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(503)362-9548 www.BryanJohnsonOrthodontics.com
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appy New Year!
Whoa! It’s 2020! Not only the start of a new year, but a whole new decade! I’ve been looking forward to this for a long long time. Call me weird, but I love the new year even more than Christmas. Something about new beginnings... the opportunity to change- to try harder, accomplish more, savor more, love longer... it just speaks to me. I read a meme the other day that talked about closing the door gently on 2019. I love the picture that conveys. Respect, reverance and dignity. I’m all about closing it quietly, but I’m ready to rip open the door for 2020! If you’re looking for some fun things to do around Salem- I’ve got you covered. I even reduced the font size on the calendar so I can pack even more cool events on those four pages! I’ve got everything from Lego festivals, to home improvement shows, to ballet, and symphony performance, to hunting/ outdoorsy events. It never ceases to amaze me how many things are going on in the valley on any given day! It’s just one of the many reasons the Willamette Valley is the perfect place to raise our kiddos. I got a little bit on my soapbox by including some tips on how to cut added sugar out of your sweeties menu, but I added back some levity and fun with a realistic list of resolutions that we can all stick to. Pat yourself on the back, Parents. You made it through 2019 and there’s nothing but adventure ahead in 2020. Here’s to our families, our neighbors and another trip around the sun on this amazing planet we call earth. :)
Yvette 5
Jan/ Feb 2020 PUBLISHER Yvette Tripp
ISSUE 28
EDITOR Yvette Tripp
yvette@willamettekidsandfamily.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN Yvette Tripp ADVERTISING Yvette Tripp 307.797.6730
Willamette Kids & Family PO Box 266 Midwest, Wyoming 82643
www.willamettekidsandfamily.com Willamette Kids and Family is a free community bi-monthly publication. We are dedicated to being a central hub for information in the Salem - Keizer area, by providing a variety of current news and resources to help local Oregonians care for their families. We promote neighborhood family-centered businesses by increasing their visibility within their target market. Willamette Kids and Family promotes peace and prosperity and never publish any information that could be construed as harmful or libelous. We never discriminate based on race, sex, religion or favorite brand of macaroni and cheese. No content may be reproduced without written permission of the editor. Copyright 2017-2020. All rights reserved
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HEALTHY KIDDOS
Many families look to the new year as a time
“You want them to fill up on nutrient-dense foods, not empty calories in the form of added sugar. When children consume lots of sugar, their palates get used to overly sweet flavors. They may not accept other, less sugary flavors or learn to appreciate the natural sweetness of a piece of fresh fruit.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against the consumption of added sugar for children under the age of 2. Children ages 2-18 should aim for less than 25 grams, or 6 teaspoons, of added sugar per day.
to reset their eating habits and focus on making healthier choices. However, adults aren’t the only ones who could use a menu refresh as children may also need to focus on healthier food choices. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed children consume an unhealthy amount of added sugar every day. Researchers found nearly all of the toddlers in their study ate an average of 7 teaspoons of added sugar daily – the equivalent of a candy bar. Additionally, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, excess sugar consumption can lead to an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
For families that want to cut down on the amount of added sugar in their diets, Hines recommends cooking more at home, relying less on processed, packaged foods and serving only water or milk for beverages.
“Small children have small stomachs,” said Courtney Hines, a nutritionist for KinderCare Learning Centers, which care for more than 165,000 children around the country every day.
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Consider these low-sugar ideas for meal and snack times to help control the amount of added sugar you and your family consume.
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DIP SMART
SNACK SWEET
Herbs, spices, citrus and fresh fruit add flavor without relying on the added sugars found in many popular sauces and dips. Consider making your own low-sugar alternatives at home so your family can still enjoy favorite flavors like these:
Opting for less added sugar doesn’t mean avoiding sweet snacks altogether. These alternatives can still help satisfy those cravings:
APPLESAUCE WITH BAKED CINNAMON PITA TRIANGLES for dipping TOAST topped with nut or seed butter, smashed
RANCH DRESSING – In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper for a kid-tested, nutritionist-approved take on a favorite dip. Serve over salad or as vegetable dip.
banana and sprinkle of cinnamon
FROZEN FRUIT SMOOTHIES PLAIN YOGURT topped with granola, nuts,
seeds or fruit
HONEY MUSTARD – Popular on a variety of
APPLE SLICES with nut or seed butter
sandwiches and as a dip or salad dressing, combining plain yogurt with milk, honey and regular or Dijon mustard can create a more familyfriendly version.
