Empowering Through Education

Empowering Through Education

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Happy Halloween!


For a list of Trick or Treating and Parties happening today,
check out Monday's Post!!



BE SAFE OUT THERE!!!





Friday, October 30, 2015

Halloween Freebies and Almost Freebies~

Thanks to our partner on the Financial Wellness Program, Utah Sweet Savings, here are some FREEBIES and GREAT DEALS for Halloween.
Enjoy!!
AMC Coupon
AMC TheatersBuy an Adult ticket get a free child's ticket for Goosebumps and Hotel Transylvania 2. Saturday only.
Baja Fresh
Baja Fresh: Kids in costumes eat free with the purchase of an adult entree through Saturday, according to an offer posted on the Baja Fresh Facebook page.
Baskin-Robbins: Get a scoop of ice cream for $1.31 on Halloween, though waffle cones and toppings will cost more.
Halloween Events
Bass Pro Shops: Free Halloween events including: Free 4×6 Photo with the Peanuts Gang, Free Crafts, Trick or Treating and Kids Costume Parade.
Build-A-Bear: Free Howl-O-Ween Treat.
Chili's: Free kids meal when adult entree is purchased on Friday - Sunday.  Limit one free kids meal per each adult entree ordered. Maximum two free kids meals per table. Coupon HERE.
Boorito
Chipotle: This Halloween, there's a twist on Chipotle's annual "Boorito" fundraiser, in which diners who dress in a costume get a $3 burrito, bowl, salad or tacos. This year, customers must include an "unnecessary item" with their costume. Chipotle, which is pushing non-GMO ingredients, is pushing how "unnecessary" additives are. This excludes online, app and catering orders. Chipotle donates up to $1 million from Boorito proceeds in the U.S. to the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, and a portion of the proceeds in Canada benefit Second Harvest.
Del Taco: Get two pieces of free caramel cheesecake bites with the purchase of $3 or more at participating restaurants through Monday, with a coupon.
Kids in Costume Eat Free– FREE pumpkin when you buy an All-American BBQ Feast.
ihop
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Krispy Kreme Doughnut: On Saturday, wear a costume and get a free doughnut, based on availability at participating locations. This deal is not redeemable at grocery or convenience stores.
Mini's Cafe:  Kids in costume eat free at Mimi's Cafe Friday and Saturday
Olive Garden: Get a kids meal for $1 with the purchase of an adult entree through Friday, with this coupon.
Sbarro: Adults and children dressed in a costume get one free slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza with any $5 purchase.
Sizzler:  Kids in Costume Eat Free with adult entree and beverage purchase.
Sonic

TODAY is Speak Up For Service Day~

Speak Up For Service Day - October 30
Speak Up For Service Day – October 30

SPEAK UP FOR SERVICE DAY

Speak Up For Service Day is being established to recognize the importance of telling others about the need for young people to be actively involved in community service. Too often, good deeds of service by young people go unnoticed by their communities. Speak Up For Service Day gives recognition to the unnoticed and serves as a reminder that people should tell others about the contributions of young people to their communities.

CELEBRATE
Use #SpeakUpForServiceDay to post on social media.

HISTORY
The Speak Up For Service Project’s history began in 2003, when the Fargo (North Dakota) Lions Club initiated a public speaking contest for area high school students in honor of Laura Christensen Espejo, a woman who devoted her life to improving the health care services available to the less fortunate in the Fargo community and in Peru, the country of her husband Lucho. Lion Robert Littlefield coordinated the contest on the local level before launching it as a statewide initiative while serving as District Governor in 2010-2011.

In 2010, the first annual Lions Speak Up For Service public speaking contest was held at the North Dakota State Lions Convention in Grand Forks. High school students who entered the competition spoke on topics related to young people and community service.

If you were going to 'Speak Up For Service', what story would YOU tell? What young person would YOU honor? We'd love to hear it in the comments!

Thursday, October 29, 2015


Remember to Check Out the Volunteer Center's


for more FREE Halloween Fun than you can fit into one weekend!!


