Lane MOM | June / July 2024

RECIPES FOR AN ABUNDANCE OF EGGS TAKE

LAURA SANCHEZ

lovemommag info@mommag.com

meet the experts

[They know what they’re talking about]

Motherhood

Journey to Motherhood with Crystal Massey, page 6

Vacation

Vacation MOM with Donnita Bassinger, CTC, MCC, page 12

Support

Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 21

Beyond the Bin

Beyond the Bin with Daniel Hiestand, page 8

Say Cheese

Say Cheese with Dr. Brad Chvatal, page 9

Pets

Pets are Family with Dr. Erica Harmon, page 20

Focus

Focus on MOM with Dr. David Hackett, page 25

Smile

Something to Smile About with Dr. Erin Estep, page 30

“ Being a mom has made me so tired. And so happy. “

— Tina Fey

Publisher

Matthew Nelson, Active Media, Inc

PO Box 672, Aurora OR 97002-0672 info@activemediausa.com 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 Representatives

Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036

Tina Toney tina@activemediausa.com 503-991-4547

Designer

Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com

MOM Magazine is sustainably delivered throughout the community thanks to pedalersexpress.com

MOM Magazine TM 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.

Editor’s Note

Bluey’s mom friend is right

Even though my kids are high schoolers, I make it a point to stay up on cultural trends with younger kids as much as possible. For instance, while my children are too old to watch Ms. Rachel, I will join the group who rides at dawn to hunt down the person who made her cry. So when several cover MOMs mentioned Bluey and the Baby Race episode, I knew it was time for me to watch it.

The retrospective story goes like this: Bluey’s mom finds herself feeling competitive with others in their mom-baby group, to meet various milestones like sitting up, crawling, walking and so on. She becomes obsessed with getting Bluey to crawl, doing all the research on it, encouraging, enticing…all the while, the baby version of Bluey is a giggling happy one. When Bluey “loses” this selfconstructed race, the mom says, “I just felt like I was doing everything wrong.”

Is there a mom on this planet who hasn’t, at many points, felt like she’s doing it wrong? (And if there is, we are likely not friends with her.) Back to Bluey’s mom: When another mom from the group — a very experienced mother of eight — visits her, she delivers a heartfelt line that resonates with many viewers. “There’s something you need to know,” she says, looking intently at Bluey’s mom, then adds softly, “You’re doing great.” Wow, does that line ever hit a mom right in the feels. All the self-concocted races, the worry and doubt that you’re screwing it up somehow…that line delivers, even when you hear it a decade or more after the baby phase. In the spirit of being less of a tiger mom and more house cat one, know that…

If you’re taking the time to read this, you’re doing great.

If the preschool teacher emailed you again about them disrupting the class by acting like a dinosaur, you’re doing great.

If your toddler howled because you put their mac and cheese into the pink bowl they asked for but now that pink bowl is the most disgusting thing they’ve ever set their tear-filled eyes upon, you’re doing great.

If your middle-schooler’s greatest achievement is an essay on Skibidi Toilet, you’re doing great.

If they drop out of traditional high school because in-person is overwhelming for their mental health, you’re doing great.

Parenting can be lonely, even more so for single parents and anyone who has children with special needs. There’s no one to give you an atta-gal, a raise, a thank you. The Baby Race episode of Bluey is only seven minutes long, widely available online and well worth your time. Even if your kids are driving themselves to school, ignoring you from their first apartments, or maybe have kids of their own. Watch it, and know that you are, indeed, doing great.

Cheers,

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

journey to motherhood

PREPARING FOR THE BIRTH OF YOUR BABY

Childbirth is one part of the journey to parenthood. At Oregon Birth and Wellness Center, we recognize that the journey starts well before then. That’s why we offer classes on prenatal and postpartum nutrition, infant care and breastfeeding that nourish the body, mind and spirit.

We partner with Eugene Birth and Family for help with educating patients on childbirth. The class taught by Tiffany Grantom, Certified Childbirth Educator, focuses on all birth settings. The four-part series provides a comprehensive look at the process of birth, and gives tools, practice tips and mental frameworks. After attending The Birth Informed childbirth class, our patients report they felt well equipped to cope with labor and birth. Many have expressed feeling informed about their choices and how to advocate for themselves. Many soon-to-be dads have reported feeling the desire to be more involved in the process of childbirth after attending with their partners.

