BendNest Winter 2021

parenting magazine

WINTER 2021

BALLOT INSIDE

Kids’ Corner

Valentine’s Day Craft

Outdoors

Winter Snow Fun

Family Time

Chilaquiles!

2 | BendNest.com

WINTER ISSUE

parenting magazine

On the cover

Central Oregon boasts not one, but two aviation programs (led entirely by volunteer pilots) that give youth the opportunity to fly the friendly skies.

27 FAMILY TIME Nancy Patterson aims to please with her parent-friendly overnight bake: Chilaquiles!

29 OUTDOORS With so many cancellations and changes, outdoor opportunities are sparse but still out there. K.M. Collins offers a comprehensive guide to family and kid-friendly winter fun!

Ridgeview High junior, Lucas Tracy, takes flight as part of the Young Eagles program in Bend.

Photo by Nicole Blume

SECTIONS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

18 FEATURE

4

EDITOR’S NOTE

7

EXPERT Q & A

9

NEST NEWS

10 EDUCATION 13 TRENDING 15 COMMUNITY 17 BOOKSHELF 24 CALENDAR 27 FAMILY TIME

BEST OF BALLOT ON PAGE 22

29 OUTDOORS 31

KIDS’ CORNER

BendNest Staff

Publisher Aaron Switzer

Calendar Editor Megan Burton

Design & Layout Shannon Corey

Photography Kyle Switzer

Editor Angela Switzer Associate Editor Nicole Vulcan

Contributing Writers Annette Benedetti

Nicole Blume

BendNest Contact

K.M. Collins

Nancy Patterson

Editorial angela@bendnest.com

Ashley Moreno

Brian Becker

Sales advertise@bendnest.com

Caitlin Richmond

Nicole Blume Paige Bentley-Flannery

Nancy Patterson

Ashley Sarvis

Advertising Executives Timm Collins

Sean Switzer

Ban Tat Winter 2021 | 3

EDITOR’S NOTE New year, new president, new learning options for children

A

lthough small businesses are still struggling due to closures and difficult regulations, I am hopeful for this new year, hopeful that the ship will soon right itself. Here at Bend Nest, we are ever thankful for the businesses that have stuck by our side during the pandemic and for you, dear readers, for staying engaged. We have a new Bend-La Pine Schools superintendent and classes are now in session with several schooling options to suit individual needs. I commend our educators who have been more than flexible and creative during these stormy seas.

I am over the moon to share this issue, especially the Feature.

Nicole Blume (a new writer for us) sheds light on two amazing local youth aviation programs that support students interested in becoming pilots. I had no idea and am in awe of the countless hours volunteer pilots give to help young people realize their dreams.

Here in Central Oregon, we are still seeing a devastating shortage of child care options with less than 25% of children having access to a regulated child care in Oregon. See Education for more on this difficult situation for working families. On a positive note, there are numerous agencies willing to help with funding for

anyone interested in starting a child care — we need you!

In Trending, Annette Benedetti lets us in on a little secret: “Buy Nothing” Facebook groups are not only all the rage, but a great way to reduce consumerism, while building community. Another way to share time and support community is through volunteering. Long established, Big Brothers Big Sisters is in need, now more than ever, of adults to step up and become a mentor to a child. Check out Community for more information.

Make time for your children to get out into the snowy wonderland a time or two this winter. In Outdoors, K.M. Collins’ comprehensive guide to what’s open and out there is a valuable resource.

Happy Valentine’s Day! The holiday just wouldn’t be complete without a homemade valentine. See Kids’ Corner for step-by-step instructions (I have many of these saved from past years myself– they are real treasures!)

And, lastly, don’t forget to cast your vote for the annual Best of the Nest — ballot inside!

Wishing you blue skies and sparkling days!

EN L ÑO A P ES BIÉN! M TA

We believe parents are their child’s first and most important teacher.

Families are strengthened by a strong foundation of education, information, support and resources.

Learn more about how we can support you during Covid-19. Follow us on Facebook to find out what we are offering.

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Visit us online at www.together-for-children.org Winter 2021 | 5

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ASK A TEACHER Nicole Blume, Waldorf School of Bend Teacher

Q

We’ve been distance learning this school year, and doing the best we can, but I’m worried my 2nd grader is falling behind in reading. How can I make sure she learns to read on time?

