PDX Parent February 2021

FREE

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES, pg. 23

Fun family Valentine’s Day ideas, pg. 27

for the long days and short years

Free

Preschool Is Coming!

Find out what you need to know, pg. 10

... Until then, check out our

Preschool Guide, pg. 13

More FREE stuff from your neighbors PDXPARENT.COM

PORTLAND | VANCOUVER | FEBRUARY 2021

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contents

26 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Free Preschool Passed!

Now What?........................................................................ 10 Multnomah County voters approved the Preschool for All measure last November. Find out when the program will start rolling out.

By Shasta Kearns Moore.

Editor’s Note............................................................................................4

KAYLA PETERSEN

A Matter of Give and Take.......................... 18 What you need to know to dive into the world of neighborhood Buy Nothing groups. By Joanna Close.

Play Room.................................................................................................. 6 Grab a stack of pancakes to go, books on kindness, and tech guidelines for older kids.

Field Trip................................................................................................... 24 Pile the kids (and the dog) in the car for a retro movie-watching experience at Newberg’s 99W Drive-In. By Sarah Vanbuskirk.

Kids Can Cook….................................................................................. 26 We debut a new column that helps kids develop kitchen skills. First up: rolling out pie dough!

Time Out…............................................................... 27 Fun ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family.

By Denise Castañon.

RESOURCES Child Care and Preschool Guide....13 Outdoor Education...................................... 22 School Open Houses................................. 23

* cover stories pdxparent.com

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e d i t o r ’ s n ot e

Universal preschool = game changer

I

for the long days and short years

cheered when Multnomah County voters passed the Preschool for All measure in November 2020, because I am a living testament to how life-changing free child care can be.

When I was offered the job as managing editor of PDX Parent in 2014, I had not been working outside the home since my then-2-year-old daughter, Adela, was born. I wanted the job, but knew almost my entire paycheck would be swallowed by child care costs. (Case in point: the Economic Policy Institute states that child care for a 4-year-old in Oregon costs almost as much as state college tuition.) But I was extremely privileged to have in-laws willing to take Adela two days a week for free, so I was able to say yes to the part-time job with flexible hours. And not only did my in-laws, Betsy and Craig, take care of Adela (and eventually her little brother, Cruz), they took her on wonderful adventures to library storytimes, messy art at Spark Arts, the Oregon Zoo, Multnomah Falls, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, OMSI, you name it. They got to really know their granddaughter, she got showered with love and attention — if sometimes a little too much sugar — and I got to do a job that is creative and fulfilling, and put my years of magazine editing experience to good use. I earned pay raises and eventually a promotion to editor. If I had never taken the job because it didn’t make financial sense at the time, I never would have reached the place where I could solidly contribute to my family’s household income.

CRAIG PARKER A mother shouldn’t have to rely on being lucky enough to have willing and reliable grandparents to afford to work. Yes, Multnomah County’s universal preschool will prepare kids for kindergarten and beyond, and will pay preschool teachers a wage that more accurately reflects the importance of their job.

But the benefit that is not discussed as much is that parents (mostly mothers) will be able to work outside the home if they choose, because they will have free child care for their 3- to 4-year-old children. And that years later, they will be much better off financially.

Knowing the impact free preschool will have on DENISE CASTAÑON families, I was eager to learn how universal preschool in Multnomah County will work. And I figured other parents would want to know, too. Thanks to writer Shasta Kearns Moore for diving into Multnomah County’s trailblazing measure and spelling it out for us. Spoiler alert: Universal preschool is not happening in the immediate future, but see the timeline on page 11 for more details.

PDX Parent P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660 Phone: 503-460-2774 Publisher Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com Art Director Susan Bard Web Director Michelle Carew, 503-914-6151 michelle.carew@pdxparent.com Eastside Account Executive Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com Newsletter and Calendar Editor Melissa Light melissa.light@pdxparent.com Finance Manager Christie Kline, 503-810-9817 christie.kline@pdxparent.com President Jill Weisensee jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com

PDX Parent is published monthly (except July) by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2021 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PDX Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA metropolitan area.

PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised herein.

PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion,

On our cover: Suzanne Puttman of Click by

Suzanne took our adorable cover photo during one of her preschool class sessions at Multnomah Athletic Club (MAC). “Shooting preschool photos is really fun because you need to work fast, and have fun with it,” says Puttman, a mom of three. “As a photographer you need to win the kids over quickly, so they will open up and show you their little personalities.” We think she’s got it down! Find more of her work at clickbysuzanne.com and facebook.com/clickbysuzanne.

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disability, gender, gender expression, sex or sexual orientation.

Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Northwest Parent, LLC., and its agents and employees cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein. The contents of PDX Parent and its website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment.

Work with us PDX Parent is hiring a parttime WordPress specialist to help us as we continue to improve our website.

We are a family-friendly, flexible and home-based workplace dedicated to supporting parents in the Portland area.

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p l ay r o o m

Good Deeds:

keep it clean an Dismayed by the seeing litter in Portland, Frank Moscow decided to stop complaining about it and make a positive change. Moscow started Adopt One Block, an organization that asks people to sign up to “adopt” a block in Portland with the goal of cleaning up litter. “People and families get to clean up the block they care about the most (likely their own or one close by), when and how they want, with cleanup supplies we deliver for free,” says Moscow.

“My son, Jack, 7, and I adopted the block that is George Park in St. Johns,” says Brett Duesing. “I like the concept of Adopt One Block. You can chip in your time on your own schedule, you don’t have to go to meetings, and you focus the work on wherever you find the problem. Pretty powerful if you get hundreds of people doing it.” And, in fact, hundreds of people in Portland have signed up to be “block ambassadors.” Portland is the test city for Adopt BRETT DUESING

One Block, and more than 500 blocks have been adopted.

Moscow plans to expand to more cities soon. To sign up your family, visit adoptoneblock.org. — Denise Castañon

takeout spots for pancakes TOP 5 ...

One of the lessons of 2020: Celebrate

the little things. Feb. 16 is National Pancake Day, and that’s reason enough to seek out flapjacks to go at a restaurant near you.

with chocolate chips, granola, toasted coconut or blueberries.

Breakfast served all day. Covered outdoor seating, pickup or delivery. Citystatediner.com.

➍ While it is normally closed on

Tuesday, which National Pancake

➊ Black Bear

Day lands on this year, the iconic

Diner’s “cub” breakfasts are on

Original Pancake House in

the menu all day long. Your

Southwest had to make our

kids will probably angle for the

list. The abundant pancake

chocolate-chip pancakes.

menu includes sourdough,

Pro tip: Their online

buckwheat, pecan and

ordering system is a breeze!

coconut varieties, among

Locations in East Portland,

others. The classic silver

Gresham, Beaverton and

dollar cakes or puffy Dutch

Vancouver. Delivery, pickup

baby are sure bets. Pickup.

or curbside pickup. Blackbeardiner.

Originalpancakehouse.

➋ At Multnomah Village’s

com.

com.

