NW Kids Magazine February 2013

magazine

Board Games | Illustrator Johanna Wright School Open House Guide | Treat Yourself, Valentine Lunar New Year Dumplings | Black History and Valentine’s Day Fun

nwkidsmagazine.com

Feb

2013

2 | NW Kids Magazine

NW Kids Magazine | 3

editors’

Corner

“ I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”

― Rosa Parks, born 100 years ago, Feb 4th

online calendar

Love is in the air! And Valentine’s Day is a time to feel and show the love. For young children, the act of making something special for mom and dad, friends, grandparents and teachers merely for the sake of expressing love is a prime opportunity for discovery about giving and feelings. The valentine card or something made from the heart, a sweet sentiment and token of affection.

Some families may have mixed feelings about the day, but as moms with kiddos under the age of five, we love it.

Maybe this will change when they enter elementary school, but for now, we’re stocking up on Necco’s Conversation Hearts which interestingly have been around since the Civil War. Who knew? You can even have them custom made. It’s a darn American tradition.

And while February may be the dead of winter, it’s also a month chock-full of events. In this issue we include Valentine’s Day outings and a few other important happenings focused around Lunar New Year and Black History Month. Rosa Parks was born 100 years ago this month, which allows for some discussion with children about civil rights. And be sure to check out our own Karel Chan’s Lunar New Year dumpling recipe. It’s a great one to make with the kids. We also feature a piece on where to treat yourself. Yes, you. A little parent pampering can go along way during the winter months. Did you see our Open House Guide last month? This month we continue our roundup of schools, so if you’re still in the research and tour phase before making a decision, we have you covered.

Calling all Awesome NW Kids. We’re on the look out for another great kid who’s doing something special in the community (making art, writing, volunteering, blogging, sports, you name it) to profile in the March issue. If you know someone age 13 or younger who you think we should know about, please email awesomenwkid@ nwkidsmagazine.com. And don’t forget to check out our website, nwkidsmagazine.com for a Valentine’s Day craft and our online calendar for some fun rainy day outings.

You’re Tops,

Cover Photograph by Marie Pham mariephamphotography.com

4 | NW Kids Magazine

Kelley and Beth

Contents february 2013

8 Found Around Town: Board Games 10 Bandits & Bite Sized Circuses: An Interview with Johanna Wright 14 School Open House Guide 22 Treat Yourself, Valentine 24 Calendar of Events 30 Making Dumplings for Lunar New Year

Inside Cover Styling and Photography by emma easley darden rlportraits.com

Listings A Walk on the Wild Side.................................7 Amanda Arp..................................................11 Barre3............................................................31 Bennett Suzuki Violin Studio........................11 Bodhi Tree Center..........................................27 Bridges Middle School..................................23 Childswork Learning Center..........................13 French American International School.........13 German American School.............................15 Growing Seeds Learning Community..........27 Hi 5 Dental....................................................11 Hillstop Preschool & Kindergarten...............29 International Leadership Academy..............23 Justus Orthodontics........................................9 Kids’ Backyard Store........................................3 KUIK...............................................................11 Little Fruit Farm Montessori..........................29 Montessori of Alameda / Maria’s Place........27 Morgan Stanley...............................................7 My Masterpiece Art Studio.............................9 North Clackamas Aquatic Park.......................9 OHSU Adoption Health...................................7 Oregon Children’s Theatre...............................2 Oregon Episcopal School..............................15 Oregon Hope Chinese School.......................27 Oswego Playschool.......................................23 Park Family Dentistry....................................27 PDX Kids Calendar...........................................9 Pediatric Dental...............................................2 Portland Language Arts...............................23 Portland Montessori School.........................27 Portland Trampolines......................................3 Reversed Lens Photography.........................31 Scuola Italiana..............................................27 Small Friends School....................................29 Soccer Shots..................................................32 Spielwerk Toys.................................................7 St. Andrew Learning Center..........................13 Sweet Peas Kidzone......................................29 Tears of Joy Theatre.......................................11 Trillium Preschool.........................................27 Tucker Maxon................................................13 Village Home Education Resource Center....27 WeVillage......................................................29 World of Smiles...............................................9 Yu Miao Chinese Immersion Preschool........15 Zenana Spa...................................................23

6 | NW Kids Magazine

magazine Publisher / Advertising Director Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editorial Beth Friesenhahn beth@nwkidsmagazine.com Kelley Schaefer-Levi kelley@nwkidsmagazine.com Account Manager Laurel Ackerman laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Client Services Coordinator / Client Ad Design Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Design Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies.

