“Inter-generational interaction is the best gift we can give, to the young and to the old.” That’s the advice of Central Oregon’s Council on Aging communications director Denise Labuda for anyone looking for a way to reach out this holiday season. “That inter-generational connection is hard to keep alive right now because of COVID,” she […]
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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Close to the Heart
A Holiday Celebration of Local Artisans
This season, Bend Nest has a present for you! We’ve been searching near and far for the finest holiday gifts on offer this season. And, not surprisingly, we found them right here in our backyard. For unique, handmade items, made by Central Oregon artists and creators, look no further than these pages. We’ve curated our […]
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Music Therapy
Where Words Fail, Music Speaks
Dr. Debasish Mridha once said that “music can heal the wounds that medicine can’t touch.” If this is true, then music therapy can provide the healing balm to soothe a troubled soul. Many people have experienced better emotional well-being from their relationships with music. Instinctively we know how good it feels to listen to a […]
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A Good Kind of Fire
Backyard bonfires stoke comfort and creativity
Before modern civilization became inundated with distractions like television, internet and ways to fill the time, there was fire. Long after humanity, there will be fire. During the parched summer months, we know how dangerous the tiniest spark can be in Central Oregon. However, building and enjoying a fire is the best part of our frigid winters! In […]
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In Search of Color
Notes from a quick road trip to Ashland
It’s a given that we all love Bend, and most of us have our favorite season here. Autumn has always been mine, but sometimes I miss being surrounded by the glorious multicolored leaves that are reminiscent of where I grew up. Bend does offer some autumn beauty, though. The golden maple trees along Industrial Way […]
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Framework for Success
New superintendent brings passion for building community to the Bend-La Pine Schools
The Bend-La Pine Schools district board voted unanimously last January to hire Dr. Steve Cook as its newest superintendent. The former Coeur d’Alene, Idaho school superintendent has since hit the ground running, even before the position’s official start date of July 1. Cook taught school for 13 years and then served as an administrator for […]
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Caldera High School Opens Doors for the 2021-22 School Year
Caldera High School, located in southeast Bend, is slated to open this fall to incoming ninth and tenth graders
It’s been over two decades since the Bend-La Pine Schools district added a new high school to its ranks. This is the year and Caldera High School, located in southeast Bend, is slated to open this fall to incoming ninth and tenth graders. Starting next year, one grade level per year will be added which […]
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Dream Big
Natasha Visnack, Local Female Junior Cyclist, accepted into the USA Cycling Olympic Development Academy
Natasha Visnack, local 17-year-old junior cyclocross competitor, has been accepted into the USA Cycling Olympic Development Academy (ODA) for cyclocross. The ODA is the best, most comprehensive cyclocross development program in North America for junior and U23 athletes. The program, run by world-championship-level coaches and program directors, comprises of individualized coaching and support, with opportunities […]
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Bad Mommy Bad Writer
Examining the messy path of building a career while staying home with the kids
The pandemic made working from home while caring for small children all too real for many parents. Growing a career alongside the kids is at times impossibly difficult, positively hilarious and just rewarding enough to keep anyone from walking out on the job. Are you a parent immersed in the double-duty of working alongside your […]
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Doing Our Part
Central Oregon Businesses Support Zero-Waste Trends for a Brighter Future
ANew York woman named Lauren Singer once managed to fit four years’ worth of trash into one 16-ounce mason jar. Although that ecological feat may seem utterly daunting, there are numerous ways to get started on a path to zero waste. We all know how problematic non-biodegradable trash has become, between the Great Pacific Garbage […]
