Lane County MOM | June / July 2023

SHAWNTEL ROBERTSON

WE BRAKE FOR YARD SALES

FAST, KID-FRIENDLY DINNER IDEAS

Photos

meet the experts

Support

Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 18

Pets

Pets are Family with Dr. Emily Kalenius, page 7

Say Cheese

Say Cheese with Dr. Brad Chvatal, page 10

Vacation

Vacation MOM with Donnita Bassinger, CTC, MCC, page 20

Focus

Focus on MOM with Dr. David Hackett, page 8

Beyond the Bin

Beyond the Bin with WasteWise Lane county with Daniel Hiestand, page 11

Smile

Something to Smile About with Dr. Erin Estep, page 9

They know what they’re talking about

Published by Active Media, Inc

PO Box 672

Aurora, OR 97002-0672

503-825-2100

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Director

Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com

Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager

Linda Blair linda@mommag.com

541-231-7250

Salem Advertising

Representative

Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com

503-510-9036

Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com

Because I said so!

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MOM MagazineTM is owned by Active Media, Inc.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited. Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice.

Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.

On a recent trip to Waldport, I found myself in the local interpretive center marveling over the story of the Alsea Bay Bridge. Two lovely volunteers gave me a short history of the engineer who designed that bridge, as well as many others in Oregon and beyond.

Never, ever have I thought about bridges this deeply. They’ve been in that category of things that exist in the background of my life, and sure, I’m glad we have them. It made me appreciate anyone who dedicates their life and talents to a singular purpose. Not in a million years could I ever be an engineer…or chef, accountant, computer tech…the list goes on. Yet I’m grateful there are people who do these jobs because their work benefits all of us.

We’re all given unique talents in this world, such as our featured experts who always teach me something new. And like our recent Community Impact Award winners, who have been selected to win a year of free advertising in our magazine. These nonprofits go to admirable depths in helping people:

In Eugene, Bags of Love provides necessities and comfort items to children who are experiencing neglect, abuse, poverty, homelessness and disasters.

In Albany, Family Tree Relief Nursery offers therapeutic early childhood programs, support for families experiencing poverty, classes for parents in recovery, and more.

In Salem, the Assistance League gives clothing, hygiene items, school supplies and much more to children and adults.

Not all of us have the talent, skills or time to do what they do. They’re like that builder of beautiful bridges (his name was Conde McCullough, should you wish to go down an internet rabbit hole): doing important work to enrich us all. You probably take your own personal work for granted, as many moms do. But could others do what you do? Nope. So thank you for what you do in this world. I agree whole-heartedly with Lizzo on this one: in case nobody told you today, you’re special.

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

Anything you can do, you do it much better than I ever could

Lane County’s premier birth center offering pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, lactation, newborn, gynecology and wellness care. Certified Nurse Midwives provide a personalized evidence-based experience in a boutique setting.

oregonbirthandwellness.org 890 Beltline Road in Springfield 541-515-6556

Co-Directors collectively have 30 years of experience caring for birthing families

Crystal Massey, CNM, MSN

Kelly Rickman, CNM, DNP

Get outdoors with your canine friend

Enjoy the best of the Pacific Northwest this season, by taking your trail buddy with you on outdoor adventures. To keep them safe:

Choose your destinations wisely. Some places, like most National Parks, may allow dogs through the gates, but not on the trails. Do your homework before hitting the road.

Plan your pack. A leash and poop bags are a must…but what about booties, a collapsible water dish, or extra food for your furry friend? If your pet is able to carry a backpack, fill it with their essentials.

Watch the temperature. As the mercury rises, temperatures can become intolerable and even deadly in an enclosed car (imagine stopping at a gas station or a rest area). Even at 75 degrees, an enclosed vehicle can quickly become dangerous.

Follow proper trail etiquette. Keep your pet leashed when required and always in voice control. Be respectful of all visitors! Every year dogs have dangerous encounters with wildlife. Consider the ecosystem — your dog may come upon rattlesnakes, porcupines, bobcats, cougars, or birds of prey. As a general rule, keeping your pet on the trail and leashed minimizes the potential dangers. Seek immediate medical attention for any bites or injuries.

