Cluster Moments

Wow! A new Post!

2011-03-26T18:46:00.001-07:00

For any that are still trying to follow this blog sorry. I just got really overwhelmed for a little bit. I hope this blog will continue on and I will do much better in keeping an update!

Our next training is April 28 from 7-9pm! It is Summer Activities for Kids! More on that later. Just letting you know that I am back!

March news

2010-03-03T17:49:00.000-08:00

Thank you all that were able to attend our activity. We had a great turn out to our Jumpin Jacks activity and we had a lot of leftover pizza! It was so fun, i hope you all had as much fun as we did and the kids went ot bed so well that night! A double bonus for me!

Now, onto the important things:

The nomination process for the Foster/Adoptive Dads of the Year contest has opened, it will close on March 31st.

http://www.utahfostercare.org/resources/fosterdadoftheyear/

there is a training scheduled for March the 3rd thursday and it will be Emergency preparedness. please come..one lucky person will win a 90 day supply of food!

2010-02-18T11:10:00.001-08:00

March 1 from 5 pm to 8pm come and join us at Jumpin Jacks in Springville.
1575S 1950W
We only have room for 48 people including children so register early and we will send confirmation to your email address.
Please email adoptionkinshipcluster@gmail.com to register
The cost: $10.00 PER Family that will include pizza, bread sticks and root beer and admission into jumpin jacks. What a great deal!
When registering please include names and ages (for children only) of anyone that will be "jumping". Parents, if you intend to jump please let me know. I will send more details with the confirmation.

Remember, space is limited to 48 people! Adoption/Kinship cluster members will have first priority. All others will be placed on a waiting list and notified 2 days prior if there is room for you to attend.

Upcoming training for January

2010-01-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

I have been so far behind lately. Life has certainly caught up to me, how about you? Thanks Colista for the reminder to post our upcoming training. Hopefully, I will see you all there.

January 21– Effective parenting discipline techniques (level chart)
An “on time” drawing for prizes will be held so don’t be late.
Refreshments will be served

Halloween Fun

2009-09-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks Colista!
Pinching Your Pennies Halloween Fun List

Cornbelly's
Thanksgiving Point
3003 North Thanksgiving Way
Lehi, UT 84043
Exit 284 from I-15
www.cornbellys.com

Utah's original corn maze. We hope you'll come visit us this fall at Utah's most popular Halloween destination. You're sure to be lost, laughin' and lovin' it in our new design for our world-famous maze. With more than 20 fall and haunted attractions, Cornbelly's is proud to once again offer plenty of farmtastic fun for the whole family!

Open September 25 to October 31, 2009
Monday-Thursday: 4-10pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am to 11pm
Sunday: closed
Haunting begins at 8pm on Friday, Saturday and Monday nights beginning October 2 plus Oct. 15 and every night Oct. 26-30.
We will be open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the UEA and Fall Break dates of October 1,2, 15, 16.

Cornbelly's Bargain Pass (includes ALL activities at Cornbelly's except haunted attractions on Mon/Fri/Sat)
Adults - $10.95 + Tax
Children age 2 and under are free!

Haunted Combo (includes ALL activities at Cornbelly's, including haunted attractions on Mon/Fri/Sat)
Adults - $15.95 + Tax
Children age 2 and under are free!
Season Pass - ALL Activities, Multiple Times - $25 + Tax
There are additional charges for gemstone mining, pumpkin purchases, pumpkin blasters, corn cannons, laser tag and paintball.

Print a coupon at this link.

Special offer! $3.93 admission, valid 9/25- from 4pm-10pm and 9/26 from 10am-11pm. Requires printable coupon from kbull93.com.

Green Canyon Farms corn maze
2850 N. 200 E. Logan UT 84321
435-770-7547
www.greencanyonfarms.com

Almost 17 acres... the largest corn maze in Cache Valley.
Over 13 football fields! Paths are over 4 feet wide! // deploy if (typeof(theTemplate) != 'undefined' && theTemplate.hasFlashNaviga
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Make sure you look for our "Corny Cash" hidden through out our maze. If you find it , bring it to the ticket office or concession stand and redeem the "Corny Cash" for your reward!
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Adults $6.00
Children (3-11) $4.00

1.00 off coupons at this link.

(However on Monday's it's "Buck Off" night. No need to print off a coupon, everyone will get in for a buck off.)

