L I V E • PLAY • DO
magazine
Holiday 2016
Gift Guide • Theater & Performances • Kid-friendly New Year’s Eve
nwkidsmagazine.com
DECEMBER 2016
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Editor’s Note We’ve made it to the end of another year, and what a year it’s been. No matter where we stand on the events that have stirred our country, we find ourselves surrounded with a sense of unrest and uncertainty looking ahead. As we march headlong into holiday season, let’s put aside some of our troubles and remember the spirit of this time of year: love, togetherness and giving. The holidays are a magical and wondrous time for little ones. Gather up the family and escape in a show; we’ve compiled a list of December’s best holiday family theater and performances for you. Create lasting memories in shared service work by volunteering for a local cause – some suggestions await you within these pages. Find the perfect gift for your beloveds using our Gift Guide, which includes experiences and yearly memberships in addition to physical presents. Some kiddos (and maybe some grownups, too) may be finding it difficult to negotiate the celebration of the season with the contentious atmosphere surrounding last month’s election. We’re certainly feeling it in our families and community. How do we all provide support for one another? Look to p. 9 for some ideas; I encourage you to start by not only talking, but more importantly, simply listening. All of our voices deserve to be heard. See you next year,
Karel
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Cover and contents illustrations by LIZETH NIÑO lizethnino.com
Contents
DECEMBER 2016 9 Bits & Bytes 12 2 Hours in Downtown Portland 15 Gifts that Keep on Giving 18 2016 Holiday Season Theater & Performances 20 Holiday Gift Guide 2016 26 Get Out and Play! This month’s local adventures 30 Make Way for 2017 4 New Year’s Eve bashes – for kids!
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magazine Publisher Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Instagram : @nwkidsmagazine • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies. Printed locally; Please recycle.
Editor / Client Services Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Director Laurel Carrasco laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Graphic Designer Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com
Listings All Families Surrogacy...............................25 Art of STEM................................................31 Barre3...........................................................8 Bennett Suzuki...........................................22 Bull and the Bee.........................................16 Cedarwood Waldorf School.......................25 Chandler Small & Co....................................8 Echo Theater Company..............................31 Eco Maids.....................................................8 Farber Swim School...................................22 Gallagher’s Rug and Carpet Care...............16 Goodtime Chinese School.........................29 Haiyan International Dance Academy.......22 Hello! Good Morning!................................22 Imago Theatre............................................22 Little Fruit Farm..........................................25
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Lloyd Center Mall.......................................14 My Masterpiece Art Studio........................22 Nectar Frozen Yogurt..................................28 NW Children’s Theater................................14 OMSI...........................................................17 Oregon Ballet Theatre................................19 Oregon Historical Society............................7 Oregon Zoo.................................................32 Play Fit Fun!..................................................7 Portland Boychoir......................................31 Portland Children’s Museum.....................31 Portland Spirit............................................28 Portland Trampoline....................................2 Pottery Fun.................................................14 Presents of Mind........................................10 Raindrop Playmates...................................29
Salem Carousel..........................................25 Saturday Academy.....................................22 Seam Divas Sewing Lounge......................22 Serpa Audiology........................................25 Sit Still........................................................10 Smart Baby Preschool................................22 Spielwerk Toys............................................10 The Kids’ Backyard Store..............................2 Vivid Eye Care.............................................11 Washington Square.....................................3 Westside Montessori.................................29 World of Speed..........................................11 Yeates Academy.........................................31 Zenana Spa................................................11
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BITS & BYTES
The Election that Rocked a Nation: What Now?
It’s been a month since the 2016 presidential election, but as a nation we’re still buzzing, some seeking peace and answers. One collective question that has arisen is what about our children? Politics are complex enough for adults; absorbing the impact of this sociopolitical shift is bound to be taxing and worrisome for little minds. Contributor Mantu Joshi, an interfaith chaplain in Portland and the author of The Resilient Parent, graciously shared some ideas with us: 1. Let them talk about their feelings without trying to fix it. Let your child share honestly. Repeat back in simple language what they said – don’t add to or minimize it. 2. Don’t try and avoid deep and painful emotions. Give your child permission to give full weight to their emotions, even if it feels over the top to you. Let them go deep. 3. If they are old enough, let them journal their experience or draw a picture. Writing their own narrative gives them the tools to learn to be observers of their own experiences. Such a practice will build resilience.