The breastfeeding class taught by Holly Russell, IBCLC, RN, is a great way to get to know her before she sees you postpartum for lactation visits. Holly helps parents understand the feeding needs of their newborn as well as highlighting the benefits of human milk. She discusses the benefits of skin-to-skin contact with your infant including temperature regulation, blood sugar regulation and bonding.

During pregnancy, patients are invited to attend prenatal and postnatal nutrition classes taught by Rachel Strout, MS. If you develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy she has a class that covers that as well. She teaches parents the nutritional demands needed during pregnancy and explains how to prepare meals so you can meet these demands in your diet. She also makes guilt-free brownies during some of her classes.

Beyond these core classes we recognize that some families are coming to us after a traumatic birth and a place of fear. We know there is more to a person than just prenatal care, and we aim to address the needs of the whole person. Our class “Overcoming fear in pregnancy and childbirth” addresses the trauma and fears associated with past experiences and helps the person feel confident in their abilities to cope and make informed decisions.

The birth center also hosts local midwives and other birth workers who use our space to educate the community. Christy Pellicer, CPM, teaches the postpartum wellness class, “Navigating the 4th Trimester.” The core classes offered at Oregon Birth and Wellness Center are part of the care we provide for our patients; however anyone in the community is welcome to sign up for one of our classes.

We are always looking for ways to provide further educational opportunities for families and are currently working on developing a parent CPR class that will be available soon. Visit us online at oregonbirthandwellness.org to see our many offerings.

Crystal Massey, CNM, MSN

oregonbirthandwellness.org

541-515-6556

890 Beltline Road in Springfield

Brought to you by:

Curbside composting a great option

What’s better than composting when it comes to reducing wasted food? Well, not having food scraps to compost in the first place. However, attaining true zero-waste in the kitchen is impossible for most of us. So, what’s the best thing to do with those pesky scraps? Compost!

For county residents living in Eugene, Springfield or Veneta city limits with curbside yard debris bins, you can place your food scraps — including meat and bones — into your yard waste bin for pickup. And if you don’t live in one of those cities, you can compost at home (minus the meat).

This is a big deal if you are concerned about climate change and saving landfill space. Any time you can avoid putting food in a landfill, it’s a win for the climate, as food waste creates extremely potent methane gas.

When it comes to meat and bones, if you’re concerned about the stink factor or attracting pests, try freezing them until just before yard debris bin pickup.

To learn more about what is compostable in curbside yard waste bins, visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise-food. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter Waste Wise News, published by Lane County Waste Management.

Waste Wise Lane County empowers residents, schools and businesses with resources to reduce waste and live sustainably.

Dr. Brad Chvatal (541) 683-8490 • EugeneBraces.com

1400 Valley River Drive, 240, Eugene 1130 E. Main Street, Cottage Grove 2215 Willamette Street, Ste. B, Eugene

Crossbites in children: fix them early

As an orthodontist, one of the most important bite issues I correct in children are crossbites. There are two types of crossbites: anterior and posterior. With anterior, the upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth. With posterior, the upper back teeth bite inside the lower back teeth. Why fix crossbites? When left untreated, they can cause problems now and in the future, such as:

• Jaw misalignment, which leads to asymmetry and abnormal growth

• Tooth wear and damage that causes chipping and enamel wear

• Gum recession due to teeth hitting and colliding together improperly

• Speech issues that interfere with pronunciation — we work with your speech pathologist to find the best solution

• TMJ Disorders, leading to jaw pain and headaches

Treating crossbites during childhood, when the jaw is still growing, is most effective and quite straightforward. It’s something I do every day! An orthodontic evaluation by age 7 can identify and address these issues early, often using braces or expanders. If crossbites are left untreated, they often require surgical correction in adulthood.

Correcting crossbites early improves your child’s smile and prevents future dental problems. Regular dental check-ups and early orthodontic consultations are essential. If you suspect a crossbite, give us a call today for a complimentary consultation.

