By Jennifer Seeker

May 8, 2008

This is the second of a three-part series on motherhood.

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Marshall and Karen Glockling's small West Medford home is packed with kids, laughter, memories, and love, but it took awhile to get there.

"I went 17 years without children...and now we have six children in seven-and-a-half-years," says Glockling.

When Karen and Marshall realized they couldn't have children of their own, they decided to become foster parents.

"I saw an ad in the paper for a boy who needed a mom, and I was a mom without a little boy," says Glockling.

That led to seven more foster children. Karen adopted six of the eight foster children to complete her family. The four boys and two girls range in age from eight to 14. Every time a new child is welcomed into the family, they get to choose their own name. The patchwork family is not without its challenges however. All six children are special needs.

"It's very challenging and so rewarding. When you have an autistic son who's reading at grade level, it's exciting," says Glockling.

Karen works part time at Washington Elementary School where five of her 6 children attend. The oldest is a freshman at South Medford High.

Karen is a master of organization, with a color-coded calendar that details each child's schedule.

Karen and her husband Marshall are celebrating their 25th anniversary this summer. The Glocklings are passionate about fostering and adopting children and encourage anyone interested to learn more about the process.

The next foster open house in Medford is June 4th.

By Ashley Hall

May 8, 2008

Every day this week NewsWatch 12 highlights a teacher whose making a difference in the classroom.

EAGLE POINT, Ore. -- Adam Williams is a first year teacher at Eagle Point High School, but he's already inspiring students.

"He's very nice, he cares a lot for the students... You can really tell that he's there for us. And he could be doing something else, but he's here," says Junior Daisy Sanchez.

Adam Williams coordinates the English Language Learners Program. In addition to helping students learn English, he's also helps them assimilate into a mainstream high school. Williams says motivation is key.

"It's a motivating factor, that's the biggest piece to this. If the students aren't motivated, they're not going to learn if they are, they will," says Williams.

By Ron Brown

May 8, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- On Thursday morning NewsWatch 12 handed out Jefferson Awards to the eight winners in this year's program. The awards were co-sponsored by Pacific Power.

Representing our viewing area in Washington, D.C. next month will be Carolyn Kohn of Grants Pass.

Carolyn is a founder of Coalition for Kids, the Grants Pass YMCA, and organizer of several other projects and foundations.

By Ashley Hall & Faris Tanyos

May 7, 2008

Every day this week NewsWatch 12 highlights a teacher whose making a difference in the classroom.

MEDFORD, Ore. -- North Medford High School students say that 29-year teaching veteran Sean Warren has made history one of their favorite subjects.

"I usually hate history and American studies, but as soon as I came into this classroom, it's like my favorite subject now," says 11th grader Michael Minto.

"We focus on why things happen, and I do a lot of unusual activities to drive points home...It puts the kids into history, and then they understand it better," says Warren.

Warren is also filling in as the drama director. Tuesday and Wednesday nights his students will be performing 'Fiddler on the Roof' at North Medford High School.

By Diane Tuazon & Faris Tanyos

May 7, 2008

Pump Pain looks at how counties in Southern Oregon and Northern California are coping with rising gas prices

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Brennan McLenan owns his own food service business. McLenan makes food deliveries to large parties and family meals.

The high gas prices have forced McLenan to add a four dollar delivery charge to every order.

McLenan says he spends an average of 75 dollars a week for gas. 

By Jennifer Seeker

May 6, 2008

This is the first of a three-part series on motherhood.

SHADY COVE, Ore. -- In 1970, the census counted 3.4 million single mothers in the U.S. That number has now risen to more than 10.4 million.

72 percent of all mothers work full or part time. Police Sergeant Julie Denney falls into both categories. Denney has been with the Shady Cove Police Department for three-and-a-half-years. She patrols, responds to calls, and helps manage the small department. Denney is also mother to two-and-a-half-year-old Avery.

From the moment she found out she was pregnant, Julie knew the father would not be part of the picture. She says one of the hardest parts was breaking the news to her boss, the Shady Cove Police Chief. At the time of her pregnancy, she had only been on the job for a few months. She was afraid they would ask her to leave, but that was not the case. Denney was back on the beat just seven-and-a-half-weeks after giving birth.