Marco’s Cafe, you can order a kid’s pancake — and maybe an avocado-bacon benedict for you. Covered, heated outdoor dining; Grubhub and DoorDash

savory Korean pancakes stuffed with rice and veggies. Locations

delivery; or pickup. Marcoscafe.com.

➌ City State Diner

& Bakery on Northeast 28th Avenue lets you top pancakes

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➎ Cameo Cafe’s “acre”

buttermilk pancakes will fill a whole plate. They also offer special

February 2021

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on Northeast Sandy Boulevard and in Vancouver. Outdoor dining and pickup. Cameocafe.com. — D.C.

Bookshelf:

Cool to Be Kind Sure, February is all about romantic love, but we also want to celebrate the love for others that shines through simple acts of kindness. Kim Tano, the children’s book buyer at Powell’s City of Books, helped us out by selecting her favorite kids’ books on kindness for toddlers to tweens. (And, good news: The Burnside, Hawthorne and Cedar Hills Powell’s locations are now open for in-person browsing. You can always order online at powells.com.)

Kindness Makes Us Strong

by Sophie Beer

From the author of Love Makes a Family, Kindness Makes Us Strong is a perfect tool for teaching the language of kindness to young readers. From simple acts of kindness to the bigger concepts of generosity and how it affects PENGUINN RANDIM HOUSE

our inner strength, this board book is a great addition to any home with kids 2 and up. $11.99.

Penguin Problems

by Jory John and Lane Smith Poor Penguin! His beak is cold. He doesn’t like snow. He’s not buoyant enough. He feels silly when he waddles and he has to deal with all the squawking! Can Walrus persuade him to view life differently and appreciate all that he has? A charming picture book that teaches kindness and compassion. Ideal for kids ages 3 and up.

RANDOM HOUSE FOR YOUNG READERS

$8.99.

Extra Yarn

by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen Annabelle discovers a magical box full of yarn of every color. After she knits herself and her dog a cozy sweater, there is extra yarn. She continues to knit sweaters for her HARPER COLLINS

community, and people come from all over the world to meet Annabelle. Is the yarn box magical? Or is Annabelle?

This Caldecott Award winner is great for ages 4 and up. $17.99.

Front Desk

by Kelly Yang Ten-year-old Mia loves running the front desk at the hotel her parents manage while they clean the rooms.

However, if the mean motel owner finds out about her parents letting immigrants stay in the empty rooms, everyone will be in big trouble. But Mia’s and her parents’ kindness makes it hard to say no to people in need.

SCHOLASTIC

Perfect for ages 9 and up! $7.99.

Ask the Middle School Counselor

Q:

He hasn’t come out, but I think my sixth-grade son is gay. I am fully supportive, but I think he feels ashamed.

How can I let him know I will always support and love him, and that I just want him to be comfortable with himself?

A:

This question makes me happy to read. You are already on the right path by even asking this. I’m going to advise you to be patient with your son. It may be tempting to bring it up directly in an attempt to get it out of the way or to make him feel comfortable, but letting him go through his own process is important — sacred, really — and all kids are different.

Let him be the driver here.

As a school counselor, I’ve had students come out to me as the first person they’ve told they were gay (or bi or trans). You know what I did? I acted like it was the most important news I’d ever heard. I thanked them for trusting me even when — especially when — I had thought for ages that they were LGBTQ. I told them I was proud of them and asked how I could support them.

I would suggest that you be sure to mention LGBTQ+ folks in a positive way, but I’m going to guess you already do that.

Reassure him regularly that you love him no matter what, check in with him about his life without too much problem-solving or judgment, make sure he’s exposed to all kinds of diversity, and if/when he comes out, don’t say, “I knew you were.” Oh, and check out online resources like PFLAG, and talk to other parents or LGBTQ friends.

Sahjo Brown is a 20-year veteran of school counseling, mostly at the middle-school level.

She has one kid, a dog, a cat, five chickens and some fish. (And secretly wishes she could add in some rabbits.) Her favorite part of working with middle schoolers is their desire to connect and build relationships; plus, their pop culture references keep her on her toes.

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Gear Guide:

Tech Guidelines for kids and tweens

We reached out to Anne Bryan, CEO of Circle, a company that helps parents manage and monitor their children’s screen time, for suggestions of age-appropriate tech use for kids and tweens. Bryan is mother to four boys ages 17 and older, and also a former chair and current member of the Beaverton School Board.

Here’s what she suggests.

ANNE BRYAN

Third to fifth graders For kids who are 8 to 10 years old, it is important to establish screen time and device boundaries from the start. Sure, many families had to modify

The tween years are when the pressure really starts for parents considering buying their kid a phone. With so many of us living in relative isolation, tech tools have taken on a whole new role in kids’ lives as they try

screen time rules in 2020. In fact, half of kids

to stay connected with their friends in healthy ways.

(48 percent) surveyed at the start of the pandemic

It’s natural for parents to be nervous about their young teens owning

were spending more than six hours per day online (a 500 percent hike since before the crisis).

It goes without saying that kids will be online more now than ever before with school and most social activity happening online. But a consistent schedule for when your child can use their device for school, for social and entertainment needs — and when they should be off it altogether — will help set expectations for responsible use.

Set up device controls. Set time limits for screen time so your kids can stay on track throughout the year, while also taking interest in nondigital activities, like reading, playing an instrument or getting active outdoors for a more well-rounded day.

a smartphone. But there are benefits for both you and your kids when you decide the time is right, like quick communication and learning responsibility. In any event, whether it’s today or three years from now, it’s likely your kids will own a smartphone eventually. If you’ve had productive conversations with them and feel confident they’re ready to make smart choices with that responsibility, they can start to develop independence and good habits around their own screen time that will benefit them in the future.

There’s no magical age when kids are ready to have a smartphone.

But if you’ve been actively addressing the topic of screen time and the dangers of smartphones with your son or daughter and they are receptive to your input, it may be time.

The real matter at hand is trust. Is there mutual trust between you and your tween? If you trust them, they can probably handle the responsibility of a smartphone. And if they trust you, they can come to you

Build in some downtime. Taking digital breaks throughout the day is important for kids’ attention span and productivity.

with any issues that may pop up. Of course, no matter how trustworthy or responsible your kid is, things can show up that they aren’t expecting.

That’s why parental controls matter.

Cyberbullying can start around this age.

Because of sheer exposure and ease of access to screens, tweens are very

Look for signs they’re having a

susceptible to screen-time addiction, dependency and cyberbullying. Keep

negative experience on

a watchful eye on their usage and utilize tools to limit access to sites and

their device, such as being

platforms where you see overuse happening. Tweens are going through

emotionally upset during

important, and sometimes uncomfortable, social development and screens

or after use, withdrawing

can amplify that experience. They

from friends and family,

rely on the adults in their life to help

or not doing well in

them set boundaries.

school, and then have a conversation with them

Product suggestions:

about their experience.

Product suggestion:

Wacom Intuos, a drawing tablet with a super-light pressure sensitive pen, wacom.com.

KidsConnect KC2 4G Kids GPS Tracker

Jackbox Games, streaming games that can be played over Zoom, jackboxgames.com.

