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(503)362-9548 www.BryanJohnsonOrthodontics.com
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Hello Friends!
I had the best time putting together this issue for you all! Who doesn’t love a birthday? Whether it’s your kiddos, or your own- the representation of one more trip around the sun. What’s not to celebrate? I met some fabulous new people while putting together the magazine. We talked about how to make the Willamette Valley even better for our kids- ( Page 10 is a collaboration with smartreading.org and Lynn Brown of Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center, about the importance of reading to our children.)
Connecting with Mariah of Frost & Flour, was a high point of preparing this issue. I saw a facebook post with gorgeous birthday cakes that she donates to children in the foster care system. What a blessing to Salem, she is. You can find contact info for her business on page 23. AND... I have a surprise for all of you! I can’t keep it quiet any longer... Check out page 27 for a HUGE birthday giveaway sweepstakes! Lions and tigers and bears, Oh MY! Scoot on over to the website to sign up for your chance to win. Speaking of the website- I will be dedicating the next few weeks to an upgrade on the site, AND a weekly email newsletter, mostly comprised of upcoming events of interest to you and your family. I’d love to have you join in the fun! Springtime is right around the corner- so I scoured the internet for information on upcoming egg hunts and Easter celebrations. You can find a listing starting on page 14. Thanks for keeping Salem amazing!
Yvette 3
March/April 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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WIS
ENT E
PAR
Mindfulness Activities
For Connection by Jenifer Trivelli M.S.
Share what you notice and invite your child
Flowers are in bloom, birds are chirping, the sun is shining… in some parts of the world anyway! Here in the Willamette Valley, we’re not guaranteed that quintessential spring experience, but we can choose to infuse its elements in our relationships and everyday experiences. How? Explore this mindfulness primer and suggestions for fresh ideas!
to do the same.
Here are some practical, concrete ways this might happen.
Taking a Walk To encourage mindfulness and connection, choose one that has sensory experiences to offer (but not overwhelm). Think gentle and pleasing sights, smells, and sounds. The best route might start right outside your front door.
Mindfulness; a short and simple primer In each of the activities below, the key element is mindfulness. Mindfulness is sometimes defined as present moment awareness, or being able to direct your attention where you choose. For the purpose of connecting with our kids, we’ll use mindfulness to mean focusing on the connection between us - not the activity itself - in the present moment.
Approach this activity as an opportunity or invitation with the person you’re with - not a forced activity with a specific agenda that needs to be checked off. While you’re on your walk, begin the practice with yourself - feel your feet move against the ground, notice your breath, feel the air on your skin. You might notice the speed you’re walking, and adjust as needed to support your intention.
Here are the basic steps in mindfulness during an activity for connection:
Breathe as you experience the activity with your senses.
What is your child experiencing on this walk? Try to sense them first, before engaging. From there, notice sensations within you related to the person you’re walking with. You might notice a warmth in your heart area, or perhaps some heaviness or discomfort re-
Notice your child and try to sense what they might be experiencing.
See what sensations might come to your
awareness as you rest your attention on the connection between you and your child in this moment.
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lated to a worry you have about them or your relationship. You might not notice anything at all. Whatever you find is fine, simply noticing and continuing to be present in the moment without getting caught up and carried away by your thoughts.
Most kids haven’t been taught to share the actual felt sense of what they’re noticing inside themselves, aside from the basics of hunger and toileting, so this might be a new language you develop together.
Now that you’re in the present moment within yourself and between the two of you, you might invite your child to do the same. You might begin by simply noticing out loud what you experience through your senses. If your child seems receptive, you can ask them what they’re noticing, too.
Anytime you notice your attention captured by thoughts or getting hyper focused on the activity itself, gently guide it back to your senses and sense of yourself and your relationship.
Think of your words as planting seeds - space is your friend. Know that the benefits of what you’re doing may take many years to fully blossom. If either of you get distracted by thoughts or curiosity in the outside world, just bring your attention back when you catch it. This is the practice of mindfulness. You might end your time with a short acknowledgement of appreciation towards your child for sharing their time with you and enjoying the sights and sounds of your walk together.
Color | Build | Play | Create You can bring the same sense of mindfulness and connection to other common activities.
Remember that the activity itself isn’t the point, it’s the opportunity to connect with your child in an intentional way.
