February 2016 issue

February is National Kids Dental Month

Teeth Whitening for Teens Living Happily Ever After School District News

O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

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How to identify a possible gas leak.

If you smell a rotten egg or sulfur odor, you hear a blowing or hissing sound, or you see blowing dirt, it could be a gas leak.

If you smell

ROTTEN EGGS

What to do.

Leave your home and the area immediately. Don’t use any electrical device such as a light switch, telephone, appliance or garage door opener. And don’t try to find the leak yourself.

it could be a gas leak.

And the best thing to do is leave your home and call NW Natural. We’ll be out to make sure everything is safe.

Who to call.

Go outside and use your cell phone, or a neighbor’s phone, and call NW Natural at 800-882-3377.

Unsure of what to do? Just take a look at our tips to the right.

Smell. Go. Let Us Know.

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

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O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

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february 5 School District News 6 A Dad’s Eye View 12 Calendar of Events 16 Family Movie Time 22 Rescue Spotlight

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Feature Article Teens and Dental Whitening: Caution Advised

16 Ancient Sharks!

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

Living Happily Ever After

News from Your School District

Kindergarten, Here We Come!

G

etting ready for kindergarten is a fun and exciting time for families. It can also be a little daunting! Here are some tips and information to help you and your child be confident about starting kindergarten well-prepared.

Full-day kindergarten In Eugene School District 4J and Springfield Public Schools kindergarten is now the full school day.

Full-day kindergarten gives students a stronger foundation for first grade and for success throughout their education.

Children have more learning time to develop early reading, math and social skills, as well as time for developmental play and fun.

Teachers have more time to get to know each student and his or her learning needs.

When to enroll Children who will turn 5 on or before September 1 may enroll in kindergarten.

Please register as early as possible, so your school can plan ahead and you can receive important information from your school.

Many Eugene and Springfield schools hold welcome events in the spring to give you a chance to get to know your school.

You can also enroll at this time.

Where to enroll To find your neighborhood school, visit springfield.k12.or.us/whichschool or 4j.lane.edu/enroll. While most families choose to attend their neighborhood school, you may apply to attend a different school or even a different school district.

Find out more at 4j.lane.edu/choice or springfield.k12.or.us/transfers.

How to enroll When you’re ready to enroll your child, ask your school when to stop by.

Bring proof of age (birth certificate or other accepted document), proof of identity (Oregon driver’s license or other accepted document), proof of address and your child’s immunization records. Learn more at springfield.k12.or.us/enroll or 4j.lane.edu/enroll.

Be sure to tell your school who to contact in an emergency and who can pick up your child from school or the bus stop.

Connect with your school You can attend your school’s welcome events even if you’re not finished with your enrollment forms. These events offer a great opportunity to meet school staff, take care of paperwork and get your questions answered. You can find out about school meals, transportation and child care, and address any concerns about special needs or health issues.

Little steps every day You are your child’s first teacher. There’s a lot you can do to help your student be ready to learn. Steps toward school success start well before the first day of kindergarten.

You can help your child build academic skills for kindergarten by reading to your child as much as possible; practicing letters and writing, numbers and counting, colors and shapes; and practicing using pencils, crayons, scissors, glue and other items your child will find at school.

You can teach your child social skills such as following simple directions, using common courtesies, having a positive “I can do it!” attitude, knowing basic independence skills like buttoning and zipping clothing, and getting used to being away from you for a period of time.

These skills will help your child make a

smooth transition to kindergarten.

You can also begin talking to your child about school and building positive expectations. Reading books about characters going to school is one great way to help children see what school will be like. Visiting the playground together when the school is closed is another good introduction.

More ways to prepare Looking for more information and tips?

The Eugene and Springfield school districts have developed guidebooks to help families prepare for kindergarten. The booklets can be picked up at any elementary school or found online at springfield.k12. or.us/parentguide and 4j.lane.edu/ kindergarten.

This is a wonderful and special time in your child’s life. Enjoy every moment!

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A Dad’s Eye View

by Rick Epstein

VALENTINE REPORT

3 TEENS (SORT OF)

IN LOVE “U

gh! Get a room!” When my 13-year-old daughter catches her parents kissing in the kitchen, she is doubly offended. First, because even mildly carnal stuff disconcerts her, and second, smooching, like getting a tongue pierced, seems ridiculous and creepy when old people do it.

Yes, consult any calendar and you’ll find it’s time for the Valentine’s Day Love Report.

Everyone in our family is in love, or something like it.

Our oldest daughter, Marie, 19, is part of a love triangle. She has two boy pals at college. One of them is in love with her, but she yearns for the other one. And that one is playing hard-to-get. This standoff has been giving me peace of mind for almost a year. Of course, I want my daughter to enjoy a mutually sustaining, loving relationship with a man other than her father. I really do. Honest. Someday. When she’s older maybe.

Our 16-year-old, Sally, has a boyfriend, but they only get together once a week and seem merely chummy. He’s a nice kid.