KIDSCON

NECT TR

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ACKER

WACOM

We Recommend:

Ask Dr. Doug

Baby Care Book From a Pro

Q A

: My newborn has a red rash on his cheeks and chest. I hear so

: Babies have lots of normal rashes after they are born, and almost

The first few days home with a new baby are packed with

questions. How do I get a good latch? Is he eating enough? Is this normal? The New Baby Blueprint, by one of our favorite local pediatricians,

much advice about what to put on them. What do I do about baby rashes?

AMERICAN ACA

DEMY OF PEDIATR

ICS

Whitney Casares, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P., covers not only baby care, but self-care for new moms. The mother of two young children, Casares strenuously argues against the image of the “perfect mom” and gives straightforward advice on keeping babies safe in the first few weeks home. Find it at: shop.aap.org/ the-new-baby-blueprint-paperback. — D.C.

Playlist: Going

Nuts

Portland kindie artist Kelli Welli just released a

new album of silly and bright tunes for kids. Parents and caregivers of toddlers will identify with the

none of them require any treatment.

One of the most common is called erythema toxicum, which is a rash of little white bumps on a flatter red base, pretty much anywhere on the body.

It usually pops up when a baby is two or three days old. Even though it has a name that sounds like a Harry Potter spell, don’t worry — it’s harmless and goes away on its own within a few weeks.

Some babies have peely skin on their bellies and chest in the first week. This is normal, and flakes off on its own. Sometimes the peeling is worse on the wrists and ankles, and I usually Got a question for recommend moisturizing those areas once Dr. Doug? Send it to or twice a day. If parents have a history AsktheDr@pdxparent.com. of dry skin or eczema, I would moisturize your baby twice a day even if their skin feels fine. There is some research this helps prevent eczema and may even prevent food allergies, since some develop by being sensitized through the skin.

Look for plain moisturizers without fragrances or essential oils: Aquaphor, Vanicream and Aveeno Baby are my favorites.

Babies of color may get a rash called transient neonatal pustular melanosis. While that’s a mouthful, it too goes away on its own and doesn’t need treatment. This rash looks like tiny, pus-filled bumps that pop and turn into darker flat areas.

Many babies will get seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap. This is a greasy, scaly rash in the scalp that often comes down onto the cheeks and eyebrow areas. Sometimes it needs topical 1% hydrocortisone and moisturizer if it gets inflamed and itchy. But in general, gentle brushing after shampooing works best. Olive oil can feed skin yeasts and make it worse, so I usually recommend mineral or coconut oil if we have to soften up the flakes.

One rash that is never normal in a newborn is herpes. Anything that looks like a cluster of small, clear, fluid-filled blisters, or anything that looks like a cold sore, needs to be evaluated right away. Unfortunately, babies can get sick and even die from the herpes virus.

Around four to six weeks, babies go through a mini-puberty. This means they start vaping and doing TikTok dances. No, I’m kidding. But they do often develop baby acne. This looks like reddish bumps, some that have a bit of pus, on their cheeks and often down onto their upper chest. No need for face washes — this one goes away on its own.

In general, baby skin needs a gentle moisturizer when dry and lots of kisses, and that’s about it!

?

twangy, rockabilly title track, Let’s Go, Pistachio! potty humor may make the arduous task of potty training somewhat easier ... or at least funnier. I’m Proud of You is the sweet anthem we all need to hear. (Seriously, play it for yourself while pandemic parenting and try not to sob.) Another standout: The oh-so-Portland song Kickin’ It With My Chicken. — D.C.

Dr. Doug Lincoln practices general pediatrics at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Happy Valley. He is board-certified in both pediatrics and preventive medicine, with special interests in helping parents meet their breastfeeding goals, caring for neurodiverse children with behavioral health needs, and advocating for children via teaching and policy. As a dad of two boys, he understands the joy and hard work that comes with parenting. Find out more about Dr. Doug and Metropolitan Pediatrics at metropediatrics.com.

pdxparent.com

DR. DOUG

Play Tinkle Tinkle Toot for toilet-averse toddlers; the

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PADRIAC O’MEARA

are c d l i ch and ol o h c s e Pr uide G

Free Preschool Passe

Now I What?

Multnomah County voters approved the Preschool for All measure last November. That means universal preschool will be coming to a neighborhood near you — eventually.

BY SHASTA KEARNS MOORE

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f you are wrestling a toddler in Portland right now, take heart. By 2022, you may be able to enroll them in free preschool.

That’s because in the historic election last November, 64% of Multnomah County voters agreed to fund a plan for tuitionfree preschool with a tax on the county’s highest income earners.

“It was such a fabulous feeling,” says Multnomah County Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson, who spearheaded the effort.

“Everybody was excited and cheering and together — as together as you can be in 2020.”

(The election night party was held over Zoom.)

Campaign leaders feel the measure’s overwhelming success was in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions on schools and child care centers and the need to work from home made clear to voters that the child care system was lacking.

“The pandemic has made it abundantly clear that our systems are not adequate to deal

with something like a pandemic,” says Angie Garcia, owner of Escuela Viva preschools.

“It opened up people’s eyes. Like: ‘Wow, look at how this pandemic is affecting everyone and look at how our child care programs are suffering.’”

Vega Pederson says half of the county’s child care programs had to shutter in 2020.

Under the Preschool for All measure, Vega Pederson hopes many of those programs will come back better than ever. With $133 million expected to be raised in the first year, the plan includes paying preschool teachers a healthy salary — up to $74,000, or about what a local public school kindergarten teacher makes.

That’s nearly double what the area’s preschool teachers make now.

Garcia, who started her private preschool in 2009 and has since grown it to two locations and more than 100 families, says she trusts the county to partner with and strengthen existing programs. “There’s fear among

Where do I sign up?!

Multnomah County is still working out the process for its new Preschool for All initiative.

Implementation planning is happening now, and the county expects to open

applications for preschool providers in May or June 2021. Providers will be selected in the fall. Then, families will apply for preschool slots in early 2022. A limited number of 3- and 4-year-olds will be matched with preschools in the spring of next year for a September 2022 start date.

Entry to the preschool program will not be based on income, but the county plans to focus its outreach and communication efforts through aid and cultural organizations.

Families will need to meet income requirements to qualify for free before- and after-care programs, however.

The tax on county residents earning more than $125,000 a year, or $200,000 for those filing jointly, is anticipated to start in 2021 and raise $133 million the first year. By 2026, the year for full implementation, staff anticipate receipts will grow to $202 million. By that time, county staff want the program to be offering 15,000 slots to all the county’s 3- and 4-year-olds.

A public advisory group for the program is seeking members now. Visit multco.us for more info.

providers that this will put them out of business, and I know that the county has no interest in doing that,” she says.

Vega Pederson points to the economic equalizing effects of the program — both for teachers and for the people, largely young mothers, who would otherwise be caring for the tykes.

Jessica Vega Pederson “[It will be a] huge economic celebrated the passing of Preschool for All with benefit for them, for our entire colleagues via Zoom. community — and it’s really going to show the value of the work that they do by paying them a living wage that represents that value,” Vega Pederson says. “This is one of those upstream investments that pay dividends for the kids and for the families. …

It makes much more sense to invest in children at this point in their lives than play catch-up.”

