CULTURE – Learn more about Bree Beal’s creative vision as BEAT Children’s Theater enters its 20th year.
PINE SCHOOLS
FEATURE – Parents voice their concerns regarding tech use in the schools.
TRENDING – From journaling to nature walks, learn some helpful tips for slowing down this fall.
Devon Riley is a certified nurse midwife who enjoys providing gynecologic care across the lifespan and is especially interested in perinatal mood disorders and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Rejoining the St. Charles team, Dr. Erin LeGrand enjoys all aspects of OB-GYN care, including robotic surgery and supporting high-risk pregnancies.
• Routine and preventive obstetric and gynecology care
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• Behavioral health
• In-office visits with a registered dietician.
• 24/7 certified nurse midwife care and in-office ultrasound services in Bend.
3 1/2-4 YEaR OLds: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:30am-11:30am $370/month
PM PRE-K: Mon-Fri 12:30pm-4pm
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KINdERGaRTEN FOUNdaTIONs: Mon-Fri
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Come for a tour of our quaint little preschool nestled in quiet SW Bend. Fall in love with our friendly, dedicated, caring and professional staff and stay for the exceptional community we have cultivated. See for yourself how play-based learning can spark imagination, inspire curiosity, challenge thinking and still be big on FUN!
Our theme-based learning incorporates elements of social-emotional learning, literacy, math, art, science, movement, music and sensory investigation.
Individualized Instruction • Small Class Sizes
Monthly Parent Night Out • Regular Family Gatherings
Parent Education Talks • Professional Art/Music Instruction
Therapy Dog • Strong Community Partnerships
All tailored to your child’s specific needs and goals
www.mudpiesandlullabiespreschoolbend.com
EDITOR’S NOTE
Are you looking forward to the more structured days of fall? Leaving sunny days behind is bittersweet, but who doesn’t crave something new? Cooler days, fall sports and comfort foods bring a welcome change to the intensity of summer.
We’re excited to bring you the latest news and resources regarding family life in Central Oregon. With school starting, there are likely classroom and extracurricular activities on your calendar once again. Check out the Nest calendar in this issue as fall events ramp up for children.
If your kids have dabbled in children’s theater, you’ve likely met BEAT’s executive director, Bree Beal. Loved by many, Beal shares her vision for the organization as they enter their 20th year!
Our feature article explores iPad and tech policies in BendLa Pine Schools. Parents voice concerns about the impact of technology on younger students.
Learning to read can be a difficult journey for some, and there are many ways of going about it. Kinesthetic reading activities bring a new twist to learning to read. Learn more tips for this fun approach in our Education section.
A recurring theme in this fall issue is slowing down. As the cooler weather forces us inside, it may be time to stop and savor some of
the simpler tasks that bring joy. Nature walks, journaling or just preparing a meal together are some activities to consider.
As hard as it is to believe, Halloween is just around the corner –time to prepare a costume or plan a party. Discover the origins of this holiday and how it’s celebrated here and around the world.
Another interesting article in this issue is about the High Desert Girl Scouts. Learn what this troop is up to this fall – it’s so much more than just cookie sales!
I encourage you to check out the Kids Corner craft. Beeswaxdipped leaves make a beautiful start to your fall decorations at home and kids will love this activity!
And let’s not forget that Grandparents’ Day is September 10 this year. Even if the grandparents live across the country, there are many creative ways to ensure they play a prominent role in your children’s lives.
As we enter the new season, savor some relaxing time with the family this fall!
kiddin’ around
For a great time for you and your kiddos, Bend Park & Recreation District’s fitness and swim centers are the places to be.
• KIDS’ CORNER CHILDCARE: Available at Juniper for ages 6 months to 6 years.
• BUSY BUDDIES PRESCHOOL: Includes weekly swim lessons for ages 3 - 5 years.
• REC SWIM: All ages welcome.
• FAMILY SWIM: All ages with adult.
• PARENT-CHILD SWIM: Ages 6 & under with adult.
• SWIM SPECIAL: $7.00/adult with paid child.
• SWIM LESSONS: Ages 6 months & up.
• PRE- & POST-NATAL, BABY & ME FITNESS CLASSES
Schedules, fees & details at bendparksandrec.org
Two great locations!
Juniper Swim & Fitness Center 800 NE 6th St., Bend • (541) 389-7665
Larkspur Community Center 1600 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend • (541) 388-1133
at 9 & 11 am |
at 11 am
Enjoy Going to Church Again
Executive Function Coaching
Does your student struggle with things like time management, planning, self-monitoring, and organization? You are not alone. These are called Executive Function skills, and they can be taught!
My services:
· 1:1 coaching with students & families
· Parent group coaching
· Presentations and teacher training
Who I work with:
· Students in grades 6-12
· College students
· Adults
· People with (and without) ADHD, Autism & other learning differences
There are those beautiful, fleeting moments where everything slows down and the rush of life comes to a halt. As fathers, we need to push back against the constant chasing, comparing and grasping and instead, model this slow-down for our families. When we slow down, we find our children follow, allowing for a deeper, more fulfilling and relaxing family life.
Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.” “
– John De Paola
Joy in Chores
We get it. Fatherhood is, at times, exhausting. Sometimes, mowing the lawn, doing the dishes or fixing dinner is all we have the capacity for. Engaging our kids in our chores in a slow and mindful way is not only great modeling but teaches our there can be joy in work. Even if it takes twice as long, you're really killing two birds with one stone – completing the task and spending quality time connecting with your child. Slow down and realize that the rush you feel is often self-imposed. Allow chores to be an opportunity for connection.
Take Action
Fatherhood can be overwhelming and difficult. Here are a few simple things to help bring more joy to you and your children.
Stop Comparing
It can be so easy, especially in Bend, to look around and see other dads taking their kids on rad adventures – skiing every weekend, riding bikes and going, going, going. Our social media feeds show friends raising amazing kids who are always engaged in some exciting activity. We encourage dads not to buy into this culture of incessant doing and going. Get off your social media and put down your phone. When you feel the comparisons coming up, redirect by sharing gratitudes with your children at mealtime or before bed.
No need to make drastic changes to your life, it’s the little ones that count. As a simple guide, designate two times a day when you purposely slow down for five minutes. Find a comfortable place to sit and ask these questions: What are people around me doing? What do I really want to be doing? Where are my kids right now and is there a way to engage with them? Once you do this a few times a day, it turns into a habit that becomes more addictive over time. Stay positive and avoid judgment. Start down the path to bringing more joy into your parenting by slowing down and taking it all in.
Todd LaFrenz and Ryan Goldstein are long-time educators and parent coaches who are passionate about supporting parents in raising healthy, happy and connected children. parentwithtodd.com | ryangoldsteincoaching.com
QLast year was a tough school year for my child; there were homework battles, fights around doing chores, projects forgotten until the last minute and so many distractions. Why are routine tasks so difficult for my child?
AThese routine tasks are closely related to the brain’s Executive Function skills. In short, these are the skills required to get important things done. Organization, planning, time management, self-monitoring and task initiation are all examples of Executive Function skills. Parents and teachers often expect kids to know how to do these things, but we don’t always teach them. The research is clear – Executive Function skills must be explicitly taught.
This quote from psychologist and author, Dr. Ross Greene, illustrates this beautifully. He says, “Children exhibit challenging behavior when the demands being placed upon them outstrip the skills they have to respond adaptively to those demands.” So, when we see challenging behaviors, it just means that it’s time to get curious. Ask yourself, “What if this (insert challenging behavior) is a skill thing?” Try to zero in on the skill that’s lagging. That’s a great place to start.
QThe school routine can be so helpful for my family, but it often brings about tension. How can I help make this school year less stressful for the whole family?
HEALTH EXPERT
CARRIE BONNETT MAT, EXECUTIVE FUNCTION COACH
ABrains love routine! If I were to choose one thing that can help families during the school year, it’s routines. Creating predictable routines in your home will help support your child’s brain. If something is new all the time, brains must work hard to figure it out every time. It takes a lot of prefrontal energy to navigate novelty. And a brain that already struggles in this area must work especially hard!
So, routine, structure and consistency are super important. There are many routines to consider: wake-up routine, breakfast routine, getting-out-the-door routine, after-school routine, dinner routine, after-dinner routine, bedtime routine. Begin with the most stressful time of day, and don’t forget to seek your child’s input. But please know that routines take time. Give yourself permission to start small (even very, very, very small), and be gentle with yourself when life happens, and the routine doesn’t work as planned. There’s always tomorrow, and something is always better than nothing.
QMy child is starting middle school this year. We are all a little anxious about this next step. What are some of the most important things to consider regarding this transition?
