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www.valleyparentmagazine.com September 2013 • Free

Girls’ Self Image

Time for School!

Back To School Prevent Head LIce • Valley’s Biggest Family Events Calendar

You see programs that help your child learn teamwork and social skills; they see a

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Vol.12, No.9 September 2013

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Dr. Aurora Sherman and her family

Publisher Steven J. Schultz Editor Chris Barrett

What’s Inside?

It’s Head Lice Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Findings; Kids’ View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Tax Return Preparation Personal • Corporate • Estate • More!

Part Time Jobs for Moms . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Calendar Editor Alicen Arsenault Design Director & Advertising/Design Bobbi Dickerson Contributors: Nanette Dupuy Nathaniel Brodie Christina Katz Heather Lee Leap Sandi Haustein Malia Jacobson

Girls’ Self Image Via Media and . . . . . . 7 Toys: One Parent Professional Shares Her Insights Streamline the Back-to-School . . . . . . . 8 Paper Flood Ten Steps to Preschool Success . . . . . 9 Why I Let my Tween Watch . . . . . . . 10 Trashy TV; Avoiding the No, No, No Syndrome Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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Health

It’s Head Lice Season Peak times for head lice exposures are returns from summer camp and vacations as well as the first semester of the school year.

However, anytime kids are in close contact with one another, lice are possible, if not probable. Have no fear, the lice myth busters are here!

Myth #1 – Head lice infestations occur because of a lack of cleanliness.

Head lice love clean hair! It is easier for them to grip the base of the hair shaft so they can lay their eggs. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), lice feed off a blood protein which they obtain from biting the scalp.

Myth #2 – Head lice are contracted from pets.

The CDC reports, head lice infestation, or pediculosis, is spread most commonly by close person-to-person contact. While head lice can be perceived as contagious, head lice are really human parasites. Dogs, cats, and other pets do not play a role in the transmission of human lice.

Here’s a HElpful Hint...

A mixture of Pantene (conditioner) and baking soda is an effective and common comb out solution after using a prescription lice killing shampoo or green product.

Myth #3 – Lice hop or fly from one infected person to the other.

Head lice multiply easily if there is close proximity to an affected person or their brushes, combs or hats. Head lice are spread most commonly from head to head contact.

Lice have no hind legs to hop and no wings to fly. Head lice do crawl, quite rapidly at times and blend into the hair shaft very well.

Myth #4 – After a lice infestation you must mega-clean your house, top to bottom including steam the carpets and curtains and burn the mattresses!

Housecleaning myths for lice eradication abound! Lice are not bedbugs. They do not survive for long when off their host’s head.

Lice have a 24 to 26-hour survival off a host’s head when removed from their blood supply, so simple vacuuming will work to pick up bugs that have fallen off the head.

Myth #5 - Head lice will go away in one day. Shampooing with overthe-counter pesticides will kill all lice and their eggs.

Whether you choose to go to a doctor for a prescription shampoo or whether you choose one or more of the numerous green products, thorough, consistent comb-outs with a lice comb are required after the shampooing to remove all lice and eggs. Follow-up combings may be required for 7 days, depending on the severity of the infestation.

The Facts Head lice are small insects about the size of a sesame seed. Diagnosis is often made on the basis of finding lice eggs. Eggs are tiny, grayish white, tan or brown ovals that attach very tightly to hair shafts in the hair. These eggs cannot wash off or be blown away. It

Myths, Facts and Solutions

takes some effort to remove them from the hair shaft but once removed by hand or by combing out, they turn brown. Eggs may be found throughout the hair, but often are seen at the nape of the neck, behind the ears and at the crown of the head.

The Solution Sequence While opinions and methodologies vary somewhat, lice removal experts, pharmacists and doctors agree with the following basics.

1. Shampoo with a lice killing shampoo.

You may get a prescription shampoo from a physician or use one of the green products recommended on the specialists’ websites.

Today’s lice are resistant to over-the-counter pesticides. Avoid using them.

2. Do a thorough comb out immediately after the shampoo, using a lice comb.

Comb out after the initial shampoo using a white crème rinse to catch the bugs and eggs, called nits. A lice comb has long teeth and should be wiped with a white paper towel after every combing stroke to remove the lice and nits from the comb.

Any darkness you see in the white liquid is a louse in one of its stages. The initial comb out may take up to 2 hours. Finish one small section of hair at a time and move to the next section.

3. Follow-up comb outs should take place.

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When and how often varies. Some say comb outs should take place every day for 7 days after shampooing. Others say if the initial comb out was thorough, then you another one is not needed until the seventh day. All agree, follow up is vital.

4. Head checks. Since the life cycle of the louse is 14 days, check your child’s head at the two-week mark from initial treatment in case any lice remained.

Prevention 1. Teach children to avoid head to head contact.

2. Teach children not to share brushes, combs or hats.

3. You may choose to use a preventative spray on your child’s head or hair spray product.

The odor acts as a repellent to the lice and the consistency on the hair helps to prevent lice from latching onto the hair shaft.

Lice are as common as the common cold.

While they are frustrating and time consuming to deal with, they do not pose a serious health threat. Don’t panic! Get educated and get combing.

Laura Reagan-Porras is a parenting journalist and mother of two daughters who have battled lice and lived to share the tale.

Counseling with Heart

Registration: Monday, September 30th, 10 am - 2 pm 114 SW 8th Street (inside First Presbyterian Church) 541.740.1600 www.indoor-parks.org your place to play on a rainy day!

Linda Harris, MA http://linda.m.harris.googlepages.com

4 Valley Parent, September 2013

Findings

VP

by Nathaniel Brodie

Sugary Beverages Linked to Obesity in 4- and 5-Year-Olds A new study found that 4- and 5-yearolds who drank one or more sugarsweetened beverages a day, including soda, sports drinks or fruit drinks that are not 100-percent juice, were more likely to be overweight or obese. At age 2, no link was found between sugary drinks and obesity, but these children did have greater changes in their body mass index scores in the following two years than children who did not regularly drink sugary beverages at age 2.

Researchers found regular drinkers of sugar-sweetened beverages also consumed less milk and were more likely to watch more than two hours of television daily. Study authors conclude that parents and caregivers should be discouraged from providing their children with sugar-sweetened beverages, and should instead offer calorie-free beverages and milk.

Kids’ View What is your favorite thing about school?

Abdominal Pain in Children Linked to Anxiety and Depression Later in Life

​Children with functional abdominal pain are more likely to have anxiety or depression during childhood, but few studies have looked at what happens when these kids become adults. In a paper published in the September 2013 issue of Pediatrics, researchers found that, of the adults who had abdominal pain as children, 51 percent had an anxiety disorder during their lifetime (and 30 percent had a current diagnosis). This is compared with 20 percent of adults in a control group who had an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.

Forty percent of adults who had abdominal pain as children had depression during their lifetime, compared to 16 percent of adults in the control group. Study authors conclude that patients with functional abdominal pain carry long-term vulnerability to anxiety that begins in childhood and persists into adulthood, even if their abdominal pain resolves.

Josiah 5 years old “I like doing math because I draw pictures to solve the problems.”

Breastfeeding Duration Appears Associated With Intelligence Later in Life Breastfeeding longer is associated with better receptive language at 3 years of age, as well as verbal and nonverbal intelligence at age 7 years. Put another way, breastfeeding an infant for the first year of life can be expected to increase his or her IQ by about four points or one-third of a standard deviation. According to the study, published by JAMA Pediatrics, “These findings support national and international recommendations to promote exclusive breastfeeding through age 6 months and continuation of breastfeeding through at least age 1 year,” the authors conclude.

Currently, most women do not sustain breastfeeding for the recommended amount of time. In the United States about 70 percent of women initiate breastfeeding, although only 50 percent of African American women do. By six months, only 35 percent of women, overall, and 20 percent of African American women are still breastfeeding.

Father and Teenagers: Desire for Children Affects Relationship A new study suggests that the relationship of fathers to their teenaged children is influenced by the nature of their previous desire for children. The more acute this feeling is, the more closely fathers engage with their children at an everyday level. The more aware the father was of his desire for children, the clearer perception the father has today of his relationship to the child.

According to the survey, such “equivalent” fathers assume more restrictions and burdens upon themselves, such as a career trajectory that develops more slowly. They are also more likely to see the teenager as an individual counterpart than those whom the author describes as “supplementary” and “satellite” fathers. The author also found that while mothers tend to live their relationships with their children on an everyday level, fathers operate under the norm that they must always develop their relationship through special and extraordinary activities. Study subjects depicted motherhood as the model of parental care, and often measured it against fatherhood.

Reading Wordless Storybooks to Toddlers May Expose Them to Richer Language Children hear more complex language from parents when they read a storybook with only pictures compared to a picture-vocabulary book. “Too often, parents dismiss picture storybooks, especially when they are wordless, as not real reading or just for fun,” said the study’s author, Professor Daniela O’Neill. “But these findings show that reading picture storybooks with kids exposes them to the kind of talk that is really important for children to hear, especially as they transition to school.” They found that parents “more frequently used forms of complex talk when reading the picture storybook to their child than the picture vocabulary book.”

The results of the study are significant for both parents and educators because vocabulary books are often marketed as being more educational. “It’s exciting to find that even short wordless picture books provide children with exposure to the kinds of sophisticated language that they will encounter at school and that lay the foundation for later reading development,” said Professor O’Neill.

Selah 7 years old “My favorite thing is when I have only one sheet to finish.”

