How does a parent distinguish between a relatively minor illness and a serious illness such as cancer?

If a child has any of the following symptoms that are persistent, seek immediate medical attention. Of course, these symptoms can occur for reasons other than serious illness.  Do not hesitate to seek second opinions if a doctor is not able to determine the cause.

• Fever
• Fatigue, listlessness or pallor
• Swelling or lumps anywhere on the body
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Change in disposition, e.g. whining or crying spells, unusual irritability
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Regression of toilet habits
• Stumbling of toilet habits
• Stumbling or falling
• Double vision or other eye problems
• Easy and frequent bruising
• Nosebleeds or bleeding from any part of the body

Because children may ignore or not recognize symptoms of illness, or be too young to communicate them, parents or caretakers should make certain children have regular medical check-ups and be alert to signs that indicate something might be seriously wrong.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Linn City, Oregon

Linn City was a community in Clackamas County, Oregon, United States, that existed from 1843-1861. The former site of Linn City was incorporated into the city of West Linn.

History

Robert Moore founded Linn City in 1843, near the banks of the Willamette River. Originally, the town was platted on about 50 acres (200,000 m²) of land. By 1845 the town had two log houses and a number of tents. Later, by 1846, the town’s citizens had constructed fifteen homes. In addition, Linn City was home to a tavern, a chair manufacturer, a cabinet shop, a gunsmith shop, and a wagon shop.^[1]

The town grows

Over the next few years Linn City grew. In 1849 the town held a hotel and two general stores among its businesses. The same year, James Moore, Robert’s son, built a lumber mill and a gristmill. The mills provided at least twenty jobs to the people of Linn City. The mill complexes sprawled over the landscape. Many of the mill buildings were connected by docks nearly one mile in length. The town’s post office opened in 1850, the same year that Robert Moore founded the local newspaper, the Spectator.

During the California Gold Rush, the men of Linn City began to leave in search of gold. A couple of years passed and the same men who left Linn City returned, many of them with their fortunes. Some of the miners were so rich they refused to work and began to spend the money that their gold hauls brought in. Money changed hands quickly as many gambling tables became available all over town. It was during these years that Linn City was at its height.^[1]

The flood

The demise of Linn City came as a surprise over several months in 1861. During October a heavy and constant rain began to fall. Though heavy rains during October in Oregon are not out of the ordinary, the rain that continued into November was. By the end of November, the Willamette River overflowed its banks. By December, the water had risen over some of the town’s streets. Citizens watched, helpless, from their windows as the water rose at a rate of nearly one foot per hour. The resulting great flood destroyed Linn City. The walls of the houses and stores began to shudder and cave in. Other buildings were picked up and swept away by the powerful deluge. When the flood ended on December 14, only three homes remained standing in Linn City.

No one died in the Linn City flood, but the destruction was simply too great for the town to recover. The citizens gathered what few possessions were not swept away by the floodwaters and moved out of town. Linn City was abandoned as a ghost town. Today the city of West Linn stands about where Linn City once was.

Thomas, Mike. “Linn City, Oregon: A Victim of Nature’s Wrath”. Bureau of Land Management. Retrieved June 1, 2011.

Contributed by Mike Thomas

When towns become ghost towns, it’s usually because people lost jobs or moved away to find better work. Seldom do people abandon thriving, growing towns while at their height. The town of Linn City, Oregon was different.

A man named Robert Moore founded Linn City near the Willamette River in 1843. When it began, the town was about fifty acres in size. In 1845 the town had two log houses and a large number of tents. By 1846 the settlers had built fifteen houses. People who worked for Moore lived in the houses. Additionally, Linn City had a tavern, a chair manufacturer, a cabinet shop, a gunsmith shop, and a wagon shop.

During the next few years the town continued to grow. By 1849 there was a hotel and two general stores. That same year, James Moore, Robert’s son, built a lumber mill to saw logs and a gristmill, for grinding grain. The mills were large enough to employ at least twenty laborers. Docks that were nearly a mile long connected the mill buildings. The following year the town got a post office and Robert Moore started a town newspaper, the Spectator.

The men of Linn City lived very interesting lives. Around 1848 they began to leave the town in search of gold in California. Within two years, many of them returned home with fortunes. Once back in Linn City, they refused to work. They had plenty of gold dust and they knew where to find more, if that ran out. With this attitude, most of them just loafed around. They knew that if their money didn’t hold out they could just go back and make another haul, or get work in California. The men became very carefree. They spent their money wildly and lived recklessly. Gambling tables were active all over town and money changed hands quickly and constantly. For the next few years, Linn City was in its heyday.

But thirteen years later, a natural disaster spelled the end of Linn City. In October 1861, a heavy, constant rain began falling. This was not unusual for that time of year in Oregon; but the next month the rain continued to fall. It rained almost constantly. By the end of November the Willamette River was overflowing its banks. By December 2, water was rising over some of the town’s streets. Frightened citizens peered from the windows of their houses as the water rose at the rate of almost a foot per hour. Soon, the flood’s force became so great that walls of houses and stores began to cave in. Some businesses and houses were literally picked up and swept away. On December 14, the flood ended and the waters finally subsided. Only three houses remained in Linn City.

