Vancouver Family Magazine May 2018

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WOMEN’S HEALTH at EVERY AGE

Esther Short

The WomAn, The Legend

MOMS’ GROUPS: DOING LIFE

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contents

May ‘18

24

FEATURE ARTICLES

12

Women’s Health at Every Age Maintaining optimal health from the youthful 20s to the 70s and beyond

18

Moms’ Groups: Doing Life Together Local moms tell their stories of finding community in support groups

24

Kids Worried Sick Breaking down the anxiety epidemic facing today’s kids

18

12

IN EVERY ISSUE 6

Editor’s Notes

8

The New Domesticity Encouraging nature play

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Bit of HiStory Esther Short: The woman, the legend

30

Calendar of Events & Activities

ON THE WEB • 12 facts about moms • Local kids’ music band Ants Ants Ants captures the intersection of mature melody and childlike theme

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

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Photo: Scarlette Richards – scarlette.squarespace.com

EDITOR'S NOTES

Knowledge is Freedom On March 8, my two daughters and I honored International Women’s Day by attending a

local screening of the 2013 documentary, “Girl Rising,” which shares the story of nine girls

living in developing countries throughout the

world, and their unique struggles to obtain an education. Poverty, abuse, early marriage, slavery, cultural norms, and other obstacles threaten

to prevent these girls, and the millions of others they represent, from gaining an education that would not only enable them to provide for themselves and their families, but that would massively enhance the economy of the countries from which they hail. Girls Rising is also

the name of the organization responsible for producing the film and a

www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com

Volume 17, Issue 5 Publisher

Julie Buchan Julie@vancouverfamilymagazine.com (360) 882-7762

Editor

Nikki Klock Nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com (360) 882-7762

Graphic Designer

I-Shüan Warr Ishuan@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Ad Designer

Philip Nerat Philip@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Pat Jollota, Julianna Lawson, Christa Melnyk Hines, Dr. Kristin Seymour, Vivian Mattila Walikainen

companion book that both help to fulfill its mission to “ensure that girls around the world are educated and empowered.” The economic benefits of such empowerment are immediately apparent, but something more

profound than financial stability is revealed when girls and women are freed from the tyranny of ignorance: we truly find ourselves.

Find yourself healthy at every age on page 12, and learn about local mother support groups on page 18.

Nikki Klock, Editor nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Ad Sales

sales@vancouverfamilymagazine.com Vancouver Family Magazine is published monthly by Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC Address: PO Box 820264 Vancouver, WA 98682 Tel: 360-882-7762 Copyright 2002-2018. All rights reserved.

No portion of Vancouver Family Magazine may be reproduced without the written permission from the publisher.

Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC and staff do not recommend or endorse any service, product, or content represented in this magazine or on our website.

The sole purpose of this publication is to provide information on available services and/or products. It is the consumer’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of information given. Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC, and/or Julie Buchan and Nikki Klock and staff do not assume and disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by error or omission in this magazine or on our website. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

On the Cover: Mother and daughter Viet and Mya enjoy a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest.

Photo courtesy of Marie Pham Photography mariephamphotography.com 360-907-6732

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THE NEW DOMESTICITY

the

NEW DOMESTICITY

1

Something for Everyone

By Julianna Lawson

I used to blame it on the baby. Without fail, our

family would be frolicking about some delightful landscape—say, a pebbly ocean shore or an old-growth forest—and I would be the one to lag behind, tending to the smallest child. The wee pixie with aching legs and whining throat would fall to the back, and I would naturally fall back as well. Cheered by a drink of water and gooey handful of trail mix, the little one would gain renewed vigor and dart away to the front of the pack, chubby legs accelerating at an astounding rate. This erratic zest invariably left mother in the dust.

I say I used to blame it on the baby. The reality is becoming more clear as my children age. (Our “baby” is now 12, so the dawdling, chubby-leg phase is well behind us.) Or perhaps I just grew so accustomed to my scenic rear view over the years that I now rather prefer it. Either way, as my family bounds ahead, I often remain in linger mode. This was decidedly evident on our family’s recent trip to Whidbey Island. Our temporary home was nestled cozily along a vast shoreline, and one of the first orders of business according to the Lawson Family Code was: explore it.

It was in this exploration that our family personalities were thrown into relief. My husband, the visionary, risk-taking adventurer, had one goal, and that was basically to follow the shoreline to its utter limits, no matter the obstacle. Now, if your eyes were to travel from my husband leaping in the lead all the way down to the sixth person in line, you’d find me. I am not leaping. I am recalling the days of yore: I am lingering. Between us are four children in alternating stages of leaping and lingering, for they are, after all, our children. One child leaps from the fallen log which has obstructed our path, while another joins me in the rear to marvel over a perfectly symmetrical mollusk. One child grabs a rock, hurling it toward Canada, while another kneels to note the many colors among intertwined kelp and algae.

We are different. But we are also the same: we are born to explore, to admire, to be awed. You see, a marvelous truth about nature is

that there’s something for everyone. The delightful challenge is to find your child’s something. Dorothy Edwards Shuttlesworth in her 1952 book, “Exploring Nature with Your Child,” says, “Children are natural explorers. They have the true explorer’s interest in their immediate surroundings as well as in faraway places, and they are eager to know why things are as they are. If you are a wise parent, you will look upon these qualities in your child as a sacred fire—always to be fed, allowed to die out never.”

How can we feed this “sacred fire” in our child? Just as we would tend a campfire, so may we kindle our child’s zest and feed him that which is a part of his very life: nature. As the month of May unfolds in glorious color, hinting at warmer days to come, let’s explore ways to KINDLE the natural fire in our children.

K: Keep it Simple Children don’t require much to delight their senses. Start opening their world for them, little by little. A baby placed on a plush lawn will marvel at the textures, and the preschool child will love to find familiar shapes in the clouds.

I: Invite Questions Assure your child that questions are welcome. The inquisitive preschooler wants to know why and how and when and where.

To the best of your ability, feed that thirst with answers. When you don’t have the answer, research together.

