Oregon

You just can’t help but see it everywhere.  Leaves on the trees are changing colors signaling the end of summer.  School supply shopping ads are filling the Sunday Oregonian, and everyone is getting back into the school schedule.  There are some great things you can do with your kiddos as we approach fall that includes all of the senses.

Get out there and get moving, Oregon.  Take your kiddos on a walk and talk about the things that are changing all around us:

Sight:

Have the children look at the trees blowing in the wind, and explain how the wind comes in the fall to help the trees shed their leaves.  Talk about how the trees and leaves blow in the wind.  Are they moving fast or slow?

Touch:

Have children pick up a leaf that has fallen from a tree.  Explain how the trees are starting to “go to sleep” for the winter.  Ask them to explain how the wind feels on their faces.  Is it hot?  Is it Cold?  Is it warm?  Is it blowing hard or soft?  Is the leaf they picked up dry or soft?  How long do they think it’s been on the ground?

Sound:

Ask if they can hear it wind in the leaves.  Have them close their eyes and listen.  See if they can make the sound of the wind.

Smell:

Ask the children to smell the leaves and explain what kind of smell it is.  Does it smell like dirt?  Does it have a smell?  Does the air smell different than normal?  When you get back from your walk, serve a fresh apple and explain that apples are picked in the fall.  Have them smell it, and explain that apples are a fall smell.

Taste:  Talk about the flavors of fall foods.  Ask them to explain how the apple tastes.  Different kinds of apples can be served as well, so you can have the sweet taste of a Red Delicious and the sour taste of a Granny Smith.  Cut an apple in half and show them the seeds, and explain how the apples fall to the ground in the fall, then they are carried by animals, and dropped in the soil to grow new trees.

PROJECT:

Cut an apple in half.  Have the children dip one half in tempera paint and stamp it on a piece of paper.  For more advanced little ones, they can turn their stamp into a drawing after the paint is dry, or use their fingertips to stamp fingerprint arms, legs, and heads on their apple stamp, using it as a body.

The heat wave is here, and it looks like we’ll be battling hot temps for at least the next week.  Many Oregonians don’t have air conditioning because generally, it doesn’t get very hot here, and if it does, it doesn’t stay for long.

How do you find a way to sleep comfortably on hot nights?  Here are some tips that can make all the difference:

1.       Buckwheat pillows and mattresses: they don’t retain your body heat like other mattresses and pillows.

2.       Sleep like an Egyptian: Dampen a sheet or run it through the wash and sleep with it on top of you.  Make sure you have a dry sheet or towel under you.  You can also dampen a T-shirt and ring it out really well and wear it.  Evaporation from the shirt keeps you cooled off.

3.       Ice packs: Either hard packs or soft packs will help keep you cool while you sleep.  If you use soft ones, put them in a pillowcase to keep you from it being too cold.

4.       Chillin’: Place your pillowcase, sheets, pajamas, or whatever you want to be cold in extra large freezer bags and place in the freezer in the morning.  By the time you need them, they’ll be super cool and you’ll fall asleep faster.

5.       Wet feet: Dampen cotton socks and ring them out really well.  Wear them to bed, but make sure there is a dry towel under your feet.

6.       Make a corn sock: Fill a tube sock with feed corn and place it in the freezer.  No feed corn?  Try rice.  No rice?  Try a mixture of flax seed and lavender.

7.       Baking Soda: Sprinkle a very light layer of baking soda on the sheet you sleep on.  People swear by this one.

8.       Go commando: Sleep in the nude.  This is a debatable subject because some think it makes you hotter while others say it makes you cooler.

9.       Take a cold shower: Before you hit the sack, take a cool shower and don’t fully dry off.

10.   Take a plunge: Fill up a pan or bucket with ice water then plunge your feet in it for as long as you can stand it.  You will be cooled off very quickly.

Take steps to stay cool and we’ll make it through this heat wave just fine.  Try to get sleep, because cranky hot people have more accidents, road rage, and make poor choices.  Stay cool, Oregon.

