You’ll find all your favorite departments, too, including an Out & About on Leach Botanical Garden and A Day in the ‘Hood profile of Bethany Village. Our Angels Among Us column spotlights Oregon Tradeswomen Inc.’s Building Girls Camp – a super cool construction camp for girls in middle school and high school! Our Family Fare column takes you to Seasons & Regions, and a Viewpoint gives you the 411 on May’s Walk+Bike to School Challenge.

Don’t forget to check our Summer Camps listings, with pages of ads from local summer camps for kids of all ages.

Pick up a copy wherever Metro Parent is distributed, or read it online today.

Complete the survey and you’ll be entered to win 4 Very Important Operator passes to Dozer Day on May 18, 2013. Thanks for your help!

Metro Parent has joined forces with PDX Kids Calendar to bring you the region’s most comprehensive family resource information online and in print! (That’s a photo of our newly expanded family, above.) We’ll be offering the same award-winning editorial content you’ve come to expect along with a more robust and interactive online events calendar, comprehensive web-based guides for family fun and more.

PDX Kids Calendar will continue to deliver the amazing giveaways, newsletters and resource guides you love, with the added benefit of incorporating Metro Parent’s exceptional editorial coverage. In the coming months, we’ll be merging the two operations into one new and expanded web presence, but in the meantime, our online calendar has moved to PDX Kids Calendar. We think you’ll love the interactive features, including the ability to search for events by location, age ranges and more!

We’re excited about the changes ahead and we’d love to hear your feedback! Feel free to send a note with suggestions and comments to editor@metro-parent.com and/or pubilsher@metro-parent.com. After all, we’re here to help you make the most of this wondrous journey called parenthood!

ALL WEEKEND

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. No cherished fairy tale is safe in this musical spoofing childhood stories from the Oregon Children’s Theater. Characters come and go. The ugly duckling grows up to be an ugly duck. Best ages 4+. 2 pm March 16, 17. 5 pm March 16. $15-$28, plus surcharge. Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-228-9571. octc.org.

Kells St. Pat’s Irish Festival. Crafts, Irish music, dancers, face painting, more. Special kid’s activities Saturday 11 am-4 pm. Kids are welcome in the restaurant all weekend. FREE. Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, 12 SW 2d Ave. 503-227-4057. kellsirish.com.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. Journey Theater Arts Group (formerly Christian Youth Theater) performs classic. 7 pm March 15, 3 pm March 16, 2 pm March 17. $14 adults, $11 ages 2-18. Jackson Campus (Old OCHS), 1306 12th. 360-750-8550. journeytheater.org.

FRIDAY

Family Friday Concert. Student performers. 7:15 pm. $5 donation, $15 family. Community Music Center, 3350 SE Francis. 503-823-3177. communitymusiccenter.org.

Ceili Dance. Irish dance lesson 7:15 pm, dance 8 pm. Ages 8+. $10 general, $8 students. Portland Ceili Society, 618 SE Alder. info @ portlandceilisociety.org.

Innisfree. Irish music. All ages. 7-8 pm. FREE. Cedar Mill Community Library, 12505 NW Cornell. 503-644-0043. library.cedarmill.org.

Ladybug Nature Walks. Naturalist-led stroll. Ages 2-5, with grown-up. 10-11 am. $3 per child. Powell Butte, meet near 14424 SE Center St. 503-823-3601. portlandoregon.gov/parks.

SATURDAY

Parent’s Survival Night. Fitness fun, crafts, music and snack for kids, while parents get some alone time. Ages 3-12. 6-9:30 pm. $26, member discount, reservations please. The Little Gym, 17890 SW McEwan Rd. Lake Oswego. 503-595-9702. tlglakeoswegoor.com.

Junior FIRST Lego League. Engineers ages 6-9 show off their robots. 10 am-4 pm. FREE, admission to museum not included. OMSI, 1945 SE Water. 503-797-4000. omsi.edu.

Hillsboro St. Pat’s Parade. 11 am starting Hare Filed, south on Main, north on Second. Games/activities for kids Noon-1:30 pm at Civic Center Plaza. FREE. 503-640-1124. murphysfurniture.net.

Junior Symphony of Vancouver. Irish themed music. 7:30 pm. $10. Faith Center Church, 10702 NE 117th Ave. 360-696-4084. oregonchamberplayers.org.

Welcome Back Vulture Day. Meet Ruby the vulture, activities. All ages. Noon-3 pm. FREE. Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122d. 971-222-6139. audubonportland.org.

