December 2012 Oregon Family

Merry Christmas!

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DEC 2012

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Tech the Halls

A Holiday Gift Guide for Kids from Tots to Teens

by Kelli Matthews

F

rom tots to teens it seems the array of choices for technology-related gifts this holiday season is infinite. For this gift guide, I offered to weed through the options for Oregon Family readers and come up with a recommended list of games, apps and accessories that can make choosing the best for your kids a little less intimidating.

Game consoles, tablets and mobile devices, of course, are important. But it’s the games, apps and accessories that really bring the fun for kids. And there’s an app, game or accessory for everyone, every interest, every passion.

T he b e st g ames , app s and accessories use the devices as tools to create interactive, entertaining adventures and they blend into the experience, rather than being the experience. It’s a glimpse into the way our kids - the most native of digital natives - will experience the world.

Now to the list...

Games & Apps An XBOX or an iPad is not very entertaining without the games and apps, right? Fortunately developers understand there’s a market in the

preschool set as well as the more traditional teen “gamer” crowd.

This means there are thousands of options (probably millions... do an App Store search for “toddler” sometime) to choose from.

I realized that apps can be hard to give as gifts, but with an iTunes or Google Play (for the Android devices) gift card, you can make it work.

My first grader has discovered how cool a gift card can be. You could even print a screen shot of the app that you have in mind for the card to be spent on.

Worth noting for Android users (or those considering an Android purchase): of 21 apps, you’ll only find three apps for your device. Visit pbskids.org/mobile for the full list.

For School-Age Kids What better use for tech than to make

For Preschoolers iGuy case for The PBS Kids family of apps iPads from Speck comes highly recommended by parents. PBS Kids has about a dozen apps based on their popular shows like Sid the Science Kid, Super Why, science, Dinosaur Train and Martha Speaks. math, art, Most are available for iPhone and reading, [insert your least favorite iPod Touch, quite a few for iPads and subject here] fun. Two apps rose to the most popular can also be found the top of the list for this age group. on tablets like Kindles and Nooks.

Creatorverse encourages kids

to become inventors. It’s entirely open-ended, giving kids a palette to build creations and then set them in motion. The app provides a set of tools like joints, forces, motors, teleporters and inputs and the kids provide the imagination.

Creatorverse is in the App Store & for available for Android devices ($4.99).

The World Atlas HD from National Geographic is a pretty terrific look at modern cartography. And for your school-aged kid who is interested in just how amazing this planet is that we live on... well, it’s an unrivaled experience.

My s i x - ye ar- ol d spent a good hour exploring the different kinds of maps, checking out the world flags and mapping our route to grandma’s house.

World Atlas HD is in the App Store ($1.99).

Finally, for this set, if you haven’t succumbed to the phenomenon that is Plants vs. Zombies, this is a favorite in our house (and the houses of all our friends). Warning, however,

continued on page 3…

Distributed through all Eugene/Springfield and Bethel public elementary and middle schools, most area private schools, and over 420 commercial locations in Linn and Lane counties.

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Publisher

Pacific Parents Publishing Editor

A:

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P.O. Box 21732 Eugene, OR 97402 541.683.7452 FAX: 541.683.7925 info@oregonfamily.com www.oregonfamily.com Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of this publication. © 2012 Pacific Parents Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without prior expressed written permission from Pacific Parents Publishing.

Lately I feel like I can’t get my kids to eat balanced meals. My oldest is nine, and he doesn’t like very many foods. My youngest is four, and she is starting to be pretty picky, too. I think she is taking her cues from her brother. They will eat foods that aren’t healthy, like pizza and mac and cheese, but whole grains and veggies are almost impossible to get them to eat. Any suggestions?

QA

When you worry about your kids’ diets, you are not alone! For as long as there have been parents, there has been concern about the eating choices of kids. I have known of a handful of young ones in my lifetime who will eat almost anything, but they are in the minority in my experience. As parents and caregivers, the most important thing we can do about “picky” eating is continue to offer a variety of foods, even if they have already been rejected. This can seem counter-intuitive, especially if you seem to be paying for foods that you know your kids are unlikely to eat. Nevertheless, kids’ tastes can change from meal to meal, and can be dependent on many factors including the color a child prefers that day or week, the texture of a particular food, or the mood of an individual kiddo, as well as the developmental stage of his or her taste buds.

So the take-away point is: Keep trying, and don’t get discouraged or assume your child will never like a certain food. One day, when you least expect it, you just might find that everything has changed.

Luckily, there are some ways we can disguise healthy foods that haven’t made it into your child’s hit parade yet. A great feeding trick is to use a pressure cooker, food processor or blender to puree or liq-

uefy vegetables and put them into sauces.

One tried and true method is to put carrots, root vegetables and greens into tomato sauces. Carrots, especially, provide natural sweetness to tomato sauce, making it milder and especially yummy. The sauce can then be used to dress up a whole grain or partially whole grain pasta, or spread onto a healthy, whole grain, pizza dough.

If protein is the nutrient you worry about your child missing, I recommend nutritional yeast, nut butters, and/or protein powder, all of which are available in bulk in many food stores (so you can start by buying and trying small amounts, rather than making a large initial investment). There are a variety of different protein powders, some with flavors added and some without, which can be added to pancakes, baked goods, and mixed in blended drinks. High protein, low sugar diets may be especially helpful for kids who have a hard time focusing.

Speaking of focus, most kids prefer to snack and run, rather than sit and spend time eating a full meal. If this applies to your child, try to make snacks into mini meals, rather than allowing them to be periodic desserts. Serve the healthy foods your child likes best (with luck there will be one or two) in small amounts. And try to sit down with your child, even for a couple

Little Metros

of minutes, to have “snack time.” This will reinforce the awareness of the process of eating, setting up habits that so many of us, as adults, neglect in our lives. Before you know it, your child may be gently reminding you to slow down and have a joyful, healthy, intention-filled snack with them, in the midst of this full and busy life.

One last thought on this subject: be sure to make mealtimes as happy as possible.

Whenever you can, dine with your kids, and focus conversation on fun topics, so that you can model healthy, happy eating.

It is important never to attempt to force or coerce a child to eat. We tend to have the idea that kids must eat all food groups at every meal, but this is unrealistic. When you are worried, check in with your health care provider, and remember that kids may not get all their nutrients in every meal, and yet, studies have found that over time, if offered a variety of choices, kids tend to get the nutrients they need.

Megan Turner is a mother of two terrific children. She has worked with families in Oregon since the early 80’s. Besides hanging out with her husband and kids, Megan spends her time working as a parent trainer and pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work.

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continued from front cover… don’t start playing yourself, or you’ll be sucked in too. Plants vs. Zombies is available across all platforms and ranges in price f rom $ 6 . 9 9 to about $20.

from Speck. I say “our,” because my son loves his iGuy case. For

For Families In doing research for this gift list, I was delighted to find the apps and games meant for having fun together as a Nomad Play art app family.

The Codigo Cube takes physical game play both iPads and iPad Minis, the and combines it with smart phone iGuy is wonderful at protecting the technology. A creative trivia game device from bumps with squishable, uses QR codes printed on a cube - squeezable material that absorbs each is a different color to represent a shocks. The iGuy makes it easier for different trivia category. A great way little hands to carry their tablet and to get your teens at the table with you the “feet” provide a base for playing for a little family game night. Trivial games or watching movies. You can Pursuit for the next generation! find it at SpeckProducts.com ($29.95 You can get Codigo Cube’s online for iPad Mini and $39.95 for full size at CodigoCube.com or at Radio iPad).

Shack, Walmart, Best Buy or Toys R My son was Thomas-obsessed for Us ($9.99). at least half of his life (he’s six now).

Technology doesn’t mean sitting on When I showed him the video for the couch staring at the screen. Apps the Thomas & Friends Steam Team like Geocaching can set you off on Station, I saw the same look in spontaneous family adventures. The his eyes that I did when he was a app tracks the exclusive coordinates three-year-old building a train set and info for more than two million on the floor with his dad. I think he geocache containers. Use the “Find wished he was a little younger. The Nearby Geocaches” button to locate game turns an iPad into a Thomas & geocaches near your current location.

