liv e • play • do
magazine
Holiday Giving Guide | International Adoption Adoption Resource Guide | Modeling Gratitude Thanksgiving & Hanukkah Outings
nwkidsmagazine.com
Nov
2013
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NW Kids Magazine | 3
editors’
Corner
Five. That’s how many years this month I’ve been a mama (Kelley) to a beautiful girl named Addie. I still remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. How small she was and how enormous my heart felt when I saw her for the first time. How it felt to hold her while she slept in my arms that first night in the hospital. How seriously I took my new job as Mom, and how I knew from the moment we met that I would be hers and she would be mine forever. We were meant to be, you see, her and me. Now, five years later, nothing has changed, except she’s not as small and my heart feels even bigger. I have adoption to thank for this sweet gift of mamahood, and for that, I am ever grateful. This month in NW Kids there are so many things to celebrate. As with every November in the magazine, we focus on adoption month and Thanksgiving, but this year Hanukkah comes early, too. Don’t miss our feature on International Adoption, the Adoption Resource Guide and a few sweet pieces on gratitude. Also, if you’re looking for a fun recipe to try, check out the Root Vegetable Latkes—yum! Speaking of cooking, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. We love the warmth and ritual of creating a festive meal and celebrating with friends and family. We love the underlining message of the day, and a reason to just hang out; enjoying each-other’s company, playing games, hearing the roar of the football game in the background and snuggling after the turkey induced coma. We hope this is the beginning of a wonderful holiday season for you and yours. As always, we look forward to hearing from you. Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble gobble, Kelley & Beth Cover and Contents Photography courtesy of RLP Studios reversedlensphotography.com
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Contents november 2013 8 Teaching Gratitude All Year Long 12 Growing Your Family Through International Adoption 15 Resource Guide: Adoption Support and Resources 16 Holiday Giving Guide 20 Celebrating Family and Adoption Reads 22 Mothers United 24 Monthly Calendar, Holiday Outings and Events 30 Travelin’ through The Deep Woods: An Interview with Red Yarn NW Kids Magazine | 5
Listings A Walk on the Wild Side..........................................7 Adoption Counseling & Educational Services...... 21 Adoption Mosaic................................................... 21 Backyard Adventure.................................................2 Barre3.................................................................... 31 Bella Stella............................................................ 11 Bennett Suzuki...................................................... 17 Black Wagon......................................................... 25 Boys and Girls Aid................................................. 13 Cedarwood............................................................ 29 Child’s Play Toys.................................................... 25 Coffee Kids............................................................ 11 Columbia Gorge Railroad Club................................9 Do Jump!..................................................................9 Earthquake Tech.................................................... 29 Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum..................9 Glow Mother Baby................................................ 25 Goody’s.................................................................. 28 Imago Theater....................................................... 21 Kinship House....................................................... 17 Little Fruit Farm Montessori.................................. 21 MamaBaby Boutique............................................ 27 My Masterpiece Art Studio................................... 28 Northwest Adoption Support............................... 23 NW Surrogacy Center........................................... 23 Oaks Park..................................................................7 OHSU FM Adoption Health Services.................... 21 Oregon Adoption.................................................. 23 Oregon Artist School............................................. 17 Oregon Ballet Theatre..............................................9 Oregon Episcopal School.........................................3 Oregon Gymnastics Academy.................................7 Oregon Hope Chinese School............................... 25 Portland Ballet...................................................... 25 Portland Language Arts....................................... 27 Portland Spirit....................................................... 31 Portland Trampoline................................................2 Rising Star Chinese School................................... 25 Santa’s Magic Boot Prints..................................... 27 Sister Fresh............................................................ 21 Spanky’s................................................................ 27 Spielwerk.............................................................. 11 Sunriver Resort..................................................... 32 The Art Of Movement........................................... 29 The Bar Method Portland........................................3 The Oregon Garden............................................... 11 WeVillage.............................................................. 17 World Forestry Center..............................................7 World of Smiles..................................................... 17 6 | NW Kids Magazine
magazine
Publisher / Advertising Director Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editorial Beth Friesenhahn beth@nwkidsmagazine.com Kelley Schaefer-Levi kelley@nwkidsmagazine.com Account Manager Laurel Ackerman laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Client Services Coordinator Brenna Burke brenna@nwkidsmagazine.com Design Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Client Ad Design Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com
Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • 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.