ARoutines will help with the middle school transition. Something else I teach in my coaching practice is to “make the invisible visible.” Think about it: there are so many important things in life that are invisible. Time is invisible. Goals are invisible. Expectations, homework and chores are all invisible. Making these more visible is just one way to support your brain. We do what is in front of us. What could that look like? An analog clock to track time. A photograph of all items needed for school each day. A short, achievable list. A drop zone at the door. Put these in sight where they’re hard to ignore. And since we do what is in front of us, keep distractions out of sight during work or chore times.
QI'm starting to wonder if my child has ADHD. How would I know for sure, and what can I do to help?
AIf you suspect your child might have ADHD, I recommend talking to your child’s pediatrician. The only way to know for sure is to get your child tested. However, ADHD and Executive Function go hand in hand. So, one important way to help your child is to learn more about how to support their brain with Executive Function. Great news! You’ve already learned a few things today.
Bree Beal & Children's Theater BEAT
Celebrating Two Decades of Empowering Young Artists
By Annette Benedetti
Bree Beal is officially the executive director of BEAT Children's Theater in Bend, Oregon, but to the kids, she's affectionately known as the "boss lady." Her unwavering dedication has transformed BEAT into a beacon of creativity and empowerment. Beal’s journey to BEAT is a testament to her lifelong passion for children’s theater and her commitment to fostering creativity and confidence in young minds.
A Passion for Theater from the Start
Growing up in Newport, Oregon, Beal was captivated by the magic of theater from an early age. The Missoula Children's Theater's summer program sparked her love for performing arts, leading her to write plays, craft costumes and organize performances with friends. Her passion continued through high school and college, and she found her true calling was in children’s theater. “I have always loved the imaginative and transformative nature of children's theater,” Beal reflects.
Finding Her Way to BEAT
After a decade working in escrow and serving on nonprofit boards, Beal decided to pursue her true passion. In 2014, the stars aligned, and she met individuals connected with BEAT who led her to becoming its executive director. With her background in children’s theater, business management and nonprofit policy, Beal was the perfect fit. She took a chance on BEAT, and BEAT took a chance on her. “It felt like the universe had conspired to bring us together,” Beal says.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Milestones
Transitioning into her role was challenging, but a strategic plan smoothed the process. The biggest hurdle came with the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the need for programming while restricting BEAT’s ability to deliver it. Despite these challenges, Beal and her team persevered, driven by the overwhelming demand for their programs. “The pandemic tested our resilience, but it also highlighted the vital role theater plays in our community,” Beal explains.
Photo courtesy of BEAT
A Day in the Life of an Executive Director
Beal’s role is multifaceted. She collaborates with the board to manage the business, staff the organization, produce shows and schedule classes. Her days are diverse, ranging from teaching classes and directing shows to cleaning the studio and writing grant applications. Despite the demands, Beal finds immense joy in every aspect, especially when working directly with the children. “Seeing the kids’ faces light up when they step on stage makes it all worth it,” she shares.
The Joy of Empowering Young People
Beal’s favorite part of her job is witnessing the excitement and growth in children experiencing theater for the first time. She cherishes the moments when kids eagerly anticipate theater days, showcasing their creativity and building confidence. For Beal, the theater’s impact on children’s lives goes beyond performance—it’s about building whole, joyful individuals who can contribute to society. “We’re not just creating performers; we’re nurturing confident, compassionate human beings,” Beal emphasizes.
The Mission of BEAT Children’s Theater
BEAT’s mission centers around empowerment and cultural enrichment. They use theater as a tool to empower young people and enrich the community’s cultural life. Beal believes strongly in the power of shared human experiences in theater to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and commonality. “Theater has a unique ability to bridge divides and create a sense of unity,” she notes.
Comprehensive Programming for All Ages
The Role of Community in BEAT’s Success
Community support is crucial to BEAT’s operations and survival. Volunteers, donors and audience members all play vital roles. From helping with studio maintenance to attending performances, community involvement ensures that BEAT can continue offering affordable, high-quality programs. “We couldn’t do what we do without the unwavering support of our community,” Beal acknowledges.
As the theater embarks on its 20th year, the community’s continued support will be essential in nurturing the next generation of young artists. Beal challenges people to see children as true artists, capable of deep expression and creativity. By supporting BEAT, the community can provide these young artists with the space and opportunity to share their talents, fostering a sense of belonging and significance. “Every child deserves a chance to shine, and with the community’s help, we can make that happen,” Beal concludes.
Every child deserves a chance to shine, and with the community’s help, we can make that happen.”
– Bree Beal
BEAT’s programming is extensive and varied. They produce three to four mainstage shows a year, run year-round camps and classes, offer in-school programs and collaborate with community partners to reach underserved children. This comprehensive approach ensures theater is accessible to all children, regardless of their circumstances. “We strive to make theater an inclusive and welcoming space for every child,” Beal asserts.
Looking Forward to the 20th Anniversary
As BEAT enters its 20th year in September, exciting plans are underway. Beal and her team are organizing events and special shows to celebrate this milestone 20th anniversary in 2025. They aim to reconnect with alumni, showcasing their accomplishments and inspiring current students with the diverse paths taken by former participants. “Our alumni are a testament to the transformative power of theater,” Beal says proudly.
Photo courtesy of BEAT
We started the OnPoint Savers Account for children 17 and under so that kids can get a head start on learning healthy savings habits. Just open your child’s membership with a minimum of $25 and we’ll deposit an additional $55*. Plus, they’ll earn 5.00%* on the first $500. Not a bad way to start for a beginner, don’t you think?
Bend Downtown Bend South Redmond
Get started today. Visit onpointcu.com/onpoint-savers
*Rates subject to change. Stated APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is for balances up to $500; balances over $500 earn posted Regular Savings Account rate. Account must be established for members age 17 or younger by parent or guardian with a minimum $25 deposit. Parent or legal guardian must be on the membership and present to open the OnPoint Savers Account. When primary member attains the age of 18, accounts will be converted to Regular Savings Account, earning that account’s published rate at that time. Fiduciary memberships, including UTTMA and Minor Settlement Accounts are not eligible for OnPoint Savers. One OnPoint Savers Account per member/TIN. One $55 bonus per tax ID for new members only. Bonus will be included on a 1099-INT for tax purposes. Cannot be combined with other offers for opening a new membership, such as new branch promotions or Refer a Friend. Federally insured by NCUA. 4/24
Warm
1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
5. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread pizza sauce over each bagel half.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the sauce.
4. Add desired toppings.
5. Place bagels on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.
Four easy recipes to satisfy comfort food cravings
By Angela Switzer
This time of year, when the weather turns chilly, families tend to move inside and head to the kitchen. And why not? These easy recipes are perfect for a family gathering. Get the kids involved and enjoy the heavenly smells wafting through your haven. These recipes are simple, tasty and sure to bring a smile to any child's face!
Banana Pancakes
Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix together milk, egg, melted butter and mashed banana.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with butter or oil.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
6. Serve with maple syrup, sliced bananas or your favorite toppings.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients:
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups milk or water
• 1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, bring milk or water to a boil.
2. Stir in oats, chopped apple, cinnamon, brown sugar and a pinch of salt.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal is thick and the apples are tender.
Let’s Get MovinG
Kinesthetic reading activities make learning fun
By Nicole Blume
Back to school is an exciting time for families, but it can also be when academic anxiety sets in. After a long, carefree summer, switching gears to tests and homework can feel like a big shift. For families with elementary-aged children, now is the perfect time to practice active reading skills at home. Parental involvement with reading can have a significant impact on learning outcomes.
According to the famous “million-word gap” study conducted by Jessica Logan at The Ohio State University and published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, kids whose caregivers read five books a day to them at home will hear about 1.4 million more words than their peers who were never read to by the time they enter kindergarten, giving them a huge advantage when it’s time to join the classroom.
Beyond read-alouds, families can utilize a multi-sensory approach to reading practice that goes beyond visual and auditory methods. Not every child learns the same way, and some kids do better when they can touch things or move their entire bodies.
Especially for fidgety kids who find it challenging to sit still for long periods, kinesthetic activities can provide an alternative method of learning that meets their unique needs. When reading practice becomes active, kids have fun!
Tactile Letter and Word Making
The sky's the limit when it comes to writing the alphabet using anything but a pen or pencil. You can spell words in shaving cream, whipped cream, oatmeal or play dough, craft letters from pebbles, sticks, string, beads or cereal pieces, paint them on the driveway with soapy water and a large paintbrush, or even make whole body letters using your arms, legs and a willing partner. If you purchase a set of alphabet cookie cutters, you can stamp them in playdough or cookie dough, then bake your tasty treats to eat. Fancy a delicious letter “d” anyone?
