Health Expert Q&A
Q My parenting books say to put my baby down in their crib when they are “drowsy but still awake,” but whenever I try, he just cries. What am I doing wrong? A A baby’s comfort being laid down for sleep (or anytime!) depends on many factors—their temperament, developmental readiness and how relaxed they are when…
Calendar
Mondays, Thursday-Sundays Toddler Open Play PLAY – A wonderful way for kids to stay active and have fun! There are options for both little ones and older kids to enjoy a clean, bright and fully padded space. Add some fun-filled movement to the week! Free Spirit Yoga + Fitness + Play | $12-$105 Freespiritbend.com/open-play Tuesdays…
Traditions & Festivals
As soon as the season shifts, families across Central Oregon turn their attention to the upcoming holidays—Thanksgiving and Christmas in particular. While both holidays are beloved by many, there is a multitude of lesser-known vibrant celebrations that take place around the world during the colder months. Many of these festivals share a common theme of…
Food Is Love
The holidays are a treasured time of gathering and appreciation for family and friends, often surrounded by food. In every culture and tradition, food is used to show love, feed a hungry soul or give thanks to how far we have come. The holidays and food simply go together! Here are some tips for “lessening…
Senior Moments
“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…
Close to the Heart
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…
Music Therapy
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…
A Good Kind of Fire
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…
Taking A Toll
Parenting through over a year of COVID shutdowns, quarantines and ever-changing restrictions was challenging for most parents. It meant extended stretches of time in intense parenting mode broken only by switching into teacher mode and sometimes counselor mode to help soothe children’s fears and anxieties. Even with school back in session, parents have a heavy…
Bridge Meadows Opens Doors in Redmond
Based in Portland, Oregon, Bridge Meadows is an intergenerational community that provides housing and alternatives to foster care. The newly opened Redmond location is its third such development in Oregon, after the two established in the Portland area. The new development responds to Central Oregon’s critical need for safe, affordable housing and permanency focused alternatives…
Child Care Needs Alleviated for COCC and OSU-Cascades Students
A $242,700 federal grant recently awarded to Central Oregon Community College will provide funding over four years to alleviate child care costs for low-income students. The funds will also help launch the Bend-based Little Kits Early Learning & Child Care Center at Oregon State University-Cascades, a year-round program with an integrated teacher-training component. “Child care has…
“Central Oregon Gives” to Raise $1 Million in 2021
The Source Weekly and Central Oregon Gives are campaigning to raise $1 million for 90 area non-profits by the end of the year. This ambitious goal builds on the successes of recent years, with $500,000 raised in 2019 and $700,000 raised in 2020. “With Central Oregon Gives we want to be the link between open-hearted…
Bookshelf
I Like the Snow by Sarah Nelson, illustrated by Rachel Oldfield Are you ready to make a snowman? And what is snow anyway? From the first winter flurries to catching snowflakes on your tongue and making snow angels, Nelson’s rhyming words take the reader on a snowy adventure. Whether you are playing in the snow or cozy…
Editor’s Note
Moving into holiday mode, let’s remember how far we’ve come over the course of a year and be thankful. Last year, if you remember, the fear of COVID-19 prevented families from gathering in Oregon, but this year, most are gearing up for the holidays and the return of traditions. Travel is back on the table…
Hockey Ace
Whether on or off the rink, local teen hockey players are demonstrating not only exceptional athletic ability, but also a commitment to personal growth and character development. One local organization helping young people with these goals is the Bend Bullets, whose name is an acronym for “Better Understanding Life Lessons and Expectations Through Sports.” Launched…
