Students Have Choice of Schools in Eugene 4J

Students Have Choice of Schools in Eugene 4J

Eugene School District 4J school choice period for 2012–13 is underway.

Families can enroll in their neighborhood school at any time. For those interested in enrolling in a different 4J school for 2012–13, now is the time to learn more and submit a school choice request form. Requests are accepted in an order determined by lottery.

From Eugene to Carnegie Hall: 'It blows my mind'

EUGENE, Ore. - Madison Baker has been on stage since she was 10.

"This is Sheldon Theatre," she said backstage at Sheldon High School, "and it's my home away from home."

Already one of the top vocal performers at her school, Baker is thinking about her future.

"My huge dream is to be on Broadway," she said.

For now, the good news is she will ahve to settle for an equally well-known stage.

"I'm performing in the National Honor Series at Carnegie Hall in February of this year," she said.

Baker got the gig after auditioning last year. She will be one of a handful of the top teen vocalists in the U.S. and Canada to sing soprano at the famous concert hall.

Her choir director at Sheldon, Nancy Anderson, said she's not surprised her top pupil was selected.

"She just sparkles: her face, her eyes. She's just always on," Anderson said. She said Baker is the first Eugene 4J School District student ever selected to take part in the event.

And in an industry with some of the toughest competition, Baker's just glad she's getting a moment to shine.

Workplace safety conference March 6-7

Press release

Workers and employers are invited to a two-day conference March 6-7, 2012, in Eugene that will showcase the latest workplace safety and health information.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services, Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is one of several partners presenting the Cascade Occupational Safety and Health Conference at Eugene’s Valley River Inn, located at 1000 Valley River Way. The event is built around the theme, "By choice, not chance - don’t gamble with safety," and will highlight training to improve on-the-job safety performance.

Will schools be open Tuesday?

EUGENE, Ore. - School districts didn't have to cancel class on Monday after the first weekday snowfall of 2012: Schools were already closed Monday in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

With a series of storms forecast to march across the region before the weather warms up, more snow is likely overnight Tuesday. See also: wishes for snow.

So will the weekend last another day? >>> Check for local school closures

Most school districts and colleges share school delay and closure information via the FlashAlert system. Most try to get closures posted by 6:30 a.m.

The school closures are updated regularly on KVAL.com.

"This is to ensure the most current weather conditions are assessed," Eugene 4J School District says on the district website. "Decisions are made districtwide and are the same for every 4J school."

Community Sponsors

Volunteers to spend MLK cleaning up parks

Volunteers to spend MLK cleaning up parks

Volunteers Honor Martin Luther King by Caring for Eugene's Parks In celebration of Martin Luther King Day of Service over 50 community volunteers will be cleaning and enhancing Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Alton Baker Park on Monday, January 16.

The work will be led by volunteers with the City of Eugene Park Stewards in partnership with two local nonprofits.

Gluten-free dining options expand in Eugene

EUGENE, Ore. - For the estimated 16 million Americans with gluten sensitivity, dining out can be a challenge.

But more restaurants in Oregon are expanding their menu to include gluten-free alternatives.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat that can trigger Celiac disease and other problems in certain people.

Now, folks who can't eat the regular breads and buns have more choices in Eugene from both local and national chains.

Subway has a new program that's gone statewide, the first of it's kind in the country.

You can now get that BLT gluten-free. Subway is also offering gluten-free brownies as regular menu items.

And it takes more than ingredients to keep gluten out of your footlong.

"We always clear our work area, make sure it has no crumbs; it's crumb free," said Aimee Coller, manager of the Subway at Barger Drive and Highway 99.

Spanish chefs visit Eugene

From a press release

Two chefs will travel to Oregon from Castilla y León, Spain, to share the foods and wines that have pinned their place on the culinary map.

Both of Valladolid, Spain, Chef Francisco Alonso Martín-Hinojal owns and operates La Garrocha restaurant, while Chef Pablo Gómez de Diego oversees the restaurant.

“We are thrilled to welcome our guests,” said Market of Choice Artisan Chef Greg Cabeza. “They bring with them a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm for the foods and wines of their region.”