Friends game that has kids moving The app says that odds are you can and grooving with their favorite reach the nearest geocache in less characters. Available from Toys R than 10 minutes. You can get it in the Us ($39.99).

App Store ($9.99).

For School-Aged Kids For Preschoolers My top choice is, without a doubt, Our favorite case for the preschool the Nomad Play from Nomad Brush. and early elementary set is the iGuy Art apps and coloring apps are a dime

a dozen, but using your finger isn’t very “artist feeling.” Give your kids a little more authentic experience with this clever stylus. The Nomad Play is pretty, too. They’re handcrafted from maple and individually engraved with a playful graphic in four great colors. This will be under our tree this year and I may have to borrow it to play Draw Something. Available via NomadBrush.com ($18). [Photo] Have a kid that’s more mechanically inclined? The DJ Rock Dock is a retro-looking speaker system (looks like an old school boom box) for an iPhone or iPod or other audio device that your child builds themselves.

Comes with all the necessary parts to make it sing, no pun intended. From Smartlabtoys.com ($19.99) For Teens If there’s a way to combine schoolwork with cool work I’m pretty sure the Evernote Smart Notebook will get your teen there. As an app, Evernote is handy for organizing and sorting your online life.

The Evernote Smart Notebook

Evernote Smart Notebook works with the Evernote app on any iPad or iPhone to make handwritten words and sketches instantly searchable, shareable and permanently archived as digital

Concerts coming up at

The Shedd

The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts

Music School Private & group lessons on various instruments and in various styles (including dance & voice), classes and vacation camps for all ages, including preschool, school age, adults & seniors.

You can can join Fall classes in process! Drop in to The Music Box any week! Call The Shedd Music School and register today!

Sign up for private lessons anytime!

Register: 541-434-7015 Shedd Music School Major Supporter

The Shedd: 868 High Street (corner of Broadway & High) www.theshedd.org

OFC-Shedd 1 Check us out2012-12.indd on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

notes. Use the paper in the notebook, snap a photo with your smart phone using Evernote’s Page Camera and help your teen organize their class work and homework as well as drawings, ideas, guest lists, team calendars and more. http://www. moleskineus.com/evernote-smartnotebooks.html Teens and music go hand-in-hand and if yours is an aspiring musician, the Sonoma Wire Works GuitarJack allows your rocker-to-be to record multiple inputs, jam to built-in amps and effects and enhance the sound of any recording. It’s a bit on the spendy side, but those in the know say it’s the best out there. GuitarJack has it’s own set of apps and also works with 3rd party applications like GarageBand.

Get it at Sonomawireworks.com ($149).

And then, there are always “Accessories”…. Accessories really help your child customize the way they use their technology. This is no one-size-fits-all endeavor but well worth the time and investment.

You can rest assured that even if

November, 2012 11.30 Musical: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (based on the 1951 film!)

December, 2012 12.1-16 SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (cont.)

12.6-13 Let It Snow! Christmas at The Shedd 2012 January, 2013 1.4 Jenny Scheinman w/ Bill Frisell & Brian Blade 1.11 Monterey Jazz Festical 55 w/ Dee Dee Bridgewater (Hult) 1.12 Robin Williams (Hult) 1.16 Loudon Wainwright II & Dar Williams 1.19 Magical Moombah! Rumbles and The Wild Skies!

1.24 Solas: Shamrock City tour February, 2013 2.1 Black Prairie 2.7-15 The Jazz Kings: Flying Home The Best of Benny Goodman 2.15 Victor Wooten 2.16 Afro-Cuban All Stars Visit theshedd.org for more information!

Shedd Presenting Sponsor

this list doesn’t fit your kid’s interest, you’ll find options galore that can encourage a budding artist, inspire your young scientist and get your family playing together.

Shedd Theatricals 2012

Shedd Theatricals 2012

The Gershwin’s

1924 zany smash hit musical comedy

SINGIN’ IN Lady,THE Be RAIN Good!

Thu-Sun, October 4-7 - The Shedd Nov 30, Dec 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15 - 7:30 pm Dec 2, 8 & 16 - 2:00 pm matinee

A Jazz Kings Christmas 2012

Let It Snow!

Dec 6 eve & 9 matinee

11/23/2012 10:27:36 PagePM 3

Cindy, Timothy, and Jim put on a show for the family.

Mo ieTime

by Bonnie L. Harris

How to Love the Leaves and Imperfections Walt Disney Pictures, Rated PG Released on home video December 4, 2012

T

he words I would use to describe The Odd Life of Timothy Green are sweet, funny, quirky, engaging, and definitely odd. It’s a live-action film with a little bit of fantasy to jumpstart the story, and a bit of magic to bring events to a close. As much as it’s about the unpredictability of parenting, the film is also about how parents can sometimes take a wrong turn and act more like children than adults. Timothy’s ability to see the good in adults gives the film its Pollyanna quality and restores our belief in the innocence of childhood.

Jim and Cindy Green live in a perfect small town, on a perfect little farm, and they lead perfect lives, except for one thing: they cannot have children.

After exhausting the medical options,

they’re told they’re beyond help and the doctors send them home. Steadfastly refusing to give up hope, Jim and Cindy create their “perfect child” by writing down his characteristics such as “honest to a fault, loving, forgiving, musical, and artistically a Picassowith-a-pencil.” They use ordinary pencils to draw and describe an extraordinary child, and then lovingly put the slips of paper together in a wooden box.

Telling themselves they’re “moving on,” Jim and Cindy gently bury the box in the garden as a way of releasing their sadness. During the night, we watch fantasy arrive in a rainstorm

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that also brings along Timothy. He’s not a perfect little boy, but Jim and Cindy want to believe in a miracle so much it’s hard not to be carried along with them. Jim, played earnestly by Joel Edgerton, calls the police to report a missing child, but at the same time, he discovers the empty, muddy hole in the garden. As Timothy washes off the mud, he has only one request of Cindy, “Please don’t ask me about my leaves!” Those leaves are growing out of his ankles and will cause quite a bit of consternation during the rest of the film.

The next day, Timothy explores his sunny, new world with a sense of joy and delight. He meets his extended family at a picnic in Jim and Cindy’s backyard, including three perfect cousins, his Uncle Bub and Aunt Mel, and his paternal grandfather who doesn’t like being called, “Grandpa.”

As wonderful as families appear on the surface, they come with

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heavy baggage, and we understand immediately that Cindy, played by Jennifer Garner, has ongoing difficulty with her perfectionist sister, Brenda. Likewise, Jim has had a difficult relationship with his overbearing father since childhood. Again, Edgerton and Garner play Jim and Cindy with such sincerity, enthusiasm, and naiveté, that we easily understand their funny and neurotic worries about Timothy’s acceptance into the family.

We meet the other citizens of Stanleyville while exploring Jim and Cindy’s life, and as Timothy is introduced to these characters, he explores their insecurities and imperfections. Grouchy Mrs. Crudstaff becomes a beautiful woman again in the portrait that Timothy creates of her. Coach Cal, who represents competition and authority, learns to admire and respect Timothy’s determination on and off the soccer field.

Timothy’s best friend, Joni, lowers her guard to share her deepest secret with him and together the two create a shrine to nature in the forest.

Each of these characters receives a leaf from Timothy as a reminder that they are loved, unique imperfections and all.

By the end of the film, Timothy has given everything he has to the people he loves, and like the autumn leaves, it’s time for him to go. Warning: grab a tissue; this is where you’ll likely need one! The story then comes full circle in the office of the State Adoption Agency whose representatives are deciding if Jim and Cindy will qualify as adoptive parents. We’ve heard their story in flashbacks and they readily admit their mistakes and misguided choices while trying to be good parents. Later, as Timothy’s voice reads the letter he left behind, we watch a strange car pull up in Jim and Cindy’s driveway. The State social workers step out of the car and introduce Jim and Cindy to a little girl named Lily who walks hand-in-hand with them into the perfect house, on the perfect farm, in the perfect little town.