Recover from the day. Just as you may need to recover from a long day at the river, on the trail, or at the beach, so will your companion. Check them for ticks, check their paws for abrasions and lacerations, and ensure they are adequately hydrated and fed following a long day of fun.

Wilvet South 24/7 urgent care 444 B Street in Springfield wilvetsouth.com

Brought to you by: Emily

Kalenius, DVM

Motion sickness and vision

Vision is a key way we understand what is happening around us. This includes knowing how other people and objects are moving, as well as feedback on our own body position and motion.

If our brain is getting mismatched signals from each of our two eyes, or incompatible information when comparing our vision and balance sensations, we can get a queasy feeling in our stomachs. This can cause car sickness/motion sickness, as well as issues with reading, 3-D movies or even VR headsets. Concussions can lead to these vision issues as well.

Options for resolving these mismatches may include small amounts of prism ground into your eyeglass lenses when they are being made, or a consult for vestibular evaluation and vestibular therapy.

Everyone needs an eye exam every year, starting at age 6 months. If you or your children suffer from motion sickness, tell us at your next exam. We’re here to help.

The benefits of fluoride for kids

Many parents ask us about fluoride for their children, especially because it is not added to drinking water in this area. First and foremost, parents want to know if it’s safe; yes, fluoride is safe and effective in appropriate amounts. The next question is usually about the benefits. Fluoride is an important mineral for dental health, as it helps:

• Prevent tooth decay: Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars in the mouth. This can help prevent cavities from forming and reduce the need for fillings and other dental treatments.

• Strengthen enamel: Fluoride can help strengthen the enamel on teeth, making it more durable and resistant to wear and tear. This can help prevent tooth sensitivity and reduce the risk of chipping or breaking teeth.

• Remineralize teeth: Fluoride can also help remineralize teeth that have already been damaged by acid attacks. This can help repair early stages of tooth decay and prevent further damage.

When used appropriately, fluoride is a key part of dental health, which is a linchpin to our overall physical and emotional health. We’re here to help you make informed decisions for your children; if you have any questions or concerns, just ask!

Brought to you by:

Dr. Erin Estep is a board-certified pediatric dentist who owns Treehouse Kids Dentist in Springfield. She and her staff are committed to making sure your child has an amazing, safe, memorable dental experience.

treehousekidsdental.com

1611 J street Springfield, OR 541-515-6631

office@treehousekidsdental.com

It’s just a phase…or two, possibly

Orthodontic treatment is a well-worth-it commitment we sometimes split into two phases.

In phase one, the goal is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Planning now can save your child’s smile later: early treatment may prevent the removal of permanent teeth later in life, or the need for surgical procedures to realign the jaws.

Children often exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper jaw that is growing too much or is too narrow is addressed in phase one, as well as any crowded teeth.

Between phases, we have patients take a resting period while the remaining permanent teeth erupt. It’s best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement, otherwise, they may become impacted or displaced.

In phase two, when all permanent teeth have erupted, the goal is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue and other teeth. Phase two usually involves full upper and lower braces, and typically requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure your child retains their beautiful smile.

Every child is an individual, and we’ll help you understand what is best for your child and not simply put them into a standardized treatment plan. Call us for a free consultation to get started.

FiX iT Lane County A one-stop shop for local repair enthusiasts

In 2018, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generated 2.2 million tons of small appliance waste (think toasters and hair dryers). That’s the equivalent weight of 2.2 million giraffes!

Perhaps even more astounding is that just 5.6% of that total was recycled. Additionally, a whopping 79.5% — or 1.75 million giraffes — were tossed in the trash. What if instead of trashing or even recycling there was a better way? There is: repair.

FiX iT Lane County is dedicated to helping county residents mend and repair the “stuff” that matters to them. Whether it’s an heirloom blanket or an old vacuum, FiX iT empowers users with repair resources that save money and reduce waste.