In many co-op preschools, one permanent teacher leads the group while parents take turns as additional classroom support.

PCPO’s nonprofit board is not happy about Multnomah County’s new plan.

ed!

‘Preschool for All’ or preschool for most?

Despite a robust planning process over several years, involving nearly 100 people representing more than 50 organizations, there was one group noticeably absent from the Preschool for All planning process: Parent Child Preschools Organization.

Founded in 1956 in Portland, PCPO represents 55 cooperative schools and counts 561 members in Multnomah County.

Cooperative preschools are based on an international model that requires parent participation and focuses on play-based learning.

“I just feel it’s a little unfortunate that we’re calling it Preschool for All, but at the same time we’re excluding a lot of early learners from this program, and a lot of families,” says Molly Kline, a spokeswoman for the group. Kline

PADRIAC O’MEARA

says many of their member schools won’t qualify for the funding because they are not large enough to complete the requirements — such as year-round operations, diapering services and onerous recording processes.

Kline likens the new plan to giving everyone a tax credit to buy groceries — but only if they are purchased from chain stores and not smaller, independent businesses and co-ops.

“This will inevitably lead to the shutdown of smaller, independently run schools,” she says.

Vega Pederson says staff did meet with PCPO, once in 2019, but any county-funded providers will need to meet licensure requirements. That is a higher bar than the “recorded” status under which the Oregon Department of Education allows smaller preschools to operate.

Kline, the PCPO communications and engagement director, says excluding the type of program that she put all four of her kids through was “a giant oversight,” and she called on the county to revisit the requirements.

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A focus on the underserved A main focus of the planning process was to improve the access to early childhood education for the area’s racial minorities and underprivileged groups.

Suspensions and expulsions for children of color — especially Black and Native boys — are higher than for white children.

Shockingly enough, those disparities can start as young as preschool. Studies have suggested that this sort of early exposure to exclusion can have a domino effect, pushing children to feel cut out of the school community, leading to higher rates of school dropout and even higher rates of incarceration.

Vega Pederson says she wanted to be sure to add in a requirement — and funding — to prevent that from happening under the Preschool for All plan.

“You can’t wave a wand,” the commissioner says. “You have to actually put the resources into changing that dynamic.” Preschool for All will include culturally specific programs, as well as teacher and provider professional development.

With a limited number of spots in the first year, program organizers are also planning to focus their outreach to organizations for BIPOC — Black and Indigenous People of Color. In initial planning, 10,000 spots of the eventual 15,000 will be reserved for “priority” populations. This will not only include children of color but also children of teen parents, military families, children who speak languages other than English, foster children, disabled children, and children experiencing homelessness, parental incarceration or other social disadvantages.

But eventually it will cover all preschool-aged children in the county. Garcia says one of the things she likes most about the program is that it won’t be another Head Start — the free federal program for very-low-income tykes.

“You don’t have the diversity when you have all children of one socioeconomic background,” she says. “Diversity is what makes anything more beautiful and vibrant and more successful.”

What’s next?

If Multnomah’s model is a success, expect to see it copied in other jurisdictions across the country.

Or, if Vega Pederson gets her wish, there will soon be a national policy to replace it.

“My real hope is Congress will get off its butt,” she says, adding: “The U.S. is so far behind other countries in the common-sense supports that [families] need.”

With women now in leading roles throughout Oregon’s state government, the time may come soon for statewide child care supports or free birth-to-3 services. Under Gov. Kate Brown, the state has added free full-day kindergarten for all public school children and built an Early Learning Division.

Emily von W. Gilbert, who helped lead the Universal Preschool NOW effort through Portland’s chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, says

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NAT EXCOFFIER

other DSA chapters in Oregon and beyond are looking at how to replicate the success of the local measure.

Von W. Gilbert says she thinks free preschool will have many benefits to the region, but perhaps ones that may not be obvious to those without young children.

“I just think it’s really going to be a profound, massive change that will be hard to pinpoint,” she says.

The DSA leader doesn’t have children of her own, and observed that it was difficult for parents to talk about the economic challenges that children present. Coupling the benefits with better worker wages, she says, made it easier for parents to advocate for the program. “It was easier [for them] to speak up on behalf of ‘why my child’s teacher deserves a living wage,’” von W. Gilbert says.

Asked if birth-to-3 services or child care subsidies are next on the political agenda, von W. Gilbert says the DSA is open to ideas. “This is a big win that can set the stage for more wins,” she says.

Vega Pederson echoes that sentiment, citing the new understanding that has come with COVID-19. “We have seen so clearly what the lack of child care means when you have moms and dads staying at home, so we need to make this investment now,” she says.

It will take years before the program can even try to prove some of its supporters’ loftiest goals — better reading scores, higher high school graduation rates, lower incarceration rates.

But overworked parents and teachers are counting the days until they get their relief.

“I know there are a lot of eyes on Multnomah County,” Garcia says.

Shasta Kearns Moore is a Portland-area writer and mother of identical twin boys. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook @ShastaKM.

CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL GUIDE

e r a c d l chi and ool h c s e r P uide G Finding the right child care or preschool is no easy task! Let our guide do some of the legwork for you. You’ll find a wide variety of choices — from dual-language to farm-centered to Montessori, and many more.

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CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL GUIDE

pdxparent.com for parenting resource guides, articles and ideas on how to h ave fun with kids in the Pacific Northwest.

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CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL GUIDE

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CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL GUIDE

6651 SW Capitol Hwy. Portland, OR 97219 pjaproud.org 503-244-0126

4817 SW 53rd Ave. Port;and, OR 97221 pdxmc.org 503-972-7100

Portland Montessori Collaborative A Montessori Community for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and families in the Bridlemile neighborhood of SW Portland. Founded in the spirit of environmental sustainability, and inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia. We serve an organic and locally-sourced home cooked snack, use cloth diapers, and educate for peace and ecological intelligence.

Portland Jewish Academy PJA’s independent preschool program focuses on creating an inclusive, engaged community. PJA’s curriculum is centered in Jewish values, and encourages inquirybased exploration that nurtures students’ development Full and half-day options available. Open to everyone.

Our mission is to provide a loving and nurturing space for children to explore, grow, learn, and connect with other children and adults in the context of the Montessori philosophy and pedagogy. We offer an adaptive approach to early childhood education, an authentic Montessori program inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia and moved by the philosophy and teachings of Magda Gerber.

5700 SW Dosch Rd. Portland, OR 97239 pcctoday.com/hilltop 503-245-3183

Hilltop Early Learning Academy At Hilltop Early Learning Academy your child’s future is important to us. Every child at Hilltop is loved and cared for in an environment that builds a solid foundation for future school success. Our preschool and kindergarten teachers are experienced experts and work with each child to inspire and encourage them to reach their potential academically, socially, and spiritually. We’ve been building futures since 1992.

