Oregon Family Magazine by Oregon Family Magazine

Merry Christmas!

INSIDE

DEC 2015

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • DAD’S EYE VIEW • FAMILY MOVIE TIME • EARTHTALK • READ & PLAY

From Fun & Fit to

Awesome Tech

Oregon Family’s 2015 Gift Guide

you’re making your list and checking it twice, our fourth annual holiday gift guide brings some off-the-beatenpath ideas to delight, entertain and inspire your kids. My boys had a great time testing out and trying on many of this year’s selections. For others we relied on

active hours in a given time period. The whole system is designed to be social so kids can connect to friends and compete. Glide Bike. ($69.95+, www. glidebikes.com). Glide Bikes created the original balance bike. I’ve watched

CastaKite

friends and neighbors to give us feedback. See the five fun categories of gift ideas in this year’s guide for some fresh ideas for your holiday gift giving. FUN & FIT Sqord. ($39.95, sqord.com). This kid-centric activity tracker looks similar to mom or dad’s FitBit. When synced with the Sqord mobile app, it tracks the wearer’s activity points. Set up challenges like getting 10,000 points a day or a certain number of Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

my own s on l e a r n on a balance bike since he was barely walking. It’s given him such a feeling of independence and confidence. And when he’s ready to transition to a regular bike, he should be able to do so without training wheels. From as young as 18 months through ages 10 and up, there’s a Glide Bike for your kid. My Mini Golf Gift Set. ($99, www. startingtimegolf.com). Since the set arrived, my boys have been setting up mini golf courses all over the yard, driveway, neighbor’s driveway, f i n d

u s

o n l i n e

a t

living room and anywhere else they can. Who knew we basically lived in a mini golf course waiting to happen? The gift set is enough for starters, but if you’re serious about the mini golf, check out the ad ons! CastaKite. ($29.99, castakite. com). Kite flying is fun when it all works out just right, but the frustrations of tangled string, cut lines and just getting the kite off the ground can make you want to give up. Using a clever design, the Castakite makes kite flying easier. You “cast” your kite just like you would a fishing line. It comes with a kite, but you can use the Castakite for any kite up to 60”. S el k’ b ag 5G Ki ds. ( $ 9 9 , selkbagusa.com). The Selk’bag is perfect for camping adventures. It’s the original human-shaped sleeping bag and brand new this year — Marvel character bags for both kids and adults. Warmth, comfort and super powers! UNIQUELY YOU The Home T (pictured above). ($28+, thehomet. c o m ) . We l o v e Oregon. This T says it all. It’s insanely soft with the perfect

w w w . o r e g o n f a m i l y . c o m

blend of sentimentality and pride. From onesies to adult t’s, pillows to shower curtains, you can find the perfect way to say “home.” HipCity Sak. ($29.99, hipcitysak. com). Cute and functional, HipCity Saks are designed to give girls independence and style. The boost of independence comes from being able to carry their own stuff in a hip bag that’s just for them. The style? That’s easy, each HipCity Sak can be personalized with charms and accessories that fit every bag. Melissa & Doug at Things Remembered. ($17-$22, thingsremembered.com or in store). We’ve been big Melissa & Doug fans since my older son was little. Through a new partnership with Things Remembered, you can now get personalized versions of some favorites.

Things Remembered

PAGE 1

Rescue Spotlight Distributed through all Eugene/ Springfieldand Junction City public elementary and middle schools, most area private schools, and over 420 commercial locations in Linn and Lane counties. PUBLISHER

Pacific Parents Publishing EDITOR

Sandy Kauten CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rick Epstein Jen Galvin Bonnie Harris Kelli Matthews Kim Green-Spangler

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT

Springer Design & Illustration

house rabbit may sound like a special breed of bunny, but any rabbit can share your home. Because of their tidy nature, rabbits can be trained to use litter boxes. Belle enjoys being petted and you’ll enjoy it too. As a purebred, miniature Rex, Belle has plush, dense fur. Watching your house rabbit hop and kick high into the air while racing through your living

room will be your new, favorite pastime. At just 9 months old, Belle has enough energy to entertain you for hours. See all of Greenhill Humane Society’s small animals’ profiles at www.Green-Hill.org Give a gift that gives twice! Tell someone special that they inspire caring with a donation to Greenhill. Thousands of animals each year depend on Greenhill Humane Society in their time of need. Help us be there for them. Visit www.Green-Hill.org to learn more.

any available human for attention. Sailor loves to be petted; when you are done petting him, he will put out his paw to ask you to continue. He was found as a stray on the streets of Eugene with a nasty abscess on his face (now all healed up), and he tested positive for FIV (the feline immunodeficiency virus). However, with a few precautions, he will lead a normal life. His immune system can be protected by keeping him as an indoor-only kitty. The virus cannot be passed to dogs or to people, He does not get along well with dogs. All of his vet work has been done (vaccinations, microchip, defleaed and dewormed), including a complete dental at Cat Care Ltd. This sweet and affectionate kitty will make the right someone a wonderful companion! Sailor is now residing at WAGS Dog Emporium, 485 Coburg Rd. WAGS is open Mon-Sun from 9 to 7.

Greenhill Humane Society is open for adoptions and visits FridayTuesday, 11am-6pm (closed Wed & Thurs) at 88530 Green Hill Road in Eugene. For more information call (541) 689-1503 or visit www.green-hill.org

AILOR is a big, handsome, fluffy male orange tabby kitty about 7 yrs old. He will crawl right up into your lap, curl up and then purr madly. He likes to amble around the house, and will seek out

ADVERTISING

Christi Kessler • 541.484.0434 christi@oregonfamily.com Sandy Kauten • 541.683.7452 sandy@oregonfamily.com OREGON FAMILY

P.O. Box 21732 Eugene, OR 97402 541.683.7452 FAX: 541.683.7925 Email: info@oregonfamily.com Web: www.oregonfamily.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/OregonFamily Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of this publication. © 2015 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.

For more information call Beth at (541) 255-9296. West Coast Dog and Cat Rescue, www.westcoastdogandcat.org.

Celebrate Thanksgetting.

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continued from front cover… Easy Peazy Patches. ($3.50+, http://easypeasypatches. com/). Have a budding fashionista who likes to personalize jeans, t’s and backpacks? Or maybe a rough and rumble kid that seems to wear through clothes faster than you can keep up? These patches are permanent and no-sew and come in dozens of styles and colors. An easy way for kids to personalize (and repair) their own gear.

WE L OVE G AR D E N I N G !

first, but once he saw that I was learning along with him (my multiplication skills without a calculator are rusty!), we had a lot of fun competing. The Mu ltipl es. ($9.99 - $89.99, t h e mu lt ip l e s . c om ) . Adorable illustrations of multinational animals that clearly love math on kidfriendly dishes are a clever way to embed numbers at the breakfast table. A MOVA Globes different animal represents a number from one to 12. The SNEAKY LEARNING cups, bowls and dishes each MOVA Globes. ($135+, http:// have multiplication tables imprinted visuo.com/). I’ve been obsessed with on them, exposing kids to the fun of globes since I was young. I’d finger numbers. My favorites are Professor trace the equator or the International One Hoot (a scientist from Berlin) Date Line, imagining what the and Inspector Eleven (a detective countries I crossed were like. When I from Brussels). saw the MOVA Globes, I was in love. Universal Yums. ($13 or $25/ The globes use patented technology month, universalyums.com). I’m a to turn on its own using sunlight; sucker for a subscription box. I love it seems to just float above the getting little surprises in the mail plexiglass stand. Sitting with my kids, each month! Universal Yums takes we’ve watched the blue and green orb the subscription box idea to global spin and I’m sure they’re imagining snacking. Each month, a box of all the adventures they’ll go on. snacks arrives from a different Plyt. ($30, country in the world. amazon.com). We sampled a box from Playing together Colombia and loved the and learning together Piazza Fresa (similar is a wonderful way to to Pirouette cookies, build skills. Plyt is but with strawberry), a math-based game Nu c i t a P a l e t a ( a that kids and parents creamy neapolitan can play together. flavored candy) and Research shows it the Pocineta chips really does help to (bacon chips with improve numeracy and lime). The box also math skills for all players Universal Yums comes with fun facts about no matter how young or the country and a card to old – and the more you play the hint at next month’s destination. better you get! Getting my 4th CONTINUED ON PAGE 15… grader engaged took a little work at

