MUSIC:

An Epic Evening. Metropolitan Youth Symphony performs. 7:30 pm Mar. 12. $15.25 to $41.50, plus service charge. Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway. 503-239-4566. playmys.org.

Family Fridays Concert. In Mulieribus, female vocal ensemble, performs. 7:15 pm Mar. 12. $5 person, $15/family. Community Music Center, 3350 SE Francis St. 503-823-3177. communitymusiccenter.org.

Winter Concert. Portland Youth Philharmonic performs. 7:30 pm Mar. 13. $37 to $11, plus service charge. Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway. 503-223-5939. portlandyouthphil.org.

Junior Symphony of Vancouver. Talented young musicians perform. 7:30 pm Mar. 13.
$10 general, $8 student/senior. Vancouver First Church of God, 3300 NE 78th St. 360-696-4084. oregonchamberplayers.org.

Community Concert. Groups from Metropolitan Youth Symphony perform. 3 pm Mar. 14. $7.50 adults, $5 ages 5+. Tigard HIgh School, 9000 SW Durham Rd. 503-239-4566. playmys.org.

DANCE:

Spring Forward. Northwest Dance Theatre presents their springtime showcase, featuring both contemporary and classical ballet. Ages 7+. 7:30 pm March 13, 2 pm March 14. $12 to $25, plus service charge. Broadway Rose Auditorium, 12850 SW Grant Ave., Tigard. 503-925-3898. nwdt.org.

Family Dance. Phil Meehan leads simple Irish dances to celebrate St. Pat’s day. Dance 5 to 7 pm Mar. 13, followed by potluck. $6 adult, $5 child, $20 max per family. Fulton Park Community Center, 68 SW Miles. 503-981-2179. portlandcountrydance.org/Dances.htm.

STORYTELLING:

Storytelling Concert. Portland Storytellers Guild members tell tales. Families with kids 10+. 7 to 8:30 pm Mar. 13. Suggested donation $5 adult, $10 family. McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33d Ave. 503-249-3983. portlandstorytellers.org.

ART:

Buckman Art Show & Sell. Art sale benefits Buckman Elementary School, entertainment, kids’ art area. 5 to 9 pm March 12, 10 am to 5 pm March 13. Fri: $5, free ages 0 to 4. Sat: $2 donation. 320 SE 16th Ave. 503-936-2197. buckmanelementary.org/artsale.

MORE FAMILY-FRIENDLY PICKS:

World Water Day. We turn on the tap and out comes pure water, but 1.1 billion people on the planet aren’t so lucky. World Water Day is March 22, but the Water Resources Center in Vancouver is hosting Water Day events on Mar. 13 from 1 to 3 pm. Have fun and learn about local water. Free. 4600 SE Columbia Way. 360-487-7111. cityofvancouver.us/watercenter.

Women in Science Day. Girls from 12 to 18 work with science mentors on a SOLV planting project and have lunch. Dress for the weather; wear sturdy shoes. 9 am to 1:30 pm Mar. 13. Free. Registration required. Beaverton Creek Tributary, SW 167th and Ellerson, Aloha. 503-844-9571 xt 329. solv.org.

Kindermusik Spring Party. A musical celebration of spring for ages 0 to 5 and caregivers. 10:30 am Mar. 13. Free. New Day Center for the Arts, 5516 SE Foster Rd. 503-708-2827. kindermusikwithangie.kindermusik.net.

Remember to check our online calendar for more daily events. This weekend especially, we couldn’t possibly list them all!

PPA is a national trade association of regional parenting publications with over 120 member publications across the country. Each year, PPA’s Editorial and Design Awards Competition recognizes excellence in journalism by publishers, editors, writers and designers at member publications. The 2010 awards were announced on March 6.

“We’re really overwhelmed by the sheer number of awards we earned this year,” said our publisher, Marty Griffy. “The Gold award for Overall Writing is particularly exciting as it’s the top editorial category and indicates the depth and quality of the magazine. … Throughout the year, our readers give us positive feedback about the magazine – and those are the opinions that really matter, of course, but these awards from the experts are pretty darned cool!”

Most of all, we want to express our extreme gratitude and respect for our amazing writers. They’re all parents living in the Portland metro area, juggling work and family just like our readers, and they’re all exceptional journalists who get to the heart of each story to deliver clear, concise articles that entertain, inform and assist our readers on their parenting journeys.

