Oregon Family Magazine by Oregon Family Magazine

Our Contributors

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. MICHELLE FERGUSON

Michelle Ferguson is a champion for the arts and community, serving as Director of Marketing & Development at Eugene Ballet, a leadership board member for Relief Nursery, and a supporter of the Eugene Environmental Film Festival. She’s a mom of two kids in middle school and passionate about connecting people with experiences that inspire.

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. 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.

6. SARAH LYONS

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

7. RODDY SCHEER

Journalist and photographer specializing in environmental issues, the outdoors and travel. When he is not out in the field taking pictures, Roddy runs EarthTalk, the non-profit Publisher of the syndicated EarthTalk Q&A column and the EarthTalk.org and Emagazine 3 2 1 4 5 6

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

Parents Publishing

Kauten

Design & Illustration

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.

Does exposure to air pollution cause “brain fog”?

—MARK H., RALEIGH, NC

XPOSURE TO AIR pollution has long been connected to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. More recently, researchers have found evidence that it may also impair brain function. Studies suggest air pollution is associated with cognitive decline, memory problems and short-term cognitive performance—what many call brain fog— accentuating concerns about the effects of polluted air on mental clarity and brain health.

Air pollution is a combination of harmful gases and particles, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. These pollutants, frequently released by vehicles, industries and wildfires, can enter the bloodstream and access the brain. Research shows that high levels of air pollution are linked to heightened brain inflammation, interrupted neural connections and diminished oxygen supply, which may all lead to cognitive impairment. A 2025 study in Nature discovered that extended exposure to air pollution may

hasten cognitive deterioration, especially among older individuals.

brain is especially sensitive to environmental toxins, and certain studies indicate that

Studies suggest air pollution is associated with cognitive decline, memory problems and short-term cognitive performance.

People exposed to elevated pollution levels usually experience symptoms like trouble focusing, memory issues and mental exhaustion. Dr. Caleb Finch at the University of Southern California, states, “The aging brain is vulnerable to air pollution.” His studies show that exposure to pollutants might elevate the risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Kids and young individuals could also be in danger. The growing

children subjected to elevated pollution levels might encounter decreased IQ scores and attention issues.

According to research from the University of California, Davis, polluted air is also associated with mood disorders like anxiety and depression, emphasizing how important it is to create cleaner environments in order to improve outcomes related to both physical and mental health.

Reducing the impact of air

pollution on brain function necessitates joint efforts. Decreasing air pollution levels by implementing stricter emission regulations, expanding green spaces and encouraging cleaner transportation alternatives can aid in minimizing exposure risks. On a personal level, individuals can safeguard themselves by using air purifiers, refraining from outdoor activities during high pollution days, and promoting measures that encourage cleaner air policies. By lowering pollution exposure, we can make great strides in protecting brain health for upcoming generations. ✦

CONTACTS: Air Pollution and Cognitive Impairment across the Life Course in the United States, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/articles/PMC8835599/; Air Pollution and Cognitive Decline: A Review of the Literature, https://assets.publishing. service.gov.uk/media/62ceccdc8fa8f50c012d1406/COMEAP-dementia-report-2022.pdf

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

PHOTO: PEXELS.COM

HELPING KIDS

Make Friends

AT ANY AGE

BY SARAH LYONS

rom the time we enter the world, we search out other people to connect with. We are social beings and making and maintaining friendships are a big part of our lives from childhood on. While making friends is of great importance, it doesn’t always come naturally to us.

It can be difficult to find friends that are loyal and that you can build a connection with. Parents can help their kids build social skills that help them make friends at any age.

ROLE PLAY

One of the easiest ways to teach kids is through play. As you are playing and interacting with your children, role play scenarios that they may encounter when meeting new people. You can use puppets, dolls, or even stuffed animals to practice social situations they may encounter. Through play, you can teach your child how to ask someone to play or how to join in on a game that is already started. Work out possible conflicts that may arise as they play with friends. After roleplaying, kids will be more comfortable when they face similar situations on the playground.