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Read&PLAY

Enjoy the holidays

by Jennifer Galvin with a great book!

Candles to light, holiday decorations, warm winter nights by the fire, and lots of books! Winter brings many wonderful holiday celebrations. Whatever holiday you celebrate this winter, here are some fabulous books and crafts to enjoy together!

Read...

Who Built the Stable?

Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $16.99; ages 4-8 by Ashley Bryan.

Vivid, gorgeous artwork fills this book that centers around the stable where the baby Jesus was born.

Answering the question, who built the stable turns into a wonderous tale featuring a shepherd boy as the stable builder. When Mary and Joseph are turned away at the inn, the shepherd boy invites them to stay at his stable. A beautiful story with absolutely stunning images make this book truly a work of art you will want to read again and again.

My First Kwanzaa

Henry Holt and Company, $14.95; ages 2-6 by Karen Katz.

One of my favorite Kwanzaa books, this book is a dynamic and vibrant introduction to the Kwanzaa holiday. Young children will enjoy learning about the Kwanzaa principles while pouring over the rich, brightly colored illustrations in this lively book.

Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama

Alfred A. Knopf, $16.99; ages 4-8 by Selina Alko.

A delightful holiday book that celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah! Sadie's mom celebrates Hanukkah and her dad celebrates Christmas. They choose to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas as a family. A two tradition family, how lucky is Sadie? She enjoys celebrating both traditions and her family honors and respects them both. Follow along with Sadie and her family as they celebrate the season. A recipe for cranberry kugel is even included in the back!

The Christmas Quiet Book

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, $12.99; ages 3-7 by Deborah Underwood.

Enjoy quiet Christmas moments like, “knocking with mittens quiet” and “reading by the fire quiet” and more as you read this “quiet” book.

Soft, luminesent illustrations fill this lovely, quiet Christmas book that is sure to become a Christmastime favorite!

Together at Christmas

...and play Make some holiday pencils Materials: Pencils, 3 colors of 1/8” ribbon, beads, and Tacky glue.

Directions: Cut three 16” pieces of ribbon in holiday colors. Tie them about 1 1/2” below the top of the pencil. Put glue on the pencil above where you have tied on the ribbon.

Wrap the ribbon up to the top of the pencil.

Tie again. Let about 3-5” hang down from the top of the pencil. Tie 3-4 beads onto the end of your ribbons to finish off these festive holiday pencils.

Make a Holiday Candy Countdown Ribbon Materials: 1/2” holiday ribbon, 1/8” ribbon, holiday candy.

Directions: Use your 1/8” ribbon to tie a piece of candy on your 1/2” ribbon every couple of inches. Tie on enough pieces of candy to count down to the day your holiday occurs. Take off a piece of candy every day until your holiday!

Holiday Conversation Starters Materials: Small glass jar, ribbon, pen, cardstock or construction paper.

Directions: Tie festive holiday ribbon around the middle of a small glass jar. Cut small pieces of paper (about 2” x 3”) out of holiday colored cardstock. Write holiday conversation starters on your pieces of paper and place them in your jar. (Some ideas for conversation starters: holiday memories, things you are thankful for, how you could be helpful this holiday season) Use your jar as a centerpiece for the holidays and to start fun holiday conversations throughout the holiday season.

Jennifer Galvin is never far from her children, a paintbrush, or a good book. You can find her on the web at www.jennifergalvin.com.

Albert Whitman & Company, $15.99; ages 4-8 by Eileen Spinelli.

Ten little mice all find places to be safe in the snow, but each one is still all alone. It's Christmas, what will they do? Journey along with these mice and find out how they find a place to be together and warm on Christmas! A wonderful, heartwarming read-aloud for Christmastime.

CIRCUS ARTS CENTER NOW OPEN! Come check out all the classes starting in January!

Fantastic Winter Break Camps Dec 26th - 28th January 2nd - 4th

Home For the Holidays

The Mother-Daughter Book Club Series Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $16.99 (or paperback $6.99); ages 9-13 by Heather Vogel Frederick.

For a fabulous holiday adventure, centered around a book club full of vivacious girls, pick this book up for the holidays! Join the girls as they tackle reading the “Betsy Tacy” novels and have all kinds of adventures. When their secret Santa gifts get mixed up, it adds to the drama. After reading this novel, you just may be inspired to start a book club or read the Betsy Tacy novels—or both! A fun holiday read!

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Gymnastics and Aerial Circus Art classes for all ages Trampoline and Tumbling Teams

GYMNASTICS TRAMPOLINE TUMBLING CIRCUS ARTS Fantastic Classes for Ages 1 - 18 / Beginning - Advanced Levels

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343-4222 Page 5

On-Going Events

HOMETOWN HIGHLIGHTS

SF Library New Readers’ Book Club, age 8 and under, third Tuesday of each month, 4-5pm. Pre-reg. Ph 726-3766

Singin’ in the Rain. Late 1920s Hollywood is the setting for this zany, light-hearted romantic comedy about the early days of sound film – faithfully adapted. The Shedd, Dec 1st – 16th Fri-Sat 7:30pm/ Sun 2:00pm, $22-44, Ph 434-7000.

Dog Tale Time. Kids build skills by reading to trained dogs. Dogs and handlers courtesy of PAAWS (People and Animals Who Serve), a local chapter of the Delta Society. Grades K-6. Eugene Library, 2-3:30pm, Ph 682-8316, FREE! The Science Factory Children’s Museum & Planetarium. In the exhibit hall, “Noise!!”. Open daily 10-4pm. In the Planetarium, shows vary, Mon-Fri 2pm, Sat/Sun times vary.

Springfield Gateway Farmer’s & Artist’s Market.

Plenty of parking and the freshest produce of the season grown by local farmers. New LTD covered walkway; Springfield. Tuesday’s 4-8pm, Ph 747-6294, FREE! Saturday Market/Farmers Market. The oldest, openair market in the United States offers great food, local crafts and live entertainment. Every Saturday, Oak & 8th St. Rain or shine. 10am – 5pm, Ph 6868885, FREE! Public Skate @ The Ice Center. Call for skate times.

Ph 682-3615 South Eugene Farmers’ Market. Local produce, free samples, free parking. This event occurs every week on Saturday. Southtowne Shoppes, 9am-3pm, Ph 895-3431, FREE! Veneta’s Downtown Farmers’ Market. Local farmers showcase their goods directly to residents and visitors. Territorial Hwy & W. Broadway, Friday’s 2-6pm, Ph 463-7565, FREE! FREE admission at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History every Wednesday. Also come enjoy a FREE 45 minute guided tour every Friday at 1:00 and 3:00. Ph 346-1671, FREE! Veneta Saturday Mkt. A great place to find crafts, music, food and plants. Territorial Hwy & W. Broadway, Sat 10-5pm, Ph 935-2750, FREE! Creswell Farmer’s Market. Every Tuesday year round. Farm fare that ranges from local fruits and vegetables to home grown meats. 4pm - 6pm, 182 South 2nd St. Creswell (Heidi Tunnel’s Bakery) Ph. 541-895-2096

The Shedd presents the classic Singin’ in the Rain — the zany, light-hearted romantic comedy about the early days of sound film. Runs Dec 1st – 16th.

Story Times and Play Groups Baby Story time (to 12mos) Fridays 10:15 & 11:15am.

Wonderful Ones Story time, 10:15 & 11am, Terrific Twos Story time, Tues 10:15 & 11:00, Preschool Story time (ages 3-6), Weds 10:15 & 11:00, Sensory Storytime Eugene library, call for days and locations, Ph 682-8316 Family Story Time, Fri 11:15am Sheldon Branch Library and Fridays at 11:15am at Sheldon Branch Library. Ph 682-8316 Preschool Story time (ages 3-6) Weds 10:00am, Lapsit Story time (ages 0-3) Weds 10am, Springfield Public Library, Ph 726-3766 Weekly Lap sit: Preschool (ages 3-6) and Lap sit (infants & toddlers) story time, Weds 10am, SF Library.