ith the holidays falling in the winter, I must admit gardening gifts have never occurred to me. The combo of Grow Journey’s seed of the month club and the Minnie Moon paper potter would make a great gift for your young green thumb. The paper potter is a wooden mold that creates the perfect base for a small pot made of newspaper. Fill with Minie and Moon Paper Potter a bit of soil and seeds from the seed of the month club. You can pot the seed right in the ground, newspaper and all. More about indoor gardening? Blooming Secrets indoor kits are beautiful and kid-friendly. The Zombie Farm would be a big hit in our house. The kit includes weird and wonderful plants, along with cute illustrations and decals. Finally, get ready for spring with Seedsheets. This is probably more for me then the kids, but these pre-made and perfectly measured roll of organic, non-GMO seeds come ready to roll and go. Grow Journey (growjourney.com) Minnie and Moon Paper Potter (minneandmoon.com) Blooming Secrets (bloomingsecrets.com) Seedsheets (seedsheets.com)

COMMIT TO BE FIT IN 2016.

Strengthen your core. Improve your endurance. Increase your flexibility. All you need is an hour twice a week and 6’ x 6’ of floor space in your home. No gym required. Aligned Fitness Michael Graves, CPT, PES (541) 868-5757 Facebook.com/AlignedFitness

Concerts coming up at

The Shedd

The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts

Music School

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

The Music Box every Wednesday! Register: 541.434.7015 Shedd Music School Supporter

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

OrFam-Shedd 2015-12.indd 1 Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

December, 2015 12.4-20 MUSICAL: Anything Goes 12.10-17 Christmas at The Shedd January, 2016 1.7 John Pizzarelli Quartet 1.18 Marc Cohn 1.23 Moombah!: Gloria’s Habitat Hotel 1.23 Keola Beamer & Henry Kapono 1.29-30 The Jazz Kings: In The Mood Febuary, 2016 2.4&7 The Jazz Kings: In The Mood 2.2 Blues Harp Blowout 2016 2.10 Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn 2.16 Tommy Castro & The Painkillers 2.17 Dave Douglas Quintet 2.20 Honey Whiskey Trio 2.24 Brian Blade Fellowship Band 2.25 Fraser/Haas & Ungar/Mason March, 2016 3.3 Aiofe O’Donovan 3.4 David Lindley 3.5 Tierney Sutton 3.9 Chico Schwall’s American Roots The Harry Smith Anthology

Shedd Presenting Sponsor

Christmas at The Shedd 2015

Swinging On A Star December 10 & 13

Shedd Theatricals 2015

Cole Porter’s 1934 musical comedy classic

Anything Goes Dec 6-20 541.434.7000 theshedd.org

11/22/2015 5:52:54 PAGEPM 3

Charlie Brown tries to talk to The Little Red-Haired Girl.

by Bonnie L. Harris

Mo ieTime

You’ve Got What It Takes The Weinstein Company • Rated PG Released on Home Video April 28, 2015

t was a long time in the making and The Peanuts Movie feels like a delightful ninety-minute walk down memory lane. And it’s no wonder since the screenwriters are the son and grandson of Charles M. Schulz, and the director, Steve Martino, committed to preserving the sweet, awkward, vulnerability of Schulz’s hero, Charlie Brown. Blue Sky Studios gives the Peanuts gang a cutting-edge look, but their well-known personalities, foibles, and sketched facial expressions remind us that these characters are still lovingly lifted from the comic strip. The Peanuts holiday features are given a nod, including the silly “wah-wah-wah” nonsense dialogue of adults, and

it’s all rolled into a fast-paced, playful movie that’s destined to be another classic. Of course the Peanuts theme song introduces the neighbor-

hood characters, then Charlie Brown gets the surprise of his life when The Little Red-Haired Girl moves in across the street. Frustrated by his inability to talk to her, Charlie Brown turns to Snoopy for courage and advice.

Snoopy, who is more human than pet, tries to help his best friend, which launches the parallel story of Snoopy’s battle with The Red Baron to capture the affections of a lovely French poodle named Fifi. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown decides that to be noticed he must win the school talent show, become the school’s best dancer, and write the world’s best book report, but nothing ever turns

out as planned. Then surprisingly, Charlie Brown scores 100% on his standardized tests, which makes him the school celebrity. But Sally tells her brother, “Media attention is fleeting.” She’s right and even this awesome moment is a mistake leaving Charlie Brown back where he started. In the end, our hero finally gets his girl and summer vacation begins with a new kite, a new baseball season, and a happy Charlie Brown.

FOR THE PARENTS One lonely astronaut conquers a planet.

Get to Work Solving the Problem 20th Century Fox, Rated: PG-13 • Now in theatres

Some say they’re local, others want to be…

We’re your neighbors in Junction City.

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PAGE 4

ci-fi fans, tech geeks, and space travel aficionados will absolutely love director Ridley Scott’s new feature The Martian. Based on the 2011 best-selling novel by Andy Weir, The Martian plays out concurrently on the unforgiving red planet and in NASA’s mission control where courage and ingenuity unite the world in the mission to save astronaut Mark Watney. The key phrase for this movie is plausible believability. Scott keeps the film’s advanced technology right at the edge of our present-day understanding of astrophysics, which effectively draws the audience into the story of what it would take to sustain a human stranded on Mars. Set in 2035, the story begins with a devastating Martian storm that injures Watney and forces his fellow astronauts to abandon their exploratory mission and inadvertently leave him behind. Realizing his dire situation, Watney goes about “sciencing” the heck out of every piece of equipment, every scrap of material, and every bit of knowledge at his disposal. Through triumphs and setbacks in his makeshift Martian outpost, Watney digitally records his condition and his thoughts in order to keep himself sane. Eventually Watney re-establishes communication with Earth, but even that success is bittersweet given NASA’s limited ability to stage a rescue mission. By his own calculations, Watney must stretch his limited supplies and his dwindling energy to last at least 500 sols, or Martian days, for any hope of relief. With echoes of Apollo 13, the steely-eyed missile men of NASA, the scientists at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, and the China National Space Administration team up to work the overwhelming problems and find a way to bring Watney home. Not everything goes according to plan, but that’s the exciting part, and this high-velocity, edge-of-your-seat, space adventure doesn’t quit until the very last minute. Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

Family Health

Q&A by K i m b e r l y R u s c h e r, M D

My 15-year-old daughter’s lower breast bone is sunken in. She was recently diagnosed with pectus excavatum. It’s been noticeable for a couple of years now, but she’s getting more self-conscious about the way she looks, and she’s also finding it harder to do some activities she enjoys. Can you tell me what’s involved in the surgery to fix it?

metal bar under the sunken breastbone to push it into a more normal position. This bar is removed after two to four years. Though recovery time varies, it typically requires a three- to five-day hospital stay after the procedure. Patients are encouraged to slowly become more active after about six weeks, and at about three months they should be able to return to activities such as bicycling, swimming and running.