SET AN EXAMPLE

It is just as important for parents to build strong friendships as it is for kids. We have the opportunity to teach our kids through our example. “We move a lot so explaining how I have to make new friends and step out of my comfort zone just like they do helps a lot.” says Stephanie Loux, mom of three. Do you make time for friends in your life? Do you invite friends over or meet for coffee? How often do you step outside your comfort zone to meet new people? Our kids see how we interact with others. If the parent is involved with friends, shows empathy towards others, and helps friends in need, kids will learn that friendships are a priority and understand the natural give and take of a relationship. They will also watch how parents handle conflict and the normal highs and lows that friends experience.

THE ART OF CONVERSATION

For kids with the gift of gab, conversation may come naturally but for others a little practice and a few tips can go a long way. Part of making and maintaining friendships is being able to take turns speaking, listening, and responding with empathy when appropriate. Parents can teach kids how to have conversations during daily life by simply modeling this skill. It can also be taught during roleplaying or simply giving them some tools to start a conversation. For example, kids should be reminded to look at the person in the eye, greet a friend as they arrive, respond when asked a question, and ask follow up questions so their friend knows they are listening. It takes some practice, but it will be worth it.

TEACH PROPER ETIQUETTE

Being polite can go a long way in building friendships. Kids who are polite, say please and thank you, pick up after themselves, and treat others respectfully are more likely

to be invited to their friend’s homes. Kids who take turns, share, and let guests go first are also easier to be around. You can model good etiquette for your child and give them gentle reminders during playdates and social interactions.

ENCOURAGE HEALTHY CONFLICT RESOLUTION

All friends experience conflict. What is important is how you handle it. Door slamming, stomping feet, the silent treatment, yelling, and hitting may release anger in the moment but can be damaging to a friendship. As kids mature, it is important to encourage them to talk about their feelings, come up with a solution, or ask an adult for help. As much as possible, have the kids work out their conflict. However, being available to help them come to a resolution both friends can live with is important.

BE SOCIAL

One easy way to encourage your kids to make friends is to provide them the opportunities to socialize. Allow your kids to invite friends over to play or to meet at a park. Hosting a playdate that encourages mutual interests helps build friendships as well. If your child is interested in animals, invite a friend with mutual interests to meet you at the zoo. Sports and extracurricular activities are another great place to find friends with mutual interests. “Helping them say hello to other kids at parks and school events helps.” says Loux. “I also make an effort to go to all class birthday parties so they have more time with friends.” Simply being around other people helps your child build social skills and make friends.

It is important to remember that everyone has a different personality which will affect how they react in social situations. Some children love to be the center of attention and thrive from being around others. Other children may be more reserved and shyer. They may enjoy being around other people but prefer to sit back and observe the situation. Remember that it’s important to cultivate your child’s social skills based on what they feel the most comfortable with, even if that is different from your own. It is also important to remember that your child does not need to be the most popular person in the class, they really only need one or two close friends to feel accepted and connected to their peers. ✦

Movie Night

Up, Up, and Away!

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

DIRECTOR JAMES

Gunn certainly knows how to cut to the chase in the new Superman 2025 movie from DC Comics. No time is wasted with a long backstory that everyone knows because this is, of course, a Superman origin movie, but instead the film opens with a

SUPERMAN 2025

Warner Bros. Pictures, Rated: PG-13

In theaters & streaming on Amazon

prologue of just six phrases. Suddenly, we’re in the thick of the action. Superman has endured a major butt-whopping by a villain called the Hammer of Boravia and he retreats to his Fortress of Solitude to mend. Next big surprise, he’s got a clan of autobots taking care of him and a misbehaving dog named Krypto, who’s adorable despite being completely CGI. Familiar characters abound with new twists that keep this reboot fresh, fast, and exciting. Super-villain Lex Luther has run amok with tech, beautiful Lois Lane already knows that

Clark Kent wears a cape, and little Jimmy Olsen has a talent for digging up incriminating sources. Add to that an oddity called the Justice Gang, who seem to be three misplaced characters, but who turn out to be exactly the tongue-incheek comic touch the film needs. Superman takes on the Hammer for a final time to save Metropolis from destruction and to prevent an international conflict. Along the way, he learns that destiny is a personal choice, a lesson that’s driven