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Flying out of Eugene is easy-breezy

Eugene

Oakland

Sacramento

San

San

San

Santa

Phoenix Los Angeles

Burbank

Dallas – Fort Worth Austin Seattle Salt

Denver

The Eugene Airport now offers more airlines and flights than ever before.

There are seven airlines with flights from our local, convenient airport: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Avelo, Delta, United and Southwest.

Each airline serving the Eugene Airport offers something

unique

ALASKA AIRLINES | Alaska Airlines offers non-stop flights to Los Angeles, San Diego and Seattle with connections to destinations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Costa Rica. Alaska Airlines offers the most flights from Eugene Airport. They are based out of Seattle and are proud of their Northwest roots. Alaskaair.com

ALLEGIANT | Allegiant began in 1997 and offers low fares on non-stop, all-jet service. From Eugene you can fly non-stop to Las Vegas, Orange County and Mesa (near Phoenix). New flights were just added to Austin, Texas. Flights usually operate two or three times per week to each destination. Allegiantair.com

AMERICAN AIRLINES | American Airlines flies daily non-stop flights from Eugene to Dallas/ Fort Worth and Phoenix. From those cities you can catch connecting flights to 350 cities around the world. American Airlines is the largest airline in the world. AA.com

AVELO | Avelo Airlines began in 2021. They fly four days per week non-stop to the Hollywood Burbank airport using Boeing 737 aircraft with 189 seats. This flight offers low fares and easy access to the attractions of Southern California. They also offer flights to Palm Springs from fall through spring. Aveloair.com

DELTA | Delta can fly you to almost 300 destinations in 50 countries, starting from Eugene. They offer daily non-stop flights to Salt Lake City and Seattle, where you can connect to flights anywhere you want to go. Delta.com

SOUTHWEST | Southwest started its service to Eugene Airport in 2021. The low-cost airline offers daily non-stop flights to Burbank, Denver, Las Vegas, Oakland, San Jose and seasonal flights to San Diego. In June they begin flights to Sacramento. From Eugene you can connect to destina-

tions throughout the U.S., including Hawaii and to Mexico. Southwest sets themselves apart by offering free checked and carry-on bags, and no change fees for any of their fares. Southwest.com

UNITED | United Airlines was the first airline to serve Eugene Airport in 1944 and has been providing flights to our community since then. Today they operate daily non-stop flights to Denver and San Francisco. From Eugene you can connect to 210 destinations in the United States and 140 international airports. United.com

More reasons to love the Eugene Airport

PARKING

Compared to PDX, locals know how easy it is to get from car to concourse at the Eugene Airport — the convenient parking lot is only steps away from the entrance. Short-term is $28 per day, and long-term is $19 per day. You can walk across the road and use Economy Parking for $13 per day. Note that that there are no shuttles.

RESTAURANTS & GIFT SHOPS

The Willamette Grill is available for visitors and pre-security passengers as well as travelers who have gone through security. This full-service restaurant and bar is open daily from early morning until the evening. In the A-Gate area (upstairs) you will find the Coast to Cascades Café offering sandwiches, pizza, gourmet coffee, snacks and a remodeled bar.

If you are looking for souvenirs from Oregon, reading materials, unique gifts or snacks, they can be found at three locations within the airport. Pure Northwest is located in the terminal lobby (before security screening), upstairs in the A-Gate area and at their new B-Gate location.

There are free water bottle filling stations located past security screening so you can

MEET VACATION MOM TM

Get great prices

It’s important to know that you can only find pricing information for Allegiant, Avelo and Southwest Airlines flights on their websites. They do not appear on travel sites such as Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak or Google Flights.

bring empty water bottles and do your part to protect our environment.

LACTATION SUITES

Nursing moms will be happy to know that there are two lactation suites available. These private areas offer comfortable seating and charging stations, and are located near the top of the escalators past security.

AIRPORT NAVIGATORS

The Eugene Airport Navigators are volunteers who can be found at the information booth and roaming the terminal, ready to provide flight information, driving directions and tourism information. Be sure to look for them if you have any questions.

GET THOSE GREAT DEALS

Again, travelers need to remember to shop for flights on Allegiant, Avelo and Southwest Airlines on each airline’s website, as their great deals do not appear in aggregated travel searches.