Without family nearby, Julie was virtually on her own, handling police calls during the day and feedings at night. She says her job brings unique worries for a mother in law enforcement. However, overall she says she is satisfied and proud of the life she leads.

Denney says she probably won't have any more children, but she does love being a mother to Avery and thinks she will stay in law enforcement for many years to come.

By Ashley Hall & Faris Tanyos

May 6, 2008

This is teacher appreciation week. NewsWatch 12 will be highlighting one outstanding teacher each day this week.

ASHLAND, Ore. -- Rick Shaw is a teacher at Ashland Middle School. Shaw is involved in a closed circuit television program known as WAMS, or Watching Ashland Middle School.

"It's (WAMS) a real community builder in the school, in fact that's one of our objectives to bring the school together. When we got so big that we couldn't have assemblies anymore, and we couldn't all get into the gym because it wasn't safe or easy or convenient, this became a way to connect the whole school," says Shaw.

Though the program is not teaching reading or writing, Shaw says kids are still learning a valuable lesson.

"I'm hoping people are learning to be proud of what they do and to develop a passion for it...walk out the door and say, you know, I'm somebody, I can do it," says Shaw.

By Ron Brown & Faris Tanyos

This story originally ran on May 5, 2005. Monday marks the 63-year anniversary of the tragedy in Bly.

NEAR BLY, Ore. --Sixty-three years ago Monday, six people were killed in the Oregon town of Bly from a Japanese balloon bomb.

Ed Patske's 14-year old brother Dick and 13-year old sister Joan were two of the victims who were killed on May 5th, 1945, at the base of Gearhart Mountain. They were with several other members of their Sunday school class when they came upon a secret Japanese weapon hanging from a pine tree.

"Archie said, 'I'll go get the car and I'll bring it over and I'll stop out there, and I'll wait for ya.' Well, he got out there. He could see 'em comin' down through the trees. So he started down there and the thing went off," says Ed.

The blast left a hole four-feet deep and ten-feet across and peppered the trees and Archie's car with shrapnel. When government officials heard what happened, they swore everyone to secrecy.

It wasn't until after the war that Americans learned the Japanese launched as many as 9,000 fire bomb balloons, meant to drift to the Northwest and start forest fires. Less than 1,000 made it across the Pacific, and the Bly Sunday class is their only known casualty.

Ed Patske died a few years after this interview. His wife Opal is currently in a rest home. The marker honoring the blast victims was erected by Weyerhauser officials in 1950.

By Ashley Hall

May 5, 2008

This is teacher appreciation week. NewsWatch 12 will highlight one outstanding teacher each day this week.

NEAR WIMER, Ore. - Crystal Brenneck is a third-grade teacher at Evans Valley Elementary school.

Her students say they love her hands-on approach to teaching. This is her third year at the school. She says she likes teaching in a small school because it's more of a family environment. She says she's looking forward to the school's plans for incorporating more outdoor education into their entire district.

By Andrea Pettes & Faris Tanyos

May 2, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more people are expected to start their own gardens this year to help supplement grocery store lists.

If you are planting your first garden, master gardeners advise it is best to start small and then add on next year. If you haven't planted your cool season vegetables or fruits yet, you should hold off until next season. For warm weather fruits and vegetables, make sure you wait until temperatures warm up and the threat of frost goes away.

Master gardeners say that watering your plants daily is essential.

If you have questions you can always call The Plant Clinic at 541-776-7371.

By Andrea Pettes & Faris Tanyos

May 1, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Families in Southern Oregon are being forced to deal with the rising cost of food and gas. Financial experts say families who create and follow a budget are better equipped to handle these changes.

Experts say if you are in financial trouble, cell phones, cable, and internet connections should be the first things trimmed from your budget. They recommend always paying your rent or mortgage first, then your utilities, followed by food.

if you have questions or need assistance, ACCESS Inc. offers many free programs. Their phone number is 541-779-6691. 

By Diane Tuazon & Faris Tanyos

April 30, 2008

TALENT, Ore. -- A community event focusing on underage drinking took place at Talent Middle School on Wednesday night.

