oriented activity involving M&M's!!!!

VOICE Participants: Nyka and Josh

Contact for more information:
Allison Johnston
360.856.7389
allison.johnston@unitedgeneral.org

RAVE2SAVE!!!

2009-03-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

rave2save
What: A dance party to raise money to help kids in Africa., featuring crazy lighting, t-shirt painting, silly string wars and more!

When: Friday, March 13th, from 8 PM-12 AM
Where: The Croatian Club, 1202 7th St., Anacortes
Wear: A white or black t-shirt for painting & maximum light effect!
Costs: $3 for admission, $.50 for glowstick bracelets, $.75 for glowstick necklaces, $2.00 for a can of silly string, $2.00 for t-shirt painting.

All of the money raised will be donated to Schools for Schools, an organization dedicated to helping kids in Uganda receive an education.

The more the merrier, so forward this to all of your friends!

Contact: Hannah -- hc_smythe@hotmail.com

United General Hospital Substance Abuse Prevention Programs

2009-03-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

United General Hospital Substance Abuse Prevention Programs
2000 Hospital Drive
Sedro Woolley, WA 98284
Sophia.beltran@unitedgeneral.org
360-856-7148
Allison.johnston@unitedgeneral.org
360-856-7389
Lisa.mitchell@unitedgeneral.org
360-856-7388
http://currents.unitedgeneral.org/
The Substance Abuse Prevention Programs at United provides prevention and early intervention information, resources, and support for Skagit County communities to reduce the impact and incidence of the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs through community organization and mobilization. Do you speak Spanish, Trique and/or Mixteco? Our Programas de la Comunidad offers volunteer opportunities working with bilingual projects serving youth and families. Volunteer to offer interpreter services, work with elementary students as mentors, provide a fun environment for toddlers, give talks about prevention topics in Spanish, help non English speaking parents navigate the school systems, create your own volunteer choices using all your talents. Our Tobacco Control Program is working on preventing secondhand smoke exposure in cars and homes with children by organizing a smoke-free car and home pledge drive for Skagit County parents with young children. Our Meth Action Team will focus on Methamphetamine prevention through artistic expression with a variety of media, culminating in a public presentation/meth awareness event using art as a catalyst for action. Both projects will help youth refine their organizational and leadership skills.

Skagit Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services

2009-03-02T21:25:00.002-08:00

Skagit Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services
P.O. Box 301
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-336-9591
http://www.skagitdvsas.org
Our mission is to end domestic violence and sexual assault in our community through empowerment, advocacy, education, awareness and action for social change. Volunteers are essential to the work we do. Whatever your interests or skills, chances are, we have a job for you!

Skagit PFLAG

2009-03-02T21:25:00.001-08:00

Skagit PFLAG (Parents, Friends & Families of Lesbians & Gay & Transgender)
23262 Meadow View Lane
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
360-856-4676
http://www.pflagskagit.org/
An International organization started over 30 years ago by a mom who wanted to support her gay son; PFLAG provides monthly support meetings and welcomes everyone including allies who care about civil rights. We do fundraising to support the FAB 5 youth program and support our local gay/straight alliances. In addition to support, we work to educate the public about diversity and advocate for creating a safe and welcoming community for all. We have access to a Safe Schools program designed to help with training for school personnel. We have fun gatherings to watch movies and have social gatherings. We have access to scholarships and grants. We are partners with young adults. They serve on our board, volunteer to help with various events, and they are treated with respect.

Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood

2009-03-02T21:24:00.002-08:00

Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood
900 E. College Way Suite #120
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-848-1744 x 3807
Jill.sprouse@mbpp.org
www.mbpp.org
Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood is a non-profit family planning organization that has been helping women, men and teens make responsible choices about their sexual health for 40 years. Dedicated to delivering the highest quality reproductive health care services since 1969, MBPP is also committed to providing responsible, age-appropriate sexuality education. Each year, over 15,000 women, men and teens visit MBPP in the three counties we serve: Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan.