Now Accepting Applications for Preschool and Kindergarten

14788 Boones Ferry Rd. Lake Oswego, OR 97035 ilapdx.org 503-662-8452

29700 SW Mountain Rd. West Linn, OR 97068 triskeleefarmlearningcenter.com 508-245-3391

International Leadership Academy

Triskelee Farm Learning Center

ILA offers a world-class international education, harmonizing the best of French and American educational systems. We offer high academic standards to our multicultural community.

- Hands-on, fun and inspiring learning - Top academic performance - Native French certified teachers - Small class size

Tours available by appointment.

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Our program will encourage appropriate development for preschool age children as well as enhancing pre-academic skills with a hands-on approach to explore the gardens, farm and our animals, while learning the basic developmental skills of social-emotional growth.

CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL GUIDE

3030 SW Second Ave. Portland, OR 97201 cedarwoodschool.org/early-childhood 503-245-1477

Cedarwood Waldorf School The most common response we get from parents visiting our early childhood program for the first time is, “I wish I could have gone to school here!”

Our pre-k and kindergarten programs feel like home. And for little ones venturing outside of their family for the first time, this warm and protective environment is just what they need to build the confidence and strength to immerse themselves in the work of early childhood: play.

Cedarwood has been supporting the developmental growth of children in preschool and kindergarten just minutes from downtown Portland since 1997.

4729 SW Taylors Ferry Rd. Portland, OR 97219 villagepreschoolofportland.com 503-245-0482

Village Preschool of Portland A Cooperative Preschool

At Village Preschool, we help each child become their most authentic self.

With love and acceptance, children are heard; their feelings, ideas and opinions are respected.

Play is the foundation of our curriculum because it promotes: • learning • relationship building • curiosity • confidence • self reliance

2305 S Water Ave. Portland, OR 97201 intlschool.org 503-226-2496

The International School Give an education that extends beyond borders!

For thirty years, The International School has provided our unique blend of full language immersion, dynamic academics, and multicultural community. * We’re the only school in the U.S. to provide full immersion in Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish under one roof.

14750 SE Clinton St. Portland, OR 97236 fmes.org 503-760-8220

Franciscan Montessori Earth School We offer a remarkably different education for children aged 2.5 to 14 years on 10 picturesque acres. Students are empowered to become confident, self motivated learners for life.

- Montessori curriculum - Small class size - Before and after care - Foreign Language programs - Gardening program

- On campus extracurricular activities - State-approved Health & Safety Plan

Schedule a virtual or in-person tour of campus!

10955 SE 25th Ave Milwaukie, OR 97222 sjbcatholicschool.org/academics/preschool 503-654-0200

St. John the Baptist Preschool

• A safe and loving environment for your child to grow, in both knowledge and confidence.

• Play-based program that focuses on the whole child, including social and emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual development.

• Children have an opportunity to explore their world through hands-on activities that include building, science exploration, sensory activities, literacy activities, and open-ended art experiences.

• Daily outside time to experience big movement, explore nature and develop friendships.

• Music, dramatic play, PE, Kindergarten prep, faith formation and mindfulness integrated into programming throughout the week. Call today to find out more!

* We were the Pacific Northwest’s first International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) school.

Virtual tours available daily!

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A Matter of Give and Take From Costco cake to high chairs, Portland parents use local Buy Nothing groups to give away stuff they no longer need and find newto-them items to cherish.

Get the scoop on what you need to know before diving into the world of gifting and searching. BY JOANNA CLOSE

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n a world where search engines and email accounts collect our data to sell us shiny new things, the Buy Nothing Project is an online

social movement designed to share the things we already have with the community immediately around us. The project was started in the Pacific Northwest in 2013 by two friends, Rebecca Rockefeller and Liesl Clark, as an experimental hyper-local gift economy, which has since expanded worldwide. The tagline of the project is “Buy Nothing. Give Freely. Share Creatively.” Offers to give and requests for items take place in private Facebook groups, but the exchanges happen in real life, with group members in your demographic area. There are nearly 100 local groups in the greater Portland metro area, encompassing neighborhoods or even just parts of neighborhoods such as Kenton/N Portland, Eastmoreland/Woodstock (South), Bethany/ Beaverton (North) or Milwaukie (South)/Oak Grove (North), among many, many more.

Each group adjusted to COVID-19 in its own way: some halting all transactions, some limiting to gifting of essential items only, some working to deepen human connection during social isolation. While contactless pickups and drop-offs are the current norm, many participants report continuing to feel connected to neighbors via their Buy Nothing communities simply for the knowledge that others continue to be there for assistance — whether with a needed item such as a queen bed frame, or with virtual support, such as a supportive comment online. Longtime Buy Nothing administrator, mentor, moderator and coach Dev Ansel posted this to her group: “Buy Nothing is about the people first and foremost! The stuff we give/get is just the vehicle we use to get there. Even in this pandemic, I see each of you caring about your neighbors.”

g e n e ro s i t y o f stra n g e r s Prior to COVID-19, Portland resident and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital volunteer Kristen Earl put out the ask to turn the in-hospital nuptials of a couple with an premature infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) into a touching celebration. “Once I got the go-ahead from the bride and groom, I posted on Buy Nothing that I was organizing a wedding in the NICU in three weeks on zero budget,” says Earl.

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SIMON & SCHUSTER

KRISTEN EARL

Her post in her Southwest Portland Buy Nothing group immediately bouncers and walkers. Additionally, she was able to transition this received offers for decorations such as Mason jars, picture frames, online network into actual real-life friendships. Thanks to these Champagne flutes, rewarding experiences in her Buy Nothing group in California’s artificial flowers, Marin County, she joined a group in Northeast Portland when she and even Airbnb relocated to be closer to family. Unfortunately, her local experience honeymoon has been much less positive. accommodations.

Overall, Nicole says the Portland group has felt less equitable Although Earl was — that the offers haven’t matched the asks. “It’s like I have to dig not surprised with the through piles of trash, so to speak, to get to things that are useful positive response, she to me … I’m still a part of [the group], but I hid it on Facebook after was impressed with people were giving away leftover Indian food and almost-expired how many people yogurt.” In scrolling through her Buy Nothing Facebook feed, she offered to help and sees offers for a small coin purse, a half-empty jar of body butter, a their willingness to come to her. The bride and groom, too, were single broken kitchen chair, cinder blocks and very used baby bibs. overwhelmed with gratitude. “They were incredibly speechless,” Meanwhile, she notes one member asking for a portable DVD player, Earl says. “These are strangers to them — strangers to me, even — Cricut craft machine, storage tubs, working fridge, fairy garden, and just that people would be so excited about them legally iPhone and car seat. As much as she values community binding their love to each other.” and good stewardship, she says her current Buy Nothing Some participants, like Earl, have nothing but love group doesn’t seem to reflect a true gifting economy. “It’s for Buy Nothing. She relishes meeting and developing not entirely in the spirit of giving and sharing; it’s a lot connections with her neighbors, appreciates the increased of taking. It feels less like borrowing a cup of sugar from ease with letting go of her own belongings, and is grateful a neighbor, and more like, ‘I’m baking a cake, who has all for the items she has generously received, particularly the ingredients for me?’” (Which, she said, one member as the mother of a child with complex medical needs. actually posted). “I haven’t felt entirely like I belong in this Earl fondly remembers an instance when her daughter group, because maybe I am not good enough at preventing had recently had surgery and Earl had not yet prepared waste that I’m comfortable eating someone else’s leftover anything for her birthday. She “put out the ask” Indian food.”