Now that you know how easy it is to fly from Eugene Airport, it is time to start traveling. Contact a travel agent to plan a vacation today!

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 @VacationMOMpage Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport

Donnita Bassinger is a busy mom of three who lives in Eugene and is active in many local charities. She has been a travel agent in Oregon for 30 years and witnessed many changes to the Eugene Airport. As the owner of VIP Vacations, she is happy to chat with you about your travel plans.

Laura Sanchez

PROFESSION

Executive director at Ophelia’s Place

COMMUNITY

Eugene

PARTNER/SPOUSE

Thomas Sanchez, wireless technician

CHILDREN

Harper, age 10; Olivia, age 8; and Cameron, age 6

PHOTOS BY: LIVIA FREMOUW

AT HOME, WORK AND IN VOLUNTEERING, THIS MOM KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE HER COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE: EMPOWERING GIRLS TO THRIVE IN A COMPLEX WORLD.

Family comes first.

MOM’s Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: We love Uno, Sorry and Spot It!

…place to find some peace & quiet: I have yet to find it, LOL!

…binge-worthy TV or podcast: Ted Lasso, Girls 5Eva, Yellowjackets

…way to get out of making dinner: I get out of making dinner often; Thomas does most of the cooking.

…inspirational quote: “Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular.”

…time-saving app or digital tool: My Outlook calendar. I need this to track work and family life.

…parenting book or philosophy: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My husband Thomas and I met in Missouri and moved to Oregon twelve years ago. Our three daughters all attend school at Buena Vista Spanish Immersion School. We have a super sweet Frenchie named Milo, and we are lucky enough to have my parents living down the street from us as they moved here about three years ago from St. Louis. Thomas is a wireless technician, working for AT&T Mobility; his job is the reason why we relocated to Oregon. Originally when he was offered a job interview and subsequently the job, we had decided that I would remain in St. Louis, as we assumed after a year or so, he would be able to transfer back. After four months of living apart, I decided to quit my job and relocate to Oregon with him, and it was the best decision ever. All three of our kids were born here and are proud Oregonians. Harper does gymnastics and loves art and fashion. Olivia plays soccer and basketball and enjoys art and reading. Cameron does gymnastics and loves dinosaurs.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I had never really wanted to be a mom growing up or even in my early twenties. It wasn’t until after I met my husband Thomas, did I realize that the world would be a better place if we had kids, or at least, our world.

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.)?

There isn’t anything that I swore I would never do before kids. However, there is a lot I miss doing before kids, like taking naps, sleeping in and eating hot food.

In what way are your children like you? How are they different? I think my children have an affinity for animals and empathy for others like me. They are also extremely persistent like me, for better or for worse. They are definitely very outgoing, which I do not consider myself to be.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “_______.” “Did you brush your teeth?” Followed by, “Let me smell your breath.”

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? Finding balance has been a very intentional process for me this past year. Taking stock of who and what is important to me, what my responsibilities are and what I can delegate was the first step. Having a supportive partner, parents, friends and workplace is such a privilege that contributes greatly to my ability to balance it all. I’m doing a lot better to not let my own physical and mental health needs fall through the cracks.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I am honored to be the executive director of Ophelia’s Place, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls to thrive in a complex world. We offer a safe space after and out of school, mental health services, in-school girls empowerment groups and professional development for youth-serving providers. I am really proud of the work we do to support girls and youth in our community to have the foundation, connection, and trusted allies they need to discover themselves, rise above challenges, and flourish.

QA

MOM’s Love Local...

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

…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Luxe at Oakway Center

…coffee spot: Vero Espresso

…view or scenic lookout: Spencer Butte

…spot to get a good workout: Burn Boot Camp — love the community there!

…place to treat yourself: Pearl Day Spa for massages and facials

…restaurant to take the kids: Sunriver Brewing Co., Bier Stein

…restaurants for a date night: Izumi Sushi

…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Oakshire Public House

…place where the kids can let off steam: community parks, Sheldon pool

…event in your community: summer concerts at Oakway and going to Ems games

Whenever I give a tour of our site, adults always say they wish they had a resource like Ophelia’s Place when they were a kid. And when I see the impact OP has on individual girls and their families, or hear about the positive change in school culture from our school services, I am so heartened to be a part of it.