N: Naturally Explore Follow your child’s natural interests. When she’s asking questions about birds, find library books and study birdsong. When he shows curiosity over the way a rock splits in two, see what there is to discover about igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

D: Discover the Diversity A child who is interested in “nature” doesn’t necessarily need to love flowers or quote poetry. (But please introduce me if he does.) continued on next page

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

Radiologist. Mom. Cross-country skier.

Meet Jen

Dr. Jen Ochsner exclusively focuses on breast imaging at Vancouver Clinic’s Breast Care Center. Jen encourages women to stay active and get regular mammograms.

tvc.org/meet-jen continued from previous page

Nature is so incredibly varied, that there really is something for everyone, from the stars in the sky to the worms underground.

L: Label Discoveries As you learn together, use names and labels to build your child’s vocabulary. That bird may be a red-tailed hawk. That tree’s bark and leaves will give clues about whether it’s a birch or oak.

E: Enjoy the Process Let your own delight be contagious. Look for opportunities to ask questions and point out curiosities. For, as Shuttlesworth writes, it is by building “a sympathetic acquaintance with as much wildlife as possible” that “we contribute a great deal to a child’s future happiness.”

Julianna Lawson and her husband Jamie make their home in Vancouver (although they’re pretty much convinced it should now be on Whidbey Island). Their four children, ages 12 to 20, have both leapt and lingered through childhood, whether they’re enjoying the scented pines of Central Oregon, the towering falls of the Columbia Gorge, or the teeming waters of the mighty Pacific.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

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Bit of HiStory

E

By Pat Jollota

Esther Short’s name is now synonymous with the heart of downtown Vancouver, and the park named in her honor is said to be the oldest public park in the state of Washington, and one of the oldest public parks in the West. But the land on which this gem of Vancouver now stands has a history fraught with land disputes, a family feud, and even violence.

Esther and Amos Short hailed from Tioga County, Pennsylvania and had two children when, like many 19th century families, they decided to head west in search of wealth. They relocated to Kentucky, then Illinois, and then Missouri. They didn’t find what they wanted, and so they continued west as they continued to grow their family. With their now 10 offspring they arrived in the Southwest Washington area around Christmas, 1845. The treaty officially making this area American would not be signed for another year.

The Short family may or may not have been aware that the land on which they chose to settle was under hot dispute in these early

Esther Short The WomAN, tHE Legend American days. The British-controlled Hudson’s Bay Company discouraged U.S. settlement of the territory and was adamant that the Columbia River constituted the border between British and American interests. The company had already ousted all American interlopers except for Henry Williamson, a young man who had claimed the land west of the fort. His claim ran from the place where Main Street would meet the river, up Main Street to Fourth Plain, then west to near where the railroad tracks now lie.

From there, his plot ran south back to the river, near where the railroad bridge now stands. Williamson had even planned a small town, four blocks by four blocks that he named “Vancouver City.”

Williamson went to California and left the land under the care of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The American Short family was not welcome.

The Company tried to expel the Shorts, first by moving Esther and the children over to the south side of the river (present day Portland), then by burning the cabin, then by setting Esther and the children adrift on the river. The indomitable Shorts kept returning.

Exacerbated, the Hudson’s Bay Company sent Dr. David Gardner and a Hawaiian worker to try to talk Amos into leaving. An altercation ensued, and both Gardner and the Hawaiian worker were shot and killed. Amos was put on trial, pleading self-defense.

He was found not guilty, and subsequent to his criminal trial, judges declared the Short family the legal owners of the land.

Photo courtesy of Pat Jollota

With some semblance of stability now theirs, the Short family underwent various business endeavors, including supplying the Army with oxen and wagons, and the dealing and shipment of local produce to California. For the first time, the wealth the family had been seeking for decades was within grasp. Soon, though, tragedy struck. Amos, while returning from California in January, 1862, was lost in the Columbia River. His ship, the Vandalia, hit the bar at the mouth of the Columbia, and all aboard were lost.

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At the U.S. Courthouse in Oregon City, Esther declared that she was Amos’s heir. To her dismay, she found that he had never filed his claim for the land they’d been living on and had fought so hard to keep in Vancouver. The decision of the Probate Court granting the land to the Short family had no standing. Henry Williamson’s claim was still in effect. continued on next page

Photograph of Esther Short, most likely taken around 1860, just a couple of years before her death.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

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Esther filed an affidavit of settlement and Donation Land claim, and returned home. She took charge of the family businesses; she ran a restaurant at first, then a company asked to land a ferry on the eastern border of her land. She agreed and then built a hotel next to the ferry that she called Pacific House. Some of the Land Claim property was sold and the family was now, indeed, wealthy.

When she died in June, 1862, she left a will that formed the shape of today’s Vancouver. She left the waterfront portion of her claim to the city to be a public wharf that was the beginning of the Port of Vancouver. She left a section to be a public plaza forever. That is what we now call Esther Short Park. She disinherited nine of her ten children, leaving all to her daughter Hannah, who was wheelchair bound. The other children sued to invalidate the will, and tried to sell off the wharf and the park.

Lodge paid the Bishop of Nisqually $30 to clear title. Esther was buried first in the military cemetery, and then later moved to City Cemetery. When she was reinterred, the local paper wrote, “At last Esther Short has a piece of property that no one else wants!”

Pat Jollota retired from the Los Angeles Police Department and came to Vancouver to find a new career in historic preservation. She was curator of education at the Clark County Historical Museum for 22 years, while almost concurrently serving for 20 years on the Vancouver City Council.

Photo courtesy of Pat Jollota

The mayor called for a refusal to buy. All in all, the parties involved were in court off and on, for over 50 years. The final clear title to property in that area was granted in the 1920s when the Elk’s

Esther Short Park circa 1910.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

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Feature: Women’s Well-being: Healthy at Every Age

WOM E N ’S WE L L - B E I N G : ~ h e al t h y a t eve r y ag e ~

By Dr. Kristin Seymour

W

omen who are mindful

about caring for themselves feel better, age better, and prevent future health problems. We are fortunate to live in a country and an era where we have strong screening tools to prevent illnesses that in the past were significant problems.