Every year on February 2^nd thousands of people flock to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania for festivities and the prediction of the most famous groundhog in the world, Punxsutawney Phil.  Also, every year on February 2^nd, when the rest of the world gets the news, the debate begins on what it means if the groundhog saw or didn’t see its shadow.  Just tonight, a news anchor who was trying to explain the logistics of the shadow confused herself.  If he sees his shadow, what does it mean?  Why a groundhog?  Here is a brief history and explanation that’s sure to answer all of your Punxsutawney questions.

Groundhog Day originated in the 1700’s by the people who settled Punxsutawney Pennsylvania, believed in the legend of Candlemans Day.  If the sun shone on Candlemans Day, so far the snow will swirl in May,” or so the legend goes.  Candlemans Day fell in the middle of Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox.  Clergymen would bless candles to be placed in everyone’s windows.

The earliest recorded reference to Groundhog Day in America is displayed at the Pennsylvania Dutch Folklore Center, and is dated February 4^th, 1841.  It explains that German settlers believe that if the Groundhog peeps out of his winter home and sees his shadow, he naps for six more weeks, but if it’s cloudy, he stays up.

Originally, the Germans were watching a badger for its shadow, but in Pennsylvania, it was replaced by the Groundhog.  In 1886, a newspaper editor named Clymer Freas printed in The Punxsutawney Spirit, “Today is Groundhog Day and up to the time of going to press the beast has not seen its shadow.”

Then, the groundhog was given the name “Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinary”.  Suddenly, Punxsutawney was named the “Weather Capital of the World.”

On his first appearance, there was no shadow, which meant there would be an early spring.  The next year, the tradition of going to Gobbler’s Knob began.

Today, Punxsutawney is still a fairly small town of under ten thousand people, but on February 2^nd every year, thousands flock to Gobbler’s Knob to see the famous groundhog predict the coming of spring.

In 1993, a movie starring Bill Murray called ‘Groundhog Day’ created an even bigger buzz for the annual ritual visit to Gobbler’s Knob.  Suddenly thousands of people became tens of thousands of people.

Just how often does Punxsutawney Phil get it right?  According to http://www.groundhog.org/about/ he gets it right 100 percent of the time and is 120 years old.  In reality, the guessing groundhog only gets it right 39% of the time.  Since the first official trip to Gobbler’s Knob, he’s seen his shadow 97 times, no shadow 15 times, and there is no record for 9 years of the festivities.

February 2^nd, 2009 marks the 123^rd trip to Gobbler’s Knob for Punxsutawney Phil’s official prognostication.  Among the festivities in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania will be fireworks, fun, and the official prediction at about 7:25 a.m. Eastern Time.

Most Oregonians won’t be awake when the groundhog shows himself, which will be at about 4:25 our time, but every morning news show will be doing a report on the famous fur ball.

Want to celebrate with a movie and your favorite brew?  Alberta Street Pub will be showing the movie ‘Groundhog Day’ at 9 p.m.  Alberta Street Pub is located at 1036 NE Alberta Street.

Oregonians watched with the rest of the world as President Obama was sworn in, parades wound by, and crowds of millions cheered all day long.  The solidarity of the President and his First Lady never faltered on this long, exciting, and trying day.  The Obama family is strong, and it shows no matter where they are or what they’re doing.  This is a refreshing twist on the most powerful man in the world.  For the Obamas to open up their lives for all to see is going to be a wake up call for America, and hopefully will raise the bar as far as family is concerned.  The first dance of the night was a perfect example of what they stand for.

The most beautiful thing about President and First Lady Obama’s first dance of the night was the way their eyes shined when they looked at each other.  So many times in past inaugurations we’ve seen two people who were raised in wealthy and powerful families robotically waltz their way through the inauguration balls as if they were straight out of charm school.

Tonight, we saw two people who didn’t come from wealth or power, and weren’t brought up with butlers and drivers.  Tonight, we saw two real people who came from Middle America, where most of us reside.  Tonight, it wasn’t a stuffy awkward ordeal, but a testament to solidarity.

