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ello 2018! Well, 2017 was an pretty great year, but I would be fibbing if I said I wasn’t ready to see all the amazingly fun things that 2018 has to offer! The beginning of the year is always so exciting. The feeling of a fresh start, a clean slate, 365 days of who knows what kind of magic! Watching our babies grow and change, to me, is the best. With the major holidays behind us- I’m looking ahead to Valentine’s Day with some great ideas on how to help our families “feel the love” and some really cute Pinterest ideas for homemade Valentine’s Day crafts. Get out the red construction paper and doilies- anyone see my glue stick? Be sure to check out the Pinterest page for some super-cute ideas for your own little Valentines this year. I’m excited to announce that it’s time again for our Cute Kiddo Cover Contest! If you missed it the last go-around, let me tell you, it was intense! So many great submissions and the amount of likes and share efforts was nothing short of Herculean. I’ve teamed up with Pam Smith Photography and we are both super eager to get this contest going. You can find out more on page 20, and then visit our facebook page to get started. I’ve also introduced a Sponsorship page for super affordable advertising on page 22. If you own or know of a small business who would benefit from the budget pricing and wide reach for advertising, please send them my way. I would love to fill that page up before the next issue to benefit my readers and local business owners! Happy 2018, neighbors. Let’s work together to make it the best year ever for our kids, our loved ones, and our gorgeous Willamette Valley.
Yvette 5
Jan/Feb 2018 PUBLISHER Yvette Tripp
ISSUE 15
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. All rights reserved
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January 12
10,000-pound, car crushing giants compete in racing, wheelie contests, and then rock the house with amazing freestyle action during the TRAXXAS Monster Truck Tour! Plus, you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close at the pre-event Autograph Pit Party! www.monstertrucktour.com
Albany- Descendants Party
5:30 pm- 7:30 pm $5 entry fee. Performances and activity stations. Face painting, chocolate food art, and the cafe will all have prices posted. Meet the characters (and take photos) too! Tickets available at the door Timber Ridge School 373 Timber Ridge St NE, Albany, Oregon 97322 www.theprincessperfection.com
January 17- February 21
Salem- Middle School Creative Writing Workshop
January 12- January 14
3:45 pm Fun and educational for middle school students of all writing levels. Writing styles, editing techniques, writing confidence, and more taught by Marilyn Johnston, an award-winning Salem writer. $50 registration fee covers six weeks. Scholarship information: Susan Powers, at 503-581-2228 Salem Art Association 600 Mission St SE, Salem, Oregon 97302 Register at www.SalemArt.org/programs/ annex/art-workshops
Salem- MidValley Home Show
11am-7pm Come meet with hundreds of exhibits showcasing the latest in home products and services. Whether youre a do it yourselfer or youre interested in remodeling or looking to build, we have local experts to assist you. FREE admission and FREE parking www.homebuildersassociation.orh
January 17
January 12
Salem- Sawasdee Thailand
Salem- January Ceili Mor- Ceili of the Valley Society
10am Explore the culture of Thailand in Downtown Salem. Join World Beat Gallery as they celebrate through a new exhibit Sawasdee Thailand World Beat Gallery 189 Liberty St NE #107 Salem
7pm-11pm No partner or experience required! All ages welcome. No partner? No problem! $10 general admission, $5 student and $30 family arrive early to learn a few Irish dance steps! VFW Hall 630 Hood St NE www.ceiliofthevalley.org
January 18-March 8
Salem- Teen Coding Camp: Creating art with Tech Tools
January 13
Middle and high school students are invited to create their own video games through an 8 week google CS First Coding Camp at Salem Public Library. Teens design and program their own video
Salem- Traxxas Monster Truck Tour 7:30pm TRAXXAS Monster Truck Tour invades the Oregon State Fair & Expo Center! See these incredible
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games. Participants are expected to attend all 8 sessions. Seating is limited to pre-register at the teen Scene Desk 503-588-6315
