For the Democrat-Herald

Posters by a dozen middle school students, including three from the mid-valley, are featured on an Oregon Department of Human Services color calendar for 2008 intended to increase awareness of problem gambling.

About 75,000 Oregon adults experience problems related to their gambling, which also impacts children and families, according to the department.

The DHS Addictions and Mental Health Division sponsored its fifth annual middle school poster contest in 2007 to help students learn more about the risks of gambling.

A dozen posters were chosen from several hundred entries submitted by students around the state. Many were created during Problem Gambling Awareness Week in March. Gift certificates ranging from $25 to $100 were awarded to two teachers and the 12 students selected.

The student artists were (grade and school at time of submission listed):

* January: Megan Tilley, 7th grade, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson.

* February: Amy Senestraro, 6th grade, Ashland Middle School, Ashland.

* March: Marissa Parr, 8th grade, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson.

* April: Julie Meyer, 8th grade, Heppner High School, Heppner.

* May: Trace Byrd, 8th grade, The Dalles Middle School, The Dalles.

* June: Chandra Sinnott, 8th grade, Central Linn High School, Halsey.

* July: Brianna Dweg, The Dalles Middle School, The Dalles.

* August: Katy Cheung, 8th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene.

* September: Natalie Tolmachoff, 8th grade; Mark Twain Middle School, Silverton.

* October: Jacob Young, 7th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene.

* November: Bailey White, 7th grade, Ontario Middle School, Ontario.

* December: Syndey Sprague, 7th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene.

Ten thousand calendars were circulated to many local DHS offices, schools and community organizations and are available free of charge. For details, call (503) 945-6187.

Free problem gambling treatment is available statewide. To reach the free and confidential Oregon Problem Gambling Hotline, telephone 1 (877) MY-LIMIT or visit 1877mylimit.org.

DHS manages the Lottery-financed problem-gambling program as part of its services to prevent and help Oregonians overcome the negative effects of addictions. More information about problem gambling is available on the DHS web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/addiction/gambling.

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DHS will soon launch a similar search for art for next year's problem gambling awareness calendar. Middle schools and community groups working with middle school children will receive information in January. The deadline for the 2009 Problem Gambling Awareness Art Search will be March 21. An entry form is also available by calling (503) 945-6187.