The holiday season is not only a time for family and celebrations but also a perfect time to teach kids the importance of giving back. Volunteering at local soup kitchens or shelters can make a big impact, and getting kids involved in these activities fosters empathy, kindness and a sense of community. So, how can […]
Paying it Forward
Posted inTrending
Certified Heroes
Since January is officially National Blood Donor Month, according to the American Red Cross, there’s no better time to consider saving a life—not just for people, but for our animal friends, too. Like humans, pets can experience both chronic medical conditions and emergencies that require blood transfusions. Cancer, anemia, autoimmune disorders like hemolytic anemia or […]
Posted inBookshelf
Winter Light
An engaging board book that captures the light of winter. Discover crystals in a meadow or how the last sunlight of the day filters through bare branches. Will you see a kaleidoscope of colors? The background illustrations encourage discussions of winter scenes including a variety of snowflake shapes. “Share some time. Share some joy. Share […]
Posted inBookshelf
Two Little Red Mittens
Two little red mittens. Left and right, they always went out as a pair.” What would happen if one of the little red mittens went missing? Could one red mitten go on an adventure? Make a snowman or tiny snowballs together with a new friend? Readers meet a variety of animals including a fox, rabbit, pigeon, […]
Posted inParenting
It Takes a Village
Recently, a young local family lost their father in a tragic mountain biking accident. I am writing this piece in honor of his family to provide resources for friends or families who are mourning. As parents, we often try to shield our children from the deeper sorrows in life. We do everything in our power […]
Posted inOutdoors
A Hunt for the Perfect Tree
Central Oregon has no shortage of forests or trees. As we take those scenic drives, especially near the holiday season, it seems like every other tree is the perfect Christmas tree. If only we could cut one down to take home and decorate. Guess what? We can! There’s something magical about the natural aroma of […]
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Editors Note Winter 2024
My son likes to tease me right around October 1 by singing carols and starting the official countdown to Christmas. Apparently, some people live for the holidays! Don’t get me wrong, I love this time of year when there’s a special something in the air, my favorite part being the hours spent in the kitchen […]
Posted inNest News
Nest News: Fostering Young Minds & Local Talent
As the holiday season approaches, Bend is gearing up for a unique community event designed to showcase the creativity, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of its youngest members. The Kid’s Entrepreneur Holiday Market, scheduled for Sunday, December 15 at the Elks Lodge, offers an environment where kids aged five to17 take charge of their own market […]
Posted inNews
A Partnership Helping House Bend-La Pine Schools Staff
A planned housing development from Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity will offer affordable homeownership for qualifying employees at Bend-La Pine Schools. The BLPS Board of Directors voted on November 12 to sell a surplus property to Habitat for Humanity for $20,000 to provide home ownership opportunities, prioritizing BLPS employees. The development, which neighbors Silver Rail Elementary School […]
Posted inCulture
Robots, Smiles, Heretics and Last Dances
This weekend I caught four movies in a row at the theater and now my entire brain feels funny. Here’s what I saw: The Wild Robot: At the bookstore I work at, we’re constantly selling copies of the 2016 novel by Peter Brown to kids so excited to read it that they’re bursting to get […]