In the community

Big grants translate into big fun through summer learning for Adrian 2040 program

ADRIAN – The Adrian 2040 program has received more than $93,000 in grants to drive a series of educational programs aimed at youth.
The nonprofit Adrian 2040, established in 2018, involves residents who want to craft a plan for what the community will look like in 20 years.
The five top goals of the program are to beautify the town, spark economic development, hold community events, promote safe neighborhoods and encourage a healthy community.
The program was notified recently it was in line to receive a $91,000 grant from the Oregon Association of Education Service Districts, a statewide coalition of education service districts.
In early July the group learned it would receive $2,500 from the Roundhouse Foundation, an Oregon nonprofit.
The money will help spur more than 10 summer, fall and winter learning programs that will include more than 130 youth, said Angie Sillonis, secretary of Adrian 2040.

“We certainly would not be able to do things without the grants,” said Sillonis.
The Roundhouse Foundation grant will help the group to buy supplies for sewing and photography camps.
“Fabric is so expensive. We had been relying on donations for the camp, which was providing six projects for 27 kids, and if the photography campers were going to be able to print and mat photos to enter in the fair, they also needed funds,” said Sillonis.
The larger grant will finance numerous youth programs, including a project by Adrian High School senior Carter Bayes to bring in college coaches to help with a basketball camp.
The funds will also help finance programs like Kids in the Kitchen, a partnership with the Malheur County Extension Office along with other summer activities such as disc golf, swimming, volleyball and basketball, a community movie night set for Aug. 26 and the popular Halloween Trunk or Treat event.
Adrian 2040 is overseen by a nine-member board of local residents.

News tip? Contact Reporter Pat Caldwell at [email protected]

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