Printed locally; Please recycle.

what we’re reading

3808 N WILLIAMS AVE #121 PORTLAND OR 97227 t 503 282 2233 t WWW.SPIELWERKTOYS.COM

SPECIAL SWEETHEART TRINKETS & TREASURES FOR L VE DAY off 10%one item

NW Kids Magazine | 7

found Count Your Chickens

by Peaceable Kingdom at Child’s Play, $16

Magic & Fairy Tale Dice at Spielwerk Toys, $15

Community Cooperative Game by eeBoo at Bella Stella, $20

Pajaggle at Child’s Play, $30

Wildcraft

at Spielwerk Toys, $32

Blokus

at Piccolo Mondo Toys, $30

Modern Menagerie Memory Game at Grasshopper, $15

Rapido by Hape at Black Wagon, $28 8 | NW Kids Magazine

around Town

NW Kids Magazine | 9

by Elizabeth Pusack of Green Bean Books

Bandits & Bite-Sized Circuses: An Interview with Johanna Wright Illustrator Johanna Wright, who has lived past lives as both a cupcake froster and a Christmas elf, now lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, her daughter Juniper, and her kitties Gordon and Worf. Beautiful paintings accompany the sweet and silly creature worlds she’s conjured in her three picture books, The Secret Circus, Bandits, and the brand new Bunnies on Ice, the story of one clumsy little bunny who won’t give up on her dreams. Johanna is also the illustrator of a pitch-perfect for Portland picture book called The Best Bike Ride Ever, by James Roimos, and Kaye Umanske’s wacky and whimsical Clover Twig series for beginning chapter book readers. Elizabeth Pusack, of local children’s book store Green Bean Books chats with Johanna about list-making, task-tackling, secrets, and even stealing.

We hear you are an avid list-maker.

What’s on your to-do list today?

If you were to sneak into my studio or office, you would see piles of lists. I have lists for book projects, and book ideas. Lists to help me manage my art business. Lists for general house and kid related things. Today my lists are especially long, bordering on absurd.

Good thing I put some super important tasks on there like, ‘eat doughnuts’ and ‘drink coffee’. Done and done.

Which character from children’s literature do you most identify with and why?

Well, Ramona Quimby and Anne of Green Gables have always been two of my faves.

They both have incredible imaginations that tend to tip into the realm of worry and mischief sometimes. I can relate.

In The Best Bike Ride Ever a little girl bikes up mountains, down canyons, and even past a giant cheese. If you could bike anywhere, and oceans weren’t obstacles, where would you bike?

I’ve always wanted to take a long bike trip through Europe. How dreamy would it be to ride around and visit castles and villages and sip tiny coffees in hidden cafes? Probably a lot muddier and trickier than it is in my mind, but I would love to try.

In your book Bandits, a family of raccoons sneaks, prowls, snatches and steals. If you could steal one famous work of art with which to decorate your living room, what would you pick?

Oh, wow. Hmm. Well I am deeply in continued on p. 12

10 | NW Kids Magazine

NW Kids Magazine | 11

Bunny’s on Ice features one little bunny brimming with hope and confidence despite all her ice skating struggles. How do you tackle tough tasks?

love with work of illustrator Errol le Cain.

Everything about his work just makes me so incredibly happy. I would feel pretty terrible about stealing it though. I had a piece of artwork stolen in college, and it made me so mad!

I tackle just about all tough tasks with a mixture of bribery and a stopwatch. If I have something tedious or scary or tricky to get through, the first thing I do, is break down the task into a bunch of manageable pieces. Then I’ll tell myself, “Work on this for ten minutes and you’ll get a treat.” The treat can be anything, a piece of chocolate or a cup of tea, or whatever.

Usually once I do ten minutes of something, I get the momentum to push me through the task without a lot of struggle. But sometimes I need a lot treats. Like, a LOT.

In your book The Secret Circus, a host of tiny Parisian mice have a spot in the city all their own, and they know the way it fits them perfectly! Do you have a favorite secret spot in Portland? Can you give us a hint?

I love going to two not-so-secret spots in Portland. One is called Ristretto, a coffee shop on Williams. It’s a bright comfy place, filled with great people and amazing coffee.

It’s my favorite spot to write, doodle, and hash out book ideas. I also love going to the Waypost, another cafe right by my house.

They have a wild garden in the back where my little daughter can roam free while we sip hot chocolate and munch on cookies. In the summer we love to wander down to the Waypost in the evenings to listen to music or have a beer in the garden.

If you weren’t an artist what might you be?

Maybe one of those old timey fortune tellers with a crystal ball....