The discussion panel, hosted by Southern Oregon Drug Awareness, allowed students to share knowledge and personal experience about the impact of alcohol on young people.

According to recent Jackson County death statistics, teens under the influence of alcohol were responsible for 44 percent of all motor vehicle accidents involving a fatality. A state law that took effect January states that any under age drinker can lose their driving privileges without even getting into a car.

ODOT's safety division says that new drivers are at a higher risk for crashes due to lack of driving experience. They say adding intoxication to that is a dangerous combination.

By Ashley Hall & Faris Tanyos

April 29, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Hundreds of volunteers fill a variety of roles in the Rogue Valley Medical Center every day.

Volunteers start out working about 4 hours every other week, but many end up volunteering full-time. Asante Director of Volunteer Services Karin Guy estimates that Asante has about 800 volunteers in both RVMC and Three Rivers Community Hospital.

RVMC representatives say more volunteers are always needed. The minimum age to volunteer is 15, and you just need a desire to help out.

For more information visit www.asante.org 

By Ashley Hall & Faris Tanyos

April 24, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- The recent mortgage crisis, coupled with rising food and fuel costs, is forcing families across Southern Oregon to look to the state for help.

"In the last three months, we've added a little more than 1,000 families to our case load," says Lisa Lewis of the Department of Human Services. "We're seeing a lot of people unemployed that we haven't seen before. A lot of people from the construction industry. We're seeing dry wallers, painters, builders that we've seen. I've also heard from staff that we're seeing folks in the real estate market, as well."

According to the Aging Community Coordinated Enterprises & Supportive Services, or ACCESS, the cost of food is 40 percent higher than it was one year ago.

"So food stamps aren't going as far. So folks are coming in, food stamp amounts aren't going up. Yet, food prices have, so that makes it harder too. And I think if you talk to the food banks, you'll hear that more and more people are relying on food banks," says Lewis.

DHS hopes that by encouraging people to apply for food, cash, and medical assistance, they can prevent families from reaching a breaking point.

ACCESS says they are bracing for even more people to look for assistance in the near future.

DHS asks all struggling families to apply for assistance. They say more people than expected qualify for food stamps.

By Ashley Hall

April 24, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Oprah's Big Give: NewsWatch 12 Edition donated a total of $10,000 dollars to four local children's organizations. They issued those organizations with a challenge: to double that amount.

The Sparrow Clubs met that challenge. High school students across the area pulled together for the organization. Grants Pass High School raised $2,130. Phoenix High School raised $600. North Medford High School is also taking part in the fundraising effort.

Another organization, Asante Child Development Services, raised $2,560. That money will help children with autism. 

By Janet Kim & Faris Tanyos

April 23, 2008

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. -- In Klamath County rising fuel costs have seriously hurt the agricultural community, increasing their output and input costs.

"We have about 35 percent of our direct inputs related to fuel. So fertilizer, the cost of the diesel and the gas to run the trucks for harvest. Taking the potatoes, getting them in and getting them out of the fields," says Gold Dust Farmer Tricia Hill.

Hill, a fourth generation farmer, fears that as profit margins decrease, small farms won't be able to keep up with larger farms that can produce higher volumes.

This has forced some businesses to find creative solutions. Basin Fertilizer built a storage fertilizer unit. This allows them to buy in bulk, which helps them get cheaper rates by buying in the fall and using rail shipments that are only available for larger purchases.

"The farmers are going to need a little more money for their crops to survive this. If they don't, we're going to lose some of our farmers. And then we'll be importing more of our food, which is not a good thing at all," says Basin Fertilizer Owner Bob Gasser.

April 23, 2008

GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- Carolyn Kohn is a woman who's desire to help others reaches all generations.

Carolyn was one of the founders of the Grants Pass YMCA. She was involved in the Coalition for Kids, several Rogue Community College projects, and Girl Scouts. Her current project, called Artworks Institute, brings artists and teachers together to help bolster art education that is often overlooked and underfunded.

She says she considers herself retired, but her family and friends knows that as soon as she hears of another community effort that needs a push, Carolyn will be there helping bring people and groups together.

