Sellwood Playgroup Association

The 2011 Playgroup Site...

2011-09-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

...is up and running! If you have a 2011 baby and live in Sellwood, Eastmoreland, Westmoreland or Garthwick, visit the 2011 Playgroup Site to join and find out about upcoming meetings. Thanks, Allison!

Sundae in the Park this Sunday

2011-08-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

One of Sellwood-Moreland's best family events, Sundae in the Park, takes place this coming Sunday, August 7th. There's a new website with all the details, too--check it out!

Welcome our new 2011 Coordinator!

2011-08-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to our newest playgroup coordinator, Allison Eshel. Allison has a very sweet new 2011 baby girl and a three-year-old boy, as well. She's graciously volunteered to serve as our 2011 Playgroup Coordinator. If you emailed me with your interest in the 2011 group before today, I've most likely passed along your contact information to Allison and you should have received an email from me with her contact info. Future queries can be directed to her until the 2011 Playgroup website is set up. Our playgroups usually begin in the fall of each birth year to allow time for the majority of the babies to be born, which we find allows more families to be a part of setting up the group's schedule and expectations. Look for more information on the 2011 Playgroup starting this fall. Thanks, Allison!

Yep, We're Still Here!

2011-03-05T22:01:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the lack of recent posts might lead a person to believe that Eric and I have vanished from the face of the planet, but really we've just shifted our focus to neighborhood issues, work, and the increasing needs of our families who now need to go places they can't get to by stroller. :) We are no longer maintaining the main calendar, but please let us know if that is something you, dear reader, would like to take over. At our house we've been utilizing this fantastic event calendar. We are, however, still receiving emails from new families and trying to help them make neighborhood connections. Here's the playgroup update:

If you have a child age 3 or over, chances are that your birth year's playgroup no longer meets on a regular basis. Though traffic has decreased on these groups' listserves/websites now that we aren't comparing notes on nursing, sleep schedules and baby carriers, most of the playgroup listserves are still active and a good resource for finding a babysitter, asking for recommendations regarding a neighborhood doctor, or setting up a spontaneous park gathering. They are also a great place to introduce yourself and make connections if you are new to the neighborhood, so feel free to look for the link on the right of this page if you're looking for that sort of resource.

If you have a child under age 3, your birth year's playgroup is most likely still meeting in some capacity or the members can hook you up with the unofficial places they see each other on a regular basis. The younger the child the more gangbusters the groups tend to be with meeting schedules and listserve posts.

If you are looking for a 2011 Playgroup, we usually start playgroups up in the summer or early fall of the birth year--check out this post for more details on that rationale. If you'd like to be added to the list of families who want to be contacted when the group begins, please email Kirstin. And if you are organized and friendly and would like to serve as coordinator for the 2011 group, let me know that in your email. too. Thanks!

First Monthly Community Potluck this Sunday

2010-09-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

When: Sunday, Sept 26, 5-7 pm
Where: SMILE station, 8210 SE 13th Ave
Who: All Sellwood-Moreland residents, kids encouraged!
Why: To meet neighbors and have fun!
Details: Bring a dish to share (entree, side or dessert) and a beverage (water will be available). Also, please bring eating utensils, a serving utensil and plates for your family.

Neighborhood "Potlucks with a Purpose" is a step towards developing more of a neighborhood center and a greater sense of community here in Sellwood-Moreland. The SMILE (Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League) neighborhood association does so much to maintain and improve our neighborhood livability, so what better location is there to have monthly potlucks than the SMILE station?

The focus of each potluck, usually held on the last Sunday of the month, will vary, while consistently having a theme of community. Regardless of what the "topic" might be, it will always be a time for making new friends and having fun. Our first gathering is focused on simply getting together, having fun, and meeting your neighbors! We hope you'll join us to share some delicious food and learn more about the people who live in your neighborhood.

no rsvp necessary, just show up! email Carol Placer (carol.placer@gmail.com) or Eric Miller (chasingmoose@gmail.com) with questions. See you there!

Plant a Row Update!

2010-09-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

How cute are they?

K. and H. are a few of our playgroup members, enthusiastic contributors to the Oregon Food Bank's 'Plant a Row' program. Remember our playgroup challenge? These little sweeties just made their second drop of tomatoes and zucchini. If you planted a row for the Oregon Food Bank (or just ended up with surplus to share), send me your photo and I'll put it up to inspire us all for next year. Hopefully we'll have a longer, drier growing season next year and an abundant harvest! Thanks to the families who participated and fed our community!

Need a Volunteer Job? And...a few September events

2010-09-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

If you're missing the September SPA calendar, you may wonder about the delay! Your trusty playgroup cofounders are finding ourselves pulled right now to other areas of our lives. If you utilize the events calendar and are interested in taking over the monthly posting responsibility, we'd love to talk to you! Email Kirstin if you're interested.

In the meantime, a few September events to keep in mind...

Storytimes resume at Sellwood Library the week of September 13th. Yahoo!

Woodstock Library has a few programs in Sept. and October you may want to check out...
Sat. 9/25 from 4-4:45 enjoy a bilingual and interactive performance for kids combining physical comedy, juggling, balancing and magic.
Sat. 10/9 from 4-4:45 you can be a part of the lively rhythms of Brazilian music. The theme is water songs and rhythm and small percussion instruments will be provided.
Sat. 10/30 from 4-4:45 Woodstock Library hosts "Not So Spooky Stories." Wear a costume and join the parade.

Wednesday, Sept. 15th is "Make a Hat" day from 9am-5:30pm at the Sellwood Umpqua Bank. Kids can stop by to make a hat and enjoy treats and refreshments--this is one in a series of free children's events at Umpqua.

If you know of other great neighborhood events for kids this month, feel free to add a comment to this post.

We Need Your Pool Party RSVPs!

2010-08-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

Our joint playgroup pool party is a month away--don't forget to RSVP!
See this July 19th post for details about the party and how to attend. Hope to see you there!

Family Karaoke at The Woods!

2010-07-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, July 28 from 2-6 pm there will be Family Karaoke at The Woods!

The Woods has a regular Karaoke night on the last Wednesday of every month from 9 pm on, but let's be serious, who is going to keep their kids up late to sing karaoke? Well now you're free from having to make that late-night decision because this Wednesday is The Woods' very first family karaoke in the afternoon!

Thanks to SMILE sponsoring this event, The Woods has gotten a relaxation of their liquor license requirements so that anyone under age 21 can attend. No alcohol will be served, and all alcohol and alcohol advertising will be covered.

The Woods is a new hip, local venue for music on the cutting edge, and this event allows kids and parents alike to get up on stage under the lights and sing, dance, & play to a real live audience! Come on out!

6637 Milwaukie Ave in Westmoreland, just 2 blocks north of Bybee.

Welcome our Newest Coordinators

2010-07-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

We wanted to officially welcome our newest playgroup coordinators, Shawna and Kathleen! They will co-coordinate the 2010 playgroup. If you have already contacted us regarding your interest in the 2010 group, you should have received an email with Shawna and Kathleen's contact information. If you did not receive that email or are newly interested in becoming a part of the 2010 group, you can contact Kathleen or Shawna so they can add you to the list. They'll be working to get things started in the next few weeks. I'll add the link for the 2010 Playgroup website to our menu bar on the right side of the Sellwood Playgroup Association page when it becomes available. Thanks, Kathleen and Shawna!

Pool Party!!!

2010-07-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

Come join your playgroup friends and neighbors for our second annual Sellwood Playgroup Association party at Sellwood Pool!

We currently have pool reserved on Saturday, September 4th from 11-1. Sellwood Pool charges different rates depending on how many people attend, so we need your RSVPs to know how much we will need to reimburse Jill K., who was generous enough to place our reservation. So here's how it works:

RSVP to Jill with an expectation to pay $4.50/swimmer or a max of $15/family. Please let us know how many people you plan to bring to the party in your RSVP, but if not all of them plan to swim, mention that in your RSVP note as well. Let Jill know in your email that you need payment information if you are finding out about the party from the SPA blog (payment info. went out to playgroups in listserve postings).

If you've never been to Sellwood Pool it's right next to Sellwood Park. You may bring in food and beverages, and please bring your own towels, suits and sunscreen. We have a few kids in playgroups with peanut allergies, so please refrain from bringing food items with peanuts. The pool does have some inner tubes, life jackets and floating mats available for play, or you are welcome to bring your own, as well.

If you have questions about details outside of fees and RSVP, feel free to contact Kirstin. More pool information is available here:

We are excited about this opportunity to have fun together in one of our neighborhood's best gathering places. Last year's party was really fun, so we look forward to seeing you! And thanks again, Jill, for doing our reservation and collecting funds. We appreciate you!

10 Ways to Avoid Cancer Causing Chemicals

2010-07-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

From the Environmental Working Group:

According to a new report from the President's Cancer Panel, environmental toxins play a significant and under-recognized role in cancer, causing "grievous harm" to untold numbers of people. EWG's own research has found that children are born "pre-polluted" with nearly 300 industrial chemicals, pesticides and contaminants that have been found to cause cancer in lab studies or in people.

Four of every 10 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, and two of every 10 will die from it. Beyond talking to your doctor about lifestyle changes that are known to make a difference -- stopping smoking, reducing drinking, losing weight, exercising and eating right -- there are things you can do to reduce your risk.

Here are some simple ways you can reduce your exposure to potentially cancer-causing chemicals (click here to download the PDF):

1. Filter your tap water. Common carcinogens in tap water include arsenic, chromium, and chemical byproducts that form when water is disinfected. A simple carbon tap-mounted filter or pitcher can help reduce the levels of some of these contaminants. If your water is polluted with arsenic or chromium, a reverse osmosis filter will help. Learn about your tap water and home water filters at EWG's National Tap Water Database.

2. Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets. Those built before 2005 are likely coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothing. Learn more from EWG.

3. Cut down on stain- and grease-proofing chemicals."Fluorochemicals" related to Teflon and Scotchgard are used in stain repellants on carpets and couches and in greaseproof coatings for packaged and fast foods. To avoid them, avoid greasy packaged foods and say no to optional stain treatments in the home.Download EWG's Guide to PFCs.

4. Stay safe in the sun. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. To protect your skin from the sun's cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, seek shade, wear protective clothing and use a safe and effective sunscreen from EWG's sunscreen database.

5. Cut down on fatty meat and high-fat dairy products. Long-lasting cancer-causing pollutants like dioxins and PCBs accumulate in the food chain and concentrate in animal fat.

6. Eat EWG's Clean 15. Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Eating from EWG's Clean 15 list of the least contaminated fruits and vegetables will help cut your pesticide exposures. (And for EWG's Dirty Dozen, buy organic.) Learn more at EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.

7. Cut your exposures to BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in some hard plastic water bottles, canned infant formula, and canned foods. Some of these chemicals cause cancer in lab studies. To avoid them, eat fewer canned foods, breast feed your baby or use powdered formula, and choose water bottles free of BPA. Get EWG's tips to avoid it.

8. Avoid carcinogens in cosmetics. UseEWG's Skin Deep cosmetic database to find products free of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer. When you're shopping, don't buy products that list ingredients with "PEG" or "-eth" in their name.

9. Read the warnings. Some products list warnings of cancer risks -- read the label before you buy. Californians will see a "Proposition 65" warning label on products that contain chemicals the state has identified as cancer-causing.

Want to do more? Sign our petition demanding Congress reform our nation's broken toxic chemicals policy.

Read EWG's news release about the President's Cancer Panel report.

Source: http://www.ewg.org/healthyhometips/cancer_prevention_tips

Farmers' Market Board Member Needed

2010-07-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

The Moreland Farmers Market wishes to expand its board. The market seeks people who have a strong sense of community and a strong belief in the importance of Oregon’s small farms. Background in marketing, law, graphic design, fundraising, food policy or the world of not-for-profits is desirable, but not mandatory. If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to morelandmarket@gmail.com by July 16^th, 2010.

Thanks!

Moreland Farmers Market Board

July 2010 neighborhood activities

2010-07-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

Sign up for Multnomah County's Summer Reading Program at the Sellwood/Moreland library: read and get prizes! There are also book lists for kids at the program's webpage.
Mondays

Toddler Storytime at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), 10-10:30, free.

Book Babies at Sellwood Library (ages 0-1), 11-11:30, free.

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Book Babies at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, 1 pm, ages 0-18 months. Free.
Tuesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Preschool Storytime at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, 10:30 am and 6:30 pm for ages 3-5. Free.

Sellwood Community Center
Toddler Gym 9:30-11, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, Mat room.
Toddler Gym 3:30-5 pm, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, Mat room.

Playground Programs are offered on Tuesdays June 25-August 18th at Woodstock Park, SE 47th and Steele, 10 am-4 pm. Craft and fitness activities.

Wednesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Chippers Preschool Rides at Oaks Park start June 22 and run Tuesdays and Wednesdays through September 29. 9:30-11:30 am, $6.25/child, adults free with child admission. Kiddie rides, storytime and milk and cookies with an Oregon Dairy Princess.

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym.

Toddler Storytime at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, 10:30 am for ages 1-3, free. Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. " "Baby Snow Bear White and the 7 Kids" plays June 16-17, 23-24 and June 30.

Moreland Farmer's Market opens May 12th, every Wednesday 3:30-7:30 pm. SE Bybee and 14th.

Family Storytime at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, free, all ages, 6:30 pm.

Thursdays

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. " Hansel and Gretel and Baby Bear Witch" plays July 22, 28, & 29.

Tiny Tots (age 1-2) Storytime at Woodstock Library, 9:30-10 am.

Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3) at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am.

Preschool Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 3-6), free, 11-11:30 am.
Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 5:30-7 pm, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants & adults free. Gym.
Toddler Gym 5:30-7 pm, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, Mat room.
Fridays

Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3) at Woodstock Library, 9:30-10 am.

Toddler Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), free, 10-10:30 am.

Preschool Storytime (ages 3-6) at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am.

Tiny Tots at Sellwood Library (ages 1-2), free, 11-11:30 am.

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym.

Tiny Tots (age 1-2) Storytime at Woodstock Library, 3-3:30 pm.
Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym.

Book Babies at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am.

Sundays

Milwaukie Farmer's Market every Sunday 9:30 am -2 pm.

Family Yoga at Sellwood Yoga, 12:15-1 pm, all ages, $15/family. Drop in or register here.
Special Events:

Sun, July 10&11, 11-4: Ice Cream tasting at New Seasons

Sun, July 10, 1-2 pm: Steve's Creature Feature at Sellwood Library, free tickets available 30 min. before program, all ages.

Mon, July 12, 6:30-8:30: Sellwood Riverfront Park July monday night concert series:

July 12: Mingo Fishtrap (funky soul)
July 19: Sanyu (gospel, R&B, motown)
July 26: Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside (pop)
August 2: Casey Neill & the Norway Rats (left coast rock)

Tue, July 13, 1-3:30: Sellwood Pool Centennial. Free swimming, cake, games, giveaways.