Buy Nothing Project on her Buy Nothing Facebook page, and fellow Michelle (who requested to be identified by members immediately provided her with gifts first name only) also has mixed feelings regarding founders Liesl Clark and and decor. It wasn’t that she couldn’t afford it her Buy Nothing experiences. On the whole, Rebecca Rockefeller financially, she says, but emotionally she was she is an active participant and enjoys giving recently published the spent. She has also received meals during her freely. But she says the group dynamic can be book The Buy Nothing, daughter’s surgeries, and has connected with other soured by a few greedy members. Michelle Get Everything Plan: parents of kids with complex medical issues. “It’s knows one neighbor both on and offline who Discover the Joy of the community — it’s having a group of strangers she says often exaggerates and manipulates as a safety net, it makes me feel not alone.” personal experiences to garner some of the more Spending Less, Sharing While the groups comprise people of all ages competitive big-ticket items, such as KitchenAid More, and Living and proclivities, parents make up a distinctive mixers. For Michelle, this type of behavior harms Generously. demographic of the members. Ansel has witnessed those who might need support the most. “I really myriad collaborations between parents in various dislike scammers. We all need to contribute a Buy Nothing groups across the Portland area. She has observed many little in this world. When someone does nothing but take, they aren’t exchanges of material goods, including clothes, toys, games and even being a good citizen ... it really bothers me as I know of so many that breast milk, and also offers of time, such as volunteering for school are in real need.” events. “It warms my heart to see parents getting the connection to That said, Buy Nothing explicitly states that the gifting economy is other parents, for whatever helps sustain them for whatever period about “giving, receiving and sharing with each other from our own their kid is going through.” abundance of stuff, skills and generosity,” so technically “need” is not a factor. Understanding these principles can be a steep learning curve for many, Ansel says. “I came from a garage-sale mentality, which S o m e g ro u p s h av e has to do very much with what I grew up learning in the market a different vibe economy.” Ansel often finds herself looking around her house, wondering about the last time she used a particular item. “I retrained Nicole (who requested to be identified by first name only) has my brain, so I’m going to give it to someone who actually wants one. been a grateful recipient of many wonderful items as a new mom To me, that’s a huge mindset change. And hey, guess what, I get to ­— particularly those bigger-ticket items that are useful for babies and meet a new neighbor in the process!” young kids only for a short period of time, such as swings, bassinets,

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Buy Nothing: Getting Started STANDARD POSTS • Offering goods or services to give, lend or share • Requests for goods or services to borrow or keep • Expressions of gratitude

RULES • Adults only •P articipate as yourself • Give where you live •P articipate in only one group • Keep it legal •F ollow the code of conduct and respect your neighbors

•G ive freely, with no strings attached, without limits to gifting or receiving •N o trading, bartering, buying or selling •N o requests or offers for monetary assistance •N o offers of advice or referrals to outside resources

LINGO • “ Let it simmer” — allowing time to pass after posting an offer before selecting a recipient • “ Sprouting” — when a group gets too big and breaks into smaller, more local neighborhood groups •T he Project prefers full sentences, but you frequently see “PPU” for porch pickup, “ISO” for in search of, or “INO” for in need of

T h e j oy o f d e c l u tt e r i n g Other Buy Nothing members appreciate and find meaning in their experiences with the group, too, but less for the sense of community and more for ridding their homes of otherwise useful items; the direct, neighborly giving is a great — though potentially time-consuming — alternative to Goodwill hauls or even the dump. Michelle Stevens, a member of a Southwest Portland group, uses the group primarily for purging belongings that she and her family no longer need, such as household items or kids’ toys.

She is also an active member of a neighborhood buy/ sell/trade moms’ group, which she said she prefers for child-related items simply for more reliable communication and follow-through with group members, such as when picking up free items. “I do prioritize people I know or who have picked up before, because the goal for me is to get rid of it. If I decide I want it gone, I want it gone today.”

Because Buy Nothing is essentially a social movement, it requires the time and effort of many volunteers, such as moderator Ansel. She views her time spent supporting groups both locally and nationally as an opportunity and mission to connect people. Her most memorable recent experience in a local Buy Nothing group on the east side followed a “Big Ask/Little Ask” post inviting members to respond with their own current wants or needs. “The ask can be as big as a house or car, or as little as a Q-tip®. We actually gave away a car that day,” she says. “All it needed was a battery, which someone else offered. And the person asking got off the streets to live in their car in a church parking lot. Someone else gave a yard and a tent to the person to stay in. Eventually they got connected to social

JOANNA CLOSE

services and a part-time job and a place to stay.

There was a person-to-person connection to work together offline to make it all happen.”

Some members have very strong feelings about the good, the bad or the ugly of the social experiment, while most fall somewhere in the more neutral territory. Most agree that not picking up free items as agreed upon is the universal pet peeve. Buy Nothing groups seem to mirror our communities — our humanity, even. While there are, of course, limitations, loopholes and liars lurking among us both online and off, for the most part the Buy Nothing Project does indeed bring us together to support one another, making connections both big and small. Sometimes these online offers or requests change — and even save — lives, whether it’s a NICU wedding organized by strangers or a “Big Ask” for a car that ultimately leads a local group member to work and stable housing. As Ansel says, the things themselves are not the crux of the groups, but are the “vehicles for which we make neighborly connections.”

Joanna Close is a former small-town newspaper reporter turned medical speech-language pathologist. Although she will always identify as an Oregonian, she recently moved back to that small town in the California mountains with her husband and two daughters, 8 and 2 years old, where, unfortunately, the classifieds scene is more active than the Buy Nothing community.

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« SPONSORED CONTENT »

School in the Great Outdoors

Find out about the benefits of outdoor education

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ccording to the U.S. study Nature of Americans, children spend approximately three times as many hours on screens as they do in outdoor play, and the ratios get worse as the children enter the teen years. All this despite the fact the research is clear: Children who spend more time in nature are healthier in every way.

The Benefits of Being in Nature Simply being outside improves mood, sleep quality and, significantly, attention. Researcher Ming Kuo, Ph.D., observes, “Kids are so starved for nature that ... even [a] pretty small, pathetic dose helps them function remarkably better.” When kids are happier, they are more cooperative and enthusiastic learners.

With happier children come social benefits as well. “Sharing comes more easily when there are an infinite number of sticks to play with,” says Nicole Fravel of Wildwood Nature School. For teens, being outside is a constant reminder that the world is bigger than their school community, and it fosters an appreciation for nature that organically feeds into a sense of stewardship for the planet.

Another consideration for our time — when they are outside, students are less likely to spread COVID-19 and those annoying everyday illnesses that can burn up a caregiver’s sick-leave days. Young learners with their hands in the mud also are exposed to good bacteria that helps build immunity to the bad.