For more ideas to introduce your children to healthy habits from a young age, visit kindercare.com.
TERIYAKI SAUCE – Perfect for serving with healthier options like lo mein, chicken wraps or fried rice, a homemade version can be created using water, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic powder and cornstarch slurry.
SWAP SYRUP
Pancakes are a popular breakfast option at KinderCare centers and in many homes, but even the healthiest whole-grain pancake becomes a plateful of sugar if it’s doused in syrup. Hines recommends these toppings that are sweet and savory without the added sugar:
NUT BUTTER OR SEED BUTTER
(such as peanut, almond or sun) and banana slices
WARM FRUIT COMPOTE (mix of warmed
berries)
APPLESAUCE (no-sugar-added variety) and cinnamon NUT BUTTER swirled into plain yogurt; mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to add a sweet flavor
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BOOKS THAT ENCOURAGE EMPATHY
PRESCHOOL
The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm
by LeVar Burton and Susan Schaefer Bernardo AGES 3-4 This poetic tale showcases diversity and provides inspiration for dealing with adversity and various strong emotions.
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love
by Michelle Edwards AGES 3-4 Sophia decides to knit a hat for an older lady who needs one, but soon finds ita difficult task. Littles can relate, since their dreams often outstrip their abilities,as well.
ELEMENTARY
Planting the Trees of Kenya
The Story of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola AGES 7+ Based on the real experiences of a Nobel Peace Prize winner, this story evokes empathy and shows the power of compassion.
Those Shoes
by Maribeth Boelts (Author), Noah Z. Jones AGES 5-8 Jeremy learns that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants. A fine lesson in the dangers of comparison as a thief of joy.
OLDER KIDS
We Are Displaced: My Journey and
Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World
by Malala Yousafzai In her powerful new book, Nobel Peace Prize winner and New York Times-bestselling author Malala Yousafzai introduces some of the people behind the statistics and news stories about the millions of people displaced worldwide.
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Realistic Resolutions for the new decade
HOUSEKEEPING: Really- let’s keep it real.
Getting ANY laundry done, in any capacity, on any given day is a feat that deserves loud whoops of praise and much back-patting. But if you’re feeling like you want to go all out for 2020, maybe you can strive to actually put it AWAY once or twice this year. If you happen to slack a little, it’s ok. Laundry piles can (and should) be color coordinated and treated as the design element they truly are.
SCHOOL:
Subsection A: Drop-off Note that there are two goals here- but they cannot happen simultaneously. Either you get there on time- or you get there fully polished and dressed. You can’t have both. So flip a coin and decide for yourself. On time = pajama pants for you and anyone not getting out of the car immediately. Please scrap this whole resolution if you have a bull-headed preschooler who insists on doing everything themselves. You get a well deserved free pass. Subsection B: Lunches My ultimate resolution was always to pay for the whole year’s lunches upfront at the beginning of the year. Never happened. If you can accomplish this- please email me and let me know that it CAN be done! For all the rest of us, let’s resolve to wash out the lunchbox the day it comes home for 35% of the time. Let’s face it- that’s a 10% gain over last year. Go us. As for packing the lunchbox? Remember that it is recommended that kids get 3 square meals a day. PopTarts are kind of square... Cheezits, sandwich bread... Subsection C: Homework We will keep it simple. Resolve to get through multiplication facts and algebra. That will do. Bonus points if you only lose your cool once this year when finding out any big project is due TOMORROW.
SELF CARE:
Snort. Self what?
HEALTH:
Floss. Floss you, Floss your spouse, Floss your kids and your pets. Nothing makes you feel more like a legitimate grown up, than finding time to floss regularly. Your dentist will be so proud! Also, Drink a lot of water. More water means more bathroom breaks, more bathroom breaks means more alone time. More alone time means more peace. More peace means a happier 2020 for everyone, all around.
Happy New Year to you and yours. This year is gonna ROCK!