FixItLaneCounty.com is managed by WasteWise Lane County and supported by the City of Eugene and Toolbox Project. It was conceived to promote a growing “repair movement” designed to help extend the life of items county residents already own.

FiX iT includes an extensive business directory that lists organizations offering various repair services. Businesses wishing to be listed should submit a request form at the site. The site’s event calendar also shares information about upcoming repair events, such as fix-it fairs in Cottage Grove (July 22) and Florence (Sept. 23).

In partnership with: FixItLaneCounty.com

Daniel Hiestand is the Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator. He holds a Master of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University.

Shawntel Robertson

PROFESSION: Family care specialist & small business owner

COMMUNITY: Eugene

FIANCÉ: Isiah Wagoner, loss prevention & small business owner

CHILDREN: Kail, age 9, and Rize, born May 21

THIS MOM DESERVES ALL THE NAPS: SHE WORKS FULL-TIME, OWNS HER OWN BUSINESS AND IS GOING TO LAW SCHOOL. OH, AND SHE JUST HAD A NEW BABY.

PHOTOS BY: FREMOUW PHOTOGRAPHY

STOP THE PRESSES!

Baby Rize was born May 21, at 8.5 pounds and 21.5 inches. Welcome to the world!

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My family is everything. My fiancé Isiah is a good man with kind eyes, my 9-year-old daughter Kail is sweet and brave, and my son Rize, who is set to bless the earth in May of 2023, has already stolen my heart. Together we are a family of four. We have no pets (yet).

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What is one of yours? We eat dinner as a family almost every night. When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I became a mom at age 17, and though I was scared, I couldn’t imagine life without my daughter. Although I didn’t have a moment where I knew I wanted to be a mom, my daughter made me fall in love with being one. Now that I’m older (27) all I want is to be able to grow my family and our love. I can’t wait for my son and to be a #boymom. Has the pandemic changed the way you parent, beyond just the practical and logistical parts? If so, how? The pandemic has brought new challenges to parenting, but since I work from home, I’ve been able to navigate things pretty well. It did make me realize how much I could be involved in my child’s education and teach her things like black history that schools in Eugene do not focus on. I think the pandemic allowed me to connect more with my daughter and for us to bond.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. One of my proudest mom moments is when my daughter was accepted into the Talented and Gifted Program at her school. For a young, black girl that did wonders for her confidence, and made me a proud mama.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. Being a teen mom, I always felt unprepared for certain situations when it came to signing up my daughter for sports and things of that nature. I honestly had times where I had no clue what I was doing, and I think my daughter missed out on some opportunities just because of my inexperience dealing with those sorts of things. There were lots of times I had to humble myself and ask for help when I felt like as a mom I should’ve known what to do.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? Chicken nuggets.

What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do? (skip showers, go to a drive through coffee in your pjs, etc.)? Let her have a cell phone at a young age (9). But I realized that I needed to be able to contact her and know her location.

In what way is your child like you? How are they different? My daughter is by far the best part of me. She is smart, brave and courageous. She knows how to speak her mind respectfully and is personable. She is different in that she is artistic and creative. She is a fantastic artist, something I could never be.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “______________.” It is what it is. Oh well. Your biggest wish for your kids is… To love unconditionally and powerfully. To do what makes them happy and to be brave.

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks? Honestly, it’s amazing what you can do when you have no other choice but to do it. I work a full-time job as a family specialist helping DHS families reunite with their children. I’m also completing my master’s at the University of Oregon’s Conflict and Dispute Resolution program and in my second year of law school. I am co-owner of Justice Shave Ice and help run our nonprofit the Minority Freedom Network. I also complete all household responsibilities and try to cook dinner every night. How do I balance this? THIS MAMA IS TIRED. But honestly, I feel as though I never stop moving and am always on the go. There are times when things get overwhelming, but I tell myself it’s all for my babies and that’s what gets me through the day. It’s all for them to have a happy, comfortable life. I’m willing to sacrifice anything for that.

