The Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program is now offering a self -defense class for women of all ages. This two day class will be taught by Clint Murphy who has 20 years of experience under his black belt in Judo. He will be teaching basic techniques to help defend yourself in stressful situations. The class is Wednesday, March 10th and Thursday, March 11th at 6-8PM in the Yachats Commons, Room #8. Cost: $10/Adult; FREE for children under 14. Preregistration required and limited scholarships available. Call 541.547.4599 or e-mail Beebui@peak.org to reserve your spot.

Are you feeling helpless, frustrated, and ineffective when it comes to parenting? Help is on its way! We have an upcoming parenting class coming to South County. The Yachats Youth & Family Activities Program, Crestview Heights School, and the 21st Century Afterschool Program are teaming up to offer a 6-week series of Parenting with Love and Logic classes. These classes are about raising responsible children using a win/win philosophy. Classes will be led by Jacquie Blakely, and held at the Waldport Community Learning Center on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00 pm starting on February 23. A light meal will be provided. Childcare is available upon request. To register, call 547-4599 or 563-3237.

Is the rain and the wind keeping you stuck inside? Come on out because people of all ages are invited to Game Night on Friday, February 5th at 6:00 PM at the Yachats Commons. We will be playing active games, board games, drama games, entering relays, and much more! There will also be door prizes and even a sneak preview of the upcoming Magic Show on February 7th. A simple supper is provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free. For more information, call 547-4599.

The Yachats Youth & Family Activities Program and Pat Hayner are proud to present the return of the professional magic of Stuart Hayner on Sunday, February 7 at 3 PM. The Magic Show is sure to dazzle the young and old. Tickets are $3 each for children and accompanying adults, and $5 for adults who come without children. Tickets will be available at the door. Stuart Hayner began learning magic when he was about 10. He began appearing professionally at the age of 14 and performed at magic conventions in Toronto and New York at the age of 16. He moved to Newport in his late teens, did magic at the Embarcadero and lights and sound for a band called Formula L which played for many weeks at the old Iron Kettle in Waldport. He was house magician at the Organ Grinder in Portland and did lights and sound for Johnny Limbo and the Lug Nuts. In 1991 and 1992 he toured the Far East with the Defense Department Overseas Shows. Stuart now lives in Denver, and performs at many festivals and venues in Colorado. For more information about this or any other Yachats Youth & Family Activities Program activity, call 547-4599.

On Monday, February 1st, you can enjoy a great meal in a cozy atmosphere, while at the same time helping to support local youth activities. Linda Hetzler, proprietor of the Drift Inn Cafe in Yachats, is generously offering all profits from the day’s operation to the Yachats Youth & Family Activities Program. There will be live music performances, featuring talent from among YYFAP’s participants and other local musicians.

The Drift Inn is a family-friendly restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. It is located on scenic Highway 101 with a view of the Yachats River as it reaches the Pacific Ocean. The menu is an eclectic mix of family favorites and original dishes focused on fresh ingredients of the Pacific Northwest, plus coffee drinks, homemade soups, fresh baked breads, and decadent desserts.

YYFAP has been a Yachats fixture for 15 years, offering a wide range of services to local residents. Program offerings include something for everyone – from Indoor Park for the very youngest, to preschool, parenting support and education, teen community service groups, after school open recreation, family nights, multi-generational classes, and volunteer opportunities for elders. The program operates out of the Yachats Commons. Last year, 291 children and youth (0-18), and 298 adults participated in the programs offered.

This event is a great example of how many people come together in supporting the programs of YYFAP. Donations from individuals and businesses, as well as from the City of Yachats make up the bulk of the organization’s income. Volunteers help run the program, lead activities, or just have fun with the kids, which lead to an enjoyable, supportive environment. Last year, 368 volunteers donated 4,742 volunteer hours.

The Drift Inn shows community leadership by its dedication to children and families. You too can show your support by Dining Out for Kids on February 1st.

Do you have a son or daughter in 6th grade or higher? Are you running out of ideas to keep them engaged? Bring them to Tuesday Teens! It is a new program offered by the Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program. Tuesday Teens is open to 6th graders and up and will begin January 26th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the Yachats Commons Basement. For the month of January we will begin by making dinner together, followed by blind pudding tasting and lastly Teen Feud, a spin off from the TV show Family Feud. Prizes will be given to the winning team. Each session we will be providing dinner and engaging activities tailored for teens such as guest- speakers, thought-provoking movies, and much more. After January, Tuesday Teens will take place every third Tuesday of the month. No registration required and donations welcomed. If you have further questions, please contact Bee Bui at 541.547.4599 or BeeBui@peak.org.

On Monday, January 18, in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the Helping Hands group of the Yachats Youth & Family Activities Program will be organizing a food drive to collect food for the food pantry in the Yachats Commons. There is a special need at this time, since supplies are limited after Christmas. The food drive will cover downtown Yachats from Ocean View Drive to King Street and from the river to Marine Drive. Anyone living in this area can leave food on their porch to be picked up in the late morning. For those not in the pick-up area, we welcome donations at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, to be held at the Commons later in the day. Community members of all ages are invited to a special evening of celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The evening will be filled with food, fun, and remembrance. Please join us at 6:00 at the Yachats Commons for a potluck supper. Multi-cultural dishes and dress are encouraged. There will even be a costume prize! You can look forward to information about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement, games, entertainment, a dream wall, drum circle, and more. Bring a rhythm instrument with you if you have one. There will also be an opportunity for three-minute readings or remembrances. For more information, call 547-4599 or email yhh@yachatshelpinghands.org.

Plan to come in to Room 8 of the Yachats Commons on Friday, January 8 between 10:00 and noon to find out what kind of help is available for those struggling with energy bills this season. Funds are available through the Community Services Consortium. A representative will be on hand to explain eligibility requirements and guide you through the process. Information will also be available about other emergency services, including rental subsidies, prescription drugs, and other utilities.

Watch your mailboxes for our winter request for donations. YYFAP relies on people like you to help us provide programs like Rec Plus, Indoor Park, Preschool, Helping Hands and more. Please DONATE NOW. Thank you!

Thank you all for joining us at Ornament Night! More than 80 people ate their fill of spaghetti, engaged in great conversation, and went home with a bag full of holiday crafts. Check it out for yourself and visit our Facebook page. Feel free to leave comments, tag the people we missed and share your photos!