$125. Please email wiseminded@yahoo. com for the registration form. wiseminded@yahoo.com
January 22
January 19-20
Corvallis- Minecraft Monday at the Library
Albany- Winter Rod and Speed Show
3:30-4:30 Come play Minecraft wth other players on the xbox or iPad. Grades 205. For more information cotact Youth Services 541-766-6794. This is an ongoing event every Monday. 645 NW Monroe Ave, Corvallis
See amazing famous cars, jet cars, and Semis. Giant model car contest, NASCAR simulator, and free Hot Whells for the kids. Affordable Family Fun! Doors open Friday at 7 pm, Sat show opens at 9 am till 6 pm. Admission $8.00, kids 8 and under are FREE. Linn County Fair and Expo Center 3700 Knox Butte Rd. Albany
January 23
Salem- Two-fer Tuesday and Toddler Bounce at SuperBounce
January 20
10:00 am Toddler Bounce 12pm Open Bounce Buy one hour and get one hour bouncing for free! Enjoy 7 large inflatables in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. 3160 Blossom Dr. NE www.superbouncesalem.com
Lebanon- Daddy-Daughter Dance/ Son-Mom Prom
6:00pm-8:00pm Join the Lebanon Explosion Dance Team for a night of fun and dancing, sweets, drinks and Prizes! Professional Photos provided at an additional cost. $20 per couple and $5 for additional sons/daughters. Tickets available at the door or at Hollywood Dance Studio 853 S Main St. Lebanon. Dance will be held at Seven Oak Middle school 550 Cascade DR, Lebanon, OR
January 23
Salem- Storytime at Salem Lbrary
Preschool Storytime 10:15am-10:45am, Infant/Toddler Storytime 11am-11:30am Tiny Tots Playtime 11:30am-12pm. Family Bedtime Storytime 7pm-7:30pm 585 Liberty St SE Salem www.cityofsalem.net
January 21-February 25 Salem- Winter Yoga Series Ages 4-9 | With Chantal
2:15 pm - 3:00 pm Take an imaginative journey that stimulates the mind using games, cognitive exercises and a yoga flow. The children are given tools to help them understand healthy movement and emotions in their bodies. 495 State Street, Suite B52, Salem, Oregon 97301For prices, visit chantalbartonyoga.com
Have an event you would like to share?
It’s FREE!
January 22-March 19
Submit it via our website www.willamettekidsandfamily.com or email me at Yvette @willamettekidsandfamily.com
Salem-Winter Yoga Series for ages 10-14 | with Jenifer
4:15pm A yoga series just for ages 10-14! Come learn more about yourself with yoga that includes games, journaling, and art. Bring a friend along, or meet new ones. This is a trauma-sensitive class.
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February 1-3
of fatherhood are on the agenda as we navigate the journey of being a dad. Salem Alliance Church 555 Gaines St NE, Salem, OR For more info contact Annie at adudley@salemallliance.org
Portland-Winter Light Festival
6:00pm Thursday to 10:00pm Saturday FREE. The Winter Light Art Festival is Portland’s FREE event of light art. This years theme is “The Light of Progress.” Artists make all kinds of amazing light sculptures Parking in the OMSI parking lot 1945 SE Water Ave Portland, OR 97214
February 17&18
Portland- KidFest! & SportsFest!
10:00am Family Pass $25 for up to 5 people. Parking costs. Live stage entertainment, sports demos, inflatables, game truck, Laster Tag, Bubble soccer, Paint Ball, Stunt Jump, Star Wars and Super Heroes, Iron-Kid Chef Competition, Mad Science, Exotic Animals and more. Youth Enrichment, Camps, sports and fitness and special show discounts for families. www.ticketswest.com
February 7
Salem- Capitol Day
8am-5pm You don’t need superpowers to be the hero to a child. Bring the whole family for this SUPER event. Join us at the State Capital for photos, treats and fun. We are calling on legislators to protect Oregon’s Children in 2018 by funding state wide initiative that prioritize the safety and health of our kids. Come dressed as your favorite Superhero for the cause! Capitol Building- Salem
February 19
Salem- Legacy of Play Day
10am- 2pm Everyone is invited to enjoy a day of FREE admission to Gilbert House for interactive booths and hands on acitivities. Explore our outdoor playground and indoor exhibits! Honor A.C Gilberts spirit of tinkering, engagement and discovery by joining us! www.acgilbert.org
February 8
Stayton- DIY Craftshop-Candles
5:30pm, Ages 12 and up. FREE. Join us to create your own soy-based candles to take home. Supplies provided. Register at the library or call 503-769-3313 Stayton Public LIbrary EG Siegmund Room 515 N First Avenue in Stayton.