The flood was finally over, and no one was killed by it. The destruction it caused was too great for the town to recover. The people took what little possessions they had left and moved away. The town was completely abandoned. Its citizens began new lives elsewhere. Today you will find West Linn in about the same place as Linn City was.

No one knows how long the Oregon town would have survived, or how much it would have grown. But because of a rainstorm that started out harmlessly and refused to end, Linn City, Oregon lived and died within a brief 18-year period.

About Robert Moore (Oregon pioneer)

Robert Moore (October 2, 1781-September 2, 1857) was an American politician and pioneer in the Oregon Country. A Pennsylvania native and veteran of the War of 1812, he also participated in the early movements to form a government in Oregon Country and founded Linn City, Oregon. Before traveling to Oregon in 1840 he had served in the Missouri General Assembly.

Early life

Robert Moore was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on October 2, 1781.^[1] In 1805, Moore married Margaret Clark,^[2] and they would have ten children.^[1] In the east he served as a soldier in the War of 1812^[3] before moving to the Midwest where he helped to found several towns and built several businesses.^[1] The Moores would move to Illinois where Robert left the family to immigrate to Oregon Country.^[1] Margaret would die in 1848 in Missouri.^[1]

[edit] Oregon

Robert Moore traveled to Oregon over the Oregon Trail in 1839.^[3] He started out with the Farnham party from Peoria, Illinois, known as the Peoria Party.^[3] Moore joined the Shortess party briefly after the Peoria Party split at Bent’s Fort.^[2] He arrived in Oregon 1840 at Willamette Falls.^[3] Three of his ten children also immigrated west.^[2]

In 1840, after arriving, Moore began building Robin’s Nest across the river from Oregon City.^[4] He purchased the 1,000 acres (4.0 km²) from a local Native American chief named Wanaxha.^[1] The town was later renamed Linn City in honor of Missouri Senator Lewis Linn who sponsored the Donation Land Claim Act.^[4] By 1845, Moore was also operating a ferry across the Willamette River to Oregon City.^[4]

Politics

Moore’s political career began in Missouri where he was elected to the state house in 1830 to represent Ste. Genevieve County.^[5][6] In Oregon on February 18, 1841, Moore was selected to a constitutional committee by fellow pioneers in an early and failed attempt at forming a provisional government. Though a constitution was never adopted, Dr. Ira L. Babcock was selected to serve as a supreme judge with probate powers to deal with the estate of prominent pioneer Ewing Young, while Moore was chosen as a justice of the peace.

Then at the July 5, 1843, Champoeg Meeting Moore participated and voted in favor of forming a provisional government. The proposal passed 52 to 50, leading to the creation of the Provisional Government. Robert Moore was selected for the legislative committee that same year to draft the Organic Laws of Oregon.

Later years

In 1848, the region south of the 49th degree of latitude became the United States’ Oregon Territory. In 1850, Robert Moore was appointed as territorial printer. From 1850 to 1851 Moore was the owner of the Oregon Spectator newspaper based out of Oregon City. Also in 1850, Moore became the postmaster for the community. He also advocated for the property rights of Dr. John McLoughlin, whose land holdings in Oregon City were denied in the Donation Land Act of 1850. Moore remarried in 1851 to Jane Gilbert Tubbs Apperson. In 1854, a fire destroyed much of Linn City, so the business district was relocated to the west and the city became West Linn. The rest of the city was destroyed by a fire in 1861 before flooding that December wiped out what remained. Robert Moore died on September 2, 1857, at the age of 75.

LAKE OSWEGO - The Lake Oswego High School drama department will kick off it production of “Grease” today in the school auditorium.

The play is based on the 1978 movie — starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John — about young love in a 1950s high school setting.

This show was based on a 1971 musical by Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs.

The cast, directed by drama teacher Bob McGranahan, features Andrew Nitsche as Danny and Danielle Dirkx as Sandy. His helpers include choir teacher Cole Blume, band director Dave Matthis, choreographer Lisa Zandy, and accompanist Signe Lusk. Greg Tamblyn is technical advisor and Sherry Barch, Harvey Goodling, Demetri Pavlatos, and Chris Whitten are responsible for costumes, set design, lighting, sound, and other stagecraft.

Show times are at 7 p.m. Thursdays and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 19 at 2501 Country Club Drive. Tickets are $12 general admission, $8 for students and senior citizens, and $5 for ages 5 and younger. For reservations, visit www.lodrama.org

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WILSONVILLE — The Book Notes Concert Series at the Wilsonville Public Library continues Saturday with a concert by the Trashcan Joe band.

The free event will be at 2 p.m. at 8200 S.W. Wilsonville Road.

Soaring vocal harmonies and modern song writing set in a soundscape harkening to the early jazz area, Trashcan Joe has a unique sound with a broad appeal.

The fact that their instruments are made from recycled and found objects is quickly lost to their stellar musicianship.

Cap’n James Cook, the band’s creator, offers this definition:

Trashcanjo n. [trash kan jo] A banjo made out of a trashcan. Ideology based on maximum musical output from recycled minimum input. Coffee brewed in a trash can.

The band also features Mike Danner, Jason Wells and Yascha Noonberg.

For a schedule of library events, visit www.wilsonville.lib.or.us or call 503-682-2744.