TeenSpace Youth Center (Sedro-Woolley)

2009-03-02T21:24:00.001-08:00

TeenSpace Youth Center
Kirsten Verner360-855-0504
vernerfmly@hotmail.com

Our mission is to provide a safe nonjudgmental environment in Sedro-Woolley where teenagers 13 - 19 can participate in progressive recreation, music and art, and receive social support, mentoring and educational encouragement.

Samish Indian Nation

2009-03-02T21:23:00.000-08:00

Samish Indian Nation
P.O. Box 217
Anacortes, WA 98221
360-293-6404
bjojola@samishtribe.nsn.us
samishtribe@samishtribe.nsn.us
The tribe supports the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) free activities and events that are culturally rooted by supporting/providing healthy alternatives for youth and families. We also target community norms that support youth tobacco use and promote quit campaigns for everyone who wants to kick the habit. Each summer the Samish Indian Tribe participates in a Tribal Journey /Canoe Family cultural event. Tribal or non tribal youth may participate as paddlers or help with ground crew in this renaissance of native culture that happens each summer for up to two weeks. Locations vary each year as different tribes take turns hosting the event.

Burlington Parks and Recreation

2009-03-02T21:22:00.000-08:00

Burlington Parks and Recreation
900 E. Fairhaven Ave
Burlington, WA 98233
360-755-9649
christik@ci.burlington.wa.us
http://recreation@ci.burlington.wa.us
Providing Parks, Programs, and Recreational Opportunities for our Community. We have over 120 acres of park land for you to bike, run, walk, hang out, and play on! Visit our Skate Park and Sand Volleyball Courts at Rotary Park on S. Skagit St. Our website is filled with current offerings of Summer Camps, Cartooning, Yoga, Scrap booking, and Self Reliance Classes, Day Trips, Teen Programs, and Special Events like the Pumpkin Pitch, Youth Appreciation Day, Berry Dairy Days Fireworks Show, and more. We're really busy, you can be too!

People for a Peaceable Planet

2009-03-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

People for a Peaceable Planet
PO Box 566
Clear Lake, WA 98235
skagitspeaks@yahoo.com
http://www.ppplanet.org/
We are committed to honoring and celebrating the humanity of all people, and our mutual interdependence on the health and welfare of ourfragile planet. We embrace diversity amongst and within nations, and acknowledge the necessity of coexistence with philosophies andpolitical systems different from our own.

Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

2009-03-02T21:20:00.002-08:00

Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
10441 Bay View-Edison Rd
Mount Vernon, WA 98274
360-428-1558
henry@padillabay.gov
http://www.padillabay.gov
Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 27 protected estuaries in the national system that dots the nation's coastlines. Padilla Bay Reserve owns or manages over 11,000 acres of Padilla Bay. About 9,000 of those acres are covered in the largest contiguous eelgrass "meadow" in the continental US. It is the eelgrass that forms the foundation of the unique and highly productive habitat essential to many species of fish, invertebrates, and migratory birds. The Reserve's mission is to study the ecology of the Padilla Bay estuary and to educate decision makers and local citizens about its enduring value.

Skagit Land Trust

2009-03-02T21:20:00.001-08:00

Skagit Land Trust
325 Pine St.
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-428-7878
trustad@fidalgo.net
www.skagitlandtrust.org
Skagit Land Trust conserves wildlife habitat, wetlands, agriculture and forest lands, scenic open space and shorelines for the benefit of our community and as a legacy for future generations. We do this by purchasing land for conservation, working with willing landowners to protect their property via conservation easements, and through outreach and education. With the help of our volunteers, we restore and enhance the land that we protect through hands-on restoration such as planting trees and removing invasive non-native plants. Skagit Land Trust is currently protecting 5,493 acres in Skagit County.

Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group

2009-03-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group
PO Box 2497
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-336-0172
ldegrace@skagitfisheries.org
www.skagitfisheries.org
The Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group (SFEG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to involving our community in restoring salmon populations for future generations. Volunteers are the backbone of SFEG. All volunteer projects are based on education through hands-on activities. Volunteer opportunities for all ages and ability levels include Planting Parties, Salmon Spawner Surveys, Native Plant Nursery, and Educational Outreach at local festivals and events. Contact us to find out how you can help salmon, learn and have fun!

GEAR UP at Skagit Valley College

2009-03-02T21:18:00.000-08:00

GEAR UP
UW GEAR UP at Skagit Valley College
2405 E College Way
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-416-7838
Stefanie.boyer@skagit.edu
GEAR UP is a federal grant given to the classes of 2011-2012 in Mount Vernon and 2001-2013 in Burlington School Districts. Working in partnership with the school districts, GEAR UP provides after school programming, parent workshops, career exploration opportunities, summer camps, and much more. We make sure that students have what it takes to make higher education a reality.

Youthnet

2009-03-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

Youthnet
Mailing Address:
PO Box 217
Mount Vernon WA 98273
Location Address:
227 N. 4th Street
Mount Vernon WA 98273
360-336-2681
www.youthnetnw.net
Founded in 1969, Youthnet is a multi-service, nonprofit social service organization serving at-risk youth and families in Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom and Island Counties. Youthnet provides multiple educational and social services including:
· Family Services: Treatment Foster Care; Family Preservation Services; Parent Support Program
· Educational Services: Emerson High School: Credit Retrieval Summer School; Truancy Intervention
· Community Services: Independent & Transitional Living Skills Training and Support; Foster Care College planning, mentoring and support.

Our mission is to empower youth and families to lead stable, self-reliant and productive lives.

Skagit Valley YMCA Oaisis Teen Shelter

2009-03-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

Skagit Valley YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter
125 North Fifth Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-419-9058
c.danon@skagitymca.org
www.skagitymca.org
Oasis Teen Shelter provides temporary emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth ages 13-17. The shelter is open seven days a week, opening at 4:00pm and closing the next morning at 8:30am. Youth are provided dinner, showers, clothing, a safe place to sleep, and access to case management. Oasis also has two new programs: the Oasis Daylight Center, which is a daytime drop-in center providing homeless youth ages 13-18 food, clothing, showers, laundry, and access to case management; the other program is the Up-River Daylight program, which is an Oasis outreach center for homeless youth in east county.

Skagit County Community Action Agency

2009-03-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

Skagit County Community Action Agency
330 Pacific Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
360-416-7585
rachelm@skagitcap.org
www.skagitcap.org
Skagit County Community Action Agency (SCCAA), operational since 1979, is a private, non-profit organization that offers more than 25 anti-poverty programs that provide a broad range of services, from an emergency family shelter to adult and family literacy. Each year, SCCAA helps over 25,000 low-income Skagit County families get past emergencies, make positive life changes, and achieve lasting self-sufficiency. As one of the nation's approximately 1,100 Community Action Agencies, we are a community-based organization mandated to provide services and to advocate for the interests of the poor.

SUMMIT SUCCESS!!

2009-03-02T21:08:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, we held our SUMMIT Event on Saturday February 28th!
From where I sat, it was a wonderful event and experience for all who were there! Please do share what you thought if you were there and ask questions if you don't know what I'm talking about!

I'll be getting some pictures up soon!
And I'll be posting some information about the agencies that were there as well.

Keep in touch! I can't wait to see you all at our next VOICE meeting!
(Monday March 9th, Burl. Library)

City Of Burlington Mayor's Youth Acheivement Award

2009-03-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

Please help spread the word!

This is our 2nd year of awarding deserving youths the City of Burlington Mayor's Youth Achievement Award. Winners will be presented thier awards at Burlington Youth Appreciation Day on Thursday, April 2, 2009.

If you know any youth who fit these criteria, you can work together with an adult and nominate them for this award!

