Our Contributors
1. 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.
2. TANNI HAAS
Tanni HaasPh.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at The City University of New York – Brooklyn College.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. ERAN MAGEN, PHD
Dr. Eran Magen serves as an assistant clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry. He is the founder of ParentingForHumans.com and DivorcingDads. org, which support parents in creating strong, collaborative and joyful relationships with their children. He can be reached at Eran@ DivorcingDads.org.
6. TAJ BARNHART MORGAN
Taj Barnhart Morgan is the Director of Content Strategy for Travel Lane County. A journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Taj has two decades of special event management and hospitality marketing experience in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. Passionate about mothering, and back to her Oregon roots, she is discovering the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region all over again through the eyes of her daughter.
7. KELLCIE MULLANEY
Kellcie is the Program Communications Specialist at FOOD For Lane County. She is passionate about connecting the people to vital resources, like food and education. She enjoys volunteering and being involved in her community. Outside of work, she can be found cheering on the Ducks, usually with an iced coffee in hand. 2 3 1 4 5 6 7
Oregon Family Magazine is distributed monthly in the greater Lane County area at over 150 high-traffic commercial locations.
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Tune In, Dad
PODCASTS FOR FATHERHOOD
TANNI HAAS, PH.D.
THINKING ABOUT
celebrating Father’s Day a little differently this year? Instead of taking the dads in your life out to brunch and gifting them the proverbial tie (they most likely have plenty in their closets already), perhaps you could inspire them to become even better dads than they already are. One way to do that is through podcasts. Here’s a list of some of the best podcasts for dads.
“FIRST CLASS FATHERHOOD”
(Available at: Apple, Listen Notes, Spotify) When it comes to podcasts for dads, few are as inspirational as First Class Fatherhood. Created and hosted by journalist Alec Lace, this podcast features interviews with more than 700 of the world’s most well-known male icons who are fathers including highprofile figures like Tom Brady, Tony Hawk, and Matthew McConaughey. They talk about their own childhood, what inspired them to become fathers, and what they’re doing to be the best dads they can be.
“MODERN DADHOOD”
(Available at: Apple, Simplecast, Spotify)
Like First Class Fatherhood, Modern Dadhood also includes conversations with popular male celebrities and dads like news anchor Craig Melvin. In addition to celebrity
guests, hosts Adam Flaherty and Marc Checket also interview dads from all walks of life, interspersed with anecdotes from their own lives. This long-running podcast, which Adam and Marc started back in 2019, has become popular in large part because of their fun and relatable conversations.
“POSITIVE PARENTING - MR. DAD”
(Available at: Apple, Listen Notes, Podchaser) Armin Brott, the author of eight bestselling books for expectant dads, new dads,
and dads of toddlers and teens, also hosts the popular podcast Positive Parenting – Mr. Dad. Described by Time Magazine as the “superdad’s superdad,” Armin talks to a variety of other experts about all aspects of fatherhood, including how to raise grounded and generous kids, the proper balance between autonomy and control, and how to inspire your kids to become great readers.
“THE DAILY DAD”
(Available at: Apple, Audible, Spotify) If the dads in your life like to receive their parenting advice in smaller chunks, The Daily Dad is a good choice. The brainchild of Ryan Holiday whose bestselling books have sold millions of copies, this podcast consists of bite-sized episodes that combine the lessons and wisdom of ancient philosophy, historical figures, modern psychology, and inspirational dads that Ryan knows personally. This is a great podcast for dads of all ages and walks of life.
“DAD TALK”
(Available at: Apple, Podimo, Spotify) Sometimes dads don’t want everything to be so serious – they just want to have a good laugh. When the mood strikes, encourage them to listen to Dad Talk, a popular podcast by comedians and first-time dads Tom Anderson and Derek Wenzell. Tom and Derek recount hilarious things that have happened to them and their kids on back-to-school night, out shopping, and during birthday parties, as well as many other everyday situations. ✦
Celebrating the Men WHO SHAPE US THIS Father’s Day
BY REBECCA HASTINGS
GROWING UP WITH A single mom, Father’s Day always felt a bit tricky. I did have a relationship with my biological dad, but we were not very close. Instead of limiting the person we honored on Father’s Day to him, my mom taught me how to honor people who had a father-like role in my life.
