Career Tech Drone Class Makes Buzz

By Kendall S. Cable

Freelance Writer

Lincoln County, OR… At first listen it would appear bees were swarming Lincoln City’s Kirtsis skate park last Monday. Low frequency buzzes bounced off the heights and depths of the lunar-like cement structures. The sounds’ source, however, was not of the insect variety, but rather mechanical as seven students from Lincoln City Career Technical High School (Career Tech) guided their drones through the damp, coastal air.

As part of a pilot program, students enrolled in Career Tech’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses were presented the opportunity to learn about and earn licenses for flying drones. Divided into 100 and 200 level courses, students are introduced to such concepts as: knots, cloud clearance, visibility, drone repair, and mapping. Inside a brick and mortar classroom only, such subjects may glaze over an eye or two. With the addition of hands-on repairs and flying, student learning becomes interactive.

“Whatever we do here is fun,” said Teacher Chuck Getter. A pilot and PhD marine science researcher, Getter will use drones to teach Career Tech students ecology while working for the City of Lincoln City to map invasive species and monitor coastal erosion on beaches. “I am really trying to introduce high paying jobs in technology and science,” Getter explained. “There is nothing wrong with trade jobs that take as much training as this.”

By the end of a year, students may sit for the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Drone License Test funded by the school, Getter shared. Said licensure would open job opportunities in areas such as mapping, videography, and study and monitoring of invasive species. As incentive to complete the program, students are awarded the drones on which they trained during several runs throughout the school year.

“It is cool,” Junior Jacob Helton remarked. “It is not something everyone gets to do normally. It makes it more interesting and makes me want to learn it.” Jacob served as the group’s mechanic (one of eight jobs available) during last Monday’s drone flight and repaired propellers, and switched out engines and batteries. He said he is interested in pursuing a job as a mechanic in the future.

Jacob’s brother, Tyler, concurred. “It makes it more fun,” he said. “Especially since I get to fly drones.” Tyler, a freshman, explained their cousin uses a drone to help film the television show “Gold Rush.”

To help keep the program growing Career Tech staff are applying for Measure 98 funding, which is geared at improving high school graduation rates. To learn more about Career Tech and/or the drone program, call (541) 351-8551 and/or visit the website at www.careertech.us. Community Services Consortium (CSC) is the parent organization of Career Tech, which is part of CSC’s Workforce and Education Department.

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Photo 1: Photo by Kendall S. Cable: Lincoln City Career Technical High School Student Seth Martin inspects his drone after a few flights while at Kirtsis skate park.     Note: (Student with blue hair)

Photo 2: Photo by Kendall S.  Cable: Trainer drones are used for students to learn how to maneuver and maintain. Teacher Chuck Getter said more expensive drones, such as the Phantom used for class, are easier to fly after learning on the drone pictured.

Photo 3: Photo by Kendall S. Cable: Lincoln City Career Technical High School Junior Jacob Helton serves as the drone class mechanic. Helton repairs propellers, engines, exchanges batteries and performs other duties to make sure drones are in working order.

Congratulations Keith Kolkow - City of Albany Human Relations Awardee

Since 2011, the Albany Human Relations Commission (HRC) has recognized individuals and Albany organizations or businesses that have worked to promote harmonious relations among the citizens of Albany. Selection of award recipients are based on a demonstrated commitment to promoting human relations, diversity, and/or equality through community programs and activities in Albany.

The ceremony for the 2016 Human Relations awards was held [Wednesday, April 26th] during the Albany City Council meeting and [CSC's] very own Keith Kolkow won the award for the individual category! As a committed community member of the City of Albany, Keith is involved in many committees and volunteers countless hours for various events throughout the year.

Stand Down for Homeless Veterans Changes Location

By Kendall S. Cable

Contributing Writer

Albany, OR…  United States Navy Veteran Kevin Rose, 68, and his wife of Halsey were living out of a car in 2015. The veteran, who served in Vietnam as a gunner’s mate, set his sights on finding a way out of their situation.  Rose contacted Community Services Consortium (CSC), where he not only was assisted with housing, but also learned about the area’s Stand Down for Homeless Veterans event.

Stand Down for Homeless Veterans is a nationwide movement locally coordinated by CSC in which businesses, agencies, and community partners offer services and items to homeless and low-income veterans. However, all veterans are encouraged to participate. This year, the third annual event will be held September 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Linn-Benton Community College, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, in Albany. This is a change of venue from Lebanon in years past.