Ph 726-3766

MOMS Club - An organization for at-home moms & children. Members based on zip code. http://eugenemomsclub.org/ Westside Indoor Playground – A parent run co-op playground. For at home moms/dads & their children ages 0-5 yrs. Located at 4445 Royal Ave Eugene, OR. www.westsideindoorplayground.webs.com, Ph 541-688-9085 Indoor Playground. Monday’s and Thursdays, Join your child for an active morning of indoor play in our gymnasium. We will provide the games and toys; you provide the fun. 2/3-4/28, 9-11am, $2, Ph 736-4544 Be sure to check out our listings for classes and workshops at www.oregonfamily.com

The Corner Market. Dedicated to providing customers with fresh, local produce, this market fills up your basket with seasonal colors. Corner of Thomason & River Rd, noon-6pm, Ph 513-4527, FREE! Hideaway Bakery’s Saturday Farmers Market. Featuring local organic produce. Fresh turkey, chicken, duck and goose eggs. Goat cheese, jerky and herbs, fresh pork, and organic coffee. Behind Mazzi’s & Hideaway Bakery. Saturday’s 9am-2pm, Ph 868-1982, FREE!

Autism Rocks presents two local artists with autism.

Jazz Station art gallery will feature original art and notecards from two of KindTree - Autism Rocks’ most prolific artists: Kwang Lee and Larry Hurst. Both have difficulty communicating, paint virtually non-stop, and are very proud of this show and their work.

Opening Event Dec 7th from 5:30 - 7:30pm. Holiday snacks and live music by Laura Kemp. Jazz concert follows at 8:30. Ph 541-521-7208 A Christmas to Remember. An old fashioned Christmas story complete with song and dance! Join the Phoinix Players for a dinner theatre experience, cupcakes and a show for the whole family! The Red Cane Theatre, through Dec 21st , 6pm, $12-18, Ph 556-4524

DECEMBER CALENDAR 1 Saturday Saturday Market/Holiday Market. The oldest, openair market in the United States offers great food, local crafts and live entertainment. Lane Events Center. 10am – 6pm, Ph 686-8885, FREE! Holiday Bazaar. 6th Annual River Road holiday Market! Fantastic selection of handmade gifts made by local artists at affordable prices. You’ll find something for everyone on your holiday list! Refreshments will be available. River Road Park, 9am-3pm, Ph 688-4052, FREE! Community Creche Exhibit. View over 1,000 Nativity Scenes from all over the world while listening to beautiful choral and instrumental music. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11am-8pm, Ph 541343-1725, FREE! Holiday Choral Concert. Five UO choirs ring in the season. Holiday-themed music from the several eras featuring UO Chamber Choir, University Singers, Repertoire Singers, Women’s Choir, and Men’s Choir.

Tix available at the door or in advance at UO Ticket Office. 7:30pm, $5-7, Ph 346-4363 Major FX. King’s Krew will captivate audience members with yet another exciting and innovative production! Join the Northwest’s premier dance company on an exploration of movement through the use of special effects. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $16, Ph 682-5000 Picc-A-Dilly Flea Market. The area’s largest flea market with 300 tables of vintage, collectibles, wares and services. Live music while you shop. Since 1970.

Lane Events Center, $1.50, 8am-4pm, Ph 683-5589.

Youth Farm Stand. Buy fresh produce from local teens who work this three-acre organic farm.

Proceeds benefit Food for Lane County. Lane County Youth Farm, Sats 10am-2pm, Ph 343-2822, FREE!

Singin’ in the Rain. Late 1920s Hollywood is the setting for this zany, light-hearted romantic comedy about the early days of sound film – faithfully adapted. The Shedd, Dec 1st – 16th Fri-Sat 7:30pm/ Sun 2:00pm, $22-44, Ph 434-7000.

OUTLYING AREAS

Springfield Christmas Parade. The “oldest and coldest” parade in Oregon. This festive parade is a great way for the family to share the warmth of the holiday season. Downtown Springfield, 1pm, Ph 988-0955, FREE!

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this musical version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Cottage Theater, Fri-Sat 8pm/Sun 2:30pm Dec 1 – 23rd, $19-21, Ph 541-942-8001

Barnes & Noble weekly story time, Whimsical Weds 6:30pm. Toddler-Time, Weds 10am. Ph 687-0356

Celebrate!

Wish Upon a Star

Suzuki Strings. Students of the UO Suzuki Strings Program, ages 3-10, will perform folk songs and classical repertoire on violin, viola, and cello in a familyfriendly setting. Beall Concert Hall, 11am, FREE! U of O Men’s Basketball. Come see the Ducks take on Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Matthew McKnight Arena, 7pm, $14-35, 1-800-WEB-FOOT Family Music Time. Rich Glauber. Eugene Library, 10:15am, Ph 682-8316, FREE!

2 Sunday Civil War Relay. A one-day, 52-mile relay race celebrating the interstate rivalry between the U of O and OSU.

Eleventh Annual Winter Solstice Celebration

Friday, December 14, 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Music! Performances! Food!

Free with a canned food donation.

Holiday Open House at Past and Presents, the Museum Store Saturday–Sunday, December 15–16, 5:00–8:00 p.m.

MuseuM of Natural and Cultural H i s t o ry

Page 6

Follow the twinkling lights to the museum for warm cider, cookies, and the perfect gift.

1680 E. 15th Avenue, Eugene · 541-346-3024 natural-history.uoregon.edu facebook.com/oregonnaturalhistory

Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

Saturday Market/Holiday Market. See the 1st Gospel Choirs. Andiel Brown, conductor. Tix avail at door or in advance from the UO Tix Office. UofO School of Music and Dance, 5pm, $6-8, Ph 346-4363 U of O Women’s Basketball. Come see the Ducks take on Denver. Matthew McKnight Arena, 2pm, $3-12, 1-800-WEB-FOOT Community Creche Exhibit. 3-8pm, see the 1st

Free First Friday. Enjoy the museum’s new exhibits and old classics. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, 11am-5pm, FREE! Advent organ recital. Seasonal concerts provide a time of respite from the busy-ness of the season.

Includes organ compositions for the Advent & Christmas season featuring the Hochhalter organ. organist Dr. Julia Brown plays music of Heinrich Scheidemann and Wolfgang Rübsam. First United Methodist Church, noon, sugg $10 donation, $25/family, Ph 345-8764, FREE!

december

8 Saturday Saturday Market/Holiday Market. The oldest, openair market in the United States offers great food, local crafts and live entertainment. Lane Events Center. 10am – 6pm, Ph 686-8885, FREE! “It’s A Wonderful Life”. See the 7th Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy crafts for the kids, a visit and photo opportunity with Santa and McGruff the crime dog, as well as a demonstration by the Springfield Police K-9 unit. Willamalane Adult Center, 9am-noon, Ph 912-8773, FREE! The Spirit of Christmas. Eugene Concert Choir performs the Bach Magnificat, with Oregon Mozart Players. A range of styles, from jazz to popular to gospel songs are sure to please all ages and interests. Hult Center, 8pm, Ph 682-5000

Calendar

Winter Light Faire. Enjoy puppet shows, cake walks, candle dipping, the Nutcracker Ballet, Hanukkah room food and games, crosscut saw competition, lots of live music and more! Admission FREE! Some activities req tix ($1.50/ea). Eugene Waldorf School, 11am, Ph 683-6951 Breakfast with Santa. Ho ho ho! Santa will fly in and visit at this festive holiday breakfast. Don’t forget your camera! Pre-reg is req. This event fills quickly.

Petersen Barn, 9:30am-10:30am, $5, Ph 682-5521 Holiday Ice Show and Figure Skating Exhibition.

This family-friendly performance will feature figure skaters from Eugene, Portland, and Medford.

Benefits Toys for Tots campaign. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to be admitted. Lane Ice Center, 7:30pm, Ph 682-4292 Santa’s Smorgasbord: A Community Breakfast Celebration. Food, fun and friends! Come see Santa, enjoy holiday music and the bling, bling of all our holiday decorations. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit, milk, juice & coffee. All ages are welcome!