MOM's Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite… …family game: UNO …place to find some peace & quiet: the beach

…way to get out of making dinner: Tell my fiancé that my back hurts, and I need to rest.

…inspirational quote: “I am a strong woman because I was raised by strong women.”

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. Being a teen mom and finishing my master’s degree.

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn? I think I failed myself at times by not living up to my potential or what others saw as my potential. I played soccer in high school and was slated to play somewhere in college, but I became pregnant with my daughter at 17 and my whole world changed. I don’t think this is a failure but more of a lesson. I learned that I could be a mom and still achieve my goals, even though those goals had changed. I learned that as a young, black woman I didn’t have to be a stereotype and that I could graduate college with honors and go on to earn my master’s degree while having a 9-year-old, and being pregnant with my son. I realized that I could do it all if I persevered and trusted myself.

Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? I would like to finish law school and become a family lawyer. I also would like to open more food trucks with my partner and grow our family, maybe two or three more babies to complete our family.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I was raised mainly by my mother and grandmother. They both showed me how hard work can get you things in life. They are the strongest, bravest and kindest women I have ever known. It’s through them that I have become the woman I am today, and the mother I am to my children.

What is special about where you grew up? I grew up in Eugene, and honestly being a black woman, it was difficult. I did not have many black role models to look up to, but what I can say is that the community of Eugene has taught me to love and be accepting of others.

What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? To take care of myself. There’s not a thing anyone can do for me that I can’t do for myself and there’s so much freedom in that. To not have to rely on someone, but to fully believe in yourself.

When did you realize you were no longer a child? I realized I wasn’t a child after I had my daughter at 17. I had to grow up fast, to be able to navigate motherhood at a young age. It was challenging, and people often made judgments on who and how I was. I had to believe in myself and keep to myself to be successful in life.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? A stable home full of love. A home where they feel comfortable to be themselves, and where they see their parents loving one another. I also want them to be able to follow their dreams, and go for it all.

What are three words your best friend would use to describe you? Fierce, loving and strong.

What is the quality you like most about yourself? My ability to always focus on the good in people.

MOMs Love Local

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…

…coffee spot: Coffee Plant Roaster

…view or scenic lookout: Heceta Head Lighthouse

…place to treat yourself to a mani/pedi, massage or other personal service: Nails Uncorked

…restaurant to take the kids: Beergarden

…restaurants for a date night: Placido’s …take-out, food truck or quick bite: Once Famous Grill

…meetup spot for happy hour: Side Bar

…place where the kids can let off steam: Amazon Park

…event in your community: Juneteenth

If you could instantly have one new skill (i.e. foreign language, musical talent, eyes in the back of your head, etc.), what would it be?

I would love to be able to fly or teleport. That would make mom life a whole lot easier.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Arguing. Lol.

Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. Getting my lashes done!

It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do? Take a nap. Or go shopping.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? The idea of failing, and not being good enough.

What keeps you sane?

My family.

What is your least/most favorite household chore? Laundry

What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?)

Tiramisu

What is your greatest extravagance? Probably getting my nails and lashes done. But it’s two things I do for self-care and to feel feminine.

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Black Panther

Who is your favorite real-life hero? My grandmother

Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? Society’s outlook on young black mothers.

They say that everyone has a book in them. What’s the title of your book? She believed she could, so she did

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected?

What surprised you the most? Not at all. I remember when my mother told me I had to potty train my daughter at age 3. At that moment I realized I’m going to have to teach this tiny human everything… woah. I never thought motherhood would involve teaching a tiny human everything about life, that she would know what I know. That’s a lot of pressure.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? Don’t be too hard on yourself. Your kids love you, and that’s all that matters.

What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. There are going to be moments where you feel like you are not good enough but remember that, to your kids, you are their whole world. It’s okay to have bad days and lean on the people who love and support you; that does not make you a bad mom.