Hours:
M-Thurs. 5:00-11:00
Fri. 5:00-12:00
Sat. 2:00-12:00
Will be open Oct. 1 from 2:00-11:00 and Oct. 2 from 2:00-12:00
The Haunted Maze starts @ dark Oct. 2nd and every Friday and Saturday in Oct.

American West Heritage Center
4025 S. Hwy 89-91
Wellsville, UT 84339
(435) 245-6050
www.awhc.org

Welcome to Utah's biggest Fall Festival! We're more than just a Corn Maze. We have more activities than you can shake a stick at!

* Eight Acre Corn Maze, depicting the Headless Horseman this year.
* Train rides on our NEW TRAIN!
* Hay Jump--all the kids' favorite.
* Pirate Fort Maze for kids. Please do not shiver our timbers.
* Blackout Maze. A maze in complete blackness. No lights, please.
* Super Slide

Dates: Sept. 19 – Oct. 31
Times: Mondays-Thursdays 10 am – 10 pm; Friday & Saturdays 10 am – 11 pm

General Admission: $6 (general price for all ages 3 and older)

Ride Pass: $1 per ride (unlimited rides per pass, but pass holder must go to end of line each time –if there’s a line) (available 6 pm – 10 pm nightly)

Includes:

* Pumpkin Patch Express
* The Spooky Express Train Rides
* Cowboy Carousel (Pony Rides Saturday afternoons)

Haunted Hollow: $6 (under 6 years of age not recommended) (Runs Oct. 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30 from 7 pm – 9:30 pm)

Combo Pass: $10 (general price for all ages 3 and older)

American Fork Haunted Forest
American Fork exit 276
turn towards Utah Lake - 1/4 mile

The Haunted Forest isn't like any other haunted attraction because it takes place in a REAL forest- with all the creepy, natural ambiance to go with it. There aren't any walls to protect you from the horrors that lurk in the trees, and no roof to keep out the howling October winds. Most indoor haunts take place in 30,000 square foot buildings; the Haunted Forest spans over 220,000 square feet of pure terror!
• Haunted Forest : $15.00
• Psycho Manor Insane Asylum: $15.00
• TERROR TICKET: Psycho Manor & Haunted Forest & Haunted Mansion Show Combined $20.00

Kids 6 and under FREE
TICKET PRICES LISTED ARE FOR CASH PURCHASE ONLY!
THERE IS A $1.00 PER TICKET FEE FOR CREDIT CARD PURCHASED TICKETS

Times Open: Weekdays - 7:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m. until 12:00 Midnight
2.00 off with coupon at this link http://hauntedutah.com/forest_coupons.html. Not valid Friday or Saturday, or with any other offer.

Dont forget about Night Terrors...and Hee Haw Farms! Located in Pleasant Grove...best scare for your money!

Black Island Farms
3178 South 3000 W Syracuse, Utah
More info and coupons available at this link.
801.774.MAZE (6293)

4 MAiZEs — 24 Acres of Fun — The largest cornfield maze in Utah! (Our largest maze this season is honoring Twilight-New Moon.)

Black Island Farms tickets includes admission to the Courtyard and all of its attractions, including Kiddie Corral, plus the Cornfield MAiZE. Some activities have additional fees, such as Pumpkin Bounce ($1 entry ticket), Corn Cannon ($1) and PaintBall Shoot ($1 per cup of balls)

Cornfield MAiZE
Open September 18 to October 31, 2009. Monday-Thursday 4-10pm. Friday 4pm-midnight. Saturday 10am-midnight. Sunday 1pm - 5pm.
Open 10am to midnight on Thursday and Friday of UEA weekend.
Adults (over age 12) $10 Children (age 3-12) $8 Age 2 and under are free.

Farm Hayrides
We have four tractors constantly working, taking folks on our popular hayrides around the farm.
The trail takes you under a bridge that connects two cornfield MAiZEs and out to the Pumpkin Patch.
Adults (over age 12) $8 Children (age 3-12) $5 Age 2 and under are free.

Get a Combo!
This includes the MAiZE and a hayride
Adults (over age 12) $15 Children (age 3-12) $10

Nightmare Acres
The haunted MAiZE is open Thursday from 7pm til 10pm
Friday and Saturday from 7pm til Midnight
Open Thursday and Friday of UEA weekend also with the hours of 7pm til Midnight
Admission $15 per person (all ages) — Combo with regular MAiZE $20 per person (all ages)
Not recommended for children under age 12

More info at this link
½ mile south of the Wellsville Burger King on Highway 89/91- east side Look for the Giant Scarecrow!
Parking: all along north side of dirt road (perpendicular).