In my off time, I like to volunteer coach; I have helped coach my daughter’s Girls on the Run team at school, and both kindergarten and second grade soccer. I think team sports are such an important part of developing lifelong skills in communication and teamwork.

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 by two educators: my dad was a technical high school administrator, and my mom was a second grade teacher. They instilled in me a lot of things that have shaped the mother I am today — a love of reading, an openness to things that are different, and a desire to be a lifelong learner. My parents adopted me when I was four months old from Seoul, South Korea so the concept of unconditional love and acceptance are also foundational to my mothering.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? I recently visited Seoul for the first time since my adoption as an infant. It was a beautiful and soul-filling trip and I cannot wait to return someday.

Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? Making my bed everyday. I used to think it was a silly habit since you’re just going to mess it up later, but now I love getting into a made bed at the end of the day. 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? Start some kind of huge organizational project, only to abandon it a few hours later, that will then annoy me for the next week or two until I throw everything in a box, closet, drawer, etc. and tell myself it’s a “summer project.”

What keeps you sane? Physical and joyful movement for my body helps keep me sane. I work out at Burn Boot Camp pretty

regularly and play on two volleyball teams and one soccer team comprised of a bunch of moms from school; our team name is Game Ovaries. My friends also keep me grounded — admittedly it was pretty difficult to find friends as a mom in my 40s but I now have people who I consider my chosen family, who love me and my kids.

What is your least/most favorite household chore? I hate anything having to do with the care and upkeep of floors: sweeping, vacuuming, raking…yuck. I love doing laundry, and I really appreciate an empty and relatively clean kitchen sink.

Who is your favorite real-life hero? Too many to name just one — Ruby Bridges, Malala Yousafzai, Dawn Staley, Dolly Parton

Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? Honestly, my work at Ophelia’s Place, which includes the girls and families we serve, my coworkers and our supporters, inspire me everyday to be better. When I leave this world, I want to know that I contributed to the betterment of the community and society that my future family will be members of, and I know one way to do that is empowering youth.

They say that everyone has a book in them. What’s the title of your book? “Heard From the Playroom” or “Confessions of a ‘Just Okay’ Mom”

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? I don’t think there’s any way to know what to expect when it comes to motherhood. I certainly didn’t expect that noodles would eventually be considered its own food group. Or exactly how many articles of clothing one child could go through in a day. But what has surprised me the most is how visceral my love for my children is — sometimes it’s overwhelming.

Do current events shape how you parent, and if so, how? Absolutely, particularly when it comes to bias-based violence. When the Atlanta shooting tragedy occurred, clearly motivated by anti-Asian views, it was really important for us to talk about it as a family. Also, raising three girls in our current political and social landscape keeps me up at night, however that also

fuels our need to make sure that our kids know that they are strong and capable of changing the world.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? Funny enough, some of the best advice I’ve received from another mom was from Chili, the mom dog in the cartoon Bluey. If you, an adult parent, have not watched Bluey, specifically the episode titled “Baby Race,” you are missing out. Ultimately, the advice is not to compare yourself to others and do things in your way and in your own time.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? Never say never. After Harper was born, I said we’d never give her a pacifier, never let her sleep in our bed and a load of other things. That went out the door quickly as we just did whatever we needed to do to get through, and at first I felt guilty, like I wasn’t doing it right but in time as long as our babies were thriving and happy, everything was fine. What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Being a mom is the hardest thing I have ever done and will ever continue to do, so when there are times where I feel low or have self-doubt, I remind myself that this is completely normal. You don’t have to be SuperMom or nor should you ever be expected to, as parenting really does take a village. Like doing any hard thing, there will inevitably be mistakes but also feelings of accomplishment and success so be sure to celebrate all the wins, big or small.

It’s Fair Time!

From the thrill rides to the elephant ears, the Willamette Valley is bursting with fun county fairs. We talked to local organizers for the best way to enjoy the events with kids of all ages.

With little kids...

All the county fairs offer special performances and activities for kids. Check the schedule for special events and hours geared toward the littles, like professional bubble makers, petting zoos, stilt walkers and so much more. After all the excitement, your kids will be tuckered out and ready for naps.

