Oregon Family Magazine

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contents 7 8

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DISTANCE LEARNING BURNOUT Strategies for Students and Parents SINGLE INCOME HOUSEHOLDS Surviving and Thriving

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COLLEGE APPLICATIONS Beyond the Numbers A DAD’S EYE VIEW™ Always Call Me at Work

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TECH SPOTLIGHT Creativity Apps for Kids EARTHTALK™ What is Cheatgrass?

PARENTING NOW Building Brain Power for One’s

19TH ANNUAL Education Resource Guide Public, Private, Preschools, Online and Educational Resources!

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JANUARY 2021

Reassuring kids and parents, every step of the way.

David Dorsa, M.D., has a heart for kids. Sincere and engaging, he believes that the best medical care happens when families and their pediatrician work together as a team. In addition to providing a listening ear, Dr. Dorsa educates families and encourages parents to become their child’s best advocate.

To schedule an appointment, call 541-HUG-KIDS. 995 Willagillespie Road, Suite 100 • 541-484-5437 • www.EugenePeds.com JANUARY 2021

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Our Contributors 3

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28 YEARS

Oregon Family Magazine is distributed monthly, year-round via direct mail into homes in greater Lane County, and at high-traffic commercial locations, including Eugene, Springfield, Coburg, Veneta, Elmira, Cottage Grove and Creswell.

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1. BETH STEIN Beth Stein is the Executive Director of Nearby Nature, a non-profit nature education group in Eugene, Oregon. At Nearby Nature’s home base in Alton Baker Park she might be found teaching classes, training volunteers, telling stories, writing newsletters, managing finances, or even occasionally hopping around in a Frannie Frog costume! Beth has a B.A. in English Literature and a minor in Environmental Studies from Williams College. She lives in Eugene with her husband, daughter, and cat Batman.

2. BONNIE HARRIS Bonnie is Oregon Family Magazine’s resident Movie Review Master Extraordinaire. She enjoys watching movies of all kinds, and has been doing movie reviews for over 9 years and counting. She lives in Pleasant Hill with her family, enjoys gardening and cooking.

3. CHRISTA MELNYK HINES Christa Melnyk Hines is an award-winning writer whose articles appear in publications across the U.S. and Canada. She is the mom of two techy teenage sons and a quirky shepherd mix.

Connect with her at www.christamhines.com.

4. JOSHUA HIRSCHSTEIN, M.A. Joshua Hirschstein, M.A., founded Lane Tutoring Service, Inc. in Eugene in 1990.

For over 30 years, he has directed a team of professional, one-on-one K-12 tutors and led LTS’ college preparation programs. Joshua and his wife, Maren, have two sons.

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5. PILAR BRADSHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P. Dr. Pilar Bradshaw practices the full spectrum of pediatric medicine, seeing patients from birth to young adulthood. Named as 1 of 7 “Favorite Pediatricians” by Parents magazine, she believes in the ability of parents to embrace the joys and challenges of raising children.

6. RICK EPSTEIN A Dad’s Eye View contributor, also awardwinning columnist, and journalist. Author of Rookie Dad (Hyperion) and The Right Number of Kids (McKenna Publishing Group). His wife and three daughters run a living laboratory in which he is constantly tested, analyzed, and experimented upon. It’s as if a guinea pig could write.

7. RODDY SCHEER Journalist and photographer specializing in environmental issues, the outdoors and travel.

When he is not out in the field taking pictures, Roddy runs EarthTalk, the non-profit Publisher of the syndicated EarthTalk Q&A column and the EarthTalk.org and Emagazine.

8. SARA LYONS Sarah Lyons is a writer and proud mom of six, including six year old triplets. In her limited free time, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and spending time outside.

PUBLISHER Pacific Parents Publishing EDITOR Sandy Kauten GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Springer Design & Illustration ADVERTISING Christi Kessler • 541.484.0434 christi@oregonfamily.com Sandy Kauten • 541.683.7452 sandy@oregonfamily.com OREGON FAMILY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 21732 • Eugene, OR 97402 541.683.7452 Email: info@oregonfamily.com Web: www.oregonfamily.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/OregonFamily

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1993 Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of this publication. © 2021 Pacific Parents Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without prior expressed written permission from Pacific Parents Publishing.

9. TANNI HAAS Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York - Brooklyn College. He is the author or editor of three books and many articles.

O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

JANUARY 2021

CO P I N G W I T H

Distance Learning

Burnout

BY PILAR BRADSHAW, M.D., F.A.A.P. EUGENE PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES

D

ISTANCE LEARNING DURING THE COVID-19 pandemic looks and feels very different to students, teachers and parents. Long hours in front of a screen, challenges with technology and difficulty mastering new material can be overwhelming to some children.

Pediatricians are deeply concerned about kids experiencing burnout, and we’re seeing it taking a significant toll on their mental and physical health. We are treating more kids of all ages for anxiety and depression, as well as complaints of physical ailments like headaches, stomachaches, fatigue and poor sleep directly connected to school-related stress.

I recommend these strategies for students and parents:

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CREATE A SCHEDULE for schoolwork, so kids know when they will and won’t be expected to study.

TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS from screen time and use those breaks to get fresh air and move your bodies — shooting a basketball or going for a walk can refresh your mind and help you concentrate.

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ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR CHILD’S struggles and let them know that doing school this way—under our current circumstances—is different and hard. Just knowing that parents understand can help kids feel better.

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PRAISE YOUR CHILD’S effort more than their outcomes and give your kids (and yourself) more grace during these challenging times.

JANUARY 2021

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

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WHEN YOU SEE your child losing interest in school or becoming highly stressed, reach out to their teacher as a resource.

INVEST IN QUALITY SLEEP Encourage your kids to take more time in the evening to wind down and prepare for bed. Turn off cell phones and other devices 1-2 hours before sleep. Constant interruptions from friends texting or Snapchatting can make sleep difficult. While those devices may feel calming emotionally, the blue light they emit stimulates the brain and makes it difficult to rest.

If your teen has difficulty shutting off their phone, I suggest docking it in another room before bedtime, so it’s not a disruption. If they use their phone to wake them up each morning, purchase a battery-powered alarm clock.

This is a difficult season for families. Remember to take time to have fun with your kids, to give them and yourself a break from the pressure. Encourage your kids to talk with you about how they are feeling, especially when they are sad, stressed or anxious. It’s important to protect the loving, positive relationship you have with your children, now more than ever.

If your family needs help coping with the stressors and emotions of distance learning, talk with your pediatrician. Providers at Thrive Behavioral Health are also offering one-time, hour-long sessions to help kids and parents brainstorm solutions for distance learning. Call 541-246-7263 to make an appointment. We’re here to help.

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O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

JANUARY 2021

Surviving (and Thriving)

on a Single Income Budget

BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES

A

ROUND 28 PERCENT of families live on a single income budget. While it can be challenging considering the many choices and expenses today’s families face, some parents have found ways to survive and thrive on one income.

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O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

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IFE IS EXPENSIVE. Life with kids is even more expensive. So how do some parents who rely on one income not only survive, but still find ways to create a happy, well-rounded life for their families?

