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appy Holidays Oregon! You guys sure know how to celebrate the harvest season! I’ve never SEEN so many pumpkins and patches. Fall in Oregon is such an wonderful sight, and we finally got some much-needed rain. Hooray! I just love Oregon. So, in the two months that have passed since my first issue came out, I have been busy meeting with some really wonderful people here in Salem and Keizer. I enjoyed a cerebral meeting ( Ok, she was cerebral, I just took notes! ) with Jenifer Trivelli who will be our contributing professional with great ideas about how to better communicate with our families, and some pretty interesting answers to why we do the things we do. Darin Mancuso, the foster care ombudsman for the Governor’s office has been a wealth of information for ways to benefit local foster kids, and we also are gearing up for a big Holiday Drive for HOME Youth and Resource Center. Keep an eye out for information on drop-off locations and ways that you can help warm the winter for homeless teens and children in our neighborhood. I’ve increased my staff to include a sales team and manager who has really done a fantastic job working with community businesses to bring you information on what is available nearby giving you more opportunities to Buy Local - so we can all invest in the future of Salem. Here’s hoping your holidays will be filled with fun, love, hope & happiness!!
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The holiday season has special mean-
ing for so many in Salem, in Oregon, and all over the world. Whether we are busying ourselves with plans for reunions, gift giving, and bountiful feasts, we often use the holidays as a time to reflect on our fortune and blessings. Our altrustic natures embrace the joy and hope of the season, and we feel closer to each other, as if we are, as it should be, just one big happy family. Though it is easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, there are so many in Salem, who are still working diligently to make a difference within our community by coming together to solve problems and find ways to give even more. It’s what makes us human. Salem and the surrounding area is full of dedicated individuals who want to make a difference. HOME Youth and Resource Center, a program of the Community Action Agency, has found a need within our neighborhood. They are progressively meeting that need by reaching out to the homeless youth among us and providing them with services they need to survive, such as a day shelter that provides food, a warm shower, toiletries, laundry, and the attention of a caring adult.
Offering training programs and internship opportunities, HOME not only meets their current needs, but also sets them up for a successful future. Peer groups and adult facilitated meetings give Salem area teens a place to share experiences and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. By providing street outreach services, volunteers seek out, connect with, and build relationships with homeless youth in hopes that they will access HOME day shelter services and case management. Through the Youth Empowerment Program, teens find access to vital elements: internships & jobs, financial literacy, workshops & field trips and extended support. With a successful completion of the program, teens will have work experience, personal finance skills, demonstrated technical and soft skills along with a positive outlook on their future. The Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) program helps connect teens and their family to the resources that
meet their immediate needs. They also provide mediation and counseling resources for family reunifications. The ultimate goal is safe transition from the streets and homelessness. Through collaboration and utilizing tools with local law enforcement and run reports, school district referrals, street outreach and case management, HOME contributes to a network of community services to provide the best possible outcome. Youth who are participating in the HOME program, also benefit by learning how to fit in with their community, and safely connect with neighbors, through providing community service. This fosters a sense of self awareness, self respect, and a realization that they have an impact on their neighborhood, and that they are an integral part of a successful and thriving community. Perhaps the best way to understand the impact that HOME has had, is to listen to what the youth have to say: “HOME helps me stay off drugs” “HOME should be open every day and night” “HOME gave me someone to turn to when I needed help” “HOME helped me get my life back together. Made me open my eyes” “HOME has been a positive place for me to hang out and get good advice about family and social issues. Also helped me with food, clothes and school.” “Helps me stay in school and be kinder”
This holiday season, Oregon Kids and Family would like to encourage you to partner with HOME to provide a warm and inviting future for children in need within our community. By giving to an agency - you help encourage the most precious gift of all. Hope.
WAYS TO HELP SUPPORT HOMELESS YOUTH IN THE SALEM/ KEIZER AREA Donate Items for teens: -Dark colored hoodies -Sleeping Bags -Tarps and Tents - Raincoats -Handwarmers -Quality Backpacks -Youth Cherriot Bus Tickets -Personal Care Items - School Supplies - Bike Locks & Helmets Donate Items to HOME: -Copier Paper -AA Batteries -Toilet Paper - Post-It Easel Pads -Bagless Vacuum -Gift Cards for office items - Lice Medication Donate Your Time:
HOME firmly believes in the power of our community and welcome those who want to get involved with open arms. For information on short and long term volunteer opportunities, check out their website at www.homeyouthcenter.org or find them on facebook !
For More Information on how you can help HOMEPlease Call (503) 391-6428 5 Please say “I saw it in Oregon Kids and Family.” Thanks!