With big kids...

Talk beforehand about what rides are acceptable, and let them know that there are height requirement rules to keep them safe. Identify a meetup spot, like a prominent information booth or guest services tent, just in case you get separated.

With tweens & teens...

At what age do you let them roam? “This is such a personal choice, and really varies by individual,” said Jill Ingalls, event coordinator for the Marion County Fair. For parents weighing the decision, consider who your child will be with and their overall maturity level. Cell phones with location services turned on provide some peace of mind, as well as talking beforehand about personal safety.

Marion Co. Fair Linn Co. Fair Lane Co. Fair Benton Co. Fair

Place Oregon State Fairgrounds Linn County Expo Center Lane Events Center Benton Co. Event Center & Fairgrounds

Dates July 11–14 July 18–20 July 24–28 July 31–Aug. 3

Strollers, wagons

Infant milk, bottles

Outside food & drink

No, with some allowances for allergies

No, with the exception of small water bottles

Bags & backpacks policy at a glance

Security may inspect bags on a random basis

All bags will be searched by security upon entry

Yes, but not in glass containers

No outside food or beverages, with the exception of water bottles

Clear bags are required, with the exception of diaper bags and medically necessary items (subject to search)

Clear bags recommended; all others subject to search

Don’t forget to pack

Cash for parking, which you’ll typically need to provide before entering the event. While there are ATMs, the lines can be long and you may incur a fee for its use. Also remember sunscreen and charged phones.

Don’t miss…

For whatever fair you attend, don’t miss seeing the livestock. The 4-H kids (and their parents) work hard and live at the fairs for days. Be sure to enjoy the award winning tomatoes, quilts, art, baked goods and more.

Kelly Mason, sales and events program supervisor for the Lane County Fair, notes that, “Performances are occurring across the Fairgrounds throughout each day. Some of the highlights include the Family Fun Stage, Community Stage, All-Alaskan Racing Pigs and the Freestyle Motocross Thrillshow.”

Cost for children

Children 5 and under are free. July 14: all kids under 12 are free

Children 12 and under are free.

Folding chairs, blankets

Plan ahead

Blankets, yes, but no chairs

Blankets, yes, but no chairs

Buy tickets online beforehand to save money and to bypass the lines. All four county fair reps recommend doing so, and to watch their respective websites for pricing and information.

Learn what you can and cannot bring by visiting the fairs’ websites. Pets, weapons, bikes, skateboards, pepper spray are often on the lists of prohibited items. Note that Lane Co. Fair has implemented a clear bag policy this year; be sure to look up the dimensions and specs on their website before you attend. Wear clothing with zippered pockets to keep money, phones and keys from falling out on rides, and tell your tweens and teens to do the same.

Children under 5 are free. July 24: kids 10 and under free when they bring a dressed-up fruit or veggie, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 28: free admission for anyone with 3 nonperishable food items, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Blankets, yes, but no chairs

Children 5 and under are free. July 31: free to kids 16 and under all day

Linn County fair manager Rachel Lytle said, “Our familyland area is totally dedicated to children with lots of fun activities. We also have our 4-H area where all the farm animals are on display, and on Thursday there is a mutton busting contest in the Calapooia Arena.”

Yes to both blankets and folding chairs

For the Marion County Fair, Ingalls gives this advice: “Sunday is really the day we focus on families and little ones. Many costumed characters and strolling acts wander the grounds and provide interactive entertainment. There are several attractions, such as Puzzlemania that offer challenging learning games, but also great hands-on activities. The grounds offer small areas to escape the crowds and take a pause if needed as well.”

Helping your anxious pet through fireworks

Fireworks are bright, bold and beautiful, but for some of our four-legged friends, they can be very scary. Below are some tips to ease their stress during this otherwise festive time of year.

Give your pet a quiet, safe space to retreat to. This could be a kennel draped with blankets to help dampen the sound. Play music or white noise. Keep windows closed and run your home’s A/C or fan system to muffle outside noise.

Consider helpful products like a Thundershirt, which is a snug wrap designed to reduce anxiety (think a strong but gentle hug). Mutt Muffs are noise muffling ear covers designed to fit dog ears, and Adaptil is a dog-appeasing pheromone that comes in a collar, spray or plug-in diffuser.