Consider closing the activity by sharing an appreciation with your child. Remember the idea of planting seeds, and do not worry if they don’t reciprocate your appreciation. You might enjoy building mindfulness moments of connection into a daily or weekly routine to help create those neural pathways for your kiddo, and truly, for yourself. Now that you have some solid tools in your toolbox for creating mindful experiences of connection with your kids (these ideas work well for us older folks, too), think about some time in the coming days or weeks you might be able to give them a try. You don’t need a lot of time - some of these can take just a couple of minutes - so don’t let the busy-ness of life stop you from connection. Jenifer Trivelli is an author/writer, educator, and certified yoga instructor for youth and adults. A Salem parent of two, she has a master’s degree in counseling and has worked with families and educators since 2006. learn more on her website www.wisemindservices.com.
Doing these separately and next to each other typically offers the set up with the most amount of success, but you can also try working on one piece together. Get yourself in the moment by noticing the environment and the activity through your five senses. Breathe. Tune into your child; what are they sensing and feeling? Notice any sensation arising in you in relationship to the kiddo you’re with as you work together coloring, building, or creating. When you feel ready, share what you notice (in small doses) or invite your child to share what they’re noticing with you.
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Spring Plants
your child has eaten oleander, head to the emergency room immediately. 5. PEACE LILY Peace lilies are hardy plants with dark green leaves and white flowers, and are popular among homeowners because they are near foolproof to grow. These poisonous houseplants can lead to symptoms of irritated skin and mouth, nausea and vomiting.
that could harm your kids...
11. CALADIUM Also known as elephant ear, this plant has leaves shaped like arrows,or hearts in pink, red, white, rose, green and chartreuse. As a common houseplant, these can irritate the mucus membranes in the mouth, nose, throat and stomach, and cause nausea and vomiting.
Babyproofing the house and yard can be a fulltime job! Here are a few houseplants that you may want to keep out of baby’s reach this spring. Most houseplants aren’t technically poisonous, so to speak, but they can cause allergic reactions, swelling and discomfort. If you suspect your child has ingested one of these houseplants, call poison control for more information.
14. FOXGLOVE Extremely Toxic. This bell-shaped flower grows throughout the US. Foxglove is often found in home gardens. White, yellow and pink spring blooms are beautiful, but Foxglove is extremely toxic, and eating any part of the plant can cause the heart rate to become dangerously slow or irregular. Call Poison Control immediately.
1. EASTER LILY It’s that time of year! Easter lilies are often brought home during the springtime. Keep in mind, these poisonous plants can irritate the mouth and throat and even cause nausea or vomiting when swallowed. 2. PHILODENDRON These are some of the easiest plants to care for and thus, pretty popular. Many families have pots of philodendron scattered around the house, so be aware: While not fatal, ingesting these poisonous houseplants can cause nausea, burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat, irritated skin, vomiting and diarrhea.
Oregon Poison Center
1-800-222-1222 to speak with an expert.
3. ENGLISH IVY English ivy is commonly found in homes, on building exteriors and under trees as a ground cover. Like Philodendron, it isn’t fatal, but if eaten, these plants can irritate the mouth and cause soreness. In large amounts, it can cause severe swelling farther down the throat. 4. OLEANDER Highly Toxic. typically an outdoor garden flower, this beautiful evergreen shrub is known for its white, pink or yellow blossoms. It’s also one of the most poisonous plants around the house. It contains a poison called cardiac glycoside toxins,which interfere directly with electrolyte balance of the heart muscle. If ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, a slow heartbeat, low blood pressure (which can lead to sleepiness) and even death. If you suspect
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ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION
Stats, Strategies and What You Can Do to Help.
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Local specialists discuss the state of reading in our neighborhoods, how they are tackling it, and how you can help your family, your schools, and others. A discussion with Michael Finlay with SmartReading.Org & Lynn Brown with Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center
If you were to look at the statistics alone,
Sitting down with local reading advocates and professionals, we discussed in depth how we can work to correct this situation, and what we can do for our children and our neighbor’s children as parents and community members.
for Oregon children and reading benchmarks, you might feel a bit disheartened. Indeed, the numbers are somewhat alarming but there is much being done to help our children become better readers, more successful students and literate adults.
