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Six performances with Orchestra Next

Our Contributors

1. 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.

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 Eugene with her family, enjoys gardening and cooking.

3. REBECCA HASTINGS

Rebecca is a former teacher who is passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. Her books are available on Amazon and she has been featured on sites such as The Washington Post and Parents. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places, or wherever there is chocolate. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.

4. JANEEN LEWIS

Janeen Lewis is a writer, teacher and mom to Andrew and Gracie. She has degrees in journalism and elementary education as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. A nationally published writer, her work has been featured in several parenting magazines and Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies.

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 2 1 4 5 6

5. CHERYL MAGUIRE

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, among other publications.

6. JIM MUREZ

Jim Murez works in marketing and communications for PeaceHealth. He is married with two teenagers. His family takes full advantage of all the amazing activities and resources Eugene/Springfield has to offer, and he can’t think of a better place to raise children. When not at work, Jim tries to squeeze in a run now and then.

7. RODDY SCHEER

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

Parents Publishing

Kauten

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Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of, nor an endorsement by this publication.

DEAR EARTHTALK

Can you set the record straight about whether artificial turf is actually bad for our health and/or the environment?

— BETH R., SUMMITT,

NJ

RTIFICIAL TURF

fields have been rising in popularity as a low-maintenance (no mowing or watering) alternative to natural grass; North America has over 18,000 synthetic fields, and 1,500 are added annually. Marketed as durable and green-looking year-round, it is also becoming known for its controversial health effects, with cities like Boston, Massachusetts, already enacting bans.

Artificial turf consists of layers: plastic blades at the surface, backing to hold the blades in place, and infill for cushioning and upright support. Carcinogenic chemicals such as heavy metals and volatile organic compounds have been found in the crumb rubber infill made from recycled car tires that is used. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed the presence of benzene, arsenic, lead and more in the fill. Mount Sinai identified similar chemicals in “safer” crumb rubber alternatives made from plastic, virgin rubber and plant-based materials. Exposure to these harmful chemicals may occur by ingestion, absorption or inhalation, with children at highest risk because of faster breathing and developing organs.

Many turf chemicals are soluble in water, allowing them to enter groundwater and soil when precipitation occurs. PFAS, often referred

surface temperatures that can reach 200°F and contribute to local heat islands. As a result, they often require water for irrigation to keep surface

to as “forever chemicals,” have been found in wetlands near synthetic fields, suggesting their ability to contaminate surrounding environments. The plastic components of synthetic fields also lead to microplastic pollution, with estimates of around two tons of it being released into the environment yearly and 20,000 fibers entering waterways daily.

Artificial turf can also have other negative effects: It retains more heat, creating hazardous

temperatures low. While natural grass has the ability to oxygenate the air around us, capture carbon and reduce runoff, synthetic blades are unable to reap these environmental benefits. Lasting only eight to 10 years, it must be disposed of, further contributing to pollution.

However, there is still a lack of research regarding this topic, with most focusing on crumb rubber. Many scientific questions remain to be answered, such as how children

can be exposed to chemicals through oral and dermal routes. The evidence that we currently have is limited, with most studies unable to link synthetic turf use to actual health outcomes. Until these gaps in our understanding are filled, the chemical dangers of synthetic playing fields will remain uncertain.

Experts are divided, with Yale epidemiologist Vasilis Vasiliou stating, “I would not recommend parents let their children play on there. Period.” For those who do use artificial turf, precautions include ventilating indoor fields, showering after play, and vacuuming infill that enters your house. Be cautious of labels like “organic,” “green,” or “eco” because they do not guarantee safety and aren’t regulated for turf products. Instead, choose transparent companies and ask the manufacturer for a full list of components, as Safety Data Sheets don’t disclose all chemicals. ✦

CONTACTS: Environmental and health impacts of artificial turf: a review, https:// pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24467230/ 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

Artificial turf is still controversial after decades in use all over the world.

