Gung Hay Fat Choy! Chuc Mung Nam Moi! The Year of the Dragon is nearly upon us, and the Chinese and Vietnamese New Year’s festivities happening around town offer an especially entertaining and engaging way to introduce your kids to different cultures. Lan Su Chinese Garden hosts two full weeks of celebrations, beginning Jan. 23 this year, including lion and dragon dances, performances, crafts, story telling and much more! Check their website for a schedule of events. You’ll also find celebratory events at local libraries, and at A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village in Salem. Here’s the scoop: Jan. 14, 19 & 28 Red Fans for Lunar New Year at Multnomah County Libraries. Decorate a fan for free. . FREE. Jan 14 from 1 to 3 pm at St. Johns Library, 7510 N Charleston Ave., 503-988-5397; Jan. 19 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Belmont Library, 1038 SE 39th Ave., 503-988-5382; or Jan. 28 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th Ave., 503-988-5234. Registration required. events.multcolib.org . Jan 21 Chinese New Year at the Beaverton Library. Make a craft, hear a story and celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Grades 1 to 5, with grown-up. 1:30 to 2:30 pm. FREE. Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org . New Year Party at Tigard Library. Celebrate Chinese and Vietnamese new year with crafts, coloring and snacks. Ages 5 and older. 1:30 to 3 pm. FREE. Tigard Public Library, 13500 SW Hall Blvd.503-684-6537. wccls.org . Lunar New Year Celebration at AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village. Crafts, activities, food and more. 1 to 4 pm. FREE with museum admission. (Also free with your OMSI membership card and photo ID) AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org . Jan 24 More Lunar New Year Fun at Multnomah County Libraries. Celebrate with entertainment, crafts and more. FREE. Jan. 24 from 5:30 to 7 pm at Midland Library, 805 SE 122d Ave., 503-988-5392; Jan. 25 from 6 to 7:30 pm at Holgate LIbrary, 7905 SE Holgate Blvd., 503-988-5389; and Jan. 28 from 1 to 3 pm at Gregory Heights Library, 7921 NE Sandy Blvd., 503-988-5386. events.multcolib.org . … and don’t forget Mochitsuki! For more New Year’s fun, check out Motchitsuki on Jan. 29 ! This annual celebration of Japanese New Year features entertainment, kids’ games and activities, mochi pounding and more. 11 am to 4 pm. $12 adult, $9 student, $5 ages 2 to 12, free ages 2 and under. Scottish Rite Center, 1512 SW Morrison St. mochipdx.org .

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Enter the Year of the Dragon

Check out the super savings in our December issue : Thinker Toys: Get 20 percent off any one item. (Page 17) OMSI: Take 20 percent off any membership. (Page 21) Piccolo Mondo Toys: Get $10 off any purchase over $50 at the new Progress Ridge store. (Page 23) IKEA: For every soft toy you buy, they donate $1 to help educate kids. (Page 19) Eco Baby Gear: Get 20 percent off (up to $15). (Page 17) Eco Maids: Take 10 percent off gift certificates. (Page 21) Dancing Brooms: Schedule two cleanings and receive $50 off your third cleaning. (Page 20) Bob’s Red Mill: Buy two products at the Mill Store, get one free. (Page 21) Play Boutique: Get $25 off any birthday party, 20 percent off any Beeztro food order, and/or unlimited Stay & Play for $395 annually. (Page 23) Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Free initial exam for children under 3. (Page 5) World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Complimentary exam for children under 2. (Page 15) Learning Palace: Take 15 percent off science kits, toddler toys, homework books and teaching materials. (Page 24) Tidee Didee: Get one free week of diaper service with four prepaid weeks. (Page 38) … and a Bonus Deal, too! (This one isn’t in the issue, but we wanted to share it with you anyway.) North Clackamas Aquatic Park Wipeout Deal: Get four Big Surf swim admissions, four rock climbs on the 29’ Steel Mountain wall, four slices of pizza, four fountain drinks and one locker all for $40, now through Jan. 31, 2012. Visit North Clackamas Aquatic Park , 7300 SE Harmony Rd., Milwaukie, or call 503-557-SURF (7873). Mention “Metro News Dec” when purchasing. Here’s a PDF version of the issue , too, perfect for printing and clipping coupons!

