Free MetroParent Feeling festive in the Portland-Vancouver area December 2012
Holiday Highlights & Festive Fun
Celebrating Kids Who Care Inspiring Young Activists Our Annual Holiday Gift Guide
Contents
Features Celebrating Kids Who Care ...... 8 Inspiring young activists
Our Annual Holiday Gift Guide ...... ……….14 This year’s best toys, games, music and more
Holiday Highlights ...... 28 Seasonal events throughout the area 8 14 Departments Parent Postings ...... 6 Announcements, community events, fundraisers and other useful information
Out & About ...... 21 The Nutcracker
Family Fare ...... 24 21 28 Sunshine Tavern Angels Among Us ...... 26 December The Good Neighbor Center Family Calendar
Family Calendar ...... 32 Advertising Sections Holiday Gift Guide ...... 14 – 20 Holiday Highlights ...... 28 Birthday Parties ...... 39 In the Spotlight ...... 32
Family Favorite ...... 35 Exclusively on Metro-Parent.com: Online Article: Make Volunteering a Family Value
Winter Break Camps & Classes: Check out No School? No Problem! on our Family Calendar pages.
Our Parent 2 Parent Blog
Family Fun Reviews
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metro-parent.com December 2012 5 Metro Parent Parent Postings Serving the Families of the Portland Metropolitan Area
Metro Parent Let there be toys! P.O. Box 13660 The season abounds with Portland, OR 97213-0660 opportunities to add joy to the Phone: 503-460-2774; Fax: 503-331-3445 holidays for struggling families, Publisher including a number of groups Keith Goben, 503-460-2774 gathering new, unwrapped toys for [email protected] kids who otherwise might not get Editor their visit from Santa. Emily Puro, 503-922-0893 One is the Metro Toy Drive, Harpers Playground at Arbor Lodge Park [email protected] recently opened with wheelchair and which runs through Dec. 26. walker-friendly play equipment. Donate a toy when you pick up Managing Editor PHOTO COURTESY OF PORTLAND PARKS & RECREATION, PORTLAND, OR Calendar Editor your latte at any Starbucks, or host Teresa Carson a house party with a toy drive New places to play [email protected] theme. Get more information at Portland Parks & Recreation Contributing Writers metrotoydrive.com. (PP&R) recently opened three new Teresa Carson, Madeline Cox Landis, Sleep Country USA’s annual Toy playgrounds. Anne Laufe, Jack Schwab Drive for Northwest Foster Kids is A new play space at the East accepting toys though Dec. 16 at all Portland Community Center and Advertising Account Executives Sleep Country stores. Find your near- Pool (740 SE 106th Ave.) is perfect Westside/National/Outside Metro Area est location and learn more about for kids ages 2-12, with snazzy play Debbie Dille, 503-997-4044 the program at sleepcountry.com. structures, swings, slides and more, fax: 503-352-4373 Make your holiday giving go some constructed from recycled [email protected] even further by shopping for those materials. Another new playground Eastside/Vancouver/Washington toys at IKEA Portland, where $1 for kids from 2-12 recently opened Ali King, 503-331-8184 from every soft toy and children’s at East Holladay Park (12999 NE fax: 503-331-3445 [email protected] book you purchase through Dec. 29 Holladay), sporting a giant ladybug will be donated to nonprofits climber, slide, swings and other fun Design & Production Susan Bard promoting education around the touches.
world. 10280 NE Cascades Pkwy. For distribution issues, The third new PP&R playground e-mail us at 503-282-4532. ikea.com/us/en/ – Harper’s Playground at Arbor [email protected] store/portland. Lodge Park (N Bryant & Delaware) – is an inclusive playground featur- For calendar submissions, e-mail us at [email protected] ing wheelchair and walker-friendly Unique gifts & family fun elements. Spearheaded by a local Metro Parent is published monthly by family whose daughter had diffi- Metro Parent Publishing, Inc. and is copy- Many local schools host festive culty using existing play equipment right 2012 Metro Parent Publishing, Inc. shopping events this month. These All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole at the park, numerous organiza- two – both happening Dec. 8 – or in part without written permission is tions and individuals supported feature live entertainment, food and prohibited. Metro Parent is distributed free the development of this unique of charge throughout the Portland, Oregon fun activities in addition to unique playground including the Timbers metropolitan area. holiday shopping experiences: Army, The Standard, the W. Glen French American International Metro Parent reserves the right to refuse Boyd Charitable Foundation, the advertising for any reason. Distribution School Holiday Market. French food, University of Portland Pilots and of this publication does not constitute an a wine specialist and over 45 local others. endorsement of the products or services vendors offering unique gifts includ- advertised herein. Learn more at portlandonline. ing handmade hats and handbags, com/parks/. Metro Parent does not discriminate on the bamboo clothing, French linens, basis of race, color, national origin, religion, jewelry, ceramics and more. Free ad- sex or sexual orientation. mission. 9 am-4 pm. 8500 NW John- Parent Education Although every effort is taken to ensure son. 503-292-7776. visit faispdx.org. the accuracy of published material, Metro Cedarwood Waldorf School’s Cloth Diapering 101. Learn Parent Publishing Inc. and its agents and Magical Winter Faire. An artisan about cloth diapering and get employees cannot be held responsible marketplace featuring handmade advice on diapering choices from for the use or misuse of any information contained herein. The contents of Metro gifts from natural, recycled and other parents. Free. Fourth Sat. of Parent and its website are for informational renewable sources. Meet the Faire every month, 11 am. Milagros Bou- purposes only and are not intended to Fairy, Sky Sprite and other magical tique, 5433 NE 30th Ave. 503-493- be a substitute for professional advice or beings. Free admission, charge for 4141. milagrosboutique.com. treatment. some activities. 10 am-4 pm. More parent education and parent sup- 3030 SW 2nd. 503-245-1477. port group information can be found cedarwoodschool.org. at metro-parent.com.
6 December 2012 metro-parent.com
Celebrating Kids Who Care Inspiring Young Activists By Anne Laufe
If you’ve ever worried that today’s kids are concerned only about themselves, their PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LEITNER FAMILY clothes and the latest electronic gadget, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The local teens profiled in the pages that follow give selflessly of their time and energy to help others. Through projects as varied as their personalities, they’re using their passion and creativity to make the world a better place. What’s more, these remarkable teens represent just a small sampling of the amazing young activists at work in our community. (We had a very difficult time narrowing the pool to five!) We hope you find their stories both instructive and inspiring. Members of the Youth Not only can young people make a Ending Slavery board speak at a rally in downtown difference – they’re out there doing it Portland Oct. 6, 2012
every day! MITCHELL PHOTO BY KATHY
Youth On a bright October morning in fall 2012, 300 people Walk to End Slavery, obtaining a permit to use Director Park, lining up a gathered in downtown Portland to participate in the speaker and publicizing the event. Ending Walk to End Slavery. Organized by a group of students Allison also spent a large portion of her summer vacation researching Slavery at St. Mary’s Academy, a private all-girls high school and writing copy for the Youth Ending Slavery website, which contains in southwest Portland, the walk was intended to raise abundant information about human trafficking in the United States and awareness about modern day slavery, both in the United abroad, as well as links to videos and resources and suggestions for ways States and around the world. other people can take action. Allison credits Isabella with designing the Allison Nasson, now a senior at St. Mary’s, first learned about human website and making it easy to navigate. trafficking in a human rights club at her school. After seeing a video on the Maria Fleming, who teaches Christian leadership and social justice at topic when she was a freshman, she was horrified – but motivated to learn St. Mary’s and also coordinates the voluntary community service program, more. started working at the school when Allison was a junior. She describes Al- “I learned more about forced labor and how we affect the slave trade lison as “super ambitious,” with a burning desire to do something to help every day by what we buy,” says Allison, 17. “I considered myself well end slave labor. informed, but I didn’t know anything about it until I saw the video.” “She really made herself an expert on the topic. You could ask her any After doing extensive research on slave labor and forming an anti- question about global or domestic slave trafficking and she’d know the slavery club at her school, Allison decided she wanted to be involved in answer,” says Fleming. more direct action. Last spring, she and four of her classmates formed the “When you find students who really care, that’s awesome,” Fleming nonprofit group Youth Ending Slavery (youthendingslavery.org), with the adds. “We do a lot of justice education in our building, but that’s still a far goals of educating the public about the problem, empowering youth to be reach to do what Allison has done.” advocates for change, and promoting legislation that will provide aid for Allison is especially pleased that about two-thirds of those who at- victims and prevent future trafficking. tended the Walk to End Slavery were young people. Allison and her classmates, Isabella Villareal, Olivia Hinerfield, Iris “We have two main goals,” she says. “One is to bring awareness to Dowd and Catherine Mattecheck – all seniors at St. Mary’s this year – human trafficking, but the other is to show that young people are really applied for 501(c)3 status over the summer. They then began planning the passionate and care about these issues.”
8 December 2012 metro-parent.com Julien Leitner wanted to do something big to celebrate his coming of age when he turned 13. He wasn’t quite sure what that something would be, but he knew it would involve helping other people. Julien’s parents raised him to be socially conscious, involving him in community service from a young age. Julien Leitner He genuinely enjoys helping others, but he knew he could have only a limited
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LEITNER FAMILY impact working by himself. “I realized that even though I can’t The give a million dollars, I bet there are a million people like me,” Julien says. “That was the ‘aha’ Archimedes moment.” Alliance In late 2010, he began researching and devel- oping his project. In September 2011, he launched the Archimedes Alliance (archimedesalliance.org). Julien had learned about ancient mathematician and physicist Archi- medes and his theory of the lever in school. As Julien describes it on the organization’s website, the theory states that a rigid bar resting on a fulcrum can be used to move an object. The longer the lever, the heavier the object one can lift. “Give me a lever long enough and a place to stand,” Archimedes is quoted as saying, “and I can move the Earth.” Julien adopted that quote as the motto for his organization, which is seeking to raise $2 million for charity. Rather than going after big donors, however, he’s trying to convince 1 million people to give just $2 each. By doing that, Julien hopes not only to raise the $2 million but also to encour- age philanthropy on a broad scale and illustrate that when people work together they can have a significant impact on the lives of others. Each time an individual donates money to the Archimedes Alliance, he or she gets to vote for one of the three charities Julien has selected as possible recipients of the money raised. The organizations include Vil- lage Reach (villagereach.org), working to improve access to health care for remote, underserved communities around the world; Outreach Interna- tional (outreach-international.org), helping to alleviate poverty, hunger and disease by engaging people as partners in their own development; and Invisible Children (invisiblechildren.com), seeking an end to the civil war in Uganda. Julien’s father, Peter Leitner, takes no credit for his son’s compassionate behavior, although he and Julien’s mother always have tried to act on their beliefs rather than just talking about them. “My answer to what makes life meaningful is helping other human be- ings,” Leitner says. “Julien saw that as a given.” As of early November 2012, the Archimedes Alliance had raised $16,717. Julien continues to get the word out about his project through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. He’s also contacting national news outlets and send- ing tweets to celebrities. Now 14 years old and a ninth grader at Catlin Gabel, a private school serving students in preschool through high school in southwest Portland, Julien insists anyone can do what he’s done. “You have to know what you’re getting into, and you have to have the discipline to go through the necessary steps,” he says, “but anyone is capable of changing the world if they put their mind to it.”