River Road Community Center, 8am-11:30, donations please, Ph 688-4052 U of O Men’s Basketball. Come see the Ducks take on Idaho State. Matthew McKnight Arena, 3pm, $14-35, 1-800-WEB-FOOT Christmas Craft Fair. Over 50 vendors. 3455 Country Farm Road, 8:30am - 5pm. Enjoy a pancake, sausage, scrambled egg breakfast $4.00/pp. FREE! Emerald Valley Opry, featuring: Mike and Carleen McCornack, Sons of the Oregon Trail, Fiddlin’ Big Sue Band, Fairfield Baptist, Julie Nedele. Benefit to help Bethel Schools music programs. Powers Auditorium Willamette High School, doors open 5pm, concert 6:00-9:30pm, $3-$7, under 7 free, Ph 688-0937 Book signing with Maryl Barker and Brent Burkett.

Books: Gracie, Wild Country Animal Park, My Own Backyard. Join canine Gracie and her friends for exciting adventures, complete with audio. Holiday Bookstore, Gateway Mall. 4:00pm, Ph 357-6862, FREE! Book signing with Melanie Pond. Melanie Pond will be signing copies of her children’s picture book, Sir Keegan the Great. Holiday Bookstore, Gateway Mall.

11:30am, Ph 357-6862, FREE! Family Music Time. Pia and Jason Robbins. Eugene Library, 10:15am, Ph 682-8316, FREE!

9 Sunday “It’s A Wonderful Life”. 2pm, See the 7th Children’s Chanukah Celebration. Crafts and activities (something for all ages) live music, stories.

Baked goodies. Temple Beth Israel, 9am, $5/pp, Ph 485-7218 Let it Snow! See the 6th Silver Sunday Holiday Boutique. Holiday Boutique featuring: Silpada Jewelry, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Miche Bags, CME Images, Designs by Diane, Mary Kay, Tomboy Tools, Jamberry Nails, Pure Romance, Damsel in Defense, and Expedia Cruise Ship Centers.

Willakenzie Historical Grange, 11am-4pm, Ph 3595574, FREE! Saturday Market/Holiday Market. See the 8th

Park your parka and gather by the fire at The Shedd’s 5th annual Christmas show, LET IT SNOW. Bring the entire family to share the joy of the holiday season with some good ole fashioned Christmas music. Runs December 6th — 13th at The Shedd.

calendar continued on neXt page…

3 Monday Holiday Marketplace. Shop the Holiday Marketplace for an amazing array of handcrafted gifts and homemade delicacies. You’ll find one-of-a-kind woodcrafts, ornaments, decorations and stocking stuffers. Willamalane Adult Center, 10am-3pm, Ph 736-4444, FREE!

Learn from the nation’s best...online When Dan Edge created a fisheries and wildlife online degree program with Oregon State Ecampus, skeptics nationwide said it couldn’t be done.

Three years later, Dan won the nation’s top honor for teaching excellence in online education, and his world-class program is a model for others to emulate. So that settles that debate.

4 Tuesday Holiday Marketplace. See the 3rd Make Ornaments. One for the City Hall tree, and the others to take home. 3-5pm, all ages, refreshments served. Ph 726-3766, FREE!

5 Wednesday Little Wonders: Stories and Activities for Pre-K. A Warm Winter Tale. How do animals stay warm in winter? How do we stay warm? Learn about the similarities and differences in winter survival and draw your own winter habitat. Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 11am-noon, FREE! Ph 541-346-5083 Holiday Marketplace. See the 3rd

Dan Edge, department head Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences 2012 National Excellence in Teaching Award winner

6 Thursday Science Pub. Cataclysms on the Columbia: The Great Missoula Floods -- with Scott Burns, PhD. Professor of Geology and past chair of the Dept of Geology at Portland State. Cozmic Pizza, 7pm, $5 sugg cover, Ph (541) 338-9333

Experience it for yourself.

Choose from 15 online bachelor’s degrees.

Winter term starts Jan. 7.

Apply today.

ecampus.oregonstate.edu/family 800-667-1465

Holiday Marketplace. See the 3rd Let it Snow! The Shedd’s 5th annual Christmas show.

The Shedd, 7:30pm-9:30pm, $18-32, Ph 434-7000

7 Friday “It’s A Wonderful Life”. The heart-warming holiday favorite is presented by Fred Crafts’ Radio Redux in the manner of a 1940s radio program. Wildish Theater, 7:30pm, $11-18, Ph 868-0689

Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

ORfam_1a.indd 1

11/15/12 Page 11:32 AM 7

calendar cont’D… U of O Women’s Basketball. Come see the Ducks take on Nevada. Matthew McKnight Arena, 2pm, $3-12, 1-800-WEB-FOOT

10 Monday Preschool Fun with Art and Science. Springfield Library, 10:30am-11:00am, ages 3-6, FREE!

11 Tuesday WREN Wetland Wander. Wetland Wanders are casual walks through various West Eugene Wetlands sites.

Stewart Pond. 9-10:30am, FREE!

12 Wednesday Let it Snow! See the 6th

14 Friday Winter Solstice Celebration: Wish Upon A Star. Listen to live music with Suzuki Strings, watch Lion Dancers perform, see a Marionette Show, learn about Greek Myths and Constellations, create crafts. UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 5-8pm, FREE w/ canned food, Ph 346-3024 Museum of Natural and Cultural History Past and Presents Holiday Open House Weekend. Warm cider, cookies and a welcoming shopping experience is waiting for you. 11am-5pm, FREE with canned food, Ph 346-3024 Winter Wonderland. Make holiday gifts, ride the Willamalane train, take pictures with Santa and meet his live reindeer! Don’t miss the balloon clown and ice sculpting. Willamalane Sports Center, 6-8:30pm, $6-7.50, Ph 736-4544 Advent organ recital. Seasonal concerts provide a time of respite from the busy-ness of the season. Dr. Barbara Baird plays music of Pachelbel, Karg-Elert, Langlais, Dello Joio and the premiere of a composition by Harold Owen. First United Methodist Church, noon, sugg $10 donation, $25/family, Ph 345-8764, FREE!

Book signing with Kathleen Ruckman. Author will be reading and signing copies of her children’s picture books: God’s Amazing Book, What Will Heaven Be Like? and Who Is God? Holiday Bookstore, Gateway Mall. 1:00pm, Ph 357-6862, FREE! Saturday Market/Holiday Market. The oldest, openair market in the United States offers great food, local crafts and live entertainment. Lane Events Center. 10am – 6pm, Ph 686-8885, FREE! Frozen Trail Runfest. Trail runners, this is your day!

Start and finish at the White Oak Pavilion. This race features events from 5K - 50K. It will be the muddiest, coldest, hilliest, most scenic event you’ll run all winter. Mount Pisgah, 10am, $20-40, Ph 484-9883

21 Friday Live Music at the Brewery - Dirty Spoon. Come enjoy live music and great brews! Dirty Spoon to play (Old Time Break Beat) No cover, minors welcome.

Oakshire Tasting Room, 4-6pm, FREE! Eugene Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker.

Enjoy Clara’s journey with spirited party children, mischievous mice, elegant skaters, and dancers from around the world in the fantasy world of the Land of The Sugar Plum Fairy. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $22-48, Ph 682-5000

16 Sunday Past and Presents Holiday Open House. See the 14th

22 Saturday

Eugene Symphony presents Cirque de Noel. Enjoy Sleigh Ride and The Nutcracker Suite performed by a live orchestra, while surrounded by acrobats, aerialists, and strongmen. A holiday spectacular not to be missed! Hult Center, 2:30pm, $17-60, Ph 682-5000

The Nutcracker. 2:00 & 7:30pm, see the 21st

U of O Men’s Basketball. Come see the Ducks take on Nebraska. Matthew McKnight Arena, 1:30pm, $14-35, 1-800-WEB-FOOT

The Kingdom of the Sweets. Two narrated, abridged performance of all our favorites from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite”. Perfect for families and first time ballet goers! Wildish Theater, 3pm, Ph 343-3914, FREE! U of O Women’s Basketball. Come see the Ducks take on Fresno State. Matthew McKnight Arena, 1pm, $312, 1-800-WEB-FOOT Oregon Children’s Choir Holiday Concert. Enjoy angelic voices, ages 6-18, singing a variety of sacred, secular, and seasonal music ranging from classics to pop. First United Methodist Church, 3pm, $10-25, Ph 485-7075 Saturday Market/Holiday Market. See the 15th

Family Music Time. Anahid Bertrand. Eugene Library, 10:15am, Ph 682-8316, FREE!