THE POWER OF Hobbies

BUILDING MEMORIES ONE ACTIVITY AT A TIME

BY SHANNON DEAN

Sometimes, the best family traditions aren’t planned. They appear as a loaf of banana bread baked “just to try,” a Saturday spent learning guitar chords, or an afternoon tending a patch of soil together. What begins as a way to fill the time often becomes something that fills the heart and connects families.

PARENTS

ARE REDISCOVERING

THAT SIMPLE, shared hobbies can build some of the strongest family bonds because they offer what many other activities can’t: the slow, steady rhythm of togetherness woven into ordinary life.

CONNECTION IN THE EVERYDAY

Between work, school, and screens, families today spend less unstructured time together than ever before. Many parents feel the ache of it - that sense of living side by side but not always fully connected. Family hobbies help bridge that gap through relaxed, shared experiences that bring people closer together.

Research backs this up. A Baylor University study on family leisure found that families who regularly engaged in enjoyable activities at home reported higher levels of family satisfaction than those who spent more time in elaborate outings outside the home. Lead researcher Dr. Karen Melton explained, “All family leisure is not equal. The best predictor of happiness for families may be spending quality time together in familiar activities inside the home.”

WHY SHARED HOBBIES ARE SO EFFECTIVE

Family hobbies create what psychologists call “micro-moments of connection,” or repeated experiences that build familiarity, trust, and emotional safety.

A 2025 review published in Issues in Mental Health Nursing found that engaging in hobbies significantly reduces anxiety, depression, and stress, while also fostering stronger feelings of connection.

These benefits can be especially important for children. “One of the best things about a hobby is sharing it. Almost all hobbies provide a shareable accomplishment for a child,” explains Cornell University educator Cathy Sweet.

Licensed marriage and family therapist David Schwartz agrees, adding that well-chosen hobbies can even help discourage poor decision-making. “When a child becomes interested in something that occupies their thoughts and sparks their imagination, it can help them stay focused on those activities and away from the distractions that lead to poor decisions,” he says.

THE JOY OF DOING, NOT PERFECTING

Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of family hobbies is that they invite imperfection. The point isn’t to master bread baking or perfect watercolor technique. It’s to show children that joy doesn’t depend on results.

For example, when families cook together, the kitchen is often filled with as much laughter as flour. When they plant a garden, not every seed sprouts, but something else does: patience, teamwork, and the art of trying again. These lessons unfold naturally and easily, without lectures or tears.

HOBBIES THAT BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER

While every family is different, certain types of hobbies seem to create connections more easily than others. Activities that involve all ages, use hands or movement, and invite creativity or discovery tend to be especially effective. Some examples are: COOKING AND BAKING. From stirring batter to decorating cookies, the kitchen becomes a classroom for math, patience, and teamwork. Plus, the reward is often sweet or delicious.

GARDENING. Tending to something living teaches care, optimism, and rhythm. Kids love seeing the tangible results, and parents love the quiet moments side by side.

MUSIC OR ART. Drawing, painting, or learning a few guitar chords together gives families the shared language of color and sound.

NATURE EXPLORATION / GEO CACHING. Walks, scavenger hunts, or hikes spark curiosity and open conversation in ways that rarely happen indoors.

GAMES AND PUZZLES. Simple board games or collaborative challenges turn ordinary nights into low-pressure connection time.

What’s important isn’t what the family chooses. What matters is that you do it together, without expectation.

TRADITIONS THAT GROW ON THEIR OWN

Many family hobbies begin as short-lived experiments that quietly evolve into lasting traditions. Maybe every Sunday becomes “new dessert night,” or summer evenings turn into spontaneous nature scavenger hunts. These moments aren’t about scheduling. They’re about shared activities everyone enjoys.

Specialists emphasize that children thrive on predictability. When families create rituals around hobbies, it reinforces a sense of belonging and emotional security. Dr. Whitney Raglin Bignall notes that when children feel this sense of belonging, they’re less likely to experience isolation or loneliness.

SLOWING DOWN

Admittedly, family hobbies aren’t always idyllic. Real life is messy. There will be spilled paint, burned crusts, and someone who loses interest halfway through. That’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence.