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Save the Date: Exploring Halloween with the Museum of Anthropology


Here are some Halloween activities you will not want to miss!! Along with the traditional dressing up, trick-or-treating until you drop!, North Logan Pumpkin Walk, Whittier Center Halloween Festival, and all the usual halloween parties, take some time to learn how halloween is celebrated around the world, what the difference between proof and experience is with ghosts and monsters, and even the history and evolution of halloween! 

The USU Museum of Anthropology has quite a line-up in store for you. USU students studying and working at the museum will share their research in cultural celebrations and traditions of Halloween through a series of events at the museum. The students have coordinated two events over Halloween weekend.

Lynne McNeil will present an illustrative talk Friday, October 30, at 5 p.m. at the museum discussing the difference between proof and experience with ghosts and monsters. McNeil is a faculty member in USU's English department and author of Folklore Rules. Her talk, adapted from her research in folk beliefs and legends, will focus on what leads people to believe in the supernatural and why we treat the supernatural differently from other beliefs.



Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., students from the museum explore the history and evolution of Halloween via a variety of family activities. As part of Family 1st Saturdays at the museum students will share with the community their cross cultural research of celebrations surrounding Halloween. Daniel Bishop, the Storyteller, will also be on hand to engage in haunting stories of the regions.

See you there!!! 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Halloween Happenings in Cache County!!


What are you planning for the Halloween Weekend?

Dress up your little ones and check out the
numerous trick-or-treating opportunities,
along with parties and more!!



37th Annual North Logan Pumpkin Walk 
10/22 through 10/27, Sunday excluded, 9 am-10 pm
Elk Ridge Park 1100 E. 2500 North North Logan
Admission is FREE!  This event is truly fun for all ages.
New Puppet Show this year (also free)! Plays daily on the half hour starting at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from Noon- 9 p.m.  Parking lot at Elk Ridge closes at 4:00 pm park at Greenville Elementary (400 E. 2500 North) or the Cache Valley Specialty Hospital. The Cache Valley Transit District will run buses every few minutes between the school to Elk Ridge Park, where the Pumpkin Walk is held. At 6 p.m. you can catch the free shuttle at Greenville Elementary and ride it up to the park. 


Events Happening on October 30th


Zombie Walk for the Cache Community Food Pantry, October 30, 2015, 6 pm-9 pm
This event, now in it's 5th year, is free and open to the public.Intersection of Church Street & Federal Avenue, in downtown Logan. Participants, dressed as zombies (or perhaps zombie hunters) will be gathering at the intersection of Church Street & Federal Avenue in downtown Logan beginning at 6:00pm.  Every zombie and on-looker is encouraged to bring one or more non-perishable food items in support of the Cache Community Food Pantry.
  
Zombies and Hunters are welcome to have a professional portrait taken and the photos will be available at no cost and will be posted on-line for printing and sharing.    Cache Community Food Pantry will collect food items at Church Street & Federal Avenue.
  
At approximately 6:30pm, the entire hoard of zombies and zombie hunters will head south on Federal Avenue to 100 North, then west on 100 North to the west side of Main Street, and then south on Main Street to The Factory Pizzeria for FREE pizza!  Only costumed Zombies and Zombie Hunters will be served!
  
We look forward to a great turnout this year in support of the Cache Community Food Pantry.

USU Museum of Anthropology, October 30th, 5:00pm:
Exploring the difference between proof and experience with ghosts and monsters.
More specific details will follow in Wednesday's blog post, so be sure to check back!


Trick-or-Treat Street, October 30, 6 pm- 9 pm
Smithfield Civic Center (Armory) 40 E 100 Smithfield, UT
Entry fee is one can of food. This is a family-friendly activity that teaches kids trick-or-treating safety while having fun.  There will be houses sponsored by local businesses that kids get to knock on the doors and get candy.  There will also be other activities like picture boards.  The fire and police departments will be there talking about safe trick-or-treating habits.  

FREE Scary Face Pancakes @ IHOP for Kids 12 and under.




Events Happening on October 31st


USU Museum of Anthropology, October 31st, 10am - 2pm
Explore the history and evolution of Halloween through a variety of activities. USU students will share their cross cultural research of celebrations surrounding Halloween. There will also be a storyteller on hand to entertain and educate. More specific details will follow in Wednesday's blog post, so be sure to check back!