what we’re reading
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Modeling
Gratitude
All Year Long by Laura Jost
Photograph by Christy Klep Photography
T
he other evening, I was excited about dinner. Weird. I hadn’t made a favorite, root vegetable latkes, in quite a while. Now that the weather is crisp and the leaves are starting to turn vibrant yellows and reds, it felt like the right time to whip up a batch (plus, they are super easy for a week night). Normally, the kids would have been really enthusiastic because they had loved them before my daughter’s elimination diet, but instead I suffered instant complaining. It was apparent they didn’t remember what ingredients they were so passionately protesting, so I decided to make them anyhow just to prove them wrong. My husband was working late when we sat down to eat. The latkes were delicious! But, instead of the gratitude and elation I had been so certain were coming, my daughter grimaced with every chew and my son flat out refused to try them until I slathered a piece in sour cream. He took a nibble, then opened his mouth and stared me in the eye while the whole bite dropped in slow motion onto the table. I gave up. I excused them both and told them if they got hungry, there was plenty of dinner (latkes only!) to eat. I put the rest in a warmer for my husband. They gleefully resumed playing upstairs.
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When Aaron came home, I was wearing the face of a woman defeated by mere children. He opened the warmer and did a little happy dance. “I love these!” he exclaimed. And I smiled. Sometimes I feel like a single display of gratitude is what keeps me from the edge, but there never seems to be enough ‘thanks’ in a day, let alone in a season dedicated to thankfulness. You can teach a child to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ but how do we teach them how to be truly grateful? This is an idea that I had been considering for some time. As with many parents from multiple generations, I consider my children to have had it “better than I did.” But when I think about what my childhood list of thankful items might have been, I know that it would be vastly different than today. I was grateful for some important things, but not enough. I know that I was thankful for the jean jacket my mother hand-studded late one night. I was thankful for the friends that could see past the perm; braces; extralarge framed, pink acrylic glasses; and my propensity for raising a hand nearly every time a teacher asked a question. I was grateful for the cash my dad would hand us to go to the mall, unhindered by my mother’s opinions and her aching hip. Seriously. Preteen years can take all of the time they want before they arrive here. continued on p. 10
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I can only hope and pray that my children are afforded the life experiences that they need to be the most compassionate and grateful people they can be; to see what is truly important in life as soon as possible without being fearful of this crazy, grown-up world in which they are living in temporary, ignorant bliss (mostly). And beyond knowing what they are grateful for, that they can thoughtfully express that gratitude. For now, I will continue to model as much real appreciation as I can by expressing thanks in every opportunity I am given. For the simplest of things like a stranger opening a door, to my loved ones being there for us when
we need it most. I will talk about the gifts of life, health, passion, this precious earth and all of its uncompromising beauty, hope, and people who love you for exactly the person you are while giving you the freedom to become the person you are meant to be. Even if the person that you are meant to be makes amazing latkes only her husband appreciates. Until now, anyways‌ Laura Jost is thankful for the opportunity to share a slice of her life with all of the lovely readers of NW Kids magazine. And for the dear ones that help her eat the rest of the pie.
