parenting magazine
SUMMER 2021
Trending
Loot the Deschutes
Family Time Let’s Get Grilling!
Outdoors
Disc Golf for Everyone
SUM
REG
MER
ISTR
A
NOWTION OPE N
here comes
summer Create a summer full of memories with BPRD summer day camps.
OPERATION RECREATION & CAMP SOLSTICE
Entering Grades: 3 - 5 Variety of activities, games and more for full-day fun!
ART STATION CAMPS
Entering Grades: 1 - 9 Creative art camps with a variety of mediums.
SPORTS CAMPS
Ages: 4 - 17 Let’s play! You name the sport, we’ve got a camp!
OUTDOOR CAMPS
Entering Grades: 1 - 9 Exciting outdoor adventures centered on fun.
TECH & ROBOTICS CAMPS Entering Grades: 1 - 9 Technology-based fun and learning. For details and to register, visit bendparksandrec.org or call 541-389-7275
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SUMMER ISSUE
Publisher
Aaron Switzer
Editor
Angela Switzer
Associate Editor
Nicole Vulcan
Contributing Writers
Annette Benedetti
Nicole Blume
Caitlin Richmond
Paige Bentley-Flannery
Abby Douglas
Calendar Editor
Megan Burton
Design & Layout
Rise Graphic Design
Photography
Darris Hurst
Nicole Blume
Advertising Executives
Ashley Sarvis
BendNest Contact
Ban Tat
Editorial angela@bendnest.com
Timm Collins
Correction
Editor’s Note: Regarding the last issue of Bend Nest, in the article, “The High Desert Calls” by Nicole Blume, Al Lehto’s pronoun was inadvertently changed from “their” to “him.” We deeply regret the error and wish to apologize for our mistake.
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Let our family help your family We help families of all shapes and sizes plan for the best possible future. Come see us for a financial wellness check, and leave with a complimentary plan.
Call today to schedule a Virtual or Socially Distant meeting. 541-382-4028
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CONTENTS UPFRONT 9 11 13
EDITOR’S NOTE NEST NEWS EXPERT Q & A
SECTIONS 16 COMMUNITY 23 BOOKSHELF 24 PARENTING 32 CALENDAR 34 FAMILY TIME 38 THINGS I’VE LEARNED
16 RIVER RAIDERS TRENDING - Floating the river? Hold on to your valuables! Every year, local river divers
known as “Loot the Deschutes” retrieve hundreds of interesting items from the murky waters, while tirelessly cleaning up the environment.
26 RESCUE MISSION FEATURE - Learn more about a local chimpanzee sanctuary right here in our backyard
called Freedom for Great Apes. Volunteers and a dedicated staff ensure the safety and protection of these amazing animals.
36 BASKET CASE OUTDOORS - If you’re looking for some outdoor
fun that brings together the whole family, why not try Disc Golf? Nicole Blume explains the ins and outs of this exciting sport.
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EDITOR’S NOTE It’s Summer!
R
ecently, I traveled across the country to visit my parents - the first time I had seen them in well over a year. What a sweet sensation to hug them again and feel secure that our time away from each other was over. The pandemic has taken a toll on so many people, from missing a milestone anniversary to the birth of new baby or for some, even having to say goodbye to a loved one without proper closure. The real challenge in the upcoming months, though, is working to re-establish close ties with loved ones, rejecting any complacency that has set in. Families need each other. We all benefit from the exchange of ideas and laughs, hugs and tears. Once again, I am in awe of our writers who never seem to run out of engaging ideas. This Feature, Nicole Blume shares an inspiring story about the organization, Freedom for Great Apes, which as the name suggests, is a sanctuary for chimpanzees, located right here in Central Oregon. Leaders there have taken the initiative to do the right thing for these amazing animals. Another fascinating local group sharing their talents in our community is a trio who came together to “Loot the Deschutes.” On any given day, they are diving for lost treasures, returning items to their owners, while, simultaneously, cleaning up the trash left
behind. See Trending for more and some cool photos! Is it time for a play date yet? As you begin to reach out to other families to set up something for your child, you may have questions about the etiquette of this new era. In Parenting, Annette Benedetti offers tips for keeping things light as you navigate the rules. Speaking of getting kids together, check out our Summer Camps guide for all the current offerings in our community. Word to the wise – sign up early as camps fill quickly! Out and about at one of our local parks, you may have noticed kids tossing discs into baskets. Welcome to the world of Disc Golf! For a breakdown of the rules and how to get your family involved, read Outdoors. And, it just wouldn’t be summer without the smoky aroma of… THE GRILL. Families and friends tend to gather around this iconic summer symbol, but did you know there are health benefits to grilling? See Family Time for tips and a recipe. Wishing you a summer of connection, laughter and maximum fun!
Summer 2021 | 9
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NEST NEWS For the Thrill of it
Mt. Bachelor Morphs into Downhill Bike Park
K
ids who love to charge hard will be excited to know that Mt. Bachelor transforms from ski resort to mountain bike mecca come June 12, which is their expected opening date. With extended hours this year, from 10am until 7pm, the mountain bike park offers entry-level and intermediate riders ample areas to refine new downhill skills. In addition, more technical trails off of Pine Marten allow experienced riders to take it to the next level. Families may consider the All-Mountain Bike Park Pass, which offers unlimited lift access all season until October 3 for $139 for riders 12 and under (if purchased before June 30). As an added perk, passholders are eligible to receive two complimentary days at a few other bike park resorts, including Grand Targhee, Timberline, Schweitzer and White Fish for those wanting to take it on the road this summer.
Photo by Jon Tapper, courtesy of Mt. Bachelor
Mountain Star Turns 20!
Executive Director departs at the end of summer
T
his year MountainStar Family Relief Nursery celebrates 20 years of providing effective, relationship-based services for vulnerable young children and their families. Staff work hard to keep young children safe, strengthen families and help parents to be successful in five Central Oregon communities - Bend, Madras, Prineville, La Pine and Redmond. They have documented success at preventing child abuse and neglect. This work is especially important due to elevated family stress related to the pandemic. This year is a turning point for MountainStar in a couple of ways, as founding Executive Director, Tim Rusk, has announced that he will depart his position at the end of August, “Working at Mountain Star has been the highlight of my career,” says Rusk.
Pride of Central Oregon
Central Cascade Wilderness Permits required to protect over-loved areas
I
conic mountain peaks, serene lakes and alpine meadows are a huge draw to the Central Oregon area and provide the perfect backdrop for family backpacking trips and outings. Each summer, visitors from around the world have enjoyed free access to trails in the Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness areas. This year, however, due to the steady increase in the number of visitors and related impacts to these natural areas, the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit system was established to ensure the protection of these landscapes now and into the future. At the end of May, wilderness permits are required for all overnight use in the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters wilderness areas. In addition, day-use permits are required on 19 of the 79 trails into those same three wildernesses. Permits may now be reserved for the summer months at Recreation.gov. The permit system begins May 28 and ends September 24, 2021. For more information, consult the Deschutes National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes
“I have loved working with others throughout Central Oregon to ensure babies, toddlers and families have our support when they need it most. With an organization that now spans three counties and five communities in a strong place, I am ready to pass the baton to a new Executive Director to lead MountainStar staff, board, families and our many contributors into the future.” Under Rusk’s leadership, MountainStar jumped into fundraising in 2003 with its Heart & Sole shoe sale held at the Old Mill District featuring 2,000 pairs of donated designer women’s shoes. In 2005, MountainStar held its first Children’s Expedition Luncheon and raised over $250,000 in donations and pledges to support services to families and children. Community members are encouraged to visit MountainStar’s website for more information about the organization and services, to make a donation and to share their own stories of involvement over the past 20 years: https://mtstar.org/
Summer 2021 | 11
Open 7 days a week Dinner only on Sundays Happy Hour 2:30 - 6pm every day A Truly Thai Experience is here in Bend.
Catering Available Delivery Available on bendtakeout.com 550 NW Franklin Ave Suite 148 (Entrance on Bond St.) | 541-647-6904
WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER Mary Ann Ahmed, MD
Regan Gage, MD
James Carlson, DO
Jane Howell, MD
Cheryl Czapla, MD
ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU No matter the challenges our community faces, we’re here for you
Janelle Strom, MD
Julie Wheir, MD
Ciara Thomson-Barnett, CNM, WHNP
Emily Harris-Deutch, FNP
PROVIDING IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL VISITS TO KEEP PATIENTS SAFE AND HEALTHY.
Our mission is the same as it has been for over 40 years — to provide the best healthcare possible to the women in our community. Since the beginning, compassionate support has been the spirit that has united our providers as they’ve built trusted relationships with patients. Today, this spirit unites us all.
CARING FOR WOMEN SINCE 1980 Katie Farnsworth, CNM
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Bree Herndon, DNP, CNM, ARNP
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Christina Davis, PA-C
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Q&A
ASK A HEALTH EXPERT
Caroline Skidmore, M.S. CCC-SLP Owner of Skidmore Speech and Language Services
Q A
My child is not yet talking. How do I know if they are a “late talker” or if they need speech-language therapy? As a general guideline we expect to see children use their first word by 12 months. By two years of age, children should be starting to use simple two-word phrases and can follow a variety of simple directions. Three-year-olds should be using three-word sentences to communicate their ideas, wants, needs and can ask and answer simple questions. More specific information on early language development by age range can be found at the American Speech and Hearing Association’s Development Charts. There are a number of reasons, such as hearing problems, muscle coordination or learning/experience, as to why your child may not be developing their language skills as expected. If your child is not yet meeting communication milestones, it is best to speak with your pediatrician and seek out an evaluation by a speechlanguage pathologist.
Q A
My child’s speech is hard to understand. Does that mean that they need speech therapy?
