LET THEM COOK: RECIPES FOR KIDS IT’S OUR BIRTHDAY! MOM MAG TURNS 20
JESSICA LOPEZ LOZANO
When it Comes to Your Family, We Deliver.
At Santiam Women’s Clinic our providers work together as a team. Building relationships with our patients is a priority. Santiam Women’s Clinic provides superior prenatal care with delivery in a state-of-the-art birthing center. Let us be a part of your story.
• Personalized pre-natal care
• Birthing rooms offering numerous amenities, including private in-room labor tubs
• Delivery by your OB Team in Santiam Hospital & Clinic’s state-of-the-art birthing center
• Compassionate, Highly-Trained LDRNs, Labor Tubs, OHSU NICU Telemedicine Support
• Birth Center Tours are first Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm. Visit our website at santiamhospital.org
Brooke Renard, MD, OB/GYN
Amanda Wagner, MD, OB/GYN
[They know what they’re talking about] meet the experts
Health
Drive
On the Road with Kristina Jara, page 8
Wellness
Your Best Self with Meghan Hess, NBC-HWC, page 12
Home
Real Estate with Kim Leighty, page 24
Healthy MOM with Santiam Hospital, page 6 “
If anyone tries to break into my house, they’ll trip over my kids’ shoes and die. The end.
— Parents who have been there
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
Marion & Polk County Business Development Manager Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036
Mid-Valley & Lane County Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250
Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.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
A love letter to readers
This year MOM Magazine celebrates our 20th birthday. It’s an incredible feat in our industry, with all the dazzling digital distractions out there competing for your attention. Good news: video did not kill the radio star, nor has the internet killed print. It was mid-March 2020 when I took the job as this magazine’s third editor-in-chief, straight into the pandemic and (thankfully) out the other side. But I was a devoted reader long before that, when my first child was born in 2006. Back then, I was a new mom and came across this neat little magazine that led me to local resources I needed. Seeing faces and spaces I recognized in print has always felt special; as the saying goes, representation matters.
We’re always striving to make our magazines relevant to parenting life in the Mid-Willamette Valley and Oregon. With magazines customized to Salem, Eugene and Albany/Corvallis, our cover moms are always real, local moms.
And we’ve always been free: our advertisers’ support allows us to distribute this magazine to be read by any and all, and we’re wildly proud of that. There are no barriers to accessing our stories and information. One of the best compliments we often hear is, “It’s free? Wow, it looks so nice!” It’s why we have to put the word FREE on our covers.
Our magazines have been rolled up and tucked in diaper bags, thumbed through in waiting rooms and lobbies. Our pages have been dog-eared to remember that great little preschool you saw advertised, or pediatrician, clothing shop, parenting class and so much more.
Serving as editor-in-chief has been my most favorite job in my entire working life. When a reader stops me on the street or at a school event and says they read my column, I consider them my instant bestie. Send me your thoughts and ideas — I love hearing from readers.
The best birthday present you have given MOM Magazine is your support. May we have many more years sharing all things local together. Thank you.
Audrey Meier DeKam
Baby, it’s cold outside
BUT YOU CAN STILL ENCOURAGE HEALTHY ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, INDOORS AND OUT.
In Oregon this time of year, there are definitely some days you’ll want to stay indoors. Ice, especially, can make steps and sidewalks perilous. Families may start to feel the stress of being cooped up when cold, rainy days limit the ability to play freely and warmly.
If the weather outside is too frightful, there are indoor activities that can get one’s heart rate going. And for fresh air, those rainy days can be enjoyed by all, with the proper gear.
Group sports and activities are a fantastic way to get the wiggles out this time of year.
INDOORS
Consider allocating some of your child’s screen time to follow along with a fitness video or playing an active video game that requires full body movement. Some video consoles have fitness-based games like tennis, baseball or boxing, that combine physical activity with on-screen results. There are also several platforms that provide free, short-session videos for all fitness levels. Yoga is a great option for all ages and can be adapted for many activity levels and goals. Try something new — it might just become a family favorite.