12th Annual Logan Downtown Halloween Treat Walk, October 31, 10 am-4 pm
Get the children dressed-up as ghosts, goblins, and ghouls, and enjoy a fun celebration of trick-or-treating during the annual treat walk in Logan Downtown on Halloween Day! Many retailers will open their doors and welcome costumed trick-or-treaters throughout the holiday.  No rush for moms and dads; businesses will be open and treating between 10 am and 4 pm.

Enjoy a safe and relaxing outing with the family in downtown Logan.  Just look for the Halloween Treat poster in their door or window.  Plenty of FREE parking. Businesses participating are along Main Street between 200 North and 100 South, and along Center Street and 100 North between 100 West and 100 East.


Lee's Market Place in Logan and Lee's in Smithfield 11 am-2 pm


Mall-O-ween at Cache Valley Mall, October 31, 1 pm-3 pm
Cache Valley Mall 1300 North Main Street Logan, Utah
We will be celebrating Halloween this year with Trick or Treating with the retailers, balloon animals and face painting. Enjoy a magic show at 1 pm and 2 pm.




Maceys in Providence and Logan 1 pm-4 pm


Smith's on 400 N in Logan and Smith's Market Place, after 2 pm


86th annual Halloween Festival at the Whittier Community Center, October 31st, 3:00-6:00
290 North 400 East Logan,UT
Young children will enjoy carnival games, a cakewalk, food, etc. Bring a can of food for the Utah Food Bank for three free tickets. Game tickets available at the door for $.25


Logan Library Halloween Festival, October 31st, 3 pm- 6 pm
Logan Library - Jim Bridger Room
Free fun-  games, treats and prizes for everyone.


Trick or Treating at the Cache Valley Fun Park, October 31st, 4 pm- 5 pm
255 E 1770 N, North Logan, UT
Come join us for a fun filled trick or treating experience.  We will have up to 10 stations for your little ones to trick or treat at in our festive facility.  There is no charge to come and enjoy a safe and fun Halloween activity.


Halloween Carnival at Legacy House Assisted Living Center , October 31st, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
330 E 1400 N Logan, UT
Carnival games, treats, prizes


Halloween Party in the Lobby@ Pioneer Valley Lodge Assisted Living Center, October 31st, 7-8 pm
2351 N 400 E N, North Logan UT
Trick-or-Treating at the following locations on 10/31:

For Halloween FREEBIES from local restaurants CLICK HERE.

There are plenty of AWESOME things to do for 
FREE family fun on Halloween Weekend!

ENJOY!!


Sunday, October 25, 2015

Today is Poverty is Unnecessary Day!


October 25, 2015- 
Poverty is Unnecessary Day!

For 6 million of the world's poorest people, today is a date to celebrate. Ten years ago Whole Foods Market held a companywide Community Giving Day to seed Whole Planet Foundation and fight global poverty through microcredit. On this day, Whole Foods Market stores donated five percent of the day's net sales from shoppers, resulting in $525,000 to launch the Foundation's poverty alleviation programs in communities where the company sources products.

They have now funded more than $67 million in small loans to microentrepreneurs across 14 cities in the United States and 67 other countries with 1.2 million microloans. In total, they are supporting 6.3 million people with the chance for a better life.

This year on October 25, they will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the original community giving day by spotlighting a group of donors who have contributed $375,000 this year as Poverty is Unnecessary Fund partners. To help commemorate the day, now known as Poverty is Unnecessary Day, select Whole Foods Market stores companywide will host interactive events such as scavenger hunts, product demos, documentary screenings and social media giveaways to spotlight the tremendous role donors have played in the foundation's success.

You can join the celebration and follow #PartyforProsperity on social media to see how people are engaging.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

What are YOU Doing Today to Make a Difference?

Millions of volunteers from across the nation will unite in a common mission to improve the lives of others on Make A Difference Day, Saturday, October 24, 2015. The stories told around Make A Difference Day show that anyone - regardless of age, location or resources - can accomplish amazing things when they take on the problems they see in their community. Start a project, recruit volunteers. Enter your project for a chance to win a $10,000 grant from Newman's Own....»


Friday, October 23, 2015

Back to the Future . . . Make it a good one!