Just like all areas of development, speech articulation is sequential and different sounds are mastered as the child grows. The most early developing sounds are /m/, /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/. Typically, the last sound that children learn to articulate correctly is /r/. By age two, parents should be able to understand about 50% of what a
child says. By age three, parents should be able to understand between 70 and 90% of what their child says. If your child is frequently not understood or is becoming frustrated or self-conscious about their speech skills, speak with a speech-language pathologist, teacher and/ or your child’s pediatrician to determine if an evaluation of speech articulation is recommended.
Q A
How does screen time impact my child’s language development?
The best way to help your child learn and use language is through direct, face-to-face interaction through play and everyday routines. Recent studies have concluded that the overuse of media screens adversely impacts language development in children and should be limited, especially in very young children. Children who are exposed to more screen time are more likely to have delayed expressive language skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ screen time guidelines advise no screen time for children two years and under, as well as limiting screen time for children from two to five years of age to one hour of educational programming a day. Although there is clear evidence that too much screen time hinders language development in children, there is also some evidence that limited screen time with parental interaction and careful selection of educational apps and programs may have some positive influence on language development. It remains
that the best way to help your child develop their language skills is to engage in fun interactions through everyday routines such as bath and meal time, and in child-directed play.
Q A
We speak both Spanish and English in our home. Will that affect my child’s speech and language development? Learning more than one language at a young age is not only a great opportunity for children, but also an important part in learning more about their own culture and heritage. Children who are exposed to two languages in the home will learn both languages simultaneously, but may experience a normal, early delay in the development of both languages. It is normal for children exposed to two languages to occasionally mix both languages early in their language development. The most ideal way for a child to learn two languages at home is for the native Spanish speaking parent to speak in Spanish with the child and the native English speaker to speak in English with the child until the child has a strong foundation in both languages. Caroline Skidmore is the owner of Skidmore Speech and Language Services, a small pediatric speech therapy practice located in Bend since 2002.
EMAIL US YOUR QUESTIONS: ANGELA@BENDNEST.COM Summer 2021 | 13
TRENDING
Local trio retrieves lost items while cleaning up the Deschutes By Nicole Blume
T
here’s nothing quite like floating the Deschutes River in the summertime. Whether traveling by kayak, canoe, paddleboard or inner tube, Bendites love to wind their way down the glorious river come late May. Floating the Deschutes is arguably the city’s primary pastime, and according to the Old Mill District website, there are “an estimated 250,000 boaters, paddlers, floaters and swimmers using the Deschutes River every year.” But sometimes a simple journey can take a turn for the worse: one jutting lava rock or a low-hanging branch can quickly capsize a floater. As safety-conscious as river runners are, the same can’t always be said for their personal effects: Sunglasses, cell phones, even car keys and credit cards, have all ended up lost in the murky depths of the Deschutes. That’s where three local friends, Kea Eubank, Miranda Eubank, and Lled Smith come in. They are river surfers and free divers (with snorkels and masks but no scuba tanks) who have made it their personal mission to help folks recover lost belongings from the river. Together, they run an Instagram page called “LoottheDeschutes,” whose tagline is, “The unofficial lost and found of the Deschutes River…” “People are always dropping stuff so we’re just like the vultures that are picking up what people drop and hopefully we can get it back to them,” the crew explains in a 4-minute documentary posted to Vimeo called River Looters, which is linked to their IG page. “It’s nice when we get people back their stuff, that’s a big part of our fun.”
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Miranda Eubank, who is originally from Bend, met her husband, Kea Eubank, in Maui. When Maui got too crowded for them, the two surf lovers moved to Bend about 10 years ago, where they met Smith while surfing the Deschutes River wave in 2016. About three years later, they began noticing many valuable items tumbling into the water. That’s when the idea to start diving for river loot was born. Sometimes they were able to return items on the spot, but soon they began collecting a verifiable treasure trove of unclaimed items. Pulling loot out of the river turned out to be easier than finding the owners.
“People are always like, you know, why don’t you keep it or pawn it? Just that feeling you get when you give something like that back is worth so much more.” “In the beginning, we tried to use Craigslist to return items, but that was a daunting task,” Miranda explains in an interview on behalf of the crew, “Then around April 20, 2019, Lled took his Instagram skills and spun up ‘Loot The Deschutes’ and made the first post – a wetsuit hoodie left at the wave. (This hoodie was returned a year later!) We now have 858 posts about lost items.”
TRENDING A leisurely scroll through their mesmeric IG account reveals lost valuables collectively worth thousands, from designer brand shades and wrist watches to diamond-encrusted earrings and solid gold wedding rings. It’s surprising how many expensive electronics manage to be salvaged and restored to working order, thanks in part to well-sealed dry bags that miraculously survive the rapids. The trio are like reverse pirates, however, for instead of keeping their loot, they actively work to track down owners through emergency contact lists, jewelry engravings and social media shared posts. The clarion call on their IG page invites people to share details of when and where they lost their belongings. The team then dons their wetsuits and dives into the river like local superheroes. “This has definitely turned into quite the task!” Miranda says. “Lots of people are now contacting us to go look for their items. We find about 50% of the things requested, depending on where they are lost. Certain spots are really hard to find things! There’s some sandy or grassy spots we call the Bermuda Triangle because we have a 0% find rate in those areas.” It’s not just local citizens who have been reunited with their treasures, though. Out-of-town recipients send beaming selfies and letters of appreciation to the team thanking them for their work. These efforts are helping instill a reputation of community spirit in Bend. “People are always like, you know, why don’t you keep it or pawn it? Just that feeling you get when you give something like that back is worth so much more. It’s really fun to meet all the people that we return the stuff to,” the film explains. Beyond price tags, other items brim with sentimental value. In River Looters, they share a story about finding a missing ring whose owner tears up on camera, sharing, “Yeah that’s it! It was one of the first rings I made. I gave it to this guy who was like a father to me and he passed away like a month ago...so when I lost it, I was really sad.” In addition to treasure hunting, the three friends are committed to cleaning up all the trash that finds its
way into Bend’s beloved waterway. Crumpled cans, water bottles, broken glass, old bricks and rusty metal tools left over from the Old Mill’s production heyday have all been retrieved like a watery time capsule, alongside other more bizarre finds like bicycle seats, license plates, headless Barbie dolls and even an old handgun. Bend is fortunate to have the cleanup crew volunteering their time to keep the river clean, as these items can pose a safety hazard, particularly to children.
“Lots of people are now contacting us to go look for their items. We find about 50% of the things requested, depending on where they are lost.” The group has also inspired local children to get involved. “What’s also pretty cool, there are now people helping us out, mainly kids,” Miranda says. “If they find a wedding ring or something of value they will send a pic of it and we can try and find the owner. Or we will do the reverse. Someone will contact us that they lost a ring and we will notify the other folks that are looking for things in the river.” So, the next time you float down the river, you might see the Eubanks and Smith hard at work looting the Deschutes. Be sure to thank them for their time and ask them if they’ve found any good treasures lately! For more information, check out the LoottheDeschutes IG page at instagram.com/lootthedeschutes/
Summer 2021 | 15
COMMUNITY
United Way of Central Oregon secures funding for families in need By Caitlin Richmond
W
e’ve all heard about how COVID has upended the lives of people all over the country, whether it be through job loss, financial difficulties or many other negative consequences. But what is easy to forget or overlook is that even before COVID, thousands of families in Central Oregon were already struggling. “In Central Oregon, in 2018—before the pandemic—37,500 of our households were living on the edge,” says Diana Fischetti, Director of Development and Marketing for United Way of Central Oregon. “27,000 were ALICE households—households that earn incomes above the federal poverty level but less than what it takes to survive in their communities.” This information comes from a financial hardship study that United Way of Central Oregon commissions every two years. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained Employed, which would describe someone who is employed with an income above the federal poverty level but is living paycheck to paycheck with no savings, or has to decide between things like having childcare or paying rent, according to unitedforalice.org. United Way Central Oregon has realized that typically when people fall into a vulnerable category, it requires a multifaceted approach to help them. For example, just because someone has the resiliency to figure out how to make ends meet every month doesn’t mean they are financially stable or are really thriving in their community. So, the mission of UWCO is to “fight for the health,
16 | BendNest.com
education, financial stability and resiliency of every person in our Central Oregon community,” Fischetti says. To make this possible, UWCO takes a three-step approach. The first step is a needs assessment, like the financial hardship study. From there they work on finding funding through grants and other opportunities. The final step is to take collective action, which oftentimes means distributing money to other organizations in the area that are already well established. This has been the process for the almost 70 years that UWCO has been a part of the Central Oregon community. During that