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December Coupons & Deals

Before I became a mom, I loved the rain. I’d snuggle by the cozy fire enjoying a good book and a cup of hot tea without a care in the world. But living in the Pacific Northwest with a young child, I had to develop a whole new approach to the long, lingering rainy season. Luckily, it was easy to continue my love affair with the Portland metro area as I discovered all the delightful, indoor kid-friendly activities that are perfect for those damp and dreary days. Somehow, this seems like a great time to share some ideas for alleviating cabin fever and giving your little ones the active time they need and crave this winter. INDOOR PLAY PARKS & PLAY GROUPS: Multnomah County Friendly House Play Group – 1737 NW 26th, Portland; 503-228-4391; friendlyhouseinc.org . Happy Place Indoor Play Park – 2823 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland; 503-289-0318; northminsterpdx.org . Isobel’s Clubhouse – 1542 NW 14th Ave.; 503-224-4636; zcommunitycenter.org . A nonprofit with space for families to meet, play and participate in organized activities. Northeast Indoor Park – Central Lutheran Church, 1820 NE 21st Ave.; neindoorpark.wordpress.com . Open Arms Play Group – Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1244 NE 39th Ave. AND Church of the Good Shepherd, 805 SE Ellsworth Rd., Vancouver, Wash.; Abby, 971-998-8744; para communicarse en espanol: Sheyla 503-239-1509 o Maria 971-570-0942; nwdsa.org . Play group for children with Down syndrome, ages birth through 5. Portland Parks & Recreation – Citywide; 503-823-PLAY (7529); portlandonline.com/parks/ . Many community centers host indoor play parks for children up to 6 years old. PPR operates indoor parks at the following community centers: East Portland, 740 SE 106th, 503-823-3450; Fulton Park, 68 SW Miles, 503-823-3180; Hillside, 653 NW Culpepper Terr., 503-823-3181; Matt Dishman, 77 NE Knott, 503-823-3673; Montavilla, 8219 NE Glisan, 503-823-4101; Mt. Scott, 5530 SE 72nd, 503-823-3183; Peninsula Park, 700 N Rosa Parks Way, 503-823-3620; Sellwood, 1436 SE Spokane, 503-823-3195; Southwest, 6820 SW 45th, 503-823-2840; St. Johns, 8427 N Central, 503-823-3192; University Park, 9009 N Foss Ave., 503-823-3631. Southeast Indoor Park – Trinity United Methodist Church, 3915 SE Steele; playinside.org . Washington County Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District (THPRD) – Multiple Locations; 503-645-6433; thprd.com . Like PPR, THPRD hosts indoor play parks at the following recreation centers. Call for times and age requirements. Cedar Hills, 11640 SW Park Way, Portland, 503-629-6340; Conestoga, 9985 SW 125th Ave., Beaverton, 503-629-6313; Garden Home, 7475 SW Oleson Rd., Portland, 503-629-6341; Tualatin Hills Athletic Center, 15707 SW Walker Rd., Beaverton, 503-629-6330. Super Tots