Nathanial 9 years old

Study Suggests Human Monogamy Evolved For Infant’s Sake The threat of infants being killed by unrelated males is the key driver of monogamy in humans and other primates, a new study suggests. Infants are most vulnerable when they are fully dependent on their mother, because females delay further conception while nursing slowlydeveloping young. This leads to the threat from unrelated males, who can bring the next conception forward by killing the infant.

When fathers care for their young, not only can they protect infants from other males, but they can also share the burden of childcare. Sharing the costs of raising young both shortens the period of infant dependency and can allow females to reproduce more quickly. As growing a big brain is “expensive” and requires that offspring mature slowly, caring fathers may explain how large brains could evolve in humans. Once fathers decide to stick around and care for young, mothers can then change their reproductive decisions and have more, brainy offspring.

“Recess because it is our own time to do whatever we want.”

Destiny 9 years old “Hanging out with my friends because I get to see people that I don’t get to see at home.”

Tim 7 years old “I like math because I know division and I’m only supposed to know addition and subtraction.”

September 2013, Valley Parent

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VP

JOb Sharing is another Family Friendly Option Do you want to work in your field but can’t manage a full time position? Why not propose a job share? Job sharing allows for two people to fill a full time position, while splitting the hours and the benefits. This is a win-win situation for both employers and employees.

For the employees, you will have more flexibility in your schedule, making your job family friendly. Moms can keep their foot in the door with their careers while being able to spend a few days at home with their children. Job sharing provides the best of both worlds – a mental boost from staying home with children without having to miss out on all the special days.

Financially, job sharing is ideal. Most job shares are set up for higher paying jobs which will offer moms more pay than the average part time job. In addition, because you are only working a few days a week, the sting of childcare costs is not as painful.

Choose a job share partner that has your same approach to work and that has children about the same age. Keep your employer happy by choosing someone who is responsible, dependable and trustworthy. When there is friction in the job share relationship, you may both be in jeopardy of losing your jobs.

15 More Home Based Business That Work for Moms Interested in starting a home based business but not sure what to do? Here are 15 more family friendly businesses that can easily work around a mom’s schedule.

Business to Business Services • Accounting/Tax Preparation • Web Design • Courier Service • Graphic Design • Consulting Retail Sales (Online or home based) • Used Book Seller (Amazon/Abe Books) • Direct Sales (Pampered Chef, Avon, etc.)

Creative • Freelance Writing • Sewing (Seamstress/Alterations) • Home Staging Home Services • Computer Repair • Gardening Consulting/Startup/Service • Home Organizer • Babyproofing • Home Inspector 6 Valley Parent, September 2013

Back-to-School

Part-Time Jobs for Moms Thinking about going back to work this year? You are not alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics in 2012, the labor force participation rate for mothers was 70.5%. Would that number be higher if more moms could find a job that was accommodating to their family’s schedule?

Even as our children get older and are at school most of the day, moms still need to be home in time to chauffer kids to soccer practice, help with homework and get dinner on the table. Finding a job that can be done between 9:00 and 3:00 is rare, but even that has its challenges. You may still lack the flexibility to volunteer in your child’s classroom, to stay home with a sick child or to take the summer off.

Ideally, a mom needs a job that adapts to her family and their schedule. That means starting your own business, finding work that is seasonal, or working within the school district.

Take a look below at some familyfriendly jobs for moms.

Be your own boss Dog Walker/Pet Sitter – Dog walkers work mid-day to give four-legged friends a potty break.

Pet sitters care for pets either in their own home or the pet’s home when their family is on vacation.

Check out the National Association for Professional Petsitters (http://www. petsitters.org/)for more information.

Academic Tutor – This is a great job for a mom with a teaching degree! Work after school, weekends or evenings. Spread the word in your neighborhood, area schools and the library.

Music Instructor – Use your talents to teach kids how to play an instrument, read music or use the full range of their voice. Seek guidance at music instruction associations in your area.

Home Childcare – Moms already know how to take care of kids and have safety features, such as gates and electrical plugs, in place in their home. Check your city’s requirements and licensing for home-based day care. Want summers off? Offer before and after school care instead of a full day daycare.

Lactation Consultant – Remember that

wonderful woman who came to help you when you were a new mom? Imagine being that angel for someone else. For information on training and certification, check out Healthy Children’s Center for Breastfeeding (www.healthychildren.cc).

Online Retail – eBay or Etsy – Most people have sold at least one thing on

eBay in the past few years. Check out eBay University to find out how you can be a successful eBayer! If you are a talented artist or crafter, your products will sell well on Etsy.

There are plenty of how-to books available for both eBay and Etsy.

Virtual Assistant – VA’s offer professional administrative services to remote clients from the comfort of their own home.

This service is often used by small businesses who cannot afford to staff an administrative assistant. For more information, see the International Virtual Assistants Association (http://www.ivaa.org/).

Photographer – Photographers are in demand for product shots, family portraits, kid’s sporting events, weddings or whatever else interests them. Photographers can also sell their work to stock photo sites such as iStockPhoto or ShutterPoint.

Personal Trainer – Get certified to teach

yoga, Zumba or as a personal trainer. Hold classes in your house or travel to your clients’ homes. This business is perfect for a mom as you can create your own schedule and work around any personal appointments you already have.

Freelance – Many people assume freelance work is for writers only. However, a quick scan of elance.com will show you that freelancers are needed for IT, accounting and web design. Bid on assignments that work for your skill level and time commitment. Check out other freelance sites like oDesk, Guru, or Freelancer.com.

Work for the school district and have summer’s off Crossing Guard – Crossing Guards are either employed by the police department or the school district. Most work regular morning and afternoon shifts during the school year right in their own neighborhood.

Food Service Assistant – Popularly referred as the “Lunch Lady,” moms are often hired to work in the cafeterias in grades K-12. This is a perfect job for moms with school -aged kids as you work only when they are in school.

Substitute teacher – Not all states require substitute teachers to have a teaching degree. Requirements are either determined by the state or individually by school district. For more information on requirements in your area, check out Stedi. org.

Classified substitute – What happens when the school secretary or educational assistant gets sick? Schools need subs for these positions as well. Apply at your local school district.

School Bus Driver – Typical school bus drivers work 20 to 30 hours per week. School bus drivers need to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), undergo training and receive passenger and school bus endorsements. Check out your local driver’s license facility for more information.

Pam Molnar is a freelance journalist and small business owner. She has launched several successful businesses while staying home with her three children.

photo by thistledown photos

Expert Advice

VP

Girls’ Self Image Via Media and Toys: One Parent Professional Shares Her Insights

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One might expect that toy and media companies would be concerned with—after the bottom line, of course—the best interests of their consumers, no matter what their age; so it can come as a surprise to learn that the growing presence of sexy imagery—as well as longstanding characterizations limited by stereotypes—targeted at young girls can actually be debilitating to their emotional, and even, stunningly, physical health. For example, girls who consume media that focus on body consciousness (rather than intelligence or creativity) are at higher risk for precursors to eating disorders, and even exhibit lower happiness than girls who engage with the same media at lower rates.

That hardly means all girls are affected the same. Plenty of kids raised on Tinkerbell and Bratz dolls are growing up to be valedictorians and successful athletes. Simply being exposed to unrealistic and overly sexual role models doesn’t have to define a child for the rest of his or her life. However, for parents who wish to become more informed consumers of the imagery in their children’s lives, I spoke with Dr. Aurora Sherman, an associate professor of Psychological Science at Oregon State University. She has studied psychology, development, and behavior for over 15 years, is a parent to a nine year old daughter, and was a speaker at Old World Deli’s April Science Pub “Sex in Play: From Dolls to Sports, Sexualized Culture Affects Youth.”

Since the dawn of toys and media, most products directed at girls have been influenced by feminine stereotypes of acquiescence and limited interests such as childcare, shopping, and princess life. But as women’s roles in the

family and workplace are changing, children’s entertainment is slow to catch up. Female characters are often passive actors in their stories. While more female characters are being created with an impressive skill (such as archery, piloting, or language fluency), they are still often relegated to being “helpers” to the male characters. Says Dr. Sherman: “The biggest message to girls from a variety of media is to be attractive and nurturing to others at all costs, even of their own interests, agency and personhood. On the other hand, media models for boys tell them that they are their own boss, the s boss of their environ- photo ment and the boss of girls.” Many parents have begun to wonder why there is still such a difference in role models for boys and girls, and what that means for their own children, regardless of gender.

In addition to the ongoing narrow presentations of girl characters and toys, there has been a steady increase in sexualization.

On that note, Dr. Sherman adds “…we are teaching the value of girls and women to boys as well as girls. When we communicate that girls are passive and boys are active, or that the value of girls and women largely resides in their attractiveness or sexual availability or ‘hotness,’ boys are learning how to treat

girls, and eventually as men, how to treat their female peers, bosses, educators, co-workers, and potential partners and children.” From Bratz dolls to Snow White, girls and boys are receiving subtle cues of what it means to be female.

Again, that’s not to say all children will respond to the same media and toys in the same way. But it’s good to know that some children have strong, noticeable reactions. “The data on body dissatisfaction that is evident by the time girls are four to five years old is the most heartbreaking to me,” says Dr. Sherman. “Certainly eating disorders are caused by several different influences, but there is certainly a link between disordered eating and feeling chronically dissatisfied with one’s body that is different between boys and girls. The body dissatisfaction of girls increases as they are exposed to more media that has a heavy emphasis on attractiveness, beauty, and sexiness.”

Just how much targeted sexualization affects girls isn’t known yet, Dr. Sherman notes, “which is one of the reasons I am invested in my research program.