While everyone’s bodies are unique, and you should always talk to your doctor about what’s right for you, medical professionals agree on many essential things women can do to protect their health. Here are steps you can take during every decade of life.

~20s~

Your 20s are the time to establish healthy habits: Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and see a doctor for yearly

wellness checks. They’re also the final years to create strong bones. Women build bone strength only until age 30, so it’s important to load up on calcium-rich foods like broccoli and yogurt. Physical activity strengthens your skeleton, reduces the risk of breast cancer, improves heart health over time, and helps ensure a healthy weight, so make it part of your weekly routine.

Women should start receiving Pap smears at age 21, and every three years thereafter if results are normal. Pap smears check for cervical cancer and are recommended even for women who had the HPV vaccine.

(While it’s best to get the HPV vaccine as a tween, you can receive it up until age 25.) Women under 25 years old, as well as older women with risk factors such

as new or multiple partners, should be screened for STDs, including chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

The 20s are also a time to think about family planning. If you don’t plan to become pregnant, you may want consider long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants. These are the most effective forms of birth control that don’t require a daily pill. If you’re considering a pregnancy, schedule a meeting with you doctor or midwife first so your provider can check for pre-existing conditions, review your medications, and ensure you’re getting the folic acid necessary to prevent birth defects.

In terms of breast health, I recommend women this age practice breast awareness.

Notice if something seems different and get it checked out. Breast tissue is frequently dense, and most women don’t know what to look for, so breast self-exams don’t tend to be an effective tool for detecting cancer.

I also recommend that you know your family history. Diabetes and high blood pressure are strongly hereditary and can start to appear in the 20s. Genetic testing can identify an increased risk for colon cancer or breast cancer. Having a firstdegree relative with a disease could mean that you should get screened earlier. continued on page 14

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

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Feature: Women’s Well-being: Healthy at Every Age (cont’d) continued from page 12

In addition to receiving regular vision and dental care, women this age should be screened for depression and alcohol and substance abuse disorders. Skin exams are recommended for individuals who have a personal or family history of skin cancer. It’s important to wear sunscreen every day, be aware of your skin, and alert your doctor to changes.

~30s~

Cervical cancer screening recommendations change once women hit age 30: At this age, you should get a Pap smear with HPV co-testing every five years, if results are normal. Most other health recommendations are the same: • Ask your doctor for a pre-conception consultation before trying for a pregnancy, or talk to your provider about birth control options.

• Be aware of your family history and see your doctor at least once a year to check your overall health, weight, and blood pressure. The threshold for a hypertension diagnosis changed in 2017. If you have a reading of 130/80, your provider will likely want to discuss lifestyle changes.

• Get yearly STD screenings if you have new or multiple sex partners.

• Get regular vision and dental care, wear sunscreen, and talk to your

doctor if you suffer from depression or have trouble with alcohol or drugs.

• Enjoy some physical activity with your kids by playing tag at the park, going on a walk, hitting the zoo, or dancing together indoors. Even if you don’t have much time to work out during the week, studies show that a “weekend warrior” approach where you fit in a big amount of activity on Saturdays and Sundays can be very beneficial to your health.

Your 30s can also be a time to address the impact of childbirth. Many women who have given birth vaginally are embarrassed that they now suffer from incontinence.

Leaking can get in the way of activities and be nerve wracking. Pelvic floor therapy and minimally invasive surgical treatments are highly effective and can help solve stress incontinence. Don’t be shy about bringing these issues up with your provider.

~40s~

The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual mammograms, and that women age 45 and older should definitely get screened every year. Talk to your doctor about the right time for you to start screenings.

For women who have no family history of heart disease or diabetes, age 40 is the time to get a cholesterol check and diabetes screen. During these straight-

forward tests you fast for a period of time before your blood is drawn. The results can help your doctor determine your risk of a serious problem so you can take action early. Those who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy should get screened for diabetes vigilantly, as they’re at a greater risk for developing the disease later in life.

Perimenopause, the time before your body transitions to menopause, can begin as early as the mid-30s, but usually starts between age 45 and 47.

Menstrual irregularity, hormonal swings, and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness can cause discomfort. Hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, so I rarely suggest it. Antidepressants can be a good option for reducing hot flashes. Topical estrogen is safe for women who do not have a history of breast or cervical cancer.

Women in their 40s should continue to eat well, exercise, wear sunscreen, and see their doctor yearly in order to maintain optimal health. Vision, dental, and mental health care continue to be important.

~50s~

The average age of menopause for U.S. women is 51 years old. The best indicator of when it will happen for you is the age your own mother went through menopause.

Women experiencing menopausal symptoms have the same general treatment options as women going through perimenopause—antidepressants to control hot flashes, and topical estrogen to help with vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.

Fifty is also the magic age for colonoscopy screenings. If a first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer at a young age, then you’ll probably need to get your first colonoscopy earlier. Otherwise, you can wait until 50. While other tests can check for blood in the stool or DNA continued on page 16

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Feature: Women’s Well-being: Healthy at Every Age (cont’d) continued from page 14

from cancer, a colonoscopy is the only test that can not only detect cancer, but prevent it through polyp removal. If your colonoscopy results are normal, you won’t need another one for 10 years.

Women with a history of smoking should get a lung cancer screen at age 55.

Generally, if you’ve smoked a package a day for 30 years, are still smoking tobacco, or quit 15 years ago or fewer, a low-dose CT scan is recommended.

As with every other decade, be sure to stay active, wear sunscreen, eat your fruits and veggies, get your teeth cleaned regularly, and take care of your eyes. See your doctor for any mental health concerns and get yearly wellness checks that include blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screens.

~60s~

Once you turn 65, it’s time for a bone density screening. This test assesses the strength of your bones, comparing you with other people your age. In your 60s, it’s important to consume plenty of milk, yogurt, beans, and dark leafy greens to help maintain current calcium levels and prevent fractures. Vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium you eat and is particularly important here in the Northwest, since our cloudy weather means we don’t get much of it from the sun. I recommend 1,000 to 2,000 units of Vitamin D daily. Providers also start performing memory screens at age 65.

