As families wrap up their summers—squeezing in last-minute camping trips and back-to-school shopping—there’s a special buzz in the Central Oregon air. The change in seasons brings cooler temperatures, a return to routine and a fresh start for the whole family.
In this issue, you’ll find helpful tips to guide you into fall: from supporting mental wellness to improving indoor air quality to easing a child’s separation anxiety at the school doors.
If you need a quick update on what’s new for the 2025-26 school year or starting times for various grades, check out our Education section. You’ll also find updates on new board members and budget issues.
Just because summer is ending doesn’t mean the fun is. In fact, fall is the perfect time to enjoy our amazing community’s events. Check out the calendar for highlights including the Bend Fall Festival, when downtown streets transform into a mix of artisans, musicians and food vendors—with pumpkin painting for the kids too!
With cooler weather on the horizon, it’s also the perfect time to help your child learn to ride a bike. Their ticket to freedom and adventure, balancing on two wheels is a rite of passage they’ll never forget.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting local skateboarder—and our cover model—Matthew Detweiler, who impressed me with his level of maturity and ability to challenge stereotypes. Check out the feature article to learn about Board House, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth and community through skateboarding.
If the weather calls for a cozy weekend at home, try one of our Family Time fall recipes or bust out the art supplies with the kids and make a lantern or fall garland for the home—easy instructions are found in the Kids’ Corner at the back of the magazine.
Wishing you and your family a glorious start to fall. Enjoy!
This article appears in BendNest Fall 2025.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