COMMUNITY
“It’s raising awareness of the effects of trauma, reducing its impact in the community and building resilience in individuals, families, and our community.” -Diana Fischetti, United Way of Central Oregon
time, they have been pivoting and shifting to help the needs of the community as those needs change as well. “Our United Way knows how to rapidly mobilize funding and redirect it immediately to be in the hands of those who need it most, and how to allocate resources so that they can make the greatest impact on those who need the most help,” Fischetti explains. Although the name of the organization used to focus more on Deschutes County, it was in name only as UWCO has always helped residents of Crook and Jefferson counties, as well as members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
“The mission of UWCO is to fight for the health, education, financial stability and resiliency of every person in our Central Oregon community.” -Diana Fischetti, United Way of Central Oregon
One specific program that UWCO has been focusing on recently is TRACEs—Trauma, Resilience and Adverse Childhood Experiences. This movement is a collective partnership between over 150 private, public and nonprofit partners in the Central Oregon area. “Since it started, TRACEs has touched over 8,200 lives in an effort to tackle the root cause of challenges faced by many in our community,” Fischetti says. “It’s raising awareness of the effects of trauma, reducing its impact in the community, and building
resilience in individuals, families, and our community.” Trauma that happens during childhood can have long-lasting impacts throughout an individual’s life, especially if never truly addressed. Chronic exposure to trauma affects how a child’s brain develops, which is why it can literally change an individual’s life for the worse. United Way of Central Oregon and TRACEs take a two-pronged approach to addressing these traumas. One approach is immediate - giving people assistance to address the needs they are currently facing. This is where the flexibility and timeliness of the organization can have a huge impact, especially in the short term. One way they do this is by giving funding to other organizations in the area, such as Bethlehem Inn, Family Access Network and KIDS Center. These organizations are already working with people who need support, so the funding can be used right away. The other approach they take is more long term, but just as impactful. By looking into why childhood trauma occurs, TRACEs and UWCO can address the long-term cause and effect so that hopefully the trauma can stop because people are getting the assistance they need. “Not everyone is dealt the same hand in life,” Fischetti says. “Often, circumstances are a vigorous and robust pipeline to failure. United Way Central Oregon is working upstream to address the root cause of issues that are immediate today, so that they don’t exist tomorrow.” There are many ways community members can get involved with UWCO, whether it’s on an individual level, or as a company/employer. Giving a financial gift is the best way to ensure someone in Central Oregon gets the assistance they need. For more information, email info@unitedwaycentraloregon.org Summer 2021 | 17
Abstract in Motion Camp
Drop off the kids for parkour, games and nerf battles at the new facility (check out the new spring floor)! Camp begins at 9am and ends at 2pm Monday-Thursday. Session dates are: June 28-July 1, July 12-15, July 26-29, August 2-5 & August 16-19. To sign up, email: Info@abstract-in-motion.com
Art Camp Bend (formerly ARTdog)
Each week of camp is a uniquely magical experience where creativity buzzes throughout the studio. Days flow between open create, guided workshops, outdoor exploration and creative games. Camps are designed for ages 5-11 with various themes, including Wild Artists, Building Wonder Lands, Magical Creations, Explorers of the World and Tiny Wild Things. Check their website for listings and schedules: artcampbend.com
Athletic Club of Bend Offers a wide variety of summer day camps with activities for kids of all ages. Check their website for listings and schedules: athleticclubofbend.com
Avid4 Adventure
Nothing compares to that soaring confidence you get when you overcome your fears and try something new as a kid. Avid4 Adventure summer day camps take
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K-7th graders from beginner to expert to some of the best outdoor recreation areas in Bend, Oregon. They also offer overnight camp programs leaving from Portland for 5th-9th graders. Find out more and register online: avid4.com/oregon-bend-camps
BEAT Children’s Theatre
Come spend some of your summer exploring the world of theatre! Camps include a plethora of themes including Junior BEAT, Aliens & Astronauts, Sasquatch, Doing-it-all-Storytelling, Move It and Groove It! Theater Games, Hip Hop Shakespeare and the Wonderful World of Costumes. Camps are intended for children ages 7-16. Check the website for specific dates and times and appropriate ages. beatchildrenstheatre.org
Bend Endurance Academy
Do your kids love the outdoors and want to go hard? BEA offers cycling and climbing camps for different ages and abilities and multi-sport camps too. There’s a wide array of cycling offerings including one for Little Ones, a Girls Only camp and there’s even something for Mom this year! Their climbing camps are a great way for kids to experience something a little outside the box. Check out their schedule and register online at bendenduranceacademy.org
Bend FC Timbers Soccer Camp
Offers two sessions for boys and girls ages 5-12. Camp takes place at Bend FC Timbers Soccer Complex and includes a camp T-shirt. July 19-22 and July 26-29. Times: Full Day: 9am-3pm (lunch 12-1pm). Half Day: 9am-12pm. bendfctimbers.com
Bend Hoops
Bend Hoops offers basketball camps for boys and girls in the 2nd-8th grades. Check their website for all offerings and to register: bendhoops.com/camps/
Bend Park and Rec
Is the leading provider of summer camps for all ages in the community. Check out their PlayBook or visit them online for all the listings and to register. Bendparksandrec.org
Bend Rock Gym
Learn how to climb this summer! Bend Rock Gym offers weekly sessions (MondayThursday) for kids ages 4-17 grouped by age and starting June 21 through August 23. Camp includes daily climbing instruction and all equipment. Camp hours are 9am-3pm. bendrockgym.com/summer-camps/
Bend Science Station
If your kids haven’t experienced the thrill of learning that comes through the Bend Science Station, look no further! With themes like Extreme Explosions, Hogwarts Summer Academy, Mighty Mineralogy and Drone Design their Elementary Camps (grades 1-2), Junior Scientist Camps (grades 3-5) and Youth Scientist Camps (grades 5 and up) are sure to delight all budding scientists in the family. Hours are 9:30am – 3:30pm. Find out the schedule at: bendsciencestation.org/classes/ summer-camps
Big Lake Youth Camp Big Lake Youth Camp offers a wide variety of exciting camps for different ages (7-17) and interests. All camps for 2021 will be run Sunday through Friday. Bus transportation to/from camp will not be available for the 2021 summer. Best to check out their website for the current information! biglake.org/summer-schedule
Camp Courage
Camp Courage is an art day camp for children experiencing loss and grief. Campers engage in activities to express their feelings in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Contact Partners in Care for more information: 541-382-5882
Camp Invention
Camp Invention is currently offering a virtual camp, but they are hoping to provide an in-person opportunity in Bend as well. If a physical location can be secured they will provide details of an in-person camp. Please check the website for updates: invent.org/programs/camp-invention
Camp Tamarack
Experience a traditional overnight camp here in Central Oregon. With a 1-to-4 staff-tocamper ratio, they offer campers ages 8-14 a wide variety of classes. Due to a limited number of campers this year, many sessions are already full. To join a waitlist: camptamarack.com/ summer-camp
Camp Fire
Camp Fire offers two popular summer camp options: Summer Kids: Located at Ponderosa Elementary this year, thisa camp is designed for working families. Weekly camps (June 21-August 20) give kids a place to feel creative, secure and empowered. With great indoor and outdoor spaces, SummerKids
offers theme-based camps. Leadership opportunities are available for 7th-9th graders and Junior Counselor opportunities for 9th12th graders. Tumalo Day Camp is a rich group outdoor learning experience that lets kids share joy and responsibility while making new, lasting friendships. Campers discover, explore and build individual skills as they try new things. Location is Tumalo State Park with two sessions: June 28-July 2 & August 23-27. campfireco.org
Cascade Indoor Sports
Don’t spend another summer locked down at home. Run, play, laugh, create wonderful memories and meet new friends at Cascade Indoor Sports! All Sports Camps are for kids ages 7-11 years. Several sessions are available throughout the summer. Choose from all-week or daily participation. Full-day Or half-day options available too. June 21September 2. Cascadeindoorsports. com/kids/sports-camp
Cascade School of Music
Summer classes at Cascade School of Music are full of musical fun! Whether your child is interested in drums or strings, or wants to sing, these summer camps provide an excellent introduction to the world of music or practice for those wanting to keep their skill fresh. Please consult their website for a complete schedule: cascadeschoolof music.org Summer 2021 | 19
Cascades Academy
Camp CREATE 2021 is set to run seven weeks of full and halfday camps from July 13-August 27 for students entering kindergarten through fifth grade. Camps are full, but a waitlist is available. Find out more: Cascadesacademy.org
Cascadian Stables
Cascadian Stables offers experiences at the ranch’s scenic horse camp outside Madras for grades 4-12. They provide two nights at Cascadian Stables’ horse-campground with days full of horses and desert wilderness and nights under the stars surrounded by the herd. The programs are limited to just 6-8 campers. Camp dates are TBD. Check the website for updates: cascadianstables.com/horse-school
The Circuit
The Circuit is proud to offer summer bouldering camps! Sign up your kids to climb in a fun, social environment led by instructors, where they will problem solve and build confidence on and off the wall. Summer camps are for ages 5-12. Scholarships are available for low-income families, please email youth@thecircuitgym.com for more info on applying. Register at thecircuitgym.com
Dana’s Discovery Kids
Dana’s Discovery Kids offers summer camps for kids ages 3-7 from July 5-29. Hours are 8am-11:55am. Bring a friend! Drop-ins welcome. Learn more: discoverykidspreschool.com/ summer-camps
Diane’s Riding Place