Root Vegetable Latkes (serves 4-6 in approximately 30 minutes) Photograph courtesy of Kvell in the Kitchen kvellinthekitchen.com
Ingredients 2 large parsnips, peeled 2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed 2 large carrots, scrubbed or peeled 1 leek, white and light green parts thinly sliced (optional)
ž cup all-purpose flour (I have substituted a few different GF flour blends with great success) 1 teaspoon baking powder 3 large eggs, beaten Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Directions Preheat your non-stick griddle to 350 degrees. Use a food processor (or grater) to grate the parsnip and potato. Use a salad spinner to rinse the parsnip and potato and spin off the excess liquid (you can also rinse in a colander and pat dry). Transfer to a mixing bowl. Use the food processor (or grater) to grate the carrot and add carrot and optional leek to the parsnip and potato. Stir into the veggies the flour, baking powder, eggs, and salt and/or pepper (I use my hands to mix). Drop the mixture onto the griddle in large spoonfuls, flattening with the spoon. Cook, turning once, until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a warmer or serve immediately with applesauce and sour cream.
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Growing Your Family Through International Adoption by Briana Currey
B
eginning an international adoption can be an overwhelming experience. Where do you start? How will you pay for it? How do you determine the country with the greatest need? Adoption agencies are happy to answer these questions and help guide you to the adoption program that is the best fit for your family. As you embark on this journey, here are a few points to consider.
Choosing a Country Simply put, every child without a mom and a dad has a need. It doesn’t matter whether that child is in an orphanage in China, Haiti, or Ethiopia, all children need parents. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with statistics or which country’s need is greater, take action to help one orphan. If you have not already decided on a particular country or region of the world, begin researching countries of interest to you. Each government sets requirements for adoptive parents. Some of the main categories include age, length of marriage, medical history, and income, among others. Study these requirements to determine if you qualify. Occasionally, exceptions will be made, so contact an agency to learn about your options. Look at the travel requirements, some require one trip, two short trips, or a lengthy in-country stay.
Photographs courtesy of America world adoption programs
Waiting Children The vast majority of children in orphanages today are older or have special needs. The average wait time for a healthy infant is steadily increasing in many countries, yet many older children are paperwork-ready and waiting for families. Become educated on the medical conditions that children have, some may be easily treatable or relatively minor once they are surrounded by the love of a family and advancements in US medical centers. Many agencies have resources or family references you can utilize to reduce fears and open up to a broader range of children.
Adoption Costs Adoption is a lengthy legal procedure, so unfortunately there are quite a few costs involved. Through grants, loans, fundraising, and maybe even tax credits, regular income families are able to complete adoptions with a dose of faith. Be sure to ask your agency detailed questions about all costs incurred during your process, including the approximate “start up” cost so you can plan your budget accordingly. continued on p. 14
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There are many organizations that exist to help reduce the cost of adoption. Your process is likely to last for longer than a year, giving you time to raise funds. This is a great time for your family and friends to rally around you as you prepare to bring home child. Hold a yard sale, sell t-shirts, and use your creativity! If cost is the only deterrent, contact an agency to talk about your options.
The Process After you are accepted into an adoption program, you will begin compiling paperwork to be sent to the adoption-related authority of the country’s government. This compilation of paperwork, or dossier, contains notarized and certified documents such as marriage certificates, financial statements, employment verification, an approval from the US Citizenship & Immigration Service, and more. Another major component of the dossier is the home study, a report written by a social worker that assesses your ability to provide a loving and safe home for children. Once the dossier is submitted, the waiting period begins. The length of this wait will be determined by a number of factors and can be a challenging but growing time for your family. When you are matched with a child, your agency will send you information on the child and begin planning your travel. Enjoy the time in country, learning about your child’s culture and heritage. 14 | NW Kids Magazine
After you are home and adjusting to your new family, your social worker will stay in touch and hold several post-adoption visits. Reports will be sent back to the adoptive country’s government, and he or she will be a resource for any concerns or questions. While there is much research you can do on your own, call an adoption agency to learn more about adoption as it may apply to your specific family dynamics. Providing a loving home for an orphan is one of the best decisions you can make. If this is on your heart, consider taking one more step closer to growing your family by adoption. America World Adoption Programs awaa.org/programs/default.aspx America World Adoption Waiting Children awaa.org/waitingchildren/programs.aspx For more information: adoption.state.gov/ uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis oregonadoptionagencies.org Briana Currey, MSW, LCSW is the Director of Social Services for America World Adoptions in Oregon and Washington. She has been working in the adoption field since 1994 and specializes in international adoptions.
