FCC CHINESE NEW YEAR - JAN. 24

Join FCC for the annual Chinese New Year Celebration on Saturday, January 24 from Noon to 3 pm.

Lunch, entertainment, vendors, photographer and more at Legion Restaurant 8001 SE Division Street in Portland.

Reservations required by January 10.

Click here for details and registration form.
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The FCC Metro Play Group

Come play, drink a cup of Joe or hot cider & complete a Christmas Ornament Craft suitable for gift giving or hanging on the tree!

Who: FCC Members, Friends, and Parents.

Appropriate for ages 3 ish with help to 10 ish

When: Saturday, December 13, 2008

Time: 10:00 -Noon

Where:Kris, Matt & Libby Carlson

Cost: None, materials will be provided by

The FCC Metro Play group.

Materials are limited,

Please RSVP mattandkriscarlson@gmail.com

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CHINESE NEW YEAR DANCE SPECTACULAR

FCC-Oregon has reserved a block of seats at a discounted price for the Divine Performing Arts - Chinese New Year Spectacular at the Keller Auditorium on January 20, 2009.

This is an adult and older child event. Children under 5 years old will not be admitted to the auditorium.

Divine Performing Arts seeks to breathe new life into traditional Chinese culture and provide audiences with an experience of sublime beauty. Itʼs traditional Chinese culture as it was meant to be - a brilliant blend of beauty, energy, and grace. Dozens of dancers in dazzling costumes move in seamless, flowing patterns. Thunderous drums shake the stage, while spectacular backdrops take you to another world.

Click here for more information

Two price options are available:

• $62.75 will provide seats on the main floor in sections A & E (sides) or towards the rear of the center section.
• $48.00 will provide seats on the main floor in sections A & E or rows toward the rear of the center section, a little further back than the more expensive tickets.

If you wish to reserve tickets please send a check made out to Sharyn Marcuson to 10211 SW Barbur Blvd., Suite 110A, Portland, OR 97219 with your name, phone number and the number of tickets you are buying. Seats are not all near each other so please let Sharyn know if you are looking to sit with another family.

Prices include all fees. Tickets are limited and our block of seats is being held until the first week of December. Please mail your check and ticket request so that it is received before Wednesday, 12/3/08.

Questions? Call Sharyn at 503-351-1478.
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FCC Metro Play Group

Come play, drink a cup of joe or hot cider and complete a
Festive Thanksgiving placemat.

Just in time for the Thanksgiving centerpiece!

Please RSVP

Who: FCC Members, Friends, and Parents.
Appropriate for ages 3ish with help to 10ish

When: Saturday, November 22, 2008
Time: 9:45 -11:30
Where: Kris, Matt & Libby Carlson
1637 SE Elliott,
Portland, OR 97214

What: Should I bring??? If you have leaves, sticks, ribbon or autumnal stickers lying around the house that you would like to add (share) to the paper craft. . .well, that would be just great. Otherwise, materials will be provided.

Cost: None, hosted by The FCC Metro Play group.

Materials are limited,
Please RSVP
mattandkriscarlson@gmail.com
Questions: Kris 503-477-5560

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FCC NEEDS YOUR HELP

Families with Children from China Oregon and SW Washington is a 501(c3) completely volunteer run, and almost exclusively member funded, organization. 2008 has been a tough year for all of us financially, including FCC. FCC experienced significant and unexpected expenses in Fiscal Year 2007 and the beginning of 2008. As a result, the Board has undergone a considerable amount of effort to build out the proper infrastructure and position the FCC for long-term viability since the beginning of the new fiscal year.

How Can You Help? Now we need your support to bring FCC into a self-sustaining mode of operation.

On the financial front:

• Please renew your membership as early as possible.
• Please contribute anything additional, if able to do so during the renewal process or by using the "Donate Now" button on the web site.
• Please leverage the generosity of your employers if they offer a contribution matching program.
• Please make use of the iGive.com web site to contribute at no cost to you while doing what you would already be doing - Go Shopping! Register for iGive. www.igive.com/fccoregon
• Oh Yeah - Ask your employer to be a corporate sponsor of this fantastic community outreach and education organization to which you belong.

If you have additional fund raising ideas, we would love to hear about them.

On the volunteer front : FCC is an all volunteer organization. We can always benefit from your assistance! Fund raising, event planning and execution, speaking at Waiting Families events, serving on the Board of Directors, and a number of other opportunities to help out are always available. Chinese New Year is coming and we could really appreciate help with that and other planned events. Please contact one of the Board members listed on the contact page of the website.

And THANK YOU for supporting FCC!
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WAITING FAMILIES DECEMBER MAH JONG DEC. 7

Next month, the Waiting Families group will be meeting on December 7, to repeat last year's successful December afternoon of Mah Jong and snacks.

Fei Yang will be teaching us this very traditional Chinese game. It is similar to theAmerican game dominoes.

What: Waiting Families Mah Jong
When: Sunday, December 7, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Where:Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Vey Conference Center, 11 floor(signs will be posted)
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SW WA LITTLE PANDAS PLAYGROUP NOV. 21

The SW WA Little Pandas playgroup will have a playdate....

Where: Cafe Sip-n-Play http://www.cafesipnplay.com/
When: Friday, November 21, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30

Please use the link above to see location, cost, and menu options for your little one (food purchase is optional!). There is a gluten free menu for those who need to avoid this common allergen. Please contact Amy C for more information at asingermother@yahoo.com
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YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING CAN HELP FCC OREGON/SW WASHINGTON

Now, simply by shopping online through www.igive.com/fccoregon, you can donate up to 26% of your purchases to FCC Oregon/SW Washington to support our programs at no additional cost to you.

That’s right, do your holiday shopping online –– a new CD, the latest bestseller, even a computer and don't forget everyday essentials like pet food or vitamins. But first join www.iGive.com/fccoregon. Every time you shop at one of the more than 680 name-brand stores in the iGive.com Mall (like Amazon.com, iTunes.com, BestBuy.com, Expedia.com, Shutterfly, J.C. Penney, Eddie Bauer, Land's End) we’ll receive a donation of up to 26% of each purchase you make, at no cost to you.