For parents worried that academics will suffer, the team at Trackers Portland Forest School is reassuring: “Any lesson that can happen in a classroom can also happen outside.” When these lessons move from paper and pencil to the practical tasks of the real world, it can help students learn and retain more. It’s the difference between simply memorizing the Pythagorean theorem and actually using it to build a treehouse.

Even in Winter?

Then comes the inevitable question: What about the rain? Linda Åkeson McGurk, author of There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather, argues that Scandinavian children play in far harsher winter weather than we have here — and thrive in it. It’s all about the clothing.

Learning outdoors in less-than-ideal weather conditions also teaches children resilience, problem-solving, preparedness, patience and basic common sense. If circumstances are truly dangerous, schools will provide alternatives, but those days are actually quite rare.

Making It Happen But how can Oregonians address their children’s “nature-deficit disorder” when there are only 24 hours in a day, and very few of them unstructured?

The simplest solution for many families is outdoor school. From complete outdoorimmersion education to weekend classes, you can find a wide variety of experiences to meet your child’s needs and align with your family’s schedule. Many schools offer financial assistance, so don’t hesitate to contact them if pandemic-era finances are standing in the way.

If you love your child’s current school, but it lacks an outdoor component (when classes are in person), advocate for more time outside. There are many options for local field trips, provided by such gems as Hoyt Arboretum and Portland Audubon. Consider joining the 1000 Hours Outside challenge or connect to a Free Forest School playgroup in your neighborhood.

The great outdoors is only a few steps away, ready to significantly improve your children’s lives. Even small changes make a difference, and making it happen is easier than you think.

— Meg Asby

Meg Asby is a mom of two in Southwest Portland and loves nothing better than a cartful of books from Central Library. Check out what her family is reading at booked.blog.

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SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS The Choice that Makes a Difference!

Academic Excellence • Faith Formation • Rich Co-Curricular Activities • Before and After School Care Registered and Recognized by the State of Oregon • Accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA)

All Saints School • Grades PreK-8 Now Accepting Applications 601 NE Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., Portland, OR 97232 503-236-6205 | cruss@allsaintsportland.com www.allsaintsportland.com Cathedral School • Grades PreK-8 Accepting applications, apply online!

Virtual Open House: cathedralschoolopenhouse.org 110 NW 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 503-275-9370 | admissions@cathedral-or.org www.cathedral-or.org St. Clare School • Grades K-8 Accepting applications, apply online!

Virtual Open House: stclarepdx.org/openhouse 1807 SW Freeman St., Portland, OR 97219 503-244-7600 | info@stclarepdx.org www.stclarepdx.org St. John Fisher School • Grades K-8 Now accepting registrations for 2021-22!

4581 SW Nevada St., Portland, OR 97219 503-246-3234 | mholub@sjfschool.org www.sjfschool.org

St. John the Apostle Catholic School • Grades PreK-8 Now accepting applications, apply online today!

Sunday, January 31, 2021, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

516 Fifth St., Oregon City, OR 97045 503-742-8230 | Fax: 503-742-8239 www.sja-eagles.com St. Rose School • Grades PreK-8 Accepting applications, apply online today!

Virtual tour available.

5309 NE Alameda St., Portland, OR 97213 503-281-1912 www.strosepdx.org Valley Catholic Early Learning, Elementary & Middle School Contact us for more information about current openings 4420 SW St. Marys Dr., Beaverton, OR 97078 503-644-3745 www.valley catholic.org

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Drive-in Movie This retro cinematic experience made a big comeback in 2020. Find out what your family needs to know before the 2021 season begins at Newberg’s historic 99W Drive-In.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SARAH VANBUSKIRK

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any of us, especially those of us with kids, have been watching more movies than ever.

We watch them on our computers, iPads, phones and, of course, on our televisions. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the one place we’re not seeing them is at movie theaters. So, despite the fact that it was a dreary, rainy evening, it was quite a thrill to pack two of my boys in the car to venture out to the 99W Drive-In in Newberg.

My boys weren’t so sure, firstly, because it was drizzling and cold. Won’t it be too cold? We’ll dress warmly and bring blankets. What if we have to pee? They have bathrooms. Why can’t we just rent the movie at home? It’ll be more fun to watch it on the big screen. What about snacks? (This answer was the answer that sold them.) They have a snack bar with popcorn, drinks, candy, ice cream bars and even full-fledged food items like pizza, hot dogs and burgers.

So, they happily came along for the ride — although just the novelty of leaving the house was probably lure enough. Luckily, our arrival was perfectly timed (due only to sheer luck) to the immediate start of the film: the holiday classic Elf. Right away, my boys were enthralled. In fact, the first question from my boys, even before the request to hit the candy line, was: Why haven’t we done this before?

Now, our standards for fun are probably a bit low — quarantining for months on end has relegated our family outings to walking the dog and other close-to-home, socially distant outdoor adventures.

That said, we had a blast. Despite having seen this particularly awesome movie multiple times and the fact that my boys are sometimes squirrelly movie watchers (which is why we opted not to stay for the double feature), they were both thrilled from beginning to end. Being in our car made it extra fun because we could talk (or sing) at will throughout the film without ever worrying about disturbing any other moviegoers, which made it stress-free for me.

We’d been missing going to movie theaters and being out in the real world with a crowd, and this adventure really hit the spot on

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For more ideas for fun outings, visit: pdxparent.com/ field-trip.

field trip

Feeling Groovy at the

both counts. The drive-in isn’t exactly like the “before times” movietheater experience we’ve been pining for, but it was close enough.

Even better, it felt also utterly new ­— watching a movie, cuddled up in our very own car, with our dog to boot (“well-behaved” pets that stay in the car are welcomed), which made it all the more exciting, enjoyable and cozy.

The drive-in was the perfect combination of a pleasingly public and safe outing. So, while they watched the movie, I watched their smiling out-in-the-world faces — triumph enough these days.

The 99W Drive-In has been continuously operated by the same family since 1953, and the business was put on the national registry of historic places in 2014. A stop in the retro concessions area tells you why.

And stop in the snack shop we did. In fact, we got all the candy — and popcorn and drinks. What’s a drive-in without treats? (Be forewarned that the concessions line is a bit poky. However, unlike at a regular movie theater, you are also free to bring your own, ahem, healthier snacks, if you prefer.)

We enjoyed how at-home we could be in our car. In addition to the freedom to chat, we could climb over each other to swap seats, pass our dog around, and reach for different snacks or sips of drinks. If we wanted the audio louder, we could just turn it up.

Plus, unlike watching a movie on the couch at home, there were no outside distractions. There was no one walking in and out, no

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES

Before You Go: 99W Drive-In, 3110 Portland Rd., Newberg. 503-538-2738, newberg-movies.multiscreensite.com.

Hours vary based on when it gets dark, so check the website.

Usually open Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with double features Friday and Saturday and single showings on Sunday, beginning in March. (They may start earlier than March in 2021.)

Again, check the website for the weekly schedule. The theater and snack bar typically open 1 ½ to 1 hour before showings.

