PDX Parent October 2022

FEATURES

The Secrets of Spooktacular Portland 12

Go behind-the-scenes into your favorite fall, harvest and Halloween events and activities across the city.

By Denise Castañon and Tiffany Hill.

A Banner Season 20

A monthly guide to kid-friendly fall and winter shows from Portland’s performing arts organizations, including kindie musician concerts, ballet, teen theater, youth symphony and more.

By Erin J. Bernard.

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note 4

Play Room 6

Inspire the joy of reading by volunteering at a children’s literacy nonprofit; five Portland-area daytime trick-or-treat events for littles; witchy book picks; and Portland Parks & Recreation’s new Access Pass offering steep discounts on camps, classes and more.

Family Supper 34

There’s a tasty meal for everyone at a new food hall in Happy Valley that spotlights Asian cuisines.

By Denise Castañon.

Time Out 36

Check out a new exhibition at the Oregon Historical Society; indulge in goodies at the Portland Greek Festival; celebrate fall harvest in Hood River; cheer on kiddos during the Portland Marathon; and enjoy a weekend of retro gaming.

RESOURCES:

Fall Fun 17-18

Open House 24-27

Kids Museums 29-33

SCOTT TICE

Chills and Thrills

With cooler temperatures moving in and the leaves starting to change colors, that means two longawaited events are about to happen: Halloween and the return of family-friendly fall performances.

We know Portland is a town crazy for all things Halloween. Living in Southeast for more than 12 years, I usually see more Halloween decorations than Christmas decorations! And I love getting into the Halloween spirit, too. Setting up tombstones on our lawn, dressing up with my kids, and hitting the Hood River Fruit Loop for apples and pumpkins are some of my favorite fall activities. And in the magazine, we’re sharing behind-the-scenes magic at some of Portland’s favorite Halloween and harvest events on page 12. Find out how the creative team at Davis Graveyard crafts the creepy displays, the secret ingredient for big pumpkins at Topaz Farm’s pumpkin patch and much more! Your family might even find a new Halloween event to haunt.

And fall also means a new season of shows from our local, family-friendly performing arts companies. My two kids have already requested to see Oregon Children’s Theatre’s Dog Man the Musical, which is based on the seriously silly graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey. Writer Erin J. Bernard details month-by-month performances and also mentions dance, classical music and kindie rock shows your family won’t want to miss.

Find the fun on page 20.

And the weather change means it’s also the perfect time to look for indoor fun. And our annual Kids Museum Guide on page 29 will give you the inside scoop on the local museums that do such a stellar job educating and entertaining littles.

for the long days and short years

PDX Parent P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660

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Editor

Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com

Managing Editor

Tiffany Hill tiffany.hill@pdxparent.com

Art Director Tiffany Howard tiffany.howard@pdxparent.com

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Throwback to Halloween 2020 when my family had Greek-mythology-themed costumes. Back row: Poseidon and Medusa; front row: Zeus and Artemis.

ON OUR COVER

Each year mom and photographer Iris Hu of Light by Iris captures her 7-year-old daughter, April, and 9-year-old son, Vincent, in their Halloween costumes. In 2021, they picked costumes based on Hilda, a graphic novel and TV series about an adventurous, blue-haired girl who befriends mysterious creatures and spirits. (Vincent, not pictured, dressed as Hilda’s friend David.) Hu headed to the lovely Lewis & Clark College campus to recreate the woods around Hilda’s home of Trollberg.

“I use photos and films to tell stories in a photojournalistic and artistic style,” says Hu. “I believe in wabi-sabi, and this philosophy influences greatly on the way I create. My passion is to capture feeling rather than just taking beautiful pictures.” See more of her extraordinary family photography at lightbyiris.com and on Instagram @lightbyiris

For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com

PDX Parent is published monthly (except July) by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

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DENISE

You value health.

Claire Steen, MD Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Bojan Malmin, MD Obstetrician/Gynecologist

“The toughness of women will never cease to amaze and inspire me.”

“I want to ensure my patients feel healthy and able to lead their lives to the fullest.”

pl a y room

Bookshelf: Bewitching Books

Nothing puts you under the spell of Halloween like a spooky fun story. This month, Kim Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books, celebrate all things witchy and wonderful. Look for these titles at the Burnside, Hawthorne or Cedar Hills Powell’s locations, or order online at powells.com.

Boo Stew by Donna L Washington, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbler

In this spooky Goldilocks retelling from award-winning storyteller Washington, Curly Locks loves to cook, but can’t find anyone to try her witchy recipes. When a succession of Scares cause trouble in town, Curly Locks wonders if anyone has ever tried feeding them instead of running them off. Children 4 and up will delight in Curly Locks’ adventures, and in chanting the rhyme to send Scares away! $17.99.

A Spoonful of Frogs by Casey Lyall, illustrated by Vera Brosgol

Any book by award-winning Portland author/illustrator

Vera Brosgol is a treat. In A Spoonful of Frogs, her charming illustrations pair well with Casey Lyall’s tale of a witchy cooking show about runaway frogs escaping their fate of becoming frog soup! A fun and enchanting tale for any time of year for ages 4 and up. $17.99.

The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag

The Witch Boy is the first in a three-book graphic novel series by Molly Knox Ostertag and features 13-year-old Aster, a male shapeshifter who is fascinated by witchery. Unfortunately for Aster, only girls are expected to be witches and boys are shapeshifters in the society where he lives. A beautifully illustrated autumn tale, about witchcraft, gender non-conformity and heroism recommended for ages 8 and up. $12.99.

Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

In this magical adventure for ages 8 and up, 12-year-old Witchling Seven is supposed to be placed in a coven this year. But on the night of the Black Moon Ceremony, she’s marked instead as a covenless Spare. She and the other Spares must complete an impossible task to become full-fledged witches, but if they fail, they might just be turned into toads! $17.99.

In the Know: Activities for All

Thanks to the Parks Local Option Levy, which voters approved in November 2020, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is unveiling the Access Pass program on October 3. The Access Pass will allow City of Portland residents to receive reduced pricing of up to 90% on Portland Parks & Recreation’s programs and admissions. The hope is that removing financial barriers will help increase access to PP&R programs and community centers for all residents, especially Portlanders of color and residents of east Portland. And, yes, that discount applies to summer camps — as well as PP&R community center and pool passes, drop-in admissions, registered activities, personal training, educational preschool, and after-school programs. The pass is valid for 12 months from the date of enrollment. No proof of income is required, though PP&R’s website does give suggested income guidelines. Still, PP&R leaves it up to residents to decide if they need a 25%, 50%, 75% or 90% ongoing discount for its programs. Find out more and enroll at portland.gov/parks/discount. — Denise Castañon

Ask Dr. Baynham

Q: Since Portland doesn’t have fluoridated water, what age should kids start taking fluoride tablets? And how long should they take them?