Group sports and activities are a fantastic way to get the wiggles out this time of year. Soccer is nearly a year-round sport in Oregon, but other sports also have fun activities for all levels of interest. School teams, city leagues and family recreation centers have loads of offerings for families. Take advantage of any information provided by the school or daycare regarding seasonal indoor activities such as roller skating or play gyms.
OUTDOORS
Weather, however, need not be a barrier to outside activities. With the right gear, most young children will hardly realize it’s raining. If you can accept the fact that you will likely have some muddy boots and a little laundry to do, you can happily send kids out to play.
Some ideas for getting fresh air:
• Go for a family walk. Children are more likely to be excited about activities when the whole family is involved.
• Give children an age-appropriate umbrella. Pint-size bumbershoots are adorable, and fun for kids to play with and twirl.
• Head to a park. Make sure clothing layers are appropriately warm or waterproof, or bring a change of clothes for the trip home.
Perhaps the most important aspect of encouraging activity when kids are the least receptive to it, is to model that behavior yourself. Set an example by being active and healthy in your own choices, and it will seem second nature to others in your family.
Brought
on the road
Oh, gnaw!
Rodents find car engines a great place to call home… unfortunately, it can lead to costly repairs.
Rodents need to chew to keep their teeth trimmed, so we can’t blame them looking for something to gnaw on. They also like to create nests in the nooks and crannies of vehicles.
To avoid having these uninvited passengers, park in a garage. We typically see damage from rodents in vehicles that are kept outside and not driven regularly. Try to drive your cars regularly or at least move them from one spot to another.
If garage parking isn’t an option, park away from bushes and shrubbery that might attract rodents. Bird feeders are a secondary source of food for them, as they go after dropped seeds. Park away from feeders, as well as other food sources like dog and cat food, compost, garbage cans, etc.
And keep your car clean on the inside: throw out those long-lost fries and get rid of the food wrappers. Rats especially have an extraordinary sense of smell, so by keeping your car’s interior clean, it will be less of a temptation for them.
If you do incur rodent damage, talk with our service department. And reach out to your car insurance agent: if you carry comprehensive car insurance, the expense of repairs might be covered.
KRISTINA JARA
Kristina has been with Capitol Auto Group for over two years as a Service Business Development Specialist. Kristina and her husband Austin have two amazing children, Thomas who is 5, and Kiylee who is 4. “There are so many things I love about working for Capitol, including how it’s become another family to me,” Kristina says. In her spare time she enjoys doing puzzles with her family and reading books with her children.
THUMP THE HOOD
Engines and wheel wells are warm, dark and downright attractive to all kinds of creatures, including cats. In the winter, many drivers will thump the hood of their vehicles — not so hard that it causes damage — just enough to scare off any critters that might be underneath.
What was the pivotal event that inspired... haveIwonderwhatmight happenedif...
Oh, I know! It’s because...
Oregon’s Battle of the Books
If you have school-aged children, you’ve likely come across Oregon’s Battle of the Books, or OBOB for short.
This annual reading program began in 2006 to encourage children to read. In teams of typically four to five, students read books from a designated list. They then “battle” against other teams in a question-and-answer style tournament. Teams earn points for correct answers. Winning teams advance and can even compete at a regional level.
At the heart of the OBOB program is a mission to encourage reading and recognize readers, as well as “to broaden reading interests, to increase reading comprehension, promote academic excellence and to promote cooperative learning and teamwork among students.”
I have the answer!
Book titles are chosen for three divisions: third to fifth, sixth to eighth and ninth to twelfth grades. Titles are selected from a variety of genres and at appropriate levels for each division. OBOB aims for “high quality, well-reviewed, age-appropriate titles,” many of which are Newberry and Oregon Reader’s Choice award winners.