If you were a teen mom like me, don’t let anyone tell you who or what you’re supposed to be, and figure that out for yourself. If anything, my daughter pushed me to go harder, to achieve more and to show everyone that I could do the damn thing. I continue to push myself to my fullest potential because my kids deserve a mother they can brag about.

Audrey Benson Behavior Supervisor

922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112

Corvallis, OR 97330

kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360

The emotional weight of having a child with disabilities

The experience of having a child with disabilities can be overwhelming for any parent, but the emotional weight can be particularly heavy for mothers. Society often places a great deal of pressure on mothers to be perfect caregivers, and when a mother has a child with disabilities — especially ones that are invisible — she may feel a deep sense of shame.

The heaviness of the emotions around this subject is difficult to put into words. Mothers of children with disabilities often feel as though they have failed in some way. They may feel responsible for their child’s condition, even if there was no way to prevent it. This is typically not helped by criticism from others. Whether it be in schools, social settings or while managing day-to-day life, there is always someone there to share their unwarranted opinions. This only adds to the shame and makes these circumstances feel even more impossible to overcome.

Despite the many challenges of having a child with disabilities, it is important to remember that mothers are not alone in their experiences. There are support groups, resources and communities that can provide comfort and understanding. Motherhood is a complex and nuanced experience, and there is no one right way to navigate the challenges that come with raising a child with disabilities.

The shame and guilt that mothers of children with disabilities go through can be all-encompassing. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional weight of these experiences and to offer support and understanding to those who are struggling. If you are struggling with similar feelings, please reach out to others for support. It may be the bravest, most impactful action a mother can take.

Brought to you by:

KIDS NW connects families with compassionate caregivers, specially trained in serving individuals with disabilities.

WINE COUNTRY

BY DONNITA CAGLE BASSINGER, CTC,

Escaping for a few days to have a grown-up vacation with a romantic partner or friends is something most moms dream about.

You don’t have to be a wine lover to enjoy the gourmet restaurants, varied outdoor activities and beautiful countryside in Sonoma County and Napa Valley. This area is a hub for craft breweries so that should keep beer lovers happy. If you like to eat, this area takes farm-to-table freshness to the next level: local chefs don’t just carefully choose where their produce and meats come from, they know the farmers personally.

We are fortunate to have easy access to the Wine Country of Northern California via nonstop flights from the Eugene Airport to San Francisco and Oakland Airports which are about 75 miles away, or connecting flights into Sonoma County Airport. You will need a rental car to get around. Be aware of rush hour traffic and plan accordingly.

MCC

WHEN TO GO

The most popular time to visit Wine Country is June through October as the weather and scenery are beautiful; of course, this makes it the most expensive time to visit. Summers are full of outdoor concerts, festivals and fairs.

September and October are harvest time at the wineries which have many special events. Prices and crowds will be the lowest in December, January and February as the weather is cooler and could be rainy. Spring is a nice time to visit as the natural beauty comes to life and the prices have not yet gone up for the high season. Many people consider November to be the best time to visit as the fall colors are gorgeous, the crowds are much smaller and prices go down after harvest time.

WHAT TO DO

There are over 800 wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma County of every size, shape and style. Luckily, there are many guides that can help you to choose a few to visit each day. A recent development is that most estate winery tasting rooms are appointment-only so you need to plan ahead and make some phone calls.

You can drive yourself or take a wine tour via bike, trolley, train, limo or van. Most wineries open around 10 or 11 a.m. and close around 5 p.m. This means the typical day could include morning activities such as a spa visit, horseback riding, a hike in the Redwoods, a float on the Russian River, a hot air balloon ride, a cooking class, a bike tour or a thrilling ride on a zip line.

You can pick up a picnic lunch at a deli and visit a winery with a beautiful outdoor seating area. At wineries open to the public, you can have a “tasting” which is sample size servings of about five different wines. Prices for a tasting can run from about $25 to $100 depending on the winery and the tasting experience selected.

Food is a big deal in Wine Country and there are numerous gourmet restaurants to choose from. From spring through fall you can enjoy your dinner on a lovely outdoor patio followed by an evening stroll. In the town of Healdsburg, you can easily walk to the 26 different tasting rooms and enjoy their offerings without a reservation.

