December 2014 by Oregon Family Magazine

Merry Christmas!

DEC 2014

INSIDE LET’S EAT OUT! NEW• DAD’S EYE VIEW • FAMILY MOVIE TIME • EARTHTALK • DISCOVERY BOX Oregon Family’s The 3rd Annual

Top Ten

Holiday Gift Guide by Kelli Matthews

“P

ut it on your Christmas list…” Like many families, we have spent the last several months uttering this phrase to our kids when they ask for the latest toy or gadget. And as the mailbox fills with wish lists and gift guides and toy catalogs galore, the drumbeat of the holiday season gets louder. In my search for some of the best gifts this season, I came across lots of great ideas that may not be on your radar. From the little ones to tweens and teens, we found high-tech, lowtech and even some mixed tech. OUR 2014 TOP TEN 1. DODOCase Virtual Reality Cardboard Toolkit ($24.95; Barnes & Noble and DODOCase.com) — Want a decidedly low-tech way to access high-tech cool? Try cardboard. I was skeptical, but it didn’t take long for the “wows!” and “whoas!” Our favorite app was a virtual reality roller coaster. It was a huge hit with both my kids (ages 2 1/2 and 8). If you have an Android phone, you’ll have more app choices, but the two we t r i e d on t h e iPhone were great fun. 2. Silverlit’s Nano Falcon ($49.99; Amazon, Toys R Us) — This tiny helicopter holds the Guinness Wo r l d R e c o r d for the smallest RC vehicle. The little ones

animal conservation around the world. The box comes with a bunch of goodies — maps, stickers, guide books, trading cards and activities. Kids also get access to an online portal that has additional games and activities DODOCase Virtual Reality Cardboard Toolkit for exploring that month’s focus. My third grader really enjoyed the demo box download and it’s very easy to get we tried out and it looks like we’ll the hang of. My kids loved the “trick be joining the official list of Junior mode” and older kids will enjoy the Explorers in the near future. custom features. 5. Morph-O-Scopes Sports of 4. Junior Explorers All Sorts ($22.50; Amazon and ($19+; JuniorExplorers. OozAndOz.com) — This kit is com) — From kids definitely low tech — ancient tech, in toys to goodies fact. The drawing and coloring pages for mom and rely on a mirror anamorphoscope, everything an art technique used by Renaissance in between, artists and even spies to hide secret sub s c r ipt i on images in plain sight. The drawings boxes are on the page appear warped, but e v e r y w h e re ! when you put a cylindrical mirror in J u n i o r the right place, the image becomes Explorers is a clear. The kit has coloring pages, creative twist mazes, fill-ins and puzzles that on this model had my son fully concentrated and by sending kids completely engrossed in how the on a new “mission” mirror changed what was on the with each box. The Morph-O-Scopes paper. missions are related to

are mesmerized and the older kids have a great time flying it. The controls take a little practice and I will attest to the durability of the ‘copter. Ours spent a great deal of time bonking into the ceiling and falling to the ground. It also completely freaked out our dog. But it didn’t take long for my third grader to zip it around the house like a pro. 3. Ollie by Sphero ($99.99; Amazon and GoSphero.com) — This little robot is super fast! It’s appcontrolled and can spin, drift and do flips. With simple finger directions on the smartphone screen, Ollie flies across the floor. The app is a free

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3… Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

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

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Rescue Spotlight E

You can contact West Coast Dog and Cat Rescue at www. westcoastdogandcat.org, or at 541-225-4955.

Luvable Dog Rescue is a 501c3 non-profit animal shelter that raises funds to save dogs on death row in high-kill shelters and find them loving homes in Oregon. Please go to our website to view available dogs: www.luvabledogrescue. org or email for an application: lkwpb@rosenet.net

veryone falls in love with the fluffy, cuddly kittens at the shelter when they’re looking to add a feline family member? Animal shelters and rescue groups have to deal with this fact all the time—healthy kittens get adopted out much more easily than do adults. But, of course, those kittens grow up to be cats. And they’re not all completely healthy. Some have congenital issues, others develop conditions that are treatable and manageable. West Coast Dog and Cat Rescue (WCDC) is a local nonprofit organization finds homes not only for healthy kittens, but kitties with some strikes against them. One such story is about Garfield. He came from the First Avenue Shelter in Eugene, where he had been brought in as a stray. Though his cheek abscess was successfully treated at the shelter, he unfortunately tested positive for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). Since West Coast takes special-needs animals, they transferred him to us. His foster mom tenderly cared for him as his abscess healed, and when he was ready, Garfield went off to one of our partner businesses that have agreed to show our FIV+ cats. Garfield is a perfect example of a cat with some strikes against him, but someone looked past his problems and fell in love for a true happy ever after.

rbit is such a sweet little man! He came in so severely matted that he needed emergency grooming in order to eat and go to the bathroom. He was in a lot of pain and very fearful, not liking to be touched at all. Since then he was blossomed into this loving, affectionate boy that loves to be pet and gives lots of kisses! He is now comfortable with being picked up and has worked on harnessing to go for walks. Orby has the most soulful eyes and looks right into your eyes as you pet him. He gets along well with the other dogs and could also be an only dog. He has a very mellow personality with a low energy level. This sweet boy would love to cuddle up with you and get lots of love! So far he does great with children who are calm and respectful and if he really likes them he will let them pick him right up! If you are interested in meeting this Luvable dog, email Adoptions@luvabledogrescue. org for an application and more information!

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continued from front cover… 6. Remote Control Machines DLX from Thames and Kosmos ($124.95; Amazon and ThamesAndKosmos. com) — If you have a LEGO fan in your household, this amazing kit will take those skills to the next level. Think LEGOs with motors and remote control! The kit comes with an instruction guide that walks you through 20 different models, each progressively more complicated. Beyond the guide, the configurations are limited only by your budding engineer’s imagination. 7. The Riddle Show ($21.00; Amazon and Fat Brain Toys) — Jokes and riddles help kids understand the complexities and nuance of language. They’re an excellent way to increase listening comprehension and critical thinking skills.. plus, they’re hilarious! The Riddle Show gives your little performer more than 145 jokes, riddles and tongue twisters in pre-recorded content with sound effects and music. The toy doubles as a working microphone, so they can perform their own material, too. 8. Little Builders App (2.99; App Store or Google Play) — My toddler knows his way around our tablet and I’m always on the hunt for welldesigned games that don’t have ads,

in brightness and picture quality, so don’t expect a cinematic experience, but for easy sharing with friends, it seems like a great tool.

in-game purchases or frankly, aren’t annoying. Little Builders fits the bill. The setting is a building site where kids can dig, paint, pour concrete, build a roof and create a brick and mortar wall. Simple to understand and play, but with lots of great interactions. Fox and Sheep apps are some of my favorites and this one is no exception. 9. Measure Up! Collection ($38; Amazon or DiscoveryToys.com) — This set didn’t keep my toddler from raiding the pots and pans from the pantr y, as Remote Control Machines DLX

I’d hoped, but he was fully engaged in playing with this set and enjoyed the Discovery Toys-suggested activities we played together. I’m impressed with the selection from Discovery Toys and can see we’ll be going back to the catalog for additional ideas for gifts this season. 10. Smartphone Projector ($27;

UncommonGoods. com) — We’ll round out our top 10 list with another fun cardboard g a d g e t . T h i s on e , a smartphone projector, magnifies your phone’s screen onto the wall. A pretty clever (and very inexpensive way), to use your phone to share those viral videos with a group or even watch a movie. As you might expect, there are some limitations

Measure Up! Collection

EXTRAS & ACCESSORIES Two things didn’t make our top 10, but are worth checking out as stocking stuffers or add-ons for other gifts. It seems we are always in need of chargers. With three tablets, three smartphones, e-readers and gadgets that need charging, it feels like there’s a cord hanging from every outlet in the house. The Ezicharge IC is powerful 5 port USB charger that’s perfect for just this dilemma. It charge almost any USB enabled device including iphones, android, game consoles, cameras, tablets and removes the need for multiple outlets and cable spaghetti. ($29.95; Amazon) Cases for a tablet never quite seem like the right combo of protection, style and actual usefulness. The Fold-it-Up Organizer from ThirtyOne Gifts is very cute (I like the plum chevron… hint. hint.) Besides doing the basic job of protecting the tablet, it has an inside flat pocket with notepad and interior zipper pocket give you room for a few extras. Elastic straps hold a variety of tablets. ($30; ThirtyOneGifts.com) There you have it. Your kids may not be asking Santa for these yet, but I’m sure you’ll find something clever and unexpected on our Top 10 list that will be a hit! Happy Holidays! Kelli Matthews is a mom to two boys with seemingly boundless energy, ages two and eight. She’s always on the hunt for outsideof-ordinary holiday gifts… This gift guide definitely gave her an excuse to start her shopping early! When she’s not kidwrangling, Kelli teaches at the University of Oregon and does public relations and social media consulting. You can find her on Twitter at @kmatthews.