The committees selecting the book titles strive for literature representing a variety of styles and viewpoints, with diverse and inclusive selections. OBOB notes that each child is not expected to read all of the books on the year’s list; if a parent has concerns about the content of a particular book, they can have their child opt out of reading it.
The books are usually made available through the child’s school to be checked out one or two at a time.
Local public libraries should also have multiple copies or electronic editions of the current OBOB books.
A recent study found that children who read for pleasure were “associated with fewer mental health problems, including being less likely to have attention problems, fewer symptoms of stress, and fewer behavioral problems.”
Psychological Medicine, 2023. “Early-initiated childhood reading for pleasure: associations with better cognitive performance, mental well-being and brain structure in young adolescence.” Cambridge Press.
The OBOB program is run primarily by volunteers through the Oregon Association of School Libraries and funded partially through the Library Services and Technology Act. Learn more about OBOB, find your region or get information about Book Grants for your school at oregonbattleofthebooks.org.
While the OBOB selections are considered Young Adult or YA in library lingo, that doesn’t mean they’re just for kids. Try reading the books at the same time as your children — there are exceptionally good titles and it will give you and your child something to bond over. It’s the perfect time of year to get cozy with a book. Book lists from previous years are available on the organization’s website.
Just a few of the recent OBOB titles...
Grades 3-5
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak
Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra
Grades 6-8
Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy by Jonathan Hill Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Grades 9-12
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner
Wellness
You deserve to feel amazing
Between school runs and endless laundry, your own goals can feel like a fantasy. And “me time” faces tough competition from snack-demanding toddlers. Imagine if you had a supportive expert in your corner, helping you prioritize your well-being. That’s where a wellness coach comes in. At a glance, wellness coaching provides:
Personalized plans | No more generic advice that doesn’t fit your chaotic (but wonderful!) life. Your coach creates a plan that works with your schedule, your family’s needs and your personal goals.
Accountability & motivation | Motherhood is a whirlwind. Your coach is your partner, keeping you motivated and accountable.
Behavior change expertise | Breaking your old habits while your kids demand attention may seem impossible, but a wellness coach helps you create lasting healthy habits that meet you exactly where you are in life.
Goal setting & achievement | You’ve got dreams, mama! Your coach helps you set realistic goals and provides actionable steps to achieve them, even if you only have 15 minutes to spare.
At West Coast Health + Wellness, we offer free discovery phone calls to help clients learn how coaching can help them. Visit our website at wchwellness. com to get started. Ditch the mom-guilt and embrace a healthier, happier you.
READS
by Carmen Rita Wong
Jessica Lopez
Lozano
TWO SMALL KIDS, A CAREER AND ONE VERY SMART DOG KEEP THIS MOM ON HER TOES.
PROFESSION: Construction project manager
COMMUNITY: Keizer
PARTNER: Braulio Lopez, construction project manager
CHILDREN: Eva, age 3, and Julietta, age 1.5
PHOTOS BY: LAUREL BICE
Family comes first.
All families are unique. Tell us about yours. I met my spouse on a soccer field during my first year in college. We were friends first, then dated during my second year of college to now. We’ve been together for 11.5 years now (oy, that’s a long time). He has lots of family in the Salem area. We’re so lucky to be close to them.
My oldest daughter is Eva. She is 3 years old and a force to be reckoned with. She is smart, kind, outgoing and a natural born leader. She loves to “read” books, play pretend, draw, jump and climb on everything, sing and dance, and anything else she can get her hands on.
My youngest daughter is Julietta. She is 1.5 years old and figuring out how the world works. She is playful, sweet, curious and strong. She also loves to “read” books, build and destroy structures, play sports, help with chores, play dolls and figure out how things around her work for her. She has figured out how to walk, is now trying to run, and she is learning how to communicate.