Here’s a list of the awards we took home this year, along with the judges comments:

GOLD AWARDS:

Overall Writing (THE TOP EDITORIAL AWARD): Marie Sherlock, editor
Judges comments: Lots of humanity, lots of personality, lots of description distinguish this writing. When the subject turns serious, as in a well-reported piece on paid family leave, clarity is the prime virtue. Matching tone to content is a key to success.

Interview: “Juggling Fatherhood: Rhys Thomas Talks About His Balancing Act” – Marie Sherlock, writer and editor (Read this article online.)
Judges comments: Seldom does a Q&A format engage the reader like this piece of work. Juggler and comedian Rhys Thomas is a unique personality, and this interview keeps several balls in the air to help his character shine through.

Photo Cut-Lines (Captions): Marie Sherlock, writer/editor
Judges comments: Every photo has a cutline, and the cutline clearly identifies what is happening in the photo without repeating obvious information as well as links the photo to the content of the page. Of course, they are grammatically correct, but they are also written in a way that “sells” the story to the reader.

SILVER AWARDS

Overall Reporting
Judges comments: This publication’s departments have flair, especially “Going Places with Ramona,” and reporting is thorough, timely and authoritative. When Metro Parent “goes deep” on a subject, the result is satisfying and useful.

Ancillary Overall Writing: Your Baby and You, 2009-10, Anne Laufe, Eneida Nemecek; Sarah Pagliasotti; Kendra Jacobson, writers; Marie Sherlock, editor (Read this issue online.)
Judges comments: This publication provided useful information to parents, but it also touched on provocative subjects. The stories were well sourced and the writing was good. The resource list at the end of the publication was excellent.

General Feature Writing: “The Great Vaccination Debate” – Anne Laufe, writer; Marie Sherlock, editor (Read this article online.)
Judges comments: This very thoroughly reported story looks as the issue of vaccinations, assessing the many sides, advantages and disadvantages. The writer handles the complex topic well and presents some history on the debate as well as contemporary opinions by parents, physicians and those who practice naturopathic medicine. The writer doesn’t force any one angle to the story but lets it unfold to the readers.

Ancillary Feature Writing: “Closing the Math-Science Gender Gap” – Anne Laufe, writer; Marie Sherlock, editor (Read this article online.)
Judges comments: Taking on a subject as controversial as the “math-science gender gap,” particularly when girls tend to be viewed as the students who are deficient, means that a reporter better have her facts straight. The depth of reporting and the willingness to challenge stereotypes kept this article fair and informative.

BRONZE AWARDS

News Feature: “Giving Parents a Break” – Teresa Carson, writer; Marie Sherlock, editor
Judges comments: This is one of those political pieces that does a service to the community by informing parents—and voters—about pending legislation that could have a significant impact. In a well-researched, and carefully reported feature, this author uses an accessible well-developed narrative to explain efforts underway to adopt a paid family leave law in Oregon.

Service Feature: “Education Matters!” – Emily Puro, writer; Marie Sherlock, editor
Judges comments: A comprehensive and in-depth look at how parents can help their children learn to — and maybe even like to — read. Loaded with tips and information for every stage of a child’s life.

Ancillary Feature Writing: “Online Learning: Do Virtual Schools Offer a Real Education?” – Emily Puro, writer; Marie Sherlock, editor (Read this article online.)
Judges comments: As traditional notions of education transform under the effects of the electronic age, questions about online learning and how children respond to it make for interesting reading. In a fact-filled and in-depth look at digital schooling, the author offers unique insights into this modern phenomenon.

Dr. Guillery’s recommendations are more timely than even we had known, as a study published in the March issue of Health Affairs shows 27 percent of children’s daily calories come from snacks. These snacks, more often than not, include candy, salty chips and other junk foods as well as sugary juice drinks and sweetened sports drinks. Between 1977 and 2006, the study notes, snacking added 168 calories per day to the average child’s caloric intake.

“Our study shows that some children, including very young children, snack almost continuously throughout the day,” says Barry M. Popkin, PhD, a professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in a news release. “Such findings raise concerns that more children in the United States are moving toward a dysfunctional eating pattern, one that can lead to unhealthy weight gain and obesity.”

Popkin adds that children still eat three meals a day, “but they’re loading up on high-calorie junk food that contains little or no nutritional value during these snacks.” The study found the greatest increase in calories from snacks in children between the ages of 2 and 6.