However, we know that adult women who experience sexualization show a variety of negative outcomes, including poor math and spatial performance, being dissatisfied with their body, and a

high level of consciousness of the appearance of their body to the exclusion of what their body can do.”

“As a developmental psychologist, I think it’s never too early to examine one’s parenting values and see whether they are in line with what is in a child’s environment,” she says.

“I don’t expect that all parents will agree on all those values, nor should we all agree.” It’s up to each family to determine their beliefs and priorities. “Once [your] values are clear, it’s important to look at the kinds of media children are seeing, reading, hearing and watching and make decisions that are about the individual child. I really believe that each parent is the best expert in their own child and can decide what is an appropriate toy for their family.”

From her own experiences raising a daughter, Dr. Sherman is happy to recommend these positive resources: Online Hardy Girls Healthy Women; Daughters. com; A Mighty Girl; The Amelia Bloomer Project; and Teaching Tolerance.

Toys Building blocks; pretend play toys like cooking toys and costumes; puppets and plush toys; science kits; puzzles; art supplies; baby dolls; and lines of dolls such as Groovy Girls or Corolle Camille. Her own daughter’s personal favorites included playdough, blocks, musical instruments, books, art supplies, and now, a bow and arrow set.

The Toy Factory (with Corvallis and Albany locations) does not carry sexualized doll brands. Good catalogues include Hearthsong and The Magic Cabin.

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Back-to-School

Streamline the Back-To-School Paper Flood

Register for Fall! n FALL CLASSES starting September 12 n MEEt & GREEt Sept 7, 10:30-12:30pm n BIRtHDAY PARtIES & RENtALS tOO!

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Now Enrolling! creative and critical thinking foundation for life long learning multidisciplinary education

The first day of school is promising. Your children are coiffed and coutured in their cleanest and newest. They are nervous, excited, maybe a little anxious.

Surely there are a few tears to wipe away, maybe a couple of family members to call or e-mail with the reports of “how big” and “so brave.” Emotions and expectations are running high, and then, guess what comes home along with the report about how the first day went?

A deluge of paper, that’s what.

And this is only the beginning.

Piles form, coming via backpacks or extended in the clutches of paint-and-glitter-covered hands.

Stacks quickly start to teeter with appeals for donations, requests for volunteer time, yearbook payments and extra-curricular enrichment, and calls to rally school spirit.

If you have multiple kids, you’d better act fast before a torrent of paper takes over an entire room in your home. What happened to the paper-free plan? Remember how technology was going to relieve us of all of this paper madness?

Maybe we’ll get there some day. In the meantime, a steady stream of paperwork is heading your way, and you need to learn how to manage it. After six years of dividing and conquering a volley of school communications, I’ve got my paper-flow systems down pat.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Recycle Most Of It. Initially, you will look at what your kids hand you and think, “Oh my gosh, my baby made this.” But, trust me, the thrill quickly chills. Ask yourself instead, “Will my child suffer, or will we miss a critical parent-teacher communication if I throw this away?” If the answer is, “No,” toss it-quickly. When you are unsure, invest in some inexpensive cloth wall pockets to temporarily store the papers you can’t bear to part with yet, like school directories or instructions for future events you plan to participate in.

Pick & Choose. Your first year through the “paper mill,” you’ll need to learn what to participate in and what to pass over. So think of year one as your paper prioritizing initiation. PTA? Yes. Fun Run? Okay. Basketball fundraiser? Maybe not this year. Scholastic book purchases every month? It’s up to you.

Select what you can manage and don’t worry about doing more. Whatever you can handle; let it be enough.

Respond Immediately. Don’t confuse matters by waiting until later. If “immediately” doesn’t work for you, take care of multiplestep responses on Fridays or Mondays or whatever day works best. Then, the next time the teacher is hollering through her paper megaphone that this is the tenth reminder to send in field trip money, you will smile smugly and recycle it. Because you always take care of those requests the first time around.

But It’s Art! Create display cycles for kids’ artwork for maximum enjoyment before the works go to the big craft heaven in the sky (or the big plastic tub in the basement or the attic or under the bed). In the meantime, hang up a “clothesline” in the kitchen, put up kid’s artwork frames around the house, and hang strips magnetized or cork strips in their rooms for the parade of self-expression to come. If you put art up and out for a while, and take

photos of it, you might be willing to let go of it sooner.

Preserve The Standouts. Your child does not want to remember that she was the last one in class to memorize her addition and subtraction tables, so throw the evidence away. But she may wish to remember the awesome story she wrote when she could barely spell about how she and her best friend stared down a millipede on the playground during recess. Set aside one large plastic tub for each child’s artwork and ephemera.

The best time for shaking down the clutter that is bound to accumulate in tubs is each summer, once you’ve regained some detachment.

My, That’s Bulky. More power to teachers who can make lessons three-dimensional wonders of elbow noodles, glue, and glitter. Have your child pose with the masterpiece.

Get several shots. Make sure you get a good one. Then “store” the masterpiece in the basement or garage on a special shelf or rack set aside for amazing artwork. Discretely dispose of the whole lot at the beginning of each new school year, leaving room for more.

Share The Wealth. At some point, you will have your paper trail tamed but there is virtually nothing you can (or should) do to hamper your child’s insatiable desire to create.

Encourage your little Picasso instead. Keep manila envelopes addressed and ready-to-mail relatives in one of your cloth wall pockets so you can easily czapture and share some of the seasonal artwork overflow for relatives.

You’ve got a lot of paper joy floating around your home-you may as well share the wealth.

Happy back to school!

Christina Katz likes school, back-to-school shopping, and even some of the parents who insist on double-parking at child pick-up time, but paper clutter doesn’t stand a chance.

Her latest book is The Writer’s Workout from Writer’s Digest Books.

Preschool, Kindergarten and Grades 1-8

Tame Paper Flow With These Organizational Tools

For enrollment details (541) 758-4674 www.corvalliswaldorfschool.org

8 Valley Parent, September 2013

• Cloth wall pockets or standing paper sorter • Clotheslines with string, wire or ribbon and eyehooks • Clothespins

• Magnetic or cork strips with magnets or pushpins • Kid’s artwork frames • Large plastic tubs for the basement or under the bed

• White boards and dry-erase markers • Digital camera with hard drive back up system

Back-to-School

VP

Ten Steps To Preschool Success The beginning of preschool is a major milestone for children and their parents.

Preschool presents new challenges, even for children who have been in day care. Many preschools have expectations more commonly associated with kindergarten or first grade.

Some preschools even have entrance exams that require a child to demonstrate specific skills.

Preschool readiness results from a combination of natural childhood growth processes and learned skills. Children have different timetables for such natural milestones as crawling and walking, and parents can do little to affect when these skills will emerge. In contrast, there are numerous abilities that depend on learning, and parents can do much to provide an environment in which such learning will occur.

You can prepare your child for preschool success by incorporating some simple activities into your child’s daily routine. Here are some specific ideas: Talk With Your Child, Not At Him. Preschool is a verbal place where children are required to express themselves in words. Give your child a lot of practice by encouraging conversations among family members at home. When your child is telling you something, focus your attention on her and on what she is saying. Ask questions so she will tell you more.

Find Playmates. Give your child the opportunity to play with children his own age. At first each child may engage in his own activity, although other children are present. Psychologists call this “parallel play,” a developmental skill that must be

mastered prior to “interactive play,” in which children actively engage each other.

Gradually introduce the concept of sharing,

developing perceptual pathways in the brain.

Many preschools emphasize sensory activities in their reading readiness programs.

but understand that children develop this skill at different rates.

Emphasize Physical Play. A child’s muscle control develops in sequence from larger, looser movements to smaller, more detailed ones. For this reason, hours spent running, jumping, throwing a ball, and climbing will make a child more able to master holding a crayon or pair of scissors later on. Public parks are excellent places for play that will enhance your child’s physical abilities.

Provide Sensory Play Experiences.

Playing with sand and water allows children to learn about the properties of each, while

Introduce Materials And Tools.

Provide your child with paper, fat crayons, washable markers, child-sized safety scissors, removable tape, and stick glue. Let them create pictures, cut outs, and greeting cards.

Teach them to hold and use these tools safely.

Read To Your Child. Read to your child, pausing occasionally to discuss pictures or action in the book. Your child will love having you close, and she will learn how to properly handle and enjoy a book. Some children learn to read the alphabet, or even words, just by following along with a parent’s reading.

Teach Hygiene For Good Health.

Preschools are incubation rooms for germs,

so make sure your child knows how to wash his hands before eating and after using the bathroom. Teach him to sneeze and cough into a tissue. Most preschools will expect children to observe these simple rules of hygiene.

Provide Structured Activities.

Play simple games with your children and emphasize that following rules makes the game go smoothly. If your child doesn’t have routines for getting up in the morning and going to bed, establish regular sequences of tasks for those times. Make a chart with boxes that your child can check as tasks are completed.

Visit Preschools With Your Child. Let your child get used to the idea of preschool with visits designed to tantalize. Point out the attractive toys and activities. Remember that some fear and a period of adjustment are normal.

Explore Your Own Feelings.

Preschool can be more traumatic for the parent than for the child. Sometimes it’s painful to realize that our “babies” aren’t babies anymore. Accept that it may be an emotional time. Try to separate your own emotions from any adjustment difficulties your child may experience.

Start your child on the road to success in preschool and beyond. Use the suggestions outlined above to ensure that ongoing skill development is fun for both of you. These are years to be treasured, so remember to enjoy them!

— Sharon Nolfi, M.A., MFT

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Our professional staff will assist you through every detail from start to finish with only one goal in mind, to exceed your expectations.