“We decided to move to Albany to be closer to I-5, also Benton County,” said Dina Eldridge, CSC Housing Services Manager. “We just think most of the VA (Veterans Administration) providers are based in Albany. We just hope we get a bigger turnout since it is easier to find.”

Last year 93 veterans, including Rose, attended the event where 56 agencies and organizations offered a hand up such as: mental health and addiction counseling; employment; VA health insurance opportunities; dental van; Samaritan Health Service health screenings; clothing; hygiene products; housing through CSC; camping gear from the Department of Defense; IDs with Legal Aid assistance; free food; benefit assistance from Social Security; and more, according to Eldridge.

“I have never seen such a turnout for veterans my whole life. It was awesome last year,” said Rose. “I never, ever heard of anything like this.”  Rose received clothes sleeping bags, cots, sunglasses, and a haircut. “Stand Down is one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen. It was the first haircut I had in years.”

Around the same time, Rose and his wife also moved into a rental home with CSC’s assistance. He said he is thankful for the help he received from CSC Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)Case Manager Connie Barkdull, Eligibility Clerk Scott McKee, and Department of Labor Disabled Veterans Outreach Representative Stephen Hickson.

Additionally, Rose said the event served as a place for veterans to meet other veterans. He feels this is very important, especially to younger veterans.

“They should go, if not for anything else, to talk to one another,” Rose encouraged. “There are a lot of vets that still need help. I’d like to see them get it.”

This year’s event is in the planning stages. Sponsorships and cash donations from local businesses and groups who want to help veterans are sought. Food, services, and haircuts are just a few areas of need. Eldridge explained the United States Department of Labor provides limited funding, but the money is specifically earmarked and does not cover such services as the dental van. Transportation for veterans to and from the event is also being coordinated.

Interested businesses and agencies can contact CSC Case Manager Connie Barkdull at 541-928-6335 x 312 or cbarkdull@communityservices.us for more information.  Landlords interested in renting to veterans can contact Eldridge at 541-928-6335 x 324 or deldridge@communityservices.us.  Homeless veterans in need of housing contact McKee at 541-704-7638,  smckee@communityservices.us, or ssvf@communityservices.us. CSC is a community action agency for Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties.

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Photo Credit: Photo by Community Services Consortium Staff

Stand Down for Homeless Veterans in Lebanon was attended by 93 veterans in 2016. Homeless and low-income veterans are encouraged to attend this year in Albany.

Get Your Taxes Done for Free!

File your taxes for FREE and access the Earned Income Tax Credit – a refundable federal income tax credit for eligible low-income working individuals and families.

If you worked during 2016, and your household earned income was less than $53,930, you may be eligible to claim and receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) of up to $6,318*. To qualify for the EITC, you must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident
• Have a valid social security number
• Earned income during 2016
• $48,340 ($53,930 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children 
• $45,007 ($50,597 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
• $39,617 ($45,207 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
• $15,010 ($20,600 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children
• EITC amounts can range from $1 to $6,318

Free tax help is available in Linn and Benton counties. For more information, click here to view the flyer. 

Read CSC's End-of-Year Newsletter!

CSC's end-of-year newsletter is out! Read more about how YOUR support has helped CSC to do great things this year!

CSC Giving Season Newsletter

RFP Open for Head Start Construction

CSC is seeking proposals from Registered Architects to provide architectural and engineering services for the planning and design, and the construction of a building expansion project at their school site in Newport, Oregon, at 253 NE 1st Street, 97365. For more details, view the full RFP here.

WNHS Offers Homebuyer Workshops and Down Payment Assistance

Event to Assist Homeless Veterans in Linn and Benton County

Save the date for the second Stand Down for Homeless Veterans on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at The River Center, 3000 South Santiam Highway, Lebanon, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m!

The event will focus on helping homeless veterans in the Linn and Benton County area connect with necessary services that are available here. Health screenings, Social Security benefits counseling, and dental services will be provided. Veterans can also receive referrals to health care providers, health insurance, housing solutions, employment, substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling.
Transportation details are being worked out and will be announced soon.

Stand downs are collaborative events that provide basic necessities and services to veterans. Stand downs are coordinated among local veteran support organizations, other government agencies and community-based homeless service providers, including our local community action agency, Community Services Consortium.

For more information or if you're interested in helping with the event, contact Connie Barkdull at cbarkdull@communityservices.us or call 541-758-2761.

Community Services Consortium (CSC) is a state-designated Community Action Agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties with housing, nutrition, economic stability, and educational assistance programs since 1980.

Celebrate: May is Community Action Month!