Basic Criteria:
1. Youth must live within the Burlington City Limits.
2. Youth must be actively attending school.
3. Youth must be between the ages of 11-14 yrs.
4. Youth must excel in such a way as to bring honor to herself/himself, family, &/or community at large.
Areas of Achievement:
We are looking for young people who have been outstanding in such area as (but not limited to) community
involvement, citizenship, arts and entertainment, and overcoming obstacles.
Please explain your reasons for nominating this youth on the attached page: Highlight briefly how:
1) candidate has excelled, 2) helped others and/or the Burlington Community, 3) overcome obstacles.

-- We have the forms posted at ci.burlington.wa.us
-- Nomination forms can be returned to our office or City Hall by 3/18.

Christi Kinney
Recreation Coordinator
City of Burlington
900 E. Fairhaven Ave
Burlington, WA 98233
Phone 360-755-9649
Fax 360-755-1017
http://recreation.ci.burlington.wa.us

For the fun of it!

2009-02-23T19:28:00.000-08:00

Out to dinner at Red Robin after a VOICE event!

Concrete Mardi-Gras 2009

2009-02-09T18:37:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

NOON - 7 p.m.
Second annual Mardi Gras celebration in Concrete!

Parade on Main Street (aka Bourbon Street) -- Noon

Bra & Brief Auction at the Cajun Bar & Grill -- After parade (proceeds from the sale of the wildly decorated underthings will go to a great cause: the North Puget Cancer Center at United General Hospital)

Other post-parade activities include Log Rollin' Bowlin', Shabby Chic Flea Market and the Big Rig Exhibit, including fire trucks, ambulances, tractors and more.

Starting at 3:00 p.m. in the Historic Concrete Theatre, we hope you'll plan to enjoy two dynamo bands and some great refreshments. Musicians from the groups Spin Cycle and Harvey Swanson & the Only for a Moment band will perform until 7:00 p.m. There's a $3 cover charge; drinks and treats for sale.
It's all for fun and a little fundraising!

Don't bother with New Orleans, celebrate Mardi Gras, Concrete style!

http://www.concrete-wa.com/index.php

Valentine Ball & Auction

2009-02-09T18:14:00.000-08:00

Valentine Ball and Auction!
All proceeds benefit the opening of the new youth center in Sedro-Woolley.

February 14th, 2009
Sedro-Woolley Community Center - 700 Pacific st.

Social Hour and Silent Auction --6:00pm
Live Auction -- 8:00pm
Music and Dancing--9:00pm-Midnight

Giant Garage Sale!

2009-02-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

Youthnet Giant Garage Sale

Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2009

Time: 8:00 am - 4:00pm (rain or shine!)

Location: 227 N. 4th St. Mount Vernon

Lower Level Covered Parking Garage (one block west of the YMCA)

info: Youthnet-336.1610 or www.youthnetnw.net

Pancake Breakfast!!

2009-02-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

Mount Vernon Rotary and YMCA

Invite you to the:

35th Annual Pancake Breakfast!

Date: March 7th, 2009

Time: 7:00am - Noon

Cost: $5.00 individual

$15.00 per family

This annual event is sponsored by the Mount Vernon Rotary Club members.

All proceeds go to homeless teens in our community!

SpeakOUT Workshop! FREE

2009-01-26T11:13:00.000-08:00

What are SpeakOUT Workshops?
The SpeakOUT Youth Initiative provides opportunities for youth (14-18) to gain
leadership training, practice advocacy skills, and receive recognition when they “speak
out” against cancer. SpeakOUT participants learn how to influence real-world issues
and save lives by making a difference through individual power and the spirit of
working together.

Workshops focus on assisting both youth leaders and their adult advisors in building
strong youth coalitions. These coalitions work to prevent cancer through tobacco
education, nutrition, physical activity, and school health advocacy. These free, hands-on
workshops are hosted in local communities.