For Information Call Albany Golf & Event Center at (541) 926-6059 or visit www.albany-golf.com September 2013, Valley Parent

9

VP

Strategies

Why I Let my Tween Watch Trashy TV

Avoiding the

No, No, No Syndrome

Most parents would agree that they get tired of saying “no” to their children. Some days it seems as if all they say is “no.” And sometimes it seems children know if they keep asking, eventually parents will get tired of saying “no” and change to “Oh, I suppose so,” just to end the confrontation.

Here’s an alternative, and you can use it as a rule: If you’ve been trying to get your child to pick up his toys, and he wants to watch a video instead, for example, the rule works like this: “When you’ve picked up your toys, then you can watch the video.”

Or “When you’ve picked up your clothes, then you can go play with Jim.” Be sure to keep the sequence in the right order because younger children may misunderstand if the statement is backwards.

Children can understand how “when/then” statements work, and this kind of training helps them learn to take responsibility for their own actions.

And parents can avoid repeating the word “no.”

I let my daughter watch shows and movies that many parents would firmly consider inappropriate for a 12-year-old. Her current favorite show is “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” She’s watching it from the beginning on Netflix.

Do I think this show is appropriate for tween viewers? No! Not at all. So why am I letting her watch it and other programs with mature content?

It opens a dialogue My daughter was exposed to drugs on the school playground in 5th grade. While I wish the mature topics being addressed on the shows on networks like ABC Family weren’t occurring in middle schools, they are. Ignoring them doesn’t do our children any good.

These are topics that don’t always lend themselves easily to every day conversation; however, movies and TV make it easy to dive into these subjects.

Bringing reality to the subject matter My problem with the shows isn’t really the content. It’s the way the content is presented. Pregnant teenagers aren’t typically given a condo to live in by their parents, for example, like Ben and Adrienne were on “Secret Life.”

I take all of this into consideration when chatting with my daughter about the show.

We talk about how unrealistic situations are and I remind her that it’s TV, not real life.

We discuss the reasons a gymnast might develop an eating disorder or the benefits of talking troubles over with a therapist.

Most of all, I emphasize that most problems can’t actually be wrapped up in an hour or two.

Is your child ready for more mature viewing?

That’s a personal decision that only you can make. Start by watching the movie or TV show on your own first. Then watch it with your child and see how they react.

Pause it to ask open ended questions like, “What do you think about that?” and “What do you think she should do?” Be

Rachael Moshman is mom to a tween and a freelance writer. Soap operas and and reality TV have long been amongst her guilty pleasures.

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10 Valley Parent, September 2013

ready to answer questions and share your own experiences.

My daughter and I have spent hours bonding over trashy teen TV shows. Our relationship has grown and she now feels comfortable asking me questions about sex, relationships, drugs and anything else even when the TV is off.

VP

Calendar

September 2013 Ongoing Events

All Boys Hip Hop. Dance Corvallis, 1898 SW 3rd St., Corvallis. 5:30 Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m.

Fridays. First class is free. $40/month for returning students. Boys can benefit from dance and the concentration and strength that dance builds.

These classes are designed to encourage athleticism. Boys will work on individual skills as well as a group combination. Visit www.dancecorvallis. com for details or call (541) 556-2470.

Build a Better Marriage! Osborn Aquatic Center Meeting Room, 1940 NW Highland Dr, Corvallis.

6:45-8:45 p.m. 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays of each month. Recommended donation: $5/adult/ evening. Award-winning program called “The Third Option,” where essential concepts and tools for growing and strengthening marriages are presented and discussed. Children can swim for free while parents invest in their marriages. Begin at any time. For details contact Dave Jackson, MS, MAMFT at (541) 760-9637 or TTOCorvallis@ gmail.com or see the Marriage Works. Family Matters. website at www.mwfm.org.

Drop N Shop. Wacky Indoor Bounce, 202 NW 3rd St., Corvallis. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-7 p.m. Thursdays. $12 per child. It’s your time to shop or run errands, have a lunch date with a friend or spouse or workout.

Reservations are required and are for a 2 hour time slot, preferable one week in advance and child must be out of diapers. Snack crackers and beverages are provided. Call (541) 757-6512 or visit www.wackybounce.com to reserve your spot.

Family Climb Time. Indoor Climbing Center, 425 SW 26th St., Corvallis. 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $3 per child, $6 per adult with a two-kids-per-parent limit. Parents who are RecSports members bring only their current OSU ID to get in. Parents/guardians must sponsor and belay the child at all times. Visit http://oregonstate. edu/recsports/node/58#Family%20Climb or call (541) 737-1595 for information.

Mommy and Me Dance. Dance Corvallis, 1898 SW 3rd St., Corvallis. 3:30 p.m. Mondays, 1:30 Thursdays. First class is free. $40/month for returning students. This 40 minute class focuses on teaching young children coordination and the fundamentals of a dance class. They will sing and dance along to their favorite songs, while having fun with new friends. For ages 18 months-3 ½ years with any adult. Visit www.dancecorvallis. com for details or call (541) 556-2470.

Open Recreation Swim at Osborn Aquatic Center. 1940 NW Highland Dr., Corvallis. 1-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor pools available Saturday and Sunday through October 4. $4.75/Adults, $3.75/youth 7-17, $2.50/children 0-6. Visits www.corvallisoregon.gov/pool or call (541) 766-7946 for information.

Oregon by Nature. Benton County Historical Museum, 1101 Main St., Philomath. 10 a.m.4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through 2013. Free.

Oregon By Nature includes Oregon state symbols, a 19th century Klamath canoe made from a single fir tree, mammals, birds, fossils, rocks, a handson area and a few other surprises. Informational

labels are available on touch screen computers or your own smartphone. See www.bentoncountymuseum.org/exhibitions/kimono/ for information.

Parent/Child Swim Class. Albany Community Pool, 2150 36th Ave. SE, Albany. 6-6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays. $4/child, free/parents or $37/10 class punch card. Drop in class, no registration required. Visit www.cityofalbany.net/ departments/parks-and-recreation/aquatics/albanycommunity-pool for details or call (541) 967-4521.

Quilt Country 2013. Various locations. See website for times. Free. Exhibits shown through October. Quilt County 2013 honors the art and craft of quilt making with 24 diverse exhibits. See www.quiltcounty.org for information.

Toddler Time Swim at Osborn Aquatic Center.

1940 NW Highland Dr., Corvallis. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday. Outdoor pools available 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays through October 4. $4.75/Adults, $3.75/youth 7-17, $2.50/children 0-6. Children 6 and under are invited to enjoy a fun, mellow time in the pool. Siblings 8 and under welcome. The relaxed experience during this special session is designed to help infants and toddlers grow comfortable in the water. A parent or guardian needs to accompany their children. Visits www.corvallisoregon.gov/pool or call (541) 7667946 for information.

Friday 6

Beading 101 Demo. Creative Crafts, 934 NW Kings Blvd., Corvallis. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free. Learn the basics of jewelry making. See http://www.creativecraftsandframeshop.com/ for information.

Dance With Me Registration. 132 S 17th St., Philomath. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Dance With Me offers classes for ages 2-adult. Class offerings include Ballet, Hip-Hop, Kids and Middle School Dance Team, Cheerleading, Tumbling, Zumba, and Core Fusion (Yoga and Pilates to Music). Free Zumba class on September 4 from 7-8 p.m. Call (541) 760-6821 or visit https://www.facebook. com/pages/Dance-With-Me/126381216883 Family Swim. Albany Community Pool, 2150 36th Ave. SE, Albany. 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. $3/youth, $3.50/adult, free/under 3 years old, $10/family. Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Visit www.cityofalbany.net/parks/facilities/acp.php for details or call (541) 967-4521.

Outdoor Fitness Class. Woodland Meadow Park, 3975 NW Witham Hill Dr., Corvallis on September 6, Willamette Park, 1350 SE Goodnight Ave., Corvallis on September 10, and Arnold Park, 3900 block of Harrison Blvd., Corvallis on September 20. 7-8 a.m. $10. This class includes an active warm-up, interval training style exercises, and cool-down stretching. Each class will target lower body endurance training and core stability training. Call (503) 446-0803 or visit www.jessbfit.com for information.

Restorative Yoga. Live Well Studio, 971 NW Spruce Ave., Corvallis. 7-8:15 p.m. $14. Restore yourself with deep-supported yoga postures, self massage, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation. For information, call (541) 224-6566 or visit www.livewellstudio.com.

Saturday 7

Antiques in the Streets. Downtown Albany. All

day. Free admission. Vendors from all over the Pacific Northwest converge making a huge Antique mall. Live music, food and an historic car show.

Pancake breakfast to start the event. Call (541) 928-2469 or visit www.albanydowntown.com.

Albany Farmers’ Market. SW Ellsworth St. and SW 4th Ave., Albany. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through November 23. Free admission. Features fresh, locally-grown, locally-produced dairy, meat, and farm goods. See http://locallygrown.org/home/ for information.

Brownsville Farmers’ Market. Corner of Park Ave. and North Main St., Brownsville. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. E-mail farmersmarket@gocfa.org for information.

Corvallis Farmers’ Market. NW Jackson Ave. and NW 1st St., Corvallis. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wednesdays and Saturdays through November 27. Free admission. Features fresh, locally-grown, locally-produced dairy, meat, and farm goods. See http://locallygrown.org/home/ for information.

