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Fight Fair

PUBLISHER

10 Rules for Healthy Disagreements in Marriage

february

6 Dad’s Eye View The Ultimate Chaperone 12 Calendar of Events 15 Seven Valentine Tradtions 18 Family Movie Time Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

20 EarthTalk Showers vs. Baths 20 Read & Play Love Is in the Air 26 Pet Rescue Spotlight

Pacific Parents Publishing EDITOR

Sandy Kauten CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rick Epstein Jennifer Galvin Bonnie L. Harris Hannah Kruse Sarah Lyons GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT

Springer Design & Illustration ADVERTISING

Christi Kessler • 541.484.0434 christi@oregonfamily.com Sandy Kauten • 541.683.7452 sandy@oregonfamily.com

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A Dad’s Eye View by Rick Epstein

The Ultimate Chaperone (A Valentine Report)

“C

an we talk a minute?” I asked. I was standing in the foyer of a big house wanting a few words with Mr. Smith. He’s the father of my daughter’s boyfriend, Romeo. (His parents didn’t name him; I did.) Mr. Smith said, “Sure,” as Wendy and Romeo, both 15, disappeared into the Smiths’ cozily finished basement, which is exactly what I wanted to talk about with the dad. He was mystified as we sat down on opposing couches. “When Wendy is visiting here,” I said, “I wonder if you could keep them out of the basement.” His eyes narrowed and I stumbled on, “The basement is too private. I just don’t want them getting too comfortable down in that love nest.” He frowned and said noncommittally, “I’ll see what I can do.” He had the air of someone who does not think his son will get pregnant no matter where he entertains his young ladies. Nor did he want the awkward and unpleasant chore I was giving him. Probably the whole idea of finishing the cellar and furnishing it with a couch and a TV set was to get the kids out of the way. So what had been an asset is now a liability. I felt strange making the request because I remember my own teenage years, wishing my girlfriend’s family would quit parading through my make-out zone (their living room). I relate more readily to my furtively ardent 16-year-old self than to my responsible killjoy 55-year-old self. But a look into the mirror reminds me which one I am. I’ve been looking like Moses lately.

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

Wendy later reported that the Smiths had kept the lovebirds upstairs and chatted with them the whole evening. She said it was weird. That level of adult effort proved unsustainable, and the next time I came to pick Wendy up, I had to wait for her to climb up from the Love Cave. I gave Mr. Smith a bruising look, but said nothing. I haven’t let Wendy go over there since. So Romeo comes to our house. Our basement has no couch and TV. It has rusty mouse traps and hopping bugs. So the kids go out on the town (population 1,600). There’s a pizzeria, a coffee shop, a convenience store, and a playground that’s supposed to be off-limits after dark. A quarter-mile bridge across the river to the next state makes for delightful strolling. Many years ago, it was an old-fashioned covered bridge. An old lady once confided to me, “When I was young, that bridge was a dandy place for smooching. It was dark and quiet, day and night. No one in town could see you, and there wasn’t much traffic. When an automobile or wagon would rumble onto the planks, it sounded like thunder. That gave you time to compose yourself and start walking like you were headed somewhere. If headlights shined on you, you’d just give ‘em an innocent smile, like butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth. My father told me to stay out of there, but I never listened. It was a sad day when the Flood of ’33 washed that bridge away.” Have you read the Old Testament? That is SO God! When Wendy and Romeo return to the house, my wife and I surrender the living room and the TV to them and read books in our room, finding a reason to come noisily down the stairs every 45 minutes. It’s unpleasant, but that’s OK. We are committed to encouraging young love, but discouraging young sex. Our strategy: hospitality mixed with obstacles, resistance and interruptions. Yesterday, Wendy asked, “Can you take me over to Romeo’s on Saturday?” “No way,” I said. “His parents won’t keep you two out of the Love Cave.” Wendy said, “Dad, the basement is trashed. Remember when it rained for a week? The basement got 2 feet of water and everything is soaked with mud and fuel oil. Even the walls came down.” “Hallelujah!” I said, “The Man Upstairs has been offended.” “He sure has,” Wendy said. “Mr. Smith says it’ll take him a year to get it fixed up nice again.” Maybe the next time I give Mr. Smith an assignment, he will tremble and obey. Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.

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Fight Fair

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10 RULES for Healthy Disagreements in Marriage by Sarah Lyons

Did you

prom i s e to love a nd c o m fo r t fo r b e t t e r o r worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, for as long as you both shall live? When we lovingly answered “I do”, it is hard to imagine what day-to-day life with our spouse would look like. Whether you have been married a short time or for many years, you realize that marriage takes a lot of hard work and understanding. Even in the happiest and healthiest marriages, arguments cannot be avoided. It is wise to set some ground rules to help resolve conflicts and keep the relationship loving and respectful.

Rule # 1: Anger is an emotion Remember that anger is just an emotion. Everyone should be allowed to feel angry, sad, upset, or disappointed. These emotions are normal and are neither right nor wrong. Also remember that everyone handles them differently. One person may cry, another may scream, and yet another may want to be alone. Try to be respectful of your partner’s emotions. When your spouse is angry, try to understand their side of things. Allow them

to express their anger before responding. When you are angry, check your emotions. Where is the anger coming from? Are you angry with this situation or a larger issue? Knowing the true source of anger will help resolve the conflict.

be brushed aside and ignored. It is likely that the issue will arise p again and compounded by the earlier brush off. When taking a break, set aside a specific time when both parties are calm to discuss the issue again. A solution may come easier after some time away.

Rule # 2: No one “wins”

Rule # 4: Be honest and specific

When someone “wins” an argument or gets their way, the other party can feel a lot of resentment towards their spouse. Try not to emphasize who has won an arguement and who has lost. When resolving conf lict, come to a compromise that makes everyone comfortable. If it is obvious that one person has triumphed, do not flaunt it.

When you do sit down to discuss the disagreement, honesty is best when communicating with your spouse. When your partner brings something to your attention, try to be honest with yourself about what your actions were and how they made your spouse feel. Also, be specific when explaining what upset you. Name specific issues that are bothering you and do not exaggerate. Statements like “You always…” or “You never….” are not productive. “This evening at dinner it hurt me when you said…..” is much more specific and helps your partner understand exactly what bothered you.