Family life moves quickly, and the world constantly tugs at our attention spans. But carving out time to do something together is a quiet act of rebellion against that pace. It tells your kids that you still make time for each other.

Even better, hobbies become part of a family’s story. Years later, kids may not remember what video game they were playing, but they’ll remember the cupcakes that collapsed, the nights spent finishing a puzzle, and the songs they half-learned but sang anyway. ✦

SIMPLE WAYS TO START A FAMILY HOBBY THAT STICKS

1. Start with what you already love: Think about the small things that already bring your family joy. That might be cooking together, singing in the car, or being outdoors. The best hobbies often grow naturally from what you’re already doing.

2. Keep it simple: A family hobby doesn’t need a big investment of time or money. Start with fifteen minutes, a few supplies you already have, and an open mind. Success comes from repetition, not perfection.

3. Let everyone have a say: Kids are more likely to participate if they help choose the activity. Rotate who picks the week’s hobby.

4. Embrace the mess: Whether it’s flour on the counter or glitter on the floor, remember that the goal is connection, not worrying about cleanup.

5. Focus on togetherness, not talent: It doesn’t matter if your cookies are uneven or your puzzle sits halffinished. What matters is that you showed up together.

6. Make it yours: If an activity makes everyone smile, you’ve found your hobby. Repeat it. Tweak it. Let it become part of your family rhythm.

Movie Night

We’re Never Alone

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

WHEN THE NEW

Pixar feature called Elio premiered last summer, it was up against some mega blockbuster films and unfortunately, it didn’t do well at the box office despite positive reviews. Targeting a younger audience, Elio tells the colorful story of an orphaned boy who dreams of finding

ELIO

Pixar Animation, Rated: PG Streaming on Disney Plus

friends on other planets. His dream comes true because it just so happens that Elio’s aunt works on a military base and her unit tracks space debris floating in Earth’s orbit. Elio secretly sends a greeting message using the military satellites and it’s answered by the Communiverse, a floating, intergalactic think tank. The peaceful Communiverse needs a savior to negotiate a bargain with the sinister Grigon, who wants to use the Communiverse as a weapon. Elio becomes a Communiverse diplomat and he offers to mediate the dispute. When Elio

Saving the galaxy.

travels to Grigon’s ship, he meets his son, Glordon, who is just as misunderstood as Elio. Of course, the two misfits become best friends and they decide to fool everyone by using clones of themselves. All too soon, their plan backfires. Grigon is furious and out for revenge. Glordon is hiding out in Elio’s space pod. And Elio is tossed back to Earth to fix the mess with his clone. Suddenly, Glordon hits the wrong button in the space pod and lands back on Earth. But the

FOR the PARENTS

Three in a Boat

LOOKING THROUGH WATER

Good Deed Entertainment, Rated: PG Streaming on Amazon

LOOKING THROUGH WATER features father and son acting duo, Michael and Cameron Douglas, and tells the story of a father and son fishing duo brought back together after a decade of misunderstandings. With the help of a guide, they enter a three-day fishing tournament in Belize and the exotic scenery adds to the initial mystery of what each man is missing in his life. Although a bit predictable by the end, the film manages to pull a few narrative surprises through layers of sons, fathers, and grandfathers. All of them have secrets and regrets, but fishing together offers each generation the chance to analyze their past mistakes. It’s a light drama with a hidden love story, a redemption story, and a fish story about the big one that got away. Through flashbacks and flash forwards, the father reconnects with his sons, the son changes the direction of his life, and the grandfather gives his grandson the gift of

temperature is too low and his life is in danger. Elio and his aunt risk everything to get Glordon to safety, and in the process, they discover that Grigon is a really good father after all. The Communiverse returns to its peaceful mission, Glordon can be himself despite his father’s wishes, and Elio decides that Earth is his real home after all. Pop some popcorn and enjoy the madcap adventure across the universe with some very entertaining aliens. ✦

a renewed relationship. No, they don’t win the fishing tournament, but they do have a harrowing adventure that almost turns tragic. Saved by a stroke of good luck, they live to fish another day and another family story becomes legend. Learning the rules.

