Hidden Gems
As spring draws near, what better time to emerge from hibernation for an educational trip to a museum? Museums can spark curiosity, encourage creativity and critical thinking and broaden children’s worldview about history, culture, science and art. While we all know and love the High Desert Museum, did you know there are many lesser-known options…
The Next Phase
From, “What to Expect When You are Expecting,” to an arsenal of books claiming to have the answers when it comes to raising young children, parents may be overwhelmed with parenting information the moment they find out baby is on the way. But what happens when that child sheds their babyface for stubble or budding…
It’s Gardening Time!
At the first sign of spring, with warmer days ahead, many of us are excited to get outside and play. We are ready to start tinkering in the garden and dreaming of the season’s abundance. Wait a minute, not so fast! This isn’t the Willamette Valley, where rain is plentiful and vegetation grows easily. No,…
Things I’ve Learned
Meet Ranae Staley, Executive Director, The Giving Plate Recently, The Giving Plate, a local non-profit that runs a food pantry in Bend for those in need, earned a $15,000 award reserved for the organization that raised the most funds as part of the 2021 Central Oregon Gives campaign. The organization raised more than $259,000! At…
Generation Resilient
As we approach the second anniversary of the pandemic, parents of children born during this unique time may have questions about their child’s social and emotional development. Questions like: How has social distancing affected my infant? Has my baby received enough human contact to recognize facial emotions? Will my toddler’s speech and language development be…
Street Dog Hero
It was just before dawn when Street Dog Hero’s partners and volunteers set out on a snowy drive from Bend to Warm Springs. This December day was weeks in the making, with coordination amongst Street Dog Hero, Fences for Fido, Humane Society of Central Oregon, volunteer veterinarians and medical staff, as well as the families…
If the Shoe Fits
Looking ahead to the 2022-23 school year, families may want to consider the Choice Option schools available within the Bend -La Pine district. These schools all feature learning opportunities that are significantly different from the traditional programs and offer families a variety of learning styles to fit every student’s needs and interests. The Choice Option…
Nothing says “Spring Green” like Saint Patrick’s Day
Held every March 17, this feast day in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is beloved across the country among descendents of the Irish diaspora. From festive parades to greenlit landmarks, revelers celebrate Irish culture and heritage with traditional food, drinks and games – and, of course, by wearing green to keep…
Editor’s Note
Spring is just around the corner and it’s hard not to feel excited as we say goodbye to winter and hello to longer days and budding natural surroundings. Alongside spring’s entrance, the statewide lifting of the mask mandate by March 31 brings hope and promise of a long hibernation finally ending. We’re excited for…
Rescue Mission
In the wake of the pandemic, there is now a serious shortage of licensed substitute teachers in Bend-La Pine Schools district. Schools are feeling the crunch, and some classes are even closing temporarily due to severe staffing shortages. Parents may wonder: What’s going on? Why is it so hard to keep schools open right now? …