As parents, we have a great deal of control over what our children eat every day, especially very young children. It’s our responsibility to help them learn to make appropriate food choices and to eat only when they’re hungry. For more information about childhood obesity and what you can do to raise fit, healthy and confident children, read the Ages and Stages article in our March issue.

For more information about childhood obesity, visit www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html.

And check out First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to fight childhood obesity, Let’s Move!. In another nod to the timeliness of our March issue, the first lady launched her campaign just as we were editing our Ages and Stages article! (Great minds think alike?)

How often do your children snack, and what are they snacking on? Share your tips for nurturing healthful eating habits with your children.

ALL WEEKEND:

Snow Shoe with a Ranger. Tromp around 3.5 miles with a ranger and learn about the forest and history. Free. March 5 and 7, 10 am at Glade Trail, meet outside Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum, 88900 E Government Camp Loop, Government Camp. 1 pm at Trillium Lake Trail, meet at Snow-Park, 2.5 miles E of Timberline Road off Hwy. 26. 503-622-3191. www.fs.fed.us/r6/.

Ski with a Ranger. Take a guided ski tour with a Ranger and learn about mountain history, ecology and more. Any age capable of intermediate skiing or snowboarding. Free. 11 am Mar. 6 and 7 at Timberline Lodge, Government Camp. Meet outside Wy’East Day Lodge ticket windows. 11 am Mar. 6 at Ski Bowl, 87000 E Hwy. 26, meet at Ski Bowl West ticket office. 503-622-3191. www.fs.fed.us/r6/.

SATURDAY

Kangaroo Crossing. It’s opening weekend for the Portland Children’s Museum’s new exhibit about Australia. Check out the Great Barrier Reef and see some unusual Aussie foods. Jump like a kangaroo. 9 am to 5 pm March 6 and 7. $8 ages 1 and up. 4015 SW Canyon Road. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org.

Owl Fest. Celebrate owls with guided hikes, pellet dissection and more. Meet Audubon’s resident owls, Hazel and Julio. 4 to 7 pm. Free. Guided hikes on a first come, first served basis. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd. 503-636-4398. tryonfriends.org.

Teen Night. Explore OMSI with a live DJ, games and more, especially designed for teens between 13 and 18 years old. 7 to 10 pm. Free. OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave. 503-797-4000. omsi.edu.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. Oregon Children’s Theatre presents this loopy courtroom musical. Runs through Mar. 21. Check Web site for show times. $16 to $24, plus service charges. Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-228-9571. octc.org.

Native American Education Program Pow Wow. Entertainment, food and crafts. Grand entry ceremony at 1 and 6 pm. Noon to 10 pm. Free. Covington Middle School, 11200 NE Rosewood Rd., Vancouver. 360-604-4013.

Horton. Tear’s of Joy’s Emily Alexander performs Dr. Seuss’ favorite elephant tale. Free. 2 pm Mar. 6: Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave. 503-988-5123. Check Web site for additional dates, times and locations. multcolib.org.

SUNDAY:

Young Artists Concert. Vancouver Symphony presents performances by nine young contest finalists. 1 pm. Free. Royal Durst Theatre, 3101 Main St., Vancouver. 360-735-7278. vancouversymphony.org.

Community Concert. Groups from Metropolitan Youth Symphony perform. 3 pm. $7.50 adults, $5 ages 5+. Marylhurst University Chapel, 17600 Pacific Hwy. Marylhurst. 503-239-4566. playmys.org.

Evergreen Curling Club Open House. You’ve seen this fascinating sport during the Olympics … now’s your chance to learn more! Wear loose fitting clothing and sneakers; equipment provided. Ages 12 and up. Two sessions: 6:30 and 7:40 pm March 7 and 9. $10 adults, $5 ages 12-21, $20 family; $1 Web sign up fee. Lloyd Center Ice Arena, 953 Lloyd Center. 503-288-6073; 360-314-6267. www.evergreencurling.com.

When students at the German American School of Portland (GSP) heard about January’s devastating earthquake in Haiti, they asked themselves and their Head of School, “What can we do to help?” Brainstorming with students from the French American International School (FAIS), and music teachers Nathan Conant and David Olson, they decided to hold a joint benefit concert.

That concert is scheduled for Thursday, March 4 at 1:20 pm.