12 | NW Kids Magazine

Bandits, bunnies, bike rides, and bitesized circuses. What’s next for you?

At the moment I’m working on a new picture book called Orchestra Pit. It’s about a giant snake that ends up in an orchestra pit. Mayhem follows!

Visit Johanna at johannawrightcom, her Etsy shop and Green Bean Books at greenbeanbookspdx.com

NW Kids Magazine | 13

School Open House Guide bodhi tree center

Bridges Middle School

Childswork Learning Center

address

5403 SE Center Street Portland

205 NE 50th Avenue Portland

4235 SE Salmon Street Portland

phone

( 503) 788.0336 (503) 997.2999

(503) 688.2922

(503) 234.3611

website

BodhiTree ChineseSchool.org

BridgesMiddleSchool.org

childswork.org

description

Mandarin Chinese immersion programs and classes for children (ages 2-13) and also adults. Japanese language classes for children.

A private nonprofit school where caring and fine teaching take 5th-8th graders to new levels of confidence and competence.

Dedicated to excellence in developmentally appropriate early childhood education, where each child and family is respected in an environment that supports lifelong learners.

open house

Every Wednesday 10am-12pm

March 20, 6:30pm May 16, 6:30pm July 18, 6:30pm

Tours offered four mornings a month. Call to reserve your spot.

grade range/ age range

2-13 (children) and adults

5-8th Grade

2-K, including a Parent-Child Twos Class

full-day kindy

No

No

Yes

max enrollment

Depends on program

45

270

student teacher 6:1 ratio

9:1

6:1, 7:1 or 8:1 depending on the class

Before/After School Care

Yes

No

Yes

Religious Affiliation

N/A

None

No

Tuition Range

Depends on program

$16,700 annually

$120-$675 monthly

Financial Aid

No

Yes

Yes

Teaching Method

Right-brain

Speciality Program

Mandarin Chinese language immersion, and Chinese cultures/customs inclusive of dance, martial arts, poetry, art, calligraphy, literature, music, and song.

14 | NW Kids Magazine

Reggio Inspired, Emergency Curriculum, Play-Based Creative, focused setting for students with learning differences. Small class sizes & individualized instruction.

Spanish, Music, Yoga, Soccer, Fun and Fitness, Clay Studio, Nature through Art, Cooking.

NW Kids Magazine | 15

School Open House Guide French American International School

German American School of Portland

GROWING SEEDS Learning Community

address

8500 NW Johnson Street, Portland

3900 SW Murray Boulevard, Beaverton

North: 6505 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Irvington: 2808 NE MLK Jr. Blvd

phone

(503) 292.7776

(503) 626.9089

(503) 203.0913

website

faispdx.org

gspdx.org

growingseeds.net

description

The oldest, most established, and only fully accredited preschool through grade eight program of its kind in Portland.

GSP offers a bilingual curriculum promoting flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to languages and cultures, improved listening skills, and prepares children to be world citizens.

At Growing Seeds children, teachers, and families collaborate using kindness, respect, safety and responsibility to build our learning community.

February 13, 6pm March 14, 9am April 16, 9am

North: Wednesdays 10am Irvington: Tuesdays 3pm

open house

grade range/ age range

Age 2.5-8th Grade

Preschool-5th grade

6 weeks to kindergarten ready

full-day kindy

Yes

Yes

No

max enrollment

250

North 160, Irvington 74

student teacher 9:1 ratio

8:1

varies by age

Before/After School Care

Yes

Yes

No

Religious Affiliation

No

None

None

Tuition Range

$12,000-$15,000 annually

$9,085-$11,900 annually

Financial Aid

Yes

Yes

Yes

Teaching Method

Language Immersion

German Immersion

Reggio Emilia, RIE, Social Constructivism

Speciality Program

Music, Art, Multiple Languages, Sports/ Movement, Summer Camps, PM Classes.

Our immersion program is enriched by music, art and athletics.

16 | NW Kids Magazine

Hilltop Preschool & Kindergarten

International Leadership Academy

LITTLE FRUIT FARM Montessori

montessori of alameda

5700 SW Dosch Road Portland

14790 SW Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego

16445 SW Melinda Street, Beaverton

4210 NE Going Portland

(503) 245.3183

(503) 490.0686

(503) 521.8603

(503) 422.3608

pcctoday.com/hilltop

ilapdx.org

littlefruitfarmmontessori montessoriofalameda. .com com

Christian school offering opportunities for growth, freedom, and exploration. Developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet individual needs. Offers Spanish and Chinese in the classroom.

