Oregon Family Magazine

Our Contributors

1. MELYNDA CASEMENT, PH.D.

Melynda Casement is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Oregon, director of the Oregon Sleep Lab, and a clinical psychologist. Her research leverages sleep and circadian function to promote mental health. She lives in Eugene with her family and enjoys yoga, cycling, and cooking.

2. SHANNON DEAN

Shannon Dean is a freelance writer and the mother of two sons. She specializes in writing about families and women’s health. Her work has appeared in dozens of print and online publications worldwide.

3. RICK EPSTEIN

A Dad’s Eye View contributor, also award-winning 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.

4. 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 Eugene with her family, enjoys gardening and cooking.

5. DANIEL HIESTAND

Daniel Hiestand is Waste Wise Lane County’s Outreach Coordinator, promoting waste reduction and sustainability throughout the county. He recently graduated from Arizona State University with a Master’s in Sustainability Leadership.

6. SANDY KAUTEN

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 3 4 2 1 5 6 7 8

Sandy Kauten is the Owner and Publisher of Oregon Family Magazine, a role she has held for over 24 years. With a background in operations and management at Transamerica, she now lives in Eugene, Oregon with OFM’s two mascots, Frank (SheepaDoodle) and Lucy (Goldendoodle).

7. PAM MOLNAR

Pam Molnar is a writer, storyteller and mother of three. She enjoys writing about moments and events that bring people together. When she is not writing, Pam creates escape room kits and PowerPoint games which she sells in her Etsy shop, Pam’s Party Printables.

8. 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 and cat Batman.

9. RODDY SCHEER

Oregon Family Magazine is distributed monthly in the greater Lane County area at over 150 high-traffic commercial locations.

PUBLISHER

Pacific Parents Publishing

EDITOR Sandy Kauten

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Springer Design & Illustration ADVERTISING 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, nor an endorsement by this publication.

© 2025 Pacific Parents Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without prior expressed written consent from Pacific Parents Publishing.

The Sleep-Brain Connection

YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK

BY MELYNDA CASEMENT, PH.D.

SLEEP IS CRITICAL FOR cognitive, emotional, and social function. The development of these functions is a core feature of adolescence and sets the stage for mental health throughout the lifespan. However, adolescents often don’t get the recommended 8-10 hours of daily sleep. Insufficient sleep duration and irregular sleep timing can contribute to mental health problems such as depression, which often develop in youth and can recur through adulthood.

Researchers at the University of Oregon Sleep Lab are working to understand how sleep duration and timing contribute to adolescent mental health. In work funded by

the National Institute of Mental Health, our team is currently recruiting local adolescents with different sleep profiles (e.g., short and late sleep, early and long sleep) to look for group differences in brain function and symptoms of depression. The study also tests whether improving sleep patterns will improve brain function and mental health. Adolescents measure their sleep at home for a week or more before visiting the sleep lab to complete an MRI brain scan and various other tasks. Data from the study will help identify connections between sleep, brain

function, and mental health during the critical window of adolescent cognitive and emotional development.

In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children’s Hospital Association declared a mental health crisis for children and adolescents due to rising rates of mental disorders and insufficient access to mental health care. More accessible interventions are needed to address this mental health crisis, including sleep interventions. There is strong evidence that improving sleep improves mental health. There are also well-supported treatments to address some sleep problems, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia or light therapy for circadian rhythm disorders. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to find providers who can administer evidencebased treatments for sleep problems. To help promote sleep health and mental health on a broad scale, every adolescent and their parents or caregivers can work together to establish and maintain healthy sleep habits such as 8-10 hours of daily sleep with regular bedtimes and rise times. As research continues to illuminate these vital connections, the message remains clear: a good night’s sleep is a cornerstone of lifelong mental health. ✦

Please see our ad on page 13 for more details about how to participate in the sleep study.

Pumpkins Pancakes & Pajamas!

CREATING MEANINGFUL FALL RITUALS

BY SHANNON DEAN

There’s something special about fall. It gifts us with a shift in the light, the first chilly morning, and the rustle of leaves under sneakers or boots. It’s a season that practically begs us to slow down, to turn inward, and to create moments that matter. And yet, for so many families, fall is a blur. Between school obligations, sports practices, homework, and the looming chaos of the holidays, it’s easy to tumble into the season without ever pausing to make it feel special. That’s where fall rituals come in…

UNLIKE ROUTINES, WHICH

can feel like chores with a deadline, rituals are about connection. They’re the things your kids will remember. They’re tiny traditions, repeated with intention, that help your family feel safe, loved, and part of something special.

Licensed professional counselor Maria Spada explains, “Children thrive in environments that offer structure and predictability. When a child knows what to expect, it creates a sense of emotional safety. Rituals communicate love, stability, and care in ways that words alone cannot.”