CSC is Community Action in Action!

CSC Helping People. Changing Lives.

On August 20, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act which created a variety of programs, including Community Action Agencies, as part of his War on Poverty. He knew then as we know now, that the war against poverty must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House.

Community Services Consortium, CSC was established in 1980 as the Community Action Agency serving people in poverty in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties by promoting self-sufficiency for those of limited income, ensuring that all residents are able to live in dignity; by implementing innovative and cost-effective programs to improve the lives and living conditions of the impoverished; and by providing support and instruction for everyone in need of assistance.

“Community Action Month is a wonderful time to honor and celebrate the impact Community Action has in the lives of families and communities across the country,” stated Executive Director Martha Lyon, “Agencies are successful every day in helping families achieve economic security. Given that the needs of each family and community are unique, Community Action is able to use a range of resources and programs to meet local needs in creative and impactful ways.”

CSC’s statistics underscore a positive impact on local neighborhoods. CSC helps countless individuals improve their lives each year by providing them essential services and life-changing opportunities through financial education and job training as well as making available affordable housing, Linn Benton Food Share, access to health care, energy assistance, Head Start in Lincoln County, and more.

Despite experiencing budget cuts, shrinking resources, and increased demands for services, CSC has been remarkably successful assisting the low-income veterans, senior citizens, families, children, and youth in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties to achieve and maintain economic security. As Martha Lyon attests: “Our staff is committed to their task of replacing disadvantages with opportunities because it is right, because it is wise, and because, in our hearts and minds we believe it is possible to conquer poverty in our lifetime.”

Follow CSC activities at www.facebook.com/CommunityServicesConsortium/ or visit our website to volunteer, donate or learn more about CSC programs and services: www.communityservices.us.

CSC's Denise Downer Honored as Lebanon Woman of the Year

CSC Principal Youth Advisor Denise Downer was recently honored in Lebanon at the Distinguished Services Awards as the Woman of the Year. We are so grateful to have Denise as part of CSC team! She is a tireless advocate for youth, and we are so happy she is receiving some richly deserved recognition. Congratulations Denise!

To read more, click here to access the Albany Democrat-Herald story.

Barrel to Keg Relay Registration Now Open!

Registration is now open for the 6th annual Barrel to Keg Relay – Race to End Poverty on July 16, 2016. Presented by the Harris Bridge Vineyard in Philomath (the Barrel) and Rogue Ales Brewery in Newport’s South Beach (the Keg), the Barrel to Keg Relay is a benefit for Community Services Consortium (CSC) to raise money for CSC’s mission to end poverty in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties.

The race starts in Philomath at the Harris Bridge Vineyard, winds through the beautiful backcountry of the Oregon Coast Range, crosses the scenic Yaquina Bay Bridge, and ends at the Rogue Ales Brewery in Newport with carousing and live music at the Finish Line Party.

Barrel to Keg Relay veteran Jeff Jones, who flew in last year from Georgia to make his first solo, 69-mile run of the course, said, “First you run Barrel to Keg in a 6-person team, and then you want more time on the road. So you run a 4-person team, then you run a 2-person, and finally, you just have to do the whole shebang.”

 “Scenery and variety is second to none on Barrel to Keg. I’ve ran them all, and while Cascade Lakes is a close second, nothing stands up to Barrel to Keg. You want time in your trail shoes - done deal; you want time on the road, say when. You start hot in the valley and finish cool on the coast – really, what more could you ask for? Combine this experience with a finish of great wine and/or fantastic beer and there is a little something for everyone.” said Jones.

The proceeds from the race have a real impact on our community. The money raised helps people in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties to keep the lights on, put a roof over their heads, and put food on the table. Last year, our Linn Benton Food Share program distributed 5.2 million pounds of food in the community.

The proceeds also provide an education to children through our Head Start program in Lincoln County, and helps youth and adults get back to work so they can succeed in careers and life through programs like YouthBuild, the CSC Youth Garden, and our Natural Resource Conservation Crews.

There are several ways to get involved. Runners and walkers may form teams of up to seven people and can register online at www.barreltokeg.com. Most creative team names, costumes, and best-dressed vehicles will receive special honors, as well as those that raise the most money for CSC. It’s all about the fun!

You don’t have to run or walk to participate - anyone interested in being a race official or event volunteer, please contact Dee Teem at dteem@communityservices.us or call 541-574-2277.