Rule # 3: Take a break If an argument becomes heated and a resolution is not clear, agree to take a break. Many people need time and space to digest the issue at hand. While a break from the disagreement is a good idea, it should never

O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8

Rule # 5: Don’t hit below the belt During an argument hurtful things may be said, but try to remain respectful and don’t “hit below the belt”. Bringing up topics that you know are sensitive should be avoided unless at the heart of the matter. Threatening divorce, name calling, or saying negative things about your partner’s looks should also be off limits. Once something is said it cannot be taken back and words can be very damaging and hurtful. Agree to avoid these “low blows” before an argument is even started. Know when to walk away if things do get out of control.

Rule # 6: Use good communication skills When you sit down to discuss the conflict, take turns speaking and listening. Repeat back what your spouse has said to make

sure you understand and they know you are listening. Pay attention to how your spouse communicates and how he responds to different types of communication. Give your spouse the same respect you would give a friend or

screaming, cursing, and name calling should be avoided, especially if kids are around. Arguments can be scary for a child who doesn’t understand what is going on. There is no need to hide a healthy disagreement from your child. Kids should learn that disagreements are normal in any relationship and they can learn how to best handle these situations by following your good example.

Rule # 9: Use humor coworker. Good communication skills are not always easy, but making the effort can go a long way in conflict resolution.

Rule # 7: List clear solutions As a couple, come up with a list of clear solutions to the conflict. Negotiate and compromise until you have a solution that you are both comfortable with and state precise ways to reach this resolution. Not everything can be resolved quickly or perfectly the first time so it may take some trial and error to find something that will work for you both. Patience and understanding go a long way towards reaching an agreement.

Rule # 8: Be careful with kids When a disagreement arises be aware of the children in the home and what they will overhear. Heated disagreements with

W hen a dis a g re ement becomes tense sometimes it is best to turn to humor to lighten the mood. A good laugh with your spouse can help you remember why you got married in the first place and dissolve anger and tension that may have built up during the argument.

Rule # 10: No violence The most important rule that should be set when arguments come up in marriage is that everyone must feel safe. If you are fearful of your partner’s anger or if your spouse is hurting you, your children, or destroying your property, it is time to seek help. Please speak to a third party professional if you do not feel safe in your relationship. While anger is an emotion that is normal, violence and emotional abuse are never acceptable. Sarah Lyons and her husband, Justin, have been married for 14 years and have six children together.

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• BIRTHDAY PARTIES • PARENT’S NIGHT OUT • OPEN GYMS • CAMPS • NINJA ZONE

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Photography courtesy of Stephanie Urso Photography

Family Health

Q&A with Eric Johnson, MD

My child is healthy and participates in sports. He gets a physical exam every year, but I still have concerns about his health due to stories I’ve read about student athletes who have suddenly died - without any warning symptoms - from a heart disease. What can I do to protect my child?

I know many people don’t think of heart disease as an issue that affects teenagers, and for most of them, it doesn’t. However, pediatric heart abnormalities do exist, and in some instances, they can lead to health problems and even death. For example, the deaths of some teenage athletes have brought attention to a kind of heart disease that may become evident when a child is physically active. This condition is called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - the most common type of heart abnormality that can lead to sudden death. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is due to a genetic problem which leads to an abnormal thickening and enlargement of the heart muscle. This condition can be difficult to detect on a routine physical examination and may not present with obvious symptoms. One way to protect your active teen is to have him or her screened specifically for heart problems. While you can talk

to your doctor about options, you might also consider attending PeaceHealth’s teen heart screening, which offers 15-minute screenings to student athletes and otherwise active youth. Led by experts on our pediatric cardiology team, our free screening events – held twice each year – include a heart health questionnaire, blood pressure check, electrocardiogram (EKG), and diagnostic report. It’s painless, noninvasive and educational. In addition to screening for underlying heart conditions, our event is also an opportunity to have your teen screened for risk factors that may lead to adult-onset cardiovascular disease, such has high blood pressure and unhealthy weight. The

screening does not take the place of a general check-up by your child’s primary care provider, which is important for your child’s general health and well-being. Pediatric heart conditions are rare, but when it comes to the health of your child, a little extra diligence may provide some peace of mind. Our next teen heart screening will be Saturday, Feb 24, 2018, at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. Registration is required and appointments are limited; first come, first serve. For more details – and to register – visit peacehealth.org/TeenHeartScreen.

About Dr. Johnson Eric Johnson, MD, and his partner Misty Carlson, MD,

He cares for patients from fetal life through

of PeaceHealth Medical Group, are the only pediatric

adolescence. In his free time, you can find Dr. Johnson

cardiologists in the Willamette Valley outside of

exploring the outdoors, cooking, participating in

Portland. Dr. Johnson joined PeaceHealth’s pediatric

sports and spending time with his wife and two

cardiology department in 2016 after completing his

daughters and their dog. For inquiries or referrals, call

fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University.

PeaceHealth Pediatric Cardiology, 541-222-6160.