Offer favorite toys and food treats, such as a Kong toy filled with plain Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and/or treats. Pro-tip: these can be frozen to last longer.

Prescription medications may be necessary for moderate to severe cases of noise phobia. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss options. Often, clinic appointments fill up in the weeks before the holiday, so scheduling well in advance ensures that your pet will be seen, as well as have prescriptions ready.

Double-check that your doors, gates and fences are closed and secure. Some pets will attempt to run away when frightened, therefore it’s important to ensure they are kept in a secure area.

Our pets provide us with joy and comfort throughout the year, and the Fourth of July is a time when we comfort them. With proper planning, you can get your beloved pet through the holiday.

Wilvet

Brought to you by: Erica Harmon, DVM

Audrey Benson Behavior Supervisor

922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112

Corvallis, OR 97330

kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360

EXPLORING Oregon’s inclusive destinations

Oregon’s beauty is not just in its landscapes but also in its commitment to inclusivity. From sandy shores to recreational parks, the state offers a range of experiences for everyone to enjoy. A few of the many places that make Oregon an inclusive destination for all…

At the beach || David’s Chair, a non-profit organization, provides track chairs for those with mobility challenges, offering an incredible beach experience. These chairs can be reserved in Seaside, Manzanita and Florence, ensuring that everyone can soak up the sun and enjoy the waves. davidschair.org

At the airport || Portland International Airport (PDX) goes above and beyond for travelers with sensory considerations. The airport’s sensory room, open from 4 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily, provides a calming space with specific lighting, music and tangible items. Additionally, PDX offers sensory bags with hearing protection earmuffs, fidget tools, coloring book, crayons, sunflower lanyard, a plane spotter guide and an emotional thermometer, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers. flypdx.com

Day trip fun || Numerous parks throughout the Willamette Valley offer sensory-friendly offerings. In Salem, Harper’s Playground provides wheelchair-friendly environments that promote physical, sensory, emotional, behavioral and social skills for children and adults of all abilities. For indoor fun, Get Air in Eugene, Salem and Medford is a trampoline park offering a calmer atmosphere on the first Saturday morning of each month. harpersplayground.org/playgrounds/lets-all-play-place getairsports.com

Whether it’s a day at the beach, a smooth flying experience, or a fun outing at a recreational park, Oregon shines in its commitment to accessible offerings.

Brought to you by:

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

Abundance Abundance Eggs Eggs

Chickens lay more eggs during the summer months, when there is more light. If you find yourself with an abundance, these recipes will use them up. And if you want the freshest of eggs, visit your local farmers’ market or co-op for gorgeous shell colors with beautiful, bright yokes.

Classic cheesecake with strawberries

1 & ½ cups finely crumbled graham crackers

⅓ cup butter, melted

3 tablespoons and 1 cup sugar

32 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 eggs, brought to room temperature

1 pint fresh sliced strawberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and 3 tablespoons of sugar until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, bringing it halfway up the sides.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar and the vanilla until blended. Add each egg one at a time, mixing at a low speed.

Pour the filling mix into the prepared crust and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when if tapped gently on the side, it moves as a whole with no rippling.

Cool on a wire rack, then loosen the springform ring. Refrigerate for four hours or more, then top with sliced strawberries.

Delish deviled eggs

6 eggs

¼ cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoons cider vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

½ teaspoon yellow mustard

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional toppings: Paprika, dill

Hard boil the eggs and then shock them in an ice bath (or just allow them to cool; the world won’t end if you skip this). Peel the eggs then cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the yolks and transfer them to a separate bowl for mashing. Mix in the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar and mustard, then add salt and pepper to taste.

If you want to be fancy, you can pipe the yolk mixture into the egg white halves. Or, just gently spoon in the yolk filling. Top with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh sprigs of dill.

Brought to you by:

David A. Hackett OD, FCOVD

Dr. Hackett sees patients of all ages at our West 11th Ave and Valley River Plaza locations.

Summertime eye safety Protect

Out and about | Get your children accustomed to wearing sunglasses to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Up to 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV light is received before the age of 18. If your child already wears prescription glasses, you can get prescription sunglasses for them, too. Most of the frames we offer patients can easily be made with shaded lenses.