We also welcome individuals and businesses who would like to join our fabulous list of sponsors for the Barrel to Keg Relay event. If you would like to support the work of CSC’s poverty-fighting programs, see our Sponsorship opportunities at http://communityservices.us/barrel-to-keg/detail/category/become-a-sponsor. Grab a friend or family member, lace up those running shoes, and support CSC’s efforts in the region!

For more information, find the race on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BTK.relay or visit the website at www.barreltokeg.com.

Community Services Consortium (CSC) is a state-designated Community Action Agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties with housing, nutrition, economic stability, and educational assistance programs since 1980.

To support this event or any of CSC’s poverty-fighting programs and services, visit our website at www.communityservices.us. Donations may be made through our website or mailed to our main office: Community Services Consortium, 245 Broadalbin Street, Suite 2A, Albany, OR 97321.

Go Shopping and Help Change Lives in Your Community!

Did you know you can help CSC just by shopping with your Fred Meyer rewards card? By signing up with the Community Rewards program, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you can help CSC earn a donation! You still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as you do today.

Here’s how the program works:

1. Go to http://www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards to link Community Rewards to your Fred Meyer rewards card.
2. You can search for Community Services Consortium, Linn Benton Food Share, or Head Start of Lincoln County by name or by their non-profit numbers:

• Community Services Consortium: 87210
• Head Start: 89698
• Linn Benton Food Share: 80781

If you do not have a Fred Meyer rewards card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store. For more information, please visit www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.

To donate to CSC, visit our donation page here. To donate by mail, please send your donation to CSC, 250 Broadalbin Street, #2A, Albany, OR, 97321.

Upcoming Second Chance Classes in April

“Second Chance” is for those who are having difficulty finding stable housing because of bad credit or a poor rental history. Even if things are better now, it can be hard to get away from a past eviction or because of property damage that you couldn’t fix.

Consisting of six classes taught by qualified instructors from the community, Second Chance gives you the opportunity to learn about landlord-tenant issues, conflict resolution, energy education, money management, goal setting, and the characteristics of a good tenant.

This education program prepares you for the responsibilities of renting and gives you the skills necessary to be the kind of tenant your landlord will hate to lose!

Second Chance prepares you to approach landlords with confidence and encourages landlords to view prospective tenants with a more open mind.

Topics covered include How to be a Good Tenant, Landlord/Tenant Issues, Energy Education, Conflict Resolution, Goal Setting, and Basic Budgeting. Those who successfully complete all six sessions of the class will receive a Certificate of Completion and a Letter of Recommendation to attach to future rental applications.

Pre-registration is required. The deadline is Monday, March 21st.

To register, or for more information about Second Chance, visit http://communityservices.us/housing/second-chance-renters-program/ or contact Cindy Pratt-DeMarzo at 541-758-2632 for Linn and Benton counties, and Kacy Jensen at 541-574-2281 in Lincoln County.

UPCOMING SECOND CHANCE CLASSES: CORVALLIS

Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at Community Outreach, Inc. building at in 865 NW Reiman in Corvallis. Registration deadline is Monday, March 21st.

Monday, April 4th
Wednesday, April 6th
Monday, April 11th
Wednesday, April 13th
Monday, April 18th
Wednesday, April 20th

Hendrix Heating Shares Warm Generosity with Community

Thanks to long-time CSC Weatherization program partner Hendrix Heating, winter will be much warmer for a few local low-income households.

Hendrix Heating owners Carla & Roger Kaminga contacted CSC Housing Finance Specialist Kathy Stroud to ask for the names of some low-income households that were on the waiting list for furnace replacements. After identifying and getting permission from clients that were living with no heat source, Hendrix Heating then contacted the families and gave them the gift of heat - new furnaces or heat pumps.

"Over the years we've been serving CSC clients, we've seen so many folks that are in such need, and due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, they've had to wait a long time just to get a consistent source of heat in their home. Roger and I truly believe that God has placed us in the position we're in and it's our responsibility to try to manage what He's given us in a way that honors Him and blesses others whenever possible." said Carla.

"We found ourselves in the position to be able do a little extra this year and were glad that CSC was able to give us a list of people that needed help. It is such a blessing to be able to share with someone that we're going to come out and help them get heat in their home (maybe for the first time in
months) for FREE! All of the people we were able to help were so sweet. After the initial shock, there were tears, thank you cards, prayers, baked goods, and promises to "pay it forward". In the end smiles all around both on their end and ours. Good stuff!" said Carla.

CSC is so thankful to have such kind, generous partners like Hendrix Heating. Thank you for your amazing generosity!