Eugene Urgent Care with Pediatric Focus

BY JIM MUREZ

INJURY AND ILLNESS DON’T care much about a doctor’s office hours, and that’s especially true when it comes to kids.

However, PeaceHealth’s Valley River Pediatric Priority Care Clinic gives parents an option if their kids need medical attention when most doctors’ offices are closed.

“We’re here when you need us,” said Dr. Jennifer Saxer, a pediatrician at the clinic and a mom herself who knows what it’s like when one of your children needs to see a doctor sooner rather than later.

“Sometimes when your child gets hurt or sick, going to get them checked out can’t wait,” she said.

The Pediatric Priority Care Clinic is open seven days a week, including holidays and evenings.

It’s the only urgent care in Eugene/ Springfield that just treats children – from newborn up through 18 years old. All of the providers are pediatricians and everyone on staff is trained specifically in pediatrics.

“We have a great team focused on pediatrics who are here to deliver the very

TO SCHEDULE

best care for this community’s children,” Saxer added. “Our specialty team is focused on best practices and can provide the right care in the right location at the right time.”

The clinic is open to all kids – no matter who their primary care provider is or if they even have one.

“We specialize in urgent care for children,” Saxer said. “If you are unable to get in to see your primary care provider, and your child’s illness or injury can’t wait -- but isn’t serious enough for the emergency room -- our pediatric urgent care is here for you.”

While certain conditions require a visit to the emergency room, such as life-saving treatment for things like trouble breathing, severe head injuries or bleeding that won’t stop, the clinic is a great first-stop option for other concerns.

While appointments are preferred and will guarantee patients are seen promptly, clinic staff do their best to accommodate drop-ins if the schedule allows.

ability to draw blood and send it for further studies, allowing for a quicker diagnosis, and a more convenient experience and faster treatment for your child.

“We are proud of our dedicated team who are here to help take care of the children in our community and support their parents in oftentimes stressful situations,” Saxer said. ✦

The

Unlike most doctors’ offices, the clinic can perform X-rays on site as well as quick tests to help determine the presence of certain infections such as strep throat. It also has the

WHAT

YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FIRING YOUR CONTRACTOR

BY CHERYL MAGUIRE

’LL ADMIT

I Renovations Gone Wrong

IT: I HIRED A contractor for a renovation for an addition to our home without having a lawyer review the contract. In hindsight, that was a big mistake—but my biggest error was hiring that particular contractor in the first place. Three years after signing, with the renovation still incomplete, I fired the company. This time, I had a lawyer handle it.

“Why do you need a lawyer?” my friend asked. Understandably, most people would assume that you could just fire your contractor, but it’s really not that simple. “A contractor can sue after being fired if the termination violates the agreement or is done without cause,” says Shane Lucado, an attorney in Alabama and founder of InPerSuit

Home improvement projects have been on the rise in recent years. In 2023, homeowners spent $485 billion on renovations and repairs, according to a Harvard University

study. But finding a reliable contractor isn’t easy. All you need to do is watch a few episodes of NBC’s investigative series To Catch a Contractor, and you’ll soon realize how many unreliable and even criminal contractors are out there. This is not the norm, of course—the majority of contrators are competent and responsible—but it’s also not an exception. In a 2024 survey by Clever Real Estate, 29 percent of the respondents said they fired a contractor in the middle of a project.

If you are in the unfortunate position of needing to fire your contractor, here’s how to do it the smart (and legal) way, according to an expert.

REVIEW YOUR CONTRACT WITH A LAWYER

“Before terminating a contractor, a homeowner should review the written contract line by line,” says Lucado. The

contract may specify the terms for how to properly terminate your contractor. “If the agreement requires seven days’ written notice and gives the contractor a right to fix performance issues, skipping that process can backfire,” he adds. In other words, if you don’t follow the termination procedure outlined in the signed contract, the contractor may have grounds to sue you.