The line tends to fill up early, so be advised that the available car slots may sell out. Once you drive past the ticket window, you will be directed by staff where to park. Prices are $14 for vehicles with one passenger. For two or more passengers, entry fees are $9 for 12 and older, $5 for kids 6-11, and free for 5 and under. Snack bar prices are quite reasonable compared with first-run, indoor theaters, with drinks and candy ranging between $2 and $3.50, popcorn costing between $4 and $6, and ice cream bars from $1 to $2.50 and pints for $6. Pizzas, soft pretzels, nachos, burgers and corn dogs can all be had for between $2 and $9.

You’ll need a car radio (or you can tune in via your phone) to hear the movie’s audio. This activity is not ideal for large groups in one car, as you’ll want to make sure everyone will have an unimpeded view. Be sure to bring warm layers or blankets as needed on cooler days. You are allowed to bring in your own food.

delivery person coming to the door, no laundry to fold, no other screens, no lure of anything besides the movie right outside the windshield. So, everyone was focused on the screening. And we had the whole ride home to talk about the experience, which took us about 40 minutes each way and made the outing seem extra special.

“Mom, this is actually really fun,” said Noah, my 11-year-old, from the backseat, where he was snuggled up with our 4-year-old labradoodle, Bucky, who was beyond thrilled to be along for the ride. But the best endorsement of all came once I was tucking my boys in for the night. Just as I was shutting the door, Walter, my 9-year old, said, “Mom, can we go again tomorrow?”

Find upcoming open houses at pdxparent.com/ school-openhouses

Sarah Vanbuskirk is a writer, editor and producer living in Portland, Oregon.

A lifelong movie lover, she fondly remembers piling into her family’s Volvo with her two sisters to go to the drive-in. She looks forward to going back to the drive-in this spring with all five of her kids, a 17-year-old daughter and four sons ages 16, 13, 11 and 9 — but she may have to bring two cars so everyone can see the screen. pdxparent.com

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kids can cook

KITCHEN SKILL: Rolling Pie Dough | AGE: 5+

Ready to Roll

Our new column helps your kids master cooking skills. Up this month: Rolling out dough for easy hand pies. et your kids cooking with helpful guidance from Basics™ Market, a locally owned grocery market with a purpose: nurturing strong, healthy communities through food with simplified selection, fresh ingredients and healthful recipes. Rolling pie dough is a straightforward skill, but one that has a bit of a learning curve. So, making hand pies is a great first project because smaller circles are easier to roll than larger circles. Plus, kids can customize their fillings.

Bonus: Rolling dough calls on kids to practice patience and exercise hand-eye coordination.

Pie Dough for Hand Pies

Instructions

Yield: 8 hand pies or 2 9-inch pie crusts Note: Need to accommodate dietary preferences? We tested this recipe with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free All-Purpose Baking Flour as well as Spectrum Vegetable Shortening (vegan).

1. W hisk together salt and flour. Work butter cubes into the flour with a pastry cutter until mixture looks like little pebbles.

Ingredients 2 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt ½ pound cold, unsalted butter, diced into ½-inch cubes ¼ to ½ cup ice water Filling of your choice

Tips for rolling pie dough: •T o prevent sticking, dust your rolling pin and rolling surface with flour.

•F or easier dough transferring, consider rolling between two sheets of parchment paper.

•P ie crust can get tough (less tender and flaky) if the dough is overworked, so try to avoid balling up and rerolling dough.

•P ie dough freezes well! Make a double batch and freeze half. When ready to use, defrost overnight in the refrigerator.

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Check out pdxparent.com/hand-pies for a recipe for apple filling and more ideas.

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KAYLA PETERSEN

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2. A dd ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork or your fingers.

Stop adding water when the dough starts to come together into a ball, being careful not to add too much.

3. Divide the dough into four pieces, flatten each into a 1-inch-thick round.

Cover and chill for an hour.

4. Remove dough from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for 10 minutes.

5. Heat oven to 375˚ F. 6. On a lightly floured surface, first roll your round into an oval, rotate 90 degrees and roll again. Continue rotating and rolling until the dough is -inch thick, approximately 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Place the rolled circles on parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and cover. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.

7. Remove dough circles from the fridge and spoon about 1/2 cup filling onto the center of each. Fold one side of dough up and over to meet the opposite side. Use the tines of a fork or your fingers to crimp and seal the edges. Lightly brush tops and edges with beaten egg, then make a few small incisions into dough for steam to vent.

8. Bake for 35-60 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Locally owned Basics Market is committed to nurturing strong, healthy communities through food. Find more info and lots of recipes at basicsmarket.com.

time out

Take Heart

Even as the days blur together, taking the time to do something special for Valentine’s Day on Sunday, Feb. 14, can be an occasion everyone in your family looks forward to. Here are some ways to celebrate love with your kids this month .

DENISE CASTAÑON

BY DENISE CASTAÑON

roll on

tea service to go

Center. The Rose City Rollers are extending

For a fancy Valentine’s Day tea

their skate sessions

for the family, you can order

in the Lloyd Center

tea sandwiches, scones and

parking lot. It’s open-air,

more for pickup or delivery

but covered, with limited skaters. Masks are required.

from Lovejoy’s Tea Room of PIX PÂTISSERIE

Portland. Hearty appetites will appreciate the Queen’s Tea while kids will love the Wee Tea.

dessert on demand

Lovejoysportland.com.

Take a trip to Pix Pâtisserie on Burnside to visit their outdoor,

see a (virtual) show Many of our local

24-hour, refrigerated vending machine. Party lights and music

talented kindie musicians usually put on a special Valentine’s-

will play while everyone picks a special treat. The “Pix-O-Matic” is stocked with fancy goodies like

themed show. Check the Facebook page of your family’s favorite kid performers to see what kind of virtual show they’ve got lined up for this year.

Book a family

rollerskating date at Lloyd

macarons, boxes of chocolates, Pix’s signature Pixie bars — and even things like face masks and sparklers. Credit card only.

Pixpatisserie.com.

You can also rent skates from their Skatemobile.

Visit rosecityrollers.com for prices, times and to buy tickets.

you’ve got mailboxes Remember making

Valentine’s mailboxes out of shoe boxes when you were a kid?

Introduce your kiddos to this tradition by having everyone in the family make one — yes, even the grown-ups. Leading up to Valentine’s Day, have each family member put small notes of appreciation in each other’s mailboxes and then add

spread kindness

Did you see the awesome list of kids’ books

on kindness on page 7? Cuddle up and read one with your kiddo.

extra-special movie night

Snuggle with your kids for movie night at home with next-level V-Day popcorn — homemade red-and-pink kettle corn.Try this recipe: tasty.co/

DENISE CASTAÑON

recipe/rainbow-kettle-corn (Pro tip: Coconut oil is best, and take the popcorn off when it’s one to two seconds between pops!)

homemade or store-bought cards on Feb. 14.

share the love

While your

kids are making Valentine’s Day cards for family, have them make some extras to brighten the day of homebound seniors associated with the Hollywood Senior Center.

(The center is also accepting individually wrapped treats!)

Valentines must be delivered to Hollywood Senior Center by Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 4 pm. Visit hollywoodseniorcenter.org to find out how to drop off cards or treats.

pdxparent.com

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