"Your future hasn't been written yet. No one's has. 
Your future is whatever you make it, 
so make it a good one."
 
The future events imagined in Back to the Future are now in the past, but we all still have the opportunity to see and shape the future as we make our world better through service. There are opportunities around us every day to have a positive impact in our community!

Save the date and start planning now for when the future arrives again on Global Youth Service Day 2016.  At the Cache Valley Volunteer Center we are happy to help you find the perfect opportunity for you and your group. Here are some ways we can help you to make your FUTURE the best it can possibly be!


Share what you want the world to be like in 30 years in our facebook group or on your own page, or via Twitter.  Use #BackToTheFuture and #GYSD on both. You can tag us on Twitter using @CVVolunteer.

Now, That's Funny!!! Don't Miss Out~


!!  It's that time of year  !!

When it comes to volunteering, there aren't many events here in Cache Valley that use more volunteers than the North Logan Pumpkin Walk, one of everyone's favorite fall events in Cache Valley! Plans for the walk start months in advance with numerous groups~families, businesses, church groups, non-profit groups, even groups of friends~ placing dubs on their favorite movive to go with the theme. That's when the real planning begins~ pumpkins, gourds, rebar, straw, and a whole lot of creativity begins to take shape, and the result is stunning.

The event is free to the public and brings people from all over the state. This year's theme is "Now, That's Funny!" You can go to the Pumpkin Walk either during the day or the evening. The event is held at Elk Ridge Park in North Logan. Parking can be tricky. Because of the huge numbers of people, the parking lot closes at 4:00pm. After that a free bus service is provided from Greenville Elementary (400 East 2500 South) or the Cache Valley Specialty Hospital (2380 north 400 East). The Cache Valley Transit District will run buses every few minutes between the school and Elk Ridge Park. 

The displays are SOOOO creative! You can see some of the amazing exhibits from the past by visiting the Pumpkin Walk Gallery or check out last year's walk in the following video.


There are also usually a lot of fun silhouettes and displays to provide some great photo opps for kids of all ages! To top it off, everyone gets some snacks and treats like Pepperidge Farm cookies. You will want to be sure to catch this event . . . and maybe you'll even decide to pull together a group next year to help build a scene or volunteer in one of the other numerous opportunities!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

We'll Be UNSHAKEABLE!!

SERVICE SONG OF THE WEEK

"Unshakeable" by Voices Around the World


"I'll find the strength
Here in my heart
Every moment
Means a new start
...
We'll be the keepers 
of a youthful heart
We'll be the champions 
of a peaceful future."


The complete Service Songs of the Week playlist from 2012-2015 is at
http://bit.ly/servicesongs  

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Don't Quit On Me!





A new report released by America's Promise Alliance examines the roles that supportive relationships play in young people's decisions to stay in, leave and return to school. John Gomperts, CEO of America's Promise: "Too many young people don't have enough access to relationships with stable, caring adults who can help them get what they need to stay on track toward graduation and career. Relationship poverty is not a lack of love or family, but a lack of access to additional sources of support that can lead to a more promising future." Read the report, watch the video, review the discussion guides, and find out how you can help....»

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Ideas for Connecting with Youth




Sparks are the interests, passions, or skills that "light fires" in people's lives. They engage and motivate us, fueling a sense of purpose and direction in life. It is particularly important for young people to identify and grow their sparks. Students who experience being "good" at something become more confident that they have what it takes to succeed at school, work, and other areas of life - especially if those sparks are acknowledged and celebrated by adults and peers. It takes the "oxygen" of conversations and relationships to light up sparks....»
What if you could build relationships with a simple hello? One expert recommends doing a meet and greet with young people during arrival, and notes that kids identify adults who meet and greet as the ones who care about them personally and motivate them to do their best. Take a look at these five meet and greet strategies....»
  

Monday, October 19, 2015

Super Service Challenge 2015!!



We invite you to
support the
Cache Valley Volunteer Center
Super Service Challenge


The Super Service Challenge is a great way for you to support volunteerism 
in Cache Valley.   It costs you nothing, and it’s so easy for you and your family, 
friends, and co-workers to participate.

SuperServiceTHANKS!