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February, 2015 2.6 Marcia Ball 2.6-15 The Jazz Kings: Avalon - more great tunes from the 1920s! 2.11 Over The Rhine 2.19 Vijay Iyer 2.21 Honey Whiskey Trio 2.22 Carl Woideck Jazz Heritage: Anita O’Day & Cool Jazz 2.24 Tommy Castro & The Painkillers 2.27 Moombah! Asail on the 7 Seas! 2.28 Hapa March, 2015 3.6-8 la môme: Piaf 100 (cabaret) 3.11 Edgar Meyer

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11/20/2014 5:14:47 PAGEAM 3

Hiro and Baymax go after the microbots

by Bonnie L. Harris

Mo ieTime

A New Angle Can Solve Any Problem Walt Disney Studios Rated PG • Now in Theatres

e knew it had to happen! That finally one day, Walt Disney Studios would take the plunge and give us a super hero movie based on a comic book. After Disney acquired the Marvel Entertainment subsidiary in 2009, animators immediately went to work pitching ideas for new films. What came about was the development of a forgotten series in the Marvel line-up called Big Hero 6. Happily, the union of Disney and Marvel has turned into a rollicking, action-packed, chubby success. Big Hero 6 blends Japanese manga comics, Disney’s warm-hearted style, and Pixar’s superior animation into an original story that’s sweet, hilariously funny, techno savvy, and inspiring. In the futuristic city of San Fran-

sokyo, Hiro Hamada is a teenage genius, who matches his home-made robots against the meanest bots on the block. To help his little brother avoid arrest for bot fighting, Tadashi Hamada introduces Hiro to his crew of techno nerds at SF Institute of Technology. When Hiro sees the fantastic projects invented by these advanced students, he decides he wants to be one of them. By winning the annual technology competition, Hiro earns a place at the school, but his invention of magnetic, shape-shifting “microbots” causes a series of events that result in Tadashi’s death. Hiro’s only connection to his brother is a

“personal-healthcarecompanion” robot designed by Tadashi called Baymax. This adorable, inflated caregiver brings the nerd crew of students together and helps Hiro figure out who stole his microbots. There’s a mystery within a mystery, and in the

process of unraveling them, the nerds become crime fighters and Hiro learns what it really means to selflessly care for others. Big Hero 6 has a few chase scenes and fight scenes that might be too much for the youngest viewers, but overall the charming humor and positive message of this film will appeal to the whole family.

FOR THE PARENTS

Cooper explains Murphy’s Law to his daughter

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or a movie about the flexibility of time, the quantum mechanics of time, and the squandering of time, Interstellar doesn’t make good use of its time. Described by critics as a dramatic sci-fi adventure film, the story takes on too many genres and only gets the sci-fi part right. In addition, there are unexplained gaps in the narrative logic, the acting is sappy and uneven, and some of the best dialogue is overwhelmed by the musical score. Director Christopher Nolan defended the soundtrack by saying that the dialogue in certain emotional scenes wasn’t meant to be heard. I’m not sure I’m onboard with that artistic decision, but I just watch blockbusters, I don’t make them. Interstellar begins with a fantastic apocalyptic scenario: Earth is plagued by a devastating blight and huge dust storms sweep across the dying planet. An ex-astronaut named Cooper ekes out a living as a farmer with his two children and father-in-law in a nameless part of the United States. When a gravitational vortex mysteriously appears in his home, Cooper is led back to NASA and asked to pilot a mission to find another habitable planet. This is where the set-up goes haywire. NASA’s Plan A is to transport mankind through a galactic wormhole, but they haven’t quite figured out how. Plan B is to stow human embryos in Cooper’s spacecraft to repopulate whatever new planet the astronauts discover. Along the way, we find out that Plan A, Plan B, and the livable planets were red herrings and Cooper is left to figure out how regain the time with his family that he forfeited when he agreed to the expedition. Granted, the special effects are phenomenal, the scientific detail is admirable, and the premise is tantalizing, but honestly, to save time and money, rent the video. Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

Read&PLAY

Holiday Books Galore!! by Jennifer Galvin

The holidays are here! Gather together for Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa and enjoy reading some of these fabulous holiday books together this holiday season!

Read...

Star Bright: A Christmas Story

Atheneum Books For Young Readers, $16.99; ages 4-8 by Alison McGhee and Peter H. Reynolds

A little angel looks down from the sky the night that Jesus is going to be born and sees others preparing. She wants to bring a gift, but can’t decide what to bring. She realizes the others need light, so she becomes the star to light the way, and provides the gift of light for them all! Beautiful!

‘Twas Nochebuena

Viking, $16.99, ages 3-7) by Roseanne Greenfield Thong

Enjoy a bilingual “Night Before Christmas” with this wonderful Latino family. There are tamales to be made and (adornos) decorations to hang in this charming Christmas story that is full of heart! Beautifully illustrated with bright, bold illustrations and full of fabulous Christmas traditions, this one is sure to be a family favorite!

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel

Arthur A. Levine Books, $17.99; ages 4-8 by Caryn Yacowitz

For a hilarious Hanukkah tale that also includes parodies of famous artworks, look no further than this crazy tale! Follow along as the family grandmother swallows a dreidel she thinks is a bagel and then takes off on a crazy eating adventure— swallowing all kinds of Hanukkah items. In the back, it shows the pieces of art the illustrations are based on. Enjoy this fun, if a bit crazy, Hanukkah tale and maybe you’ll even learn some art history along the way!

Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story

Albert Whitman & Company, $6.99; ages 4-10 by Angela Shelf Medearis

A must have for Kwanzaa, this book not only includes a brief description of Kwanzaa and its seven principles, but a story that shows the seven principles at work. Seven brothers can’t see eye to eye on anything. Yet, to receive their inheritance, they must make gold out of seven spools of thread. Join the brothers to see if they can work together in this beautifully illustrated Kwanzaa story.

Here Comes Santa Cat

Dial Books For Young Readers, $16.99; ages 3-7 by Deborah Underwood

Since Cat hasn’t been nice, he decides he’d better dress up like Santa and just give himself a present. Will it work? Cat is not great at chimneys, gifting, or flying—which is pretty funny! Then, he decides to try to be nice and impress Santa before Christmas, since being Santa was harder than he thought. Follow along with Cat and see if he can figure out how to be nice enough to deserve Christmas!