Both schools strive to teach cross cultural awareness and make students aware of global issues. “Our kids are compassionate and passionate about serving kids in Haiti,” says Conant, who teaches music at GSP. “Many of them started their own clubs and fundraisers independent of our school’s benefit concert.”

Close to 100 students will perform at the concert, which is open to the public. Donations will be accepted at the door, with all proceeds benefiting the Haiti Relief Fund through World Vision.

But wait – there’s more! The choirs of the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir will join with the Parkrose High School Debonaires to present Sing For Haiti – a Concert & Community Sing on Wednesday, March 17, at 8 pm. The concert will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 1015 SW 18th Ave. in Portland. Donations will be accepted at the door, with all proceeds going to Mercy Corps.

On a related note, we received a link to a video produced by Mercy Corps as a thank you to all their generous donors. The video presents a brief update on the important work the organization has been doing in Haiti since the earthquake in January. If you donated through our Mercy Corps page – or any other way – a sincere thank you!

Our March issue is hitting the stands this week and it’s packed with important information on health and education as well as some great ideas for Spring Break Family Fun! Our Ages & Stages feature focuses on childhood obesity, a serious medical and emotional issue affecting children of all ages and one that parents can have a huge impact in resolving. We offer advice for every stage of development, to keep young kids healthy and fit from the very beginning and to get older kids back on track to live healthy, confident lives.

We also explore some innovative efforts to incorporate arts into core academics in local schools. After years of seeing arts programs cut because of shrinking budgets, we’re now seeing renewed efforts to bring the arts back into our kids’ classrooms, not only for art’s sake but because arts education has been linked to increased academic achievement.

Don’t miss our Guide to Spring Break Fun, which includes information about camps and classes as well as nearby family fun and road trip ideas. You’ll also find all of your favorite regular features including an Out & About piece on bird watching with kids, Going Places with Ramona, a Family Fare review of Café Sip-n-Play in Vancouver, an Angels Among Us feature on Project Helping Hands, and our extensive Family Calendar. Pick up a copy at your favorite distribution point, or read it online today.

We’re also thrilled to announce the release of our special Summer Camps and Learning Issue, also on the stands and online now. Officially it might still be winter, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about summer camp! Many local camps have opened registration for Summer 2010, and some of the most popular ones will fill quickly – but don’t panic! Our Camps Guide includes loads of information about local camps and other summer learning opportunities.

You’ll find a feature on Arts Camps, from fine arts to recycled arts to performing arts and beyond. We also explore how local families piece together an entire summer of childcare, one camp- and fun-filled week at a time. Our Camps Basics section includes articles on choosing the best camps for your children, preparing your child for his or her first time at overnight camp, and the power of camp in nurturing confidence and resilience. Pick up a copy today, or check it out online for all the information you need to make this summer your family’s best yet!

Here’s a round-up of our picks for this weekend:

ALL WEEKEND

Walking with Dinosaurs. Life-sized dinos roar and roam the arena. All ages, but can be scary for little ones. Through Feb. 28. $24.50 to $49.50, plus service charges. Rose Garden, 1 Center Court. 503-235-8771. www.rosequarter.com.

Chinese New Year. This is the final weekend of festivities at Lan Su Chinese Garden to ring in the Year of the Tiger. Free with admission of $8.50 adults, $6.50 students, free 5 and under. See Web site for complete event schedule. 239 NW Everett St. 503-228-8131. www.lansugarden.org.

FRIDAY

Hina Matsuri. Celebrate this Japanese doll festival at the Japanese Garden with a display of special dolls. All ages. 10 am to 4 pm. Through March 3. Free with admission of $8 adults, $5.25 ages 6 to 17, free under 6. 611 SW Kingston Ave. 503-223-1321. www.japanesegarden.com.

SATURDAY

Winter Birds at Smith and Bybee Wetlands. Naturalist leads a trip to watch waterfowl and raptors. Ages 10 and up. 9:30 to noon. Free; pre-registration required. Meet at parking lot at 5300 N Marine Dr. 503-797-1650 xt. 2. www.oregonmetro.gov.

Wild in the City. Explore Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge with a naturalist. All ages. 8 am. Free; pre-registration required. Call to register for details and location. 503-
292-6855 xt. 112. www.audubonportland.org.

SUNDAY

You Who. Musical guests The Builders and The Butchers perform. All ages. 1 pm. $10 adults, $5 ages 12 and under, free non-walkers. Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33d Ave. 503-317-8143. www.youwhoportland.com.