On the water | When on the water, light reflects from below and the sun above, creating twice the exposure of harmful rays, so wear those sunglasses. Swim goggles prevent irritation from pool chemicals. Most parents know it’s worth packing the goggles to avoid red, irritated eyes that make for a cranky kid after a day at the pool.

In the yard | Teaching your older children how to mow the lawn and use other tools? Reinforce the use of safety glasses. Be a role model yourself by wearing them when you do projects. Also be mindful of backyard toys: playing with foam blasters is fun, but not when a dart gets you in the eye.

While in sports | Get safety goggles for specific sports. They are made with impact-resistant polycarbonate, and often offer UV protection, too. Baseball, softball, basketball, paintball and mountain biking are known to raise the risk of eye injuries.

3015 W 11th Ave, Eugene 1011 Valley River Way Suite 110, Eugene 541-342-2201 |

ROAD TRIP TO Wallowa Lake

Getting

In northeast Oregon, you’ll find the town of Joseph, set against the backdrop of the stunning Wallowa Mountains. With their towering snow caps, they’ve been nicknamed the “Swiss Alps of Oregon.” Joseph offers independently owned restaurants and boutiques, with a wide range of outdoor activities and a thriving art scene. Book early for accommodations — places fill up fast, as the tourist season is short.

there From the midvalley, even if you’re leaving from as far south as Eugene, it’s still the fastest to take I-5 to Portland, then to I-84. You could take more scenic routes through the mountains, but it’ll add hours to the trip (and fewer amenities along the way for kids, not to mention if said kids are prone to car sickness). Allow for a full day of travel each way, with a stop in Hood River for lunch. If you plan it right, you could stop in Pendleton for a tour of Pendleton Wool Mills. Be sure to schedule this in advance, as tours do book up.

WHEN IN JOSEPH...

Take the Wallowa Lake Tramway

Ride the gondolas up the mountain for a stunning view of the lake below. There is a restaurant at the top, but it can get very busy — with kids, plan for an alternative or time it between meals.

Visit Lake Wallowa

Lake Wallowa is a stunner. There is a designated swimming area, just note that the water is cold (though kids seem impervious to it). The marina offers all you need for boating and fishing.

Head downtown

The kids will do anything for ice cream and treats, which are available in quaint downtown Joseph. Take in the life-size bronze sculptures along Main Street. You might even see Shadow the horse, who is often in his paddock outside the Joseph Fly Shoppe or hitched up outside the grocery store.

Go kayaking

You can rent glass-bottomed kayaks or take a guided tour. The nighttime tour is especially fun, as the kayaks light up in colors. The stars are incredible! Note that the night excursion is best for kids who can appreciate a good spooky stor y or two.

Tour the foundry

Valley Bronze of Oregon offers tours that take you through the fascinating process of bronze sculpture. Tours are about 30 minutes, and kids with a level of patience and/or interest in art will enjoy this behind-the-scenes experience.

Visit the grave of Chief Joseph

Just one mile outside town, you’ll find the grave of Chief Joseph, a revered Nez Perce leader. It is a national historic landmark and a sacred space for the Nez Perce people.

Ride on

Sign up for a horseback ride, with a variety of options for ages and abilities. Rail riding is a blast, with excursions that can even fit car seats for young riders.

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. Brought to you by:

Laser dentistry for the win! No more shots, no drilling and no pain

With our new Solea laser, we are able to fix cavities as well perform other procedures, without the need for needles or drilling — and in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional tools.

CO2 lasers are revolutionary in dentistry: we now use them to vaporize enamel and without the need for anesthesia.

This laser technology actually works as anesthesia, which means there’s no need for traditional numbing medication or nitrous oxide. Another bonus: everything gets done faster and with greater precision.

Children have been overwhelmingly receptive to this new tool: they are thrilled to not have shots, and to leave the office and go on with their day without a numb face for hours on end. There’s also no more noisy drilling, which can be a distressing sound.

Laser technology could make your child’s next dental visit a breeze. Contact our office to learn more.

treehousekidsdental.com 1611 J street Springfield, OR 541-515-6631 office@treehousekidsdental.com

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