Park After Dark. Explore park at night. Ages 6+. 7-9 pm. $10. Cooper Mountain Nature Park, 18892 SW Kemmer Rd., Beaverton. 503-629-6350. thprd.org.

SUNDAY

Luck of the Irish. Zoo animals get St. Pat’s treats. 10:30-11 am. Free w/admission $10.50 adults, $7.50 kids 3-11, free 0-2. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd. 503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org.

Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Talented jazz kids. 7 pm. $10, $5 students. The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th. 503-239-4566. playmys.org.

ComedySportz4Kidz. Improv show just for kids. Ages 0-12. 2 pm. $10 adults, $8 kidz, plus service charge. 1963 NW Kearney. 503-236-8888. portlandcomedy.com.

Two honored teachers get their mortgage paid for a year and their schools will get $1,000 each. The prize recognizes one K-8 teacher and one 9-12 teacher. The runner up in each group will received $500 for themselves and $500 for their schools.

OnPoint, founded by teachers 80 years ago, believes strengthening local education is one of the best ways to build thriving communities. “Our annual OnPoint Prize award celebrates extraordinary teachers whose work sparks enthusiasm and passion in students and their parents,” says OnPoint’s President and CEO Rob Stuart. “This award is an opportunity to recognize educators who make a difference in the lives of students and the communities where we live.”

Nomination forms are now available at onpointprize.com. Anyone can nominate an educator, and educators may also nominate themselves. Applicants must be a full-time or job-share classroom teacher, counselor or librarian for grades K-12 in an accredited public, private or charter school. The contest closes April 15 and winners will be announced May 22. Good luck!

Pediatric Dental Group: Free dental exams for kids under 3 years old. (page 9).

Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry: First exam for kids under 3 is free for patients without insurance. (page 12).

Bob’s Red Mill: Buy 2 products at regular price, get a 3d one free. (page 13).

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center: Free info session on Weight Loss for Life and Weight Loss Surgery. (page 13).

Music Together: Call for a free demo class. (page 19).

Learning Palace: 15% off your entire purchase, some exclusions. (page 21).

Eastside Montessori: Get a 10% discount if you enroll by June 30 (page 29).

Tidee Didee: 1 free week with 4 prepaid weeks. (page 37).

North Clackamas Aquatic Center: Buy one “Big Surf” open swim admission and get one free. One per party. (page 37).

Academy Theater: Buy one ticket, get another of equal or less value free Mon-Thurs. (page 44).

Happy Savings!

ALL WEEKEND

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. Journey Theater Arts Group (formerly Christian Youth Theater) performs classic. 7 pm March 8, 9. $14 adults, $11 ages 2-18. Jackson Campus (Old OC HS), 1306 12th. 360-750-8550. journeytheater.org.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. No cherished fairy tale is safe in this musical spoofing childhood stories from the Oregon Children’s Theatre. Characters come and go. The ugly duckling grows up to be an ugly duck. Best ages 4+. 2 pm March 9, 10. 5 pm March 9. $15-$28, plus surcharge. Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-228-9571. octc.org.

Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Young musicians dazzle, different groups each performance. $10 adults, $5 students. 7 pm March 9: Marylhurst University, 17600 Pacific Hwy., Marylhurst. 3 pm March 10: Tigard High School, 9000 SW Durham Rd. 503-239-4566. playmys.org.

FRIDAY

Music Together Demo. Try a class. Ages infant-5. FREE, reservations required, call for details. March 8: NE/Alameda, late morning. Other neighborhoods on other dates. 503-236-4304. musictogether-pdx.com.

Ladybug Nature Walks. Naturalist-led stroll. Ages 2-5, with grown-up. 10-11 am $3 per child, stroller accessible. Smith & Bybee Wetlands, 5300 N Marine Dr. 503-823-3601. portlandoregon.gov/parks.

Story and Stroll. Naturalist-led story and walk. Best ages 2-6. 1-2:15 pm. FREE, reservations required. Tryon Creek State Park, 11321 SW Terwilliger. 503-636-9886 xt 225. tryonfriends.org.

SATURDAY

Alton Chung. Story telling. Ages 0-10. 11 am, noon. Free w/admission $9 ages 1-54. $4 to park. Portland Children’s Museum, 4015 SW Canyon Rd. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org

OMSI Brain Fair. Interactive exhibits, real brains and scientists. 10 am-5 pm. FREE, admission to museum not included. 1945 SE Water. 503-797-4000. omsi.edu.