Instead, we saw a man who right off the bat shouted, “First of all, how good-looking is my wife?”  We saw beautiful awkwardness as they took the stage together, because they weren’t forced into dance lessons and schooled in how to be “proper” at a ball.  We saw them look at each other, and cling to each other a little tighter, as if saying, “Don’t you leave me here alone, because I cannot do this without you by my side.”  When he looks into her eyes, you can see that she is looking back.  We saw a man who isn’t ashamed to tell the world how much he loves his wife.

If the Obama family does nothing else but to teach us how to strengthen our marriages and be parents to our children, then he has already done this country a great service.  If the only new trend is that people want to stick it out through thick and thin, then we are winning a war in our own country and saving thousands of children from being casualties of divorce.

Michelle Obama was beautiful, as always, in her white chiffon skirted dress by Jason Wu.  She showed America that it’s okay to be sexy and that you can do it with elegance.  Sexy doesn’t have to be super thin, cleavage, and short skirts.  When you look at Michelle Obama, you see a strong confident woman who is comfortable in her own skin.

Beyonce, who performed ‘At last’ with Etta James, saw the strength of the bond between them.  They symbolize strength, unity, and change, and it brought Beyonce to tears to witness such a beautiful moment.

Here’s to the Obamas!  May President Obama be a tool in God’s hands as he works tirelessly to save our country from sinking.  May Michelle be the spark in his eye as he fights for change.  May they stand together as a pillar of strength and a beacon of light for the world to see.  Let them be an example to American families on how to bind together through thick and thin so we can weather any storm.  Let us all take lessons from them on how to be better parents to our children.  Good luck and Godspeed President Obama. 

Newport is the perfect 2008 holiday getaway with off-season discounts at area hotels and the Nye Beach Holiday Celebration.

The neighbors and merchants of Historic Nye Beach have put together a festival that you’ll remember for all of your days chalked full of music, decorations, lights, entertainment, hot chocolate, Saint Nick, and even Chestnut roasting.

Schedule:

• December 5^th, 12^th, and 19^th-Music and vocal entertainment from 4-6 p.m.

• December 6^th-Ladies Night Out-music and vocals, create a wish list at Nye Beach

Merchants, VAC 25^th Anniversary 5p.m.-6:30p.m., And the push pin show

• December 13^th-Art and Wine Walk, music and vocals, Chestnut Roasting and Café

Mundo

• December 20^th-Men’s Day/Night out, find your wife’s wish list, music and vocals,

Entertainment, Chestnut Roasting at Café Mundo

• Every Saturday-Saint Nick will be there spreading holiday cheer

Stay in one of LaQuinta’s beautiful rooms during your visit to Newport and relax in the hot tub, take a swim in the pool, and then dream the night away on one of their famous comfortable beds in rooms starting as low as $79.00*plus tax.  Find them on the web here.

<a href=”http://technorati.com/claim/imx29gbddv” rel=”me”>Technorati Profile</a>

Lincoln
City

*The events in each city will be on July 4th unless otherwise noted.

• Moe’s-If you’re looking for a larger fireworks display, head out to Taft onSiletz
  Bay.  Enjoy a bowl of Moe’s famous clam chowder, or cook over the bonfire. 
• Over 21 party-There’s a party at Roadhouse 101 before and after the fireworks display, but only if you’re over 21.  Drink responsibly.
• Fireworks Display-The fireworks will launch overSiletz
  Bay at dusk.
• For more information, call (800)452-2151
• Can’t find it? 
  Check Google Maps Lincoln City, Oregon

Gleneden
Beach-

• 4^th of July Pancake Breakfast-Join the folks at the Gleneden Beach Community Center from 8-11 am for all the pancakes you can eat, along with scrambled eggs, sausage or ham, orange juice, and coffee.  Admission is $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for children 4-10, and free for the little ones. 