The key is to make it fun; what does your child already love to play with, and how can those toys be turned into a creative learning tool? A popular example—if you collect old Lego pieces and write letters on them, you can organize them—all vowels in white, all consonants in color—using small pieces for short consonants like “c” and “v” and big pieces for long consonants with tails like “j” or “y.” Snap the letters together in word families for phonics lessons; “cat” becomes “bat,” “rat,” “hat,” etc., simply by swapping out the first piece. Small magnet toys can also work for this purpose, or classic wooden letter blocks.
Gross Motor Movement
Exercising while you learn is a win-win, and chalk outside is a versatile tool. Try word family hopscotch to jump from “all” to “call” to “small” to “tall,” etc., or draw a big 26-letter grid on the ground and have your child jump to different letter spots to spell words; hopping from “d” to “o” to “g” spells “dog.” A variation of this game spreads the letters out, and then your kid can ride their bike or scooter between them to spell different words.
For sports enthusiasts, you can write letter combinations like “ch” and “at” on the ground and toss a beanbag, bounce a ball or shoot a hockey puck at different phonograms to spell sight words. Tape letter cards to bowling pins and knock them down to spell words or shoot Nerf gun darts at letters on a chart. You can also modify a Twister mat with letter cards and twist your way to spelling new words. What other ways can you move and spell at the same time?
Grouping Mystery Objects
What kid doesn’t love a good mystery game? Create a simple sensory bin by filling a plastic tub with rice, beans, dried pasta, cotton balls, etc. and hide small objects inside. As your child digs through the bin, they can sort the objects they find into the same letter groups, i.e., a marble, a magnet, and a toy mouse all belong to the first letter “m.” You can also send your kid on a scavenger hunt by having them collect and sort objects that match the first letter of the word written in chalk or on a card, such as putting a toy truck on the letter “t” and a seashell on the letter “s.”
Who says learning needs to be boring? With all of these creative ideas for practicing their literacy skills at home, your child will love learning to read!
AGlobal Movement GAINS GROUND IN BEND-LA PINE SCHOOLS
Cell phone and tablet usage policies are under pressure from local and statewide forces
By Jennifer Baires
It was the last day of school for most students at Bend LaPine Schools. While many throughout the district celebrated the summer ahead on June 18, a group of concerned parents and healthcare practitioners gathered at the evening’s school board meeting to challenge administrators to urgently reconsider technology use in schools.
“I brought in show and tell from my son, a first grader,” said Megan Bowerman, a BLPS parent and English teacher at Bend Senior High School, holding up a drawing of three stick figures seated at desks in a classroom. In each stick-kid’s hands is a tablet. The teacher stands at the front of the classroom and to her right is a window with a view of an empty playground. “This is from his, ‘What I like About School, First Grade Reflection,’” she said, adding that when asked to list his favorite things about school, her son wrote iPads, Lexia, DreamBox and Epic, with friends and recess at the bottom.
“I know Bend-La Pine is doing way more than this, I know,” Bowerman said. “But I just couldn’t help but wonder what would be on my kid’s picture, and what would be on his top line, if iPads weren’t a daily part of his agenda.”
The question of what classrooms would be like without iPads and cell phones is one many are pondering, from parents to teachers to elected officials. It’s a question being explored at the global and local level.
In 2018, France banned phones from elementary and middle schools. A few years ago, hundreds of middle schools in Norway banned cell phones and found significant improvement in grades and mental health – especially for girls – along with a steep drop in reported bullying. Last month, one of the largest school districts in the nation, Los Angeles Unified, voted to ban cell phones and social media for all grade levels during school. Meanwhile, studies are increasingly finding that the embrace of iPads and tablets in schools should be seriously reconsidered, particularly for the youngest students.
We know it's interfering with things we know are critical to development.”
–Sean Roberts
Bend-La Pine Schools, which adopted iPads for third graders and up in 2013, is now facing criticism from a growing contingent of parents and local healthcare professionals asking the district to reconsider iPad and phone usage in schools. At the state level, Rep. Emerson Levy (D-OR53), whose daughter attends a school in the BLPS district, is spearheading a push to develop legislation requiring every school district meet minimum standards for cell phone use policies.
I know Bend-La Pine is doing way more, than this, I know. But, I just couldn’t help but wonder what would be on my kid’s picture and what would be on his top line if iPads weren’t a daily part of his agenda.” “
– Megan Bowerman
Pushing back against media
The movement to reconsider technology use in BLPS kicked off last year with a conversation between two friends on a playground. Brooke Mues and Ami Formica, while watching their young daughters play together, started sharing their concerns about the challenges they saw ahead as the girls approached middle school.
Initially concerned about social media, they launched talks to rally other parents to rethink this type of use. What they quickly learned from those sessions, and from a survey they later sent out district-wide, was that while social media is a concern, most families wanted help advocating schools for stronger tech policies, Formica said. In response, the duo formed Well Wired, an advocacy group promoting “healthy tech” in schools.
At the June 18 school board meeting, the group presented a letter of concern signed by 135 local pediatricians, family medicine doctors, child psychologists, therapists, counselors and mental and behavioral health providers.
“Kids are spending too much time on devices at home and at school, and too little time socializing with friends in person, playing outdoors and having face-to-face experiences that will help them develop into thriving, healthy adults,” the letter read. “Children are also accessing troubling content on their devices, seeing images of pornography and self-harm, which significantly impacts their healthy development.”
The five points enumerated in the letter for how the district could improve tech use in schools: remove iPads for the youngest grades (kindergarteners through second graders didn’t have personal iPads until the pandemic and remote learning hit), set age-appropriate screen time limits, remove YouTube and “gamified programs” from iPads, prioritize pencil-to-paper learning and use iPads only when it “clearly improves the depth of learning” or introduces a skill like coding.
Dr. Sean Roberts, whose signature appears on the letter, is a Bend-based mental health counselor and assistant professor of psychology and addiction at Central Oregon Community College and the father of a kindergartner in the district. He says among his top concerns are the impact of tech use on developing brains and the soaring rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents.
“We look at the dramatic changes in the environment over the last 20 years and one can understand why we need some guardrails here,” Roberts said. “Because the human species is now forming, the brain is finishing developing around this world, where they're deeply embedded within technology that requires almost no capacity to develop delayed gratification, it inhibits mental imagery and reduces face-to-face interaction.”
The adaptability of a young brain is something Roberts said needs to be more closely guarded. “And so, when we understand that about the brain, one can understand why it's so critical that we do more to protect the young children's brain, he added. “Because kids are not little adults, their brain is different, and it is forming around an environment that is less than ideal.”
Over the last decade, mental health struggles, especially for young girls, have skyrocketed. Roberts likens the graph to a hockey stick – where for years national data showed relatively stable mental health and happiness levels that around 2011, 2012 shot up. Last year, Oregon ranked 50 out of 50 in a recent study from Mental Health America that looked at the prevalence of mental illness among youth and the rate of access to care. In Deschutes County, the struggle with mental illness among youth is especially striking. According to the 2023 Deschutes County Suicide Data and Trend Report which used data from 2000 to 2020, 58% of all Deschutes County deaths among 10 to 17-yearolds were suicides, compared to 29% in the state and 19% nationally.
“Literally, kids are dying,” Roberts said, adding that he doesn’t think it makes sense to wait and see if experts can prove causation between social media and heavy tech use, higher rates of suicidality, depression and anxiety. “We know it's interfering with things we know are critical to development,” he said, adding that screen time replaces key activities like exploring outside, playing with friends and even just being bored – a state that can help kids develop creativity and resilience.
In May, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory on social media and youth mental health that echoes Roberts’ concerns. “We are in the middle of a national youth mental health crisis, and I am concerned that social media is an important driver of that crisis – one that we must urgently address,” Murthy said. Last October, Oregon joined 33 other states in a lawsuit against Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) alleging that the company “designed and deployed harmful features on Instagram and its other social media platforms that purposefully addict children and teens.”
Levy said that part of the impetus for designing a statewide policy to direct school districts to develop criteria around cell phones was because of new findings about youth mental health and the state’s involvement with the Meta suit.
“We have a responsibility to our kids; we are adults in the room, and we need to act like it,” she said. “And for me, it just lit a fire under me when I saw these stats that it was affecting our students’ mental health in a way that I did not appreciate.”
Next steps
During the school board meeting last month, Scott McDonald, director of IT at BLPS, said he welcomes input about the district’s tech policies and that they are considering potential changes for next school year. McDonald said they would look at limiting device use for students in kindergarten through second grade, removing access to YouTube content on student devices at the elementary and middle school levels and providing a device management resource to teachers that would limit student access to specified apps for the length of a class period.
Currently, the district has an “off and away” policy for cell phones, but enforcement varies by school and class. This too may be sharpened. And, McDonald stressed, there is structure around the iPad usage policies and a willingness to revisit policies when concerns are raised. But, he points out, iPads are a powerful tool and technology isn’t going away, so removing them could create inequity among the students. For some families, the school-issued iPad is the primary way students access the internet at home and allows them to explore learning materials outside of the classroom. For educators, it can help them track student involvement more closely and intervene earlier if needed, as well as create personalized plans for students to complete lessons at their own pace.