Indoor Play Group – 1880 NE Griffin Oaks St., Hillsboro; 503-615-6552; ci.hillsboro.or.us . Clackamas County Clackamas County Healthy Start Play Groups: 503-655-8601; clackamas.us . Clackamas County hosts free play groups at the following sites for parents and children ages 5 and under: Bethany Church, 450 S Ivy St., Canby (bilingual/bicultural, English/Spanish); 11501 SE Sunnyside Rd., Clackamas; Gladstone Center for Children and Families, 18905 Portland Ave., Gladstone; Milwaukie Christian Church, 5197 SE King Rd., Milwaukie; Oregon City United Methodist Church, 18955 South End Rd., Oregon City; Sandy Adult Community Center, 38348 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; Rolling Hills Community Church, 3550 SW Borland Rd., Tualatin; Sunset Fire Hall, 2215 Long St., West Linn; Wilsonville Methodist Church, 7355 SW Wilsonville Rd., Wilsonville. Free. Clark County, Wash. Camas-Washougal Indoor Play Park – 2436 NW Astor St., Camas; 360-834-7956; meetup.com/CWIndoorPlaypark/ . Firstenberg Community Center – 700 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver; 360-487-7001; cityofvancouver.us . Noah’s Ark Indoor Play Park – First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver; 360-694-3363, ext. 112; 1stpresvanc.org . LOCAL ICONS: OMSI – 1945 SE Water Ave.; 503-797-OMSI (6674); omsi.edu . Portland Children’s Museum – 4015 SW Canyon Rd.; 503-223-6500; portlandcm.org . World Forestry Center – 4033 SW Canyon Rd.; 503-228-1367; worldforestry.org . With Mommy & Me Mondays beginning in November from 10 to 11 am every Monday! GETTING WET – INDOORS: You’re going to get wet anyway. You might as well enjoy it at one of the area’s inviting waterparks: Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark – 500 NE Capt. Michael King Smith Way (Hwy. 18), McMinnville; 503-434-4185; evergreenmuseum.org/waterpark/ . North Clackamas Aquatic Park – 7300 SE Harmony Rd., Milwaukie; 503-557-7873; ncprd.com/aquatic-park . INDOOR ADVENTURE ZONES: Pump It Up – 9665 SW Allen Blvd., Suite 110, Beaverton (Pump It Up Jr., 16205 NW Bethany Ct., Suite 120, Beaverton), 503-644-6488; 25749 SW Canyon Creek Rd., Ste. 700, Wilsonville; 503-582-1331; pumpitupparty.com . Pop-in Playtime, Family Jump Night, Sensory Night programs and more on giant inflatable play structures. J.J. Extreme – 9063 SE Jannsen Rd., Clackamas; 503-723-3600; jjextreme.com . Indoor adventure zone with climbing, zip lines, jousting, slides, bungee jumping and more. J.J. Jump – 9057 SE Jannsen Rd., Clackamas, 503-723-3600; 7500 NE 16th Ave., #2-D, Vancouver, Wash., 360-213-2524; jjjump.com . Indoor inflatable playgrounds. MORE IDEAS: You’ll find plenty more in our annual Family Resource Guide , including skating rinks, children’s gyms, children’s theater, museums and more. (We’re in the process of updating the guide, with the 2012 edition coming out early next year!)