Resource Guide:
Adoption Support and Resources
Adoption Counseling Services (ACES) adoptioncounselingservices.com ADOPTION MOSAIC adoptionmosaic.org ADOPTIVE FAMILIES MAGAZINE adoptivefamilies.com BOYS & GIRLS AID boysandgirlsaid.org CATHOLIC CHARITIES catholiccharitiesoregon.org CHOSEN INTERNATIONAL choseninternational.org DOVE ADOPTION INTERNATIONAL adoptions.net FAMILIES WITH RUSSIAN AND UKRAINIAN ADOPTIONS (FRUA) frua-oregon.org FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN FROM CHINA (FCC) fcc-nw.memberlodge.com FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN FROM VIETNAM fcvn.org HOLT INTERNATIONAL holtinternational.org JOURNEYS OF THE HEART journeysoftheheart.net Kinship House kinshiphouse.org KOREAN FOCUS NW nkcs.org
MOTHERS WHO ADOPT AS SINGLE PARENTS Contact Cindy at 503-929-8450 or redthreadredhead@yahoo.com Northwest Adoption Support northwestadoptionsupport.com Northwest Surrogacy Center nwsurrogacycenter.com OHSU Adoption Health Services ohsu.edu/adoption OPEN ADOPTION AND FAMILY SERVICES openadopt.org Oregon Adoption oregonadoption.com OREGON FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN FROM GUATEMALA Email: sharonscheurer@yahoo.com for more information. OREGON POST ADOPTION RESOURCE CENTER (ORPARC) orparc.org NORTHWEST ADOPTIVE FAMILIES nafaonline.org NORTHWEST ICHILD (INDIA CHILD) nwichild.org SW WASHINGTON ADOPTION SUPPORT Contact Darlene Wilson 360-256-8795 Tree of Life Adoption Center toladopt.org
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Mamababy Boutique Looking for that perfect outfit for the holidays? Tea Collection is full of bold colors and beautiful prints, in soft cotton fabrics your child can play comfortably in on any occasion. Prices vary. mambabyboutique.com
holiday
Giving Guide
Portland Spirit Cinnamon Bear Cruise An enchanting two hour cruise with Cinnamon Bear & Friends. Special treats and holiday photos taken with Cinnamon Bear himself. Get tickets at portlandspirit.com
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Spanky’s Spanky’s has everything you need to help fill those stockings. You’ll find children’s jewelry and accessories, gift cards, and of course, designer purses for the young fashionista. spankys.com
Santa’s Magic Bootprints A heartwarming story of Santa’s recent “memory” lapse culminating with children actually able to see and touch Santa’s magic bootprints on Christmas morning. Family kit, $30. santasmagicbootprints.com
Blackwagon HaPe’s festive basswood ukelele with tunable strings is the perfect gift for young boys and girls. $32. blackwagon.com
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Child’s Play Spirograph is back! Use the classic wheels and rings to create millions of amazing designs. Includes wheels, pens, paper, design guide and more. Spirograph Deluxe Set. Perfect for kiddos ages 8+. $15-$30. childsplayportland.com
My Masterpiece Art Studio My Masterpiece Art Studio is gift making central! Join in a Saturday Art hour workshop to get a head start. Make ornaments, gingerbread houses and lanterns through the month of December. Or drop off the kids at Parent Night Out and finish up the shopping! mymasterpieceartstudio.com
Imago FROGZ Imago’s signature work returns! Check out this hysterical and thrilling event; fun for the whole family. Dec 13 - Jan 5. Call TicketsWest.com
Glow Mother & Baby Let’s get dirty. This rain suit works in the rain and the dirt. Perfect for the active kid who likes to play outdoors all year long. Muddy Buddy by Tuffo at Glow Mother & Baby, $30. (503) 453-5200
The Portland Ballet Thanksgiving weekend, Nov 29- Dec 1, The Portland Ballet performs The Enchanted Toyshop, a delightful fairy tale of toys come to life, and scenes from The Firebird, a classic story of magic and adventure. Tickets at pdx.edu/boxoffice/tickets 18 | NW Kids Magazine