I have a Belgian Malinois mix named Delta. She’s 7 years old but acts like she’s 3. She is on 100% of the time, always game to work and play. She is the reason my house was baby-proofed before we had kids. She opens all the hinge doors (we had to switch to door knobs), cabinet doors, the push bin trash cans, and she climbs trees, fences and jumps
over eight feet. She loves us unconditionally and will protect us from squirrels, vacuum cleaners and delivery personnel at all costs. She is my first born and we love her so much. Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours?
Traditions: We have a birthday party every year for all the kids.
Rituals: Movie nights on Friday.
Inside jokes: We call pooping “ship my pants” because of an old commercial, and the joke “guess what, chicken butt!” and “guess what, I love you!” are interchangeable. When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I’ve wanted to be a mom for as long as I can remember. It didn’t matter how; natural conception, implantation, surgery, adoption, etc. I also wanted to have a big family. When I met my now-husband, I knew he was the one I wanted to go through this wonderful and chaotic journey with. I wanted to wait until I was ready though: to be done with school, save money and get far enough in my career so I felt confident enough to take the maternity leave I needed.
After working for three years, we were ready to start our family. After my first two kids, I realized I love being a mom and I still want a big family. But I went from wanting a million kids to instead wanting as many as I can afford mentally, physically, financially, emotionally, etc.
Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. We were at a 3-year-old’s birthday party. The mom was trying to get the child to stop playing and do the birthday dessert ritual (photos, candle, cake, etc.) so their grandparents could leave because they had an appointment. Child was having a rough day (as expected) because they didn’t have a nap and there was a lot going on. Child did not want to listen to their mom. No worries on our end, we’ve all been there. My oldest daughter asked if she could have a cupcake. I told her no because the birthday girl did not get one yet and we need to wait because it’s her birthday. My daughter went over to the little girl and asked if she was ready to
have a cupcake. The little girl enthusiastically said yes! Everyone was gathered, photos were taken, candles were blown out, grandparents got to see it all and then leave. My daughter got a cupcake. Everyone was happy. My oldest daughter was playing with her younger cousin (2 years old). He kept taking her toys. She would cry and come tell us. We told her to tell him not to do that and go away from him. After a while, they would collide again. He would take her stuff, she would cry, and then play somewhere else. Rinse and repeat, essentially doing what kids do — they have to figure it out. Well, when my youngest daughter saw what was happening, she went up to their cousin, grabbed my oldest daughter’s toy back, gave it to my oldest, then pushed the cousin away from her and her sister. He no longer takes their toys. My youngest daughter will defend her sister with all her little might. I’m not sure that’s a good thing, and violence isn’t awesome. But I am so proud of how much they love each other.
What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? Lint roller, remote, Hydro Flask. We’re all moms so we know that no one is perfect all of the time, or even some of the time. Tell us about your most recent “Mother of the Year” moment. You know, like forgetting to pick the kids up from school. Whenever I put my kids into their car seat, I always seem to bump her head on the top of the car.
What are you enjoying the most about parenting right now? Seeing the joy in my kids’ face when I pick them up from daycare. Watching them find something, analyze it and figure out how it works.
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? I balance my life by mentally or physically making a list of the items in my life and trying to keep a general daily routine with
the kids. With a routine, I can anticipate when I’ll have free time better than if everything is chaotic. If I have everything written down somewhere, I feel relieved that I at least won’t forget something is on my list. Doesn’t mean I do it, just means I can relax about “forgetting” to do something.
Household responsibilities we share. There are communal chores we do every night like pick up toys, do the dishes and feed the dog. On the weekends, we communicate and prioritize the major chores like grocery shopping, cleaning up the yard and laundry. Anything that falls through the cracks either gets added to the weekday list or we do when the kids are asleep. Some weeks none of the chores get done and we turn on survival mode where we are hanging on by the edge and moving day by day. Those are rough weeks. Those usually happen when we have a few busy weeks/weekends in a row and can’t get to weekly maintenance. We recoup from that by doing a family cleaning day.