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Rainy Day Fun

You voted. We counted. Now we’re happy to announce the winners of our 2011 “Family Favorites” Reader Survey. (Read our September issue for a more detailed recap of our survey, including readers’ comments and a few additional categories, beginning on page 30.) Family Favorite Restaurant (Our “Happy Highchair” Award) Our readers love their brewpubs, with Laurelwood Public House & Brewery (5115 NE Sandy Blvd.; laurelwoodbrewpub.com ) earning this year’s “Happy Highchair” award, and Hopworks Urban Brewery (2944 SE Powell Blvd.; hopworksbeer.com ) coming in a close second. Local favorite Old Spaghetti Factory (multiple locations; osf.com ) rounded out the top three. Coffee Shop Indie coffee shops still reign supreme, with Munchkin Playland (18335 NW West Union Rd.; munchkinplayland.com ) once again taking top honors. Café Sip-n-Play (3000 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver; cafesipnplay.com ) took the silver. Pizza Parlor (new category!) Hillsboro’s Out of This World Pizza (6225 NW Century Blvd., Hillsboro; 503-629-8700; outofthisworld.net ) ranked number one in our survey, with Papa’s Pizza (16321 SE Stark and 15700 NW Blueridge Dr., Beaverton; papaspizza.net ) close behind. Toy Store The region’s Toy Trifecta includes the same players this year -– Finnegan’s, Piccolo Mondo and Thinker Toys -– but in a different order. Thinker Toys (7784 SW Capitol Hwy; thinkertoysoregon.com ) grabbed the top spot, Piccolo Mondo (4768 SW Bethany Blvd.; piccolomondotoys.com ) in hot pursuit and Finnegan’s (922 SW Yamhill; 503-221-0306; finneganstoys.com ) taking third. But watch out guys –- Learning Palace (multiple locations; learningpalace.com ) nearly broke into the top three this year with plenty of loyal reader votes. Movie Theater Just like us, you love the Academy Theater (7818 SE Stark; academytheaterpdx.com ) and McMenamin’s Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd; mcmenamins.com ) for family-friendly flicks. Book Shop It’s Portland. Naturally Powell’s (1005 W Burnside and other locations; powells.com ) took the top spot, but Annie Bloom’s (7834 SW Capitol Hwy; annieblooms.com ) is much loved by our readers, too. Birthday Party Place The Little Gym (17890 SW McEwan Rd., Lake Oswego; tlglakeoswegoor.com ) once again claimed top honors, with runners Club Sport (18120 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd., Tigard; clubsports.com ) and JJ Jump (9057 SE Jannsen Rd., Clackamas and 7500 NE 16th Ave., #2-D, Vancouver; jjjump.com ). Fitness Center Club Sport (18120 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd., Tigard; clubsports.com ) prevailed, with 24 Hour Fitness (multiple locations; 24hourfitness.com ) taking the number two slot. Place to Swim North Clackamas Aquatic Park (7300 SE Harmony Rd., Milwaukie; ncprd.com/aquatic-park ) was the individual pool named most often in our survey, Portland Parks & Rec (multiple locations; portlandonline.com/parks ) pools collectively garnered the most votes. The very big and very new Wings & Waves Waterpark (460 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville; evergreenmuseum.org/waterpark ) also got a fair share of mentions, considering they just opened in June! Indoor (Rainy Day) Destination Once again, OMSI (1945 SE Water Ave.; omsi.edu ) triumphed in this category, with newcomer Playdate PDX (1434 NW 17th; playdatepdx.com ) and stalwart Portland Children’s Museum (4015 SW Canyon Rd.; portlandcm.org ) both ranking high. Outdoor Destination Two diverse experiences topped the list: the Oregon Zoo (4001 SW Canyon Rd.; oregonzoo.org ) and Jamison Square (810 NW 11th; portlandonline.com/parks ), in that order. Family Vacation Destination Sunriver (resort: sunriver-resort.com ; area: sunriverchamber.com ) edged out the Oregon Coast for the top spot this year, though the coast still made a respectable showing! To read more about our Family Favorite winners –- including those for Ice Cream (Yogurt/Gelato) Parlor , Kids’ Clothing/Shoe Store , Bike Shop and Children’s Gym -– check out our September issue in print or online.

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… and the Winner Is …

Once again, you’ll find a wealth of fabulous coupons and deals in our December issue , including several great bargains on toys and gifts for the holidays! It’s a perfect opportunity to save money and support some wonderful local businesses! (To find out how shopping locally benefits the entire community, read this month’s online article, The Joys of Buying Local .) Here’s what you’ll find, and where you’ll find it: OMSI Science Store: Take 20 percent off your total purchase in the store or online. (Page 19) Lakeshore Learning: Get $5 off your purchase of $25 or more; $10 off your purchase of $50 or more; or $15 off your purchase of $75 or more. (Pg. 21) Thinker Toys: Save 20 percent on one regularly priced item. (Pg. 21) Learning Palace: Get 15 percent off all regularly priced items. (Pg. 23) The Old Spaghetti Factory: Free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. (Pg. 35) Tidee Didee: Receive 1 week free with 4 prepaid weeks of diaper service. (Pg. 5) World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Get a free initial exam for kids under 2 years old. (Pg. 13) Clowns Unlimited: Take $25 off any order. (Pg. 51) North Clackamas Aquatic Park: Get a free Big Surf Swim Session with a paid session. (Pg.13) ECOMAIDS: Save 10 percent on gift cards of $100 or more. (Pg. 19) You can also save $20 ON ALL GIFT MEMBERSHIPS TO OMSI and ENTER TO WIN A 1-YEAR MEMBERSHIP TO CLUB SPORT when you click on the rotating banner ad at the top of our home page!

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More BIG Savings in Our December Issue!

