Families Against Hunger

Oregon now tops the nation in child food insecurity. What can we do to help? In southwest Portland, the annual SW HOPE community food and fundraising drive is running through April 1, bringing together more than 60 faith communities, businesses and community groups to help feed hungry people in the area. The goal is to raise 150,000 pounds of desperately-needed food, or the cash equivalent, to support Neighborhood House’s Emergency Food Box Program, the largest on Portland’s west side. The program currently serves about 500 families each month, nearly twice the number served before the recession hit. To educate the public about the need for food assistance, SW HOPE organizers are launching a Families Against Hunger Weekend March 9 to 11 . The event is designed to create an opportunity for parents to talk with their kids about the complex issues of poverty and food insecurity while supporting SW HOPE. The first step in getting involved is to make a commitment to talk with your kids about hunger sometime during the weekend –- and about how your family can make a difference for those facing food insecurity. Tips for talking with your kids are available at nhpdx.org . You can help further by making a donation to SW HOPE and by sharing your experience on Neighborhood House’s Facebook page . Everyone who donates during the March 9 to 11 weekend and/or posts about their experiences on Facebook will be entered into a drawing for a family-friendly prize package. To offer ongoing support, consider donating food, money and/or your time to local hunger relief program like those listed below: Neighborhood House: Families are invited to work in the food pantry every first and third Tuesday evening of the month. 7780 SW Capitol Hwy. 503-246-1663 x2118. nhpdx.org . Oregon Food Bank: Numerous volunteer opportunities for families throughout the area. 503-282-0555. oregonfoodbank.org . Clark County Food Bank: 360-693-0939. clarkcountyfoodbank.org . Sunshine Pantry: 7795 SW Cirrus Dr., Beaverton. 971-506-7827. sunshinepantry.org . Do you know of another way to help? Please post it in the comments below!

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Families Against Hunger

Parent & Child Yoga

Before I get into this yoga business, I have to mention Shine Integrative Physical Therapy (SPT). For 20+ years, I’ve experienced chronic neck pain, and I’ve tried about everything to fix… [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

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Parent & Child Yoga

Celebrate Reading!

On March 2, book lovers everywhere will celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday by participating in Read Across America Day , an annual event sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA) to encourage children and families to discover the joy of reading. This year the Read Across America theme centers around The Lorax -– the beloved book by Dr. Seuss and the movie, which opens nationwide March 2. For more information about celebrating Read Across America Day -– and promoting reading in our community year round –- check out Seussville , the Read Across America Facebook page and the official pledge site (where you share your plans for celebrating). You can even post your own Read Across America video at SchoolTube ! As Dr. Seuss said, “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.”

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Celebrate Reading!

Academy Awards parties in Portland

Several theaters and pubs in Portland are hosting screening events for the 84th Annual Academy Awards.

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Academy Awards parties in Portland

The Toy Trains – Winter/Spring Shows

Toy Trains’ (Facebook) winter/spring 2012 shows at Mississippi Pizza Pub Listen to our entire Debut CD: http://thetoytrains.bandcamp.com/ All shows (4PM – 5PM) and $5/adult Saturday, February 25th… [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

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The Toy Trains – Winter/Spring Shows

Make a Date to Skate!

We all know Oaks Park is the place for summertime amusement park fun, but we sometimes forget the roller rink is open for family fun all year long. If you’ve never strapped on a pair of skates and wheeled around the historic rink with your kids -– or if it’s been far too long since your last session -– it might be time to revisit the roller magic. Oaks Park hosts several special sessions for kids and families each week. Here’s the scoop on a few of our favorites: Preschool Play and Skate is held every Tuesday & Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 am through June 13 (then they start the Preschool Rides summer morning fun!). For $5.50 per child (adults are free with a paid child), these special sessions for kids 6 and under feature toddler tunes, playful balls on the floor, a 15-minute group lesson, a visit with Chipper the Squirrel, cookies and milk. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor. Kids Morning Skate , held every Saturday from 10:30 am to noon, is designed for kids 10 and under with music, a 15-minute group lesson, games and more. The $5.50 per child (again, adults are free with paid child) includes skate rental. Download a School Out Skate coupon good for two skate session admissions for $8 on upcoming school closure days, including Spring Break. You’ll also find a variety of Skating Classes at Oaks Park, from Learn to Skate to Roller Derby, Jam Skating, Adult Roller Dance and Advanced and Private Instruction. And don’t forget Skating Birthday Party Packages are available year-round, including skate rental, a reserved party table, ice cream, soft drinks, cotton candy, balloon hats, a party host and more! Plus, the birthday child gets a t-shirt, a picture with Chipper and a free pass for a future skating session. So what are you waiting for? Check the website for rink hours and more details on these programs and other special events. You can also connect with them on Facebook for information on special offers, contests, and a weekly “password” good for $2.25 off your Wednesday night skate session. (Skate Wednesdays from 7 to 9:30 pm for $5.)