Celebrating Kids Who Care continues on page 10
metro-parent.com December 2012 9 Celebrating Kids Who Care continued from page 9 Dru Mitchell
Dru Mitchell was Victoria Pence has been making things with her hands since she was a motivated to start a little girl. Taught to sew and knit by her mom, a seamstress, Victoria enters Doernbecher Children’s quilts in the county fair every year and sells her hand-sewn bloomers on Hospital Foundation’s Etsy. Kids Making Miracles It was only natural, therefore, that she would use these skills to complete club at Tigard High her Girl Scout Gold Award. The Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout School because he can earn, requires planning and implementing an innovative project that en- knew raising money gages others and has a lasting impact for a good cause could Victoria Pence creates supply on its targeted community. be a lot of fun. bags for the knit- Involved in the Girl Scouts He also knows ting classes she Smitten organization since the age of firsthand the impor- taught at Monika House. Knittin’ 4, Victoria earned her Silver tance of the work Award in eighth grade by funded by those mending clothes, and teach- donations. ing others to do the same, for her “I know people school’s clothes closet. After volun- who have been PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MITCHELL FAMILY teering with her church at a women’s at Doernbecher, shelter in New Orleans the summer including myself, Kids before her sophomore year in high and I’ve seen what good Making school, Victoria decided she wanted things come from raising money and doing Miracles to work with a local shelter for her things for the kids there,” Dru says. final Girl Scouts project. Born with an omphalocele, meaning his A friend of a friend put her in See intestines and other abdominal organs stuck touch with Monika House, a domes- “Get Involved” through his belly button, Dru had to undergo tic violence shelter offering tempo- on page 12 PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PENCE FAMILY several operations as a newborn. Now a tall, for details on rary housing to women and their athletic 17-year-old, he credits the doctors Doernbecher children. Volunteering at the shelter, Victoria has put in many more than the and nurses at Doernbecher Children’s Children’s suggested 80 hours of service work required for the Gold Award. Hospital with saving his life. Hospital The 16-year-old junior at Beaverton High School first solicited in-kind and Dru’s mother, Ellen Mitchell, supports the Foundation’s monetary donations from the community and earned money from bottle returns hospital as a member of Dru’s Chapter of the Kids Making to obtain the supplies needed for her project. She then sewed over 30 tote bags, Friends of Doernbecher, named for Dru in Miracles filling each with scissors, knitting needles, Nifty Knitters (an easy-to-use loom for 2005. After helping out at golf tournaments program. beginning knitters) and yarn. She wrote directions to teach beginners how to knit, the chapter sponsored – and seeing how much testing her instructions on kids in her neighborhood and honing them until they money they raised through the events – Dru was inspired to get were easy to follow. involved in a more hands-on way himself. She also taught other members of her troop to sew tote bags, creating separate Last year, he started a Doernbecher Club at Tigard High to raise bags for the children at the shelter filled with crayons, coloring books and Play- money for the hospital. (The school previously had sponsored a Doh to keep them busy while their moms were knitting. Doernbecher Club, but the group had folded after all the officers For Victoria, making things is relaxing and gives her a sense of pride. She graduated.) thought both of those outcomes would benefit the women at the shelter. Under Dru’s leadership, 65 students signed up for the club last “They were really eager when I started coming,” Victoria says. “The second year and about a dozen attended meetings on a regular basis. They week they had six hats done and wanted to know how to make other things, like organized a stuffed animal drive for patients at Doernbecher and gloves and baby booties.” held a Cinnabon fundraiser. Dru also set up a tour of the hospital so club members could see who they were raising money for and draw For four months, Victoria spent every Saturday night at the shelter, bringing inspiration from the kids they were helping. snacks for the six or so women who attended the knitting circle and responding to their requests for new ideas and techniques and specific yarn colors. The project This year, 130 students have signed up for the club. They’re cur- ended last April, but she continues to visit the shelter every other week. rently planning events for the months ahead. Victoria says she was a little nervous when she first started going to the shelter, His mother couldn’t be prouder. but she soon got over her fears. Her mother, Barbara Pence, says the Gold Award “For so long he was teased by kids because he was different,” program offers benefits for both the community served and the Girl Scout earning she says. “He sees the value of giving back because of what he’s the award. With her daughter’s Smitten Knittin’ project, for example, the women been through. I don’t know what path he’ll take in life, but I think at the shelter were able to bond with one another and master a new craft while he’ll always give back.” Victoria overcame her natural shyness and gained valuable life skills. Now in his senior year, Dru is planning for a career in law “The Girl Scouts want the girls to go out and make their own projects and not enforcement. As a police cadet in Tigard, he’s involved in numerous just follow in someone else’s footsteps,” Pence says. “That way they get the leader- community service projects in addition to his work with the Kids ship experience.” Making Miracles program. Celebrating Kids Who Care continues on page 12
10 December 2012 metro-parent.com metro-parent.com December 2012 11 Nikki Ainsworth
Celebrating Kids Who Care continued from page 10 Get Involved ust a year and If your kids are eager to make a difference in the world but don’t know J Global where to start, these fabulous local programs can help: a half ago, Nikki Citizen Ainsworth, 17, was Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation’s shy and lacking Corps Kids Making Miracles Program confidence. Although For over 20 years, students at schools throughout the region have helped the she cared about human Kids Making Miracles (KMM) program raise $8 million for OHSU Doernbecher rights and social justice, Nikki Children’s Hospital. The program gives students from kindergarten through says, she didn’t have the cour- high school a sense of purpose and empowers them to make a meaningful age to share her concerns or contribution to their community while developing lifelong skills in leadership do anything to stop the suf- and community service. fering she saw around her. Money raised through KMM has supported a number of diverse projects, Then she took part in a from helping kids with cancer, heart disease, cystic fibrosis and organ trans- week-long summer workshop plants to hospital construction. Revenue from the 2012-2013 KMM program offered by Global Citizen will benefit Doernbecher’s unrestricted fund, which provides the flexibility to Corps (GCC; globalcitizen- PHOTO BY SOMETHING BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY (somethingbluephotography.com) address immediate children’s health care needs. corps.org), a program run by the Portland-based nonprofit Learn more: 503-220-8344; kmm.doernbecherfoundation.org Mercy Corps. Designed to empower youth by teaching them leadership skills and how to mobilize their peers to work for positive change, GCC is active in 10 countries around the world. (Learn more about GCC in Get Mercy Corps’ Global Citizen Corps (GCC) Involved on this page .) The goal of this globally focused program is to inspire and equip an “We were all there for the same reasons,” Nikki says of the workshop expanding international network of young leaders to take informed actions participants. “We care about the global community. (GCC) makes it that build secure, just and productive communities. To this end, GCC possible for you to be that person who can make a difference.” encourages young people to think globally and act locally through an Along with 29 other high school students from across the United integrated approach of training, dialogue and community projects. States, Nikki learned how to become a better listener and communica- Youth in 10 countries – Haiti, Lebanon, West Bank and Gaza, Pakistan, tor and how to manage conflict. She also learned about the major issues Indonesia, Somaliland, Iraq, Jordan, Tunisia, the United States, and the Mercy Corps addresses, including access to clean drinking water, the envi- United Kingdom – participate in cross-cultural exchange via video confer- ronment, women’s rights and gender inequality. ences and online dialogue, plan and implement action projects, and stay She and her peers then spent time investigating local food insecurity involved with intensive in-person and online training throughout the year. by visiting different communities in Portland, mapping their access to food, and volunteering at the Oregon Food Bank. Learn more: 503-896-5000; globalcitizencorps.org “It was shocking to me to learn that Oregon is one of the hungriest states in the U.S.,” Nikki says. Girl Scouts of Oregon & Southwest Washington Last summer, Nikki worked as an intern for GCC. She also started a Community service is one of the Girl Scouts’ oldest values. It’s central to the Global Citizen Corps Club at Oregon City High School, where she’s cur- Girl Scout Promise and Law as well as the organization’s mission to build rently a senior. The club’s first big event was a Peace Match – a soccer game “girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better intended to promote and raise awareness about peace – held Sept. 21, place.” International Peace Day. Whether volunteering with another organization to earn the Community According to Mercy Corps GCC Program Officer Gilberto Corral, Peace Service Bar, using funds earned during the Girl Scout Cookie Program to Matches such as the one Nikki organized are common around the world. finance a service project, or identifying and addressing a community need The idea is to bring together groups who may have fundamental differ- through the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, service is part of a ences – ethnic, religious, tribal, etc. – to share a fun activity and to show Girl Scout’s leadership experience at every level. them how the positive feelings they experience can spill over into their daily lives. Learn more: 800- 338-5248; girlscoutsosw.org “It can be a first step toward bringing those divided groups together,” Corral says. “Usually, at the end of the Peace Match the groups discuss the Youth Empowered Action (YEA) Summer Camp things that divide their communities and the things that unite them, and how they can benefit from focusing on what they have in common.” YEA Camp is a week-long overnight camp for teens 12-17 years old who want to make a difference in the world. YEA campers choose a social justice Nikki organized the Peace Match at her school to provide an oppor- issue they care about – such as human rights, the environment, animal rights, tunity for her classmates to learn about and discuss pressing global issues bullying, etc. – and, with the support of experienced staff and like-minded in a fun way. The most important thing she wants to convey through the peers, develop an action plan to impact that issue when they return home. club, however, is that young people can be powerful agents of change. YEA Camp builds the knowledge, skills, confidence and community that “GCC has changed me into a person who is capable of making a empower teens to take inspired action for a better world. difference,” she says, “and is confident enough to do so.” Learn more: 503-347-0223; yeacamp.org Anne Laufe is a Portland freelance writer and mom.
12 December 2012 metro-parent.com metro-parent.com December 2012 13 Our Tobbles Neo ANNUAL FAMilY MATTErS Gifts for the Whole Family Tenzi (Ages 7+, 2-4 players, $14.99, IMAGE COURTESY OF FAT BRAIN TOYS IMAGE COURTESY OF FAT ilovetenzi.com) Be the first player to get the same number BABY NEEDS A NEw … ToY! on all your dice to win. This game is an easy, fun frenzy with lots of variations to Ages 2 and under Gift keep things exciting. Tobbles Neo (Ages 1+, $26.99, fatbraintoys.com) Tenzi Combining innovative play with modern style, these weighted shapes can be stacked, tilted, spun and wobbled. It’s a fun and attractive Guide variation of the classic stacking toy. Chewbeads (Ages 0+, $12.50-$36.50, chewbeads.com) IMAGE COURTESY OF CARMA GAMES These stylish necklaces and bracelets are de- Great Gifts Morphology Jr. signed for moms to wear and babies to chew (Ages 8+, 4+ players, $29.99, on, made from baby safe silicone in bright morphologygames.com) colors and modern shapes. A sure hit for the for Kids Also Morphology (Ages 13+, $24.99) babies – and the new moms – on your list. Make sounds, rollroll ‘n’ Play (Ages 18 months+, $19.99, act out words thinkfun.com) and race of All Ages This super fun non-competitive game teaches against other colors, counting, word recogni-recogni teams to see tion, gross motor skills, how who can guess By Metro Parent Staff to follow instructions and the mystery word. more. Toss the big, plush The catch? You have to cube and identify which use the props provided to color lands face up, then “build” your clues. We all know it’s better IMAGE COURTESY OF MORPHOLOGY GAMES choose the card Geek Battle Morphology with matching to give than to receive, but (Ages 10+, 3+ players, color and per- that doesn’t mean figuring $19.95, chroniclebooks.com) form the simple It’s the game of extreme geekdom! Match your roll ‘n’ Play activity. IMAGE COURTESY OF THINKFUN out what to buy for all the knowledge against fellow geeks in sci-fi, fantasy, comic, video game, science and technology Tots Art Start kids on your list is easy – trivia. (Ages 18 months+, $14.99, alex.com) An introductory art kit with everything little or fun! To help simplify intelliglobes (All ages, $124.99, artists need to create six projects using crayons, replogleglobes.com) your holiday shopping, stickers and collage. Develops fine motor skills Replogle Globes is known for making beautiful and introduces colors, textures and more. we asked local toy store globes, but they’re really onto something with the new Intelliglobe. Learn about the world and Fluttering Butterflies interchangeable Gears owners to share their world cultures by touching the globe with the (Ages 18 months+, $9.99, melissaanddoug.com) recommendations for this cordless pen or browsing the 48-page discovery A new item from fabulous toymakers Melissa book. It’s interactive, educational and extremely & Doug, this colorful set promotes coordina- year’s best gifts for kids and well made. tion and fine motor skills through engaging activities. families. Magic School Bus Complete Series DVD Set (Ages 5-10, $79.95, Ready? Set … shop! newkideo.com) Get your family charged up about science with this set of eight DVDs containing all 52 episodes of the Emmy Award-winning animated science-adventure series, based on the best-selling books. (Set of three IMAGE COURTESY OF SCHOLASTIC Fluttering Butterflies DVDs also available, $24.95.) IMAGE COURTESY OF MELISSA AND DOUG Magic School Bus DVD Set
14 December 2012 metro-parent.com holiday gift guide
Talking Tubes IMAGE COURTESY OF ALEX TOYS
PErFECT For PrESChoolErS Ages 3 to 5 Talking Tubes (Ages 3+, $24.99, alextoys.com) The modern version of the tin can telephone, with two phones and over 10 feet of tube for hours of fun. Can you hear me now? Magnatiles (Ages3+, from $49.50, magnatiles.com) A perennial favorite, these magnetic building tiles combine math, science, creativity and fun. Available in sets of 32, 48 and 100 pieces.