The Last Christmas Tree

Dial Books For Young Readers, $16.99; ages 3-7 by Stephen Krensky

A little Christmas tree wants nothing more than to be picked out and taken home, but not just by anyone, by someone that loves Christmas as much as it does. There is only one problem, it is not a big and fluffy tree, and as the days grow closer to Christmas, people keep picking other trees. Will the tree find a home? Find out in this delightful Christmas story. You’ll be rooting for this little tree the whole way! Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

...AND PLAY

MAKE A HOLIDAY TREASURE BOX

M at e r i a l s : A s m a l l cardboard box (I picked a box that looked like a treasure chest), Mod Podge, a paintbrush, scraps of gift wrap in your holiday colors, old magazines, ribbon, and jewels or buttons for decorations. Directions: Cut out several different size pieces and colors of gift wrap from your scraps. You can also cut out pictures from magazines that go along with your color theme and holiday. Mod Podge these pictures onto your box by first putting a bit of Mod Podge onto the back of each piece and sticking it onto the box. After you have the pieces in place, paint another layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal it. Then, you can use a bit more Mod Podge to affix buttons or jewels to add your finishing touches. Let dry. Make sure to keep the lid apart from your box while decorating and do not replace it until your box is completely dry or it will stick together. Each family member should write or have help writing a special note about why their family is special. Then, open the notes up, one each night, until the box is empty. Repeat as often as you like. BRAID A HOLIDAY BRACELET TO WEAR

Materials: three different colors of embroidery floss, beads, and scissors. Directions: Cut six pieces of embroidery floss 14” long. Use colors that represent the holiday that your family celebrates (depending on your holiday tradition--blue, yellow, and white for Hanukkah; red, green, and black for Kwanzaa; and red, green and white for Christmas). Gather them together and tie them together about 1/2” from the end. Make three groups of two strands each and braid a bracelet that is the right length to fit your child’s hand. Add beads occasionally while you are braiding to make a fancier bracelet. Tie a knot at the end and trim off the excess thread. CREATE A HOLIDAY PIPE CLEANER WREATH

Materials: Pipe cleaners, ribbons, and glue. Directions: Twist six pipe cleaners, three different colors (depending on your holiday tradition red, green and white for Christmas; red, green, and black for Kwanzaa; and Blue, yellow, and white for Hanukkah), together at the top. Braid them together. Twist them into a circular wreath shape. Tie a colorful ribbon and a ribbon hanger at the top to cover where you twisted your wreath together. Use a little glue to help keep your ribbon in place. 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.

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FAMILY MATTERS

by Dr. Sherrie Cmpbell, PhD

“Because I am an Adult!”

Signs You Are a Hypocritical Parent

ou are your child’s first teacher. You teach them to talk and walk, what to eat, how to read and how to bully other children. Wait, what? Children will do what they are taught and the most powerful parenting doesn’t come through a parent’s words, it comes through the behaviors of the parent. Children observe how the

Parents of 3-7 year olds

adults around them behave and they take on and repeat those behaviors, even when they have been instructed NOT to. Lead by example. If you don’t want them to hit, don’t hit. If you don’t want them to curse, don’t curse. If you don’t want them to quit, don’t quit. If you want them to be kind to others, be kind to others. Teach them to rise above adversity, animosity and to have a positive outlook when things are bleak. Don’t be a hypocrite. So, are you a hypocritical parent? 1. Arguing/fighting: If parents argue and fight with each other, with others and/or with their children this is the exact behavior the children will repeat back to the parent and/or others. If handling conflict in this way is the norm for

the parent and is justified to the child as ok because they are the adult the message being sent is “the parent can have the tantrum the child has to be the adult.” When a child is being attacked in any way, it immediately puts them on the defensive. Emotions are contagious so the child will take on the energy of the parent to defend themselves, and then get in trouble for it. If a parent does not want their children to fight and argue then the parent cannot show them this method of behavior as a viable option by using it themselves. They must demonstrate how to solve their problem without fighting about it. 2. Appearance: All parents, male and female, have a responsibility to dress like adults and model

adult behavior, responsibility, elegance and dignity if these are qualities they want to see in their children. If parents, especially women, are over-sexualized they cannot expect their children to do, be or think any differently about themselves. Likewise, boys should dress with pride. If they want to be perceived as a slob, then dressing like a slob is okay. Perception is reality. Have confidence in your appearance. 3. Partying: When the teens are getting grounded for drinking or smoking this becomes confusing when they witness these same behaviors in their parents. If parents are partiers the children will see drugs and/or alcohol as feasible options for coping with stress and/or for having fun.

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

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4. Procrastination/laziness: Being a parent includes being a working part of the family when it comes to household duties, chores, and other upkeep issues. If parents are lazy on their time off and are not being a participating member in the household, children will model this laziness and rebel in having to be responsible in and around the house as well. Parents must demonstrate there is time to rest/play when work (household chores) are done. 5. Breaking commitments: Most parents expect their kids to follow through on their commitments, and yet many parents back out on commitments made to children. When parents don’t keep promises to show up and take part in a child’s life, this teaches children they are not worthy. This lack of commitment can also be demotivating for children it could also elicit rebellion in important areas such as school, sports, chores, and friendships. 6. Values: When children get the message from their parents “You can be whatever you want to be as long as we agree with it,” this mixed-message interferes with the child’s desires for personal growth. Parents who encourage independence and self-expression need to do that without, then,

preferring their child’s preferences to be the same as theirs—from political beliefs, extra-curricular interests, religious beliefs, sexual preferences, passions, or big picture view-points. Parents are to be guideposts on these real-life matters, but they need to trust that experience is the greatest teacher. Many parents believe that certain behaviors are exclusive to them because they are the adult. Think about how your actions in-

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fluence your children and remember that children do what parents do not what parents say. I’ve seen an amazing amount of anger and resentment occur in children when they are corrected or get in trouble for doing the things the parents are doing, or act the way the parents act. So, my advice is: Let your children inspire you to be person you want them to be. It’s not too late, you can change, learn and grow together!

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ON-GOING EVENTS SF Library New Readers’ Book Club, age 8 and under, third Tuesday of each month, 4-5pm. Pre-reg. Ph 726-3766 The Science Factory Children’s Museum & Planetarium. In the exhibit hall, “From Here – To There” – through January 4th 2015. Open daily 10-4pm. In the Planetarium, shows vary, Mon-Fri 2pm, Sat/Sun times vary. 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!

Come see over 1,000 nativity scenes from around the world at the Annual Crèche and Nativity exhibit. Friday, December 5th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day. 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 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

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

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

Holiday Light Parade in Veneta. The 11th annual Veneta light parade is a great chance to get out on a chilly winter evening this holiday season and enjoy the creatively decorated fire trucks, cars, floats and approximately 40 other brightly adorned vehicles as they wind through downtown Veneta. Dowtown Veneta, 7pm, FREE! Ph 541935-8443

DECEMBER CALENDAR 1 MONDAY Monday @ 4 for Tweens. “Gifts to Go Workshop” Springfield Library, 4pm, Ph 726-3766

OUTLYING AREA EVENTS

Weekly Lap sit: Preschool (ages 3-6) and Lap sit (infants & toddlers) story time, Weds 10am, Springfield Library. Ph 726-3766

Choose and Cut Christmas Trees. Take a hayride to the Christmas tree fields to choose from a variety of cultured firs and pines. Cut your own tree or choose from pre-cut trees. Stop in our store afterwards to warm up with hot drinks and to browse through our holiday ornaments and wreaths. Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm, Open daily 10am-5pm, through Dec 24th, Ph 541-746-5161

“Christmas in the Garden” One of the Northwest’s newest holiday traditions, a charming event featuring a traditional Christmas market and light display in The Oregon Garden’s Rediscovery Forest. Special events feature “A Christmas Carol” play, Photos with Santa & live reindeer, pony rides, and more. See website for events schedule. www.oregongarden.org Christmas in the Garden will take place from 4 - 9pm every Thur – Sun through December 21st $5-11 (under 4 free) Ph 503-874-8100

Shasta Middle School Winter Concert. Join the excited 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands and choirs to kick off the evening, then enjoy the talents of the mixed-grade, audition-only performance groups, the Session Jazz Choir and Shasta Jazz Band. Silva Concert Hall, 7pm, $10.50, Ph 541-682-5000

MOMS Club - An organization for at-home moms & children that meets on the second Thursday of each month. Come check it out! Kids welcome! Members based on zip code. http://eugenemomsclub.org/ Be sure to check out our listings for classes and workshops at www.oregonfamily.com

The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the worlds best-loved musicals: Annie! December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20 at Actors Cabaret.