FAQs
  1. Who can participate in a service team?
    • We encourage you to form teams with your family, friends, coworkers, or whatever group you belong to~ service group, church group, book club, singles group, etc. Your whole company can participate or you can grab one other coworker to serve a nonprofit of your choice.  
  2. Is there a size limit to service groups?
    • A group must have two or more people. The ideal size often depends on the nonprofit served and the type of service project.
  3. What kind of organizations may be served?
    • Any 501(c)(3) organization is eligible to win part of the prize money. We encourage you to support the Cache Valley Volunteer Center and TEAM Mentoring when appropriate.
  4. What are the video entry guidelines?
    • Your video should be less than two minutes and answer two questions: how did you serve, and what impact did serving together have on your team? Any video file format may be entered. No PowerPoint files, Word docs, or jpgs will be accepted.
  5. When do I need to submit my video?
    • You can upload your video NOW. Don’t wait~  The final deadline is December 31, 2015.
  6. How do I submit a video?
    • The Super Service Challenge app allows you to create an account and upload your video from your phone! It only takes a few minutes and your nonprofit will be entered to win. You can also text your videoclip to 435-770-0748 or email it to CacheVolunteerCenter@gmail.com and we will upload it for you.
  7. What is the Super Service Challenge app?
    • The app allows you to create your account and upload your video from your  phone! It only takes a few minutes and your nonprofit will be entered to win!
  8. Can my team submit more than one video?
    • You may complete as many service projects as you like and submit a video for each. A company/group can serve the same nonprofit multiple times, and as many times as you serve. Every time you serve, a video can be created and submitted.
  9. How is the prize money awarded?
    • Winners will be chosen from a random drawing. Every submission will have an equal chance of winning~ so please submit for the Cache Valley Volunteer Center and TEAM Mentoring as many times as you can before December 31st. The more times you submit the better the odds that we will win a prize! Prizes will range from $500-$100,000. Last year we were awarded $2,000 by having 3 of our videos drawn~ 1 for $1,000 and 2 for $500. Let’s do it again!
  10. Where does the money come from?
    • The Super Service Challenge is funded by the generosity of business leaders and other partners who are committed to growing this national movement.
  11. Who wins the money?
    • Only the nonprofits win funding; no employee or company financially benefits.
  12. Is there any fee to participate in the challenge?
    • No, there is no cost to participate.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

STEMester of Service


Here is a resource for youth and leaders looking to incorporate
into the school day.

Saturday, October 17, 2015




DRIVE 2N2

It means 2 eyes on the road and 2 hands on the wheel. 
From now until October 25, 2015, submit a photo or video along with a brief write-up showing how your high school raises awareness for Drive 2N2 for a chance to win a $100,000 grant and an Echosmith concert. 
Go here for more information on how to enter.

ENTRY PROCESS

To enter, a high school administrator must upload a photo or video along with a brief write-up between October 12-25, 2015. One entry per high school only.
To show why a high school deserves to win a grant, there are also four questions the administrator must answer. 100 high schools will be selected as Finalists and then 22 high schools that receive the most votes for their entry will win a $100,000 grant.
Have more questions? Check out our FAQs.
Or see the Official Rules.

DOS AND DON’TS

To make sure your submission shines, follow these simple tips.
  • Entry must be submitted by a high school administrator
  • One entry per high school only
  • Video should be 30 seconds or less, maximum 50MB
  • Photo should be maximum 10MB
  • Make sure your submission is creative
  • Include a connection to safe driving
  • Make your message as impactful as possible
  • Let your high school spirit shine
  • No licensed music
  • No brand or sports team logos

Friday, October 16, 2015

#AmeriDay #GetThingsDone!

Over the last 21 years, 950,000 men and women have joined AmeriCorps to make our country stronger. On October 16, we will welcome the new class of AmeriCorps members in a nationwide swearing-in pledge ceremony at AmeriCorps Opening Day events coast to coast. CNCS is asking every member, alum, grantee, elected official, family member, best friend and neighbor to join us in celebrating this important day. Please share this graphic on Facebook and Twitter (or any other social media) and change your profile picture to show support for AmeriCorps. ...»



Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Tuesday, October 13, 2015