A

Every parent is in a similar boat this year. Relative to their peers, it’s unlikely that your child will be “behind” in any measurable way. I would bet good money that every early grades (K-3) teacher in America will be revisiting phonics lessons as children return to school.

Firstly, don’t forget the magic power of reading aloud to your child. Abundant research supports the positive effects of parental reading on their children, ranging from improved literacy skills and cognitive development, to better classroom behavior and emotional self-regulation.

Make reading aloud together a daily part of your routine—15 to 20 minutes before bed is often ideal­—and encourage your child to pick out favorite books or other reading material. Along this vein, try a version of “My Turn / Your Turn” where you read a sentence, paragraph or page aloud and then switch with your child so they read to you. The back-and-forth interaction will keep things light and breezy!

Another idea is to utilize “follow along audiobooks” of the classics. Have your child follow along with their iPad or book in front of them. Encourage them to track the lines they are hearing with their pointer finger or a special pointer object (pencil with sparkly eraser on top?) Tracking text can be particularly difficult for some students with visual processing disabilities or other special needs, so another strategy from special education is to cut out a small rectangular window from a piece of cardstock

and slide it along letter by letter or word by word. Narrowing the visual field to a small space can help children block out extraneous information and stay focused.

With these fun “read to succeed” routines and strategies in place, your child can enjoy invaluable literacy practice that will keep them afloat on a yacht of success..

Q

We wanted to enroll our daughter in preschool this year, but due to COVID it didn’t happen. What are some practical, age-appropriate math skills that I can be working on in homeschool with my preschooler?

A

The preschool years are one of the most rapid-growth periods in a person’s life. This is when children begin to use symbolic thought and can recognize that discrete symbols, such as letters and numbers, have culturally specific meaning.

Early childhood educators focus on understanding and building number sense, which refers to a broad range of skills, including: identifying numbers, quantifying relationships between numbers, counting with one-to-one correspondence, recognizing shapes and their structures, measuring, composing and decomposing operations, and solving patterns and puzzles.

However, rather than focus on formal academic math lessons for the preschool years, it’s best to encourage healthy development of these cognitive functions through daily, interactive, age-appropriate

play that naturally involves asking math questions, such as baking (“how many eggs do we need to make this cake?”), building (“how tall can we make this block tower?”), and setting the table (“how many cups do we need for dinner?”)

Focus on sorting activities (let’s put all the toy cars in one pile, and all the toy planes in another pile), real world comparisons (let’s line up all your stuffed animals from smallest to biggest), art projects (gluing quantities, such as puff balls), and sensory play that teaches volume and quantity (such as transferring sand from one cup to another). Whatever activities you choose, be sure to reinforce learning through using real world math terms like “more” and “less,” and don’t forget to have fun together!

EMAIL US YOUR QUESTIONS: ANGELA@BENDNEST.COM

Winter 2021 | 7

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NEST NEWS Bend-La Pine Schools Names New Superintendent

By Nicole Vulcan

B

end-La Pine Schools’ new superintendent will take the reins starting this July, replacing Interim Superintendent Lora Nordquist.

Cook is currently the superintendent for the Coeur d’Alene School District in Idaho and served in various leadership roles, including acting superintendent, for the Douglas County School District in Colorado prior to that.

“I am excited to come to Bend-La Pine Schools and continue to build upon the district’s strong education tradition and help bring to fruition the district’s efforts on equity, diversity and inclusion, while ensur-

ing an unrivaled opportunity for innovation and an excellent education for every student,” Cook shared in a press release. “I look forward to developing strong relationships with our staff members, our students and our community in ways that empower our students to be their best selves in the classroom and beyond.”

BLPS board members said their search was based on four key competencies identified by the community, including hiring someone who was a visionary leader, an advocate for equity, a community partner and a capacity builder.

“Steve is a bold and innovative leader—he has stood up against inequities based on income in the communities he

Dr. Steve Cook

Courtesy Bend-La Pine Schools

has served,” wrote BLPS Board Vice Chair Melissa Barnes Dholakia. “And, he is deeply rooted in an educational vision that promotes student agency, places a focus on student-driven learning, and tends to the whole child­—academically as well as socially and emotionally.”