Eugene Saturday Market’s

Open Weekends: Nov. 28-30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14, Dec. 20-21 + Dec. 22-24 Hours: 10 AM–6 PM Dec. 24 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- 686 - 8885

Bring in this coupon for

$10 off a $50 purchase Our staff is kid-savvy and toy-wise and always ready to help with gift suggestions and friendly service. Valley River Center (541) 345-8697

PAGE 8

5th Street Public Market (541) 342-8548

Coupon expires 12/20/14.

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

2 TUESDAY Holiday Marketplace. Known for its many one-of-a-kind and reasonably priced handcrafted gifts created by center artisans. Along with the woodcrafts, ornaments, decorations and stocking stuffers, there will also be a quilt raffle. Willamalane Adult Activity Center, 9am – 7pm, FREE! Ph 541-736-4444

3 WEDNESDAY Oregon Men’s Basketball. Ducks take on Concordia (Ore.). 7pm, Matt Knight Arena, www.goducks.com Holiday Marketplace. See the 2nd

4 THURSDAY Preschool Fun with Art and Science. This week – Black and White and Read All Over. Springfield Library, 10:3011am, ages 3-6, FREE! Ph 726-3766

Annie! The Musical. Bet your bottom dollar that ANNIE is going to be the best and brightest show on the Great Willamette Way this Christmas! Why it’s going to shine brighter than the Chrysler building! Actors Cabaret. 7:30pm (dinner seating at 6:00pm), $16-$42.95, Ph 541-683-4368

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Holiday treats and baked goods will be available from Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. Santa’s helpers will assist kids with frosting cookies. Two kids bikes will also be raffled off. Bring your camera and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. St. Thomas Episcopal Fellowship Hall, $5-8 (under 3 FREE), 8am-noon, Ph 541-344-1049

The Eugene Ballet Company presents a holiday tradition: The Nutcracker. Begins December 19th at the Hult Center. Don’t miss The Nutcracker for Kids on Wednesday, December 10th at the Eugene Public Library!

Make and Take Friday for kids: Gifts for Friends and Family. Springfield Library, 2-3pm, Ph 726-3766 Candy Land. A sweet adventure through the traditional game board. A musical theatre romp through the Lollipop Woods, dancing around the Chocolate Swamp and singing to the top of Gumdrop Mountains all the way to the Candy Castle and King Kandy. A musical treat for all ages. Upstart Crow Studios, 7pm, $12, Ph 541.688.8260

december

Annie! The Musical. See the 5th Springfield Holiday Parade. The oldest and coldest holiday parade in Oregon! Celebrate the season with the fabulous display of holiday cheer as residents and visitors line the streets to enjoy the festivities. Tuba Carol Concert at noon. 3rd & Main St, 1pm, Ph 541-988-0955 Oregon Women’s Basketball. Ducks take on Navy. 7pm, Matt Knight Arena, www.goducks.com Emerald City Roller Girls Derby Bout. Emerald City Roller Girls is a Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA) league of amateur skaters, competing at a regional and national level. Church of Sk8in vs Flat Track Furies. Lane Events Center, 6pm, $5-12, Ph 800-838-3006 Candy Land. See the 5th

CALENDAR PHOTO BY JON CHRISTOPHER MEYERS

Saturday Market’s Holiday Market. Nearly 200 booths feature locally handcrafted gifts, international foods and entertainment, so all your holiday wish-lists can be fulfilled. You will find many of the same artisans, food booths and musicians from Eugene’s Saturday Market. Lane Events Center, 10am-6pm, FREE! Ph 541-686-8885 Babes in Arms. See the 5th Scholastic Book Fair, Lane Events Center, Meeting Room #1, 10am-6pm, FREE! 503-252-8486 Holiday Bazaars. Browse three Holiday Bazaars within blocks of each other. Shop handmade gifts, crafts, jewelry, baked goods and much more. Locations are Trinity United Methodist Church 9am-4pm, Howard Elementary 9am -4 pm, and River Road Park & Recreation District (closing at 3 p.m.). FREE!

6 SATURDAY

Eugene Waldorf School’s Winter Light Faire. Puppet shows, cakewalks, candle dipping, The Nutcracker ballet, Hanukkah room, the Golden Goose school store, crafts, games, food and live music. 11am-4pm, FREE/ activities require ticket $1.50 each. 541-683-6951

Annual Crèche and Nativity exhibit. 11am – 8pm, see the 5th Family Music Time. Join Pia and Jason Robbins of Little Timbre Studio for creative, engaging activities to support development of the whole child. Downtown Library, 10:15am, Ph 682-8316, FREE!

Saturday Stories. , Springfield Library, 10am, Ph 541-7363766 Victorian Family Holidays. Decorate cookies, make Christmas crackers, string popcorn & more. Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, 11am-2pm, FREE! Ph 541-484-0808

Holiday Marketplace. See the 2nd

5 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! Scholastic Book Fair, Lane Events Center, Meeting Room #1, 10am-6pm, FREE! 503-252-8486 Night of a Thousand Stars. Bring your family and friends to 5th Street Public Market’s Night of a Thousand Stars. Visit with Santa, watch the Market fill with lights and witness the magical snow fall. 5-8pm, FREE! Ph 541-484-0383 Radio Redux presents, It’s a Wonderful Life. The charming show-a re-enactment of a live broadcast as performed in a 1940s radio station- includes live sound effects, period commercials and a stellar cast that brings the town of Bedford Falls to life. Soreng Theater, 7:30pm, $21, Ph 541-682-5000

Free First Friday Concert. Enjoy a delightful concert of holiday favorites and jazz standards performed by Shasta Session Jazz Choir. Downtown Library, 6pm - 7:30pm, Ph 541-682-5450, FREE! Babes in Arms. Rodgers and Hart’s Babes In Arms a quintessential musical, with one of the greatest and most memorable scores written. A group of teenagers are left without supervision while their parents tour the vaudeville circuit and the local sheriff is determined to send the loafers to a work farm. However, the determined kids sweettalk the sheriff into a two-week reprieve, just enough time to produce their own show and prove their mettle. The Shedd Institute, 7:30pm, $10-42, Ph 541-434-7000 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. Jacobs Gallery. 5:00-8:00pm, FREE! Annual Crèche and Nativity exhibit. A stunning array of over 1,000 nativity scenes from around the world. Come appreciate hundreds of Nativity displays from around the world, enjoy live holiday music from local musicians, and have a family or group picture taken in front of a lovely manger scene. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day, 5-9pm, FREE! Ph (541) 912-1520

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Kids: Earth Art. This week, join Nearby Nature to enjoy tales and make art out of natural treasures including shells, stones, seeds, cones, and driftwood. Downtown Library, 2:30-3:30pm, FREE! Ph 682-8316

Breakfast with Santa. Join Santa Claus in the Valley River Center food court for breakfast, holiday entertainment and photos with Santa. For children 10 and under, please. Purchase breakfast tickets at the Guest Services booth, photography packages additional. Valley River Center, 8:30am-9:30am, $5 plus two canned food, Ph 541-683-5513

Experience Rodgers and Hart’s Babes In Arms— a quintessential musical with one of the most memorable scores ever written. December 5-21 at The Shedd Institute. Eugene Symphony - Mendelssohn & Elgar. Elgar’s Variations and Mendelssohn’s exquisite Concerto, played by violinist Elissa Lee Koljonen, provide an enchanting and delightful evening of music with the Eugene Symphony. Hult Center, 8pm, $17-59, Ph 541-682-5000

7 SUNDAY

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

CALENDAR CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE…

Nutcracker

E U G E N E

B A L L E T

C O M PA N Y

A holiday adition for the entire family! at all four performances

Friday, Dec 19 | 7:30 pm Saturday, Dec 20 | 2:00 pm Saturday, Dec 20 | 7:30 pm Sunday, Dec 21 | 2:00 pm Hult Center for the Performing Arts