Joining me are Micheal Finlay- Senior ProFirst, the numbers- SMART Reading, a logram Manager from SMART Reading, and cal nonprofit, reports that state test scores Lynn Brown, M.Ed, director of operations released by the Oregon Department for the newly opened Willamette of Education show that 54% of Valley Dyslexia Center in Salem. third-graders statewide tested below reading benchmarks 54% of third-graders The outline for this meeting is for the 2018-2019 school statewide did not meet based around a “can-do” attiyear. tude of focusing on solutions, reading benchmarks and less on finger-pointing. Chris Otis, Executive DirecRegardless of “Why” our tor of SMART, states, “This in the 2018-2019 children are at risk, it is our means over half our state’s school year. goal to discuss an action plan third-graders are four times on “How” we can make a differless likely to graduate from high ence and raise up great readers inschool than their reading-profidividually, and as a community. cient peers. Low literacy rates don’t just hurt individual kids; they hurt us all. “ Both professionals agree that first, we need How does that affect Oregon as a whole? to model the behavior we are seeking. She continues, “This impacts the future health and prosperity of Oregon. It adds It’s easy in this day and age to get caught strain on social and health services, imup in technology, but by putting it aside to pedes our economic growth, and weakens spend some quality time reading with our our workforce. Therefore, it is our collec (continued) tive responsibility to come together and solve this for Oregon children.”
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kids- we not only give them the closeness and attention they seek, we also model good reading habits and instill joyful feelings associated with reading. Lynn suggests that interest trumps ability, and that letting your child choose their own book can lead to success. It’s not even so much about what they read, as SMART is quick to point out: If your kiddo enjoys kid’s magazines, comic books, or even kidfriendly cookbooks, those count, too! SMART teaches that setting time aside to read enjoyable books with your children is imperative. They also suggest to have books on hand during trips and errands – keep a stash in the car or in a backpack so they’re always within reach. By spending time enjoying books with your child, you can also determine if they are struggling more than usual while learning to read. According to her research, Lynn reports that dyslexia affects 1 in 5 students, and that while dyslexia typically runs in families, it can affect anyone. Great progress is being made in the diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia, so don’t lose hope! Signs that your child may be struggling with reading may include: trouble learning letter names and remembering the sounds they make, confusing letters that look similar and letters with similar sounds, or struggling to read familiar words especially if there aren’t pictures, to name a few. If you suspect that your child may need intervention, the sooner you act on it, the better. Lynn suggests that you ask their teacher about supports in school. Get help from the community, hire a private tutor, and/or participate in public library programs. For some kids, reading can seem like a chore, and struggling to read can often lead to a lack of confidence. By celebrating small successes, being patient, and encouraging your child to keep going, your child
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knows he or she has full support from you, and is more likely to continue trying. How important is reading? As the foundation to learning, a child who reads well is better situated to excel in academics such as math, science and history. Better reading means better all-around school success. Excelling in school is the perfect springboard to build self-confidence to succeed in all areas of their future. In conclusion, supporting our children’s reading has far-reaching benefits that include combating poverty, homelessness and joblessness. Becoming better readers instills confidence, increases literacy skills, and promotes a love of reading which can reduce the negative ripple effects caused by illiteracy for years to come.
Meet your Round Table hosts: Lynn Brown: WVDyslexiaCenter.com Lynn is the Director of Operations at Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center in Salem. She has a Master of Education from Arizona State University Education Leadership program, and a 30 hour Orton-Gillingham Multi-Sensory Reading Instruction Certificate from IMSE. She recently left public Special Education teaching for private reading tutoring, specializing in kids with dyslexia. Lynn lives with her husband and dyslexic daughter; for fun they like to kayak and camp around the PNW. Michael Finlay: SMARTReading.org Michael is the Senior Program Manager for SMART Reading’s Northwest Office based in Salem. He is a graduate of Western Oregon University and worked at the Gilbert House Children’s Museum before joining SMART Reading in 2013. Michael is also a Parent Educator in the Salem-area and spends his free time with his wife and two young children. Since 1992, SMART Reading has been pairing adult volunteers with children to provide reading support and books to keep. SMART Reading volunteers read one-on-one with students weekly during the school year, modeling a love of reading and building children’s reading skills and selfconfidence in a positive, child-guided environment.
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MICHEAL SUGGESTS:
Elephant and Piggie Series
The Princess Bride
by William Goldman (Young Adult) William Goldman’s modern fantasy classic is a simple, exceptional story about quests—for riches, revenge, power, and, of course, true love that’s thrilling and timeless.