WHERE TO STAY

The towns of St. Helena, Healdsburg, Yountville, Sonoma and Napa have quaint downtown areas with restaurants, tasting rooms, shopping and a variety of accommodations. You can stay in small, boutique inns or larger, luxurious hotels with spas and award-winning restaurants. These hotels can be quite expensive, especially during the summer. There are some chain hotels with more reasonable rates during the off-season. Reservations for hotels and the more popular restaurants need to be made at least a few months in advance for travel during high season.

A trip to the Northern California Wine Country is the perfect way to spend a few days reconnecting with a loved one or friends. Now is the time to stop dreaming and make it happen — you’ll be glad you did!

MEET VACATION MOM

TM

Alaska Airlines

AlaskaAir.com

Connecting flights to Santa Rosa, Oakland and SFO

Allegiant Allegiantair.com

Non-stop to Oakland twice a week

American Airlines

AA.com

Connecting flights to Oakland and SFO

Delta Delta.com

Connecting flights to Oakland and SFO

Southwest Southwest.com

Non-stop to Oakland

United Airlines

United.com

Non-stop to SFO

Airlines serving the Eugene Airport Helpful websites

SonomaCounty.com

VisitNapaValley.com

Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport

Donnita Bassinger is a mom of three, and she lives in Eugene with her husband where she is active in Scouting, school PTOs and local charities. Donnita has been a travel agent for 30 years and always loves visiting Wine Country. She is the owner of VIP Vacations, Inc and would be happy to chat with you about your travel plans.

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272

@VacationMOMpage

Fastest dinners in the West

IT’S DINNERTIME SHOWDOWN

ORANGE CHICKEN

Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Nuggets, cooked as directed Kikkoman or Panda Express orange sauce (both are available at most grocery stores)

Optional: sesame seeds, chopped green onions

In a large bowl, pour orange sauce over cooked chicken nuggets and gently stir to coat. Serve over rice, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

FISHWICHES

Hamburger buns

Breaded fish filets, cooked as directed Lettuce leaves

Optional: tartar sauce

Bake filets and serve on buns with lettuce and tartar sauce, if your kid is a fan.

When summer fun has you and yours go-go-going, try these fast kidfriendly meals.

BLACK BEAN CHILAQUILES

6 corn tortillas

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup chopped green onions

1 cup whole tomatoes, drained or fresh

½ can black beans, drained and rinsed

½ Tablespoon lime juice

½ cup frozen corn

1 teaspoon fresh oregano

1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Cut tortillas into thin strips. Heat oil in a skillet until hot; add tortillas and green onions, turning occasionally until tortillas are crisp, about 10 minutes. Stir beans, tomatoes, lime juice, corn and seasonings together in a skillet and heat. Add cheese; heat until melted. Serve over fried tortillas.

Recipe credit to First Alternative Co-Op in Corvallis.

SLOPPY JOE SANDWICHES

Hamburger buns

1 pound ground turkey

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons prepared mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt to taste

Optional ingredients: ¼ cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper

Brown the ground turkey and drain. If you like, you can saute in a ¼ cup chopped onion and/or a 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper. We know these are sometimes deal breakers with kids, so you do you for your crew.

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic and onion powder. Salt to your taste, then pour over the cooked ground turkey. Heat on medium-low, then serve on hamburger buns.

WE BRAKE FOR YARD SALES

If you’re looking for a low-cost, warm-weather activity that your kids (and your wallet) will enjoy, try hitting nearby yard sales.

FIRST, SCOUT OUT THE SALES

Craigslist seems to be the primary place for listings, as well as Facebook and Nextdoor. If you’re looking for specific items, check online the night before for descriptions. Sellers will often put “toddler boy clothes 2T to 3T” or other helpful descriptions. Or, you might just simply drive around your own neighborhood and follow the signs. Some sales start on Thursdays and end on Sundays; Saturdays are by far the most popular days.