Even better, fall rituals don’t have to be fancy. But they are a fun, impactful way to connect with your family.

THE BENEFIT OF FALL RITUALS GOES BEYOND COZY TOGETHERNESS

We’re living in accelerated times. And in the fall, when school resumes, even our downtime feels busy. Phones ping, schedules fill, and dinner often happens in the car between obligations.

But even tiny rituals give kids something to hold on to. According to research published in the Journal of Family Psychology, family

Doctor of Clinical Psychology Dr. Amanda Mullin, Founder of Mindworx Psychology, notes, “In today’s world, where you can buy a hot-cross bun in January, and Christmas decorations in October, special traditions or experiences that occur only once a year are increasingly unique.”

Here are some suggestions for easy, fun, quick, and affordable Fall rituals.

PANCAKES AND PAJAMAS: A SIMPLE SHIFT

One of the easiest (and tastiest) fall rituals to adopt is pancake and pajama Saturdays (or pick any day). The rules are simple. No rushing. No dress codes. Just a stack of pancakes (or waffles) and everyone in their comfiest clothes. It’s fun to put a fall twist on

rituals are strongly associated with increased connection, emotional well-being, and better academic outcomes in children.

And they help us, too. In a world where parenting can feel like a constant game of catch-up, rituals give us something to look forward to. They remind us to slow down, to laugh, and to sit across from our children and just be with them. And they help our kids understand what makes their family special.

this tradition. Think spiced pancakes, strudel, and apple cider or hot chocolate. The kids can help you whisk the batter, and everyone can take turns choosing a topping.

FALL RITUALS IN NATURE GROUND US

Fall lends itself beautifully to rituals in nature. Whether it’s a weekly walk to find the best leaves or a family “pumpkin of the

week” challenge, the point is to tie your ritual to what’s happening outside of your front door. A few simple ideas include visiting an orchard or pumpkin patch, exploring a corn maze, taking a hayride, or spending the afternoon at a park. If you want to stay close to home and keep it simple, try a scavenger hunt where kids find acorns, crunchy leaves, or pinecones.

Sure, your teenager may roll their eyes at the annual leaf-raking activity and corresponding photo, but know that they’re secretly absorbing the message that family matters, and that some things are worth preserving.

According to Dr. Lisa Damour in The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, rituals provide what she calls “internal scaffolding,“ or predictable rhythms that support emotional regulation and connection. And they don’t need to be elaborate to make an impact.

COZY FAMILY NIGHTS

Here’s a simple idea with items you likely already have. Pick one night a week where everyone comes home, puts on his or her coziest sleepwear, and lets the world fall away. Bonus points for hot chocolate, board games, and reading books or watching movies as a family.

Start a family tradition where everyone shares favorite memories from the past year during your fall family dinners. Or create a gratitude jar where family members drop in notes throughout the season and then read them all together on Thanksgiving.

These activities might sound simplistic, but they send a powerful message to your kids: our home is a cozy, soft place to land where we can just be.

LETTING KIDS TAKE THE LEAD

One of the most powerful ways to create rituals that last is to involve your kids in the planning. Ask them what they’d love to do this fall. Their ideas might surprise you.

Maybe your daughter wants to read spooky chapter books by flashlight every Wednesday night. Maybe your toddler just wants to jump in leaf piles repeatedly. Lean into it. When kids feel a sense of ownership, the ritual becomes theirs and is more likely to stick.

AFTER THE SEASON FADES

Of course, fall isn’t forever. Leaves fall, we put away decorations, and before we know it, winter takes center stage. But that’s the beautiful thing about rituals. Once they’re part of your rhythm, they travel with you. Fall pancakes and pajamas can become winter waffles in January. What you’re really building is a connection. And that lasts far longer than any season.

So this fall, pick some tiny traditions and do them again and again. Because someday, these are the moments they’ll remember. Not the spelling test scores, not whether the laundry got folded, and not the to-do lists. Just the glow of a pumpkin, the smell of cinnamon, the softness of flannel pajamas, and the steady, cozy warmth of being loved. ✦

Movie Night

Ohana Means Family

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

FALL IS DEFINITELY here and the leaves are changing colors, but let’s take one last look back at summer and the cute live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch. Set on the island of Kuai where summer never ends, the new Lilo & Stitch tells the story of an alien genetic experiment gone wrong