O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8

february

events

Story Times Springfield Public Library story times. Preschool Story time (ages 3-6) Weds 10:00am. Lap sit story time (ages 0-3) Weds 10am, Sensory Storytime (for kids with sensory integration issues or special needs) every other Thurs. Ph 541.726.3766 Barnes & Noble weekly story time. Whimsical Weds 7:00pm. Toddler-Time, Weds 11:00am. Saturdays at 11:00am, Ph 541.687.0356 Downtown Public Library story times. Preschool Story time, Wed 10:15 and 11:00am. Baby Story time (ages 0-1) Fridays @ 10:15 & 11:00am. Talkers Story time, Tues @ 10:15 & 11:00, Preschool Story time (ages 3-6), Weds @ 10:15 & 11:00. Walkers Storytime, Thurs 10:15 & 11:00am, for babies up on their feet. Pajama Story time every Tues of each month at 6:30pm. Features stories, rhymes, and songs for children 0-6. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) Storytime, Mondays @ 4:00pm. Ph 541.682.8316 Family Story Time (all ages). Fridays at 10:15am @ Bethel Branch Library. Ph 541.682.8316

Dog Tale Time. Kids have fun and build skills in short one-on-one sessions reading to trained dogs. Pre-register starting one week in advance. Every Saturday through March, Downtown Library, 2-3:30pm, FREE!, Ph 541.682.8316

On-Going Events Saturday Kids Workshops at MECCA. From magnetic puzzles to robots to sock creatures. No need to pre-reg. All materials are included. Kids under 10 accompanied by an adult. Each week features a different creative reuse project. MECCA, 11am – 3pm, $3-5, Ph 541.302.1810 Play Date. Young kids and family - drop in on First Friday evenings for creative fun together. Downtown Library, 6pm, Ph 541.682.5000 Minecraft Mondays and Tuesday. Play together, share tips, and get creative with building challenges with Minecraft on Eugene Public Library’s computers, for ages 6 - 12. Due to limited space, Eugene Library card and pre-reg is required. Downtown Library, 4pm, FREE! Ph 541.682.8316

Eugene Public Library: Family Music Time. Downtown Library on Tues 6:30pm; Weds 10:15am; Thurs 10:15am; and Sat 10:15am. Bethel Branch, Family Music Time will be held on Fridays at 10:15 am and in Spanish on Saturdays, 11:15am. Sheldon Branch, 10:15am, Ph 541.682.8316 Public Skate @ The Ice Center. Call for skate times. Ph 541.682.3615 Dog Tale Time. Short one-on-one sessions reading to trained dogs. Dogs and handlers’ courtesy of PAAWS (Project Canine and Pet Partner teams). Through March. Ages 5-12, Downtown Library, 2-3:30pm, FREE! Ph 541.682.8316 Legos! Bring the kids to build, play, and explore with the Library’s big and varied collection of Legos. Grades K - 6. Downtown Library, every Wed at 4:00 pm/Sheldon every Sat at 10:15am/ Bethel every Sat at 3pm. FREE! Ph 541.682.8316 “2PM Talks.” A docent-led talk every Tues thru Sun at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, included with price of admission. Ph 541.346.3024 Eugene Science Center. Our ever-changing array of exhibits features something for everyone! Explore science topics including astronomy, mechanics, optics, water quality, and nanotechnology. Planetarium shows: Seasonal Stargazing. Legends of the Night Sky: Perseus and Andromeda. Phantom of the Universe, and a Pre-K double feature. Also, our Evening Laser Shows are back starting Dec 1! See website for times. Ph 541.682.7888 Family STEAM. Enjoy hands-on fun and learning together! STEAM activities feature science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Sheldon Branch on Weds @ 4:00 or at Bethel Branch on Thurs @ 4:00. FREE! Ph 541.682.8316

1 THURSDAY Little Family Yoga with Brynne Blevins. Springfield Public Library, 10:30am, FREE! Ph 541.726.3766 National Geographic Live! Bob Poole – Nature Roars Back. Experience an epic African wildlife park through the eyes of an Emmy Awardwinning natural history cinematographer. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $25-39.75, Ph 541.682.5000 Nearby Nature, Time Travelers! Discover 20 million-year-old fossils, explode a volcano, and create your own fossil imprint. Trek to the Talking Stones and play Kalapuya games! Scholarships avail. Ages 6-9, max 12 kids. Alton Baker Park, 8:30-3pm, 45 mem/$50 non-mem, Register 541.687.9699

2 FRIDAY Father Daughter Dance. A chance for Fathers to dress up and take their Daughters to a dance. Daughters range from 1-21, but all are welcome. Semi-formal to formal attire, delicious appetizer, dessert buffet, dancing, crafting and more! Eugene Faith Center, 6:30pm, $45-55 ($10/additional daughter), Ph 541.686.9244

PHOTO: COLIN MORTON

Ghost, the Musical. Adapted from the hit film, Ghost the Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death. Actors Cabaret, 7:30pm, (dinner and brunch available) $16-42.95, Ph 541.683.4368

EugeneCascadesCoast.org/Events/ Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M / C A L E N D A R

Lego Club. All bricks provided, including Dupelo. Springfield Public Library, 2-4pm, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766 Motown the Musical. It began as one man’s story… became everyone’s music… and is now Broadway’s musical. Hult Center, 8pm, $38-99, Ph 541.682.5000 First Friday at the Museum. Investigate Oregon’s amazing fossils and ecosystems and delve into its cultural history. FREE! Museum of Natural History, 11am-5pm, Ph 541.346.3024 Tots Discovery Day. Science Magic. Explore the magical world of science and learn some cool tricks. Conjure up levitating magnets, make marbles disappear in water, and have some hairraising fun with our static electricity generator. Ages five and younger accompanied by a parent or guardian. Eugene Science Center, 9am-12pm, $0-5, Ph 541.682.7888 First Friday Artwalk. The First Friday ArtWalk guided tour begins at 5:30pm at Vista Framing & Gallery, and more ending at 8:00pm. ArtWalk is from 5:30-8:00pm and always FREE! Ph 541.485.2278

3 SATURDAY Motown the Musical. 2pm & 8pm, see the 2nd Penny Arcade: Longing Lasts Longer. New York’s undisputed queen of the underground turns contemporary stand-up on its head to create a crack in the post-gentrified landscape. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $25-28.50, Ph 541.682.5000 Family Day – Giants and the Museum. Explore the exhibits, play games, make crafts, and have some fun learning about Oregon’s giant animals from mammoths to ground sloths to saber tooth salmon. Snacks provided. Museum of Natural History, 11am-3pm, admission included w/ reg admission/ half-price with EBT cards/free to members. Ph 541.346.3024 Ghost, the Musical. See the 2nd Miranda Lambert Livin’ Like Hippies Tour. Matthew Knight Arena, 7pm, $42.75-77.75