If you'll be shopping online anyway, this is an easy, free way for you to support our programs. So visit www.iGive.com/fccoregon and join. Tell your friends and family. Membership is free and privacy is guaranteed.

For a limited time, if you make your first purchase within 45 days of joining, we'll receive a $5 bonus plus the percentage from your purchase.

Click here for a flyer.
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2009 CHINA CULTURAL TOUR

POP's Foundation will host their 2nd China Cultural Trip in June 2009. In this economy, many people may be hesitant to travel, so they are glad that the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Language and Culture Education Foundation will subsidize the cost of the trip this time. They will inform everyone with more details on the cost as soon as possible. As of now, the tentative date is set for June 19th, 2009. They plan to visit Beijing, Tianjin, the May 12th earthquake zone in Sichuan, and Yunnan, if possible. Since some of the places they intend to visit are not open to the public, they can only accommodate 150 people on this trip. There is a 10-year-old age requirement for the children to attend, just as last time.

If you are ready to make a reservation, please email to Maisie at 2009POPChinaCulturalTrip@gmail.com. Please also feel free to share your comments or suggestions. If you'd like to be updated on the 2009 China Cultural Trip, please also email to the same email address above. For more information about POP's Foundation, please visit www.popsfoundation.org.
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JANE BROWN WORKSHOPS IN EUGENE NOV. 7-9

What do children think about their adoption stories? What tools can we give them to combat teasing, impertinent questions, and racism? Adoption Connections of Oregon (ACO) is hosting the creator of Adoption Playshops, Jane Brown, at its 7th Annual Conference November 7 – 9, 2008 in Eugene, Oregon.

Learn how children's understanding of adoption, race, and ethnicity unfolds developmentally at different ages and stages, and what adoptive parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, educators, social workers and caretakers can and should do to help them through developing specialized skills that address the topics of loss and grief, racial differences, ethnic backgrounds, and culture-of-origin differences. Children Playshops give children five years and older, an opportunity to explore their own ideas about adoption and to interact with their peers. Jane uses multi-sensory games with props and puppets to let the children talk, learn about, and discuss their feelings about being adopted. She helps children understand that the questions and thoughts they have about adoption are normal and okay to talk about with their adopted peers and lets them acquire skills they can transfer to settings with non-adopted peers.

Space for the Children’s Playshops is limited. Pre-registration is required. Scholarships are available. Contact Adoption Connections of Oregon at (541) 345-4209 or e-mail elisecrum@comcast.net to sign up now to reserve your space, request a scholarship, or to register as an Exhibitor/Vendor. For more information, visit www.adoptionconnectionsoforegon.org.

Click here for a flyer about the event or FAQ about the playgroups.
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January 20th Divine Performing Arts - Chinese New Year Spectacular

FCC-Oregon has reserved a block of seats at a discounted price for the January 20th Divine Performing Arts - Chinese New Year Spectacular at the Keller Auditorium.

This is an adult and older child event. Children under 5 years old will not be admitted to the auditorium.

Divine Performing Arts seeks to breathe new life into traditional Chinese culture and provide audiences with an experience of sublime beauty. Itʼs traditional Chinese culture as it was meant to be- a brilliant blend of beauty, energy, and grace. Dozens of dancers in dazzling costumes move in seamless, flowing patterns. Thunderous drums shake the stage, while spectacular backdrops take you to another world.

Click here for more information

Two price options are available:

$62.75 will provide seats on the main floor in sections A & E (sides) or towards the rear of the center section.

$48.00 will provide seats on the main floor in sections A & E or rows toward the rear of the center section, a little further back than the more expensive tickets.

Tickets are limited and our block of seats is being held until 11/17/08. Prices include all fees.

If you wish to reserve tickets please send a check made out to Sharyn Marcuson to 10211 SW Barbur Blvd., Suite 110A, Portland, OR 97219 with your name, phone number and the number of tickets you are buying. Seats are not all near each other so please let Sharyn know if you are looking to sit with another family.

Questions? Call Sharyn at 503-452-0949.

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Children's Chinese Story Times

Cantonese Story Time
Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland
Oct. 4, 11, 18, & 25, 1:15-2 p.m.

Mandarin/English Story Time
Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th Ave, Portland
Oct. 5 & 19, 1-1:30 p.m.

source: Asian Reporter Sept. 30, 2008

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FREE Admission Day at Portland Classical Chinese Garden

Sunday, October 5 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

On Sunday, October 5 visit the Garden for free thanks to the City of Portland’s Office of International Affairs.
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HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR IS SATURDAY, OCT. 11

Boo - the date for the Halloween Spooktacular is Saturday, October 11 not October 10.

2-5 pm at the Friendship Masonic Lodge.
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2ND ANNUAL FCC HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR OCT. 11

Please join us for the 2nd annual
FCC HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR!
Saturday October 11th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm

At the Friendship Masonic Lodge
5626 NE Alameda St, Portland 97213

Please wear your costume for this fun filled family event (good for boys and girls 1 to 12). We will have FOOD, CRAFTS, MUSIC, CANDY, and PRIZES for everyone! This year's event will take place in the GRAND BALLROOM of the lodge.

This event is free to all FCC members! OPTIONAL: Bring a bag of candy or other treat to share!

RSVP to : hollyleaf75@hotmail.com
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OUR CHINESE DAUGHTER FOUNDATION EXPLORE A PROVINCE BOOKS

Our Chinese Daughters Foundation (OCDF) has embarked on a rather spendy yet important project -Explore-A-Province in China book series. We're creating one hard back book for each province in China. These 64-page hardback books are really nice, full of great color photos, informative, and interestingfor our kids to have since there is nothing available such as this on each province in China.