EVALUATE YOUR BIGGEST EXPENSES According to Leah Ingram, a money saving expert and author of Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less, housing, transportation and education are the largest expenses facing today’s families. If you can reduce spending in one of those areas, you’ll live more comfortably on less, she advises.

“For most Americans owning a home is the American dream. But for so many people, especially families with children, renting in a good school district makes more sense than buying a home in a lower-quality school district,” Ingram says.

Thinking about leaving your job to stay home with your children?

First, create a spreadsheet that compares the costs of commuting and childcare versus how much you’ll save on those two expenses once you’re down to one income.

“Sometimes it actually makes more sense for both parents to continue to keep working,” she points out.

According to Pew Research, 31 percent of families live on a single income. Although many families make the choice, others are forced into the position.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Stock your freezer using the cookbook Fix, Freeze and Feast by Kati Neville and Lindsay Tkacsik.

Plan meals on shoe-string budget. Visit 5DollarDinners.com.

CONTROL YOUR INCLINATIONS

Learn more from Leah Ingram at www.leahingram.com

Beth Beseau, whose children are ages 8 and 5, is the primary breadwinner in her family. “We’ve had to be flexible and willing to make adjustments in our lifestyle,” she says.

She says her greatest challenge is controlling the urge to impulse buy.

“When you’re making a purchase, you have to ask yourself if it’s a want or a need. If you can do without it, then don’t buy it,” she advises.

SLIM DOWN YOUR FOOD BUDGET Decide how often you can afford to dine out at restaurants as a family. Instead of hitting the drive-thru for coffee every morning, make your own at home. And brown bag your lunches for work and school.

Planning your family’s meals ahead of time can help you save money by curbing the need to pick up unhealthy fast food on the fly.

Try planning your weekly meals around whatever specials your favorite grocer is offering that week. Or, head to a bulk store like Costco or Sam’s. Take an afternoon to prepare meals that you can stick in the freezer and pull out on nights when you don’t have time to cook.

Emily Cowden and her husband Jason have five children, ages 10, 8, 6, 4, and 2. Cowden left her job as a registered dietitian to stay home with her children and home school.

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O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

JANUARY 2021

As a busy mom who is also committed to eating healthy on a frugal budget, she often skips time-consuming coupon-cutting and instead looks for sales at stores like Aldi and Sprouts that offer healthy organic foods. She found that eliminating processed snacks and cereals was especially helpful.

“This cuts out a lot of unnecessary foods and unnecessary spending, leaving room for more nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables and proteins,” she says.

GET CREATIVE Many moms also turn to direct sales opportunities, like Pampered Chef, Mary Kay and Thirty One, as ways to pad their income.

“Just be sure that stocking up (on product) doesn’t sack all of your earnings,” Ingram advises. “Also you have to have the right personality to do direct sales. Not everyone is outgoing and direct sales is not a path to easy money. These women work very hard, even if it’s at night and in people’s living rooms.”

The Cowdens sell essential oils and other products through Young Living to help support their goal to live a healthy lifestyle. Rather than carrying an inventory, the couple works to educate others about the benefits of using essential oils properly.

The extra income helps cover extracurricular activities for their children, meals with friends and vacations.

Beseau says she sells items that she no longer needs, uses or wants.

“The pocket cash has come in very handy,” she says.

Other moms turn their skills into entrepreneurial ventures that they can run from home like freelance writing, photography or baking.

SEEK FREE OR CHEAP FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT Ironically, happy memories are usually borne from what seem like mundane family activities. Go on bike rides together, visit area parks, get out the watercolors and have a paint party, play board games, make homemade pizzas together or check out movies or video games at the library.

Also stay tuned for coupons and deals at area attractions for reduced price or free admissions.

STILL STRUGGLING? “Make a list. Put your values and priorities in order. Budget around that,” Cowden says. “If you find all of your income going towards things that don’t bring you joy, it’s time reevaluate and get creative.”

Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer.

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PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

Beyond the “Numbers”

W

BY JOSHUA HIRSCHSTEIN

HILE COLLEGES CERTAINLY SEEK students who have shown academic success, colleges also understand that talent, ability, and potential are not necessarily well-revealed in an applicant’s “numbers” - that is, their GPA and test scores. That is why admissions department readily look beyond the numbers, to the essays, recommendations, and communications with the applicant, to better understand a student’s strengths and potential.

Indeed, in my 30 years of helping students gain college admissions, I have seen 3.2 GPAs accepted over 4.0 GPAs, and very low SAT scores not hinder acceptance (or scholarships) at competitive, 4-year colleges (that require a score submission).

So what do selective colleges seek beyond “good numbers,” and how do students in middle and high school “set themselves up” for being desirable candidates?

Here are 5 things all students can do to be attractive candidates for college admissions:

1.

WORK HARD IN school, of course, and strive for good marks.

Colleges desire applicants who challenge themselves, but also understand that confidences and abilities in middle and high school are developing over the years, and who someone is as they approach college may well differ from who they were in previous years. Remember: colleges are more interested in who you are becoming rather than

who you have been. Therefore, take ownership of your record, and speak honestly of your ups and downs.

2.

IN OTHER WORDS, character matters. Honesty and compassion, kindness and open-mindedness, and integrity and dedication are all traits highly sought by colleges (and elsewhere).

Demonstrate these traits in all your activities. Colleges very much want people who want to do well for themselves and by others.

3.

COLLEGES SEEK PEOPLE who invest time in exploring activities of choice. if you have a passion, indulge in it (although not at the expense of #1 and #2). Put in a strong effort to collaborate with others interested in the same passion. If, like most students, you don’t have “a passion,” still invest regular time in organized activities outside of school hours. Sports, music, drama, visual arts, church and club activities, part-time work, and involvement in political, social or environmental causes are all activities that shape us and speak to our character and willingness to engage. Being competitive is not required.

4.

VOLUNTEER FOR A cause. Many school programs require volunteering, but if yours doesn’t, find some place to offer consistent time and effort to help your community. Colleges expect all students to get involved in campus activities; a track record of involvement, and an eagerness to explore and participate, is an attractive quality.

5.

FINALLY, AS YOU explore college options, express confidence in your unique self. Invest quality time on the admissions essays and in your research and interactions with prospective colleges to share your unique story. Tell colleges of the person you are who is excited about reaching for opportunities, whatever they may be.

Colleges reward those who take risks, which includes the courage to present oneself well and request an opportunity to prove oneself.

Yes, colleges want students with “good numbers.” But numbers alone give little evidence of the vital, desirable qualities of character, curiosity, engagement, and potential – all qualities that selective colleges consciously seek in its student body.

Note: The only sure effect the pandemic has had on college admissions is that the submission of an SAT or ACT score is optional for the freshman class of 2021. Very few colleges have changed admission’s procedures or expectations beyond this year’s entering class.

JOSHUA HIRSCHSTEIN, the director of Lane Tutoring Service, Inc. in Eugene, has helped prepare and guide students through the college admissions process for over 30 years.