We Feature:
* 2 Awesome Corn Mazes!
* Haunted Hay Ride/ Haunted Barn
* Spooky River Trail
* Jungle Grass Maze
* Concessions

Prices
* Mazes only: Kids 3-12 $4 - Students w/ID $5 - Adults $6 - Family $25*
* All Mazes and Spooky Barn Ride: -Kids 3-12 $5 - Students w/ID $7 - Adults $8 - Family $30*
* All Mazes and Haunted River Trail: -Students w/ID $8 - Adults $9
* All Mazes, Spooky Barn Ride & Haunted River Trail: - Students w/ID $10 - Adults $12
* Under 3 yrs.- Free

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 5-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday 5-11 p.m.

Hogle Zoo: Boo at the Zoo

2600 East Sunnyside
Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
(801) 582-1631
More info at this link

Saturday, October 24, 2009
Times: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Kids 12 and younger can come in costume to trick-or-treat at various candy booths set up throughout zoo grounds. Trick-or-Treat bags will be provided (while supplies last), or bring your own and join us for one of the biggest events at the Zoo!

Parking is limited. Please carpool and do not park in designated no parking areas.

Gardner Village 1100 West 7800 South • West Jordan • Just 12 miles south of downtown Salt Lake City • 801.566.0917 More info at this link

Breakfast with a Witch
Let your little witches and warlocks enjoy Breakfast with a Witch! Receive a bewitching welcome as you enter the Witchapalooza Dining Hall at The Gathering Place. Enjoy a delicious buffet of fresh fruit, frighteningly fluffy scrambled eggs, haunted hash browns, bewitching bacon, paranormal pancakes, Frankenstein’s French Toast, and of course your favorite bubbling beverage of hot cocoa, coffee or orange juice. As you dine, our whimsical witches will entertain with wonders and cackles. They’ll mingle with you signing autograph sheets, taking pictures and casting spells. The price is $10 per person and will be held on October 1, 2, 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 9 am to 11 am.

Witchapalooza
Enjoy an evening of dinner, music and bewitching fun as the Witchapalooza Dinner Theater returns to The Gathering Place.
Our beloved Weston the Warlock and his crazy cackling witches are back for another year of memories, music and fun as he seeks to find his true love. Enjoy traveling through the decades with colorful costumes, witty dialogue and an extraordinary musical score. Add to the mix a delicious dinner, and you have the makings of an ideal outing for the whole family.

Proposed schedule for cluster trainings

2009-09-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

So, what do you think? This is only a tentative schedule but the dates, times and places will remain the same.
Adoption & Kinship Cluster
Cayce Thill adoptionkinshipcluster@gmail.com; www.Adoptionkinshipcluster.blogspot.com

One Year of Cluster Meetings
3rd Thursday of every month 7-9pm at UFCF in Orem

September 17 Karen Green from the Greenhouse
A wellness gift will be given to the first 2 who register
Refreshments will be served

October 22 Nancy Z-Getting Organized Nancy Christensen
A gift card to Staples will be given to the first 3 who register
Refreshments will be served
November 19-New to you table (bring gently used items you don’t need and we will have an exchange) A Christmas gift will be given to the first 5 who register
In-service: creative gift giving/budgeting/teaching children about
Refreshments will be served

December-NO CLUSTER MEETING

2010

January 21– Family Problem Solving Joy O’Banion
An “on time” drawing for prizes will be held so don’t be late
Refreshments will be served
February 12 Kangaroo Zoo Must RSVP by February 10 $5.00 per family dinner provided
No In service hours

March 18 Intro into emergency preparedness (who is me??)Nancy or Jessica?
One lucky person who registers will receive a 90 day supply of food

April 22 Effective parenting discipline techniques (level chart) Cayce Thill with help from Elsebeth Green

May NO CLUSTER MEETING

June 18 Fun Summer Activities for children and families Cayce Thill

July 23 Overnight at my home snacks and breakfast provided 20 people max.
Glitter toes (pedicure), in-service topics? Helpful books and their different insights/ discussion on techniques you use or situations you have in your home/fun, easy ways to reinforce bonding/ relax with Karen Green and essential oils

August 19 No Cluster Meeting

September 17 Coupon-ing

October 22 Nancy Z-Internet Safety (CACTF)