He and Sally read Nicholas Sparks books to each other (with expression). Although his taste in literature may be girlish, he demonstrates a manly appetite for food when he comes to dinner. After dealing with finicky, girly appetites all these years, it’s pleasant to watch him uncritically shovel it in. Not only that, he figured out how to get our new DVD player to work. (I’d ask him to improve our Internet access, too, but it might cost us another daughter.)

Meanwhile, 13-year-old Wendy goes enthusiastically from boyfriend to boyfriend like a hungry lioness among baboons.

Happily enough, these brief relationships are conducted almost entirely by phone and computer.

Remember the Giga-pet fad of ancient times? A little hand-held computer showed a small beast on its screen and by pushing

6

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

various buttons you could feed it, play with it or put it to sleep.

Similarly Wendy’s relationships depend entirely upon electronics and button-pushing. Only rarely do these man-boys materialize – at a dance or for a group movie date.

Mercifully, they don’t make house calls. It would make switching boyfriends needlessly awkward. I mean, if Wendy terminated a boyfriend who was sitting in our living room, she’d have to dispose of the body before taking up with his replacement. The logistics are much simpler by phone.

Like the Giga-pet, Wendy is a creature of the computer age.

Once when she was 4, her mother pointed out a spectacular sunset. The sky was a dazzling red-orange and the clouds were purple fading into blue. Little Wendy gasped, “It looks like a screen saver!”

With keyboard and mouse almost like parts of her body, dare I hope that Wendy is so fully adapted to hi-tech communications that she will continue to transact her love life at a safe, sanitary distance? In an age when faxing seems clunky and low-tech, how gross are slobbery smooching and sweaty pawing?! I’m old-fashioned in a lot of ways, but I’m feeling very progressive on this theory.

That brings us to Betsy and me. After 22 years of marriage, we have everything pretty well worked out. Except for my dreams.

There are two varieties. In the first kind, I am making love to my wife. It’s lovely, but no matter how married you are, to some degree you’d have to see that as a wasted opportunity.

In the other kind of dream, a beautiful woman is drawn to me – either someone I know in real life or someone freshly dreamed-up. But I never know it’s a dream, so I beg off. “Stop it! I’m a happily married man,” I say unhappily. Sometimes I actually flee to protect my virtue.

Always I wake up smacking my forehead.

One morning, hoping at least to get credit for my fidelity, I told my wife about it, and she scoffed, “I don’t care what you do in your dreams. Go for it.”

I drew myself up to my full height (a figurative 3-foot-2) and said haughtily, “I don’t NEED your permission!”

The mental-health community may frown, but I’m trying to handle this without professional help. I can cope, just so long as Betsy doesn’t tell me HER dreams.

In summary, despite the occasional rude insinuation that arrives by email, things are OK in the master bedroom, and all three teenage daughters are striking some sparks but generating little heat. It’s an optimum situation that can’t last, but if parenthood has taught me anything, it is: Savor the moment.

Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.

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Teens and Dental Whitening

by Barbara Carrow

TEENS ARE NOTORIOUS for being image-conscious, so it’s not surprising that they often want to whiten their teeth, either at home or via appointments with a dentist. Parents may wonder if dental whitening is safe for adolescents.

The answer is a guarded “yes.”

T

he American Dental Association (ADA) defines whitening as any process that will make teeth appear whiter, differentiating between bleaching products, which contain peroxide and actually change tooth color, and whitening toothpastes, which only remove surface stains. The ADA recommends that anyone who is thinking about bleaching consult a dentist.

Too young for bleaching?

When it comes to younger teens and tooth bleaching, the first concern is whether they have all their permanent teeth. If teens bleach their teeth before then, the difference in the thickness of enamel

in baby and permanent teeth will cause uneven whitening.

Trying to match tooth color later on when all permanent teeth are through may not work. Because of this danger, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry discourages cosmetic bleaching when anyone has a mixture of baby and permanent teeth.

Likewise, dentists caution that permanent teeth need to have fully emerged before bleaching is started. That’s so a teen doesn’t end up with teeth that are whiter at the biting surface and darker near the gum line.

Dr. Poonam Jain, Director of Community and Preventive Dentistry at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a dentist in private practice, says young patients and their parents often ask about bleaching when braces are removed. Others want to even out yellow spots or white blotches on teeth, a congenital condition.

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Age 13 as a bleaching cutoff Jain says she discourages bleaching completely before kids are at least 13.

“Even at 13 I’m concerned,” she says.

“They have large pulp chambers – the chamber that carries the tooth nerve – because their permanent teeth have just come in. When the pulp chamber is large, the tooth becomes very sensitive when you bleach it. It can become throbbingly painful.”

Jain suggests that parents “hold the child off for a bit, until they’re 14 or 15 years old.” She explains that the pulp chamber narrows with time, reducing the risk of extreme sensitivity during bleaching.

Jain says it’s important to bleach under a dentist’s supervision. One reason for that is to avoid overbleaching.

“People think that if a little is good, more will be better,” she says, “and more

can be very damaging. When someone keeps purchasing these over-the-counter products and keeps bleaching with no end, it can lead to erosion of the enamel.”