18 Tuesday

Kidical Mass! A family fun ride with trailers, trail-abikes, Xtracycles, tandems, oh my! We’ll ride legal, safe, and hoot it up. Helmets heavily encouraged (and legally required). Holiday Lights Ride, Monroe Park, 5pm, www.kidicalmass.org

Shepherds’ Play. Faculty, staff and friends of the Eugene Waldorf School perform this lively musical as a gift to the community. All ages welcome. 11am & 7pm, Ph 683-6951, FREE!

Advent organ recital. Seasonal concerts provide a time of respite from the busy-ness of the season.

Dr. Julia Brown and Rachel Petty present a program of Christmas music for organ and harp. First United Methodist Church, noon, sugg $10 donation, $25/ family, Ph 345-8764, FREE!

15 Saturday

Past and Presents Holiday Open House. See the 14th

19 Wednesday

Jammie Storytime. Come in your pajamas for an evening of stories. All ages welcome. Springfield Library, 7pm, Ph 541-726-3766, FREE! U of O Women’s Basketball. Come see the Ducks take on Samford. Matthew McKnight Arena, 7pm, $3-12, 1-800-WEB-FOOT

It’s Nutcracker Time!

Dec. 21, 22 & 23, 2012 Hult Center for the Performing Arts Whether you’re a Grandparent or a youngster, the wonder of this classic ballet will create memories of a warm holiday season.

U of O Men’s Basketball. Come see the Ducks take on Houston Baptist. Matthew McKnight Arena, noon, $14-35, 1-800-WEB-FOOT Family Music Time. Emily Fox with lively banjo music.

Eugene Library, 10:15am, Ph 682-8316, FREE!

23 Sunday The Nutcracker. 2pm, see the 21st

27 Thursday Mad Science: Fire and Ice. It’s amazing! It’s amusing!

It’s hot! It’s cool! Bring the kids for this fun and exciting science show filled with dazzling demonstrations of the powers of fire and ice. Bethel Branch of Eugene Public Library, 2:30pm, Ph 682-8316, FREE!

Reptile Man. Meet and learn about all kinds of reptiles. Two shows, 1pm & 3pm, Springfield Library, all ages, Ph 726-3766, FREE!

28 Friday Fiddlin’ Big Sue at Family Storytime. Join Fiddlin’ Big Sue for toe tapping tunes. Bethel Branch Library, 11:15am, Ph 682-8316, FREE! Zany Zoo Family Storytime. Kids learn about and get to touch some small animals visiting with Zany Zoo. Sheldon Branch Library, 11:15am, Ph 682-8316, FREE! Teen Cinema: The Hunger Games. Teens: come in during winter break to catch a screening of “The Hunger Games,” with popcorn and candy included. Eugene Library, 2pm, Ph 682-8316, FREE!

29 Saturday Family Music Time. Kris Olsen of Do Re Play. Eugene Library, 10:15am, Ph 682-8316, FREE!

31 Monday U of O Women’s Basketball. Come see the Ducks take on Connecticut. Matthew McKnight Arena, 12pm, $312, 1-800-WEB-FOOT Eugene Generals Hockey. Junior level hockey players take the ice as the Generals host Vancouver. Lane Ice Center, 7:35pm, $6-10, Ph 359-4154 First Run. Start the new year with a 10K (6.2 mile) and 5K (3.1 mile) run or walk along the Willamette River. Participate on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day or both. For the best New Year’s Eve celebration in the valley, enjoy the party before and after the race.

Valley River Inn, 11:59PM, $15-30, Ph 484-9883 New Year’s Eve with Floydian Slips. Ring in the new year to the tunes of Floydian Slips. McDonald Theatre, 9pm, $20, Ph 345-4442 U of O Men’s Basketball. Come see the Ducks take on Nevada. Matthew McKnight Arena, 4pm, $14-35, 1-800-WEB-FOOT Be sure to check out our listings for Camps, Classes, and Workshops at www.oregonfamily.com

community connection

Rescue Spotlight

K

iki is a joyful, welladjusted young male about 2 - 3 years old. He has fluffy black f u r, w i t h b e a u t i f u l brown highlights. He was abandoned at an apartment complex when his owner moved away. He sits up on his haunches when anybody approaches, and head butts your hand for attention. He is accustomed to being put in a harness, gets along great with other cats, and has been getting used to dogs. Kiki’s adoption fee is $60. He has been tested for feline leukemia and FIV, neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated, de-fleaed and de-wormed.

For more information on adopting a pet from West Coast Dog and Cat Rescue, please contact Beth Sooh at bethswanson22@gmail.com. West Coast Dog and Cat Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to help find loving homes for cats and dogs from all over Lane County. We seek to educate the public on the necessity of spaying/ neutering, the importance of adoption, and the humane treatment of animals. For information visit www.westcoastdogandcat.org

Made By Hand Close To Home

It’s a performance that always says Happy Holidays.

Nutcracker Tea: Dec. 22 & 23, noon

Saturday Market’s

Lunch in the Land of Sweets and Sugar Plum Fairies with Mark Lewis as The Nutcracker storyteller.

Hult Center Box Office, Eugene 541.682.5000 • eugeneballet.org Page 8

Nov. 23-25, Dec. 1-2, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 15-16, Dec. 22-24

10 AM - 6 PM

Exhibit Hall, Lane County Fairgrounds, 13th & Jefferson

Free Admission • Free Parking • www.holidaymarket.org 541-686-8885 Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

family time

Carla Knipe

Stargazing as a Winter Family Hobby H

ave you ever looked up at the night sky and wished you could get a closer look? Perhaps your kids are crazy about Space thanks to their favorite movies and television shows.

If you are interesting in stargazing but think “I couldn’t possibly do that, I’m not nearly smart enough”, then please don’t be intimidated. Contrary to what you might think, stargazing (also called “amateur astronomy”) is a perfect family hobby because you don’t need expensive equipment to start out and you definitely don’t need a degree in astrophysics to learn about the night sky. The nights become longer and darker this time of year and the air is crisp which makes for excellent stargazing. Here is how you can bring the magic of the night sky close to your family.

The best starting point is to familiarize yourself with some general knowledge about astronomy. If you know a little bit about the phases of the moon, can find the Big Dipper, and can remember a bit from your school days about the solar system, then you’re already on your way! Of course, what you will be able to observe changes from month to month so a star chart is essential. You can download and print a free star chart off the Internet. Two good websites for this are http://whatsouttonight.com/ and http://www.skymaps.com/ It takes a bit of practice to learn to use them, but it’s not difficult once you get the hang of it. If you have a smart phone, there are Apps that tell you exactly what you’re looking at when you hold your phone towards the sky. Another important step is to head to your local library and check out some guidebooks aimed at children and beginners. There are also countless websites that will help guide you — and of course the NASA site contains some wonderful space photos!

Be careful though, because the multitude of information online can be daunting,

especially if you’re not sure what you’re searching for - so guidebooks are a good place to start.

Of course, once you read all that information, you will be eager to rush out and purchase a new telescope! Please do not do this just yet. A good pair of binoculars is all you really need. Cheap “department store” telescopes are just glorified plastic toys and will just leave you frustrated about your stargazing experience. If later on you decide you want to pursue this hobby more seriously, you can invest in a quality telescope (but even then you only need to spend about $300-$400 to get a good one). To begin your exploration of the night sky find a dark open area, sit on a blanket or a lawn chair and simply look up. A good tip is to cover a normal flashlight with a piece of red cellophane secured with a rubber band. This enables you to read your star chart without hurting your eyes with bright flashlight light. Remember to dress appropriately, bring some hot chocolate, and some snacks, and don’t stay out too long if you have young children who can get cold quickly.