Some memory changes are typical with age, while others can indicate a bigger issue that requires more testing and assessment.

to maintain that momentum by focusing on eating well, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking good care of your teeth and eyes.

Your 60s are a good time to reflect on the future and develop an advance care plan—what you would and would not want if your health changes in the next 10 to 20 years. What are your health goals? What kind of care is acceptable should you develop medical problems? Writing down your wishes, and talking to the person who will make decisions with you or on your behalf, can help ensure you receive the type of treatment you want.

~70s & Beyond~

Mammograms end at age 74, and colon cancer screenings end at age 75, if results are normal. At this age, doctors start paying closer attention to your mobility.

The “time to get up and go” test checks how easily and quickly you can get out of a chair without using your arms, walk around, and sit back down. People who have a hard time doing this have a higher fall risk. If someone is showing signs that their balance and strength are declining, then it’s time to discuss physical therapy.

Because falls can cause broken bones and brain injuries, aggravate pre-existing conditions, lead to surgeries, and increase exposure to hospital-acquired infections, preventing them is critically important. In addition to maintaining physical strength, it’s important to remove tripping hazards

Women who have had normal Pap smears can stop receiving them at age 65. Mammograms, colonoscopies, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol and diabetes screenings should continue.

Most women in their 60s are still robust, vibrant, and doing well, so it’s important

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

around the home, add grip mats and handles where necessary, and choose shoes wisely.

The 70s are also a time to be aware of hearing loss. Tell your doctor if it feels like you are missing out on conversations. Your provider can refer you to an audiologist for a hearing screening. Maximizing your hearing helps you stay engaged and reduce the risk of low mood and anxiety.

Hearing aids are better than ever, and an audiology doctor can help fine tune them to work well for you.

Many women in their 70s have plenty of energy and are able to volunteer for local schools and organizations or help take care of grandchildren. Supporting the next generation and contributing to the community tend to make older adults happier and healthier, so don’t be shy about getting involved.

Talk to Your Doctor

Making preventative health a priority can help you enjoy a long and healthy life. If you have questions about which screenings are right for you, or which lifestyle changes you may want to consider, talk your provider.

Dr. Kristin Seymour serves patients 18 years and older at Vancouver Clinic. She believes in the power of preventative care and patient education. One of her greatest joys as a physician is getting to know patients well over time.

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17

Feature: Moms’ Groups: Doing Life Together

MOMS’ GROUPS: DOING LIFE

together

By Vivian Mattila Walikainen

“We believe in the simple but revolutionary idea that remarkable things happen when moms come together,” informs the website for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), an international moms’ group with local chapters found all over the world. Indeed, many local mothers (both novice and experienced) find places of meaningful connections with other moms through local support groups.

Julie Lucas from one of Vancouver’s MOPS chapters, East Vancouver MOPS, says they meet every other week and “have monthly play dates and occasional Mom’s Nights Out. During the summer, we meet up twice a month for play dates, but have no regular meetings.” She further explains, “We currently have about 50 moms in our group. We provide childcare during our meetings, so the moms can get a little break and really have time to connect.”

Who exactly would fit in with a MOPS group?

“Our group is specifically for moms who have at least one child who is kindergarten age or younger,” Lucas explains. “We have moms who have college-aged children, but they also still have a little one at home.

Some of our other moms are expecting their first child. Besides being a group

specifically for moms of young kids, moms of all backgrounds are welcome!”

MOPS meetings begin with brunch and a time to connect with other moms. “Most meetings also include practical and encouraging teaching through speakers and videos,” Lucas says. These speakers address issues such as setting (and keeping!) limits, online security, and family holiday traditions. Lucas continues, “Crafts and other activities are often incorporated as well, but most importantly, we get to have honest conversations with other moms who understand the joys and frustrations of raising young kids.” True to the goal of all of the moms’ groups featured in this article, Lucas says the group “really focuses on being a place moms can come to build friendships and get a break from the daily grind of caring for little ones.”

There are many groups listed online, and for some moms, it takes a little time to find a good fit. Carol Arroyo is part of MOMS Club Vancouver-South. She says, “Every week we have a Casual Tuesday play-date for moms to socialize and allow their kids to play together—these meetings happen

in several different public places.” Other group events include cooking clubs, arts and crafts, and, like MOPS, a Mom’s Night Out each month.

Arroyo continues, “We are specifically a club established for stay-at-home or part-time working moms, but this can also include grandmothers, empty nesters, and moms with school-aged children too!”

Providing support for moms “and allowing a community of like-minded women from all walks of life to have community and friendship in Vancouver,” is a primary focus of the group, Arroyo emphasizes.

She further explains, “Besides our inperson events, we also have a very active private Facebook group for our members to establish friendships and daily discuss the many facets, struggles, and successes of parenthood we experience.”

In addition to being a great place to connect, MOMS Club members are community service minded. Arroyo says they have organized community service projects to benefit moms and children in the region. “In the past we have given Thanksgiving food baskets to families in continued on page 20

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

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Feature: Moms’ Groups: Doing Life Together (cont’d) continued from page 18

need, held clothing/book drives, raised funds for MOMS Club members who have been affected by natural disasters, and have found many other great ways of contributing to families in our area.”

“Pamela,” a local mother who chooses to remain anonymous, is part of an online mommies group, which has become a great way for her to connect with others. She says it is a good tool, but not a replacement for face-to-face connections, which also happen sporadically with members in her group. What she really loves about the online group is the convenience of having access to many other “experts” when she needs instant advice on a variety of topics.

“You forget,” she says. “Even though I have other children, when the baby is fussy, sometimes it takes a reminder from another mom that teething or a growthspurt may be the culprit.”

Pamela also appreciates being able to talk about messy subjects such as post-partum hygiene and potty training frustrations.

Having a panel of encouraging friends who have decades of collective experience is invaluable during times of exasperation as a mom. Spiritual needs, such as prayer requests are also posted in the private online group. Pamela appreciates knowing her requests are taken seriously and that they are confidential.