International Vulture Awareness Day. Chintimini Wildlife Center, 311 NW Lewisburg Ave., Corvallis. 1-3 p.m. $5. This event includes kid’s activities, educational displays, a presentation, and ends with a feeding demonstration of our resident Turkey Vultures. E-mail earthdragon451@ yahoo.com for information.

Kids Workshop. Home Depot, 3500 Spicer Drive SE, Albany or 1780 NW Four Acre Pl., Corvallis. 9 a.m.-noon, first Saturday of every month. Free. First come, first serve. Hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5-12. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft and receive a free Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.

For information, call (541) 812-0808 for Albany or (541) 758-9303 for Corvallis.

Little Sprouts-Nature Walk and Pressed Flower Book. Garland Nursery, 5470 NE Hwy 20, Corvallis. 11 a.m. $5/child. This month Little Sprouts take a nature walk through the Garland Nursery gardens and find flowers to create a summer pressed flower book. Registration required.

Call (541) 753-6601 to register or see www.garlandnursery.com for information.

Man in the Yellow Hat Storytime: Storytime for Dad and Me. Youth Activity Room, Corvallis Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis.

11 a.m., first Saturday. Children ages 0-6 and dads or father figures. Age-appropriate books, music, rhymes and early literacy information presented.

Call (541) 766-6794 or visit www.thebestlibrary. net for information.

OSUsed Store Saturday Store. 644 SW 13th St., Corvallis. 8 a.m.-noon. Free admission. The OSUsed Store is open for its first-Saturday-of-themonth public sale. Items for sale include computers and computer accessories, furniture (desks, file cabinets, tables, chairs, bookcases, etc.), office supplies, sporting goods, household items, bicycles and more. See www.surplus.oregonstate. edu for information.

PES Parent Club Back to School Fun Run 5K and Kids 1K. Philomath Elementary School, 239 South 16th St., Corvallis. 9 a.m. $10-20. This event includes a 5K Run/Walk at 9:30 a.m. and a 1K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. No T-shirt will be guaran-

Heritage Mall Pop-Up Art Activity

An interactive activity presented by the Albany Art Commission.

Where: When: Cost: Info:

1895 14th Ave., SE, Albany Sunday, September 8; 1-2 p.m.

Free admission Call (541) 967-8238

teed if participant registers after August 25. Visit https://sites.google.com/site/pesparentsclub/ for information and registration.

Prenatal Yoga. EcoFusion Fitness, 116 SW 4th St., Corvallis. 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays, 11 a.m.

Saturdays. $10/class or $70/10 classes. Prenatal yoga is a great way to prepare the body and mind for birth, boost mood and reduce pregnancy aches and pains. Modifications are available to meet various backgrounds and levels of experience in yoga. This class is open to women in any stage of a complication-free pregnancy. For information, call (541) 740-2516 or visit www.ecofusionfitness.com.

Sunday 8

Heritage Mall Pop-Up Art Activity. 1895 14th Ave., SE, Albany. 1-2 p.m. Free. An interactive activity presented by the Albany Art Commission.

Call (541) 967-8238 for information.

Monday 9

Linn Benton Breasfeeding Coalition Meeting.

CARDV Advocacy Center, 2208 SW 3rd St., Corvallis. 3-5 p.m. Free. All are welcome to the business meeting from 3-4 p.m. to help advance the work of the coalition. Enrichment activity from 4-5 p.m. includes a presentation titled “Growing Family Birth Center in Lebanon” by Debbie Cowart. E-mail linnbentonbfc@gmail.com for information.

Mother Baby Yoga. EcoFusion Fitness, 116 SW

Calendar

continued on page 12

September 2013, Valley Parent

11

Calendar

continued from page 11

4th St., Corvallis. 10-11 a.m. $10/class or $70/10 classes. Introduce your baby to yoga as you build strength, flexibility and calm in this supportive class. This class is designed for moms and their babies 2 weeks (6 weeks if cesarean) to crawling.

For information, call (541) 740-2516 or visit www. ecofusionfitness.com.

Parenting with Compassionate Communication Class Series. 2255 NW 25th St., Corvallis. 6-8:30 p.m. second and forth Wednesdays through November 11. $120/ person, $200/two co-parents. World-renowned transformational model, also called Nonviolent Communication. For information visit www.tinataylor.co or call (541) 753-2255.

Recreation Swim at Albany Community Pool.

2150 36th Ave. SE, Albany. 6:30-8 p.m. $3/youth, $3.50/adult, Free/3 years and under, $10/family.

Children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water. Visit www.cityofalbany.net/ parks/facilities/acp.php for details or call (541) 967-4521.

Science Pub-Get Ready for School: Child Development and Self-Regulation. Old World Deli, 341 NW 2nd St., Corvallis. 6-8 p.m.

Free. Speaker Megan McClelland specializes in early childhood development. At the September Corvallis Science Pub, she will discuss her research on school readiness. She will demonstrate games that parents can use to determine if their child is ready for school. She will also suggest activities that parents can do with their children to improve self-regulation. Call (541) 737-4717 or visit http://oregonstate.edu/terra/science-pubcorvallis/ for information.

Southtown Open Mic Talent Search. FireWorks Restaurant, 1115 SW 3rd St., Corvallis. 9 p.m.

Free/admission with $2 purchase. $5/entry fee.

Cash prize purse awarded to the top three acts.

First place winners are eligible to compete in the Acoustic Showdown playoff. Sign-up happens shortly before 9 p.m. All Open Mic performers agree to share time equally, limit volume to acoustic levels, refrain from the use of profanity and keep their acts “family friendly.” Call (541) 7546958 for information or see www.fireworkscorvallis.com/events.html.

Women’s Dance for Prenatal/Postnatal and Feminine Health. EcoFusion Fitness, 116 SW 4th St., Corvallis. 4:30-5:30 p.m. $70 for 10 sessions or $10 drop in rate. In this class we focus on women oriented dance practices for the preparation of birth, recovery and overall reproductive health. Some traditions you may be familiar with are “belly” dance, Polynesian and Hula. All women are welcome to participate in this class, but if you are already in your third trimester, consult your medical practitioner if you are just starting an exercise program. For information, call (541) 7402516 or visit www.ecofusionfitness.com.

Tuesday 10

$5 Movies at Ninth Street Cinema. 1750 NW 9th St., Corvallis. All movies are $5 all day. Call (541) 758-1028 or visit www.fandango.com/ regalninthstreet4cinemas_aaaxg/theaterpage for showings.

Bow Wow Bingo. Corvallis Elks Lodge, 1400 NW 9th St., Corvallis. 7 p.m. $3-10. There will be 6 games played throughout the evening for cash prizes. Grab a book of one of each game and a dauber for $20. All proceeds after payouts go to Heartland Humane Society. E-mail Emily at donate@heartlandhumane.org for information.

Celtic Jam. Imagine Coffee, 5460 SW Philomath Blvd., Corvallis. 7 p.m. Tuesdays. See http://imaginecoffee.net/events-in-corvallis/ for information.

Jazz Dance. Downtown Dance. 223 NW 2nd St., Corvallis. 5:45-6:45 p.m. No class June 18. $13/session. A stylistic class fusing a variety of jazz dance forms and techniques. For teens and adults. All levels welcome. Visit www.

DowntownDanceCorvallis.com or (541) 829-0070 for information.

Mama Baby Yoga. EcoFusion Fitness, 116 SW 4th St., Corvallis. 11 a.m. $70 for 10 sessions or $10 drop in rate. A yoga class for moms and babies 2 weeks to 4 months. For information, call (541)

12 Valley Parent, September 2013

Science Pub-Get Ready for School: Child Development and Self-Regulation

Speaker Megan McClelland specializes in early childhood development. At the September Corvallis Science Pub, she will discuss her research on school readiness. She will demonstrate games that parents can use to determine if their child is ready for school.

She will also suggest activities that parents can do with their children to improve selfregulation.

Where: Old World Deli, 341 NW 2nd St., Corvallis When: Monday, September 9; 6-9 p.m.

Cost: Free Info: Call (541) 737-4717 or visit http:// oregonstate.edu/terra/science-pubcorvallis/ 740-2516 or visit www.ecofusionfitness.com.

Natural Brain Health Basics. First Alternative Co-op, 1007 SE 3rd St., Corvallis. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Free. Dr. Amanda Richardson-Meyer, ND will help you understand the why and how of keeping your brain functioning at its best as you age. See http:// bit.ly/14MCdqe for information and registration.

Prenatal Pilates. EcoFusion Fitness, 116 SW 4th St., Corvallis. 6-7 p.m. $10/class or $70/10 classes.

Pilates is a great way to prepare the body and mind for birth, boost mood and reduce pregnancy aches and pains. Modifications are available to meet various backgrounds and levels of experience. This class is open to women in any stage of a complication-free pregnancy. For information, call (541) 740-2516 or visit www.ecofusionfitness.com.

Rotary Club of Albany Meeting. Pop’s Branding Iron, 901 Pacific Blvd. SE, Albany. Noon. Free.

Rotary of Albany has purchased and helped install playground equipment, sponsored an annual Christmas party for underprivileged children, provided grants to local service organizations, given scholarships to deserving students, and sponsored recognition programs for outstanding young people.

E-mail dale.stowell@linnbenton.edu for info.

SAGE Garden Workparty. SAGE Garden, Bruce Starker Arts Park, 4485 SW Country Club Dr., Corvallis. 4-6 p.m. Free. Gardening newbies and experts alike are welcome to join in. The one-acre, volunteer-driven production garden needs your support. All produce harvested (over 3.5 tons in 2012) is donated to local hunger relief agencies.

See www.corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org or call (541) 753-9211 for information.