If your children find looking for the constellations and other objects difficult, ask them to just find shapes in the sky, like a fun game of connect the dots, and make up stories about them. You can also learn a lot just by looking at our moon. There will be limit to how much detail you’ll be able to see without a telescope but even with binoculars you’ll be able to see the different areas and some of the larger craters. You might also see planets, satellites, or even a ‘’shooting star’’, but give yourself time and patience to learn.

One problem with stargazing in urban areas is the amount of light pollution.

Any amateur astronomer will tell you that house and street lighting is a big distraction for clear viewing. You will

still be able to see quite a bit but you won’t see the amount of detail that you’d be able to see in a completely dark sky.

If you can, venture out to a rural area or take a trip to one of the designated “dark sky preserves” around the country which were created in order to promote astronomy in a light-pollution free environment.

Part of the fun of learning how to stargaze is meeting new people who share your hobby and from whom you can learn. Check to see if there are any astronomy groups in your area. (in Eugene try Eugene Astronomical Society). A local Community College or Meetup.com are also good places to research what’s available in your area -

and most of the time, owning your own telescope isn’t a requirement. Science centers are also a fantastic resource. Even if you don’t live close to one (to attend astronomy-related events), they can still provide valuable astronomy information for stargazers with all levels of expertise.

Stargazing is a great introduction to science, and once you start learning about our universe you will want to learn more (and more). So go outside on a clear night...and just look up!!

Carla is a freelance writer from Calgary who’s family is learning how to stargaze.

She is married to a Doctor Who fanatic and their son wants to be the first person to go to Jupiter.

UO Youth Enrichment Classes for Advanced Learners* After School Saturdays No School Days Classes held on UO campus and Ridgeline Montessori Charter School

Computer Programming and Robotics Chemistry and Knex Physics Chinese Language and Culture Math Clubs and Classes Creative Arts And Much More!

Visit www.uoyouth.org for further details and the start date for online registration.

Or call (541)

346-3084

*Advanced Learners are identified as Talented and Gifted (TAG) or performing above grade level in some or all academic areas.

Sign Up Now for

Winter Break Camps! [

for merly known as BrushFire

]

584 Olive Street Eugene, OR 97401 541.485.7161 Sun & Mon 12pm-7pm Tues - Thurs 11am-8pm Fri & Sat 11am-9pm we will close a half hour early if we have no painters so please call!!

Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

WINTER BREAK CAMPS • Full Day/Half Day/Drop-ins

Bring this ad to receive a 20% OFF ONE ITEM during the month of December.

Expires 12/31/12.

• Dec. 26 - 28 & Jan 2 - 4 • Ages 2 and up • Before/After Care Hablamos Español Free WiFi

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azine ental Mag o m r i n e Env rs of E/Th d o t E i From the

Nanoparticles in Our Food O

n the surface, nanoparticles seem to offer many potential benefits: By adding them to foods and food packaging, they can help deliver nutrients, act as thickening agents, enhance taste or flavor or ensure longer freshness of food.

But these tiny microscopic versions of silver, zinc, titanium dioxide and other metals and nutrients, largely because of their microscopic size, may cause adverse health impacts.

The problem is that scientists are still determining the health and environmental impacts of these tiny

particles, even as industry is forging ahead. Each of these nanoparticles has a distinct way of reacting with the human body, and there is little research to assure us that ingesting these microscopic materials is safe. Even more alarming, there is no information readily available to consumers alerting them as to which products contain nanoparticles, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not keep records on the matter.

E Magazine asked a spokesperson at the FDA: "Where are the nanomaterials most often found within food products?"

He answered: "FDA does not maintain a list of food products that contain nanomaterials, so we cannot reliably answer this question."

Foods Containing Nano Despite lack of a comprehensive listing, we know that nanoparticles

are in the food supply, and have been for at least a decade. Recent research found that foods with caramelized sugar, including bread and corn flakes, contain carbon nanoparticles. Many nutritional

supplements — or "nanoceuticals" — come equipped with copper, silver or iron nanoparticles. Nanoparticles can be used to purify water, as anti-caking and gelatin-forming agents, and in packaging to protect against UV light, prevent the growth of microbes or detect contamination. And titanium dioxide lends white pigment to most toothpastes and many processed foods, including Mentos, Trident and Dentyne gum, M&Ms, Betty Crocker Whipped Cream Frosting, Jello Banana Cream Pudding, Vanilla Milkshake Pop Tarts and Nestle Original Coffee Creamer.

Nanoparticles also enter the food supply unintentionally. Biosolids from wastewater treatment plants that are used as fertilizer contains zinc oxide nanoparticles from sunscreens and other products.

Research has found that soybeans grown with this fertilizer take up the nanoparticles in their leaves, stems and beans.

And nanoparticles in food wrappings, used to protect the food from contamination, could be contaminating our bodies instead. "We know that there's nanosilver in food wrapping and food packaging," says Jennifer Sass, a senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). "That nanosilver releases ions, so those ions could be getting into the food. The ions are toxic, they are the antimicrobial part of the silver."

Because companies are not required to label their products as containing nanomaterials, and only do so voluntarily, it is primarily the companies that make supplements, who wish to tout their copper, silver or iron nanoparticles, that give consumers a clue as to what's inside.

December 1 - 2 December 8 - 9 Tickets: $10 online - upstartcrowstudios.org At The Door

Upstart Crow Studios 855 W. 1st Avenue, Eugene 541-688-8260

Page 10

Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

What's the Worry?

Nanoparticles, whether in consumer goods or in the food supply, are being treated as though they are equivalent to their larger counterparts. In other words, the government considers silver and nano-silver to be essentially the same. But their tiny size means they function quite differently within the body, the full ramifications of which are still coming to light. In 2011, researchers discovered that silver nanoparticles, when inhaled, cause lung toxicity or inflammation in exposed mice.

Si m i l a r l y, i n h a l e d c o p p e r nanoparticles increased the risk of pulmonary infections in mice.

Carbon nanotubes, used in superstrong plastics and for computer chips, have presented a particular worry, when research found in 2008 that the particles can damage lungs in a similar fashion as asbestos, which the particles resemble in shape and size.

Ingesting nanoparticles may cause more subtle health problems than inhalation. The particles, due to their small size, can pass into the bloodstream and then accumulate in organs. Once there, writes the American Society of Safety Engineers, they can "disrupt and impair biological, structural and metabolic processes and weaken the immune system."

And recent research discovered that when chickens consumed large quantities of polystyrene nanoparticles, approved for human consumption, they blocked the animals' ability to absorb iron. Cornell researcher Gretchen Mahler, one of the authors of the study, says: "The nanomaterials that are being developed all have very different reactivity with human tissues. This means that you can't apply results with one type of nanoparticle to all other nanoparticles — you have to test them all individually."

The November/December 2012 issue of E - The Environmental Magazine (now posted at: www.emagazine.com) features a package of articles devoted to the increasing presence of nanoparticles in our food supply.

E - The Environmental Magazine distributes 50,000 copies six times per year to subscribers and bookstores. Its website, www.emagazine.com, enjoys 150,000 monthly visitors. E also publishes EarthTalk, a nationally syndicated environmental Q&A column distributed free to 1,850 newspapers, magazines and websites throughout the U.S. and Canada (http://www.emagazine.com/earthtalkletter/). Single copies of E's November/ December 2012 issue are available for $5 postpaid from: E Magazine, P.O. Box 469111, Escondido, CA 92046.

Subscriptions are $19.95 per year, available at the same address, or at www.emagazine.com/subscribe.

Winter Break Fun! Willamalane keeps kids active and engaged when school is out. Join us for field trips, educational explorations and more. Open Dec. 1, 24, 26-28, 31 and Jan. 2-4, 7.

Register today! $30/day for residents $36/day out-of-district Weekly rates available

541-736-4544 willamalane.org

National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics

Bring Balance into Your Child’s Life.