If you and your daughter’s doctor decide that’s the best option, the first thing to know is that most people who undergo corrective surgery are happy with the change in how their chest looks afterward. Our team at the PeaceHealth Pectus Center favors a minimally invasive procedure in which small incisions are placed on each side of the chest. The surgeon inserts a narrow lighted camera, then threads a curved

Meet Dr. Ruscher!

or Kimberly Ruscher, MD, pediatric surgery offers the She completed a fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at Connecticut perfect blend of two of her passions: fixing things with Children’s Medical Center before joining PeaceHealth, and is now her hands and helping children. board-certified in general and pediatric surgery. Dr. Ruscher joined PeaceHealth Medical Group This fall, she and Dr. Zallen launched the PeaceHealth Pectus in 2013 to partner with Garret Zallen, MD, and Center. The center provides special expertise in form the pediatric surgery team at PeaceHealth treating chest wall deformities with minimally Sacred Heart Medical Center. invasive thoracoscopic surgery and allows Willamette The two share a goal of providing the region Valley patients to be treated for these conditions with top-quality surgical care for patients closer to home. Drs. Ruscher and Zallen also regularly ranging in age from premature infants to young provide free treatment to young patients at the adults—the only care of its kind in Oregon, Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland. outside of Portland. Dr. Ruscher loves the variety of conditions she Dr. Ruscher spent her childhood in Oregon treats as a pediatric surgeon and the satisfaction of “Watching your child and later Florida, and earned her medical seeing a child transformed. prepare for, undergo, degree from Florida State University. She “In children, there are many little things you have and then recover completed her residency in general surgery to observe to know that they’re unwell—they’re from surgery can be at the University of Connecticut and earned a not talking, they’re not engaging you, they’re not overwhelming to any Masters of Public Health degree from Harvard making eye contact, their vital signs,” she says. “But family. My goal is to during residency. Also at the time, Dr. Ruscher for many of my patients, a surgical procedure can help families during met her husband, Kevin Modeste, MD, a be transformative. A couple of days later you walk in this difficult time with minimally invasive and robotic surgeon with their room and they’re playing a card game— and expert care and open Northwest Surgical Specialists. They have two they want you to play with them! Then you know communication.” daughters, ages 4 ½ and 2, and enjoy hiking and they’re better. To me, there’s nothing else like that in other family activities. - Kimberly Ruscher, MD medicine.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ruscher, call 541-222-6135.

The Spirit of Health Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

PAGE 5

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Meet Your New Superintendent! E

ugene schools have a new leader, and he wants to get to know you. Dr. Gustavo Balderas became superintendent of Eugene School District 4J in July. Dr. Balderas’s roots in Oregon and in education run deep. Growing up as the child of migrant farmworkers in Eastern Oregon, he began school speaking little English and knowing even less about the American education

Little Timbers Winter Indoor Skills Academy Mondays and Wednesdays Nov 30 - Jan 18 Village School Eugene Timbers Fútbol Club 541-343-5100 www.eugenetimbers.org

Parents of 3-7 year olds

system. A caring kindergarten and first grade teacher took him under her wing and overcame language barriers to involve his family with the school. That Dr. Gustavo compassionate Balderas teacher instilled in Gustavo both a love of learning and a personal experience of how educators can change children’s lives. Paying forward what he gained from Oregon public schools, Balderas has served as a public educator for more than 25 years, mostly in Oregon. He began his education career in the classroom, teaching U.S. history, health, and

n Nov. 9 Dr. Sue Rieke-Smith officially took the helm as Springfield Public School District’s new Superintendant. In a unanimous vote, the Springfield Board of Education set the course for the future of the district. In 2014 Rieke-Smith (pronounced “Reeky-Smith”) relocated to Springfield from Salem-Keizer School District where she was assistant superintendent. In the spring of 2015 she stepped into the role of interim superintendent, following the resignation of Hertica Martin. With a background of teaching 5th grade English as a second language (ESL), Rieke-Smith believes a key driver of her work is an emphasis on equity of outcomes for all children. This focus is evidenced by her previous position as Principal of Houck Middle School where, under her leadership, the school experienced significant improvement in

English as a second language (ESL) to high school and middle school students, and counseling high school students, before moving into school and district administration. In 2011 he was tapped to become a superintendent of schools in California. When Balderas was selected this year to be 4J’s superintendent, he and his family were glad to come home to Oregon. He and his wife, Cindy, are parents in the district as well—the younger of their two sons attends Sheldon High School. Since he arrived in Eugene Balderas has been listening and learning, meeting with parents and community leaders, visiting students and staff in schools across the district, and getting to know the Eugene community. He believes that parent and community involvement is a

key to quality education. “I believe that we have a moral obligation to educate every child who walks into our schools,” Balderas says. “We want every student to succeed in school and in life. Schools can’t do it alone, though. We need to engage parents and our whole community to provide the best learning environment possible—not just for the six hours a day, five days a week, nine months a year we have students in schools, but at home and in the community as well.” Community members are invited to get to know Dr. Balderas and to share their thoughts and questions about Eugene’s schools. The next “Meet the Superintendent” conversation session is on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5:30–6:30 p.m., at Cal Young Middle School, 2555 Gilham Road.

student achievement, particularly among those receiving ELL/ limited-English proficiency services and free or reduced lunch. Her leadership at Houck earned Dr. Sue her recognition Rieke-Smith as Oregon Middle School Principal of the Year in 2011-12 by the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators and the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators. Rather than teaching towards test scores and memorization of facts, RiekeSmith challenges her district to approach their work with an eye on innovation and education of the whole child. Integrating (STEAM) Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and the Arts into all areas of study will help bridge this gap. Rieke-Smith takes charge as bond projects are in full swing, including a

new Hamlin Middle School, where building design and curriculum design are being developed in tandem to maximize the functionality of the building. “This building will truly be the STEAM concept in action,” Rieke-Smith says. “I am very proud of the work our team has done so far, and believe the final work will result in a building our community will be proud of.” Springfield has a long history of supporting the school district through community partnerships, as well as the many alumni who are now community leaders, teachers and business owners. “We are a legacy district,” says Rieke-Smith, “a district where many of our students graduated, to later send their children to walk the same school halls they did years before.” To this end Rieke-Smith says she is eager to continue to get to know the parents, families and Springfield community. The next opportunity to “Sit with Sue” will be Monday, Dec. 14, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., at the Washburne Café in downtown Springfield.

Do you struggle with your child’s Disobedience? Hitting? Fighting? Tantrums?

Help is at hand! Take part in the Success for Children & Families Project and learn how to:  Improve your child’s behavior  Increase your confidence in parenting FREE of charge and up to $90 in gift cards/cash Call today to see if you qualify for this exciting and important research project!

WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

Call Today! Success for Children and Families Project 541-434-1551 success@ori.org wwww.ori.org/success Oregon Research Institute PAGE 6

MUSEUM of NATURAL and CULTURAL H I S T O RY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 5:00–8:00 P.M. An evening of Arctic fun for the whole family! $5 general admission. Free with a food donation to FOOD for Lane County 1680 E. 15th Ave. · 541-346-3024

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

Read&PLAY

by Jennifer Galvin

Holiday Books Galore to Give and Enjoy!

Gifts! Books make some of the best gifts. Whatever holiday you are celebrating, here are some fabulous books to share with your loved ones! Turn off all the electronic gadgets, grab a seat on the couch together and just read away some time together this holiday season!

Read...

The Whisper

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $17.99; ages 3-7 by Pamela Zagarenski

A little girl receives a book that only has pictures from her teacher. She imagines the words for every page and creates an amazing story for herself. Gorgeous, almost luminous illustrations fill this book about imagination and the importance of telling your own story. This is a book children will want to read again and again!

Robo-Sauce

Dial, $18.99; ages 5-9 by Adam Rubin

Are you ready for a book that you can transform into a “robo-book?” When a boy decides being a robot is more fun, he invents “robosauce” a fabulous neon orange sauce that once poured on, turns everything into robots. After robots totally take over the story, with the help of a special fold-out, even the book turns into a shiny metal robo-book! Will the family, and even the dog, ever turn back to themselves? Find out in this hilarious, sure to be a hit robo-adventure that will have you wishing for some neon orange sauce of your own—and maybe even some cardboard boxes!

Caps For Sale and More Caps for Sale

Harper, $17.99/$18.99; ages 4-7 by Esphyr Slobodkina with Ann Marie Mulhearn Sayer

“Caps For Sale” is celebrating 75 y e a r s i n pr i nt this year. “More Caps For Sale,” a never before seen sequel, is new this year and starts up right where “Caps For Sale” left off with the escapades of the cap salesman and the mischievous m o n k e y s . Children will giggle as the monkeys get the best of the cap salesman in “Caps For Sale.” Ultimately, they learn by example and give all his caps back. Then, in “More Caps For Sale,” unbeknownst to him, they keep learning more and more and even help him. A fabulous duo out just in time for gift giving this year!