I’ve been blessed to honor five other men who carried that role in my life. Being a father isn’t always about biology. Sometimes for Father’s Day, we focus on a biological dad. Other times, there are men in our lives who take on the role of a father even if there is no biological connection.
For me, this was an uncle, a grandfather, and a step-father who later adopted me. When I got married, I added my father-in-law, and finally my husband as the father of our kids.
The beauty of Father’s Day doesn’t have to be limited to one person. Instead, we can recognize the contributions of people who are fatherly in our lives and our children’s lives. As we approach Father’s Day this year, you can recognize and celebrate all the dads in your life.
Celebrating these people does not need to be complicated. Often, simple is better. You can find meaningful ways to honor the people who are father figures in your life.
HONORING YOUR DAD ON FATHER’S DAY
The most obvious person to celebrate is your own father. No matter why you consider this person your dad, you can use this day to honor them for the role they play in your life. Consider these ideas to honor your dad:
PERSONALIZED GIFTS: Consider giving your dad a personalized gift that reflects his interests and hobbies. It could be a custommade item, engraved with a meaningful message or his initials.
COOK HIS FAVORITE MEAL: Prepare your dad’s favorite meal for dinner. It’s a thoughtful way to show him how much you care.
MEMORY JAR: Encourage family members to write down their favorite memories or messages for your dad and place them in a decorative jar. Present it to him as a keepsake and reminisce about some favorite memories.
MEANINGFUL WAYS TO CELEBRATE A GRANDFATHER ON FATHER’S DAY
Grandfathers have a unique role in their grandchildren’s lives. Sometimes they are part of your daily life. Other times, grandfathers live far away or there are other limits to how often you connect. Father’s Day is still a great
time to remind them of how much you care. Here are some ways you or your children can honor a Grandfather:
HANDWRITTEN LETTER OR CARD: Express your gratitude and love for your grandfather in a heartfelt letter or card. Share specific memories or qualities you admire about him.
FAMILY GATHERING: Organize a family get-together or a special meal to honor your grandfather. It could be a barbecue, coffee date, or dinner at his favorite restaurant.
PHOTO ALBUM OR SCRAPBOOK: Create a photo album or scrapbook filled with pictures of your grandfather, family gatherings, and memorable moments together.
IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING A FATHER-LIKE RELATIVE
Many times people have a relative like an uncle step into a fatherly role. This could be because a father is absent or simply because they care and want to show their love and support. Recognize them on Father’s Day with one of these ideas:
GIFT BASKET: Put together a gift basket filled with his favorite snacks, drinks, books, or hobbies. Tailor it to his interests and preferences.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Plan an outdoor activity that your loved one enjoys, such as fishing, hiking, or a stroll in the park. Spend quality time together in nature.
VIDEO MESSAGE: If you cannot be with your uncle in person, consider recording a video message to send him on Father’s Day. Share your love and appreciation for him in a heartfelt video.
CELEBRATING A FRIEND OR MENTOR ON FATHER’S DAY
Often, people have adults in their lives who demonstrate fatherly characteristics. This could be a teacher, a coach, or a close family friend. It is thoughtful to show them how much they mean to you for Father’s Day. Try these ideas:
GIFT OF TIME: Sometimes, your best gift is your time. Simply spending the day with this mentor, doing activities he enjoys, can be a meaningful way to honor him on Father’s Day.
EXPRESS GRATITUDE: Write a heartfelt letter or card expressing your appreciation for your mentor’s guidance, encouragement, and impact on your life. Share specific examples of how they helped you grow and succeed.
PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENT: If appropriate, publicly acknowledge your mentor’s contributions and impact on your life or career. You could write a social media post, dedicate a blog post, or publicly thank them at an event.
IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING YOUR SPOUSE
Watching your husband become a father impacts you and your children for a lifetime. Consider how you can make him feel special and loved for all he does. Think about ways you can show him you appreciate him as well as ways your kids can show him that they love him.
BREAKFAST IN BED: Start his day off with a special breakfast served in bed. Prepare his favorite dishes and include a handwritten note or card expressing your love and appreciation.
FAMILY OUTING: Plan a fun family outing or activity that your husband enjoys.
It could be a trip to the zoo, a hike in nature, a visit to his favorite museum, or a picnic in the park.