February 24-25
Salem- MiyakoCon 3-2018
Saturday 9am- Sunday 10pm Join us for the Salem Anime convention at the Red Lion Hotel with awesome anime and pop culture content. AMVs, screenings cosplay, makers, artists workshops, gaming and more. Tickets info @ www.miyakocon.com
February 10
Salem-Young Father’s Group
9:30am -11:30am Fathers of young children, join us one Saturday a month as we celebrate being dads together. Food, fellowship and sharing the ups and downs
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14 Non- Candy
Valentine’s Ideas
Here are some really cute ideas that you’ll LOVE! Get it... Valentine’s Day... love? :) Anyway, These can be found at your local dollar store, in the party section of a big-box store or made easily and inexpensively at home!
“I would ‘knot” be the same without you”- Friendship bracelet “You’re exSTRAW special” - heart shaped crazy straws “You make my heart glow”- glow sticks “I’m stuck on you- Let’s Stick together”- stickers “I’m wild about you”- plastic animals “Be mine, Valen-slime” - slime “Doh you want to be my valentine?” - playdoh “You amaze me!”- party favor maze games “You’re the highlight of my life” - highlighter pen “You blow me away!” - mini bubbles “You’re #1 in my book” - homemade bookmarks “Valentine, You rule!” - ruler “You color me happy” - 8 pack crayons “Valentine, you ROCK!” - hand painted rock magnet
Happy Valentine’s Day! 11
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You really don’t need to talk about “weight”. I recently started researching this topic because I had some concerns about my pre-teen. With so many pressures on our kids about their image, and the added emphasis on a girl’s appearance - I knew that it was a minefield and I was scared to death to even bring up my concerns and encourage her to make healthier choices. How do I prevent her from getting overweight yet still help her feel good about her amazing, beautiful self? I know I’m not alone in this struggle. Today, more than one third of children are overweight or obese. The more I read, the more I learned that when it comes to our kids and weight, utmost care must be practiced in our approach. Many professionals cite that there doesn’t even need to be a talk to begin with, and that we can model and encourage our children without ever having to enter that minefield and address the issue directly. Of course, the younger the child is, the easier this is to do, but even teens can be encouraged more through our actions and examples than we may be aware of.
Even the most gentle, well-meaning talks can hurt. By no means are the professionals telling us to put our heads in the sand when it comes to our kids and their nutrition/health needs. Caring for our kids encompasses every corner of their lives, and they count on us to step in, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel. A study published in the journal, “ Eating and Weight Disorders” cites that parent’s remarks about a child’s weight, no matter how carefully worded, are often predictors of unhealthy behaviors such as binge eating and could contribute to our child’s health for years
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If you are truly concerned about your child’s weight-
afterwards. So, what exactly are we supposed to do? Firstly, throw the word “diet” out of your vocabulary. Focus on health and not size. Secondly, get ready to lace up your walking shoes.
Many pediatric offices have a dietician on call, and some even have family-based programs to help parents and kids get back on track to a healthy way of living.