Teen Writers Group. Youth Activity Room, Corvallis Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. 6 p.m. Every Tuesday. Free. Teen Writers Group open to all teens ages 12-18 interested in writing. This group is led by a local YA author, Bryan Bliss. For information call (541) 766-6794.

Timba Tuesday: Salsa Dancing. Impulse Bar & Grill, 1425 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. 7:30-11 p.m. Free. Corvallis Cuban Salsa party crowd gathers for dancing, socializing and $1 tacos.

Call (541) 230-1114 or see www.rumbanana.org/ TimbaTuesdays.html for information.

Yarn Yoga. Creative Crafts, 934 NW Kings Blvd., Corvallis. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and 5-7 p.m.

Thursdays (kids 8 and up welcome). Free. Have fun getting together with people who have similar interests. An instructor will be available to help with knitting, crocheting or any project you choose involving yarn. Just relax and create. Bring a current project or start a new one. See http://www. creativecraftsandframeshop.com/ for information.

Outdoor Fitness Class. See 9/6.

Wednesday 11

Albany Fitwalkers. Villas of Courtyard Villa, 1929 Grand Prairie Road. SE, Albany. 7 p.m.

Second Wednesday. This group sponsors walking events and presents walks around the community.

Their motto is “walk for the health of it.” For information, contact Rozy Weatherby at (541) 926-

7890 or email her at wrozy@yahoo.com.

Baby and Me Storytime. Lebanon Public Library, 55 Academy St., Lebanon. 10 a.m. Free. Designed for ages 0-24 months and their caregivers. Enjoy interactive time with your tot through stories, finger plays, and music. Call (541) 258-4926 or visit www.lebanon.plinkit.org for information.

Georgia Pacific Mill Tour and Guided Tour of Starker Forests. Meet at Comfort Suites Inn, 1730 NW 9th St., Corvallis. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Free. Special, all-day tours happen on July 17, August 21, and September 11. On these days, you’ll tour the Georgia Pacific Mill in the morning, followed by the guided tour of Starker Forests in the afternoon. Bring a lunch with you to enjoy on the drive. No children under 12 are allowed on this all-day tour, as the Georgia Pacific Mill is a working mill. Free guided tours of just Starker Forests are available every Wednesday from June 19 through September 18 beginning at 12:45 p.m.

Children are welcome at these half-day tours.

Seating for the tours is limited so reservations for all tours are required. Call Visit Corvallis at (541) 757-1544 for reservations and information or visit http://visitcorvallis.com/things-to-do/starkerforests-tours/.

Hey! Look us Over Maternity Program. Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, 3600 NW Samaritan Drive, Corvallis. 7-9 p.m. second Wednesdays. Free. Expectant parents will tour the Center for Women and Families and meet the delivery staff. Call (541) 768-4752 for information.

LEGO Club. Lebanon Public Library, 55 Academy St., Lebanon. 1:30-2:30 p.m. first Wednesday, 4-5 p.m. fourth Wednesday. Free. Kids are given the opportunity to work independently while creating LEGO masterpieces with the LEGOs provided.

Call (541) 258-4926 or visit www.lebanon.plinkit. org for information.

OSUsed Store Sale. 644 SW 13th St., Corvallis.

Noon-3 p.m. Free admission. The OSUsed Store is open for its afternoon public sale. Items for sale include computers and computer accessories, furniture (desks, file cabinets, tables, chairs, bookcases, etc), office supplies, sporting goods, household items, bicycles and much more. See www.surplus. oregonstate.edu for information.

Pre-Natal Yoga. Live Well Studio, 971 NW Spruce Ave., Corvallis. 7-8:15 p.m. $11-12. Using a carefully chosen set of poses, support your changing body and develop the strength and openness needed for giving birth. Develop the breath and mindfulness skills which are essential to childbirth and motherhood. For information, call (541) 224-6566 or visit www.livewellstudio.com.

Teen Makers. Youth Activity Room, Corvallis Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis.

6 p.m. Second and fourth Tuesday. Free. Arduino and Raspberry Pi are low cost, open-source, physical computing platforms that can be used to learn programming, detect sensor input, blink LEDs, and control motors. The Library has purchased SparkFun Inventor’s Kits and Raspberry Pi boards for Teen Makers to learn programming and explore electronics. Bring your own laptop if you

would like. For information call (541) 766-6794.

Corvallis Farmers’ Market. See 8/3.

Family Swim. See 8/2.

Prenatal Yoga. See 8/3.

Thursday 12

Baton Twirling Class. Dance Corvallis, 1898 SW 3rd St., Corvallis. 5 p.m. $40/month, first class is free. No class June 22-July 8. Baton Twirling classes taught by Kailey McKay, former OSU Feature Twirler. Private lessons are also available.

Please email Kailey at reignbatontwirling@gmail. com if interested or call (541) 556-2470.

Contemporary Dance. Downtown Dance.

223 NW 2nd St., Corvallis. 9:45-11 a.m. $13/ session. No class June 20. The dance fuses a variety of modern techniques and current dance styles. A multi-level technique class for the adult student. Beginners welcome. Visit www.

DowntownDanceCorvallis.com or (541) 829-0070 for information.

Hip Hop Dance. The Little Gym of Corvallis, 958 NW Circle Blvd., Ste. A. 2:15-3:15 p.m. Cost varies. This class is half dance, half gymnastics. Kids will be exposed to jazz and Hip Hop styles, learning specific moves and exploring creative freestyle dance. For ages 5-9. Call (541) 753-0950 for information and enrollment or see www.TheLittleGym. com/CorvallisOR. La Leche League of Lebanon Meetings. Lebanon Community Hospital, 525 N. Santiam Hwy., Lebanon. 6 p.m. Second Thursday of the month.

Free. Breastfeeding information and support for expectant and breastfeeding mothers and fathers.

Babies welcome. Open to the public. For information call (541) 766-0055 or visit www.llli.org.

Little Bookworms Preschool Storytime.

Lebanon Public Library, 55 Academy St., Lebanon. 11 a.m. Free. Children ages 3-6 to explore their world interactively through books, songs and finger plays. A craft follows every storytime. Call (541) 258-4926 or visit www.lebanon. plinkit.org for information.

Yarn Yoga. See 8/6.

Friday 13

Friends of the Library. Main Library, 2450 14th Ave., SE, Albany. Noon. Free. Sallie Reihl will present a slide show titled “Seeking the Elephant: OR-CA Pioneer Trails.” Call (541) 917-7580 for information.

Parents Night Out. Osborn Aquatic Center, 1940 NW Highland Dr., Corvallis. 6-10 p.m. $20/child.

Drop the kids off for some organized games and fun while parents go out for a Friday night on the town. Visits www.corvallisoregon.gov/pool or call (541) 766-7946 for information.

Parent Survival Night-PSN. The Little Gym of Corvallis, 958 NW Circle Blvd., Ste. A. 6-9 p.m. Second Friday. $30-$35/first child, $10-12/ additional child. This month it’s Hip Hop, Karate Chop PSN. Have a night out while your child participates in games and music-filled activities.

Call (541) 753-0950 to register in advance or reserve a slot online at www.TheLittleGym.com/ CorvallisOR. Beading 101 Demo. See 9/6.

Family Swim. See 9/6.

Restorative Yoga. See 9/6.

Saturday 14

La fiesta de su biblioteca. Youth Activity Room, Corvallis Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. Free 11 a.m.-noon, second Saturdays.

Come and enjoy a fun bilingual English/Spanish program. Children of all ages welcome. Crafts are made after story time. Refreshments served. Venga y disfrute de la fiesta de su biblioteca. Un programa bilingüe cada mes en la biblioteca. Gratis Refrescos. Call (541) 766-6794 for information.

Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire. Kings Valley (see website for directions). 10 a.m-6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday. $11/general admission, $5/ children 6-12 and seniors, Free/5 and under. With over 125 artisan stalls and 1000 costumed players, visitors can browse the village for hand made goods and other treasures while surrounded by Renaissance revelry and entertainment. Food purveyors are on hand within Friar Tuck’s Forest, and children delight in games and adventures. Visit

http://www.shrewfaire.com/ for information.

Supper at SAGE. SAGE Garden, Bruce Starker Arts Park, 4485 SW Country Club Dr., Corvallis.

4:30 p.m. $60. This event begins with tastings of wood-fired garden pizzas and samplings of local foods and wines, accompanied by live music, garden tours, and a silent auction of works by local artists. A seasonal four-course dinner follows.

All proceeds from Supper at SAGE benefit the Corvallis Environmental Center’s SAGE garden and its Corvallis Farm to School program. See www.corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org or call (541) 753-9211 for information.

Albany Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Brownsville Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Corvallis Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Prenatal Yoga. See 9/7.

Sunday 15

Benton BBQ Cook Off. Murphy’s Restaurant and Lounge, 2740 SW 3rd St., Corvallis. 1 p.m. $10/person, Free/kids 12 and under. This familyfriendly contest benefits the Benton County 4-H Youth Program. Sample till you’re stuffed. There will be raffle prizes, drink specials and tons of fun. E-mail Annie at trainwiseoregon@yahoo.com for information.

Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire. See 9/14.

Monday 16

Teens Beginning/Intermediate Modern.

Oddfellows Hall, 223 SW 2nd St., Corvallis. 4:155:30 p.m. Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m. Fridays. $12/ single class, $40/month. Beginning or continuing students learn a variety of Modern Dance styles.

All classes include floor and center work, body swings, balance, footwork, jumps, leaps, turns and choreography. For information visit www. moderndancetechnique.com or contact call (541) 752-6329.