Wed, July 14, 2-3:15 pm: 'The Faeries and the Cake Baker' performed by Brooklyn Bay Theatre Company at Sellwood Community Center (a program of Sellwood Library). Free, ages 2-9, with "Original Play" opportunity afterward with the performers. 1436 SE Spokane

Sat, July 17: Pool admission is free for all parents accompanying children to Portland Parks Swimming Pools for open swim, preschool swim or family swim.

Sun, July 18, 11:30-1 pm: Itty Bitty Beach Party at Sellwood Pool for children ages 0-6.

Sun, July 25, 6:30 pm: Movie in Sellwood Park, Alvin and the Chipmunks, opening entertainment by Captain Bog and Salty. free!

Sun, July 25, Cravin' Raven Bakery 1 year anniversary: http://www.cravinraven.com/

July 29th, 1-3:35 pm: Fun Day at Sellwood Pool featuring contests, games, musical kickboards and a penny hunt. Regular admission.

Sun, August 1: Sundae in the Park: our community's biggest and longest-running free family event with music, entertainment and 50 cent ice cream!

Ardenwald-Johnson Creek concerts in the park take place every Thursday night in August. Schedule here.

August 3rd: National Night Out. Schedule your neighborhood and block activities here.

The Dive-In Movie at Sellwood Pool is 'Up' and plays August 27th for $5/adults, $3/youth, beginning at 8 pm.

Things to Do in the 'Hood: June 2010

2010-06-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Note regarding storytimes: All Sellwood branch storytimes are on hiatus; they resume the week of June 21st.

Mondays

Toddler Storytime at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), 10-10:30, free. *see note at top of this month's schedule*

Book Babies at Sellwood Library (ages 0-1), 11-11:30, free. *see note at top of this month's schedule*

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Book Babies at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, 1 pm, ages 0-18 months beginning June 7th. Free.
Tuesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Playground Programs are offered on Tuesdays June 25-August 18th at Woodstock Park, SE 47th and Steele, 10 am-4 pm. Craft and fitness activities.
Let's Dance! Parent\child class for 2 to 4 years olds (younger siblings in slings or baby backs welcome) at Vital Body Studio in Sellwood, 10-10:45am. $10/class. Drop in or register online at www.vitalbodystudio.com

Wednesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Toddler Storytime at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, 10:30 am for ages 1-3, free.
Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. " "Baby Snow Bear White and the 7 Kids" plays June 16-17, 23-24 and June 30.

Moreland Farmer's Market opens May 12th, every Wednesday 3:30-7:30 pm. SE Bybee and 14th.

Family Storytime at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, free, all ages, 6:30 pm.

Thursdays

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. " "Baby Snow Bear White and the 7 Kids" plays June 16-17, 23-24 and June 30.

Tiny Tots (age 1-2) Storytime at Woodstock Library, 9:30-10 am.

Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3) at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am.

Preschool Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 3-6), free, 11-11:30 am. *see note at top of this month's schedule*

Everyday Acrobatics for kids 5-8 yrs old at Vital Body Studio in Sellwood, 4-4:45pm. $10/class. Drop in or register online at www.vitalbodystudio.com

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 5:30-7 pm, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants & adults free. Gym.
Toddler Gym 5:30-7 pm, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, Mat room.
Fridays

Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3) at Woodstock Library, 9:30-10 am.

Toddler Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), free, 10-10:30 am. *see note at top of this month's schedule*

Preschool Storytime (ages 3-6) at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am.

Tiny Tots at Sellwood Library (ages 1-2), free, 11-11:30 am. *see note at top of this month's schedule*

Conversations with New Mothers, 11-12:30, free, babies welcome but preregistration required. Begins Fri. May 21st and runs for 4 weeks. For more information or to register, contact Betsy Iannuccillo, LCSW at 503-796-9242.

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym.

Tiny Tots (age 1-2) Storytime at Woodstock Library, 3-3:30 pm.
Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym.

Book Babies at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am.

Sundays

Milwaukie Farmer's Market opens May 9th, every Sunday 9:30 am -2 pm.

Family Yoga at Sellwood Yoga, 12:15-1 pm, all ages, $15/family. Drop in or register here.
Special Events:

June 2: Kindergarten BBQ at the Boys and Girls Club, 4:30-6 pm. For children who have completed kindergarten to introduce them to the Boys and Girls Club; contact Natalie for more details.

June 4: Llewellyn Carnival, 6-8 pm, Llewellyn School.

June 5: Share-It-Square street painting, SE 9th and SE Sherrett. 9 am-5 pm, potluck to follow at 6 pm. If raining, will occur June 6th.

June 5: ZAP Team Zoo Animal Presenters at Sellwood Library, 1-2 pm, all ages, free.

June 5: Button Buddy Craft at Ledding Library Milwaukie, 2 pm, ages 5 and up, free.

June 5-6: Benefit BBQ for Johnson Creek Watershed Council, 12-4 pm, New Seasons Sellwood.

June 6: Chinese/English Storytime at Woodstock Library, 1-1:30 pm, ages 3-7, free.

June 11: Duniway School Parade, 2:15-3 pm starting at Duniway School. Lead by the Sellwood Middle School Marching Band and ending with popsicles for everyone! Followed by the Duniway School Carnival from 6-8 pm.

June 12: The Fish That Swallowed the Sun performance by Celeste Rose Puppets, Sellwood Library, 11-11:45 am, free. Tickets will be available 30 min. prior to the program.

June 13th: Milk Carton Boat Races at Westmoreland Park Casting pond, free, 11 am.

June 19: Registration for free swim lessons at Sellwood Pool. Register at the pool from 8 am to 11:30 am to participate in free children's swim lessons the week of June 21-25th.

June 19: Sensory Storytime at Woodstock Library, 9:30-10 am, open to all preschoolers.

June 19: Spanish Storytime at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, 2 pm, all ages.

June 19: Mz. Pearl: The Under Water Revue solo clown show at Sellwood Library. 11 am-noon, all ages, free, tickets available 30 min. prior to the program.

June 21: Sellwood Pool opens for the summer. Open play swim daily M-F 1-3:35 pm, 7:20-8:50 M/W/F (free Wed), 1-5 Saturdays, 1-5 Sundays. Family Swim Sundays 11:30-12:50.

June 22: Pirate Scavenger Hunt at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, 2 pm, ages 5 and up.

June 22: Deepsy Diver program by Mudeye Puppets, free, Woodstock Library. Plays at 2-2:30 pm and 3-3:30 pm with free tickets for seating available 30 min. prior to the first program.

June 24: Penny's Puppets at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, 2 pm. All ages, presenting "Myrna the Mermaid and the Golden Key."

June 25: Water Rhymes with the Harmonica Pocket. Children's books and water stories are brought to life with hulahoops, a ukelele, and storytelling folk songs. A program of Multnomah County Library hosted at Sellwood Community Center, 1436 Spokane St. 2-3 pm, free.

June 29: Make a SPLASH--Read! Show at Woodstock Library, free, 2-3 pm, tickets available 30 min. before the program.

June 29: Rescued Pets at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, 2 pm, ages 5 and up.

For July and August:

Sellwood Pool's 100th Birthday Celebration is July 13th from 1-3:35 pm. Free swimming, cake, face painting, games prizes and historic photos on display.

Pool admission is free for all parents accompanying children to Portland Parks Swimming Pools for open swim, preschool swim or family swim on Saturday, July 17th.

Itty Bitty Beach Party at Sellwood Pool for children ages 0-6 will be held on July 18th from 11:30 am-1 pm.

Sellwood Riverfront Park concerts are Monday nights in July-early August, 6:30-8:30 pm. This year's lineup:

July 12: Mingo Fishtrap (funky soul)

July 19: Sanyu (gospel, R&B, motown)

July 26: Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside (pop)

August 2: Casey Neill & the Norway Rats (left coast rock)

Captain Bogg and Salty (pirate kids' band) play Sellwood Park Sunday, July 25 at 6:30 pm, followed by the movie in the park 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' at dusk.

July 29th is Fun Day at Sellwood Pool featuring contests, games, musical kickboards and a penny hunt. Regular admission, 1-3:35 pm.

Sundae in the Park is the first Sunday in August, our community's biggest and longest-running free family event with music, entertainment and 50 cent ice cream!

Ardenwald-Johnson Creek concerts in the park take place every Thursday night in August. Schedule here.

National Night Out is August 3rd. Schedule your neighborhood and block activities here.

The Dive-In Movie at Sellwood Pool is 'Up' and plays August 27th for $5/adults, $3/youth, beginning at 8 pm.

Volunteers Needed!

2010-05-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Sellwood Middle School is hosting the second annual Sustainability Fair on May 23rd from 11-4. This is a great free event with activities and information on sustainable living. The Sellwood Playgroup Association will be running a children's craft table at this event--thanks so much to the middle school for inviting us to participate again. It's great to link families of young children in the neighborhood with their future middle school and the older kids in our community.

Volunteering to staff the booth is easy and a fantastic way to meet more area families with children 6 and under. If an adult in your household is available to be at the booth for one of the shifts below or have questions about volunteering, please email Shawna Z. to introduce yourself and let her know what time to expect you:

10:30-11:30 (includes some set up)

11:30-12:30

12:30-1:30

1:30-2:30

2:30-3:30

3:30-4 (break down and clean up)

We really appreciate your help! We also hope that all of you are able to stop by at some point in the day with your kids for some fun activities and to support our local middle school's efforts toward encouraging a sustainable culture in our neighborhood. See you on the 23rd!

Market Day!

2010-05-12T06:58:00.001-07:00

The Moreland Farmer's Market opens today! It's from 3:30-7 at 14th and Bybee. Here are the details about special market events this week:

Come out early to take advantage of our annual goodie giveaway where we will be handing out como rolls courtesy of Grand Central Bakery to the first 200 people who arrive. Canby Asparagus will have free tamales with any $5 market purchase. There will also be a drawing for a bag of market products (to be awarded in June when the produce really starts coming in strong!). The Sellwood Middle School Jazz and Marimba Bands will be on hand again this year. Jazz gets going at the start of the market and the Marimba Band will be camped out at the end of lawn from 4:45 to 6:30. We are happy to announce our partnership with Umpqua Bank as our new music sponsor. Providence Milwaukie Hospital’s Health in Motion will be back to offer $5 bicycle helmets with free fitting.See you all out on the lot!

Things to Do in the 'Hood: May 2010

2010-05-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

Note regarding storytimes: All Sellwood branch storytimes are on hiatus after the week of May 10th; they resume the week of June 21st. There are no regular storytimes at Woodstock Library this month with the exception of May 1st.

Mondays

Toddler Storytime at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), 10-10:30, free. *see note at top of this month's schedule*

Book Babies at Sellwood Library (ages 0-1), 11-11:30, free. *see note at top of this month's schedule*

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Sellwood Community Center
Toddler Gym 9:30-11, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, Mat room.
Toddler Gym 3:30-5 pm, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, Mat room.

Let's Dance! Parent\child class for 2 to 4 years olds (younger siblings in slings or baby backs welcome) at Vital Body Studio in Sellwood, 10-10:45am. $10/class. Drop in or register online at www.vitalbodystudio.com

Wednesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym.

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. " "Getting Loose With Mother Goose" plays all Wednesdays and Thursdays in May.

Moreland Farmer's Market opens May 12th, every Wednesday 3:30-7:30 pm. SE Bybee and 14th.

Thursdays

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. " "Getting Loose With Mother Goose" plays all Wednesdays and Thursdays in May.

Preschool Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 3-6), free, 11-11:30 am. *see note at top of this month's schedule*

Everyday Acrobatics for kids 5-8 yrs old at Vital Body Studio in Sellwood, 4-4:45pm. $10/class. Drop in or register online at www.vitalbodystudio.com

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 5:30-7 pm, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants & adults free. Gym.
Toddler Gym 5:30-7 pm, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, Mat room.

Fridays

Toddler Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), free, 10-10:30 am. *see note at top of this month's schedule*

Tiny Tots at Sellwood Library (ages 1-2), free, 11-11:30 am. *see note at top of this month's schedule*

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym.

First Friday Family Storytime at Sellwood Library. Free, ages 6-10. Listen to the first chapter of a chapter book, receive a discussion guide and check out a copy to take home to read with your family. 4-4:30 pm, runs the first Friday of every month (This month on May 7th)

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym.

Sundays

Milwaukie Farmer's Market opens May 9th, every Sunday 9:30 am -2 pm.

Family Yoga at Sellwood Yoga, 12:15-1 pm, all ages, $15/family. Drop in or register here.

Special Events:

May 2: Mandarin Storytime at Woodstock Library, 1-1:30 pm, free, ages 3-7 with an adult.

May 6: Mother's Day Crafts at Ledding Library: Thursday, May 6 at 3:30pm and Saturday, May 8 at 2:00pm. On Thursday, kids ages 5 and up can make a candy-kiss rosebud. On Saturday, kids of all ages can make their own cards.

May 7: I am NOT Silly! at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11:15 am and 11:30-12:15 pm. Free tickets available 30 min. prior to the first program. This simple, funny, interactive all season show is for parents and kids, featuring singing, dancing and jumping around with singer/songwriter Dan Cohen.

May 8: Storytime with Sy James at Looking Glass Books, free, 10 am.

May 8: Festival of the Birds at Oaks Bottom/Sellwood Park. 9 am-3 pm, all ages, free. Guided bird walks, family activities, music, storytelling, live birds from Audubon. See schedule for more details.

May 8: Mother's Day Crafts at Ledding Library: Thursday, May 6 at 3:30pm and Saturday, May 8 at 2:00pm. On Thursday, kids ages 5 and up can make a candy-kiss rosebud. On Saturday, kids of all ages can make their own cards.

May 9th: Milwaukie Farmer's Market opens, 9:30 am -2 pm.

May 12th: Moreland Farmer's Market opens, 3:30-7:30 pm. SE Bybee and 14th.

May 14: Lorna Miller's Little Kids' Jamboree at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11:15 and 11:30-12:15. Includes simple rhythm instruments, songs, dancing and imagination for all ages. Free tickets for seating available 30 min. prior to the first program.

May 15: Bubble Painting at Sellwood Library. 10:30-noon, free, ages 4-8. Learn strange new painting techniques to create your own underwater pictures with artist Addie Boswell.

May 15: Spanish Storytime at Ledding Library. 2 pm, free, all ages.

May 21: Ladybug Nature Walk at Westmoreland Park. See schedule for details. Meets at 10 am, $3/preschooler. Meet on the west side of the park near the intersection of 22nd and Rex.

May 22: Brave Frogs and Bashful Dragons at Sellwood Library, 10:30-11:15 am. Storyteller Anne Rutherford shares tales of unlikely heroes. Recommended for children ages 5-12. Free tickets for seating available 30 min. before the program.

May 22: Harmony Girls Violin Quartet at Ledding Library, 2:00pm, free. Students of the Martha Shackford Violin Studio in Milwaukie will perform. Children who attend may "try on" a violin fit to size after the concert. All ages.