Another online group, Meetup, has dates and destinations for times to connect with other moms. Swim dates and library meetings are among the current listings.

As stated on their website, “The world of momhood is complex. It is important that we have friends that understand and support us.” This forum is a simple way for moms to drop in for casual meetings, or to stay longer to build lasting relationships.

Roberta Bernhardt explains the unique group she is a part of. “[Amazing Moms] is a faith-based support group here in Vancouver started by moms who are raising kids with special needs. We have continued on page 22

20

CLARKCOUNTYMOMS’GROUPS Amazing Moms www.amazing-moms.org No dues Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Baby and Me groups www.legacyhealth.org Meet Up Clark County Moms Check online for the next posted meeting - and meet with a group of moms in your area www.meetup.com/Clarkcountymoms M.O.M.S A support group for mothers of young children. Group meets each Wednesday from 9:30-11:30 am at New Heights Church, 7913 NE 58th Ave., Vancouver.

On-site childcare is provided and a small donation is requested for childcare ($2 per child with $4 max per family) For more information, contact Angela 360-213-7653 or Chenoa 541-3902054 MOPS International www.mops.org Yearly dues + about $6/meeting East Vancouver MOPS www.mops.org/groups/east-vancouvermops Meetings: 2nd, 4th, & 5th Tuesdays at 9:30-11:30 am 360-892-7100 Vancouver Church MOPS www.vchurch.org/MOPS Vancouver Church, 3300 NE 78th St, Vancouver Meetings: 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 9:30-11:30 am Ridgefield MOPS www.mops.org/groups/ridgefieldmops 1410 S Hillhurst Rd, Ridgefield Meetings: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 9:30-11:30 am

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

MOMS Club of Vancouver www.momsclubvancouvernw.weebly. com Chapters: Vancouver-South, Vancouver NW and Camas $30 yearly, includes monthly newsletter Mothers Share PeaceHealth A support group for new moms and their babies 0-6 months.

Covers a broad range of topics – postpartum depression, breastfeeding and celebrations Mondays, 10-11:30 am at PeaceHealth SW Medical Center-Family Birth Center conference room.

For more information call 360-514BABY Support Group for Moms Experiencing Domestic Violence YWCA Clark County offers weekly support groups for mothers experiencing domestic violence.

Groups are offered in English and Spanish and are focused on education, information and referral, domestic violence issues, legal issues and much more. Support groups are available to community members at no charge and childcare is available. All groups meet at YWCA’s community building at 3609 Main St., Vancouver. To protect group participants, meeting times are not posted. Please call our main line at 360-696-0167 for details.

Special Celebrations A group dedicated to supporting and celebrating all families who experience special needs. www.facebook.com/groups/ specialcelebrations/

Feature: Moms’ Groups: Doing Life Together (cont’d) continued from page 20

been meeting for 15 years, with over 100 families. We exist to ‘Encourage, Educate, and Empower’ moms. We are having a lot of fun doing life together.” She continues, “We also help moms learn all about other local support groups, clubs, and DD [Developmental Disability] agencies.”

Gatherings include meeting once a week during the school year without the kiddos. “That is two hours a week set aside just for mom,” Bernhardt says.

These meetings could include a guest speaker, a potluck meal, a service project, or a discussion question. In the summer months, this group meets “twice a month at a local fully accessible park. Moms bring their kiddos, giving them an opportunity to make friends and work on some social skills while moms still get a chance to get together,” says Bernhardt.

All Amazing Moms are “welcome to come and visit the group and see if it’s for them,”

says Bernhardt. “If it’s not what they are looking for, I can share info with them on other local groups.” She also shares that the support and networking that happens naturally in the group is priceless. “Not only do we share hugs, prayers and lots of tissues, the support does not stop when

the meeting ends. Many of these mothers have become friends and a natural support system for other moms. Our business cards actually say ‘You’re Not Alone!’”

All of these support groups create a lifeline that can mean everything during times of parenting challenges or the simple routine of day to day life. During such times, moms need a place of confident connection— meaningful life bonds such as the ones shared by all of the women featured in this article. In closing, Bernhardt shares a familiar sentiment, “Over the years, the group has done a lot of life together.”

Vivian Mattila Walikainen and her husband are parents to six children and grandparents to seven sweet little cherubs. Vivian writes and paints, enjoying the merry-go-round of life. She recently obtained her master’s degree in management and leadership and holds a bachelor’s degree in human development—all milestones she achieved later in life. She stays involved in the community with substitute teaching and various volunteer activities.

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23

Feature: Kids Worried Sick

Kids Worried Sick Breaking Down the Anxiety Epidemic Facing Today’s Kids Like many active 10-year-olds,

Ava* is involved in competitive cheerleading, enjoys playing the flute in her school’s band and loves spending time with her group of a few close-knit friends. But daily life is a struggle for this fifth grader, who is haunted by debilitating worries about her personal safety, her health and being alone.

“She’s always had issues with being alone in the house,” her mom says. “If I’m doing laundry, she’s in the laundry room with me.

She still sleeps in our bed at night. I make her go to bed in her bed every night, and I sit in her room until she falls asleep. But, by about 1 a.m., she comes and gets in our bed.”

Ever since Ava broke her arm last year during a cheer practice, her anxiety has steadily worsened.

“She thinks she’s having heart attacks, and she’ll go to the school nurse saying she can’t breathe and her face is numb,” her mom says. “Before that, she’d never been to the school nurse in the six years she’s been in elementary school.”

Ava isn’t alone. Mental health experts say that anxiety is now the number one most common mental health challenge among children. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 31 percent of adolescents, ages 13 to 18, suffer from an anxiety disorder of some kind, with girls at a slightly higher risk.

What is Anxiety?

From your heart slamming against your rib cage before standing up to speak in front of an audience to sweaty palms during a job interview, we’ve all experienced anxiety.

“Anxiety has an evolutionary purpose.

It helps us detect and avoid potentially dangerous situations,” says Chris Farentinos, vice president for Unity Center for Behavioral Health, which provides 24-hour mental and behavioral health emergency services for adults and adolescents in the greater Portland area.