DIY GIFTS: Get creative and make DIY gifts together with your kids to surprise your husband. It could be homemade cards, crafts, or personalized photo albums that capture special family moments.
TECH-FREE DAY: Declare a tech-free day where the focus is on spending quality time together as a family. Disconnect from devices and engage in activities like board games, completing a project, or outdoor adventures.
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: Set up a cozy
movie night at home with your husband’s favorite films, snacks, and blankets. Spend the evening cuddled up together enjoying quality family time.
SURPRISE GETAWAY: Plan a surprise weekend getaway or staycation for your husband and the family. This is a great way to unwind and create new memories together.
EXPRESS APPRECIATION: Throughout the day, verbally express your appreciation for your husband’s role as a father and partner. Let him know how much he means to you and how grateful you are for everything he does for the family. ✦
In Ride Your Bike
ALL SEASON LONG
BY TAJ BARNHART MORGAN
MAY WE CELEBRATED BIKE MONTH
with bike riding instruction, bike repair workshops and group rides. Now that it is June, keep the cycling momentum going in your family by putting your new skills and new habits into practice. Riding bikes in Eugene - Springfield and across Lane County is getting easier and easier with the ongoing addition of buffered and protected bike lanes, along with cycling route signage from the Cascades to the Coast.
OREGON SCENIC BIKEWAYS
A fourth official Oregon Scenic Bikeway in Lane County was designated this year: the Aufderheide! Connecting Oakridge-Westfir to the McKenzie River, the Aufderheide’s (Forest Service Rd 19) 60-mile paved route is an extreme ride, so families may only want to try a short section. On the Westfir side, there is a charming inn and a beautiful park with many hiking and biking trails.
The most family-friendly ride of the scenic bikeways in Oregon is the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway in Cottage Grove. Much of it is flat on protected paths away from roads as it loops around a reservoir and winds by several covered bridges. With multiple trailheads, you can pick a length suitable for riders of all ages.
GREENWATERS PARK, OAKRIDGE
Greenwaters Park is an easy-going gravel ride that loops around Hills Creek Reservoir in the southern portion of the Willamette National Forest. The first kilometer up to the reservoir is a bit of a climb, but the view after the climb is amazing. Once there, you’ll be cruising on flat roads and gravel sections all around the reservoir, while immersed in the forest. The start and end point at Greenwaters Park has restrooms and picnic facilities.
DIAMOND VIEW BIKE SKILLS PARK, OAKRIDGE
This bike skills park is being refurbished to provide a controlled learning environment for beginning mountain bikers. The pump track mimics the nearby natural terrain and is also designed to accommodate adaptive equipment. We are really excited to see this project come together!
MCKENZIE RIVER TRAIL (MRT), MCKENZIE BRIDGE
Along the McKenzie River and Highway 126, the McKenzie River Trail (MRT) offers 26.5 miles of multi-use single track with multiple trailheads, the lower half being the best for beginning mountain bikers. If the segments are too ambitious for your family’s skill levels, ride around the Belknap Hot Springs resort property instead. The resort has cabins, lodge rooms and camping sites along with two hot springfed pools, perfect for a family getaway.
PHOTO: SALLY MCALEER
THURSTON HILLS NATURAL AREA, SPRINGFIELD
A collection of kid-friendly trails here combine for over 6 miles of beginner-level riding through forests. The Thurston Hills trailhead has bathrooms, picnic tables and a bike repair and cleaning station.
MIDDLE FORK PATH, SPRINGFIELD
From Dorris Ranch with its hazelnut trees and interpretive landmarks to Clearwater Park with its boat launch, the Middle Fork Path has 4 miles of flat, paved pathway through shady forests and along sunny riverbanks.
RUTH BASCOM RIVERBANK PATH, EUGENESPRINGFIELD
This favorite family-friendly route encircles the Willamette River with wide, flat, paved paths perfect for all types of bikes, trikes, strollers and adaptive equipment. From Eugene’s Skinner Butte and Alton Baker parks to Springfield’s Island Park, this network of paths can be easily sectioned into shorter rides. Cruise by playgrounds, sports fields, natural landscapes and river views.
EMERALD VALLEY BMX, EUGENE
Located in Alton Baker Park near Autzen Stadium, this BMX track is a lot of fun to try out some corners and hills.