Kazam Balance Bikes (Up to 75 lbs., $99.99, kazambikes.com) Sturdy, pedal-less bicycles designed to help kids develop balance and learn to ride a bike without using training wheels. They’re adjustable, so they can grow as your child grows.
Brio Classic Figure Eight Train Set (Ages 2+, $49.99, schylling.com) Brio’s classic wooden trains and tracks are back in the United States after several years and local toy enthusiasts Kazam Balance Bike IMAGE COURTESY OF KAZAM BIKES couldn’t be happier. This 22-piece figure-eight set is a classic for a reason.
Tell Me a Story Cooperative Game (Ages 3+, $9.99, eeboo.com) Beautifully illustrated and durable cards encourage creative storytelling, sequencing, empathy and communication within a world of friendly animals. A favorite for children to play together or with adults.
Follow Me Fairies Doll & Activity Book (Ages 3+, $33.99, followmefairies.com) This fairy doll with activity pack – including a story, fairy glasses and art supplies inside a backpack – is perfect for travel as well as adventures at home. The soft backpack can IMAGE double as a travel pillow and the adorable plush COURTESY OF FOLLOW fairy can be carried in an external pocket. ME FAIRIES
Mini Kick 3-in-1 Scooter Follow Me Fairies (Ages 1-5, $114.99, kickboardusa.com) An awesome scooter with three wheels for stability and a skateboard-like, lean-to-turn ride. Use the seat for younger kids, then swap it out for the “O” handle bar, then the “T” handle bar as kids grow. Our Annual Gift Guide continues on page 16
metro-parent.com December 2012 15 holiday gift guide
Our Annual Gift Guide continued from page 15
whAT ThE BiG KiDS wANT Ages 6 to 10 Perplexus Twist (Ages 6+, $29.99, plasmarttoys.com) Steady hands will help move you through this labyrinth of traps, cliff- hangers and dead ends – but watch out for the twist! In this new version of Perplexus, a three-dimensional maze game, you’ll need to twist and realign IMAGE COURTESY OF PLASMART the tracks to move on. It’s easy to learn but a challenge to master. Perplexus Twist Shwings (All ages, $7.99, shwingsonline.com) A fun stocking stuffer for Shwings the elementary set, you can attach these color- ful wings to any pair of sneakers. Available for lace-up and Velcro shoes.
Turnstile revolving Maze Game (Ages 8+, $19.99, thinkfun.com) Kids can take their brains IMAGE COURTESY OF SHWINGS for a spin as they navi- gate through the clever challenges this logic maze game has to offer.
Masters Kitz (Ages 4+, $29.99, kidzaw.com) The Masters Kitz introduce children to some of the great artists of our time through a guided, do-it-yourself, multimedia project that produces a unique interpretation of classic art work. The kit also includes fun history on the artist and artwork. Six classic painting kits are available.
wall Coaster Extreme Stunt Kit (Ages 5+, $29.99, wallcoaster.com) This marble run mounts to the wall or window, taking marble maze building to a new level as kids wall Coaster Extreme learn the laws of physics, Stunt Kit gravity and problem solving.
Snap Circuits light Set (Ages 8+, $79.99, elenco.net) A new award-winning kit from perennial favorite Snap
Circuits. Connect your COASTER IMAGE COURTESY OF WALL iPod or MP3 player and watch the lights change to the beat. Snap Circuits are super easy to use – just snap them to- gether to make circuits. This kit includes parts and instructions for over 175 electronic projects.
Snap Circuits light Set
IMAGE COURTESY OF SNAP CIRCUITS
16 December 2012 metro-parent.com holiday gift guide
Cool PiCKS For ‘TwEENS AND TEENS Ages 11 and older Eco-Battery Vehicles (Ages 10+, $59.99, thamesandkosmos.com) Science toy meets construction toy in this kit that guides kids in building their own electric vehicles using an electrochemical cell. Learn how saltwa- ter, zinc and a copper conduit react to propel your vehicle across the floor.
Mashoonga Samurai Bo Staff (Ages 10+, $29.99, revelking.com) Use your Samurai Bo staff to face your opponents in a Mashoonga Match – a dueling game using padded “mock” weapons – and become a Mashoonga Warrior. A great gift for high-energy kids.
Dreamlights (Ages 8+, $35.99, fredandfriends.com) With lights that wink on and off, Dreamlights look like fireflies flickering in a jar. A great bedside accessory to lull your ‘tween or teen to sleep, it can be set to turn on automatically in the dark. Battery- or solar-powered. woolpets woolpets (Ages 7+, $16.99-$18.99, woolpets.com) A step-by-step kit to create charming needle-felted creatures from colorful wool. The finished pets are so adorable you’d hardly guess they started as a hand- ful of wooly fluff! Kits range in difficulty from easy to advanced, but the illustrated directions make it simple
to get the hang of this versatile craft. IMAGE COURTESY OF WOOLPETS
My First lab Duo-Scope (Ages 9+, $89.99, cnascientific.com) This high quality microscope has an impressive magnification range and all the accessories a budding scientist needs. It surpasses most “toy” micro- scopes while still being perfect for curious young hands.
Nanoblocks (From age 8, from $8.99, mynanoblock.com) These micro-sized building blocks produce min-- iscule musical instruments, animals and world landmarks. They’re perfect for the construc- tion set enthusiast looking for a new challenge. (Ages and prices vary by set.) Nanoblocks
Our Annual Gift Guide continues on page 18 IMAGE COURTESY OF NANO BLOCKS
A Shout Out to Our Local Toy Experts
We’d like to thank our friends at these wonderful local stores for providing recommendations for our gift guide. Stop into one of these shops – or any of the area’s fabulous locally owned toy stores – to get personalized recommen- dations for every child on your list! Child’s Play Toys: 2305 NW Kearney St. 503-224-5586. childsplayportland.com Learning Palace: Multiple locations. learningpalace.com Mud Puddle Toys & Books: 16420 SW Langer Dr., Sherwood. 503-625-7699. mudpuddlestoys.com OMSI Science Store: 1945 SE Water Ave. 503-797-4000. omsi.edu Thinker Toys: 7784 SW Capitol Hwy. 503-245-3936. thinkertoysoregon.com More Local Toy Stores We Love: Naturally Playful Toys: Online only. 503-267-1705. naturallyplayful.net Unplugged Games: 3606 SE Powell Blvd. 503-318-8789. unpluggedgamespdx.com
metro-parent.com December 2012 17 gift guide
Our Annual Gift Guide continued from page 17
For ThE ADUlT who hAS EVErYThiNG
Metalworks (Ages 14+, from $9.99, fascinations.com) Build your own 3D laser cut models. Simply pop out the pieces, put them together and show off your steel handy work. It’s an ideal stocking stuffer for those “young at heart” creative types.
Our Annual Gift Guide continues on page 20 IMAGE COURTESY OF FASCINATIONS
The Gift of Music
Kids’ music has come a long way in recent years, with Welcome to the Village wonderful CDs for children of all ages that even older ($13.98, siblings, parents and grandparents will love. These are aaronnigelsmith.com) a few of our favorite new releases: Local members of the One World Chorus are joined by more than 300 children’s Babies & Toddlers IMAGE COURTESY OF AARON NIGEL SMITH voices for Aaron Nigel Songs in the Shade of the Smith’s latest release. A portion of the proceeds from Flamboyant Tree ($16.95, CD sales benefits the Cura Rotary Home, an orphan- thesecretmountain.com) age and school in Kenya. This colorful picture book with accompanying CD of School-age Music Lovers French Creole lullabies has Can You Canoe? ($13.99, won awards from Parents’ okeedokee.org)
Choice and the National IMAGE COURTESY OF THE SECRET MOUNTAIN Parenting Publications This CD and DVD combo Awards (NAPPA). by bluegrass duo The Okee Dokee Brothers will excite Lullaby ($15, justinroberts.org) kids about nature and
active fun. The songs and IMAGE COURTESY OF OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS A collection of soft songs by Justin Roberts, this CD is videos were composed during the duo’s month-long ideal for bedtime, with elegant moments of chamber canoe trip down the Mississippi River. music, snatches of ‘70s soft rock, and sleepy bossa nova and R&B grooves. Mr. Diddie Wah Diddie ($11.99, randykaplan.com) Preschoolers Randy Kaplan presents kid-friendly versions of coun- try, blues and ragtime numbers from the 1920s, 30s A Potluck ($12.98, and 40s. This CD features extensive liner notes so luckydiazmusic.com) kids can learn about America’s great musical heritage. Bright and snappy pop songs from kids’ indie Teens & ‘Tweens rockers Lucky Diaz and the Grammaropolis Family Jam Band. These The Album sunny songs celebrate bike ($12, grammaropolis.com) riding, lemonade stands IMAGE COURTESY OF LUCKY DIAZ MUSIC and a crazy little guy named This acclaimed CD makes “Squirrely the Squirrel.” learning the parts of speech fun with zany characters and memorable songs. The creator is a for- IMAGE COURTESY OF GRAMMAROPOLIS mer seventh grade teacher who honed these musical lessons in the ultimate proving ground: the classroom.
18 December 2012 metro-parent.com
holiday gift guide
Give the gift of Peace and Joy
Our Annual Gift Guide continued from page 18 Think Outside the Gift Box
The perfect gift doesn’t have to be a thing – it can be an experience. For a truly unique and meaningful gift, consider tickets to a play – or an entire season of children’s theater – performed by the Oregon Children’s Theatre She really wants (octc.org), Northwest Children’s Theater (nwcts.org), Tears of Joy Theatre our holiday package (tojt.com), or any of the area’s wonderful family-friendly theater companies. of a massage, 4 yoga classes Dance and music performances make wonderful gifts, too, whether you plus a water bottle choose a professional company such as the Oregon Ballet Theatre (obt.org) for just $120 or the Oregon Symphony (orsymphony.org) or a company featuring youth (regularly $152) performers such as Portland Symphonic Girlchoir (girlchoir.org), Portland Ballet (theportlandballet.org), Portland Youth Philharmonic (portlandyouth- Spa Treatments phil.org), Metropolitan Youth Symphony (playmys.org), or others. Classes Wellness Services A membership to a popular local attraction makes a spectacular gift for Boutique including gifts and Medela products a family, providing a year’s worth of fun and education. Who wouldn’t ap- HOTO BY OWEN CAREY, COURTESY OF OREGON CHILDREN’S THEATRE HOTO BY OWEN CAREY,
preciate a membership to the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI, P omsi.edu), Portland Children’s Museum (portlandcm.org), Oregon Zoo Experience gifts – such as tickets to a live (oregonzoo.org), Japanese Garden, or another family-friendly local attraction? performance or a membership to a family- friendly attraction – extend the festive feel of You might even enroll a child in a class through your local parks department, the holidays throughout the year. performing arts organization or educational enrichment program.