November Life Books- Jennifer Chantry

December- No Cluster meeting

Lagoon Coupons

2009-08-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

Lagoon coupons are here, and I will be picking them up tomorrow (Thursday August 6th), and mailing them on Friday August 7th to Cluster facilitators. If you want one, please contact your Cluster facilitator for them. (check your Foster Roster Newsletter, Cluster Concepts page for contact information, OR go online to http://www.utahfostercare.org/, click on the purple Foster Roster button, go to Western Region, and go to the Cluster concepts page for contact information) Details:1. Each coupon is good for up to 8 people. 2. Coupon is good from August 16-22nd. 3. Price per person is $22 (and some odd change, I believe) + tax. Please excuse the delay, Lagoon sent them 1 week after they said they would. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

Jessica Hanneman

(Lagoon logo courtesy of Lagoon)

2009-07-31T08:29:00.001-07:00

This Friday (July 31st) the Central Utah Gardens (aka Orem water district) is having a free concert "Voices of Africa" at 7pm. They are located next to Krispy Kreme Donuts. Sat, August 1st from 10 am until 2pm is "Kids Day" at the Central Utah Gardens.

another month, another training

2009-07-13T11:19:00.001-07:00

It is July and on the 16th we will be having our cluster training on scrap booking or life books, I have a wonderful lady from Stampin up who has been working on the training for over a month. You might want to bring some pictures with you to work with. There will be some refreshments and fun to be had by all. Make sure you PRE-REGISTER so that we can give you an exciting start to your life book.
I love scrapbooking and I am always excited to learn new things and get new ideas. You can purchase scrap book supplies from Jennifer if you choose and we will give you her information at the cluster meeting. Remember...Thursday, July 16th from 7-9 pm at the UFCF in orem.
If you would like to post things to this blog or have your blog linked to this, please email me the information and i will post it for you. this is currently the only way I have found for you to be able to post things. send to adoptionkinshipcluster@gmail.com
Thanks for your support.....Cayce

This was just forwarded from UFCF...

2009-07-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

You Are Invited
Who: Grandparent kinship and non-kinship foster parents who are
raising their preschool-aged foster children are invited to participate in a new study.
What: The research is for a dissertation from the College of
Social Work, University of Utah. This study is interested in learning about your relationships with your preschool-aged foster children.
When: Beginning in September 2009. You will be asked to
participate in one interview, one follow-up meeting and one focus group. This may take up to five hours of your time. You will receive $20.00 U.S. Dollars for the initial interview, $10.00 U.S. Dollars for the follow up meeting, and $10.00 U.S. Dollars for the focus group.
Why: It is important to understand relationships between foster
parents and their preschool-age foster children so we can
promote better services for foster families.
Where: Utah Foster Care Foundation
5296 Commerce Drive, Suite 400
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Interested parties please call: Nancy J. Coyne at (801) 783-9344 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or send email to: njcoyne@msn.com
NOTE: This research project is a non UFCF project.

Last Night...