GATHER ALL DOCUMENTATION

The more documentation (emails, receipts, and photographs) you have regarding the renovation—including mistakes—the less likely the contractor will be able to sue you for wrongful termination. I provided my lawyer with pertinent emails, invoice payments, and photographs. She used this information to draft the termination letter.

Lucado shares a similar story about the importance of documentation. “The client documented every delay, logged every subcontractor interaction, and eventually hired a licensed inspector to issue a report identifying 11 specific violations,” he says. This documentation was used in a lawsuit. “The case settled in mediation within 90 days, with a repayment plan of $38,000 and formal release of lien rights.”

SEND A LETTER OF TERMINATION

“A homeowner should deliver a formal letter with the specific contract clauses

cited, along with a clear description of the problem,” says Lucado.

You could write the letter yourself, but since there was a possibility of being sued, I chose to hire a lawyer. First, I booked a free consultation with three different attorneys before hiring the one I felt would best represent me. I’m glad I did since each lawyer had a different approach and style for handling the situation. The letter my lawyer sent outlined the ways the contractor breached the contract, such as requesting final payment before the work was completed.

“That notice should be sent by certified mail or a trackable service. If the issue involves safety violations or code failures, including copies of inspection reports or dated photos strengthens the case,” says Lucado.

KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL

It’s easy to become angry when a contractor has improperly renovated your home, taken large sums of your money and refused to accept responsibility for their actions; however, it’s still important to keep things professional. “Facts beat feelings when contracts are involved. Do it wrong, and you are buying yourself a court date,” says Lucado.

Even though I had a negative experience with one contract the person who ended up finishing the job was incredible. We have our dream home and proudly show it to people who visit. Hopefully, you will have the same happy experience with your remodel, but now you know what to do if you don’t. ✦

On view through March 29, 2026 Open 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays and until 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays Check

hours

When Gratitude Feels Hard

A LETTER TO THE PARENT WHO IS STRUGGLING

BY REBECCA HASTINGS

Dear Friend,

Recently, I stood on the front steps wishing I didn’t have to ring the doorbell. Standing here was enough to make me feel small, less than, not good enough. Did I have to go inside, too?

I shook off my feelings and held my breath. I could hear my friend walking closer to the front door, the knob turned and the door swung open wide.

Yup. It was as bad as I thought it would be. Her house was fantastic and mine was so… not.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THERE?

Maybe not on my friend’s front steps, but in a situation where you couldn’t help but compare your reality to someone else? A situation that left you feeling anything but grateful?

It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap, and easier still for gratitude to slip through

our fingers as if it were never there. Gratitude is slippery and we need to grip tighter than I ever expected.

I know everyone is talking about being thankful right now. That’s truly a good thing. But it’s not always that simple, is it?

It all sounds great. It’s easy to want to be grateful. But what about when her house looks so much better than yours? Or when you see the pictures from that other family’s fantastic tropical vacation? Or when she has that great new designer bag and yours is from Walmart?

Or maybe it’s even harder. A sick loved one. A marriage on the brink. A job loss. Infertility.

HOW CAN WE BE GRATEFUL THEN?

Even in the hardest places, there are three things we can do to hold tight to gratitude today.

SOMETIMES YOU FAKE IT

Yup. Sometimes you have to play dress up before you go to the ball. You have to practice before the big game. You have to….well, you get the idea. They don’t say fake it until you make it for nothing.

Start here when gratitude seems impossible (even if your teeth are clenched and your fists tight.)

IT’S OKAY TO START BASIC

I’m talking about really basic — fundamental elements of life basic. Air. Sun. Eyes. Whatever. Pick things that you don’t even think about on a regular basis and be grateful for them. It may feel silly at first, but it’s a start!

FIND A DIAMOND

Look at whatever rough place you’re in and find something you can be grateful for. Standing on my friend’s steps I could be grateful to have a friend or that I have legs to stand and knock on her door.

Maybe you’re out of work — be grateful you have more time with your family. If you’re in a hospital — be grateful you have access to medical help. Find a diamond in the rough place and hold on tight. If you haven’t done this before (or you’re a little rusty) it may feel awkward. That’s okay. Do it anyway.