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CANBY

Lunch and Learn Presentation: Is stress ruling your life? Dr. David Duemling offers tips on how to reduce stress, have more energy and live longer. Duemling is a 1989 graduate of Western States Chiropractic College and has owned Family Chiropractic at NW Wellness Center since 1991. Noon-1 p.m. Thu, Nov. 10. The Place To Be Cafe, 190 N.W. Second Ave., Canby; free seminar, 20 percent discount on no-host lunch; reservations required; www.theplacetobecafe.com or 503-263-8293

Music in the Stacks: The Johnson Creek Band performs everything from early classical to Rossini and Debussy to Joplin rags to Dixieland. 2:30 p.m. Sat, Nov. 12. Canby Public Library, 292 N. Holly St., Canby; free; www.ci.canby.or.us/Canbylibrary/library.htm or 503-266-3394

The Four Aces: Four vocalists and three musicians, led by original member Fred Diodati, perform rock hits from the 1950s with a slice of comedy. 7:30 p.m. Mon, Nov. 14. Richard R. Brown Fine Arts Center, 721 S.W. Fourth Ave., Canby; $20; www.liveonstage.biz or Diane Brown, Canby Community Concert Association, 503-266-9574

CLACKAMAS

North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce: Women in Networking luncheon features Cheryl Myers, who will share information regarding economic solutions for women. Men also welcome. 11:15 a.m. Thu, Nov. 10. Clackamas Banquet & Catering Center, 15815 S.E. 82nd Drive, Clackamas; $15-$30; registration required; www.yourchamber.com or 503-654-7777

“Bye Bye Birdie”: The Clackamas High School drama department presents the Broadway musical about a rock singer who travels to a small Ohio town to make his “farewell” television performance and kiss his biggest fan before he is drafted.

Show times are at 7 p.m. Thu-Sat, 3 p.m. Sun, Nov. 11-20 at Clackamas High School, 14486 S.E. 122nd Ave. in Clackamas. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens, ages 62 and older.

For reservations, visit www.seatyourself.biz/clackamas or call 503-353-5806.

HAPPY VALLEY

Vegetarian Pizza Sampler for Teens: Hands-on cooking class taught by Terina Chapman and Eileen Hawes for ages 13-16. 4-6 p.m. Thu, Nov. 10. New Seasons Market, 15861 N.E. Happy Valley Town Center Drive, Happy Valley; $30; registration required; www.newseasonsmarket.com or 503-558-9214

Santa at Clackamas Town Center: Visit Santa Nov. 12-Dec. 24. Noon-6 p.m. Sun, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon-Sat, through Nov. 23 (closed Thanksgiving); 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri, Nov. 25; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon-Sat, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun, Nov. 26-Dec. 23; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Santa takes breaks 1-2 p.m. and 5-5:30 p.m. Mon-Sat (12:30-1:30 p.m. Dec. 24) and 2-3 p.m. Sun. Clackamas Town Center, 12000 S.E. 82nd Ave., Happy Valley; www.clackamastowncenter.com or 503-653-6913

American Girl Club: Themed stories, books and kits are featured. Monthly 3 p.m. the second Sun. Barnes & Noble Clackamas Town Center, 12000 S.E. 82nd Ave., Happy Valley; free; www.barnesandnoble.com or 503-786-3464

LAKE OSWEGO

New “Twilight” Movie Celebration: Students in grades 7-12 are invited to gear up for the upcoming movie release of “Breaking Dawn” with a team trivia contest for prizes playing the DVD game “Twilight Saga Scene It?”; free pizza and beverages, and a chance to get photos taken with life-size cardboard stand-ups of characters Jacob and Edward (for posting to the Lake Oswego Library Teens Facebook page). Reservations recommended. 6-8 p.m. Thu, Nov. 10. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; 503-697-6580

Bubblies and Other Holiday Wines: Casual tasting of six-eight wines with appetizers. 5-8 p.m. Fri, Nov. 11. World Class Wines, 269 A. Ave., Lake Oswego; $10, with optional $5 bonus pours; www.worldclasswinesoregon.com or 503-974-9841

Parents Happy Hour: Take a much-need night out while your children, ages 2-7, are under the watchful eye of trained professionals. Kids are kept busy with a light dinner, games and learning activities. Weekly 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fri, and monthly 5:30-8:30 p.m. third and fourth Sat, through Dec. 17. PLAY Boutique, 332 First St., Lake Oswego; $25-$30 per session, plus $15-$20 for each additional sibling; www.playboutique.com or 503-962-0350

A Music and Movement Show: Nigel Smith, a cast member of the PBS kids show “Between the Lions,” inspires kids to get up and dance. The award-winning recording artist founded Fundamentals of Music and Movement in 2002, an arts program used by more than 100 early education centers nationwide. 11 a.m. Sat, Nov. 12. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; www.ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628

Kids in the Kitchen: A parent and child, ages 6 and older, learn to make a winter garden pizza using local and seasonal produce in the hands-on cooking class. Registration required. 2-5 p.m. Sat, Nov. 12. Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road, West Linn; $38-$43 per family; www.lakeoswegoparks.org or Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation, 503-675-2549

South Shore Artists Exhibition: Art by more than 30 artists, including paintings, wood turning, photography, fused glass, pottery and weaving. Nov. 4. Show and sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun, Nov. 5-6. Lake Oswego United Methodist Church, 1855 S. Shore Blvd., Lake Oswego; free; gbgm-umc.org or 503-636-8423

