Here, in Central Oregon, local volunteer opportunities are plentiful, both for children and adults, and range in variety from animal welfare to community events to farming tasks and more. Participating in any of these activities has countless benefits for the whole family. Not only do we help others and make a meaningful impact in 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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Bend Nest Spring Calendar 2026
Mondays Homeschool Jump – Midday Fun for HomeschoolersACTIVITY – Mountain Air Bend welcomes homeschoolers to a special session which provides a fun, active and social environment where kids can jump, climb and play with friends. Perfect for homeschool groups or individual students, this event encourages physical activity, teamwork and imaginative play, while parents can relax knowing their kids are safe and engaged.Mountain Air […]
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Once Upon a Time…
Local Theater Company Presents “Shrek, The Musical, JR”
Celebrating its 20th season this year, BEAT Children’s Theatre is excited to present “Shrek, The Musical, JR,” by David Lindsay-Abaire, with music by Jeanine Tesori. This February 20 – 22, BEAT actors will take the stage with this hilarious, touching and joyful story of Shrek and his fairy tale friends on a journey to find love, […]
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Snow Much Fun
Skiing and snowboarding for kids in Central Oregon
For some people, winter in Central Oregon means time to relax by a cozy fire, sip hot cocoa and watch the beautiful snow fall—all from indoors. But for many families, winter is an active season and one of the best times to get outside and take advantage of the snowy playgrounds our region offers. For […]
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Winter Bookshelf: Weiwei’s Winter Solstice
Recommended by Paige Bentley-Flannery, Community Librarian, Deschutes Public Library
What would you do if all you saw was snow? It’s the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice is here. But this Chinese holiday looks different in Weiwei’s new home. And it’s cold out! You discover flowers and the river is sparkling. But even though this year’s Winter Solstice is different, it could […]
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Winter Bookshelf: The Winding Willow
Recommended by Paige Bentley-Flannery, Community Librarian, Deschutes Public Library
What snowy good deed will you do when it snows? Hubert Cumberbun may be a tiny mouse, but he’s brave! Hubert is trying to get home. However, his path is not a clear journey. There is a mysterious tree holding treasures (his brother’s lost shoe!) and a beautiful yet hungry owl. Hubert tries to remember […]
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Holiday DIY Gifts
Festive handmade fun for every age
The best holiday gifts are the ones made by hand—the kind that capture tiny fingerprints, watercolor splashes or creative flair that only kids can bring. From keepsake plates and homemade greeting cards to jars of rich hot cocoa and colorful rock photo holders, these affordable projects make it easy to craft something meaningful, memorable and […]
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Things I’ve Learned: Executive Director Kat Mastrangelo
Volunteers in Medicine, Clinic of the Cascades
Who are your role models? I had the fortunate timing to work with the founding board members of Volunteers in Medicine: Jim Petersen, Jim Lussier, Bob Hakala, MD and Ron Carver, MD. They represent the epitome of a lifetime in service to others. They used their skills and connections to create a Central Oregon institution that […]
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Editor’s Note, Winter 2025
Community, Connection and Snow!
The nice thing about living in a growing community is that opportunity is everywhere. Local families often share how much they enjoy the family-friendly activities as well as the strong sense of connection here. As a bonus—there’s snow in the mountains! For many parents, though, the winter sports scene can be daunting. Life for my […]
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New Super Sports Facility Breaks Ground in Bend
Jordan and Jacob Bailey are on a mission to build skills and confidence in Central Oregon youth, one sport at a time. Since 2021, they’ve owned the Central Oregon Gymnastics Academy. In addition, “Jacob runs action sports camps at all the local skate parks through Parks and Rec,” Jordan says. “He has done so for […]