THE KEY TO GRATITUDE

Time has shown me the only key is to start. And if you get off track, start again. Don’t give up on chasing gratitude. Whether you’re living the dream or dreaming to live, you can find it.

Now it’s time to really commit. Grab a pen and a post-it. Write one thing you are grateful for today and put it where you can see it. Just start.

With gratitude, A Mom Who Knows

Ten Ways to Show Support for Small Businesses this Holiday

BY JANEEN LEWIS

ACCORDING TO THE SMALL Business Administration, there are more than 33 million small businesses in America, and about half of all American workers work for a small business. More important than these numbers, however, are the people behind them. Local small businesses are often at the heart of communities, giving customers individualized attention and unique products.

In recent years, delivery, curbside pick-up and virtual classes are a few creative ways small businesses have connected with customers to make holiday shopping hasslefree. Small businesses do this for customers every day. Because of all that they give to their communities, here are some ways you can support the small businesses you love while doing your holiday shopping.

BUY FROM MOMS AND POPS.

If you need something, remember to include small businesses instead of instantly clicking at the Big Box websites. They will weather financial storms better than smaller shops. If you are shopping online this holiday season, give business to small stores that you normally frequent.

SHOW UP BIG FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY. Since 2010, the small business counterpart to Black Friday has been Small Business Saturday. It falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and gives customers a way to support small businesses in their neighborhoods while getting great deals on merchandise and services. This year Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 29, but if you can’t dedicate

your time to that day, discuss it with your family and make your own date to holiday shop from local, small businesses. Check in with your favorite businesses and see what deals they are extending past Small Business Saturday.

3 ORDER MERCHANDISE ONLINE IF THE LOCAL STORE GETS THE SALE. If you are limiting face-to-face shopping this year, buy online from your favorite small business. However, if the local store is part of a bigger chain, make sure the local proprietor gets the sale. If not, find another way to purchase items, such as curbside pick-up.

4 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DELIVERY.

Some local stores take orders and payment over the phone, and deliver to your doorstep, giving you a break from physical shopping during a season that is normally hectic.

5 PURCHASE GIFT CARDS OR GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR FUTURE USE. Purchasing gift cards is an easy way to support a small business. If there is a business that you frequent throughout the year, why not purchase more than you normally would for this season? It will give the business a boost and save time for you later. Also, some businesses can send a gift card virtually to your email.

6 CHECK OUT MERCHANDISE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND ELECTRONIC FORMATS. If a store is using social media to give you a virtual tour or has an online catalog, take advantage of those services. Call in or email your order to the store and then use curbside pick-up or delivery.

7 SUPPORT ONLINE SERVICES. Is there a master class from a local business you would love to take? Sign up now. Are

there any virtual subscription services you can order that will support a small business? Try them out!

THINK OUTSIDE THE GIFT BOX. Don’t just think about tangible gifts you can buy at small businesses. Think about services, too. Need your hair and nails done for a holiday gala? Try your local spa. Want to send out holiday photo cards? Book a session with a local photographer. If you are hosting a Christmas party, think about using a local caterer instead of a franchise restaurant.

LEAVE A POSITIVE REVIEW. If you purchase a product from a local small business and it’s amazing, leave a glowing review. If you get friendly, efficient customer service, talk it up on social media. People often make purchases because a trusted friend has recommended a business. Be that friend to small businesses this holiday season.

10 REACH OUT AND REQUEST. Want to do even more to support local small businesses? Call to find out ways you can give them your business. Small business owners are creative, and they will probably be happy to share ways you can support them. Small businesses play a big part in community life. In the spirit of the season, support them during the holidays so they can remain a vibrant part of your local neighborhood. ✦

Simple Deliciousness for Your Next Get-Together

MINI BEEF WELLINGTON

MUSHROOM

SAUCE

• 1 can (14 ounces) mushrooms

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• salt, to taste

• pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

PREPARATION

STEAK PASTRIES

• 8 ounces beef tenderloin steaks, cubed

• 1 package (17 ounces, 2 sheets) puff pastry

• water

• garlic and herb spreadable cheese

• 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces

• mashed potatoes, for serving

1. To make mushroom sauce: In blender, blend mushrooms and chicken broth; set aside.

2. In skillet over medium heat, melt butter and mix in flour. Slowly add mushroom broth while stirring. It should start to thicken; if it doesn’t, add 1 tablespoon flour and stir well.