Portland Symphonic Girlchoir. Spring gala concert. 2 pm. $20 adults, $18 students. Zion Lutheran Church, 1015 SW 18th. 503-226-6162. girlchoir.com.

Kids Morning Skate. Group lesson and skate games. Ages 0-10, with family. 10:30-noon Sat. $6 per child, grown-up free. Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park. 503-233-5777. oakspark.com.

Second Saturday. Observe World Water Day, activities, Walk for Water (bring a container to carry H2O). Ages 3-12, with grown-up. 1-3 pm. FREE. (Photo courtesy of Creative Commons). Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia. 360-487-7111. cityofvancouver.us/watercenter.

Dinolandia. Penny’s Puppets on technology. Ages 0-11. FREE. 3-3:45 pm. Northwest Library, 2300 NW Thurman. 503-988-5560. multcolib.org.

SUNDAY

Cushion Concert. Portland Youth Philharmonic plays, especially for little music lovers. Instrument petting zoo prior. 12:30 and 2:30 pm. $7 adults, $3 kids. World Forestry Center, 4033 SW Canyon Rd. 503-223-5939. portlandyouthphil.org.

Family Scavenger Hunt. Solve clues and challenges. Ages 8-15, with grown-up (2 to 6 per team). 2-4 pm. FREE, reservations required. Mittleman Jewish Community Center, 6651 SW Capitol Hwy. 503-244-0111. portlandjewishacademy.org

Curious Garden. Goofy show, open mic at end. Best ages 0-8. 10:30 am. $5 donation. Curious Comedy Theater, 5225 NE MLK. 503-477-9477. curiouscomedy.org.

2nd Sundays on GeerCrest Farm. House tour, activity. Lunch available 11 am-1 pm. Open 9 am-5 pm. $5 donation. 12390 Sunnyview Rd. NE, Salem. 503-873-3406. geercrest.org.

First up is a story on how to pick a camp your child will enjoy. We also have a story with great tips on how to prepare your child for that wonderful rite of passage, the overnight camp. Another story discusses how to handle homesickness.

Camp is so much more than just summer day care. We’ve got a great look at all the benefits of summer camp – from enhancing social skills, to building confidence to boosting athletic or academic capability. We’ve even got a story on finding camps for those too-cool eye-rolling tweens.

So, sit back, relax, and take a look at all the fun your kids can have this summer. Too bad mom and dad can’t go too!

We also explore three hot health topics. First we examine the great fluoride debate that has grabbed headlines in Portland. We take a hard look at kids and cholesterol and finally we get to the bottom of sunscreen safety.

We’ve added another new feature, The Prosperous Parent, all about famliy finances. This month we’ve gathered up some family tax tips, just in time for tax season. And, if you need a break from doing those taxes, our feature A Day in the ‘Hood takes a stroll around Multnomah Village. Or, you could Go Climb A Rock, our guide to indoor rock climbing and local rock gyms.

And, as always, our March Family Calendar is crammed with fun spring outings for all ages and interests. Easter is early this year and we’ve gathered a basket full of egg hunts and spring happenings. Check out the calendar in the March print issue or our online version. The days are longer, so more time to get out and enjoy!

ALL WEEKEND

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. No cherished fairy tale is safe in this musical spoofing childhood stories. Characters come and go in this Oregon Children’s Theater production. The ugly duckling grows up to be an ugly duck. Best ages 4+. 2 pm March 2, 3. 5 pm March 2. $15-$28, plus surcharge. (Photo by Owen Carey) Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 503-228-9571. octc.org.

Seussical. Northwest Children’s Theatre presents a Dr. Seuss musical adventure. Best ages 4+. Noon, 4 pm March 2, 3. $18-$22, plus surcharge. 1819 NW Everett. 503-222-2190. nwcts.org.

Honk! Journey Arts Theater (formerly Christian Youth Theater) presents musical adaptation of The Ugly Duckling. 7 pm March 1, 2. $14 adults, $11 ages 2-18. Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th , Vancouver. 360-750-8550. journeytheater.org.

Annie Warbucks. Musical sequel to Annie from Journey Theater Arts (formerly Christian Youth Theater). 7 pm March 1, 2. 2 pm March 3. 3 pm March 2. $14 adult, $11 youth. Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th, Washougal. 360-750-8550. journeytheater.org.