“There’s also a relevance consideration,” McDonald said. “There are certain things we have to be doing with technology just because of the ubiquitous use that it has in nearly all industries.”
McDonald said he appreciates that Well Wired has ignited a conversation. He said he looks forward to forming a task force to look at the district’s policy around iPads in schools.
Formica, co-founder of Well Wired, said she is continuing talks with BLPS leaders about the issue and would like to see the district go further in its study of iPad usage.
“How do you teach kids healthy limits around the devices?” she said. “Because part of what we know about technology is that we actually need to have limits. We need to learn how to turn things off, or put them away or shift our focus away from the screen into the real world.”
This article was originally published in the Source Weekly newspaper.
Children are also accessing troubling content on their devices, seeing images of pornography and self-harm, which significantly impacts their healthy development.” “
Se habla español
SUNDAY, SEPT. 10
NATIONAL
Grandparent's Day
Memory makers: 14 Traditions to start with your grandchildren
By Kerrie McLoughlin
Grandparents are so much more than an occasional babysitter. They teach without the fanfare, and their wisdom is soaked up better than any lecture from a parent. If your children are lucky enough to live close to their grandparents, here are some great ideas the kids and grandparents can do together to help bridge the generation gap and keep the connection alive.
1. Explore the grandparents’ “stuff” with them. Take the kids on a tour of Grandma’s attic, basement and special treasures. Kids learn so much about their family roots through collections of baseball cards, vintage music, classic books, old photos, special autographs, antique toys, personal diaries and other mementoes.
2. Go fishing. Boys and girls alike are always up for a short bout of fishing with a grandparent. They not only learn how to bait a hook and cast the line, but their faces light up when they actually catch a fish. Even if nobody catches anything, at least the kids and grandparent get to spend some quality time together.
3. Get a makeover. Kids love to accompany Grandma to the beauty salon or get a makeover at Grandma’s house. My girls adore how Grandma Mac brushes their hair, because she is patient and gentle and talks to them so lovingly while doing it. A simple session of nail painting can be very relaxing and the perfect time for a chat.
4. Plan a special activity. Keep the grandparents involved in your child’s latest interests. For instance, if your kiddo develops a love for ballet, have Grandma take them to see “The Nutcracker.” If anyone loves trains, Grandpa could take them on a train ride.
5. Share a skill or hobby Does Grandma scrapbook, garden, paint pictures or cook a favorite dish? Your child can join in and learn how to do it, too. Grandma Tutu (my mom) got my kids interested in rocks when she gave them some quartz crystal chunks.
6. Make something. The possibilities for your kids to interact with their grandparents are endless: They can bake cookies, build a birdhouse or plant a pot of marigolds. My husband’s grandma made wooden stick horses for all of her grandchildren, and they still have them. Now my kids play with them – 40 years later.
7. Go exploring. A nature walk or a trip to a petting zoo or nature center is an ideal activity for grandparents and grandchildren. Even just a stroll through the park or around the block can be a rewarding and memorable experience.
8. Have a sleepover My sons love shrimp, so when they visit their grandparents, their grandfather makes them a dinner of shrimp, potatoes and green beans and tops it off with a big bowl of sherbet while they watch a movie before going to bed. In the morning, they wake up to eggs, hash browns, bacon and a day full of fun.
9. Volunteer together My father-in-law takes my 10-year-old son to a food bank every few weeks for three hours of sorting donated food, then they go out to lunch. Head to volunteer. connectcentraloregon.org to find all sorts of volunteer opportunities that grandparents and kids can do together.
10. Cheer them on Invite the grandparents to as many sports competitions, scouting events, dance recitals and other special occasions as you can, so they can lend their support to your children’s achievements. Their presence at these important milestones will be remembered and appreciated.
Kerrie McLoughlin (TheKerrieShow.com) is the seasoned homeschooling mom of five living in the country.
PRESERVING THE
Beauty
OF THE SEASON
Beeswax dipped leaves add autumn décor to the home
By Nicole Blume
Who doesn’t love frolicking in the falling leaves of the season? Alas, the beauty of autumn is ephemeral. Leaves crumble and disappear, leaving bare branches behind.
With this fun and creative kids’ craft, however, you can keep the magic of the season alive by preserving beautiful autumn leaves in all-natural beeswax! Colorful leaves make a great table centerpiece or natural garland. They will retain their color for several weeks, carrying you from Halloween through Thanksgiving.
This non-toxic craft is also eco-friendly, so when it’s time to say goodbye to your project, you can simply add it to your compost pile and return it to Earth.
1. 2. 3. 4.
COLLECT
Go on a nature walk to forage for beautiful leaves. Look for bright, bold colors that will really pop and interestingly shaped leaves of various sizes. Collect them gently in a basket so they don’t tear.
Hot tip: For best results, use flat leaves that have fallen from the tree, yet haven’t gotten too dry or crispy. Recently fallen leaves will contain less moisture than leaves still on the tree while still being flat around the edges. You can also press the collected leaves in a heavy book with weights on top for a day or two, but don’t wait much longer than that or the leaves will start to lose color. Ultimately, flattened leaves will be easier to dip in the wax and will dry more evenly.
HEAT
Heat your solid beeswax pellets (available for purchase in local craft stores or online) into molten liquid in a dedicated crock-pot or make your own DIY double boiler using pots and pans. (You’ll probably never be able to get all the beeswax out of your kitchenware, so it’s best to thrift these items for cheap rather than using expensive new ones.)
To make a double boiler, simply place a smaller pot, pan, glass bowl or jar inside a larger, deeper pot of boiling water. Several glass mason jars nestled together inside a big pasta pot work well, just make sure your small pots or jars do not fit completely inside, as you want them floating slightly above rather than resting completely on the bottom.
Important Safety Note: Beeswax is highly flammable, so you want to avoid using a single pan directly on the stove. Otherwise, it can smoke and even catch fire if it gets too hot, much like grease. Children should be kept well away from the stove area while their parent or caretaker heats the beeswax.
DIP
Create a safe dipping station for your children by removing the wax pot from the stove so it has time to cool slightly for a few minutes, but keep the water in your double boiler in case you need to reheat it later. Place your pot on a safe heat surface at an accessible height for your child and help them carefully dip each leaf in one at a time. Work quickly, dipping the leaf in and out while ensuring all parts of it are coated in wax. Gently shake off extra wax or let it drip over the pot. Avoid dipping the leaf a second time, as this can make the wax too thick on the leaf and cover up too much of its natural color. Don’t forget to turn it around after it cools off to dip the stem in too! Lay your dipped leaves face up on a piece of wax or parchment paper to dry. Hot Tip: Keep the wax warm enough that it remains liquid, but not so hot that it wilts or cooks the leaves. As the wax cools it will re-solidify and become thicker and less clear on the leaves. If you’re dipping several leaves for a long time, you might need to reheat the wax again, so it’s at the ideal temperature. To clean up, reheat your pot of beeswax, pour out any extra to save for the future and wash out your pot with soap and hot water.
CREATE
Use your creativity to make an autumnal table centerpiece! Add them to a clear glass bowl or vase for display, perhaps with some dried flowers or fruit. Cluster them on a table mat with acorns, pinecones, gourds or other seasonal nature companions.
To make a cheerful leaf garland, drape a long piece of twine across your window, fireplace or other home area and tie each leaf by its stem with twine or clip them using petite clothespins. The sunlight shining through the leaves will be gorgeous. Similarly, you could also tie your leaves at various heights to a stick and hang it on the wall as a decorative mobile. So much is possible with this sweet little seasonal craft the whole family can enjoy!
Fall is named that for a reasonwho doesn’t love frolicking in the falling leaves of the season?
Photos courtesy of Waldorf School of Bend
Recommended by Paige Bentley-Flannery, Community Librarian, Deschutes Public Library
Can You Dance Like A Peacock?
Words by Rekha S. Rajan
Pictures by Hannah Abbo
Ready to spin, whirl, twist, jump, bounce and move around?
“People love to dance! But did you know that animals also love to dance?” See a peacock’s fluttering feathers, gazelles leaping and dolphins splashing. This is a unique and interactive picture book. It will keep everyone moving and grooving. Each colorful illustration is beautiful and filled with fun facts about animal behavior. Watch a Spanish dancer sea slug glide or a group of pink flamingos march. Are you ready to dance? Dynamic dancers descriptions are included in the back of the book.