FOR the PARENTS

Hands in the Dirt

GREEN AND GOLD

Fathom Events, Rated: PG-13

Streaming on Amazon

CALLED A LABOR of love by the film crew, and based on true events, the indie feature Green and Gold tells the bittersweet story of a stubborn Wisconsin farmer and his talented granddaughter who face eviction from their dairy farm. When her grandfather refuses to see reason and the bank leaves a foreclosure notice on their door, Jenny Strom, takes matters into her own hands to stall the inevitable. She encourages her grandfather to bet that the Green Bay Packers will win the 1993 Superbowl to give them an extra year to pay off their debt. At the same time, Jenny follows her dream of becoming a singer / songwriter, but she discovers that staying true to her values is almost impossible, just as her grandfather always told her. When both of their dreams come crashing down, and a bad situation becomes worse, Jenny and her grandfather can only fall back on their enduring connection to the

home by his adopted parents. Stellar special effects, fantastic battle scenes, and great dialogue keep this film moving at a clip. Even the few moments of goofiness are easily forgiven because we’re in a makebelieve world of metahumans, oversized monsters, and interstellar portals. Love the ending where friends save friends, good triumphs over evil, and that flying kiss in the glass arcade is something else. Here’s to the successful launch of the new DC Universe. ✦

land. In the end, their friends and neighbors surprise them with helping hands, open hearts, and a cheer for the Packers. Have a couple Kleenex ready and enjoy the fantastic folk soundtrack that makes this film quietly wonderful. Never give up.

Fortress of Solitude invaded.

THE ART OF Movement HOW DANCE SUPPORTS

MENTAL

HEALTH

IN KIDS

BY MICHELLE FERGUSON

THIS SEASON, EUGENE BALLET IS shining a spotlight on mental health and the power of shared experiences, like live performance, to support emotional wellbeing. At the heart of this focus is a belief that dance can play a meaningful role in a child’s emotional development, creativity, and confidence.

Eugene Ballet Academy offers classes for dancers as young as three years old, nurturing students at all levels, from recreational participants to those on a preprofessional track.

Pascal Roy, a nearly 12-year-old student at the Academy, has been dancing since 2018. “I love doing dance because it’s a really nice way to move your body, have fun, and make new friends,” she says. “Dancing makes me feel like I can fly. I love going fast and leaping high. Ballet has always made me feel like I can share what I feel in a really beautiful way.”

Her mother, Melanie Roy, remembers the moment she knew the Academy was the right fit. “When we saw Eugene Ballet’s The Nutcracker for the first time, I knew it would

be the perfect place for Pascal to dance. She has had a lifelong love for The Nutcracker, and the opportunity to participate in such an incredible production was really exciting.”

For Pascal, dance has become a trusted outlet for emotional release. “When I am having a tough day, it feels nice to go to dance class because it’s a quiet space and being with my friends always cheers me up,” she says. “Sometimes it can be hard to express my emotions out loud, but dancing them is so much easier.”

Melanie has seen the emotional benefits firsthand. “Though classwork is focused, creating art and beauty with friends is a huge mood booster. Allowing her body to move, sweat, and stretch is very centering… It has the benefits that come with exercise, reduced stress, brain cell growth, stronger muscles, mixed in with the joy and pleasure of being an artist.”

Recent research supports what Pascal and Melanie have experienced. A multidisciplinary review published in ScienceDirect highlights that dance uniquely blends movement, music, and social interaction, all of which contribute to stress relief and emotional resilience. The review shows that dancing stimulates the release of neurochemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, which help regulate stress and promote well-being. More than physical exercise, dance provides a communal space for bonding, healing, and coping.

Pascal also speaks to the confidence that dance helps build. “Dance has helped me become more confident and helped me believe in myself and others,” she says. “Yes, dance has helped me realize that being confident and believing in yourself is a really important part of performing.”

Melanie agrees. “There are so many car rides home where Pascal shares a step she has finally mastered, or a chance to be someone to demonstrate a combo. She is able to very clearly see herself develop and improve over time.”

As a homeschooling family, the Academy has also provided a vital social network. “She has many dancers and instructors she looks up to, younger dancers she has mentored who look up to her, and close friends she has the best times with in and out of the studio,” Melanie says.