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O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

JANUARY 2021

COMING IN APRIL

OR Family 12.21.2020 Jan issue

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A Dad’s Eye View

Always Call Me at Work

BY RICK EPSTEIN

I

NEVER TURN OFF MY phone’s ringer when I go into my boss’ office. If I get a call while I’m in there on a routine mission of dodging blame or stealing credit, it’s no problem.

And when things take a really bad turn, a call can be a welcome interruption. While two burly thugs are stripping off my shirt for a flogging, a loud and jazzy electronic tune will blare from my pants pocket. “Excuse me; I’d better take this,” I say, stepping out into the corridor.

Often as not, it’s my middle daughter Sally, calling from the University of Jabroo. Sometimes it’s only a simple request for a few hundred bucks for a field trip or a book. But other times she’s got a few minutes to kill between classes and she wants her old man to help kill them.

“Hi, Pop,” she’ll say and then tell me about her political activities, the antics of her friends or things she’s learning in school.

Depending upon how old I feel, it can seem like she’s breezing into my room at The Home, plunking a bouquet into a vase, and giving me a brisk update on the world of the young and vibrant.

But usually I feel fairly stout and have stories of my own to tell her.

In either case, ever since she learned how to poke in a phone number with

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her itty-bitty fingers, the sound of Sally’s friendly voice has been the sweetest music ever heard by a man chained to a desk (or in a corridor readjusting his clothing).

Sally was 5 when she started phoning me at work. Sometimes she’d have something nutty to tell me. Here’s one I wrote down: “Wouldn’t it be terrible if you were a BOY doctor helping someone have a baby, and it was a GIRL baby and you had to see her privacy?”

I appreciated these calls, but the best ones concerned the bedtime stories I would tell her and her big sister. When a plot idea would pop into Sally’s little

head, she would phone it in.

In those days if Sally didn’t like a story, she would shut it down. For example, when Spike the Rat-boy, was trying to sabotage Emily the Pony’s birthday party, I was saying, “…so Spike sneaked into the kitchen and grabbed the birthday cake--” “NO HE DIDN’T!” Sally yelled. So then I tried to have Spike gnaw the wrapping paper off the pony-girl’s gifts. “NO HE DIDN’T!” Sally yelled. Finally I realized that birthday parties are sacred to Sally, and anything done to ruin them would be literally unspeakable.

But any story idea she’d phoned in would guarantee her enjoyment.

I’d be struggling at my desk with deadlines looming, supervisors snarling, co-workers jeering, in-box spilling onto my shoes, and time seemingly stuck at 3:45 p.m. The phone rings. I pick it up and

groan, “What now?”

“Daddy?” It’s my little boss.

“Hi, dear,” I say.

“How ‘bout if Spike pertends he had an operation on his tail?”

Sally says.

“Brilliant!” I say. “Thanks for the call.”

Perspective returns and the evil spell of the workplace is broken. Although I was the center of my 5-year-old’s universe, in the office I wasn’t really important enough feel that much pressure.

Before I knew it, it would be 3:46, which means it’ll be only a brisk crawl over hot coals to quitting time. I’d hardly notice my superiors jabbing me with their pitchforks as I finish up, and at 5:01 I’m out the door like I’ve just set the place on fire.

Sally has continued to call me at work, her conversation becoming more and more mature.

She’s 18 now, and I’m proud to hear her confident voice and her ambitious plans for summer internships and advanced courses. Sally loves higher education.

I encourage her even though deep down I believe this schooling is superfluous. As far as I’m concerned, Sally was already the finished article at age 5 when she was calling up to say things like, “How ‘bout if Spike puts ink on Aliza the Alligator and she thinks she’s turning into a Dalmatian?” But people expect you to have a diploma.

RICK EPSTEIN can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.

O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

JANUARY 2021

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Creativity-Boosting

J

anuary is International Creativity Month; a great occasion to inspire your kids to become more creative. Here are some of the very best creativity-boosting apps for kids. They’re all completely free, so encourage your kids to download an app – or three!

COLOR BAND

Apple Appstore, Google Play; Ages 5-12 Few things are more fun than making your own cartoons. Toontastic 3D is an app that lets you do just that. It includes various story outlines, scenes as well as dozens of colorful characters. Kids can either use those characters or create their own with simple drawing tools, press “record” and then move characters around and narrate the story with their own voice recording. They can add a musical score, and put all the pieces together in a single 3D cartoon.

PLUM’S CREATURIZER

STORY DICE – STORY TELLING

Apple Appstore; Ages 5-8 Plum’s Creaturizer will get your kids interested in photography. Developed by PBS Kids, this award-winning app lets kids create their own colorful creatures by combining different body parts, and then encourages them to photograph these creatures in four different “habitats.” The photos can be combined into slideshows depicting a day in the life of their creations.

TELESTORY

Apple Appstore; Ages 5-12 TeleStory is an app that lets your kids pretend that they’re television producers, directors and writers who star in their own shows. They plan their shows, write the scripts, record and perform in them, and then edit the completed shows. It has templates for different kinds of shows that the kids can use if they need some extra inspiration.

16

TOONTASTIC 3D

Apple Appstore; Ages 5-8 Color Band introduces young kids to the fun of making music while at the same time encourages them to draw. It has 80 pre-recorded instruments and sound effects that are represented by different colors. Some colors contain multiple sound effects, while others include entire scales or chords. Using different colors to draw a picture, they create unique musical compositions, which they can play back by waving their hands in front of the screen.

Apple Appstore; Ages 5-18 Story Dice – Story Telling is sure to get the creative juices flowing. This app has 40 virtual dice, each with six images from different categories, for a total of 240 images. Kids shake their devices to roll the dice and create stories that connect all the images. Encourage your kids to use this app with their friends to see who comes up with the most suspenseful or fun stories.

LET’S CREATE: POTTERY

Apple Appstore, Google Play; Ages 9-18 Let’s Create: Pottery teaches kids to sculpt pottery and make beautiful pieces of artwork without the messiness of real clay. They can choose to copy pre-existing pieces from different cultures, or create their own pottery from scratch.

While the virtual clay is spinning on the pottery wheel, kids mold it by tapping or pressing lightly on the screen. Once they’re done, they get to fire their pottery in the kiln and then decorate their creations with colors and patterns.

PAPER

Apple Appstore; Ages 13-18 Paper is great for kids who love to draw. It resembles a digital notebook and has various tools for outlining, sketching and coloring drawings. The app makes it easy to rearrange objects on the page. Kids can also import photos and incorporate them into their drawings.

VIDEO STAR

Apple Appstore, Google Play; Ages 13-18 Video Star teaches kids how to create and star in their own music videos. After selecting a favorite song, they shoot a video that shows them lip-synching and /or dancing to the music. The app has hundreds of built-in visual and sound effects that they can use in their videos.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

JANUARY 2021

Apps for Kids

JANUARY 2021

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

BY TANNI HAAS, PH.D.

17

PHOTO: USFWS, FLICKRCC.

Earthtalk

DEAR EARTHTALK

What is Cheatgrass and when did it become such a big problem out west?

— WILLIAM G., PORTLAND, ME

C

HEATGRASS IS AN ANNUAL grass native to Europe and eastern Asia that European settlers brought to North America in the late 1800s as forage for grazing their livestock. Little did they know at the time that this innocuous looking herbaceous plant would eventually wreak havoc on ecosystems across the American West, edging out native plants and creating conditions ripe for now all-too-frequent brush fires.