Provides a scholarly, innovative, multilingual and multicultural education to help students maximize their lifelong potential and meet challenges with confidence.

A certified, licensed home-based Montessori preschool providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Elementary afterschool care/tutoring available.

Montessori of Alameda and Maria’s Place are bi-lingual programs serving children ages 3 months to age six.

Tours daily

February 11, March 11, April 11, May 13, June 7, 8am-12pm

Call to schedule a tour

By appointment

3 by Sept. 1 through Kindergarten

PK-5th Grade (2-10 years old)

Preschool/Early Elementary

3 months-6 years

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

100

75

10

170

10:1 Preschool 15:1 Kindergarten

10:1 PK; 12:1 K 16:1 Grades1-5

10:1

4:1 infant, 5:1 toddler, 10:1 Preschool

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

None

No

None

$190-$450 monthly

$7,000-$8,500 annually

$500-$800 monthly

Varies

No

Yes

No

Yes

Academic

Constructivism

Montessori

Montessori

Language, Music Classes, Soccer Shots.

Music, Art, Spanish, Body in Motion, French.

Music, movement, art, soccer, gardening and cooking. Singing and creative movement is practiced daily.

Spanish, Music/ Movement, Art Sports, Gardening, Cooking, Science.

NW Kids Magazine | 17

School Open House Guide Oregon Episcopal School

Oregon Hope Chinese School

OSWEGO PLAYSCHOOL

address

6300 SW Nicol Road Portland

14986 NW Cornell Road Portland

516 8th Street Lake Oswego

phone

(503) 768.3115

(971) 226.7240

(503) 636.1345

website

oes.edu

oregon-hope.org

oswegoplayschool.com

description

OES offers an inquirybased education that prepares students for higher education and lifelong learning and to cultivate their power for good.

OHCS is an OR state and IRS recognized public nonprofit, providing Saturday Chinese classes and Mandarin Kids, an early childhood program.

Cooperative preschool.

Learning through play develops social skills and problem solving.

Daily opportunities for art, literacy, science and dramatic play.

February 13, March 13, April 10, May 15 at 10am

February 2 10am-12pm

open house

grade range/ age range

PK-12th Grade

PK-12th Grade

20 months through 5 years

full-day kindy

Yes

Yes

No

max enrollment

200

18

student teacher 7:1 ratio

7:1

4:1

Before/After School Care

Yes

Yes

No

Religious Affiliation

Independent Episcopal

None

None

Tuition Range

$13,710- $25,340 annually $299-$899 monthly

$75 - $150 monthly

Financial Aid

Yes

No

No

Chinese Mandarin Immersion

Play-based curriculum

Music, Art, Go, Dance.

N/A

Teaching Method Speciality Program

18 | NW Kids Magazine

Specialist teachers in Music, Art, Science, PE, Technology, and Spanish.

Portland Language Arts

Scuola Italiana di Portland

Small Friends School

St. Andrew Learning Center

10180 NW Brady Lane Portland

PO Box 6507 Portland

7475 SW Oleson Road Portland

12405 SW Butner Road, Beaverton

(971) 506.8838

(971) 270.0470

(503) 388.2266

(503) 646.0629

portlandlanguagearts. com

scuola.us

smallfriendsschool.com

standrewlutheran. com

Help children to become proficient in 2+ languages, develop self-confidence, respect for others and their opinions and a passion for life-long learning.

Authentic, full immersion Italian language and culture lessons for children 18 months and older at multiple Portland metro area locations.

At Small Friends, children explore, create, observe, experiment and collaborate to construct a deeper understanding of their world.

We seek to work with families to instill a love of learning, and teach respect for the Earth and others.

February 16, 10am12pm March 9, 10am-12pm

May & September, 10am to 12pm

PK: February 7, 7pm; Kindergarten: March 7, 7pm

February 5, 6:30pm & by appointment afterward

2-5 years old, 5-12 years old afternoon Chinese

18 months and older

Ages 3-6 years old

3-5 years

Yes

No

12

No

No

PK: 18, K: 16

40

4:1

4:1, Preschool 6:1, 6+ years

Preschool: 4:1 Kindergarten 8:1

10:1 or less

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

None

Lutheran, open to all traditions

None $395-$995 monthly

$10-$13 hourly

$150-$400 monthly

$250-$985 monthly

No

No

No

Yes

Collaboration

Reggio Emilia, full immersion

Play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum

Chinese immersion, Spanish enrichment, Music Together.

Reggio Emilia immersion preschool, after-school language immersion & more.

Earth care/ environmental discovery, music, and spirituality.