Attending and participating in live performances also contributes significantly to emotional and social growth. According to a 2021 ScienceDirect study involving over 1,600 participants, attending live theater leads to measurable increases in empathy, more open attitudes toward social issues, and greater pro-social behavior. Audience members who saw live performances reported more compassion for others, and even donated more to charities after the show, whether or not they were related to the performance.

In short, live performance does more than entertain. It fosters emotional intelligence and generosity.

Pascal echoes this emotional impact. “Before performing, I feel really excited, or sometimes nervous, but as soon as I get on stage, I feel calm and happy. Once I’m off stage, I feel really proud of myself.”

When asked what she’d say to another parent, Melanie encourages exploration. “Dance helps create confidence, core strength, reduces stress, and gives a safe and loving environment to make friends and be inspired. Dance shows us the importance and beauty of storytelling, and reminds us that we can be impactful even without using our voices.” ✦

REFERENCES

Koch, S. C., Jola, C., & Biondo, J. (2021). Dance and stress regulation: A multidisciplinary narrative review. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 213, 105257.

Rathje, S., Hackel, L., & Zaki, J. (2025). Attending live theatre improves empathy, changes attitudes, and leads to pro-social behavior. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 108, 104460.

A Dad’s Eye View

5 Tips on Telling Bedtime Stories

BY RICK EPSTEIN

“TELL ME A STORY about The Green Man Goes Trick-orTreating.” When my daughter Sally was 3, that’s what she’d demand every night at bedtime for about a year. The Green Man is a weathered bronze statue of a soldier that stands about two blocks from our house. In my stories the statue comes to life and has adventures with her.

Sometimes Sally’s older sister Marie would join us, and sometimes I’d tell Marie a separate story. Telling stories while lying in my bed, in the dark, with a child snuggled against each shoulder, is about as cozy as home life can get. And you don’t have to be a talented raconteur to pull it off. I’m not, but I have developed a few helpful techniques:

1. NEVER INVENT WHAT YOU CAN STEAL. A good easy recipe is to insert the child into a nursery classic to create “Sally and the Three Bears” or “Marie and the Billy Goats Gruff.” Or you can borrow millions of dollars’ worth of characters from Disney, Warner Bros. or anyone else, use them in the dark of night, and all the high-priced legal talent in the world can’t make you pay a penny in licensing fees. (If anyone asks, you didn’t hear it from me.)

2. LET THE LISTENER PARTICIPATE. Give the child a speaking part and let her give you some direction.

One night I was trying to tell Marie a story about naughty beaver children who clogged a toilet with paper towels, but she

wouldn’t have it. Toilets were objects of mystery for Marie, and she didn’t want to anger them. When you have an audience of one, you have to respect her sensibilities. I sent the beavers outside to gnaw down lifeguard stands.

3. TAKE A FAMILIAR PET AND MAKE IT TALK. Our neighbors’ dog Cinnamon is the only surly Irish setter I ever met. Besides snarling at me whenever I go outdoors, he thinks we run a restaurant. Our trash cans are the all-you-can-eat buffet and our yard is the rest room. I could make the kids squeal with mirth just by soliloquizing in a growly voice about the delicious garbage. (In the morning, the kids would awaken to find our lawn strewn with trash, and it was like finding Santa’s cookie crumbs on Christmas morning – corroboration of a magical world.)

4. FIGHT TO KEEP YOUR STORIES LEAN. A detail or characters inserted frivolously into a bedtime favorite can’t be easily deleted and your story will end up with more useless decoration than the uniform of a South American dictator. Take “The Green Man Goes Trick-orTreating.” Sally soon had the Green Man was going door-to-door with a vast entourage of superfluous characters, which included Whitey the

Talking Cat, Quacky the Talking Duck, SpongeBob, Pinocchio, JoJo Siwa and The Bad Boys (two nameless boys who throw rocks at anything they see).

Then, as the Green Man and his associates went foraging across town, Sally would want to add stops to his itinerary. But I caught on to this early and managed to hold it firm at 11 visits. Sally got to specify what kind of candy they collected at each place, and she was as serious about it as if she were selecting her first wedding gown.