bella stella Find where the animals live! Magnetic wall sticker made of 8 sheets to assemble and 101 magnets (animals) to place in their country. $75. bellastella.com
Sister Fresh This super soft cozy knit dress is a sure favorite with pajamaworthy feel, major twirl factor and 3/4 sleeves for easy fry dipping or painting. Casual feel with a party-ready look! Colors: Cream, Brown or Black Leopard, and Bubble Gum. $69. sisterfresh.com
lemony snicket What happens when a latke escapes a frying pan? You’ll have to read this hilarious tale to find out. A great read for the whole family, no matter what holiday you celebrate.$8, powells.com
Goody’s Goody’s is a locally owned and operated old-fashioned soda shop, specializing in handmade chocolates and ice cream, hundreds of candies, specialty popcorn, and much more! goodyschocolates.com
Spielwerk toys What kid doesn’t love a tipi? This indoor/outdoor canvas tipi is easy to assemble and will make for hours of imaginative play. Features a colorful, native American inspired print by French painter Nathalie Lete. $129$159. spielwerktoys.com
Coffee Kids Rubens Barn Dolls are handmade, soft and unique . Coffee Kids offers these sweet dolls in a variety of styles, sizes and even anatomically correct babies. Prices vary. facebook.com/coffeekidspdx
Fox wrapping paper by Paper Source. $2.50-$8. NW Kids Magazine | 19
Celebrating Family and Adoption Reads by Jennifer Green of Green Bean Books A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza (Board Book $6.99) The adorable, feathery Choco sets out on an earnest mission to find his mother in A Mother for Choco. The problem is, none of the other grumpy animals in the forest look A THING like this sweet baby bird. When Choco finally comes upon Mrs. Bear and she pledges to hold him tight, cheer him up, kiss him, and dance with him, he realizes that Mrs. Bear would make the perfect mother even if she happens to be a totally different species! A charming adoption tale about untraditional families just right for preschoolers. All Kinds of Families by Mary Ann Hoberman (Hardback $16.99) “Bottle caps, gingersnaps, buttons, or rings, you can make families from all sorts of things!” sings the cheery refrain in Mary Ann Hoberman’s rhyming romp, All Kinds of Families! She emphasizes that it’s the commonalities that we share that create families in this poetically playful delight of a book. Marc Boutavant’s vibrant, animated illustrations echo this inclusive family message with their whimsical detail that completely captures the spirit of Hoberman’s words.
The Family Book by Todd Parr (Hardback $15.99) Bold and bright as ever, Todd Parr takes us through all the many varied and wondrous forms that families can take in The Family Book. From step families and single parented families, to gay families and families with adopted children, Parr celebrates all the many family structures with his simple yet inclusive message. Parr magnificently maintains his playful trademark style throughout his book to keep it light while presenting this important message of acceptance. The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman (Hardback $16.99) Families come in all shapes and sizes and Mary Hoffman’s The Great Big Book of Families honors them all! Diverse aspects of family life including differences in homes, schools, jobs, food, clothes, feelings, hobbies and even pets are explored in this joyful tribute to the greater idea of what makes a family a family. Children who open this book will find some aspect of their family reality within these affirming pages.