LYNN SUGGESTS:
The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien (Ages 10+) A classic. Using his wits at each step along the way, a hobbit sets out on adventure and encounters wizards, elves, men, goblins, and a creature named Gollum, helping to bring peace to the Middle Earth.
Gulliver’s Travels
by Jonathan Swift Ages: Various Versions for all ages During his first voyage, Gulliver is washed ashore after a shipwreck and finds himself a prisoner of a race of tiny people, less than 6 inches (15 cm) tall, who are inhabitants of the island country of Lilliput.
STEPHANIE SUGGESTS
A Bad Case of Stripes
by David Shannon (Ages 4-8) Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Why? Because the other kids in her school don’t like them. And Camilla Cream is very, very worried about what other people think of her. She’s so worried that she’s about to break out in...a bad case of stripes.
ROUNDTABLE FAVORITE BOOKS
by Mo Willems (Ages 3 – 7) Award winning Elephant and Piggie series is written in a humorous conversational style which often addresses the complexities and rewards of sharing a friendship.
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Celebrations ..................... Fellowship Church
Prestige Senior Living Orchard Heights
Saturday, April 11th from 10am-12pm. Free Register at www.fconline.tv/easter. Registration is permitted on site, but is discouraged. Two start times 10:30am and 11:30am divided up into age groups (up to 5th grade) and each start time will be available to all of those groups. Bouncy castles and face painting Fellowship Church 6994 Sunnyside Rd SE
Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 10 AM – 12 PM Join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! The whole family is invited to hunt for Easter eggs, decorate cookies and try your hand at a coloring contest. This event is FREE. Call 503-566-9052 for more info and to RSVP! 695 Orchard Heights Rd NW Salem, OR 97304
Skyline Baptist Church
Marion Cty Fire District #1
Saturday, April 11th at 10 a.m. This free event is for the whole family and will involve a time of crafts, games, and stories, as well as the Easter Egg Hunt and more. Please call (503)362-9552 for more information or with questions. Skyline Baptist Church 4787 Skyline Rd. S.
Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 10 AM – 11 AM Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Ages 0-12. Rain or shine, come enjoy the hunt and refreshments. Tours of the apparatus and station,too! Four Corners Fire Station, 300 Cordon Rd NE.
New Harvest Church
Saturday, April 11th at 9 a.m. Free Pancake Breakfast. Magic show and Easter egg hunt begins at 10am. 4290 Portland Rd NE Salem, Oregon 97301
Salem First Presbyterian
Saturday, April 11th from 10am-1pm Carnival games, inflatable slides and bounce houses, and a free breakfast for everyone. Check our facebook page to register early! 770 Chemeketa St NE
Sunnyslope Christian
Saturday, April 11th at 11 AM. Come enjoy Easter egg hunting with us! Wendy Kroger Park, 200 Arlene Ave SE, Salem, OR 97302
Deepwood Eggstravaganza
Saturday, April 11th from 1 to 2:30 Easter Bunny, crafts, games, and egg hunts according to age group. This event is designed for toddlers - age 10. Advanced registration is required. Visit our website or call 503.363.1825 to purchase tickets. $5 per child, $1 per adult.
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Calvary Baptist Church
Saturday, April 4th at 11 AM. Fun for the whole family! 1230 Liberty St SE Salem, Oregon 97302
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March 2
March 7
Monday, March 2, 2020 at 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM This mindfulness class is geared specifically for teens! Trying new things in new places with new people can prevent many teens from attending, this class is now open to adults to accompany them. Trauma-sensitive, neuroscience-based, resiliency-focused mindfulness practice. 1045 5th St NE, Salem www.wisemindservices.com
12 incredible short films carefully selected from the Sprout Film Festival Collection in NYC. The Sprout Film Festival is FREE. Donations are encouraged. This international collection is designed to raise awareness about people with developmental disabilities. Snacks will be provided by Taylor Street Ovens. Majestic Theatre 115 SW 2nd St, Corvallis www.homelifeinc.org
Salem- Teen Free Mindfulness Drop-in
Corvallis- 2020 Sprout Film Festival
March 3
March 12
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 4:00 The book for March will be Craftily Ever After: The Un-Friendship Bracelet.For more information, contact Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Youth Services at 541-766-6794. 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis cbcpubliclibrary.net
Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 3:45 PM – 6 PM Abiqua enrollment not required.ONE CLASS: Registration Fee: $125. step by step and you will create your half on one canvas and your child will create their half on the second canvas. At the end of class, the two canvases will come together to create one whole image. Sign up online today! Abiqua Academy 6974 Bates Rd S, Salem www.abiquaacademy.org
Corvallis- Book Club: Craftily Ever After
March 7
Salem- Paper Bag Princess Day!
Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 10 AM – 5 PM It’s The Paper Bag Princess’ 40th anniversary! Kids costume contest at 3pm. Come dressed up as the Paper Bag Princess, Prince Ronald, or as the dragon! Prize for the best costume! Craft station set up so kids can create their own crown! Reader’s Guide 735 Edgewater St NW, Salem
March 7
Salem-Young Artists’ Showcase | Awards
Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 12 PM – 3 PM Highly anticipated event for K-12 students, teachers, and parents in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties. Features artwork by hundreds of students at the Bush Barn Art Center. Interested in entering the exhibition? All K-12 students in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties are eligible. Learn more at: salemart.org 600 Mission St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 www.salemart.org
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Salem-Abiqua Paint With Me Art Class
March 12
Salem- Story and Craft night
Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 7 PM – 8 PM The Helpful Teacher and Young at Art are partnering to create a fun and engaging evening for you and your child. We will be reading a book about spring time, and then creating a craft project that goes along with the book. Where: Young at Art Cost: $15 per child For tickets, and more information please visit www.kmsoconnell.wix.com/askteacher
March 14
Albany- 2020 iRun for Kids!
Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 7:30 AM – 1 PM A fundraiser for the Albany Public Schools Foundation, This race will start and finish at the West Albany High School stadium. This is a great run for the serious racer as well as a fun run for all ages. www.irunforkids.com
March 14
March 21
Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 11 AM – 3 PM Join us for this popular bilingual environmental education event at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge. Stations, tents and seating! Visit the 14 stations scattered around the Refuge: newt obstacle course, osprey fishing activity, nature photography, Chintimini’s live birds, owl pellet dissection, toddler area, nature walks, pond studies, Bookmobile, fish specimens & more!WV National Wildlife Refuge 26208 Finley Refuge Rd, Corvallis www.fws.gov/WillametteValley/complex
Saturday, March 21, 11:30 AM – 3 PM 5 Early games pay: $99 + prizes (kids) or $99 + coupons (adults) 10 Regular games , $2 Kid packs (3-ons) pay $99 + prizes, $3 Adult packs (6-ons) pay $120 Single kid winners on Regular games also Punch-A-Prize 4 Spin-theWheel Blackouts pay $400 - $700 prizes B&G Bingo 1266 Lancaster Dr SE, Salem www.bgbingo.org
Corvallis- Winter Wildlife Field Day
March 20
Salem- DIY Mom’s Night Out: She Shed Birdhouse Class
Friday, March 20, 2020 at 6:30 PM – 8 PM Come let your creativity flow while you enjoy some wine and snacks! Please sign up in advance to secure your spot! Location: Young at Art $25 per artist Ages: 21+ - Included: 1 wooden birdhouse, paint to decorate, and wine and light snacks www.youngatartor.com
March 21
Salem- Cherry Blossom Day
Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 10 AM – 2 PM Free and open to the public. Free parking around the Capitol on Saturdays. RAIN OR SHINE. Tower tours, weather permitting, Japanese Tea Ceremony, Salem Kawagoe Sister Cities booth, Bonsai display/demonstrations, Willamette Valley Bonsai Society, Vintage Japanese toys and games (Edo period) Gyotaku (fish printing) North Salem High School Pinwheels and Kabuto helmets, Japanese Cultural Society and Tokyo International University of America Origami and Japanese calligraphy, Japanese Studies Student Leaders from Willamette University.Oregon State Capitol 900 Court St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301 www.oregoncapitol.com
Salem- Kid’s Day B & G Bingo
March 23
Corvallis-School’s Out Adventures: Biking Pollinators
9 AM – Mar 25 at 3 PM Join us at our pollen powered Schools Out Adventure Bike Camp at SAGE garden during Spring Break! Discover the complex connections of local pollinator communities. There will be yummy honey to taste and pollen-powered produce to eat between bicycle escapades at Starker Arts Park and beyond! $135 for all three days or $50 for each individual day. Extended care is offered from 8-9am and 3-5pm at $6 per hour Corvallis Environmental Center 116 SW 4th Street, Corvallis, Oregon 97333 corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org
March 29
Salem- DIY Succulent Bar Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 1 PM – 4 PM The price will vary depending on what you choose. Design and create your own succulent center piece. We supply inspiration, space, and some fillers. Pay for the supplies you want, starting around $6 Craft Warehouse 3930 Rickey St SE, Salem, craftwarehouse.com
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April 1
April 10
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at 4 PM – 5 PM Build with fellow LEGO fans and Oregon State University student-athletes! Put your skills to the test with new building challenges each month. LEGO bricks provided. Drop in. Corvallis-Benton County Public Library cbcpubliclibrary.net
