Believing in the transformative power of a strong park and rec system, Deb is a devoted advocate of parks for all. After enjoying a lengthy and rewarding career in park and recreation, she remains involved with the National Recreation and Park Association. Currently, Deb lives in Bend with her husband and German Wirehaired Pointer and […]
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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Love Wins
Your Child Just Came Out as Non-Binary, Now What?
For many parents, the term “non-binary” is relatively new. Over the last handful of years, more and more celebrities like Janelle Monรกe, Miley Cyrus and Ruby Rose have come out as identifying as something other than the gender they were assigned at birth (female), helping to shine a light on the non-binary experience and giving […]
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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 […]
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Bookshelf
Rosie Rides The River
Rosie Rides The River By Niki Rainwater, Illustrated by Taylor Blacklock Last summer, during the height of the pandemic, Bend resident Niki Rainwater stepped away from her job as a kindergarten teacher and turned her focus to a lifelong dream of writing a children’s book. It is her hope that the children in our community […]
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Preschool Pursuit
Finding the Best Fit for Your Family
Choosing the right preschool for your child is no small task. From navigating preschool philosophies to understanding curriculums to choosing the right class size, there is a lot to consider. The preschool years are crucial for your child’s development, and with the shortage of preschools and preschool slots available in Bend, local families need to […]