Teeth are yellow under their white enamel coating, explains Jain. Lose the enamel through overuse of caustic bleaching products, and you’ll be stuck with yellow teeth for all your life.

“You can’t keep bleaching for months or years on end,” Jain says. It’s very important to let kids know this.”

YOU’VE GOT BIG DREAMS for these

Individual assessment Dr. Jack Ringer, a Anaheim Hills, CA, dentist and President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, agrees that a teen (or adult) should consult a dentist before bleaching. He says a dentist can give an individual assessment, determining, for example, whether a patient has surface stains that can be brushed off or whether he or she has dental restorations, such as fillings, that won’t bleach.

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teeth warrants that type of therapy and whether he or she is a good candidate for bleaching. Bleaching is safe, Ringer adds, as long as patients use approved products and have proper direction and supervision.

Ringer says teens need to understand options for bleaching – home methods, office methods or a combination of both – as well as their pros and cons. Even if someone wants to use only an accepted over-the-counter product such as Crest Whitestrips, Ringer advocates consulting a Dentist. That’s to make sure the teen’s

Avoid kiosk and infomercial products He a d v i s e s te e n s to avoid bleaching kiosks and infomercial bleaching systems. “Because the active ingredient in bleaching is not a prescription chemical, (i.e., a hydrogen peroxide derivative), TVadvertised systems, mall bleaching kiosks, etc., are able to market to the public, all with the message that it is as good or better using their products than going to a dental professional. This is particularly more dangerous for an impressionable teen who is looking for a quick and cheap

alternative to whitening their teeth.”

Ringer warns against having preconceived notions regarding how white one’s pearly whites can become with bleaching. “The one huge downside to bleaching teeth is that you can’t ‘order’ your color,” he says. “In other words, you get what you get.”

Ringer says teens should stop the bleaching process when they reach a tooth color they like or when lightening has plateaued. Stains will eventually return, but how quickly that happens depends on how often teeth are exposed to staining substances like coffee, tea, soda and cigarette smoke.

One way for teens to avoid soda-induced stains on front teeth: Use a straw.

Barbara Carrow has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a Master of Arts degree in English from the University of MissouriKansas City. Her articles have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Missouri Life and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, among other publications. She can be reached at barbara.carrow@gmail.com

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1 MONDAY

february

events

Story Times

On-Going Events

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 541-682-8316

Public Skate @ The Ice Center. Call for skate times. Ph 682-3615

Family Story Time. Fri 10:15am Sheldon Branch Library and Fridays at 10:15am at Sheldon Branch Library. Ph 541-682-8316 Preschool Story time. (ages 3-6) Weds 10:00am, Lapsit Story time (ages 0-3) Weds 10am, Springfield Public Library, Ph 541-726-3766 Barnes & Noble weekly story time.

Whimsical Weds 6:30pm. Toddler-Time, Weds 10am. Saturdays at 11am, Ph 541-687-0356

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. FREE! Ph 346-1671 Saturday Market/Farmers Market. The oldest, open-air market in the United States offers great food, local crafts and live entertainment.

Every Saturday, April-Nov, 8th & Oak St. Rain or shine. 10:00am – 5pm, Ph 686-8885, FREE! Fox Den: Family Nature Evening at Old School.

Gather up your “kits” and bring them to Cornucopia and The Old School downtown for Fox Den! Every Tuesday we’ll delve into the natural world together as we explore: Nature Crafts, Ancient Skills, Storytelling, and Games! Cornucopia downtown, 5:30 – 7:00pm, FREE! Ph 541-321-0328

MUSIC• DANCE• FOOD • MARKET • ARTS & CRAFTS • KIDS CARNIVAL

Curious Kids Storytime. Do Animals Fall in Love? Springfield Public Library. 6:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

2 TUESDAY Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica blowout.

The theme for the evening will be Generations of Blues Harp. The Shedd Institute of the Arts.

7:30pm, $36, Ph 541-434-7000 Teens @ 4:30. Fandom Valentines. Springfield Public Library, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766 Handler Talk. See eagles, owls, hawks and other raptors close-up at Cascade Raptor Center, 1:00pm, $4-7, Ph 541- 485-1320 Snowshoeing Basics. The basics of snowshoeing with a focus on appropriate selection of gear, things you need, and where to go to get started. REI Eugene, 7:00-8:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-485-1800

by Shakespeare, featuring works written and performed during his lifetime and in the 400 years since. Downtown Library, 6pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-6617 Free First Friday. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and Museum of Natural History, Enjoy the museum’s new exhibits and old classics.

11:00am-5pm, FREE! Boat and Sportsmans show. Lane Events Center.

6 SATURDAY Block Kids Competition. Kids design and build any structure they want, using interlocking blocks. Each entry will be judged by members of the local construction industry. Participants take home a goody bag and winner goes on to compete at the regional level. Reg Required. The Science Factory, 12:30pm, FREE for grades 1-6, Ph 541-682-7888

3 WEDNESDAY Ideas on Tap. Stories and Songs of a Commercial Fishing Woman. Enjoy Claim 52 craft beers and thought-provoking discussions about science, culture and more. This month: journey into the world of maritime labor through the extraordinary sea tales of Fisher-Poet Moe Bowstern. Marketplace@Sprout! 6-8pm, Ph 346-3024, FREE!