HP Helps Make the Holidays Bright for Local Families

For the second year in a row, the HP Women's Network worked with CSC to make the holidays bright for local families in need.

The HP Women's Network received Christmas with lists for eight families - two more families than last year - in CSC's transitional and supportive housing programs. HP held a Christmas drive with their employees, and provided Christmas trees, decorations, dinner, and gifts to each family, which included 22 children. They delivered everything directly to the families' homes.

"They were all happily surprised that there were gifts for both the kids and the adults, including HP laptops! The families have said that the laptops were so helpful for them to do job searches, and they are now also able to do online schooling." said April Hein, CSC Housing Case Manager.

A huge thank you to HP, whose continued support to end poverty in our community makes them a local hero!

Event to Assist Homeless Veterans in Linn and Benton County

The first Stand Down for Homeless Veterans in the Linn and Benton County area will be held Thursday, November 12, 2015 at The River Center, 3000 South Santiam Highway, Lebanon, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The event will focus on helping homeless veterans in our area connect with the necessary services that are available here. Donations of clothing, food, and hygiene items are being coordinated by our local community action agency, Community Services Consortium.

Health screenings, Social Security benefits counseling, and dental services will also be provided. Veterans can also receive referrals to health care providers, health insurance, housing solutions, employment, substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling.

Transportation will be available to veterans who need a ride to the event. Shuttle service will leave Two Rivers Market, 250 Broadalbin Street SW, Albany, every two hours starting at 8:00 a.m. Corvallis and Benton County veterans can get bus passes from Community Outreach Inc., 865 NW Reiman Avenue, Corvallis. In Sweet Home, veterans should meet at the VFW, 580 Main Street, for pick-up and drop-off.

Volunteers are needed to help with food preparation and service, to be greeters, and to provide a friendly face to aid the veteran with a personal level of care. If you would like to volunteer, or make a donation of food, clothing, hygiene items, or money, please contact CSC, 250 SW Broadalbin Street SW, Suite 2A, Albany, Oregon 97321, or call 541-928-6335 and ask for Sarah Hilton.

Stand downs are collaborative events that provide basic necessities and services to veterans. Stand downs are collaborative events, coordinated among local veteran support organizations, other government agencies and community-based homeless service providers. This Stand Down is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Labor, Willamette Chapter 17 of Disabled American Veterans, Inc., local support agencies like Community Services Consortium, and concerned citizens.

Community Services Consortium (CSC) is a state-designated Community Action Agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties with housing, nutrition, economic stability, and educational assistance programs since 1980.

To support CSC’s poverty-fighting programs and services, visit our website at www.communityservices.us. Donations may be made through our website or mailed to our main office: Community Services Consortium, 245 Broadalbin Street, Suite 2A, Albany, OR 97321.

A Community Conversation: Race, Inclusion, and Making Community Action Available to Everyone

Please join Community Services Consortium (CSC) for a presentation by the Fair Housing Council of Oregon about the history of discrimination in Oregon, followed by light refreshments and a discussion about race, inclusion, and how CSC can make our wide variety of poverty-fighting services available to everyone available to everyone.

The event takes place on November 19, 2015 from 9am-12pm at the Community Services Consortium building, located at 120 NE Avery St. in Newport on the First Floor - Hylan Room. To RSVP, call or e-mail Pegge McGuire at 541-704-7627 or pmcguire@communityservices.us.

Community Services Consortium (CSC) is a state-designated Community Action Agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties with housing, nutrition, economic stability, and educational assistance programs since 1980.

To support CSC’s poverty-fighting programs and services, visit our website at www.communityservices.us. Donations may be made through our website or mailed to our main office: Community Services Consortium, 245 Broadalbin Street, Suite 2A, Albany, OR 97321.

Low-Income Participants Wanted for Conference: Environmental Justice, Affordable Housing and Health

Housing Land Advocates is offering scholarships to low-income individuals to attend their November 6th conference on Environmental Justice, Affordable Housing and Health. The conference focuses on the intersection of housing and health. This year's speakers represent diverse perspectives, including environmental justice advocates working to bring healthy homes to low-income communities, local efforts to understand the epigenetics of poverty, design-based solutions to healthcare challenges, and rural efforts to integrate health services in residential communities.

Within all of this, there will an investigation of residential housing patterns in both rural and metro areas, and how changes are impacting the affordable housing stock and health outcomes for residents. HLA's 2015 conference will bring together national, regional and local experts to explore these concepts and consider ways to bring health home.