When you take a child to a play, a concert or even a movie; enroll him in a class; or give a family membership to a favorite local attraction, you won’t be giving a simple gift – you’ll be extending the holiday season throughout the year and creating memories to last a lifetime. LaurieL Photography
20 December 2012 metro-parent.com Out & About
Classical Ballet Acad- Northwest Dance Theatre’s Local emy’s production abridged performance, titled of The Nutcracker A Nutcracker Tea, offers a Productions serves as a training family-friendly adaptation ground for student of The Nutcracker, dancers aspiring complete with Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT): to become ballet complimentary The OBT production features professionals. refreshments. highly skilled, professional dancers and the full pageantry of elaborate costumes and sets. A live orchestra accompanies all Saturday performances. $16- Local mom and principal dancer Alison Roper will $140 (subject to change). dance the role of The Sugar Plum Fairy – among other December 8-23. Keller roles – in the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s production of The Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St. Nutcracker this year. PHOTO COURTESY OF CLASSICAL BALLET ACADEMY 503-222-5538. obt.org. PHOTO BY BLAINE TRUITT COVERT, COURTESY OF OREGON BALLET THEATRE PHOTO BY BLAINE TRUITT COVERT, PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWEST DANCE THEATRE Classical Ballet Academy: This By Madeline Cox Landis full-length performance show- The Nutcracker cases more than 130 student ith dancing A sweet holiday tradition may not be ready for dancers and serves as a training Wsnowflakes, a sugar The Nutcracker. experience for aspiring ballet plum fairy and toy If you’re unsure of how your kids will fare, Sarah professionals. $15-$21. soldiers battling rat armies, The Nutcracker is a classical Rigles, director of the Classical Ballet Academy, suggests December 14-16. Lincoln Hall, ballet experience tailor-made for children. Many families you attend a matinee – there are typically more kids in Portland State University, consider The Nutcracker a time-honored holiday tradition the audience during these performances – and request 1633 SW Park Ave. 503-725-3307. – something to look forward to year after year. seats on an aisle so you can slip out without disturbing classicalballet.net. Locally, the Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) presents others, if necessary. The Nutcracker in its full splendor, with highly skilled Columbia Dance: This Vancou- ver-based, full-length production professional dancers, elaborate costumes and sets, and the Choosing a production added festive atmosphere of the upscale Keller Audito- features student dancers, with If your children are very young and/or new to the bal- guest male leads from BodyVox. rium. The Classical Ballet Academy and Columbia Dance let, or if you’re attending with a group, northeast Portland also present the ballet in its entirety, and Northwest $10-$18. Dec. 14-16. Vancouver mom Lisa Edwards recommends an abridged version, School of Arts & Academics, Dance Theatre and Portland Festival Ballet offer abridged like the Northwest Dance Theatre’s A Nutcracker Tea she 3101 Main St., Vancouver. 360- productions geared especially toward children. attended with a second grade Girl Scouts troop a few years 737-1922. columbiadance.org. With so many high-quality productions in the area, back. it’s easy to find a performance your family will enjoy. “It was just enough before they started to lose inter- Northwest Dance Theatre: This Perhaps you’ll even create your own cherished holiday est,” Edwards says. Given the condensed format and abridged performance, titled A tradition. relatively inexpensive ticket prices, she adds, she was Nutcracker Tea, is a family-friend- “surprised by the quality of costumes, the dancers and ly adaptation of The Nutcracker. Is your child ready? how they really told the whole story.” Complimentary refreshments Anyone who’s been to The Nutcracker knows it can be Mara Cogswell, a dance instructor and the mother of provided. $13-$29. December 15, a long production – even for some adults. The first time three daughters, ages 14, 12, and 7, also suggests a smaller 1-23. PCC Sylvania, 12000 SW my husband and I took our daughter, then 4, to see production for younger kids. 49th Ave. 503-925-3898. The Nutcracker, she fell asleep. You might say she was too nwdt.org. young, but I think it must have been the dim lights and “A small, local production will give the audience a dreamy music because my husband nodded off as well. feeling of intimacy and accessibility to the performers,” Portland Festival Ballet: Also says Cogswell, who lives in southeast Portland. For some kids, napping during The Nutcracker might be an abridged performance, this part of the experience. Alison Roper – a principal dancer Later, she adds, when you know your kids are ready production features original with OBT and the mother of two children, ages 10 and for the big production, the grand OBT performance at the choreography, set elements and 3 – remembers falling asleep during a performance of the Keller Auditorium will be a new experience for them – costumes created each year by ballet when she was a child. and a real treat. Artistic Director John Magnus, “I felt very safe and loved and warm,” she recalls. “This production fills your senses,” she says. “The formerly of New York’s Joffrey visual pageantry and high skill of the dancers is breath- Ballet. $15-$30. December 22- So how can you tell if your little sugar plum fairies taking. There is something special about being in a grand 23. Arts and Communication and toy soldiers are ready for The Nutcracker? While most theater with a live orchestra.” Magnet Academy Performing ballet companies recommend the production for children ages 3 and older, OBT Marketing and Communications If you do attend a performance with a live orchestra Arts Center, 11375 SW Center St., Director Trisha Mead advises parents to gauge their own – all six of OBT’s Saturday performances will feature live Beaverton. 503-977-1753. child’s readiness by how well he or she can sit through an music – Mead suggests you plan to arrive early so you can portlandfestivalballet.org. walk down to the orchestra pit and watch the musicians hour-long movie at home without a bathroom or activity – Madeline Cox Landis break. If they have trouble sitting through the flick, they set up and tune their instruments. The Nutcracker continues on page 22
metro-parent.com December 2012 21 The Nutcracker continued from page 21
Preparing for the Vancouver’s Colum- experience bia Dance presents a Explaining what full-length version to expect beforehand of the ballet Dec. 14-16. can have a signifi- cant impact on your child’s enjoyment of The Nutcracker – or any live theater ex- perience, particularly one without dialog. “Tell them the story of The Nut- cracker in advance so they know what the
different parts of the PHOTO COURTESY OF COLUMBIA DANCE ballet will represent,” Mead suggests. “That way they can relax and enjoy the experience rather than asking, ‘Why did she do that?’ and ‘What did that mean?’ as the differ- ent story elements unfold on stage.” (There are many good picture books that tell the story of The Nutcracker.) Rigles suggests families watch The Nutcracker movie before seeing the live production so they can get a feel for what they’ll see on stage. (She recom- mends the PBS version featuring Mikhail Baryshnikov.) Southwest Portland mom Tracy Walker, who’s daughter has danced in the Portland Festival Ballet production for four years, advises families to spend time listening to The Nutcracker music before attending a performance, too. “It’s like going to a musical,” she says. “If I know the music first it’s always more alive for me. I think if kids know The Nutcracker music it will mean more to them.” Spend some time talking about theater manners, too, and let your kids know there will be a break in the middle when they can go to the bathroom and get a snack. The first time Roper took her son to seeThe Nutcracker, she recalls, “He screamed out to one our best friends when she came onstage as The Dew Drop Fairy.” She later realized she should have cautioned him to remain quiet during the performance. Still, even with preparation, kids will be kids and parents shouldn’t worry too much about minor disturbances from the audience. “I love when the children in the audience are engaged and curious,” Roper says. “That is a part of seeing a live performance. Children, unlike adults, often have to ask their question right away. It’s okay.”
Wrapping it up No matter which performance you choose, The Nutcracker is visually rich and it may take kids time to process what they saw. Mead suggests parents talk with their children afterward and ask questions to enrich their experi- ence. Ask them, “Why do you think the Rat King wanted to fight the Nut- cracker?,” “Which part did you like the most and why?” and “How do you think the dancers stay up on their toes?” Talking about the performance will help your children connect with the experience in a more meaningful way. “I want the children who see Oregon Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker to feel that the world is a magical and beautiful place where miracles do hap- pen,” Roper says, “and where little children are important and special.”
Madeline Cox Landis is a Portland freelance writer and mom.
22 December 2012 metro-parent.com metro-parent.com December 2012 23 Family Fare
Upscale food and downhome fun at SunShine Tavern By Madeline Cox Landis PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNSHINE TAVERN unshine Tavern is a bright spot on the local family S Sunshine tavern’s upscale comfort restaurant scene. With modern décor and floor-to-ceiling windows, the res- food is a treat for parents, but kids will taurant is flooded with natural light, making it an ideal destination for gray find plenty to entice them, too. and rainy winter days. The second restaurant from award-winning chef Jenn Louis and her partner, David Welch – the duo also owns the more upscale Lincoln Restaurant in north Portland – Sunshine Tavern is a treat for parents who crave high-quality food in a playful, family-friendly setting.
What’s Cooking: The menu focuses on upscale comfort food, with entrees such as decadent fried chicken with yeasted semolina waffle, ham and clover honey; and – one of my personal favorites – crispy oysters with fen- nel slaw, French fries and tartar sauce. A tasty array of specialty sandwiches includes country-style terrine and roasted pork belly with Dijon mustard and provolone; jambon beurre royale (a classic French sandwich of ham and butter) with fleur de sel, radishes and fennel; fried egg with eggplant, red peppers and provolone; and more. The Sunshine griddle burger can be cus-
tomized with unusual but tasty additions like chicken liver mouse or spicy PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNSHINE TAVERN brined pickles. The menu also features a creative array of pizzas, appetizers and salads. with beer.) They also offer a good selection of beer and wine, and kids will The kids’ menu includes enjoy their house-made citrus or ginger sodas. simple favorites such as cheese What’s Cool for Kids: The vintage arcade games, including Pac-Man and pizza, pasta with tomato but- Donkey Kong, operate without coins. There’s also a 14-foot shuffleboard ter sauce, fried chicken with table. These alluring entertainment options are all within eye-shot of nearly carrot and celery sticks, and a every table in the restaurant, so you can enjoy your meal while fidgety toasted cheese sandwich with diners play. French fries. The house-made vanilla soft serve ice cream Ringing It Up: Entrees range from $9-$16, sandwiches and burgers ring in is a dessert staple. Try it with at $10-$12, pizzas run $13-$14 and salads are $7-$8. Kids menu items are the dark chocolate magical $5-$6. shell topping, also house- made, or get your soft serve Keep In Mind: The staff at Sunshine Tavern is happy to make special in a (caffeine-free) root beer accommodations for kids, such as a small plate of veggie sticks with dip (not
PHOTO BY MADELINE COX LANDIS float. listed on the menu) and a half-order root beer float (standard size comes in a pint glass). Liquid Refreshment: With Because the shuffleboard table is situated in the middle of the restaurant a full bar, Sunshine Tavern adjacent to several tables, younger children should be supervised to ensure serves up tempting spe- that nearby diners aren’t disturbed and the tiny silicone beads used to make cialty cocktails including the pucks glide (which kids love to play with like sand!) stay off the floor. Classic arcade games require no coins at slushy margaritas straight Sunshine Tavern in southeast Portland. from a slushy machine and Where and When: Open 5 pm-11 pm Tues-Fri; 12 pm-11 pm Sat, Sun. beer shandies (cocktails made 3111 SE Division St. 503-688-1750. sunshinepdx.com.