1600 NE Alberta Street 503-954-2354 greenbeanbookspdx.com 20 | NW Kids Magazine
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Mothers United by Brenda bonk
H
ow many times have you said to someone important in your life, “I could not have done this without you”? Maybe a dear friend who brought tissues and ice cream after that hurtful breakup, your spouse as they held your hand through a difficult moment or even in celebration after a sports or performance victory? We all try to show our appreciation and gratitude in some way for the people or beliefs we cherish most. Some people give credit to others even though their accomplishment is truly their own. There are many people I have encountered in my life that I feel this way about, but never as completely, wholeheartedly and truly as when two very special women joined my own personal journey to motherhood. These women now walk along side us as we all navigate the path of open adoption. These women are brave, selfless, loving mothers who chose to entrust their precious children to me and my husband. They shared their fears, joys and utmost personal moments with us and together we are giving our children a chance to grow up into brave, selfless, loving human beings. Motherhood unites women in a way that only motherhood can. We share stories about birth, sleepless nights, the infamous Mommy Brain Syndrome. I have stories to share as well on each of these subjects, but in my stories, the unity of motherhood helps them take on a whole new meaning. I can tell you about standing by the side of a brave woman as she 22 | NW Kids Magazine
Photograph by brenda bonk
labored for 12 hours to birth our baby girl. Or the story of another selfless young woman who handed me the ultrasound picture – you know the one where they caption it “HI MOM,” as she told me she wanted me to be her baby’s mother. How about the conversations we had about the meanings of the names they had given their unborn children, how we could all unite together to honor those names. And of course, these stories would not be complete without the moment they each allowed me the gift of being the first of the mothers to hold each newborn child. I have spent so much time in the past few years trying my best to honor the process that each of these women has gone through. I search everyday to find one more way to express my overwhelming gratitude to any mother who could enter into the world of open adoption. These mothers carry inside of them the one thing that hopeful adoptive parents want. They spend hours reading letters, scanning pictures, reading biographies, trying to make a choice that most of us cannot even begin to imagine. We hear so much about “mothers intuition,” now imagine trusting that intuition to unite you with a family that will love and cherish your baby as their own.
Each of these women have expressed to me that this path has not been an easy one. They face daily challenges of coping with their grief, but are also comforted by the smiling faces of their children in the pictures we share or during the visits they take part in. My one hope for the birth mothers of my children is that they will someday find true peace with the choice they made for their daughters. That they wrap their hearts in the same love they gave their children and find serenity within themselves.
These women and I will be united forever in motherhood, as we continue to find our way in supporting the two beautiful daughters they each created. We are forever united by the emotional extremes of our situation, how these babies can bring such overwhelming joy and happiness to one mother but also intense grief and longing in another. We are forever united by the love for these little girls. We are forever united by trust, in our connection and commitment to each other and the children.
Our girls are now 6 and 3-years-old, and we are so grateful that, even though the relationship with their birth families has had challenges, the one constant for my daughters is that they are loved and were always loved by mothers. We will all be here for them, answering their questions, helping them to find their identity in this world, guiding them through life’s challenges.
Brenda Bonk was born and raised in the Portland area but has recently moved back after a few years away. Brenda works as a full time stay at home Mom but also enjoys teaching sign language to young children through her own company, Simply Signing Northwest. Brenda is an active volunteer in adoption education and support. simplysigningnw.com
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Monthly
Calendar
Performances NOV 2-3, 9-10