A: For parents, candy is arguably the scariest part of Halloween this month. The sugar high and crash, endless negotiating for one more piece, and rotting teeth turning our kids into walking Jack-o’-lanterns.

Cavities, the No. 1 chronic disease in children, can be prevented by early fluoride supplementation, which is given from age 6 months to 16 years in areas without fluoride in the water supply. First, call your water company to check if there is fluoride in your water. If there isn’t, there are three options: oral tablets, toothpaste, and fluoride varnish applied two to four times per year by the dentist and/or pediatrician. Choose two of the three methods as you don’t want to overdo it. Too much fluoride causes fluorosis, a painless condition of white stripes on the teeth.

We recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste at first tooth eruption and scheduling the first dental visit when your child turns 1. Establishing with a pediatric dentist early on not only helps your child get used to visiting the dentist but also serves as home base if your child ever suffers dental trauma.

You can also mitigate cavities risk by reducing the amount of stickysweet carbs kids consume between meals — think raisins, dried fruits,

bars, Goldfish crackers, etc. — and offering only water or milk to drink. When snacking, choose one item from the fridge and one from the fruit bowl.

If you’re doing all of the above, don’t sweat a little Halloween candy. If your kids’ haul is too much to handle, consider offering the “switch witch.” Kids can choose a few favorite pieces to keep and leave the rest out for the switch witch to take and leave a toy behind. My daughter loves the switch witch — last Halloween she was so excited to find a teddy bear holding her chosen candy. Just don’t forget to brush before bed!

Pediatrician, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics and mom of two, Allison Baynham, M.D., knows what it takes to raise healthy, resilient children. Come bond, share your struggles and team with her for great care at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Tigard.

Good Deeds: Looking Smart

Literary development isn’t just about competency. It also includes motivation to read and the simple enjoyment of doing so. SMART Reading helps Oregon kids do just that. Founded in 1992, the children’s literary organization has served 252,284 children and given more than 3 million books to public school students.

Want to support SMART’s next chapter this school year? The organization is 100% privately funded and appreciates all donations. SMART is also always looking for people — including teens — to volunteer to read with children. And younger kids can help by donating new or gently used board books, soft- and hardcover picture books, early-reader books and graphic novels. Drop off books at the Children’s Book Bank at 1915 NE 7th Ave. Visit childrensbookbank.org for more information.

SMART’s work is two pronged: It partners with volunteers for virtual and in-class shared reading experiences, and provides increased access to books for kids in grades preschool to eighth grade. In the 2021-22 school year, 14,453 students (including 4,867 in the Portland metro area) received support and books from SMART.

“We plan on returning to school buildings with our traditional one-on-one, in-person model, as well as offering adapted virtual services we developed during the pandemic,” says executive director Jessica Bowersox.

This year, SMART is also celebrating its 30th anniversary, and in July, SMART officially merged with another beloved children’s literary nonprofit, The Children’s Book Bank. Now families can help kids become stronger, more engaged readers and provide them with more books! Visit smartreading.org — Tiffany Hill

GAIL PARK

SMART READING

DAYTIME TRICK - OR -TREAT SPOTS

1. Trick-or-Treat on Alberta Street in Northeast Portland on Monday, October 31 from 3-6 pm. Albertamainst.org/signature-events/trickortreat 2. Trickor-Treat on Mississippi Ave. in North Portland on Monday, October 31 from 3-6 pm. Mississippiave.org. 3. BOOverton Trick-or-Treat in Beaverton on Monday, October 31 from 1-3 pm. Downtownbeaverton.org/events. 4. Halloween at Gresham Station on Saturday, October 29 from 11 am-2 pm. There’ll be alpacas! Greshamstation. com/2022/09/07/halloween-at-gresham-station 5. Trick-orTreat at the Kennedy School on Monday, October 31 from 4:30-6:30 pm. Don’t miss the Jack-o-lantern displays, too! mcmenamins.com/events/236733-halloween-weekend — T.H.

Chalkboard: The 411 on CMV

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the No. 1 infectious cause of birth defects. For most people, CMV does not pose a health risk and its symptoms can present like the common cold. According to the National CMV Foundation, primary CMV infection will impact 1% to 4% of pregnancies. And babies born to mothers who developed CMV during pregnancy can experience lifelong hearing loss, vision impairment, learning disabilities, and decreased muscle strength and coordination. The virus is commonly transmitted through bodily fluids such as saliva, urine or tears. Pregnant people with toddlers are at especially high risk of passing CMV to their unborn child.

The good news is there are ways to prevent transmission: not sharing food, utensils, drinks or straws; never putting a pacifier in your mouth; using only your own toothbrush; avoiding contact with saliva when kissing a child; and washing your hands.

And even better, a vaccine is currently being studied. Currently, it’s being evaluated in a phase III pivotal registration study, known as CMVictory, says Allison August, M.D., vice president, clinical development, infectious diseases at Moderna. “The study is ongoing and continuing to enroll patients,” August says. “We anticipate having preliminary results from the study as early as 2023, but it’s too early to speculate on when the vaccine candidate may be approved and authorized for use.”

Sources: Allison August, M.D.; nowiknowcmv.com, National CMV Foundation

Currently women ages 16 to 40 years are enrolled in the study, but Dr. August says the age range of candidates for the vaccine will depend on the determination of the Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. “Researchers have been working for more than 50 years to investigate various CMV vaccine candidates, but the complexity of the virus has made finding a suitable vaccine candidate difficult,” says August. Find out more at nowiknowcmv.com.  — D.C.

A Place Where Young Minds and Hearts Blossom. Now Enrolling!

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1 IN 4 Americans ages 18 to 40 years old who know what cytomegalovirus (CMV) is.

1 IN 3 pregnant women who have CMV may pass it on to their babies.

17% Percentage of health care providers surveyed who reported having talked to patients about CMV.

16 TO 40 Ages of women currently being evaluated in CMV vaccine studies.

93% Percentage of health care providers who agree that anyone who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or has young children should know about the risks of CMV.

Do you want your child to develop a deeper understanding of other cultures and the broader world around us?