Celebration of Smiles. Tooth Fairy, craft, story, more. Ages 0-10. 4-8 pm March 1 (FREE admission), 10 am-2 pm March 2, free w/admission $9 ages 1-54. $4 to park. Portland Children’s Museum, 4015 SW Canyon Rd. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org

Story and Stroll. Naturalist-led walk and story. Best ages 2-6. 1-2:15 pm March 1, 3. FREE, reservations required. Tryon Creek State Park, 11321 SW Terwilliger. 503-636-9886 xt 225. tryonfriends.org.

How Sweet Was My Swamp. Old-fashioned melodrama from Mask and Mirror Community Theatre. All ages. 7:30 pm March 2. 2 pm March 3. $10-$12 adult, $5 ages 0-10. Calvin Presbyterian Church, 10445 SW Canterbury Lane, Tigard. 503-524-2058. maskandmirror.com

FRIDAY

Spirit of Magic. Vaudeville style magic and comedy, elegant dinner on 2.5 hr. river cruise. All ages. 7-9:30 pm. $75, reservations. Portland Spirit, 1020 SW Naito. 503-224-3900.
portlandspirit.com.

Ladybug Nature Walks. Naturalist-led stroll. Ages 2-5, with grown-up. 10-11 am. Albert Kelly Park, SW Dosch Rd and Mitchell St. $3 per child. 503-823-3601. portlandoregon.gov/

Penny’s Puppets. Betty the Clumsy Ballarina enchants. Ages 0-10. 10:30. $5 each, 4 guests $17. Central Lutheran Church, 1820 NE 21st. 503-282-9207. pennypuppets.com

Target FREE First Friday. Enjoy the Portland Children’s Museum and the Celebration of Smiles FREE from 4 -8 pm. 4015 SW Canyon Rd. 503-223-6500. portlandcm.org.

Family Park at Night. Craft, sports, indoor park toys, more. 6:30-8:30 pm. $1.25 per child, grown-up must attend. East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th. 503-823-3456. portlandonline.com/parks/

SATURDAY

Kids Morning Skate. Group lesson and skate games. Ages 0-10, with family. 10:30-noon. $6 per child, grown-up free. Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park. 503-233-5777. oakspark.com/.

Portland Youth Philharmonic. Talented young musicians play Tchaikovsky, Bergsma. 7:30 pm. $11-$40, plus surcharge. Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway. 503-223-5939. portlandyouthphil.org.

Radio Disney’s Platypus Day. Crafts, prizes, Phineas & Ferb trivia, dancing.
1-3 pm. Free w/admission $10.50 adults, $7.50 kids 3-11, free 0-2. Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd. 503-226-1561. oregonzoo.org.

Owl Fest. Owly crafts, activities, live Audubon owls, hikes. All ages. 5-7 pm. FREE, registration for hikes only. Tryon Creek State Park, 11321 SW Terwilliger. 503-636-9886 xt 225. tryonfriends.org.

Chinese New Year. Kids in Chinese costume perform songs, poetry, dance. 11 am. FREE. Lake Oswego Library, 706 4th. 503-636-7628. ci.oswego.or.us/library.

Saturday Crafts@Ledding. Dr. Seuss scavenger hunt. Ages 5+. 2 pm. FREE. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 SE 21st. 503-786-7580. milwaukie.lib.or.us.

SUNDAY

Oregon Symphony Kids Concert. Dr. Seuss’ The Sneetches, comes alive with music merriment. This fantastical performance will also feature the Pacific Youth Choir and Dance West. 2 pm March 3. $10-$26, plus surcharge. Schnitzer Concert Hall. 1037 SW Broadway. 503-228-1353. orsymphony.org.

Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Talented young musicians play Tchaikovsky, Shostkovich. 8 pm. $14-$37, plus surcharge. Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway. 503-239-4566. playmys.org.

$2 Day. Explore OMSI for $2 every first Sun. 9:30 am-5:30 pm. Parking $3. 1945 SE Water. 503-797-4000. omsi.edu.

PAM Family Tour. Docent–led. 12:30-1:30. Free w/admission $15 adults, $12 college students, free ages 0-17. Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park. 503-226-2811. portlandartmuseum.org.

March Fourth Marching Band. Funky music. 4 pm. $14 adults, $11 ages 4-12, free ages 0-4. 8:30 pm show, $20. Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside. 503-225-0047. mcmenamins.com.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Party. Games, crafts. Ages 1-6. 1:30-2:30 pm. FREE. Beaverton Library, 12375 SW 5th. 503-350-3600. beavertonlibrary.org.