4 SUNDAY Family Fun. Drop in for a new activity every week. This week, get ready for Valentine’s Day. Enjoy stories and make valentines for friends, family, and favorite book characters and authors. Downtown Library, 2pm, FREE! Ph 541.682.8316 Ghost, the Musical. 2pm, see the 2nd U of O Women’s Basketball. The Ducks take on Stanford. Go Ducks! Matt Knight Arena, 12pm, www.goducks.com

6 TUESDAY Teens at 4:30. This week, Game Day! Virtual Reality, big screen video games, board games and more. Come play a favorite or learn a new game. Teen ages 12+ Springfield Public Library, 4:30-5:30pm, FREE and open to the public! Ph 541-726-3766

7 WEDNESDAY Circa “S”. On a floating white diamond stage, seven extraordinary acrobats bend, fly, contort and hang to create an abstract work of power and joy. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $28-65.75, Ph 541.682.5000 Ideas on Tap: Re-Thinking Human Waste. Discuss the way human waste is captured, transported, and treated. Discover new avenues for recovering valuable resources and improving environmental and water quality. Marketplace@ Sprout! 6-8pm, Ph 541.346.3024, FREE!

PHOTO: MELISSA NOLLEDO

Asian Celebration

8 THURSDAY

Ghost, the Musical. See the 2nd

Affair of the Heart Health & Wellness Expo. Browse dozens of vendors, enjoy on stage entertainment, Doc Talks and other resources to improve health and wellness. Lane Events Center, $3, 3-8pm, Ph 541.682.4292

Little Wonders: Stories and Activities for Pre-K. This month we’ll have Fun With Science! What exactly is science? Can you be a scientist too? Yes, you can! Join us for stories, fun experiments. Museum of Natural and Cultural History, ages 3-5, 10:30am – 11:30, $3-10, Ph 541.346.3024

Preschool Art & Science Storytime. Designed for precocious preschoolers to teach about science and art in harmony. Preschoolers will conduct experiments, read, learn, create, and talk about the world around them. Ages 0-6, Springfield Library Meeting Room. 10:30-11:15am, FREE! Ph 541.726.3766

9 FRIDAY Second Friday Art Walk. Starts at Springfield City Hall, 5:00pm, FREE! Brian Reed: Creating S-Town. A New Way to Tell a Story. Brian Reed discusses how the record-breaking podcast came to be and how he developed a new style of storytelling. Hult Center, 8pm, $25-62.50, Ph 541.682.5000

10 SATURDAY Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Oregon. Support Special Olympics Oregon athletes by jumping, walking or slowly crawling into the frigid and icy Oregon waters. Spectators welcome. Maurie Jacobs Park, 9am-11am, donation, Ph 503.248.0600 Mount Pisgah Lichen Walk. Enjoy the wet winter air and learn the names of different lichens. Meet at the Arboretum Visitor Center rain or shine. Mt Pisgah, 10am-noon, $5, Ph 541.747.3817 Ghost, the Musical. See the 2nd

Emerald Valley Opry. Featuring: Tatiamo – Folk, Julie Nedele - Country, Fiddlin’ Big SueSuegrass, David Macauley - Country/Gospel, Down Home Boys - Oldies/Swamp Pop. Powers Auditorium Willamette High School, doors open 5pm, concert 6:00-9:30pm, $3-$8/under 7 free, Ph 541.688.0937 Preschool Fair. Come learn about the many preschool options and talk to representative from each one. Parenting Now, 10am-2pm, FREE! Ph 541.349.7793 Sweetheart Tea. A holiday tea complete with scones, sweets, savories, and all manner of holiday goodies! Shelton, McMurphy, Johnson House, $25-30, Ph 541.484.0808

11 SUNDAY Family Fun. Drop in for a new activity every week. This week, Chinese New Year! Learn traditions, hear Chinese music, and see an exciting Lion Dance. Downtown Library, 2pm, FREE! Ph 541.682.8316

February 17th & 18th Ghost, the Musical. 2pm, see the 2nd Valentine’s Day Soirée. A fun-filled and memorable evening awaits you and your special little someone. At this super-sweet semi-formal, there’s a photo booth, a candy buffet, and a dance floor big enough for the whole family. Willamalane Adult Center, 5;30-7:30pm, $10/pp, Ph 541.736.4544

13 TUESDAY Teens at 4:30. This week, Breaking Hearts. Come break a few hearts to celebrate Valentines Eve. Teen ages 12+ Springfield Public Library, 4:30-5:30pm, FREE and open to the public! Ph 541-726-3766

14 WEDNESDAY U of O Women’s Basketball. The Ducks take on USC. Go Ducks! Matt Knight Arena, 6pm, www.goducks.com

15 THURSDAY Little Family Yoga with Brynne Blevins. Springfield Public Library, 10:30am, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

16 FRIDAY Ghost, the Musical. See the 2nd

17 SATURDAY Oregon Asian Celebration. Year of the Dog - Bark to the Future. Cultural entertainment, performances, fine arts, and demonstrations of Asian crafts, cooking and martial arts. Visit our Asian heritage exhibit focusing on immigration stories, an Asian food court of tempting cuisine and a marketplace of more than 70 vendors. Lane Events Center, 10am-7pm, $0-6, Ph 541.729.4096 Ghost, the Musical. See the 2nd

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National Geographic LIVE! Thursday, February 1st

O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M / C A L E N D A R • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8

Beatles vs Stones – A Musical Showdown. The Fab Four, represented by tribute band Abbey Road, will engage in a barrage of hits against premiere Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction. Hult Center, 2:30pm & 8:00pm, $41-57.75, Ph 541.682.5000

18 SUNDAY Family Fun. Drop in for a new activity every week. This week, re-use materials to Make Paper with BRING Recycling. Downtown Library, 2pm, FREE! Ph 541.682.8316

Staurday, February 10th 25 SUNDAY Family Fun. Kids and family: drop in for a new activity every week. This week, Earth and Space. Learn about the solar system, stars, and the physics of gravity on this planet and beyond. Downtown Library, 2pm, FREE! Ph 541.682.8316