“It probably wouldn’t have outcompeted with native vegetation if early settlers hadn’t also introduced large numbers of livestock like cattle and sheep into sagebrush country,” reports Mike Pellant, a retired Rangeland Ecologist with the Bureau of Land Management who volunteers for the non-profit Sage Grouse Initiative. “Our palatable native grasses and forbs

18

Invasive Cheatgrass has taken over more than 50 million acres of desert across the American West.

[herbaceous flowering plants] weren’t adapted to those high levels of uncontrolled overgrazing by domestic livestock, which created a void that Cheatgrass quickly filled.”

And once Cheatgrass gains a foothold, it ups the fire risk around it significantly, in part because it sets seed in the spring and by the heart of fire season, in mid- to late-summer, its shoots have dried out and become like tinder that can spark into fire with the slightest provocation.

“Basically, cheatgrass is comparable to tissue paper covering the landscape—an easily-ignited fuel that carries fire quickly and spreads it rapidly,” adds Pellant.

Native plants in the Great Basin have not evolved to handle such frequent burns—every five to seven years on average lately.

As such, each Cheatgrass-fueled brush fire creates more open space for more of the weed to

quickly colonize. And by moving into open territory before native plants have a chance to set seed, Cheatgrass ensures its dominance over the desert ecosystems it inhabits.

The ascendancy of Cheatgrass is also a big problem for native wildlife as well as plants. The Greater sage grouse, Mule deer and Pygmy rabbit are just a few of the iconic desert species dependent on healthy sagebrush plants for their own survival. If sagebrush steppe landscapes go the way of the dodo thanks to Cheatgrass, so will these species and dozens of others which contribute to making the American desert such a special place.

That said, there is little we can actually do to effectively stop Cheatgrass’ spread—it has already taken over some 50-70 million acres of desert across the American West. Herbicides applied widely have been effective

at removing grown Cheatgrass plants, but these synthetic chemicals do nothing against the seeds already rooted in the soil— meaning the plant will sprout anew the next spring regardless.

Employing all-natural soil microbes to inhibit the growth of Cheatgrass’ root system below the surface shows promise as a potential solution. But it could be years before we know whether it’s feasible to use on such an epic scale given how much Cheatgrass has already spread across the sagebrush steppe.

CONTACTS: Sage Grouse Initiative, sagegrouseinitiative.com; “Attacking Invasive Cheatgrass at Its Root,” blog. nature.org/science/2016/09/07/attacking-invasive-cheatgrass-root-soil-microbes-biocontrol-sage/.

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine. com. To donate, visit https//earthtalk.org.

Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

JANUARY 2021

BUILDING YOUR ONE’S

Brain Power

BY PARENTING NOW

O

NE-YEAR OLDS are eager and curious learners. Brain development during this year lays the foundation for all of their future learning.

Ones naturally love activities that activate their brain development: touching, looking, tasting, talking, listening, moving, and playing—these are some of the best activities for building strong brains.

Watch your one-year old as they play. It may not seem that they are up to much, but as he looks, listens, talks, and thinks, connections between brain cells are being formed in his brain.

These pathways support: hand-eye coordination, vision, hearing, language, and movement.

Every new brain connection is built upon the one before it. Even simple back and forth conversations with your One can help build the structure of your One’s brain!

You don’t need special gadgets or toys to stimulate your child’s brain development.

The very best learning happens during everyday interactions, experiences, and play.

In fact, play is a laboratory for brain development. Play is how children experiment and make sense of the world. They think, create, problem solve, master new skills, and build confidence.

JANUARY 2021

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

Children are natural experts when it comes to play. But it can be hard for adults to follow a child’s lead. The best learning happens when children are allowed to take the lead.

TRY THESE BRAIN BOOSTING GAMES WITH YOUR ONE:

SHARING TREASURES: Take a bucket with you while you walk outside and help your child discover rocks, leaves, branches, and other treasures. When you return from the walk, talk to your child about the treasures. You can paste the treasures on some paper and hang them on the wall for everyone in the family to appreciate.

IN AND OUT: Encourage logic skills by providing equipment for your child to practice putting small materials into larger containers. For example, you and your child can have fun stacking smaller cups into bigger cups, or dropping spoons into a large jar or small blocks into a box, dumping them out, and starting all over again.

WE’RE HAVING A BALL!: Boost physical control skills by playing active games. Use a simple wastebasket and ball to play basketball. Then, you can use that same ball to play bowling, rolling it into plastic drink bottles.

WHAT ABOUT EDUCATIONAL SHOWS AND APPS? Watching a screen doesn’t give children the kind of active, real life interactions and experiences that help their young brains develop. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children 2 and younger.

Research has taught us that a child’s social, language, and cognitive thinking skills, as well as physical abilities are all linked together and coordinated in the brain. Your engagement, interaction, and play with your child is the best way to build their beautiful brain.

To learn more about infant development, sign up for Parenting Now!’s Incredible INFANTs program, which meets virtually on Zoom every other week for 10 sessions.

The next Incredible INFANTs program starts on October 21. Call 541-434-4343 or email enroll@parentingnow.org to register.

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2021 EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE

O R E G O N

F A M I L Y

20 2 1

EDUCATION Resour ce Guide RATIO

ENROLLMENT

HOURS

APP. DEADLINE

RELIGIOUS?

TUITION

CAMPS?

Eugene Montessori School

1:10

98

Hours: 8:00-3:30

open

No

varies

No

Mountain View Academy - PreK

1:8

16

Hours: 8:00 - 11:30am

February 15th

No

$200/mo.

No

New Dream Family Center

varies

145

Hours: 7:00am - 6:00pm

open

No

varies

Yes

The Little French School

1 to 10

30-40

Hours: 8:30-2:30, Covid-19 hours.

open until filled

No

web or call

TBD

Eugene Waldorf School

1:17

95

Hours: varies preschool to 8th grade

open

spiritual

web or call

No

O’Hara Catholic School

1:15

520

Hours: 8:05-3:05 ext. care 2:40 - 6:00

open

Catholic

web or call

No

St. Paul Parish School

1:18

282

Hours: 8:10am - 3:00pm

open

Roman Catholic

web or call

No

Wellsprings Friends School

1:10

60

Hours: 9:00 - 3:00

open

No

$800/mo

No

Mountain View Academy Charter School

1:16

144

Hours: 8:00am - 2:55pm

February 15th

No

none

No

Network Charter School

1:15

110

Hours: 8:15 - 3:25

open

No

none

Yes

4,000

Hours: 8:00 - 5:00

open

No

none

No

PRESCHOOLS

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

CHARTER/ONLINE SCHOOLS

Oregon Charter Academy Ridgeline Montessori School

1:14

250

Hours: 8:30am - 3:05pm

January 31st

No

none

No

The Village School

1:25

225

Hours: 8:25am - 3:00pm

March 15th

No

none

No

varies

open

Hours: varies

open

No

see website

Yes

Lane Tutoring Service

1:1

varies

Hours: varies

open

No

please call

No

Mathnasium Eugene

1:1 to 3:1

open

see website, Facebook, & Google

open

No

$192+/mo.