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

What Pet Should I Get?

Random House, $17.99; ages 4-8 by Dr. Seuss

A brand new Dr. Seuss book! And a super fun one at that! A recently rediscovered manuscript released just in time for the holiday season. The children are trying to figure out the best pet to get in this fun, rhyming Dr. Seuss book that features normal pets like dogs and cats, but also fun whimsical creatures like Yents. What pet will the children choose? Dr. Seuss leaves that up to our imagination! I’m sure it will be the debate for many nights after you read this book together! Delightful!

Curious George: Classic Collection

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $39.99; ages 4-8 by Margaret and H.A. Rey

This fabulous collection features all seven original Cu r i ous G e orge books. “Curious George,” “Curious George Takes a Job,” “Curious George R i d e s a B i k e ,” “Curious George Gets a Medal,” “Curious George Flies a Kite,” “Curious George Learns the Alphabet,” and “Curious George Goes to the Hospital.” Follow Curious George on so many adventures in these wonderful books! George’s curiosity always gets him into quite the fix—but the man with the yellow hat is always there to help get him out of it! What fun! Bright heavy duty bindings will keep these books around for a whole new generation of Curious George lovers. An absolutely beautiful collection of books!

The Puffin Classics Deluxe Collection

...AND PLAY MAKE A WALL HANGING STARRING YOUR CHILD

Materials: Wide ribbon, cardboard, construction paper, a photo of your child, tempera paint, a paintbrush, a glue stick, and markers. Directions: Cut a 22” piece of ribbon. Cut out three 4” by 4” pieces of cardboard. Cover the squares of cardboard in construction paper. Glue the three squares evenly spaced onto your ribbon. Glue the picture of your child on the top square. Use tempera paint to paint your child’s hand and print your child’s hand on the second square. Have your child draw a picture or write a poem on the third square. Let dry. SEW A POCKET TO KEEP BY THE PHONE

Materials: Felt, ribbon, fabric paint, embroidery floss, a needle, a pencil, some 3” X 5” index cards, and scissors. Directions: Cut out two 4” by 5” pieces of felt. Use a needle and embroidery floss to whip stitch the felt pieces together on three sides. Sew a ribbon loop onto the back of the pocket to hang it up with. Decorate the front of your pocket with fabric paint. Let dry. Put a pencil and some 3” X 5” cards in your pocket. The person you give it to can hang it by their phone so they will always have a pencil and paper handy when they need to take a message. MAKE A HAND PRINT BAG

Materials: A canvas bag, fabric paint, a paper plate, and a paintbrush. Directions: Put some fabric paint out on the paper plate. Paint your child’s hand and help her print it on the canvas bag several different times. She can also use the fabric paint to write a special message on the bag. 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.

Puffin, $105.00, ages 8-12

This excellent collection includes, “Peter Pan,” The Wind In The Willows,” “The Secret Garden,” “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “Anne of Green Gables,” and “A Little Prince.” Read these aloud together as a family, or give to older children to read by themselves. A wonderful addition to any library and sure to be family favorites for many years to come!

Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm ˜ the Perfect Tree for Your Holiday Dreams ˜

(541) 746-5161

Open 10am to 5pm daily, November 27th – Dec 24th www.northernlightschristmastreefarm.com

PAGE 7

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

patrons can cozy up to a fire pit, enjoy a warm mug of gluhwein or hot cocoa, and make s’mores! Village Green Resort & Gardens, Cottage Grove, Daily 5-9pm, Nov. 27th – Dec 25th, FREE! Ph 541-942-2491

Be sure to check out our listings for classes and workshops at www.oregonfamily.com

Winter Wednesdays. The Museum of Natural History store stays open late on Weds, welcoming holiday shoppers. Browse unique inventory featuring from NW artists and authors, see special artist appearances, enjoy 20% off any nonconsignment item, and MNCH members get +10% off. Dec 2, 9, 16 and 23rd. Ph 541-346-3024

ON-GOING EVENTS

DECEMBER CALENDAR

Family Story Time, Fri 10:15am Sheldon Branch Library and Fridays at 10:15am 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 Barnes & Noble weekly story time, Whimsical Weds 6:30pm. Toddler-Time, Weds 10am. Saturdays at 11am, Ph 687-0356

Public Skate @ The Ice Center. Call for skate times. Ph 682-3615 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! 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 MarketPlace @ Sprout! Showcases the best of Lane County’s organic and locally-grown farm products. Farm fresh eggs, local meats and fish, plus produce, grains and artisan goodies. Music and activities vary week to week. Sprout! 3-7pm, FREE! Ph 541-345-7106 Lane County Farmers Market. Comprised of over 85 growers and producers. Everything is grown and produce locally. Support your community and get the freshest goods, direct from the source! 8th & Oak St. Every Saturday 9am-3pm, and Tuesday 10am-3pm. FREE! Ph 541-3387164

and 8th graders from Shasta Middle School. Downtown library, 6:00pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-5450

First Friday Art Walk. A monthly art walk hosted and led by special community guests. Enjoy wandering the local galleries and venues and viewing a variety of art. 5:30-8:00pm, FREE! Ph 541-485-2278

Eugene Youth Ballet. Dancers from Eugene Youth Ballet share a taste of the Nutcracker at Family Storytime. 10:15am, Sheldon Branch Library, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

Shasta Session Jazz Choir. Enjoy a delightful concert of holiday favorites and jazz standards. The choir is an award-winning ensemble of 7th

5 SATURDAY Family Music Time. Sing and dance your way into the weekend with local musicians. This week, Anahid Bertrand who is fluent in musical fun -- and six languages! Downtown Library, 10:15am, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 How the Grinch Stole Christmas Story Time at Barnes and Noble. 11:00am, FREE! Ph 541-687-0356 Community Nativity Exhibit. 11am – 8pm, see the 4th A Christmas Carol. See the 20th Saturday Market’s Holiday Market/Lane County Farmers Market. Nearly 200 booths feature locally handcrafted gifts, international foods and entertainment. A must see for locals and visitors alike. Lane Events Center, Sat/Sun through Dec. 24th. 10am – 6pm, FREE! Ph 541-686-8885

1 TUESDAY Teens @ 4:30, Springfield Public Library. FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

2 WEDNESDAY Ideas on Tap. Art, Science, and A Really Freaky Fish. Enjoy Claim 52 craft beers and thoughtprovoking discussions about science, culture and more. This month: Fierce Climate, Sacred Ground – Climate Change and Migration in Alaska. Adult only event. Marketplace@Sprout!, 6-8pm, Ph 346-3024, FREE!

4 FRIDAY Free First Friday. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and Museum of Natural History, Enjoy the museum’s new exhibits and old classics. 11am-5pm, FREE! Polar Express Story Time at Barnes and Noble. 7pm, FREE! Ph 541-687-0356

Saturday Market’s Holiday Market. Nearly 200 booths feature locally handcrafted gifts, international foods and entertainment. A must see for locals and visitors alike. Lane Events Center, Sat/Sun through Nov 21st - Dec. 24th. 10am – 6pm, FREE! Ph 541-686-8885

Community Nativity Exhibit. Enjoy over 1000 Nativity scenes from around the world, to enjoy live holiday music from local musicians, and have your family or group picture taken in front of a lovely manger scene. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5:009:00pm, FREE! Ph 541-515-6327

Christmas Lights at the Village Green. A beautiful exterior holiday light display in the Wedding Garden. Take a skate on our new 3,500 sq ft. outdoor ice skating rink! Enjoy our 400,000 Christmas lights extravaganza,

A Christmas Carol. Based on the story by Charles Dickens, our second most requested show and our favorite time of year! Actors Cabaret, dinner and brunch shows available.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Actors Cabaret, 7:30pm (dinner 6:00), $16-37.95, Ph 541-683-4368

Nutcracker

The

A holiday tradition for the entire family!