3. Add garlic powder and salt and pepper, to taste. Mix in heavy cream while continuing to stir. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Heat oven to 400 F.

5. Cube steaks and place in bowl then cover and mix well with 1 cup mushroom sauce.

6. Cut each puff pastry into six squares for 12 total. Use water to moisten each corner of squares and bring them together, forming small box shape. Place 1 heaping tablespoon meat mixture into each pastry square.

7. Place squares on parchment paper-covered cookie sheets and bake 15 minutes.

8. Spoon spreadable cheese over hot squares and top with bacon pieces.

9. Serve with mashed potatoes and use leftover mushroom sauce as gravy.

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”. Visit Culinary.net to find more appetizers, meals, snacks and sides for any occasion.

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL CUPCAKES

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup granulated sugar

PREPARATION

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. The batter will be thick.

5. Slowly add the hot coffee or hot water and mix until the batter is smooth. The consistency will be thin, which is normal.

6. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full.

7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

HOMEMADE CARAMEL SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed

PREPARATION

• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces

• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Swirl pan to combine, but do not stir with a utensil.

2. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and turns a rich amber color, like maple syrup. Watch it closely, it can burn quickly.

3. Remove from heat. Carefully whisk in the pieces of butter, one at a time. The mixture will bubble and steam vigorously.

4. Slowly and carefully pour in the warm heavy cream, whisking constantly until the caramel is smooth.

5. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract. Allow sauce to cool completely and thicken before using.

ASSEMBLY

1. Fill the cupcakes: Using a cupcake corer or a knife, scoop out the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill the cavity with 1–2 teaspoons of the cooled caramel sauce.

2. Frost: Use a caramel buttercream or your favorite chocolate frosting to top the filled cupcakes.

3. Garnish: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra touch

Coming Next Month…

541-343-5100 www.emfc.org

Mini and Little Metro Winter Indoor Program

Three weeks in December (Tue-Th) Three weeks in January (Tue-Th) Adams Elementary School ($120)

Winter Indoor Camp

December 29-31 • Kick City Sports Park

10am to 1pm, Age 7 to 15, Cost: $130 early bird before Nov. 15, then $160

U15-19 Supplemental Tryouts

Boys and Girls Born 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007 • November 17 at LCC

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.

10 Gratitude Activities for Kids

BY REBECCA HASTINGS

ENCOURAGING GRATITUDE in kids can have long-lasting positive effects on their overall well-being. But it can be tricky to know exactly how to do this. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be anything complex. In fact, simple is better! Here are ten gratitude activities perfect for kids.

1 START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL. Get a special notebook or a drawing pad for your child to write or draw things they are thankful for. Encourage them to do this regularly, even if it’s just a few times a week. This works great for all ages. You can even have a family gratitude journal time for everyone to practice.

SEND THANK YOU CARDS. Kids don’t often get to mail things, but you can change that. Set up a crafting station with supplies like colored paper, markers, stickers, and stamps. Help your child create thank you cards for family members, friends, teachers, or anyone they appreciate. It doesn’t need to be a thank you for a gift. You can simply send a thank you for being special! (It’s extra fun if you can find a few people to send thank you’s to your child. Kids love getting things in the mail!)

CREATE A GRATITUDE JAR. Have a jar where your child can drop short notes expressing gratitude. They can write things that make them happy or unexpected blessings in their day. Encourage your child to read a few notes from the jar when they’re feeling down or need a pick-me-up.