These five-day riding camps take place Monday through Friday from 9am to 12pm with some weeks extending to 2pm. Camp dates are every week from June 14September 3. Sign up early as camps fill fast! For more information: Bendhorseride.com
20 | BendNest.com
The Environmental Center
Forest Explorer camps are for kids in grades K-5 and happen Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm. Check out their website for session dates and to register online: envirocenter.org/programs/youtheducation/upcoming-programs/
Free Spirit Bend
Nano Ninja Summer Camp (ages 4-6): Kids will have fun climbing, doing gymnastics, and making new buddies! Experienced staff will lead games and set up daily Nano-Ninja challenges. Kids will improve their coordination, climbing, jumping and agility skills: 9am-12pm or 12:30pm-3:30pm, MondayFriday: $155 Kids Ninja Warrior Summer Camp (ages 6-12) Kids will have fun both inside the gym and outside on the beautiful grounds of the Old Mill. Kids will increase their coordination, strength, speed, agility and climbing skills as experienced coaches guide them through exciting timed races: 9am-3:30pm, Monday-Friday, $285 freespiritbend.com/camps
High Cascade Snowboard Camp
High Cascade Snowboard Camp has a 28-acre campus 20 minutes from Government Camp and offers all-inclusive summer snowboard camps for kids at Mt. Hood. Find out more and check out the summer schedule: highcascade.com
High Desert Museum
High Desert Museum offers multiple camps for children throughout the summers for those in grades K – 5. Consult the website for a full listing. Register early as these camps fill quickly! Highdesertmuseum.org/kids-camp/
Camp Furry Friends Humane Society of Central Oregon Youth Summer Camp: Camp Furry Friends. Camp Furry Friends is a fun-filled opportunity
for kids ages 9-12 years old to learn about pet care/training, create animal crafts and participate in a variety of activities. The purr-fect summer camp for kids who love animals! Dates are: July 19-23, July 26-30 & August 2-6. Email: rebecca@hsco.org. Registration information is also on the HSCO website: hsco.org/camp-furry-friends-2021
Jordan Kent MultiSport Camps
Jordan Kent Multi-Sport Camps provide beginning to intermediate fundamental training in football, soccer or basketball. Campers participate in skill training, agility training, games and nutrition education. Half-day or full day options include a t-shirt and post camp goodie. Four weekly sessions in Bend: June 25-July 1, July 12-15, July 26-29 & August 9-12 at Pacific Crest fields. Hours are 9am-3pm. Register at: jordankentcamps.com/ bend-summer-camps/
The Kindred Creative Kitchen Flaky Pastries? Healthy dinners? Street Foods from Around the World? Check out these very interesting summer cooking camps for youth ages 7-17. Classes run four days a week from 11am-2pm. Learn more: thekindredcreativekitchen.com
Mt. Bachelor
Head to Mt. Bachelor for summer fun! They have both a two-day and five-day bike camp as well as a new multi-sport adventure camp. More information available at mtbachelor.com/plan-your-trip/ summer-activities/kids-camps
OMSI Summer Camps
From computer science to forensic science, animation to astronomy, OMSI offers a variety of day camps and classes to spark your child’s curiosity! Although
they are not hosting any overnight camps this year, why not make a special trip to Portland for a variety of day camps at the museum? Find out more: Omsi.edu
Oregon Olympic Athletics
Oregon Olympic Athletics is offering three summer camps this year, Monday-Thursday for ages 5-11. Choose mornings or afternoons or full days. Dates are: July 12-15, July 26-29 & August 16-19. Camp activities include: gymnastics, hip hop, cheerleading, martial arts, ball sports, arts & crafts, science and more! Ooagymnastics.com/camps
OSU-Cascades Summer Academy
OSU Cascades Summer Academy is a 5-day, in-person summer program for incoming high school sophomores, juniors and seniors located on the campus. Participants choose from a Business Beavs in Action and an Art+Media+Tech option and take part in writing workshops and afternoon outdoor recreation. Students who complete the program earn a $500 scholarship to OSU-Cascades. Dates are August 9-13 & August 23-27. For more information: osucascades.edu/summer-academy
Out of the Box Arts Camp
Calling all weekend warriors! OTB will be hosting various themed weekend day camps for ages 5-17, focusing on infusing nature into fine arts. Themes include a gift for Father’s Day, enchanted forest, Squatch watch, and even make your own mineral paint! All classes will include an OTB artisan made paint color to take home and a professional portrait of your little Picasso! For more information find us at otbarts.com
Outward Bound Summer Camps
Outward Bound Summer Camps are for kids starting at age 12. If your child loves the outdoors and wants to learn important survival skills, these camps are the way to go. Outwardbound.org
RAD Camps
RAD Camps offers a unique approach to summer with fun excursions to places like Smith Rock, Newberry Caldera and Devils Lake. If your child loves to explore and be outdoors, this is the one! Camps are geared for kids ages 7-12 and 13-17, Camps run from June 21 to September 2, meeting at 8am and returning at 4 or 5pm depending on the camp. radcamps.com
Redmond Area Parks and Recreation District
Redmond Area Parks and Recreation District offers a multitude of programs and camps for all ages. Consult their website for a full schedule of offerings: raprd.org
Rhinestone Ranch
If you have a horse-loving kid, try these weekly riding camps from June 7-September 3. Children ages 5-18 are welcome. All sessions run from 9am-1pm, Monday-Thursday and 9-12 on Friday. Check the website for exact dates and important information: rhinestoneranchbend.com
Samara Learning Center
Avoid the summer slide! Samara offers several fun camps including Achievement Camp, Hang-Out Days, Math Clinic and more. Check the website for more information and a full schedule: samaralearningcenter.org Summer 2021 | 21
Smith Rock Climbing Camp / Chockstone Climbing Guides
Love to climb? Chockstone offers several overnight climbing camps at Smith Rock for experienced tween and teen climbers. Dates and levels are as follows: 5-Day Camp: June 14-18, July 13-17, Aug 2-6 (for ages 12-15, Intermediate), 7-Day Camp: August 6-12 (for ages 12-17, Intermediate-Advanced), 11-Day Camp: June 23-July 3, July 21-31 (for ages: 12-17, IntermediateAdvanced) and Trad Climbing Camp: Aug 8-18 (for ages 15-19, Advanced) For more details, go online: goclimbing.com or call: 541-318-7170
Tumalo Creek Kayak
Kids Paddlesports Adventure Camp includes stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, whitewater rafting and kayak sailing for kids ages 8-15. Your child will learn about cooperation and team building in an active and engaged environment. Dates this summer are: June 14-17, June 21-24, July 5-8, July 12-15, July 19-22, August 2-5, August 9-12 & August 16-19. Kids Whitewater Kayaking Camp is an all levels camp for ages 10-15. Dates are: June 28-July 1, July 26-29, August 23-26. For more information: tumalocreek.com/tumalo-kids
Tula Movement Arts
Tula Movement Arts offers an array of summer camps for various ages including Moving Joyfully Camp (ages 3-6), Circus Ninja Camp (ages 5-8), Mindful Monkeys Camp (ages 3-6), Youth Aerial Dance Camp (ages 8+), Pre-Teen/ Teen Aerial Dance Camp (ages 10+), Youth Acro Fusion Camp (ages 8+). Find out the schedule and all the details at: tulamovementarts.com/camps
22 | BendNest.com
Upstream Explorers
These four-day adventure-filled camps will have participants exploring different sites throughout our watershed. Participants will hike and explore some of the most beautiful areas along streams while engaging in hands-on scientific field studies. These camps focus on nature and science with a good mix of art, fun and games. All camps are from 8:30-3:30pm, Monday-Thursday upperdeschuteswatershedcouncil.org/ join-us/summer-camp/
Waldorf School of Bend
Waldorf camps are full of fun for Early Childhood (ages 3-6) and Elementary Grades (ages 6-12) and include: Outdoor Adventures, Yoga & Mindfulness, Wilderness Survival, Music & Movement, Biodynamic Farming, Weird Science, Science Exploration, Gymnastics & Tumbling and Speech & Debate. Morning care 8:30am-12:30pm, themed afternoons: 12:30-4pm. For more information, contact info@Bendwaldorf.com
Wildheart Nature School Summer Camps
Nothing gets our nature spirit moving like the summer season! Camps are divided into groups by age with something for all kids between 3-12 years old. Sessions occur weekly from June 21 through August 20. wildheartnatureschool.com/ summer-camps/
Youth Camps at COCC
For 2021, all youth camps will be held virtually for kids ages 10-14. From creating an app to video game design to CPR classes, there are over 50 course options available! Some scholarships are offered. Find out more and register online: cocc.edu/departments/continuinged/ youth-programs.aspx
Recommended by Paige Bentley-Flannery Community Librarian at Deschutes Public Library
Twins by Varian Johnson illustrated by Shannon Wright
T
wins Maureen and Francine Carter are best friends. They do everything together! They have the same friends and work on all of their school projects together. Right before 6th grade, things quickly change. Francine decides she wants to be called Fran, wear fashionable clothes and join the chorus. While she’s excited to try new things, Maureen isn’t quite sure where she fits in. As she tries to navigate the lunchroom and make new friends, she finds out her parents signed her up for cadet corps! Something needs to change. She decides to run for student council president and her self-confidence grows. But when she finds out Fran is running too, will the election change everything? A favorite new graphic novel for middle schoolers, Wright’s illustrations are filled with emotion and expressive details. Readers will appreciate the full-page illustrations in between each chapter illustrating the relatable story.
Donut Feed the Squirrels
Drop by your local library and sign up for the summer reading program. There’s something for all ages!
by Mika Song
D
onuts or pancakes? When best friends Norma and Belly discover donuts for the first time, the adventure begins! They really, really want donuts. “Donuts for everyone!” The donut food truck goes ding, woosh, spritz! But how will they get these donuts? Smelling donuts everywhere, Norma and Belly come up with a plan. Written in short chapters, this is a delightful graphic novel filled with playfulness and friendship. The illustrations are cheerful and filled with action every squirrel will love. Learn how to draw Norma and Belly at mikasongdraws.com For more of Mika Song’s graphic novels sign up for a weekly selection of comics for kids with sundayhaha.com/
For more graphic novels and children’s book recommendations, email paigeb@deschuteslibary.org
Out of the Box Arts
Fine arts workshops, Music Classes , Paint Parties, Creative Camps, Mural Work and more! All ages and skill levels
CAMP ROCKSTAR
at The Circuit Gym JUNE-AUGUST $375 per wk
M-F 9a-2p
Camps are for ages 5-12. Masks + social distancing required. Sign up at thecircuitgym.com
A portion of all proceeds helps us provide sponsorships and art therapy to families in need of assistance.