“However, highly anxious people have an overactive fight-or-flight response that perceives threats where there often are none.”

Anxiety becomes a problem when it affects quality of life and interferes with the activities you normally enjoy.

Some symptoms of anxiety disorder include panic attacks, sleep problems, heart palpitations, chest pain, muscle tension, unexplained uneasiness, poor memory, poor concentration, and cold, sweaty, numb or tingling hands or feet.

Left untreated, anxiety can cause kids to miss out on important social experiences and lead to poor performance in school, substance abuse, physical illnesses, depression, self-harm, and suicide.

*Name has been changed

24

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

by Christa Melnyk Hines

Causes of Anxiety

Anxiety can be a product of genetic wiring or a result of a specific stressful or traumatic event. The condition can also be triggered by a combination of factors, ranging from marital and economic distress in the family to overwhelming school pressures, social media and intense news stories.

While a younger child may worry about separation from his parents or concerns about family safety, adolescent anxiety is often rooted in increased academic pressures and challenging peer relationships. continued on page 26

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25

Feature: Kids Worried Sick (cont’d) continued from page 24

“They have friendships that keep shifting and groups form and dissolve at a fast pace. This unstable social network challenges one’s sense of self-worth and belonging,” Farentinos says.

Teens are also more likely to experience panic disorders and as a result, school attendance can become irregular.

“In general, the impact that anxiety has on a teenager’s well-being could be considered greater than the impact that anxiety has on a younger child,” says Emily Sadik, DO, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Columbia River Mental Health Services in Vancouver.

Some experts worry that “helicopter” style parenting can exacerbate anxiety.

Although it’s every parent’s job to guide his or her child toward making positive, healthy choices, we can’t protect her from all of life’s hiccups—and it isn’t a good idea to try. So-called “helicopter parents” go to great lengths to protect their children from failure or struggles, resulting in emotionally-fragile young adults who lack the confidence to independently solve their own problems.

“When a parent or caregiver shelters teenagers from all uncomfortable experiences, important decisions and problem solving, this can impair a teenager’s developmental progression towards adulthood,” Dr. Sadik says.

Without developing a sense of resilience, trying to manage life’s inevitable ups and downs becomes exceptionally stressful.

Parenting Anxious Kids

Although you should maintain the same expectations for your anxious child as you would another child, it’s OK to adjust those expectations during stressful moments.

Plan ahead for transitions to ease anxiety and praise small accomplishments, like when your child tries something new.

During moments of anxiety, listen with empathy to help your child feel better.

“The gut reaction of a parent is to tell their anxious child not to worry, but if you have ever been anxious about something yourself, you know that this often does not help,” Dr. Sadik says.

Instead, acknowledge how your child is feeling. For example: “Wow, you look really worried right now.

Tell me more about what you are worried about it.”

“It is not second nature for parents to use empathetic listening, but with a little practice it gets easier,” Dr. Sadik says.

“You would be surprised at how insightful children can be when they are prompted.”

You can also help your child reframe how she thinks about a situation by

encouraging her to maintain optimism to avoid getting dragged down into a cycle of negative thinking.

“Teaching kids to keep a balanced perspective about how situations at school and with friends are temporary and not permanent will help your child develop the skills needed to cope with change,” Farentinos says.

Adequate sleep, exercise, mindfulness techniques, parental support and healthy relationships, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy and, in some cases, medications can help kids manage their anxieties.

Since parenting a child with anxiety can be stressful, surround yourself with a strong support network for when you need a break or a compassionate shoulder to lean on.

Rising Social Anxiety

Our hyperconnected children can’t imagine life without technology. Studies are beginning to suggest that too much screen time could correlate to increasing rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness.

For her book “iGen” (Atria Books; 2nd Print edition 2017), psychologist Dr. Jean Twenge studied trends among children born between 1995 to about 2012. Through her research, she discovered disturbing patterns indicating that as smartphones continued on page 28

Stress-Relief Ideas for Anxious Kids: Journal Listen to music Reframe negative thoughts with positive Paint, draw or collage Pet an animal Blow bubbles Bike ride Rest Watch a funny video Breathe deeply Volunteer for a favorite cause

26

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

Stress-Relief Ideas for Parents Take a power nap

Squeeze a stress ball Listen to soothing music Walk with a friend Blow bubbles with your child Listen to a calming meditation app with your child Collage Garden

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Feature: Kids Worried Sick (cont’d) continued from page 26

became more commonplace among teens, depression and unhappiness also began to rise.

“They are on the forefront of the worst mental health crisis in decades,” Twenge writes.

Kids today spend about an hour less per day with their friends than teens did in decades past, preferring online interactions. But the more time spent online, the less happy they seem to feel.

“Eighth graders who spend 10 or more hours a week on social media sites are 56 percent more likely to be unhappy than those who spend less time,” Twenge writes. “There’s not a single exception: all screen activities are linked to less happiness and all non-screen activities are linked to more happiness.”

Why? Biologically, we are designed to spend time with friends face-to-face.

When we socialize with friends, our brains release a host of neurochemicals and hormones that reward us with an overall sense of wellbeing, helping us to better manage stress and even buffer us from illness. The brain doesn’t respond in the same way to computer-mediated communication.

Over-reliance on screen interactions can interfere with a teen’s ability to develop crucial social skills that help him pick up on emotional cues, manage conflict or build confidence in social situations.

Social media can also give kids the impression that everyone else’s world is hunky-dory and that they’re alone in their struggles. And with unhindered 24-7 social media access and multiple messaging platforms, there’s no break from the rest of the world for quiet reflection or relaxing time alone.

“If a child or adolescent is feeling bored, anxious or sad and they immediately turn to their smartphone every time they experience a negative emotion, they will

28

have more difficulty strengthening internal techniques to regulate their emotions,” Dr. Sidek says.

Foster Resilience to Challenge Anxiety

We’d all prefer to avoid situations that make us uncomfortable. The trouble is if we don’t participate in activities because we’re scared of failing or because they make us nervous, we can’t grow more selfconfident and resilient.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), when we avoid stressful situations, we reinforce anxiety and end up feeling more demoralized.