4. Come up with a practice that supports their American values, even if the election did not. Find an event about inclusiveness that excites them or a way to support girls, like selling Girl Scout cookies. By making a plan and supporting their values, you put them back in control. 5. Finally, have some silly time and turn off the TV and radio for a while. Let quality time remind wee ones that things have not changed so much for them in the day to day. Read Mantu’s article in full at nwkidsmagazine.com/2016/11/electionhelp-kids-loved-ones. NW Kids Magazine | 9
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Cacao Artisan chocolates from around the globe line the walls of this sleek shop, but it’s the drinking chocolates that make this place a must visit destination. This ain’t your granny’s hot cocoa, but these drinkable delicacies will surely elicit similar feelings of devotion. 414 SW 13th, cacaodrinkchocolate.com
Grassa Simple, charmingly rustic handmade pastas with decadent sauces and bright, seasonal sides. Bonus; the no frills dining room, open kitchen and rock ‘n’ roll records streaming from the speakers are all classic Portland. 1205 SW Washington, grassapdx.com
2 hours in Downtown Portland In an ever changing Portland, we can still rely on a dynamic Downtown full of fun ways to not just pass the time, but have a full fledged adventure. From people watching on the steps of Pioneer Place to strolling the park blocks on the way to the Portland Art Museum or Oregon Historical Society, Downtown is one of our favorite places to while away an afternoon. by BRIANNA WHEELER
Revolución Coffee House A window into the café culture of Central Mexico. In addition to traditional Mexican coffeehouse drinks (champurrado por vida!), you’ll find authentic items like patzins (semi-sweet pastries stuffed with savory fillings), empanadas, tamales and butter cookies. 1432 SW 6th, revolucioncoffeehouse.com 12 | NW Kids Magazine
Tasty and Alder One of Portland’s most lauded family friendly restaurants. Brunch offerings include a Willapa Bay Oyster Hangtown Fry, lemon ricotta pancakes and a smoked trout board that will haunt your foodie daydreams. 580 SW 12th, tastynalder.com
Finnegan’s Toys and Gifts This dreamy toy store is stocked from floor to ceiling with a maddening amount of toys, puzzles, games and books. The floor displays will keep small hands busy while parents browse dozens of STEM learning toys, building kits and designer plush toys. 820 SW Washington, finneganstoys.com
Mill Ends Park Dick Fagan once planted flowers in an empty spot on a median outside his second floor, thus founding the the world’s smallest park. It has since received a tiny swimming pool, ferris wheel and various mini amusements all with the goal of keeping Portland weird. SW Naito Pkwy & Taylor St, portlandoregon.gov
Brianna Wheeler’s work has been featured in The Portland Mercury, The OC Weekly and various Northwest news outlets. She’s an avid chef, illustrator, disco dancer and puppy cuddler living in Northeast Portland with her adult husband and toddler son. You can read more of her work by visiting briannawheeler.com. NW Kids Magazine | 13
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Gifts that Keep on Giving
by ERIN CROUCH
Photograph by BETH CONYERS PHOTOGRAPHY
The giving season is upon us, and it can feel like “give me, give me, give me” for your kids. This year, vow to fight greediness by giving back to the community: provide books for preschoolers, clean up your local park, give toys and diapers to foster children or reuse and recycle creative materials all winter long. The true spirit of the season will shine through with these volunteer activities, suitable for the whole family.