NW Kids Magazine | 19

School Open House Guide Sweet PEAS Kidzone

The Portland Montessori School

Trillium Charter School

address

15320 NW Central Drive, D-12, Portland

4911 NE Couch Street Portland

5420 N Interstate Avenue Portland

phone

(503) 533.5252

(503) 688.2992

(503) 285.3833

website

s weetpeaskidzone. com

ortlandmontessori. p org

trilliumcharterschool.org

description

Our goal is to create a safe foundation, where learning is fun, imagination flows, and creativity is encouraged.

The Portland Montessori School has a proud tradition of educating children for life. We are committed to helping children develop a lifelong love of learning.

Academically rigorous constructivist learning environment that engages each student’s unique spirit and intellect, develops creative, critical thinking skills, and cultivates compassionate, active citizens.

open house

February 5, 6-8pm February 9, 12pm-2pm

grade range/ age range

3-6 years old PK, Kindergarten

Early Childhood (2.5-6) through 5th Grade

Preschool and K-12th Grade

full-day kindy

Yes

Yes

Yes

max enrollment

45

20 per classroom

360

February 21, 6:30-8pm

student teacher 7:1 ratio

10:1

Before/After School Care

Yes

Yes

Yes

Religious Affiliation

No

None

None

Tuition Range

$200-$900 monthly

$6,090-$8,735 annually PK tuition only

Financial Aid

Yes

Yes

No

Teaching Method

Whole Child Learning

Montessori

Democratic/Constructivist

Speciality Program

Indoor Playground, Rock Wall, Music, Art, and 2nd Language Offered, Library Visits, Field Trips and more.

Music, sports, Soccer Shots, language, movement, cooking, among others.

20 | NW Kids Magazine

Tucker-Maxon School

Village Home we village Education Resource Center

Yu Miao Chinese Immersion Preschool

2860 SE Holgate Boulevard, Portland

Beaverton and NE PDX

424 NW 11th Ave, PDX 1295 NE Orenco Station Parkway, Hillsboro

5239 SE Woodstock Boulevard, Portland

(503) 235.6551

(503) 597.9100

Pearl: (503) 935.5590 Orenco: (503) 640.7529

(503) 775.3767

tuckermaxon.org

villagehome.org

wevillage.com/program/ preschool

ahscpdx.org

Nationally recognized private school where deaf and hearing children are talking, learning, and achieving excellence together.

More than 200 classes per week (preschool – HS) in a family-friendly environment designed to enhance the intrinsic motivation to learn.

Whole-child approach, focusing on academic, social, and adaptive skills kids need to thrive in kindergarten. Potty training NOT required.

Students embrace multiculturalism by learning the Mandarin language, and Chinese cultures/customs. We enable growth through an integrated program.

February 28, 4-5:30pm April 18, 4-5:30pm

Feb 25 (Beaverton) and Feb 27 (NE PDX)

Pearl: M/W/F 9am-1pm, February 23, 10am-12pm call for appt. Orenco: February 1, 9:30-11:30am, March 5, Apr 9, 6pm

PK-5th Grade

Preschool - High School

Ages 2.5 - 6

Ages 3-5

Yes

No

No

No

PK:14, K-5: 18

Approx. 500

Pearl: 10; Orenco: 20

64

7:1

10:1

Pearl: 10:1 Orenco: 8:1

6:1 or better

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

None

No

None

TBA

Start at $65 for 10 weeks

$438 monthly

$361-$1,079 monthly

No

Yes

Yes

No

Creative Curriculum

Eclectic

Montessori style

Language Immersion

Language-rich environment, critical thinking, Art, Choir, P.E. and more. Aftercare options available.

Art, Drama Performance Foreign Language, Math, Science, PE, Language Arts, Tutoring.

We are unique as our classes are small and intimate which allows the teacher to develop a program specific to the class size and children attending.

Mandarin Chinese language immersion, and Chinese cultures/customs inclusive of dance, martial arts, poetry, art, calligraphy, literature, music, and song.

NW Kids Magazine | 21

Treat Yourself,

Valentine Overworked, overstressed and bent out of shape from lugging toddlers on your hip? Marissa Emery knows your pain. The 32-year-old mom of two is a local massage therapist and founder of Mama Needs Massage, a professional studio that caters to moms’ specific needs.

A good therapeutic massage is more than just about relaxation, Emery says it’s a way to rejuvenate your body from the wear and tear of picking up toys and sleeping awkwardly as little cuddle monsters invade your bed each night. “Massage has been found to help alleviate stress, depression, anxiety, headaches, muscle tension, insomnia and more,” says Emery, who also offers prenatal massage. “There are cumulative effects, the more you give your body the attention it needs, the more longterm benefits you’ll reap.”