5. WHEN A STORY BOGS

with tales of the lad’s teddy bear, and during World War One a British soldier named Hugh Lofting sent the first Dr. Dolittle stories home to his kids. My own bid for fame and fortune is almost ready: The American Dog series will include: “Meet Cinnamon,” “Cinnamon’s Night Out,” “Cinnamon Never Learns” and finally “Cinnamon Choked by Neighbor.” We could market it with a stuffed animal, heavily accessorized. Publishers, call my agent. ✦

LANE COUNTY

Precious MomentsTOGETHER

AsSUMMER SHIFTS TO FALL AND

schedules fill up with school and sports, make sure you still have multi-generational family time together. Are you looking for activities that will engage the children, yet not be too strenuous for the senior members of the family? Here are some fun things to do that both grandparents and grandchildren will enjoy!

SKINNER BUTTE PARK

The flat paved paths along the Willamette River bank are ideal for mobility scooters, wheelchairs and strollers. Take a stroll and roll through the lovely autumn park and rest at the RiverPlay Discovery Playground, watching from the benches while the children climb and swing. The nearby Owen Rose Garden is an additional spot to explore with the kids. The park also includes the Campbell Community Center, which offers great senior programming from conversational gatherings to crafting and is hearing looped.

BY TAJ BARNHART MORGAN

PICNIC AT THE PAVILION

Make arrangements to have lunch with your grandchild at the Lane County Farmers Market Pavilion on Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. through the end of September. This multi-purpose venue hosts farmers markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays but it is also a lovely community space for enjoying the downtown vibe. The plaza features food carts, or you can bring your own lunch, and sit at the bistro tables listening to live music. The pavilion has roll-up doors for easy transitions between indoor and outdoor activities and weather conditions. Games are provided along with plenty of space for romping youngsters.

EUGENE SPRINGFIELD CAT LOUNGE

Hang out in the cat lounge with multiple cats while relaxing with non-alcoholic beverages and snack foods sold on-site. Visits have an entrance fee (reservations recommended) and there are guidelines to ensure a calm environment for the cats and visitors. Children must be 8 years old and stay with their adult guardian at all times. On special evenings, partake in Bingo, cat trivia or cat-themed arts and crafts.

JOHN G. SHEDD INSTITUTE FOR THE ARTS

At The Shedd old and young can come together comfortably for a variety of quality entertainment from live music to Broadway shows enjoyed by all ages. The Shedd shines for its leadership with hearing loops. Not only are the concert and recital halls looped, along with concessions and ticket offices, but The Shedd also supports the Center for Hearing Access and hosts Sound Advice, ongoing informational workshops on hearing loops. The kid-focused Magical Moombahs are quarterly, fun-filled, multi-media performances promising laughs and audience interaction. The next one will be wild west themed in November.

PHOTO: MELANIE GRIFFIN /

PHOTO: KAYLA KREMPLEY / EUGENE,

SHELTON MCMURPHEY JOHNSON HOUSE

The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House is a charming Victorian house on the hill overlooking downtown Eugene. It is both a museum and a lovely backdrop for a variety of special events and afternoon teas. The steep outdoor staircase is a fun attraction for stair-obsessed children but grandparents and those desiring a step-free entrance may enter the building at the rear, level with the parking area. Please call ahead if mobility accommodations are needed, as this older structure may require creative approaches. The teas are served on the main floor and the house is hearing looped. There will be a special Grandparents’ Tea in early September, aptly suited to the younger crowd and hosted by the Singing Creek Educational Center. More formal teas are offered later on in the season, best suited for children ages 8 and up.

EUGENE SCIENCE CENTER

With approachable, hands-on science for littles, the Eugene Science Center is an easy pick for grandparents seeking engaging entertainment. Much will appeal to adults as well as children. The hearing looped Planetarium showcases 360-degree shows projected in the dome theater exploring dinosaurs, earth sciences and the night skies!

DELTA PONDS

Wide and hard-packed dirt paths and wooden foot bridges loop the Delta Ponds, a nature preserve that flourishes with birds and wetland wildlife. Bring binoculars and a folding stool or camp chair if you wish to bird watch a bit from the side of the path. There are several trailheads, and you can combine the excursion with lunch at Valley River Center or the Delta Oaks Center shopping area.