LILO & STITCH

Walt Disney Pictures Rated: PG Streaming on Disney+ and Amazon

and the quirky Hawaiian family who adopts him. While Stitch hides in plain sight pretending to be a fluffy blue dog, his habit of getting into trouble leads the intergalactic police on an epic, outrageous joyride. At the same time, Lilo, a junior troublemaker herself, struggles to fit in with her peers and stay on the good side of her big sister, Nani. What the orphan sisters don’t need is another headache in the form of Stitch, who wreaks havoc everywhere he goes and literally destroys their house. But behind the mayhem, Lilo & Stitch become best friends, protectors,

and soul surfers riding the waves with Nani holding the small family together. Although the film is colorful and fast-paced, it sometimes feels frenetic trying to capture the animated vibe of the original film. But overall, the story of the sisters embracing the loss of their parents and befriending the misfit alien shines through Stitch’s path of total destruction. And those are the main themes of the film, finding the courage to rebuild

FOR the PARENTS

Best in the World

F1 THE MOVIE

Warner Bros. Pictures, Rated: PG-13

Streaming on Amazon & Apple TV

FORMULA ONE RACING is the fastest, most technical sport in the world that culminates in a winner-takes-all championship circuit pitting ten teams against the clock and their multi-million dollar machines. And in walks a weary, but dashing hero named Sonny Hayes who turns around a losing team and teaches an F1 rookie how to live life. In other words, Brad Pitt can still carry a blockbuster movie to the checkered flag and have us cheering on the underdogs despite monumental setbacks and flaming crashes. Underneath the speed and swagger, Hayes is an expert poker player both on and off the track, and he uses his questionable tactics to galvanize his racing team into adopting his superstition of jogging the track before every race and wearing different colored socks. It takes a little longer to convince Hayes’ young racing partner, Joshua, that his decades of experience outweigh the most advanced technology.

and keeping family together no matter what. The ending, although different from the original, feels authentic and gives Nani a chance to pursue her dreams of college while Stitch stays with Lilo as part of his sentence handed down by the Galactic Federation. Be sure to watch through the credits because it’s an epilogue that sets up the sequel, which will likely be as much crazy fun as this remake. ✦

But once Joshua realizes that he needs to focus on winning, not on his media image, the two drivers are unstoppable. With a stellar cast, a fantastic soundtrack, and heart-stopping action, F1 The Movie is one of the best racing films on screen. And never underestimate the power of Plan C to take the win!

Misfits and mayhem bond.

Unlikely teammates.

Save Pumpkin Seeds for a Tasty Snack, and Scare Up

a

Sweet, Thrilling Treat

DON’T THROW OUT YOUR SEEDS AFTER THIS YEAR’S pumpkin carving. This healthy snack is easy to make at home and a fun project to get the kids involved. Plus, this versatile Roasted Pumpkin Seeds recipe can be modified with any of your favorite seasonings or spices.

For a frighteningly fun time in the kitchen this Halloween, gather around the cauldron to create this sweet, spooky dessert. This Ghostly Graveyard Cake takes imagination and creativity from everyone with tombstones, skulls, and spooky - a perfect treat to enjoy while watching a favorite scary movie. Visit Culinary.net to find more delicious recipes.

ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups raw pumpkin seeds

• 2 teaspoons sea salt, plus additional for seasoning (optional)

• 2 teaspoons salted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

PREPARATION

1. In pot over high heat, bring water to boil. Add pumpkin seeds and 2 teaspoons salt; boil 15 minutes. Drain water and spread seeds evenly on paper towels to dry.

2. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. In medium bowl, toss seeds and butter until coated well. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, and additional salt, if desired. Spread seeds evenly on baking sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and lightly toasted. Stir every 10 minutes.

GHOSTLY GRAVEYARD CAKE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 box chocolate cake mix

• 10 chocolate creme cookies

• 1 cup black melting chips

• 1 cup red melting chips

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 3 cans buttercream icing

• 1 purple food coloring

• 1 black food coloring

• skull sprinkles

• tombstones and bones candies

PREPARATION

1. Prepare cake mix according to package instructions in three 6-inch baking pans. Once baked, allow to completely cool outside of pans.

2. In zip-top bag, using rolling pin, crush chocolate creme cookies, then set aside.

3. In separate small bowls, add black melting chips and red melting chips.

4. In microwave, heat heavy whipping cream for 1 ½ minutes. Pour half the mixture into one bowl of chips and other half into another bowl of chips. Stir until chips are completely melted; set aside.

5. After cakes cool, on cake board, add small amount of buttercream icing so cake sticks. Using bread knife, level cakes.

6. Place one cake on cake board and add thin layer of icing on top. Place second layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Place final layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Add thin layer of icing to entire cake. Freeze for 15 minutes.

7. In small bowl, mix two parts purple food coloring to one part black food coloring. Ice cake with deep purple icing. Using grooved scraper, scrape sides of cake. Using angled spatula, smooth top of cake.