Learning more than one language builds a foundation of lifelong skills by enhancing cognitive, creative, and social abilities—from sharpened focus, critical thinking, and problem solving to open-mindedness, empathy, and interpersonal skills. Discover why families choose FAIS: Portland’s longestestablised immersion school.

“I saw what language did for my kids’ brains and how it helped them make connections, be open-minded, and be exposed to other cultures.”

-FAIS Middle School Parent

1st-5th grade,

Wednesday, November 16, 9 am

MIDDLE SCHOOL (6th-8th grade, multiple language tracks) Thursday, November 3, 6:30 pm

THE SECRETS OF SPOOKTACULAR

WE TALKED TO THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES THAT PUMP UP THE HALLOWEEN AND FALL FUN IN PORTLAND.

It wouldn’t be fall in the Portland area without intricate corn mazes on Sauvie Island, fields of orange (and white and yellow) pumpkins and haunted displays.

And while these quintessential events are accessible and fun for everyone in the family, a lot of time and effort goes into creating these Halloween and harvest attractions. Not to mention a passion for all things spooky. Here’s a peek behind the scenes at your favorite falltime attractions.

BY DENISE CASTAÑON AND TIFFANY HILL

SPOOKTACULAR PORTLAND

PUMPKIN PATCH: TOPAZ FARM

Did you know that pumpkins have a sweet tooth? Kat Topaz, the co-owner of Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island, waters the farm’s thousands of pumpkins with a bit of molasses twice a week. “The sugars in the molasses help the pumpkins grow nice and big, but it also helps their stems be very strong, and not break when you go to pick them up.”

Intrepid visitors might notice that Topaz’s pumpkin fields are in different spots each year; staff rotate the crops annually. This year, there are three pumpkin fields; the largest is more than 16 acres. Topaz says many of the approximately 5,000 pumpkins that visitors come across — more than a dozen varieties — were planted by hand. “The ground was so muddy we couldn’t get our tractors in the fields when it was time to plant, so we planted acres of pumpkins entirely by hand,” she says. “I feel an intimate relationship with every plant! It’s been extra satisfying to watch them grow.”

New this season: Topaz Farm is charging $20 per car to enter the farm on the weekends. “Last year, the farm got so crazy on October weekends that we wanted to find a way to prevent the farm from getting too packed, so everyone would have a really lovely time while they are here.” Pro tip: Go during the week for a less-crowded visit, and free admission.

Also new, Topaz Farm is debuting two designed corn mazes each planted in the middle of the pumpkin fields, something Topaz says she’s always wanted to do. Littles will also love the cow train — now with side-by-side seating — and the mini-digger. “(Kids can) channel their inner farmer and pick up and move dirt and gravel,” says Topaz.

Open daily until October 31. Visit topazfarm.com/fall-on-the-farm for tickets.

Pumpkin Patch Like a Pro

Yes, there are families that coordinate cute outfits for pumpkin patch family portraits. But as a Pacific Northwest family, you are more than likely to encounter a very muddy field. And we all know that there’s no sweeter siren song to a toddler than a mud puddle. Pro tip: Dress your toddler in a rain suit and rain boots and snag adorable muddy photos. You should wear rain boots, too!

Sauvie Island is beautiful and idyllic and the perfect place to go on a fall weekend. And that’s why everyone will be there on any given Saturday in October. Pro tip: Go early and leave early. There are few things worse than being stuck in traffic off the island at 5 pm with a 4-year-old who is coming down from a kettle-corn high.

Lots of pumpkin patches have corn mazes, farm animals, pumpkin doughnuts, you name it. Some include lots of extras with admission,

Kat Topaz’s top 5

pumpkin uses

1. Carving them and putting a candle inside.

2. Roasting pumpkin seeds.

3. Cutting the pumpkin meat out and freezing it, to enjoy in soups and dishes all winter.

4. Getting a bunch of different colors and sizes and decorating the front porch.

5. Using pumpkins as a vase for flowers.

some charge for the extras. Check their websites ahead of time to pick one or two things or plan on a splurge. Pro tip: Avoid a kid meltdown by managing expectations for your child ahead of time! “So, yes, we can do two fun activities and then we’re going home. Let’s find the two you’d like best!”

This whole thing is supposed to be fun right? So find a pumpkin patch you love and start a tradition. Have your child pick out the smallest or weirdest looking pumpkin every year. Or base your family’s new tradition on something you (as a parent) love: like trying a different farm’s pumpkin doughnut each year. Pro tip: Yes, you’re making memories for your kids, but you should have some fun along the way, too!

patch and corn maze fun!

SAM GEHRKE

CORN MAZE: BELLA ORGANIC FARM

Hope. That’s the theme of this year’s 7-acre corn maze at Bella Organic Farm on Sauvie Island. And something we could all use more of. The farm is known for its intricate, thoughtprovoking themes creatively crafted into a giant cornstalk labyrinth. This fall, families can wander through the word “hope,” along with “Dial 988,” the new toll-free National Suicide Prevention hotline, the Lifeline.

Sofia Kondilis-Hashem, the marketing director of Bella Organic, says members of the farm have lost friends and family members to suicide, so this year’s theme is particularly meaningful. “(We want to) spark conversation about mental health this fall, and how we can lean on each other during difficult times inside and outside of our communities.”

Farm staff spend months thinking and brainstorming each year’s theme. In fact, discussions start roughly a year ahead of each fall opening. Each preceding winter, they talk about

current events and topics and how the maze can provide a gathering place to not only have fun, but also have a positive community impact. Once the theme is decided, thousands of stalks of corn are either planted into the design shape, or meticulously cut from traditionally planted fields. This year’s maze was cut since all the springtime rain prevented an early planting. “A tractor with GPS cuts out the maze to be precise and make the design perfect every time,” says Kondilis-Hashem.

In addition to meandering through the maze — laser focused maze-goers can finish in about an hour — visitors can play games inside the maze, and there’s family-friendly trivia based on the theme of hope to raise awareness about suicide prevention and help ease its stigma.

In addition to the Hope corn maze, Bella Organic also has cow and grain train rides around the farm, a pumpkin patch and a petting zoo. Or come after hours, when things get spooky inside the Haunted Maze.

Open daily until October 31. Visit bellaorganic.com/pumpkin-patch for tickets.

BELLA

HAUNTED DISPLAY: DAVIS GRAVEYARD

Perhaps the most well-known house in Milwaukie, the ghoulishly talented owners of 8703 SE 43rd Ave. sure do love Halloween. Chris and Jeff Davis, of Davis Graveyard are back at it for the 13th year of family-friendly haunting.