Eugene Ballet Company presents the family holiday tradition, The Nutcracker. Joined by OrchestraNext and the Festival Singers for all four Eugene performances, this will be a memory you’ll never forget. Starts Friday, December 18th at the Hult Center.

Cottage Theatre presents

December 4, 5, 6* • 10, 11, 12, 13* • 17, 18, 19, 20* *matinee

TONI PIMBLE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Hear the Festival Singers perform in the Lobby before each show. Visit The Nutcracker Boutique for stocking stuffers and more! Take home a keepsake photo in our holiday sleigh with Clara at intermission or the Sugar Plum Fairy after each performance.

Dec 18–19 7:30 pm | Dec 19–20 2:00 pm Hult Center for the Performing Arts

Dramatized by Joseph Robinette from the story by C.S. Lewis

TICKETS eugeneballet.org | 541-682-5000

Directed by Kory Weimer

Hult Center Box Office | UO Ticket Office | 541-346-4363 PAGE 8

Tickets: $19 Adult, $16 Youth (6–18)

www.cottagetheatre.org

700 Village Drive, Cottage Grove 541-942-8001

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

Holiday Coral Concert. UO choirs will ring in the season with holiday and folk music from around the world. The performance will feature the Chamber Choir, University Singers and Repertoire Singers. Beall Concert Hall, 7:30pm, $5-7, Ph 541-346-4363 Springfield Christmas Parade. It’s the oldest and coldest parade in Oregon. Santa Claus will visit, escorting the finish of the parade. See decorated cars, horses and floats of all kinds. Tuba Concert at noon! Downtown Springfield, 1pm, FREE! Ph 541-998-0955

A Christmas Carol. Brunch 12:30, Show 2:00pm. See the 20th

7 MONDAY

Scholastic Book Fair. See the 10th

A Dickens of a Christmas Concert Choir. A choral adventure through past, present and future depicted with musical numbers from a 16th century renaissance yuletide feast, merry olde England of the 1800s and today’s holiday carols. Hult Center, 3pm, $22-51.75, Ph 541-682-5000

Curious Kids Storytime. Boogers and Burps! Springfield Public Library. 6:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

A Christmas Carol at Actors Cabaret. See the 20th

Holiday Pet Photo Days. See the 5th

Oak Ridge Boys Hits and Christmas Show. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $59-170, Ph 541-682-5000

Oregon Music Teachers’ Association Play-A-Thon. 12:00pm – 6:00pm, see the 5th

december

8 TUESDAY Teens @ 4:30. Springfield Public Library. FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

9 WEDNESDAY The Nutcracker: Short & Suite. A beloved Library tradition: The Eugene Youth Ballet performs a child-size version of the classic Nutcracker. Travel the globe with dancers and dream of sugarplums all night! Perfect for kids and family. Choose from two shows: 4:00pm and 6:00pm, Downtown Library, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

CALENDAR Oregon Music Teachers’ Association Play-A-Thon. Features 185 Eugene/Springfield/Creswell area students taught by 23 OMTA members, including popular classical, folk, Christmas, new age, jazz, Broadway musicals, and other styles. Barnes and Noble, 10:20am – 7:00pm, FREE! Ph 541-510-3355

Eugene Youth Ballet. Dancers from Eugene Youth Ballet share a taste of the Nutcracker at Family Storytime. 10:15am, Bethel Branch Library, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 LEGO Club for kids. Springfield Public Library, in children’s area, 2-4pm, Ph 541-726-3766

12 SATURDAY “Waiting is Not Easy!” Story Time at Barnes and Noble. 11am, FREE! Ph 541-687-0356 Family Music Time. Sing and dance your way into the weekend with local musicians. This week, join Samuel Becerra for the lively music of South America. Downtown Library, 10:15am, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 Jody Coyote Warehouse Sale. All jewelry will be sold at dramatically discounted prices, come early for the best selection. Lane Events Center, 9am – 5pm, FREE! Ph 541-343-6139

Santa’s Smorgasbord. Visit with Santa, listen to holiday music and enjoy a holiday breakfast. All ages. River Road Park & Rec, 8-11:00am, FREE! (donations accepted for food cost), Ph 541-688-4052 Scholastic Book Fair. See the 10th An American Christmas Carol. See the 11th

Winter Light Faire. Candle dipping, puppet show, crafts, cake walks, the Crystal Cookie Cave, the Nutcracker Ballet, Hanukkah room, food and games, Russian Tea Room, the Golden Goose school store, lots of live music and more! Admission is FREE! Most activities are $1.50. Eugene Waldorf School, 11am-4pm, Ph 541-683-6951

6 SUNDAY

An American Christmas Carol. Experience Ballet Fantastique’s sparkling new holiday tradition. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $28-58.50, Ph 541-682-5000

Mythbusters. Jamie and Adam Unleashed! The Discovery Channel’s MythBusters bring behind-the-scenes stories and onstage experiments ... with audience participation! Hult Center, 8:00pm, $53-75, Ph 541-682-5000

Holiday Pet Photo Days. Have a digital photo of your pet taken with Santa! Suggested donation is $5. All proceeds go to West Coast Dog and Cat Rescue. PetSmart/Chad Dr, noon-4pm, Ph 541-683-3353

Holiday Bazaar at River Road Park. It’s bigger and better than ever. A fantastic selection of handmade gifts, made by local artists at affordable prices. 9am – 3pm, Ph 541688-4052

Teens: Dr. Who Club. Get together to enjoy episodes, snacks, and Whovian conversation. Downtown Library, 4:00-5:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

Saturday Market’s Holiday Market and Lane Farmers Market. See the 5th

The Nutcracker: Kingdom of the Sweets. A familyfriendly, abridged version of the holiday favorite specifically designed to appeal to children and firsttime ballet audiences. Wildish Theater, 2:00pm, Ph 541-510-4629

Breakfast with Santa. BJ’s is generously hosting breakfast – kids will enjoy a delicious meal and meet Santa. Tickets on sale at Valley River Center Guest Services. $5/child (no adult tickets). Seating limited - get your ticket early! Proceeds go to Food for Lane County. BJ’s @ 8:00am, Ph 541-236-2600

25th Annual Holiday Light Parade. This rural community parade brings back memories in the style of an old fashioned Christmas, a fairyland phantasmagoria of lights and floats celebrates the season. Downtown Junction City, 5:00pm, FREE! Ph 541-998-6154

Emerald Valley Opry, featuring: Back porch Soiree, Mike and Carleen McCornac, Kathy Boyd & Phoenix Rising, Acoustic Good New, Jimmy Bobby Band. Powers Auditorium Willamette High School, doors open 5pm, concert 6:00-9:30pm, $3-$7, under 7 free. $1 off with canned food or toy donation, Ph 541-688-0937

CALENDAR CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE… Enjoy over 1000 Nativity scenes from around the world, listen to live holiday music, and have your family or group picture taken in front of a lovely manger scene. December 4-6 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Community Nativity Exhibit. 4pm – 8pm, see the 4th

Saturday Market’s Holiday Market and Lane Farmers Market. See the 5th

Piccadilly Flea Market. Come find your newest treasure at Eugene’s only Flea Market where people sell crafts, collectibles, wares and services. Lane Events Center, Early bird 8-10am $7.50/10am – 3pm $1.50, Ph 541-683-5589

Family Fun: Songs, Dances, & Games of Africa. Join Habiba Addo to learn songs, dances, and games from several African countries – with live drumming! Downtown Library, 2:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

BJ’s Food for Lane County Benefit Night. Delicious food in a fun atmosphere support a great cause! For each flyer presented BJ’s will donate 15% of food/soda sales to FFLC. Flyers must be printed and presented to the server. 4pm-11pm, Ph 541-344-2200

10 THURSDAY Scholastic Book Fair. Find the latest and finest titles for kids, as well as books of interest to parents. Lane Events Center, FREE! Ph 503-252-8486

Visit oregonfamily.com after Dec. 10th for information about Christmas Light tours!