2009-06-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

We had a great turnout! Thank you all for attending. I hope you heard what you were looking for. I had a great time and was glad to be home a little earlier than usual. I am going to post what we went over last night. If you have any remarks to make...just please let me know.
·
· May 30, 9:00-6:00: Summer Reading Kickoff
· June 27: Wear your Summer Reading T-shirt in the Provo City Freedom Festival Children’s Parade. Parade starts at 10:30 am, meet at Memorial Park, 800 E. Center Street, Provo. Last day you can register for Summer Reading.
· July 20-: Children can turn in their completed reading logs for prizes and tickets to the End of Summer Reading Party and Ronald McDonald Magic Show.
· July 25, 10:00 and 11:00 am: Ronald McDonald Magic Show for those who complete the Informational Challenge.
· July 30, 8:30-10:00 pm: End of Summer Reading party at Veterans Memorial Pool. Exclusive pool party for those who complete the Summer Reading program.
HOGLE ZOO in SLC: $80 for a year round pass plus can visit “sister” zoos in other states for a discounted price or free. A family of four (2adults and 2 children) costs $46 for one visit!
June 9-July 23Classes meet 9:30-10:30 am or 11:00-12:00 noon Tuesday through Thursday. Pre-registration is required, along with a fee of $2.50 per class per participant. Participants cannot register for Science Adventures and Stories and Crafts in the same session. Pre-registration begins May 30.
Tuesdays - Stories & Crafts (ages 5-12)
Wednesdays - Stories & Crafts 9:30 am (ages 5-12) Science Adventures 11:00 am (ages 8-12)
Thursdays - Science Adventures (ages 8-12)
Tuesdays - (5:00-6:00 pm) Spanish Stories & Crafts (for families)
Summer 2009 Kids' Summer Matinee Program!
Showing:Mon June 1, 2009 thru Thu August 13, 2009
Times: Cinema Series 1: Monday-Thursday at 10:30am & 1:00pmCinema Series 2: Monday-Thursdays at 10:00am
Prices: ONE SERIES:$6.50, BOTH SERIES: $10.00, INDIVIDUAL MOVIE: $2.00/person
Location:SCERA Center for the Arts745 South State Street, Orem, UT 84058
Showing:Mon June 1, 2009 thru Thu August 13, 2009
Times: Cinema Series 1: Monday-Thursday at 10:30am & 1:00pmCinema Series 2: Monday-Thursdays at 10:00am
Prices: ONE SERIES:$6.50, BOTH SERIES: $10.00, INDIVIDUAL MOVIE: $2.00/person
Location:SCERA Center for the Arts745 South State Street, Orem, UT 84058
Make it a summer tradition for you and your children! There are two different movie series available, each featuring 11 of the most current and popular family movies on the big screen for an absolutely amazing price! Just select the series you'd like, and then choose the day and time you'd like to attend each week. Buy ONE SERIES for $6.50 or BOTH SERIES for only $10. Everyone age 2 and older must have a ticket and young children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian. A Double Delight Treat Combo is available offering Popcorn, Candy or Drink (any two items) for $1.00. If you want to attend an individual movie, it's $2.00 per person.SUMMER 2009Cinema Series IXanGo Grand TheatreMonday-Thursday @ 10:30am & 1:00pmJune 1-4: SPACE CHIMPS (Rated G, 81 minutes)June 8-11: NIM'S ISLAND (Rated PG, 95 minutes)June 15-18: THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX (Rated G, 94 minutes)June 22-25: IGOR (Rated PG, 86 minutes)June 29-July 2: THE LAST MIMZY (Rated PG, 97 minutes)July 6-9: KUNG FU PANDA (Rated PG, 92 minutes)July 13-16: MADAGASCAR 2 (Rated PG, 89 minutes)July 20-23: PENELOPE (Rated PG, 89 minutes)July 27-30: STAR WARS: The Clone Wars (Rated PG, 98 minutes)Aug. 3-6: KIT KITTREDGE: An American Girl (Rated G, 101 minutes)Aug. 10-13: DOOGAL (Rated G, 80 minutes)Cinema Series ISCERA Showhouse IIMonday-Thursday @ 10:00amJune 1-4: MARLEY & ME (Rated PG, 115 minutes)June 8-11: CITY OF EMBER (Rated PG, 95 minutes)June 15-18: PINK PANTHER 2 (Rated PG, 92 minutes)June 22-25: MISS POTTER (Rated PG, 93 minutes)June 29-July 2: PAUL BLART: MALL COP (Rated PG, 91 minutes)July 6-9: ALEX RIDER: OPERATION STORMBREAKER (Rated PG, 92 minutes)July 13-16: INKHEART (Rated PG, 106 minutes)July 20-23: HOTEL FOR DOGS (Rated PG, 100 minutes)July 27-30: JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (Rated PG, 95 minutes)Aug. 3-6: SPEED RACER (Rated PG, 135 minutes)Aug. 10-13: ERAGON (Rated PG, 103 minutes)TO BUY TICKETS: Drop by the SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 South State, Orem, open 10am-6pm weekdays and Saturdays from 12Noon-6pm or call (801) 225-ARTS.
Thanksgiving Point www.thanksgivingpoint.com
Botanical Gardens/ Children’s Garden, Farm Country, Dinosaur museum, and 50% off of guest passes and other events with a year long pass for $175 for everyone living in your household. Otherwise prices vary at locations : Botanical Gardens is $10 an adult
Museum of Ancient LifeOpen:Monday - Saturday 10 am - 8 pm
*Closed Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day

Open:May 25, 2009 (Memorial Day): 10 am - 8 pmJuly 4, 2009: 10 am - 8 pmJuly 24, 2009: 10 am - 8 pmSeptember 7, 2009 (Labor Day): 10 am - 8 pm

Exhibit Only Admission:$10/Adult$8/Child (3-12)$8/Senior (65+)
Exhibit and Movie:$15/Adult$12/Child (3-12)$12/Senior (65+)