4 THURSDAY SpringFilm presents “Mommie Dearest”.

Watch the biographical film starring Joan Crawford and Diana Scarwid. Wildish Theater, 6:30pm – 9:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-736-4520 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. A hilarious musical romp through a middle school spelling bee, complete with audience participation.

Cottage Theater, 8-10pm, $20-25, Ph 541-942-8001

5 FRIDAY Tot Discovery Day: Science Magic. Explore the magical world of science and learn some really cool tricks. The Science Factory, 9am – noon, $10, Ph 541-682-7888 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

Share the fun We’re 31!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. See the 4th LEGO Club for kids. Springfield Public Library, in children’s area, 2-4pm, Ph 541-726-3766

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Harlem Globetrotters Thursday, February 18th

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

Family Music Time. This week, join Emily Fox will entertain with lively banjo tunes.

Downtown Library, 10:15am, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. See the 4th

Asian Celebration February 20th & 21st 7 SUNDAY Family Fun: Chinese New Year. Watch and participate in traditions including a fan dance, lion dance, live music, calligraphy, and making lanterns.

Downtown Library, 2:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 Piccadilly Flea Market. 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 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. 2:3pm-4:30pm, see the 4th

8 MONDAY Royalty Storytime with Valentine Workshop. 6:30 – 7:30pm, Springfield Public Library, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

9 TUESDAY Teens @ 4:30. Maker Space: DIY Mini Operation Game. Springfield Public Library, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

10 WEDNESDAY Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn. A rare chance to see two of the world’s most highly regarded banjo players – together. Each has won independent acclaim. The Shedd Institute.

7:30pm, $39-59, Ph 541-434-7000

11 THURSDAY Affair of the Heart. Join us as we celebrate 13 years of bringing EVERYTHING that matters to the quality of life of Women in the Lane County - under one roof, for one amazing night! Lane Events Center, 4-9pm, FREE! Ph 541-284-3600 Preschool art and storytime with Lucinda.

Springfield Public Library. 10:30am, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. See the 4th

Natural and Cultural History, ages 3-5, 10:30am, Free-$5, Ph 541-346-3024

Brad Paisley. Grammy-winning country singer/songwriter and member of the Grand Ole Opry’s Hall of Fame comes to Matt Knight Arena, 7:00pm, $65-195

Second Friday Art Walk. Starts at Springfield City Hall, 5:00pm, FREE!

12 FRIDAY Badi Assad. Brazilian singer, guitarist and percussionist Badi Assad transcends traditional styles of her native Brazilian music with a mixture of pop, jazz and ethnic sounds from around the world. The Shedd Institute. 7:30pm, $39-59, Ph 541-434-7000 Little Wonders: Stories and Activities for Pre-K. Is That My Shadow? This month, we’ll learn about groundhogs, shadows, and the special day that celebrates them! Museum of

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburne Wednesday, February 10th

Teens: Doctor Who Club. Get together to enjoy episodes, snacks, and Whovian conversation. Downtown Library, 4:00-5:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 Wonderful Wizard of Oz. A staged retromodern radio program in which Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow set out on an exciting quest down the Yellow Brick Road. Fun for all ages! Hult Center, 7:30pm, $18-21, Ph 541-682-5000 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. See the 4th

continued on next page…

Farmers Markets Creswell Farmer’s Market. Every Tuesday May through October. Farm fare ranges from local fruits and vegetables to home grown meats. 4pm - 6pm, First and Oregon, Ph 541-895-2096 Hideaway Bakery Farmers Market.

Every Saturday 9am-3pm (per vendor availability), behind Mazzi’s Restaurant, Ph 541-868-1982 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!

Every Friday, rain or shine, 3-7pm, FREE! Ph 541-345-7106 Lane County Farmers Market. Over 85 growers and producers, grown locally.

Support your community and get the freshest goods, direct from the source!

Every Sat 9am-3pm & Tuesday 10am3pm, April – Sept, 8th & Oak Blocks.

Winter Farmers Market: Feb – March, park blocks. Holiday Farmers Market: Mid Nov – Mid Dec, Lane Events Center, Sat 10-5/Sun 11-5pm. FREE! Ph 541-431-4923 Winter Green Farmers Market.

Emmaus Lutheran Church, Weds 2pm–6pm, June–Oct. Ph 541-743-3366 Veneta Farmers Market. Sat 10am– 2pm, June–September, Luther Lane & Territorial, Ph 541-636-7624 Cottage Grove Market. 10th & Washington, Mon – Sat, 10am–6pm yearround, Ph 541-337-7684 Food for Lane County Youth Farmers Market. Thurs 2pm–6pm, June–October, Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend.