Friday, April 10, 2020 at 7 PM – 9 PM PDT Hosted by City of Salem Recreation Services Ages 9-12, join us for a youth Owl Prowl in Minto-Brown Island Park with Park Ranger Mike. Participants will dissect an owl pellet, learn more about this magnificent bird, and then go on an approximate 2 mile hike through Minto-Brown listening and looking for the local owls. Dress for cold weather. Cost is $5 per participant, or $10 per household. Order tickets at egov.cityofsalem.net/ParksRec Phone: 503-588-6261 egov.cityofsalem.net/ParksRec
Corvallis- Build w/ the Beavs LEGO Club
Salem- Owl Prowl
April 4
Salem- BeYOUtiful Prom Dress Giveaway Hosted by USOA Teen Oregon Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 10 AM – 4 PM All high school girls welcome! Come join us on April 4th to try on prom dresses and take one home for your special night. 1130 Wallace Rd NW Oregon 97365
April 18
Salem- April Showers, Falling rocks
Hosted by Rise Up Fitness LLC Saturday, April 18, 2020 at 10 AM – 1 PM An irreverent attempt at a psuedo-Highland games. Location TBA. Proceeds will go to benefit Albany Public Library’s Materials fund. Activities: Rock Throw ,Caber Toss, Weight Over Bar Throw, Tug Of War, Flippin ‘Tire Race, Twister Tournament, “Best calves” competition, Spear throwing, Limbo contest, Mas wrestling. *Kids and Adult divisions. Everyone can walk up and play! We accept donations of materials and person-power (To record scores, run tables, play music, etc. www.riseupfitnessllc.com/
April 4
Albany- Sensory Friendly Ride
Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 10 AM – A more accepting and comfortable setting for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities and their families. We slow the carousel down to a jog and turn off the organ music. Put on your blue and join us! Willamette Valley Autism Support Group will be here connecting families with resources and support within our community. The Historic Carousel & Museum, Albany, OR 503 1st Ave. W, Albany, Oregon 97321
April 18
April 9
Corvallis-Majestic Summer Theatre Camp Auditions: Disney’s Lion King Jr.
Albany- Car Seat Inspections
clock Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 5 PM – 7 PM Hosted by Albany Fire Department. The Albany Fire Department has partnered with local volunteers to provide car seat inspections to our community, staffed by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Albany Fire Station 11, 611 Lyon Street
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Saturday, April 18, 2020 at 1 PM – 5 PM oWe are so excited to offer the fourth season of the Majestic Summer Theatre Adventure Camp from July 6th-24th, 2020, with performances July 23rd-26th, 2020. This summer we’ll be celebrating the circle of life with a production of Disney’s Lion King Jr.! Students will learn about acting, singing, dancing, and technical theater by producing this exciting show from start to finish! No experience
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required. Open to Ages 9 to 16. Majestic Theatre 115 SW 2nd St, Corvallis For more info and pricing www.majestic.org/auditions
April 19
plant seedlings, watch sheep get sheared, pet farm animals and much, much more! FREE Parking! Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem www.oragfest.com/
Albany-Rock-a-Bye Baby Show 2020
April 25
April 24
Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 10 AM – 2 PM The Oregon State Capitol will be celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Day at the Capitol on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Capitol is kicking off National Asian and Pacific Islander Month, which is May. Tower tours, weather permitting . This event is free and open to the public. This event takes place rain or shine. Parking is free around the Capitol on Saturday. Oregon State Capitol 900 Court St NE, Salem SEE OUR AD PAGE 30 www.OregonCapitol.com
Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 12 PM – 4 PM If you have a baby, are expecting a baby or planning for a baby, then this show is for you! We will have speakers, presentations, product demonstrations and great resources. Bring your baby or your bump and join us to talk about all things baby! $5 per person - or bring a donation of either: - Baby wipes for Family Tree Relief Nursery - New or very gently used baby clothes for Lifeline Baby Boutique for single mothers. Albany Senior Center 489 Water Ave NW, Albany, Oregon 97321
Salem- Fishing Derby
Salem- Asian and Pacific Islander Day at the Capitol
Friday, April 24, 2020 at 12 PM – 3 PM On this No School day, join us at the Free Family Fishing event co-hosted with the OR Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). ODFW staff, and volunteers will provide equipment, and teach new anglers how to rig their line, cast a rod, land a fish and identify their catch. We will have a few valuable Recreation Leaders on site as well! Cascades Gateway City Park Unnamed Rd, Salem, Oregon
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April 24- 26
TRIAL CLASS!