May 23: Sustainability Fair at Sellwood Middle School. 11am-4 pm, featuring live music, family activities. Free. Visit the Sellwood Playgroup Association booth for fun children's activities and to say hello to friends! Thanks so much to Shawna Z. for coordinating SPA's participation in this community event.

Toys for Haiti Being Collected at Spielwerk Toys

2010-05-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

A local midwife will be traveling May 14th to Haiti to live in an orphanage and provide care for at least 50 young ones. These children do not have toys to play with, and are in great need of other basic supplies too.

Our neighborhod toystore Spielwerk will be donating jump ropes, balls, and other traditional playthings, and ask that if you have any gently used (and well-loved!) toys at home that can be shared that you please bring them in for donation. These toys need to be small and light for travel purposes, and appropriate for ages newborn to 12.

They have donation boxes at both Spielwerk locations, and will be collecting through May 10th. Other needed items include receiving blankets, ibuprofen, tylenol, antacids, prenatal or multi-vitamins.

Also through May 10th, any new items purchased for donation at either Spielwerk store will receive a 20% discount.

You can also participate in a doll-making class at Gossamer on Burnside. Here's the info. from the Spielwerk Blog:

Tuesday, May 4th, 7:00-9:00 pm
We have joined forces with Gossamer Fiber Arts who will be hosting a doll making class at their space on Tuesday, May 4th from 7-9. These simple dolls made of natural materials will only take a few hours of your donated time, but will provide years and years of comfort and play for a child who truly needs it. For young children and babies, a doll not only provides a tool for imaginative play, but also a way of connecting to what it means to be human. The therapeutic and reciprocal nature of dolls is that they provide comfort while the child learns what it means to love and care for another.
Have a fear of larger projects? Don't worry we have smaller crafts too!

Hosted by SpielWerk Toys & Gossamer Fiber Arts

Held at: Gossamer 2418 East Burnside St.

$ 3-5 donation for materials

http://www.gossamerfiberarts.com

Sellwood Bridge Design Meeting Tomorrow

2010-04-19T21:43:00.001-07:00

BRAINSTORMING & TEA: Tues Apr 20 @ 7:30pm. During the next two Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings on 4/28 and 5/17 @ 5:30 at SMILE, the CAC will be developing and selecting evaluation criteria for the bridge types. If you’d rather generate ideas versus react to them, committee rep Heather Koch welcomes you to join her for a casual brainstorming/discussion about potential criteria at 7:30 Tues April 20. PLEASE RSVP to her at heatherk100@aol.com. She'll confirm, with location. You are also welcome to email her with any ideas or go to CAC meetings and sign up for public comment; you’ll need to arrive on time (to both sign up and speak.) Public comment at the CAC meetings will be up front and generally kept to 15 minutes.

Baby Ducks!

2010-04-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

I love living in a neighborhood where this is newsworthy, don't you? The baby ducks have made an appearance at Johnson Creek Park! We counted ten today. How many have you spotted?

Summer Swim Sign Ups!

2010-04-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Swim lesson registration for the summer session at Sellwood Pool is open! The sessions before and after open swim fill quickly, so sign up soon to maximize your choices. The free week of lessons this year happens June 21-June 25th. You can register for that session by going to Sellwood Pool on Saturday, June 19th between 8 am and 11:30 am.

Things to Do in the 'Hood: April 2010

2010-04-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Mondays

Toddler Storytime at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), 10-10:30, free.

Book Babies at Sellwood Library (ages 0-1), 11-11:30, free.

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Runs through 12/18.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Sellwood Community Center
Toddler Gym 9:30-11, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, runs 9/15-12/29. Mat room.
Toddler Gym 3:30-5 pm, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, runs 9/15-12/29. Mat room.

Let's Dance! Parent\child class for 2 to 4 years olds (younger siblings in slings or baby backs welcome) at Vital Body Studio in Sellwood, 10-10:45am. $10/class. Drop in or register online at www.vitalbodystudio.com

Wednesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym. Runs 9/12-12/18.

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. " "Baby Bear and the Beanstalk" plays April 1st, "How to Be a King in Three Easy Lessons" April 7, 8, 14 and 15, "I Bet You Can't Stop Talking" April 21, 22, 28 and 29.

Family Storytime, all ages. 6:30 pm, Ledding Library.

Thursdays

Tiny Tots at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 9:30-10 am. (Enter through the back entrance in the parking lot).

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. " "Baby Bear and the Beanstalk" plays April 1st, "How to Be a King in Three Easy Lessons" April 7, 8, 14 and 15, "I Bet You Can't Stop Talking" April 21, 22, 28 and 29.

Toddler Story time at Woodstock Library (ages 2-3), free, 10:30-11 am.

Preschool Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 3-6), free, 11-11:30 am.

Everyday Acrobatics for kids 5-8 yrs old at Vital Body Studio in Sellwood, 4-4:45pm. $10/class. Drop in or register online at www.vitalbodystudio.com

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 5:30-7 pm, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants & adults free. Gym. Runs 9/12-12/18.
Toddler Gym 5:30-7 pm, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, runs 9/15-12/29. Mat room.

Fridays

Toddler Story time at Woodstock Library (ages 2-3), free, 9:30-10 am. (Enter through the back entrance in the parking lot).

Toddler Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), free, 10-10:30 am.

Tiny Tots at Sellwood Library (ages 1-2), free, 11-11:30 am.

Tiny Tots at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 3-3:30 pm.

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym
All run 9/11-12/18.

First Friday Family Storytime at Sellwood Library. Free, ages 6-10. Listen to the first chapter of a chapter book, receive a discussion guide and check out a copy to take home to read with your family. 4-4:30 pm, runs the first Friday of every month.

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym, runs 9/12-1/2/10.

Book Babies at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 10:30-11 am.

Saturday Crafts at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, free, 2 pm. Ages 5 and up. Meets this month on April 10th.

Sundays

Family Yoga at Sellwood Yoga, 12:15-1 pm, all ages, $15/family. Drop in or register here.

Special Events:

April 3: Easter Egg Hunt in Westmoreland Park. Begins at 10 am sharp, free, rain or shine. Meet on the ball fields at the south end of Westmoreland Park.

April 3: Storytime with Sy James. Looking Glass Books, free, 10 am.

April 6: Shake and Rattle Toys at Sellwood-Moreland Library, 6:30-8 pm. Registration required (available in the library or the library website). Artist and author Diane Gilleland will show you how to make a colorful, rattling felt toy to entertain babies and very small children. For parents only, free.

April 6: A Hop, Skip and a Jump at Woodstock Library, 4-4:30 pm. Singer/songwriter Pam Donkin leads songs, chants, fingerplays and movement activities to help with reading readiness, encouraging bonding and musical response. All ages. Free, tickets availible 30 min. before the program.

April 8: A Hop, Skip and a Jump at Sellwood-Moreland Library, 11-11:30 am. Singer/songwriter Pam Donkin leads songs, chants, fingerplays and movement activities to help with reading readiness, encouraging bonding and musical response. All ages. Free, tickets availible 30 min. before the program.

April 17: Make a Color-Matching Game at Sellwood-Moreland Library, free. 10:30-11:30 am, registration required. Available in the library or on the library website. Artist and author Diane Gilleland will show you how to assemble a simple board game to help teach your child to recognize and name colors. For parent and child.

April 20: Math Fun at Sellwood Library. Free, 3:30-4:30 pm, ages 3-7 years with an adult. Enjoy a special storytime and fun activities with numbers. Space is limited; seating available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

April 21: May Day Baskets at Spielwerk Toys. Free, 10-12:30 pm. More info here. Bring a container to decorate (tin can, yogurt container, etc.). Please register to help them gauge supplies.

April 21: Math fun at Woodstock Library. Free, 4-5 pm, ages 3-7 with an adult. Shop at the market, join the jiggity jig, and have fun budgeting and buying groceries in a play store. Free tickets for this program available 30 min. before the program.

Important Meeting this Thursday

2010-03-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

Are you concerned about your safety when you cross Tacoma Street? Four pedestrians have been struck by vehicles at the intersection of SE 13^th & Tacoma in just the past 15 months. All of them were crossing the street with the crosswalk signal in their favor. One of the people struck was a 4-yr-old boy.

Come hear what Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBoT) has to say about this. Join the discussion about how we can partner with the city to get the Tacoma Main Street Plan completed before anyone else gets hit.

What: Discussion with PBoT: Improve safety for pedestrians in Sellwood

When: Thursday, April 1, 2010

Time: 6 pm

Where: SMILE station: 8210 SE 13^th Ave

Contact Eric with any questions. See you there!

Looking for the 2010 Playgroup?

2010-03-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

We've started receiving inquiries about the 2010 Playgroup! Our playgroups usually form in late summer of the birth year and often begin meeting in the fall. This not only gives time for more babies to be born, but helps more parents be involved in the creation of their group. Each playgroup determines their own norms, expectations, and schedule, so we hope that allowing more families to be involved in that process also creates greater ownership for everyone and an active group with longevity. If you'd like to be added to a list of families who want to receive more information about the 2010 Group when it's ready to begin, please email Kirstin. If you are organized and welcoming and are interested in serving as a 2010 Coordinator, indicate that in your email, too, and we'd love to talk with you about that volunteer position.

Please know that all families in the Sellwood-Moreland community who are expecting or who have children are welcome and encouraged to attend any joint playgroup events posted on this website, whether or not you have attended one of the playgroups for your child's birth year. We look forward to getting to know you!

Join Us...Plant a Row for the Oregon Food Bank!

2010-03-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

Many of our playgroups have as part of their mission a desire to serve the community and to help foster in our children a heart for service. A great opportunity came to our attention recently...we hope you'll join us!

The Oregon Food Bank has joined a national program called Plant a Row, where families can donate fresh produce from home gardens to help feed OFB patrons. What better way to involve our kids in service and celebrate living in our garden-loving, farmer's-market-hosting, New-Seasons-blessed community than to help our neighbors in need to enjoy fresh, local food?

Here's how you can help:

1) Leave a comment on this post committing to 'plant a row' with your family. Please include your email address so we can contact you with any future information. Feel free to mention what you intend to plant, if you like (see step 2).

2) Decide with your family which of the 'most wanted produce' from the Oregon Food Bank list you will plant in your yard, window box, container, etc.

3) Go forth and plant! And, totally optional, but if you want to add a crafty component there are some really awesome ideas for plant markers here and here.

4) Snap a photo of your planting, tending or harvesting this growing season and email it as an attachment to Kirstin at ktmcauley@gmail.com. Putting "Plant a Row" in the subject line would be helpful. I'll post photos on this site to inspire the rest of us! Please send photos you're comfortable posting (photograph your child's hands digging, your produce in a basket, etc., if you don't want your child's photo on the Web).

5) When you bring in your harvest, take your produce to one of the listed hunger relief agencies in our area. I'll also post when our family is planning to do our delivery in case anyone wants to drop produce off at our house at that time for us to deliver for you.

No garden space? Consider taking your kids over to volunteer in the Eastside Learning Garden, more than 17,000 feet of growing space, laying hens, fruit trees and berries to produce food for Oregon Food Bank. All ages are welcome and there are weekly volunteer shifts available. We'd love to include photos of families working in an OFB Learning Garden on this site, as well.

For more information on Plant A Row, check out

Oregon Food Bank Plant a Row Page

Garden Writers Association

Plant a Row brochure

So...leave a comment! Get some seeds! Put your hands in the soil! Can't wait to see your progress.

Things to Do in the 'Hood: March 2010

2010-02-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

Mondays

Toddler Storytime at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), 10-10:30, free. (No story time March 22)

Book Babies at Sellwood Library (ages 0-1), 11-11:30, free. (No story time March 22)

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Runs through 12/18.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Sellwood Community Center
Toddler Gym 9:30-11, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, runs 9/15-12/29. Mat room.
Toddler Gym 3:30-5 pm, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, runs 9/15-12/29. Mat room.

Let's Dance! Parent\child class for 2 to 4 years olds (younger siblings in slings or baby backs welcome) at Vital Body Studio in Sellwood, 10-10:45am. $10/class. Drop in or register online at www.vitalbodystudio.com

Wednesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym. Runs 9/12-12/18.

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. "Lion and Mouse" plays March 3, 4, 10 and 11. "Baby Bear and the Beanstalk" March 24, 25, and 31st.

Thursdays

Tiny Tots at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 9:30-10 am. (Enter through the back entrance in the parking lot).

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. "Lion and Mouse" plays March 3, 4, 10 and 11. "Baby Bear and the Beanstalk" March 24, 25, and 31st.

Toddler Story time at Woodstock Library (ages 2-3), free, 10:30-11 am.

Preschool Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 3-6), free, 11-11:30 am. No story time March 25th.

Everyday Acrobatics for kids 5-8 yrs old at Vital Body Studio in Sellwood, 4-4:45pm. $10/class. Drop in or register online at www.vitalbodystudio.com

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 5:30-7 pm, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants & adults free. Gym. Runs 9/12-12/18.
Toddler Gym 5:30-7 pm, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, runs 9/15-12/29. Mat room.

Fridays

Toddler Story time at Woodstock Library (ages 2-3), free, 9:30-10 am. (Enter through the back entrance in the parking lot).

Toddler Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), free, 10-10:30 am. No story time March 26th.

Tiny Tots at Sellwood Library (ages 1-2), free, 11-11:30 am. No story time March 26th.

Tiny Tots at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 3-3:30 pm.

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym
All run 9/11-12/18.

First Friday Family Storytime at Sellwood Library. Free, ages 6-10. Listen to the first chapter of a chapter book, receive a discussion guide and check out a copy to take home to read with your family. 4-4:30 pm, runs the first Friday of every month (this month meets March 5th).

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym, runs 9/12-1/2/10.

Book Babies at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 10:30-11 am.

Saturday Crafts at Ledding Library in Milwaukie, free, 2 pm. Ages 5 and up. March 6, 13 and 27th.

Sundays

Family Yoga at Sellwood Yoga, 12:15-1 pm, all ages, $15/family. Drop in or register here.

Special Events:

March 5th: The new batch of chicks arrives at Naomi's Organic Farm Supply! Check out the chicks and goats this month, including the newest goat addition, 'Moonshark.'

March 12: Portland Public School Choice Application Deadline for Elementary and Middle Schools

March 13: St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival at St. Agatha's School. Begins at 11 am in 15th and Nehalem; led by the Sellwood Middle School Marching Band. Featuring bagpipes, Irish dancers and other live entertainment. Decorated bicycles and well-behaved pets welcome to participate. Followed by a festival at St. Agatha's including an old-fashioned children's carnival, balloon animals and cakewalk. Dress in green!

March 16: Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre performs "Horton" at Woodstock Library. Free, tickets available starting at 3 pm. Two sessions will be presented, 3:30-4 and 4:30-5.

March 20: Spanish Storytime/Hora de cuentos en español. 2 pm, all ages, Ledding Library in Milwaukie.

March 23: Grasshead craft for ages 4 and up at Ledding Library, free.

March 24: Dragon Theatre Puppets presents "The Pirate and His Pet" at Ledding Library. Free, 2 pm.