Yule
My Book and Me
By Linda Sue Park Illustrated by Chris Raschka
What is your favorite book? This is a collaborative story about reading together, reading alone or reading your favorite book over and over again. What brings you joy? Reading to your dog or goldfish? Discover the happiness of reading books that take you around the world or simply comfort you at home. You might read inside, at a favorite park or late into the night. Raschka’s illustrations capture each emotion and location beautifully. This picture book is filled with imagination, curiosity and memorization of words. What character do you choose to be? Celebrate books and reading with this delightful read-aloud for the whole family.
CALENDAR
Wednesdays
Bend Farmers Market
FOOD – Rain or shine, this outdoor market is open all season long offering fresh fruits, veggies, meats, seafood, baked goods and more. Support local ranchers and farmers by making this a weekly stop. 11am-3pm, through Oct. 9 in Brooks Alley.
Downtown Bend | Free bendfarmersmarket.com
Wednesdays
Moms + Groms Meetup
MEETUP – Come to Boss Rambler from 3-6pm every Wednesday. Show up with your grom(s) to socialize and have an adult beverage with other moms while the kiddos make new friends! All moms get $1 off drinks!
Boss Rambler Beer Club | Free bossrambler.com
Thursdays
Mommy & Me: Breastfeeding Support Group
SUPPORT – This weekly meetup includes all new moms or moms-tobe. There are lactation consultants to help answer questions. All are welcome, including partners and siblings, no matter the feeding method. Check Facebook for updates as space may be limited. 1-3 pm.
St. Charles Health 2600 Building | Free Facebook.com/MommyandMe BreastfeedingSupportGroup StCharlesBend
Fridays
Redmond Farmers Market
FOOD – Featuring locally grown produce, artisan foods, prepared delicacies and crafts, this market shares a dedication for supporting local farms while sharing healthy foods. 3-7pm through September 27. Centennial Park, Downtown Redmond | Free redmondoregonfarmersmarket.com
Saturdays
Northwest Crossing Farmers Market
FOOD – Discover a bounty of seasonal produce, locally raised meats, fresh eggs and cheese, handmade items, beautiful flowers, tasty morsels and so much more. Support local farmers and artisans. Open every Saturday during the summer season from 10am-2pm. Northwest Crossing Drive. Northwest Crossing | Free nwxfarmersmarket.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. SNAP & EBT accepted. 10am-2pm, through October 13. Fir Street Park | Free sistersfarmersmarket.com
Sundays
Family Yoga at Sisters Farmers Market
YOGA – Experience family yoga at the market every Sunday 10:15-11am on the shaded stage. Move and breathe in community. Bring your yoga mat, your littles and grandma. Pre-registration encouraged but not necessary. Fir Street Park | Free mindbodyonline.com/explore/ locations/three-sisters-yoga-studio
Thursdays starting September 19
Downtown Bend: Toddler Story Time
READ – Enjoy an active time with stories, songs and movement rhymes for children18-36 months. Toddlers like to move, so this story time features plenty of participation through songs and action rhymes. Your child will be introduced to letter sounds, vocabulary and the fun of interacting with you and others.
Monday Big Lawn Series at Suttle Lodge – Blair Borax
MUSIC – The Suttle Lodge is a perfect stop for touring bands and musicians. Catch a variety of tunes on the big lawn from 6-8pm. The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse | Free thesuttlelodge.com/happenings/ ongoing/big-lawn-series/
September 4
Music on The Green –Hokule’a Ohana Central Oregon
DANCE – Grab a blanket, bring your lawn chairs and the family to Redmond. More than just music, you’ll enjoy tasty local food, drinks, desserts as well as craft vendors. This fun family block party atmosphere has plenty of things to do with the kids and is one of the longest-running community festivals in Central Oregon. Sam Johnson Park | Free visitredmondoregon.com/event/ music-on-the-green
September 4
The Beaver Den – Scientific Literacy Book Club
READ – Beavers are fascinating animals with so many mechanisms of influencing the world. Each month we select a published research paper relating to beavers to read, evaluate and discuss. Gain a deeper understanding of how their influences on other species and environmental processes are studied and established. Think Wild | Free thinkwildco.org/ events/
Happy Girls Run Sisters – October 26.
Photo courtesy Happy Girls Run
Our team of non-diet, weight-inclusive dietitians support intuitive eating and eating disorder recovery.
Specialties:
Eating Disorders | Pediatric Nutrition
You & Your Children’s Relationship with Food New Intuitive Eating Class Coming in September!
Picky Eaters | Intuitive Eating | ARFID
nwpfnutrition.com | 971.319.1288 hello@pdxpn.com V @pdx_nutrition
CALENDAR
September 4
Monday Big Lawn Series at Suttle Lodge – Ian George MUSIC – The Suttle Lodge is a perfect stop for touring bands and musicians. Catch a variety of tunes on the big lawn from 6-8pm. The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse | Free thesuttlelodge.com/happenings/ ongoing/big-lawn-series/
September 7
Oregon Outback + Cowboy
Dinner Tree
OUTDOORS – Join Wanderlust Tours for a day of exploration in the Oregon Outback. On the adventure, hike around the stunning Fort Rock and visit the Homestead Village Museum before heading to the infamous Cowboy Dinner Tree in Silver Lake, Oregon for a mouth-watering meal. Next, venture to Hole-in-theGround and enjoy the night sky! Wanderlust Tours Office | $245 per person (includes meal at Cowboy Dinner Tree) wanderlusttours.com/oregonoutback-cowboy-dinner-tree
September 7
Kids’ Fairy Houses
PLAY – Let your little one's imagination run wild. Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Martha Lussenhop at the Metolius Preserve to build your own fairy house. Use materials found in the forest and create a small fairy abode. Build confidence exploring and enjoying nature. Perfect for kids ages 4-7 with a grown-up in tow. 1-3pm. Registration required. Metolius Preserve | Free deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes-events/ hikes/kids-fairy-houses -1
September 10
Sisters: Music Together Workshop
MUSIC – Music Together-Central Oregon is an early childhood music and movement program for children ages 0-5 (and their grownups). The music curriculum has decades of research behind it, in both music education and child development. These classes show parents and caregivers how to help their children become confident music-makers just by having fun making music themselves.
Sisters Public Library | Free deschuteslibrary.org
September 11
Nature Kids: Animal Architects!
September 8
Deschutes River Trail: Benham Falls
OUTDOORS – Wanderlust Tours is excited to bring more access to the outdoors by partnering with AdvenChair to help those with mobility challenges get into the outdoors and explore beautiful areas. With the AdvenChair offroad wheelchair and the incredible team of volunteers at AdvenChair, enjoy the reward of stunning views and bask in the serene beauty and power of the Deschutes River. Wanderlust Tours Office | $300 per group of 4 (includes use of 1 AdvenChair) wanderlusttours.com/advenchairdeschutes-river-accessible-guided-hike
September 8
Heroes on the Run 5K
RUN – Bend-based nonprofit Street Dog Hero hosts the 5th annual Heroes on the Run 5K Fundraiser and Kids MiniRun. Heroes on the Run is a family- and dog-friendly 5K race, Kids Mini-Run, street fair and fundraiser. Join this annual event to help serve dogs in need around the world and in their communities. 10am.
Athletic Club of Bend | $40 streetdoghero.org
OUTDOORS – Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Karen Walsh for Nature Kids! Get outside and explore the nature of Central Oregon on guided family walks just for kids. Kids and their families can explore, imagine and grow through hands-on activities and experiences outside. During September, we’ll explore the homes animals create. Search for nests, webs and mounds while learning what animals need to thrive in the natural world. Perfect for kids ages 5-10 with a grown-up in tow.
Shevlin Park | Free deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes-events/ hikes/nature-kids-animal-architects
September 11 + 25
Downtown Bend: Wednesday Walks with the Library
WALK – Looking to energize your lunch break? Join this lunchtime walking group for a fun walk around Downtown Bend. We'll meet outside at the Downtown Bend Library courtyard on NW Kansas Ave. and will walk various routes around downtown for a total of 30 minutes. All abilities are welcome and our #1 rule is no one walks alone. Email Rya Fennewald at ryaf@deschuteslibrary.org to be added to our list for walk reminders. Downtown Bend Public Library | Free deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/
September 12
Riverside Yoga + Wine Event
YOGA – The best combination ever – yoga, mingling, outdoor beauty and wine (or bubbly water). This special yoga event is designed to help you get centered and move mindfully with a fun flowing yoga practice and then have time to mingle outside. After a one-hour outdoor yoga practice, we will walk over to Va Piano Vineyards Tasting Room to sample their wine and enjoy the views of the river and mountains. All levels welcome. If you are pregnant don’t worry, our teachers can adjust the class for you and we will have non-alcoholic beverages. Adults over 21 only. Event is held outside on the grass next to Va Piano Vineyards Tasting Room and the Deschutes River Trail in the Old Mill District. 5:30-7:30pm Free Spirit Yoga | $35 freespiritbend.com/events
September 17
La Pine: Wildlife Stories with Think Wild READ – Come learn about local wildlife hospital Think Wild! Participants will learn about how Think Wild assists injured wildlife in Central Oregon, and the organization will provide a reading of Maggie the One-Eyed Peregrine Falcon. This book relates to injured wildlife and overviews what a wildlife hospital like Think Wild does to help. It follows the story of an injured peregrine falcon and her journey to becoming an ambassador for her species. After the reading, participants will get to make and decorate a toilet paper roll falcon!