And a happy mommy makes a happy home, right? Rates start at $60 for a 60minute massage; other services include paraffin wax treatment for hands and feet and heat treatment for problem areas. House calls available also available.

For specials, gift cards, or to schedule a massage party, visit facebook.com/ mamaneedsmassage or contact marissalani@gmail.com.

Hard-working dads, we didn’t forget about you. Valentine’s Day means you deserve some man-pampering and your gal will love it. The Modern Man, with locations on Alberta and Hawthorne, caters to guys with custom haircuts and shaves like your grandpa used to get. Packages start at $53 for a “Lady Killer” modern cut, which includes a shampoo and scalp massage, 22 | NW Kids Magazine

By jen anderson

straight-razor shave and neck shave. Each service comes with a complimentary whiskey, scotch, beer, coffee, espresso, root beer, or bottled water and a cigar or cigarette. With The Whiskey Room just upstairs at the Alberta location, guys will think they’ve landed in man-heaven. themodernmanpdx.com For moms and dads who want to indulge in some deluxe treatment side by side, a couples’ massage or facials are blissful options. Zama Massage incites romance with cocoa butter and truffles, a two-hour couples’ massage class, date night and more. Aqua Terra Massage uses fine oils, silk linens and aromatherapy. Packages start at $140 to $180. zamamassage.com, aquaterrapdx.com For holistic spa services and manis, pedis and facials, couples can head on over to Dragon Tree Day spa to indulge from head to toe. Check out the Chocolate Mud Feet foot treatment for a decadent start to your Valentine’s Day, thedragontree.com. For pregnant valentines, try Zenana spa for a prenatal massage to soothe backaches and leg cramps or a full body sugar scrub for a divine experience. These folks will take special care of mama and baby in a relaxing environment. Visit zenanaspa.com for rates and a full menu of services. And for those couples on a tight budget who need some pampering, try the Aveda Institute where students give the love and facials start at $25, avedapdx.com.

Jen Anderson lives to treat herself. She is a local education and youth issues reporter, and is the mama to two boys.

NW Kids Magazine | 23

Monthly

Calendar

Performances Feb 2

Action Adventure Theater Playback Theater’s Live Children’s Show A specially-priced show just for children!

Playback Theater invites guests to share personal experiences, then performs the stories with acting and music. $5-20, 6-7:30pm. playbacktheaterpdx.com

Feb 2-3, 9-10, 16-18, 23-24

Northwest Children’s Theater – Seussical

A musical adventure featuring favorite characters from Dr. Seuss. $18-$22, 12-4pm. nwcts.org

Feb 2-3, 9-10, 16-17

Oregon Children’s Theatre – The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

C.S. Lewis’s fantastical adventure into a snowy world, where four ordinary children become heroes. $18-30, Sat 2pm & 5pm, Sun 2pm. No 5pm show on Feb 9 or 16. octc.org

Feb 8-10, 16-17

Tears of Joy Theatre Anansi the Spider

West African folktales brought to life with puppetry. Come on Sat or Sun for free crafts 30 min before curtain! $17-21, Fri 7:30pm, Sat 11am & 1pm, Sun 1pm & 3pm. tojt.org

Lunar New Year Events Feb 2, 10, 13, 17

Multnomah County Library Lunar New Year Celebration

Dancing, treats, games, and crafts in honor of the new year. Feb 2 Gregory Heights 1-3pm, Feb 10 Woodstock 3-4:30pm, Feb 13 Holgate 6-7:30pm, Feb 17 Midland 2-4pm. Free, first come first served. multcolib.org

Feb 2, 9, 13, 15

Multnomah County Library Red Fans for Lunar New Year

Decorate festive red accordian fans with stamps and glitter. Feb 2 Kenton 3-4pm, Feb 9 Troutdale 11am-12pm, Feb 13 Holgate 6-7:30pm, Feb 15 Midland 12:301:30pm. Free, first come first served. multcolib.org

Feb 9

Oregon Convention Center Chinese New Year Cultural Fair 2013: Year of the Snake Lion dance and other performances, delicious Chinese food, kids’ activities, art show, and more. $8-15, kids 0-6 free, 10am-5pm (art show 7pm portlandchinesetimes.com/event_ cny.php

Feb 10-24

Lan Su Chinese Garden Chinese New Year

Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur.