March 25: Math Fun with "The Doorbell Rang" at Woodstock Library. For children ages 3-7 with an adult. Free tickets available 30 min. before program (3:30); program runs 4-5 pm.

March 26: Ladybug Nature Walk in Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. $3/child, ages 2-5. 10 am. Bring a snack, stroller accessible. More info. here.

March 27: Puzzle craft at Ledding Library. Free, 2 pm, ages 5 and up.

April 3: Easter Egg Hunt in Westmoreland Park. Begins at 10 am sharp, free, rain or shine. Meet on the ball fields at the south end of Westmoreland Park.

Summer Camps starting to register kids!

2010-02-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Area summer camps for kids tend to fill up early, and registration has started for many of them. To share information about the camps, use the comment link at the bottom of this post. Here are links to some local camps:

OMSI camp: http://www.omsi.edu/camps-classes
Tryon Creek outdoor camp: http://www.tryonfri ends.org/ classes_and_ camps/nature_ day_camp. html
Trackers NW: http://trackerspdx.com/youth-camps.php
Do Jump: http://www.dojump.org/
UK international soccer camp in Westmoreland park: https://secure.mysuperpageshosting.com/uksocca.com/Thomas2009/A303.php?CID=41051
Sellwood Community Center (as of 2/17, not registering for summer): http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=663&action=ViewPark
Sellwood Pool lessons (as of 2/17, not registering for summer): http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=1130&action=ViewPark
Classical Ballet Academy camps on Milwaukie Ave. (and Miller) http://www.classicalballet.net/

Things to Do in the 'Hood: February 2010

2010-02-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

Mondays

Toddler Storytime at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), 10-10:30, free. (No story time February 15).

Book Babies at Sellwood Library (ages 0-1), 11-11:30, free. (No story time February 15).

Tiny Tots at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 9:30-10 am. (Enter through the back entrance in the parking lot).

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346.

Toddler Story time at Woodstock Library (ages 2-3), free, 10:30-11 am.

Toddler Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), free, 10-10:30 am.

Tiny Tots at Sellwood Library (ages 1-2), free, 11-11:30 am.

Tiny Tots at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 3-3:30 pm.

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym
All run 9/11-12/18.

First Friday Family Storytime at Sellwood Library. Free, ages 6-10. Listen to the first chapter of a chapter book, receive a discussion guide and check out a copy to take home to read with your family. 4-4:30 pm, runs the first Friday of every month (this month meets Feb 5th).

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym, runs 9/12-1/2/10.

Book Babies at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 10:30-11 am.

Sundays

Family Yoga at Sellwood Yoga, 12:15-1 pm, all ages, $15/family. Drop in or register here.

Special Events:

February 3rd: Duniway School Kindergarten Roundup, 1:30-3 pm. Families can meet the kindergarten teachers, hear pertinent information about kindergarten curriculum, and visit kindergarten classrooms.

February 5th: First Friday Family Storytime at Sellwood Library. Free, ages 7-10. Listen to the first chapter of a chapter book, receive a discussion guide and check out a copy to take home to read. 4-4:30 pm. Usually the 1st Fri. of every month (this month on 2/5).

February 6th: Preschool Storytime with Sy James, free, Looking Glass Books, 10 am.

February 6th: Kenji and the 3 Rs Puppet Show at Sellwood Library, 11-11:30 am. Created by Tears of Joy Theatre for kids in grades K-3 and performed by puppeteers from Metro. Free tickets available 30 min. prior to the program.

February 7th: Mandarin Storytime at Woodstock Library, free, 1-1:30 pm. Ages 3-7. Also decorate red accordion fans for Chinese New Year at Woodstock library, 2-3 pm. Free tickets available 30 min. prior to the program for fan-making.

February 9th: Children's Valentine Card WerkShop at Spielwerk Toys, 10-11:30 am for ages 3 and up, $5-$10, preregister here.

February 9th, 7 pm: Llewellyn PTA meeting.

February 11th: Children's Valentine Card WerkShop at Spielwerk Toys, 3:30-5pm for ages 3 and up, $5-$10, preregister here

February 12th: Join the Sellwood 2005 Playgroup to deliver Valentines to the residents at Sellwood Landing Assisted Living. Contact Kirstin for meeting time and location. Bring your child's homemade Valentine(s) to deliver. All ages welcome.

February 17th, 5:30-7:30 at Woodstock Library. Lion Dancers: music, songs, crafts & treats.

February 20th: Sensory Storytime at Woodstock Library, free, 9:30-10 am. (Enter through the back door in the parking lot). Sensor storytime is open to all preschoolers, particularly those who may have difficulty sitting through one of the library's other storytimes.

February 22, 6-7:30: Llewellyn Elementary School's Kindergarten Roundup. Families can meet the kindergarten teachers, hear pertinent information about kindergarten curriculum, and visit our kindergarten classrooms. Childcare and refreshments will be available. 6301 SE 14th Ave.

February 27: Oregon Trickster Tales from Many Lands at Sellwood Library. 11-11:45 am, ideal for ages 5 and up. Free, seating limited.

Llewellyn PTA overcrowding meeting 1/19/10

2010-01-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

Below is a brief summary of the PTA meeting regarding the overcrowding issue at Llewellyn on January 19. It was amazing to see so many playgroup parents in attendance; we didn't take a count, but it was terrific -- our continued participation in this neighborhood school issue will help there to be a positive outcome. This posting on the SPA page is a blog, so please leave your thoughts, questions, concerns, ideas on this important issue.

Present: Steve Powell (principal), Susan Kroll-Wilch (PTA president), Nancy Linnon, (Llewellyn Site Council parent rep), Greg Baker (Deputy PPS Superintendent), Amanda Whalen (Assistant to PPS General Counsel), and approximately 150 present and prospective Llewellyn parents.

1. Nancy Linnon presented the 2009-10 physical class space situation. There was a handout at the meeting with 3 charts: 1. current enrollment and classrooms by grade for the 2009-2010 year, 2. total students expected in 2010-2011 and classroom demand by grade, and 3. the additional classroom space needed for 2010-2011 school year. This 3rd table states the need as 2 additional classrooms on the first floor, and 2 additional classrooms on the second floor. If you haven't gotten a copy of this handout and would like to see it, email Eric at chasingmoose@gmail.com.

Steve Powell stated that for the 2010-2011 year, no new transfers will be accepted into the school (except for younger siblings of current transfer students). Llewellyn has seen 13 students enrolled since the new year, so current enrollment is at 445. He stated that he does not anticipate growth past the current total numbers enrolled.

2. Greg Baker presented the proposal his committee will be submitting to the PPS Superintendent, Carole Smith. Physical space constraints are a problem many schools in the city are experiencing, so the situation is not limited to a single school and is complex. He stated that the Llewellyn situation is considered a "tier one" issue. There are two major strategies to address our space issue: 1. The kiln will be moved out of it's current small room which will free up that space for the school counselor, school psychologist and the resource room teacher (who sees no more than 4 or 5 students at a time). This will free up the current "resource room" on the 2nd floor to become a new classroom space. 2. One modular unit (commonly referred to as a "portable classroom") comprising 2 classrooms will be placed on the school grounds. This creates 3 new classrooms for next year.

The process is this: This proposal will be submitted to the Superintendent soon for her review and approval. If approved, it will move to the finance and operations departments for their approval. Ordering of the modular unit must happen by early March for there to be enough time for it to arrive, be outfitted (electricity, etc) and have the teachers move in before the start of school in September. Greg told us that he would inform Steve Powell of the progress as he learns of it and that Steve will inform the community.

3. Lots of questions were asked and fielded. The primary concern among parents centered around the fact that the PPS proposal provides for only 3 of the 4 classrooms the Site Council indicated as needed and does not yet address the apparent explosion of families with young children in the neighborhood. Their position was largely that there is no way to ultimately know what enrollment will be next year (or subsequent years) until it happens. Also, Steve and Greg stated that because resources follow student numbers, there is a tension between having more kids enrolled and getting more resources (space, teachers, counselors, etc.), as well as the converse (and fear): getting too few kids enrolled and actually losing some resources. Steve mentioned that the school was built in the 1920's with the plan of schooling as many as 800 students, and that at one time there were as many as 532 children enrolled at the school (that was clearly in a different era with stone-age education models). More than a couple of parents expressed the concern that the numbers from the handout seemed to indicate that when the current 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes are all gone, 3 years down the road, and the current playgroup children are enrolled, that the actual need may be 7 or 8 new classrooms. Greg and Steve took the position that it is impossible to predict this, and that we need to take this one year at a time.

I was impressed of how much concern and involvement there is on the parts of parents, school administrators and PPS. It's a difficult situation, and especially with the economy and budget constraints, it's also a difficult time to be solving it. If measures 66 & 67 don't pass, we may be in for a rough ride. Everyone wants the best learning environment for the kids, so I'm hopeful and positive that even if enrollment goes over 445 next year, there will be working solutions.

One important message from this meeting is that this issue is a longer term one than just this year, so our conversations and being active at meetings into the future will continue.

A second take-home message from this meeting is that any of us even remotely considering Llewellyn for next year needs to register our children at or soon after the February 22 Llewellyn roundup (6:00-7:30). If you can't make the roundup, please register your child as soon after this date as you can. You can always withdraw your child later, should you lottery into or otherwise register at a different school. It will help our situation for each child who registers early and hurt our situation for each child registering as late as summer.

Please post your thoughts, ideas, comments!

Things to Do in the 'Hood: January 2010

2010-01-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

Mondays

Toddler Storytime at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), 10-10:30, free. (No story time January 18th).

Book Babies at Sellwood Library (ages 0-1), 11-11:30, free. (No story time January 18th).

Tiny Tots at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 9:30-10 am. (Enter through the back entrance in the parking lot).

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. "The Silly Goats Gruff" plays January 20, 21, 27 and 28th.

Toddler Story time at Woodstock Library (ages 2-3), free, 10:30-11 am.

Preschool Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 3-6), free, 11-11:30 am.

Fridays

Toddler Story time at Woodstock Library (ages 2-3), free, 9:30-10 am. (Enter through the back entrance in the parking lot).

Toddler Story time at Sellwood Library (ages 2-3), free, 10-10:30 am.

Tiny Tots at Sellwood Library (ages 1-2), free, 11-11:30 am.

Tiny Tots at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 3-3:30 pm.

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym
All run 9/11-12/18.

First Friday Family Storytime at Sellwood Library. Free, ages 6-10. Listen to the first chapter of a chapter book, receive a discussion guide and check out a copy to take home to read with your family. 4-4:30 pm, runs the first Friday of every month (this month meets Jan. 8th).

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym, runs 9/12-1/2/10.

Book Babies at Woodstock Library (ages 0-1), free, 10:30-11 am.

Special Events:

January 3rd: Mandarin Storytime at Woodstock Library, free, 1-1:30 pm. Ages 3-7.

January 8th: First Friday Family Storytime at Sellwood Library. Free, ages 6-10. Listen to the first chapter of a chapter book, receive a discussion guide and check out a copy to take home to read. 4-4:30 pm. Usually the 1st Fri. of every month (this month on 1/8).

January 9th: Preschool Storytime with Sy James, free, Looking Glass Books, 10 am. (Different day of the month this month due to inventory)

January 16th: Sensory Storytime at Woodstock Library, free, 9:30-10 am. (Enter through the back door in the parking lot). Sensor storytime is open to all preschoolers, particularly those who may have difficulty sitting through one of the library's other storytimes.

January 16th: Bake Sale to benefit Doctors Without Borders in Haiti! 10-12 in the Sellwood Community Center Lobby. If you'd like to contribute treats, please bring them between 9:30 and 9:45 am. All proceeds will go to support Doctors without Borders' relief effort in Haiti.

January 19th: Llewellyn PTA meeting, 7 pm. Issues related to overcrowding will be discussed and a district representative will be present to share ideas and receive input. Open to the community, free.

January 23: Yoga for Kids at Sellwood Library, free, recommended for ages 3-5, though all ages are welcome. 10:30-11:15. Presenters from Yoga with Kate and Rosey will incorporate music, props, dance and stories.

January 28th: Free lead-poisoning prevention workshop at Sellwood Community Center, 6:30-8 pm, given by Perry Cabot of the Community Energy Project.

Mark Your Calendars!

2010-01-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

Apologies that the January schedule is not up yet--we're still working on it, sorry about that! Library story times start back up on Jan. 4th with the exception of 1/18 (holiday).

If you have a child in the Llewellyn boundary, however, you'll want to make sure to mark your calendar to reserve Tuesday, January 19th at 7 pm. That's the date for the Llewellyn PTA meeting. A district representative will be there to address crowding issues--it is very important that parents of young children in our neighborhood attend that meeting to make your presence known. Even if you are planning a transfer or for your child to attend private school, it's always nice to have your neighborhood school as a healthy, strong option in case of unforeseen circumstances. In order for the school and district to really be aware of the large numbers of kids in our area, we need to be seen. We encourage all families of preschoolers to attend, even if your child won't enter kindergarten until a later date. See you there!

More calendar items to follow...

Things to Do in the 'Hood: December 2009

2009-12-03T17:03:00.000-08:00

Storytimes at Sellwood Library are on hiatus until January

Trackers NW has winter camps in Sellwood for ages 4-11 with more info. here.

Mondays

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Runs through 12/18.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Sellwood Community Center
Toddler Gym 9:30-11, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, runs 9/15-12/29. Mat room.

Wednesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym. Runs 9/12-12/18.

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. 'Mrs. Santa Drives the Sleigh' plays Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17th.

Thursdays

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. 'Mrs. Santa Drives the Sleigh' plays Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17th.

Fridays

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym
All run 9/11-12/18.

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym, runs 9/12-1/2/10.

Special Events:

December 4, 5, 6: Holiday Express Steam train at Oaks Park! More info here.

December 5: Free storytime for preschoolers with Sy James at Looking Glass Books, 10 am.

December 5: Handmade greeting cards at Sellwood Library, 10:30-12, free, first-come-first-serve.

December 5-6: Decemberville in Sellwood-Moreland. Free horse and carriage rides, traveling carolers, free progressive holiday crafts for kids starting at Rockin' Roxy's on 17th and Nehalem.

December 5: Santa visits Sellwood Grooming, 12-4 pm, $5 for a 4X6 print, 7302 SE Milwaukie Ave.

December 9th: Christmas Ships can be seen from dock at Sellwood Riverfront Park. Leaves Riverplace at 7 pm.

December 11, 12, 13: Holiday Express Steam train at Oaks Park! More info here.

December 11: Penny's Puppets at the Milwaukie Grange, 10 am, info. about location and admission prices here.

December 11th: Christmas Ships can be seen from dock at Sellwood Riverfront Park. Leaves Riverplace at 7 pm.

December 12: Santa visits Sellwood Grooming, 12-4 pm, $5 for a 4X6 print, 7302 SE Milwaukie Ave.

December 13: Santa visits Sellwood Grooming, 12-4 pm, $5 for a 4X6 print, 7302 SE Milwaukie Ave.