La Pine Public Library | Free deschuteslibrary.org
September 18
DIY Cave – Lego Robotics
ART – In this workshop you will build and program robots using LEGO’s educational SPIKE app kits. Students build a solid foundation in LEGO robotics and will be able to create, modify and control their own robotic creations. These workshops are a great first dive before DIY Cave’s series of robotics and 3D printing classes. Computers and robots will be provided for workshop’s duration. No prior robotics or programming experience required. Basic familiarity with computers and technology is beneficial.
DIY Cave | $79.80 diycave.com/classes
Wander through the Sisters Farmers Market every Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Sisters Farmers Market
September 19
Downtown Bend:
Rainbow Family Night
READ – Celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ community with an interactive story time and crafts. This event will highlight newly published LGBTQIA2S+ books for the whole family, provide space to connect with other local families, and allow new friends to create rainbow crafts together. Snacks and drinks provided. Bring the whole family!
MUSIC – Grab the last days of summer and enjoy an outdoor show at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater. KIDZ BOP Kids is back on the road bringing their family-friendly pop concert out west during their Never Stop Live Tour. With three record releases a year, families can sing and dance to kidfriendly music.
Hayden Homes Amphitheater | $41.30+ bendconcerts.com/events/event/ kidz-bop-live
September 20
Page to Screen Family Movie Night – Hotel for Dogs
FILM – Enjoy the movie, “Hotel for Dogs” (2009). Free tickets available (about three weeks before the program) at towertheatre.org. This film will be screened with Spanish dubbing and English subtitles as part of the Tower Theater's participation in Bend's welcoming week. Tickets are free but required. Tower Theatre | Free bendoregon.gov/events/welcomingweek
CALENDAR
September 21
Kids’ Fairy Houses
PLAY – Bring the kids and join the Deschutes Land Trust and Mary Yanacanlin of East Cascades Audubon Society for a fall nature exploration! Explore the pine forests of the Metolius Preserve and search for woodpeckers and the obvious signs they leave behind. Discover why birds are harder to find at this time of year and enjoy the fall colors of the changing season. Perfect for kids ages 4-7 with grown-up in tow. Registration is required and opens one month prior to the event. Metolius Preserve | Free deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes-events/ hikes/kids-falling-for-nature
September 27 – 29
Sisters Folk Festival
MUSIC – Featuring 32 performers at seven venues, this music festival in the charming town of Sisters is one you won’t want to miss. Sisters Folk Festival is a year-round nonprofit organization that strengthens community and transforms lives through music and art. Inspiration abounds for the whole family!
OUTDOORS – Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Karen Walsh for Nature Kids! Get outside and explore the nature of Central Oregon on guided family nature walks just for kids ages 5-10. Kids and their families can explore, imagine and grow through handson activities and experiences outside. During September, we’ll explore the homes animals create! Search for nests, webs and mounds while learning what animals need to thrive in the natural world. Perfect for kids ages 5-10 with a grown-up in tow.
Paulina Creek Preserve | Free deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes-events/ hikes/nature-kids-animal-architects
October 1
Downtown Bend: Infant Music Together Workshop
MUSIC – Grow your baby into a confident music maker. This workshop is intended for nonmobile babies up to eight months and their caregivers. Developing your baby's natural musicality will open the door to a world of possibility, not only for music learning but for all learning. Join Stephanie Brathwaite of Music Together-Central Oregon to learn lots of musical ways to connect with your little one!
Downtown Bend Public Library | Free deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/
October 2
The Beaver Den – Scientific Literacy Book Club
READ – Each month we select a published research paper relating to beavers to read, critically evaluate and discuss. Beavers are fascinating animals with so many mechanisms of influencing the world. Closely examining primary literature will give us a deeper understanding of how their influences on other species and environmental processes are studied and established. Scientific writing can be impenetrable, but discussing a text together is a great way to enhance understanding and grow curiosity for the details that others notice. October is bat appreciation month! Did you know bats are found in greater numbers and diversity at beaver ponds compared to ponds without beaver?
Think Wild | Free thinkwildco.org/events/
October 2
Step Into the Ice Age LEARN – Learn all about the Ice Age through archaeology! This program is recommended for children grades 2-6 and their caregivers. The Archaeological Society of Central Oregon invites you to learn about an amazing archaeological site that has thousands of fossilized footprints of Ice Age animals and humans. From the trackway evidence, archaeologists can "see" stories of hunters stalking a giant sloth, mammoths crossing the path of a woman and child and teenagers slipping and sliding in the mud along the ancient lake. You can even count how many of your steps are equal to the step of a mammoth!
Becky Johnson Community Center | Free deschuteslibrary.org/calendar/
Join Wanderlust Tours in the Oregon Outback – September 7.
Photo courtesy of Wanderlust Tours
Lego Robotics at DIY Cave – September18.
Photo courtesy of DIY Cave
October 4 – October 6
Bend Fall Festival
FESTIVAL – Bring the whole family and enjoy an exciting weekend downtown. This festival features craft makers and fine artists, great local music, a family play zone, delicious gourmet food, pumpkins and so much more! The highlight for kids is the Harvest Run in Troy Field downtown.
Downtown Bend | Free bendfallfestival.com
October 5
Kids Harvest Run
RUN – Join in for an exciting PacificSource Kids Rock the Races event! Kids between the ages of 3-10 will have a blast on this fun course! Each little runner will receive a pumpkin to take back to the Bend Family Play Zone’s Pumpkin Painting Station after the race. Starts at noon.
Troy Field Downtown | $10 bendfallfestival.com/whatshappening/#sprint
October 9
Nature Kids: Treemendous Trees!
OUTDOORS – Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Karen Walsh for Nature Kids! Get outside and explore the nature of Central Oregon on guided family nature walks just for kids ages 5-10. Kids and their families can explore, imagine and grow through handson activities and experiences outside. During October, we’ll explore the homes animals create! Search for nests, webs and mounds while learning what animals need to thrive in the natural world. Perfect for kids ages 5-10 with a grown-up in tow.
Hollinshead Park | Free deschuteslandtrust.org/hikes-events/ hikes/nature-kids-treemendous-trees
October 13
Gift of Music Fundraiser
FUNDRAISER – The Cascade School of Music has been enriching lives one note at a time for over 20 years. Human potential and connection are more fully realized through lifelong engagement with music and their mission is to provide individuals with pathways to explore their interest in music through exceptional instruction in an inclusive, accessible and inspiring community.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s WALK – Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. Participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and ultimately, a cure.
Riverbend Park | Free act.alz.org
October 14 + 15
DIY Cave – Two Day Kids
Woodworking
ART – In this two-day workshop, kids will have an outlet for their creativity and tackle design challenges using technical problem-solving skills and mathematics to design and craft something special. Kids will focus on design, measurement and layout techniques while gaining experience with power tools such as the miter saw, drill press, palm and drum sanders, router and various hand tools. Beginners and intermediate beginners are welcome.
DIY Cave | $229 diycave.com/classes
October 20
Tumalo Creek Scenic Hike OUTDOORS – Wanderlust Tours is excited to bring more access to the outdoors by partnering with AdvenChair to help those with mobility challenges get into the outdoors and explore beautiful areas that initially may not seem accessible. With the AdvenChair off-road wheelchair and the incredible team of volunteers at AdvenChair, we will enjoy the reward of stunning views and learn about bask in the serene beauty and power of the Deschutes River. Wanderlust Tours Office | $300 per group of 4 (includes use of 1 AdvenChair) wanderlusttours.com/advenchairtumalo-creek-accessible-guided-hike
October 23
DIY Cave – Kids 3D Printing
ART – Are you curious about exactly how something gets from an idea to a real-world object? This class will cover everything from how a 3D printer works to creating and printing out custom designs. You will be directed to the proper software to add to your own computer for future self-learning too. Beginners and intermediate beginners are welcome.
DIY Cave | $119 diycave.com/classes
October 25
World of Victory Harvest Party
CARNIVAL – Join the annual World of Victory Harvest Carnival! The event will feature carnival games, laser tag, bounce houses, food trucks, live auction, silent auction, prizes and more. Admission is free. Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center | Free expo.deschutes.org/events/
October 26
Happy Girls Run Sisters RUN – Grab your mom, daughter and sister for the classic Happy Girls Run in Sisters. Enjoy a day of woman-powered camaraderie and crisp, gorgeous fall scenery with custom medals and amazing swag. Half marathon, 10K or 5K - pick your distance and celebrate your achievements! Register early and save.