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January 3-5
January 10
Fri. Jan 3 7:30pm Sat. Jan 4 2pm Sun Jan 5, 2pm This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs. Suitable for all audiences, from young children to young-at-heart. Tickets: tickets@pentacletheatre.org or Box Office at (503) 485-4300 Elsinore Theatre 170 High St SE, Salem, Oregon 97301 www.pentacletheatre.org
10 AM – 12 PM Semi structured art exploration class for parents and toddlers. Create on paper walls, and each other! Excellent photo opportunity. 3 children for the price of 2. Parents are free. Splatterbox 131 NE Montgomery St, Albany, Oregon 97321 www.splatterbox.net
Salem- Cinderella at Pentacle Theatre
January 4
Albany- Toddler Time at Splatterbox
January 10-12
Salem- Mid-Valley Home Show
Portland- Fandom PDX 2020
Pop culture convention celebrating cosplay, video games, anime, tabletop gaming, comics. Celebrity guests, video game rooms, CCG/ RPG/tabletop gaming, panels, workshops, etc. Tickets $25-$30 Sheraton Airport Hotel 8235 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon 97220 www.FandomPDX.com
Hundreds of exhibits showcasing the latest in home products and services. Local experts assist you and show the latest in innovative products. Discover what you need to refresh, enhance, remodel and build at the Mid-Valley Home Show! FREE parking & admission! Oregon State Fairgrounds 2330 17th St 97301 www.salemtickettoplaycafe.com
January 6
January 10
Call it the “EWWWW Factor”, but nothing reinforces science concepts with these icky, creepy, smelly experiments. Abiqua enrollment not required. Sign up now! Start Date: Mon, Jan 6. 7 weekly sessions Monday 3:30-5:00pm Registration Fee: $200 Abiqua Academy 6974 Bates Rd S, Salem, Oregon 97306
5:30PM-8PM Hosted by Oak Elementary School. We have TWO raffle prize baskets that include a DVD of Toy Story 4 and movie night goodies. Every child receives one raffle ticket just for coming! Purchase additional raffle tickets.Pizza, snacks available. Bring your own blankets or chairs. Oak Elementary School 3610 Oak St SE, Albany, Oregon 97322
Albany-TOY STORY 4 Free Movie Night
Salem- Gross Science Class: Grades 3-6
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January 11
January 25
10AM-6-PM join us for this new and exciting The Free Admission event is a day full of fun, connection, inspiration, education and shopping at Salem’s premier meeting facility, the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center. Oregon State Fair Expo Center Columbia Hall 2330 17th Street NE Salem, OR 97301
1PM-4PM Hosted by Mid-Valley Youth Lacrosse Join the Lebanon Explosion Dance Team for Free youth stick skills clinic put on by the High School and youth league coaches. No equipment required, but if you have your own, please bring it. This is a great opportunity for your child to come try the up and coming sport for free!! West Albany High School 1130 Queen Ave SW, Albany, Oregon
Salem- Salem Women’s Expo/ Health & Wellness Expo
January 15
Salem- CHEC Cooking Class- Meal Plan
6PM - 8PM Registration required. Wish you were better at meal planning each week but struggle with where to start? In this class you will learn how to write a menu and cook your meals for the week in one day.Menu:Chicken noodle soup,White bean chili,Bacon roasted bell pepper and parmesan linguini Cost: $15 - includes sample of each meal Location: 939 Oak St. SE, Building D, Gehlar Wellness Kitchen www.ssreg.com/salemhealth/
January 18
Salem- Kroc Health Fair 2020
Albany- Lacrosse Youth Free Clinic
January 28
Salem- Twofer Tuesday at Super Bounce 10AM-6PM 2 hours of bounce for the price of one every Tuesday at Super Bounce! Treat yourself to our massage chair while your kids get their wiggles out! We also have a party room and food! Come make it a great day at SuperBounce! 3160 Blossom Dr NE Salem, Oregon www.SuperBounceSalem.com
HAVE AN EVENT TO ADD?
It’s FREE! Shoot me an email at Yvette@WillanetteKidsandFamily.com
11 AM – 3 PM Vendors, FREE health screenings, and a FREE day pass to the Kroc Center for all attendees. This is also one of only two times during the year that we waive our $75 membership fee for new members, so it’s a great time to sign up! Kroc Center - Salem, OR 1865 Bill Frey Dr NE, Salem, Oregon 97301 www.salem.kroccenter.org
January 18
Keizer- Bully Proof Community Event
11:00 AM - 12:00PM Please text BULLYPROOF to 503-980-1628 to RSVP! Empower your kids today! Learn how to avoid bullying, prevent bullying, and stay safe! (You could even learn how to be someone’s hero!) This FREE community event is open to EVERYONE, so bring your friends!!!ATA Martial Arts Keizer 3842 River Road N., Keizer 97303 www.keizerata.com
January 24
Portland- Wizard World Portland
Jan 24, 4 PM – Jan 26, 2020 Wizard World is coming to Portland in January! And we’re bringing comics, gaming, film and all things pop culture to our show! Oregon Convention Center 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, Oregon 97232 www.wizardworld.com
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February 1
live performances, stunning kinetic fire sculptures, and educational programming. Over 100 artists, performers, and creators: www.pdxwlf.com.