No

MECCA (Materials Exchange Ctr for Community Arts)

varies

open

Tues-Sat 11-6

open

No

none

Yes

Nearby Nature

varies

varies

Hours: see website

open

No

varies

Yes

Oregon Tutor

open

varies

Hours: Mon - Thurs 10-8pm/Fri 10-6pm

open

No

varies

Yes

OSU JumpstART PreCollege Program

1:12

48 max.

Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm

June 14th

No

$300

Yes

The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts

varies

open

Hours: M-F 9am-6pm

open

No

varies

Yes

Triple P: The Positive Parenting Program

varies

open

Hours: not applicable

open

No

none

No

2:8 / 2:12

varies

Hours: see website

see website

No

varies

Yes

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Healthy Moves

Whole Earth Nature School

20

O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

JANUARY 2021

Eugene Montessori School

2255 Oakmont Way Eugene, OR 97401 541-345-7124 www.eugenemontessorischool.com

Eugene Montessori School founded in 1962, offers a quality education for children age 3 through kindergarten. The individual curriculum fosters the child’s natural curiosity and love of learning while building self-confidence and independence. In our multi-age classrooms, children work together as a community caring for each other and the environment.

Specialists teach music and PE. For more information please call 541-345-7124

45 S. Moss Street Lowell, OR 97452 541-735-1709 www.mountainviewacademy.com

Mountain View Academy Pre-Kindergarten is a highly academic class that prepares students to be successful in MVA Kindergarten class. Classes run Monday - Thursday from 8:00am - 11:30am. Field trips are offered quarterly. Our class is capped at 16 students. To schedule a tour or meeting with the Director, contact us today.

New Dream Family Center 1295 W. 18th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402 541-344-1905 www.newdreamfamily.com

The New Dream offers programs for infants through school-age students. Our

Mountain View Academy PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

STEM Garden Program is delivered in both English and Spanish. Two kindergarten-readiness classrooms get your 4-year old ready for school. Our classrooms are led by dynamic teaching teams who are skilled communicators, educators and caring adults. The New Dream facility boasts large play yards, many gardens and covered areas for outdoor play.

The Little French School 1376 Olive Street Eugene, OR 97401 541-345-3818 www.littlefrenchschool.org

(please see our ad on page 22)

LFS is a private, non-profit program combining high-quality care and education with immersion in the French language. We offer small class sizes, personalized instruction, and diverse, engaging curricula. We have

Enrolling Now and for Fall 2021 Ages 6 weeks to 12 years Call to Schedule A tour!

Ask us about our STEM Spanish / Garden Program

541-344-1905

www.newdreamfamily.com

Eugene Montes sor i Sch ool E d u c a t i n g fo r a b e t t e r w o r l d s i n c e 1 9 6 2 .

The Mountain View Academy Pre-Kindergarten program is a highly educational class with a focus on social emotional development. With an 8:1 student to teacher ratio and a full curriculum, our goal is to prepare students for success in Kindergarten.

• 4 day week (no school on Fridays) • 8:00am - 11:30am • Quarterly field trips • $200/month Sponsored by the Lowell School District, believing in options for parents.

Enrollment is open from February 1st -15th for Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade.

To schedule a tour in January, call 541-735-1709 or email Kelly@mtviewacademy.org JANUARY 2021

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

A quality Montessori education for children ages 3 through kindergarten. The individualized curriculum includes music, P.E., snacks and a wholesome hot lunch.

541.345.7124 • 2255 Oakmont Way • eugenemontessorischool.com

21

2021 EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE

PRESCHOOLS

Mountain View Academy Pre-Kindergarten

2021 EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE

Looking for an alternative for high school focused on the needs of your teenager?

We are the place you’ve been looking for.

Wellsprings Friends School

St. Paul

been serving families in the community since 1987! All of our classrooms are equipped with medical-grade air purifiers and individual plexiglass table barriers for each student. We require everyone to wear a face mask.

Our school has been COVID-19 free since the beginning of this school year in September.

PA R I S H S C H O O L

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Providing a quality Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th Grade for over 50 years.

1201 Satre Street Eugene, OR 97401 541-344-1401 www.saintpaul-school.org

Fully accredited nonprofit high school 541-686-1223 3590 W 18th Ave Eugene Call for a tour or more information

Eugene Waldorf School

The Little l Schoo with ig the B t Hear

www.wellspringsfriends.org

Celebrating 40 Years! PK - 8th Grade

1350 McLean Blvd.

Eugene, OR 97405 541-683-6951 www.eugenewaldorf.org

The Eugene Waldorf School educates students in a handson, enthusiastic, engaging way.

Music, art, Spanish, handcrafts, woodworking, drama and movement are integrated with a strong academic and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Students’ social and emotional intelligence are nurtured and inspired for a lifelong love of learning and independent, critical thinking. See our website for adult tours while class is in session and open houses which include preschool and kindergarten play sessions.

Eugene Waldorf School has been educating children and

creating a fulfilling community for parents since 1980.

O’Hara Catholic School 715 W. 18th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402 541-485-5291 www.oharaschool.org

O’Hara Catholic School serves students from Preschool through 8th grade in a nurturing, enriching environment. With an exceptional academic program and a strong focus on faith and values, students develop confidence, compassion, and a love of learning. Specialists teach music, art, Spanish, reading, PE, Praise & Worship, and library.

O’Hara offers 1:1 technology for students in grades 4 - 8 and has multiple Google certified educators on staff. Founded in 1889. Fully accredited. Open Houses: January 23 & February 6. Visit oharaschool.org to reserve your Open House time.

St. Paul Parish School 1201 Satre St. Eugene, OR 97401 541-344-1401 saintpaul-school.org

St. Paul Parish School is a fully accredited Preschool through 8th grade elementary program in the best tradition of Catholic education. Our mission is to provide a Catholic education

The Little French School Enrolling Now for Spring and Fall 2021

Quality French Immersion Preschool for ages 3-6

Small Class Sizes Outdoor Learning Arts-integrated classes Spanish and experiential science

Give your child the gift of language!

EugeneWaldorf.org 541-683-6951 1350 McLean Blvd.

22

541.345.3818

Enrolling for 2020/2021 School Year DHS/ERDC payments welcome

O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

JANUARY 2021

Wellsprings Friends School 3590 W. 18th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402 541-686-1223 www.wellspringsfriends.org

Wellsprings is an accredited, independent, non-profit high school, founded in 1994.

Offering small classes, a variety of learning/teaching styles, lots of personal attention, and a safe, nurturing environment, we provide an engaging high school experience for teenagers whose needs are not met in other settings. Our teachers create supportive relationships that value each student’s individual emotional, social and academic needs.

