What a sight to behold—a line of ducklings trailing proud parents as they navigate the river currents, a bucking kid goat frolicking in the field and a nest of peeping chicks visible from the window. Here, at my house, we also have a new baby! Poppy is a bouncing Aussie/heeler puppy who is melting our […]
Bend Nest
Bend Nest is a place to discuss, consider and laugh about all that parenting brings. A quarterly magazine produced by some of the finest writers, editors and photographers in Central Oregon, Bend Nest is smart and informed.
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It’s Baby Season!
Where to experience new animal life in Central Oregon
After a long winter, most Central Oregonians look forward to warmer weather and a little color to the landscape. The High Desert morphs as flowers bloom, leaves sprout and the opportunity to spend more time outdoors finally arrives. Spring and summer signal a time of new life, especially for the array of animals, domesticated and […]
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The 2023 Best of the Nest
See the winners!
Loving what you do and working hard at it are the keys to success. Thanks to our vibrant community of dedicated individuals and businesses who deliver top-notch services and products on the daily, raising a family in the high desert is a dreamy endeavor. This year, Nest followers rallied in great numbers to voice their […]
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Food and Farm Trail for the Whole Family
Experience Central Oregon’s robust agricultural community
Here in Central Oregon, we are blessed to live in a thriving agricultural community where farm-fresh produce grows right around the corner. From juicy purple plums to crisp green kale, and grass-fed beef to local honey, so many nourishing options abound! Children love picking out food and are more likely to eat their vegetables if […]
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Best Arts Instruction: Let’s Paint
Art in the Garden
Sarah Swoffer has creativity in her DNA. In founding Let’s Paint, which offers art instruction to children, parents and everyone in between, Swoffer has been instrumental in helping her students explore their own artistry by nurturing creativity and confidence. Growing as an art teacher during her time with Westside Village Magnet School, she knew painting […]
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Best Dance Studio: The Dance Connection Bend
Beyond the Steps
There’s no such thing as a dancer without passion; they do it because they feel it in their bones and soul. Owners of The Dance Connection Bend, Amy Adams, Lauren DuBose and Paige Coduti, feel that emotion and pass it on to every student who enters the doors of their studio. “We believe that dance stretches […]
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Best Learning Specialist/Tutor: Sylvan Learning of Bend
Individualized Education on the Rise
No two students learn the same way and it’s a huge mistake to assume they will. That’s one reason why Sylvan Learning has expanded so widely over the years. Audra-Marie Bohn, the director of Sylvan of Bend, explains: “Sylvan sets up individualized learning plans customized to each and every student, and we use expert teachers […]
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Girl Wonder
Bend Swim Club’s Annika Huang
Central Oregon is known for producing Olympic-level athletes who excel in winter sports but rarely do water sports come to mind. This year, an 11-year-old girl from Bend is making a name for herself in the competitive swimming arena. One of the youngest swimmers to qualify for Bend Swim Center’s competitive Silver Squad, Annika Huang […]
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Best OB: Dr. John Murphy
Continually Caring
Right away, it’s easy to tell how much Dr. John Murphy cares about his patients. “I feel continuity of care is truly the best form of medical care,” he says. “Every time a patient sees a different provider, a small piece of information can be lost. We try and give our community the best continuity […]
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Special Help for Special Kids
High Desert programs connect parents with invaluable resources
Receiving news that your child has special needs can prompt a devastating turn of events. “The future you imagined, it’s all changed,” says Leslie Seidel, whose son Luke was diagnosed with autism at age two. Fortunately, early childhood special education resources are available through the High Desert Education Service District, which includes Bend-La Pine, Crook […]