Looking for some great holiday savings? Check out our November issue for these exciting coupons and deals: Lakeshore Learning: Get $5 off your purchase of $25 or more; $10 off your purchase of $50 or more; or $15 off your purchase of $75 or more. (Pg. 5) OMSI Science Store: Take 20 percent off your total purchase in the store or online. (Pg. 20) Learning Palace: Get 15 percent off any regularly priced item. (Pg. 20) Thinker Toys: Save 20 percent on one item. (Pg. 21) Sun River Resort: Take advantage of the Sugarplum Special, which includes a nightly $50 credit toward more than 150 holiday activities. (Pg. 21) North Clackamas Aquatic Park: Get a free Big Surf Swim Session with a paid session. (Pg. 24) Our World Learning Creative Play Center: Get 1 free Open Play Session with a paid session at the regular price. (Pg. 33) Oregon Athletic Clubs: One week free family membership. (Pg. 37) Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: Free initial exam for kids under 3 years old. (Pg. 39) Tidee Didee: Get 1 week free with 4 prepaid weeks of diaper service. (Pg. 41) Clowns Unlimited: Save $25 on any order. (Pg. 51)

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Big Savings in our November Issue!

If you’ve never witnessed the thrilling competition between LEGO robots built by local kids as they complete feats of skill and precision, you have seriously been missing out. Really! The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO Robotics program gives kids a chance to learn about robotics, problem solving, perseverance and teamwork in a fast-paced, exciting, competitive arena, guided by coaches with expertise in the fields of electronics, robotics and more. Intrigued? Get a taste of what it’s all about this Saturday, October 23, as OMSI hosts a FIRST Robotics Showcase. You’ll see 120-pound robots designed and built by local high school teams battling it out in a scrimmage that combines the fun and challenge of sport with scientific innovation and teamwork. The challenge, called “Breakaway,” requires students to guide their robots to score goals on a hill covered mini soccer field. Sound simple? It’s not! More than 16 FIRST high school teams will compete in the event. You can learn more about the program from FIRST groups and FIRST LEGO League teams who will be onsite building and testing robots for future projects and challenges. The event will be held at OMSI , 1945 SE Water Ave., from 10 am to 3 pm this Saturday, Oct. 23. Free with regular museum admission. For more information about the program, visit oregonfirst.org .

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The Thrill of Robotic Victory!