FivePine Lodge, Sisters | $65 and up happygirlsrun.com/sisters
October 26
Nature Kids: Treemendous Trees!
OUTDOORS – Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Karen Walsh for Nature Kids! Get outside and explore the nature of Central Oregon on guided family nature walks just for kids ages 5-10. Kids and their families can explore, imagine and grow through handson activities and experiences outside. During October, we’ll explore the homes animals create! Search for nests, webs and mounds while learning what animals need to thrive in the natural world. Meet other families, learn more about the natural world around us and have fun! Perfect for kids ages 5-10 with a grown-up in tow.
Moms + Groms Meetup at Boss Rambler Every Wednesday.
Photo courtesy of the Alzheimer's Association
Alzheimer’s – October 13.
Photo by Kate Fleming
SLOWING DOWN
The Art of Embracing Fall’s Gentle Pace
By Ilona Andina
As the leaves shift from greens to shades of red, orange, gold and brown, the display of change extends a natural invitation for us to do the same. Fall and witnessing the slower pace that comes with it creates space for recalibration and allows us to savor each moment.
This transition from the long glowing summer days to the calm introspection of winter offers a unique opportunity for families and individuals alike to prioritize presence over productivity. Embrace the longer nights, deepen your felt appreciation for the simple joys of life and rejoice in the connections we find when we slow down enough to engage with others intentionally, and even more so with ourselves.
Benefits of Slow Living for Family Well-Being
Slow living emphasizes quality over quantity, mindfulness over multitasking and presence over productivity as lifestyle choices. This approach can have profound benefits, especially within a household. Some advantages of slower living include:
1. Enhanced Relationships: By slowing down, families have more opportunities to connect meaningfully. Conversations become deeper, shared activities more enjoyable and the overall family bond stronger.
2. Reduced Stress: A slower pace allows for more rest and relaxation, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. This is especially important for children, who often feel the pressures of busy schedules and high expectations.
3. Increased Joy and Gratitude: Taking the time to appreciate the small moments fosters a sense of gratitude and joy. Whether it's a walk in the park, a home-cooked meal or a cozy evening by the fire, these simple pleasures become more meaningful.
Simple Presence Meal Preparation with Loved Ones
One of the most delightful aspects of fall is the comfort food that comes with it. Slow-cooked meals are not only scrumptious but also align perfectly with the ethos of slow living. This fall, pick a day to spend quality time with loved ones, preparing a meal together You can do a slow-cooked meal, or simply use the time to connect and enjoy the process.
When preparing a meal, it can be all too easy to let your mind wander, eager for the feast. Notice the parts of you that stray from being fully present during the meal preparation. If hunger is the source of distraction, consider having a small snack to calm your appetite. This activity is all about slowing down enough to enjoy the process of meal preparation with loved ones, finding joy in something as mundane as feeding oneself. Through presence and connection, a slower pace brings awareness to these moments. In the slowing and softening, what do you have space for that you didn’t before?
Ideas for Unstructured Family Time
Embracing fall's slower pace also means allowing for more unstructured family time. This is time spent together without a rigid agenda, fostering creativity, relaxation and bonding. Here are some ideas:
1. Nature Art Walk: Spend some time exploring your neighborhood and all that has shifted with the seasons. Gather items like leaves, pinecones, sticks, rocks and other treasures. Back at home, use these materials to create a collective art piece.
2. Puzzle Table: Create space for a work-in-progress puzzle. Choose a spot where the puzzle can stay out for an extended period, allowing for anyone to work on the puzzle at their leisure. Puzzles are a great invitation into more stillness.
3. Storytelling: Encourage each family member to share a story, whether from their own life or a made-up adventure. This activity nurtures imagination and helps build communication skills. It also invites everyone to slow down into active listening or expression.
Mindful Reflection Practices
Fall's slower pace also lends itself to mindful reflection. Grab a journal and a cup of tea, or a jacket and go on a walk. Take some time to notice what has shifted in the last few days, weeks or months, outside of you and within. These practices can help families reconnect with themselves and each other, fostering a sense of gratitude and inner peace.
1. Journaling: Encourage each family member to keep a journal. Writing about daily experiences, thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and gain insights.
2. Gratitude Exercises: Set aside time each day to reflect on things you're grateful for. This could be done individually in a journal or shared around the dinner table. Gratitude exercises help shift focus from what's lacking to what's abundant.
3. Mindful Walks: Take a slow, mindful walk in nature, paying attention to the sights, sounds and smells around you. This practice can be calming and grounding, deepening your connection to the natural world and each other.
The Perfect Time for Peaceful Pause
Through practices like intentional time with loved ones, unstructured family time and mindful reflection, we can fully embrace the art of slow living and create lasting memories that support us in leading meaningful lives. Fall is not just a season; it's an invitation to live more fully and mindfully, cherishing the beauty of each fleeting moment.
Embrace the longer nights, deepen your felt appreciation for the simple joys of life and rejoice in the connections we find when we slow down enough to engage with others intentionally, and even more so with ourselves.
Exploring the Origins of Halloween, Day of the Dead and All Hallows’ Eve
By Ilona Andina
In its vast array of expressions, Halloween is a holiday known by many. For some it is an occasion laced with costumes, candy and spooky decorations. For others, it symbolizes a connection to death, darkness and otherworldly beings.
Though often we come across a commercialized orchestration of Halloween, beneath the surface of this modern celebration lies a rich tapestry of history and cultural significance that spans centuries and continents. To truly appreciate Halloween, it’s essential we know its ancient roots and the various traditions that have shaped it.
We will explore the Celtic festival of Samhain, the Christian observance of All Hallows’ Eve and the vibrant celebrations of Dia de los Muertos in Mexican culture to better understand the roots.
The Celtic Festival of Samhain
Halloween, and some of the traditions we associate with it today, can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated over 2,000 years ago in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France.
Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time often associated with death. The Celts believed that for three days, right around October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to return to the earth. Sound familiar?
During Samhain, bonfires were lit to ward off evil spirits and people wore costumes, typically made of animal skins and heads, to disguise themselves from wandering ghosts. Offerings of food and drink were left out to appease these spirits and ensure a good harvest in the coming year. Divination and fortune-telling were also common practices, as it was believed that the presence of otherworldly beings made it easier to see into the future.
Transformation of Samhain into All Hallows’ Eve
With the spread of Christianity into Celtic lands, many pagan traditions were adapted and integrated into Christian practices. By the 9th century, the influence of Christianity had transformed Samhain into All Hallows’ Eve, the night before All Saints’ Day (November 1), a time to honor saints and martyrs. This observance later became known as Halloween.
The Church attempted to replace the pagan festival with a more Christian-oriented celebration. However, many of the old traditions persisted. The practice of wearing costumes evolved into dressing as saints, angels and devils, and the bonfires of Samhain became part of the Christian festivities. The act of “souling” also emerged during this time, where poor people would visit homes and receive food in exchange for prayers, a tradition that would sprout into modern-day trick-or-treating.
When school’s not in session, Bend Park & Recreation District brings on the fun.
To learn more about youth activities, visit bendparksandrec.org or call 541-389-7275.
Dia de los Muertos: The Day of the Dead
While Halloween and All Hallows’ Eve have their roots in Europe, the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a vibrant and distinct tradition celebrated in Mexico and by people of Latin American heritage around the world. Dia de los Muertos, observed on November 1 and 2, coincides with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day but has a unique cultural significance.
Dia de los Muertos is a time to honor and remember deceased loved ones. Families create altars (ofrendas) adorned with photos, flowers, candles and favorite foods of the departed. Marigolds, known as the flowers of the dead, are used to guide spirits back to the world of the living. Sugar skulls (calaveras) and skeletons (calacas) are also iconic symbols of the celebration, representing the dead playfully and joyfully.
This holiday is a blend of indigenous Aztec rituals and Catholicism brought by Spanish colonizers. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and death, viewing death not as an end but as a continuation of existence in another form. Festivities include music, dance and processions, reflecting the belief that the dead would be insulted by mourning and sadness.
Blending of Historical and Cultural Influences
Modern Halloween is a fascinating blend of these historical and cultural influences. The ancient practices of Samhain, the Christian elements of All Hallows’ Eve and the vibrant traditions of Dia de los Muertos have all contributed to the way we celebrate Halloween today.
The practice of trick-or-treating has roots in both the “souling” of medieval Europe and the ancient Celtic traditions of leaving offerings for spirits. The costumes worn today can be traced back to both the disguises of Samhain and the Christian practice of dressing as saints. The emphasis on honoring the dead during Dia de los Muertos is reflected in the spooky themes and decorations that dominate Halloween, as well as the adornments.