Mother Baby Yoga. See 9/9.

Southtown Open Mic Talent Search. See 9/9.

Recreation Swim at Albany Community Pool.

See 9/9.

Women’s Dance for Prenatal/Postnatal and Feminine Health. See 9/9.

Tuesday 17

Dining for Women. Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship Church at 2945 NW Circle Blvd., Corvallis. 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays. An organization funding programs fostering good health, education and economic self-sufficiency through potlucks where the money saved on the meal is donated to international programs. Bring a potluck dish to share and a donation (any amount, check or credit card preferred). For information visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dining-forWomen-Corvallis-Chapter/201679226520781?sk =info.

Modern Voices Book Club. Main Library, 2450 14th Ave., SE, Albany. Noon. Free. Discussing “The Sense of an Ending” by Julian Barnes. Call (541) 917-7580 for information.

Mt. View Elementary Scholastic Book Fair. 340 NE Granger Ave., Corvallis. 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 2:45-3:30 p.m. September 17-20. Free admission.

E-mail jennmcclean@me.com for information. $5 Movies at Ninth Street Cinema. See 9/10.

Celtic Jam. See 9/10.

Jazz Dance. See 9/10.

Mama Baby Yoga. See 9/10.

Prenatal Pilates. See 9/10.

Rotary Club of Albany Meeting. See 9/10.

SAGE Garden Workparty. See 9/10.

Teen Writers Group. See 9/10.

Timba Tuesday: Salsa Dancing. See 9/10.

Yarn Yoga. See 9/10.

Wednesday 18

Creative Movement. Oddfellows Hall, 223 SW 2nd St., Corvallis. 3:30-4:20 p.m. $12/single class, $40/month. Children 4 1/2 to 6 years explore the elements of dance: shapes, rhythm, tempo, pathways and more. For information visit www. moderndancetechnique.com or contact call (541) 752-6329.

Introduction to Modern. Oddfellows Hall, 223 SW 2nd St., Corvallis. 4:30-5:20 p.m. $12/single class, $40/month. Children 6 to 8 years learn basic exercises used in ballet and Modern dance.

Classes include stretching, strengthening, balance work, swings, jumps, turns, leaps and choreography. For information visit www.moderndancetechnique.com or contact call (541) 752-6329.

Baby and Me Storytime. See 9/11.

Corvallis Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Family Swim. See 9/6.

Georgia Pacific Mill Tour and Guided Tour of Starker Forests. See 9/11.

Pre-Natal Yoga. See 9/11.

Prenatal Yoga. See 9/7.

OSUsed Store Sale. See 9/11.

Thursday 19

Anime Club. Main Library, 2450 14th Ave., SE, Albany. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Third Thursday.

Fans of Japanese animation meet monthly to play Yu-Gi-Oh or other games, share books, practice drawing in the Japanese style and meet others with similar interests. Participants are encouraged to come in costume and to bring snack foods and drinks to share. For ages 11 to adult. For information about this program, call Young Adult Services Librarian Doris Hicks at (541) 791-0015 or email doris.hicks@cityofalbany.net.

Scenic Byway Tour: 75 Years of Hwy 20. Riggs Community Center, 880 18th Ave, Sweet Home.

9 a.m. $15/person, $8/senior. 2-mile, easy hike.

Enjoy highlights along the Byway with Tony Farque as your guide. Learn the cultural and geological history of the Cascades. Explore Fish Lake historic sites. See http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ willamette/recreation/outdoorlearning/?cid=stelpr db5182167 for information and registration or call (541) 367-5168.

Modern Dance I. Oddfellows Hall, 223 SW 2nd St., Corvallis. 4:30-5:20 p.m. $12/single class, $40/month. Children 8-10 years will learn basic ballet and Modern technique in a variety of contemporary dance styles. All classes include floor and center work, body swings, jumps, leaps, turns and choreography. For information visit www. moderndancetechnique.com or contact call (541) 752-6329.

Mommy Connections Postpartum Support Class. Samaritan Medical & Diagnostic Center, 400 NW Hickory St., Albany, 1st Floor

Conference Room. First and third Thursdays. No need to register. 6:30 p.m. Free. New mothers, supportive partners (spouse, mother, sister, friend) and new baby are welcome and encouraged to attend. Call (541) 812-4301 for information or visit http://www.samhealth.org/ and click on “Take a Class” on the right side of the screen.

Native American Tales. The Arts Center Plaza, 700 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis. Noon-1 p.m.

Free. Storyteller Joyce Griener will entertain with Native American Tales. Call (541) 766-6900 for information.

The Galleria. First Congregational Church, 4515 SW West Hills Road, Corvallis. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. Artists, crafters and culinary experts have worked throughout the year to develop products for this sale. Proceeds from this event support the programs of Assistance League including Operation School Bell. For information go to www.alcorvallis.org.

The Majestic Theatre presents “Love Letters.”

115 SW 2nd St., Corvallis. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $10.

Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. They continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years. Eventually they do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them. However, Andy’s last letter makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant to each other over the years. See www.majestic.org for information and tickets.

Third Thursday. Downtown Albany. 4-8 p.m.

Free admission. Third Thursdays is a monthly stay open late shopping event. Eat at one of Downtown’s 22 locally owned restaurants and stay for Third Thursday happenings. Contact the Albany Downtown Association at (541) 928-2469 or see www.albanydowntown.com for information.

Wonderkeepers Storytelling Guild. Main Library, 2450 14th Ave., SE, Albany. 6-7 p.m. Free.

Presenting “Tales Under the Harvest Moon.” This program is for the whole family. Call (541) 9177580 for information.

Baton Twirling Class. See 9/12.

Contemporary Dance. See 9/12.

Hip Hop Dance. See 9/12.

Little Bookworms Preschool Storytime. See 9/12.

Yarn Yoga. See 9/10.

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Friday 20

Family Movie Night. Osborn Aquatic Center, 1940 NW Highland Dr., Corvallis. 7-9 p.m. Third Friday. $4.75/adult, $3.75/youth 7-17, $2.50/ child 0-6. Enjoy swimming at the Osborn Aquatic Center in our Indoor Pools while watching the family movie. Visits www.corvallisoregon.gov/ pool or call (541) 766-7946 for information.

Beading 101 Demo. See 9/6.

Family Swim. See 9/6.

Outdoor Fitness Class. See 9/6.

Restorative Yoga. See 9/6.

Teens Beginning/Intermediate Modern. See 9/16.

The Majestic Theatre presents “Love Letters.”

See 9/19.

Saturday 21

Benton BBQ Cook Off This family-friendly contest benefits the Benton County 4-H Youth Program. Sample till you’re stuffed. There will be raffle prizes, drink specials and tons of fun. E-mail Annie at trainwiseoregon@yahoo.com for information.

Where: When: Cost:

Murphy’s Restaurant and Lounge, 2740 SW 3rd St., Corvallis.

Sunday, September 15, 1 p.m. $10/person, Free/kids 12 and under.

International Brotherhood of Magicians.

Ray’s Food Place, 621 NW Hickory St., Albany. 1 p.m. third Saturdays. All ages. A social club dedicated to advancing the art of magic performance, interest and fellowship. Call (541) 752-3900 for details or e-mail magictuba@proaxis.com. Also visit www.ring238.org.

Soap Creek Artisan Show and Sale. Soap Creek Schoolhouse (see website for directions). 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. This event is a blend of art, food, and music. An exhibition and sale of the talents fo the community will be displayed. See http://soapcreekartisans.org for information.

Albany Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Brownsville Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Calendar

continued on page 14 September 2013, Valley Parent

13

Library Story Times Albany Public Library, Main

Mon: 7 pm with puppet show Wed: 10:30 am with puppet show Thurs: 10:30 am with puppet show

Albany Public Library, Downtown Tues: 10:30 am with puppet show

Philomath Public Library

Tues:

Wed:

Philomath Bedtime Story Time, 7 pm, all ages Philomath Story Time, 10 am, 3-5 years old

Corvallis Public Library Mon: Bedtime Story Time, 7 pm, all ages Tues: Toddler Story Time, 10 am,

18-36 months old Wed: Infant Story Time, 10 am,

Birth-18 months old Thurs: Preschool Story Time, 10 am,

3-5 years old 1st Sat: 11 am, 0-36 months old with dads

Calendar

continued from page 13

Corvallis Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Prenatal Yoga. See 9/7.

The Majestic Theatre presents “Love Letters.”

See 9/19.

Sunday 22

Marys Peak Training Hike. Marys Peak North Trailhead. 9 a.m. $10. This longer hike is 9.5 miles, about 2700’ elevation gain, and takes a tour of Marys Peak by starting at a lesser-used trailhead and covering several trails to the summit and back. On this hike Jess will talk about managing body temperature, layering up for different types of weather, and slick packing strategies.

Call (503) 446-0803 or visit www.jessbfit.com for information.

The Majestic Theatre presents “Love Letters.”

See 9/19.

Monday 23

Mother Baby Yoga. See 9/9.

Recreation Swim at Albany Community Pool.

See 9/9.

Southtown Open Mic Talent Search. See 9/9.

Teens Beginning/Intermediate Modern. See 9/16.

Women’s Dance for Prenatal/Postnatal and Feminine Health. See 9/9.

Tuesday 24

All About Breast-feeding. Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, 3600 NW Samaritan Drive, Corvallis. Fourth Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. Free.

Learn how breast-feeding can reduce a baby’s chances of getting diarrhea and respiratory and ear infections. It also gives baby an increased immunity against other diseases. Call (541) 768-5244 for information. $5 Movies at Ninth Street Cinema. See 9/10.