Eugene- Harry Potter™ In Concert Feb 1,2020 2PM-4PM This concert will feature the Eugene Symphony performing every note from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film on a 40-foot screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score. Tickets $60 to $104 Hult Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Eugene Ctr, Eugene, Oregon 97401 www.hultcenter.org
February 8
Sweet Home- Sweetheart Run
8:30AM-12PM Hosted by City Government of Sweet Home, Oregon For individuals and families of all ages and abilities. Participants are encouraged to wear their hearts on their sleeves. 5K or 10K chipped-timed course. Youth under 10 years old can participant in a FREE 1 mile race. EARLY REGISTRATION FEE: 5K Run/Walk $25 (through 2/1), 10K Run $35 (through 2/1), Kids Run w/ T-shirt $10, Kids Fun Run FREE 877 14th Ave, Sweet Home, OR
February 1
Newport- Sleep in the Deep
Hosted by Oregon Coast Aquarium Sleep in the Passages of the Deep tunnels! View the Aquarium without large daytime crowds. Age-appropriate, hands-on activities. Morning behind-the-scenes experience. Entry to the Aquarium the following day. Dinner and continental breakfast. Ages 6 and up. $75 for members $80 per person Oregon Coast Aquarium 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, Oregon 97365 www.aquarium.org
February 8
Albany- Caped Crusader Carnival!
Hosted by Party Perfection and CMS Foods 10 AM – 2 PM Celebrate the hero in all of us. Come meet some of your favorite heroes and be inducted into our Superhero Hall of Fame. Calapooia Middle School 830 24th Ave SE, Albany, Oregon 97322
February 8
February 6
Portland-Harlem Globetrotters
Salem- Toddler Story & TEE Time
2PM Every show features a blend of hilarious hijinks and incredible basketball skills, high flying dunks, and a new record-breaking attempt.One-of-a kind experience putting a new spin on family time. Tickets · $23 - $125 via Ticketmaster. Moda Center at the Rose Quarter 1 N Center Court St, Portland, Oregon 972271
10 AM – 11:30 AM Every first Thursday of the month, come in for storytime with your little munchkins and create a tee too! We will help you create and have toys and more books to entertain while the creations happen! Toddler tees range from $16 - $20 (infant and kid sizes also available). pin Rofe Designs & CreativiTee 110 Commercial St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
February 13
Albany-Kids Firearm Safety 1 @ The Albany Police Department
February 6-8
Portland- Winter Light Festival 2020
6 PM – 7 PM This class will be at the Albany Police Department. This program is designed to take the novelty away and open up dialogue between children and their parents regarding firearms. All children should know
Feb 6, 6 PM – Feb 8, 11PM The fifth annual Portland Winter Light Festival is FREE, all ages, & takes place rain, snow, or shine! February 6-8, 2020. Three-day vibrant outdoor art festival with interactive light-based art, dynamic
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basic, lifesaving skills on what they should and SHOULD NOT do if they encounter a firearm. Participation Requirements — Recommended age: 5 and up — Parents must attend with their child. Register now! For information regarding upcoming classes. FREE www.kidssafefoundation.org
February 14
Albany- Willamette Sportsman Show
Kids under 12 Free - Free Parking Albany, Or Fairgrounds Kids events - gold panning, climbing wall, casting pond, air soft Speakers & Raffles Feb 14, 1pm-8 pm, Feb 15, 9am - 6pm Feb16, 9am -4pm Linn County Fair & Expo 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany, Oregon 97322 WillametteSportsmanShow.com
February 15
Salem- Oregon’s 161st Birthday Celebration & Anniversary of Statehood 10 AM – 2 PM -Covered wagon on display -Live costumed historic interpreters -Performances by the Oregon Old Time Fiddlers Association -Original State Constitution on display -Birthday cupcakes, while supplies last -Activities for the entire family -Why I Love Oregon essay exhibit State Capitol 900 Court St NE, Salem, Or 97301 oregonlegislature.gov
acter. As seen on Sesame Street, Sprout, and live on tour with David Blaine, Mario’s show is an upbeat, hilarious and a very interactive experience. Ideal for ages 4-10 and their families. Tickets are $10 for kids under 16 $15 for adults All tickets are $5 more at the door. 361 SW Madison Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333 www.whitesidetheatre.org/live-events.html
February 29- March 1
Portland- Bricks Cascade™ 2020 Public LEGO® Exhibition
10AM Bricks Cascade™ Presents the 2020 Public LEGO® Exhibition! Celebrating our 9th year in the Rose City! Passes $11 Oregon Convention Center 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, Oregon 97232
www.brickscascade.com/
February 16-17