My personal health falls through the cracks, specifically my workout routine and my eating habits. I often put my kids and my family first. I don’t work on my physical health as much as I want to, which is sad because exercise makes me happy and is a huge stress relief for me. One thing I try to do every day is read at night instead of interacting with my phone. I think it helps reset my brain and my eyes.
Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I am very passionate about volunteering and mentoring. It makes my heart happy to give back to my community. I like to volunteer for STEM Like a Girl and SHPE.
STEM Like a Girl is an organization dedicated to introducing STEM activities and ways of thinking to young girls. The premise is that girls are typically introduced to STEM activities when they’re in high school or college while boys are typically introduced to them from the get-go, which puts girls at a disadvantage. STEM Like a Girl uses volunteers to lead the girls through activities, help them think through roadblocks and make a plan to overcome them and discuss different types of professions a STEM background can yield.
MOMs love local…
We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…
…spot to get a good workout: Courthouse Club Fitness
…meetup spot for happy hour: HopsnDrops
…any other local places you love: Copper Creek Mercantile for pet supplies
MOM’s favorite…
Tell us about your favorite… …family games: playing sports with the family — soccer, basketball and baseball
…words to live by: “Take a breath. Let’s figure this out,” and “Nothing lasts forever, so let’s enjoy the moment we’re in right now.”
…binge-worthy TV: Bluey. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cried over this show. The Baby Race is fantastic.
…way to get out of making dinner: Call my parents/in-laws and see if they have dinner plans.
…time-saving digital tool: Our calendar. I put my family’s events on there to make sure my husband and I are both aligned.
SHPE is the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. They are an organization dedicated to fostering Hispanic leadership in STEM fields. I volunteer for events like Noche de Ciencias, MentorSHPE, as well as attend their annual National Conference. I have met some wonderful people through this organization and some life long friends. What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? I am a construction project manager. In general, I communicate with my team, manage people’s expectations, and work with other companies to achieve a common goal (e.g. build a building). I use all these skills in my mom life.
Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. I learned to juggle. Super fun!
If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.
Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I have three older sisters and one older brother. I’m also the youngest out of all my cousins. I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by kickass ladies all my life. My grandmother, my mother and all my sisters were and are extraordinary women. They make a wonderful support system for me and each contributes to the woman I am today.
I went to school with the same people from elementary to middle school. In high school, I went to a school where I knew 0/500 students. I had to figure out how to make friends, figure out how to do well in school and what extracurricular activities I actually liked. Being completely on my own at school was not scary for me (for some reason haha). It was difficult, but it gave me a chance to figure out who I was. I wanted that same feeling in college. I applied to and got into a few different colleges known for their engineering programs. I went on a few campus tours but I ultimately decided on Oregon State University because it was away from everybody but still on the West Coast and close enough to home.
I moved to the OSU campus with my parents, unloaded all my stuff into my dorm room,
said goodbye and was ready to start my college career completely on my own! It was amazing, and I ended up falling in love with Oregon. The Oregon scenery was breathtaking, and I knew Oregon was where I wanted to live.
What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? My parents taught me to have the confidence to take care of myself. They taught me to leave the nest and explore the world.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? My friend and I are in a book club together. About a month ago, we read a spicy book. This was the first spicy book I have ever read and it was amazing! I want to do it again.
Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? I wish I started reading for pleasure earlier. Growing up, I didn’t read other than for school. It wasn’t until after I had kids did I start reading books I actually liked.
What’s your superpower? Document formatting. I pride myself on my efficiency and proficiency in computer programs I use.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Extreme puzzling. Multitasking. Typing.
Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. Giving my daughters and my husband a kiss good morning. Calling my dad every Tuesday after work.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people who don’t know you. I don’t like bacon. I’m an introvert by nature but an extrovert by nurture. I have learned to be outgoing and I get worn out when I have to talk to people a lot, even though that’s what I do for work.