FAMILY HEALTH FEATURE
Find us on facebook! /oregonkidsandfamily
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Join us on Facebook for our Cover Kid Contest! Enter to win a photoshoot and see your kiddo on our Next Cover! Details on facebook and our website. Visit our Pinterest Board for all things Oregon and Kid related! Fun ideas for places to visit over the holiday break. Find some craft and gift ideas, too! If you’re a twitter fan- follow us to get up to minute tweets about what is going on around Salem and Oregon. Informative articles, Calendar events facebook happenings, and more.
Visit us online: OREGONKIDSANDFAMILY.COM Our Events Calendar on the website is filling up, quickly! Lots to do around Salem for the holidays! Check out our pet-page, local business directory, and our new blog hub with something for everyone! Nerdle the teen techno-geek will keep you informed on gaming gifts for kids, while Introverts on the Loose will give you a humorous look at local happenings. Check out our new pet feature online, too!
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Keizer Holiday Tree Lighting December 2, 2015 - 6:00pm-7:00pm This is a FREE Community Event. Walery Plaza (Corner of Cherry Ave. and River Road)
Keizer’s Turkey Dash-5k Fun Run/Walk Sat. November 26, 2015 - 8:00am - 10:00am Keizer Station Village-Check-in @ Lowe’s Home Improvement 6225 Ulali Dr NE Keizer, OR 97303 http://chambermaster.keizerchamber.com/events or email: runs@keizerchamber.com Oregon Gardens- Ice Skating Friday, November 27, 2015 - 11:00am-3:00pm Ice Skating Ticket: $12 Ice Skate Rental: $5 The rink will be covered with a tent, to provide skaters shelter from the weather. For more info contact: Oregon Gardens (503) 874-8100 www.oregongarden.org 879 W. Main St. Silverton, OR 97381
‘A Christmas Carol’ Play - Oregon Gardens December 3-6, 2015 - 7:00pm (503) 874-8100 www.oregongarden.org 879 W. Main St. Silverton, OR 97381 Pony Rides- Oregon Gardens December 5, 2015 - 4pm-9pm Pony Rides, presented by Canyonview Camp. For pricing please visit www.oregongarden.org or call (503) 874-8100. Find us on facebook! Oregon Gardens 879 W. Main St. Silverton 97381 Deepwood Holiday Open House Sunday, Dec. 6 & Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM FREE COMMUNITY EVENT! Join us for this fun & festive Salem tradition. Santa will be here taking pictures. Enjoy warm cider, cookies, and live music. Deepwood House. Bush House Museum will also be hosting their Holiday Open Museum, so make it an afternoon with two of Salem’s beautiful historic homes located together on Mission Street. www.historicdeepwoodestate.org (503) 363-1825 Live Reindeer at Oregon Gardens December 10-13, 2015 - 10:00am Treat your kids to a real treat! Live Reindeer, presented by Dallwig Brothers Building Supply. Oregon Gardens (503) 874-8100 www.oregongarden.org 879 W. Main St. Silverton, OR 97381 Festival of Lights Parade- Keizer Saturday, December 12, 2015 - 7:00pm The Festival of Lights Holiday Parade is the largest nighttime illuminated holiday parade west of the Mississippi! Come enjoy a family tradition for Oregonians since 1989. (Lockhaven and River Road) For more info: www.folholidayparade.com
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Breakfast with Santa- Riverfront Carousel Saturdays December 12th & 19th 8:00 am $20/person. By reservation only. Children under the age of 3yr are free (only if sitting on adult’s lap) Enjoy a ride on the Carousel with Santa, a delicious breakfast buffet, plus a small gift and a special visit & photo with Santa. Call to make your reservation. 503-540-0374 Festival of LightsGlow Run- Keizer Saturday, December 12, 2015 6:00pm New Start/Finish! Columbia Bank on River Rd. www.folholidayparade.com (503) 983-8549
We encourage you to call ahead as specials may change.
COME EXPLORE 15 hands-on exhibits that engage children’s imaginations!
Tea with Mrs. Claus- Riverfront Carousel Sundays December 13th & 20th 11am or 1:30pm $20/person. By reservation only. Children under the age of 3yr are free (only if sitting on adult’s lap). Child-friendly tea menu and holiday stories with Mrs. Claus. Take a ride on the carousel, capture a keepsake photo with Mrs. Claus and a decorate cookie. Call to make your reservation. 503-540-0374 Magic at the Mill- Willamette Heritage Center Dec 19-22, 2015 - 5:30pm to 8pm Children’s activities, tours of historic buildings, blacksmith demonstrations, seasonal food & drink, Santa Claus, and lots of holiday lights. 1313 Mill St SE, Suite 200, Salem, Oregon 97301 www.willametteheritage.org 503-585-7012
Have a community event you would like listed? Oregon Kids and Family has a very active facebook page, and online calendar which is updated daily. If you have an event that will benefit the community, email usor submit it online on facebook or at www.oregonkidsandfamily.com
Show this ad & get 1 free general admission when you buy 1 general admission.