Pink Martini. 2pm, see the 17th

The Dustbowl Revival. An Americana Soul band with eight full-time members who mash the sounds of New Orleans funk, bluegrass, soul, pre-war blues, and roots music, into a genre-hopping, time-bending dance party. Hult Center, 8pm, $28-31.75, Ph 541.682.5000

19 MONDAY

27 TUESDAY

U of O Women’s Basketball. The Ducks take on UCLA. Go Ducks! Matt Knight Arena, 7pm, www.goducks.com

20 TUESDAY

Kinky Boots. Broadway’s huge-hearted hit where you discover that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $43-111, Ph 541.682-5000

Teens at 4:30. Experimenting with Thermoplastic. Mold, shape and sculpt with a brand-new product called thermoplastic. Teen ages 12+. Springfield Public Library, 4:30-5:30pm, FREE and open to the public! Ph 541-726-3766

Teens at 4:30. Teen Flicks. Come watch the newly released movie adaption of the bestselling novel Wonder. Plus, the popcorn and snacks are free! Teen ages 12+. Springfield Public Library, 4:30-5:30pm, FREE! Ph 541-726-3766

24 SATURDAY

28 WEDNESDAY

ZAPP Dance. The internationally known ZAPP Dancers will delight your senses through dance, music, lights and props. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $1517.50, Ph 541.682.5000

Kinky Boots. See the 27th

Oregon Asian Celebration. 10am-6pm, see the 17th

Illustration: Davide Bonadonna

Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous with Nizar Ibrahim • March 22 at 7:30 pm Tickets start at $2850 Meet Spinosaurus, the largest predatory dinosaur yet discovered— larger than T. rex—and hear the incredible story of how this prehistoric giant was almost lost to science, before being brought back to light with the help of a remarkable young paleontologist.

At the Hult Center • Get your tickets now:

HultCenter.org • 541-682-5000

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M / C A L E N D A R

PHOTO: SPECIAL OLYMPICS OREGON

Pink Martini. New choreography to Pink Martini’s eclectic music, as well as a special opener from San Francisco based choreographer Val Caniparoli. Hult Center, 7:30pm, $30-66, Ph 541.682.5000

Polar Plunge

3. Go on a “date” Many people go on a date with their significant other to celebrate Valentine’s Day but consider taking your child on a “date” to a place of their choice. If you have more than one child, each parent can pair off or take turns so all kids get to participate. Spending quality time together is a great way to show your kids you care and get the conversation flowing.

4. Cuddle up

If going out isn’t for your family, set aside time to cuddle up on the couch with those you love. Make popcorn, put on some comfortable pajamas, rent some movies, and spend some time together relaxing and cuddling in the comfort of your living room. To make it extra special for Valentine’s Day, add red sprinkles to the popcorn and choose movies that have a love theme.

5. Bake and share

Valentine Traditions

Bake some Valentine’s Day themed cookies to share with someone you love. While you are at it, double the batch and share them with someone who may be spending Valentine’s Day alone this year. Cookies are a great way to show others you care and bring some cheer.

by Sarah Lyons

TO S TA RT W I T H YO U R K I D S

alentine’s Day is traditionally a time for couples to express their love for one another, but it is also a great chance to show your children how much you love them too. While children typically exchange cards and small gifts on Valentine’s Day, this year try starting some fun new traditions for your family.

1. Dessert first Just once a year it can’t hurt to have your sweets before your meal. Offer cake

or ice cream first and let the kids enjoy their dessert without having to eat their veggies first.

2. Make it heart-shaped After your dessert first dinner, serve up some fun Valentine’s Day themed meals. Heart-shaped pancakes or heart-shaped pizza are both fun and easy. Get the kids involved in the kitchen and you will have more time to make special memories of your Valentine’s Day dinner.

6. Hide the hearts Hide paper hearts around the house and have the kids go on a search for them. Whoever finds the most wins a prize such as a small toy or a book. You might want to have a prizes on hand so that everyone gets a turn being the winner. You can enlist the winners to be their siblings assistant as a way of demonstrating their love for each other too.

7. Declare your love The simplest way to show others you care is to tell them. Have each family member state one reason why they love the others. You can also write these on scraps of paper and read them as a group. Tuck them away in a special envelope and pull them out year after year to reread them. Sarah Lyons is a stay at home mom and writer to six children, including three year old triplets. O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8

Discovery Box by Hannah Kruse, UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History

even blood vessels. They can also make educated guesses about what an animal ate and other aspects of behavior. One of Oregon’s iconic ancient animals was the Harlan’s ground sloth, (Paramylodon harlani). It didn’t look anything like the treedwelling sloths of today. These titans stood a remarkable nine feet tall and weighed over

OREGON’S GIANTS

id you know that dinosaurs never lived in Oregon? During the dinosaur age, Oregon was deep underwater, making up part of the sea floor, so there really was no “Oregon” for the giant reptiles to inhabit. Still, Oregon had its incredible giants. A whole menagerie of large beasts used to call the Beaver State home— from camels to rhinos to dire wolves. How do we know? Fossils! O re gon has an impressive f o s s i l record— t h a n k s in large part to the many active volcanoes that dotted ancient Oregon’s l and s cap e. P l ant s and animals close to these volcanoes would have been destroyed by the immense heat, but ash and dust fell over hundreds of square miles around—and quick burial in volcanic ash makes for ex tremely well-preser ved fossils. Because so many animals and plants were fossilized in this way, we have a relatively clear picture of

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

Oregon’s past wildlife. Pa l e o n to l o g i s t s study fossil bones, teeth, coprolites (fossil poop), and other clues to learn about ancient animals. Through fossils, they can decipher information about muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and