ONLINE/CHARTER SCHOOLS Mountain View Academy Charter School

45 S. Moss Street Lowell, OR 97452 541-735-1709 www.mountainviewacademy.com

Mountain View Academy is a Pre-K - 8th grade public, charter school in the Lowell School District. We believe character education is the foundation for a quality education. We offer a 4-day school week with educational field trips one Friday per month. We are an advanced program that strives to build relationships with students and families, provide a well-rounded education, and challenge students through ability grouping. We believe

O ’H A R A C A T H O L I C S C H O O L Enter to Learn. Go Forth to Serve.

parents play an important role in their child’s education; MVA families are incorporated into our education model through monthly volunteering. Contact us to learn more. Tours held on Wednesdays.

Network Charter School 2550 Portland Street Eugene, OR 97405 541-344-1229 www.networkcharterschool.net

Network Charter School embraces students of all sorts, from inspired creators to independent thinkers. Our caring and talented teachers provide a comprehensive education.

Our classes prepare teens for college, advanced studies in the trades, and employment.

We offer a one week Summer Bridge program which prepares incoming freshmen for high school and assists older teens

network

CHARTER SCHOOL

WHERE SCHOOL MEETS COMMUNITY l Free public school l South Eugene location l Small cohort classes l Free meals for all l Mental health services l High school diploma & GED-track options

Serving 7th-12th grade

Call to set up a virtual tour!

541-344-1229

networkcharterschool.net

Mountain View Academy LIMITED OPENINGS Mountain View Academy is a charter school in Lowell, Oregon. We have 16 students per grade level, a foundation in character education, and we teach students through ability grouping - making sure we serve every student at their level.

We have a “Back to Basics” approach, encouraging hard work and providing students with a full curriculum.

Our program has a 4-day school week with monthly field trips and volunteer requirements.

OPEN HOUSE January 23 & February 6 NOW ENROLLING IN GRADES PRESCHOOL - 8 Reserve your Open House time, learn more, or apply online at www.oharaschool.org

JANUARY 2021

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

Sponsored by the Lowell School District, believing in options for parents.

Enrollment is open from February 1st -15th for Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade.

To schedule a tour in January, call 541-735-1709 or email Kelly@mtviewacademy.org

23

2021 EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE

fostering spiritual growth and academic excellence in a safe, nurturing environment. Please contact the school for more information.

2021 EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE

with credit recovery. Network welcomes 7th - 12th graders!

Oregon Charter Academy 833 Santiam Blvd Mill City, OR 97360 503-897-2272 www.oregoncharter.org

The Village School is a tuition-free public charter school serving children in Kindergarten through Eighth grade. The Village School’s curriculum fully integrates academics with the arts, educating the whole child – head, heart and hands. Movement, handwork, music, Spanish language and gardening classes are an integral part of the student’s learning experience. Meals are cooked on-site with mostly local and organic ingredients.

For More Information: - www.eugenevillageschool.org - 3411 Willamette St, Eugene 97405 - village@4j.lane.edu - 541-345-7285 2021-22 Applications - Due by March 15th, 2021

24

Parent Information Meetings: Thurs. Jan 28th, 6pm & Sat, Jan 30th, 10:30am.

For Zoom Links, please see eugenevillageschool.org

The mission of Oregon Charter Academy is to prepare all students for success in a global society through an inclusive, rigorous, academic environment where students have daily live interaction with highly qualified teachers and continuous access to curriculum. Oregon Charter Academy staff partners with families in a transparent, collaborative school environment to support all students in their academic journey.

Ridgeline Montessori School 4500 W. Amazon Drive Eugene, OR 97405 541-681-9662 www.ridgeline.org

Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School provides free public Montessori education to more than 250 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. We provide an academically rigorous Montessori education. Students balance their freedom to explore and think for themselves with their responsibility to work and learn within a community. Visit our website at www.ridgeline.org for more information.

The Village School

3411 Willamette St Eugene, OR 97405 541-345-7285 www.eugenevillageschool.org

O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

JANUARY 2021

2141 Crest Drive Eugene, OR 97405 541-484-4133 www.lanetutoringservice.com

Lane Tutoring Service is a one-on-one, in-home or online (using Zoom) tutoring and college preparatory service serving K-12 students in Eugene/ Springfield. Our local, certified teachers design programs that

cater to each student’s unique strengths, needs, and demeanor.

We offer school-year support, focusing both on academic and study skills, as well as curriculum design for home-schoolers or summer skill-building.

Our teachers are focused and engaging, and students enjoy working with us as they reach for greater success. We tutor all subjects, plus SAT/ACT and

college application/admissions preparation. We have been trusted locally since 1990.

Nearby Nature

P.O. Box 3678 Eugene, OR 97403 541-687-9699 www.nearbynature.org

From the tiniest tot to the busiest teen, Nearby Nature believes young people thrive

Online or In-home

by Natur r a e Ne Di

sc

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

ov

w

Lane Tutoring Service

r e r . Le a r n . G

o

Healthy Moves Trainers have experience in a variety of physical movement modalities. They support classroom teachers in PE classes in elementary schools. We work with organizations that don’t offer physical activities. We have 7 educational fitness programs.

We continue to build our digital curriculum catalog that can be used in the classroom, or at home for distance learning.

ee

P

115 West 8th Ave. Suite 216 Eugene, OR 97401 541-632-2541 www.hm4kid.org

• Challenging Curriculum • Self-Directed Learning • Multi-Age Classrooms • No Tuition Virtual Information Sessions: January 7, 6:30pm January 16, 10:00am Application Deadline for 2021-22 School Year: January 31, 2021 For Details Call 541-681-9662 or visit www.ridgeline.org

ka

s!

Healthy Moves

t o u r p ro gra

m

Winter and Spring

In-Person Outdoor Nature School Summer Daycamps Register in February! +Online Resources

Registration

nearbynature.org 541-687-9699

Joshua Hirschstein, Director

LANE

TUTORING SERVICE, INC.

One-On-One Tutoring: • Friendly, Locally-Experienced Certified Teachers • School Management Experts • All Subjects, K-12

College Prep Services: • Up-to-date with Changing Admissions and Testing Req. • SAT, ACT, and Essay Prep

541-484-4133 lanetutoringservice.com Trusted locally for 30 years.

FREE

Online classes for kids grades K-2 and 3-5 For info contact Denise at info@hm4kids.org info

JANUARY 2021

O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M

25

2021 EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE

The Village School is a tuition-free public charter school serving children in Kindergarten through Eighth grade. The Village School’s curriculum fully integrates academics with the arts, educating the whole child – head, heart and hands.

Movement, handwork, music, Spanish language and gardening classes are an integral part of the student’s learning experience. Meals are cooked on-site with mostly local and organic ingredients.

2021 EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE

FREE SUPPLIES for Teachers & Homeschoolers

449 Willamette Open Tues-Sat 11-6 www.materials-exchange.org

Let Us Help with Online Learning!

In-person and Zoom sessions available.

New clients, mention this ad and receive a $20 account credit when scheduling your first three appointments.

when they spend healthy time outside engaged in adventure, nature discovery, science, free play, art, and gardening. Based outdoors in Alton Baker Park, Nearby Nature hosts in-person school-day programs, nature walks, summer daycamps, preschool Green Start Play Days, and special events for families.

We also post weekly Explore Activities on our our website.

During the school year, we serve middle and high schoolers as a partner in the Network Charter School. Scholarships, discounts for members, and volunteer opportunities are available.