By Kathy Wing

April 22, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- On Wednesday, a group of restaurants in the Rogue Valley will donate a portion of their profits to the SMART reading program.

SMART, which stands for Start Making a Reader Today, is a volunteer program that provides books and promotes literacy among children in kindergarten through 3rd grade.

Restaurants participating in 'Dine Out for SMART' can be in Medford, Ashland, Central Point, Eagle Point, Grants Pass, Talent, and Cave Junction. To contribute, simply eat at one of the participating restaurants.

By Janet Kim & Faris Tanyos

April 17, 2008

EAGLE POINT, Ore. -- A 14-year old teen is being hailed as a hero after saving his both his mother's life and his own while she had a seizure.

Amanda Springer was was picking up her son Jase Deemer from his cousin's house after school when she had a seizure while driving.

Emergency dispatch released 911 audio of Deemer's phone call on Thursday. Dispatchers say he remained calm throughout the call. Deemer took control of the car to keep it from crashing.

"I was steering the car. Her foot was jammed in the accelerator, and I was able to make the turn. I had to really stretch to make the turn. And then I was able to get my foot over the console and kick her foot off the...gas and slowly pull over," says Jase.

The family says Amanda Springer is back at work Thursday. She is on seizure medication now and won't be driving for an indeterminable amount of time.

By Chelsea Muller & Faris Tanyos

April 16, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Long commutes and high gas prices are dealing a deadly blow to Lake County residents. Regular unleaded is hovering just under $3.70 a gallon in the county. A gallon of diesel is now well over $4 a gallon.

In a county that experiences severe winters, and is full of ranchers and farmers, four-wheel drive vehicles are a necessity.

Three of the four gas stations in Lake County are owned by the same company, Ed Staub and Sons Petroleum. Many residents feel a monopoly is to blame for the high prices.

However, representatives for the company disagree.

"We're kind of at the mercy of what our costs are too and we try to do the best we can with what conditions we're dealt and try to make the best of it. But nobody's winning here and we're in the same boat as the consumer," says Tom Schneider of Ed Staub and Sons Petroleum.

County officials say attracting new businesses to Lake County is difficult.

"We're really struggling to get businesses to come in, but we're a long way off the Interstate 5, so it costs more money for the shippers to ship out and receive merchandise, and that makes it hard to attract new business," says Lake County Commissioner Ken Kestner.

Commutes that average about 90 miles a day are not uncommon for people who live and work in the county. The county's road department is already operating on a decreased budget, due to the increased cost of this year's winter and the lack of timber funds.

"Without the timber sales receipts on the forest land, our road department is going to run out of money in about 5 years," says Kestner.

The department doesn't have the money to replace employees that have retired. Their workforce has been reduced by about 10 people. As a result, the county may be forced to change paved roads back to gravel, which will only make things more difficult for farmers and ranchers who transport hay and cattle.

Commissioners have little to offer as relief.

"About the only thing we can do, unless that timber sale reciept is reinstated, would be to go to a road tax, and people are not quite ready for that yet," says Kestner.

The county is currently in the budget process. They say lobbyist are working to get those timber payments renewed.

By Ron Brown

April 16, 2008

ASHLAND, Ore. -- Virginia Hall is an Ashland Hospital Ladies Auxiliary Pink Lady. She runs the hospital gift shop several afternoons a week. She volunteers at the Red Cross. She was also a SMART reading volunteer until recently. Hall is 92-year-old.

Hall says her willingness to volunteer probably started with her mother, who also worked with the hospital auxiliary. It runs in the family.

Those who work with Virginia says her spirit is contagious.

"Virginia is 92, and she's still going strong. So that gives all of us hope that we'll be able to do the same thing," says friend Mary Cooper.

By Colleen Bormann

April 16, 2008

CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. -- With a record number of vendors and participants, organizers say this year was their most successful Pear Blossom yet. For one man, the event marked a significant day in his life.

Kirk Stone attended his first Pear Blossom festival last weekend. He was looking at a violin at a vendor stand when a stranger walked up and asked him if he would like a violen.

"I said no, because I can't afford one," says Stone.