1 free guest per family per visit. Not applicable for previous purchases. Expires 2/29/16.
Inspiring children to learn through creative play
116 Marion St NE • Salem, OR 97301 www.acgilbert.org • 503-371-3631
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FAMILY VALUES FEATURE
In keeping with the holiday spirit of giving, why not accomplish as much good with one action, as you can? By considering local lessons and classes for your child, you are not only encouraging growth potential within your sweet recipient, you are helping local professionals provide for their own families as well. By spending your money locally, you also benefit the community and help the environment too! You can accomplish all this, by just giving your sweetie a gift? Well, look at you go!
Let’s break it down. You choose to purchase piano lessons for your son. By doing so- you provide him with a chance to express himself, build patience, and have an increased aptitude for math. By understanding beat, rhythm, and scales, your son learns how to divide, create fractions, and recognize patterns. Music lessons also give him a creative outlet for emoPlease say “I saw it in Oregon Kids and Family.” Thanks! 10
tions and stress, as well as increase his self esteem. Whether they turn him into Beethoven or not, music lessons have varied other benefits that are important to consider. Group classes promote teamwork and sharing, and give your child social interaction skills in a fun and relaxed environment. Consider that, by choosing martial arts lessons for your daughter, you show her that her body is capable of amazing feats, and that she is strong, flexible and able to accomplish difficult tasks when she puts her mind to it. Building her self confidence and helping her relieve stress are also by-products of this thoughtful gesture. Studies have shown that kids who participate in group sports may perform better in school, achieve higher marks, and display leadership capabilities that will continue to pay off through-
out their life. We all know that regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of many adult health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Kids who play sports may also reduce their levels of anxiety and depression. Youngsters who play sports in school often enjoy enhanced social interaction, reports the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. Add in the natural self-esteem boosts, which may improve confidence and school performance, and you’ve got a winning gift idea! While it may be easier to give your child the latest video game that he or she has been begging for, the benefits of lessons as gifts make it worth the effort! I remember as I was graduating from high school, my mother gifted me an SLR camera and lessons through the local community college. I never even considered photography, but this gift led me to a lucrative side business that helped feed my children for many years; a benefit that I never would have enjoyed, had my mother not given me the gift of lessons.
Out-of-the-Box gift experiences to promote personal growth -Horseback Riding Lessons -Choir Membership -Theater Class Gift Certificate - Website Building Classes - Whitewater Rafting Experience - Deep Sea Fishing Trip - River Boating Excursion - Paragliding - Sewing Classes - Ethnic Cooking Class - Gym or YMCA Membership -Whale Watching Tour - Zoo/ Aquarium Membership - Parkour Classes Visit our website for more ideas!
Gifting lessons doesn’t have to be outrageously expensive, nor does it have to be long-term. Local area churches, YMCA’s and other social organizations often offer scholarships for their programs for participants, based on need. So consider those horseback riding lessons your daughter has been dreaming of, treat your son to a local basketball league, or sign them up for an art or music class. Wrap up a bowling ball, or riding helmet, and know that you are going way, way beyond gift giving. Check our website for schedules of local classes. www.oregonkidsandfamily.com
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Birdie’s Bistro
KIDS EAT HALF OFF on SUNDAY! with full priced adult entree 3860 River Rd N, Keizer, OR 503.393.2087 birdiesbistro.com
Venti’s ( downtown location only ) KIDS EAT 1/2 PRICE !
Adam’s Rib
with purchase of adult entree. After 4pm Sun & Mon Dine-in Only Kids 12 and under 325 Court ST NE Salem, OR 97302
1210 State Street, Salem, OR 97301 www.adams-rib-smoke-house.com 503.362.2194
Your FREE listing goes here!!
KIDS EAT FOR $3.95 EVERY DAY!!!
Original Roadhouse Grill KIDS EAT FREE !
with purchase of adult entree on Tuesdays 481 Lancaster Dr. NE Salem, OR 97301
If you know of a kid’s special let us know and we will include it free of charge!