Fundamentals of Roasting: Hands-on cooking class with Jeremy Niehuss. 5 p.m. Sat, Nov. 12. In Good Taste, 6302 S.W. Meadows Road, Lake Oswego; $95; reservations required; www.ingoodtastestore.com or 503-248-2015

High School Art Show: Students from Lake Oswego and Lakeridge high schools display paintings, drawings, environmental sculpture images, prints, mixed media pieces and other works. During library hours through Nov. 30. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St., Lake Oswego; free; www.ci.oswego.or.us/library or 503-636-7628

Classical Pub: Delphinium Quartet performs. 6:30 p.m. Sun, Nov. 13. McMenamins West Linn, 2090 S.W. Eighth Ave., West Linn; free; www.mcmenamins.com or 503-656-2970

Music in the Stacks: The Spodee-os play vintage acoustic blues, with a repertoire that reaches from the 1920s to the 1960s. 6:30 p.m. Mon, Nov. 14. West Linn Public Library, 1595 Burns St., West Linn; free; http://westlinnoregon.gov/library/music-stacks-spodee-os or 503-656-7853

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BY HOLLY JOHNSON/SPECIAL TO THE OREGONIAN

LAKE OSWEGO — Inspired by the 1954 movie starring Bing Crosby, “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” the patriotic 2004 holiday musical about post-World War II show biz is as thinly plotted and schmaltzy as the film. But Berlin’s warm and clever songs make the evening glow, and the Lakewood cast offers early Christmas cheer in the form of tap-dancing show-stoppers and high-energy chorus numbers crisply choreographed by Joel Walker (who also plays a principal role).

This is Busby Berkeley on a budget, yet the Lake Oswego company makes it rich and appealing with charming sets by Gene Dent and a profusion of colorful vintage costumes (mainly red) designed by Allison Dawe.

If you know “White Christmas” with the incomparable Rosemary Clooney as Crosby’s love interest and Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen as the second couple, this show follows the same story. Two army buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis (Thomas Lindsley and Walker) who oddly enough, looks like a young Fred Astaire) team up when they’re out of the service to form a famous entertainment act. They’re all set to take the train to Florida for an engagement, but then they meet the Haynes sisters, another performing duo, and Phil decides they should follow them to tiny but picturesque Pinetree, Vermont. Unbeknownst to Bob, they hop a train going in the opposite direction, up to snow country as Christmas approaches.

Judy Haynes, played with high-energy sparkle by Mia Crivello, has captured Phil’s heart – they dance so well together, which is mostly what matters here – so he can’t let her go. It’s a bit different with handsome Bob and glamorous Betty Haynes (the lovely Leah Yorkston), who naturally are destined for each other. They get off to a bad start, and even when they have one pleasant evening together, where they supposedly fall in love, it’s hard to believe even afterward that love is in the air. The two still seem remote.

But, hey, we’re here for the excitement of putting on a show in a Vermont barn. We’re here for the songs, and they’re wonderful, helped along by a fine off-stage band conducted by Stephen Alexander. “Blue Skies” is a cleverly choreographed number featuring the talented chorus; “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” features Phil and Judy as they convincingly (though quickly) fall in love on the dance floor; and “How Deep is the Ocean,” Berlin’s best love song, sets the tone for romance. Of course, there’s the signature tune, “White Christmas,” which Lindsley performs with tenderness and simple panache.

A girl-trio selection, “Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun,” is a lesser-known highlight about the perks of love, delivered by Crivello, Yorkston and the appealing Annie Kaiser as the outspoken Vermont innkeeper Martha Watson. Another bright note is young Brooke Gatto, a visitor to the inn who gets bit by the show-biz bug. As her uncle, General Henry Waverly, Bruce Blanchard, slows down the show’s pace a bit with too many pauses, but he does a fine sketch of a general, still in love with his general persona after retirement.

Turning popular films, even chestnuts, into musicals is old hat by now. Transforming movies to the stage that are musicals in the first place can be tricky because the medium is so different, and the transitions are tougher to make on stage than on celluloid. Director Dan Murphy could tighten this show a bit.

Still, it’s a lot of fun, and will be even more palatable as Christmas approaches. It seemed odd that the audience was asked to join in a sing-along of “White Christmas,” with Thanksgiving barely around the corner. But that’s show business.

MILWAUKIE

The New Century Players will kick off its production of “The Bad Seed” tonight in the Blackbox Theater.

The 1956 American horror-thriller film was based upon a play (of the same name) by Maxwell Anderson, which in turn was based upon William March’s 1954 novel.

The story features 9-year-old Rhoda Penmark, who seems like a sweet and charming young girl full of old-fashioned graces, loved by her parents, and admired by her elders.

But Rhoda’s mother has an uneasy feeling. When one of Rhoda’s schoolmates is mysteriously drowned at a picnic, her mother becomes alarmed. The dead boy was the one who had won the penmanship medal that Rhoda felt she deserved.