• Craft Fair-Explore the booths of over 40 vendors showing their stuff.  There will be music, clowns, food, and more.  For more information, contact Louise at (541)764-3203
• Parade- Find a spot along
  
  Gleneden Beach Loop Road

  to watch the biggest little parade celebration.  The parade starts at the Fire Hall.  It includes floats, and even a marching band.  For more information, call (800)428-5533

• Can’t find it? 
  Check Google Maps Gleneden Beach, Oregon

Depoe
Bay

• The festivities inDepoe
  Bay will be held July 3^rd, 2008.

• Shuttle bus-Don’t avoid watching the fireworks shoot overBoiler
  Bay because you’re worried about parking.  There will be a shuttle running on Hwy 101 between the Whistle Stop gas station and the park.  There will be 11 stops along the way, and they will be clearly marked with signs.  The shuttle will run from 5pm to 11pm.
• Riptide BBQ-One of the stops along the shuttle route is Riptide BBQ, which will sell lunch boxes for the park, and will remain open after the fireworks.
• Depoe
  Bay Winery-The Depoe Bay Winery will remain open after the fireworks.  For more info call (541)765-3311
• Fireworks-The fireworks display will be exploding at dusk fromBoiler
  Bay.  There will be concessions, or pack some of your own goodies, and enjoy the show!
• For more information call (877)485-8348
• Can’t find it? 
  Check Google Maps Depoe Bay, Oregon

Newport

• Newport Symphony Orchestra-The Newport Symphony Orchestra will be holding a free concert at 4pm atNewport
  High school.  There is no cost for this concert.
• Fireworks-Newport’s fireworks will be shot overYaquina
  Bay.  Find your spot along the bay front,South
  Beach, or down river to watch the extravaganza.  In honor of
  Newport’s 125 years, the grand finale will include 125 explosions.
• For more information, call (541)265-8801
• July 5^th, 2008-Stay for the whole weekend, and experience the Nye Beach Clambake and Seafood BBQ.  There will be food, live music, dancing, children’s parade, vendors, and tons of fun.  A free shuttle will run from the Nye Beach Turnaround to the parking areas at the Clambake.  It’s sure to be a memory maker.
• Can’t find it? Check Google Maps Newport, Oregon

Waldport

• Fireworks-The big show happens over Alsea
  Bay July 3^rd, 2008 at dusk.  Get there early to get a good spot.
• Can’t find it? Check Google Maps Waldport, Oregon

Yachats

• Parade-Kick off Independence Day with the 13^th annual Yachats “La De Da” Parade.  The parade will start at the Yachats Commons on W 4^th Street and Hwy 101 at noon, and will head west on 4^th Street to Ocean View Drive, and finally it will turn south and east to Beach Street where it will end at the Yachats Post Office.  A little bird told me to get there early to get the best spot on the lawn ofYachats
  State Park at the west end of
  
  2^nd Street

  . 

• Pie and Ice Cream Social-From 11am-3pm, the Yachats Ladies Club will host an old fashioned Pie and Ice Cream Social on W 3^rd and Pontiac, one block west on 3^rd off of Hwy 101.
• 2^nd Annual Duck for Kids Race-1,000 rubber duckies will be dropped from theYachats
  River
  Bridge at 2:30pm.  Why?  They’re racing, of course!  Watch from the beach below as the rubber duckies fight for the winning spot in this year’s race.  The first ones across the finish line will win prizes.  How can you get a duckie, you ask?  Call (541)563-4898.  You can sponsor a duck for $5.00, or three for $10.00.  All proceeds will support Yachats Youth and Family Activities Programming.  For more information, call (541)547-4599.
• Wine Tasting-The Wine Place will have wine tasting from 1-5pm.
• Music, Dancing, and Vendors-There will be live music, dancing, belly dancing, food, vendors, and events all day all throughout town. 
• Fireworks-When the sun goes down, the fireworks go up overYachats
  Bay.  The show will be the perfect topper for the event filled day.
• Can’t find it?  Check Google Maps Yachats, Oregon

Oregon is not only unique in it’s diversity of terrain, it’s also unique in it’s diversity of Independence Day Celebrations.  Weather you’re travelling the coast, or watching the fireworks display in the Portland Area,  you’re in for a treat like no other.  Here are some North Coast clebrations:

Astoria

• Liberate the Ales Festival- Held at Fort George Brewery + Public House in Astoria, the Liberate the Ales Festival is welcome to all ages, and for no cover charge, enjoy a beer garden, with an expansive selection of beers, music, dancing, and a BBQ.