Oregon Children’s Theatre – Magic Treehouse: A Night in New Orleans $18-30, Sat 2pm & 5pm, Sun 2pm. octc.org
Nov 9
Portland Youth Philharmonic Fall Concert at the Schnitz
The youth symphony performs selections by Kenji Bunch, Grieg, Hanson and Dvorak. $15-55, 7:30pm. portlandyouthphil.org
NOV 10
Curious Comedy Theater The Curious Garden
A show for all ages - especially kids 0-8. And remember each episode ends with an open mic where you can sing, dance, tell a joke and show off your talent. 10:30am, $5 suggested donation. curiouscomedy.org
Nov 15-24
Tears of Joy Theatre – The Reluctant Dragon
Alphabeticians songs with a full rock n roll sound. Doors open at 3:30pm, $5. alphabeticians.com
Nov 29-Dec 1
The Portland Ballet – John Clifford’s The Enchanted Toyshop & Firebird
Kick off the holiday season with this ballet featuring the PSU orchestra. $15-35, family packages available. Fri 4pm & 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 1pm & 4pm. theportlandballet.org
Holiday Outings & Events NOV 3
Temple Beth Shalom Chanukah Bazaar
Annual Chanukah Bazaar featuring NW artisans and crafters, raffle prizes and more! 10am-3pm. tbsholom.org
Nov 9-10, 16-17, 22-24, 27, 29-30 Mount Hood Railroad – All Aboard! The Polar Express
What happens when a dragon moves into the neighborhood? Find out in this delightful play based on the story by Kenneth Grahame. $13-18, Fri 7:30pm, Sat 11am & 1pm, Sun 1pm & 3pm. tojt.org
A holiday favorite comes to life. Take a journey to the North Pole, meet Santa, sip hot cocoa – all in your pajamas! $18-26, departure times vary. mthoodrr.com
NOV 17
Pioneer Courthouse Square – Christmas Tree Arrival
The Alphabeticians - Full Band Show at Village Ballroom
For one show only, Mr. E and Mr. Hoo will be joined by Matt Clark (bass) and Scott Crabtree (drums) to play all your favorite
Nov 15
Celebrate the arrival of the 75-foot Douglas Fir to the square, visit with Santa, see a live marching band and drink hot cocoa. Free, 12-1pm. thesquarepdx.org
Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur. 24 | NW Kids Magazine
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November 2013 Nov 17
Mittleman Jewish Community Center - Hadassah Annual Chanukah Gift Fair
Chanukah comes early this year! Come enjoy a day of goodies, shopping and fun for the whole family. 9am-4pm, free. oregonjcc.org
Starting Nov 25
Pittock Mansion – A Locally Crafted Christmas
The mansion is transformed into a holiday wonderland. Celebrate artistry and skill in the Northwest. $5.50-8.50, kids under 6 free, 11am-4pm. pittockmansion.org
Starting Nov 28
21st Annual Winter Wonderland
The largest light show in the west will not disappoint, with colorful lights and animated scenes. $6-45, Sun-Thurs 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm. globaleventsgrouppdx. com/wonderland
Nov 28
Oregon Zoo – Turkey Trot
Get ready for Thanksgiving dinner with a 4-mile fun run or walk through Washington Park, ending inside the zoo. 8am-9:45am, check website for entry fee. oregonzoo.org
Nov 29
Pioneer Courthouse Square – Tree Lighting Ceremony
The day after Thanksgiving, head downtown to the square and celebrate the lighting of the 75-foot tree. Free, 5:30pm. thesquarepdx.org
Nov 29
Macy’s Holiday Parade 2013
Join the excitement of floats, music, costumed characters, and the opening of Santaland downtown. Free, 9am. macys.com
Starting Nov 29 Oregon Zoo – Zoolights
Come for the animals, stay for the lights! Over a million LED lights and moving sculptures create a magical atmosphere. $7-10, train rides extra, Sun-Thurs 5-8pm, Fri-Sat 5-8:30pm. oregonzoo.org
Starting Nov 29
The Grotto – Christmas Festival of Lights
A twinkling celebration of Christmas, with choir performances, puppet shows, and hot cocoa. $4-9, kids 0-2 free, 5-9:30pm. thegrotto.org/christmas
Starting Nov 29 Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree
This dazzling choral event is one of Portland’s favorite holiday traditions. $17-77, Sat 2:30pm &7:30pm, Sun 1:30pm. singingchristmastree.org
Remember to check the NW Kids online calendar for dozens more outings and activities each day. Share with friends, subscribe to the RSS, add directly to your calendar, and more features. There’s something going on you don’t want to miss!! nwkidsmagazine.com 26 | NW Kids Magazine
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Calendar cont’d Starting Nov 29
Oregon Garden – Christmas in the Garden
Kick off your Christmas celebrations with a visit to the Rediscovery Forest, where you will be whisked away on the Holiday Express to enjoy a traditional German Market. Check calendar for dates to see Santa in action, pet live reindeer, and do some holiday shopping. $3-5, kids 0-4 free, 4-9pm. oregongarden.org