Each year, the husband-and-wife team transform their yard with dozens of handmade tombstones, mummies, spooky monuments and more for the public to view from the street. They start prepping the displays in May, but brainstorm new designs a few years out. “We keep creating new things to display,” says Chris Davis. “We love making the tombstones and the monuments over the years. We are always cycling out old props for new ones, so things change every year.”

BY THE NUMBERS:

While the tombstones and mausoleums look like actual stone, Chris Davis says most of the displays are made from Styrofoam. “It’s lighter to move and handles the rain better.” They look so realistic though, that Davis says visitors often ask to buy their displays. “We say, ‘better yet, let us teach you.’” The couple started offering workshops to teach fellow scary aficionados how to make their own grave markers and creepy corpses.

Davis notes that eagle-eyed visitors will notice new tombstones with clever epitaphs this season. And don’t miss Chris Davis’ favorite piece, the chapel. “It’s a work of art not only in the design so that it can be installed year after year, but it was a labor of love for the whole crew.”

Open daily October 1-31. Visit davisgraveyard.com for more information.

MORE SPOOKY FUN

In the ’90s, a kitschy, little Disney Channel Halloween movie etched the sleepy town of St. Helens into cinema history. Every September and October the Spirit of Halloweentown brings back sets, actors and thousands of visitors who adore Halloween and the Hallowteentown movies. September 17 to October 31. Spiritofhalloweentown.com

Older kids, tweens and teens into spooky stuff (or history) will dig a guided tour of the Lone Fir Cemetery in Southeast Portland (with their grown-ups). Catch the Stories in Stone Tour on Saturday, October 1 and the Guided Historical Tour on Saturday, October 8. Both start at 10 am. $10 suggested donation. Friendsoflonefircemetery.com.

The Pumpkin Display at West Linn (pictured left) has grown from a small setup for friends and neighbors to more than 200 intricately carved pumpkins with a cool laser light display! Pro tip: The display is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly! October 15-16, 22-23 and 28-31, 5-9 pm. Pumpkindisplayatwestlinn.com.

The family-run Wenzel Farm Halloween Fantasy Trail is back after being dark for two years. Take a Halloween walk through a lighted, wooded trail decorated with spooky sights and sounds. October 1-31, 7-10pm; daylight hours: noon-5 pm. Adults $7, children $6. Cash only. Fantasytrail.com/hallowtrail.htm

Covens of witches are planning to congregate on the Willamette River for the Standup Paddleboard Witch Parade. Grab a viewing spot from John’s Landing, the South Waterfront, or the Tilikum or Hawthorne Bridges to watch the creepy/cool floating parade that hugs the west side of the river and starts at Willamette Park then heads to Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Saturday, October 29, parade starts at 11 am. Free.

Don’t miss the Oregon Zoo’s annual Howloween event! Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes while zooming around the zoo for a scavenger hunt! October 22-23 and 28-31. Free with admission. Visit oregonzoo.org/events/howloween.

DAVIS GRAVEYARD

HARVEST EVENT: WEST COAST GIANT PUMPKIN REGATTA

Think of Heidi Marx as the fairy godmother of the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. She is, after all, the coordinator of the October event that transforms humongous pumpkins into boats. She doesn’t wave a magic wand like Cinderella’s fairy godmother though — the two-day event that culminates in pumpkin boat races on Tualatin Commons Lake takes seven months to plan. And those gigantic pumpkins take five and a half  months to grow. “The pumpkins are provided by the members of the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers,” says Marx. “The PGVG is a club whose members are giant vegetable enthusiasts. They grow all types of giant vegetables including giant pumpkins. The pumpkins come from all over Oregon, Washington and even Canada.”

The pumpkins are then sawed open and hollowed out. And then event sponsors and lucky winners of a pumpkin racer lottery board the pumpkin boats and paddle away.

But the boat races are just one part of the fun at the festival that’s back after a COVID hiatus. Visitors can browse arts and crafts vendors, run in a 5K or try out pumpkin bowling and golf. “My favorite part of planning the Regatta is thinking up fun new ways to use pumpkins at the event,” says Marx. And she says the hardest part is not knowing the exact number of pumpkins available to paddle until the morning of the event!

What are Marx’s tips for families who plan on visiting the regatta this year? “All of the activities and admission is free! Make sure you explore all around the lake. There are activities and vendors throughout.”

Saturday, October 15: Pumpkins and Pints and the Terminator Weigh-Off at Stickmen’s Tualatin Beer Hall.  Sunday, October 16: Regatta Run and West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta Festival. Pumpkin races start at noon and 2 pm. Tualatinoregon.gov/ pumpkinregatta.

Come enjoY

A day at the farm!

Pumpkin patch, farm animals and play area every day!

Hayrides on the weekend or by appointment.

Come pick your favorite pumpkin right off the vine!

Open October 1–31 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (503)538-6834

4745 Raybell Rd NE, Saint Paul, Or. 97137

Heiser Farms Pumpkin Patch

Fun for the whole family!

Opening day is September 24. Open Fridays in October with limited attractions. Admission Saturdays and Sundays - $7 per person

Welcome back to having someone to talk to.

If you struggle with mental health or substance use issues, please know you’re not alone. Our providers are ready to help with counseling, substance use and recovery treatment, and more. And if you’re a CareOregon member, it’s free.

A Banner Season

BY ERIN J. BERNARD

Portland’s performing-arts organizations are serving up a season of stellar live acts, from shows staged by skilled youth performers to a rollicking kinder crooner singalong. Here’s when and where to catch the fun.

October

We live in complicated times, and if you ask kindie music collaborators Jazzy Ash and Red Yarn (aka, Ashli St. Armant and Andy Furgeson, pictured above), there’s no better way to help kids engage with the complexity than by immersing them in the arts.

“Music and performance and art is such a gentle-yet-powerful approach to learning difference, learning about yourself, learning about the world,” says St. Armant, and Furgeson agrees.

“You feel it first, then you think about it later,” he says of music in particular. “I think our hearts can accept new feelings a lot faster than our minds can accept new ideas.”

The duo will visit the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton on October 8 to showcase songs from their new album, Sing Together This eclectic collection, featuring everything from accordion and mandolin to guitar and tambourine, is a mashup of their shared and individual musical sensibilities, landing it somewhere between folk and funky, says St. Armant, who draws inspiration from folk music and the AfricanAmerican diaspora. “It’s a beautiful mix of everything we both love,” she says.