Your FREE listing goes here!! If you know of a kid’s special let us know and we will include it free of charge!
by: Jenifer Trivelli
The holiday season brings much joy and anticipation: a time to make memories, enjoy friends and family, and be grateful for what we have. Memory-making may fall by the wayside, as enjoyment turns to stress and exhaustion, and gratitude goes out the window. The time goes too fast, we spend more than we intended on things that break or get forgotten, and we long for traditions of our own to mark the spirit of the season. Here are seven tips for a sane and celebratory season with memories to last a lifetime: 1.Think sensory. Remember learning about the five senses? Taste, touch, hear, smell, and sight. While we often think of memories as being primarily sightbased, this isn’t true! How do you feel when you smell pumpkin pie? If you’ve had years of taste-y experiences with that smell, you’ve encoded the feeling of happiness and comfort because it engaged multiple senses. Perhaps the smell, sight, and taste of pumpkin pie evokes a visual memory of a specific time or specific people you enjoyed it with. Engaging the five senses with
comfort and newness will create experiences that sink in on multiple levels to be remembered and enjoyed for years to come. 2. Give yourself and everyone else a heaping serving of grace. Stress may be in the air, but you don’t have to let it rule your interactions with the ones you love. Check in with yourself by taking a breath and letting it go. Though a spa day sounds like a heavenly escape, you can also effectively reduce your stress just by stopping to take a breath. Taking breaks as a family to play and be outside can be an important stress-buster, too. If you’re chronically stressed or grieving the loss of a loved one, consider professional support to help you through this time. 3. Remember the biggest blunders often create the memories we look back on fondly. Do you have a holiday blunder story from your childhood? Think: less extreme variations of scenes from “Christmas Vacation”. The most important part of any celebration is connection with loved ones. If the turkey gets burned or the cat knocks over
the Christmas tree or Grandma and Grandpa are at each other’s throats…. just breathe. You’ll have something to look back on and laugh about later. End these days by telling the story of what happened. Ask kids how they felt and what the bright spots of their day were. Then share yours. 4. Be intentional with screen time. Remember #1? Screen time of any kind can block our senses from fully absorbing information and keeps us from forming those sought-after memories. Designate a time when you’ll be taking photos, then put the phone away. Upload them to social media after your memory-making time is over. Sending photos to relatives or friends who couldn’t be there? Do it as a family if the kids are old enough to be involved. Otherwise, save it for later. 5. Openly visit your gratitude. Frustration builds when we focus on how ungrateful others are. You can encourage and model gratitude by genuinely sharing what you are grateful for. Think back to the senses; perhaps you’re grateful for the sunrise, or the way your little one snuggles up and the smell of their hair, or the way your partner says your name. Don’t mistake praise for gratitude - saying “Good job” doesn’t exactly share your feeling of appreciation. Spell it out! Next, invite your kids to share something that helped them feel happy. If they’re young or don’t want to talk, they can draw a picture, sing a song, or make up a dance to show you. 6. Lead by example. You’ve decided this year will be different. You’ve taken to heart the suggestions on this page, some with mixed results. If the family resists your efforts, and they don’t “get it” right away, I’ve got good news: this is normal.
It’s tough being a kid and not having much control over your daily life. It can also be confusing when the people in charge talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. Decide on something new and follow through as the joyful example. 7. Gather buy-in. Consider each person in your family’s likes and desires. What makes them come alive? Ask for their ideas. The more you include them, the more likely they’ll be to jump on board, ensuring that your holiday season will be remembered and treasured for many years to come. Jenifer Trivelli is a Salem mom with a graduate degree in counseling and over a decade of experience working with families. She helps couples, parents, and kids understand each other better to create happier, more connected relationships. Connect on Facebook.com/JeniferTrivelliMS
OPEN FOR FUN! Rides $1.50 RIDE. SHOP. PARTY. GIVE! Year ‘round entertainment for the whole family.
www.SalemCarousel.org 503.540.0374
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101 Front ST NE Salem, Oregon 97301
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1637 Hawthorne NE Salem, OR 97301 503-364-0128
A Northwest Family Favorite Since 1957!
Come have some fun with the Kiddos! Get out of the rain and come inside to PLAY at Pietro's Pizza!
Text Pirate to 27299 for a chance to win a Pirate Pizza Party for 10! Standard text/data rates apply. Limit 4 texts per month
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Up to 2 kids, 12 & under, choose either a 6� 1-topping pizza, spaghetti or salad for FREE with purchase of any regular priced large pizza
Dine in only. Coupon Required. Must Mention when ordering. Not Valid with any other offers or discounts.Limit 1 per customer/order. Expires 12/31/15
Dine in only. Coupon Required. Must Mention when ordering. Not Valid with any other offers or discounts.Limit 1 per customer/order. Expires 12/31/15