2,000 pounds! Fearsome though they sound, ground sloths w e r e herbivores (plant-eaters) who had to spend most of their time eating in order to support their massive calorie needs. They shared grazing space—or competed for it— with horses, mammoths, and bison. The orientation of their hips tells us that they could stand on two legs to reach food higher up. They had huge claws to help them dig for roots and ward off predators. Speaking of predators, Oregon was also home to one of the largest feline carnivores the planet has ever seen. The sabertooth cat (Smilodon fatalis) had a muscular body built for power. Sporting canine teeth that grew up to seven inches long, they could open their mouths extremely wide to get their food—an astounding 130 degrees (versus about 65 in modern large

cats)! Their fangs were so big that they may have made it difficult or impossible to hunt small prey, and some experts wonder if this— along with a shifting ecosystem that favored small mammals— contributed to “Smilo’s” extinction. Smilodon isn’t the only fanged fossil found in Oregon. Unique to the Pacific Northwest is the formidable sabertooth salmon (Smilodonichthys rastrosus). This “fishosaurus” was no shrimp—it could grow up to nine feet long! It was named for its canine-like teeth, which were presumably used for competition among males during spawning season. Modern sockeye salmon have a similar, though smaller, hook appendage. Several fossil specimens of this giant have been found throughout the state, and you can find several fossils at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, along with a life-sized model suspended from the ceiling. Perhaps the most formidable of Oregon’s giants was the mammoth. Columbian mammoths (Mammuthus columbi) were common throughout most of the United States, unlike wooly mammoths who lived much farther north. M. columbi was the largest of the mammoths, averaging 13 feet high at the shoulder, and weighing up to ten tons. That’s taller than an average size adult standing on another adult’s shoulders! Scientists can tell by their teeth that they were grazers, like the ground sloth. In order to maintain their great size, mammoths would have had to eat nearly 400 pounds of food— that’s twenty hours of grazing—every day. Can you find these giants at the museum? Visit on Saturday, February 3 for a Giants at the Museum family day. From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., you can compare your height with giants, talk to a real paleontologist, listen to stories, dig for fossils, and more! Learn more about this really, really big adventure at natural-history.uoregon.edu. The Museum of Natural and Cultural History is located at 1680 E. 15th Avenue, on the UO campus. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit us online at natural-history.uoregon.edu.

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O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8

Movie Time by Bonnie L. Harris

Choose The Best Life Sentenced to detention.

Sony Pictures Entertainment Rated: PG-13 Now in theatres

wenty years is a long time between sequels, but Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is absolutely worth the wait. Based on the best-selling children’s novel and loosely connected to the original Jumanji movie starring Robin Williams, this over-the-top action adventure takes the young adult genre to new heights. Director Jake Kasdan uses wry, self-reflexive humor to lure parents into the

story and enough kid jokes to win over the adolescent crowd. The body-switching gimmick setting the stage could be confusing, but Kasdan seamlessly transforms the teen characters into corresponding adults with hilarious results. The film begins, however, when our four intrepid explorers are just rebellious students sent to detention for breaking the rules. Spencer, the geeky nerd, was caught doing homework for football star, Fridge. Bethany,

the beauty queen wannabe, wouldn’t turn off her cell phone in class, and Martha, the anxious introvert, refuses to participate in P. E. Confined in a cluttered storeroom and told to clean it up, the teens accidentally find an old video game called Jumanji. After they choose avatars, they’re sucked into the game and become their chosen characters. What they don’t know is that players who fail to reverse Jumanji’s curse are forced to stay in the game forever. As they journey through

FOR THE PARENTS Print It! The Post Dreamworks Pictures, Rated: PG-13 Now in theatres

n our time of the Women’s March and the #MeToo movement, it’s hard to fathom that there was an era when women were deemed unable to handle politics or corporate responsibilities. In Steven Spielberg’s new film, The Post, the iconic director focuses on 1970’s America journalism, which was rife with political intrigue as well as female oppression. Disillusioned with the false assessment of the Vietnam War, former news correspondent, Daniel Ellsberg, copies top secret documents

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

Jumanji’s difficult levels, they not only discover strengths and skills to help them survive, but they also uncover their own insecurities and prejudices. Meshing video-game savvy with impressive action sequences, Kasdan keeps his audience on the edge of their seats while Jumanji’s mysteries unfold. It’s a heart-stopping race against time and dangerous predators as the teens outwit the evil Professor Van Pelt and return the jewel of the Jaguar to its sacred place in order to earn their passage back home.

to stymie any adverse coverage of Vietnam. Thankfully, the first amendment prevails, but not before Katherine and Ben are tested to their limits and journalism defies the judicial system in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

condemning U. S. involvement that eventually find their way to the New York Times. But publication halts because of an injunction, which leaves the door open to The Washington Post owner, Katherine Graham. Katherine’s editor-in-chief, Ben Bradlee, insists she print the damaging reports while her lawyers warn that doing so could permanently bankrupt the paper. Caught between her family’s legacy and a doubtful Board of Directors, Katherine questions her own competence and her right to lead the newspaper. Ben and Katherine Meanwhile, President Nixon puts parry over breakfast. pressure on the Attorney General

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O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8

Earthtalk

U.S. had to be 2.5 GPM, although California, Colorado and New from the Editors of “E” York have since instituted even the Environmental Magazine lower limits for their own states.) According to this scenario, a 10-minute shower would use as much water as 25-gallon bath. If you can spend less than 10 minutes in the shower, all the better for the environment. Likewise, if you install a low-flow shower head—some models go as low as 1.5 GPM now—you can save even more water and money on your water bill. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) “WaterSense” label marks shower heads that are particularly miserly when it comes to water usage. But just because a new shower — Tim Jackson, Queensbury, NY head is low-flow doesn’t mean it has to feel like it, given the genius of engineering going into new products from fixture makers. Delta may be leading ike most good questions, it baseline purposes, let’s assume the pack with its “H₂Okinetic” depends... The main variables a typical bath uses 25 gallons. design that uses physically larger are how long the shower takes Meanwhile, a typical shower head water droplets to provide what it and the flow rate of the shower doles out 2.5 gallons per minute describes as “the feeling of more head. A typical bathtub holds (GPM). (In 1992 the federal water without using more water.” 36 gallons of water, but most government mandated that all Its budget-oriented 75152 model of us only fill it up partially. For new shower heads sold in the (~$30 online) can be toggled between 2.5 GPM and a sting y 1.8 GPM, and is a top pick on leading review site Wirecutter. “On its 2.5 GPM setting...the Delta 75152 delivers a powerful, soaking spray through its four nozzles, which create a much denser spray pattern than the ring of spray holes found on most budget Whether or not a shower or bath uses less water depends on various factors s h o w e r h e a d s ,” including how much you fill the tub, how long you spend in the shower and reports Wirecutter. the “gallons per minute” rating of your shower head.