Free-Roam VR Unleashed Zero Latency Comes to Bend

by Sean Switzer

F

amilies with teens looking for something exciting to do will want to check out Zero Latency, the new VR arcade, located in Wagner Mall, where Nature’s used to be.

Although opening of the free-roam virtual reality game has been delayed due to COVID, pre-bookings are underway. I recently had the pleasure of testing out the VR arcade and the experience was incredible!

After a brief introduction where they tell you the do’s and don’ts, they strap on a sort of computer backpack and give you headphones and a VR headset. Then you step into an empty, well-lit room where they calibrate your headset.

Once you put the headset over your eyes, you are in! It was like stepping into another world—like what you imagine the future will look like. You’re in a sort of waiting lobby where particle effects are swirling around you.

I expected to feel disoriented or dizzy, but throughout the whole experience, I

Don’t let the zombies get you!

found myself experiencing none of that.

After everyone was calibrated, they started the first game. This was a sort of headto-head battle where you try to rack up points by killing the most zombies. You get three weapons: a long-range crossbow, a medium range assault rifle and a shortrange shotgun. Man, was this one fun!

The map was vibrant and colorful, while still having a dystopian feel. It was definitely visually realistic, but what I didn’t expect was the real fear I felt as the zombies closed in. Turning around in VR and having a zombie horde attacking you from behind actually produced a very real

Courtesy Zero Latency

fear response.

Once that segment was over, they loaded up a different, but similar, zombie game, where instead of trying to get the high score, you had to work together to survive the zombie waves, kind of like the video games, Left 4 Dead or Call of Duty Zombies. I felt the art style wasn’t as polished as the first one, but it was fun, nonetheless.

After we finished, we exited the play area and all I could think was, I have to come back! There is wonder and amazement from the moment you first load up— even just the lobby is incredible.

Winter 2021 | 9

EDUCATION

Like many working families with kids, the Bystroms live busy lives—dropoffs, pickups, naps… and working from home.

It’s a Desert Out There

Photo courtesy Steffany Cooley Photography

The child care shortage in Central Oregon worsens amidst pandemic

By Ashley Moreno

S

arah Bystrom is a sales director and working mother of a family of four in Bend. She and her husband are raising two boys—one 3 years old and another age 20-months. On a workday, Bystrom leaves the house at 7:20 am to drop her youngest son at his daycare in northwest Bend and her older son at preschool in northeast Bend. She then starts work at 8:10. At noon, she picks up her older son from preschool. Once home, he ideally takes a nap, and then at 3 pm she picks up her younger son.

"It's a lot of travel," Bystrom said. She says she feels lucky that both she and her husband work for companies that "recognize the parent struggle right now."

When the family moved here a few years ago, Bend was already a child care desert. According to a 2019 Oregon State University study, families with children under the age of 3 in every county in Oregon live in a child care desert. Less than a quarter of Oregon's children 5 and under have access to a

10 | BendNest.com

regulated child care—12% of infants and toddlers and 29% of preschool-age children.

In Bend, there’s one opening for every three or more children who need one. In November 2019, regional businesses, early learning and health organizations and the Bend Chamber hired a Central Oregon childcare accelerator to try to address the issue. However, the position was disbanded earlier this year due to changing priorities and a lack of funding once the pandemic hit.

Based on data from NeighborImpact, Ben Hemson, the City of Bend's business advocate in the Department of Economic Development, estimates that available child care slots declined this year from about 5,000 before the pandemic to about 1,600.

To try to help new programs open, the Bend City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 2 to fully exempt child care providers from transportation system development charges through December 2022. SDCs are fees assessed to offset the impact that new or expanding development has on public infrastructure. (Previously providers received a 70% exemption.) The

Council also relaxed some zoning regulations to make finding suitable buildings easier, and City staffers are in conversation with a few large employers about establishing child care centers.

"We have this process where we try to grab a child care provider when they start trying to permit their center, and we walk them through the process," Hemson said.

Earlier this year, the City allocated $650,000 in CARES Act funding received in March to help struggling child care providers weather the pandemic, tapping NeighborImpact to distribute the funds.