Experience the OTB difference. We teach beyond the book and bring the magic of art techniques, creative exploration, songwriting, improvisation, and personal growth. Students will be encouraged to expand their creativity while growing their self confidence, patience, perseverance, and abilities. We at OTB believe true creativity deserves mentorship! So students benefit from one on one time with their instructor and quarterly free to student events and workshops. So join the OTB family today!
www.otbarts.com 541-907-1660 Summer 2021 | 23
PARENTING
Navigating COVID & kids in these uncertain times By Annette Benedetti
I
n 2020, your kids spent months isolated away from their friends with only siblings and parents around for entertainment. If your family had a learning or friend “pod,” perhaps they knew one or two peers who were allowed to socialize with them on occasion. Either way, interactions with those outside the immediate family have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Most families are on the brink of returning to some sense of normalcy with schools open again, however, a recent increase in COVID case numbers has left parents with questions about how to navigate their kids’ social lives. If you aren’t sure about how to handle invites or what the proper etiquette is for playdates these days, consider the following:
24 | BendNest.com
Get Clear About What You Are & Are Not Comfortable With
Before you approach another parent about setting up a playdate, get a solid idea of what you are and are not comfortable with when inviting children and/or their families over to play. Then set clear guidelines and boundaries for your own family. Parents have varying views, approaches and comfort levels when it comes to how they are navigating their family’s safety and socialization with COVID infection rates on the rise. Do not wait for the moment you are inviting a child to meet for a playdate to make big decisions about what you expect from play partners and their parents. Remember, you are inviting friends over to socialize and have fun, not for a debate.
PARENTING
Take it Outdoors
With the warm weather, consider taking the kids to a park or other open area where they can run and breathe the fresh air. The CDC and health officials recommend keeping playdates outdoors. This can alleviate any concerns about poorly ventilated areas.
Have a Pre-Playdate Chat About Health Risks & Protective Measures The following are some routine questions to ask, depending on your personal approach to COVID safety. They will help you determine with whom you wish to plan playdates and what those playdates will look like: • Have any members of your family been in contact with someone who had COVID symptoms? If so, how long ago? • Have your children displayed any of the COVID symptoms in the last couple of days? • Does your child have, or have they recently run a fever? • Are there any members of your own family that are high risk or vulnerable? • Does your child feel comfortable wearing a mask? • Have you been vaccinated? The answers to these questions will help you assess your comfort level with the potential playdate partner. If their answers align with your family’s boundaries and expectations, you can move forward with planning a playdate. If they don’t, simply tell them that
you are more comfortable waiting a bit longer before engaging in an in-person hangout. Consider offering a virtual playtime for your kiddos instead. Face Time and Zoom continue to be essential tools for helping kids connect even if it’s just for a short “hello!”
General Playdate Etiquette
Sometimes it is hard to remember that playdates should be about the kids. Parents of the playdate parties involved are not necessarily besties. If you find that there are differing views on COVID and vaccinations between the two parties, try to keep the conversation minimal and stick with the basics. There’s no need for opinionated discussions here. As COVID regulations loosen, your child’s social circle will too. What’s important is that everyone involved is respected and feels comfortable with the arrangement. If you agree to a playdate with a child whose family has different boundaries than yours, make sure to honor those boundaries. If they always require masks to be worn, honor that for your child’s sake and for theirs. Remember, eventually, COVID restrictions will be gone. You don’t want to be the cause of your child’s fractured friendship circle!
Safety First
Keep up with the CDC’s COVID safety guidelines at cdc.gov. Simple routines like hand washing, outdoor play and monitoring for symptoms go a long way towards keeping everyone healthy and connected.
Note: At the time this article was researched and written, all of the information included was up to date with the CDC’s COVID safety recommendations. Please check the CDC’s website for updates and changes that may have taken place since publication. Summer 2021 | 25
FEATURE
Freedom for Great Apes provides sanctuary for chimpanzees in need By Nicole Blume
P
Photos courtesy of FGA
26 | BendNest.com
Chimpanzee residents enjoy fresh vegetables and free exploration in their outdoor play spaces
arents everywhere are familiar with this chaotic scene: Emma is playing with a favorite toy, when Jackson decides he wants to play with it too. He bops her on the head with a stick, distracting her just long enough to snatch the coveted item, and she shrieks in rage. But when his back is turned, she skillfully steals it back and runs away gleefully, delighted with her ingenuity. Emma and Jackson are not human children— they are chimpanzees who live in Central Oregon. (Quick facts: chimpanzees are apes, not monkeys. There are only four species of great apes: chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos.) They, along with four other companions, live at a non-profit wildlife sanctuary called Freedom for Great Apes. Located in a quiet, peaceful setting in rural Tumalo, the facility was originally established in 1995 for the lifetime care and well-being of chimpanzees rescued from the pet trade and entertainment industry. The sanctuary was taken over in 2019 by FGA, a committed group of professionals with expertise in primatology, safety and veterinary care whose mission is to further the welfare of all captive great apes through education and outreach. Sadly, many chimps have been exploited for profit and then discarded, creating a need for rescue organizations like FGA. “We took on the care and operations of the sanctuary along with the original commitment to provide the chimpanzees with a lifetime of
FEATURE
Photos courtesy of FGA
exceptional care,” says Executive Director Paula Grendel. “In an ideal world, my job would not exist because there wouldn’t be a need to rescue chimpanzees from the pet or entertainment industry. Unfortunately, FGA and a handful of other chimpanzee sanctuaries across the country still receive calls about ‘pet’ chimpanzees who need a safe sanctuary home because they have become too strong to live inside a house or be a pet after they have matured… Chimpanzees do not make good pets and should not be in entertainment.” Fortunately, FGA has stepped in to help these majestic animals. Spanning three outdoor enclosures full of rope swings and climbing structures, and over 3,300 square feet of climate-controlled indoor housing, their unique facility makes the perfect chimpanzee habitat. A series of elevated, accessible aerial tunnels with beautiful mountain views connect the outdoor and indoor units. “The sanctuary was designed specifically for the individual and social welfare of the chimpanzees,” says Grendel. “Chimpanzees in the wild live in communities of 15 to 150 individuals, although they travel and forage in smaller subgroups. Our facility design, with multiple enclosures of different sizes, allows the chimpanzees to make choices about who and where they want to spend their time.” Within the largest outdoor enclosure, aptly named the Big Outdoor, the
chimpanzees can scale a 30-foot, tri-level tower built of fire house cargo nets and telephone poles, hide out in cool underground tunnels or colorful cement structures during blistering hot summer days, or hoot in excitement as they explore a simulated termite mound loaded with their favorite treats like peanut butter and ketchup.
“The sanctuary was designed specifically for the individual and social welfare of the chimpanzees.”
If they tire of the outdoors, the chimps can scamper inside a two-story building with vaulted ceilings, skylights, heated floors and plenty more fire hoses and elevated platforms. Much like human children, building nests and blanket forts is a popular recreational activity that can keep the chimpanzees occupied for hours. “In the wild, chimpanzees live both in trees and on the ground,” explains Grendel. “At our sanctuary, the chimpanzees can make the choice on whether they want to spend time up high in the aerial tunnels, on elevated platforms, or build a nest in a shaded culvert. Also, because we live in Central Oregon, and the winters can get chilly, having large indoor habitats for the
chimpanzees to run and play is just as important as having spacious outdoor habitats.” As omnivores, their diet in the wild is made up primarily of fruits, seeds, nuts, leaves, flowers and insects, according to the Jane Goodall Institute website. At the sanctuary, they receive three square meals a day of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and “primate biscuits” fortified with extra vitamins, minerals and protein. Much like a growing teenager and their friends who quickly clean out a refrigerator, feeding six hungry mouths isn’t easy. According to the John Ball Zoo, the average chimp consumes about 1,370 pounds of food every year (about ⅔ the amount of the average American). Fortunately, local providers generously donate weekly crates of fresh produce to the sanctuary. In fact, as the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Oregon, FGA subsists entirely on donations from the community and does not receive any federal or state funding. “Amazingly, it costs approximately $20,000 a year to provide quality care for one captive chimpanzee,” says Grendel. “We are so grateful for generous donations from people like you who care about the future of chimpanzees.” To stretch their grocery budget, the sanctuary has installed an organic garden and greenhouse, which allows them to grow lettuce, corn, tomatoes, cucumber Summer 2021 | 27
FEATURE
Photos courtesy of FGA
and other tasty produce that chimps love to eat. Wild edible flowers and herbs, like marigolds, pansies, basil, and mint, also adorn the garden, allowing the chimps to frolic and forage. For Grendel, “There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing six chimpanzees pant and hoot with excitement when lunch is served or hear the happy lip smacking that comes when the chimpanzees are grooming each other. In these moments, you know in your heart that you are giving them the best chimpanzee life they can have.” The sanctuary also includes a main house next to the chimpanzee facilities to house their on-site caregiver and an educational center filled with informative books. “Public outreach and education are an integral part of FGA’s mission,” says Grendel. “FGA runs an outreach program to any organized group in the community. We tailor programs for all age groups and offer presentations on a variety of chimpanzee conservation topics to school children or special groups. We provide educational tours for students to come see the sanctuary and meet the chimpanzees.” For Grendel, connecting with kids is a top priority; “The best outreach is through our own children because they are little sponges…they bring it back to their parents and to their friends who then hear it through their own eyes. I think that’s our
best education and outreach program.” Unfortunately, the pandemic has had a major impact on the sanctuary’s operations and outreach efforts, particularly by minimizing volunteer visits and in-person fundraisers. Normally, FGA runs a dedicated volunteer program with opportunities for children and families to get involved on-site, but because chimpanzees are susceptible to Covid-19, these have been postponed. However, Grendel stresses that volunteers have been able to help in other important ways, such as “making enrichment for the chimpanzees, delivering totes brimming with blankets, toys, and food, collecting cans as part of our Bottledrop fundraising program, and helping plan virtual fundraisers.” In alignment with their activist mission, FGA’s website also hosts a petition to end the exploitation of primates worldwide and to stop the sale of chimpanzees as pets. “I cannot undo the harm and trauma from their former lives as pets or entertainment chimpanzees before they arrived at the sanctuary, but I can offer them a safe home where they can recover and live their best chimpanzee life as they choose,” says Grendel. “Through this work, I can be their voice and advocate for their freedom.” To learn more about chimpanzees or to get involved with volunteering or donating to FGA, please contact Paula Grendel at paula@freedomforgreatapes.org or visit www.freedomforgreatapes.org
Chimpanzees are apes, not monkeys. There are only four species of great apes: chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos. Chimpanzees in the wild live in communities of 15 to 150 individuals, although they travel and forage in smaller subgroups. Photos courtesy of FGA
28 | BendNest.com
SWIMNS LESSO & REC SWIM
FREE FOUNDATION OR PILLOWS WITH SOUTHERLAND MATTRESS PURCHASE
let’s swim! For a great time that really makes a splash, Bend Park and Recreation is the place to be. • INDOOR & OUTDOOR POOLS • FAMILY SWIM: All ages with adult • PARENT-CHILD SWIM: Ages 6 & under with adult • SWIM LESSONS: Ages 6 months & up.