Ph 541-343-2822

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Must-Dash & Fun Run Saturday, February 20th desserts and drinks, and a photo booth will capture this priceless memory. Willamalane Activity Center, 3-5pm, $35-42/pair in-district/ $10 each additional child, Reg at Willamalane.org, Ph 541-736-4544 Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 2:00pm, see the 12th

16 TUESDAY Little Family Yoga with Brynne Blevins.

Springfield Public Library, 10:30am, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766 Teens @ 4:30. Teen Flicks. Springfield Public Library, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

17 WEDNESDAY

KLCC Microbrew Festival (adults only).

Enjoy live music as well as a music sale with thousands of CDs and records at this microbrew tasting event featuring over 190 craft brews.

Compete in Collaboration Brew and Homebrew Competitions. 21 and older. Lane Events Center, 5pm-11pm, $10-12, Ph 541-463-6030

13 SATURDAY Family Music Time. This week, join Pia and

Jason Robbins of Little Timbre Studio will share songs, rhymes, and music. Downtown Library, 10:15am, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. See the 4th Emerald Valley Opry. featuring: Billy Pollard, The Trammels, Craig and Terry Band, Tatiamo, Cowboy Cadillac Powers Auditorium Willamette High School, doors open 5pm, concert 6:00-

60% of students with learning problems have undetected vision problems.

9:30pm, $3-$8/under 7 free, Ph 541-688-0937 Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 2:00pm, see the 12th

18 THURSDAY

Valentine’s Sweetheart Ball (adults only).

Free dance lessons, a gourmet dinner, choral music by the Eugene Ensemble followed by an evening of dancing to the big band sounds of Blue Skies and the Jewel Tones. Eugene Hilton, 5:30-10:30pm, $50, Ph 541-255-3003

Preschool sensory and storytime with Debbie Laimon. Springfield Public Library.

10:30am, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

Couples Classic 5k Run. Get your heart pumping with your sweetie at this run, presented

by Eclectic Edge Racing. Child care is available and refreshments will be offered, and don’t forget about the hot tub! River Road Park, 9:30am, $15-30, Ph 541-484-9883 KLCC Microbrew Festival (adults only). 1pm – 11pm, see the 11th

14 SUNDAY Family Fun: Valentines Day. Get creative and crafty with your own valentine inventions. Downtown Library, 2:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. 2:3pm-4:30pm, see the 4th

“The words don’t bounce around anymore!”

Comprehensive Treatment for Learning-Related Vision Problems

Dave Douglas Quintet. Dave Douglas’ unique contributions to improvised music have garnered distinguished recognition, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, an Aaron Copland award and two Grammy nominations. The Shedd Institute of the Arts. 7:30pm, $26-36, Ph 541-434-7000

Parent-Child Valentine’s Soirée. Put on your most fancy outfit and bring a parent to our Valentine’s Day dance. Fun activities, yummy

The Harlem Globetrotters. Eugene welcomes back the world famous Harlem Globetrotters! Matthew Knight Arena, 7pm, $26.50-112.50, Ph 800-992-8499

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

20 SATURDAY Asian Celebration. Enjoy Asian culture through main stage performances of dance and music; exotic cuisine, martial arts, cooking, and crafts demonstrations; activities for youth, and a bustling marketplace featuring more than 75 vendors. Lane Events Center, 10am-7pm, $6-10, 12 and under FREE! Family Fun Day: Mysteries of the Deep.

Bring the family, explore the Buzz Saw Sharks of Long Ago exhibit and dive into the deep past with a variety of fun activities. Museum of Natural History, 11am-4pm, $10, Ph 541-346-3024

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Dr. David Hackett Dr. Carol Marusich Monthly Workshops on How Vision Impacts Performance 14

541.342.3100 LifetimeEyeCare.net

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

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 Facebook.com/AlignedFitness (541) 868-5757

Mixed Media for Kids: Weaving (ages 6-12), Springfield Public Library. 10:30am, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

21 SUNDAY Family Fun: Ballet for Everyone. Learn the five ballet positions and fun steps including leaping, twirling, and sliding, then put them together in a winter dance - with Felicia Sanders of Oregon Ballet Academy. Downtown Library, 2:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

Dave Douglas Wednesday, February 17th

opportunity presented itself to have them here together it had to be jumped on: a veritable evening of phenomenal fiddling and traditional music making of the highest order, for certain.

The Shedd Institute of the Arts, 7:30pm, $28-36, Ph 541-484-7000

26 FRIDAY Rickie Lee Jones. Two-time Grammy winner who exploded onto the pop scene in 1978 and has made a career of fearlessly experimenting with her sound and persona over 15 critically acclaimed albums. The Shedd Institute, 7:30pm, $36-42, Ph 541-434-7000

exploration and play. Downtown Library, 10:15am, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

28 SUNDAY Family Fun: Science of Sound. Learn about the science of sound and how our brains make sense of what we hear. Downtown Library, 2:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316 Check out our listings for Camps, Classes, and Workshops at www.oregonfamily.com

27 SATURDAY Must-Dash 1K & Little Shavers Fun Run. Celebrate Furry February with Willamalane’s mustache run. This untimed 1K starts at Dorris Ranch and incorporates parts of the Middle Fork Path. Kids can sport their scruff in the Little Shaver’s Fun Run. Enter the mustache contest and pose in the photo booth. (No dogs please) Dorris Ranch 9am, $5/pp, Ph 541-736-4544

Piccadilly Flea Market. 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 Music Time. This week, join Samuel Becerra will play lively music of South America and Mexico. Downtown Library, 10:15am, FREE! Ph 541-682-8316

Curious Kids Storytime. Tongue Twisters & Seussian Tales. Springfield Public Library.

6:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

Fall Creek Run Around 5k/15k. The next great running adventure! The perfect tune-up for a spring marathon or for the casual participant seeking a unique, scenic experience. 20 miles, 15K and 5K. Winberry Park, Fall Creek Reservoir, 10am, $12-40, Ph 541-484-9883

Asian Celebration. 10am-6pm, see the 20th

22 MONDAY

Living Lab Day. Researchers from UofO’s Team Duckling teach brainy fun about local psychology and brain development research. Try some mind and brain science activities; participate in studies to help us make new discoveries in science. The Science Factory, 11am-3pm, regular admission, Ph 541-682-7888 Family Music Time. Sing and dance your way into the weekend with Kris Olsen of Do Re Play, who inspires learning through musical

23 TUESDAY Teens @ 4:30. Fandom Cosplay Workshop. Springfield Public Library. FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

25 THURSDAY

Mysteries of the Deep Saturday, February 20th

Fraser & Haas, Ungar & Mason. When the

MYSTERIES

OF THE DEEP

ETFC 2016 Spring Break Camp March 22-24 9am - noon for age 7 to 11 1pm - 4pm for age 12 to 17 Registration: $90 for all three days until March 12 ($100 after March 12)

Bring the family and dive into an ocean of discovery!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 11:00 A.M.–4:00 P.M. • Pirate tales with Cullen Vance

• Fishy fun with UO scientists

• Crafts, snacks, and more!

$10 per family. Free for MNCH members. Receive 50 percent off new family memberships during event!

Eugene Timbers Fútbol Club

1680 East 15th Ave., Eugene · natural-history.uoregon.edu · 541-346-3024

541-343-5100

www.eugenetimbers.org

O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

15

Movie Time

Theodore, Simon, and Alvin want to see Miami

by Bonnie L. Harris

Party Animals Hit the Road Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip 20th Century Fox Rated: PG Now in theatres

I

t starts with a party, it ends with an even bigger party, and it has a little bit of road-tripping in between.

That about sums up the new episode of Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, but oh boy, can those chipmunks throw a party. The threesome, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, sing and dance their way from Los Angles to Miami with their guardian, Dave,

and a couple of new humans who help the “boys” learn the real meaning of family.

The Road Chip is a rollicking, action-packed, music-filled travelogue that’s great fun for younger audiences.

Hoping to give his kids a normal childhood, Dave decides there will be no more professional performances fo r t h e c h i p m u n k s . I n fact, he might be thinking about getting married and the boys are nervous about meeting his new girlfriend, Samantha. Trouble starts

when Samantha’s teenage son, Miles, terrorizes the chipmunks during an awful round of miniature golf.

Eventually, Miles and the chipmunks conspire to keep Dave and Samantha apart, even going so far as to board a flight to Miami where they think Dave is planning to propose. Chased by a sinister Air Marshall and tossed off the plane, Miles and the chipmunks are forced to go on the road. They sing and dance for cab fare and bus tickets that get them as far as New

FOR THE PARENTS Now You’re For Real Creed Warner Brothers Pictures, Rated: PG-13 Now in theatres

A

ware of the dangers of falling into the wornout Rocky Balboa clichés, rookie director Ryan Coogler delivers a fresh and engaging perspective on a new boxing generation in Creed. Die-hard Rocky fans will appreciate the homage to the franchise’s long history that’s neither overplayed nor undervalued. Of course, Sylvester Stallone revisits his role as the iconic Rocky, but his self-deprecating performance feels genuinely humble and organic. His new protégé, Donnie, played by Michael B. Jordan

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

as Apollo Creed’s illegitimate son, mixes streettough bravado with the energy of a delinquent who’s been given a chance to prove himself.

The “broken-down” champ and the “wannabe” champ stay at odds until Donnie finally trusts Rocky’s coaching, which leads to his first professional victory in the boxing ring. Recalling the franchise’s original premise, Rocky and Donnie then launch an old-school training program to prepare for an exhibition bout against a British champion who’s never been knocked out. This adversary is bigger, faster, and more experienced than Donnie, but true to form, Rocky has the better team in Donnie’s corner.

Both racial differences and the generation gap disappear as Donnie and Rocky wage their

Orleans where they inspire a musical parade down Bourbon Street. Dave finally rescues them, but in the meantime, the chipmunks and Miles have formed a brotherly bond that’s now in jeopardy if Dave and Samantha don’t get married.

In the end, the boys find out that things aren’t what they seem, but they throw another party anyway, which becomes a pre-celebration for Dave’s surprise: He’s adopting the chipmunks so they’ll always be a true family.

personal battles before traveling to Liverpool for the big fight. Coogler plays Donnie’s search for identity against Rocky’s deteriorating health and both characters find the strength to go all out for the finale. In the end, student and teacher climb the “Rocky Steps” in Philadelphia and each sees victory when they finally reach the top.