24 December 2012 metro-parent.com metro-parent.com December 2012 25 Angels Among Us
The Good Neighbor Center Helping children build a better future By Jack Schwab, Executive Director
The Good Neighbor Center (GNC) is a family homeless shel- ter in Tigard. With nine bedrooms, we provide emergency shel- ter for 75 to 95 families each year. (Each family can stay in the shelter for up to six weeks.) In 2011, we served 124 adults and 129 children. As one of only three family shelters in Washing- ton County, GNC’s wait list is generally long and strained. Our mission is to provide safe, emergency housing with supportive and empowering services for families. Although the first objective of GNC is to provide food and shelter to homeless families, we strongly believe in “giving a hand up, not a handout.” This philosophy of promoting self- sufficiency can be seen through the services offered, including case management, housing and employment resources, and educational programs for children and adults. In this article, I want to focus on our Children’s Program. When families arrive at GNC’s family shelter, they are in crisis. Often, it is the children who are most vulnerable. We Homework club is among immediately get the children enrolled in school, either in Tigard the many kid-centric or, ideally, in the neighborhood school with which the child services offered at the is most familiar. For high school students who are failing or Good Neighbor Center in Tigard. behind academically, we can work to find alternative options PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GOOD NEIGHBOR CENTER to a traditional curriculum. We also run a Homework Club four afternoons each week and an enriching Summer School experience the zoo or OMSI. Many of these attractions furnish free passes, program. We help enroll children who are not yet school age in Head Start but our program pays all other expenses. The King City Civic Association and offer Preschool Club during the week as a supplemental educational also allows our children to use their outdoor pool for swimming lessons activity time. and water fun. Our Student/Parent Advocate regularly communicates with parents, the But it’s not all fun and games. The goal of the program is for each school and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Student Liaison for the school student to remain at grade level over summer break. For many children, district in an effort to provide wraparound educational services to each stu- the extra attention and activity gives them a jump on the upcoming school dent. All this is designed to help children just be kids for the six weeks the year. At the end of the program, every child is given a gift card for new family is in our shelter. It helps the children deal with stress and teaches shoes and a new backpack with all the items needed for the start of the them that education is the key to a future free of poverty and homelessness. school year. Our eight-week Summer School program is a collaborative effort of the Every homeless family is in crisis. Parents want to do the right things Tigard-Tualatin School District and our shelter. The district provides the bus for their children, to provide them with stability, a home and an educa- and classroom space. GNC – with the help of generous donations from the tion. The Good Neighbor Center provides an oasis in a time of great stress community – provides everything else. and dysfunction. The services offered through our Children’s Program are a The Summer School program is not limited to children living in the critical piece of what we hope to accomplish for our neighbors in need. shelter. We include children from about 30 families who have moved out of We cannot allow the status quo of homelessness to continue into the the shelter through one of our supportive housing programs. next generation. Education is the key to personal and economic success in Every morning at 8 am, the children are transported to school. After our society. At GNC, we celebrate every child who takes a renewed interest academic activities, tutoring and physical activity, they go on a field trip, to in school or who leaps forward in reading or math performance. By engag- a park or community garden, or to swim lessons. ing closely with the children staying at our shelter and concentrating on For some children, learning the simple skills of riding a bus and partici- each child’s educational experience, we believe we are giving children the pating in group activities are new life skills. Field trips take them to places building blocks to a better future. such as OMSI, the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Japanese Garden, ice skating rinks, Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge and more. They learn to stand in line For more information and to find out how you can help, and buy tickets or other items, and they learn important social skills. If visit goodneighborcenter.org. it weren’t for these field trips, many of these children would never get to
26 December 2012 metro-parent.com metro-parent.com December 2012 27 By Teresa Carson The Portland metro areaHolida shimmers during the holidays,y withHig dozens of enchanting h l ig festive hevents. ts We’ve listed some local favorites here – from magical train rides to charming plays to twinkling light displays. For more holiday fun every day of the month, take a peek at our Family Calendar (beginning on page 32, and online at metro-parent.com).
Trains, Planes & Sailing Ships Dec. 2. Grand Lodge: 9, 11 am Dec. 8, 9. Crystal Ballroom: 9, 11 am Dec. 16. Edgefield: 9, 11 am Dec. 15, 16. Cornelius Pass Roadhouse: 8, 10 am Dec. 15, The holiday Express. Join The Oregon Heritage Rail foun- 16. Wilsonville Old Church & Pub: 9, 11 am Dec. 15, 16. Check website for Santa and his elves for a dation invites families to take a address, phone info. mcmenamins.com. 1-hour ride along the Wil- festive ride along the Willamette lamette River in a vintage River with Santa and his elves on holiday Magic Breakfast Theatre. Young performers entertain with The Pep- the vintage Holiday Express. train. Nearly hourly depar- permint Bear, Who Needs Sneeds? plus a yummy breakfast. 9, 11 am Dec. 1, 8, tures 10 am-8 pm Dec. 1, 2, 15, 22. $12. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 State, Lake Oswego. 503-635- 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16. $17 adult, 3901. lakewood-center.org. $11 ages 2-12, $47 family 4-pack, plus surcharge. Or- holiday Drama: The Fun Kind egon Rail Heritage Founda- tion. Board at Oaks Park Sta- Christmas Revels. This tion, 7806 SE Oaks Park Way. Welcome the season with Christmas Revels, a rousing ode PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OREGON RAIL HERITAGE FOUNDATION year, the charming Port- 503-224-8499. orhf.org. to traditional winter solstice celebrations featuring music, games, dance, drama, poetry and audience participation. land tradition features American and Appala- The Polar Express. Wear your jammies, listen to the book, watch the movie, chian music, dance and sing carols, get a treat, visit Santa and the elves and have lots more holiday culture. 7:30 pm Dec. 7, fun on this magical train ride. Departures 11:30 am, 2 , 4:30, 7 pm, Dec. 1, 8, 13, 14, 15. 1 pm Dec. 2, 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 27, 28. $18-$46. Sells out quickly. Mt. Hood Railroad, 8, 9, 15, 16. 7 pm Dec. 110 Railroad Ave., Hood River. 800-872-4661. mthoodrr.com. 9. 5 pm Dec. 16. $7-$39, Christmas at Pearson. Bring your camera and take a photo with Santa in a plus surcharge. Scottish vintage plane, post a letter to the North Pole and enjoy treats. 10 am-2 pm. Rite Center, 709 SW Free w/admission $7 adult, $5 ages 6-17, free ages 0-6. Pearson Air Museum, PHOTO BY ROGER IDE, COURTESY OF PORTLAND REVELS 15th. 503-274-4654. 1115 E 5th, Vancouver. 360-694-7026. pearsonairmuseum.org. Scrooge: The Musical. Christian Christmas Ships. Local boaters, 50 or 60 strong, decorate their boats with Youth Theatre presents the Dick- holiday lights and parade along the Willamette and Columbia rivers from ens classic. 7 pm Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15. Camas to St. Helens to Lake Oswego. Special kick-off in Camas Dec. 1, then 2 pm Dec. 16. $14 adult, $11 ages every night Dec. 7-21. See website for schedules, routes and prime viewing 2-18. Jackson Campus Theatre, locations. christmasships.org. 1306 12th, Oregon City. 360-750- 8550. cytvanport.org. Santa’s in the house Hanukah: The Power of Light. The Jewish Theatre Collaborative’s holiday Jewish Theatre Collaborative in- Macy’s Santaland. The Jolly Old Elf takes his place on the throne at Macy’s show The Power of Light troduces children to the traditions downtown store through Dec. 24. Hours vary by day; call for details. Photo introduces children to the and history of Hanukkah in this traditions and history of packages start at $17.99. 621 SW 5th, Level A. 503-248-4515. lovely holiday play. Ages 5+.
Hanukkah. COLLABORATIVE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE JEWISH THEATRE Santa’s workshop at the oregon Garden. Reindeer petting zoo, crafts, music 11 am Dec. 2, 9. $10, adults, and more. Noon-8 pm Dec. 1, 2. Free w/garden admission $11 adults, $5 ages child. Miracle Theatre, 425 SE 6th. 503-236-7253. jewishtheatrecol- $8 ages 12-17, $5 ages 5-11, free ages 0-4. 879 W Main, Silverton. laborative.org. 503-874-8100. oregongarden.org. A WWII Radio Christmas. Student actors from Oregon Children’s Theatre America’s largest Christmas Bazaar. 400 booths with handcrafted gifts, 500 present an old-time radio show. Ages 4+. 2, 5 pm Dec. 8, 15. 2 pm Dec. 9, commercial booths, Humane Society pets to adopt, more. 10 am-6 pm Dec. 1. 15. $12. 503-228-9571. Black Box Theater, 1939 NE Sandy. octc.org. 10 am-5 pm Dec. 2. $7 adults, $3.50 ages 12-17, free age 0-12. Portland Expo Every Christmas Story Ever Told. Beaverton Civic Theatre takes a humorous Center, 2060 N Marine. 503-282-0974. expochristmasbazaar.com. romp through every holiday play ever written, with carols and fun from McMenamins Breakfast with Santa. Have a festive breakfast and take a around the world. 8 pm Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15. 2 pm Dec. 2, 9. $15 adults, $12 photo with Father Christmas. (Bring your own camera.) $17 adults, students, $5 ages 0-10. Beaverton City Library Auditorium, 12375 SW 5th. $12 ages 0-12. Kennedy School: 9, 11 am Dec. 1, 2. St. Johns Pub: 8, 10 am 503-754-9866. beavertoncivictheatre.org. Holiday Highlights continues on page 30
28 December 2012 metro-parent.com metro-parent.com December 2012 29 Holiday Highlights continued from page 28 Christmas on Broadway. Holiday revue from Broadway Rose Theatre Com- pany. 7:30 pm Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20, 21. 2 pm Dec. 1, 8, 9, 15, 23. $20-$40, plus surcharge. New Stage, 12850 SW Grant, Tigard. 503-620-5262. broadwayrose.org. White Christmas. Beloved Irving Berlin classic. 7:30 pm Dec. 12-16, 18-22. 2 pm Dec. 15, 16, 22, 23. $35 adults, $20 kids. Lakewood Theatre Co., 368 State, Lake Oswego. 503-635-3901. lakewood-center.org. It’s a Wonderful Life. Musical version of the classic film from Stumptown Stages. 7:30 pm Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22. 2 pm Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23. $35.25- $19.25, plus surcharge. Brunish Theatre/PCPA, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-381-8686. stumptownstages.com.
Festive lights Pittock Mansion Christmas. This year’s theme is Celebrating Christmas Carols, with lavish decorations. 10 am-4 pm daily, through Jan. 1. $9.50 adults, $6.50 ages 6-18, free ages 0-5. 3229 NE Pittock. 503-823-3623. pittockmansion.org. Menorah lighting. Watch as the first Hanukkah candle is lit on the giant menorah, followed by music and a celebration. 6:30 pm Dec. 8. The menorah will be lit at 5:30 pm Dec. 9-13, 3 pm Dec. 14, and 6:30 pm Dec. 15. FREE. Chabad of Oregon, Director Park, SW Park and Yamhill. 503-977-9947. chabadoregon.com. winter wonderland. Drive-through light display. 5-9 pm Sun-Thurs, 5- 11 pm Fri-Sat, check website for time changes for special events. $16 car, $18 van, cash/check only. Dec. 3: Bike the Lights, no cars allowed, $6. Dec. 10: Convoy Night w/lighted trucks. Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory. 503-232-3000. globaleventsgrouppdx.com. Grotto Festival of lights. Glistening lights, 170 indoor concerts, caroling, puppet shows, petting zoo, more. 5-9:30 pm through Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 25). $9 adult, $4 ages 3-12, free ages 0-2, non-perishable food donations encouraged. NE 85th and Sandy. 503-261-2400. thegrotto.org. Zoolights. Glittering lights and the zoo at night. Lighted train ride (extra charge). 5-8:30 pm Fri and Sat, 5-8 pm Sun- Thurs, through Dec. 31 (no Zoolights Dec. 24; zoo closed Dec. 25). $10 adults, $7 ages 3-11, free ages 0-2. Oregon Zoo, Zoolights at the 4001 SW Canyon. 503- Oregon Zoo
226-1561. oregonzoo.org. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OREGON ZOO Peacock lane. Charming street of Tudor houses lit up for the holidays. 6-11 pm Dec. 15, 16 pedestrians only. Lights on 6-11 pm (until midnight Dec. 24, 31) through Dec. 31. FREE. SE Peacock Lane, Stark to Belmont, one block east of SE Cesar Chavez. peacocklane.net. Fantasy Trail. Take a Christmas walk through the lighted woods, 40-foot castle, tunnel, maze, more. Bonfire nightly. 6-9 pm through Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 24, 25). $5 adults, $4 ages 0-12. Wenzel Farm, 19754 South Ridge, Oregon City. 503-631-2047. fantasytrail.com.