FREE DELIVERY AND SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE* *SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.
Face coverings and distancing in place as required; view details online. Schedules, fees and details at bendparksandrec.org/recswim
Now at two great locations! Juniper Swim & Fitness Center 800 NE 6th St., Bend • (541) 389-7665 Next to Olive Garden
Larkspur Community Center 1600 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend • (541) 388-1133
Since 1962
Wilson’s of Redmond Still the Oldest & Largest Furniture Store in Central Oregon! 2071 S. Hwy 97, Redmond 541-548-2066
www.WilsonsOfRedmond.net Summer 2021 | 29
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MOBILE APP Redmond / Bend
Call ahead for Take Out and Curbside pickup. Chow Now available for delivery.
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740 NE 3RD ST - BEND
abcbend.com | dance@abcbend.com | (541) 382 4055
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946 SW VETERANS WAY #103 - REDMOND
541-548-4400
Thank you for Voting us one of the Best Children’s Orthodontist again in 2020! Dr. Brian Rosenzweig and staff look forward to serving your family.
ACTUAL PATIENTS
WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE SERVED BEND FOR OVER 15 YEARS. TO SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY EVALUATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT 541-382-6822. CENTRALOREGONORTHO.COM
30 | BendNest.com
SECCALENDAR Mondays
Online: Fantasy Ballet
MOVE – Dance in your own home with a live, interactive teacher. Children are delighted to dance through all of the magical places while using their newly learned ballet steps. This fantasy-themed ballet class is designed to cultivate your child’s creativity, individuality and artistry while discovering ballet terminology and culture of discipline. Mondays, 2:40pm-3:20pm.
Academie de Ballet Classique | $89 Abcbend.com
Tuesdays
Intro to Lego Robotics
BUILD – Open to 2nd-3rd graders. Build a LEGO robot and program it to perform exciting missions. You will learn how to create robots that can perform various tasks by using motors and sensors and will build programs that allow them to overcome challenges. Through June 1, 4-6pm.
Camp Fire Central Oregon | $100 campfireco.org/robotics
Tuesdays
Mini-Ninja Classes
PLAYTIME – Designed for kids aged 2 – 3, this movementfocused class is a great way for adults and kids to bond with each other and with others! Combining yoga stretches and fun obstacle course sessions. Tuesdays 9:30-10:15am
Free Spirit Yoga + Fitness + Play | $99 per child Freespiritbend.com
Tuesdays
Online Story Time
READ – Help develop your child’s vocabulary with fun! Join community librarians for songs, rhymes and stories that prepare your young one for learning and loving to read. 10am
Online | Free deschuteslibrary.org/kids/programs
Photo courtesy of High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum offers a variety of programs for kids throughout the summer.
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Baby Ninja Classes
MOM-FRIENDLY – A chance for little ones (10 months - 24 months) to bond with an adult in their life as they move and play in this yoga and ninja warrior class. 11-11:45am
Free Spirit Yoga + Fitness + Play | $99 Freespiritbend.com
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Mommy & Me: Breastfeeding Support Group
MOM-FRIENDLY – This weekly support group invites all new moms or moms-to-be to join in. There are lactation consultants and other moms to help answer questions and get some social support. All are welcome, including partners and siblings, no matter how you are feeding your baby. Check Facebook for updates as space may be limited while COVID -19 precautions are in place. Thursdays 1-3pm at Central Oregon Locavore and Tuesdays Noon-2pm at the Redmond St. Charles Women’s Center.
Two locations | Free facebook.com/MommyandMe BreastfeedingSupportGroup StCharlesBend
Wednesdays
Wednesdays
EXPLORE – These mountain bike camps meet once a week for four consecutive weeks. The goal is to work on skills and get out for fun rides each week! All skill levels are welcome. Wednesdays at 3pm
EXPLORE – A great way to provide engaging and new activities for students in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties, as they navigate the ongoing pandemic. Reduced ticket prices on Wednesdays for students enrolled in prekindergarten through 12th grade. Wonder Wednesdays will continue throughout the 2021 school year.
Junior Shredder Four Week Camp
Seventh Mountain Resort | $175 Ladiesallride.com
Wednesdays
Teen Yoga Series
PLAY-TIME – Explore yoga, breathing, sound healing, meditation & journaling to encourage a peaceful and happy life. Through June 9, 3:30-4:30 pm.
Online | Free namaspa.com/workshops
Wednesdays
Bend Farmers Market
EXPLORE – Rain or shine, this outdoor market will be open all season long offering fresh fruits, veggies and local treats. Make this a weekly stop! 2-6pm.
Downtown Bend | Free Bendfarmersmarket.com
Wonder Wednesdays at the High Desert Museum
High Desert Museum | $5 Highdesertmusuem.org/wonderWednesdays
Thursdays
Get Out and Ride: Four Week Camp EXPLORE – The Get Out and Ride program is designed for older, more experienced riders looking to get out on the trails each week! The meeting location will change each week so that we get a variety of different rides. Through June 10, 3:30-5pm.
Seventh Mountain Resort | $75 Ladiesallride.com/girls-allride
Summer 2021 | 31
CALENDAR Fridays
Amelia’s World Puppet Show
PLAY-TIME – Join Amelia Airheart Monkey and Miss Hannah for a fun and uplifting interactive ZOOM puppet show! All ages welcome, those three and under should be accompanied by a sibling or parent/caregiver to assist with interaction. Message ACORN School of Art & Nature on Facebook to request the ZOOM link. 4-4:15pm
Online | Free Facebook.com/acornartandnature
Saturdays
Born to Dance
MOVE – Perfect for ages 2- 5, this class welcomes parents to join their kids in an engaging ballet class. Enhance your child’s imagination with this combo of dance and play! Through June 19, 9:15am-9:45am.
Academie de Ballet Classique | $47 Abcbend.com
Sundays
Happy Hip-Hop
MOVE – Get moving with hip-hop class offerings for 4-to-7-year olds! This vibrant class utilizes the latest dance moves for dancers to express their individuality to craft their own hip-hop style.Through June 17, 2:50pm-3:35pm.
Academie de Ballet Classique | $54 Abcbend.com
Sundays
Sisters Farmers Market
EXPLORE – Experience the bounty of the growing season at the Sisters Farmers Market this year. Shop for fresh produce and local goods every week. Begins June 6, 11am-2pm.
Fir Street Park | Free Sistersfarmersmarket.com
May - August
The Youth Choir of Central Oregon Auditions MUSIC – YCCO is recruiting talented, enthusiastic singers, grades 5-8 for the Debut Choir and highly motivated singers’ grades 8-12 for the Premiere Choir. The Premiere Choir is for advanced singers who strive for excellence in performance and personal growth.
Online | Free for auditions Ycco.org
Begins May 31
Raptors of the Desert Sky
EXPLORE – Be awed by the agility, beauty and power of free-flying raptors during our outdoor program. Learn all about hawks, falcons, vultures, eagles and owls as they soar close enough to raise the hairs on your head. Tickets must be purchased by 11am. Daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 11:30am.
High Desert Museum | $3-$5 Highdesertmuseum.org
Caption this... Photo courtesy of BendTech
BendTech’s coding classes are a great way for kids to pick up life-long computer skills.
June 3
Bend Elks Opening Game
PLAY – Come cheer on your Bend Elks as they take on NW Star Academy in the 2021 Home Opener! Gates open 5:35pm, First pitch 6:35pm.
Vince Genna Stadium | $7-$15 Bendelks.com
June 5
23rd Annual Fiber Market Day
EXPLORE – Sharing the love of natural fibers and all of their artistic and practical uses. Demonstrations and sales from fiber animal producers, spinners, weavers, felters, rug makers and more. There will always be raffles and shearing demonstrations at this family friendly event! Saturday, 9am-4pm
Deschutes County Fairgrounds | Free expo.deschutes.org/expo/page/ high-desert-wool-growers-fibermarket-day
June 5
Youth Cooking Class Strudel
CREATE – Strudel is one of those dishes that is simply amazing! Children aged 7-17 join in this hands-on class to make hand-stretched strudel dough from scratch and make a variety of strudels. Saturday, 5:30-9pm Photo by Sarah Kulpa
Bee part of National Pollinator Week! 32 | BendNest.com
Kindred Creative Kitchen | $50 thekindredcreativekitchen.com/ calendar
June 6
With Your Child: Summer Wind Chime
ARTS AND CRAFTS – Make some windchimes! Create flowers, butterflies or anything that reminds you of summer with texture, patterns and bright glazes. Sunday, 1-3pm.
Art Station | $55-$66 register.bendparksandrec.org
June 10 & July 15 & August 12
Teen Reading Room
CONNECT – Think coffee house vibe but make it bookish. Virtually meet and connect with teens from across the county. Discuss big ideas that were all having to face and learn about hot new titles. Thursdays, 4-5pm
Online | Free deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/ event/61727
June 20
Father’s Day Fly Fishing Lessons
LEARN – Head down to Faith Hope & Charity’s pond for fly fishing lessons on Father’s Day! Reserve your half-hour time slots with a professional fly-fishing instructor. Sunday, Noon – 4pm.