MAKE A GRATITUDE TREE. Create a tree on a poster board or use a real tree branch in a pot. Have your child write or draw things they are grateful for on paper leaves and attach them to the tree. This makes a great seasonal display.

5 FOLLOW AN ACTS OF KINDNESS CALENDAR. Create a calendar with daily or weekly kindness challenges. These can include tasks like complimenting someone, helping with a chore, or giving a hug. This works great for older kids.

6 PLAY THE THANKFUL GAME. You don’t need to wait for Thanksgiving dinner to show your gratitude. At a regular dinner or during family time, take turns sharing something each person is thankful for. Make it a regular part of your routine.

DESIGN A GRATITUDE COLLAGE. Provide magazines, scissors, glue, and a poster board. Have your child cut out pictures and words that represent things they are thankful for and create a collage. This is the perfect craft for a rainy day.

DECORATE GRATITUDE STONES. Collect smooth, flat stones (or buy some at a craft store) and have your child decorate them with words or pictures representing things they’re grateful for. They can keep these in a special place as a visual reminder, or they can leave them in places for others to discover.

9 TAKE A GRATITUDE WALK. Take a walk together and encourage your child to notice things in nature or the environment that they’re thankful for. These could be things like the colors of the leaves, the sound of birds, or a beautiful flower.

10 TRY STORY TIME WITH GRATITUDE THEMES. Read books with gratitude as a central theme. After reading, discuss with your child what the characters were thankful for and why. All these activities can be adjusted for different ages and interests. The important part is to make gratitude a fun and integrated part of your child’s daily life. And be sure to get in on the fun yourself. We could all use a bit more gratitude in our lives!

GOOD READS FOR KIDS ABOUT GRATITUDE

• Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney: Perfect for ages 0-3, our familiar llama friend learns that thankfulness happens all year long.

• Thanks from the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: Ages 2-5 will appreciate this book about kindness and caring for people and nature.

• Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks! by Margaret Sutherland, illustrated by Sonja Lamut: A story for ages 3-5 all about the real meaning of Thanksgiving.

• The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings by Jan Berenstain and Stan Berenstain: Our favorite bear family reminds us how to count our blessings (even when it’s hard!) Great for ages 3-7.

• Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? by Dr. Seuss: Fun, upbeat, and perfectly rhymed, this story for ages 5-9 reminds kids how blessed they are.

• White Bird: A Wonder Story by R . J. Palacio: A graphic novel for ages 8-12, this book is an inspired way to look at friendship, even in the hardest experiences.

Rescue Spotlight

Meet MAJOR TOM ! He’s a 7-year-old and mixed breed and weighs 61 pounds. This sweet gentleman is very calm and loving. He is always eager to go on a walk and has great manners! If you’re looking for a gentle fun-loving pup, he’s the guy for you! Come out and give him some love if you’re interested. Major Tom is mostly neutral with other dogs, please bring any potential doggie siblings to meet him. Slow, supervised intros with cats are recommended as he has no known history with them. He would also like kiddos who are old enough to respect his space. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all vaccines prior to adoption.

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.

The Cat Rescue & Adoption Network presents WINSTON & ARTHUR , a sweet pair of 2-year-old male brown tabby brothers whose personalities complement each other. Winston is the more outgoing and vocal, and seeks out all of the attention you’d like to lavish on him. Winston’s friendly and confident nature is helpful to Arthur, who may initially be shy and cautious, but is just as affectionate and loving once he grows accustomed to his new home. Winston and Arthur were surrendered to CRAN after their owner passed away. Now they are ready for a forever family which appreciates both of their personalities and enjoys the affection and love of a perfect pair. They have been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and are negative for FIV & FeLV. To meet them, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org

Greenhill

PROGRAMS FOR Tweens & Teens

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

Simplify the Holidays: Leftover Holiday Recipe Contest

Nov. 27, 2025- Jan. 1, 2026

Waste Wise Lane County is collecting your leftover recipes & sharing them as part of its Simplify the Holidays campaign.

Share recipes for your chance to win great prizes and help reduce food waste while saving money.

wastewiselane.org/holiday