8. Add skull sprinkles around edges of cake. Using piping bag with small opening at tip, drip black drip mixture around top edges of cake. Repeat using red drip mixture.

9. Add chocolate creme cookie crumbs, tombstones, and bone sprinkles to top of cake, and enjoy!

FREE Resources, Activities, and Tools for Teachers

WASTEWISELANE.ORG

EQUIPS LANE COUNTY CLASSROOMS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

BY DANIEL HIESTAND

IHAVE A LOT OF SYMPATHY FOR teachers. My mom was a longtime elementary teacher, and I remember her toiling away on grades and lesson plans many a night.

I also know that teaching today has even more administrative hoops to jump through—with often fewer resources—than it did when my mother taught in the early 1990s.

That’s why I feel for teachers who initially react with uncertainty at a recent piece of legislation that passed earlier this summer— Oregon House Bill 3365.

The new law marks a transformative moment for Oregon education: it requires the integration of climate change and sustainability lessons and activities into K-12 classrooms. As someone who believes climate change is the greatest existential threat we

face, I believe this is long overdue. Our kids should have a clear-eyed view of the future and even more importantly, learn how to prepare for it.

Conversely, for many Lane County teachers, this new mandate also brings a pressing question: “Where do I find the time and resources to teach this stuff?” This is where WasteWiseLane.org steps in, transforming legislative action into a practical, empowering opportunity for hardworking teachers and students. In other words, we’ve got your back!

WasteWiseLane.org, administered by Waste Wise Lane County—a part of Lane County’s Waste Management Division— serves as a clearinghouse made explicitly for local educators seeking sustainability-related education. Launched in the fall of 2024, the site was built with efficiency in mind: Instead

of spending hours sifting through generic online materials, educators can immediately access a curated library of standards-aligned lesson plans, activities, project ideas, and even field trips.

These resources are tailored to different grade levels and subjects, making it simple for a science teacher to find a hands-on composting experiment, and equally easy for an English teacher to locate sustainabilitythemed literature activities.

One of the platform’s greatest strengths is its local relevance. Lessons connect global concepts of sustainability to our immediate environment here in Lane County. Students can learn about recycling by exploring what happens at our local Short Mountain Landfill, or study watershed health through the lens of our beloved Willamette River. This local connection makes abstract concepts tangible. Furthermore, WasteWiseLane.org goes beyond lesson plans. It facilitates direct access to experts, offering opportunities for classroom presentations and tours of local recycling facilities. It provides guidance on securing free supplies for projects and helps teachers implement real-world sustainability

programs—like waste audits or school garden composting—that make the entire school community part of the learning process. In fact, BRING just updated their materials on the site in advance of the new school year.

House Bill 3365 set a vital goal. WasteWiseLane.org provides the essential map and tools to reach it, ensuring Lane County educators feel supported, not burdened, as they lead the next generation toward a more sustainable future. ✦

Oregon Sleep Lab

Are you in high school?

Participate in a research study on sleep, emotion, and stress at the University of Oregon. Participants receive up to $775 and a picture of their brain.

The High School Study involves a mental health interview and tracking your sleep for 1-3 weeks by wearing a device on your wrist and a device when you sleep. You will also complete online surveys about your sleep, activities, emotions, and alcohol use. Participation includes 2 or 3 visits to Oregon Sleep Lab to complete research activities, including an MRI scan. For more information. visit our website: sleepstudy.uoregon.edu. Or to find out if you’re eligible, scan the QR-code and take our 5-minute prescreen survey.

Help us spread the word. Tell your teachers and administrators about

This article first appeared in The Chronicle (Springfield)

Finding A Happy Place

BY BETH STEIN

EVER HAVE ONE OF THOSE days when you feel like the world delivers just one slap in the face after another? A day that starts with stepping on a broken toy, moves on to burnt toast, and ends with a phone notification yelling at you in ALL CAPS? Days when stress, anger, and fear overshadow just about everything else you’re feeling? You’ve probably been there, and you know how it feels – not good. We all experience days like this, adults and kids alike, not necessarily with the same bummers to blame, but rotten days all the

same. So where can a world-weary parent or an overwhelmed child go to turn down the tension and find a happy place?