• Fireworks- Fireworks will be held over the
  Columbia River.  They will be shot from the East End   

Mooring Basin at 37th Street.  Be sure to get there early to get a good spot, and enjoy the explosions after the sun goes down.

• Call (800)875-6807 for more information

• Can’t find it?  Check Google Maps Astoria, Oregon

Warrenton-

• Ft Stevens will be hosting some special events, visit their website for more information, or call (503)561-1470.  http://www.visitftstevens.com./events.htm

• Family Fun Fair-The Family Fun Fair will be held at City
  Park in Warrenton from Noon to 7:00 in the evening.  There will be vendors, live music, a petting zoo, inflatable play structures, games, and races for all ages.  The Warrenton Fire Department will have a BBQ at the fire station starting at noon.

• Parade- A parade will go through downtown Warrenton starting at 3pm on Main Street between 2nd and 9th.  Call (800)875-6807 for more information

• Can’t find it?  Check Google Maps Warrenton, Oregon

Seaside

• Parade- The Museum Society will hold an old fashion Independence Day Parade beginning at 11 in the morning

• American Flag Cake Testing- There will be cake served in front of the Pacific Crest Cottage at Noon.  It’s first come-first serve, so make sure you get a bite!  For more info, go to http://www.pacificcrestcottage.com/.

• Old Fashion social- An Old Fashion Social will be held at the Seaside Museum & Historical Society from Noon-4 pm.

• Oregon Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corp. - The Oregon Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corp. will be holding a free concert at Quatat
  Park at 3 pm after marching across the Promenade.

• 4th of July Street Fair-   The Street Fair on Broadway will start at Noon and go until 8 pm.  There will be face painting, a petting zoo, activities, vendors, and entertainment all day.

• Fireworks- Seaside sets off the largest fireworks display on the Oregon
  Coast at dark.  The show will be set to music which will be broadcast along the Promenade and on local radio station KSWB AM 840.  The display also includes a “Fireworks Free Zone” on the beach incase your family doesn’t want to be in a crowded area where spectators are lighting their own personal displays. 

• For more information, call (800)444-6740, or visit the Seaside Visitors Bureau.

• Beach Clean Up- SOLV will be holding a post Firework beach clean-up on July 5, 2008.  With July 4th falling on a Friday, it’s expected that there will be a large jump in tourist visiting the Oregon Coast.  If you are spending the weekend in the Seaside area, spend some time helping us keep the beaches clean.

• Can’t find it?  Check Google Maps Seaside, Oregon

Cannon
Beach

• Independence Day Parade- The Cannon Beach Independence Day Parade, on July 4th, starts at 11am.  This parade features the infamous Lawn Chair Drill Team that also doubles as a kazoo band.  Right after the parade begins, weather permitting, the parade will include a flyover by two F-15’s from the Oregon Air National Guard.  The parade will begin at 11am at Spruce and
  Monroe streets where it will begin by traveling north on Spruce to 3rd where it will head south on Hemlock and back to the Legion hall. 

• Veteran’s Open House- There will be an open house for veterans at the Legion Hall.  For more information, contact the Legion Hall at (503)436-2973.

• Fireworks- Due to the bird sanctuaries on Haystack Rock, there will be no fireworks display, and personal fireworks are banned from the beach completely, but Seaside is just a short jaunt up Hwy 101 from Cannon Beach, so don’t despair about missing a big display.

• Can’t find it?  Check  Google Maps Cannon Beach