The album explores moments throughout history when Black and white music mixed and merged, explains Furgeson, from 1940s jazzy pop to 1970s Southern rock.

Touring the United States in recent years has sometimes felt fraught for St. Armant, a queer Black woman raising two teenage sons, but she knows that voices like hers are needed, and music can be a powerful tool

for pushing toward change and connecting intergenerational audiences.

“Now more than ever, it feels important to stay in the game and to share not only this music but these stories,” she says.

These songs tackle cultural and social issues in a way that invites discussion. “I hope that kids will first experience the joy of this collaboration, and then later have those important conversations with their families to unpack the bigger ideas,” says Furgeson.

The pals promise a colorful mix of thoughtprovoking tunes and belly laughs at their show, which Furgeson envisions as “a loose and lively party.”

“We want you to feel like you’re in your living room enjoying a good time with some friends,” says St. Armant. “In some ways, that’s what we’ve missed most over the last couple of years.”

Find out more at thereser.org

Also happening in October

The Oregon Symphony’s Hocus Pocus in Concert, running October 2930, sets the classic Halloween film to live orchestral music and is sure to cast a spell on little goblins. Find out more at orsymphony.org. Or introduce older kids to Shakespeare with Oregon Ballet Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, running October 8-16 (pictured left). Find out more at obt.org

November

Struggling to help your kids make ongoing sense of the pandemic? Teens, too, are grappling with its implications, says Alli Jaffe, an 18-year-old member of the Oregon Children’s Theatre’s (OCT) Young Professionals (YP) Company (pictured below), and it turns out that doing so onstage makes for some magical live theater.

“[Theater] helps me break down what’s happening in the world into manageable chunks,” Jaffe explains. “Being in shows helps me to understand myself and how I’m dealing with that theme in the world.”

During her time with the YP, Jaffe has explored everything from performing to stage managing and assistant directing. She even sat on the selection committee for this season’s YP shows, including Pestilence:Wow!, running October 28 to November 13. It’s an absurdist comedy set during the bubonic plague, and Jaffe was struck by the modernday parallels.

“It’s about how people deal with difficult events in such different ways,” she says.

Insights like these are exactly what the company aims to inspire in serious young performers, explains YP Artistic Director Dani Baldwin. Through the program, teens explore theater craft while building community and learning collaborative skills.

Baldwin agrees with Jaffe that performance art is therapeutic for kids during challenging times, especially when they’re the ones making it. “It allows teens an opportunity for self-expression and provides the ability to look at the world through the lens of another person. … You get to laugh and play and release together, and those things are so valuable in a time when it’s hard to find a reason to laugh,” says Baldwin. Find out more at octc.org

Speaking of excuses for joy, what could be more happiness-inducing than an auditorium of young musicians uniting to bring the work of a fellow budding musician to life?

Audiences can get in on the good vibes during an upcoming premiere from Metropolitan Youth Symphony’s Authentic Voice Series

(pictured opposite, top), happening November 13. In partnership with fEARnoMUSIC’s Young Composers Project, the series grants young musicians access to a high-level full orchestra to workshop, rehearse and perform original compositions, with Young Composers faculty working with students for several years before

they write for full orchestra.

Creating and playing music together facilitates the human desire for connection, says MYS Music Director Raúl Gómez-Rojas. “You become part of a closely-knit team creating something beautiful together,” says Gómez-Rojas. “Add to that the fact that as a young musician, you’re playing music created by your own peers, and you get a boost of joy and a sense of accomplishment.”

A live performance at a major local venue is quite the boon for an up-and-coming musician. “Our young musicians are keenly aware of the incredible feat that it is to bring a completely new piece of music to life,” he says. “They take ownership of the whole process, from workshop to concert. The world premieres of these pieces are always high points of our season.” Find out more at playmys.org

Also happening in November

Celebrate the beauty of Mexican traditions at Milagro Theatre’s Día de Muertos celebration, running October 14 to November 6. Find out more at milagro.org. And younger theatergoers who are fans of Dav Pilkey graphic novels can bounce along with the antics of OCT’s Dog Man: The Musical, onstage October 23 to November 20 (pictured left). Find out more at octc.org.

December

The Oregon Symphony’s roster of winter performances has something for everyone, exploring music across genres and cultures. Comfort & Joy, a merry singalong, debuts on December 7, followed by Elf in Concert on December 12 and 18, with the symphony providing musical accompaniment to this hilarious tale of an endearingly delusional Christmas elf. On December 20, enjoy a musical tribute to Mexico’s holiday traditions with A Very Merry Mariachi Christmas, with Mariachi Sol de México de Jóse Hernàndez (pictured opposite, bottom). The merriment continues with Holiday Brass on December 21, with the symphony’s brass section playing a mix of classic and popular favorites. Find out more at orsymphony.org

Also happening in December

If you’re ready for a new tradition, this might be the year to introduce your kids to the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s rendition of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, playing December 10-24. Dancing snowflakes, toy soldiers and an enigmatic nutcracker will awaken their wonder right alongside Clara, the young ballerina dancing her way through this timeless tale. Find out more at obt.org. Or sway to the beautiful songs of Hawaii at The Reser with Kalani Pea’s Hawaiian Christmas on December 2. Find out more at thereser.org

January and February

Looking to hit a meaningful musical with your teen? Check out the Oregon Children’s Theatre’s Young Professionals Company’s winter show, The Mad Ones, running February 10-26. This play explores how adolescents deal with grief and confront difficult life decisions, explains YP member Alli Jaffe. Audiences can expect “great singing, amazing acting, and a really strong message,” she says.

How do young actors prepare to tackle heavier themes, especially when characters’ life experiences don’t mirror their own? With a little research and a lot of empathizing, says Jaffe, who hopes to double-major in acting and psychology when she heads to college next year.

“Even if I haven’t experienced what the character is dealing with, I have likely had that emotion,” she says.