In order for this project to be a success, we need your help! Each book costs $26.00 and is available from OCDF by phone and online www.ocdf.org/publications. Call 309-829-8202 or 1-866-460-OCDF toll free or email lynn@ocdf.org

Right now we have Anhui Province and Shanghai Municipality done, the first two books. Next to the printer will be Jiangsu and Fujian Provinces. We have printed 1,000 copies of each book. We need to sell more of the 1,000 copies we have of the Anhui and Shanghai books in order to continue the project and have books on all the provinces. It's not a quick process! We need your help in making sure that it can be successful and continue! Lynn is keeping a list of those families who want future books so that she can let you know as soon as your province is ready.
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CHINA HOMELAND TOURS 2009

Chinese Cultural Exchange & Homeland Tours are taking registrations for their 2009 China Homeland Tours.

China Highlights (6/19-7/2, 2009 & 7/17-7/30, 2009) will include Beijing, Xi'an (Terra Cotta Warriors), Guilin, Yangshuo (Li River Cruise), Guangzhou, plus orphanage visit. We will visit Beijing Olympic Venues, including the Bird's nest, Beijing National Stadium and the Water Cube. We will spend some time with local families, visit China's most famous peasant's artist village. Our kids will learn some traditional games in the evenings with Chinese children. For more detail: http://mingschina.com/Homeland2009.htm

For any families who wish to travel to China in the next year or so and wish to visit your child's orphanage, you may consider sending some pictures to your child's orphanage to get started. The staffs there will love to receive any info on your child. We suggest that you scan and e-mail a copy of your child's referral picture and a couple of current ones. We will be happy to send them on your behalf and keep you connected with your child's orphanage. Contact info@mingschina.com .
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ACES FALL 2008 WORKSHOPS

Adoption Counseling and Educational Services has announced it's Fall 2008 Workshop Schedule:

Saturday, September 27 at the Portland (Hollywood District) office
9:30 to Noon - Quarterly Workshop for girls ages 7-12
12:20 to 3:00 pm - Quarterly Workshop for girls ages 13-17

These Saturday morning workshops provide experiential activities for girls to explore and normalize their adoption experiences.

Contact Gail Hardman-Woung, LCSW at 503-314-8591.

Friday, October 3 at the Portland office
Attachment… Bumps in the Road Workshop - 7 to 9 pm

This workshop is for parents who recently adopted 4 to 8 year olds and for parents of grade school age children who are struggling with anger and/or oppositional concerns.

Contact Mary Miyakawa, LCSW at 503-680-8064.
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ALL FCC FAMILIES INVITED TO WAITING FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT OCT. 5

The waiting family group would like to invite any members in the FCC community to our October waiting family meeting on Sunday, Oct. 5th from 3-5pm in the 11th floor conference room at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Our meeting will be a “movie and popcorn” themed event.

We’ll be showing the movie titled “Visible Differences…Transracial Parenting Through Adoption”. We’ll have a discussion following the film talking about the issues related to Asian adoptees. The film was produced by PACT, the group that wrote the book Transracial Adoption.

Please help us spread the word and invite family and friends that would like to come. All are welcome.
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Volunteers needed at the Mid-Autumn Picnic

We could use help in the "temporary tattoo booth", raffle table, registration, food tables and with take down/clean up. At the moment, clean up is our greatest need. If you are interested in helping set-up we will be meeting at the park at 10a.m. Thank you so much to all of our wonderful FCC members! See you all Saturday, Sept. 20th, at Cook Park in Tigard from 11a.m. to 3:00 p.m for our fun Mid-Autumn Picnic! Don't forget, we will be having an AMAZING raffle this year!

If you are interested in lending a hand you can email Holly Odil at: hollyleaf75@hotmail.com or talk to a board member at the event.
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2nd Annual FCC Halloween Party

Save the Date
2nd Annual FCC Halloween Party
Saturday, October 11th (2-5 pm)
Stay posted for more details.
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Chinese Friendship Association of Portland Summer Picnic Invite

Summer Picnic `08
Organized by: Chinese Friendship Association of Portland

Saturday August 23 2008
Time: 1:00 pm to whenever
Washington Park, Site C
http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=128733

Pot Luck Picnic:
Bring your favarite dishes to share
Please bring adequate to feed your own family!
CFAP will provide soft drinks and snacks.
Enjoy a fun afternoon with your old friends and new friends.

Program:
Wushu Performance from US Wushu Center, led by World Champion Wushu Master
Children’s performance
Taiji Demonstration
Various ball games (poker, chess, etc.)
Water balloon
Children’s games
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Announcing FCC's annual Mid-Autumn Picnic

Saturday, Sept. 20th
at Cook Park in Tigard Oregon
11:00a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fcc will be serving up Hot Dogs and Veggie Dogs, dog fixins, and sweet lemonade!

Families with last names A - J bring salads
Families with J - Q bring sides (beans, chips and dip, etc.)
Families with R - Z bring desserts

Come celebrate this family centered holiday with us! We will host a raffel, crafts, food and family fun, not to mentionthe beautiful park and great playground!

Cost: Suggested donation of $5-$10 per family.
FCC really needs to accept donations this year. Come and support the group that supports Families with Children from China locally!
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Peking Acrobats

Chinook Winds Casino Resort
Peking Acrobats
December 5th & 6th
Tickets $10 - $20
On Sale September 5th
All ages show

source: Oregonian "A&E" August 08, 2008
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Our Chinese Daughters Foundation Cultural Event in your area

Join us at The Great Wolf Lodge (Grand Mounds, WA)!

These events will be a great opportunity to connect with other adoptive families in a fun vacation atmosphere. Come enjoy the indoor waterparks, and take advantage of some amazing OCDF seminars at the same time!

For more information, please see: http://www.ocdf.org/gwl.htm
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Waiting Family Group Takes August Vacation

There will not be a monthly waiting family meeting in August. We take this month as our “summer vacation”.