December 14th: Christmas Ships can be seen from dock at Sellwood Riverfront Park. Leaves Riverplace at 7 pm.

December 16th: Christmas Ships can be seen from dock at Sellwood Riverfront Park. Leaves Riverplace at 7 pm.

December 17th: Llewellyn School caroling party meets at 6:45 pm at the Starbucks on Bybee and Milwaukie and leaves at 7 pm. Come sing along or just enjoy the music as the kids pass by.

December 19: 12-4, Spokane Street Bike Blvd. Celebration! 12-12:45 bike ride through neighborhood, hot chocolate provided by Blue Kangaroo, bike helmet giveaway, indoor events for kids at 1 pm at the Sellwood Community Center, 3-4 open gym at SCC.

December 19: Christmas Ships can be seen from dock at Sellwood Riverfront Park. Both fleets are out tonight, leaving Riverplace at 5 pm.

Things to Do in the 'Hood! November 2009

2009-11-05T14:43:00.000-08:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30, through November 16th.
- Book Babies (age 0-1) 11-11:30 , beginning Sept. 14th

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Runs 9/11-12/18.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park
10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Sellwood Community Center
Toddler Gym 9:30-11, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, runs 9/15-12/29. Mat room.

Wednesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym. Runs 9/12-12/18.

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. Froggy Sent A Courtin' plays Nov. 4, 5, 11 and 12. The Gingerbread Man plays Nov. 18, 19 and 25 (no show Nov. 26th).

Moreland Farmer's Market, 3:00-7:30 pm on the corner of SE Bybee and 14th Ave. Live music, activities, tasty food. Runs May 13th through Sept. 30th. (Now starts 1/2 hour earlier than it used to!)

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
-Preschool (ages 3+) 11-11:30, through November 19th.

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. Froggy Sent A Courtin' plays Nov. 4, 5, 11 and 12. The Gingerbread Man plays Nov. 18, 19 and 25 (no show Nov. 26th).

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30, through November 20th.
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30, through November 20th.

Sellwood Community Center

Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym

All run 9/11-12/18.

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym, runs 9/12-1/2/10.

Special Events:

November 7: Free storytime for preschoolers with Sy James at Looking Glass Books, 10 am.

November 7: Growing Arts Creative Movement at Sellwood Library, free, 10:30-11 am. Come wiggle and giggle and have a moving and grooving good time with Iris Nason. All ages. Space at programs is limited, seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

November 14: Hand Print Tiles at Haggis McBaggis, 10-4. Tiles of children's hands and feet take about 5 min. to make and fees vary. Will be available for pickup at Haggis on Nov. 21st. More info here.

November 14: Story Blocks workshop at Sellwood library, free, 10:30 am-noon. Learn how to tell your own personal tales with story blocks and make your own storytelling 5" blocks to take home. Led by artist and author Addie Boswell.

November 14: Family Sign-a-long at Woodstock Library. 3-4 pm, free, pre-registration required by registering online, in the library, or by calling 503-988-5234. Led by Dawn Prochovnic of Small Talk Learning.

November 18: Free Spielwerk craft social (held every 3rd Wed). 10:30-12, all ages, Spielwerk Toys.

November 21: Tapestry of Tales Family Matinee at Sellwood Library featuring Antonio Sacre. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Free tickets for seating available 30 min. before the program; program runs 11-11:45 am.

Make our SMILE Station a Backyard Habitat!

2009-10-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hopefully you've all saved the date of Wed., 10/28 for your child to participate in upgrading our SMILE Station garden! This project is part of a grant in cooperation with SMILE, Three Rivers Land Conservancy and AmeriCorps. The Sellwood-Moreland Playgroups have been invited to participate and although I'm sure your October calendar is as full as our family's, we are excited to have our kids involved to give them greater ownership in this community resource and to improve our neighborhood by introducing more native plants and habitats. Here's how you can help...

October 28th, all day: Please stop by the SMILE Station at any time on this day and get directions from Gaylen Beatty or the AmeriCorps crew on how you can help with the relandscaping of the SMILE Station garden. Bring boots, gloves, trowel, whatever you think will help you with weeding, planting and other gardening tasks. Volunteers are also needed on 10/27, but that day is probably better-suited for adult volunteers.

October 28th, 1:30-3:30 pm: Garden crafts! Bring your child to the SMILE Station between 1:30 and 3:30 on the 28th to help paint simple bird baths for the SMILE Station, make a 'thumbprint bee' on a mason bee house, or string some bird treats to hang out for our feathered friends. (Older kids can use blunt needles and yarn, younger kids can string O cereal onto pipe cleaners). If it's raining I'll set up the crafts on my back porch just a few blocks from the SMILE Station--email me for address and directions. Wear clothes that can get paint on them. There will be no peanuts or peanut butter in any of the bird feeder activities on this day.

Ongoing: In the garden you'll soon find a bird-feeding staff like this one:

http://knittingiris.typepad.com/knitting_iris/2009/01/o-so-busy.html

We'd like playgroup members to volunteer to make new bird feeders to hang on it each month. Bird feeders are simple to make with kids, so children of all ages should be able to make feeders at home to bring to the SMILE Station. If your family (or playgroup) would like to sign up to place a feeder some month in 2009 or 2010, email me at ktmcauley@gmail.com with your name, phone and email, and the month you'd like to cover (beginning with Oct. 09). If you'd like to make bird-feeders an activity for your playgroup, your whole group can also sign up for a month and hang any extras on trees and fences around the SMILE Station. If you plan to participate in this task, please be aware that many people use peanut butter in bird-feeder construction, so there may be traces of PB on or around the staff. There are plenty of bird-feeder ideas out there, but here are links to a few:

http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/2008/12/wild-bird-treat.html

http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/2009/02/feeding-wild-birds.html

http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/2009/01/feed-the-birds.html

For more information on the SMILE Station project:

http://sustainable.sellwood.org/2009/09/26/smile-is-going-for-the-natural-gold/

See you on the 28th!

-Kirstin McAuley, '05 Coordinator and SPA co-founder-

What to do in the 'Hood--October 2009

2009-09-30T20:39:00.000-07:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30
- Book Babies (age 0-1) 11-11:30

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room. Runs until 12/18.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park

10-11:30 am, $5.50/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack, skating lesson and fun with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Shoes and strollers allowed on floor. Runs 10/6-6/9/10. http://www.oakspark.com/preschool.html

Sellwood Community Center
Toddler Gym 9:30-11, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, runs to 12/29. Mat room.

Wednesdays

Preschool Skate at Oaks Park

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym. Runs until 12/18.

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. "Baby Bear's Winter Nap" runs 10/7-10/15 on wed and thursdays. "Granny and Boo Hoo's Halloween Party" runs 10/21-29 on wed and thursdays.

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
-Preschool (ages 3+) 11-11:30

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. "Baby Bear's Winter Nap" runs 10/7-10/15 on wed and thursdays. "Granny and Boo Hoo's Halloween Party" runs 10/21-29 on wed and thursdays.

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30

Sellwood Community Center

Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym

All run until 12/18.

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym, runs until 1/2/10.

Special Events:

Saturday, 10/3, 10 am. Storytelling for Children with Cy James. Looking Glass Bookstore.

10 a.m. Sat, 2 p.m. Sun, Oct. 3-15: "The Greatest Treasure": Play After Play offers a story from China for children ages 2-9. Audience members are invited to interact with the performers after the play. Brooklyn Bay, 1825 S.E. Franklin St., Bay K; $7; www.playafterplay.com or 503-772-4005

Tuesday, 10/6, 7-8 pm: Mid-autumn Festival: Features traditional Chinese music from the Orchids and Bamboo Ensemble, paper-lantern workshop and childrens songs in Chinese and English. Woodstock Library, 6008 S.E. 49th Ave.; 503-988-5399

Saturday, 10/17, 11 am - 5 pm: Hip Happening Craft Bazaar featuring handmade goods. Sellwood Masonic Lodge, 7126 SE Milwaukie Ave.

Saturday, 10/19, 11 am-noon: Fun with Brazilian Music at Sellwood Library. Learn about percussion music and play along with percussion instruments. Free, tickets available 30 min. in advance.

Wed, 10/21, 10:30-12. Speilwerk Craftswork Social. free, drop-in. http://spielwerk.myshopify.com/products/new-craftwerk-social-every-3rd-wednesday-1

Saturday, 10/24, 10:30-11:15. Sing, Sign and Playtime at Sellwood Library. Sing songs and learn and review favorite ASL signs to play and interact with your baby. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5234.

Saturday, 10/24, all day: Opening events for Sellwood Yoga. Includes children's activities from 1:30-3:30. Click here for the day's schedule.

Sunday, 10/25, 3 pm. Monster March starts at Llewellyn Elementary.

Saturday, October 31: Kids' Halloween Photos at Campbell Salgado!

This year Campbell Salgado Studio is hanging cobwebs and donning our costumes in anticipation of whole bunches of fun. Bring your “little character” by our studio for a Halloween pic.

10 am – 12:30 pm: Costume Sessions
Portland’s tiniest ghosts and goblins are invited to pick a time for a mini-session to strut their Halloween stuff. Call to schedule.

1 pm – 3 pm: Spooky Snapshots
Gremlins of all ages will get their chance to strike a pose-decked out in their spookiest regalia-and help out those in need as well. Drop on in if you dare.

There will be a grand prize for the most creative costume! Plus a raffle of lovely gift baskets full of prizes donated by Sellwood-Moreland area businesses.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Halloween portraits may be purchased for $15 for online digital sharing or $20 as a 5 × 7 print, packages will also be available. All profits will benefit the Oregon Food Bank.

To schedule your costume session call (503) 736-3040 or visithttp://campbellsalgado.com/blog/26246927/ for more details.

Saturday, October 31: Free sugar-skull making at Spielwerk Toys on 13th, 2-4 pm.

New to the Neighborhood? Meet Our New Member Liaison!

2009-09-29T18:57:00.001-07:00

At a recent meeting of the Sellwood Playgroup Association Board (sounds official but we're really an informal group of the playgroup coordinators and other playgroup volunteers), we talked about the issue of new families to the neighborhood. One of our goals for the playgroups is for them to serve as a point of connection not only for those of us who joined when our children were babies but also to welcome and help connect us to new families in our midst. This sometimes proves challenging, particularly when the kids are older and meetings less frequent or in public places instead of homes. It's hard to identify the other 'playgroup families' at the park, pool or skating rink if you've never met them!

Enter our New Member Liaison, Jill Kulas! Jill has two sons in the '07 and '09 playgroups and is one of the '09 coordinators. She was a newcomer to the '07 playgroup, our neighborhood and the state not too long ago so she knows what it's like to try to meet people and to connect in a playgroup that is already established. Coordinators will be passing new member contact info. along to Jill when they join each group so she can welcome them. When we have sufficient numbers she may try to set up an all-ages group for new families so they can connect on issues like getting to know the neighborhood, fielding school questions, finding babysitters or setting up a childcare exchange, etc. If you need to contact her or would like to be included in any communication about new member gatherings, email Jill . You don't need to be brand-new to be a part of this, either--if you've come to our community in the last few years but feel like you'd like a little extra help making contact with other children your child's age, please feel free to use this resource. Thanks, Jill, for helping make our neighborhood a welcoming place for new families.

Sellwood Swifts--Fun Family Viewing!

2009-09-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

A few of our playgroups got together this week in our pj's to watch a group of Vaux's Swifts as they returned at sunset to nest in the chimney on the SW corner of the American at Heart building. The SMILE Station (13th and Tenino) has been very cooperative about use of their lawn for watching the birds, who do a dramatic tornado-like grouping about 15-30 min. after sunset before they reenter the chimney. Our 'Sellwood Swifts' don't appear in the great numbers that the swifts at Chapman School do, but it is convenient to have them in our own neighborhood and easy to park your bike or wagon! Stop by at sunset with your family sometime in September to catch these amazing birds before they migrate to Central America or Venezuela. Click here for more information on Vaux's Swifts to share with your kids.

Things to Do in the 'Hood! September 2009

2009-08-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30, beginning Sept. 14th
- Book Babies (age 0-1) 11-11:30 , beginning Sept. 14th

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Runs 9/11-12/18.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays

Chipper's Preschool Mornings at Oaks Park

9:30-11:30 am, $6/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack and storytime with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Through Sept. 23rd.

Sellwood Community Center
Toddler Gym 9:30-11, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in, runs 9/15-12/29. Mat room.

Wednesdays

Chipper's Preschool Mornings at Oaks Park

9:30-11:30 am, $6/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack and storytime with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger. Through Sept. 23rd.

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym. Runs 9/12-12/18.

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. "Getting Loose With Mother Goose" plays Sept. 23 and 30th.

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. "Getting Loose With Mother Goose" plays Sept. 24th.

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30, beginning Sept. 18th
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30, beginning Sept. 18th

Sellwood Community Center

Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym

All run 9/11-12/18.

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym, runs 9/12-1/2/10.

Special Events:

September 3rd: Playdate for incoming Llewellyn kinders, 10 am, Sellwood Park playground.

September 5th: Preschool Storytime with Sy James at Looking Glass Books, free, 10 am.

September 8th: Last playdate for incoming Llewellyn kinders, 10 am, Sellwood Park playground

September 12-13: Muddy Boot festival at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church on SE Division--food, live music and children's activities.

September 16: Free Spielwerk craft social (held every 3rd Wed). 10:30-12, all ages, Spielwerk Toys.

September 19: Magic Dan at Sellwood Library, 11 am-noon. Free tickets for seating available 30 min. prior to the program.

September 26: Woodstock Elementary PTA Children's Rummage and Book Sale, 9:30-2:30, 5905 SE 43rd Ave. (Woodstock Community Center). Benefits new school playground. Sale includes children's clothing, baby items, bikes, games, toys, sports equipment and children's furniture.

Swim Party!

2009-08-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

Our joint playgroup swim party is this Saturday, August 22nd. We've rented out Sellwood Pool and would love to have you join us if you are a family with young children in Sellwood-Moreland! For details please contact Kirstin. Hope to see you there!

Things to Do in the 'Hood! August 2009

2009-07-23T20:15:00.001-07:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
on hiatus until Sept.

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays

Chipper's Preschool Mornings at Oaks Park

Chipper's Preschool Mornings at Oaks Park beginning June 16th (through Sept. 23rd)

9:30-11:30 am, $6/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack and storytime with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger.

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym

Moreland Farmer's Market, 3:30-7:30 pm on the corner of SE Bybee and 14th Ave. Live music, activities, tasty food. Runs May 13th through Sept. 30th.

Third Wednesdays: Craftwerk Socials at Spielwerk Toys, free, 10:30 am-noon, begin Aug. 19th

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
on hiatus until Sept.

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
on hiatus until Sept.

