If you haven’t signed up for the second annual Walk and Bike to School Challenge Month (May), it’s not too late! Just go to www.walknbike2school.org and register your child’s school today. (Click here to see if your school is already signed up.)
The challenge, sponsored by Oregon Walk and Bike to School and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA), starts this Friday and lasts until the end of May. Last year over 30 schools participated, with kids logging over 12,000 nonmotorized trips. More than 4,000 students, in preschool through college, pedaled, walked or skateboarded their way to school last May. More…
Category: Metro Parent // Posted on April 29, 2009 // Leave a Comment
They used to tell me I was building a dream, and so I followed the mob,
When there was earth to plow, or guns to bear, I was always there right on the job.
They used to tell me I was building a dream, with peace and glory ahead,
Why should I be standing in line, just waiting for bread?
These are the opening lines from the depression era tune, “Brother, can you spare a dime?” Sadly, they’re beginning to seem hauntingly apropos for thousands of our neighbors who are first time emergency assistance clients. More…
Category: Metro Parent // Posted on April 27, 2009 // Leave a Comment
Earth Day is this week – April 22 to be precise…
Actually, there is some controversy around when Earth Day should be celebrated. It’s also observed on the spring equinox, typically March 20 or 21. But for most folks in these parts, April 22 is Earth Day. (You can find several upcoming family-friendly Earth Day events by clicking here.)
We don’t have a problem with multiple Earth Day observations – in fact, making every day Earth Day doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
Anyway, we’re continuing our search for cost-cutting ideas that also help the planet (and the local community, too). More…
Category: Metro Parent // Posted on April 21, 2009 // 1 Comment
If you survived TAX DAY, it’s time to celebrate. What better way to let off some steam than to LOL with other moms.
TIME OUT: The Mother of All Comedy Shows is back with another hilarious evening of yuks (and more). Tonight’s theme is “Motherhood: Extreme Makeover.” Catch funny lady Jacki Sturkie (and three other mamaperformers) as well as a fashion show (!) at Airplay Café (701 E Burnside) from 7 to 8:30 pm. Tickets: $8 through www.brownpapertickets.com and $10 at the door. Click here for details!
Category: Metro Parent // Posted on April 16, 2009 // Leave a Comment
The lead story in the Big O today is shocking: Nearly one out of every eight Oregonians is now unemployed. In fact, Oregon’s unemployment numbers are among the worst in the nation (Washington numbers are closer to the national average).
That’s it for BAD news. From here on out, we’re going to bring you GOOD news. And – here’s the best part – YOU are going to provide it.
We’re asking readers to give us their best cost-cutting, downscaling, getting-through-the-recession tips. It goes without saying that, if you’ve lost your job or you might lose your home, you should be looking for assistance. We detail some of those resources on page 6 of our April issue.
What we’re looking for here are budget-stretching tips, actions that any of us (pretty much) can take. Maybe you’ve started a babysitting exchange or you’ve converted your parking strip to a vegetable garden. We want to hear about it! If you need a bit of inspiration, read our April feature “Keeping It Simple: Why (and How) Local Families are Embracing Simplicity”. Click here and go to page 14.
You will be rewarded for your efforts! Those readers submitting the best ideas will receive a copy of Living Simply with Children by Metro Parent editor Marie Sherlock. (Living Simply with Children is all about downscaling – getting more out of life on less – for families. Click here for more information about this book.)
E-mail your ideas to editor@metro-parent.com. We’ll post some online (we may also publish some in the June issue of Metro Parent). Please tell us your name and which city/neighborhood you live in (and whether you want your last name published or not).
And – this is important – EXTRA POINTS will be awarded for those ideas that not only save money but are also 1) environmentally friendly; and 2) have benefits for the local economy.
And, whether or not you send us your best cost-cutting tips, consider bringing food to your local emergency assistance agency or food/cash to the Oregon Food Bank. The need is great.
Category: Metro Parent // Posted on April 14, 2009 // 2 Comments
During March and April, the Multnomah County Library encourages families to read and experience books together through its Every Family Reads program. This year’s featured book is The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka. Sign up at any branch library and receive a gift copy of the book and fun study materials (books and materials are most appropriate for children in grades K-5.).
It never hurts to repeat, once again, how crucial it is for parents to read with their children. Here’s what the library has to say about this:
One of the most important things parents can do to boost the educational success of their children is to read to them. We hope this program will inspire you to set aside some time to read together, talk about books in your home, and visit your neighborhood library.
Click here to learn more about the Every Family Reads campaign.
Category: Metro Parent // Posted on April 9, 2009 // Leave a Comment
Woody Allen was right – and here’s a good example of that premise in action: The effort to bring Paid Family Leave to Oregon needs you to show up today – and make a huge difference.
A hearing on SB 966 (the senate version of Oregon’s Paid Family Leave Insurance bill) begins at 3 pm in Salem. Parents for Paid Leave activists are asking supporters to meet on the capitol steps at 2:30. They’d also like you to wear red/purple shirts and to bring your kids, spouses, grandparents, etc…
Click here to check out the Parents for Paid Leave Web site. And if you’d like some background information on this effort, read our January article, “Giving Parents a Break: Oregon’s Efforts to Adopt a Paid Family Leave Law” by clicking here and going to pages 30 to 33.
Category: Metro Parent // Posted on April 8, 2009 // Leave a Comment
Here are a few possibilities:
Take a hike! Did you know that today is National Start Walking Day? Why don’t you and the kids head over to Pendleton Park today and check out the Arbor Day Celebration – and then go for a walk? Get the skinny here. (Learn more about National Start Walking Day by clicking here.)
On Wednesday, you could enjoy a Honeybee Hike in the morning at Leach Botanical Garden (click here for details) and then head to Salem to show your support for Paid Family Leave in Oregon (Washington residents: you’re way ahead of your southern cousins on this one!).
A hearing on SB 966 (the senate version of Oregon’s Paid Family Leave Insurance bill) begins at 3 pm. Parents for Paid Leave activists are asking supporters to meet on the capitol steps at 2:30. They’d also like you to wear red/purple shirts and to bring your kids, spouses, grandparents, etc…
Click here to check out the Parents for Paid Leave Web site. And if you’d like some background information on this effort, read our January article, “Giving Parents a Break: Oregon’s Efforts to Adopt a Paid Family Leave Law” by clicking here and going to pages 30 to 33.
The clouds are supposed to move in Wednesday night – not much you can do about that – so maybe we should all focus on those things we can impact – our health, our families, paid leave for parents, stuff like that…
Category: Metro Parent // Posted on April 6, 2009 // Leave a Comment
Perhaps our favorite issue of the year – our Earth Day edition – is available now at over 1,300 locations throughout the region (or online by clicking here).
Why is it our fave? Because environmental stewardship is such an important topic, particularly for parents, who are raising the next generation to either embrace the planet and protect it – or destroy it.
This year’s issue is chock-full of ideas to help you raise a child who will love the natural world and take care of it. We profile several families who’ve adopted simplicity as an earth-friendly lifestyle. They explain why it’s good for kids, good for the planet – and good for their pocket books, too. (I could go on and on about this subject! Heck, I could even write a book about it. Oh…that’s right. I did.) More…
Category: Metro Parent // Posted on April 1, 2009 // 1 Comment