Bow Wow Bingo. See 9/10.

Celtic Jam. See 9/10.

Jazz Dance. See 9/10.

Mama Baby Yoga. See 9/10.

Prenatal Pilates. See 9/10.

Rotary Club of Albany Meeting. See 9/10.

SAGE Garden Workparty. See 9/10.

Teen Writers Group. See 9/10.

Timba Tuesday: Salsa Dancing. See 9/10.

Yarn Yoga. See 9/10.

Wednesday 25

Bicycle Birding. Meet at Benton County Fairgrounds near the intersection of 53rd St. and Reservoir Ave., Corvallis. 9 a.m.-noon. Free.

Bring a bicycle helmet, water and binoculars to explore Albany Bike Trails. We ride slowly, listen for birds and stop frequently. Trip lengths are less

14 Valley Parent, September 2013

than 10 miles. For information call (541) 7537689 or e-mail bouchdon@peak.org.

Baby and Me Storytime. See 9/11.

Corvallis Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Creative Movement. See 9/18.

Family Swim. See 9/6.

Georgia Pacific Mill Tour and Guided Tour of Starker Forests. See 9/11.

Introduction to Modern. See 9/18.

LEGO Club. See 9/11.

OSUsed Store Sale. See 9/11.

Pre-Natal Yoga. See 9/11.

Prenatal Yoga. See 9/7.

Teen Makers. See 9/11.

Thursday 26

Baton Twirling Class. See 9/12.

Contemporary Dance. See 9/12.

Hip Hop Dance. See 9/12.

Little Bookworms Preschool Storytime. See 9/12.

Modern Dance I. See 9/19.

Yarn Yoga. See 9/10.

Friday 27

Beading 101 Demo. See 9/6.

Family Swim. See 9/6.

Restorative Yoga. See 9/6.

Teens Beginning/Intermediate Modern. See 9/16.

Saturday 28

41st Annual Corvallis Fall Festival. Central Park, 650 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. l0 a.m.6 p.m. Free admission. This event features 160 Artists from the Corvallis area and around the country, two stages of live music and entertainment, food and drinks, Art Discovery Zone for kids, and a 5/10 K run. See http://corvallisfallfestival.org/ for information.

Albany Rose Society Display and Q&A. Garland Nursery, 5470 NE Hwy 20, Corvallis. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Come out and enjoy the amazing array of roses that the Albany Rose Society has on display. The society will also with any questions you might have about roses or rose care. If you have roses you would like to share, bring them in a vase and they will be placed on display as well.

Call (541) 753-6601 or visit www.garlandnursery. com for information.

Friends of the Library Fall Festival Book Sale.

Corvallis Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Peruse and purchase tons of lightly used top-quality paperback books at very reasonable prices. All proceeds are used to benefit the Corvallis-Benton County Library system. E-mail jillrubart@comcast.net for information.

National Public Lands Day. Sweet Home Ranger District, 4431 Hwy 20, Sweet Home. All day.

Free. Enjoy a fee free day at Recreation Fee Areas on Willamette National Forest or volunteer on different projects coordinated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Linn County Parks, and the US Forest Service. See http://www.fs.usda.gov/ willamette for information and registration or call (541) 367-5168.

Albany Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Brownsville Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Corvallis Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Prenatal Yoga. See 9/7.

Sunday 29

41st Annual Corvallis Fall Festival. See 9/28.

Monday 30

Whiteside Theatre presents “Ralphie May.” 361 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis. 7-9 p.m. $25.

Comedian Ralphie May does not shy away from touchy topics or ethnic jokes, nor does he bite his tongue when society suggests, because he sincerely believes that as long as what he’s saying is true, people need to hear it. See http://whitesidetheatre. org/ for tickets and information.

Mother Baby Yoga. See 9/9.

Recreation Swim at Albany Community Pool.

See 9/9.

Southtown Open Mic Talent Search. See 9/9.

Teens Beginning/Intermediate Modern. See 9/16.

Women’s Dance for Prenatal/Postnatal and Feminine Health. See 9/9.

National Public Lands Day

Tuesday, October 1

Edible Mushroom Hike. Sweet Home Ranger District, 4431 Hwy 20, Sweet Home. 9 a.m. $13/ person, $8/senior. 1-mile, moderate hike. Wear rubber boots. Fee cooking demonstration at Longbow follows the edible mushroom collecting.

Please bring your lunch, a small bucket or basket and cutting knife. See http://www.fs.usda.gov/ detail/willamette/recreation/outdoorlearning/?cid=s telprdb5182167 for information and registration or call (541) 367-5168.

First Monday Whiteside Theatre Tour.

Whiteside Theatre, 361 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis. Noon-1 p.m. $5/general admission.

All tours of the Whiteside Theatre start promptly on time. Once a tour enters the building the doors are closed and joining the tour is not permitted. Videography of any kind is not permitted. To reserve your space, send an email to Reservations@WhitesideTheatre.org stating name, special arrangements, and number of tourists.

Jasper Quartet: Young Masters of Old and New. LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St., Corvallis. 7:30 p.m. $24-27/adults, Free/K-12 and OSU students. Performing Josef Haydn’s “Quartet in D, Op. 76, No. 5,” Aaron Jay Kernis’s “Sarabande from Quartet No. 2, ‘Musica Instrumentalis,’” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Quartet in C# minor, Op. 131.” See www.chambermusiccorvallis.org/ for information and tickets.

Learn-to-Skate Class. The Rink Exchange, 796 West 13th Ave., Eugene. Classes begin October 1 for Tuesday sessions and October 5 for Saturday lessons. Classes for ages 4 to adult and all abilities. Visit www.efsc.weebly.com for information and registration. $5 Movies at Ninth Street Cinema. See 9/10.

Celtic Jam. See 9/10.

Jazz Dance. See 9/10.

Mama Baby Yoga. See 9/10.

Prenatal Pilates. See 9/10.

Rotary Club of Albany Meeting. See 9/10.

SAGE Garden Workparty. See 9/10.

Teen Writers Group. See 9/10.

Timba Tuesday: Salsa Dancing. See 9/10.

Yarn Yoga. See 9/10.

Wednesday, October 2

Baby and Me Storytime. See 9/11.

Corvallis Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Creative Movement. See 9/18.

Family Swim. See 9/6.

Georgia Pacific Mill Tour and Guided Tour of Starker Forests. See 9/11.

Introduction to Modern. See 9/18.

OSUsed Store Sale. See 9/11.

Pre-Natal Yoga. See 9/11.

Prenatal Yoga. See 9/7.

Thursday, October 3

New Hikes in Northwest Oregon. Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. William L. Sullivan presents a slide show tour of new and changed trails he discovered for the new fourth edition of “100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington,” released in April 2013. Call (541) 766-6794 or visit www.thebestlibrary.net for information.

Baton Twirling Class. See 9/12.

Contemporary Dance. See 9/12.

Hip Hop Dance. See 9/12.

Little Bookworms Preschool Storytime. See 9/12.

Modern Dance I. See 9/19.

Mommy Connections Postpartum Support Class. See 9/19.

Yarn Yoga. See 9/10.

Friday, October 4

Art in the Fall Lava Hike. Sweet Home Ranger District, 4431 Hwy 20, Sweet Home. 9 a.m. $13/ person, $8/senior. 5-mile, moderate hike. All experience levels and mediums welcomed. Your guide

Enjoy a fee free day at Recreation Fee Areas on Willamette National Forest or volunteer on different projects coordinated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Linn County Parks, and the US Forest Service.

See http://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette for information and registration.

Where: Sweet Home Ranger District 4431 Hwy 20, Sweet Home.

When: Saturday, September 28; All Day Cost: Free Info: Call (541) 367-5168 will take you to Clear Lake and the Great Springs to capture the fall colors and high contrast that is the autumn season. Bring whatever you need to create, and remember you have to carry them. Be prepared to hike, carry your own supplies, and bring a lunch and a cushion to sit on. See http:// www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/recreation/outd oorlearning/?cid=stelprdb5182167 for information and registration or call (541) 367-5168.

Music a la Carte. OSU Memorial Union Lounge, 2501 SW Jefferson St., Corvallis. Noon1 p.m. Free. These informal concerts showcase a wide variety of musicians and performance ensembles. Audience members are welcome to bring lunch to enjoy during the performance. Call (541) 737-4061 or visit http://mu.oregonstate.edu/ events-amp-entertainment/music for details.

Beading 101 Demo. See 9/6.

Family Swim. See 9/6.

Restorative Yoga. See 9/6.

Teens Beginning/Intermediate Modern. See 9/16.

Saturday, October 5

Soroptimist International of Albany Walk for the Cause. Linn County Court House, 300 4th Ave. SW, Albany. 9 a.m. $35/online registration per team, $40/registration on walk day per team.

This one day event raises awareness and money in the prevention of breast cancer and other serious illnesses affecting local woman. Visit www. sialbany.org for information and registration.

The Majestic Theatre presents Dar Williams.

115 SW 2nd St., Corvallis. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $18-40.

See www.majestic.org for information and tickets, and visit www.darwilliams.com/ for information about the artist.

Albany Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Brownsville Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Corvallis Farmers’ Market. See 9/7.

Kids Workshop. See 9/7.

Man in the Yellow Hat Storytime: Storytime for Dad and Me. See 9/7.

OSUsed Store Saturday Store. See 9/7.

Prenatal Yoga. See 9/7.

FREE: Your Event in Our Calendar

Deadline 9/27/13 www.valleyparentmagazine.com

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