Mathnasium Eugene @OregonTutor

541-733-1749 OregonTutor@comcast.net www.oregontutor.com

PO Box 1614 Eugene, OR 97440 541-357-5386 www.mathnasium.com/eugene

Mathnasium is the #1

Students CanYear, Lose up Wherever School Is This to a Year of Math We’re Hereinfor You Slide” the “COVID

Mathnasium reverses learning Mathnasium reversesmath the learning loss loss

No matter whatkept school like lose for your Mathnasium’s Children outlooks of school morechild, comprehension got their back — and yours.

Our program is built to reverse in math than in any other subject!* Mathnasium’s the widespread math learning loss children of all grade levels Kickstart Program gets your child back on track are experiencing due to the pandemic.

With live, face-to-face and ready to soar ahead with individualized instruction online, we’ll catch them up and keep their math instruction, either in our learning center or through skills strong for this year and beyond. You’ve got a lot on your Mathnasium@home, our live online tutoring service. plate right now. With Mathnasium, you and your child can take Our comprehensive assessment will map out their on the school year with confidence. Join tens of thousands of road to recovery and success. parents in transforming their children’s math skills.

Call us t oday for a risk-free assessment .

Call us today for a risk-free assessment.

M at hnasiumof of Eugene Mathnasium Eugene (541) 357-5386 mathnasium.com/eugene mat hnasium.com/ eugene (541) 357-5386 eugene@ mat hnasium.com

26

O R E G O N F A M I LY. C O M

*NWEA Research

JANUARY 2021

MECCA (Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts)

449 Willamette Street Eugene, OR 97401 541-302-1810 https://materials-exchange.org/

MECCA is a non-profit arts and environmental organization located in downtown Eugene.

We specialize in recycled

arts and creative reuse and inspires our community to reimagine everyday materials and transform them artistically.

We have a low-cost recycled art store full of thrifted creative materials for all ages and abilities, we host art workshops and events, and donate supplies to educators, community groups, and homeschoolers year-round.

Oregon Tutor

1144 Gateway Loop, Ste 100 Springfield, OR 97477 541-733-1749 http://www.oregontutor.com/

At Oregon Tutor, we believe one-on-one tutoring greatly enriches the lives of our students. We offer private tutoring to students ranging from kindergarten through college, and beyond! We help students of all ages achieve their academic goals by providing tutors of the

jumpstART

highest quality while working at each student’s pace.”

OSU JumpstART PreCollege Program 309 A Fairbanks Hall/ 220 SW 26th St. Corvalis, OR 97331 https://bit.ly/2WiBca9

JumpstART Online! provides participants ages 14-18 with a week of accelerated art instruction from the safety of their home. Our faculty is comprised of successful, working artists, who exhibit their work throughout the U.S. and beyond. Choose from classes such as painting, photography, animation, drawing and design. Each day will include instruction, discussion, video links, time to make art and time to ask questions and receive feedback.

The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts 868 High St. Eugene, OR 97401 541-434-7015 www.theshedd.org

(please see our ad on page 11)

The Shedd Institute offers music, theater arts, and dance instruction with classes, camps, and private instruction for all ages and on most instruments. “Discovering Instruments” classes give students a hands-on exploration before choosing one to study. Open to creating classes for home-schoolers to fit curriculum needs. Member of the National Guild of Community Schools for the Arts.

Financial assistance available.

Please see ad on page 11.

REMOTE PRECOLLEGE PROGRAM · JULY 11-16, 2021

JumpstART is a precollege program for youth ages 14-18 with focused instruction by professional, working artists in painting, animation, photography, drawing and design.

TUITION: $300 25 NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

LIBERALARTS.OREGONSTATE.EDU/JUMPSTART Offered by the OSU School of Arts and Communication SAC Academy JANUARY 2021

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2021 EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE

after-school math-only education program in America for kids in 1st to 12th grade, whether to get math help to catch up, or to get math enrichment to stay ahead. Mathnasium improves student performance on standards-based tests in 20 sessions or fewer, & improves student skills by an average of 2 grade levels in the 1st year. Contact Mathnasium of Eugene today to schedule a risk-free assessment.

2021 EDUCATION RESOURCE GUIDE

Triple P: The Positive Parenting Program

3171 Gateway Loop Springfield, OR 97477 541-741-6000 https://www.lanekids.org/triplep/

Whole Earth

Nature School

Laugh, & LEAD

Triple P, the Positive Parenting Program, is an online parenting course for parents of children ages 2-12. Triple P doesn’t tell you how to parent, but gives you strategies you can adapt to your family’s needs.

This program is free if you or your child(ren) are on OHP. Visit LaneTripleP.org to sign up! (Triple P esta disponible en español.) Now includes a guide for Parenting During COVID-19.

Whole Earth Nature School PO Box 5223 Eugene, OR 97405 541-937-KIDS WholeEarth.org

Whole Earth Nature School is about more than developing outdoor skills, we are developing thriving human beings. Through the pathway of nature connection and wilderness skills, our students are given the support they need to flourish. Through fire making, students learn patience, resilience, and safety. Through hiding, they learn stillness, observation and awareness. Through wildcrafting, they learn caretaking, pattern recognition, and self-sufficiency. Through group play and challenges, they learn leadership, respect, and confidence. Whole Earth Nature School is a place where each student is given the right balance of freedom and support to be their best self.

T R I P L E P : T H E P O S I T I V E PA R E N T I N G P R O G R A M

Practical Tools for Every Parent Sign up for the Triple P Online Course Learn about parenting strategies to support your child with: • • • •

Bedtime Routines Tantrums Misbehavior And more!

Find the strategies that work best for you and your family.

L e a r n m o r e a n d s i g n u p a t L a n e T r i p l e P. o r g

Now inc ludes guide parentin for gd COVID- uring 19!

Triple P Online is free for families with OHP! • Tr iple P es ta d is pon ible en es pañ o l .

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Explore Nearby Nature

MESSING WITH

MUD T

BY BETH STEIN

HE INGREDIENTS IN THE recipe are simple: water for wetness, soil for substance, crumpled leaves for texture, bark chips for chunks, grass for green-ness, and rocks just for fun. The how-to part of the recipe is also pretty straightforward – dig, dump, stir, mush, squoosh, pour, pound. Note that the order of operations is not important and processes can be repeated without any adverse impact. You definitely can’t “overmix” this cake/cookie/soup (depending on who you ask) batter/dough/mix!

So who’s cooking? For this recipe, it was a group of four and five year olds in a Wonder Keepers class at Nearby Nature’s Learnscape. But it could just have easily been your children, of course, out in nature, messing with mud.

Despite the cold, and especially thanks to COVID, it’s going to be very important to get kids outside this winter. Time outdoors means healthy air, fun exercise, a welcome change of scenery for everyone, and so much more. Good ideas for walks in nature near Eugene can be found at eugene-or.gov/327/Parks-and-Natural-Areas and for Springfield at willamalane.org/park_and_trails/parkdirectory.php. Bike rides are possible on drier days, thanks to all the safe and accessible bike paths. But what will really cheer up your younger ones is to let them get truly immersed in the natural world. In colder climates, that would probably mean time in the snow. But here in the Willamette Valley, where we don’t see the white stuff very often, we’ve got to get creative.