Events TUES & WEDS
Oaks Park Preschool Play & Skate
Introduce your little skater to the rink with a special skate time just for kids 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers are welcome on skating floor during this time. 1011:30am, $6 per child. oakspark.com
Nov 3
OMSI - $2 Days
Experience the wonders of science for just $2! 9:30am-5:30pm. omsi.edu
Nov 9
Your Postpartum Action Plan Workshop
Learn the ’3 Keys to Create Your Customized Postpartum Action Plan’ & gain the necessary tools to aid in the prevention
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of common postpartum issues such as anxiety, depression, fatigue & loss of self. $20 per mom, partner/support person attends free, 10am-1pm. Register at: postpartumwonderwoman.com/plan
Nov 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-Dec 1
Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club – 2013 Model Railroad Show
See a miniature version of a vintage railroad, complete with a drive-in movie theather. $2-6, VIP tour $15, 10am-5pm. cgmrc.com
Nov 16
Adoption Information Fair 2013
Meet local adoption agencies and resources, participate in workshops, learn what it takes to become an adoptive parent in Oregon. Free, 12-4:30pm. oregonadoptionagencies.org
Nov 16
Green Bean Books – Emily Winfield Martin
Author, illustrator, and creator of The Black Apple Etsy shop, Emily Winfield Martin will share her new picture book, Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey, at Green Bean Books! Free, 12-1pm. greenbeanbookspdx.com
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Travelin’ through The Deep Woods:
An Interview with Red Yarn
by Kelley Schaefer-Levi
Photography by Aaron Hewitt
Have you seen this bearded fellow? He’s Red Yarn; storyteller, teaching artist and a local performer beloved by Portland families. He celebrates the critters of the American woods, puppetry and traditional folk music in his performances and is a true gem among Portland kindie artists. We recently had the pleasure of interviewing him, here’s what he had to say. What is Red Yarn Productions and how did it come to be?
want to provide those rich experiences for their children.
Red Yarn Productions is my folk music and puppetry company. It encompasses my work as a family performer and a teaching artist (leading classes, residencies and music lessons). I officially started the company two years ago and went full-time in June 2012. For years I was teaching kids by day and playing in grown-up bands at night, but I wanted to find a way combine these passions. RYP grew from that impulse, as well as my interest in American folksongs and puppetry. This work allows me to do so many things I love: perform for families, create and record music, build puppets, teach art to kids, collaborate with other artists, and engage with my community in positive ways.
We are excited about your debut album. Can you tell us what inspired The Deep Woods?
What is your favorite thing about working with and performing for families and children? Watching children open up and creatively engage with the world, whether in the course of single show or workshop, or over time at my regular shows and classes. So many forces push us inward, shyness and anxiety, the disconnecting effects of technology, our culture of fear, so I appreciate anything that pulls children out of their shells. Puppets can do that. Singing in groups can do that. Loving community can definitely do that. It’s wonderful to find so many families here who
I’m thrilled that y’all are enjoying the album! The Deep Woods grew out of my exploration of animals in American folk music. I’ve been collecting and adapting these songs for almost six years. The more songs I learned, the more I imagined a whole world where these characters might live together. Meanwhile I was reading old Br’er Rabbit stories set in a similar big woods... you never know what critter will show up next! As a kid, I was drawn to books and movies that created their own universes, so I wanted to do the same when making art for families to enjoy. Where can families see you perform and how can they get their hands on The Deep Woods? I perform four mornings a week at local family venues, most weekends at libraries and community events, in addition to schools, preschools and birthday parties. I post my full schedule on my website, redyarnproductions.com. I’m selling The Deep Woods at my shows and online at redyarn.bandcamp.com. Come out to a show and say hi! See full interview at nwkidsmagazine.com
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