Please mark your calendars for our next meeting, Sept. 7th from 3:00-5:00. Our topic will be “Starting your Child’s Lifebooks. What You can Start During the Wait”. Check the waiting family area of the FCC website for more details on meeting location and future meeting dates.
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Westside Mandarin Immersion Efforts Continue

A lot of you have heard that there is a group of folks pushing Portland Public Schools to create a second Mandarin Immersion program within the PPS boundaries. We’re hoping to get a school established on the Westside of Portland. Talks on this effort have been going on for 2 years and we’re hoping to see some results this year.

We would like to get as many parents interested in the creation of a second Mandarin Immersion school to sign the petition found on the effort’s website http://chinese.weareahappyfamily.com./ The more names we can get signed up the more PPS will listen to us. So if you haven’t done so already, and you would like to see another Mandarin 1/2 day Immersion program established, please sign your name to the website.

You’ll also be adding your e-mail to the list so you can receive updates on the efforts and stay in the loop.
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Save The Date

FCC Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Picnic

Saturday, September 20th (11:00 am - 3:00 pm)
Cook's Park, 17005 SW 92nd Avenue, Tigard Oregon

More details will be forthcoming.
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Open House: Mandarin Chinese Immersion Program for Preschoolers:

Open House: Mandarin Chinese Immersion Program for Preschoolers: August 2 and 16.

The Bodhi Language Center will be holding Open House for families interested in immersing their children in Mandarin Chinese starting in the fall. The Open House is Saturday, August 2 and 16, from 10:30 - 11:30 am.

The Bodhi Tree Language Center is a full-service Asian languages center offering classes and services for children, adults, and business in various Asian languages, including Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Thai, Lao, and Tibetan. In the fall we'll be offering after-school classes for children as well as class for adults in Japanese.

Location: 5403 SE Center St. Portland, OR 97206
Website: http://www.bodhitreelanguagecenter.org/
Phone: 503-788-0336
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WAITING FAMILIES PICNIC - JULY 13

All Present and Past (and future!) waiting families...

We’re inviting all of you to our upcoming Waiting Family Picnic at Sellwood park. This casual and fun event is set for Sunday, July 13th (instead of our regular scheduled monthly meeting).

Here are the details: this is a great opportunity for both our current waiting families, past waiting families and future waiting families to get together and hang out - we would love to see you again! Those of you who are home already can show off your kids and give our folks who are waiting ever so patiently a boost in this l-o-n-g wait! ( remember when 12 months to referral seemed forever?? and how much you loved seeing kids who were home??)

Location: Sellwood Park , picnic area "c"
Date: unday July 13, 2008
Time: 11:30 am to 3 pm

****bring your own picnic lunch****
FCC will provide drinks and dessert

Sellwood Park has a swimming pool, great playground and lots of big trees. We are trying to get a sense of how many people are planning to come, so please rsvp to kelly at k.sedory@comcast.net.
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METRO PLAYGROUP JUNE ACTIVITIES

We are going to the zoo on Friday June 27th. Please meet us at the front gate between 10:15 & 10:30. We will go in as a group at 10:30 am. Several of us have memberships to bring a guest. Kids under 3 yrs get in free. So, if people are willing to share, you may get in as a guest. For rates and times please see the website http://www.oregonzoo.org/VisitorInfo/ratesandhours.htm.
Bring a lunch or purchase one there. You can stay as long or as little as you like. If you are unable to make it by 10:30, send me an e-mail at carlsonkm@comcast.net and I will give you my cell phone number so you can call me when you arrive and I can tell you where to meet up with us inside the zoo! Hope to see you there!

We are going to the Woodstock Park on Monday June 30th. Meet us at the swings at 11:00 for play and picnic in the park! Bring a sack lunch and your energy to play, play, play!!!! Includes disabled access play area, disabled access restroom, dog off-leash area, horseshoe pit, paths – paved, picnic site – reservable, picnic tables, playground, soccer field, softball field, statue or public art, http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=868&action=ViewPark
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CHINESE MEDICINE SEMINAR JUNE 29TH

***FCC membership is invited to attend the Chinese Friendship Association's seminar on Chinese Medicine!***

Chinese Medicine, an ancient art that stems from Chinese philosophy and culture, is the medicine that has its unique approach for health care and treatment of diseases, especially attaching great importance to the relationship between human being and nature. Dr. Guohui Liu, a Chinese medicine practitioner for over 30 years, and an adjunct faculty of both Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and National College of Natural Medicine, will give a brief discussion of relationship among Chinese Medicine, ancient Chinese culture and philosophy and explore its advantage and disadvantage for modern diseases based on his research and clinical practice. He will also answer questions you might have regarding Chinese medicine and other health related concerns.

WHEN: 6/29/08, 1:30pm to 4pm
WHERE: City Library – Meeting Room B (12375 SW 5th Street,Beaverton, OR).
The Beaverton Library is located at the intersection ofHall Blvd. and 5th Street.

This seminar is free for CFAP members. We ask for $8 donation (cash or check only) for non members to attend the seminar.
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ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO BE A HOST FAMILY

Terry Hall is a teacher coordinator with the non-profit student exchange program Cultural Homestay International (www.chinet.org). She is in the process of locating host families for students between the ages 13 to 15 from ChongQuing, China. The students will be in Portland between July 16 to August 8 and they will be in class weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. Contact Terry at terryhall.chi@gmail.com for more information.
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CANTONESE CLASS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS

Cantonese Language for Children/Adults -- Beginners, Level 1.
July 12-Aug 30, 2008 (Saturdays), 3:30-5:30 pm

This class -- which meets once a week for 8 weeks -- concentrates on correct pronunciation, and speaking and listening of Cantonese. Some characters may be introduced, but the focus of the class is on conversation. Class is geared to children, but adults are also welcome. The class provides an important foundation for further studies in the language. The teacher is a native speaker of Cantonese, with many years teaching experience, and excellent English. Classes are kept small. We fill seats on a first-register basis.

Place: Bodhi Tree Language Center. 5403 SE Center Street, Portland, OR 97206.