Faith, Hope, & Charity Vineyards | $10 Faithhopeandcharityevents.com
June 21 & August 2
Girls AllRide Junior Shredder One Day Camp
EXPLORE – Come join in for a day camp of fun and bonding on bikes! Meet for four hours and
CALENDAR start the day with skills and finish with a fun trail ride to apply what we learned in the morning. Ages 9-13. Monday, 10am-2pm
Varies | $150 Ladiesallride.com/girls-allride
June 23
Celebrate National Pollinator Week
LEARN – National Pollinator Week starts on June 21! Celebrate by visiting In Time’s Hum: The Art and Science of Pollination and then visit our activity table to learn more about the pollinators upon which our local ecosystems–and our food system–depend. Wednesday, 11am-1:30pm.
High Desert Museum | Free with museum admission Highdesertmuseum.org
June 23 & June 21
Sheet Metal Art
BUILD – Come learn how to use a torch to cut creative forms from sheet metal. Hammer the artwork into shape and braze on a hook for displaying it. This exciting class provides a great introduction to the world of metal art & sculpture. All materials included. Wednesdays, 2-4pm.
DIYCave | $69-$82 Register.bendparksandrec.org
June 25
With Your Child: What’s Cool About Cactus?
Photo courtesy of Ladies All Ride
Take bike riding to the next level with Ladies All Ride Junior Shredder camps!
June 28 – July 1
July 7 & 14
PLAY-TIME – Are you looking for a fun game to play, while staying safe? Come learn how to play Pickleball with Moment Athletics! This program aims to provide a safe place for kids to play, improve their skills and enjoy some friendly competition. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 7:15-8:30pm.
BUILD – For ages 11 and up. Learn to make an accessory shelf that can store keys, clothing, jewelry, dog leashes and a variety of other items. Use technical problem-solving skills and mathematics to design and craft something special. Learn various project assembly techniques and gain experience with the miter saw, table saw, band saw, drill press and various hand tools. All materials included. Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30pm.
Let’s Play Pickleball
Pine Nursery Park | $59-$70 Register.bendparksandrec.org
June 30 & July 20
Kids Welding
BUILD – In this hands-on class, kids will cut steel with a torch and weld those pieces back together. They’ll learn some amazing skills and take their creations home with them. Beginners are welcome. All materials included. Wednesday & Tuesday or Thursday, 5-7pm.
DIYCave | $69-$82 Register.bendparksandrec.org
ARTS AND CRAFTS – Enjoy a relaxing time together making a Cool Cactus Garden. Even if you don’t have a green thumb this garden will thrive and grow into a creative masterpiece, with hand painted “cactus plant” rocks. All supplies included. This class is designed for an adult/child team. Friday, 5:30-7:30pm.
July 8
Museum & Me
EXPLORE – A quieter time for children and adults who experience physical, intellectual and/or social disabilities to enjoy the High Desert Museum after hours. Thursday, 5-8pm.
High Desert Museum | Free Highdesertmusuem.org/museumand-me-july
Balloons Over Bend
PLAY-TIME – A magical display of balloons in the skies all to support the local nonprofit Saving Grace. Look for this event to return this year at a new location, come on Saturday for the Balloon Blast Kid’s Race! Friday-Sunday.
Bend Summer Festival July 10-11
Don’t miss this annual event where downtown Bend comes alive with extravagance! Peruse the many booths of regional artistic talent, enjoy craft libations and delicious bites while you take in the Central Oregon summer vibe. This year expect a bounty of local produce and fun hand-made products. Look for that one-of-a-kind gift while supporting regional artisans!
bendsummerfestival.com
Concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheatre Starting in August
If you’ve been in Bend a while, you’ve definitely experienced a show at the Les Schwab Amphitheatre and sadly missed this summer ritual last year. Fortunately for all of us, they’re back! After some slick renovations to the stage and beyond, focusing mainly on accessibility, the folks at the Old Mill District are welcoming back concert-goers starting with Rebelution on August 12, followed by Mt. Joy & Trampled by Turtles on August 13, then Dierks Bentley on August 15. Go ahead and grab tickets since we’ve all been chomping at the bit!
bendconcerts.com/events-concerts
COCC | $5-$7 Balloonsoverbend.com
June 25 & July 23
3D Printing
DIYCave | $79-$94 Register.bendparksandrec.org
DIYCave | $139 diycave.com/classes
July 23 - 25
Bend Senior Center | $49-$58 register.bendparksandrec.org
CREATE – This class will cover everything from how a 3D printer works to creating and printing custom designs. You will be directed to the proper software to add to your own computer for future self-learning too. All material included. Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm.
Kids Woodworking
Calendar Spotlight
August 8
Bend Elks Final Home Game Photo courtesy of ABC
Get moving in your own home or in the studio, with virtual and in-person dance classes from Academie De Ballet Classique.
PLAY – Come cheer on your Bend Elks as they take on the Portland Pickles! This is the last scheduled home game of the season, so don’t miss out! Gates open at 4:05pm, first pitch 5:05pm.
Vince Genna Stadium | $7-$15 Bendelks.com
Summer 2021 | 33
FAMILY TIME
r e m Sum is Here! Get Grilling for the Health of it.
W
ho doesn’t love a barbeque? Firing up the grill in the early evening, watching the kids play outside, anticipating a delicious meal that doesn’t heat up the house can only be a win-win for everyone. But, did you know there are health benefits to grilling as well? Abby Douglas, RDN, LD of Synergy Health and Wellness gives us the low-down on the benefits of taking it outdoors.
What are some of the health benefits of grilling meats and fish? Grilling allows the fat to drip off the rack and away from the meat, while frying and baking retains the saturated fat and any additional fats that may be added during the process. Grilling lean meats and fish like chicken or salmon is a great way to get hearthealthy protein that is low in saturated fat. Grilling fatty fish like salmon, steelhead trout and tuna boosts your heart-healthy fat intake from OMEGA 3s in the fish oil which aids in reducing risk of cardiovascular disease. Grilling provides mental health benefits,
34 | BendNest.com
too. Being outside in the fresh air, creating a delicious meal for loved ones can be a real mood booster!
What about vegetables and fruits?
Grilled vegetables are best when quick seared with some caramelization. This helps the nutrients remain intact, as some are sensitive to heat and degrade when cooked for a longer period of time. Most home cooks know browning, aka caramelization, equals good flavor. This maillard reaction occurs when natural sugars and amino acids are in the presence of high heat, and it tastes delicious! The added savor can help people with picky palates be more accepting of nourishing foods like fruits and vegetables. And, let’s be real: grilled fresh pineapple or peaches make a DELICIOUS side dish or dessert for any meal!
What cooking tips should people keep in mind when grilling?
Avoid overly charring food. Part of what makes grilled food taste so good is the browning and caramelization that takes place naturally. However, food that turns black forms chemical
compounds that have a correlation with increased cancer risk. Closely monitor the heat of your grill to avoid charring or overcooking food. Keep a food thermometer around so you know when your meat reaches the perfect internal temperature. This is best practice for food safety but also makes your grilled meats taste better. For gas grill owners, clean the inside of your grill on a semi-annual basis, as the debris and oil buildup can cause grease fires. For charcoal grill owners, ash and buildup should be removed after each use.
What are some healthy foods or dishes that people can cook on the grill, with an emphasis on incorporating things from the garden?
For gardeners, grilled homegrown vegetables can be used in a variety of ways. Grilling any vegetable with a light drizzle of olive or avocado oil and salt/pepper is simple and delicious. Some of my favorites grilled this way include asparagus, broccolini, zucchini and yellow squash. One side dish many don’t think of is grilled greens like romaine or swiss chard. You can do this with any type of greens for quick caramelization and added flavor. Hearty herbs like rosemary, oregano and thyme hold up to the grill very well when used in a meat/fish marinade or as seasonings to fresh vegetables.
Any other tips for grilling lean proteins or veggie options?
One tip is to leave the skin on fish filets or poultry while being grilled. It’s easy to remove afterwards and helps improve flavor. Plus, if you accidentally char the skin, it can be removed! For meatless grilled protein options, try grilling tempeh, tofu, paneer/haloumi cheese or veggie burgers with black beans or lentils. These are great options for the vegetarian or for something a little different.
Caramelized Grilled Chicken and Pineapple (Serves 4 hungry humans) INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • • •
1 cup pineapple juice ½ cup soy sauce ¼ cup ketchup 2-4 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger) Black pepper to taste 2 pounds of chicken - drumsticks, thighs or breasts work 1 fresh pineapple 2-3 green onions, sliced
DIRECTIONS:
• Whisk all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan until well combined. Cook and constantly stir on medium heat until mixture thickens. • Stir together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, ginger and pepper in a large bowl or gallon zippered bag. Reserve ½ cup of marinade for basting later. • Add the chicken to the marinade and place in the fridge for a minimum of four hours or up to 12 hours. *Tip* if possible, leave the chicken skin on. The skin can be removed if you accidentally char some of the meat. • Cut up the fresh pineapple. Remove the outer skin and core from the fresh pineapple and cut into large rings or large chunks. Set aside. • Preheat grill to medium heat (around 375-400°F). Remove the chicken and discard excess marinade. Place the chicken on hot oiled grill grates. Grill, turning and basting with the reserved marinade every 5 minutes. Grill chicken breast to an internal temperature of 165°F and chicken legs/thighs to 175-180°F. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes. • Once the chicken is about halfway cooked, add the fresh pineapple to the grill. Baste with the reserved marinade 1 or 2 times. Grill until there are caramelized grill marks, about 4-5 minutes per side. • Serve the chicken and grilled pineapple with grilled vegetables of choice (my favorite with this dish is grilled broccolini), and coconut brown rice if desired. Garnish with sliced green onion. Recipe by Abby Douglas, RDN, LD synergyhealthbend.com
Summer 2021 | 35
OUTDOORS
Disc golf is easy fun for all Central Oregon families By Nicole Blume
I
f you head over to Pine Nursery or Rockridge Park this summer, you might spot a group of friends or families cheering every time they manage to toss a small plastic disc into a big metal basket mounted on a pole. “BLACK ACE!” one might shout, if the player landed a totally crazy shot in an unintended basket. “Brick,” they might sigh instead, if their disc flopped to the ground. Welcome to the sport of disc golf, a long underground pastime that is becoming increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts in Central Oregon.
