The creation of Comfort Seeds, a group that uses gardening for healing, is a tale full of heartwarming hope and inspiration. When asked about her experience with Comfort Seeds, founder Katie Diez replied, “I never imagined such a positive reaction.” This simple act and concept started with an unexpected discovery. When her father passed away […]
Culture
Posted inBend Nest
Make Your Kitchen a Creative Hub
Get everyone involved in fun activities
As spring slowly emerges over the high desert, getting outside is certainly something to look forward to. Yet, there are still days and times when we’re stuck indoors. As much isolation as we’ve all experienced this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, being homebound can make the whole family a bit stir crazy. Turn […]
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It Truly Takes a Village
COPY steps in for families facing parental incarceration
Imagine growing up as a child with a parent behind bars. You receive no goodbye morning hugs, no nightly bedtime stories and no special birthdays with them by your side. Your only interaction is through phone calls, letters, and occasional in-person visits (many of which have been curtailed by the pandemic). If your parent was […]
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The High Desert Calls
Local students invited to submit entries to the Waterston Student Essay Competition
From memoirs to poetry, the rugged natural beauty and stark landscapes of the Oregon High Desert have been inspiring writers for centuries. Now, our unique environment is inspiring young writers to explore their creativity as part of the 2021 Waterston Student Essay Competition, hosted by the High Desert Museum. The competition gets its name from […]
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Back to Basics
Social trends towards simplicity spark interest in all-natural, eco-friendly children’s products
Organic, all-natural, eco-friendly children’s products and toys are all the rage these days, with many parents seeking healthier options for their youngsters that are also better for the environment. In a place like Central Oregon, where the wild beauty of nature meets a spirit of local artisanship, this trend is particularly on point. Natural toys […]
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Bookshelf
Recommended by Paige Bentley-Flannery Community Librarian at Deschutes Public Library
Ice! Poems About Polar Life by Douglas Florian What animals live in the polar region? Discover the Arctic through a selection of animal poems and interesting facts. What is a Ptarmigan? Does it live in the Arctic? And why is everyone eating krill? Get ready to yell out rhyming words, howl like a gray wolf […]
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Overnight Breakfast Bake: Chilaquiles
Could there be a more “parent-friendly” dish than an overnight bake? Assemble in the evening and effortlessly enjoy in the morning! Feeding up to eight, with this dish, there’s barely any prep work come sunrise on Sunday morning when tiny, hungry hands are tugging you out of bed. One of my favorite breakfast dishes is […]
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The Perfect Match
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon continues mentorship program amidst pandemic
Think back to when you were a kid. Was there an influential adult in your life to whom you weren’t related? How did they help you get to where you are today? This thought process is precisely what’s behind Big Brothers Big Sisters, says Program Director Sandy Cassio. Surprisingly, children who have parents who are […]
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Buy Nothing. Give Freely. Share Creatively
Buy Nothing Bend Facebook groups gain momentum during pandemic
Did you know that there is a hyper-local gift economy where parents across Bend are actively creating community? Buy Nothing Bend North and South are Facebook groups with just under a combined 2000 members who strive to buy nothing, give freely and share creatively. Formed using the model of the original Buy Nothing Project, which […]
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Fun (and a Little Messy) Valentine’s Day Craft
Nothing quite says “I LOVE YOU”
like a hand-made heart-shaped card covered in gorgeous, swirly, vibrant, marble colors!
Nothing quite says “I LOVE YOU” like a hand-made heart-shaped card covered in gorgeous, swirly, vibrant, marble colors! You will need: • Thick piece of white cardstock • Pair of scissors • Flat dish (plastic art tray, cake pan, cutting board, etc.) • Can of foamy shaving cream (NOT gel!) • Spoon or spatula for […]