The man took out a $100 bill and handed over a brand new violin to Stone. The giving didn't stop there, the stranger, handed over several $100 bills to other vendors, and then handed out gifts to other strangers.

No one knows the identity of the man , but rumor has it he's a Jacksonville resident.

April 15, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Orchardist and philanthropist Dunbar Carpenter passed away Tuesday morning after a brief illness. He was 93 years-old.

The Harvard educated Carpenter was born in Medford in 1915, but grew up in Boston. He married his wife in Chicago in 1937 and trained glider pilots in World War Two.

Carpenter flew for Pan American Airlines out of San Francisco and finally settled in the Rogue Valley after the war. His farm and orchards thrived and he was president and co founder of KDRV TV in the late 1970's and early 80s.

He later became an integral part of the Craterian Theater.

“There were a handful of people who wrote so large in the community's history that it would be hard not to have known them. And Dunbar was one of a handful of such folks,” says friend Ron Kramer. 

By Diane Tuazon

April 10, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- School music programs across the country are being cut, and some public schools in Southern Oregon are no exception.

One local high school student is hoping to fight that trend. Justine Langford put together a benefit concert for her senior project.

The concert, which featured local bands, took place on Friday at South Medford High School. All proceeds went to the music department.

By Ron Brown

April 9, 2008

GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- Keith Heck says his work involves turning around the lives of people who have hit rock bottom.

He is Executive Director of the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission. He oversee a men's shelter, women's shelter and a downtown thrift store.

Heck says the original women's shelter averaged 13 women and two children a night. Last year, that number grew to an average of 47 women and children a night. Most had been abused at some point in their lives, and  were searching for stability.

The Gospel Rescue Mission started in Grants Pass 25 years ago. Heck is currently working on completing a new building to house the men's shelter.

April 8, 2008

By Kelley Ashford

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Jennifer Seeker and Tim Conroy have added another member to their growing family.

On Monday night, Jennifer delivered their second child. Reece Tobin Conroy was born at 7:54 p.m. He weighed eight-pounds, four ounces, and is 20 and 3/4 inches long.

Jennifer was only at the hospital for 90 mintues before giving birth. Mother and baby are doing well.

By Ashley Hall

April 7, 2008

On her show, 'The Big Give' Oprah tells people to 'give big or go home'. Southern Oregon is participating on a smaller scale. In 'Oprah's Big Give: NewsWatch 12 Edition', four local organizations are receiving a combined $10,000. They are being challenged to raise enough money to match the donation.

One of those local organizations, Integral Youth Services, has plans to turn the donation into on-going support. IYS serves 40-60 children a day in Klamath Falls. They provide a wide variety of services to Klamath County kids, including a shelter for homeless and runaway teens. IYS spends about a million dollars a year total, just a portion goes to the youth center.

IYS is asking people in the community to sponsor a youth center child. They're hoping to get least 100 people to step forward and give $20 a month.

By Janet Kim & Faris Tanyos

April 4, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- The March of Dimes 'March for Babies' walk will take place next month. March of Dimes raises money for research and education on healthy pregnancies, and works to end premature birth.

The Atkinson's are this year's Ambassador Family. Jason and Stephanie Atkinson's son Perry was born four months premature. Perry was released from the neonatal intensive care unit five years ago this month.

NewsWatch 12 will be taking part in the March for Babies this year. The Jackson County walk is May 3rd at Bear Creek Park. The walks in Klamath and Josephine counties are April 26th.

For more information visit www.marchforbabies.org

By Ron Brown

April 2, 2008

GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- If you're a student at Grants Pass High School, chances are you'll run into Coleen Moore before you graduate.

Mrs. Moore is the career counselor who helps students find financial aid, scholarships, and make career choices.

Co-workers nominated Coleen for the Jefferson Award. They say her 16 years at Grants Pass High School have changed so many lives in so many ways that when they heard the call for nominations, Coleen instantly came to mind.

BY ASHLEY HALL

March 31, 2008

GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- For 30 years, The Southern Oregon Adolescent Study and Treatment Center has worked with troubled youth. They serve about 100 kids per week.

Through donations, SOASTC is hoping to double the $2,500 they are getting from Oprah's Big Give: NewsWatch 12 Edition.