TICKETS 541-682-5000

eugeneballet.org | hultcenter.org Hult Center Box Office | UO Ticket Office

e Nutcracker Tea Emmy Award-Winning Storyteller Mark Lewis, the Sugar Plum Fairy and other characters from the ballet bring you The Nutcracker story while you enjoy finger foods, tea sandwiches and a tempting selection of sweets. Have your camera in hand to take photos with the dancers! Tea seatings before each matinee performance of the ballet. Tickets available at the Hult Center Box Office, 541-682-5000, and online at hultcenter.org

Sat, Dec 20 & Sun, Dec 21 at Noon

The Studio (lower level @Hult Center) PAGE 9

CALENDAR CONT’D… Babes in Arms. 1:30pm, See the 5th Oregon’s Ugliest Sweater Run. Alton Baker Park, 11am, $49for info visit oregonsugliestsweaterrun.com Radio Redux presents, It’s a Wonderful Life. 2pm see the 5th “ Sounds of Music” Sing-along. Get out your lederhosen for a noteworthy showing of the “Sound of Music.” Watch the classic movie on the big screen. A vocal warm-up at 1:45 p.m. will get you ready to sound your best as you sing along to beloved favorites. Costumes and props are encouraged and may be rewarded during the costume contest. Wildish Theater, 2-5pm, $5/pp, Ph 541-736-4544 Annie! The Musical. 2pm, See the 5th Candy Land. 3pm, See the 5th Eugene Concert Choir Holiday Extravaganza., Featuring Mason Williams of Classical Gas fame, internet singing superstar Peter Hollens, the very talented Evynne Hollens, Synergy, powerhouse gospel singer Darline Jackson, and The Eugene Vocal Arts Ensemble, in stunning Elizabethan dress will add Renaissance finery to the mix. Hult Center, 3pm, $17-42, Ph 541-682-5000 Scholastic Book Fair, 10am-4pm, See the 6th Holiday Bazaar at the Grange. Shop vendors including Scentsy, Silpada, Arbonne, Beyond Banners, Miche, Pampered Chef, Threads Worldwide, Thirty-One, Avon, Jockey Person to Person, Designs by Diane and It Works! Lots of deals and a raffle for prizes from each vendor. Willakenzie Grange, 10am – 3pm, FREE! Ph 541-359-5574 Oregon Men’s Basketball. Ducks take on Mississippi. 1pm, Matt Knight Arena, www.goducks.com Annual Crèche and Nativity exhibit. 4pm – 8pm, see the 5th

Nutcracker for kids. A beloved Library tradition: the Eugene Youth Ballet performs a child-size version of the classic Nutcracker. Downtown Library, 4pm & 6pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

11 THURSDAY Jazz Kings Christmas 2014, Let Your Heart Be Light! A great evening of holiday cheer that includes many of your favorite songs from our past Jazz Kings Christmas shows plus a fine assortment of fine new numbers. The Shedd, 7:30pm, $18-34, Ph 541-434-7000

An American Christmas Carol, see the 12th

Annie! The Musical. See the 5th

The Nutcracker Cracks UP. A family favorite with a new twist. The dancers have changed things up a bit! We’ve added some comedy this year - You’ll see some bees among the flowers during the Waltz of the Flowers, and perhaps some runaway sheep in Marzipan. Wildish Theater, 3:00pm and 6:00pm, $5-20, Ph 541-510-4629

14 SUNDAY

12 FRIDAY Winter Solstice Celebration. Fun for the whole family – Live music and performances, crafts, face painting, and more. Museum of Natural History, 5pm-8pm, $5/pp (FREE with canned food donation per person), Ph 541-346-3024 Babes in Arms. See the 5th A Charlie Brown Christmas! This free family Christmas program combines the songs we all know and love with the true meaning of Christmas. Performed by over 300 student from Willamette Christian School… songs, skits, music, something for everyone. Willamette Christian Church, 6:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-686-8655 Annie! The Musical. See the 5th

Saturday Market’s Holiday Market. See the 6th Frozen Trail Runfest. 50K, 15M, 9M, 5K runs to get your blood pumping in the winter air. The 5K is very challenging, from 1.2 miles to 1.8 miles, the course goes straight up the mountain. Buford Park, 9am, $25-50, eclecticedgeracing.com

8 MONDAY

13 SATURDAY

Babes in Arms. See the 5th

Monday @ 4 for Tweens. Movie Day. Springfield Library, 4pm, Ph 726-3766

Oregon Women’s Basketball. Ducks take on Northern Arizona. 2pm, Matt Knight Arena, www.goducks.com

Candlelight Tour. Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, 6-9pm, $6, Ph 484-0808

Benefit Concert for Toys for Tots. This all-ages, early evening event is fun for everyone! Door prizes will be raffled, and each toy donated will receive free raffle tickets. Gumbo Groove’s ‘Folk-Fueled Fungrass’ will be featured, and John Shipe will open the show on solo acoustic guitar. Mac’s Restaurant & Night Club, 4:30 - 7:00pm, FREE! Ph 541-485-2259

Emerald Valley Opry, featuring: Oregon Valley Boys, Big Foot Lane, Julie Nedele and House, Pray Mila Pray, Willamette HS Choir. Powers Auditorium Willamette High School, doors open 5pm, concert 6:00-9:30pm, $3-$7, under 7 free, Ph 688-0937

Mari-achi Sol de Mexico. Experience the traditional posadas and pastorelas of Mexico through the joy of music with seasonal songs, dance, and festive merriment. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $24-38, Ph 541-682-5000

An American Christmas Carol, 2:30pm, see the 12th

Very Victorian Holiday Party and Silent Auction. Our Very Victorian Holiday Party and Silent Auction is an elegant evening featuring great food and drink and live entertainment. Begin your holiday season in style and put in a bid on one of the lovely baskets donated by our community. Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, 6pm, $25, Ph 541484-0808

Saturday Market’s Holiday Market. See the 6th

10 WEDNESDAY

Candy Land. 3pm, See the 5th

Discover “Christmas in the Garden,” a traditional Christmas market and light display featuring special events, in The Oregon Garden’s Rediscovery Forest. See “Outlying Area Events” on page 8 for more detauls..

An American Christmas Carol. Re-imagine Charles Dickens’ beloved story in post-WWII America, set to the velvet voice of international chart-topping jazz singer-and local sweetheart-Halie Loren and her jazz ensemble. Presented by Ballet Fantastique. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $29-49, Ph 541-682-5000

Jazz Kings Christmas 2014, Let Your Heart Be Light! 1:30pm, See the 11th

Kids: Dancing off the Page. This week, stories come to life through dance with All That! Dance Company, with styles from ballet to hip hop. Learn some dance moves, too! Downtown Library, 2:30-3:30pm, FREE! Ph 682-8316 Saturday Market’s Holiday Market. See the 6th Annie! The Musical. 2pm, See the 5th

Candy Land. See the 5th

Babes in Arms. 1:30pm, See the 5th

Family Music Time. This week, elementary school teacher Bryan Reed really makes learning rock! Downtown Library, 10:15am, Ph 682-8316, FREE!

15 MONDAY

16 TUESDAY

Santa’s Smorgasborg. Visit with Santa, listen to holiday music and enjoy a holiday breakfast. All ages are welcome. Donations will be accepted at the door to cover cost of food. River Road Park & Recreation District, 8-11:30am, FREE! Ph 541-688-4052

Monday @ 4 for Tweens. Maker Space: Have a Merry Makey Makey! Springfield Library, 4pm, Ph 726-3766

Little Family Yoga. Come with parent and learn yoga, ages 6-11. Springfield Library, 10:30am, Ph 726-3766

17 WEDNESDAY Oregon Men’s Basketball. Ducks take on Cal State Northridge. 8pm, Matt Knight Arena, www.goducks.com

18 THURSDAY Oregon Women’s Basketball. Ducks take on Santa Clara. 6pm, Matt Knight Arena, www.goducks.com

OPENS NOVEMBER 21!!

81 Years in Eugene! The Fun Store

November 28 - January 1 v 5 - 9 pm at the Village Green Resort & Gardens in Cottage Grove

Based on the Tribune Media Service Comic Strip, “Little Orphan Annie”

Christmas Lights Fire Pits y S'mores

Directed by Michael P. Watkins

Festive Beverages

Nov. 28:

Dec. 5:

Fun forle the whilo fam y!