The Children’s Book Bank: Book Restoration
Northwest Children’s Outreach: Kids Sort & Package Supplies for Families At NCO, children help by processing donated toys, clothing, books, baby gear, hygiene items and more to be distributed to low-income families and foster children in Oregon. These items make a real difference to vulnerable populations, and kids can feel a sense of pride in their work. Ages: 4+ Various locations in Portland, Beaverton, Tualatin and Troutdale, 503-828-1472 northwestchildrensoutreach.org
Clark County Public Works: No Ivy League and other park-related activities Families with children of all ages are invited to volunteer at a one-time event or on an ongoing basis. A recent event partnered with the No Ivy League of Portland Parks and Recreation to remove non-native English Ivy from Orchards Highlands Park. Children can enjoy pulling ivy, carrying plants, digging and using wheelbarrows to make their surroundings more beautiful for all. Saturday work parties and litter clean ups take place year round. All ages Contact: Karen Llewellyn 360-397-6118 ext. 1627 clark.wa.gov/public-works/volunteer
SCRAP PDX SCRAP PDX is a donation-based creative reuse store and donation center, which provides a range of educational opportunities within the community and hosts local reuse-based artists. Families are welcome to drop in on any Thursday from 11am-4pm for as little as an hour or at other times by prearrangement. Depending on the child’s age, they could be sorting items by color, arranging paper, sorting greeting cards or organizing and cleaning up. Ages: 6+ 1736 SW Alder, 503-294-0769 scrappdx.org
Children spruce up gently-used community donated children’s books, which will later be distributed to low-income preschool children in the Portland area. The Book Bank has specific family-friendly sessions where kids wipe covers, tape torn pages, erase scribbles, cover inscriptions and reinforce worn spines. At the end of the session, every kid can select a fun prize from the treasure box to take home. Ages: 4+ 1728 NE Glisan, 503-616-3981 childrensbookbank.org
Erin Crouch is from Alaska and lives with her family in Portland, Oregon and Tallinn, Estonia. She likes piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain, which is convenient for the Pacific Northwest. You can read more of her writing on thebillfold.com, theestablishment.com and in other publications, or find her doing stand-up comedy around town. NW Kids Magazine | 15
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A Very Merry PDX-Mas
by Broadway Rose Theatre Company
Thru Dec 22 A comedic take on the holidays, Portlandstyle, with classic carols as well as original remixes of holiday favorites. Appropriate for all ages. $20-44, broadwayrose.org
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Gresham Little Theater
Dec 1-3, 9-10 Based on the clever book by Barbara Robinson, about a family of (seriously) terrible kids who discover Christmas and its messages of love for the first time. $5-8, greshamlittletheater.com
TORUK – The First Flight by Cirque du Soleil
Dec 7-11
where two brave boys set out on a quest to save their people. $34-110, cirquedusoleil.com
Superhero Old Folks’ Home by Echo Theater Company
Dec 9-18 An energetic, acrobatic, lyrical show about the first generation of superheroes, now aging, that explores themes of family and heroism. $18-25, echotheaterpdx.org
La Belle
by Imago Theatre
Dec 9-Jan 8 The Beauty and the Beast tale is reimagined in this fantastical holiday premiere with puppetry and steampunk aesthetics, creating a show like you’ve never seen before. $19.50-42.50, imagotheatre.com
The latest from Cirque, TORUK transports us to the land of Pandora,
2016 Holiday Season
Photograph by IMAGO THEATRE
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George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Holidaze
by Oregon Ballet Theatre
Dec 22-24
Dec 10-26
A feast for the senses, this dazzling holiday spectacular combines music, dance, acrobatics and puppetry with intricate and festive costumes and sets that’ll take your breath away. $25-70, portland5.com
The classic ballet in its magical splendor. Whether you’ve seen it once, ten times or more, it’s sure to bring out your holiday spirit. $23-146, obt.org
Making Spirits Bright by Portland Boychoir
Dec 10-11 The only all-boys choir in the Portland area rings in the holiday season with Christmas and Hanukkah favorites. $1520, 17 and younger free, portlandboychoir.org
by Cirque Dreams
Winter Glow
by Russian Ballet Academy
Dec 27-28 A winter ballet showcase set to classic Christmas music - a perfect end to the holiday weekend and the year. $17-35, russianballetacademy.com
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Holiday Gift Time to buy presents again! Having trouble racking your brain for gifts? Wondering where you’ll possibly fit another haul of stuff into your home? We did the thinking for you: here are our picks of items, stores and experiences (which take up zero space!) to give your beloveds this holiday season.
Sailor Middy from Chandler Small & Co. Design-inspired by Navy uniforms and early 1900’s vintage children’s sailor suits, these twill tops feature the traditionally-constructed collar from the age of sail and are cut generously in the chest and arms so kids don’t have to fight their way into them. Handmade in Oregon from a sturdy polyester cotton blend that will stand up to your little sailor’s roughest play. $38, chandlersmall.com
Cosmic Checkers by Mighty Fun!