Albany- 2020 Spring Albany Home & Garden Show
Fri 3PM, Sat and Sunday 10AM-Join us on April 24th - 26th for our 2020 Spring Albany Home & Garden Show at the Linn County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. This is your opportunity to get connected with the finest home improvement businesses and contractors in the Willamette Valley. We can’t wait to help you get connected to trusted businesses who can make your home improvement dreams become a reality. FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING! Linn County Fair & Expo 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany, Oregon 97322 www.willamettevalleyhomeshows.com
April 25-26
Salem- Oregon Ag Fest 2020
Apr 25 at 8:30 AM – Apr 26 at 5 PM aA two-day event, aimed to help families better understand where their food, fiber and flora come from. Oregon Ag Fest is a unique learning experience, where hands-on exhibits make learning about Oregon’s vast agricultural industry educational and entertaining!FREE for Children 12 & under and FREE. Ride ponies,
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Keep the guest list short. How many kids do you invite? Here’s the good news: you do not need to invite your child’s entire class. Despite what seems to be the case with every birthday party, especially with the younger set, you are not obligated to invite everyone. It can add to stress having up to 22 (or more) kids in attendance possibly with their parents. Determining the number of kids to invite first lays the groundwork for the rest of your planning including the location.
PICK A DATE IDEALLY A MONTH IN ADVANCE Younger kids tend to have
entertainer, etc. it can end up being the same or even more costly than an outside venue. Set a budget for what you want to spend and where you want the party to be and if the dates you desire are available at an outside venue.
BASE EVERY DECISION ON THE THEME Now that you’ve gotten some of the bigger things out of the way, ask your child what they’d like as a theme for their party. Maybe it’s princesses or pirates or a sports theme. When you’ve decided on a theme, everything else is an easy decision including the birthday cake, decorations, and goodie bags.
THINK “EASY CLEAN-UP” Immediately
less activities going on, but once you’re in elementary school, their weekends can become jam-packed with sports, classes, competitions, and more. Be mindful if your child’s birthday falls during the summer months or around a major holiday. If you’re having a smaller number of kids, it’s a good idea to check in with the parents first to see which date works best for most and then pin it down. Giving three weeks to a month’s notice is as far out as you want to go as you don’t want people to forget but two weeks’ notice tends to be too short for families to plan.
purchase the decorations, plates, cups, games, a piñata, candies — everything that isn’t perishable. It’s highly recommended if you’re hosting a home party that you use disposable items including plastic or paper table cloths so when the kids are done eating cake, you can wrap up the remnants in the cloth and toss it for easy clean up.
CHOOSE YOUR VENUE: HOME OR NOT? Here’s an easy question to answer:
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
Are you willing to have the mess of an at-home party? An outside venue usually handles set up and clean-up which may be worth it to you. However, some people think hosting at home is cheaper (which it can be if you keep it simple) but if you’re planning on renting a bounce house or an
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Make sure to put all of your party purchases in one single place like a plastic tub or in a closet so there’s no last minute rushing around searching for birthday candles. Fill goody bags or have party favors ready too so there’s no running around the day of the party.
Don’t forget: You planned it so you deserve to enjoy it as much as your child! It helps to have at least one helper (a spouse, friend, or other family member) who can supervise a game or cut the cake while you greet the guests or prepare sandwiches. Now it’s time to savor all of your efforts and enjoy the party!