Swinging on a Star. Shirley Andress returns with her 8th annual Christmas At The Shedd, featuring Tracy Williams, Marisa Frantz, Bob Cross and Bill Hulings fronting Jesse Cloninger and the Emerald City Jazz Kings in Christmas Swing configuration! The Shedd, 7:30pm, $18-34, Ph 541-434-7000

A Christmas Carol The Musical

11 FRIDAY Little Wonders: Stories and Activities for Pre-K. This month’s theme is “Arctic Animals,” with stories and fun activities about animals living near the North Pole. Museum of Natural and Cultural History, ages 3-5, 10:3011:30am, Free-$5, Ph 541-346-3024

Eugene Saturday Market’s Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens Book by Mike Ockrent & Lynn Ahrens

Based on the story by Charles Dickens

Directed by Joe Zingo

Open Weekends: Nov. 27-29, Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13, Dec. 19-20 + Dec. 22-24 Hours: 10 AM–6 PM Dec. 2 4 only, 10 AM–4 PM

Handcrafted Gifts Food Court • Live Music

Free admission, free parking! At the Lane Events Center, 13th & Jefferson

w w w.holidaymarket .org 541- 6 86 -8 8 85 Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

Nov 20 - Dec 19, 2015

Dinner, Dessert & Beverages Available SPECIAL OPENING WEEKEND TICKET PRICES

Bring the Whole Family

Actors Cabaret, 996 Willamette Street For Tickets & Information

Call (541)683-4368 PAGE 9

CALENDAR CONT’D… A Christmas Carol at Actors Cabaret. See the 20th

Swinging on a Star. 2:30pm, See the 10th

13 SUNDAY

Jody Coyote Warehouse Sale. 9am-2pm, See the 12th

Family Fun: Pajaritos de Ceramica / Clay Birds. Make clay birds with Samuel Becerra at a bilingual Spanish/English event. Downtown Library, 2:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

An American Christmas Carol. See the 11th

Saturday Market’s Holiday Market and Lane Farmers Market. See the 5th

14 MONDAY Holiday Ornament Workshop. Springfield Public Library. 3:00-5:00pm, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

15 TUESDAY

18 FRIDAY

Teens @ 4:30. Springfield Public Library. FREE! Ph 541726-3766

The Nutcracker by the Eugene Ballet Company. A family tradition that begins early and the memory lingers throughout the years. OrchestraNext and the Festival Singers will join all four Eugene performances. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $15-30, 541-682-5000

Little Family Yoga with Brynne Blevins. Springfield Public Library, 10:30am, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

17 THURSDAY

A Christmas Carol at Actors Cabaret. See the 20th

Preschool art and science storytime with LuCinda. Springfield Public Library, 10:30am, FREE! Ph 541-7263766

Northern Lights – A Winter Solstice Celebration. Light up the darkest time of year at the MNCH’s annual winter solstice event. With crafts, face painting, live music and performances, the whole family will enjoy this Arcticthemed celebration of winter! Museum of Natural History, 5:00-8:00pm, $5/free w/ canned food donation per person, Ph 541-346-3024

19 SATURDAY A Christmas Carol at Actors Cabaret. See the 20th Family Music Time. Sing and dance your way into the weekend with local musicians. This week, elementary school teacher Bryan Reed really makes learning rock! Downtown Library, 10:15am, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 The Nutcracker by the Eugene Ballet Company. Two shows 2:00pm & 7:30pm, see the 18th

Light up the darkest time of year at the annual Winter Solstice Celebration, with crafts, face painting, live music and performances for the whole family. Friday, December 18th at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History

Player’s Choice LARGE PIZZAS Choose from our WORKS, BBQ Chicken & Bacon or our NEW Sriracha Meats

Only $12!

Not valid with other coupons or specials. One coupon per visit. Limited delivery area. Delivery charges may apply. Expires 12/31/15. COUPON REQUIRED.

FAMILY SPECIAL-PLUS

!! !! !! !! !! !! ! ! Celebrating 25 Years! ! ! Joshua Hirschstein, Director!

Expert K-12 Teachers, One-on-One.! SAT, ACT and College Admissions.!

LANE TUTORING SERVICE!

541-484-4133!

lanetutoringservice.com! Trusted in-home tutors since 1990.

Warm Feet are Happy Feet

Get ANY 2 Large Pizzas (up to 5 Toppings or Specialty) PLUS a 2 Liter Pepsi Product of Choice

Only $25!

Not valid with other coupons or specials. One coupon per visit. Limited delivery area. Delivery charges may apply. Expires 12/31/15. COUPON REQUIRED.

SOUTH EUGENE & UO

Eugene's World Class Neighborhood Supermarket

HOLIDAY MEATS NO ANTIBIOTICS AND NO GROWTH HORMONES RAISED HUMANELY WITH A VEGETARIAN DIET

30 W. 29th Ave (at Willamette)

Follow your feet to Footwise for Haflinger slippers and clogs!

541-484-7272

NORTH EUGENE/FERRY ST BRIDGE

54 Division (just off River Rd)

541-461-7272

Order online at papajohns.com Open Lunch & Late Night Locally Owned & Operated WE BAKE. WE DELIVER. PAGE 10

CALL US AT 541-345-1014 AND ASK FOR OUR MEAT DEPARTMENT TO ORDER YOUR SPIRAL CUT HAM, PRIME RIB ROAST, OR FRESH TURKEY!

Also available: Peking Ducks, Geese, Game Hens, Organic Turkeys, Smoked Turkeys, Boneless Hams, Boneless Turkey Breasts and Bone-In Turkey Breasts

25th & Willamette • Daily 8am-10pm 541-345-1014 • capellamarket.com

Downtown Eugene • 181 E Broadway • 541.342.6107 Mon-Sat 10-6 & Sun 11-5 • facebook/FootwiseEugene

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

Eugene Holiday Half Marathon & Hustle 10K/5K. 4th annual Eugene Holiday Half Marathon and Hustle 10K/5K utilizing the Fern Ridge Bike Path – features a free kid’s race sponsored by Glory Bee Foods. Lane Event Center, 9:00am, $50-60 – see website. How to Catch Santa Story Time at Barnes and Noble. 11:00am, FREE! Ph 541-687-0356 Saturday Market’s Holiday Market and Lane Farmers Market. See the 5th

20 SUNDAY Family Fun: Origami: Learn to make colorful origami with Tomo Tsurumi. Downtown Library, 2:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 The Nutcracker by the Eugene Ballet Company. Two shows 2:00pm, see the 18th Saturday Market’s Holiday Market and Lane Farmers Market. See the 5th Piccadilly Flea Market. Come find your newest treasure at Eugene’s only Flea Market where people sell crafts, collectibles, wares and services. Lane Events Center, Early bird 8-10am $7.50/10am – 3pm $1.50, Ph 541-683-5589 A Christmas Carol. Brunch 12:30, Show 2:00pm. See the 20th

22 TUESDAY Teens @ 4:30. Springfield Public Library. FREE! Ph 541-726-3766 Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show. The delightfully hilarious Heather Pearl stars in this clown show filled with physical comedy, juggling, magic, and more. Downtown Library, two shows 1:00 & 3:00, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 Saturday Market’s Holiday Market and Lane Farmers Market. See the 5th

23 WEDNESDAY Saturday Market’s Holiday Market and Lane Farmers Market. See the 5th

24 THURSDAY Saturday Market’s Holiday Market and Lane Farmers Market. See the 5th Winter Sing-a-Long & Storytime with Taylor. Springfield Public Library, in children’s area, 10:30am, Ph 541-726-3766

From “Elvira” to “Bobbie Sue” the Oak Ridge Boys will entertain you with all of their hits. Then, the stage is transformed into a winter wonderland, and the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame treat you to Christmas favorites as only they can. Tuesday, December 8th at the Hult Center. weekend with local musicians. This week, join Emily Fox to enjoy lively banjo tunes. Downtown Library, 10:15am, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

27 SUNDAY

25 FRIDAY

Family Fun: Games. Kids and family: play a wide variety of board games with gamer extraordinaire Chris Wuebbles. Downtown Library, 2:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

Merry Christmas from our Oregon Family to Yours!