“I try to gently encourage parents that I work with to allow their teenagers to experience some anxiety-provoking situations because this is how the brain learns to cope with anxiety,” Dr. Sadik says.

Knowing how far to push a child can be tricky and depends on the intensity his anxiety. Take baby steps to increase your child’s self-confidence in areas of her life where she is feeling anxious. Also, tap into the activities that your kiddo is already passionate about. Self-confidence in one area like sports, dance, music or art can increase self-confidence in other areas of a youngster’s life.

Seek experiences that gently push your child to try new things in a supportive, collaborative atmosphere. Acknowledge and praise those moments when she accomplishes something despite the initial uneasiness and discomfort it caused, whether that’s pushing through a mile at cross country, going to her first sleepaway camp with a friend, or trying out for a part in the school play.

Day-to-day, look for opportunities where your child can advocate for herself. For example, instead of emailing your child’s teacher about a grade that your child felt was unfair, encourage her to talk to her teacher about it. If she’s struggling

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

in a particular subject, suggest she ask her teacher for extra help. If your child complains about a playground disagreement with a classmate, listen to the problem and if he wants advice, offer ideas for how he might manage the situation.

Most of all, encourage your kids to focus on developing positive relationships with others to help them manage during times of adversity and stress.

“Parents who value achievement over kindness and healthy connections with others are sending the wrong message,” Farentinos says. “The ability to express kindness and maintain connections with others are the fuel for developing resilience and emotional wellness.”

Anxiety is highly treatable. If your child continues to struggle, please consult your family physician.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two children, ages 10 and 12. Christa is the author of “Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.”

Additional Resources www.worrywisekids.org American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, www.aacap.org “Freeing Your Child from Anxiety” (Harmony, 2014) by Tamar E. Chansky, Ph.D. “Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous and Independent Children” (HCI, 2013) by Reid Wilson, Ph.D. “How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen so Kids Will Talk” (Scribner, 2012) by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

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29

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Calendar May ‘18

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

4 FRIDAY

Evergreen High School Theater Department presents “Mary Poppins” at Evergreen High School Auditorium, 14300 NE 18th St., Vancouver. Tickets: Adults: $10, Students: $7, 5 and under: $5. 7 pm

5 SATURDAY

Walk/Run for the Animals at Esther Short Park, Vancouver.

Choose from two dog-friendly courses, a 3-mile walk along the Columbia River or a 5k timed run through Ft. Vancouver with finishers’ medals for the fastest woman, man, dog and runner under 13 years old. After your walk or run, head back to Esther Short Park for the Party in the Park with Rojo the Llama, dozens of pet-friendly vendors, a K9 unit demonstration, balloon entertainment, an awards ceremony, and fun for you and your dog. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, and help fund

of events

Have a community event that you want to share?

Go to www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com and click on “Calendar” to submit your event. Deadline for print calendar submissions is the 1st of the month prior to the issue.

Events are subject to change. Please contact organization directly to confirm. All library events are free and open to the public.

adoption services, community programs, and reunite lost pets with their families. Race day registration opens at 7:30 am, with the walk and run beginning at 9 am. 7:30-11:30 am Forest Therapy Workshop at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver.

Experience a series of slow, mindful activities designed to open and engage the senses and connect you with nature in a way that invites healing interactions. This relaxing experience is hosted entirely outdoors, rain or shine.

Cost: $30/person. Register at www.columbiasprings.org.

10 am-1 pm NW Children’s Theater presents “Peter Pan” at 1819 NW Everett St., Portland. *ASL show Saturday, May 5 @ Noon *Audio Described show Saturday, May 5 @ 4 pm *Sensory Friendly show Sunday May 6 @ 4 pm. Tickets: $16-$25 at www.nwcts.org. 12 & 4 pm

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activities

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “A Year with Frog and Toad” at Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

Best friends, Frog and Toad, have an adventure for each season of the year: sledding down snowy hills, planting springtime flowers, splashing in summer swimming holes, and raking up autumn leaves. Along their way, they celebrate the differences that make each of them unique, but also makes their friendship so special.

Tickets $14-$32 at www.octc. org. 2 & 5 pm Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” at Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland. Eric Carle’s iconic creatures from four different stories crawl from page to stage with the help of a marvelous menagerie of 75 magical puppets. Colorful and kinetic, this adaptation captures all the charm of Carle’s original tales and illustrations, while conveying simple messages about the value of creativity, belonging, and growth. Sensoryfriendly performance May 5 at 11 am. Tickets $14-$28 at www. octc.org. 2 & 5 pm Evergreen High School Theater Department presents “Mary Poppins” at Evergreen High School Auditorium. (See May 4) 7 pm Touch of Class Chorale Spring Concert at Unitarian Universalist Church of

Vancouver, 4505 E 18th St., Vancouver. Tickets available in advance from chorale members and at the door: Adults $12, Children 6-16 years $10, under 6 free. 7 pm

6 SUNDAY

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “A Year with Frog and Toad” at Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 11 am & 2 pm Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” at Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 11 am & 2 pm NW Children’s Theater presents “Peter Pan” at 1819 NW Everett St., Portland.

(See May 5) 12 pm

9 WEDNESDAY Hometown Heroes at Woodland Community Library, 770 Park St., Woodland. Meet local firefighters, paramedics, and police officers and learn about what they do to help keep us safe. Families with children ages 6-12 are welcome.

3:45-5:30 pm Evergreen High School Theater Department presents “Mary Poppins” at Evergreen High School Auditorium. (See May 4) 7 pm

Bring your furry friends to Walk/Run for the Animals and support the Humane Society for Southwest Washington.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

Check out our website for even mo re local events .

continued on page 32

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Calendar of Events & Activities (cont’d) continued from page 30

12 SATURDAY

Kids Fishing Festival at Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver.

Join Columbia Springs for a day filled with fishy fun! Kids ages 5-14 are eligible to fish for trout (stocked from on-site hatchery) with a trained Columbia Springs mentor. Every registered kid can take home any fish that they catch as well as a free fishing pole and tackle.

