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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Buy Nothing. Give Freely. Share Creatively

Buy Nothing Bend Facebook groups gain momentum during pandemic
by Annette Benedetti

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!
by Nicole Blume

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 […]

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It’s a Desert Out There

The child care shortage in Central Oregon worsens amidst pandemic
by Ashley Moreno

Sarah Bystrom is a sales director and working mother of a family of four in Bend. She and her husband are raising two boys—one 3 years old and another age 20-months. On a workday, Bystrom leaves the house at 7:20 am to drop her youngest son at his daycare in northwest Bend and her older […]

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The Aerodynamics of Youth

Students take flight with Central Oregon aviation programs
by Nicole Blume

Brrmmmm… the sound of the engine roars to life as the small plane rumbles down the runway and ascends quickly into the sky. On board the 1971 Grumman Yankee AA-1A is longtime veteran pilot Kim Muinch and his fearless passenger, 16-year-old Lucas Tracy, a junior at Ridgeview High School in Redmond. Just a few miles […]

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Bend-La Pine Schools Names New Superintendent

New superintendent will take the reins starting this July
Avatar photo by Nicole Vulcan

Bend-La Pine Schools’ new superintendent will take the reins starting this July, replacing Interim Superintendent Lora Nordquist. Cook is currently the superintendent for the Coeur d’Alene School District in Idaho and served in various leadership roles, including acting superintendent, for the Douglas County School District in Colorado prior to that. “I am excited to come […]

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Free-Roam VR Unleashed

Zero Latency Comes to Bend
by Sean Switzer

Families with teens looking for something exciting to do will want to check out Zero Latency, the new VR arena, which recently opened in Wagner Mall, where Nature’s used to be. I recently had the pleasure of testing out the VR arena and the experience was incredible! After a brief introduction where they tell you […]

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Let’s Get Out There!

Winter Activity Roundup 2021
Avatar photo by K.M. Collins

If you live in Central Oregon, you know that winter is not a time for hibernating, but a time for getting out in the glistening snowy wonderland. As we jump into the full swing of winter amidst pandemic restrictions, you may be wondering what activities are still on offer for kids in Bend and beyond. […]

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Best of the Nest 2021: It’s time to vote!

Vote for your favorite family friendly Central Oregon businesses, now through Feb. 19!
by The Source Staff

It’s that time of year again—time to vote for your favorite family friendly businesses in Central Oregon! From food to vets to pediatricians, there’s lots of love to give around! Where’s the best place to eat out with kids? Which preschool is the place to be? Who has the yummiest sweet treats? Vote for all […]

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Apples, Spice and Everything Nice

Whether you’re picking apples with the family in Hood River or purchasing them from a local vendor, apples are a fall-time staple
by Nancy Patterson

Pumpkin has long reigned the king of autumn-themed foods, but for me, it’s apples. Whether you’re picking apples with the family in Hood River or purchasing them from a local vendor, apples are a fall-time staple to keep in the kitchen once the temperatures begin to dwindle. Swapping butter for yogurt and sour cream is […]

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A Natural Remedy

Why children need to spend time outdoors
by Joshua Savage

Kids these days! They spend way too much time on screens with distance learning, and then after school, they usually want to play video games or watch a show. Even before the pandemic and online school, children were spending more time in front of computers and less time outdoors than previous generations, and rightfully, many […]

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