That money will be used to fund a summer project; working on the Josephine County Fairgrounds.

BY ASHLEY HALL

March 27,2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- The Sparrow Club is trying to raise $2,500 after receiving $2,500 dollars from "Oprah's Big Give: Newswatch 12 Edition.

The Sparrow Club is a national non-profit organization that assists children who have life-threatening illnesses and chronic disabilities. The youth based charity that emphasizes the idea that children can help other children.

"We have been challenged to somehow grow this $2,500, and I think the best way is to entrust it to the people we say we believe in the most, and that is youth...You know, a lot of people see Sparrow Club as an organization that helps families. And we do that. But really, our great passion is the thought that we are having the opportunity to change youth culture from the inside out," says Club Director Matt Sampson.

The club is one of four organizations receiving $2,500 dollars from Oprah and NewsWatch 12.

BY ASHLEY HALL

March 25, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Each week Oprah tells people to 'give big, or go home' on her show 'The Big Give'.

NewsWatch 12 is participating on a smaller scale. In 'Oprah's Big Give: Newswatch 12 Edition', four local organizations are receiving a combined $10,000. They are all being challenged to raise enough money to at least match the donation.

One of the organizations receiving money is Asante's Child Development Center, which helps kids with special needs.

People who suffer major losses in their lives sometimes turn their personal tragedy into blessing.

Eight years ago Dayle Mallory Bell was grieving for her 18-year old daughter Brittney, who was dying of a brain tumor. A ride on a motorcycle opened Dayle's eyes to a way she could both honor her daughter and help families suffering with brain cancer.

She started the annual Brittney Mallory Motorcyle Ride. Riders pay an entry fee which goes to brain tumor research. So far the event has raised nearly $100,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The Fifth Annual Brittany Mallory Ride will take place on October 11th in Medford. If you would like to become involved, either as a rider or sponsor, contact Butterflies for Brittany at 541-664-8585.

BY RON BROWN

March 19, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- For Sharon Young, helping people seems to be a way of life. She's the manager of the Francis Cheney Family Place near Rogue Valley Medical Center. It's a quality low cost housing facility for patients and their family members undergoing treatment at RVMC.

NewsWatch 12 heard about Sharon Young because of nominations from staff members and her family, who say she has a gift of healing.

Young is preparing for the opening of a new Francis Cheney Family Place in Grants Pass, near Three Rivers Community Hospital. She will manage both facilities.

BY TIM CONROY & SCOTT LEWIS

March 12, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Two boys born 16 weeks premature a decade ago will celebrate their ninth birthday on on Friday. Kenny and Kyle Van Leeuwen from Applegate are the Children's Miracle Network Ambassadors for Oregon.

NewsWatch 12 has covered the Van Leeuwens since their birth. On Wednesday morning they flew to Florida for a Children's Miracle Network celebration.

"We were born 16 weeks prematurely. I weighed one pound 11 ounces. He (Kyle) weighed one pound 6 ounces," says Kenny Van Leeuwen.

They spent 100 days in the NICU.

Next week they fly to Washington D.C. from Florida and may get an opportunity to meet President Bush.

You Did It!

Our recent charity campaign asked you to match the $10,000 provided by ABC and Oprah Winfrey, and we're happy to report:

Final Total, May 6 at Noon: $12,241!

Which means the community exceeded our goal of a $10,000 match to the ABC/Oprah grant, which we divided this way:

   $2500   Asante Child Development Services (CDS)

   $2500   Sparrow Clubs    

   $2500   Southern Oregon Adolescent Study and Treatment Center (SOASTC) 

   $2500   Integral Youth Services (IYS)

_______

$10,000 TOTAL

Plus Your Donations:

$12,241

EQUALS CAMPAIGN TOTAL:

$22,241

Q: Can I still make a donation?

A: Absolutely!  Here's how:

• For Asante: Please contact Sue Mendenhall for donations at 541-789-5025 or visit http://www.buildingonourpromise.org for more information.
  

NewsWatch 12 General Manager Renard Maiuri presents the Big Check to Asante's Sue Kline on April 24.