PLAY

Yes, PLAY has a cocktail bar (no minors there) but it brings out the inner child in all of us with its majority family-friendly spaces, games and activities. This casual venue features an arcade, batting cages, virtual golf, a dedicated kiddie play area and food trucks on the patio. Grandparents, parents and children can all find something to do here. Special events include live music, DJs, trivia and board games.

ADVENTURE! CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Mall walking is enhanced with rest time at the interactive children’s museum on the second level. This creatively and cleverly designed playspace inspires the imagination in all ages, from the theater stage to the rotating exhibits. Spend quality time together investigating the play props, making crafts and exploring the dioramas.

EUGENE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Finally, a grandparent can’t go wrong visiting one of the area’s public libraries with your grandchildren. These wheelchair accessible and hearing-looped spaces offer special programming from storytimes to crafting, or just a fun environment to read books together.

Keep tabs on the Eugene, Cascades & Coast family calendar for more things to do together. Coming up in fall will be harvest festivals, trick or treat events, autumn road trips, pumpkin patches, familyfriendly theater and outdoor recreation events! ✦

MICHAEL SHERMAN / EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST

PHOTO: MELANIE

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR FAMILY FOR AN EMERGENCY

BY REBECCA HASTINGS

Ready for Anything S

EPTEMBER IS NATIONAL

Preparedness Month. Use these practical tips to (get and) keep your family safe and ready…

Emergencies don’t wait for the perfect moment. Whether it’s a power outage, snowstorm, hurricane, or something more serious, having a plan can make a big difference in keeping your family safe and calm. National Preparedness Month is the perfect time to review your family’s safety plans and create new ones where needed. Here’s how to get started.

MAKE A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN (YES, REALLY)

It’s not just for doomsday preppers. An emergency plan outlines what to do, where to go, and how to stay connected in case something unexpected happens.

Include in your plan:

• Escape routes from your home

• Meeting places (one nearby, one further away)

• Emergency contacts, including a friend or relative out of town

• Who’s responsible for what (grabbing pets, checking on grandparents, etc.)

Don’t forget to write it down and practice it, even with older kids and teens.

BUILD A GO-BAG FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER

A well-stocked emergency kit means you’re ready to go if you need to leave quickly—or stay put without power for a while. What to Include:

• Water (one gallon per person, per day)

• Non-perishable food

• Flashlight + extra batteries

• First aid supplies

• Phone charger + power bank

• Prescription meds

• Important documents (copies of ID, insurance, etc.)

• Comfort items for kids: a favorite snack, small toy, or blanket

Make sure it’s stored in an easy-to-grab backpack or bin near your exit.

TALK ABOUT IT (WITHOUT SCARING THEM)

Conversations about emergencies don’t have to be scary. Use age-appropriate language to explain that sometimes things happen, but being prepared helps everyone stay safe. Try this…

For Young kids: “We’re going to practice what to do if there’s an emergency like a fire or a flood, so we all know how to stay safe.”

For Tweens: “If you’re home alone and the power goes out, here’s where the flashlight is and what to do next.” Or “If there is a fire, your only job is to get out of the house and get help. Don’t try to put it out or get your things.”

For Teens: “If there’s an emergency when we’re not together, here’s how we’ll reconnect.” And offer a plan for where they should go or how to get in touch. Consider meeting places, trusted people to connect with, and other important information. Keep talks simple and revisit them regularly.

SIGN UP FOR ALERTS & KNOW LOCAL RESOURCES

Many towns and school districts offer emergency text alerts. Sign up for local and national systems (like FEMA or weather apps), and know where to find reliable information.

Also helpful: Save emergency numbers in your phone so you recognize them. Also, teach kids how to call 911 and give their address.

PREPARE FOR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

If you have infants, elderly relatives, or pets, think through their specific needs. Keep extra formula, diapers, or pet food in your kit. If someone in your home relies on medical equipment, contact your utility company about priority service during outages.

QUICK GRAB LIST: WHAT EVERY PARENT SHOULD HAVE READY

• Emergency contact sheet

• Copies of important documents

• Medications and extra glasses

• Cash (ATMs might not work)

• Spare keys

• Chargers and power bank

• Food and water

• Flashlights and batteries

• First aid kit

• A calm, confident plan

4-WEEK FAMILY PREPAREDNESS PLAN

Being prepared isn’t about worrying, it’s about feeling empowered. Use this month to take one step at a time, involve your kids, and give your family the peace of mind they deserve.