Great Classes for All Ages Pre-school • School Age • Adult IndoorEugene Parks OR 1205Camps Oak• Birthdays Patch •Rd,

National Academy of Gymn

Classes for All Ages • www.naag-gymnastics.org 1205 Oak Patch Road • Eugene, Oregon • 541-344-2002Great

* Birthdays * Camps * Open Play

Cheer * Creative Adult Movement

Music Lessons

Healthy Bodies Reduce, ReuseBuilding & Recycle for the

MAKE

Holidaysand Self Esteem

344-2002 www.naag-gymnastics.org

For more tips:

Don’t Let the Holiday’s Go to Waste!

Gift Ce rtificate

TO: A nn FROM ie : Grand m

Item

Reduce

Reuse

Recycle

Gift Boxes

Decorate cereal, shoe or other boxes instead of buying new.

Flatten gift boxes neatly for easy storage and reuse.

Recyclable curbside and at Lane County recycling stations.

Ribbons and Bows

Reuse last year’s bows. Make bows out of yarn, dried flowers, video/audio tape, or Mylar foodwappers.

Save ribbons and bows in a sturdy box (so bows will not get crushed) for best reuse next year.

Not recyclable. Reduce and reuse gift decorations in year ’round gift giving. Donate to thrift stores and reuse organizations.

Wrapping Paper

Use comics, maps, posters and cloth wrapping. If you purchase wrapping paper, make sure it has recycled content—read the label.

Use reusable gift bags and boxes. Open gifts carefully, with reuse in mind. Fold neatly and store.

Recyclable curbside and at Lane County recycling stations. Not recyclable: foil coated or plastic coated papers, gift bags and ribbons.

Greeting Cards

Save money and paper with postcard or email greetings.

If you purchase cards, be sure to find post consumer recycled content cards.

Reuse greeting cards as next year’s postcard greetings, gift tags or make ornaments and crafts with them. Donate to MECCA, 541-302-1810

Recyclable as mixed paper curbside or at Lane County recycling stations after plastic parts and foil are removed.

Gift Tags

Write the name on the wrapping itself, make from last years cards, or if you buy new, look for recycled content—read the label.

Reuse gift wrap, cards or favorite drawings to make new gift tags.

Paper tags are recyclable as mixed paper after string, ribbon, plastic and foil is removed.

Packing peanuts & Bubble Wrap

Request the least amount of packaging. Pack your gifts with old wraphing paper, shredded or natural fiber packing materials.

Reuse peanuts for your shipping. St. Vincent DePaul and most pack- and-ship stores take peanuts for reuse.

Recycling not necessary, Highly reusable and desired by Pack-andship stores, St. Vicent de Paul and various arts and ebay retailers.

Block Styrofoam Packaging

Request minimal packaging, natural fiber packaging that is compostable, or paper pulp packaging that is recyclable.

Save flats & scraps for craft projects or future shipping.

Recyclable at St Vincent de Paul.

Individuals may drop off for free.

Businesses can call 541-687-5820 for commercial pricing (modest fee)

Catalogs

Request removal from mailing list at time of order.

Share with friends and neighbors if interested.

Recyclable as mixed paper curbside or at Lane County sites.

Paper Plates, Cups, etc.

Use durable, washable table ware. Call 541-682-2059 to borrow durable picnic dishware.

Paper cups and plates aren’t very reuseable. Use as few as possible.

Not recyclable. Please reduce or reuse. May be compostable but beware of plastic liners.

Plastic Cups, Forks, etc.

Use durable, washable, table and silver ware. Call 682-2059 to borrow durable picnic dishware.

Many brands of plastic can be washed and reused.

Not recyclable. Please reduce your use. Uncoated plates may be compostable. Cups are not compostable due to plastic liner.

Even biodegradable-lined cups must go to Rexius—call them for disposal prices at 541-342-1835.

Christmas Trees

Decorate a live tree in your yard. Bring a potted tree or evergreen bows inside to decorate.

Reuse trimmings from local fir trees to fashion a christmas tree, swags and wreaths.

Compostable. Ask your garbage company if they recycle trees, put branches in yard debris cart, or watch the news for charity or scouts offering tree pickup/recycling.

a

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Page 11

Oregon Family 1/4 page 5” x 8”

w e i V e y E s ’ d A Da

ein

by Rick Epst

Don’t Hate Me Because My Christmas Shopping Is All Done

W

hen it comes to Christmas shopping, I’m not your typical man. I start 364 days early – on Dec. 26th. The morning after the big day, retailers are abruptly sick of the whole holiday thing and they will almost pay me to haul away their unsold wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and Christmas lights. And the gift items! They know that merchandise is going nowhere.

Except home with me. For almost nothing. The sales clerks know what I’m up to, but there’s nothing they can do except hand over the goods, like sullen bank tellers filling a robber’s rucksack. And for the rest of the year I keep my eye open for bargains and little treasures that will delight my loved ones.

S o, along about this time of year I’ve got beautiful

gifts for every member of the family all wrapped and hidden away. Naturally, December is my favorite month.

While everyone else is at the mall fighting for the last parking space, I’m home decking the halls and donning gay apparel.

Don’t hate me because I’m efficient!

Hate me because I’m a liar.

Yep, while I should’ve been out shopping, I’ve been sitting here at the keyboard, spinning a web of wishful fantasy.

Bargains? We buy our wrapping paper when the kids sell it as a school fundraiser. The paper is gorgeous, but hideously expensive. It doesn’t even come in rolls; it’s folded up like silken handerchiefs.

Christmas lights? If I had the energy to climb around on the roof installing them, I would use it to go into the bathroom and pick up the wet towels from the floor.

But my saddest lie of all was about the gifts. My daughters are 9, 13 and 16.

The oldest and youngest have no idea what they’d like for Christmas, and the middle one, the girl with the champagne tastes, always knows.

This year she wants a $450 electric

guitar. (It cannot happen.) My wife has no wish list. She has a car, a job and money, and when she wants something that we can afford, she buys it herself.

I wait for inspiration that seldom comes, then on Christmas Eve, I drag myself out to the mall and throw myself in. Because I don’t know what anyone wants, I usually buy things that I want them to want.

Last year was typical: I bought a baseball mitt for Wendy, my 9-yearold. Although not into athletics, Wendy is nimble and fit. She busies herself with bike, pogo-stick and scooter, so I thought I’d nudge her toward my own favorite sport. (But with her restless energy and high anxiety, baseball is only apprehensive waiting eventually rewarded by injury or disgrace.) For my big brother, I bought a real scimitar, a short, curved sword with a pirate look because I want us to be young and adventurous again. (He’s 52 with a wife, a child and a desk job at the State Department, but I pretend he’s a soldier of fortune.)

For my wife, I braved the lingerie department of a big store to buy leopard skin underwear. (Not real skin, just printed cloth.) But she

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didn’t seem to understand the sexyunderwear concept. Instead of using it as special boudoir equipment, she treats it like regular underwear and wears it under sedate skirts and blouses when she goes to her job at the public library. Luckily for her, there have been no surprise underwear inspections on those days.

So now it’s holiday season again and it looks like there’ll be another desperate plunge into the mall. But something is wonderfully different this year. I’m preparing one inspired gift that will hit the bull’s-eye.

My big idea struck when I was watching a video of an old “Our Gang” episode in which one of the kids is walking around on stilts. That’s it! I’d make a pair of stilts for lively little Wendy!

I bought lumber, hardware and a pint of purple paint and took them down into my cellar workshop. Not since the atomic-bomb was developed in New Mexico, has a secret project had better security. Wendy never sets foot down there because of its population of spiders and hopping cave crickets.

Stilt manufacture only requires sawing a few pieces of wood and drilling a few holes, so the job is almost done. The stilts just need a second coat of paint before I bolt on the foot-hold blocks. This little project buoys my spirits. It brightens my entire holiday outlook to know that on Christmas morning at least one child will be as happy as a baboon with boxful of bananas. (And at least one woman will be as happy as a librarian with a new tiger-striped teddy.)

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