I am sorry it has taken me so long to write you a Note! We had some bad scares last week but it looks like brighter days are ahead. The House Appropriations Committee cut all funding for Community Partnerships but our own Representatives Dan Brown and Jason Smith worked to get most of the funds restored in the House Budget Committee. Now Senator Barnitz will have to work to keep us in the Senate Appropriations so that we can make it all the way to the Governor's desk. If you get a chance please thank our legislators for keeping Community Partnership funding in the budget. Our board also deserves a big thanks for all their work to let everyone know how important this funding is to our work.

Pancakes with Pooh!

This past Saturday CKF families joined us to celebrate a day of fun with Winnie-the-Pooh! Families and children celebrated with pancakes and other breakfast type goodies and then Winnie joined them for picture taking. Board member Ted Day also helped with the cooking and cleaning up and Anna's husband Chad put on a certain bear-suit to the delight of all! It was a great morning of laughter and fun - I hope we can get some more of the pictures up on the web site so you can see what a great time everyone had! 

Childcare Providers Apply for Grants

Licensed childcare providers from around the State were eligible to apply for funding to help them with health and safety items and outdoor equipment. Lori Moss arranged for several volunteer grant writers to review the proposals and our area submitted seven requests for funds. These funds will help with lead removal, updated HVAC units, fencing, outdoor equipment, and more. Board member Liz Gruendel deserves special thanks for helping the only licensed program in Salem put in a great request. I will let you know how many successful applications are chosen from our area as soon as we hear. 

Sadly, our mentoring programs did not get restored in the state budget. We are particularly concerned about our Young Parent's program and working madly at writing grants to try and hold most of this program together. Our young parents really depend on this program to make healthy choices and become really good parents. Our Baby Bucks party is also coming up this month so let us know if you have some items you would like to donate or if you would like to help out. Marilyn would love to hear from you! Thanks for all you do to help make this a truly great and caring community! 

Sincerely yours,