Farm CountryMonday – Saturday10 am-8 pm
Thanksgiving Point GardensMonday – Saturday10 am-8 pm
Emporium (in Water Tower Plaza) Monday – Friday10 am-8 pmSaturday10 am-9 pm
Deli & Bakery (in Water Tower Plaza) Ice Cream ShopMonday – Saturday11 am-9 pm
Cabelas at Thanksgiving Point has free “stuffed animal” display’s with a large tunnel aquarium
BYU Museum of Art  Mon-Fri: 10:00am – 9:00pm  Sat: 12:00pm – 5:00pm

§ Home to over 17,000 works of art, world-renowned and host to unique temporary exhibits.
BYU Museum of Peoples & Cultures · M,W,F 9:00am-5:00pm: 9:00am – 5:00pm
· T, TH 9:00am-7:00pm: 9:00am – 7:00pm
§ Home to anthropological artifacts from cultures around the world.
§ BYU Earth Science Museum · Mon-Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
§ Houses one of the top five collections of fossils from the Jurassic Period in the world.
Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum · Mon-Fri: 10:00am – 9:00pm · Sat: 10:00am – 5:00pm
§ Extensive collections of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, insects, plants and eggs.
LDS Church Museum
Address:45 N. West TempleSalt Lake City, Utah 84150-3810
Phone number(s):Call 1-801-240-4615 for more information.
Schedule:
Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.Saturday, Sunday, and most holidays 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

All kinds of ideas for Mormon history sights around all of Utah and lots of other things http://www.utah.com/mormon/index.htm
Kennecott's Bingham Canyon Mine Visitors Center is open to the public: www.kennecott.comVisitor Center and overlook are OPEN to the public from April 1 to October 31. Seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. School field trips do not need to be scheduled when visiting the mine during operating hours. Visitor Center and overlook is CLOSED to the public from November 1 to March 30. Please call our Visitors Center hotline, at 801.204.2025 for up to date information.
This Is the Place
www.thisistheplace.org family membership plus 2 guest $90.00 or adult $8.00 child (3-11) $7.00
Hogle Zoo
www.hoglezoo.org family membership $80.00 adults $9 children 3-12 $7.00 2 and under free
WELFARE SQUARE
Since its humble beginnings in the midst of the Great Depression, Welfare Square has emerged as a powerful example of what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does throughout the world to care for the poor, foster self-reliance, and provide meaningful opportunities for work and service. Welfare Square is a modern facility comprised of a towering, 178-foot-tall grain elevator, a large storehouse, a bakery, a cannery, a milk processing operation, a thrift store, and an employment center—all designed to help people help themselves.
President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, invited all to "come to Salt Lake City and visit Welfare Square. Your eyes will glow a little brighter, your heart will beat a little faster, and life itself will acquire a new depth of meaning" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1977, 11).
Free, one-hour tours explaining the history and purpose of Church welfare are conducted Monday through Friday.Address:780 West 800 SouthSalt Lake City, Utah 84104Phone number(s):Call 1-801-240-1245 for more information.Schedule:Tours Available April to OctoberThe courtesy shuttle van leaves at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays) from the north gate of Temple Square. In case of inclement weather, check with the information booth.Questions:Call the information booth at the north gate of Temple Square at 1-801-240-0978 or Welfare Square at 1-801-240-7320.Note:For individual, family, or group tours of Welfare Square, call 1-801-240-4872.Cost:The courtesy shuttle and tours of Welfare Square are free of charge.rough Friday.
Kennocott Copper Mine www.Kennocott.comENTRANCE FEES: Passenger Vehicle $5.00 Mini Tour Bus $25.00 Tour Bus $50.00 There is no admission charge for school buses. Bring your class to learn about mining!
Scouts and leaders get in free with their scout shirts and there is a patch you can earn at the website!

