Editor’s Note
This issue we’ve put together a fabulous mix of articles that cover timely topics for the upcoming season. The holidays are synonymous with family time, and when it comes to having a meaningful, enjoyable experience, planning is key. Look ahead, get some dates down and figure out a game plan. Our Calendar serves as a…
Fueling Classrooms
When the 2019-2020 school year started, the Education Foundation for Bend-La Pine Schools was starting to implement a new program: Back-to-School Classroom Grants for Educators. The program allows teachers and schools to gain extra funding earlier in the year than ever before. This follows in the footsteps of their other worthwhile grant programs, such as…
Q&A
Q Is it safe to give kids probiotics? If so, do you recommend chewables, gummies, or something else? A It is safe in nearly every case to give your child probiotics containing Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus. The exceptions are if your child is immunosuppressed or has an indwelling catheter—those cases are a little more complicated. Unfortunately,…
Holiday Baking with Kids
Whether holiday baking is a family tradition for your clan or not, these simple recipes and tips are designed to inspire even those who have never dared anything homemade or sprinkled a single Christmas cookie! Tips • Let the kids help set up equipment and measure out ingredients • Bring on the sprinkles, frosting, chocolate…
Meet this year’s Clara!
The Nutcracker ballet has been a longtime tradition in Kyla Wilson’s life—the 10-year-old has either watched or danced in it every year since she was three, when her sister, Shayla, started ballet. The dancing bug hit Wilson hard, and now the two of them dance at the Central Oregon School of Ballet. This year, Wilson…
Little Feet on the Street
We asked these kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend, “What are some ways you spend special time with family?” Blakely, 6: When it’s Thanksgiving, my grandparents have a big feast for our whole family. I get to sit at the kid’s table with my cousins. Preston, 9: Having sleepovers with my cousins…
Holiday Calendar
WEDNESDAYS AFTERNOON POKEMON CARDS PLAY—Wabi Sabi is hosting an afternoon of Pokemon cards for all! Instruction and cards available to borrow for new players. 2:30-4:30pm. Wabi Sabi | Free wabisabibend.com THURSDAYS MOM’S RUNNING GROUP FITNESS—Join in for a 3-4.5 mile run with 8-12-minute paces. This is a great group for moms of all running levels…
A Cultural Tradition — A Modern Girl
It was the kind of summer day in Central Oregon that people live for—sunny skies, warm-but-not-too-hot temperatures and a stunning view of the Cascades looming overhead. If Bend teen Sophia Rodriguez could have picked an ideal day to mark her 15th birthday with a lavish celebration, this would be it. Rodriguez was celebrating her quinceañera—a…
Are You Ready?
While kids are getting excited about hitting the slopes, local families are bracing for a brutal cold and flu season. Although parents can’t control everything, when it comes to their kids’ health, there are preventative measures that may help limit the impact. Havilah Brodhead is a family nurse practitioner and the owner of Hearthside Medicine…
Winter Trail Adventures, Family Style
Central Oregon can be a winter paradise, especially for kids. But even the most active families can find themselves stewing around indoors, weary of the usual winter routines. What if you could cure cabin fever by trekking to…a cabin? Oregon Sno-Parks offer endless trails for winter fun, with log cabin-like shelters tucked into remote corners.…
Creating Family
Over a decade ago, three Bend families were drawn together by the common heritages of their young daughters, who were toddlers at the time. Since then, this group has woven a web of support and tradition while creating their own definition of family. Meet Ava, Emily and Hai Xing, now in their early teens. Each…
Nest News
At Bend’s New High School, Construction is Just Part of the Fun By Isaac Biehl Officials broke ground at the site of the new high school in Bend on Sept. 19, in front of a happy crowd. Although the project officially began last spring, construction continues on the corner of Knott Road and SE 15th…
Bookshelf
Bookshelf: Recommended by Paige Bentley-Flannery Community Librarian at Deschutes Public Library Croc & Turtle Snow Fun! by Mike Wohnoutka Are you ready for snow? Best friends, Croc and Turtle are back in a snow adventure- “woooooooshhh!” They make a list of all the winter things they want to do together. Croc is ready, but Turtle…
Reaching Out
While the holidays can be a time of excess (food, gifts or money spent), that excess can also be a time to remind us of how fortunate we are to have that opportunity. Helping out a charity, through time spent volunteering, giving a cash donation or a donation of food/items can be a great way…