30 December 2012 metro-parent.com metro-parent.com December 2012 31 December Family Calendar
In the Spotlight Saturday, Dec. 1 1, 10 am-4 pm Dec. 2. Dance (free w/fair admission, at 3832 N Interstate) 7-10 pm Evergreen Movies. Festive family flicks. 3 Dec. 1. $6 adults, $5 students, free ages pm Dec. 1: Elf. 3 pm Dec. 6, 8: It’s a Won- 0-12. Coliseum, 300 N Winning Way. 503- derful Life. 10 am Dec. 8: Polar Express. 4 977-0275. scanheritage.org. pm Dec. 13: The Miracle of Bells. 10 am Dec. 15: A Christmas Carol. 3 pm Dec. Guided Nature Walk. Explore Tryon 15: Christmas Vacation. 4 pm Dec. 20: Creek Park, different topic weekly. All White Christmas. $6, member discount. ages, grown-up with kids. 10-11:30 am Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 29. FREE. 11321 SW Terwil- 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, liger. 503-636-9886 xt 225. tryonfriends. McMinnville. 503-434-4185. evergreen- org. museum.org. Santa Sing-Along. Storytelling, singing, Pinkalicious: The Musical. Oregon special gift. Bring your camera. 10-11:30 Children’s Theatre’s riotous musical about am. $10. Broadway Rose Theater, 12850 a girl who eats so many pink cupcakes, SW Grant, Tigard. 503-620-5262. broad- she turns pink. 5 pm Dec. 1, 2, 5 pm Dec. wayrose.org. 8, 9. $15-$30, plus surcharge. Newmark Winter Arts and Crafts. Ages 5+. 2 pm PHOTO BY DAVID KINDER, COURTESY OF NORTHWEST CHILDREN’S THEATER PHOTO BY DAVID Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-228- Dec. 1, 15. FREE. Milwaukie Ledding 9571. octc.org. Peter Pan. Northwest Children’s Theater presents Peter, Wendy, Tinker Library, 10660 SE 21st. 503-786-7580. Bell and the rest in this thrilling musical journey to Neverland. Best ages Singing Christmas Tree. Musical holiday milwaukie.lib.or.us. tradition. 3:30, 7:30 pm Dec. 1. 1:30 pm 6+. 2 pm Dec. 8, 9, 15-24, 26-31, Jan 1, 5, 6. 6 pm Dec. 8 15, 16, 18-20, Raven Steals the Sun. Tears of Joy Dec. 2. $17-$62, plus surcharge. Keller 22, 23, 27, 29, 30, Jan 5, 6. 7 pm Dec. 14, 21, 28, Jan. 4. $18-$22, plus puppets perform Native American story. Auditorium, 222 SW Clay. 503-248-4335. surcharge. 1819 NW Everett. 503-222-4480. nwcts.org. 2:30-3:15, 4-4:45. FREE, tkts. 30 min. prior. pcpa.com. Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th. 503- The Princess and the Pea. Jane-a- 988-5399. multcolib.org. theatre company presents Hullabaloo! Midsummer Night’s Dream. Portland with singing, dancing, jokes. 7 pm Dec. 7, The Velveteen Rabbit. Tears of Joy Center Stage performs enchanting 14, 21. 2, 4 pm Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, Theatre’s puppets perform this endear- Shakespeare. Ages 10+. 7:30 pm Tues- 23. FREE, reservations. 3430 SE Belmont. ing tale based on Margery William’s Sun, 2 pm Sat, Sun, noon Thurs through jane-a-theater-company.org. classic book, with Hillsboro’s Bag & Dec. 23. Prices vary. Gerding Theater, 128 Baggage theater company. Puppet Visit with Santa. Ornament decorating, NW 11th. 503-445-3700. pcs.org. making before matinees. Best ages 2+. museum play, crafts, meet St. Nick (bring da Vinci Arts Fair. 70 artists, food to buy, 7:30 pm Dec. 7, 11 am, 1 pm Dec. 8. 1, your camera). 5:30-8 pm Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9. kids’ art activities. Ages 8+. 10 am-5 pm $9 person. Portland Children’s Museum, 3pm Dec. 9. $17-$21, plus surcharge. Dec. 1, 10 am-4 pm Dec. 2. FREE, ben- 4015 SW Canyon. 503-223-6500. port- Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broad- efits PTSA. da Vinci Arts Middle School, landcm.org. way. 503-248-0557. tojt.org. 2508 NE Everett. 503-916-5356. Heritage Holidays. See 1850’s holiday Holiday in the Grove. Shops host kids’ preparations at the McLoughlin House. crafts, storytimes, wagon rides 11 am-2 All ages. 2-6 pm. FREE. 713 Center, Or- pm (food donation), Santa photos noon-3 IMAGE COURTESY OF TEARS OF JOY THEATRE egon City. 503-656-5151. nps.gov. pm (charge). Holiday light parade 5 pm. Lakeshore Learning Crafts. Ages 3+. FREE. Main St., Forest Grove. fgcityclub. 11 am-3 pm. Dec. 1: Mobile. Dec. 8: com. Miniature Sled. Dec. 15: Polar Bear Pencil Jimmy Dean & The Does. Learn about Holder. Dec. 22: Wintertime Napkin Ring. pigs and goats and how to care for them. Dec. 29: New Year’s Party Mask. FREE. Ages 5-12. 9 am-3 pm. $59. Jump for Joy 16901 SW 65th, Lake Oswego. 503-620- Farm, 15898 S Springwater, Oregon City. 9888. lakeshorelearning.com. 503-610-3276. jumpforjoyfarm.com. Milwaukie Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting. Bring decorated umbrella to parade, followed by tree lighting. 3:30 Sunday, Dec. 2 pm parade assembly, Waldorf School, Oregon Repertory Singers. Youth Choir 2300 SE Harrison. Tree lighting with Santa performs. 4 pm. $25 adults, $12.50 ages 4-5 pm. City Hall, 10722 SE Main. 503- 0-10. United Methodist Church, 1838 SW 786-7568. ci.milwaukie.or.us. Jefferson. 503-230-0652. orsingers.org. Kids Morning Skate. Group lesson, IMAGE COURTESY OF IMAGO THEATRE Holiday Steam Up. Model trains, skate games. Ages 0-10, with family. entertainment, kiddy craft project, warm 10:30-noon Sat. $6 per child, grown-up ZooZoo. Imago Theatre brings “Cats” back to join the frogs, penguins and beverage. 2-5 pm. FREE, donations ben- free. Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. others. Best ages 3+. 7 pm Dec. 7, 14, 21, 26, 28. Noon, 3 pm Dec. 8, 15, 22, efit Friendly House. Dress warmly. Staver 503-233-5777. oakspark.com. 24, 29, Jan. 1. 2 pm Dec. 9, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 30, 31. $31adults, Locomotive, 2537 NW 29th. 503-228- $27 youth, $16 kids. 17 SE 8th. 503-231-9581. imagotheatre.com. ScanFair. Kids’ craft room, Finnish Santa, 4391. friendlyhouseinc.org. entertainment, more. 10 am-5 pm Dec.
32 December 2012 metro-parent.com metro-parent.com December 2012 33 December Family Calendar
$2 Day. Explore OMSI for $2 every first Preschool Play & Skate. Group lesson, Thursday, Dec. 6 Sun. 9:30 am-5:30 pm. Parking $3. 1945 games, snack, more. Ages 0-6. 10:00- SE Water. 503-797-4000. omsi.edu. 11:30 am Tues, Wed. $6 per child, grown- Great Expectations. Arts & Commu- up free. Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park nications Magnet Academy students Metropolitan Youth Symphony. perform. Best ages 6+. 7 pm Dec. 6, 7, Way. 503-233-5777. oakspark.com. Talented young musicians play with 8,13, 14, 15. 2 pm Dec. 8. $15 adults, Gresham High School Choir. 8 pm. $10- Homemade for the Holidays. Origami $8 students. Benefits Books for Kids. $37, plus surcharge. Arlene Schnitzer treasures. 3-4:30 pm. FREE. Northwest Li- 11375 Center, Beaverton. 503-577-0504. Hall, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-239-4566. brary, 2300 NW Thurman. 503-988-5560. acmatheatre.com. playmys.org. multcolib.org. Evergreen Movies. See Dec. 1. PAM Family Tour. Docent–led. 12:30- Stories and Balloons. Dingo and Olive 1:30 pm Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Free w/ad- the clowns share stories, songs. 10-11 am mission $15 adults, $12 college students, Friday, Dec. 7 free ages 0-17. Portland Art Museum, Dec. 4, 11, 18. $5 donation. Warehouse 1219 SW Park. 503-226-2811. Café, 3434 SE Milwaukie. 503-206-5766. Penny’s Puppets. Best ages 0-10. 10:30- portlandartmuseum.org portlandgreenparenting.com. 11:30 am. Dec. 7: The Sharing Carrot. Dec. 21: Who Stole the Stockings. Dec. ScanFair. See Dec. 1. Make a Hibernating Bear. Craft. Ages 28: The Mitten. $5 per guest or 4 for $17. 3-5. 11 am Dec. 4, 5. FREE, reservations Central Lutheran Church, 1820 NE 21st. Singing Christmas Tree. See Dec. 1. required. Lake Oswego Library, 706 4th. 503-282-9207. PennyPuppets.com. da Vinci Arts Fair. See Dec. 1. 503-636-7628. www.ci.oswego.or.us. Beaverton Tree Lighting. Music, kids’ Visit with Santa. See Dec. 1. crafts, visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. 5 pm Wednesday, Dec. 5 in front of library. Entertainment in park 6 pm. Tree lighting 7 pm. 7-9 pm treats Monday, Dec. 3 Wondrous Wednesday. $3 admission from local businesses, entertainment. to the World Forestry Center Discovery FREE. 12375 SW 5th. 503-526-2559. Craft Club. For grades 2-5, with grown- Museum every first Wed. 10 am-5 pm. $4 beavertonoregon.gov. up. 4-5 pm. FREE, reservations required. parking. 4033 SW Canyon. 503-228-1367. Beaverton Library, 12375 SW 5th. Narnia. Theatre in the Grove presents worldforestry.org. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org. the classic based on the CS Lewis story. Honeybee Hike. Garden walk, craft, 8 pm Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22. 2:30 pm story. Ages 2-6, with grown-up. 10-11 Dec. 9, 16, 23. $14 adults, $12, ages 0-17, Tuesday, Dec. 4 am Wed. $2 per walking child. Leach plus surcharge. 2028 Pacific, Forest Grove. 503-359-5349. Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd. 503- West Salem High School Orchestra. theatreinthegrove.org. Holiday tunes. 10:30, 11:30 am. Free w/ 823-1671. leachgarden.org/classes-and- museum admission $9 person. Portland events/full-event-calendar/. Seeds of Hope. Do Jump! presents Children’s Museum, 4015 SW Canyon. promising young artists performing aerial Metal Madness. Make gifts. Ages 11+. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org. dance, acrobatics and song. Ages 10+. FREE. 6:30-7:45 pm Dec. 5, 4-5 pm Dec. 7 pm Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22. 1, 4:30 pm Baby Hour. 45-minute docent-led tour, 18: Troutdale Library, 2451 SW Cherry Dec. 9, 16, 23. $22 adults, $15 ages 0-12. followed by coffee, chat. Ages 0-1, with Park, 503-988-5355. 6:30-7:30 Dec 19: Echo Theatre, 1515 SE 37th. grown-up. 10 am. $5 members, $15 Sellwood-Moreland Library, 7860 SE 503-231-1232. dojump.org. non-members, reservations required. 13th. 503-988-5398. multcolib.org. Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park. Starry Nights & Holiday Lights. Tualatin 503-226-2811. portlandartmuseum.org Preschool Play & Skate. See Dec. 4. lights floating holiday tree, entertain- ment, kids’ activities, Santa. 5:30 pm, lighting 6:30 pm. FREE. Tualatin Com- mons, 8325 SW Nyberg. 503-691-3061. tualatinoregon.gov. Story and Stroll. Naturalist-led story and walk. Best ages 2-6. 1-2:15 pm Dec. 7, 14, 28. FREE, reservations required. Tryon Creek State Park, 11321 SW Terwilliger. 503-636-9886 xt 225. tryonfriends.org. Target FREE First Friday. Enjoy the museum. FREE from 4 -8 pm. Portland Children’s Museum. 4015 SW Canyon. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org. First Friday Family Film. Showing movie A Christmas Story. Ages 2-12. 6:30 pm. FREE. Bethany Presbyterian Church, 15505 NW Springville. 503-645-1166. bethanypc.com. Oaks Park’s Kids Morning Skate is fun for the whole family, geared especially for kids 10 and younger. Mario Kart. Wii tournament. Grades 4-6. PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKS PARK 3 pm. FREE, reservations required.