Theme your week Ideas Examples:
Service-save items for people in the military and send them (anysoldier.com), weed a garden, do good deeds for others, community service projects, clean up a park, “Leave No trace” on a small hike, sweep sidewalks, collect newspapers and donate them to Utah Foster Care Foundation (they put them into the recycling bin then donate the proceeds to children in foster care)
Bugs and insects-buy bug catchers at the $1 store, identify different bugs with a worksheet, make a bug out of egg cartons, coffee filter butterflies, (craft scraps), go on a picnic in the canyon and then catch bugs,
Art week-Finger paint, watercolor, sidewalk chalk art show, tempera paint, make hand print casts, make masks out of cast material (medical supply store ex. Praxair), playdoh, clay
Animal-go to the zoo, Cabela’s to look at big game animals, Bean Museum, make simple animal puppets from felt and yarn, visit the zoo or farm country
America Rocks!- usually plan on 4th of July week, Fireworks, make firecrackers with toilet paper rolls and tissue paper, write a letter to a soldier, make a red, white, blue T-shirt (ask ben Jenkins to pre order cheap white T-shirts)
Local heroes-tour a fire station, police station, coloring page activities, write a thank you note to local law enforcement agencies, tour Provo Courthouse
Pioneer Week- have a day without power,cars, phones etc.., learn pioneer games, go to Lehi and look at the old Pony Express Trail, hike Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City
Baking-make bread animals, make rice crispy treat and shape into objects, make your own pizza, creative muffins ( make a basic muffin mix and then have items that your kids can add in), make a basic cookie dough and let the kids each pick their own “inserts”, homemade oreo cookies
Games, Games, and More Games-flashlight tag, water balloons, have a small carnival (see family fun magazine Summer 2008), Splash balls from $1 store and play catch games
Safety-safety inspection for your house, pretend emergencies, make emergency phone number lists (include your address at the top of list) live a day off of food storage (can your kids prepare their own meal if you aren’t there?)
Local interests: tour Macey’s (for free) get a small group together, visit the free museums in Provo, Ask a local business if you can tour like Lehi roller mill, Crandall Copper mine,
Have a “staycation”- Make the kids little cards that they can request their own “special” breakfast, turn down their blankets at night and put a little piece of chocolate on their pillow, take them out to lunch for a couple of days (cheaper than dinner prices), visit your area and be a tourist,
For every week: pick up library books that match your theme ( and you can complete library programs too), go to a different park every week, tour local attractions (especially ones that are free), create a journal with a notebook and have them draw pictures or write something they liked everyday or every week, download math papers, alphabet, other assignments and do a little every day, have picnics with a stuffed animal and regular picnics, go to a movie (Movies 8 Provo $.50 Monday $.75 Tuesday) swim at the local pool, run through sprinklers, make a fort in the living room on a rainy day, call Family Support and Treatment center 801-229-1181 for a free 3 hour time-out for you and your kids you must call ahead to schedule and fill out their paperwork they have licensed, fingerprinted, background checks on all employees
Macey’s kids club….2nd Saturday’s either 9 or 10 am
Home Depot kids club…1st Saturday from 9 am -12pm make wood crafts, get a free apron
Macey’s Little Theater…classes for parents various times throughout the month
Free summer reading program…when you complete it send in a card and your child will receive a free mcdonalds happy meal. http://firstlady.utah.gov/summer_book_reading.html
Board Game Revolution (http://boardgamerevolution.com/cat--home--1 ) Store that you can rent a board game from for a week and a half for only 10% of the cost of the game so, you can play it before deciding to buy it.
Math games or math facts…http://www.uen.org/k-2interactives/index.shtml
http://www.uen.org/3-6interactives/index.shtml
http://www.thatquiz.org/ http://www.mathfactcafe.com/ http://nlnm.usu.edu/
http://www1.centerk12.mo.us/edtech/everdaymath.htm http://www.educational-freeware.com/freeware/timez-attack.aspx

June 10 Meeting

2009-05-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! We are gearing up for another cluster meeting on June 10 from 7-9pm. You will receive 2 hours of in-service training. We will be talking about fun summer activities for your family. Ideas and helpful hints about how to keep yourself and your kids entertained throughout the summer months. We just ask that you bring your favorite summer dessert and maybe a tradition that you do that is inexpensive and fun! Come prepared to share your thoughts and ideas with the cluster.

2009-05-18T11:41:00.001-07:00

Hello! I am so excited about our upcoming first meeting, and not just for the ice cream! I have planned all of activities until October and am waiting anxiously to hear your suggestions for trainings and such.
I am sure you have all heard about the cut backs that DCFS is making to the foster care payments. We are asking everyone to please write their legislators and tell them your feelings on the foster care reimbursement. As most of you know, foster parents in Utah get paid about 40% less than the National Average currently. We need those who support foster care to become one voice and talk about the experiences you have had, what that reimbursement means to you etc...

We need everyone to make a change. Next year, the rate cut will be even larger than this years. Please do what you can to help if you have any questions post them or email me. Thnak you all for the great work you do every day!