You voted. We counted. Now we announce the winners of our 2010 “Family Favorites” Reader Survey . (Read our September issue for a more detailed recap of our readers’ comments – including some additional categories.) Family Favorite Restaurant (Our “Happy Highchair” Award) : Hopworks Urban Brewery (2944 SE Powell Blvd.; hopworksbeer.com ) claimed the top spot, with comments like, “My husband and I actually consider this family outing a ‘date night’ because we get to have uninterrupted conversation while the kiddos play in the kids’ area.” Laurelwood Public House & Brewery (Sandy Blvd., Kearney and NE 40th locations; laurelwoodbrewpub.com ) came in a close second, with reader reviews including, “Sipping on a cold Free Range Red beer with my husband while the kids are off playing in the play area is my mini-vacation.” Coffee Shop : Munchkin Playland (18335 NWWest Union Rd.; munchkinplayland.com ) took top honors this year, barely outpacing Café Sip-n-Play (3000 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver; cafesipnplay.com ), both receiving rave reviews for their children’s play spaces. Toy Store : Piccolo Mondo (4768 SW Bethany Blvd.; piccolomondotoys.com ) moved from third place last year to win the category this year. In addition to great service and selection (amenities all of our top toys stores this year share), Piccolo was praised for their children’s activities, cool toys kids can play with while mom and dad shop, free gift wrap and a game “library” (borrow before you buy). Thinker Toys (7784 SW Capitol Hwy; thinkertoysoregon.com ) finished a strong second and Kids at Heart (3445 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; kidsathearttoys.com ) took third. Ice Cream Parlor : Baskin Robbins (multiple locations; baskinrobbins.com ) claimed the gold in this category for the first time, with Cold Stone Creamery (multiple locations; coldstonecreamery.com ) taking a respectable second. Bliss Bake Shop (4708 NW Bethany Blvd.; blisscupcakeshop.com ) surprised us by taking third place with 16 flavors of Tillamook ice cream. Book Shop : It’s hard to compete with Powell’s (1005 W Burnside and other locations; powells.com ) which, once again, earned the No. 1 slot for its unbeatable selection of new and used books as well as comfortable seating in the kids’ section and the coffee shop. Second and third place winners, Annie Bloom’s (7834 SW Capitol Hwy; annieblooms.com ) and Green Bean Books (1600 NE Alberta St.; greenbeanbookspdx.com ), both were cited for amazing selections of high quality children’s books; Green Bean also was praised for free children’s activities and story times. Kids’ Clothing/Shoe Store : Clogs-n-More (multiple locations; Clogs-n-More Kids, 3435 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; clogsnmore.com ) garnered top honors in this category, with bella stella (2751 and 2635 NE Broadway; bellastellaresale.com ) in second, lauded for reasonably priced new and used items, a play area and super friendly staff. The Hanna Andersson Outlet (7 Monroe Parkway, Lake Oswego; hannaandersson.com ) was mentioned by many readers for great selection at discounted prices. Movie Theater : McMenamin’s Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd; mcmenamins.com ), with their weekly Mama Matinees and comfy couches, narrowly beat out Academy Theater (7818 SE Stark; academytheaterpdx.com ), but the Academy boasts something the Kennedy School does not: onsite babysitting! Children’s Hair Salon : Little Clippers (15082 SW Bangy Rd., Lake Oswego; 10822 SE 82nd Ave., Clackamas; littleclippers.com ) once again reigned supreme, with amenities including cool cars to sit in, DVDs to watch, a play house, hair glitter and more. Outdoor Destination : The Oregon Zoo (4001 SW Canyon Rd.; oregonzoo.org ) was the runaway winner again, with our incredible public parks coming in second. Indoor (Rainy Day) Destination : OMSI (1945 SE Water Ave.; omsi.edu ) once again topped this category, followed by the Portland Children’s Museum (4015 SW Canyon Rd.; portlandcm.org ). Family Vacation Destination : The Oregon coast took top honors again this year, with Cannon Beach, Newport, Seaside and Manzanita all mentioned numerous times. Sunriver (area: sunriverchamber.com ; resort: sunriver-resort.com ) also was nominated as a nearly ideal family vacation spot. Grocery Store : New Seasons (multiple locations; newseasonsmarket.com ) took top honors for their uber-friendly employees and quality food. Not far behind was Trader Joe’s (multiple locations; traderjoes.com ), with reasonable costs, kid-sized shopping carts and the “hide and seek” game for little ones. Bike Shop : By the passion of the comments, this category probably should go to Clever Cycles (903 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; clevercycles.com ) which was lauded for its myriad family and kid-friendly options, but the Bike Gallery (multiple locations; bikegallery.com ) actually received the most votes – although nary a comment among them. Sunset Cycles (15320 NW Central Drive; sunsetcyclesnw.com ) also received numerous votes for friendly and complete service. To read more about our Family Favorite winners – including those for Birthday Party Place, Children’s Gym, Fitness Center, Yoga Studio and Place to Swim – check out our September issue in print or online .

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And The Winners Are …

My son went back to school yesterday – fifth grade – and although our neighbors started school last week, I know this week marks the beginning of a new school year for many area families. As I sit at my desk in my unusually quiet house, sipping my second cup of coffee, I can’t help but reflect on the summer that’s just ended and the new year ahead. This summer went by so fast – Do they all? I can’t remember! – but we definitely enjoyed ourselves while it lasted. We took a few road trips, visited OMSI and Oaks Park and our local swimming pools and playgrounds, and had plenty of good old-fashioned down time at home reading books, playing board games and hanging out with our wonderful neighbors. But now it’s back to school for him, back to work for me. (I work at home, so I never stopped, but I definitely slowed down while my son was home.) I’m looking forward to having more time to focus on my work, more mental bandwidth to take on new projects and more uninterrupted blocks of time to actually start and complete a task in one sitting. I’m looking forward to taking my morning walks up Mt. Tabor more regularly and meeting friends and colleagues for coffee and the occasional lunch. And I’m looking forward to seeing my son’s smiling face after school every day and reconnecting with him as he tells me about his day, his friends and his triumphs and challenges. If your kids are back in school, what are you looking forward to most? What will you miss most about summer?