Dear EarthTalk: Can you settle this age-old question for me once and for all: Is it greener to take showers or baths? And how can I save water either way?

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

Ye t a n o t h e r w ay to c u t down on water waste in the shower is by using a so-called “shower timer” that lets you know how long you’ve been scrubbing. Waterproof timers go from anywhere between $6 and $20 online; it might be the best investment in water conservation you could make. A more elaborate version is the $149 Shower Manager, a battery-powered device that you install between an existing shower head and its supply pipe in order to ratchet down the flow significantly or shuts the shower off completely after a pre-set period of time. For those of us who just can’t give up our baths, there are some things we can do to keep the water waste to a minimum. For starters, plug the drain before you start running the water and adjust the temperature as it fills up. Also, only fill up the tub to the minimal level you’ll need to get your body wet and washed. And truly committed environmentalists can find a way to reuse the “graywater” from the bathtub to irrigate your garden or water your houseplants, either by rigging up some kind of hose system or just with a plain old bucket. CONTACTS: EPA Watersense Showerheads, www.epa.gov/ watersense/showerheads; Delta’s “H₂Okinetic” Design, www. deltafaucet.com/design-innovation/ innovations/shower/h20kineticshowers; “Best Showerhead: Reviews by Wirecutter,” thewirecutter. com/reviews/the-best-showerhead; Shower Manager, www. showermanager.com. EarthTalk® is a weekly syndicated column produced by the non-profit EarthTalk. To find out more, submit a question, or make a donation, visit us at EarthTalk.org.

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O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8

Read & Play by Jennifer Galvin

Love is in the air…or is it in the books! Hearts, lace, ribbon, and chocolate. All of these things mean Valentine’s Day must be getting closer! Love is in the air, or is it in the books? These books will certainly capture more than a few hearts this Valentine’s Day! After collecting a few hugs and kisses from your Valentine’s Day treasures, pull them into a giant hug and read some of these wonderful Valentine’s Day books together.

READ… Click, Clack, Moo I Love You! Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $17.99, ages 4-8 by Doreen Cronin

Little Duck works very hard getting everything ready at the farm for a Valentine’s Day party. She makes valentines for everyone, hangs up streamers, and even ties up balloons everywhere. When an uninvited guest arrives, will Little Duck let this ruin the party? Find out as you read this fun Valentine’s Day adventure. Charming!

Here We Are: Notes For Living on Planet Earth Philomel Books, $19.99, ages 4-8 by Oliver Jeffers

A welcome to Earth! A set of notes for how to live wisely on our planet. Things like being kind and taking care of the planet and using your time well while you are here on Earth are all part of the notes for living here. Beautifully illustrated and wisely stated, this book is a treasure!

100 Things I Love to do with You

Love

Abrams Appleseed, $16.95, ages 4-8 by Amy Schwartz

G. P. Putnam’s Sons, $17.99, ages 4 and up by Matt de la Pena

Bright, bold illustrations and rhyming, rhythmic text fill this vibrant and engaging book. From writing secret codes and eating rocky road to pulling wagons and slaying dragons, these 100 loved things look like so much fun in the illustrations, it may just make you want to go out and do some of these things together as well. For Valentine’s Day or any day!

What is love? Love is the sound of the voices that you hear in the beginning when you are born. Love is your family comforting you in times of trouble. Love is the face staring back at you from the mirror. “Love” is beautifully depicted with poetic words

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

and luminous, vibrant illustrations in this beautiful ode to love that is perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day.

Love Triangle Balzer + Bray, $17.99, ages 4-8 by Marcie Colleen

Circle and Square are best friends, but what will happen when Triangle comes along? Well, you guessed it…it drives a “wedge” between them. All of the sudden, this new and exciting friend has Circle and Square competing for his attention, until finally Circle and Square’s friendship is bent out of shape. Triangle decides something needs to be done and invites them both over to fix things. After some more crazy drama, the three figure things out. A great book about friendship and working things out!

Red’s Planet: Friends and Foes Amulet Books, $19.99; ages 8-12 by Eddie Pittman

Red is back and better than ever! In this muchawaited sequel, Red, who is marooned on an alien planet, must figure out how to cope. She tries to help the other aliens get supplies from Goose, the guy in charge of the planet, and ends up in an epic election to see who will rule the planet. Will Red win? And, by the way, will everyone be able to pull together to defeat the Uskog when they attack the planet? This beautifully illustrated, full-color graphic novel is full of action. Entertaining from cover to cover!

... and PLAY! Make a fancy heart bracelet Materials: Bakeable clay (I used Sculpey III), embroidery floss, scissors, and a toothpick. Directions: Make a clay heart about 1/2” across out of bakeable clay. Carefully pierce the heart horizontally all the way through with your toothpick to make it into a bead. Have an adult bake the heart bead according to the instructions on the package. Cut six pieces of embroidery floss 18” long. Tie them together, separate them into three groups of two pieces each and begin braiding them. After you have braided about five inches, knot the braid and slip your heart bead onto the center two strings. Take the other strings behind the heart and tie another knot on the other side of the heart. Keep braiding another five inches. Tie a final knot to finish your bracelet and give it to your valentine to wear this Valentine’s Day!

Design a Valentine’s Day Wind Sock Materials: A 9” X 12” piece of red or pink craft foam, wide Valentine’s Day motif ribbon, thin ribbon, a stapler, silver glitter glue (other colors for decoration), and a hole punch. Directions: Roll the craft foam into a tube and staple it in place. Cut six 18” pieces of wide ribbon and staple them around the bottom of your windsock tube. Punch three holes at equal intervals around the top of your windsock. Tie a thin piece of ribbon in each hole and then tie them together at the top. Write “Happy Valentine’s Day!” on your windsock with silver glitter glue decorate it with different colors of glitter hearts and dots.