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Make a Date to Skate!

February Coupons & Deals

If you haven’t already checked out the coupons and deals in our February issue , here’s what you’ll find: North Clackamas Aquatic Park: Get 10 percent off a birthday party! (Page 25) Hollywood Bowl: Bowl for 99 cents per game every Sunday, plus kids from bowl free every Saturday from noon to 6 pm. (Page 27) Play Boutique: Take $25 off your party package. (Page 28) Learning Palace: Get 15 percent off all regular priced items. (Page 9) Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Children under 3 get a free initial exam. (Page 33) World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Children under 2 get a complimentary exam. (Page 39) Tidee Didee: Get one free week with four pre-paid weeks of diaper service. (Page 39) (You can download a PDF version of the magazine for easy coupon clipping, too!) Happy Saving!

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February Coupons & Deals

There’s Snow in Them Thar Hills!

What are you planning for the three-day weekend ahead? Of course we’ll post our picks for the weekend in this Friday’s WOW! (What’s On this Weekend!), but we thought we’d take this opportunity to share some of the area’s best spots to ski and play in the snow since it might be the last snowy long weekend we get for a while! Below are a few area family favorites. Where do you and yours like to go to get your snow on? Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort : Off Hwy. 35, Mt. Hood; 503.337.2222; skihood.com . Downhill, night and Nordic skiing plus snowboarding and more. Ski Bowl : 87000 E Hwy. 26, Government Camp; 800-SKI-BOWL (754-2695); skibowl.com . Everything from skiing to snowbiking. Ski runs range from a toddler run to Extreme Hill. Summit Ski Area and Snow Bunny : Hwy. 26, Government Camp; 503-272-0256; summitskiarea.com . Tubing in a safe, family-friendly environment. Timberline Lodge and Ski Area : Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood; 503-272-3311; timberlinelodge.com . Downhill skiing, lessons and a historic lodge. Teacup Lake : Hwy. 35, Mt. Hood; teacupnordic.org . Operated by the Oregon Nordic Club, this area is dedicated to cross-country skiing. Portland Parks and Recreation Outdoor Recreation Programs : 503-823-PLAY (7529); portlandonline.com/parks/ . Organized trips throughout the winter, including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and more. Cooper Spur Ski Area : 11000 Cloud Cap Rd., Mt. Hood; 541-352-7803; cooperspur.com . Downhill skiing, snowboarding and inner-tubing. Little John Snow Play Hill : 31 miles south of Hood River on Highway 35; 541-352-6002. Undeveloped snow play area. Free (sno-park permit required). Northwest Discoveries : PO Box 23171, Tigard; 503-524-9192, nwdiscoveries.com . This organization introduces kids 11 and up (with a registered parent) to outdoor adventures such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and building snow caves and igloos. Mt. Bachelor : 22 miles southwest of Bend on Cascade Lakes Highway, 13000 SW Century Dr., Bend; 800-829-2442; mtbachelor.com . Offers downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and more. Hoodoo Ski Area : Hwy. 20, 20 miles northwest of Sisters; 541-822-3799; hoodoo.com . Features Nordic trails.

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There’s Snow in Them Thar Hills!

Best Birthday Party Tips?

You might already have seen our February issue , which features a comprehensive guide to birthday party venues and services throughout the area, whether you’re planning to celebrate at home or away. The options are beyond plentiful, with something to please every child, at every age, and within every budget. What’s more, a dozen local businesses have donated parties, products and/or services to our Fabulous Birthday Party Give Away ! How can we not have birthdays on the brain? But while it’s fun to imagine the parties we could host at every venue -– or using every service provider -– listed in our guide, we want to hear about some real birthday parties you’ve hosted for your kids. What was the best birthday party your child has had yet? What made it so special? What’s their -– or your -– dream party? What have you learned from hosting kids’ parties? What would you recommend doing –- and NOT doing –- when planning a child’s party? We love providing our readers with useful information and resources, such as the birthday party guide in our current issue, but we also know our readers are the real experts in town. Let’s all help each other by sharing our party successes, party fails and party planning tips! After all, who doesn’t love a good party?

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Best Birthday Party Tips?

New speed-dating twist: Mt. Hood chairlift

The folks at Mt. Hood Meadows have come up with a new twist in speed-dating: Singles will be paired up on a chairlift and decide whether they want to take some runs together or head off to another lift, and another chance at love.

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New speed-dating twist: Mt. Hood chairlift

Party at Legacy’s new Randall Children’s Hospital!