Basic Details 
2015 HLA Conference: At the Intersection of Housing and Health
November 6th, 2015
8:30am - 4:30pm
David Evans & Associates
2100 SW River Parkway
Portland, OR
Keynote Speaker is Steve Fishbach, Supervising Lawyer for the Rhode Island Legal Defense Fund and Co-founder of the Environmental Justice League of Rhode Island.

Conference Webpage: http://housinglandadvocates.org/2015-conference/ 
Eventbrite registration page: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/housing-land-advocates-2015-conference-tickets-18578417547 

CSC Harvesting Good Things in Our Community

Linn Benton Food Share (LBFS) has partnered again this year with local nurseries for their Patio Project. The Patio Project is based on a simple concept - people growing fresh, healthy produce in their gardens to fight hunger in our community.

Carl Bass with his tomato plant

Local nurseries have donated more than 3,000 plants to Linn Benton Food Share to distribute so local gardeners can grow food to feed their neighbors in need.

Most of these gardeners are members of the numerous gleaning programs that work with Linn Benton Food Share. Gleaners are people with low incomes who participate in gathering donated foods for themselves and other low-income households.

The Patio Project will help LBFS increase the amount of healthy, locally grown produce available to those in need through their 68 local partner agencies that include emergency food pantries and shelters, soup kitchens, residential care homes, and gleaning groups.

LBFS Director Ryan McCambridge notes that Food Share has made it a priority to increase the amount of fresh, nutritious produce for emergency food boxes. It is expected that more than one million pounds of produce will be distributed this year.

“Linn Benton Food Share is thankful for the generous donations from local nurseries“ Ryan stated. “These plants will provide produce for people who are at risk of going hungry. We always feel good when we can increase the nutritional content of the food we distribute—and in this case, the people growing the plants have a new way to provide for their families.”

CSC’s Youth Garden has also been busy growing produce for both LBFS and the community, participating in the Corvallis Farmers’ Market. The CSC Youth Garden enrolls four to ten students looking to get their GED or diploma while learning food production and sales skills in a supportive environment.

Interested in gleaning? For more information on a group near you, please call Susan James 541-758-2645 or send her an e-mail at sjames@communityservices.us.

For more information on the CSC Youth Garden or CSC’s Youth Programs, contact Armand Schoppy at 541-578-2776 or contact him at aschoppy@communityservices.us.

Above and Beyond – When a Job Isn’t Just a Job

by Suzanne Miller, Director of CSC Lincoln County Head Start

It is my pleasure to be the Director of CSC Head Start and work with our wonderful staff in Lincoln County. All staff members are excellent, hard-working people who truly serve our community. There is one person on our staff who has given me a new perspective on the definition of “work ethic.” That person is Angela Oleman. Angela was born and raised in Toledo in a family that did everything together - work, play, team sports, vacations, house projects; you name it. Angela grew up in a natural “team;” her family was that team.

I sat down with Angela one afternoon to ask her why she is such a hard worker - always finding solutions, always going the extra mile. “I don’t know any other way to be” was her answer. “We were raised to participate, to work together—if it needs doing, then let’s do it.” Angela is a powerful force on our team, always a smile on her face, a great attitude of positivity and patience and understanding for others. She is always looking for ways to make the Head Start program better.


Angela also recruits her “home team” for projects at Head Start sites. Her husband Mike and her sons, Tyson and Kyle - when not working, helping at home, going to school and doing their own sports - are often seen at the sites helping with projects. Angela was able with the help of another staff member to find a volunteer to paint the Toledo classroom over the summer. The only caveat was that all the prep work be done by someone else. So, Angela had her family come down to help accomplish that, saving the program quite a bit of money too!

This is just one of many examples. Angela has the same sense of economy for Head Start as she does for her own family finances. She is an employee who “owns” her work, her sites and the many areas she manages. I asked her how she does it all so well, and why. “Head Start is a great place to work and our staff are all very caring people.” Angela further said that she cares for everyone around her.

Angela feels that it is important for her sons to develop a social conscience and to be part of the community. This is generational social activism and citizenship of the highest order. Her mom Bonnie crochets scarves for the Toledo Head Start children, and is making some treats for the returning staff first day training as well.

When I am stressed and not my best self, Angela will ask “Are you grumpy today?” I can tell you I quickly straighten up! I never want to disappoint her. I may be her “boss” as she says, but I think she may be my teacher.

It is important that we celebrate those who give so much, people like Angela, Mike, Tyson, Kyle and Bonnie. I know I’m grateful.

Suzanne Miller, PhD, is a writer and the Director of CSC Head Start in Lincoln County.