What we do have in winter is rain (and thus abundant mud-potential in places like sleeping gardens) and plenty of “loose parts” – lichen, leaves, cones, seeds, and all that other stuff that has fallen from trees and bushes in recent months. The combination adds up to ingredients for lots of fun!

You’re probably thinking, mud play in January? That’s crazy! But don’t write off the idea quite yet. Your part in the project doesn’t have to involve getting completely dirt-doused yourself. Instead, ditch your worry, and let the kids get dirty! The best way to do that is to dress your children in wet weather gear that’s easy to clean, or clothes designated for outdoor “kitchen” play. (A quick rinse before washing will also ensure you don’t destroy your washer and that your chef ’s duds are good for another baking session.) You can also keep the project relatively in control by providing a plastic wash bin or a similar smallish container for your bakers’ creations if they’re playing in your yard. If you’re on the go when the urge to make mud pies hits, or you

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don’t have a yard at your disposal, you can be prepared for fun anytime if you toss a couple small salsa-type containers in your backpack.

If you’re playing in public, just be sure your cooks aren’t creating a muddy mess that will impact others’ ability to enjoy an outdoor space.

Finally, if mud is simply not your thing, remember all those loose parts we talked about before? Leaves and lichen and cones and the like?

Those are also great for creative cooking projects - and also free, and abundant. Add a few recyclables for bakeware, and your cooks are good to go! You can even bring these ingredients indoors!

For more fun ideas for nature play both in and outside this winter, visit nearbynature.org/explore-activity-pages/. Every Monday, we post a new nature craft, scavenger hunt, or nature puzzle. You can also have these activities emailed to you directly. Also visit nearbynature.org/ nearby-nature-school/ for information about the Wonder Keepers and other school-year, in-person, outdoor classes for kids 4-10 years old!

Beth Stein is the Executive Director of Nearby Nature, a non-profit education group dedicated to fostering appreciation of nature nearby and providing tools for ecological living.

The organization hosts summer daycamps in local parks as well as COVID-safe school year activities, field trips, special events, and restoration projects. For more information, call 541-687-9699 or see nearbynature.org.

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Family Movie Night

The unwanted Willoughbys.

Chosen Family

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

H

ARD TO BELIEVE wonderfully zany-crazy feature THAT I missed this it is. Well worth a family movie animated gem back night even if you’ve already seen in April when it was origiit, and you’ve cheered for the nally released on Netflix. The four Willoughby children who Willoughbys arrived just when are stuck with the worst parents The unwanted Willoughbys Covid-19 locked everything ever. Tim, the oldest, is constantdown, so apropos that another ly tossed into the coal cellar for lockdown brings it back to punishment and his sister, Jane, light. And what a darkly funny, who relies on the “what if ” hope that their dysfunctional family might change. The twins, both named Barnaby because of their THE WILLOUGHBYS lazy parents, must share a single Netflix Animation, Rated: PG sweater and are always hungry.

Streaming on Netflix Together, the siblings hatch a plan to send their neglectful

parents on a global vacation in the hopes that they’ll meet their doom. No, it’s not nice to wish your parents would disappear, but what kid hasn’t had that naughty secret thought from time to time? When Mother & Father Willoughby pack up and go, the children think they’re home free, but kind-hearted Nanny Linda unexpectedly shows up to care for them. Not surprisingly, Tim doesn’t trust Nanny Linda and calls the Dept of Orphan Services, which sets into motion a chain of events that reunites the Willoughbys

with their adventurous parents atop the highest mountain in the Alps. True to form, the Willoughby parents abandon their children once again for their own selfish purposes and hijack the only transportation down the mountain. Thank goodness Nanny Linda comes to the rescue with the help of Commander Melanoff, who has proved that he’s a blue ribbon parent. In the end, we learn that families thrive with determination, imagination, and hope, and sometimes a family is the one that chooses you.

FOR the PARENTS

Wish to Believe

A hopeful happy family.

JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY Brillstein Entertainment, Rated: PG Streaming on Netflix

A

LTHOUGH IT TRIES very hard to be a sensational holiday musical, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey falls short of being that exceptional mix of cinematic story, music, and dance that might have made it a classic. Sadly, the stereotypical characters and the overblown set production coupled with the hyped-up CGI can’t hide its major flaw: It’s a so-so stage play trying to be a movie.

Also, playwright - director David Talbert often forgets that it’s a kid’s movie about kids, and adults should just be along for the ride.

But even lacking whimsy, humor, or charisma, Jingle Jangle still entertains as a folksy tale about a disenchanted toymaker who loses his family, his inventions, and his dreams. Later in life, his estranged granddaughter comes to his spiritual rescue to help restore his faith and save his dilapidated toy shop. But of course, they only have until Christmas Day to foil an untrustworthy apprentice, recover a

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valuable toy, repay a bank loan, and cement their rocky relationship.

By the end, the story comes full circle in more ways than one, but honestly, no real surprises, no interesting twists, and no pizazz. Just a lot of wishes & wonders that could have been magical.

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M

eet FEETS! A 9-year-old Boxer mix with a permanent smile!

He’s a gentle boy who is so playful and easy going. He walks on leash really well and already knows his basic manners!

He’s a very smart boy and is willing to please for some cheese. He has a medium energy level so would love a family that likes to take long walks around the neighborhood and then have a movie marathon at night. A volunteer said, “Sweet, Boxer boy. Super friendly and easy going. Loves people – playful.”

Feets needs to be the only dog in the home and may do ok with cats after a slow introduction period. He weighs between 54-58 lbs and is up to date on vaccinations, is microchipped and neutered.

This friendly boy is so deserving of a companion and would make a lucky family feel very loved.

If you are interested in adopting a dog, or would like to learn more about adding a dog to your family, please call Greenhill Humane Society. Greenhill Humane Society is open for adoptions by appointment seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene.

For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org.

T

Rescue Spotlight

he Cat Rescue & Adoption Network presents ANGELITO & his twin brother CLIFF, an adorable pair of very bonded 1 ½ year-old black panther kitties looking for their forever home.

Angelito is the sweetest, most affectionate guy you’ve ever met – he is famous for his non-stop purring and cuddling happily in your lap. Cliff (who has a partial cleft palate) is more independent and quirky, and his giant personality will require a cat-savvy adopter.

They are great with gentle dogs and older kids, but would be best as the only cats. They are healthy boys, but Cliff does have a sensitive stomach.

They are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and negative for Felv & FIV. Their special adoption fee is $110 for the pair. To meet Cliff & Angelito, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or send an email to adoptinfo@CatRescues.org

Fix ⎮ Mend ⎮ Repair

FiX

For an online directory of where to find over 200 repair businesses, FiX iT Fairs, resources and more, visit www.fixitlanecounty.com.

FiX iT Lane County is dedicated to helping people fix more things locally.

Choosing to repair and reuse consumer goods builds a healthier local economy and environment.

Lane County

JANUARY 2021

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This is your moment. Let us help you make it one you’ll cherish forever.

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