WJ SKATEPARK + URBAN PLAZA, EUGENE
Under the Washington-Jefferson Bridge, this skatepark is a popular spot for bike riding, and for trick riding also. Bring your more adventurous kids!
FERN RIDGE PATH, EUGENE
From the middle of town, the Fern Ridge paved bike path parallels a waterway and crosses several busy roads, eventually emerging into wide open fields and wetlands with plenty of buffer from traffic. Combine the ride with bird and wildlife watching in the wetlands.
JESSIE M. HONEYMAN STATE PARK, FLORENCE
Honeyman State Park’s coastal trails feature two sparkling, freshwater lakes, sand dunes and forests. Take a fat tire bike out onto the beaches for added fun!
CONNECT LANE
Want to explore across the region? Connect Lane cycling routes link together the communities of the lower Willamette Valley. Follow country roads between Creswell, Cottage Grove and Oakridge, each town showcasing small-town charm and unique cultural heritage from pioneer days to movie sets to the lumber industry.
PEDAL AS A FAMILY
Safe Routes to School is an excellent organization offering safe cycling instruction for students and community groups. They also coordinate fun family cycling events to get everyone on wheels. Make sure to register your bicycle and lock it up correctly. For more cycling inspiration, bike maps and brochures, visit the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center in downtown Eugene. ✦
PHOTO: DELENE & CO.
PHOTO:
PHOTO: MELANIE
Feeding Kids and Fueling Summers
HOW THE SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM SUPPORTS LANE COUNTY FAMILIES
BY KELLCIE MULLANEY
HEN THE BELL RINGS on the last day of school in June, many children across Lane County look forward to long summer days filled with sunshine. But for thousands of kids, summer also means losing access to the reliable meals they count on during the school year. In Oregon, nearly one in eight children face food insecurity, meaning they don’t consistently have enough food to eat (Feeding America, 2023). For families already stretched thin, summer can be a season of stress, not freedom.
That’s where FOOD For Lane County (FFLC)’s Summer Food Program steps in. Serving youth up to 18 years old, this program provides free, nutritious meals at over 35 sites across Lane County. From neighborhood parks to community centers to libraries, these meal sites offer more than just food – they provide safe, welcoming spaces where children can play, learn, and grow.
“School meals are a great resource for families during the school year,” says Mtima Richardson, Youth & family Programs Manager. “We are committed to extending this support into the summer months to
ensure children continue to have access to nutritious meals.”
And the need is significant. According to the Oregon Hunger Task Force, families often experience a spike in grocery bills during the summer months, which may add financial pressure that can lead to skipped meals or less nutritious food choices. That’s especially troubling when it comes to children.
Proper childhood nutrition is essential for brain development, academic success, and long-term health. A lack of access to healthy food can have ripple effects that last beyond summer.
In 2024, FFLC served over 28,000 meals through the Summer Food Program, ensuring that thousands of kids didn’t have to worry about where their next meal would come from. Meals follow USDA nutritional guidelines and are served in locations that are easily accessible to families.
But FFLC is doing more than filling empty stomachs -- they’re also feeding young minds. Through local partnerships, the Summer Food Program brings enrichment activities to its sites, creating an experience that promotes overall well-being.
One of the standout collaborators this past summer was OSU, Lane County Extension. The team provided hands-on nutrition education activities that were fun and informative. Children learned about healthy eating, proper nutrition, and how to make balanced meals on a budget. For families, these lessons are practical and empowering, offering tips for preparing simple meals with minimal ingredients and cost.
To encourage literacy and a love of reading, SMART Reading generously donated nearly 2,000 books that were distributed at all summer meal sites. Children were invited to pick a book to take home, turning mealtime into a moment of fun and imagination.
FFLC also partners with community groups to minimize food waste. In 2024, they donated a total of 9,970 meals that would have otherwise gone uneaten. It’s a win-win that supports sustainability while feeding even more people in the community.
FFLC recognizes that food insecurity doesn’t stop at city limits. This summer, the program expanded to offer meal delivery to two rural communities -- Oakridge and Dexter -- helping ensure kids in these areas have access to the same nutritious meals and engaging programming.
From the outside, a visit to a Summer Food site might look like a group of kids enjoying a sandwich under a shady tree or sipping milk while flipping through a picture book. But behind scenes is a network of caring staff, dedicated volunteers, and community partners working together to meet a critical need.