It’s amazing how quickly the sights, sounds, scents, and touch of nature can re-boot a bad moment or even a whole day of disaster. Think about how happy you feel when you step into a garden that’s blooming like a rainbow. Or how well you rest when you fall asleep to the sound of river water dancing on rocks. Or the smile that comes to your face when the evening breeze smells like rain (sub in your own favorite scent from

nature). Or the hands-dirty satisfaction you get when you dig up potatoes in your garden. Take some time in the coming weeks and months to seek out natural resources that will help you and the children in your life feel more grounded and happy in these difficult times. A good start is to simply take a walk in a nearby natural area. Green trees, singing birds, fresh air, and natural light can improve your day immeasurably. According to one study at Stanford, activity in the part of your brain where repetitive negative thoughts spin round and round (the prefrontal cortex) actually decreases when you walk in nature. Your brain changes. Other studies show a decrease in stress hormones when you spend time outside. And it doesn’t matter how old you are, nature nurtures.

If you’re not a walker, ride. Many of the same paths you might stroll in our community are bike friendly – think the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Bike Trail and the Fern Ridge Bike Path in Eugene (eugene-or.gov/324/Park-and-Trail-Maps) and the Middle Fork Path in Springfield (willamalane.org/places/middle-fork-path).

On a two-wheeled journey next to rivers and through green spaces, you’ll experience that same fresh air and light, just at a slightly brisker pace. If you’re an adult without

your own wheels, you can rent a blue bike in Eugene through PeaceHealth rides (peacehealthrides.com). And if you have a young child, don’t count them out when turning bad days better on bikes. Consider getting your kiddo a pedal-less “strider” bike. As your toddler cruises confidently on their sporty little cycle, almost before they can walk, you can go on short rides together. And once your little one can stride, riding a pedal bike will be a breeze. Soon they’ll be ready to go even further to burn off even the worst of bad days with you.

Finally, if you don’t fancy walking or riding, just get your family’s hands in the dirt. Sometimes we all just need to dig, especially when we’re feeling angry or frustrated. The physical effort of plunging a shovel (large or small) into soil and getting your hands good and dirty is a wonderful way to offload angst safely, and maybe even usefully! If you don’t have your own garden, Food for Lane County has a couple of community gardens where you can dig in and help out as a volunteer (mobilize.us/ foodforlanecounty). And remember, kids will dig happily anywhere – just give them a hand trowel and point them to the soil. Good luck turning down the tension… and when you find a happy place go there often!

To get some help finding a happy place, participate in a family nature adventure or send your kids to a program at one of our local nature education organizations or city recreation departments – Nearby Nature, Whole Earth Nature School, Mount Pisgah Arboretum, WREN, the Eugene Science Center, the City of Eugene’s River House, Springfield’s Willamalane, Parker Learning Gardens, and many others have lots of fun programs to offer. ✦

Fall for fresh

Proudly serving our family’s Lochmead products

We sell our family’s Lochmead milk and ice cream at your local Dari Mart. We milk our cows just north of Junction City, and within 48 hours, the milk is in our stores. Now, that’s fresh!

We’re in your neighborhood. Come see us soon! /darimart /darimartsm darimart.com

INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR School Sick Days

BY SANDY KAUTEN

THE INTERNAL DEBATE IS A familiar one for parents everywhere: is my child sick enough to stay home? While you don’t want them to miss out on school, or you miss work, you also want to be sure they’re not too ill to learn or, worse, spread germs to others. A little common sense goes a long way. When in doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your child is lethargic or seems generally unwell, keep them home to rest and recover.

KEY SYMPTOMS TO WATCH

Fever. If your child’s temperature is over 101°F, they should stay home. They’re likely contagious. Even if you give them medicine, they should remain home for at least 24 hours after the fever breaks without medication.

Sore Throat. A mild sore throat, possibly from a cold or allergies, is usually fine for school. However, severe sore throat could be a sign of strep. If that’s the case, your child

should be seen by a doctor and stay home for 24 hours after they begin antibiotics. Pink Eye. This is extremely contagious. If your child has a pink eye with yellow or green discharge, they should stay home. Many schools require a doctor’s note or that the child has been on antibiotic eye drops for at least 24 hours before returning.

Tummy Troubles. If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea, they are likely contagious and will not be up for a full day of school. Keep them home to recover and stabilize.

Rash. An unexplained rash warrants a sick day. A doctor should determine the cause as some rashes are highly contagious.

Cough or Cold. A mild cough or runny nose is common and usually doesn’t require a sick day. However, if the cough is severe, or accompanied by shortness of breath or wheezing, keep your child home and consider a doctor’s visit. Remember, even a simple cold is contagious, so encourage frequent hand washing and covering coughs.

Headache or Earache. A mild headache with no other symptoms is generally not a reason to miss school. Likewise, an earache alone is not contagious. However, if these symptoms are causing significant discomfort, keeping them home to rest is a good idea.

