Things to Do in the 'Hood! April 2009

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 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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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 .