The Summer Food Program is more than just a meal -- it’s nourishment and hope, served daily. Donations make a lasting impact, because hunger doesn’t take a vacation. To donate, volunteer, or find a meal site near you, visit foodforlanecounty.org. ✦
Helping Men STRUGGLING IN SILENCE
BY ERAN MAGEN, PHD
YOU’VE PROBABLY SEEN THIS guy: He seems a little muted, like he’s holding something in, like he’s operating on autopilot, so he doesn’t have to deal with whatever is happening inside. Society has taught him from an early age that only the weak respond to physical pain, and only the very weak respond to emotional pain. He might be your friend, your cousin, your neighbor, or your husband. He’s a nice guy, maybe even a good guy, and you can’t help but wonder – what exactly is so scary for him about opening up about his struggles?
Like many stereotypes, this one has some roots in reality. Often men are taught that acknowledging difficulties is a form of weakness. As a result, they don’t develop the skills of opening up about their challenges, seeking support, or even of recognizing they are struggling. Results can range from watching too much Netflix, to self-
medicating, to explosive rage. Whatever the external manifestation, it all stems from internal turmoil and unhappiness that is not processed productively.
Before going over how to help others who are struggling in silence, it’s important to remember it is not your responsibility to make sure another adult is okay. If you find yourself in a position of feeling the well-being of another adult rests entirely on you, it is a clear sign of crisis. If you feel this way, the most helpful response is to immediately involve additional people and more resources. Talk to friends and family, use the 988 Lifeline (from any phone for 24/7 free and confidential counseling), confide in your own support network… just don’t go it alone.
With that, let’s consider how to help men who are struggling in silence. The main areas of support are: (1) offering direct support, (2) motivating them to get better, and (3) facilitating contact with other support.
DIRECT SUPPORT
Those of us who have gone through periods of loneliness know what a difference a single positive interaction with a caring person can make. Check in on a regular basis and find a way to spend time together. Meeting in person is ideal, but video or phone calls are also helpful. Do it at a frequency not overwhelming or draining for you – or them. Anywhere from several times per week to once a month. Scheduling check-ins in advance is a good way to ensure
it happens. Maybe it’s lunch on Tuesdays, or a phone call on the drive home from work. Ideally, interactions are a combination of fun and support. Maybe you meet to play a game (pickleball, anyone?), then get a bite to eat and chat.
Remember to share your challenges with the other person too. In addition to getting your own support, you’ll be modeling and encouraging being more open about challenges. Don’t be afraid to ask about difficult things (e.g., “How have you been since that breakup?” or “How is your job search going?” or “What’s the latest with your dad’s cancer?”). Once they engage, they may talk about the issue briefly, then change the subject to something lighter. That’s okay – just follow their lead, to help them
manage how much contact they have with this distressing topic. After talking about something else for a while, they may return to the difficult topic. Remind them you are there for them, and you want to hear about what’s going on and help however you can.
MOTIVATING TO GET BETTER
This is a crucial element of any change process that is often overlooked. Never underestimate how fear of change can get people stuck in uncomfortable places. There’s a well-developed approach called Motivational Interviewing that helps people identify their readiness for change and move toward readiness. The goal is to increase awareness of the issue, support consideration of alternatives, and encourage realistic evaluations of the pros and cons of adopting changes (such as seeking support or making new friends). Here are a few things you can do:
• State an observation in a warm, caring, and objective way (“I noticed you’ve been looking down for a few weeks now” or “I noticed you haven’t been coming to happy hour for the past couple of months”). This helps them realize you’re paying attention and care, which may encourage them to share the causes.
• Ask how they would like their life to be different, either in terms of their external reality or in terms of their internal experience. Reframe support seeking as an act of courage and strength (“It takes a lot of courage to talk to other people about what we’re going through…”).
• Consider what would be a good first step. Keep in mind the importance of
having good support along the way (for companionship, guidance, emotional support, and accountability).
• Reframe support seeking as a gift to others (“I know I feel so relieved when other people share their challenges with me and I realize it’s not just me who has difficulties”).
• Remind them they deserve to feel good and to be taken care of.
HELP THEM CONNECT WITH SUPPORT
As mentioned earlier, the entire weight of supporting another person should not rest on you alone. Help them connect with new people or sources of support. Here are a few examples:
• Invite them to a small gathering of your friends.