At the end of the day, trust your parental instincts. A day of rest can be the key to a speedy recovery for your little one and helps keep the whole school community healthy. Wishing you a healthy and happy school year! ✦

A Dad’s Eye View Take My Advice

(AND DON’T LISTEN TO ME)

BY RICK EPSTEIN

AREADER RECENTLY

wrote in complaining about a column in which I expressed approval of my daughter’s choice in friends by giving her a dollar. My critic indicated to parents that concern about our kids’ companions is legitimate and serious, and my report of my silly bribe had not been helpful advice.

Technically, it hadn’t been advice. It was just a mention of something I’d done. But the criticism was fair because I really do like to give advice. It makes me feel so smart — while I’m giving it, anyway.

One day in the company lunchroom, a co-worker named Ron told me that his wife wanted to have a second child, and he didn’t know what to do. To advise him would be foolish, but his best course of action was practically written on the ceiling in letters of flame. I merely read it aloud.

“You SHOULD have a second child,” I said.

“How can you say that?” Ron asked. “You hardly know me, and you’ve never even met my wife or son.”

“Because I’ve seen enough one-child families to know that kind of parenting experience is too intense,” I told him. “It makes people crazy – the kid and the parents too, ESPECIALLY the parents. A second child makes you realize your limitations and takes the edge off your parenting to where you’re spread too thin to do much damage. But Ron, if you’re smart, you’ll negotiate. You

should agree to the additional child on the condition that your wife gets her tubes tied afterward.”

Ron looked dubious until I said, “Ignore my advice and you’ll end up with THREE children AND a vasectomy.” Ron took my advice home that night.

The next day he was back at work, hunched over his desk looking like General Lee after Gettysburg – only grayer. I stopped by and asked, “Hey, what’s wrong?”

He gave me a poisonous look. “I followed your advice. Then my wife told me she’s ALREADY pregnant. Then she stopped speaking to me. Thanks a lot,” he said bitterly, and turned his

One afternoon when my daughter Marie was 12, she had a big problem and her mom wasn’t home. So she laid it out for me. Roxanne, a friend of hers since their preschool days, had moved back into town. Marie’s friends – the social elite of her school – shunned Roxanne as being uncool and goofy, and their leader had flatly demanded that Marie choose sides. “What’ll I do?” she asked.

Again, the answer blazed above our heads in fiery orange letters that sizzled and crackled. I said, “It seems like your friends are not real friends, and your old pal Roxanne really needs you now. I’d say it’s time to come through for her.”

She nodded and said no more. As the week progressed, she sided with Roxanne and was, as threatened, ostracized from the social mainstream. I was proud of her. But a couple months later, the queen bee of Marie’s old crowd changed her mind about Roxanne and accepted into their circle. Roxanne jumped aboard like she was catching the last helicopter out of Saigon, and left Marie standing there friendless. While Marie continues trying to piece together the shards of her social life, I’m thinking about going out of the advice business. But it would be a sin to curtail my cutting-edge research into parental roles and techniques. And it would be a

Nine Fab Fall Dates TO

LEAF YOU SMILING

1

FALL FRUIT PICK AND BAKE. From Apples to Zucchinis, many local farms offer a pick-your-own in-season fruit and vegetables. Picking dates are based on when the fruit is ready to pick so check local websites and follow on social media to find when their produce will be ready. For part two of this date, head home to make some delicious treats such as pies, crumbles, breads, muffins and soups. Freeze extras or share them with neighbors and friends.

2

BY PAM MOLNAR

ATTEND A FALL FESTIVAL. Autumn is full of festivals like Oktoberfest, Chili Cook Offs, Art and Craft Fairs, Music Fests and so much more. You can stroll hand in hand, tasting sweet treats and pumpkin spiced cocktails, listen to local bands and purchase handmade items made by local artists. Find ones close to you on Facebook Events, your town website or check out one of our many fall advertisers.

3

UPSCALE PICNIC UNDER CHANGING LEAVES. Glam-up the average picnic by adding tablecloths, comfy pillows and gourmet food and drinks. Want to skip the work and just enjoy? Search for a Picnic Pop-up near you to book an all-inclusive elegant picnic. Most include low tables, cozy pillow seating, real plates and silverware, plus food and drink options. Ask about themed picnics like Boho, Roaring 20s or Luau.

4

FALL COCKTAIL TASTING. Look for events like Witches Brew Tasting or create your own with fall flavored drinks. Consider bourbon based cocktails like Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour. Cider and beer tasting are a great fall event, too, especially when scheduled during Sunday football. While this is a great date for two, it works well for a multiple couple date, too.

5 LOCAL GHOST TOUR. Learn about the neighbors of Halloween past. Many communities have a ghost tour company that offers tours of some of the haunted places in town. These are usually walking tours based in the historic part of town or an older cemetery. Local cemetery scavenger hunts are fun, too. Check out your library for the town founders’ names and see if you can find where they are buried.