Week 1. Make Your Emergency Plan

Start with the most important piece: what to do and how to stay connected.

Checklist:

• Talk as a family about why being prepared matters (keep it age-appropriate)

• Choose two meeting spots: one near your home and one out of town

• Write down emergency contacts, including an out-of-area person

• Decide who handles what in an emergency (e.g., pets, checking on relatives)

• Post your plan somewhere visible & review it with the whole family

• Practice a quick drill (fire escape, phone call plan, etc.)

Week 2: Build or Refresh Your Emergency Kit

This week is all about supplies—start with what you already have and build from there.

Checklist:

• Check what’s already in your pantry or closets

• Pick up extra water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)

• Buy or gather shelf-stable food (granola bars, canned soup, fruit cups)

• Add flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, phone charger, and power bank

• Include comfort items for kids (a toy, blanket, or snack they love)

• Make sure you have supplies for babies, pets, or elderly family members

• Store your go-bag near your main exit

Tip: Set a small budget each week, and this doesn’t have to be expensive!

Week 3: Get Documents & Alerts in Order

Now that you’ve covered plans and supplies, it’s time to make sure you can access key information quickly.

Checklist:

• Make copies of IDs, insurance cards, prescriptions, and birth certificates

• Store one copy in a waterproof pouch in your go-bag

• Take photos of documents and save them in a secure cloud folder

• Save emergency numbers in everyone’s phones (and write them down too)

• Sign up for local alerts through your town, school district, or FEMA

• Talk to your utility provider about priority service if someone has medical needs

Week 4: Practice & Personalize

With the basics in place, you’re ready to test your plan and tailor it for your family’s real life.

Checklist:

• Practice your emergency plan—do a fire drill or pretend power outage

• Review your emergency contacts and update them as needed

• Add or replace expired items in your kit (batteries, snacks, meds)

• Talk through “what if” scenarios with kids using simple, calm language

• Print and post your emergency plan in the kitchen or near the door

• Celebrate your progress as a family… you’re ready!

Bonus Tip:

Set a reminder to revisit the plan every 6 months. Pick dates like March and September so you always remember! ✦

Rescue Spotlight

Meet KRAKATOA ! He is a 2-year-old, 50-pound, mixed-breed dog who came to Greenhill as a stray. He’s nervous at first, but staff have come to find that he’s very sweet once he comes out of his shell. This gentle guy is very lovable, and he’s looking for someone to be patient with him as he learns that the world isn’t such a scary place. He’d like to find his new best friend to experience life with.

Krakatoa would like a quiet home with calmer, older kids. He’d like to meet dogs of a similar size, if you already have a dog in your home, or he’d do well as the only pup in the household. If you have cats, a slow introduction is recommended. Krakatoa is part of Greenhill’s Foster-To-Adopt program, where you can foster an animal first to see if you’re a good match before committing to an adoption. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all vaccines. Krakatoa may be the best friend for you!

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.

FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED!

The Cat Rescue & Adoption Network needs foster families to help fulfill our mission of rescuing both kittens and adult cats. Fosters are provided with all the food, bedding and litter the cat needs. We also pay all vet expenses. Your part is to give them attention and TLC – a way for you to have a pet without a lifetime commitment. If you live in the Eugene/ Springfield area and have love to spare for these kitties, please call 541-225-4955 Option 4 or visit CatRescues.org.

Pictured: GRONK , a spunky but loving adult male kitty about 5 yrs old who needs a foster home (or an adopter) without other cats or dogs. He wants to be your one and only, and loves to supervise whatever you’re doing!

EUGENE SANTA CLARA SPRINGFIELD

What Eugeneans are saying...

“A truly magical event bringing so much joy and community to downtown.”

“I love downtown and watched the parade with half a dozen friends. Everyone thought it was wonderful!!!”

“There is simply no replacement for the lit up face of my kid at a parade, not knowing what will be coming next and what surprises are in store.”

“Brought my 5 kids and dog and dressed up with fun lights and walked with the YMCA!”

“I love the BRiGHT Parade!”