28 MONDAY

26 SATURDAY

LEGO Club for kids. Springfield Public Library, in children’s area, 2-4pm, Ph 541-726-3766

Family Music Time. Sing and dance your way into the

29 TUESDAY

31 THURSDAY

Winter stories from around the world with Pattibuff Bear. Springfield Public Library, all ages, 6:30pm, Ph 541-726-3766

First run of the year. Run in the New Year! Participate on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day or both. Courses are on bike paths along Willamette River. For the night race, the 10K course is different this year and will be well lit with street lights. Valley River Inn, 8:30am and/or 10:30pm, $10-35, Ph 541-484-9883

30 WEDNESDAY Teens: Zipper Jewelry. Learn to make zipper jewelry and other wearables out of upcycled vintage zippers with artist LeBrie Rich. Design and create pins, hair clips, cuffs, earrings, and more. Colorful zippers, rhinestones, and all supplies provided. Ages 13 – 17 please. Downtown Library, 2:00-4:00pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

Happy New Year’s Eve! It’s been a wonderful year… we will see you Next Year! Be sure to check out our listings for Camps, Classes, and Workshops at www.oregonfamily.com

Better Lawns & Gardens, Inc Lawn Restoration Leaf Pick Up One Time Projects Complete Lawn & Landscape Maintenance Dethatching & Core Aeration Commercial and Residential

Programs to Fit Your Budget free estimates

541-344-7610

www.betterlawnsandgardens.net

The U.S. Gymnastics Academy Great Starts Here®

Winter Break Camps! Dec. 28, 29 & 30

Fun • Fitness Self Confidence Coordination Social Development World Class Coaches State-of-the-Art Facility

4540 Commerce St • 541-255-2883 • eugenegymnastics.com

Kids Ì Parents ♥ Willamalane Limited preschool spots available — register today! “Love their preschool program. Wish I would have put both my kids in earlier instead of in home day care for so long. I highly recommend this program.” — Denny Price

Willamalane Oregon Family ad 5”x4” Sept. 2015

willamalane.org • 541-736-4544 Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

PAGE 11

Discovery Box by Kristin Strommer & Jalen Buchalter

e begin to understand the science of mixing paint colors as children. Using the primary colors of red, blue, and yellow along with black and white, you can mix different paints to create any imaginable color. Mix red and yellow to make orange. Mix yellow and blue to make green. Mix green and red to make brown. While this may be the way that mixing colored paint works, colored lights mix in a very different way. The primary colors of light are red, blue, and green, instead of yellow… that’s already sort of surprising. You can experiment with mixing light at home with three flashlights. Add a colored filter to your flashlights by placing either red, green, or blue cellophane over each one, or by painting the plastic lenses with either red, green, or blue nail polish. Then, take turns shining these colored lights on the wall in a darkened room. What happens when you shine the red and green light together?

The result may surprise you! Try different combinations of your three colored flashlights, and then shine them all on the same spot together. You should see that combining red, green and blue light gives you white light. White colored light, like the light from the sun or a light bulb, actually contains all colors of the rainbow. We see color due to the light receptor cells in our eyes called cones. We have between six and seven million cones in our eyes! Of these millions of cones, the majority (64%) are sensitive to red light, less (32%) are sensitive to green light, and very few (only 2%) are sensitive

Making the Holidays

unfamiliar objects. Without light there is no color – the white light from the sun, which contains all colors, shines on objects around us. These objects absorb most of the light, but reflect specific wavelengths or colors of light depending on what atoms and molecules make up the object. An apple looks red because the atoms that make up its red skin are absorbing all colors of light except for red. The apple reflects the red light and we see it as red. Black objects absorb all colors and reflect none, so we see black. Whereas white objects absorb no colors and reflect all back, so we see white. Remember that on the next hot day w hen you’re deciding between wearing your black shirt or your white shirt – the black shirt will actually absorb more light making you feel even warmer! We’ll be playing with mixing colored lights during laser shows at the Science Factory this holiday season. Lasers are a specialized beam of light, and we’ll be mixing them to create colorful designs set to music. As you enjoy the full sensory experience, remember that all the incredible colors and patterns you see are made from mixing just a single red, blue and green laser beam!

COLORFUL

The Science of Mixing Light to blue light. Although our eyes have developed to be sensitive to only red, blue, and green light - different combinations can produce the full spectrum of color we see in the world around us. People who are color blind are missing one of these three types of light receptor cones. There are three main types of color blindness, each caused by an absence of either red, blue, or green cones. Although mixing colored paints and colored lights have their stark differences, color and light are fundamentally connected. Have you ever been in a mostly darkened room and looked carefully at the objects around you? Try it, and then see if you can guess the colors of

eugene therapy

LASER LIGHT SHOWS can be viewed in the Exploration Dome December 12 – January 9, including educational and holiday shows, and classic rock favorites. SPORTSOLOGY can be viewed in the Exhibit Hall through January 10. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 2300 Leo Harris Parkway in Alton Baker Park. For more information, visit www. sciencefactory.org.

-- Eugene’s largest family therapy group practice --

individuals | couples | families

EugeneTherapy.com 541.868.2004

Counseling for you and your family. PAGE 12

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

Winter Break Gymnastics and Circus Camps!

WINTER 2015 DOWNTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB

December 21-23 at Kick City

WINTER CAMP Dec 21-24 & Dec 28-31 Ages 5-12 swimming • games • projects field trips • sports • fun

(541) 484-4011 www.downtownac.com

Fantastic Classes & Camps for All Ages!

Age 7-10 8:30am - 11:30am Age 11-14 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Eugene Timbers Fútbol Club 541-343-5100 www.eugenetimbers.org

541-343-4222 329 W. 3rd Ave. www.bouncegymnastics.com

Camp Dates: Dec 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31 & Jan 4 & 5

National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics

Winter Wonderland Camps! Full or Half Day Ages 5-12 Drop-ins Welcome

Here Comes the Fun... Where Fitness is Fun and Confidence Grows

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SPRINGFIELD/OLYMPIC 1810 Olympic St 541-741-8886 PAGE 13

PHOTO: DAN MCKAY, FLICKRCC

ine

az ntal Mag

onme The Envir / E f o s r Edito From the

A Dear Earthtalk: Is recycling still worthwhile given the expense and emissions associated with it? Michael Vitti, Norwalk, OH

ars in Eugene! 82 Ye

1933-2015

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PAGE 14

mericans generate about 254 million tons of trash and recycle and compost about 87 million tons of this material, which adds up to a 34.3 percent national recycling rate. Recycling and composting prevented the release of approximately 186 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2013, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, comparable to taking over 39 million cars off the road for a year. Aluminum cans are currently recycled more than any other beverage container in the U.S, which is good for business and the environment, says the Aluminum Association, because making a can from recycled aluminum saves not only aluminum but 92 percent of the energy required to make a new can. A 2015 analysis by the Aluminum Association and the Can Manufacturers Institute determined that if all of the aluminum cans in the U.S. were recycled, we could power four million homes and save $800 million per year. Aluminum cans are also the most valuable to recycling companies, with a value of $1,491 per ton compared to $385 per ton for PET plastic. “Cans are recycled at the highest rates, and drive recycling programs across the country because of the high value of aluminum compared to other packaging materials,” said Heidi Brock, President and CEO of the Aluminum Association.

Recycling companies are struggling with higher processing costs, due in part to newer, larger recycling bins that don’t require user sorting and thus become increasingly contaminated with garbage.

In recent years, however, recycling companies are struggling with higher processing costs, due in part to newer, larger recycling bins that don’t require user sorting and thus become increasingly contaminated with garbage. When the District of Columbia replaced residents’ 32-gallon bins with ones that were 50 percent larger last year, the extensive amount of nonrecyclable material put into the bins drove up the city’s processing cost for recyclables and cut profits from selling recyclables by more than 50 percent. “Our biggest concern and our biggest challenge today is municipal solid waste and contamination in our inbound stream,” James Delvin, CEO of ReCommunity Recycling, which operates 31 facilities in 14 states, told Green is Good Radio. “It’s an economic issue if you think about we go through all this effort to process this material, and roughly 15 to 20 percent of what we process ends up going back to the landfill. It’s incredibly inefficient to do that.” In a 2014 survey by the National Waste and Recycling Association, nearly one in 10 Americans admitted to throwing their waste in recycling bins when trash cans were full; one in five said they will place an item in a recycling container even if they are not completely sure it is recyclable.