After three years of construction, the Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel is open! Join the celebration this Saturday at a free, family-friendly grand opening event, with music, entertainers, prize drawings, a scavenger hunt, a LEGO play zone, bike and snowboard helmet sales and fittings, kite decorating, tours of the new building -– and a whole lot more! The Community Opening Celebration will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, from noon to 6 pm. For more information, including videos detailing the new facility and services and a schedule of events for the grand opening, visit legacyhealth.org/kidsonly .

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Party at Legacy’s new Randall Children’s Hospital!

Valentine’s Day Fun!

Valentine’s Day is for lovers, but no one loves Valentine’s Day more than kids! If your little ones go gaga for all things pink –- plus hearts and candy! –- we’ve got good news. The next few weeks are packed with opportunities for festive holiday fun! Here’s a taste of what’s in store for local holiday lovers: FEB. 7-8 Crafts at LO: Kids from 3 to 5 years old can make a heart decoration. 11 am Feb. 7 & 8. FREE. Lake Oswego LIbrary, 706 4th St. 503-697-6582. ci.oswego.or.us . FEB. 9 & 11 Valentine Fun: Make crafts and cards. FREE. 3:30 to 5 pm Feb. 9 at Belmont Library , 1038 SE 39th Ave., 503-988-5382; and Hollywood Library , 4040 NE Tillamook St., 503-988-5391. Also 2 to 4 pm Feb. 11 at Central Library , 801 SW 10th Ave. 503-988-5123. Be My Valentine: Make cards, sing songs, listen to stories. For ages 3 to 5. 10 am to noon. $27, member discount. AC Gilbert Discovery Center, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . FEB. 11 Lakeshore Learning Crafts: Kids 3 and older can make a Valentine’s mailbox. 11 am to 3 pm (drop in). FREE. 16901 SW 65th Ave., Lake Oswego. 503-620-9888. lakeshorelearning.com . Kids’ Storytime at Powell’s: This week’s free story time features Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine. All ages. 11 am. FREE. Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside. 503-228-4651 ext. 5889. powells.com . Family Day: Make valentines and bon bon boxes. Rick Meyers performs at 11 am & 1 pm. 10 am to 2 pm. FREE. Washington County Museum, 17677 NW Springville Rd. (PCC Rock Creek Campus). 503-645-5353. washingtoncountymuseum.org . I Love You Valentine Party: Make valentines and enjoy treats. 1:30 to 2:30 pm. FREE. Tigard Public Library, 13500 SW Hall Blvd. 503-684-6537. wccls.org . Valentine’s Love Fest: Crafts, carnival games, snacks, prizes and more. 10 am to noon. FREE. Beaverton-Murray Scholls Library, 11200 SW Murray Scholls Pl. #102. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org . Saturday Crafts: Kids 5 and older can make valentines. FREE. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 SE 21st Ave. 503-786-7580. milwaukie.lib.or.us . Heart Creations: More valentine making activities. Grades K-5, with a grown-up. 2:30 to 3:30 pm. FREE. Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy. 503-615-6500. evanced.info/hillsboro/ . FEB. 12 Kids’ Valentine Baking Class: Bake cookies and decorate a box to bring them home. Ages 6 to 12. 1 to 3 pm. $25. Bliss Bake Shop, 4708 NW Bethany Blvd. 971-344-0475. kidscentralkitchen.com . FEB. 13 Valentine Face Painting: Get a heart-y design on your face. 11 am to 1 pm. FREE. Cafe Sip-n-Play, 3000 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver. 360-896-4446. cafesipnplay.com . Lovey Babies: Dance and make a valentine. Ages 6 and older, with grown-up. 10:30-11:30 am. FREE. Beaverton Library, 12375 SW 5th St. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org . FEB. 14 $4 Zoo Tuesday & Animal Valentines: See the Oregon Zoo for $4 per person (10 am to 4 pm) and watch the animals get Valentine’s Day treats at 10:30 am, 1 pm & 2:30 pm. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SE Canyon Road. 503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org . Valentine Making Party/Parents Night Out: Parents get some date time while kids eat pizza, decorate cookies, make valentines and more. Ages 3 to 10. 5 to 8:30 pm. $40. Art ala Carte PDX, 8535 SE 13th Ave. 503-750-0522. artalacartepdx.com . You & Me Valentine Tea: Enjoy a party and make a craft. Noon to 1 pm. $5 per family, plus admission of $7 ages 3-59, $3.50 ages 1-2, free ages 0-1. AC Gilbert Discovery Center, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Valentine’s Day Fun!

Slabtown Bender this weekend – bar to also get new owner

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Slabtown Bender this weekend – bar to also get new owner