For more information, call (503) 788-0336 or see our Website at http://www.BodhiTreeLanguageCenter.org
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FCC PICNIC ON JUNE 21

FCC's Pizza, Salad, and Soda Free for All! Please join the FCC Board for an afternoon of pizza, and salad on Saturday, June 21st.

*****FREE******

Please attend our annual end of the fiscal year meeting (the board recently changed the time of this meeting to match our fiscal year calendar) to meet our new board members, thank our exiting board, and hear all about the up and coming activities that FCC has planned for the 2009 fiscal year!

The event will be held in the upstairs event room at the Lucky Lab Brew Pub in Multnomah Village (7675SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR)

Saturday, June 21st from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.

The whole family is invited!

This event is for all FCC members and is *FREE!!!!! (*beer and wine available for purchase* pizza, salad, and soda is FREE on FCC!)

Hope to see you there! PLEASE RSVP to FCC.Oregon.President@gmail.com

CHINESE LANGUAGE CLASSES IN YAMHILL COUNTY

We are in the beginning stages of starting up classes in McMinnville. I am currently working with a local Chinese family who are interested in teaching the class, which will include learning the Mandarin language and the Chinese culture. They have asked me to post to find out if there are any other families interested in having their children attend. If there are, then we will proceed on finding a public location (library, school or community center) where classes can begin in September.

Please contact me, Stephanie Liebelt at dsk@onlinemac.com if you may be interested or have thoughts/questions.
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PRE-K MANDARIN CLASSES

Hilltop Christian School (on Dosch and Beaverton-Hillsdale Rd) offers a Mandarin class for children ages 3-6. They offer a Level 1 class for 1 hour, once a week after the regular preschool and will be offering a Level II class for Kindergarteners also after school. They’re making it so children who might not attend Hilltop can attend these classes. It's a great opportunity to keep our little ones exposed to their birth country’s language.

For more information, contact:
Hilltop Christian School
(503) 245-3183
5700 Sw Dosch Rd
Portland, OR 97239
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FUNDRAISING ART AUCTION ON MAY 31ST FOR CHINA EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

Zifen Qian and Jack Lu, China born artists will hold a Fundraising Art Auction for the 5/12 China Earthquake Relief efforts.

May 31, 2008
3 to 7 pm
Portland State University
Smith Center Multi-Culture Center Room 228

This event is sponsored by Chinese Friendship Association of Portland. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the earthquake relief efforts through American Red Cross. Please support this effort and contribute your compassion to the victims of this disaster at this very special fundraiser event.

The lowest price to start bid is $20.

Contact the Chinese Friendship Association of Portland for more information.
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ASIAN FAMILY NIGHT MAY 30TH

FCC families have been invited by the Asian Teen Mentor Group to the Asian Youth and Family Fun Night:

Friday, May 30th
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Parkrose School
12003 NE Shaver
Portland, OR

This event is FREE of charge. There will be some entertainment, plus appetizers and drinks. Click here for flyer.

Hope to see you there!

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PANDA MOM WRITES ON THE EARTHQUAKE

Click here for a touching article by Holley Gilbert, a Panda (Vancouver FCC playgroup) mom who writes for the Oregonian. It is from the perspective of an adoptive parent regrding the earthquake.
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XIAO PENGYOU HERITAGE CAMP JUNE 20-22

Xiao Pengyou Chinese Heritage Camp
June 20 - 22, 2008
Turner, OR at the Aldersgate Conference Center

This event is for children going into 1st grade or 6 and older by Sept 1st, adopted from China, and their families. This year's theme is "Dragons of China" and should be a lot of fun! Contact Debra Hall at china_folks@hotmail.com.

Click here for a registration form and brochure.
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CHINA EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE

In response to the devastating tragedy in China, Families with Children from China of Oregon and SW Washington suggests donations to the following organizations (or another related charitable institution of your choice) that are working to specifically help those orphanages hit hardest by the devastating earthquake in the Sichuan province.

Your FCC board is grateful for the outpouring of concern expressed by our members.

1. Love Without Boundaries Earthquake Relief http://www.lovewithoutboundaries.com/earthquake.cfm

2. Our Chinese Daughters Foundation (OCDF) Earthquake Relief Fund http://www.ocdf.org/

3. Half The Sky Children's Earthquake Fund http://give.halfthesky.org/prostores/servlet/Categories?category=Children%27s+Earthquake+Fund

4. Save the Children - Children's Emergency Fund http://www.savethechildren.org/newsroom/2008/china-earthquake-II.html

5. FCC-New York Earthquake Orphanage Relief Fund through the Amity Foundation. Donate online: http://www.fccny.org. Please indicate"Earthquake Relief" as the Donation Project. Donate by mail: FCC Orphanage Assistance, PO Box 237065 Ansonia Station, New York, NY 10023. Please indicate "Earthquake Relief" as the donation project.

CANDLELIGHT QUAKE VIGIL WED. MAY 21

Please join the Vancouver Chinese Association for a candlelight vigil for the Sichuan earthquake disaster.

Date: May 21st, 2008, Wednesday
Time: 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Place: Fishers Basin Park
Directions: East side of SE 192nd Ave between Westridge Blvd and Mill Plain. Next to Shahala Middle School.

To mourn the many lost lives in Sichuan earthquake, a candlelight vigil will be held at Fishers Basin Park in Vancouver WA this Wednesday evening, May 20th, 2008 at 7:30 pm. A voluntary donation will follow afterwards. The sealed donation box will be sent to a nearby bank by 3 members of the community the next day and opened by the bank cashier. The fund will be wired directly to the International Red Cross in China (http://www.redcross.org.cn/).

This event is organized by Vancouver Chinese Association. For questions and directions, please call Liying Zheng, secretary of Vancouver Chinese Association at 360 910-4714. To show your passion and love to the people who lost their lives and to the survivors who are still suffering from the after shock and poor living condition, join us with your own candle, flowers or posters if you could. There will be some candles available on site.
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KIDS CLUB PICNIC AND PLAY MAY 25

Picnic and play!