“People refer to this as ‘wishful recycling,’ that’s just when in doubt, put this in the bin because there’s an outside chance they might be able to recycle it,” Delvin notes. “So you see Styrofoam. You see PVC. You see batteries and those types of things….” This mixing of waste with recyclables, he says, makes it very difficult to extract the true recyclable commodities that are there that have value. Improved education regarding the proper materials to recycle is needed to allow recycling plants to remain economically feasible. The pros and cons of recycling are heavily debated, but there’s never an argument over the environmental benefits of limiting disposable packaging and utilizing more durable reusable goods, like shopping bags, coffee thermoses and water bottles, to name a few, in daily life. CONTACTS: Aluminum Association, www.aluminum.org; Can Manufacturers Institute, www.cancentral.com; Green Is Good Radio, www.greenisgoodradio.com; National Waste and Recycling Association, www.wasterecycling.org; ReCommunity Recycling, www.recommunity.com. EarthTalk® is produced by Doug Moss & Roddy Scheer and is a registered trademark of Earth Action Network Inc. View past columns at: www.earthtalk.org. Or e-mail us your question: earthtalk@ emagazine.com.

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

continued from page 3…

K N O CK TH E I R S O CK S O N !

etting socks for Christmas is not the disappointing gift that it may have once been. Cool socks are so hot right now! Our favorites are from Foot Cardigan, a monthly subscription that ships two socks to your Foot Cardigan “whippersnapper ” ever y month for $11. My kids were stoked about the “wacky socks” they got and have been wearing them just about every day. Two other options for sock goodness: Strideline (Pacific Northwestbased!) has pretty rad city and team socks - though Oregon Duck socks are conspicuously absent (strideline.com). Neon Bandits has a more limited line, but the geometric designs are on point (neonbandits.com).

MaKey MaKey Classic TeachMy. ($9.99 - $29.99, teachmy. com, Toys R Us, Walmart). Parents are their child’s first teacher. But sometimes as a parent, we don’t know where to start. TeachMy is wonderful toolkit that gives parents a little help to support early literacy and learning with their little ones through games, activities and together time. My preschooler loved his box and we have spent several hours together playing with number trains and practicing our letter tracing. AWESOME TECHNOLOGY MaKey MaKey Classic. ($49.95, makeymakey.com). Using this

little gadget to create a pencildrawing Pac-Man joystick has been the highlight of the toyreview process. The MaKey MaKey is an “invention kit” — a basic electronic board that comes with a USB cable and alligator clips. You can turn every day objects into touchpad and combine them with the Internet. The Pac-Man pencil-drawn joystick works, for example, because graphite conducts electricity. Easy to use and fun to experiment with, the MaKey MaKey is a door to technology and engineering for beginner inventors.

Foot Cardigan (footcardigan.com) Strideline (strideline.com) Neon Bandits (neonbandits.com) Amusement Park Engineer. ($64.95, thamesandkosmos. com). Exploring engineering isn’t limited to older kids. This colorful, fun set from Thames and Kosmos gives kids as young as 3 or 4 the ability to build slides and swings and pendulum rides, all while following along with a story of two inquisitive kids in a beautifully-illustrated storybook. My preschooler had a great time going through the story and ideas with Dad, creating his own

variations to fit his imagination. Have an older engineer that’s ready for more challenging activities? Thames and Kosmos has a huge variety of kits for kids of all ages. With so many great options for holiday gift-giving, we hope this guide gives you some fresh ideas for the kids in your life. Kelli Matthews is a mom of two boys, age 3 and 9, and lives in Eugene, Oregon. She’s always on the lookout for clever ideas to educate, entertain and inspire them.

Confused About Health Insurance? We can Help! FREE one-on-one help enrolling in new, more affordable health plans. Call 541-344-9411 or 800-230-PLAN www.ppsworegon.org

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PAGE 15

w e i V e y E s ’ d A Da ein k Epst by Ric

Here’s Our Holiday Letter! (Don’t You Wish You Were Us?)

Dear friends, Normally we don’t do a holiday letter, but this year the Epsteins have so much to boast about that they can’t help it. You’ll notice that this letter is signed by me, Felix the former family cat. They gave me away several years ago on the whim of some doctor who said I make the kids sneeze and choke. But now they’ve borrowed me back because false modesty demands that someone else mention all the great things they achieved this year. Marie, the college girl, phoned home during her third week of “History of the Middle East” course to report, “Dad, I totally understand what’s going on over there!” That hard knot has defied understanding for thousands of years. Am I nuts or is our Marie a shoo-in for a Nobel Prize? Sally, the high schooler, spent five days away at marching-band camp and did NOT get sent home in disgrace. She and her friends stole every pair of undershorts from the boys’ cabin and dumped a wastebasketful of water on the band director. Furthermore, a search of Sally’s bedding turned up obvious prank ammunition – a squeeze bottle

of chocolate syrup that had been stolen from the dining hall on make-your-own sundae night. There was an inquiry into these crimes, but Sally beat the rap. How quickly they grow up! One minute a child is blurting out to Mom what Dad’s getting her for Christmas and the next she’s invoking the Fifth Amendment, cool as a cucumber. Wendy at 13 has become a skilled negotiator. She can get permission to have a girlfriend over after school to do homework and then fine-tune the plan to where Dad has agreed to chauffeur a carload of boys and girls to the mall, turn himself invisible for two hours and then drive them home. She would do well as a lawyer or agent, but first she’d have to get her mind off boys. At age 4 she berated me for torturing a mouse. Now she’s the one who toys with helpless vermin, ones with names like Justin, Matt and Brandon. I recognize the wide-eyed look of the confused prey. These pint-sized lover-boys don’t have my detached perspective because no one thought to have them “fixed.” For peace of mind, there’s nothing like it. Napping in the sunshine, catching mice and drinking out of toilets –

auditorium at the very moment the principal concluded his traditional half-hour speech of over-the-top self-congratulation. “Did I miss it?” she asked brightly. “Yep,” said Dad, “But here’s the gist: This school is about perfect and if it keeps on getting even better, new words will have to be added to the English language so he can describe the unbelievably superb superbness of the education this joint provides.” But that wasn’t all. Wendy’s language-arts teacher then vowed he would make the kids read a book. Now another Christmas is upon us and the family (except for me) will all be together one more time. There will be a gifts and visitors. Affectionate chitchat will abound while another turkey is stuffed, cooked, carved and tossed down the hatch. Excited speculation about the new year will be likely. Can the Epsteins fend off scandal for another 365 days? Can Mom and Dad keep on dragging home the paychecks that keep the children in silks and caviar? Will angels blow trumpets while Wendy’s increasingly sublime school ascends into Heaven? Will the new dryer fulfill its manufacturer’s promises? Who can say? Certainly not me. I don’t even understand why I shouldn’t get underfoot when someone is carrying a huge platter of hot food. I’m not good at predicting the future. Happy holidays!

these are my humble pleasures and I think these tormented boys would find them more dependable than whatever joy their fickle females are dispensing. For Dad, this year has just been one thing after another. In the spring, he got a 1.2 percent raise and the celebratory pizza party raged until nearly 8 p.m. Yes, there was extra cheese. Soon afterward, his pockets still overflowing with treasure, Dad bought a new dryer – one whose interior belts do not scream like the souls of the damned. Mom is likewise having quite a year. Its high point came when her alma mater offered Sally a scholarship worth $3,000 a year just for being the daughter of an alumna. Up until then, being her mother’s daughter had only meant she wouldn’t get any taller than 5-foot-1. Two tiny hearts were gladdened. Mom scored again on Back-toSchool Night when she arrived in the Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.

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