What is your least/most favorite household chore? Least favorite: picking up dog poop in the backyard. Most favorite: organizing and picking up.
What is your greatest extravagance? Going to Costco and dropping $500 like I have an extra $500 to drop on items I don’t need.
Who are some of your favorite fictional heros? Wonder Woman. Katara from Avatar. Hermione from Harry Potter. Katnis Everdeen.
Who is your favorite real-life hero? My mom. Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? My work mentors. I want to be better to show them that they didn’t waste their time.
Listen to mom.
Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? I expected needing to care for another human life. I expected to be tired. I didn’t anticipate how tired I would actually
be but how much I could function on such little energy when I have to. I didn’t fully understand how I could care so much for another human.
Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? The women I grew up watching. What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Enjoy each phase of each child. For good or for bad, it won’t last forever. There should be something positive from each day. Find it. Use your support system. If you don’t have one, find one. Once you start looking, you’re bound to find others like you.
Let
them cook!
Kids can learn so much in the kitchen, from math and vocabulary, to science and fine motor skills. Let them have a go at these fun recipes.
Soda bread
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1 egg
¾ cup buttermilk
Whisk together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cut in the butter and combine with dry ingredients until crumbly.
In a small bowl, mix egg with the buttermilk until combined, then stir it into the dry mixture until moistened.
Now the fun part for kids: knead the dough on a floured surface for about one minute. Shape it into a round loaf and place on a greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the crust is golden.
Fried Rice
6 tablespoons butter, divided
4 large eggs, whisked
4 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 small white onions, diced
1 cup frozen peas
6 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper
8 cups cooked and chilled rice
6 green onions, thinly sliced
6 to 8 tablespoons soy sauce, or more to taste
4 teaspoons oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat until melted. Add eggs and cook until scrambled, stirring occasionally. Remove egg, and transfer to a separate plate.
Add an additional 1 tablespoon butter to the pan and heat until melted. Add carrots, onion, peas and garlic, then season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about five minutes or until the onion and carrots are soft.
Increase heat to high, add in the remaining 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of butter, and stir until melted. Immediately add the rice, green onions, soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), and stir until combined.
Continue sautéing for an additional three minutes to fry the rice, stirring occasionally. Stir in the eggs. Remove from heat, and stir in the sesame oil until combined. Taste and season with extra soy sauce, if needed.
This recipe is courtesy of OSU Kidspirit. See more at kidspirit.oregonstate.edu/recipes.
There’s so much to learn! Yes, it makes a bit of a mess, and it takes longer to make a recipe. But it’s worth it to build your child’s skills. Adolescents can practice:
• How to crack an egg
• Opening a can with a can opener
• Peeling apples, potatoes, etc.
• Measuring dry and liquid ingredients
• Chopping and cutting with a child-safe knife
• Naming and using utensils like spatulas, ladles, etc.
• Using food safety basics
NAVIGATING THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY REAL ESTATE MARKET
A GUIDE FOR INVESTORS
Real estate investment offers a promising avenue for wealth building and passive income. To maximize your returns in the vibrant Willamette Valley, understanding the local market is crucial.
Our region’s strong job market and steady population growth fuel a consistent demand for rental properties. Favorable zoning laws and lenient rental regulations can enhance investor returns to create opportunities for various investment strategies. The Willamette Valley offers a diverse range of investment properties, including single-family homes, multi-family units and commercial real estate. Single-family homes are ideal for long-term appreciation and rental income. Multi-family units offer higher returns and potential for economies of scale.
In commercial real estate, retail spaces can allow you to capitalize on the growing consumer market and tourist industry. Office
Kim Leighty REALTOR® /Broker
buildings are bolstered by tech industry and corporate headquarters. The demand for warehouse and logistics facilities offers another opportunity.