Make a string of Valentine wishes Materials: Ribbon, hard candies, construction paper, a hole punch, and tape. Directions: Cut several small hearts of varying sizes out of construction paper and punch a hole in each one. Cut a piece of ribbon about 48 inches long. Write a Valentine’s Day wish on each heart. Tie the hearts and candies onto your ribbon, about every three inches alternating a candy and a heart one after the other until you reach the end of your ribbon. Take your string of Valentine’s Day wishes to a special friend. Take a Valentine’s Day Basket to a nursing home or hospital Directions: Make a Valentine’s Day card and put it in a basket with some cookies or fruit. Take this basket to someone that wouldn’t otherwise have a Happy Valentine’s Day. Or, if you like, make an extra string of valentine wishes and take it to share! Share a smile together. Jennifer Galvin is never far from her children, a paintbrush, or a good book. You can find her on the web at www.jennifergalvin.com. O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8

things

Moms of Big Families Will Understand by Sarah Lyons

fter the birth of our triplets two years ago, we went from a family of five to a family of eight overnight. It was a big adjustment for everyone, but we have settled into a comfortable routine. It is evident that there are parts of my daily life that only other mothers of large families will truly understand.

THE HOUSEWORK NEVER ENDS Lots of people means lots of stuff. School papers, shoes, dirty clothes, dishes, and toys can quickly take over the entire house. Large families manage housework by sharing chores, keeping up on daily tasks, and changing their perspective on what “clean” means. In a large family, you clean for the allotted amount of time and move on to the next thing on your to-do list. Within minutes, the house is usually “messy” again anyway.

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 • O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M

YOU GET A LOT OF ATTENTION IN PUBLIC Large families aren’t as common nowadays, so when a large family goes out in public they attract attention. This comes in the form of anything from open mouth stares to questions like “Are you done?” or “Are they all yours?”. While some people are critical, others appreciate seeing a big family out enjoying time together.

IT IS REALLY LOUD When I explain to people that our family is loud, I don’t think they fully understand what this means. The noise in our home is not only loud but constant. Someone is always talking, singing, playing, arguing, listening to music, or watching TV, often many of these happen at the same time. In order to be heard over each other, the kids talk

louder and sometimes at the same time. It is literally never quiet. A mom of many knows that if she hears silence, the kids are most likely up to no good.

SOMEONE ALWAYS NEEDS SOMETHING A mom of any number of children knows that she is never “off-duty”. Moms keep information about the location of household items and details about countless family related information in their brains at all times. In a large family, someone always needs help with something, can’t find something, or needs something - a drink, diaper change, homework help, or a ride somewhere. Our kids, and even our husbands, turn to us first when a need arises. We are taxi drivers, nurses, teachers, coaches, counselors, chefs, housekeepers, cheerleaders and more.

FOOD GOES FAST It takes a lot of food to feed several growing bodies. Eating out is a treat because it costs a small fortune and, consequently, home cooked meals are the norm. Moms of many are usually good at meal planning and stretching ingredients. They also know that when a favorite food is in the house, it won’t last long. A large batch of cookies is usually gone the same day.

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR BOREDOM In a big family there is no excuse for boredom because there is always someone to play with. If you don’t like what one sibling is doing, you can join another activity with another group. In a large family, you always have enough people to play a game of kickball or duck-duck-goose. Plus, you know if you mention being bored to your busy mom, she will start passing out chores to lighten her load.

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SHARING IS A WAY OF LIFE Kids in big families learn to share early in their lives. Clothing and toys are passed down the line until they practically fall apart. Often times no one remembers who the item originally belonged to and it becomes public property. Kids also share rooms which is both annoying and fun. While many kids from large families dream of having their own room, they also enjoy having a slumber party every night with their siblings.

THERE’S A LOT OF LOVE The best part of having a big family is that there are so many to love. Watching the kids laugh and play together or seeing an older child comforting a younger one instantly warms the heart. Kids in large families have built in friends and always have someone in their corner Those moments make all the hard work that goes into mothering a lot of kids worth it. Moms of many know that each child is an individual and recognize their unique gifts and differences. Each child is part of a family, a team that works together, and celebrates successes of each other along the way. Sarah Lyons is a stay at home mom and writer to six children, including three year old triplets.

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Rescue Spotlight

f you’d like to help a sweet, senior dog enjoy the rest of his years, we have the prefect pup for you! Fred came into our care because sadly his owner passed a w a y. A t 8 y e a r s young, he’s looking for a companion who enjoys the slower pace in life – with a priority on plenty of time for walks and snuggles. He may enjoy the company of another dog, as long as they’re not too rough or rowdy. At just under 60 lbs, he’s long and lean, and will certainly turn heads in his new neighborhood. If you’d like to meet Fred, or learn more about him from our expert adoption staff, please visit Greenhill Humane Society today. Greenhill Humane Society is open for adoptions and visits Fri-Tues, 11am-6pm (closed Wed & Thurs) at 88530 Green Hill Road in Eugene. For more information call (541) 689-1503 or visit www.green-hill.org

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Pantone 320U Blue

www.EugeneTherapy.com For Appointments Call or Text 541-868-2004

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Children are more likely to misbehave when they are bored, so provide lots of engaging indoor and outdoor activities for your child: for example, playdough, coloring books, cardboard boxes, dress ups, play forts, etc.

Parenting Education where you want it, when you want it! To learn more and to sign up visit lanekids.org/triplep.

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paSs this information on. Besides quitting, the best thing a smoker can do about lung cancer is to find it early. Now, most insurance covers lung screenings for those smokers who have the highest risk of lung cancer. These screenings are quick, painless and easy (much like an X-ray), and they find cancer when it is at its most treatable. Visit our website to learn more about CT lung screenings, and who is eligible. Early detection saves lives.

Call 541.334.7555 or visit oregonimaging.com University District | Northwest Specialty Clinics | RiverBend Pavilion

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8 â&#x20AC;˘ O R E G O N F A M I L Y. C O M