6 FRONT YARD FOOTBALL AND TAILGATE. If you are looking for a group date, this is a fun fall option. Gather your couple friends for some friendly competition by playing flag football in the front yard or nearby park. When the game is over, bring out the grills for a winner’s feast that the losers have to prepare and serve.

7

LISTEN TO AN AUDIO BOOK TOGETHER. There is something wholesome and romantic about listening to a story while wrapped up together in front of the fireplace. It is a nice break from watching reality TV or scrolling through TikTok at the end of the night. Choose longer books or series like Harry Potter or spooky books like Frankenstein or The Shining. Check out library audiobook options on Libby or Hoopla.

8 HEAD TO YOUR ALMA MATER FOR HOMECOMING. Even if this is not a big reunion year for you, it is fun to head back to your alma mater for some football, tailgating, games and reconnecting with old friends. Don’t forget to take a tour around campus and see what has changed. Before you go, check in with the school to see if they have any alumni events like welcome receptions, happy hours and pep rallies.

9 PUMPKIN SPICE TASTINGS. Every food product seems to have a pumpkin spiced option in Fall. If that’s your vibe,

gather drinks, cookies, pretzels, cereal, coffee creamers, popcorn, cream cheese, and whatever else you can find flavored with pumpkin. Create a tasting card (or find one online) and rate your favorites from “Would Buy Again” to “I Can’t Believe We Paid for That”.  ✦

CAN’T GET ENOUGH?

Here’s 10 More Autumn Adventures

1. Brunch at a Farm to Table for seasonal options.

2. Shop Farmers Market for local produce, meat and fall flowers.

3. Start working on a couple’s Halloween costumes.

4. Play a fall themed board game like Harvest or Couch Skeletons.

5. A scenic drive for changing fall colors.

From cooking to STEM fun, Youth & Government to Dungeons & Dragons, jewelry-making to 3D printing, your Y has something for every interest! Eugene Family YMCA | 600 E. 24th Ave. | EugeneYMCA.org

6. Movie marathon on a cold, rainy fall day.

7. Take a charcuterie class.

8. Make a gruyere fondue with crisp apples and Tuscan bread.

9. Make homemade apple butter or pumpkin ice cream.

10. Bookstore date for books, games, or puzzles. OR Family 09.20.2025 Oct issue - 1/8th page

Fall FUN-Raising

THE KIDS ARE BACK IN

school, and Fall is in the air! With that also kicks off the start of fundraising season to help cover budget gaps for field trips, much needed school supplies, club activities, and more. As a parent, I used to dread school fundraisers that required my kids to sell things to family, friends, and neighbors. But times have changed, and so has fundraising! Here we recap several alternatives to old-school ways, that not only make it fun, but also potentially increases the end goal.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT

Trunk-or-Treat is a fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Families fund the event by donating candy, prizes, and baskets for raffles or silent auctions. Or, renting parking spaces at a school or nearby church, whereby spaces can be divided into larger areas where families can decorate their open trunks and pass out candy. A typical fee for renting a parking space is $25 per car. This is a great option for young children who can’t walk far or families looking for a safer option for receiving candy.

If you are hosting in your neighborhood, cars can park at the end of their driveway or in front of their house. Churches or school parking lots can section off space for the event while leaving parking for visitors.

BY PAM MOLNAR

FIND SPONSORS

If your trunk or treat is limited to your street or block, participants can usually provide the candy. However, if you are planning a bigger event, it is wise to look for donations. Contact local stores and restaurants to see if they are willing to donate in the form of candy, raffle items, or monetary donations in exchange for advertising.

GET PARENTS INVOLVED

Nothing says fall like a chili cook-off. Encourage the parents to bring their favorite chili recipe and have everyone vote for their favorite. Not a chili fan? How about a mac & cheese tasting? For fundraising events, a small entrance fee (such as $5), will help lower the cost of plates, utensils, etc.

CONCESSIONS

While the kids would enjoy a dinner of just candy, adults may prefer something more substantial. Hot dogs, sandwiches, or pizza by the slice are simple crowd pleasers at a Trunk-or-Treat event. If you’re hosting a chili cook-off, sell baked potatoes and make it a meal. Popcorn is also an inexpensive fundraising food and the smell of melted butter is hard to pass up! Be sure to provide plenty of water bottles and offer fall drinks such as apple cider or hot chocolate.

BAKE SALE

Who can resist freshly baked treats? Fall is a great time to overindulge in pumpkin flavored everything. Start a Sign Up! Genius and ask people to sign up for what they are baking so you don’t end up with 50 batches of chocolate chip cookies. Be sure to think about families with allergies and offer a recipe or ingredients list to go with items so everyone can find something to enjoy.