What is Disc Golf?
As the name suggests, disc golf is played very similarly to golf, on a specially designed outdoor course with nine or 18 holes. Instead of using golf balls and iron clubs, however, it requires special flying discs instead. Just don’t call them Frisbees®—which are a trademarked product by Wham-O toys—if you want to be taken seriously. To start the game, a player must “pull” their disc from a tee area while aiming at a specific target, usually an elevated metal basket. As they progress down the fairway, they make each successive throw from the spot where the previous throw landed, counting each toss as a “stroke.” When the “putt” finally lands in the target, the hole is complete, and players progress to the next round. Just like in golf, the number of strokes is tallied in relation to par, with the overall goal being a low score. The fun lies in the challenge of the terrain, as players navigate around trees, water features, and other obstacles. Whether sinking a long putt or hitting a tree, disc golf shares the excitement and frustration of its namesake!
“The two sports are pretty much the same from a rules standpoint,” explains John Bellman, treasurer of the Central Oregon Disc Golf club. “There are some subtleties there about how they determine out of bounds and hazards…but, you’re essentially playing with discs instead of golf clubs.”
Differences with Golf
A key difference between the two sports, however, is accessibility. Between purchasing a full set of clubs, renting a golf cart and often obtaining an exclusive country club membership, golf usually requires a steep financial investment. Golf’s high skill level makes the sport even more inaccessible for beginners, who usually need to hire a golf pro to get started. Disc golf, on the other hand, just requires a couple of low-cost plastic discs—a new set costs less than $20 at most outdoor retailers—and is usually free to play. “Disc golf is just exploding in popularity right now across the country, there are tons of people playing,” Bellman says. “It’s a super fun sport with really low barriers to entry. When compared to mountain biking or snowboarding...it’s just really easy to go out and play.” Importantly, the game is designed for everyone to play, no matter their age or skill level, as players can simply match the pace of their game to their specific capabilities. Many courses have also been made wheelchair accessible. Like its forefather, disc golf is played in beautiful outdoor settings, but unlike golf, the course requires far less land and maintenance and doesn’t impact the environment in terms of high water and pesticide demands.
History of Disc Golf
Legend has it that back in 1927, a Canadian fellow named
Photos by Nicole Blume
Father and son, John Bellman and Nyjah Sulesky enjoy time together playing Disc Golf at Pine Nursery Park. 36 | BendNest.com
OUTDOORS
Photo by Darris Hurst
Xander Hurst focuses on the putt at Pine Nursery Park.
Ronald Franklin Gibson got together with a close group of buddies and invented a silly game out of throwing tin lids into four-foot wide circles drawn in the sandy areas of their school yard. However, “Tin Lid Golf” eventually disappeared as the kids grew older and went their separate ways. Some 40 years later, a modern version re-emerged among young adults throughout Canada and the United States. There is some debate as to who actually came up with the idea to use plastic discs, but seeing how popular they tend to be on college campuses, it should be no surprise that students at Rice University in Texas held tournaments as early as 1964 using trees as targets. Nowadays, this popular game spans about 50 different countries, on over 8,000 international courses, and counts over 120,000 active members of the Professional Disc Golf Association. Between winning cash prizes or sponsoring their own discs, high-grossing professional players can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars every year and games are often televised on dedicated YouTube channels.
Disc Golf in Central Oregon
In Oregon, where it’s often joked that we have more trees than people, over 180 community-built and professionally certified courses have popped up in every corner of the state, with more being built every year, according to Travel Oregon. In Bend, there are two courses sponsored and maintained by the Bend Park and Recreation District: a 9-hole beginner course at Rock Ridge Park and an 18-hole more advanced course at Pine Nursery Park. Both courses enjoy mostly flat landscapes dotted by natural lava outcroppings and native vegetation, but their hole lengths and technical obstacles differ. “Rockridge Park Disc Golf Course is a great compact course to learn on,” says Jeff Amaral, the natural resources manager
at Bend Park and Recreation District. “It’s considered a ‘putt and approach’ course with shorter holes, making it ideal for kids.” Redmond is also home to two courses at Coyotes Den and Dry Canyon, while Sisters boasts one of the first year-round, PDGA-certified, permanent disc golf courses in Central Oregon, located on Sisters High School property. Several other private courses exist at various resorts throughout the area, such as Seventh Mountain and Black Butte Ranch. If you fancy a high-elevation athletic challenge, you can also take the Pine Marten summer chairlift up Mt. Bachelor to reach the top of an expansive 18-hole course, then wind your way down the mountain playing the game. “The sport seems to be growing and we are seeing increased use,” Amaral explains. “We have a trail counter at the Pine Nursery course that was installed in late 2017.” According to this data, the average daily traffic has jumped from 25 visitors a day in 2017 to 111 visitors a day in 2020. Numerous informal disc golf clubs and formal tournament leagues have risen to meet this demand, including the Central Oregon Disc Golf club, which started about two decades ago and now boasts about 200 members, who host games two to three times a week in Bend, Redmond, Sisters and Terrebonne. Says Bellman, “Come out on Tuesday nights here at Pine Nursery and we’ll get you a free disc, we’ll pair you up with somebody who can teach you and give you some pointers out there.” Bellman particularly loves playing with his seven-year-old son, Nyjah Sulesky, who says his favorite part of the game is “when I almost get a hole-in-one, or a birdie, and I really have fun with my dad.” To get involved, email the Central Oregon Disc Golf Club at centraloregondiscgolf@gmail.com or visit their Facebook Page, “Disc Golf Central Oregon.” Summer 2021 | 37
THINGS I’VE LEARNED Meet Bend City Councilor,
Megan Perkins
Photo by Miguel Edwards Photography
M
egan ran for City Council during the pandemic with three kids and a husband who works in healthcare. That level of pure ridiculousness should tell you a lot about her. Whether it is starting a nonprofit, fighting for racial justice, speaking up for the houseless or about gun safety, community is everything to Perkins. Perkins’ background is in politics, government and community activism. She has worked for a mayoral candidate in Santa Fe, community nonprofits, Senator Kerry in D.C. and on the campaign trail, and for the former Governor of Wisconsin. Megan comes from a long line of Oregonians and was born in Corvallis but grew up in Boston (so if she honks at you on the road, she can’t help it)!
What did you learn from your parents about parenting? Not to take everything so seriously! My parents were always laughing at the “ridiculousness” of parenting. The things you find yourself saying as a parent (“don’t murder your sister”), the situations you have to navigate or the hilariously bad things you have to watch (third grade talent shows) are all part of this parenting package, so enjoy it! What do you hope your children learn from you? I hope that they realize how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads, plenty of food, good safe schools and our health. It’s so important that they know that so many other kids don’t have those things and we must do everything we can to help others. What superhero power do you wish you had as a parent? The ability to stop time! Things are moving so fast with the kids—they are changing every day—and with my busy 38 | BendNest.com
schedule, I feel like there isn’t any time to just stop and absorb it all.
multitasking and a lot of guilt. But I make sure they know why it’s important.
How are kids today different than when you were a kid? Electronics would be the main difference I see. I worry that they are so used to constant entertainment that they can’t even just look out the window and sit in silence. And maybe it’s just me getting old, but their music is horrible.
What do you think the next generation has in store for us? I’m amazed at how aware kids are of all the things they need to fix! Whether it is racial justice or climate or homelessness, I hear kids not only talking about fixing our mess but doing something about it. I predict great things from this generation (if they can get off TikTok long enough).
Do you have a role model? My grandpa was my role model. He was a man who fought in a war, supported five kids, was madly in love with my grandmother until death and had the best sense of humor I know. He knew life was a gift. How is holding office like being a parent? So hard. Since I’ve been sworn in, though, the virtual nature of things has actually helped me. I’ve done Zoom calls from the preschool parking lot. I’ve made dinner while listening to a neighborhood association meeting. It is a lot of
If parents were to, “ask not what the City can do for you but what you can do for the City” what would that be? Stay involved! So often at City Council we hear from a very small number of people over and over. It’s so hard to know what the members of our community are thinking without civic engagement. Send an email. Attend a meeting. Read up on an issue. Talk to your neighbors. And most importantly, tell us how we can make it easier for you to participate!
Bend Summerfest is Back! JULY 10-11
First Interstate Bank Bend Summer Festival 2021 is back with a new artistic focus. Don’t miss out this year! Celebrate regional artists, makers, growers and distillers as you soak up the sweet vibes of Summer Fest! Cruise along and indulge the senses with delicious bites, enticing spirits and the fresh foods of summer. Thank you to our incredible sponsors who make Summerfest come alive and help bring the community together!
Imagine the kids in your family looking forward to visiting the dentist! That’s just the kind of experience you’ll find at Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry in Bend and Redmond! With an atmosphere conducive to the needs of children and the scope of services that parents are looking for, Dr. Steve Christensen’s team is one of the most highly recommended pediatric dental offices in Central Oregon!
Pediatric Dentists are like the Pediatricians of Dentistry!
Includes exam, cleaning & fluoride. First visit only.
Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry
400 SW Bond St. Suite 100, Bend
3818 SW 21st St. Suite 102, Redmond
Call (541) 389-3070 today to schedule an appointment 40 | BendNest.com
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