The festival also features a BBQ lunch

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SA Photo Credit: Columbia Springs

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and activities like catching water bugs, a scavenger hunt, crafts, and more. Registration is required. Tickets are $7/ per person when purchased in advance. $9 via cash or check at the door. Scholarships may be available for families of children who receive free/reduced lunch at school. Both children and adults must purchase tickets. To learn more or sign up to fish, visit columbiasprings.org/kidsfishing.

The first hour of fishing is designated for kids with special needs. 8 am-2 pm Camas Plant and Garden Fair in downtown Camas.

Plant sales, raffle prizes, live music, fresh food, “Find the Ladybug” game, Kids’ Zone including

Kids are invited to Columbia Springs to enjoy a day of fishing and fun activities. Fishing gear and mentors provided!

crafts, garden activities, petting zoo, face painting, and Rosie the puppet. Stop by the Plant Fair Info booth at 4th & Cedar for the list and vendor map. 9 am-4 pm Great Strides Vancouver at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s walking event harnesses the power of people with a shared vision and encourages collaboration, team building, and leadership, as we collectively take steps to find a cure. Registration is free, but walkers are encouraged to raise funds. Your support will help accelerate innovative research and drug development, as well as advance care and advocacy.

To register, visit www.fightcf.cff. org. 9 am Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale at 78th Street Heritage Farm, 1919 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Come find perennials, annuals, vegetables, trees, shrubs, flower bowls, and more. Every purchase helps support the WSU Master

Gardener Program, horticulture education, and healthy food growing grants in Clark Country.

Bring your own carts or wagons.

Entry and parking are both free.

Service dogs only, please.

9 am-4 pm NW Children’s Theater presents “Peter Pan” at 1819 NW Everett St., Portland. (See May 5) 12 & 4 pm Kick Off to Summer Event at Marshall Community Center, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. Join Vancouver Parks and Recreation for this free event that includes public swims, teen SPOT and game room, gymnasium, fitness center, and pottery demonstrations.

12-5 pm Roll on Columbia: A Celebration of the Columbia River Watershed at The Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver. Have you ever wondered how big our watershed is and how it was formed? continued on page 34

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

33

Calendar of Events & Activities (cont’d) continued from page 32 What animals call the Columbia home? This Second Saturday event will help you discover answers to these questions as we celebrate the watershed we call home: the mighty Columbia River Watershed. 1-3 pm Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “A Year with Frog and Toad” at Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 2 & 5 pm Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” at Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 2 & 5 pm Evergreen High School Theater Department presents “Mary Poppins” at Evergreen High School Auditorium. (See May 4) 7 pm

13 SUNDAY

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “A Year with Frog and Toad” at Newmark Theatre,

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1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 11 am & 2 pm Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” at Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 11 am & 2 pm NW Children’s Theater presents “Peter Pan” at 1819 NW Everett St., Portland.

(See May 5) 12 & 4 pm

19 SATURDAY

Dozer Day at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield.

The ultimate construction experience: putting kids in the driver’s seat to operate Dump Trucks, Dozers, Excavators all while educating about building sustainable communities, industry opportunities and public safety. Music, food, giveaways, digging for treasures (including real gemstones), pipe and tire crawls, garbage trucks, fire trucks, an ambulance and more.

Admission: $8 for kids/seniors

60+ ($11 the day of the event) and $10 for adults ($13 the day of the event). Kids under 2 years old enter free. Parking: $6 (cash only). 11 am-4 pm NW Children’s Theater presents “Peter Pan” at 1819 NW Everett St., Portland.

(See May 5) 12 & 4 pm Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “A Year with Frog and Toad” at Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 2 & 5 pm Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” at Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 2 & 5 pm

20 SUNDAY

Dozer Day at Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield.

(See May 19) 11 am-4 pm Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “A Year with Frog

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • May 2018

and Toad” at Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 11 am & 2 pm Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” at Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 11 am & 2 pm NW Children’s Theater presents “Peter Pan” at 1819 NW Everett St., Portland.

(See May 5) 12 & 4 pm

26 SATURDAY

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “A Year with Frog and Toad” at Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 2 pm

27 SUNDAY

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “A Year with Frog and Toad” at Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.

(See May 5) 2 pm

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advertiser index Camps, Parties & Entertainment Mountain View Ice Arena................................29 Naydenov Gymnastics...................................22 Vancouver Parks and Recreation.........3, 17, 36

Events Camtown Youth Festival.................................35 Dozer Day......................................................35 Journey Theater.............................................13 Oregon Children’s Theatre.............................29 Race for the Kids..............................................7 Vancouver Parks and Recreation.........3, 17, 36 YMCA Camp Collins.........................................5

Financial Guaranteed Education Tuition........................15 iQ Credit Union.................................................3

Fitness Mountain View Ice Arena................................29 Naydenov Gymnastics...................................22 Soccer Shots..................................................21

Health Adventure Dental............................................34 Barnick Chiropractic.......................................29 Child and Adolescent Clinic..............................5 Evergreen Pediatrics......................................32 Harmony Family Dentistry................................7 The Modern Orthodontist...............................13 OHSU Casey Eye Institute.............................19 Pain Relief Partners.......................................33 PeaceHealth Southwest...................................2 Priority Life Chiropractic and Massage...........35 Smiles Dental.................................................27 Storybook Dental............................................31 Vancouver Clinic...............................................9 Vancouver Orthodontic Specialists.................23 Women’s Clinic of Vancouver.........................31

Resources ANC Movers...................................................29 Cowlitz Indian Tribe Child Care......................11 EOCF................................................................5 Guaranteed Education Tuition........................15 YWCA.............................................................29

Retail Kazoodles.......................................................13 Vancouver Mall...............................................22

Schools & Education EOCF................................................................5 ESD112..........................................................31 The Gan Jewish Preschool..............................7

Legal Schauermann, Thayer, Jacobs, Staples & Edwards PS...................................25

Vancouver Vancouver FamilyFamily Magazine Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December • May 2016 2018

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