VOLUNTEERS

Get the teens involved! Trunk-or-Treat is a fun way for teens to get community service hours and still be a part of trick-or-treating. Teens can run concessions, bounce houses, craft stations, or even dress in costume to pose with trick-or-treaters.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Keep this party going! Set up simple craft tables or stations with coloring sheets for the little ones who are tired of walking. Dress up the pets for a simple parade around the parking lot. Rent a bounce house or ask the fire department if they can bring a truck out for a big attraction. Contact local farmers

to bring animals who are accustomed to humans for a petting zoo, or have a pie eating contest.

RAFFLES AND PRIZES

Offer prizes for the best trunk theme and best costume for kids and adults (or pets). Offer $1 raffles for donated prize baskets for children or adults. Choose themes such as coffee, baking, pasta, pampering, crafts, sports, science or movie night. If you get enough donations, offer a raffle for a larger prize like a tablet or gift certificate for a family night out. ✦

INDOOR SCHOOL FUNDRAISER IDEA

Who has the Hallowinning Doorway?

• Host an indoor Trunk or Treat using school staff and teacher’s doorways. Each classroom comes up with a theme, donates money for supplies and helps to make decorations. Choose groups of students to help with the theme and decorations for the physical education teacher and other staff who may not have a classroom.

• Instead of candy, donations of pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, bookmarks, small crafts kits, temporary tattoos, mini Frisbees, yo-yos or other small toys might be a nice alternative.

• Have a ballot box to vote for best doorway design and offer a pizza party for the winning classroom.

• Include a raffle for popular books that can be displayed in the library in the weeks leading up to the event.

• Don’t forget to set up collection boxes for other schools in need. Collect school supplies, winter coats, books or after school snacks for your local food pantry.

Rescue Spotlight

Meet ODA ! He is a 3-year-old terrier mix that has the cutest big ears and little legs. Oda came to Greenhill as a stray and while he can be a bit intense at first, he is very friendly and affectionate. He is 60 pounds of pure smiles and loves to play fetch and tug of war!   Oda is very energetic and would do well with a family that can take him out to run around to get his wiggles out. He would make a great partner on morning walks and after would love to snuggle up with his person. It is unknown if Oda would do well in a home with cats, but a slow, supervised introduction would set him and a feline friend up for success. If you have any dogs at home, please bring them to meet Oda if you are interested in adopting. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines prior to adoption. Come on down to Greenhill to meet this cutie today!

Greenhill Humane Society is open 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.

FREE EDUCATOR ART SUPPLIES

& CURRICULUM

Access free resources for teachers and educators in schools, community organizations, clubs, service groups, home schools, churches, non-profits, and social justice organizations.

555 High Street

Open Tues.-Sat. | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. materials-exchange.org | @meccaeugene

The Cat Rescue & Adoption Network presents JAMES ….who is a girl! She is a very sweet, brown, short haired tabby young adult kitty who was found in James Park in Springfield as a kitten — hence her unusual name. James is affectionate with humans of all ages and with other cats. She loves to follow her human around the house and she loves playing with toys of all kinds. She has an adorable squeaky meow and has quite a lot to say! She loves to cuddle at bedtime, and will make a wonderful addition to your family.  She has been spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and is negative for FIV & FeLV. To meet James in foster care, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org

YOGA FOR KIDS

Wednesdays: 3:30pm - Grades 1-3 4:15pm

Help your little ones embrace calm, focus, and fitness with our yoga classes for kids!

3:30pm 4:15pm

Learning to save is a skill that lasts a lifetime.

We started the OnPoint Savers Account for children 17 and under so that kids can get a head start on learning healthy savings habits. Just open your child’s membership with a minimum of $25 and we’ll deposit an additional $55*. Plus, they’ll earn 5.00%* on the first $500.

Not a bad way to start for a beginner, don’t you think?

Get started today. Visit onpointcu.com/onpoint-savers SANTA

*Rates subject to change. Stated APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is for balances up to $500; balances over $500 earn posted Regular Savings Account rate. Account must be established for members age 17 or younger by parent or guardian with a minimum $25 deposit. Parent or legal guardian must be on the membership and present to open the OnPoint Savers Account. When primary member attains the age of 18, accounts will be converted to Regular Savings Account, earning that account’s published rate at that time. Fiduciary memberships, including UTTMA and Minor Settlement Accounts are not eligible for OnPoint Savers. One OnPoint Savers Account per member/ TIN. One $55 bonus per tax ID for new members only. Bonus will be included on a 1099-INT for tax purposes. Cannot be combined with other offers for opening a new membership, such as new branch promotions or Refer a Friend. Federally insured by NCUA. 7/24