Change the Channel to Raider TV this Fall

The student government at ASSOU tells us:

ASSOU's new television network -- headed by Executive Director Hayden Perkins and Vice President Curtis Bartlett -- is on schedule to be released on September 27th of this year. The project is the result of a cooperative student/community effort to bring easy-access news and entertainment to SOU students. It will include video content provided by students, as well as campus-, state-, nation-, and world-wide news, weather, and sports. The network will be available through our local cable TV system and will be publicly displayed in the Stevenson Union and Cascade Dining areas.

This new project is intended to provide not only governmental transparency, but also publicity to those clubs and organizations working to make SOU an even better place to be. Through our new network, student groups will be able to communicate their messages more easily and strengthen our campus community.

Please contact assoucommunications@sou.edu for more information.

THE BACKPACK PROJECT

Cindy Darnell tells us:

Sad but true fact....Finding ways to make a difference in people's lives is getting easier and easier as times get tougher. Here's one for you. A few years back a friend and I were brainstorming ways that we could make a difference with a hands-on project when we came up with an idea of providing school backpacks for poor children in our community. We asked friends and family for donations. I buy the backpacks for $5.25 ea. from a wholesaler and we fill them with basic school supplies, hand soap, toothbrushes,granola bars and other basic supplies, depending on how much money we collect.

The first year we did 25 backpacks, the second we did 50 the third 60, last year we did 60 again. This year there is a greater need then ever. We are adding the Maslow project and they need 500 bags for homeless youth in Jackson County. I doubt if we will get enough money to get those numbers but who knows. Miracles... if you expect them, they will come.

We are not an official non-profit agency. If you want a tax deduction for your contribution you can donate directly to the Maslow Project. Thanks in advance for anything you can do to help.

Contact Information:
You have a choice of three places to send your money. Please make your check out to:
Arlene Aron 1684 Humbug Creek Road Jacksonville OR 97530
Cindy Darnell 13503 Duggan Rd Central Point OR 97502
Ronit Gibb PO BOX 298 Jacksonville OR 97530

Rogue Valley Farm to School (Jamie Oliver would be proud)

Rogue Valley Farm to School’s mission is to educate children about their food system through hands-on farm and garden programs, and by increasing local foods in school meals. The organization works to inspire an appreciation of local agriculture that improves the economy and environment of the community, and the health of its members.

• The Farm Education Program teaches students about local organic agriculture and nutrition through hands on activities that incorporate math, science, art and writing as well as practical life skills such as cooking, gardening, problem solving, and working together.
• The School Garden Program helps local schools establish and sustain their own gardening projects, and develop educational activities in the school gardens.
• The Farm to Cafeteria Program creates connections between local growers and the school lunchroom. Rogue Valley Farm to School works with school food service staff to evaluate annual produce needs that in turn assist farmers in planning their seasonal planting. Rogue Valley Farm to School also keeps track of local and regional product availability to facilitate ordering, receiving, storage and distribution of fresh, local produce according to school menus.

Contact Information:
Web: Rogue Valley Farm To School

Image: By Frank Wouters. Wikimedia Commons.

Get Your Farm ON! OSU Small Farms Program

The Oregon State University Small Farms Program is the go-to educational resource for small farms in Jackson County. The program provides one on one consulting for commercial producers and small acreage landowners, and resources and classes for new and beginning farmers and ranchers.

Class topics include:

• business planning for small farms
• pasture management
• small-scale grain production
• integrated pest management
• marketing
• and much more

Contact Information:
Web: Oregon Small Farms
Phone: (541) 776-7371
Email: maud.powell@oregonstate.edu
melissa.matthewson@oregonstate.edu
Staff: Instructors Melissa Matthewson and Maud Powell; program assistants Tracy Harding, Shelley Elkovich and Julia Pederson.

Image: Wikimedia Commons.