Dear Foster/Adoptive/Kinship Parents,

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a training for Cluster Facilitators for the entire state. It was an awesome experience and I learned so much from all of the trainings. Some of which I would like to share with you. A few very important things were brought to our attention that I think every Foster Parent should be aware of. This might get long, so I apologize but please bear with me. It needs to be heard. The main things I am going to share with you, some of you who follow politics may already know. I, on the other hand who does not follow politics very closely, was not aware of it.

The first topic I would like to address is the budget cuts to Foster Parent Reimbursements Rates being carried out by our legislators. We met with Duane Betourney, The Director of DCFS for the State of Utah. It was a very short meeting for the topics being presented. We could've been there all day talking about this. We, as Foster Parents are the only ones who can legally advocate for these issues, we are the voice. It is not legal for DCFS and UFCF to do anything about it. I am strongly advising each and every one of you to contact your Representatives, which I will list in this email. Please read the bullet points of what the Director of DCFS had to say.

This years Legislative session was extremely difficult this year. A lot less understanding was given by the Legislative Committee this year compared to previous years. It was the worst he's seen it in his 31 years.
42 million dollars was cut from the Department of Human Services. DCFS, did however, fare better than other departments.
DCFS was targeted as being "bloated." (excessive, unnecessary funds)
DCFS heads testified to the committee on our behalf. They strongly cautioned the cuts and warned how it would affect our children.
The cuts for our department will take place over a 2 year period. 10 million dollars will be cut in 2 phases. The first phase to take affect by July 1, 2009 and the second phase by July 1, 2010.
They do not know the exact amounts of rate decreases yet
DCFS did get some stimulus money from the government which only covered an already cut budget
Rate cuts are inevitable
We as Foster Parents should be Angry, Frustrated and Worried over these decreases
Rate cuts will include: Proctor Care, Group Homes & Private Providers also (most of which get reimbursed more than us)
A legal analysis of rate decreases has not been done, to DCFS knowledge
Cuts will also affect all new subsidies for adopted children. Old, already established subsidies will not be affected.
There is a legal case in California where a Foster Parent sued over decreased rates. This is a very recent case. Here is a link to the case www.caichildlaw.org/fc_litig.htm
Very important that we remain mature, nice and respectful in our attempts to educate our legislators
Legislators by nature respond to public out cry
DCFS workers and staff have also taken cuts
National averages and market studies show that Utah Foster Parents are due for a 40% INCREASE in reimbursement rates.
You can email Duane Betournay anytime with your questions/comments. dbetournay@utah.gov
So, what do we do about this? Below are some are some very good ideas from other Cluster Facilitators and Foster parents from around the state.

Contact your legislators! Write them letters. Call them. Fax them a letter. Invite them to your home to meet with you and see an actually family that these cuts will affect.
What will you say to the Reps. once they are there?
How about a cost comparison on how much it actually costs per day to raise a child in your home compared to the reimbursements we receive. I have Copied and Pasted an example letter that has been already been given to Representative Ben Ferry at the bottom of this email. This is only an example. Rep. Ferry is taking this letter to his next meeting. He found it to be quite enlightening when broken down in such a real way. He was looking at the big number of 5 million...10 million bucks being wiped away. Seeing it this way shed a whole new light on it for him. If you like this idea please personalize it to your family.
What will these decreases mean to you? It doesn't have to be some glorified story of heroism....just a simple story of taking care of kids who need us. Make sure to be kind, respectful and mature in your approach.
Do you or anyone you know have newspaper or t.v. connections? Let them know about these changes or let me know and I will contact them.

Our First Cluster Meeting

2009-04-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
Our first cluster meeting is an ice cream social on Thursday, May 21 7-9pm at the UFCF in Orem. We will be getting to know you and your needs/wants. We will have some RFC's joining us so that we can find out information and resources and some answers to questions you may have. following we will be having ice cream. I am so excited for our first meeting and hope you all are planning on attending. So, that's 1 hour of in-service and 1 hour of getting to know each other. Mark it on your calendar. Remember, no children please and come and be a part of our brand new cluster!

2009-03-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our cluster blog. I am not fanatical about these things but I do try and update and read them often. I am so excited to be the facilitator for such an amazing group of people. I can't wait to hear your comments and share in all of your experiences. I want to reassure you that I am well aware of the things that happen with adopted children. I want to be a resource to you and your family. It is important to feel heard and that someone really understands you and I believe you have found that place. I am not guaranteeing that what you need can be fixed but I have confidence that we can teach you how to deal and feel succesful in all aspects fo your life. Please feel free to comment often. Can't wait to hear from you and get started.