Use this list as a resource to plan a STRESS FREE birthday compliments from Looney Ballooney, WIllamette Valleys’ #1 Childrens Entertainer. uConfirm your gathering place is adequately prepared uBuy and wrap your gift for the birthday child
1-2 MONTHS uSet the date of the birthday party uDecide on the location and make reservations, if necessary uCreate guest list (determine size of the party) uSet the party theme uPlan your activities uPlan your menu uSource your party supplies
3 WEEKS uSend your invitations (include directions) uOrder cake uOrder flowers or balloon bouquets (if applicable) uPurchase the party bag items and game prizes uFinalize your menu
1 WEEK uOrder or gather together the chairs, tables, dishes, utensils, etc… uMake a final guest count. uMake phone calls if necessary at this point. uPlan for additional adult chaperones, if necessary uPlace orders for food if needed uConfirm reservations
1 DAY uGift wrap any game prizes uReview the games/activities uBegin decorating uPick up the cake uPurchase beverages/ice uPrepare party bags
It’s Party Day! uStock bathroom with plenty of paper, soap and towels. uHave paper and pen handy to record gifts and gift givers. uHave a big garbage bag handy for torn wrapping paper uSecure your pets
DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!! Find out more about Looney Ballooney and book some fun on his websiteLooneyBallooneyMagic.com
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Have your cake, and eat it, too! Enjoy a day of endless play on your birthday! Recommended for ages 3-10.
Party at Gilbert House Children's Museum! • • • •
116 Marion St NE Salem, OR 97301 (503) 371-3631
Museum & Playground Admission for Guests! Private Party Room Rental Party Add-Ons Available Accommodations for up to 45 Guests
Submit Your Party Request:
Spiderman Frozen Pirates Minions Disney Princess Happy Birthday (Generic)
BEAVERTON
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13281 SW Canyon Rd. | (503) 536-7600 | www.pietrosrestaurants.com
FREE
Tokens FREE 10Bonus
Kids Eat
$
Book a birthday party for 8 or more kids & get an additional $10 of tokens FREE!
Purchase A Large Pizza & Get 2 Free Kids Meals, Including Drink.
Limit one coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Limit one coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
EXPIRES 12/31/2020
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EXPIRES 12/31/2020
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50 Non-Candy Party Favors!
Looking for some non-candy, non-traditional party favors to stuff the bags of your little partygoers? Here’s a list of 50 inexpensive things you can find at your local big box store, dollar store or online throughAmazon, or Oriental Trading Company. Many of these can be made at the party, and then taken home as a favor. That’s a win/win in our book!
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1. Trail Mix 2. Fidget Spinners 3. Bubbles 4. Bookmarks 5. Craft project packs 6. Pencils/erasers 7. Crayons 8. Lanyards 9. Stickers 10. Yo-yos 11. Bouncy balls 12. Boxes of raisins 13. Small Play-Doh 14. Friendship Bracelets 15. Diaries 16. Tattoos 17. Dollar store hats
18. Magnets 19. Dollar store book 20. Mugs/Teacups 21. DIY magic wands 22. Aprons 23. Paint supplies 24. Tote bags 25. Silly Bandz 26. Water guns / goggles 27. Gift cards 28. T-Shirts decorated at party 29. Sidewalk chalk 30. Tulle tutus 31. Glow in the dark stars 32. Sunglasses 33. Small stuffed animals 34. Lego mini figures
35. Make your own Placemats 36. Picture frames 37. Matchbox cars 38. Sand toys 39. Small puzzles 40. Nail polish 41. Poloroid pictures 42. Coloring books 43. Glow sticks 44. Fruit snacks 45. Chapstick 46. Nail stickers 47. Personal ID cards 48. Note Pads 49. Balloons / water balloons 50. Painter’s Canvas
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ENTER TO WIN the ULTIMATE Birthday Party! 2 HOUR BIRTHDAY ROOM 1790 Safari Road Winston, OR - wildlifesafari.net
ANIMAL PRESENTATION
(Enjoy interacting with a special animal up close!)
DRIVE THRU PARK TICKETS FOR YOUR ENTIRE PARTY!
20 SPOTS FOR A
SPECIAL ANIMAL ENCOUNTER
(Get up close and personal with a big cat, giraffe or elephant!)
TRAIN RIDE FOR YOUR GUESTS (animal food substitution if inclement weather)
1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP
enter TODAY! WillametteKidsandFamily.com 29
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SUMMER ART CAMP
REGISTER TODAY! We're not messy We're Creative!
CREATE A MEMORY $50 Off Each camp with paid registrations by June 15th!
503-375-3664 www.CreateaMemory.org
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