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Back to School

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‘Solar tsunami’ sends Northern Lights our way

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Tweets n stuff

Happy Father’s Day Dads! This weekend is packed with family fun in town, in the mountains and on the coast. Check out our picks below. And as always, check our online calendar for complete event listings every day. ALL WEEKEND Delta Park Powwow and Encampment. Native American dancing, arts and crafts vendors, food. Camp out. FREE Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. Delta Park, N Denver Ave. and MLK Blvd. 503-380-6595. bowandarrowcc.org . Night Walks. Explore the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge at night with a naturalist. 8:30 pm Saturday and Sunday. FREE, registration required. 19255 SW Pacific Hwy., Sherwood. 503-625-5944. oregonmetro.gov . Kruger’s Berry Jam. Hayrides, kids’ jam making (Noon and 2 pm), face painting, entertainment, U-pick and more. FREE, except berries and face painting. 11 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday. Kruger’s Farm, 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd. 503-621-3489. krugersfarm.com . FRIDAY Zoo Father of the Year. An animal dad will be chosen as Father of the Year and get a special treat. 10:30 am. Free with zoo admission. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road. 503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org . SATURDAY Star Parties. Rose City Astronomers and OMSI lead star gazing for all levels and ages. Free w/$5 park use fee. Dusk. Rooster Rock State Park, exit 25 off I-84, and Stub Stewart State Park, off OR 47 near Vernonia. 503-797-4610 xt. 2. rca-omsi.org . Explorando el Columbia Slough. Bilingual family environment festival will include guided canoe rides, music, storytelling, crafts and more, hosted by Columbia Slough Watershed Council. FREE. 1 to 5 pm. Whitaker Ponds, 7040 NE 47th Ave. 503-281-1132. oregonmetro.gov . Cannon Beach Sand Castle Day. Build a creation or watch the masters at work. FREE to watch; entry fees vary. 9 am building begins. Signs for parking, Hwy. 101. 503-436-2623. cannonbeach.org . Ft. Vancouver Village House Grand Opening. Ft. Vancouver’s new permanent exhibit, a reconstructed historic village, debuts today with costumed interpreters, archaeology demos and more. FREE with admission to Ft. Vancouver. 10 am. 1001 E 5th St. 360-816-6230. nps.gov/fova/planyourvisit/events.htm . Portland Children’s Museum Pet Hospital Opening. The Children’s Museum’s new permanent exhibit on pets and vets opens today. 9 am to 5 pm. Free with museum admission. 4015 SW Canyon Road. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org OMSI Planetarium’s 60th Anniversary. Special activities and telescopes on the plaza. FREE with museum admission. 10 am to 4 pm. 1945 SE Water Ave. 503-797-4000. omsi.edu . Nature Nightlife. Enjoy stories and learn about nightlife in the forest. First hour in classroom, second hike. FREE, but pre-registration is required. 6 to 8 pm. Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpretive Center, 15655 SW Millikin Way. 503-629-6350. oregonmetro.gov . SUNDAY Tualatin Summer Reading Kick-Off. Victor Johnson performs groovy music. FREE. 3 pm. Tualatin Library, 18878 SW Martinazzi. 503-691-3074. tualatinlibrary.org . Fathers Free at Portland Children’s Museum. Dads get in free with paid child. 9 am to 5 pm. 4015 SW Canyon Road. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org . Father’s Free at AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village. Free admission for papas with one paid child admission. Noon to 5pm. AC Gilbert’s Discovery Village, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. 503-371-3631. acgilbert.org .

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WOW! (What’s On this Weekend!)

Presentations will be comprised of a brief talk by astronaut Dutton followed by questions from visitors. The presentations are free, but space is limited and reservations are required.

Both presentations are FULL. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, email rsvp@omsi.edu with your name, contact info, number of people, and which presentation you would like to attend.

Dutton was part of a recent resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Dutton was the pilot on the crew of STS-131 and has logged over 362 hours in space. Dutton is originally from Eugene, Oregon and now lives in Newberg.

Registration is now open for OMSI 2009 Camps and Classes!

Register inline, and view the 2009 Spring/Summer Science Camps & Classes catalog.

http://www.omsi.edu/camps-camps

OMSI Program Sales and Registration
1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503.797.4661
Fax: 503.239.7800