34 December 2012 metro-parent.com Family Favorite Cinnamon Bear Cruise. Board the Portland Spirit for a magical 2-hour holiday cruise featuring treats, storytelling, music and magic. Photo with Cinnamon Bear. 10 am, 2 pm Dec. 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 24. Noon Dec. 17-21, 26, 27. 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm, Dec 22, 23. $30 adults, $22 child. 503-224-3900. Board at SW Salmon and Naito. cinnamonbearcruise.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PORTLAND SPIRIT
Lake Oswego Library, 706 4th. 503-636- School, 13515A SE Rusk, Milwaukie. 7628. www.ci.oswego.or.us. 503-882-3322. micha-elschool.org. LO Mom’s Club Holiday Faire. Photos Holiday Market. French American with Santa, music, art, more. 2:30-7:30 International School’s holiday market, pm. FREE. West End Building, 4101 Kruse entertainment, more. 9 am-4 pm. Way. 503-675-2549. ci.oswego.or.us. Free admission. 8500 NW Johnson. 503-292-7776. faispdx.org. Great Expectations. See Dec. 6. Magical Winter Faire. Artisan market- The Velveteen Rabbit. See In the place, crafts, games, entertainment, food, Spotlight on p. 32. more. 10 am-4pm. Free admission. Ce- Seeds of Hope. See Dec. 7. darwood Waldorf School, 3030 SW 2nd. 503-245-1477. cedarwoodschool.org. Tuba Christmas. 200+ tubas play holiday Saturday, Dec. 8 songs. 1:30 pm. FREE. Pioneer Court- Children’s Holiday Gift Making Faire. house Square, 701 SW 6th. 503-223-1613. Make holiday crafts with your child. 10 am- pioneercourthousesquare.org. 1 pm. Reservations required. Micha-el
DIAPER SERVICE and Natural Baby Boutique www.tideedidee.com Bring in this ad for 1 FREE WEEK DIAPER SERVICE with 4 prepaid weeks One Coupon per customer, please Vancouver and Salem (800) 540-4547 Portland (503) 777-3856
metro-parent.com December 2012 35 December Family Calendar
talented young musi- cians of the Metropoli- tan youth Symphony perform three concerts this month, dec. 2, 8 & 9. PHOTO COURTESY OF METROPOLITAN YOUTH SYMPHONY PHOTO COURTESY OF METROPOLITAN
Junior Gardener Club. Found object art. Funky Chicken. Learn to care for chick- Ages 5-10, with adult. 10 am. Admission ens, turkeys, farm fun. Ages 5-12. 9 am-3 + $5 per child. Oregon Garden, pm. $59 Jump for Joy Farm, 15898 S 879 W Main, Silverton. 503-874-8100. Springwater, Oregon City. 503-610-3276. oregongarden.org. jumpforjoyfarm.com. Belmont Firehouse Safety Saturday. Holiday Gift Workshop. Crafts, enter- Tour historic firehouse, safety tips. 9 am-3 tainment. Ages 6-12. 10 am-noon. $27 LO pm. FREE. 900 SE 35th. 503-823-3615. residents, $31 non-residents, reservations jeffmorrisfoundation.org. required. Lake Oswego Parks and Rec. West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way. 503- Second Saturday. Make musical 675-2549. www.ci.oswego.or.us. instruments from cast-offs. Ages 3-12, with grown-up. 1-3 pm. FREE. Water The Velveteen Rabbit. See In the Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Spotlight on p. 32. Columbia Way, Vancouver. 360-487-7111. cityofvancouver.us. Pinkalicious: The Musical. See Dec. 1. Metropolitan Youth Symphony. String Great Expectations. See Dec. 6. groups perform. 7 pm. $10 general, $5 Visit With Santa. See Dec. 1. students. Marylhurst University Chapel, 17600 Pacific Hwy., Marylhurst. 503-239- Evergreen Movies. See Dec. 1. 4566. playmys.org. Guided Nature Walk. See Dec. 1. Holiday Crafts for Kids. Make gifts. Ages 6-11. 10 am-noon Dec. 8, 15. $60. Gallery360, 111 W 9th, Vancouver. 360- Sunday, Dec. 9 713-4390. gallery360.org. Chanukah Wonderland. Help build The Remarkable Snow Flake. Penny’s 8-foot LEGO Menorah, plus music, crafts, puppets perform. 2 pm. FREE. Lake play zone, storytime, food to buy, more. Oswego Library, 706 4th. 503-636-7628. 1:30-3:30 pm. $12 family, $4 child. Port- www.ci.oswego.or.us. land Jewish Federation, Chabad of the Eastside. Beverly Cleary School, 1915 NE Nature Ornaments and Gifts. Book- 33rd. 503-977-9947. chabadoregon.com. marks, magnets, ornaments, more. Ages 5-9. 1:30-3:30 pm. $13 in-district, reserva- Wreath Making. Materials, refreshments tions required. Nature Park Interpretive provided. 11 am, 1 pm. $25, reservations Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way. 503-629- required. McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 6350. thprd.org. SW Halsey, Troutdale. 503-669-8610. Christmas in the Country. Traditional Curious Garden. Kiddo theatre, open music, hot cider, Santa photos. 11 am-4 mic at end. Best ages 0-8. 10:30 am. $5 pm Dec. 8, 9. FREE. Santa photos $5 per donation. Curious Comedy Theater, 5225 sitting, free if using your camera. Philip NE MLK. 503-477-9477. curiouscomedy. Foster Farm, 29912 SE Hwy. 211, Eagle org. Creek. 503-637-6324. philipfosterfarm. Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Or- com. chestra groups at 2 pm. Jazz groups and
36 December 2012 metro-parent.com flute choir at 5 pm. $10 general, $5 youth. Tigard High School, 9000 SW Durham. 503-239-4566. playmys.org. For more holiday events, Family Yoga Class. Strengthen family see Holiday Highlights, page 28. connections with movement. 11 am- noon. $15 family. Shine Yoga, 2377 NW Westover. 541-778-4541. yogaplay- grounds.net. Thursday, Dec. 13 Emma Rose Kids’ Karaoke Hour. Nine- Tot Thursday. Crafts and storytime. Ages year old hosts. Ages 1-17. 1-4 pm Dec. 9, 1-6. 11 am. FREE. Hopworks BikeBar, 23. FREE. Pink Feather, 14154 SE Division. 3947 N Williams. 503-232-4677. hop- 503-761-2030. Pink-Feather.com worksbeer.com. Seeds of Hope. See Dec. 7. Evergreen Movies. See Dec. 1. The Velveteen Rabbit. See In the Spot- light on p. 32. Friday, Dec. 14 Pinkalicious: The Musical. See Dec. 1. Caillou Celebration. Play with PBS’s Cinnamon Bear Cruise. See Family Caillou books, music, art, games. Ages Favorite on p. 35. 0-6, with grown-up. 10:30-11:30 am. FREE, reservations required. Beaverton PAM Family Tour. See Dec. 2. City Library, 12375 SW 5th. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org. Monday, Dec. 10 Coyote Connections. Drop the kids for a night of coyote study and search. Pizza Noontime Showcase. The Dickens dinner included. Ages 6-12. 6-9 pm. $25 Carolers. Noon. FREE. 1111 SW in-district, reservations required. Nature Broadway. 503-248-4335. pcpa.com. Park Interpretive Center, 15655 SW Mil- likan Way. 503-629-6350. thprd.org. Tuesday, Dec. 11 Seeds of Hope. See Dec. 7. Hopworks Tot Tuesday Storytime and Narnia. See Dec. 7. Crafts. Every second Tuesday at 11 am. Arts activity, storytime and light snacks. ZooZoo. See In the Spotlight on p. 32. Ages 1-8. FREE. Hopworks, 2944 SE Pow- ell. 503-232-4677. hopworks- beer.com. Catch Penny’s Puppets $4 Zoo Tuesday. See the – featuring lamby – in The Sharing Carrot, Oregon Zoo for $4 per person. dec. 7. 9 am-4 pm. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SE Canyon. 503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org. Family Game Night. Ages 4-10, with family. 6:30-7:30 pm. FREE. West Linn Library, 1595 Burns. 503-656-7853. westlin- noregon.gov. Preschool Play & Skate. See PHOTO COURTESY OF PENNY’S PUPPET PRODUCTIONS Dec. 4.