Lead by example and make it a family affair. One of the most difficult
In our situation, I called ahead to talk to the nurse, before taking my daughter in, so that I could relay my concerns without trying to address it directly in front of her. I found the whole staff to be a wonderful resource, and the approach was to direct the conversation toward a general tone of family health as it pertains to every person, and not to point fingers or bring attention to anyone in particular. They even talked with me about my own guilt feelings and encouraged me to follow up if we had any more concerns. We learned about a weekly family class they offer, and left with a list of other ideas for getting out and active together. Give it a try. Find the support you need, you’re not alone!
things for parents to do is to constantly and consistently fight against society, advertising, and a child’s natural tendancy to prefer sweets. That being said, kids don’t make the decisions about diet and exercise alone. That’s on us, parents. If any member of the family struggles with their weight, it’s a family affair. This was tough for me to hear, but I completely own the responsibility. Our house has successfully adopted a “no-sugar” rule. We don’t even have it in the house. The same goes for chips, cookies and convenience foods. I hear my kids pad into the kitchen and open all the cupboards, the fridge, and the pantry, and complain that there’s nothing to eat. There’s plenty to eat. I just buy things that require a little bit of prep time, and that discourages boredom eating. I find that this has made a big change in the amount of calories they consume. I’m sure you can imagine the sighs and eye rolls I get when I tell them “There are carrot sticks, cheese sticks, and fruit in the fridge.” We still enjoy an occasional treat, but it’s just that. A treat. I still need to work on increasing physical activities for entertainment, but at least our food is under control. It’s a step in the right direction, anyway.
What to say when your child comments on their own weight. If your
child brings up the topic, reassure them that they are amazing, no matter what, but that if they have concerns about their health, you are there to support them 100% and ask them how you can help. Take care to never place blame, and use this as an opportunity for the whole family to become educated and be healthy.
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E S I W T N
PARE
HAVE
YOURSELF
A HAPPY LITTLE FAMILY
2018
by Jenifer Trivelli M.S.
beverage of your choosing. To the rest of the household, happiness could mean something completely different.
What’s at the top of your 2018 wish list? Eat healthier, lose weight, exercise more, spend more time with family & friends, focus on what really matters, be more intentional with your partner and/or kids? Health, abundance, and happiness are often on our minds as we think about what we’d like to be different in our lives.
Get buy-in. Ask the others in your
home what a happy family life would look like to them. Try inviting them to share single words like peaceful, collaborative, alive, balanced, fun, connected to steer away from the temptation to blame others and focus on what is not going well. Younger kids might have an easier time drawing their ideas instead of talking about them. Make it visual. Invite the fam to contribute their ideas to a single representation about what happiness looks like for everyone. What you come up with and create will be different depending on the unique talents in your family. A collage is an accessible option for everyone - look for pictures and words that represent what happy could feel like in your family and put them together on a board.
Happiness in the family is highlighted in Facebook photos, but we don’t often talk about how to create that if it doesn’t happen naturally. Here are some tips to help your family get on board the happy train in the new year:
Define what happy means to your crew. To you, happiness might
be a quiet night in front of the fire; the sounds of children engaged happily with a non-electronic endeavor drifting through the room whilst you sip on a
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Make room for the unhappy. Disney/
solving, logical parts of the brain shut down and the protective, threat-detecting parts take over. Since the logical part of the brain processes language, it can be extremely difficult to talk rationally about how to get back on track. Coming up with a nonverbal signal you can use in your family to bring awareness that you’re offroading (and no, folks, you can’t use the one-finger signal) creates a more accessible way to get on the same team.
Pixar got it right in the movie Inside Out when the two big bonding moments of the family were uniting through sadness. Remember when Riley lost the hockey game and felt horrible, and then later when she finally shared her deep sadness over moving from her childhood home? Those were unhappy moments that her parents responded to with empathy and shared understanding. They felt happy in the end because of their connection, regardless of what circumstances created the unhappy feelings. Making room for unhappy moments builds skills kids will use the rest of their lives to make the best out of difficult times.
After you’ve collectively become aware that you are off the path to shared happiness, you can use a code word that essentially means “let’s reset; we’re all on the same team and in this together”. That word can be do-over or any other word that works for your family. Keeping the words to a minimum until the dust has settled is a powerful way to get back on track.