Donnie asks Rocky for help.

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Money isn’t just about dollars and cents.

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

We’re your neighbors in Junction City.

Look for us at your favorite grocer.

Ask for us at your favorite restaurant.

Money Factory • Shopping District • Lemonade Stand The Bank • Anti-Counterfeiting Lab • Shipping Dock ATTenTIOn TeACherS! Your students build math skills and economic literacy as they explore vibrant MOneYvILLe. Schedule winter and spring field trips today!

Guided lab experiences and planetarium programs also available.

541-682-7888 • sciencefactory.org Open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In Alton Baker Park near Autzen Stadium

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O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

17

Discovery Box

by Sean Hankins & Kristin Strommer

prey have serrated teeth that can quickly cut into flesh. Still other types of sharks— including the largest modern species, whale sharks—are filter feeders with tiny teeth that aren’t used for eating at all.

And then there’s Helicoprion—the so-called “buzz saw shark.” This ancient species, whose fossilized remains stumped scientists for over a century, had a single, spiral-shaped row of teeth in its lower jaw.

This strange whorl of serrated teeth would

Sharks!

S

ink your teeth into this: Millions of years before the dinosaurs appeared, there were sharks were swimming in Earth’s oceans.

That’s right. Sharks have been around for at least 420 million years, surviving five mass extinctions that wiped out most other species.

We know this thanks to fossilized shark teeth, which tell us not only how long sharks have been on the planet, but also where they lived, what they looked like, and even what they ate. Indeed, if it weren’t for sharks’ teeth, we wouldn’t have much information about ancient sharks at all. Every shark species—whether ancient or modern—has a skeleton made of cartilage. Unlike bones, cartilage is too soft and squishy to fossilize easily, so the fossil record of sharks is made up almost entirely of teeth.

Fortunately, fossilized shark teeth are fairly abundant, since ancient sharks— like their modern descendants—shed so many teeth over the course of their lifetimes. Unlike humans, whose teeth are attached to a jaw bone, sharks’ teeth are only attached to their skin, making them pretty easy to lose. Some sharks lose a tooth just about every week—adding up to more than 30,000 teeth lost by just one individual shark!

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

The good news for sharks is that they have multiple rows of teeth. Each time a tooth is lost, the skin surrounding the shark’s jaw acts like a conveyor belt, pushing forward a new tooth to take the place of the lost one.

Shark teeth come in a variety of shapes, with each shape adapted to a particular diet. Some sharks’ teeth have flatter surfaces—ideal for crushing crustaceans and mollusks. Fish- eating sharks have sharper and pointier teeth, while those who feed on mammals and other large

have been an effective tool for slicing prey!

From the ancient Megalodon (meaning “giant tooth”) to today’s great whites, sharks are widely known as fearsome hunters—and with good reason. Millions of years of evolution have resulted in specialized teeth, powerful jaws, and other traits that help sharks stay near the top of the food chain.

But should we be afraid of sharks?

According to shark experts and advocates, the answer is no. While shark attacks can be fatal, they usually aren’t—and

in any case they’re very rare: According to National Geographic, your chance of being bitten by a shark while swimming in the ocean is about one in 11.5 million.

Moreover, there are approximately 400 known species of sharks alive today, and of these, only ten have ever been known to attack humans. In other words, less than three percent of the world’s shark species can be considered “dangerous” to people.

In fact, there’s a lot more to sharks than their scary reputation suggests.

Sharks help to keep fish populations in balance so that they don’t become too large and overtax the ecosystem. Sharks also tend to eat old, sick, and slower fish, thereby helping to keep fish populations healthy. They even play an important role in maintaining the health of sea grasses and other marine plants: Because sharks are such intimidating hunters, their prey species tend to hide from them, feeding on ocean plants only in “safe” areas. By limiting the number of areas where their prey species eat, sharks help to prevent overgrazing and habitat destruction.

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Want to learn more about sharks and other ocean animals?

Head to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History for Mysteries of the Deep family day! You can observe live fish, make “fishy” crafts to take home, and explore the fascinating worlds of buzz saw sharks, sabertooth salmon, and more. The event takes place Saturday, February 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The museum is located at 1680 E. 15th Avenue, on the UO campus. Visit natural-history. uoregon.edu to find out more.

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O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

19

Happily Ever

A

t some time in our lives, many of us have met Bridezilla. She is the bride who demands perfection, issues unreasonable requests and expects the wedding guests to focus on her and her selections. I often wonder how that selfish bride and her new husband are going to make it past the honeymoon. Seasoned couples will tell you that planning the wedding and having it all come together is the easy part. The real work comes in trying to navigate the journey of life as a married couple. While we all get stuck along the way, these tips will get us back on the road to living happily ever after.

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

Be in the moment. Today, it is easy to unintentionally ignore the people around us by escaping into the digital world. Limit your use of phones and computers when you are with your family.

Listen more, talk less. Instead of jumping in with the events of your day, ask him about his meeting, the upcoming merger or his new boss. Sometimes, men like to vent, too.