Sunday, May 25 from 3-5pm at Mt Tabor Park children's play structure area.

We will invite our teen mentor group to join us this time! Bring a picnic, blanket and your favorite park toy. Please rsvp to Jodi Wilf jodiwilf@yahoo.com
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MASTER DRAWING CLASS MAY 10

Join Master Qian for an instructional class for "Concept of Image Making--- Master Drawing Class"

This master class is intentionally to present a clear concept of artistic image making. Master Qian will instruct students on how to improve their abilities of observation, three dimensional modeling images and artistic treatments by understanding of the concept of image making.

We ask $2 donations for CFAP members (Chinese Friendship Association of Portland); $15 donations required for non-members; $10 for non-member children.

Saturday, May 10, 2008
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm (including Q&A)

Beaverton City Library
12375 SW 5th Street
Beaverton, Oregon 97076

Email now to register! cmeiqi@yahoo.com

Mr. Qian was born in Shanghai, China and received a BA degree from Shanghai Normal University and a MFA degree from Portland State University. The MFA degree is equivalent to a Ph.D degree in other fields as it is the highest degree that can be earned in the area of studio art. His works have been published and shown around the world in the past two decades. Mr. Qian has been profiled in Who’s Who in the World in the last 7 years. He has worked as an art editor for a magazine, a faculty member of an art college, an art director of a ceramic art company, and currently a senior artist of Carol Wilson fine arts Inc. Mr. Qian has recently published the book "The Art of Zifen Qian.

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YU MIAO SUMMER CAMP JUNE 16-AUG. 22

The Yu Miao Preschool, non-profit school run by Asian Health & Service Center, has a summer camp every year.

This year they have moved to a new facility which has big classrooms and a big gym. Experienced Chinese Native Speaking teachers will help your children explore the culture and language through activities. They offer Mini Olympics, Chinese Cooking, Chinese Manners, Arts & Crafts, Poem Recital, Legends & Songs, Nature Exploration, Calligraphy & Writing. Try BBQ, Picnic, Bubbles, and Sidewalk Chalk at their school courtyard and let’s have fun together.

Click here for day, time, and cost details.
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CHINA SON IS HAVING A PARTY!

For all of the boys from China! China Son is having a party!

Saturday, April 26
10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
at PUMP IT UP! in Beaverton on Allen Blvd.

This activity is free and brought to you by FCC. Please send RSVPs and questions to Holly at: hollyleaf75@hotmail.com. See you there!
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ASIAN HEALTH & SERVICE CENTER YU MIAO CULTURAL CAMP

June 16-Aug. 22 (Mon. to Fri.)
AM 9-12noon / PM 2-5pm/ FD 8:30-5:30pm
(Extra care $5 per hr.)

5 Camp Sessions bi-weekly & 3 Age groups (3 to 10 years old)
Fees: $200 for 10 Half Days and $420 for 10 Full Days
(5% discount when sign up for 2 or more sessions)
For more info visit http://www.ashcpdx.org/ or contact 503-775-3767 Edith Lee

Big classrooms, Outdoor Playground & Gym
Location: 5239 SE Woodstock Blvd (Our Lady of Sorrows Parish)

Experienced Chinese Native Speaking teachers will help your children explore the culture and language through activities. We offer Mini Olympics, Chinese Cooking, Chinese Manners, Arts & Crafts, Poem Recital, Legends & Songs, Nature Exploration, Calligraphy & Writing. Try BBQ, Picnic, Bubbles, and Sidewalk Chalk at our school courtyard and let’s have fun together.
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2ND ANNUAL BIRTHMOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION MAY 10

Please join us in celebrating our childrens' birthmothers on Saturday, May 10th from 10:00a.m. to noon at the Friendship Masonic Lodge in NE PDX on Sandy and Alemeda.

There we will be painting flower pots and planting a flower to take home in honor of our childrens' birthmothers.

This is a free event and snacks will be provided. In the adoption community, the Saturday before Mother's Day is set aside to remember the birthmothers of our children.

Please join us! RSVP to Holly at hollyleaf75@hotmail.com
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HORTICULTURAL TOUR OF THE PORTLAND CLASSICAL CHINESE GARDEN

Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 1:00-2:00pm

A FREE tour of the Gardens for FCC members and their guests!

Come learn about what makes the Garden special – just in time for SPRING. Did you know that 500 tons of Tai Hu rocks were shipped from China?

Find out how to grow and nurture these plants in your own garden. Replicate the serene setting. Learn about the “5 Elements” making this a one-of-a-kind place.

Space is limited! Please RSVP to Jill Chen at jtchen55@yahoo.com or 503-241-2695

We meet at the Garden located between NW 2nd and 3rd and NW Flanders and Glisan in Old Town/Chinatown

For more information on the Garden, visit http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org/
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WAITING FAMILIES MEETING APRIL 6 - LOCATION CHANGE

This Sunday’s Waiting Families meeting (April 6 from 3-5 pm) had to be changed at the last minute due to a hospital event.

So, our new location is at OHSU in the 8th floor auditorium (room #8B60). We suggest that you still head to the main lobby at Doernbecher like you usually do and then head up to the 9th floor. Take the sky bridge over to OHSU and then head down to the 8th floor. Kelly will get there early to have signs posted leading you there.

We welcome anyone to this Sunday’s meeting. We have Carol Kemble, one of the Directors of Half the Sky, coming to talk to us about the great organization and the special efforts they take to ensure that so many of our little ones get the best care while in China. Please come show your support of Half the Sky as this meeting is open to FCC and non FCC members.
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KIDS CLUB SKATING FUN TUESDAY, MARCH 24

Our East PDX Asian Teen Mentor group has invited us to join them for some friendship and fun.

Monday, March 24
3-5 pm

Mt Scott Roller Skating Rink
5530 SE 72
503 823 3183

Free !
Pizza afterwards!