PG-13

Regular Hours Mon. – Sat. 9 am – 6 pm, Friday Nights ’til 7pm Open Sundays 12 – 5 ’til Christmas.

The popular comic strip heroine takes centerstage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals.

Each Friday in the Map Room Theater Showing at 5pm & 8pm

Dec. 12:

Dec. 19:

Elf PG

Dec. 26:

New Release TBA

Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM November 21, 22, 28, 29 and December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20, 2014 Dinner, Desserts and Beverages Available Brunch Matinees, Nov 30 & Dec 7, 2014 at 2 PM Brunch, Desserts and Beverages Available w/ Special Kid’s Dinner & Brunch Price & Menu

3 ages 11 & up • $1 children ages 3-10 • Free for children 2 & under

Stay at the VILLAGE GREEN RESORT starting at just with a CHRISTMAS PACKAGE $

69!

Historic Cottage Grove is just 541-942-2491 minutes south info@villagegreenresortandgardens.com of Eugene Visit villagegreenresortandgardens.com for more information Village Green Resort & Gardens 725 Row River Rd., Cottage Grove

PAGE 10

32 East 11th Avenue Downtown between Oak & Willamette.

“Annie” is a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan.

Holiday National Lampoon's Home Cartoons Christmas Vacation Alone Hourly 4-7pm Free

541.344.2117

Leapin’ Lizards!

Free Admission

Holiday Movies

Book by Thomas Meehan Music by Charles Strouse Lyrics by Martin Charnin

Featuring Fine Specialty Toys & Hobbies for the Kid in All of Us!

Actors Cabaret, 996 Willamette Street For Tickets & Information

Call 683-4368

Don’t miss your spot in theOR next edition FAMILY of the Education 11 & 12- 2014 Resource Guide... coming January 2015!

For more info Call: 683-7452 Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

Preschool Fun with Art and Science. This week – The Science of Santa. Springfield Library, 10:30-11am, ages 3-6, FREE! Ph 726-3766

21 SUNDAY

Candlelight Tour. See the 9th

Oregon Women’s Basketball. Ducks take on Fresno State. 2pm, Matt Knight Arena, www.goducks.com

Jazz Kings Christmas 2014, Let Your Heart Be Light! See the 11th

19 FRIDAY Eugene Ballet Company, The Nutcracker. Smiling faces of all ages fill the stage as hundreds of young dancers tell this beloved story with grand adventures taken by Clara and Hans. With live music by OrchestraNEXT and the angelic voices of the Festival Singers, The Nutcracker brings the holiday spirit to life. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $15-53, Ph 54-682-5000

Kids: Game Time. This week, enjoy time together playing board games with Chris Wuebbles. Downtown Library, 2:30-3:30pm, FREE! Ph 682-8316 Saturday Market’s Holiday Market. See the 6th Candlelight Tour. See the 9th Babes in Arms. 1:30pm, See the 5th

Babes in Arms. See the 5th Annie! The Musical. See the 5th

Saturday Market’s Holiday Market. See the 6th

20 SATURDAY

Oregon Men’s Basketball. Ducks take on UC Santa Barbara. 6pm, Matt Knight Arena, www.goducks.com

Eugene Ballet Company, The Nutcracker. 2pm & 7pm, see the 19th Eugene Ballet Company presents, Nutcracker Tea. Meet the characters from The Nutcracker ballet and enjoy finger foods, tea sandwiches and a tempting selection of sweets in the enchanted Land of the Sweets and Sugar Plum Fairies. Plenty of photo opportunities and each child will receive a gift! All ages, The Studio, 2pm, $20-25, Ph 541-682-5000 Annie! The Musical. See the 5th

Monday @ 4 for Tweens. Interactive Magical Movie Day. Springfield Library, 4pm, Ph 726-3766

22 MONDAY Monday @ 4 for Tweens. Chill Out! Games, Cocoa and S’mores. Springfield Library, 4pm, Ph 726-3766

Oregon Men’s Basketball. Ducks take on Delaware State. 12pm, Matt Knight Arena, www.goducks.com

Check out the Emerald Valley Opry, featuring: Oregon Valley Boys, Big Foot Lane, Julie Nedele and House, Pray Mila Pray, and the Willamette HS Choir. Saturday, December 13th at Willamette High School.

Eugene Ballet Company, The Nutcracker. 2pm, see the 19th

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 Babes in Arms. See the 5th Eugene Holiday Half Marathon & Hustle. Come out and race a half marathon or Holiday Hustle 10K/5K. Kids Dash is free. Prizes awarded to top three male and female runners. Pick up packets prior to race December 19 at Claim 52 Brewing Company. Lane Events Center, 9:45am, $15-50, Ph 541-484-9883 Dance Factory presents: Elemental Collision. Watch performers explore the life-giving elements of fire, earth, wind and water. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $15, Ph 541-6825000 Family Music Time. This week, Kris Olsen of Do Re Play inspires learning through musical exploration and play. Downtown Library, 10:15am, Ph 682-8316, FREE!

An Evening with the Floydian Slips. The musical collective Floydian Slips will perform classic Pink Floyd songs in the Historic McDonald Theatre to ring in the celebrations for New Year’s Eve at this all-ages show. McDonald Theatre, 8pm, $20-25, Ph 541-345-4442

30 TUESDAY Kids: Zany Zoo. During winter break, learn about and meet live exotic animals from around the world with Zany Zoo. Downtown Library, 1:00 or 3:00pm, FREE! Ph 682-8316

23 TUESDAY Saturday Market’s Holiday Market. See the 6th

Eugene Opera presents Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, Hult Center, 7:30pm, $20-$79, Ph 541-682-5000 Be sure to check out our listings for Camps, Classes, and Workshops at www.oregonfamily.com

Teens: Create a Hat. Learn how to make and cut the pattern and assemble the pieces, then decorate as you like. All supplies provided. Downtown Library, 4-6pm, FREE! Ph 682-8316

24 WEDNESDAY Saturday Market’s Holiday Market. 10am – 4pm, See the 6th

25 THURSDAY

Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm

Merry Christmas to you and your family… From Oregon Family!

26 FRIDAY Lego Club. Come and have fun with Legos and Dupelos. Springfield Library, 2-4pm, ages 2-18, Ph 726-3766

Saturday Market’s Holiday Market. See the 6th

31 WEDNESDAY

Oregon Women’s Basketball. Ducks take on Seattle U. 4pm, Matt Knight Arena, www.goducks.com

˜ the Perfect Tree for Your Holiday Dreams ˜

27 SATURDAY Family Music Time. This week, join Fiddlin’ Big Sue and Tom for old-time picking and fiddling. Downtown Library, 10:15am, Ph 682-8316, FREE!

28 SUNDAY Kids: Game Time. This week, enjoy time together playing board games with Chris Wuebbles. Downtown Library, 2:30-3:30pm, FREE! Ph 682-8316 Kids: Louisiana Fiddlin’ This week, join Kelly Thibodeaux for lively stories and fiddle tunes that conjure up the magic of Louisiana – plus, a fiddle lesson for the whole family! Downtown Library, 2:30-3:30pm, FREE! Ph 682-8316

(541) 746-5161

29 MONDAY

Open 10am to 5pm daily, November 28th – Dec 24th www.northernlightschristmastreefarm.com

Oregon Men’s Basketball. Ducks take on UC Irvine. 8pm, Matt Knight Arena, www.goducks.com Magical Show with Jodini. Springfield Library, 1pm, Ph 726-3766

Camps Ages 6-16 (541) 485.7161

WINTER 2014 h

Winter Break Gymnastics and Circus Camps!

www.peacelovepottery.com

Gymnastics & Dance Camps Ages 2 to Teens FULL DAY, HALF DAY OR DROP IN

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

$10 OFF

Open Gym For Your Child

New Session of classes Kipsters Gymnastics, Dance & Fitness

Corner of 5th & Washington 541-914-6040

For new families only, excludes Dance with me & Mini Ballerinas

541-914-6040 Expiration Date:

12/31/2014

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541-914-6040

12/31/2014

Kipsters Gymnastics, Dance & Fitness

Expiration Date:

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

Re a

Camps

Expiration Date:

ONE FREE

Winter Indoor Soccer Camp Dec. 29, 30, 31, 2014 at Kick City. • Ages 8-11; 9am - 12 • Ages 12-16; 1 - 4pm

z 344-2002 z www.naag-gymnastics.org

Before care & after care available

Kipsters Gymnastics, Dance & Fitness

Ma th

In Eugene

Fitness & fun for everyone!