Ukelele by Hape
from Black Wagon
Give your little one a fun and creative outlet to express their budding musical talent while allowing for fine motor skill use tuning the strings. A sturdy little first “real” instrument that will wow them this holiday! Ages 3 and up, $30, bellastellaresale.com
King me! Kids have loved playing checkers for hundreds of years. Strategic moves check! Exciting jumps - check! The thrill of capturing your opponent’s checkers - check! Introduce the littles to this great game with Cosmic Checkers, featuring a colorful outer space theme that’ll make them want to play again and again. Ages 4 & up, $26, blackwagon.com
from Bella Stella
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Guide 2016 Can’t decide on just one? Visit
Hello! Good Morning! This darling boutique has plenty of stocking stuffers, beautiful, unique gifts for kids and special treasures for grownups too! hellogoodmorningkids.com
stop in at
Spielwerk Toys A thoughtfully curated toyshop full of durable and artfully made toys designed to help kids grow, learn and “werk.” spielwerktoys.com
HELLO! GOOD MORNING!
check out
Presents of Mind
Get everything you need in this delightful store, from baby things to cards and stationery, grownup clothing to clever novelties. presentsofmind.tv NW Kids Magazine | 21
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Holiday Gift Guide 2016
Experiences
History Hub
at the Oregon Historical Society
Explore the topic of diversity through fun, hands-on interactives, objects and pictures at OHS’s newest permanent exhibit. Developed in partnership with an advisory committee of students, teachers, cultural organizations and museums to tell the stories of people who live in Oregon, today and in the past. For K-12, with a focus on 4th-8th grade. $5-11, free for under 5 and Multnomah County residents, ohs.org
Cinnamon Bear Cruise at Portland Spirit Be the guests of honor on Cinnamon Bear Cruise’s two-hour cruise! Enjoy holiday treats while fanciful characters entertain you with storytelling, music and magic. Have your picture taken with the Cinnamon Bear himself atop his magical throne. Make this a holiday your child will remember forever. $22-30, cinnamonbearcruise.com
OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Sewing Classes and Winter Break Day Camps at Seam Divas Sewing Lounge
Indoor Skydiving
at iFLY
Daredevils will be delighted at the prospect of indoor skydiving (!), though your shy ones may surprise you as they earn their wings in this unique flight experience. Starting at $69.96, iflyworld.com/portland
A lovely gift for your budding seamster or seamstress. Have you always wanted to learn to sew, too? You can do it together – adult-youth teams are welcome! Ages 9 & up, $75-100 (gift certificates available), seamdivas.com
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Holiday Gift Guide 2016
Memberships World of Speed The World of Speed museum is the perfect place for younger visitors to learn about motion and momentum, car design and mechanics – all things speed! Join the VIP ranks to get first dibs on camp discounts, parties, and more. Starting at $35, worldofspeed.org WORLD OF SPEED
Oregon Zoo Year-round access to the lush habitat landscapes, educational programming and seasonal favorite ZooLights. Household memberships starting at $129, oregonzoo.org
OMSI Spend 2017 channeling your inner science nerd – you know you want to! Plus, members save 20% on camps and classes. Starting at $95, omsi.edu
Portland Children’s Museum A customizable membership lets you define “family” for yourself, so bring the neighborhood along to play, investigate and explore! Starting at $80, portlandcm.org 24 | NW Kids Magazine
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ANDY WARHOL
Get Out and Play! This month’s local adventures
Dec 1
Baby Morning: Andy Warhol Interested in exploring the Portland Art Museum’s Andy Warhol exhibit, but have trouble finding a baby-free opportunity? Why not bring your baby along? PAM even provides toys and a flexible start time to accommodate your young one. $16.99-19.99 (free for children under 17), portlandartmuseum.org
Dec 2-Jan 2
Winter Village Ice Skating Rink at Orenco Station Plaza Introduce your family to the outdoor ice-skating experience! Make sure to get some hot chocolate... that’s very important. Check the website for specific kids activities planned throughout the month. $9-12 (free for kids under 3), hillsboro-oregon.gov
Dec 3
Care of Magical Creatures Harry Potter fans will jump at the chance to learn more about these fantastic beasts. This hands-on program is put on by the Hollywood Library Teen Council and aimed at preschool and elementary school aged kiddos. Free, multcolib.org/ events/care-magical-creatures/65690
Dec 3-Jan 2 The Wizard of Oz
Follow the yellow brick road in this timeless classic, performed by young local thespians and including music from the movie we’ve all grown to know and love. $13-25, nwcts.org
Dec 4
Footprints, Moms and Mimosas Enjoy a free mimosa and 10% off all pottery painting at this monthly event. Staff are also available to help you get cute baby hand and foot prints to decorate ornaments or other gifts. Free to attend, items start at $5, mimosastudios.com
Dec 10 & 17
Portland Opera to Go presents Hansel and Gretel This 50-minute, English language version of the classic fairy tale will appeal to kids in the K-5 range and adults, too! The sets and costumes create a magical, welcoming world for budding young opera fans (and even those who think they don’t like opera). $5 for kids under 12, $10 for adults and seniors, portlandopera.org/pogo-2016/
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Dec 17
Dec 17
Take a break from the holiday craziness to enjoy the beautiful oak woodlands of Cooper Mountain Nature Park while learning about the winter solstice. Spaces are limited, so register soon! $6 per person, $11 per family, oregonmetro.gov
Stop by the Central Library to enjoy this play based on a Bantu folktale and learn a bit about East African culture. This interactive performance is for all ages. Free, multcolib.org/events/whoshares-house/67115
Winter Solstice Sunset Walk
Who’s in Hare’s House
Looking for more? Check out our online calendar: nwkidsmagazine.com/events
The PJA Perspective Portland Jewish Academy (pjaproud.org) provides a rich academic and cultural learning experience for kids from early childhood through 8th grade. We’ve invited budding journalists from PJA’s writing club for 6th-8th graders to join our team for a series that gives you a glimpse into thoughts and life – from their perspective.