The theater is a wonderful medium for helping kids to explore challenging themes while learning to prioritize their own mental health, says YP Artistic Director Dani Baldwin. Adults guide young thespians by providing nuts-andbolts training, but also by building

a space where teens can explore big feelings and safely express emotional needs, no matter how heavy the subject matter playing out onstage — or in real life., “A teen’s mental health is far more important than any show,” she says. “As a theater and as a society, we need to honor what actors need to stay healthy.” Find out more at octc.org

Also happening in January and February

Old-school kindie cool hits town on January 8 when the Metropolitan Youth Symphony performs music to accompany a screening of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other celebrated stories from children’s

author and illustrator Eric Carle. (Mr. Carle, who died in 2021, gave special permission for the show!) Soundtracks by Julian Nott come to life alongside film renditions of Carle favorites, courtesy of Illuminated Films, accompanied by live narration by All Classical Portland and the International Children’s Arts Network. The imaginative multimedia show (plus an instrument petting zoo!) will thrill younger concertgoers. Find out more at playmys.org

Teens can feast on the visual delights of the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s La Sylphide, a 19th century Danish ballet written by an adoring father looking to showcase his ballerina daughter’s talent, onstage February 18-25. Find out more at obt.org

Erin J. Bernard is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Northeast Portland with her husband and two rather noisy and opinionated kids. They can often be found exploring the mountains and coastlines of the PNW in their trusty green Subaru.

Northwest

The Northwest Children’s Theater & School will spend the winter settling into its new downtown arts district performance space. The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts celebrates its grand opening January 2023, and shows will resume in the theater’s two performance spaces soon after. Find out more at nwcts.org

kids

Museums are magical places of learning and wonder. Open the door to your kids’ imaginations at these local institutions.

useums

Portland Art Museum

CURRENT & UPCOMING EXHIBITS

Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe

Introduces new generations to one of the 20th century’s most innovative Native American painters. Oscar Howe (1915-1983) committed his artistic career to the preservation, relevance, and ongoing expression of his Dakota culture.

October 29, 2022May 14, 2023

Jeffrey Gibson: They Come From Fire

An immersive installation by multimedia Native American artist Jeffrey Gibson, this dynamic work will celebrate Portland’s Indigenous history, presence and vitality through the use of suspended glass panels, text and photographs.

October 15, 2022February 26, 2023

MUSEUM INFO

ADDRESS: 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR.

WEBSITE: portlandartmuseum.org. PHONE: 503-226-2811.

HOURS: Wednesday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION: Kids 17 and under free. General admission: $25; seniors and students: $22. Visit the website for more ways to visit for free or at a reduced cost.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: Western Reciprocal and Museum Alliance Reciprocal Program with membership at the Friend level and above.

CAMPS/CLASSES: pamcut.org/colaboratory/youth-camps.

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: portlandartmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility.

Black Artists of Oregon

The first exhibition of its kind to consider the work of Black artists collectively in Oregon, from the 1920s to present. It will deepen awareness of the talented artists who have shaped and inspired artists regionally and nationally.

Opens June 10, 2023

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @portlandartmuseum | Instagram: @portlandartmuseum | Twitter: @PDXArtMuseum.

WHY KIDS IT

Colors, shapes, people, places and ideas that expand their world!

WHY PARENTS IT

Free admission for kids age 17 and under.

MUSEUM INFO

ADDRESS: 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia, WA, 98501.

WEBSITE: hocm.org.

PHONE: 360-956-0818.

HOURS: Monday-Friday: 9 am-5 pm; Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION : General admission, 18 months-64 years: $15.95; seniors 65+: $14.95; military/first responder/foster (with valid ID): $14.95. Members are free.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: hocm.org/join/northwest-association-of-youthmuseums.

CAMPS/CLASSES: hocm.org/events-programs/camps.

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: hocm.org/events-programs/sensory-friendly-events.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @handsonchildrensmuseum | Instagram: @handsonchildrensmuseum.

WHY KIDS IT

150 interactive exhibits and a half-acre of outdoor play space including a giant climbing boulder, dino dig, vintage schooner, lighthouse lookout, trike loop and children’s garden. Plus, Art Studio, MakeSpace, two-story climber and stream slide, Ballcano, water table, Emergency! gallery and Airways Maze. Seasonal themed events with special guests and activities.

WHY PARENTS IT

Washington’s award-winning museum on Olympia’s waterfront. Near downtown and the Farmers Market. Clean and beautiful facility with fresh foods in the Play Day Café. Voted Best of Western Washington, by King 5 TV, Best Family Destination by Showcase Magazine, and Best of South Sound for Children’s Party Venue and Museum.

Hands On Children’s Museum

CURRENT & UPCOMING EXHIBITS

New Wags and Whiskers Animal Hospital Exhibit!

Kids get to be the vet, use a checklist to evaluate their furry friends, conduct X-rays, and pretend to wash and fluff at the grooming station in the Wags and Whiskers Animal Hospital sponsored by Olympia Veterinary Hospital.

Boo Bash

October 21-31

Dress up and bring your little monsters, superheroes and princesses to the Hands On Children’s Museum for a spooktacular

good time. Enjoy Halloween-inspired fun and exciting activities without the fright.

Celebrate the Holidays!

December 1-31

Meet Nutcracker ballet dancers and special guests, make a handcrafted gift, design a nature wreath, tinker in the MakeSpace, and join the Noon Year's Eve Party countdown on December 31.

Columbia River Maritime Museum

MUSEUM INFO

ADDRESS: 1792 Marine Dr., Astoria, OR, 97103.

WEBSITE: crmm.org. PHONE: 503-325-2323.

HOURS: Daily: 9:30 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION: Adults: $16; seniors: $13; children 6-17: $5; children 5 and under, and active duty military: free; Recipients with EBT or WIC card: $3. 3D Movie: $5 per person.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS: Museum Members receive reciprocal admissions to a different regional attraction each month.

CAMPS/CLASSES: crmm.org/youth--family.

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: crmm.org/ accessibility.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: Columbia River Maritime Museum | Instagram: @columbiarivermaritimemuseum | Twitter: @CRMMAstoria.

Oregon Historical Society

MUSEUM INFO

WHY KIDS IT

Climb aboard a floating lighthouse, turn the ship's wheel, stand on a tugboat or Navy destroyer bridge and make a TV weather forecast.

WHY PARENTS IT

A wide variety of hands-on, interactive experiences for all ages on Astoria's waterfront. Indoor and outdoor exhibits, 3D movie theater — something for everyone!

ADDRESS: 1200 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR, 97205.

WEBSITE: ohs.org.

PHONE: 503-222-1741.

HOURS: Monday-Saturday: 10 am-5 pm; Sunday: 12 pm-5 pm

ADMISSION: General admission: $10; seniors/teachers/students: $8; youth 6-18: $5. Children 5 and under, and Multnomah County residents are free.

FREE/DISCOUNT DAYS: Free every day for members, children 5 and under, and Multnomah County residents.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @oregonhistory | Instagram: @oregonhistoricalsociety | Twitter: @orhist.