Next FREE Workshop
Date: February 6, 2009
Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Location: ESD 189 Building
1601 R Avenue
Anacortes, WA 98221
Last Day to Register: February 2, 2009

Contact person:
Allison Johnston
Phone: (360) 856-7389
allison.johnson@unitedgeneral.org

Contact:
Kelly Kasner
SpeakOUT Youth Initiative
Community Relationship Manager
(425) 322-1130
Kelly.kasner@cancer.org

CARTOONING CLASSES

2009-01-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

CARTOONING with TEENS

4 Week course held on Mondays

Jan 26, Feb2,9, and 23rd

4-6 pm

ages 13-17 yrs

Fee: $35 *

*Ask about our scolarship programs

Burlington Parks and Recreation 755-9649

recreation@ci.burlington.wa.us

900 Fairhaven Ave. East Entrance

Contact:

Christi Kinney, Recreation Coordinator, City of Burlington
360-755-9649 http://recreation@ci.burlington.wa.us/

New Daylight Center OPEN HOUSE

2009-01-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

Oaisis Teen Shelter will now be open during daytime hours!

KICK OFF EVENT:
NOON-3 Friday, February 13th
125 n. 5th Street Mt. Vernon, WA

New daylight center will be open 8:30-4pm, Monday-Friday.
They offer basic necessities: Lunch, clothing, tioletries, showers, laundry, someone to talk to. They hope to expand to offer support groups, music and art, haircuts, cooking classes, job skills, and more!

Contact Person:
Amber Wilson
360.336.9622
a.wilson@skagitymca.org

Total Theatre Takeover

2009-01-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 7th
12-6pm
Burlington AMC Movie Theatre

Youth Volunteers will spend shifts to fill time at the theatre in order to promote the No Stank You campaign.

Contact person:
Allison Johnston
Phone: (360) 856-7389
allison.johnson@unitedgeneral.org

Skagit SUMMIT

2009-01-16T10:41:00.001-08:00

Day Long Youth Workshop

Saturday February 28th
9:00 am- 5:30 pm

Opportunites for ways to express your views, be engaged and participate!
Meet and Network with local agencies to develop service projects in the comunity.

For registration contact:
Lisa Mitchell
856.7388
lisa.mitchell@unitedgeneral.org

Motivating Teen Spirit Workshop

2009-01-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

This program offers life-changing empowerment skills and is designed to address the challenging issues of the Teen experience.

Where: Skagit County
When: Saturday, February 21, 2009
Registration 9:30am-1oam
Workshop 10am-5:15pm
Graduation 5:30pm-6:45pm
Who: open to all teens 12-18 in Skagit County
Cost: fully sponsored event: FREE

To register or for more information contact:
Cheryl Bruemmer
Certified Facilitator
Motivating the Teen Spirit
Cell: (360) 202-1185
Email: Cheryl@motivatingtheteenspirit.com
Website: http://www.motivatingtheteenspirit.com/
Teaching teens to fall in love with themselves and make integrity based decisions

Sponsored by Northwest ESD

Over the Rainbow Festival

2009-01-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

February 20 & 21, 2009
Mount Vernon High School

Friday, February 20, 7-9:30 PM:
ASK NOT, the latest award-winning documentary by Emmy-nominated Bay Area filmmaker Johnny Symons. ASK NOT is a "stinging examination" of the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on homosexuals in the armed forces. A post-film discussion will be led by Mr. Symons, with input from special guests Admiral Alan Steinman (featured in the film, the highest-ranking officer to come out publicly), Colonel Grethe Cammermeyer (highest ranking officer to challenge the policy), and Major Margaret Witt (who recently won reinstatement in an ACLU-prosecuted lawsuit).

Saturday, February 21, 10 AM-10 PM:
Six workshops, including Religion & Homosexuality, Families Under the Rainbow, Gender Identity, Safe Sex, Coming Out, and GLBT in the World of Work.

Musical celebration from 7-10 PM with hot blues band!