If you’re interested in a fix-and-flip purchase of a distressed property, know that while renovating and reselling for a profit can be lucrative, it requires significant expertise and financial resources. In other words, it’s never as easy as a half-hour home show makes it out to be.
A challenge to keep in mind is that high demand can lead to increased competition and higher property prices. Market volatility is also another factor, as economic fluctuations can impact property values and rental income.
Tips for success for future real estate investors...
Do your due diligence: Conduct in-depth market research, analyze property performance and assess potential risks.
Partner with experienced professionals: Collaborate with knowledgeable real estate agents, property managers and financial advisors to optimize your investment strategy.
Diversify your portfolio: Spread your investments across various property types and locations to mitigate risk.
Leverage tax advantages: Understand and utilize tax benefits like depreciation and capital gains deductions.
Stay informed: Stay updated on market trends, economic indicators and regulatory changes.
By carefully considering these factors and implementing sound investment strategies, you can position yourself for success in the dynamic Willamette Valley real estate market.
We’re celebrating 20 years of MOM Magazine!
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS TO READERS, AND PHOTOGRAPHERS TO DISTRIBUTORS: THANK YOU FOR HELPING RAISE MOM MAGAZINE!
2005 MOM Magazine was born in Corvallis, weighing .5 ounces and 28 pages in length
Our first Mid-Willamette Valley cover MOM: Linda Van Powell
2006 Grows from four issues a year to six
2010 MOM Magazine launches in Eugene. Our first Lane County cover MOM: Suan Coven
2018 MOM Magazine is sold to Oregon Web Press in Albany, Oregon
Cover MOM, Melissa Hedstrom
2023 MOM Magazine is sold to Active Media, Inc. in Aurora, Oregon
2023 2025
Fun Facts
Locally made from the start — proudly printed by Oregon Web Press in Albany.
2020 Survives the Pandemic!
2025 Happy birthday to us! Celebrating 20 years. My, how our baby has grown… 6x
2016 Expands to Salem Our first Salem cover MOM: Kim Leighty
We’re a small, but mighty team: it’s just 4 people (and 3 of us are part time) behind these beautiful magazines in Eugene, Albany/Corvallis and Salem. 4
Longest running expert is Samaritan Health Services, for 20 years!
We’re adding independent sales executives to our expanding locations
These part-time positions require you to build connections within your community by developing new advertising prospects, managing existing clients and representing MOM Magazine. Enjoy the freedom of working independently and managing your own schedule, while relying on your self-motivation to get the job done.
Work alongside people who love what they do and celebrate your local community. It’s a great gig for moms!
Contact us or fill out the form on our website: www.mommag.com/hiring
Estamos incorporando ejecutivos de ventas independientes a nuestros centros en expansión
Estos puestos a tiempo parcial requieren que establezcas contactos dentro de tu comunidad desarrollando nuevas perspectivas publicitarias, gestionando los clientes existentes y representando a la revista MOM.
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The top three healthy habits for children
Starting healthy habits early sets your child up for a lifetime of wellness and happiness.
Here are three routines to create that are both fun and practical:
1. Nutritious meals: The CDC encourages a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains to help children grow strong and stay energized throughout the day. Encourage your child to enjoy colorful foods — make mealtime fun by letting them help pick out fruits and veggies at the store, or have them assist you in preparing the meal. You’ll be amazed at how this simple involvement can make them more excited to eat healthy!
2. Get enough sleep: According to HealthyChildren.org, sleep is crucial for a child’s brain development, mood and overall well-being. Setting up a calming bedtime routine, like reading together or playing soothing music, can help ensure your little one is getting the right amount of sleep.
3. Stay active: The CDC recommends at least one hour of physical activity each day. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated — just play! Whether it’s dancing in the living room, playing tag outside or going for a family walk, movement should feel like fun, not a chore.
Starting healthy habits early isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating a supportive environment that empowers your child to live their healthiest, happiest life. Take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey together! Brought to you
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