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym
Toddler Gym 12-1:30, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in. Mat room

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play (infants) 12-1:30 in Mat room, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym

Special Events:

August 1: Johnson Creek Watershed Council Picnics in the Park at Johnson Creek Park

11:30-1:30 pm--pack a picnic and join the JCWC for kids' activities, watermelon, and information tables. Johnson Creek Park: SE 21st and Clatsop, Portland

August 1: There's a Dinosaur in the Back Yard at Sellwood Library, 11 am-noon

Join singer/songwriter Courtney Campbell for fun stories and songs. Free tickets available 30 min. before the program.

August 1: Storytelling with Sy James at Looking Glass Books, free, 10 am.

August 2: Sundae in the Park at Sellwood Park, noon-11 pm. Live music, ice cream and snacks all day long, face painting (12-3), jumping castle (noon-dusk), Zoo Zap Animals (2:30-3:30), Climbing Wall, story under the trees (3:30-4), movie in the park (9-11 pm, Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull). More info. here.

August 4: You-n-Play Paper Doll Magnets at Sellwood Library, 3-4:30 pm. Make your own paper doll magnet and create costumes for it to wear in this interactive workshop for children ages 4-6 and their parents. Templates and materials provided. Registration required; register online, in the library or by calling 503-988-5398.

August 7: One Fish, Two Fish, Rojo Pescado, Azul Pescado at Sellwood Library

Bilingual rhyming program in which children help make up rhymes and Mother Seuss puts them into song. Preschoolers and kindergartners. 10:30-11:15 am.

August 15: Pirate Maps at Sellwood Library

10:30-12:30 with artist Sarah Ferguson.

August 19: Free Craftwerk Social at Spielwerk Toys, 10:30 am-noon

August 22: Sellwood Playgroup Association Swim Party at Sellwood Pool, 11 am-1 pm, RSVP required--RSVP here, $4.50/swimmer.

August 26: Incoming Llewellyn kindergartners meet at Sellwood Park playground, 10 am.

August 26: Captain Bogg and Salty in Sellwood Park!!

6-7 pm, hosted by Multnomah County Library, free!

Things to Do in the 'Hood! July 2009

2009-06-25T20:43:00.001-07:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30
- Book Babies (age 0-1) 11-11:30

Sellwood Riverfront Park Free Summer Concerts
Hands-on art activities for kids 6pm
Music starts at 6:30
SE Spokane at Willamette River
July 6: Kevin Gordon (singer/songwriter blues)
July 13: The Garcia Birthday Band (classic jam band)
July 20: Conjunto Alegre (tropical dance party)
July 27: Midnight Serenaders (vintage jazz vocals)

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays

Chipper's Preschool Mornings at Oaks Park

Chipper's Preschool Mornings at Oaks Park beginning June 16th (through Sept. 23rd)

9:30-11:30 am, $6/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack and storytime with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger.

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am (doors open at 10:15), $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. "Baby Bear and the Beanstalk" plays July 8, "Red Riding Hood" with puppets on July 15th, "Silly Goats Gruff" on July 22, "Getting Loose with Mother Goose" on July 29th.

Moreland Farmer's Market, 3:30-7:30 pm on the corner of SE Bybee and 14th Ave. Live music, activities, tasty food. Runs May 13th through Sept. 30th. *Note* No market on July 29th due to heat.

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
-Preschool (ages 3+) 11-11:30

Tiny Tots storytime at Woodstock Library, 9:30-10 am (ages 1-2)

Toddler storytime at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am (ages 2-3)

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30

Tiny Tots storytime at Woodstock Library, 3-3:30 pm (ages 1-2)

Preschool storytime at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am

Toddler storytime at Woodstock Library, 9:30-10 am (ages 2-3)

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym
Toddler Gym 12-1:30, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in. Mat room

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play (infants) 12-1:30 in Mat room, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym

Book Babies at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am. (ages 0-1)

"Anansi: A Story from West Africa" at Brooklyn Bay Play after Play, starting July 10th and playing through Aug. 2nd. 10 am Saturdays and 2 pm Sundays, $7 admission (under 2 free). Doors open 30 min. before showtime, reservations recommended at 503-772-4005. More information here.

Sundays

Special Events:

July 1: "There's a Dinosaur in the Back Yard" at Woodstock Library: Singer/songwriter/storyteller Courtney Campbell creates characters. Make up your own stories to tell and sing along with Courtney. Limited seating; come early. Free tickets available 30 min. prior to the program, which runs from 1:30-2:30 pm and again from 3-4 pm.

July 4: Eastmoreland 4th of July Children's Parade, 11 am on Reed College Place. Meet at Duniway School. Decorate your bike or wagon!

July 4: Fireworks start at 9:55 at Oaks Park. Gate fee of $4 for 16 and over, $2.50 for 15 and younger. Or watch them from the Sellwood Bridge!

July 12: Itty Bitty Beach Party at Sellwood Pool! Ages 6 and younger (and their families). Swimming, games, visiting alligator. Regular pool fees apply.

July 15: Make your own fishing set at Spielwerk Toys. Ages 4+, $15, 10-11 am.

July 15: Free ice cream and berries at the Moreland Farmer's Market! 3:30-7:30 pm (until they run out), SE 14th and Bybee.

July 18: Woodstock Parade and Festival, 11 am starting at SE 51st on Woodstock, moving west to SE 41st. The festival follows with live entertainment until 3 pm and events scheduled to 6 pm along Woodstock.

July 23: Milk Carton Bird Feeder workshop at Spielwerk, ages 2+, $7. 10-11 am.

July 26: Itty Bitty Beach Party at Sellwood Pool! (rescheduled from 7/12) Ages 6 and younger (and their families). Swimming, games, visiting alligator. Regular pool fees apply.

July 29: Moreland Farmer's Market cancelled due to heat.

July 29: Charles the Clown and Biscuit the Dog at Sellwood Community Center. Free, 11 am. 1436 SE Spokane, sponsored by Sellwood-Moreland Library.

July 30: Fairy Garden workshop at Spielwerk Toys. Ages 5+, $12, 3-4 pm.

Things to Do in the 'Hood! June 2009

2009-05-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library Mondays beginning June 15th
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30
- Book Babies (age 0-1) 11-11:30

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5.50/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor. Ends June 10.

Chipper's Preschool Mornings at Oaks Park beginning June 16th (through Sept. 23rd)

9:30-11:30 am, $6/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack and storytime with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger.

Sellwood Community Center
Toddler Gym 9:30-11, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in.

Wednesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5.50/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor. Ends June 10.

Chipper's Preschool Mornings at Oaks Park beginning June 16th (through Sept. 23rd)

9:30-11:30 am, $6/child. Adults free with child's paid admission. Includes snack and storytime with Chipper. For ages 6 and younger.

Moreland Farmer's Market, 3:30-7:30 pm on the corner of SE Bybee and 14th Ave. Live music, activities, tasty food. Runs May 13th through Sept. 30th.

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library beginning June 18th
-Preschool (ages 3+) 11-11:30

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am, $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346.

Tiny Tots storytime at Woodstock Library, 9:30-10 am (ages 1-2)

Toddler storytime at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am (ages 2-3)

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library beginning June 19th
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30

Tiny Tots storytime at Woodstock Library, 3-3:30 pm (ages 1-2)

Preschool storytime at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play (infants) 12-1:30 in Mat room, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym

Book Babies at Woodstock Library, 10:30-11 am. (ages 0-1)

Special Events:

June 6: Storytelling with Sy James at Looking Glass Books; free, 10 am.

June 7: Mandarin storytime at Woodstock library, 1-1:30 pm. Ages 3-7 with an adult, free.

June 8: Walnut Sail Boat Workshop at Spielwerk. $8, 3-4 pm, ages 4+. Preregistration required.

June 17: Paper Craft Mobile workshop at Spielwerk. $9, 10-11 am, Ages 3+. Preregistration required.

June 20th: Registration for free week of swim classes at Sellwood Pool. Register in person from 8-11:30 am at the pool. Free lessons are the week of June 22-June 26th.

June 20: Sensory storytime at Woodstock Library, 9:30-10 am, free. Open to all preschoolers, particularly those with sensory integration issues.

June 24: Juggler Henrik Bothe performs at Sellwood Community Center (Multnomah County Library sponsors). 2-3 pm, free, all ages. 1436 SE Spokane St.

June 26: Silk Flag workshop at Spielwerk. $15, 10-11 am, ages 4+. Preregistration required.

Johnson Creek Park Clean-Up this Saturday!

2009-05-11T22:31:00.001-07:00

Please join your friends from the Sellwood Playgroup Association at our annual clean-up of Johnson Creek Park on Saturday, May 16th from 9-11am.

This is a really important event to help clean up trash and support the new vegetation around the stream. This park has made such improvements in the last few years to become more family-friendly. It's cleaner and safer, thanks in part to all of you! Please come help us continue to improve this amazing community resource. There are also baby ducks there right now, so maybe you'll catch a peek!

Bring work gloves, clothes that can get dirty and some snacks for the kids. This is also a great opportunity for all the Sellwood Playgroups to come together and do some community service. Some snacks from Parks will also be provided. Please e-mail Gaylen at gaylen_beatty@yahoo.com if you have questions.

See you there!

May 2009 Activities: Spring is here!

2009-04-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library first week of May only: on hiatus until week of 6/15
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30 May 4 only
- Book Babies (age 0-1) 11-11:30 May 4 only

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in.
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Milwaukie's Ledding Library restarts storytimes in June.

Tuesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5.50/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Sellwood Community Center
Toddler Gym 9:30-11, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in.

Wednesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5.50/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Sellwood Community Center
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am, $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. May 6, 7, 13 and 14: The Pied Piper with Baby Bear. May 20, 21, 27 and 28, You Can't Stop Talking for Just One Minute.

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library first week of May only, then on hiatus until 6/15
-Preschool (ages 3+) 11-11:30 May 7 only

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station. Ages 2 1/2 and up, 10:30 am, $3.50/person, babies free. Reservations required--call 503-232-2346. May 6, 7, 13 and 14: The Pied Piper with Baby Bear. May 20, 21, 27 and 28, You Can't Stop Talking for Just One Minute.

Storytimes at Woodstock Library on hiatus until June

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library first week of May only, then on hiatus until 6/15
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30 May 8 only
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30 May 8 only

Storytimes at Woodstock Library on hiatus until June

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play 9:30-11, infants, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Gym
Toddler Gym 12-1:30, ages 2-3.5, $1/child drop-in. Mat room

Saturdays

Sellwood Community Center
Baby Play (infants) 12-1:30 in Mat room, $1/child drop-in. Mat room
Indoor Playground (1-5 yrs) 12-1:45, $1/child drop-in. Infants and adults free. Gym

Special Events:

May 2: Storytelling with Sy James at Looking Glass Books; free, 10 am.

May 2: May Fair at Portland Waldorf School, 11-4, free. May Pole dance (at noon), music, crafts, food. All ages.

May 3: Felted Soap Bar Workshop at Spielwerk Toys. 10-11:30 am, requires registration, ages 4 and up.

May 8: Penny's Puppets at Milwaukie Grange: Red Hen and Fox plays at 10 and again at 11. The Milwaukie Grange located at 12015 SE 22nd (old River Road Parking in the Back, Big Yellow Building, follow Signs). $5 each or $17 for 4 people. Ages 1 and under are free.

May 9: Saturday Crafts at Ledding Library, Milwaukie. Free, ages 3 and up, 2 pm.

May 10: Mother's Day!

May 13: Sellwood/Moreland Farmer's Market opening day! SE Bybee & 14th, 3:30-7:30.

May 13: Spring Garden Starts at Spielwerk Toys, ages 2-6, requires registration. 3:30-4:30, $10.

May 15: Penny's Puppets at Milwaukie Grange: v plays at 10 and again at 11. The Milwaukie Grange located at 12015 SE 22nd (old River Road Parking in the Back, Big Yellow Building, follow Signs). $5 each or $17 for 4 people. Ages 1 and under are free.

May 16: Willamette Riverbank Cleanup: 9-1 at the river

May 16: Sellwood Playgroup Association Johnson Creek Park Cleanup, 9-11 am.
Bring work gloves, clothes that can get dirty and some snacks for the kids. This is also a great opportunity for all the Sellwood Playgroups to come together and do some community service. Some snacks from Parks will also be provided. Please e-mail Gaylen at gaylen_beatty@yahoo.com if you have questions.

May 16: Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Clean-Up Day, 9 am -2 pm at Westmoreland Park. Bring your E-waste, throw-away junk, scrap wood, yard debris, appliances, tires, unwanted furniture, metal, aluminum, styrofoam (block and bagged peanuts). Proof of residency required (driver's license or utility bill). $5-$10/sedan or small station wagon, $10-$15 for a small pickup, $15-$25 for a full-size pick up, $25 and up for larger vehicles. $15 charge for appliances with freon, $10 optional donation to recycle computer monitors. Five tires per vehicle are free, no tires over 21 in.

May 16: Llewellyn Tag Sale: 10-2, USBank parking lot SE Bybee & Milwaukie

May 16: Food Art at Sellwood Library. Free, 10:30 am-12 pm. Seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis with limited spaces available. Come create characters from fruits, veggies and other edibles inspired by the work of author and illustrator Saxton Freymann. Taught by author Addie Boswell.

May 20: Beeswax Flower Fairies and Elves at Spielwerk Toys, ages 4-9, requires registration. 3:30-4:30, $12.

May 22: Ladybug Nature Walk in Westmoreland Park. Take a hike with a naturalist and discover nature’s wonders. Preschoolers. 10 am. All May walks stroller accessible. $3 per child. Meet on the west side of park near intersection of SE 22 & Rex.

May 27: Sidewalk Chalk Workshop at Spielwerk, ages 18 mon. -3 yrs., registration required. 10-10:30, $7.

May 30: Performer Anne-Louise Sterry at Sellwood Library with interactive music and storytelling. All ages, free, 11-11:45 am. Seating available on a first come-first serve basis.

Welcome, Sustainability Fair Crafters!

2009-04-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

We welcome those of you who are visiting after stopping by our craft booth at the Sellwood Middle School Sustainability Fair. If you are looking for a playgroup for your child, please read our FAQ and use the links on the right sidebar to locate the group for your child's birth year. Don't forget to scroll down a bit and take a look at our April calendar of fun family events in our neighborhood.

Here are a few links for crafts you may have seen today featuring recycled or Earth-friendly materials:

Books using a single page
Pamplet stitch book directions
Love Stems
Make a newspaper bunting
Flower Garland
Draw a chalk labyrinth

And for tons of amazing ideas about crafts using recycled materials we did not have time to do at the fair, visit this site.

Thanks for the great time today!

New Group Forming for '09 Kids!

2009-04-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Playgroup is now forming and has its first playgroup set for April 28th. For location information, contact Jill Kulas. You can also use the 2009 Playgroup link on the right sidebar to visit their group webpage and sign up for updates on future '09 events.

Things to Do in the 'Hood! April 2009

2009-03-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

Book Babies at Ledding Library, Milwaukie, 1 pm, ages 0-18 months, through April 27.

Tuesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Preschool Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 3-5, 1 pm and 6:30 pm, through April 28.

Wednesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5.50/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Ladybug Theatre at the SMILE Station. Shows begin at 10:30 am with doors opening at 10:15. Ages 2.5 and up--reservations required, please call 503-232-2346. April 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 see Baby Bear and the Three Little Pigs; April 22, 23, 29 and 30 features The Tortoise and the Hair [sic]. $3.50/person.

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Toddler Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 1-3, 6:30 pm, through April 29.

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
-Preschool (ages 3+) 11-11:30

Ladybug Theatre at the SMILE Station. Shows begin at 10:30 am with doors opening at 10:15. Ages 2.5 and up--reservations required, please call 503-232-2346. April 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 see Baby Bear and the Three Little Pigs; April 22, 23, 29 and 30 features The Tortoise and the Hair [sic]. $3.50/person.

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 9:30-10 Go to rear door for entry
- Toddler (age 2) 10:30-11

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Toddler 9:30-10 (age 2) Go to rear door for entry
-Preschool (ages 3+) 10:30-11
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 3-3:30

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Saturdays
Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Book Babies (age 0-1) 10:30-11

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 12-1:45, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Saturday Crafts at Ledding Library, Milwaukie. Free, ages 5 and up, 2 pm. Visit website for schedule.

Special Events:

April 4: Alphabet Book Craft at Sellwood Library
10:30-11:30, free, registration required. Call 503-988-5234 to register. Learn a simple fold-and-cut process with a single sheet of paper to create an 8-page-book. Next, add a decorated cover with a letter on it. The parent and/or child will then search through old magazines, posters and other materials to find pictures of things that begin with that letter. Over time, parents can make a new book for each letter, helping the child learn their letters in a creative way.

April 4: Preschool Storytime with Sy James at Looking Glass Books, 10 am, free.

April 4: Handprint Tiles at Haggis McBaggis, 10-4 pm, ages 7 days and up. Info on pricing and styles available here.

April 4: Saturday craft at Ledding Library, Milwaukie. 2 pm, ages 5 and up.

April 4 and 5: Trillium Festival at Tryon Creek Park; all ages, fre, 10 am-4 pm April 4 and 5. www.tryonfriends.org . Enjoy guided nature hikes, children's crafts, vendors, plant sale, entertainment and more.

April 5: Mandarin Storytime at Woodstock Library, 1-1:30 m, ages 3-7 with an adult, free.

April 7: Spielwerk Craft Social, Colors of Spring. Free, 10-11 am, 18 months and up. RSVP here if you plan to attend, and bring some spring nature items to share (blossoms, seeds, etc.)

April 10: Penny's Puppets at Milwaukie Grange; Super Donkey Saves the Day, 10 am and repeats at 11 am, $5 each, 4 guests for $17. Free under 1. 12015 SE 22nd Ave.

April 11: SMILE Easter Egg Hunt--bring a few cans of food to donate to the

Food Bank. Free, Westmoreland Park, 10 am. Meet at the south end, opposite the parking lot area.

April 11: Crafts Table at Staccato Gelato, free, 9-11:30 am, all ages

April 11: Saturday craft at Ledding Library, Milwaukie, 2 pm, ages 5 and up.

April 14: Parent & Child Watercolor Painting at Spielwerk, ages 18 months-4yrs. $10, 10-11 am, register here.

April 14: Math Fun with Frog and Toad
Ages 3-7 with an adult, free, Sellwood Library, 3:30-4:30, free.

April 18: Elephant and Piggie Party at Sellwood Library. Ages 4 and up, 10:30-11:30. Activities, crafts and dress-up for children. Free.

April 18: Storytime with Sy James at Staccato Gelato, 10 am

April 18: Sensory Storytime at Woodstock Library, 9:30-10 am. For all preschoolers, particularly those with sensory integration issues.

April 25: Sustainability Fair at Sellwood Middle School. Free, 10 am-2 pm. Music, crafts, puppets, worm bins, planting and more activities for kids. Bike corral for bike and stroller parking. Come by the Sellwood Playgroup Association craft booth to say hello! Volunteers needed!

April 24: Penny's Puppets at Milwaukie Grange; Turtle and Rabbit, 10 am and repeats at 11 am, $5 each, 4 guests for $17. Free under 1. 12015 SE 22nd Ave.

April 25: Kids' Concert with Gabe Salo at Staccato Gelato, 10 am, free

April 25: A Hop, Skip and Jump musical program at Sellwood Library
Join award-winning singer/songwriter and recording artist Pam Donkin as she leads songs, chants, fingerplays and movement activities. 1-1:30 and 2-2:30 pm. Free.

April 26: Felted Soap Bar Making at Spielwerk, 10-11:30 am, ages 4-12. $16, register here.

Local Parenting Class, April 20-May 18

2009-03-16T15:52:00.000-07:00

POSITIVE PARENTING CLASS
Presents: “Redirecting Children’s Behavior”

This course is based on the work of Rudolf Dreikus,M.D., a therapist, researcher and author of Children: The Challenge. The course is endorsed and recommended by pediatricians and mental health professionals internationally.

Through hands-on-learning, with teacher lead discussions and role-play;
We have fun learning practical skills to:
* Increase Self Esteem
* Develop Internal Motivation
* Discipline Without Scolding
* Eliminate Power Struggles
* Increase Mutual Respect
* Be Both Kind and Firm
* Reduce the Hassles, Tantrums and Tears
* Respond Effectively vs. React Emotionally
* Feel Calmer and Increase the Joy in Being a Parent/Teacher

FIVE WEEKLY CLASSES:
Mondays, April 20th - May 18th
5:30 - 8:30

LOCATION:
Violet Garden Waldorf Preschool
818 SE Lambert St. Porltand

COURSE COSTS:
$150 per person, $275 per couple
includes book and workbook

QUESTIONS AND ENROLLMENT CALL:
Jody Bothe, M.Ed. 503-230-0089

Free Sustainability Fair-We Need Your Help!

2009-03-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

We are going to need all of your help on SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH, so please save the date!

Sellwood Middle School is planning a free Sustainability Fair that day from 10-2, and they have asked the Sellwood Playgroup Association to participate as part of a community partnership. This is a great opportunity for the playgroups to support the older children in our community as well as to introduce our kids to one of their future school options. Exciting things are happening at the middle school, including the building of a greenhouse to raise native plants for Johnson Creek Park and Oaks Bottom and possibly to grow vegetables for the school's lunch program. The plan is also for the greenhouse to be available for use by the community during the summers. The Sustainability Fair (part of a grant by SE Uplift) is the kick-off event for the greenhouse, but will have a lot of other great activities, too, and the planners are very focused on having things for young children to do at the event. There are a number of ways you can participate in the days ahead as well as on the 25th, so please look them over and let me know which things you can do:

1) Help with set up, clean up, or staffing a SPA craft booth on the 25th. The slots will be one hour shifts running from 9:30 am- 2:30 pm (9:30-10 and 2-2:30 are for set-up and clean-up)--just email me or call me (my contact information is below) to let me know which shift you can cover Please let me know one back-up in case your preferred time is full. Think about signing up with a friend! It will be a great chance to catch up with friends and neighbors. There will be middle school students trained by the Red Cross in babysitting assisting children with crafts--we need adults to help keep the booth organized, answer questions, supervise a veggie-vehicle ramp and help children with crafts. We may be working with a volunteer from SCRAP on crafts they have organized, or may be running a children's recycled craft booth on our own. Please plan to have a friend or partner available to watch your children while you work your shift--maybe pair up with a friend to switch shifts and childcare responsibilities. Your children are welcome to work on crafts while you do your shift, but someone should be available in case they finish before you are done or are drawn to another area of the fair while you are still supervising the booth.

2) We also need some things! Do you have a child's table and chairs we could borrow for our youngest crafters? Having some child-sized work areas set up would help them participate fully. We could use a bale of straw donated--I think they're about $15 at Witchita Hardware. We also need a large plank or board if anyone has one around that could be used as a ramp (like the veggie ramp at the Muddy Boot festival if anyone has been). Please let me know if you can meet any of these needs. I may send out another email as we get closer to the date if we need craft supplies like scissors to borrow, glue, etc. or need a pre-fair work party to prepare materials.

3) Help with decorations (see below).

4) Attend! This is going to be a fun community event for family members of all ages. Plan to spend some time at the fair making crafts, seeing demonstrations, enjoying music and finding out information about sustainable living. The event planners are discussing milk-carton planting for kids, a puppet show or recycled-materials puppet-making with Mudeye Puppets, multiple music performances and other kid-friendly activities.

If you can't attend on the 25th, please help us with prep work and decorations in advance. Plan a craft day with your child to make some of the following recycled crafts to help decorate the SPA craft table:

Love Stems
(If they survive the day, 'love stems' will be delivered to Sellwood Landing Assisted Living for May Day after the fair is over)

Flower Garland

Peanut garland

Deliver your crafts to my house the week of April 20th (email for address or directions). Thank you!

We look forward to hearing from all of you about how you can help SPA and Sellwood Middle School make this a successful event for our community. Thank you in advance!
Kirstin McAuley
SPA co-founder and '05 Coordinator
ktmcauley@gmail.com

Things to Do in the 'Hood! March 2009

2009-02-22T22:28:00.000-08:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30 (except March 23)
- Book Babies (age 0-1) 11-11:30 (except March 23)

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Preschool Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 3-5, 1 pm and 6:30 pm

Wednesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5.50/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Ladybug Theatre at the SMILE Station. Shows begin at 10:30 am with doors opening at 10:15. Ages 2.5 and up--reservations required, please call 503-232-2346. Playing "Goldibear and the Three Locks" March 4 and March 11th, "Loose with Mother Goose" March 18 and 25th.

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Toddler Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 1-3, 6:30 pm

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
-Preschool (ages 3+) 11-11:30, except March 26

Ladybug Theatre at the SMILE Station. Shows begin at 10:30 am with doors opening at 10:15. Ages 2.5 and up--reservations required, please call 503-232-2346. Playing "Goldibear and the Three Locks" March 5 and March 12th, "Loose with Mother Goose" March 19 and 26th.

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 9:30-10 Go to rear door for entry
- Toddler (age 2) 10:30-11

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30, except March 6 and 27
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30, except March 6 and 27

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Toddler 9:30-10 (age 2) Go to rear door for entry
-Preschool (ages 3+) 10:30-11
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 3-3:30

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Saturdays
Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Book Babies (age 0-1) 10:30-11

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 12-1:45, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

"The Faeries and the Cake Baker" at Brooklyn Bay Childrens' Theatre. 10 am Saturdays through March 21st, ages 2-9, $7/ticket, ages 2 and under free. 1825 SE Franklin, Bay K. See directions online at www.playafterplay.blogspot.com. For reservations call 503-772-4005

Saturday Crafts at Ledding Library, Milwaukie. Free, ages 5 and up, 2 pm. Visit website for schedule.

Sundays
"The Faeries and the Cake Baker" at Brooklyn Bay Childrens' Theatre. 2 pm Sundays through March 22nd, ages 2-9, $7/ticket, ages 2 and under free. 1825 SE Franklin, Bay K. See directions online at www.playafterplay.blogspot.com. For reservations call 503-772-4005

Special Events:

March 1: Mandarin Storytime at Woodstock Library
ages 3-7 with adult, free, 1-1:30 pm

March 5: Free Collage Craft Social at Spielwerk's new craft cabin!

Ages 2 and up, meet at Spielwerk at 10 am for 1 hour social. Bring a craft supply to share.

March 6: Penny's Puppets- How to Catch a Leprechaun
10 – 10:45am, Milwaukie Grange #268 (12015 SE 22nd (old River Road- yellow building Parking in back), repeats at 11 am
buy tickets at the door, cash or check only
$5.00 each or 4 guests for $17.00.

March 6: Fractured Fables at Sellwood Library, 10:30-11:30 am. Free tickets available 30 min. before the program.

March 7: 10 am storytelling with Sy James at Looking Glass Books, free.

March 7: Kids' Concert with Gabe Salo at Staccato Gelato, 10 am, free. Donuts, egg sandwiches, waffles and coffee for sale.

March 7: Misty Mamas free bluegrass concert, 2 pm, Ledding Library, Milwaukie.

March 14: Craft Table at Staccato Gelato, 10 am, free. Donuts, egg sandwiches, waffles and coffee for sale.

March 14: Storytime with Raquel at Haggis McBaggis, free, 10 am. Stories and songs for little people.

March 15: The Doll House Tea Room Open House. Girls are invited to dress up (more than 175 dresses to choose from). Lemonade, tea and coffee served. For girls ages 4 and up. noon-2, free. 3223 SE Risley Ave., Milwaukie

March 19: Bread-making for Children and Parents at Spielwerk's new craft cabin!

$15/parent-child pair, materials and take-home instructions included. 10-11:30 am, meet at Spielwerk.

March 21: Storytime with Sy James at Staccato Gelato, 10 am, free. Donuts, egg sandwiches, waffles and coffee for sale.

March 24: Join an educator from SCRAP to craft and decorate your own paper crown. Woodstock Library, 4 pm. Free tickets for seating will be available at 3:30.

March 27: Felted Easter Eggs at Spielwerk's new craft cabin!

Ages 4-8 (younger may attend with a parent), $15, 3:30-5 pm, meet at Spielwerk.

March 27: Penny's Puppets-Where is Lilly the Caterpilly?
10 – 10:45am, Milwaukie Grange #268 (12015 SE 22nd (old River Road- yellow building Parking in back), repeats at 11 am
buy tickets at the door, cash or check only
$5.00 each or 4 guests for $17.00.

March 27: Ladybug Nature Walk at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Take a hike with a naturalist and discover nature’s wonders. Preschoolers. 10 am. All March walks stroller friendly. $3 per child. 503-823-3601.

March 28: Zoo animals at Woodstock Library, 3-4 pm, free

Things to Do in the 'Hood! February 2009

2009-01-27T17:12:00.000-08:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30 (except February 16)
- Book Babies (age 0-1) 11-11:30 (except February 16)

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Preschool Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 3-5, 1 pm and 6:30 pm

Wednesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5.50/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Toddler Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 1-3, 6:30 pm

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
-Preschool (ages 3+) 11-11:30

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 9:30-10 Go to rear door for entry
- Toddler (age 2) 10:30-11

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Toddler 9:30-10 (age 2) Go to rear door for entry
-Preschool (ages 3+) 10:30-11
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 3-3:30

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Saturdays
Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Book Babies (age 0-1) 10:30-11

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 12-1:45, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Special Events:

February 5th
10:30-11:30 am
Playdough Werkshop To Go at Spielwerk Toys, ages 18 months-4 years, $7, preregistration required
http://spielwerk.typepad.com/spielwerk/werkshops.html

February 10th
10:30-11:30 am
Craftwerk Social at Spielwerk--DIY Valentines
Free, ages 3-6

February 13th
Valentine delivery to Sellwod Landing Assisted Living
Join the Sellwood-Moreland 2005 Kids' playgroup (3-yr-olds) to deliver Valentines to the residents
Meet at 11:55 in the "Coca-Cola Room" for noontime delivery--bring some homemade Valentines to deliver
Email Kirstin McAuley with questions, all ages welcome, free.