• Brainstorm places to meet people and make new friends. Join a community that engages in an activity of interest (e.g., drawing, volunteering, martial arts, faith group, sport, or book club). Joining more than one community is a good idea. The goal is to repeatedly meet the same people and interact around an activity that is interesting and satisfying. Over time, these are the settings where friendships grow.
• Remind them of formal support resources, including the 988 Lifeline, connecting with a therapist, a support group (including our support group for divorcing dads), or a faith leader.
Ultimately, the choice to connect with support is not yours to make, but theirs. You can be a helpful resource—indeed, you might make all the difference in the world—but only if they are willing to take the necessary action. And remember to connect with others and get your own support – because you, too, deserve to feel connected, supported, and satisfied in your life. ✦
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Movie Night
Minecraft Mayhem
BY BONNIE L. HARRIS
IF ADULTS ACTING SILLY dictates the success of a movie, then it’s no wonder that the new Minecraft Movie has been wildly popular and is headed for the $1 billion mark. It’s built-in audience of young gamers will enjoy their favorite digital avatars interacting with live action characters, but what this film has in cool tech and square heads, it
MINECRAFT MOVIE
Warner Bros Studios Rated: PG In theatres and on Amazon
sadly lacks in story, humor, and dialogue. Not being a gamer, I did appreciated the back story about Steve, an original game character, and his fascination with the Orb of Dominance that transports him to the Minecraft Overworld. He explains the who, how, and why of Minecraft where anyone can create anything they want by manipulating objects and space. Unfortunately, Steve’s playful paradise is later threatened when a second portal whisks him to the Nether and the evil Malgosha vows to steal the Orb. Steve’s trusty cube-dog, Dennis, retrieves the Orb and escapes to
the real world and relative safety. But since he disappeared, Steve’s possessions are auctioned off and the Orb falls into the hands of four unlikely adventurers, Garrett, Dawn, Natalie, and Henry, each with their own set of personal issues. Of course, they’re accidentally sent to the Overworld where they meet Steve, discover building & crafting, and narrowly escape Malgosha’s wrath. The film finally picks up steam in the second half when the destructive Piglins
FOR the PARENTS
For the Greater Good
AUDREY’S CHILDREN
Blue Harbor Entertainment, Rated: PG Streaming on Amazon
THERE’S NOTHING WORSE than a sick child, and one woman in the late 1960’s was determined to end childhood cancer. The wonderful new feature, Audrey’s Children, tells the true story of Dr. Audrey Evans and her groundbreaking work to upend standard pediatric cancer treatment. New to Philadelphia, Dr. Audrey pushes past her male colleagues with her wry British humor, her penchant for saying exactly what she thinks, and her boundless energy to save her patients, who during this period had only a 10% survival rate. With two trusted colleagues, Dr. Audrey creates the modern cancer staging system using borrowed research and a trickle of funding that leads her to experiment with a combination of chemotherapy drugs prohibited by hospital protocol. Even with her job and reputation on the line, Dr. Audrey turns to caring for the families of her patients by launching the idea of a no-cost home away
Saving the little ones.
invade the Overworld and our heroes must work together to protect its inhabitants by reconnecting the Orb with its power crystal. In the ferocious battles, Garrett sacrifices himself to save Steve & Henry, Dawn & Natalie discover their inner strengths to overcome their anxieties, and Henry’s hidden talent for spontaneous creation ultimately defeats Malgosha. No question, there’ll be sequels, but for me one Minecraft Movie is enough. ✦
from home, which later becomes the Ronald McDonald House. But Dr. Audrey doesn’t always get what she wants and some of her young patients “float up to heaven” despite her best efforts and treatment. Nevertheless, some children survive and these miracles prove that her theories are sound. The epilogue provides the inspiring details of Dr. Audrey’s life and legacy which revolutionized our understanding of cancer treatment on a global scale.
Discovering the Overworld.
A Dad’s Eye View
Dad Was Funny About Money
BY RICK EPSTEIN
MY DAD WAS NO financial expert, but he had a credo: Work hard, spend wisely and save the rest. Buy a lottery ticket? He would be just as likely to steal a suitcase full of money from Colombian drug lords.