Admission is free (donations gratefully accepted); open to the public.
Supported by a Pride Foundation Grant.
Sponsored by Mt. Vernon High School Gay/Straight Alliance

http://www.pflagskagit.org/over-rainbow09.htm

Queer Youth and Allys Poetry workshop

2009-01-16T10:23:00.000-08:00

Saturday January 24th 1-6pm
Central United Methodist Church, Sedro-Woolley

This is a workshop about poetry and performance spoken word, for queer youth and allys.

This is a free event, but registration is required.

Why is Obama Black?

2009-01-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

This is an event that Cherie shared about at the last meeting.
It is being held at Mt. Vernon High School Auditorium on January 16th.

Please comment on this if you have more information or if you are interested and would like me to find more information.

Schools for Schools Book Drive

2009-01-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

Contact: Morgan Curry (email me :kendra.rhodes@unitedgeneral.org if you need her contact info)
Deadline: January 23rd, 2009

Anacortes High School has taken the lead on a huge effort to contribute to this nation wide book drive. They have gathered over 14,000 books so far and are in the running for winning the national competition! If we all band together and get as many books to them as we can, they may be sending a youth to Uganda! Contact your teachers, parents, friends, neighbors... anyone to collect books! Checks out the website for guidelines on what type of books are acceptable. http://www.invisiblechildren.com/

Upcoming Events

2008-08-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

VOICE Ventures
What: BBQ, Messy Games, Team Challenges and More!
When: Monday August 18th 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Where: Bakerview Park
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=bakerview+park,+burlington,+wa&ie=UTF8&ll=49.073866,-122.409668&spn=1.043567,2.109375&z=8&iwloc=A

VOICE Program Planning Training
What: Come learn how to plan events for VOICE! We will practice our skills by planning a fun kick-off event for VOICE.
When: Wednesday August 20th 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Where: Common Ground Coffee House

Recap of the Meeting

2008-07-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

I just want to first thank everyone who came to VOICE's first official meeting! I feel that we were able to accomplish quite a bit and that we are off to a wonderful start.

Most of the meeting was spent creating a rough outline of events that VOICE will be involved throughout the next year! I hope to have this information posted to the blog shortly. The upcoming events for August are as follows:

VOICE Meeting and BBQ!
August 4th 6-8:30 p.m
Hillcrest Park (subject to change)

Back to School Fair for K-8
August 22-23
Maiben Park in Burlington

Deception Pass Outing and BBQ
Tentatively set for August 21st

Please post a comment if you are interested in attending any of these events!

First Official Meeting!

2008-07-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

July 14th is our first official meeting! The meeting will be held at Burlington Library from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm. Please see the directions posted below if you are not sure how to get there.

At the meeting, we will sign up for sub-committees and talk about the events planned for the rest of the summer! There will also be time at the end of the meeting to finalize the mission of the group and begin to create a logo.

There will be food at the meeting and some fun activities as well. Invite your friends to come and see what VOICE is all about!

Directions to Burlington Library

820 E. Washington Ave, Burlington, WA 98233
1. Take Exit 230 for WA-20 towards Anacortes-Burlington
2. Turn right at Rio Vista Ave./ WA-20
3. Turn left onto S. Burlington Blvd. / WA-20
4. Turn right onto E. Fairhaven Ave.
5. Turn right onto S. Pine St.
6. Turn left onto E. Washington Ave.

Leadership Retreat

2008-06-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

July 23-25, over 25 youth from around Skagit County joined together for a retreat at Camp Brotherhood. Attendees began to make plans for the group, such as writing a vision and mission statement and brainstorming event ideas. It was at the retreat that the name "VOICE" was chosen, which stands for "Voicing Our Ideas, Challenging Everyone".

The retreat offered opportunities for the youth to get to know each other and to team build as a group. Although most of the youth did not know one another before the event began, everyone developed new friendships and new memories.

Stay tuned to learn about the change they are initiating in their communities!