WHY KIDS IT

With three floors of permanent and rotating exhibitions, the Oregon Historical Society brings the past to life for visitors of all ages. In our cornerstone exhibition, Experience Oregon, kids can touch a real beaver pelt, be transported to the Oregon Trail by walking through a covered wagon, and compete in the Pendleton Round-Up by playing a touchscreen video game!

WHY PARENTS IT

Who lives in Oregon, where did they come from and what are some challenges and choices they have faced? Parents and young history buffs can explore these questions in History Hub, a hands-on, highly interactive exhibition designed for youth and families.

Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals

MUSEUM INFO

ADDRESS: 26385 NW Groveland Dr., Hillsboro, OR 97124.

WEBSITE: ricenorthwestmuseum.org.

HOURS: Wednesday-Thursday: 10 am-4 pm; Friday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.

ADMISSION: Members: free; adults: $12; seniors (60+) and veterans: $10; students: $8; and kids (up to 5 years): free.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIP: Portland Attraction Marketing Alliance.

WHY KIDS IT

Sparkling crystals, glowing rocks, fossilized dinosaurs — and their poop!

WHY PARENTS IT

Situated on 23 acres, there is room to eat lunch, run and explore.

FREE/DISCOUNTED DAYS: Museums for All and Blue Star Families programs provide reduced admission year-round. Washington County Library patrons can reserve a Cultural Pass to Adventure for free admission.

CAMPS/CLASSES: ricenwmuseum.simpletix.com.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @RiceNWMuseum | Twitter: @RiceNWMuseum.

MUSEUM INFO

ADDRESS: 116 Marion St. NE, Salem, OR, 97301.

WEBSITE: acgilbert.org.

PHONE: 503-371-3631.

HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm.

Gilbert House Children's Museum

ADMISSION: General admission: $10; seniors (60+) and military: $8. Members are free.

RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIP: acgilbert.org/membership.

CAMPS/CLASSES: acgilbert.org/homeschool-adventures | acgilbert.org/summer-camp.

INCLUSIVITY INFORMATION: acgilbert.org/plan-your-visit.

GET SOCIAL: Facebook: @gilberthousechildrensmuseum | Instagram: @gilbert_house.

WHY KIDS IT

It is an entire museum designed just for them to play in. And the Gizmo Trickor-Treating event that delivers candy to kids via catapult, ghost zipline, candy pipeline and more is back on October 30!

WHY PARENTS IT

Kids can learn and explore through play in 20 indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Choose-your-own-adventure Dinin

Find something for everyone at the newly opened, Asiancuisine-focused Happy Valley Food Hall.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON

“So it’s like a food court with no mall?” asked my 10-year-old daughter, Adela, when I explained to her where we were going for dinner. And Adela’s comment sums up the new Happy Valley Food Hall very well The indoor food hall in the southeastern suburb of Happy Valley is set up like a mall food court — with no mall. Six different vendors, all selling varying Asian cuisines, circle a seating area. There’s also a full bar. At the time of our visit, Wheat Bay, Bibimbap, TwoZone Chicken, Kama‘āina Express and Musashi’s were open and selling dumplings, sushi, Hawaiian plate lunches and more. The sixth stall, Kung Fu Tea, had signage up, but wasn’t open that evening.

Happy Valley Food Hall, 15640 SE Happy Valley Town Center Dr, Happy Valley. Happyvalleyfoodhall.com.

Sunday-Wednesday: 11 am-8 pm; Friday and Saturday: 11 am- 9 pm.

After checking out the menus we settled on a junior bowl ($11.99) from the Korean-focused Bibimbap for Adela and her 7-year-old brother, Cruz. You can build your own bowl by selecting white or purple rice, a choice of protein (bulgogi, tofu, teriyaki chicken, spicy pork or salmon), choice of veggies and sauce. My kids decided on teriyaki chicken and the only veggies I could convince them to order were carrots. The bowl also comes topped with a fried egg with a jiggly yoke. I tried to explain that bibimbap sometimes comes in a hot stone bowl and you are supposed to mix in the egg so it cooks from the heat of the bowl and creates a silky sauce — similar to spaghetti carbonara. They wouldn’t eat the egg. The kids picked at the bowl, eating most of the chicken. I asked how the teriyaki chicken compared to Ate-oh-Ate, one of

our favorite restaurants. They said they preferred Ate-oh-Ate. But don’t worry they didn’t go hungry.

So my husband ended up eating the egg while waiting for his sushi order from Musashi’s. While we had ordered from a person behind the counter, Musashi’s had a contactless, touch-screen ordering system. My husband had to wait longer to order his food because this stall was the busiest (and a customer in front of him had a hard time navigating the ordering system). He was borderline hangry by the time his spicy tuna roll/nigiri combo came out (8 for $14.95). He had also ordered chicken and veggie gyoza (8 for $6.95) and spring rolls (6 for $7.95) as appetizers to share, but they came out after the sushi. The kids dove on the crispy gyoza and rolls. The good news is my husband devoured the sushi and rated it as very good. Pro tip: If anyone in your party is planning on ordering sushi, make sure they place their order first!

I decided on Korean-fried TwoZone Chicken for my meal. TwoZone Chicken also has locations in the Alphabet District and on North Williams. I am a huge fan of the Korean fried chicken from Bonchon. The method of ordering for boneless chicken is a little confusing, but the server at the counter was helpful. You can order a 1 or 2, which stands for one serving or two servings. (And my 1 was large enough to have leftovers for lunch the next day.) I asked for the chicken pieces to be tossed in soy garlic and a side of spicy sauce so I could control just how spicy it got ($14.49). I wanted to try the Parmesan corn on the cob, but they were out. So I went with onion rings instead ($7.25). My chicken came out relatively quickly. I added a little of the spicy sauce and enjoyed the crisp chicken. I gave some without the spicy sauce to Cruz and he said it was hot. Pro tip: Even the soy garlic glaze has some spiciness to it! The crunchy-not-soggy onion rings were a hit all around. We had a few bumps in our visit — and also some very good food. And we all liked the casual food court vibe. We would have loved to have some more dessert options. (Dream vendor: An eastside outpost of Oyatsupan Bakers!)