February 14th
Felt Heart Wands Party at Spielwerk
2-4 pm, ages 5-10, $15, preregistration required
http://spielwerk.typepad.com/spielwerk/werkshops.html

Valentine activities at Sellwood Community Center--dates and times vary, check out the schedule!

January 28
Crafts Table at Staccato Gelato on Bybee, 9 - 11am, Have the kids make some crafts while your family enjoys delicious waffles, donuts and other breakfast treats.

January 2009 Activities in the Neighborhood

2008-12-31T13:36:00.001-08:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30 (except January 19 and February 16)
- Book Babies (age 0-1) 11-11:30 (except January 19 and February 16)

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Preschool Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 3-5, 1 pm and 6:30 pm

Wednesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5.50/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Toddler Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 1-3, 6:30 pm

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
-Preschool (ages 3+) 11-11:30 (except January 1)

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 9:30-10 Go to rear door for entry (except Jan 1)
- Toddler (age 2) 10:30-11 (except Jan 1)

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
- Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30 (except January 2)
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30 (except January 2)

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Toddler 9:30-10 (age 2) Go to rear door for entry (except Jan 2)
-Preschool (ages 3+) 10:30-11 (except Jan 2)
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 3-3:30 (except Jan 2)

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Saturdays
Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Book Babies (age 0-1) 10:30-11 (except Jan 3)

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 12-1:45, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Special Events:

January 14: Homeschooling 101: 7:00pm at the Ledding Library in Milwaukie. Oregon Home Education Network presents an introduction to homeschooling for any interested parent.

January 17: “Mz. Pearl's Variety Show” at Sellwood Library. This is a free solo clown show for the whole family, filled with physical comedy, juggling, magic, dance, and word play. The audience is REALLY involved in Mz. Pearl’s show – in their seats, as volunteers, and in a mini-workshop at the end. Free tickets for seating are required, but will be available 30 minutes prior to the first program, at 10 am. The show is at 10:30 am and again at noon, and lasts 45 minutes each time, at the Sellwood Branch Library, S.E. 13th at Bidwell. The same show will also be presented at the Woodstock Branch Library, S.E. 49th and Woodstock Boulevard, 1:30-2:15 pm. and 2:45-3:30 pm this afternoon. Pre-register at the library.

January 23: Penny's Puppets. 10am & repeats at 11am: Miwaukie Grange #268 (12015 SE 22^nd (old River Road) Parking in back) Admission $5.00 each or 4 guests for $17.00 (under 1 free) The Mystery of the Missing Magic Hat.

January 24: Raven Steals the Sun. Free Puppet Show by Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre; Sellwood Library, 11-11:30 and again 12-12:30. Free tickets available 30 min. prior to the first program (10:30 am).

Jan 30: Penny's Puppets Scouts Grand Adventure. Same time, price and location as Jan. 23.

Things to Do in the 'Hood: December!

2008-11-20T20:04:00.000-08:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library restart in January

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Tuesdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library restart in January

Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Wednesdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library restart in January

Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5.50/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. (closed 12/24)

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library restart in January

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library restart in January

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Saturdays

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Special Events:

December 3 & 4, 10 & 11: Ladybug Theater: “Gingerbread Man”. 10:30-11:15 am at SMILE Station, on S.E. 13th at Tenino in Sellwood. $3.50 admission for all. Reservations: 503/232-2346. Appropriate for any child old enough to be part of an audience.

December 1-7th: Decemberville holiday sales and activities in Sellwood and Westmoreland businesses. Visit www.sellwoodwestmoreland.com for more details, or pick up a "Decemberville" booklet in a participating business.

December 5 & 6, 12, 13 & 14: “Holiday Express” train rides through Oaks Bottom start today! See the schedule and order tickets (get them quickly--they sell out) at:
http://www.orhf.org/holidayexpress/index.html
Even if you don't get on the train, consider taking a bike ride along the path while the train is running.

December 6: “Snowflakes in Sellwood” Holiday sale. 9-4 at the Sellwood Community Center. Browse 60 local vendors. Soup and sandwiches available. For information, call the Community Center at 503/823-3195.

December 6: Storytelling with Sy James at Looking Glass Books, free, 10 am.

December 6: Become a Rain Stomper! Meet author Addie Boswell, create your own baton so you can dance and twirl like Jazmin in the book. Coloring sheets and bookmarks will also be provided. 11-noon, free, tickets available 30 min. in advance.

December 6: 9-4 free cookie decorating for kids at Staccato Gelato.

December 6: Wild in the City guided nature walk in Oaks Bottom. All ages, 2 miles, non-3 pm. Free; pre-registration required. Meeting info. on registration. 503-292-6855. www.audobonportland.org

December 6: Woodstock Library 100th Birthday party. Cake, guitar music and more fun. All ages, 4-5:45 pm. Free.

December 6: Milwaukie Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting. Decorate your umbrella and march. All ages. 4:30 pm parade, tree lighting at 5:30. Free. Parade starts at Portland Waldorf School (near the Ledding Library), convene at 4 pm. Tree is at City Hall, 10722 SE Main St.

December 6: Free Quartette Barbette concert (saxophone quartet playing jazz, ragtime, classical and folk), 2 pm, Ledding Library in Milwaukie

December 6: Family friendly program of stories and songs in the tradition of Pete Seeger, 3 pm, free, Woodstock Library. Seating is limited and on a first-come-first-serve basis.

December 12, 13 & 14: “Holiday Express” train rides through Oaks Bottom start today! See the schedule and order tickets (get them quickly--they sell out) at:
http://www.orhf.org/holidayexpress/index.html
Even if you don't get on the train, consider taking a bike ride along the path while the train is running.

December 13: Free Family Craft Fair and Canned Food Drive at River Oaks Church, 7805 SE 17th. 12-4 pm. Create stocking stuffers, ornaments, and craft gifts. Free coffee and refreshments. All craft supplies free; suggested donation of 2 or more cans for Oregon Food Bank. More info. at www.riveroaks.cc

December 17: Ladybug theater: “A Tree for Mrs. Santa”. 10:30-11:15 am at SMILE Station, on S.E. 13th at Tenino in Sellwood. $4.00 admission for all. reservation: 503/232-2346. Kids can bring a home-made tree ornament to place on Mrs. Santa’s tree. Appropriate for any child old enough to be part of an audience.

December 20: free horse/carriage rides in Sellwood/Westmoreland, pulled by Clydesdale horses from Chafin Farms. Carriages will run in Westmoreland on Milwaukie Ave. and in Sellwood on SE 13th. Wait at any Tri-Met bus stop, give a hearty wave and hop on for a ride.

December 21: Winter Solstice at Oaks Bottom! Celebrate the solstice with at 2 mile guided walk, all ages. noon-3 pm, free. Registration required, 503-292-6855. More info. at www.audobonportland.org .

Things to Do in the 'Hood: November!

2008-09-29T21:58:00.001-07:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
-Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30
-Book Babies (age 0-1) 11-11:30

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Book Babies (0-18 months) at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), 1 pm

Tuesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Preschool Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 3-5, 1 pm and 6:30 pm

Wednesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5.50/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Toddler Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 1-3, 6:30 pm

Thursdays (library closed on Thanksgiving, 10/27)
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
-Preschool (ages 3+) 11-11:30

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 9:30-10 Go to rear door for entry (library isn't open until 10)
- Toddler (age 2) 10:30-11

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
-Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Toddler 9:30-10 (age 2) Go to rear door for entry (library isn't open until 10)
-Preschool (ages 3+) 10:30-11
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 3-3:30

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Saturdays
Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Book Babies (age 0-1) 10:30-11

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Special Events:

November 1: Storytime with Sy James at Looking Glass Books, 10 am. Free, ages 2-6.

November 4: ELECTION DAY! Don't forget to drop off your ballot!

November 5&6, 12&13, 10:15 am: Ladybug Theater's "Red Ridinghood with Puppets" SMILE station at SE 13th and Tenino. $3.50, reservations required 503-232-2346.

November 8: 10-noon, Feltboard Making at Sellwood Library
Each participant will make and take home a feltboard, one felt story and ideas for many more. All materials provided. This program is for parents, teachers and childcare providers. Registration required; call 503-988-5398.

November 14-15: Llewellyn Holiday Market

November 15: Penny's Puppet Production of 'Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?". 10am & repeats at 11am: Miwaukie Grange #268 (12015 SE 22nd (old River Road) Parking in back) Admission $5.00 each or 4 guests for $17.00 (under 1 free)

November 15: Mudeye Puppet Production at Sellwood Library, 10:30-11, free
"Gourdy Pumpernickels Harvest Surprise," runs approx. 25 min., musical and interactive with an opportunity to meet the puppets at the end. Tickets available 30 min. in advance, space limited.

November 22: Family Matinees for Tapestry of Tales
Free storytelling events all over the city: www.multcolib.org/events/tales/events.html for more information
Storyteller Anne-Louise Sterry will be at Sellwood-Moreland Library at 3 pm; space is limited, free tickets available 30 min. prior to the performance. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

November 22: 4-6 pm Open House at Little Smiles Pediatric Dentist, 8708 SE 17th
Free; healthy snacks provided, games and prizes, toys for children's play, opportunities for parents to ask questions.

November 25: Moreland Harvest Market. Tuesday, 1-5 pm in the usual parking lot at SE Bybee and 14th. winter greens, root vegetables, apples, pears...bring canned goods for a food drive.
http://www.morelandfarmersmarket.org/

November 28: Penny's Puppet Production of "The Mitten." 10am & repeats at 11am: Miwaukie Grange #268 (12015 SE 22nd (old River Road) Parking in back) Admission $5.00 each or 4 guests for $17.00 (under 1 free)

November 29: Family Square Dance at Portland Waldorf School; 2300 SE Harrison in Milwaukie (near the Ledding Library)
7-10 pm, $5 donation at the door, called by Caroline Oakley and music by Foghorn Stringband

Things to Do in the 'Hood: October!

2008-09-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

Mondays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
-Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30
-Book Babies (age 0-1) 11-11:30

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Book Babies (0-18 months) at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), 1 pm

Tuesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Preschool Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 3-5, 1 pm and 6:30 pm

Wednesdays
Preschool Roller Skating at Oaks Park; $5/child ages 6 and under, infants and adults free, 10:00-11:30. Includes children's beginning skating lesson and snack. Shoes and strollers welcome on the floor.

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station
"Baby Bear and Bunny Go Camping" Oct. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16th
"Granny and BooHoo Ghost" Oct. 22-23
10:30 am, $3.50 for everyone, recommended for ages 2.5 and up.
Reservations requested--call 503-232-2346 in advance and pay at the door with cash or check. Doors open 10:15..

Toddler Storytime at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), ages 1-3, 6:30 pm

Thursdays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
-Preschool (ages 3+) 11-11:30

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 9:30-10 Go to rear door for entry (library isn't open until 10)
- Toddler (age 2) 10:30-11

Ladybug Theater at the SMILE Station
"Baby Bear and Bunny Go Camping" Oct. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16th
"Granny and BooHoo Ghost" Oct. 22-23
10:30 am, $3.50 for everyone, recommended for ages 2.5 and up.
Reservations requested--call 503-232-2346 in advance and pay at the door with cash or check. Doors open 10:15.

Fridays
Storytimes at Sellwood Library:
-Toddlers (age 2) 10-10:30 (no storytime July 4th)
- Tiny Tots (age 1) 11-11:30 (no storytime July 4th)

Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Toddler 9:30-10 (age 2) (no storytime July 4th) Go to rear door for entry (library isn't open until 10)
-Preschool (ages 3+) 10:30-11
-Tiny Tots (age 1) 3-3:30 (no storytime July 4th)

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free. Closed July 4th.

Saturdays
Storytimes at Woodstock Library:
-Book Babies (age 0-1) 10:30-11

Indoor Playground at Sellwood Community Center, 10:30-12, ages 1-5, $1/child. Infants and adults free.

Sundays

Milwaukie Sunday Farmer's Market, 9:30-2 pm through Oct. 26
Southeast McLoughlin and Harrison St. (Milwaukie)
www.milwaukiefarmersmarket.com

Special Events:

October 1: Ladybug Theater "Baby Bear and Bunny Go Camping" also on 10/2, 8, 9, 15 & 16 at 10:30 at the SMILE station (SE 13th & Tenino). reservations: 503-232-2346. $3.50 adm.

October 2: Read for the Record. See http://www.multcolib.org/events/record.html for more info, as there are events all day at many area libraries. Receive a free copy of Don Freeman's 'Corduroy' and try to break a world record for the most people reading a book on the same day; Sellwood reading time is 11-11:30 am, space is limited, so arrive early.

October 4: Storytime at Looking Glass Books. Free, all ages, 10 am.

October 5: Americana Music at Sellwood Library, 2-3 pm, all ages, free. Space is limited--tickets will be given out 30 min. before the program begins, so arrive early.

October 5: Mandarin/English Story time at Woodstock Library, ages 3-7, 1-1:30 pm.

October 8: Walk or Bike to School Day! More info. at www.walknbike.org

October 14: Lead poisoning prevention workshop: 6:30-8 pm at Grout Elementary School at 31st & SE Holgate. register 503-284-6827. free and open to all.

October 18: Sensory Story time at Woodstock Library, 9:30-10 am. Story time for all preschoolers, particularly those with sensory integration issues. Stories, songs and activities for kids who have a hard time sitting through other library story times.

October 19: Mandarin/English Story time at Woodstock Library, ages 3-7, 1-1:30 pm.

October 19: Run For Ed 5K run (benefit for Sellwood Middle School)
www.sellwoodmiddleschool.org for registration details (discounted registration before 10/10)

October 20: Beeswax Social at Spielwerk Toys. All ages, free, 10:30-11:30. More info. at http://spielwerk.typepad.com/spielwerk/werkshops.html

October 22: Ladybug Theater: Halloween play "Granny and BooHoo Ghost", 10:30 am at the SMILE station, SE 13th & Tenino. 503.232.2346 to register. $3.50 adm.

October 25: Halloween Party at Ledding Library (Milwaukie), all ages, free, 2 pm, costumes welcome

October 26: Moreland Monster March! 3 pm, Llewellyn School.

October 27: Halloween Carnival and Café at Sellwood Community Center, 6:30-8:30 pm, all ages
2 cans of food give you 4 free tickets, or 4 tickets for $1 (drop-in). Limit 2 cans/person.

October 31: Ladybug Nature Walk in Oaks Bottom
Meet at the north parking lot. From Hwy 99E (McLoughlin Blvd) take the Milwaukie exit and turn right.
10-11 am, $2/preschooler (adults free)

October 31: Sugar-Skull Social at Spielwerk Toys, all ages, free, 3-5 pm. More info at http://spielwerk.typepad.com/spielwerk/werkshops.html

October 31: Halloween Party at Westmoreland Union Manor, 6404 SE 23rd from 5-8 pm. cider, coffee, cookies and last year there was a table full of candy. Bob Eaton the magician at 6:30. free to all!