Check our online calendar for even more family fun every day.

Need more incentive? They’ll be offering mini-massages, refreshments and a free entry in a raffle, too.

To schedule a mammogram at the clinic during Mamms ‘Til Midnight – or anytime – call 360-882-2778.

“Despite warnings from leading medical organizations, NIH, and FDA regarding the detrimental health impacts of BPA, industry pressure has triumphed over protecting the health of Oregon’s children,” says Renee Hackenmiller-Paradis, program director for environmental health at the Oregon Environmental Council (OEC). “We are extremely disappointed in what should have been a simple vote for Oregon’s leaders to put children’s health first.”

OEC, along with many other organizations and individuals, continues to work toward government regulation eliminating BPAs from both children’s products and food storage containers, including metal-based cans. BPA is a hormone-disrupting chemical that has been shown to have negative health impacts even at low exposure levels and it’s extremely prevalent in food- and drink-related products. According to OEC, “Testing in 2007 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found 93 percent of Americans age 6 and up were exposed to BPA. Children in the study had the highest levels of BPA, followed by teens and adults.”

Until the government takes action to regulate the use of BPA in children’s and food storage products, it’s up to parents to protect our own families. Here are a few simple ways to limit your family’s exposure to BPA:

• Avoid reusable polycarbonate plastic water and baby bottles, especially those labeled #7 PC. Choose glass or stainless steel, or if you must use plastic, look for bottles labeled PP #5 which are BPA-free.
• Avoid polycarbonate plastic food containers and table ware, again, especially those labeled #7 PC.
• Minimize the use of canned foods and canned drinks. BPA is present in many cans used to store foods, including fruits, vegetables, beans, soda and more.

For more information about the effects of BPA, efforts to regulate the use of BPA at the state and federal levels, and how to avoid BPA exposure – as well as how you can get involved in the effort to eliminate BPA from our families’ lives – visit OEC online.

Check our online calendar for complete listings each day. Here are our picks for this week:

ALL WEEKEND

Chinese New Year. Lan Su Chinese Garden rings in the new year through Feb. 28 with lion dances, puppet shows and more. Free with admission of $8.50 adults, $6.50 students, free 5 and under. See Web site for complete event schedule. 239 NW Everett St. 503-228-8131. www.lansugarden.org.

FRIDAY – Family Movie Night!

Family Movie Night. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaur. All ages. 6:30 pm. $3 per family. St. Johns Community Center, 8427 N Central. 503-823-3192. www.portlandonline.com.

Movie Night at Café Sip-n-Play. This week’s film is Fern Gully. All ages. 5 pm. (Friday and Saturday) Free. 3000 SE 164th Ave., Vancouver, Wash. 360-896-4446. www.cafesipnplay.com.

SATURDAY

Family Day at Cascade Festival of African Films. Author and artist Baba Wague Diakite introduces two family-friendly films. All ages. 2 pm. Free. McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33d Ave. 503-244-6111 x. 3630. www.africanfilmfestival.org.

Family Day at the Oregon History Museum. Enjoy storytelling, crafts and more. All ages. 11 am to 3 pm. Two kids admitted free with paid adult admission of $11. 1200 SW Park Ave. 503-222-1741. www.ohs.org.

Sneak Preview: Canemah Bluff. Tour this new natural area with local politicians. Some uneven trails. Dress for the weather. Ages 10 and up with adult. 11 am. Free, pre-registration required. Canemah Bluff, South End Road, Oregon City. 503-797-1650, xt. 2. www.oregonmetro.gov.

SUNDAY

Nesting Owls. Learn about Tryon’s winter residents. Ages 4 to 7 with grown-up. 10 to 11:30 am. $10 child; pre-registration required. Tryon Creek State Park, 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd. 503-636-4398. www.tryonfriends.org.

ComedySportz4Kidz. Improv comedy designed to appeal to kids 12 and under. 2 pm. $8 adults, $6 kids, plus service charge. 1963 NW Kearney St. 503-236-8888. www.portlandcomedy.com.

World Sounds. Music, dance and storytelling from around the world, this week featuring Terry Baber. All ages. 11 am, noon and 1 pm. Feb. Free with admission of $8 ages 1 and up. 4015 SW Canyon Rd. 503-223-6500. www.portlandcm.org.

See our online calendar for even more events every day.