Expanding

Editor Denise Castañon loves exploring Portland’s family-friendly dining scene with her husband, 10-year-old daughter and 7-yearold son.

time out Go. Play. Explore.

harvest hullabaloo

Celebrate all things fall harvest at the 40th annual Hood River Valley Harvest Festival. For three days, check out produce stands chock full of locally grown bounties, a sprawling arts and crafts marketplace, eight food cart and restaurant vendors and live music. Weekend planned! Friday-Sunday, October 7-9 at the Hood River Event Site. $10 admission; kids 12 and under free. Visit hoodriverharvestfestival.com for tickets. — Tiffany Hill

Nordic delights

Autumn is in full swing and the folks at Norida House are joining in the fall fun. Portland’s Nordic cultural center, located in the Garden Home neighborhood (just a few minutes drive from Washington Square Mall), Nordia House is hosting a harvest season storytime and craft-making afternoon. Children will hear a seasonal tale and make goodies that tie into the story. The perfect weekend activity for kids ages 3 to 10. Saturday, October 8, noon-1 pm. $5 registration. Visit nordicnorthwest.org/familystorytime to register. — T.H.

bringing the joy

Seeing a need for a little more joy in our city, local balloon artist Kameron Messmer opened an interactive, pop-up installation dubbed The Joy Store in downtown Portland. He’s transformed an empty office space into mini galleries packed with brightly colored balloons that kids (and adults) can play in. It’s a month-tomonth pop-up, but will be open through October. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, noon-5 pm, 825 SW 5th Ave. Reserve tickets at thejoystore.net. Donations accepted for admission.

— Denise Castañon

get them to the Greek (festival)

Bring your appetites and love of Greek culture to the 69th annual Portland Greek Festival. There will be plenty of baklava as well as other other Greek pastries like phyllo stuffed with custard, apricot butter cookies and orange-flavored spice cookies. Yum, yum and yum. Don’t worry, it’s not all sweets; roast lamb, gyro, souvlaki and Greek salad are just a few of the meal options. Folk dancing, a marketplace full of imports from Greece and an exhibit on the Acropolis at the HellenicAmerican Cultural Center & Museum will transport your family to the Mediterranean country. Friday, September 30, and Saturday and Sunday, October 1-2. 11 am-10 pm Friday and Saturday; noon-7 pm on Sunday. At Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 NE Glisan St. Find out more at portlandgreekfestival.com. — D.C.

THE JOY STORE

HOOD

ready, set, run!

This year, the Portland Marathon celebrates its 50th anniversary. And if you have a super speedy kiddo, have them participate in the inaugural Kids 1-Mile Fun Run. Children of all ages can participate, and will feel like they are true marathoners with a time chip, race bib, t-shirt and finisher medal. Cheer them on as they cross under the race finish line arches! Sunday, October 2 at 11:30 am, $5 registration. Waterfront Park at 1000 SW Naito Parkway. Visit portlandmarathon.com to register. — T.H.

into the Marvel-verse

Black Panther. Spider-Man. Captain Marvel. All the epic Marvel superheroes are coming to the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes exhibition at OMSI. Your family will see hundreds of artifacts including original comic book pages, interactive displays, life-size statues of your favorite superheroes, and costumes and props from Marvel films and television programs — many of which have never been on public display outside this exhibition! Opens Saturday, October 8 and runs through April 9, 2023. Reserve tickets at tickets.omsi.edu — D.C.

art in the wild

We’re lucky to have so many talented artists in our area! Give your kids a peek into how artists work at this month’s Portland Open Studios. Find lists of painters, potters, photographers and more. Then pop in to see more of their work. Saturday and Sunday, October 8-9 and 15-16, 10 am-5 pm. Find out more at portlandopenstudios.com — D.C.

learn from the past

Learn about Asian-American experiences of discrimination and resilience at the Oregon Historical Society’s new exhibit, I Am An American: Stories of Exclusion and Belonging. The exhibition includes photographs, collected objects, and narratives of six Asian-American women whose experiences reflect the different facets of Asian-American identities. Their stories correspond with a history of xenophobic policies that resulted in the discrimination and erasure of many Asian Americans. The exhibit is on view now through January 8, 2023. Oregon Historical Society, 1200 SW Park Ave. Find out more at ohs.org. — D.C.

magic at twilight

For a gentle, Waldorf Halloween experience head to Halloween Enchantment at Micha-el School. Your child will venture on a magical journey in the autumn twilight and meet several enchanting characters along the way. Dress warmly or wear your costume (but no scary ones, please). There will be food, drink, music and trinkets for the children! Friday, October 28, 5-8 pm. Micha-el School, 13515A SE Rusk Rd., Milwaukie. $10. Tickets at halloween-enchantment2022. eventbrite.com. — D.C.

PORTLAND MARATHON

time out

bee right there

Need some help showing your kid just how important correct spelling is? Enter yourselves in the PDX Spelling Bee at Mississippi Pizza. Every last Wednesday of the month, word lovers gather for a single-elimination spelling competition, prizes and bragging rights. Both kids and adults can compete! Wednesday, October 26, doors at 5:45 pm, bee from 6 pm-7:45 pm. Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave. $5; kids under 12 free. — D.C.

arcade aficionados

Calling all retro gamers! The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is for you. Launched in 2006, this fun expo features special guest speakers, free play in the large arcade featuring hundreds of consoles  — no quarters necessary — and a vendor exhibition. Game on! Friday-Sunday, October 14-16. $15 weekend pass for kids ages 3-12; $65 for adults. Oregon Convention Center. Visit retrogamingexpo.com for tickets. — T.H.

Find more family fun on our online calendar: pdxparent.com/events-calendar. Be sure to confirm the most up-to-date info with event organizers before heading out.

PDX SPELLING BEE

Cedarwood isn't just a school.

It's a place for the whole family to learn, grow, and connect with community.

Cedarwood students are curious and engaged critical thinkers and doers who care about creating a better world Children in pre kindergarten through grade 8 are nurtured by a developmentally thoughtful pedagogy, with hands on experiences both in the classroom and off campus

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon, in the historic Lair Hill Neighborhood, Cedarwood Waldorf School's curriculum weaves together the arts, academics and movement to bring learning to life

We value a progressive approach to Waldorf education, in which new ideas, practices, and styles are incorporated to support and enrich the student experience, including language programs in Spanish and Japanese, and a focus on experiential learning

From early childhood through the completion of eighth grade, our students are met with openness to possibility, given time to develop resiliency, and taught skills to turn challenges into opportunities.

Just as Rudolf Steiner envisioned Waldorf as an education for every child, we honor diversity and actively seek opportunities to learn from all cultures and traditions

www cedarwoodschool org Schedule a tour to experience the Cedarwood difference

3030 SW Second Avenue Portland, OR 97202 | (503) 245 1477