The cast, directed by David Bliss, features Anna Jane Bishop as Rhoda, Steve Mattsson as Kenneth Penmark, Kelley Marchant as Christine Penmark, Chris Shields as Monica Breedlove, John Whitehouse as Emory, Brian Joines as LeRoy, Mary Weigel as Miss Fern, Steve Taulbee as Reginald Tasker, Sarah Ominski as Mrs. Daigle, Seth Haas as Mr. Daigle, Johnathan Ladd as Messenger, and Dave Rianda as Richard Bravo.

Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 10-12; at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14; and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Nov.16-19, at Rex Putnam High School, 4950 S.E. Roethe Road.

Tickets are $18 general admission and $12 for students and senior citizens, or $5 for students on Nov. 16. For reservations, visit www.NewCenturyPlayers.org or call 503-367-2620.

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Gluten-free Holiday Desserts: Pastry chef Kyra Bussanich shows how to prepare holiday treats. 5-7 p.m. Thu, Nov. 10. Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Cooking School, 5000 S.E. International Way, Milwaukie; $40; registration required; www.bobsredmill.com or 971-206-2208

“The Bad Seed”: New Century Players presents the creepy thriller. Opens 7:30 p.m. Thu, Nov. 10, and continues 7:30 p.m. Thu-Sat, 2 p.m. Sun, through Nov. 19. Rex Putnam High School, 4950 S.E. Roethe Road, Milwaukie; $12-$18; www.newcenturyplayers.org or 503-367-2620

Fall Arts and Crafts: Ages 5 and older. 2 p.m. Sat, Nov. 12. Milwaukie Ledding Library, 10660 S.E. 21st Ave., Milwaukie; free; www.milwaukie.lib.or.us or 503-786-7580

Clackamas County Master Gardeners: Mike Stewart of Dover Nursery on rhododendrons. 7-8 p.m. Mon, Nov. 14. Milwaukie Center, 5440 S.E. Kellogg Creek Drive, Milwaukie; www.milwaukiecenter.com or 503-653-8100 

“Get Me Through the Holidays: 10 Strategies for Coping With Loss”: Information and support for coping with a loss during the holiday season and other important days. Registration suggested. 2 p.m. Tue, Nov. 15. Providence Milwaukie Hospital, 10150 S.E. 32nd Ave., Milwaukie; free; 503-215-4639

OREGON CITY

“Our Town”: Thornton Wilder won his second Pulitzer Prize for his 1938 character story about an average town’s citizens in the early 20th century as depicted through their everyday lives (particularly George Gibbs, a doctor’s son, and Emily Webb, the daughter of the town’s newspaper editor and George’s future wife).

Wilder sets the play in a 1930s theater and uses the actions of the stage manager to create the town of Grover’s Corners between the years of 1901 and 1913.

Show times area at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday through Nov. 20 in the Osterman Theatre at Clackamas Community College, 19600 S. Molalla Ave.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and ages 62 and older.

For reservations, visit www.theatreccc.org or call 503-594-3153.

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The Krayon Kids Musical Theater Company will continue its production of the musical “Foiled:! A Frantic Fairy Tale” at 7 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 11-18; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 13-19; and 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 13-20.

Shows are held in the Barclay Community Theater, 817 12th St.

The play — about villains who experience failure — features familiar songs, dance productions, comedy, acrobatics, and a few surprises.

View full sizeKrayon KidsClair Newrones (from left). Whitney Wells and Annie Johnson are “The Gotch’a Girls” in the Krayon Kids Musical Theatre Company’s production of “Foiled! A Frantic Fairy Tale.”

“The cast of nearly 60 local children, ages 6 to 17, will charm and amaze audiences of all ages with this witty, musical,” said parent volunteer Ann Adrian in an email.

“It’s fast-paced entertainment, extravagant costumes, and an original script doused with humor and warm, heartfelt messages.”

Tickets are $15 general admission or $10 for children and senior citizens. For reservations, visit www.krayonkids.org or call 503-656-6099.
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Job-seeker Workshop: Writing a Resume: Teresa Baldwin discusses resume basics, including how to create one, what information to put in it, different resume styles, and how to make your resume stand out. First come, first seated. Regular library services will not be available during the program. 6:45 p.m. Thu, Nov. 10. Oregon City Public Library, 606 John Adams St., Oregon City; free; www.orcity.org/library/job-seeking-skills-workshop-series or 503-657-8269

Victorian Handcraft Demonstration: Learn about Tambour embroidery. Noon-4 p.m. Sat, Nov. 12. McLoughlin House, 713 Center St., Oregon City; free; www.mcloughlinhouse.org or 503-656-5146

College Night: Collect information about planning and paying for college, financial aid and scholarships and enter a raffle for a $500 scholarship. Free pizza and beverages available. In Gregory Forum. 6:30-9 p.m. Mon, Nov. 14. Clackamas Community College, 19600 S. Molalla Ave., Oregon City; free; by email to scholarships@clackamas.edu

PLANNING AHEAD:

Hiring Our Heroes Career and Benefits Fair: Open to veterans of all eras, as well as active military and military family members. Event includes employers ready to hire veterans, veteran-friendly educational institutions, and service organizations able to assist returning veterans with health care and benefits. Presented by the Oregon National Guard reintegration team and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Nov. 19. Clackamas Community College, 19600 S. Molalla Ave., Oregon City; free; www.uschamber.com/veterans/hiring-our-heroes-portland-oregon-city-or