Along with tuition assistance programs, NeighborImpact provides business coaching, training in early education and technical assistance to current child care providers. Like City staff, it also coaches potential new providers through the application process.

Denise Hudson, NeighborImpact's child care resources coordinating specialist, spearheaded the effort to disperse the CARES Act funding.

"We were able to give grants out to 103 providers in Deschutes County," Hudson explains. "And there were four focus points as far as applying for money."

The focus points provided funding to cover increased operational costs (like personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies and additional classroom supplies), costs of opening classes for schoolaged children without care due to school closure, costs of opening weekends and evening programs and lost income from decreased attendance, like when the schools closed in March.

"We also did a few startup grants for a few programs that had already reached out to us," Karen Prow, the nonprofit's child care resources director, said. "They wanted to work with us on Baby Promise, which is another program that we do here at NeighborImpact."

Baby Promise funds child care for up to 109 children at multiple providers in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and Warm Springs. NeighborImpact also partners with Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon to provide business coaching to Baby Promise providers.

Potential Long-Term Solutions

Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon and NeighborImpact want to address staffing and business challenges for child care providers. For example, along with developing substitute-teacher pools like K-12 has, regional ELH Director Brenda Comini said they're looking into "micro-center models" for managing administrative tasks. Under the model, a main provider would oversee much of the administrative tasks, like paperwork, finding substitute teachers, ordering supplies and meals and maintaining licensing.

Actual child care services would happen in smaller centers located throughout the service area—potentially carved out of spaces in larger buildings, like churches, community centers or office buildings, she said.

Comini says ELH is also looking to expand the supply of good teachers through Partners in Practice, a partnership with NeighborImpact and Central Oregon Community College.

"Providers can go to school and get certificates and move toward associate degrees and beyond in early care and education with tuition and books paid," Comini said. The classes cater to current workers and occur during nontraditional hours.

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TRENDING

othing.

N y G u i ve B Freely Share Creatively Buy Nothing Bend Facebook groups gain momentum during pandemic

By Annette Benedetti

D

id you know that there is a hyper-local gift economy where parents across Bend are actively creating community? Buy Nothing Bend North and South are Facebook groups with just under a combined 2000 members who strive to buy nothing, give freely and share creatively.

Formed using the model of the original Buy Nothing Project, which was started by friends Rebecca Rockefeller and Liesl Clark while living on Bainbridge Island, Washington in 2013, these groups allow local families and individuals to get rid of clutter and save money while building a better community.

Camden Sabat is one of the administrators of the Buy Nothing Bend North’s group. She, along with her co-admin, Ally Lund, shared what local families interested in being part of the groups should know before joining.

Q: What should families expect when joining one of the local groups?

Camden Sabat: When you join Buy Nothing Bend (North), you will be welcomed by the admin team, and you will be

directed to review “The Fine Print”. We do this because the principles that Buy Nothing groups have been founded upon are very different from typical Facebook sell or swap groups, and we want new members to feel comfortable participating fully.

New members will experience their neighbors sharing both "Gifts of" and "Asks for Gifts of" self, time, and talent. They will also witness members sharing posts of gratitude for their neighbors.

Q: What is unique about Buy Nothing Bend?

CS: Even though BNP is a gift economy, Buy Nothing Bend (North) is all about building community. It's about making connections and building trust between neighbors, rather than the quick transfer of free stuff. We hope our members will participate as fully as possible and share as personably as possible in order to build trust between neighbors.

We aim to be a diverse, inclusive and

equitable local gift economy in which neighbors learn to trust in abundance and in their common desire to help each other through the sharing of time, talent, and resources.

Q: How can families get involved?

CS: If readers are interested in partici-

pating, I encourage them to join one of Central Oregon's Buy Nothing groups based on their geographic location. If they inadvertently join a group that is not hyper-local, the volunteer admin will reach out via FB message to direct them to the most appropriate group (always check your message requests).

Q: Why should families get involved?