Wednesday, Dec. 12 Saturday, Dec. 15 Pop-Up Books! Create pop-up scenes. Santa Fly-In. Santa arrives in a helicopter, Grades 2-5, with grown-up. 4-5:30 pm. carols, more. 9:30 am. $12 kids, member FREE, reservations required. Beaverton discount. Evergreen Aviation and Space City Library, 12375 SW 5th. 503-350-3600. Museum, 500 NE Captain Michael King beavertonlibrary.org. Smith Way, McMinnville. 503-434-4185. evergreenmuseum.org. Preschool Play & Skate. See Dec. 4. Parent’s Survival Night. Fitness fun, Honeybee Hike. See Dec. 5. crafts, music and snack for kids, parents get some alone time. Ages 3-12. 6-9:30 pm. $26, member discount, reservations
metro-parent.com December 2012 37 December Family Calendar
please. The 8:30-10:30 am. $20, reservations required. Do Jump! presents aerial dance, Saturday, Dec. 22 Little Gym, 17890 acrobatics and song in Laurelhurst School, 840 NE 41st. 503-888- SW McEwan, Seeds of Hope Dec. 7-23. 8270. portlandchineselessons.com. Kids Morning Skate. See Dec. 1. Lake Oswego. Seeds of Hope. See Dec. 7. 503-595-9702. Jingle Babies Dance Party. Jiggle to holiday beats. Ages 0-6. 10:30-11:30 am. tlglakeoswegoor. Narnia. See Dec. 7. com. FREE. Beaverton Library, 12375 SW 5th. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org. Princess and the Pea. See Dec. 1. Jingle Bear Concert. Portland Preschool Play & Skate. See Dec. 4. ZooZoo. See In the Spotlight on p. 32. Symphonic Girlchoir Honeybee Hike. See Dec. 5. Penny’s Puppets. See Dec. 7. performs holiday songs, sing along. Cinnamon Bear Cruise. See Family Cinnamon Bear Cruise. See Family With Portland Youth Favorite on p. 35. Favorite on p. 35. Ballet. 6 pm Dec. PHOTO BY JEFFREY FREEMAN (jeffreyfreeman.com), COURTESY OF DO JUMP! 15, 2, 6 pm Dec. 16. Guided Nature Walk. See Dec. 1. $22 adult, $18 kids. Sunday, Dec. 23 World Trade Center, 121 SW Salmon. For local performances of 503-226-6162. girlchoir.com The Nutcracker, see Comfort and Joy. Oregon Symphony Sunday, Dec. 16 Out & About, page 21 and Pacific Youth Choir perform holiday Tale of Two Tricksters. Penny’s Puppets classics. 4 pm. $10-$42, plus surcharge. perform Native American tale. 2-2:45 pm. Posada Milagro. Christmas celebration Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW FREE, tkts. 30 min. prior. Central Library, with theatre, music, dance, traditional 801 SW 10th. 503-988-5123. multcolib. foods (in Spanish). 1-5 pm, stage perfor- Broadway. 503-228-1353. orsymphony. org. org. mance 2, 4 pm. FREE, food donations Thursday, Dec. 20 please. Milagro Theatre, 537 SE Stark. Emma Rose Kids’ Karaoke Hour. See Junior Symphony of Vancouver. Holiday 503-263-7253. milagro.org. Holiday Family Movie. Seasonal flick. All Dec. 9. concert, snacks. 7:30 pm. $20. Water ages, under 10 must have adult. 2 pm. Decorative Wrapping Paper. Make Resources Education Center, 4600 SE FREE. Beaverton Library, 12375 SW 5th. paper, cards, gift bags. Ages 11+. 2-3:30 ZooZoo. See In the Spotlight on p. 32. Columbia Way., Vancouver. 360-696-4084. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org. oregonchamberplayers.org. pm. FREE. Capitol Hill Library, 10723 SW Cinnamon Bear Cruise. See Family Capitol Hwy. 503-988-5385. multcolib.org. Seasonal Storytime. Wintery tales, holi- Favorite on p. 35. Historical Society FREE Day. Dickens day craft. Ages 0-8, with families. 10:30, Seeds of Hope. See Dec. 7. carolers, make a journal, tour museum. 11:30 am. FREE. Beaverton Library, 12375 PAM Family Tour. See Dec. 2. 11 am-3 pm. Oregon Historical Society, Princess and the Pea. See Dec. 1. SW 5th. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary. 1200 SW Park. 503-222-1741. ohs.org. org. Jingle Bear Concert. See Dec. 15. Monday, Dec. 24 Bonfire and Christmas Ships. Dickens Winter Solstice. Stories, science, cider, carolers, bonfire, watch the ships about PAM Family Tour. See Dec. 2. walk. 4-6 pm. FREE. Tryon Creek State Peter Pan. See In the Spotlight on p. 32. 5:30 pm. Treats to purchase. FREE. Park. 11321 SW Terwilliger. 503-636-9886 Milwaukie Riverfront/Jefferson St. Boat xt 225. tryonfriends.org. ZooZoo. See In the Spotlight on p. 32. Ramp. 503-786-7568. ci.milwaukie.or.us. Monday, Dec. 17 ZooZoo. See In the Spotlight on p. 32. Family Holiday Sing Along. The band Peter Pan. See In the Spotlight on p. 32. Tuesday, Dec. 25 Snax leads singing. Door prizes. 2 pm. Evergreen Movies. See Dec. 1. FREE. Forest Grove Library, 2114 Pacific. Cinnamon Bear Cruise. See Family MERRY CHRISTMAS! 503-992-3247. fglibrary.plinkit.org. Favorite on p. 35. Friday, Dec. 21 AC Gilbert Birthday. Scavenger hunt, dancing, crafts, cake, more. Museum tak- Tuesday, Dec. 18 Family Friday Flicks. Arthur ing holiday toy donations. 10 am-5 pm. Christmas, popcorn. Ages Free w/admission of $7 ages 3-59, $3.50 Polar Express. Wear your jammies, hear 4+, with grown-up. 6:30- See the gray whales migrating ages 1-2, free ages 0-1. AC Gilbert Dis- the story, make a reindeer face, snack. 8 pm. FREE. Hillsboro Main south during Winter Whale Watch covery Museum, 116 Marion NE, Salem. 6:30-7:30 pm. FREE. Gresham Library, 385 Library, 2850 NE Brookwood week Dec. 26-30 along the Oregon and Washington coasts. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org. NW Miller. 503-988-5387. multcolib.org. Pkwy. 503-615-6500. hillsboro.plinkit.org. Luscher Farm Family Dinners. One Family Christmas Storytime. Songs, parent and child cook dinner and another stories, craft. 2 pm. FREE. Milwaukie Led- Holiday Family Sleepover. parent and child join later to eat. Aged ding Library, 10660 SE 21st. 503-786-7580. Scavenger hunt, behind-the- 6+. 2-5 pm. $38 LO residents, $43 non- milwaukie.lib.or.us. scenes tour, more. Families with kids ages 6+. 6 pm- residents, reservations required. Preschool Play & Skate. See Dec. 4. Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont, West Linn. 9 am. $60 person, member 503-675-2549. lakeoswegoparks.org. Stories and Balloons. See Dec. 4. discount, reservations re- quired, meals included. Or- Kids Morning Skate. See Dec. 1. Metal Madness. See Dec. 5. egon Coast Aquarium, 2820 Great Expectations. See Dec. 6. SE Ferry Slip Rd., Newport. 541-867-3474. aquarium.org. Lakeshore Learning Crafts. See Dec. 1. Wednesday, Dec. 19 Narnia. See Dec. 7. Winter Arts and Crafts. See Dec. 1. Chinese Morning. Crafting and Chinese culture during late start. School aged. Princess and the Pea. See Dec. 1.
38 December 2012 metro-parent.com PartieS
Wednesday, Dec. 26 Sunday, Dec. 30 Concert at Christmas. Portland Youth Winter Whale Watch Week. See Philharmonic groups, alumni perform. Dec. 26. 7:30 pm. $11-$40, plus surcharge. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broad- ZooZoo. See In the Spotlight on p. 32. way. 503-223-5939. portlandyouthphil.org. PAM Family Tour. See Dec. 2. Winter Whale Watch Week. Volunteers help spot whales migrating south, 24 sites on the coast. 10 am-1 pm Monday, Dec. 31 Dec. 26-30. FREE. See web page for New Year’s Eve Skate Party. Skate in locations. 541-765-3407. oregon.gov. 2013 with games, prizes, fun. All ages. Preschool Play & Skate. See Dec. 4. 7 pm-1 am. $20 person. Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. 503-233-5777. Honeybee Hike. See Dec. 5. oakspark.com. New Year’s @ Noon. Ring in the new Thursday, Dec. 27 year with Greasy Kids Stuff DJs. Noise- maker craft 9:30-11:30 am. Countdowns, The Reluctant Dragon. Dragon Theatre 11, 11:30 am, noon 12:30, 1 pm. Free w/ puppets perform. 2-2:45 pm. FREE. Mid- admission $9. Portland Children’s land Library, 805 SE 122nd. 503-988-5392. Museum, 4015 SW Canyon. multcolib.org. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org. Teen Winter Extravaganza. Games, Friday, Dec. 28 henna, snacks. Wear your PJs. 2-4 pm. Tualatin Public Library, 18878 SW Martin- Fisheries Day: Dungeness Crab. Talk azzi. 503-691-3074. tualatinoregon.gov. to crab fishermen, see gear, activities. 10 am-4 pm. Free w/admission $18.95 New Year’s Eve Family Fun. Celebrate adults, $16.95 ages 13-17, $11.95 ages with music, crafts, free family portraits, 3-12, free ages 2-0. Oregon Coast Aquari- ball drop 9 pm. 6-9 pm. $10, member um, 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd., Newport. discount, advance tickets. AC Gilbert Dis- 541-867-3474. aquarium.org. covery Museum, 116 Marion NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org. Winter Whale Watch Week. See Dec. 26. Peter Pan. See In the Spotlight on p. 32. Penny’s Puppets. See Dec. 7. ZooZoo. See In the Spotlight on p. 32. Story and Stroll. See Dec. 7. Calendar Deadline Details. The calen- dar submission deadline is the 1st of the Saturday, Dec. 29 month preceding the month of publica- Peter Pan. See In the Spotlight on p. 32. tion. All submissions must be made in writing and email submissions are Kids Morning Skate. See Dec. 1. preferred: [email protected]. Lakeshore Learning Crafts. See Dec. 1.
ADVERTISERS INDEx ABC Doula Service ...... 6 Clogs-N-More Kids! ...... 20 IKEA Portland ...... 19 North Clackamas Pediatric Dental The Little Gym ...... 30 Aquatic Park ...... 35 at Bridgeport ...... 25 Academy Theater ...... 18 D’Onofrio & Associates ...... 9 Imagio Theatre ...... 31 TheBettyBook.com ...... 16 Northwest Academy ...... 11 Pediatric Dental Group ...... 36 All Around This World ...... 27 Dentistry for Kids ...... 3 Lakewood Theatre Company.. 29 Thinker Toys ...... 17 Northwest Children’s Theatre . 35 Penny’s Puppet Productions ... 39 America’s Largest Christmas Ecomaids ...... 15 Learning Palace ...... 15 Thorsen’s Surrogate Agency ... 27 Bazaar ...... 20 Northwest Dance Theater ...... 22 Peri Ponchos ...... 15 Evergreen Aviation & Legacy Emanuel Health Care.... 2 Tidee Didee Diaper Service .... 35 BabyLink ...... 36 Space Museum ...... 23 Northwest Primary Care ...... 11 PollutionAction.org ...... 34 Little Garden Preschool ...... 6 Tiny Revolution Montessori Bennett Suzuki Violin Studio ... 36 French American NW Surrogacy Center ...... 6 Portland Children’s Museum ... 33 and Suzuki School ...... 34 Little Smiles Pediatric International School ...... 30 Bob’s Red Mill ...... 17 Dentistry ...... 27 Oaks Park ...... 39 Portland Spirit ...... 29 Tucker Maxon School...... 13 Gresham Pediatric Dentistry ... 23 Boys & Girls Aid ...... 13 Macy’s Santa Land ...... 4 Oregon Children’s Theatre ...... 33 Santa House ...... 40 Unplugged Games...... 16 Hagg’s Christmas Tree Farm ... 29 Cedarwood Waldorf School.... 31 Mad Science ...... 39 Oregon Episcopal School ...... 13 Success Learning Center ...... 13 World of Smiles ...... 11 Harmony Road Music...... 16 Child’s Play Toys...... 15 Mt. Hood Skibowl ...... 22 Oregon Gymnastics Academy 31 Suzuki Portland ...... 13 Zenana Spa & Holiday Express ...... 29 Wellnes Center ...... 20 Childbloom Guitar Program ... 31 Multisensory Learning Oregon Repertory Singers ...... 31 Tears of Joy Theatre ...... 36 Hollywood Children’s Academy ...... 36 Zoo Lights ...... 37 Children of the Sea ...... 31 Oregon Symphony ...... 33 The Christmas Revels ...... 29 Dentistry ...... 34 Music Together ...... 23 Clark Public Utilities ...... 27 PCC Community Educatioin ... 25 The Grotto’s Christmas Hopworks Urban Brewery...... 25 Naturally Playful ...... 15 Festival of Lights ...... 30 Class Academy ...... 7 Pediatric Associates ...... 9
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