SANDY

“The Drowsy Chaperone”: The Sandy High School drama department presents the musical, described as a play within a play in which a man who loves collecting records and musical theater discovers that one of his favorite records comes to life. 7:30 p.m. Fri-Sat, Nov. 11-12, and Thu-Sat, Nov. 17-19. Sandy High School, 17100 S.E. Bluff Road, Sandy; $5 students and senior citizens, $7 others; 503-668-8011, ext. 381

Creative Days: Ages 7-14 can get creative and messy in room full of arts and craft activities to choose from. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fri, Nov. 11. Impact Learning Center, 38959 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; $50 per session, includes supplies; registration required; 503-668-0200

Art for New Moms: Join other moms and kids, ages 8 weeks-2 years, who want to be creative. 9:30-11 a.m. Sat, Nov. 12. Impact Learning Center, 38959 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy; $30, includes supplies; registration required by Wed, Nov. 9; 503-668-0200

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND — Music composed and performed by renowned pianist Michael Allen Harrison will highlight the Westside Christian High School drama department’s production of “Alice in Wonderland.”

The musical will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Alpenrose Opera House, 6149 S.W. Shattuck Road.

Harrison got involved after Westside drama teacher Michael Shelton sent out an email looking for a composer for the play.

“I love working with the kids,” Harrison said in a news release. “It feeds my soul.”

Harrison, who has released more than 40 albums since 1986, has long supported the arts in schools. More than two million dollars has been raised through the Snowman Foundation, a nonprofit he created in 1999 to help children gain access to music education.

Harrison said he composed his music to match the emotional pitch of the Westside script, which at times is dark and mysterious and ending with a joyful and triumphant mood. He described the story as an adolescent girl’s anxiety dream — one in which Alice is “trying to figure out her path” in life.

The production also features aerial acrobatics by Westside junior Kaija Magee, who has been involved with the Do Jump! youth performance company for six years. Magee is incorporating trapeze and silk/tissue into her role of the Cheshire Cat.

The cast also features Jayne Ruppert as Alice, Sam Penner as the Mad Hatter, Kaitlin Helm as the March Hare, Chris Lea as the perpetually late White Rabbit, and Thomas Buchanan as the Caterpillar. Meleah Williamson and Lisa Andrews will also appear as the Cheshire Cat.

Tickets are $11.50 general admission, $8.50 senior citizens and $6.50 students. For reservations, visit www.wchsonline.org, and click on the link located in Athletics Calendar column.

Westside Christian High School, a non-denominational school founded in 1981, is located at 4565 Carman Drive in Lake Oswego — with a plan to relocate in the fall to 8200 S.W. Pfaffle St. in Tigard.

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Preschool Story and Stroll: Join a park naturalist for nature stories and a brief stroll through the park. Topics include “To Be a Tree,” “Fall Leaves Fall,” “Talkin’ Turkey” and “Coyotes.” Geared for families with children ages 3-6. Registration required. Weekly 10-11 a.m. Fri, through Nov. 25. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.; free; www.tryonfriends.org or 503-636-9886, ext. 225

Guided Nature Hikes: Join a park naturalist and explore the forest and stream ecosystems and learn about the natural history of the park. Topics vary from week to week but are appropriate for all ages. Call ahead for groups of 11 or more. Weekly 10-11:30 a.m. Sat, through Nov. 26. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.; free; www.tryonfriends.org or 503-636-9886, ext. 225

Fungi Forest — Mycological Marvels: Mushroom expert Dane Osis outlines the important ecological role that fungi fill, as well as helpful tricks and tips for identifying mushrooms during the lecture and hike. Registration recommended. 1-4 p.m. Sun, Nov. 13. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.; free; www.tryonfriends.org or Friends of Tryon Creek, 503-636-4398

WEST LINN

Pizza Garden Chefs: Hands-on cooking class with Laura Content. For ages 8-14. Registration required. 4-6 p.m. Thu, Nov. 10. Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road, West Linn; $13-$15, includes family-size pizza to take home; www.lakeoswegoparks.org or Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation, 503-675-2549

Knitting and Crocheting Group: Share your skills and pick up some new ones at the social for all levels. Weekly 10 a.m. Thu. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; free; www.westlinnoregon.gov or 503-557-4704

Baby-sitters Training: Topics in the American Red Cross class for ages 11-15 include accident prevention, handling emergencies, first aid and child development, positive supervision, and the rights and responsibilities of a good babysitter. Registration required. Weekly 5:30-8:45 p.m. Thu, Nov. 10-17. Willamette Christian Church, 3153 S. Brandywine Drive, West Linn; $59-$64 series; www.westlinnoregon.gov or West Linn Parks and Recreation, 503-557-4700

Oil Painting Bob Ross Style: Start with a blank canvas and leave with a completed masterpiece. Ages 12 and older. Registration required. 5:30-9 p.m. Thu, Nov. 10. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; $48-$53 per class, includes materials; www.westlinnoregon.gov or West Linn Parks and Recreation, 503-557-4700

Whist: Make new friends while playing the classic English trick-taking card game. Weekly 10 a.m. Fri. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; free; www.westlinnoregon.gov or 503-557-4704

Pinochle: Make new friends while playing the card game. Weekly 12:30-3 p.m. Fri. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; free; www.westlinnoregon.gov or 503-557-4704