Please come! The teens were so good to put this together for us! Please rsvp to Jodi Wilf so we can tell the teens how many are coming. jodiwilf@yahoo.com 503-236-8684.
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GREAT WALL YOUTH ORCHESTRA AT FORT VANCOUVER HS AUDITORIUM MARCH 25

World Music with a Chinese Twist:

Multicultural Youth Orchestra from Oakland, CA Presents First Northwest Tour

The Great Wall Youth Orchestra and Chorus of Laney College, in Oakland, California, will tour three Northwest cities for the first time this month, as part of a regional tour sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. The youth orchestra brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to play both world music and classical Chinese songs on traditional Chinese instruments—includin g such popular Western favorites as Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" and Johann Strass's "Radetsky March."

The Great Wall Youth Orchestra and Chorus is a program of the Purple Silk Music Education Foundation, an Oakland-based nonprofit that provides free music education to inner-city schoolchildren. The organization was founded in 1995 by Sherlyn Chew, a music instructor at Laney College and at Lincoln Elementary School, in Oakland, to help fill a gap in arts programming in the public schools.

The youth orchestra was catapulted into the public eye in 2004 by a front-page article in the Wall Street Journal, which cited it as an innovative model for music education and promoting cross-cultural understanding. The article focused on Tyler Thompson, a (then) nine-year old African American boy from the chorus who sings Chinese opera solos. As a result, Tyler and the youth orchestra have been featured on CNN, CBS Sunday Morning, and ABC Good Morning America, and received media coverage worldwide.

Last May, Tyler was invited to Washington, DC to perform at a U.S. State Department meeting between Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and China's Vice-Premier, Madame Wu Yee. The youth orchestra has just received an invitation to perform in Ireland next year, which will mark its first international tour.

For further information, contact:

Melanie 510 502 9049, melanieoreilly@gmail.com

http://www.purple.silk.org/

Tuesday March 25th, 7pm

Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium

700 East 18th Street, Vancouver,WA 98661

Tickets : $10, available at door.

Phone: (360) 313-4000 (school switchboard)

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APRIL 6TH WAITING FAMILIES MEETING TO FEATURE HALF THE SKY DIRECTOR

The Sunday, April 6th Waiting Family meeting of FCC Oregon/SW Washington will feature Carol Kemble, Director of Half the Sky Foundation. She will be talking about Half the Sky, their efforts, sponsoring children and the work that they did this past winter to help protect the health and well being of so many children in need in China.

All of the FCC community is invited to come hear her.

The meeting is 3-5 pm at
Doernbecher Children's Hospital
11th Floor Conference Room
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, OR 97201-3098

FCC's FIRST EASTER BUNNY TRAINING CAMP

FCC's 1st Annual Easter Bunny Training Camp!
Brought to you by your FCC Portland Metro Play Group

Come learn the art of the traditional Easter egg hunt in a safe environment. Depending on the number of kids, we may split into a couple of groups based on age and ability. Click here for a flyer with all of the info.

Please plan to stay and play for a little while.

Who: All Members of FCC (free)
Non- FCC members ($2 donation per child)
Children must have an adult with them to help.

What: to bring??? Your own Easter basket & 12 Filled plastic eggs to share (per child). Please do not bring plastic eggs you want back.

When: Saturday, March 15, 2008 – 10:00 (Sharp) to 12 Noonish

Where: The Swings at Grant Park The Park is located on NE 33rd Ave & US Grant Place in Portland. OR

In Case of rain: You are in Oregon! If you don't learn to do it inthe rain, you will never do anything! Wear a hat! Questions? Contact Kris Carlson 503-513-9047.
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VANCOUVER CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Saturday February 16
2:00 pm
Three Creeks Library (Salmon Creek area)
800-C NE Tenney Rd

Amy Lee of the Fort Vancouver Regional Libray will present customs and folktales of the Chinese New Year. There will be crafts, refreshments and even a parade. Special performance from the Salmon Creek Chinese School.

Saturday February 23
1:00 pm
Free admission
Luepke Senior Center (behind Marshall Community Center)
1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver

• Enjoy a Chinese puppet show "Images of China" performed by the Dragon Art Studio.
• The Lion Dance will be performed by Lee's Association Lion Dance Team from Portland Oregon.
• Special performance from the Salmon Creek Chinese School.

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KIDS CLUB SPRING FUN

Kids Club is a social club for FCC kids ages 6-10. Younger and older siblings are always welcome. Friendship and Fun in the Year of the Rat!

Planned activities for spring:
March 8 - Skate Day
1:30-4:00 pm
Valley Ice Rink in Beaverton
www.valleyicerinkarena.com

FCC to provide the snacks
8$ per skater

We will have a room for parents and tired skaters. Planned by Kathy Collins, rsvp to Jodi at 503 236 8684 or jodiwilf@yahoo.com

March 28 - Game/Pizza night
6pm
at the Wilf home

Contact Jodi for address and to rsvp. Our Asian Teen Mentor group will be joining us.

May (location and date/time tba) - Picnic in the Park playdate
Asian Teen Mentor group will be joining us. Contact Jodi for more info.
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FCC CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL UPDATE

Get ready to celebrate the Year of the Rat!

This Sunday, February 10, 2008
3:30pm - 7:30pm
Oregon Convention Center
(Portland Ballroom)

If you have already registered for the event, you will receive your table confirmation card in the mail this week.

CNY Registration has been extended for mail until Wednesday, February 6, 2008. Those who register now will receive their table assignment at the registration table at the event.

After February 6th, you may still attend the FCC Chinese New Year Festival by registering and paying at the door at the Convention Center on Sunday, February 10, 2008.

See you there!
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FCC Chinese New Year Festival Important Reminder!!!!

Don’t forget to send in your FCC Chinese New Year reservations this week. We have some half filled reserved tables that are waiting for other families in their group to send in registration. We know the snow has made this past week a little crazy so we have good news! All late fees for registration will be waived and event registration will be extended until Wednesday, February 6!!!!!!

If you need to register for the event, you can download this registration form.