24 | NW Kids Magazine

February 2013 Two weeks of new year themed activities, including daily lion dance performances, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations, lantern displays, and more to ring in the Year of the Snake. $7-28, kids 0-5 free, 10am-5pm. lansugarden.org

Feb 22-24

Lan Su Chinese Garden - Chinese New Year Lantern Viewing

A very special event featuring hundreds of hanging and floating lanterns all over the lush gardens. With lion and Chinese dance performances nightly. $15-40, group packages available, 6:30-8:30pm. lansugarden.org

Black History Month Events All Feb

Oregon Historical Society All Aboard: Railroading and Portland’s Black Community

This exhibit focuses on the stories of African American railroad workers in Portland in the 1800s to the 1940s. $5-11, free for Multnomah County residents and kids 0-5, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. ohs.org

Feb 15-24

2013 U.S. Bank Portland Jazz Festival

10th anniversary event of this vibrant music festival that has historically recognized

Black History Month in its education and outreach, featuring both internationally recognized and local jazz musicians.

Concerts at various venues, check website for times. $15-58. pdxjazz.com

Events FEB 1 & 2

Buckman Art Show & Sell

A benefit for Buckman Arts Focus Elementary. Live music, arts & crafts, food carts, photobooth, kid activity center and more. Feb 1st 5-9pm, $5. Feb 2nd 10am5pm, $2. Kids 4 and under free. buckmanelementary.org/artsale

Feb 2

Northwest Library Japanese Doll Festival

Learn to make origami dolls or candleholders in honor of Hinamatsuri, the Japanese Doll Festival. Free, 2-4pm. multcolib.org

Feb 2

Shining Star Waldorf School 3rd Annual Candlemas: Festival of the Bees

Celebrate these buzzing wonders with beeswax candlemaking and other crafts, honey and other yummies, beekeeping workshops, and more. All proceeds benefit Shining Star Waldorf School. $5-10 suggested donation, 10am-2pm. shiningstarschool.com

Remember to check the NW Kids online calendar for dozens more outings and activities each day. Share with friends, subscribe to the RSS, add directly to your calendar, and more features. There’s something going on you don’t want to miss!! nwkidsmagazine.com/calendar NW Kids Magazine | 25

Calendar cont’d Feb 3 & 17

Feb 12

9-year-old karaoke star, Emma Rose, emcees a family-friendly singing event!

Kids menu and happy hour prices available.

Free, 1-4pm. pink-feather.com

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with cardmaking and dancing. Kids 0-6 and their families welcome, 10:30-11:30am. beavertonlibrary.org

Feb 6

Feb 12

Pink Feather Restaurant and Lodge - Kids Karaoke

World Forestry Center Discovery Museum - Wondrous Wednesdays

Explore the world of trees for just $3 the first Wednesday of the month. $3, 10am5pm. worldforestry.org

Feb 7 & 9

Multnomah County Library Valentine Fun

Crafty and love-y fun for the kiddos and their special ones. Free! Feb 7 Belmont 3:15-4:45pm, Feb 9 Sellwood 12-2pm, Hollywood 1-3pm, Central 2-3:30pm. multcolib.org

Feb 9

Sunnyside Library Elephant and Piggie Party

Come dressed in your favorite party clothes and celebrate Mo Willems’ beloved characters, Elephant and Piggie. Free, 10:3011:30am. multcolib.org

Feb 9

Zimmerman Community Center Festa di Carnevale

Scuola Italiana hosts its annual costume party for kids! Costume contest, clown entertainment, and more. 3-6pm. scuola.us

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Beaverton City Library Lovey Babies Kids Dance Party

Oregon Zoo - Second Tuesday Visit the zoo for just $4! Kids 0-3 free, 10am-4pm. oregonzoo.org

Feb 12 & 13

Lake Oswego Library Make Valentine Animals

Create animals completely out of hearts!

Registration required, call 503-697-6580.

Free, 11-11:30am. ci.oswego.or.us/library

Feb 14

Out of this World Pizza & Play Family Valentine’s Party

Pizza, drinks, desserts, and a DJ-ed dance party for the whole family. Bingo and giveaways round out an evening of Valentine’s fun. $7-10, kids 0-1 free, 6-9pm. outofthisworld.net

Feb 14

Portland Spirit Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise

Treat your true love to an elegant 4-course dinner on the Willamette, complete with a champagne or sparkling cider toast. $99, 7-9:30pm (boarding 6:30pm). portlandspirit.com

NW Kids Magazine | 27

Calendar cont’d Feb 15

Hillsboro Library Friday Family Flicks

Munch on free popcorn and watch ParaNorman on the library’s big screen.