Winter Wonderland Camps!

Where Fitness is Fun and Confidence Grows

Trampoline fun & group games

Week of Dec 23, 26 & 27th & Dec 29, 30, 31 & Jan 2nd

National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics

Here Comes the Fun...

Fun obstacle courses

Kids will make new friend, burn energy & have fun!

Camp Dates: Dec 23, 26, 27, 30, 31 & Jan 2 & 3

Full or Half Day Ages 5-12 Drop-ins Welcome

Skill building in gymnastics & dance

Ho rs

Fantastic Classes & Camps for All Ages!

    

Bounce Gymnastics & Circus Camps www.bouncegymnastics.com 541-343-4222 4-12 Kipsters Gymnastics www.kipstersgymnastics.com 541-914-6040 2-14 National Academy of Gymnastics www.naag-gymnastics.org 541-344-2002 5-13 Whole Earth Nature School WholeEarthNatureSchool.com 541-937-KIDS 4-18 Eugene Timbers Futbol Club www.eugenetimbers.org 541-343-5100 4-18

•

Peace, Love and Pottery

www.peacelovepottery.com

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

541-485-7161

• • • • • •

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PAGE 11

CREDIT: SWEDENINUSA

e l Maga zin ironmenta v n E e T h f E/ Edito rs o From the

Dear EarthTalk: I recently heard that Sweden is the greenest country in the world. Is this true and, if so, by what standards? And where does the U.S. rank? — Raul Swain, New York, NY

t’s true that Sweden came out on top in the recently released ranking of 60 countries according to sustainability by consulting firm Dual Citizen Inc. in its fourth annual Global Green Economy Index (GGEI). Norway, Costa Rica, Germany and Denmark rounded out the top five. The rankings take into account a wide range of economic indicators and datasets regarding leadership on climate change, encouragement of efficiency sectors, market facilitation and investing in green technology and sustainability, and management of ecosystems and natural capital. Sweden’s first place finish reflects the Swedes’ ongoing commitment to climate change mitiga-

tion and sustainability policies and practices. The country is a leader in organic agriculture and renewable energy as well as per capita investment in green technology and sustainability research. Upwards of 75 percent of Swedes recycle their waste, while only four percent of the country’s garbage goes to landfills. In fact, Sweden imports garbage from other nations to burn as a renewable source of energy. On the climate front, Sweden was one of the first countries in the world—going back to 1991—to put in place a heavy tax on fossil fuels to encourage the development of greener sources of energy. Indeed, the high price of gas there has notably boosted No school? No problem! We’re Open

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Sweden topped the recently released environmental sustainability ranking of 60 countries by the Global Green Economy Index. The rankings take into account a wide range of key issues, including leadership on climate change, green technology and sustainability, and management of ecosystems and natural capital. Pictured: A display greets visitors to the Swedish Embassy in the United States.

sales and consumption of homegrown, renewable ethanol. Just a few decades ago Sweden derived 75 percent of its energy from fossil fuels, but is on track to shrink that to 18 percent by 2020, with many Swedes clamoring for the country to abandon fossil fuels entirely at that point. As if that wasn’t enough, Sweden recently announced that it would pay a whopping $500 million over the next four years into the United Nations’ Green Climate Fund, a pool of money sourced from richer countries to help poorer ones transition to a future less dependent on polluting fossil fuels. The United States didn’t fare so well in the GGEI, ranking just 28th overall, just behind Rwanda and slightly ahead of Canada. Despite leadership in green technology and environmental awareness, Americans’ disproportionately large carbon footprint and resistance to a national policy on climate change mitigation are hurdles to the U.S. achieving a better ranking. The GGEI isn’t the only sustainability ranking of countries. The Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy and Columbia University’s Center for International Earth Science Information Network recently

released their 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), a similar but more expansive ranking of 178 nations on environmental health and ecosystem vitality. Switzerland topped that list, followed by Luxembourg, Australia, Singapore and the Czech Republic. Sweden ranked 9th and the U.S. 33rd. The fact that global rankings like the GGEI and EPI exist shows without a doubt that sustainability concerns are a global phenomenon, and that people from Iceland to Australia (two highly ranked countries) realize the importance of taking care of Mother Earth. Despite issuing different rankings, both indices had a lot in common, with five countries (Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Spain) making the top 10 list of each. Another common conclusion was that the U.S. has much to do if it hopes to be taken seriously among world leaders committed to protecting the planet and our common future. CONTACTS: GGEI 2014, dualcitizeninc.com/ GGEI-Report2014.pdf; EPI, epi.yale.edu. EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

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PAGE 12

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Tea and FRIENDSHIP

by Pamela Cytrynbaum

Empathy

n 1997, I moved 2,000 miles from my beloved Chicago to a cozy university town in Oregon. (My husband got a great job. I’ve got a great husband. So we went.) Yes, Oregon is seductively green, but it rains endlessly—it’s the Seasonal Affective Disorder capital of the universe. More important, there is nobody here to have tea and brownies with. I spent the first six months here talking nonstop on the phone to the wonderful women friends I have known since I was 12. They’re brilliant and witty, and they guarantee a bottomless cup of empathy. Who needs new friends? My mother’s advice: “All you need is one new woman friend. Your life will bloom from there.” My old friends offered their urgent blessing: “Go forth and find excellent new gals. There’s room for us all.” Then I met her— smart, funny, compassionate, a great listener. This is it, I thought. I can make it here if this woman and I can hang out. I just wish I didn’t have to pay her. Therein lies my problem: What happens when your small town offers a limited number of cool new female-friend prospects, and your first round draft pick turns out to be your therapist? I had initially sought her help for my “adjustment disorder.” I hated Oregon, hated my family for supporting the move and my new life with such optimistic cheer, hated that I had to quit my high-powered newspaper job— which I had hated. I just couldn’t get my groove back. The months tugged on. In therapy I’d cry. I’d rage. When I had the energy to pay attention, though, I noticed glimmers of change. Slowly I compiled a mosaic of tiny moments when I actually felt whole. My sense of humor grew back. There must be a geophysical term or theory that describes complete stillness, and then an enormous, moleculealtering movement so huge it changes everything—The Big Bang, maybe. I gave Deb a small gift for the holidays, and thanked her profusely in a card for helping me save my life. Maybe someday we could be friends, I wrote, when this is long past. That wish grew stronger a week later Check us out on-line at www.oregonfamily.com

when I accepted an invitation from an acquaintance to attend a woman’s book group. Ten minutes after I arrived I heard my therapist’s sweet laugh at the front door. She smiled warmly at me. There was an abundance of cool women, great talk and tea. My therapist recounted her mother’s recent visit. She rolled her eyes and laughed. (She has a MOTHER?) Then she described a conversation with her young son, who sounded adorable and way too aware in that way shrink’s kids sometimes are. Seeing her in a group with her actual friends just made me want to be one of them even more. Of everyone I’d met here, she came the closest to the kind of woman I could imagine being real friends with, the kind you keep in touch with your whole life. Or maybe it was just the “she saved my mental life” thing. It’s hard to disentangle the two. Maybe it’s both. At my next appointment I told Deb that maybe I should quit therapy so we could be friends. I can’t stay in therapy for 25

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years, but friendships last that long. Wouldn’t that be healthier? Deb laughed, said she was honored and flattered, but that her ethics, and probably my psyche, wouldn’t allow that. The weight of the choice—a choice I hadn’t realized I’d made— made me deeply sad. “You can’t unring the bell,” she said. “This work we’re doing, it’s very important.