If you have sent in your reservation, you will receive your table confirmation card the week of February 4th. We look forward to seeing you!

• Come and join the fun at the FCC Chinese New Year Festival…Sunday, February 10, 2008 from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. This year, the event will be held in the Portland Ballroom located on the south side of the Oregon Convention Center.
• The entertainment begins (at 4:30) with the FCC Kids Dragon. All children are invited to participate! Enjoy the performance by our own FCC Heart to Heart Dance Troupe as well as other wonderful children and adult performers. You will not want to miss the spectacular traditional Lion Dance performed by the Lee’s Association Dance Team. www.leeondong.org
• Enjoy a Chinese Buffet dinner (from 4:30pm – 6:30pm) with your family and friends.
• Kids will enjoy coloring and making projects in the Craft area.
• Shop for gifts and treasures or look for great resource information for your family at the Marketplace (opens at 3:30pm).
• Be sure to stop by the photographer for family photos.
• At registration, you can pick up a certificate for a free 3 - week trial to Gymboree!!!
• Check out the FCC Raffle and the Chengde Wheel of Fortune for a chance to win prizes!

Volunteers are still needed in a few shifts for:

• Entertainment
• Book Sales
• Check in/Registration Crafts
• Raffle

Would your child 9 or older like to help at the CNY event? Send an email to: FCC.CNY.CHAIR@gmail.com to let us know of your interest.

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FCC CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION FEB. 10

Get ready to celebrate the year of the Rat!

We hope that you will be celebrating with us at the FCC Chinese New Year Festival on Sunday, February 10, 2008 from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. This year, the event will be held in the Portland Ballroom located on the south side of the Oregon Convention Center. For more information, go to the Chinese New Year page.

If you need to register for the event, you can download this registration form.

Volunteers are needed!!!!
We need help Sunday, February 10 before, during and briefly after the event. Most shifts generally run about 1/2 hour so as not to take away too much time from your family. Children can help at some of the tasks, so don't hesitate to ask if your child can stay with you. Contact us at FCC.CNY.CHAIR@gmail.com.

Vendor check in - 2 – 3:30pm
Entertainment – help guide groups on and off the stage - 4:15 to 7:15pm
Book Sales – from 3:30 – 7:00pm
Check in/Registration- between 3:00 – 5:30pm
Crafts – 3:30 – 7:30pm
Raffle – need help with ticket sales and drawing. – 3:30 to 6:00pm
Event volunteer coordinator
Before event volunteers – ask for details!

Would your child 9 or older like to help at the CNY event? Send an email to: FCC.CNY.CHAIR@gmail.com to let us know of your interest.

Important Deadlines:
RSVP by Monday, January 28, 2008 to avoid late fees. Reservations will not be accepted after Monday, February 4, 2008. Reservation Confirmation Cards will be mailed out the week of February 4th.

Donations are also needed such as craft supplies, candy coins, gifts for child volunteers, decorations, raffle items, photocopying, and program paper. If this is an area in which you can help, contact us at FCC.CNY.CHAIR@gmail.com.
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ACES UPCOMING WINTER GROUPS & WORKSHOPS

Adoption Counseling & Educational Services Hosts a “Free” On-Going Support Group for Adoptive Parents. ACES' therapists hold one year post-graduate certificates, in Adoption Therapy

Saturday Mornings
January 12, 9:00-10:30
This group will be hosted by Mary Miyakawa, LCSW
The second Saturday of each month

Up-Coming Winter 2008 Groups & Workshops:

Mary Miyakawa, LCSW
Portland Office (Hollywood District)
Albany
Call Mary directly at 503-680-8064

Pre-Adoption Course: Four Thursday evenings beginning February 21st 6:30 to 9:00 pm

Workshop: Connecting With Your Child. If you are struggling in a new adoption, this is the workshop for you. Learn how to help your child overcome early trauma and connect with you in a loving relationship. Saturday Feb 23rd 9:30-12:00.

Pre-Adoption Course: Four Wednesday evenings beginning March 5th 6:30 to 9:00 pm


Gail Hardman-Woung, LCSW
Portland Office (Hollywood District)
Call Gail directly at: 503-314-8591

Quarterly Workshops for Adopted Girls
Saturday morning workshops provide experiential activities for girls to explore and normalize their adoption experiences.
Girl's Group ages 7-11, February 8, 2008 9:00-11:30
Girl's Group ages 12-17 February 8, 2008 12:30- 3:00

Hilde Price-Levine, LCSW
Beaverton Office (near Hwy 217)
Call Hilde at: 503- 644-7144

No Groups

Rhonda Andrews. LCSW
Dundee
Contact Rhonda at: 503-537-3927 # 2

No Groups

Lyn Marx, LPC
www.adoptionsupportonline.com

Directions to the support group are on the services page of our website at www.adoptioncounselingservices.com. Further details of each group can be found on the Therapist/Location pages of our website. Or call 503-522-0839.
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FCC CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION FEB. 10

Get ready to celebrate the year of the Rat!

The FCC Chinese New Year Festival will be held at the Oregon Convention Center on Sunday, February 10, 2008 from 3:30 to 7:30 pm in the Portland Ballroom on the south side of the center. For more information, go to the Chinese New Year page.

FCC members can look for an invitation in the mail. If you are not a member or need a reservation form, you can download this registration form.

Important Deadlines:
RSVP by Monday, January 28, 2008 to avoid late fees.
Reservations will not be accepted after Monday, February 4, 2008. Reservation Confirmation Cards will be mailed out the week of February 4th.

Volunteers are greatly needed for this fun event in the following categories: craft area, raffle, book sales, FCC booth, registration and entertainment coordinator at event. If you would like to volunteer, contact us at FCC.CNY.CHAIR@gmail.com

Donations are also needed such as craft supplies, candy coins, hong bao –red envelopes, gifts for child volunteers, decorations, raffle items, photocopying, and program paper. If this is an area in which you can help, contact us at FCC.CNY.CHAIR@gmail.com