Weaving Origins into the Present
Understanding the rich history behind Halloween can enhance the way families celebrate this festive time of year. If you are looking to find a deeper connection to the season, read stories about the rich origins, make crafts using elements from each tradition and create a costume inspired by the history.
By delving into the origins of Halloween and understanding the diverse influences that have shaped it, families can appreciate the cultural heritage embedded in this festive time of year. Halloween becomes not just a night of costumes and candy, but a meaningful celebration of history, tradition and the connection between the living and the dead.
Source:
Encyclopedia Britannica and World History Encyclopedia
To truly appreciate Halloween, it’s essential we know its ancient roots and the various traditions that have shaped it.
MORE
than just Cookies
Girl Scouts of the High Desert
By Joshua Savage
Around February, shoppers may start to notice those brightly colored boxes and big smiles at the supermarkets and other businesses around town. Your home might receive a knock on the door from an eager young lady or two wearing a green vest covered in patches and carrying a clipboard.
Everyone loves Girl Scout cookie time, featuring delicious Thin Mints, mouthwatering Samoas (my favorite), crunchy Trefoils and more. The rush to get them begins and only lasts for a short period of time.
Cookie season is super busy and a vital fundraiser, with the industrious young ladies earning about $1 per box. Other fundraisers include selling Christmas wreaths, t-shirts, holding car washes and more. Dollars raised through these endeavors are available to fund a variety of fun activities for the girls throughout the year.
But what happens when cookie season ends? The Girl Scouts of the High Desert, like many troops, are busy yearround.
Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, the Girls Scouts has grown into a thriving international institution over the years. Low imagined a movement where girls would come together and embrace their unique strengths and passions. Her dream has now spread around the world. Presently, the organization has over 10 million members in more than 150 countries. From Taylor Swift to Hillary Clinton, many notable figures have been Girl Scouts.
Leading Troop 10324 in Bend are dedicated adults Amber Schmied, Annie Little and Niki Savage – who's also my wife. When asked what they like best about being leaders, Savage stated, “I have loved to watch them grow and evolve into unique individuals over the years. I am amazed at what great problem solvers they have become.”
Though troops have adult leaders, the most important thing is to create an environment where activities are girl-led, thus providing opportunities for them to build confidence and leadership skills. Little added, “Girls can make their experience anything they want, and they have the scaffolding for ‘safe fails’ as they try things they aren’t exposed to in school.”
The annual Camporee takes place in October at Suttle Lake.
Throughout the year, Girl Scouts earn badges in areas ranging from First Aid to coding, sportsmanship to robotics; there is literally something offered for every interest and predilection. This past spring, Troop 10324 took a trip to Medford (paid for by cookie sales) and became certified in CPR and babysitting.
At Suttle Lake, hosted by the Girl Scouts of the High Desert, the annual Camporee takes place in October and is open to any Girl Scout anywhere who wants to attend. Activities at camp include safety and outdoor skills like archery, fire building, canoeing, lashing, wood chopping and more. The girls also participate in team-building games and arts and crafts.
The young ladies are also very active in the local community. Most recently, Troop 10324 volunteered at the Giving Plate in Bend, where they sorted food and checked for expired cans. Also recently, at the Ronald McDonald House, the troop helped prepare meals for the people staying there.
Additionally, local leader and mom, Laurel Waring, created the Travel Patrol, which is a collective of girls from a few different troops who are eager to explore beyond Central Oregon. So far, they have traveled to Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe. Next summer the girls plan to go abroad to Switzerland, France and England!
When asked why she started the Travel Patrol, Waring said, “Many girls are interested in travel and want to explore new places. Being girl-led, they get to decide where to go and what we’ll do on every trip, with the added benefits of learning to budget, earn money, develop contingency plans, etc. The Travel Patrol creates opportunities unmatched by other programs since the girls make the decisions and build the skills.”
Other local leaders recently formed a spin-off called the Girl Scout Trailblazer troop that focuses on backpacking, hiking and survival skills – perfect for the Bend area.
Participation in Girl Scouts creates confident, well-rounded young ladies. They also forge lasting friendships and strong community connections. These diverse activities cultivate social, entrepreneurial and practical skills. With this wealth of knowledge, they enter adulthood with the tools to become the catalysts for change in the world.
We could all benefit from following the Girl Scout slogan: “Do a good turn daily.” If your child is interested in becoming a Girl Scout, or if you are an adult interested in volunteering, fall is a great time to register and get involved.
Learn more at mygs.girlscouts.org
Girls can make their experience anything they want, and they have the scaffolding for ‘safe fails’ as they try things they aren’t exposed to in school. “
– Annie Little
Photo by
Joshua Savage
THINGS I'VE LEARNED
Emerson Levy
What did you learn from your parents about parenting?
I come from a big, blended, modern family. And with all our quirks, we are a family of doers. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents, and they really gave me the freedom to try things and explore. They instilled in me the value that most things are "figure-out-able."
What do you hope your child learns from you?
That's a tricky question! I hope my kiddo knows her and her friends' places are not on the sidelines. We are not bystanders in our own lives and in our community. I am a busy, imperfect working mom, but if one thing rubs off, it is to pick trying over cynicism. What superhero power do you wish you had as a parent?
Like most parents or caregivers, I wish to be like Hermione from Harry Potter and be in two places at once. I would love the superpower to know the right thing to say after a hard day or a complicated friend thing, which has been new and hard to navigate. How are kids today different than when you were a kid?
I was a latchkey kid. We spent so much time exploring. One of my favorite stories is about my best friend and me adventuring in what I thought was a forest. Looking back, it was an empty neighborhood lot, and we found a bottle labeled poison. We were terrified. We brought it back to my friend's mom. She washed the bottle and put it on the counter. It was the 90s; it was the perfume, Poison!
It's a different time; I hover more than my parents ever did, for better or worse.
Do you have a role model?
My grandmother Faye and my husband's grandmother Lucia are two of my role models. Lucia came to this country in the 1950s with $300 and built a fierce and independent life. Grandma Faye lived through the Depression in Oklahoma. They were two remarkable women who were strong in their own ways, despite pretty tough circumstances.
How is holding office like being a parent?
Being a parent of a nine-year-old and being in the state legislature is demanding and rewarding. June loves to come to Salem and visit the Capitol. She calls herself mini-Mommy or miniRepresentative. She gets how the government works and how to
Oregon House of Representatives for the 53rd district
Emerson is a mom, state representative and attorney. She lives in NE Bend with her husband Sean, who works for St. Charles Health System, and their daughter, June, who is headed to the fourth grade this fall, and loves art and Mario Party.
work for votes. It plays out in real life; she got a petition together stating that she should have a new dog named Violet. She got lots of signatures, made posters, the whole shebang.
What do you think the next generation has in store for us?
Wonderful things are in store for this next generation. They are kind, empathetic and funny. At my daughter's school, I hear the students say encouraging words to each other. I feel nothing but hope for this generation. They face the big challenge of balancing living in both the real and virtual worlds with pressures my generation and other generations didn't experience. I believe they will be the generation that strikes the right balance.
How do interpret this phrase? "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country."
Given everything happening in the world, I've thought about that infamous speech several times in the last few weeks. I love reflecting on the history and events leading to that speech. The heart of those words is to act and give back; that theme resonates today. Like my grandma says, you can't give from an empty cup. We must support families if we want our kids to thrive and build a better world. We need appropriately funded schools, housing, students with full bellies and high-quality childcare.
Oregon Lottery Players Celebrate a Generation of Helping
Nearly 40 Years of Making a Positive Difference
What were you doing in 1995? Showing off your Pogs and slap bracelets? Trading handheld video game cartridges? Strategizing for the upcoming Book Fair? Maybe you were excited for your turn to load up the wagon in “The Oregon Trail”?
If your biggest priority in 1995 was playing with the parachute in gym class, you might be a member of the first generation whose public school experience benefitted from Oregon Lottery dollars.
That year, Oregonians passed a constitutional amendment to allocate lottery funding to help support public education across the state. Now, 53% of the total profits generated by your game play make their way to the state’s general fund. These dollars then go on to support every school in every community, from kindergarten through to our public universities. In the last year, Deschutes County students, teachers, and schools received more than $14 million.
Since 1995, generations of Oregon students have benefitted from over $10 billion lottery dollars. These funds help complete building projects, improve infrastructure, maintain essential services, offer scholarships, upgrade vital equipment, and so much more. That’s because a little bit of Lottery game play from many Oregonians adds up to something special for every community.
So next time you’re crossing your fingers for a Powerball win or rubbing a coin across a Scratch-it, remember that you’re also contributing valuable funding to help Central Oregon students reach their full