As Father’s Day approaches, I’d like to propose a toast to my dad, the man who taught me the value of a dollar and, inadvertently, the value of words. His financial training was fairly simple: Whenever I’d been extravagant, he’d say: “It must be nice to have a rich father.” His remark contained the whole Ted Epstein saga. If he had stated it directly, it would’ve gone like this:
My parents were poor immigrants. We sweated blood every day in our luncheonette and lived in a tiny apartment. I never had money to squander the way you are squandering mine. I worked hard and concentrated on my studies. I served eight years in the Army and almost as many in college, and I’ve been busting my hump at a demanding job ever since. All to produce the disappointing result we see here – spoiled sons who take the fruit of that struggle and throw it away on tacky plastic streamers to attach to their handlebars. I only WISH I had that kind of economic setup, except that I wouldn’t fritter it away on ephemera (short-lived stuff) and frippery (cheap finery). (These are the kind of words that Dad used all the time.)
Then Dad would go read
his newspaper (and maybe garner additional cool words), and I’d continue attaching the streamers, aware that I’d made a foolish purchase.
But on another level I would be thinking: “Y’know, it IS nice to have a rich father.” We had a big house, steak for dinner, ample allowances, and had been promised a free ticket to whichever college we could squeak into. But my brothers and I wished we had an even-richer father so we could have servants, horses, vacations on the French Riviera, and silver-fox tails for our bikes.
My big brother Steve, like many firstborns, felt deep down that he was royalty who had been temporarily hidden among commoners. For Steve, mere riches would not suffice; he wanted a throne, a crown and groveling subjects. Whenever his arrogance showed, Dad would accuse him of being “born to the Purple.” So while Prince Steven waited for his real parents to send for him, little brother Jim and I waited for Dad to show a little more ambition and boost us into the upper crust.
But Dad was looking downward instead of upward. “Come here,” he said one day, inviting me into a bathroom. “See that?” he asked, pointing to the sink where a thin stream of water flowed from the faucet. “That’s MONEY going down the drain.”
Dad was best with irony, but he was no slouch with metaphor. Electricity was another sore point. Every evening, Dad would quietly patrol the house turning off lights in unoccupied rooms telling us, “You’re burning money.” But when he was off-duty, away at a meeting or a viewing, he’d come home to find, as he put it, “every light in the house BLAZING!” I got the point, of course, but I liked the exciting verb; it made me feel like we were in a palace that was brilliantly illuminated with candles and torches, ready for Steve’s coronation or something.
Although Dad’s frugality eventually soaked in, I also developed an appreciation of the off-beat expressiveness of his speech and also a general love of language. Working for a news website, I make my living with words and, although I don’t make nearly as much money as my dad used to, we’re doing OK. Now I have three kids of my own who spend my money like sailors in port and who loll about like guests of honor at The Festival of Running Water and Eternal Light. And I say the same corrective things to them that my dad used to say to me in hopes that they’ll absorb the concepts in time to instruct my grandchildren. But I have held one thing back: I never tell them how nice it was to have a rich father. ✦
Rick can be reached at rickepstein@yahoo.com.
Rescue Spotlight
Meet CAROLINE ! This 6-year-old mixed breed girl came to us with fur loss due to a severe skin infection, but in just a couple of months, she’s made incredible progress with the help of prescribed baths. Despite any discomfort, this gorgeous girl immediately showed off what a wiggly, silly, friendly pup she is! Once she builds her confidence, her sparkly personality shines and she radiates sweetness. Caroline is a treat-loving pup who thrives on attention and affection.
Caroline is looking to be the queen of her castle, meaning no other pets in the home. She would thrive in a patient, loving home. She weighs 52 lbs., is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines prior to adoption. Sweet Caroline is so deserving of her perfect match!
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 CEE CEE , a majestic long-haired brown tabby female adult kitty with a lion’s mane, estimated to be about 7 to 8 years old. She is very sweet, playful, and gentle. She politely asks for attention when she wants it and has a uniquely soft, gentle meow. She takes a bit of time to warm up, but your patience will be rewarded with affection once she realizes she can trust you. She loves other cats, and their presence helps put her more at ease. Once she’s comfortable, she will come find you to ask for pets and tell you all about her day. She has been spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and is negative for FIV & FeLV. To meet Cee Cee in foster care, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org
Greenhill
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?
CLARA SPRINGFIELD EUGENE
Get started today. Visit onpointcu.com/onpoint-savers
*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
SANTA