• For Sparrow:  Please visit www.sparrowclubs.org and click “Donate” or contact Matt Sampson at 541-621-1126. 

  Sparrow founder Jeff Leeland and Regional Director Matt Sampson accept their Big Check from Renard Maiuri on April 24.

   

• For SOASTC:  Donations can be made to SOASTC by mail at 715 SW Ramsey Avenue, Grants Pass, OR 97527.
  

Renard Maiuri presents the Big Check to SOASTC Executive Director Bob Lieberman on May 1.

• For Integral Youth Services: Please visit www.iyskfalls.org and click on donation.
  

   

• NewsWatch 12 Klamath Falls Sales Manager Dan Hill presents the Big Check to Bruce Beeson, IYS Outreach Program Director.  Also on hand are Wendy Whitt, President of the Klamath County Retired Educators (donors to IYS), Doris Wilson, Vice-President of the retired educators group, and Dave Davenport, IYS Youth Center Manager. 

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         Here at NewsWatch 12, we're happy to have primed the pump with the ABC/Oprah money.  We thank each of you who donated your own money to give these groups the tools they need to help young people in our region.

BY RON BROWN

March 5, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore.  --  For the third year in a row, Newswatch 12 is presenting the "Jefferson Awards" to volunteers that peers say should be recognized.

A Medford man is the first to be recognized in this series for his care and concern for the down and out.  Friends say his ways help to bring the community together.

"The joy of what I do here and in the community is I can work with other individual and then we are a sum that's greater than our individual contributions," said Michael Hubbard.

As the administrator for the First Presbyterian Church on Holly Street, he's often the first person called when somebody needs help.

"Mike is the first coordinator when people come in the door. He has a very friendly, warm presence. He accepts everyone. He's not worried about anyone's appearance or what they may say or do. He knows, as well all do, that they're all children of God," said Pastor Joyce Degraff.

With a background in mental health, Hubbard soon found after moving from Alaska, that the homeless and needy were not getting the help they needed. With the backing of his church, he has worked hard to gather groups, like the Interfaith Care Center, together to distribute food, find housing and find healthcare.

"Mike is dedicated to the mission beyond the walls of the church, as our congregation is dedicated. He's very good at being in contact with other churches so that we might be able to help folks who come in asking for help," said Degraff.

Hubbard is involved with several other community groups, including Northwest Season Workers and the National Association of the mentally ill. He says his greatest support is from his wife and, Pastor Degraff says, the couple is also committed to living a green lifestyle.

Every week we'll through March and April, we'll bring you the story of another person living in Southern Oregon who gives of themselves to help make the community a better place to live.

BY ASHLEY HALL

March 5, 2008

LAKEVIEW, Ore.  --  An EMT and first responder from Southern Oregon is being recognized as one of the countries greatest.  Tracy Charley has ten years of experience as a volunteer with the Lakeview Disaster Unit.

America's Most Wanted is honoring the country's "All Star" first responders.  One of the other people nominated this year is the first police officer to be on the scene of the Virginia Tech shooting.  America's Most Wanted is continueing to take nominations for the honor through April.

Servers at Red Rock Italian Eatery in Medford are donating their tips Monday night to the South Medford High School Sparrow Child.

Orick Wagner was born weighing slightly more than one-pound.  He's now three-years-old but has already gone through ten surgeries.

Newswatch 12 helped serve dinner at Red Rock for the restaurant's Sparrow fundraiser last October.

BY TIM CONROY

February 11, 2008

MEDFORD, Ore.  --  The effort to end premature births in Oregon needs your help.  The March of Dimes "March for Babies" kicked off Monday with a lunch donated by Outback Steakhouse.  Team captains gathered to get tips on how to get coworkers and family members involved in this year's walk.

Newswatch 12 is proud to once again sponsor this event.  This year's ambassador family, who represents the need, says it is easy to support.

"I think people are very willing to be supportive of a cause like this especially with the money raised. Most of it goes to research for new drugs and things to prevent prematurity," said Stephanie Atkinson, the mother of this year's ambassador family.

The Jackson County walk is May 3 at Bear Creek Park.  Walks in Josephine and Klamath counties are April 26.  For more information, go to www.MarchForBabies.org.