But if we had met under different circumstances, we very well may have been great friends. That’s a loss.” Maybe if we had met first as friends, I tried to tell myself, I wouldn’t have gone into therapy and fought my way back so hard. And maybe every time we were talking over tea, I might have always silently wished that my good friend had been my shrink.

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle for the Holidays For more tips: LaneCounty.org/ LessIsBest

Don’t Let the Holidays Go to Waste!

Item

Reduce

Reuse

Recycle

Gift Boxes

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

Flatten gift boxes neatly for easy storage & reuse.

Recyclable curbside & at Lane County recycling stations.

Ribbons & Bows

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

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

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

Wrapping Paper

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

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

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

Greeting Cards

Save money & 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 & 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 wrapping paper, shredded or natural fiber packing materials.

Reuse peanuts for your shipping. St.Vincent de Paul & most pack-&-ship stores take peanuts for reuse.

Recycling not necessary, Highly reusable & desired by pack-&-ship stores, St.Vincent de Paul & various arts & 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 541-6875820 for commercial pricing (modest fee)

Catalogs

Request removal from mailing list at time of order.

Share with friends & neighbors if interested.

Recyclable as mixed paper curbside or at Lane County recycling stations.

Paper Plates, Cups, etc.

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

Paper cups & plates aren’t very reusable. Use as few as possible.

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

Plastic Plates,Cups, Forks, etc.

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

Many brands of plastic can be washed & 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 @ 541-342-1835

Christmas Trees

Decorate a live tree in your yard. Bring a potted tree or evergreen boughs 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 scout groups offering tree pickup/recycling.

Brought to you by Lane County Waste Management Division

PAGE 13

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

by Beth Davis

Christmas y t e f a S Tree D

uring the holidays, tree related fires can turn holiday cheer into holiday fear. Each year, fire departments respond to over 200 Christmas tree related home fires. On average, one of every 40 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires. Additionally, trees can fall over onto children and cause injury. There are many things that you, as a family, can do to mitigate your risk. Follow these steps to ensure safety during this holiday season.

PICK THE RIGHT TREE Choosing the right tree can help you avoid many of the most common problems that contribute to Christmas tree fires. If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled by the manu-

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facturer as fire retardant. These trees are made of flame resistant materials that will be less likely to start or contribute to a fire. If you prefer to purchase a fresh tree, choose one with fresh, green needles that are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers do not break. Do not buy a dry or dying Christmas tree. No matter how appealing the idea of a “Charlie Brown” tree may be, if the tree is brown or dropping a lot of needles, it is not safe to keep in your home. The trunk butt of a fresh tree will be sticky with resin, and, when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles. PLACE THE TREE CAREFULLY Once you have selected your tree and bring it home, find the right place for it to sit. Place your tree securely in a tree stand that is designed to reduce tipping. Make sure your tree stands upright securely. If it shakes at all, fasten the base of the tree more firmly into the stand so that it does not fall over. Before placing a fresh tree in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk and add an ample supply of water. Be sure to add water daily to fresh trees.

The tree should be placed at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights and should not block any exits. Trees themselves do not often cause fires. Surrounding debris such as newspapers and magazines, boxes or bags and curtains and drapes are much more likely to catch fire. DECORATE THE TREE RESPONSIBLY Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Make certain you are using the right lights for your application. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections and do not connect more than three strands of mini string lights to one extension cord. Be sure to review manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum number of LED strands to connect. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. DISPOSE OF YOUR TREE PROMPTLY After Christmas, a well-watered tree may survive 6 to 8 weeks, after which it will rapidly dry out. Be sure to dispose of your fresh tree as soon as needles begin to drop. Artificial trees should be inspected for any needed repairs before they are stored away for the year. Christmas trees are a wonderful addition to the holiday season and by caring for them properly you can avoid the dangers that they may pose. Beth N. Davis writes from Silver Spring, MD where she and her husband are raising their four children.

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w e i V e y E s ’ d a AD W

ein k Epst by Ric

sneaking around the cabins to make sure no one is getting drunk or pregnant. Band camp is not a chance for quality time with Junior, but it sounds like a fun adventure and each year I’m eager to sign up. So far, Sally has always said, “No way!” and I think that’s her right. But maybe this year, if she knows how much I want to go, the spirit of Christmas will melt her little snowball of a heart. From my 19-year-old daughter Marie, my gift has already been promised. When she left home for college, I was very sad. The first week I wrote her five letters. Everything seemed to remind me of her as I mourned the end of our time together. I kept buying the foods she likes even though she wasn’t around to eat them. And on quiet weekend mornings I still go into her empty room and visit her old teddy bear, who, like me, is a threadbare and obsolete relic of Marie’s childhood. Then I received a letter from Marie. She wrote, “We’ve taken lots of family road trips, but we haven’t done Texas. Why don’t we go there in January when I have some time off from school? Just you and me. Mom could stay home and take care of my annoying sisters and you’d even get to wear a cowboy hat and no one would laugh at you... maybe.” From my lovely wife: Two weeks’ furlough. And from Santa? How about that pony? But I’ll need two, amigo. Please have ‘em saddled and waiting for us in Laredo.

Dad’s Christmas Wish List

hen I was a kid, my folks encouraged me to send Santa my Christmas wish lists. So every year I’d ask in vain for a pony, a six-shooter and a pair of spurs (for jingling only; I would never hurt the pony). Although I never stopped wanting to be a cowboy, I did eventually learn to guide my wishes toward actual possibilities. And this year’s list represents my best-ever job of wishing. It consists of concessions and indulgences big and small that would mean a lot to me, but wouldn’t cost anyone a dime. From my 12-year-old daughter Wendy: I want a smile. You see, I bring photos of my wife and kids to the office and put them up all around my desk so I can look upon their sweet faces whenever the job gets me down. Likewise, I feel as though my loved ones are bearing sympathetic witness to my daily travails on their behalf. But amid the angelic smiles and general projection of support and serene good-will, there are the many faces of my youngest child. Wendy scowling, leering or sneering; Wendy agog, agape or aghast; Wendy hunching her shoulders, squashing her nose or crossing her

eyes; Wendy disgruntled, disfigured or demented. These pictures show spirit, imagination and an admirable rubber-faced mobility of expression. They add a certain liveliness and variety to my family shrine, the way a rabid skunk in church might spice up Sunday services. But when I’m pulling wearily at my oar and the other slaves are yanking on my chains, customers are catapulting flaming casks at our vessel, or the boss’ cat-o-nine-tails is whistling around my ears, the satanic grimaces of Wendy do not whisk me away to a happier place. S o I’d l i ke We ndy to l o ok forthrightly into my camera when I ask her to – and smile like a normal person. From my 15-year-old daughter Sally, I’m tempted to ask for the surrender of a certain too-sexy orange India-print dress, low-cut and short. But it’s the holiday season and it’s the wrong time to get between a girl and her gay apparel. Besides, there’s something I’d much rather have: Sally’s permission to

tag along to marching-band camp next summer as a chaperone. Every August, Good Times Regional High School’s Plumed Legion retreats to the mountains for five days to indoctrinate the freshmen and to learn their new music. Although they drill all day, they romp all night. Last year, I watched Sally pack for the trip. Her luggage contained a SuperSoaker XP-310 (an assault rifle of water guns), a bucket for throwing cold water into showers, balloons for water fights, Icy Hot liniment for application to toilet seats, and 40 live crickets with which to infest the boys’ bedding. “Sally, you can’t take this stuff; they’ll kick you out of the band,” I said. “Dad,” she said, “You don’t understand. The chaperones don’t mind pranks; they only care about booze, drugs and sex.” Parents who have gone to camp, support Sally’s claim. The chaperones nap during the all-day rehearsals and then stay up all night, drinking strong coffee, playing cards, and

Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.

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