Say, “I love you” every time you leave.

We never know what fate has in store.

Continue to dream together. Your dreams may be postponed while your kids are small, but that doesn’t mean they are

gone. Talk about them, do research and keep that fire burning until it becomes a reality.

Have your own interests. While part of a couple, it is important to remain an individual. Make time to do the things you enjoy and support your husband when he does the same.

Let the little stuff go. Does it really matter how the dishwasher is loaded or if the tools are put in the wrong spot on the peg board? Choose peace over being perfect.

Show gratitude. We all work hard at our day job, whether we are taking home

After... a paycheck or not. We often forget our partner in parenting is working hard on their end, too. A simple, “I couldn’t do it without you” goes a long way.

Don’t wait to celebrate. Open a good bottle of wine when you complete a big project. Buy a new outfit when you lose five pounds. Applaud the moments as well as the milestones.

Schedule a regular date night and don’t cancel it. Your time alone together is just as important as a work function or a friend’s 40th birthday party.

Keep fit. Being married and having a family is not an excuse to let yourself go.

Make healthy choices, exercise daily and visit your doctor regularly.

by Pam Molnar

Fight fair. Don’t bring up past fights.

Leave the family and friends out of it.

Stick to the issue at hand and resolve it. If you can’t do it on your own, get professional help.

Talk about money, even when it is tight. Hiding money problems or ignoring them won’t make them go away. Get it out in the open and tackle it together instead of waiting until it’s out of control.

Make sex a priority. Yes, you may be tired from work, kids and everyday life, but a marriage needs intimacy. Put down the computer, set the DVR and put the kids to bed early. You will be glad you did.

Say what is on your mind. While you

don’t want to complain about every little thing, don’t ignore your feelings to spare his. Find a non-confrontational way to voice your concerns.

Act silly. Dance around the room, have a pillow fight, or chase each other with the threat of an ice cube down the back.

Let your kids see you laughing together.

Connect throughout the day. Kiss hello and goodbye. Share the high points as your day moves forward with a call or text. If traveling, check in using Facetime or Skype after a long day away from each other.

Admire your man. Let him know how good he looks in that new shirt. Praise him for a job well done fixing the sink.

Watch him playing with your children and tell him how lucky the kids are to have such a great dad.

And lastly, apologize when you are wrong. It’s as simple as that.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. She and her husband have been married for 25 years.

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O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

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Rescue Spotlight

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re your teenagers bouncing off the walls? Well have we got a playmate for them!

Meet Mango. She’ll keep them occupied for hours playing fetch, training games and just goofing around in the yard. The focus and responsibility that they learn from the addition of a canine family member will shape their minds and grow their hearts. A young dog, Mango is poised to become your family dog and create the fond memories that will be recounted to future generations.

See Mango’s and all of our dogs’ profiles at Green-Hill.org and visit us on Facebook at Facebook.com/GreenhillHumane for daily updates on pets, events and more.

Join us for pet and family photography at My Furry Valentine on February 14th at Inn at the 5th! Your professional, digital photo is just $10 and all proceeds go to caring for homeless pets in our shelters. Visit www.Green-Hill.org to learn more.

Serving preschool through grade 8 since 1980

B

RANDO is a striking young energetic male kitty with gorgeous long white fur, cute black patches on his head and side, and a fluffy black tail. This twoyear-old guy is still full of teenage boy energy and loves to play with toys, other cats, and humans. He is especially fond of laser lights and anything that rolls or moves, and will spend hours happily racing around the room playing tag. Brando loves attention and petting, and can be very affectionate once he’s bonded to you.

He is also a guy with strong opinions, and he can be vocal when he disagrees with you, even a little bit growly -- but it’s usually all talk and no scratch. Still, he is very good about letting you know when he thinks you are taking liberties with his fur person.

He is a bit selective about his feline friends, and does best with kittens or with playful young females (he is NOT good with older males). Brando does great with kids, and would probably be fine with a respectful dog.

His adoption fee is $75, which is strictly to help cover our costs. He has been tested for feline leukemia and FIV (he is negative), neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, defleaed and dewormed—plus you get a free vet visit. Brando is now in the cat room at Petsmart on Coburg Rd (across from Costco). For more info, call Beth at (541) 255-9296. West Coast Dog and Cat Rescue, www.westcoastdogandcat.org.

P U N G SI !

Y A D O T LANE YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Open House Saturday, February 27 • 10 am - 12 pm

Windows on Waldorf

tour classes in session, RSVP Wed., March 2 • 8:30 am - 10:30 am

EugeneWaldorf.org • 541-683-6951 1350 McLean Blvd.

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

ON-LINE REGISTRATION 24/7

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Keep your heart happy Who do you love with all your heart? Turns out the same people who warm your heart can help keep it healthy too. They inspire us to stay heart healthy. If you need more support in your pursuit of heart health, PeaceHealth is here with screenings, nutrition advice and teams of specialists who never miss a beat.

Learn more about local heart health events sponsored by PeaceHealth at peacehealth.org/heart.

#hearthappy 24

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M