Plan for detours. Hold a high expec-
tation for the vision of happiness your family co-creates, while at the same time planning for the moments when it doesn’t work. Those are the opportunities to teach valuable life skills, like how to be ok making mistakes, and how to come together and help lift each other back up instead of ostracizing and isolating and judging one another. The world is hard enough. Let home be a place of nurturing care and warmth and sensitivity. Invite kids to point out when adults get off track, too, and come up with ideas for how to get back on the road again.
Keep in mind that big changes often happen slowly over time, and as the adult, it’s up to you to have the courage and steadfastness to hold the vision and expectation as it unfolds. Draw your strength from inner reserves instead of depending on the reaction of others to energize you. May all of your efforts be fruitful and bring you happiness in surprising ways in 2018.
Here’s one idea for your consideration:
Jenifer Trivelli, M.S., is a parent of two with a counseling degree and Youth Yoga Certification. She loves sharing brain-based, heart-centered tools with kids, families, couples and organizations. Drop her a line at jenifer. trivelli@gmail.com
Try a nonverbal signal and a code word. In moments of big feelings and heightened disagreement, the problem-
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SPECIFIC MEASURABLE ATTAINABLE REALISTIC TIMELY
SET GOALS THE S.M.A.R.T WAY! S is for SPECIFIC. Kids need
guidance to set goals that lead to success. Instead of something overly general, such as- “I want to be the best trumpet player in the world!” Help them specify a goal with an outcome that can be measured. Try something specific such as “I want to learn 2 new songs this month.”
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M is for MANAGEABLE Long range
goals can be difficult for kids to visualize. Try breaking the goal down into smaller mini-goals, with lots of celebrating and high fives in the middle!
A is for ATTAINABLE. Our kids
need a goal that tis just out of reach. Help them see any possible set backs and choose a goal that helps them grow and enjoy success.
R is for REALISTIC Keep in mind the time/effort required to help kids meet their goal. This requires committment from both of you. Make sure you can commit to doing whatever it takes!
T is for TIMELY. Goals need to have
an “end-game”. Setting a timeline with steps and mini-goals helps track their progress toward a specific end.
CHART IT & LEVEL UP! Kids love video games and the concept of leveling up. They look forward to solving the puzzles, fighting the “bosses” and mastering strategies that lead them to the final goal, WINNING! By keeping a visual chart of the steps required and the end-game goal, kids can visualize their steps to success and win!
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Do you have a child going to Kindergarten soon? Looking for a workshop to help you and your child feel a little more
prepared going into Kindergarten? Try a Ready! For Kindergarten Workshop. Ready! for Kindergarten provides take-home materials (toys) and tools, to empower you to help young children develop strong brain connections and kinder readiness. There are a total of 3 workshops; you can attend one or all. Here are some workshops coming up near you.
LOCATION/PHONE
SESSION 1
SESSION 2
SESSION 3
East Salem Center 3-4 yr olds 503-399-5510
March 7 5:00-7:00
April 4 5:00-7:00
April 11 5:00-7:00
East Salem Center 4-5 yr olds 503-399-5510
March 7 5:00-7:00
April 4 5:00-7:00
April 11 5:00-7:00
Hoover Elementary 503-399-3157
May 31 5:00-7:00
June 21 5:00-7:00
July 12 5:00-7:00
Grant Elementary 503-399-3151
October 25 5:30-7:30
January 31 5:30-7:30
April 25 5:30-7:30
Hayesville Elementary 503-399-3153
February 21 5:00-7:00
March 20 5:00-7:00
April 18 5:00-7:00
Yoshikai Elementary 503-399-3438
March 13 5:00-7:00
April 10 5:00-7:00
May 8 5:00-7:00
Swegle Elementary 503-399-3191
June 25 Jumpstart
June 26 Jumpstart
June 27 Jumpstart
Make parenting a pleasure! Do you want to have more
fun and less stress as a parent? Parenting is demanding. Join other parents in discovering effective parenting approaches that work for babies, preschoolers, and elementary kids. This class allows you the time and space to talk with other parents and caregivers and add to your parenting style. Join us!
Make Parenting a Pleasure 1/9/18-3/13/18 5:30pm Dinner 6:00-8:00 class Call 503 399-3604 to register.
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