CUSTOMER ETIQUETTE

• Bring cash in a variety of denominations. Sellers won’t often have change for $50 and higher, so pack the mixed bills.

• No early birds means just that. Don’t rush the sale.

• Bargain, but don’t be outlandish.

• Mind your kids. Keep them out of off-limits places, away from the glass vases and other mischief. Tip: show them to the box of free stuff.

• Be mindful when driving and parking: residential neighborhoods aren’t exactly set up to handle traffic.

FOR YOUR KIDS

Give your kids some spending money. They love new-to-them toys, and what an economical way to get them. It’s also a fantastic way to learn about money — how far it goes, how to hand it to an adult and take change, and of course, to remember good manners.

You might be surprised by what interests your child. An old but working radio prompts an interest in engineering. A ball gown ignites a passion for fashion design. And for yourself, maybe you find the next hot seller on Antiques Roadshow or that just-what-you’ve-been-looking-for item.

When you take items home, clean them before bringing them inside. Wipe down plastics, wash clothing, etc. You don’t want little hitchhikers invading your home.

At the end of day, take a few items you’ve had in your home that you no longer want or use, and put them in your own yard sale/donate pile. What comes around goes around, in the best way.

Double check helmet height

Mom, rate my helmet fit

Tighten up that strap!

If you haven’t called out, Wear your helmet! to your child who is racing outside to bike, scooter or skateboard, are you really even a mom?

Protecting children from traumatic brain injury is a universal priority. Don’t trust your kids with this important grown-up job: you must be the one to regularly check your child’s helmet for safety.

We asked the experts at the Oregon Department of Transportation Safety Division for advice. They provided us with 7 easy steps for a perfect helmet fit.

STEP 1

Measure your child’s head, then shop. It’s best to shop in person, rather than online, because each manufacturer seems to go by something different: some by measurement in inches, others by age groups or small/medium/large.

STEP 2

Use two fingers to measure the distance between your child’s eyebrows to the brim of the helmet. This is where you want the helmet to sit.

STEP 3

Buckle up. Center the left buckle under the chin. Adjust the length of the strap to get it right (note that it’s easier to adjust the straps when the helmet is off).

STEP 4

The side straps are the ones that form a V around the ears. Adjust these straps so the slider is slightly in front/under of the ears.

STEP 5

Back to the chin strap. Pull or loosen as needed, but only one or two fingers should fit under the chin strap. That odd little rubber band ring thingy? It’s to hold the excess strap material from slipping (more on that in step 7).

STEP 6

YAWN! Ask your child to open their mouth wide into a big yawn. The helmet should pull down on the head. If it doesn’t, tighten the chin strap and repeat the yawn test.

Does the helmet rock back more than two fingers’ width above the eyebrows? If yes, then unbuckle and shorten the front strap. Does the helmet rock forward into your child’s eyes? If it does, unbuckle and then tighten the back strap slider. Keep retesting until it no longer rocks.

STEP 7

Back to that little ring. It’s not there for funsies — it has a critical purpose. All four straps need to go through the rubber band to prevent slipping. The rubber ring should be next to the right buckle.

WHAT DO BIKE SHOP PROS SAY?

Jim Nevada, founder of Shift Community Cycles in Eugene, regularly fits and sells helmets to families.

He said that because kids grow quickly and in spurts, parents should check helmets often: at least once a month, and many resources will tell you to check the fit every time you put one on.

“The most common mistakes I see parents make when using helmets is an improper fit or using an old hand-me-down. When a helmet doesn’t fit properly it does very little to protect your head and wearing an old helmet can cause other problems,” said Nevada. He also notes that many people do not realize helmets have expiration dates.

Josh Goldfarb, operations director/founder of Shift Community Cycles, added, “If a helmet is dropped or takes an impact, they are to be replaced according to manufacturer standards.”

Both Nevada and Goldfarb regularly fit customers, with consent asked first, for bike helmets prior to purchase.

Thank you to the Oregon Department of Transportation for photos and information.

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