Seating is limited to 100 people so get there early for a premium spot. Free, 6:308pm. wccls.org/libraries/hillsboro

Feb 16

St. Johns Library - Papagayo

A bilingual, Spanish and English puppet performance featuring Papagayo the parrot and the Moon Dog, courtesy of Tears of Joy Theatre. Free, 11-11:30am. multcolib.org

Feb 16

Southwest Community Center Daddy Daughter Night

The theme is 50’s Sock Hop for this night of dinner, dancing, and fun. Kids 4-12 years old, admission includes dinner and sundae dessert. $18, 6-8pm. southwestcommunitycenter wordpress.com

Feb 19

Hillsdale Library The Remarkable Snowflake

A musical show from Penny’s Puppet Productions tells the story of Crystal the snowflake. Arrive 30 min in advance for free tickets. 4-4:45pm. multcolib.org

Feb 20

Beaverton City Library Messy Art for Little Kids

The name says it all! Let your little one get blissfully messy with paint, Play-Doh, and other media. Ages 2-7. Free, 4-5:30pm. beavertonlibrary.org 28 | NW Kids Magazine

Feb 23

Mississippi Pizza The Alphabeticians

Pizza, drinks, and kindie rock. Maybe even some dancing! $10/family, 4pm. thealphabeticians.com

Feb 24

Central Library - The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival

View a collection of videos compressing stories of various Newbery awardwinning books into 90 seconds of film or less. Hosted by author James Kennedy.

Free, 12:30-2pm & 3-4:30pm. multcolib.org

Feb 26

Nature Park Interpretive Center - Nature Kids Preschool Preview: Squirrels Scamper Give your kidlet a sneak peek of Nature Kids preschool with games, crafts, and short hikes. This month is all about squirrels! $14, pre-registration required, 1-3pm. thprd.org/nature/programs/ naturekids.cfm

Feb 28

Belmont Library It’s Raining Cats and Dogs!

Make a lovely umbrella mobile with artist Anya Hankin, then take it home and put it on display. Free, 3:30-4:30pm. multcolib.org

NW Kids Magazine | 29

Making Dumplings for Lunar New Year

by Karel Chan Growing up in a Taiwanese-American household, boiled dumplings were a favorite staple food.

My brothers and I loved helping our mom make the filling and wrap the dumplings, and felt a sense of pride that we’d had a hand in creating a family meal. Dumplings are traditionally eaten during Lunar New Year celebrations because they are shaped like little purses, a symbol of good fortune for the coming year. When wrapping new year dumplings, families hide a coin in one dumpling and a date in another. After the dumplings are cooked and served, the person who gets the coin in his or her dumpling is said to receive wealth in the new year, and the person who gets the date is said to be blessed with a new child in his or her family.

Ingredients Makes about 40 dumplings.

Peanuts have also been used in place of dates; try almonds for kids who have peanut allergies. ½ lb ground pork ¼ lb cabbage or bok choy, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup vegetable oil ¼ tsp sesame oil 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 pkg dumpling skins (circular) bowl of lukewarm water 1 small coin (dimes or pennies work best), preferably new from the bank!

1 date You can usually find dumpling skins (sometimes called gyoza wrappers) in the produce section of your local grocery store. If not, try an Asian food store, where they may be frozen.

Directions 1. Combine all ingredients (except dumpling skins and water) in a large bowl until completely mixed.

2. If your dumpling skins are frozen, wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds. Keep covered while wrapping so they don’t dry out.

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3. Wrap dumplings: • Place 1 dumpling skin in your palm and put about ½ Tbsp of filling in the middle.

• Dip a finger in the water and trace a circle around the outer edge of the dumpling skin. Not too wet!

• Fold the skin in half around the filling and pinch the edges to create a seal.

• Crimp the edges to create a purse-like shape (see photo).

• Repeat until you’ve used all the skins or all the filling.

• Don’t forget to hide the coin in one dumpling and the date in another!

4. Fill a large stockpot halfway with water and bring to a boil.

5. Put dumplings in boiling water (about 15-20 at a time). Bring to boil again, then pour ½ cup cold water in. Repeat.

6. Upon third boil, if dumplings are floating, they’re done!

7. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

While your family eats their dumplings, encourage your kids to cut theirs in half before taking a bite, so they can find the treasures safely. Enjoy!

Karel Chan handles client services and ad design for NW Kids. She loves coffee, cooking, knitting, and skinny jeans. For more of her recipes, visit her cooking blog at freestylekitchenexperiments.wordpress.com

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