Texas Hold ‘em Poker Games: Sharpen your card-playing skills and make new friends. Weekly 1-3 p.m. Fri. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; $5 buy-in; www.westlinnoregon.gov or 503-557-4704

Benefit Sale: Proceeds go toward the preservation of Maddax Woods. Inventory includes conifers with lights, nature-related gifts and live native plants. Enjoy free hot chocolate while staying warm next to the fire pit. Noon-6 p.m. Sat, Nov. 12. Maddax Woods, 5785 River St., West Linn; free admission

Lighting of Maddax Woods: Take a stroll down a lighted accessible path through the woods and to a viewing platform on the Willamette River. Walk open 4-9 p.m. daily, Nov. 12-Dec. 31. Maddax Woods, 5785 River St., West Linn; free; 503-722-2137

Kids in the Kitchen: Learn to make pesto, pasta and lemon bars using harvest fare in the hands-on cooking class with Laura Content. Ages 8-15. Registration required. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat, Nov. 12. Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road, West Linn; $19-$22; www.lakeoswegoparks.org or Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation, 503-675-2549

Zumba: The program fuses Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves for a dance-and-fitness program. Drop-ins welcome. Weekly 8-9 a.m. Sat. Sunset Fire Hall, 2215 Long St., West Linn; $64-$69 series, or $10 per class; www.westlinnoregon.gov or
West Linn Parks and Recreation, 503-557-4700

Invasive Plant Removal: Meet at the picnic shelter near the old restroom building. 9 a.m.-noon Sat, Nov. 12. Mary S. Young Park, 19900 Willamette Drive (Oregon 43), West Linn; free; 503-803-0678

Wild Mushroom Pasta: Hands-on cooking class with Surja Tjahaja. Registration required. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sun, Nov. 13. West Linn Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn; $30-$35, plus $8 materials fee payable to instructor; www.westlinnoregon.gov or West Linn Parks and Recreation, 503-557-4700 

WILSONVILLE

Oil Painting Bob Ross Style: Start with a blank canvas and leave with a completed masterpiece. Registration required. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Nov. 12. Wilsonville Public Library, 8200 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; $48, includes supplies; www.wilsonville.lib.or.us or 503-682-2744

PLANNING AHEAD:

Frog Pond Fall Jazz Evening: Music by Dan Balmer and his band, Marilyn Keller, March Hanson, Greta Pedersen and Allen Mathews; walk-around buffet with desserts; and silent and oral auctions. Proceeds benefit church missions and the Wilsonville Community Sharing food bank. 5:30 p.m. Sat, Nov. 19. Meridian United Church of Christ, 6750 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville; $20; reservations recommended; www.frogpondmusic.com

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Thanksgiving Day is just two weeks away.

Here’s a list of events for early celebrations, as well as a few happening on the holiday, Nov. 24th:

*Thanksgiving Luncheon: Those ages 55 and older are invited to the turkey feast with all the trimmings. 11:30 a.m. Thu, Nov. 17. Gladstone Senior Center, 1050 Portland Ave., Gladstone; $4; reservations required; www.gladstoneseniors.org or 503-655-7701

*Thanksgiving Dinner: The community is invited to the event. Noon Fri, Nov. 18. Canby Adult Center, 1250 S. Ivy St., Canby; $3.50 suggested donation for ages 60 and older, $4.25 others; www.canbyadultcenter.org or 503-266-2970

*A Celebration of Thanksgiving: Committed, the band that won NBC’s a cappella singing competition “The Sing-Off,” will perform. No reservations accepted; space limited (six tickets per family). 7 p.m. Sat, Nov. 19. New Hope Community Church, 11731 S.E. Stevens Road, Clackamas; donation of a nonperishable food item for Oregon Food Bank accepted; www.adventisthealthnw.com/thanksgiving or 503-251-6174

*Thanksgiving Reunion Farmers Market: Listen to live music, take hayrides and welcome back vendors from the summer season farmers market who will sell farm fresh produce, salami, cheeses, salsa, hummus and other items designed for holiday meals and gifts. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat, Nov. 19. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First St., Lake Oswego; free admission; www.lakeoswegoparks.org or Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation, 503-675-2549

*Famous Sunday Thanksgiving Dinner: The traditional feast is open to the community. 4-6 p.m. Sun, Nov. 20. Milwaukie Center, 5440 S.E. Kellogg Creek Drive, Milwaukie; $7 ages 13 and older, $3 others; www.milwaukiecenter.com or 503-653-8100

*Thanksgiving Dinner: Patrons are seated and served at family-style tables, complete with printed menu, homemade place mats and centerpiece. The event also features a children kids craft table, family clothes closet, dental care packs, and nonperishable food packages to take home. Noon-3 p.m. Thu, Nov. 24. St. John the Apostle Church and School, 417 Washington St., Oregon City; free; www.sja-catholicchurch.com or 503-742-8202

*Thanksgiving Dinner: Drop in for the sit-down meal in the 1950s-style diner. 1-5 p.m. Thu, Nov. 24. Pappy’s Greasy Spoon, 243 N.W. Second St., Canby; free; 503-266-5452

It started at the hospital.

After a long arduous labour requiring a suction cap to help my large first-born out, among the torrent of advice received was one unusual tidbit:

“If he gets colicky, try taking him to a baby chiropractor,” said a midwife.