Opposites
by SADIE DRUCKER
Alone on the dark street. Nowhere to call home. Nowhere to belong. Alone on the street with shoes two sizes too small. Holidays are supposed to be happy times with family and friends. There’s supposed to be a large meal where everyone gets so full they couldn’t imagine ever being hungry again. I guess nothing that’s supposed to happen ever happens to me. Looking into the windows of perfect families having a perfect holiday, I longed to be a part of a family that would love me and make sure I always had the best. Something as little as having the right size shoes can make a world of difference to me. I longed to be inside one of the houses that had lights strung up everywhere and a tree covered in ornaments in the living room. I walked and walked until I came to the edge of town, where one house had a tree that was not taking up all the holiday glory, but shared it with a small menorah that sat proudly between ornaments on the windowsill. I was welcomed inside, given something to eat, welcomed into the family. I was at home with two opposites. Opposites that came together. Opposites that came together to form one.
Sadie Drucker is a sixth grader at PJA and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She enjoys writing because it lets her pour thoughts on the page.
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MAKE WAY FOR 2017
Photograph by MITTLEMAN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
4 New Year’s Eve bashes - for kids! by KELLEY GARDINER
Photograph by OAKS PARK
Do your kids have their social plans hashed out for the biggest party night of the year? Whether you’ll be at home in your jammies when the ball drops, or you’re looking for a little more excitement, we found a few familyfriendly parties for New Year’s Eve that will get your little ones excited about the year to come… or just tuckered out when you’re ready to pick them up. 30 | NW Kids Magazine
MITTLEMAN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER EREV NEW YEAR’S EVE AT NOON Fri Dec. 30 • 11am - 12:30pm (Pool Float 12:30-2pm) 6651 SW Capitol Highway Get a babysitter for the big night, but celebrate with the whole family the day before at MJCC. There’s a lot going on here, from crafts to games, to a bouncy house and snacks. Naturally, there will be a countdown at noon, complete with balloon drop! Bring your suits for a pool float. Free, open to the community. oregonjcc.org NORTHWEST LIBRARY PARTY FOR PRESCHOOLERS Sat Dec 31 • 11am-12:30pm 2300 NW Thurman Let’s face it: most preschoolers are not cut out to stay up all night to party. At least, we hope not. That’s why the Northwest Library holds a New Year’s Eve party on the big day where there’s still a countdown – to a kid-friendly time of 12 noon. Hit the party at 11am for dancing, balloons and snacks for the five and under set. Free! multcolib.org/events/noon-years-eve-partypreschoolers OAKS PARK NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Sat Dec 31 • 7pm-1am 7805 SE Oaks Park Way “Rink” in the new year with skates strapped to your tootsies at Oaks Park’s famous skating rink. It’s all ages, so grownups can have their own fun while there are games and prizes for the younger set. $20 per skater includes conventional skate rental, oakspark.com WEVILLAGE NYE Sat Dec 31 • 6pm-1am 1024 NW Glisan St. There are family-friendly parties, and then there are kid-friendly parties. At WeVillage, you drop off the kiddo(s) for their own playtime until the wee hours of 1am. Bring jammies! Hourly rates apply (reservations required for Pearl & NE locations), wevillage.com Kelley Gardiner is a Portland native, a freelance writer and blogger and the mother of one sweet toddler. To see what she’s up to, visit kelleygardiner.com.
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