Portland-KidFest! Family Expo 2020
Feb 29, 2020 at 10 AM – Mar 1, 2020 at 4 PM Live Stage Entertainment, Interactive Sports Demos, Inflatable Fun Zones, Rock Walls, ZipLine, Star Wars Blast-A-Trooper, Iron-Kid Chef Competition, and more! Tickets $6. Bring money for parking! www.kidfestnw.com
February 15
McMinnville- Celebración Familiar
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM Join us for this fun family adventure and get a taste of South America! Zumba and Argentine Tango, brush up on your Spanish and sample delicious South American goodies. Preregistration is recommended. ALL AGES Cost: $5 per family with preregistration. Registration Deadline: Feb 12 - Price after Feb 12 will be $10 per family. Community Center MAC Parks and Recreation 600 NE Evans St, McMinnville, Oregon 97128 Register at the Community Center or at bit.ly/ MPRonline
TRIAL CLASS!
February 19
Corvallis- Wednesdays at the Whiteside: Space Jam 7pm -9pm $5 Come enjoy Space Jam at the Whiteside Theatre! 361 SW Madison Ave, Corvallis, Oregon 97333
February 28
Corvallis- Mario the Maker Magician
3:00pm-4:30pm New York-based touring children’s performer Mario the Maker Magician is known for his handmade robotic creations, upcycled props and new school slapstick char-
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(Family Features) Maintaining a healthy home is a goal most Americans share, but not all are confident they’re doing the best job they can to protect their home’s health. According to a survey conducted by Second Nature, the nation’s largest home wellness subscription service, 62% of respondents admitted they could do a better job of attaining a healthy home, with clean air ranked as the most critical factor in achieving home wellness. Gain more confidence in the health and cleanliness of your home with these tips: • Remove your shoes when you enter the house. Add entryway seating to encourage guests to take off their shoes. The bottom of a pair of shoes can contain anything from fecal matter to E. coli and pesticides. Leaving shoes at an entryway is one of the easiest ways to combat home pollution and promote a healthy home. • Replace air filters regularly. The air filter in your home dictates the air you breathe and ensures that it is healthy enough for ingestion. More often than not, air filters are not top of mind when thinking about home wellness, but they are crucial to every home. That’s why it’s important to replace air filters on schedule – every three months as recommended by the National Institutes of Health. If you’re like many homeowners who struggle to remember when it’s time to change your filter, or never have a filter handy when
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you do remember, you may benefit from a service like Second Nature, which provides a home delivery subscription that ensures your air filters are replaced on time. The company’s high-quality air filters help reduce the risk of contracting allergies, sickness and infection while also ultimately lowering costs associated with energy bills, repairs and health-related expenses. • Change out your light bulbs. Choose the right color temperature for a calmer home and use energy-efficient bulbs. The selection for light bulbs is massive, and with smart home technologies that allow you to change the color of your bulb with the swipe of a finger, you can also easily control your mood. Warm lighting typically has an overall positive effect on everyone in the home. One of the keys to home wellness is ensuring you are truly happy in your home, and lighting can play a pivotal role in cultivating this emotion. • Open windows on good weather days. Most Americans (61%) believe the air inside their homes is cleaner than it is outside, according to the survey. However, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. This is in part because Americans tend to enclose themselves indoors, where the same air is recycled over an extended time. The smell of the meal you cooked for dinner, the trash in the garbage can and the candle you light on your nightstand all have an impact on the air quality in your home. Opening windows allows for polluted air to release itself from the home and, in turn, allows for cleaner air to circulate the space. • Filter your water. Water is essential to any healthy lifestyle, and drinking clean water is a luxury that is often overlooked. However, what is also overlooked is how many chemicals and toxins that can affect your health are in the tap water you drink on a daily basis. Filtering your water is one simple step that can benefit not only your own health, but the health of everyone in the home. Find more tips and advice for creating a healthier home environment at SecondNature.com.
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