Portland Parents

Memorial Day

There’s a lot of love in the world, and it’s all concentrated into the little explosions of flavor we call Oregon Strawberries. To get the freshest, most delicious, most intense specimens, you should visit one of the zillions of Farmers Markets in the Portland area.

You can find a list here, or just drive randomly around until you find them. I’ve also had good luck outside the Costco near the Airport and on Skyline road at Cornell.

While you’re there, get an assortment of yummy vegetables for a light and summery pasta primavera; saute 2 cups of vegetables (I like 1 cup of Broccoli, 1/2 cup of Zucchini, 1/2 cup of spinach) until they’re tender, mix in about 2 ounces of cooked chicken, and toss with 1/2 cup of tomato sauce and about 1 cup of angel hair pasta.

Also, Oregon-grown Asparagus grills superbly.

Looking for fun things for your child to do this summer? Audubon Society of Portland’s Summer Camps are a fantastic way for your child to spend a week exploring the wonders of nature. As of May 15th, the following camps are still available for this Summer:

For kids going into 1st grade:
July 17-21: Homing in on Habitat
August 28-September 1: Raptor Rama

For kids going into 2nd-3rd grade:
July 24-28: Backyard Birds 1
August 7-11: Backyard Birds 2

For kids going into 4th-5th grade:
July 24-28: Opal Creek 1 (overnight)

For kids going into 6th-8th grade:
June 26-30: Animal Tracking (partial overnight)
July 10-14: Marine Biology (This camp also open to kids entering 5th grade)
July 17-21: Opal Creek 2 (overnight)
July 24-28: Herpetology 103 (overnight)
July 31-August 4: Fire, Sticks and Stones (overnight)
August 7-11: In the Hood (overnight)
August 13-18: San Juan 2 (overnight)
August 21-25: Coast Kayak Camp (overnight)

For kids going into 9th-12th grade:
July 10-14: Opal Creek 3 (overnight)
July 23-29: Olympic Backpacker (overnight)
August 6-12: San Juan 1 (overnight)
August 21-25: Survivor (overnight)

For more information about these camps, please visit audobonportland.org

One of the neatest parties in Portland is tomorrow at 9:30 AM- the Doggie Dash. Over 2000 Portland Dogs will converge on the Waterfront park with their bipedal friends and celebrate. Come for the races, stay for the costumes. There’s a 2 mile fun run/walk that everyone can feel good about and a contest for most similar dog and owner.

doggie dash

Your chance to influence our future and our kids’ future looms. Take a close look at the candidates, fill in your ballots, and send them in.

For a progressive look at your ballot, we recommend the Willamette Week lineup. But here you go for our picks.

First, though he’s been quiet as a governor, we want to keep Ted Kulongoski. He’s realizing how badly our state is in the toilet with regards to attracting businesses and educating our kids. Ron Saxton, if you’re a Republican, served on the Portland School Board for four years.

The race between Sten and Burdick has been interesting. On one hand, I believe in public-funded elections. I believe that the vast amounts of money that corporations have been able to ‘rent’ the candidates with are tainting our state and federal politics. I have to admit that when the Burdick commercials reminding us that Sten “has taken taxpayer money from schools and health care,” I was initially swayed. However, upon reflection, I realized what they were actually saying– that Ginny Burdick has taken money from people and from corporations in order to finance her campaign. Apart from that, Sten is smart, strong, and determined. Vote for Erik Sten.

On Saturday, May 13, St. Johns will welcome its 44th annual parade. While not directly affiliated with the Rose Festival, the parade is usually the first time the Ambassador Court, comprised of one student representing each of the City’s eight high schools is seen together, and typically kicks off the festival season with a bang.

The parade begins at noon at N Burr and N Lombard Streets (need Roosevelt school) and works its way to the St. Johns Community Center over the course of two hours. This year, 90-plus entrants are expected, ranging from clowns to churches.

Thanks to the Sentinel