It seemed absurd. Not big on chiropractic treatments for ourselves, why would we take our little floppy innocent?

However a couple of weeks later when every procured colic remedy proved useless, we starting asking around about pediatric chiropractors.

Everyone, it seems, was doing it. All my more experienced mom-friends had one they could recommend. The child-health nurse, my GP and even the pediatrician who treated my son’s severe reflux, gave them the thumbs up.

Any good chiropractor can explain that there is a sympathetic and parasympathetic side to the CNS, and that chiropractic treatment releases pressure and tension on the nervous system allowing the brain to communicate with the organs. The transfer of impulses must take place between the organs and vice-versa. The spinal cord is like a freeway, there is a lot of traffic all the time, it needs no help, it just needs no interference. They chiropractic treatment normalizes the impulse sort of like removing a traffic jam on the freeway.

Treating infants is not relatively new in chiropractic terms, infants and toddlers are in fact, just little versions of ourselves. “Infants and adolescents are my favorite patients,” say Dr. LoGiudice, “they aren’t as screwed up as adults, they always respond quickly to treatment.”

There is no bones cracked. Instead fingerpoint pressure is used to manipulate the spine, “coaching the nervous system,” says Dr Simon Floreani of the Chiropractors Association of Australia, “to be co-ordinated and calm.

“In the last decade there has been a lot more instrumentation used in the birth process, so babies get their cervical spine (neck) sprained and strained, says Dr. LoGiudice, my own daughter had two scars that remained for almost seven years from forceps delivery.”

“Chiropractics can help reverse the structural or mechanical injury of birth, and also help the nervous system to develop and construct normally.

“In infants, the biggest part the nervous system [affects] is sleeping, eating and pooing.

“Colic is a digestive thing, so if we can help ease the movement of milk through the bowel, we can help colic.”

There is little doubt thousands of sleep-deprived parents are convinced that chiropractors helped their babies and their sanity.

Exactly what with is the question. The list of complaints that chiropractors can help with is nebulous; claims range from the more stock standard colic and sleeping problems; ear infections and reflux, and even autism.

Floreani advises caution.

“We’re hesitant to say that we can fix this or that. We prefer to say that we treat Irritable Baby Syndrome, so an irritable baby that is not medically sick,” he says.

Others advise extreme scepticism.

Dr Bruce Walker of Murdoch University’s School of Sport and Chiropractic says while chiropractors and parents are genuine in their belief that treatment helps infants they are mistaking improvement for cure.

“There is no sound evidence that permits us to say with any surety that they can treat children with reflux, infantile colic or other non musculo-skeletal conditions,” he says.

Walker disputes the “intervention birth” theory.

“Babies in general have very flexible spines in order to travel through the birth canal. We know from our own research that spinal pain worsens with age not the other way around.

“Conditions like colic are generally self-limiting and get better by itself in 70 per cent of cases in a fairly short time. So chiropractors and parents can be observing improvements and falsely believing that [chiropractic treatment] is the reason, when in reality they are getting better by themselves.”

Walker describes this as “placebo transference” and points to some of the only research ever done into the chiropractic treatment of babies – two ten-year-old studies from Europe.

In the first, babies were given either chiropractic treatment or a placebo. Parents, who knew which group their child was in, were asked to record the amount of time spent crying. In this trial, the babies receiving chiropractic treatment showed a huge improvement.

The second trial was the same, except this time the parents did not know if their child was getting the treatment or the placebo.

“In both groups, all the babies improved the same amount,” says Walker.

Floreani agrees that lack of solid research around treating babies is an issue. “It’s difficult to get permission to do studies or trials on infants without getting caught up in a lot of ethics and issues.”

However he says it doesn’t really matter as mum knows best.

“Medicine can disempower you to say you know what’s right for your child.

“The fact that parents are paying out of their own pocket to [go to chiropractors] is more evidence than the best trials in the world.”

Chiropractic good health

Every chiropractor is trained to treat babies as well as adults, however some chiropractors have post-graduate qualifications specializing in treating children

Australian chiropractors are trained to use either finger pressure or an activator, a mechanical low-force adjustment device that clicks. Pressure used on babies is very light, as much as you would use on an eyeball

Get a recommendation from a friend and make sure that the chiropractor can tell you when the problem is “cured” and no more treatment is needed.

The Chiropractic Association of Australia has a policy of “informed choice” around vaccination. Members formulate their own views. Some will be anti-vaccination. Check beforehand that the chiropractor has no agenda that you take issue with.

¹ Adapted from Croft, AC:   “A Proposed Classification of Cervical Acceleration/Deceleration Injuries with a Review of Prognostic Research”
Palmer J Research 1994;   1(1):   10-21

2 Occupant may be driver or passenger

SRISD = Spine Research Institute of San Diego. These criteria do not consider loss of consciousness, the use of seatbelts/shoulder harnesses, or other factors that will be accounted for in a forthcoming revised prognostic index.

1 Adapted from Croft AC:   Treatment paradigm for cervical acceleration/deceleration injuries (whiplash).   Am Chiro Assoc J Chiro 30(1):   41-45, 1993.

2 T_D indicates treatment duration; T_N treatment total number;

3 Possible follow-up at 1 month.

4 May require permanent monthly or p.r.n. treatment.