CS: I stumbled upon the Buy Nothing Project last winter, right before the pandemic hit. Over the past year, I've grown from a new member who just wanted to get rid of her stuff and score some slick deals to a struggling single parent who needed support in this crazy new pandemic environment, to a volunteer admin who is extremely passionate about building an inclusive, supportive, abundant local community. I love Buy Nothing Winter 2021 | 13

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CS: Criteria for joining BNP and the rules for membership are explained in detail in the Fine Print. The criteria for joining the Buy Nothing Bend (North) is that you're at least 21 years old and that you're a member of only one group. When you answer the membership questions, it helps the volunteer admins determine your eligibility and direct you to the appropriate group.

The rules are more extensive, but essentially, they are: • Keep it legal • Show your humanity • Build trust • Give freely • Participate as yourself • Give from your own abundance • No buying/selling/trading • Ask and give creatively • Familiarize yourself with the BNP mission • All members participate at their own risk Q: How are you avoiding the pitfalls of some areas being more affluent than others?

Ally Lund: The gist of it is that we don't see people as "haves"

and "have nots," but we see everyone as a community member that has something to offer to their neighbors. The whole point is bringing a community together to collectively meet needs and wants. Some of our most active givers are less affluent than most of their neighbors. Buy Nothing isn't a charity group designed to serve those in need. It's a community-building group for all walks of life.

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because it helps me bring people together and lift people up and because I am able to witness my neighbors loving and supporting each other.

If this experience sounds appealing, I encourage readers to join their local BNP. It's a cultural shift that, for me, was desperately needed in 2020.

Q: What are the "rules" of Buy Nothing?

1/20/21 11:29 AM

Buy Nothing Project: buynothingproject.org You can find Buy Nothing Bend North and Buy Nothing Bend South groups on FB

COMMUNITY

The

Perfect Match

Many relationships established through Big Brothers Big Sisters last a lifetime.

Courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

By Caitlin Richmond

T

hink back to when you were a kid. Was there an influential adult in your life to whom you weren’t related? How did they help you get to where you are today?

This thought process is precisely what’s behind Big Brothers Big Sisters, says Program Director Sandy Cassio. Surprisingly, children who have parents who are involved and supportive might still need that external support, and as Cassio is quick to point out, sometimes parents can’t give their children the support they need to reach their full potential.

“Not everyone has parents with the capacity to be that voice that tells children they can be whatever they want to be,” Cassio says. “So many kids have a negative outlook because they aren’t hearing that, and it can have a huge impact on the rest of their life.”

This is where Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon comes in. Families can

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon continues mentorship program amidst pandemic apply for their child, often referred to as a “Little,” to be partnered with a community volunteer mentor, or “Big,” to start the ball rolling toward a match. Children go through a screening process to match them with someone who has similar interests/personalities. Then the mentor has a meeting with the parents, facilitated by the match specialist, to get to know more about their potential Little and to determine if it is a good fit. From there, they meet their new Little and start spending time together.

While BBBSCO tries to work with at-risk children, Cassio stresses that at-risk can

mean a lot of different things, and children may not fit the stereotypical at-risk profile.

“BBBCSCO is for any child who could benefit from extra support, whether it’s because of low self-esteem, because they are in foster care or because they’ve had trauma in their lives,” Cassio explains. “We don’t limit our support to just people who fit a typical high-risk profile.”

Although the purpose of BBBS might be hard to quantify, the program gathers a significant amount of data on the local as well as national level to show the positive impacts of the program. Cassio said they are constantly going over data to keep track of how their matches are going, some of which they gather through regular check-ins with both Bigs and Littles or the parents of the Littles.

Not surprisingly, the data they’ve gathered over the past year has shown that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the lives of the people with whom they work. With limited in-person interactions, Winter 2021 | 15

Sharing interests helps Bigs and Littles get to know one another

Courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

things have changed regarding how Bigs and Littles interact, but Cassio stresses how important the continued support of a mentor can be in a child’s life, especially during a tumultuous time like a global pandemic.

“We’ve been doing more and more education to help mentors, parents and Littles understand what’s possible,” she says. “It’s a process that’s going to continue into 2021. We’ve talked about all the different ways to stay connected, from talking on the phone to going on a virtual museum tour.”

The pandemic has brought a lot of insecurity to families all over, and Central Oregon is no exception. One small silver lining for the

five staff behind the scenes is that even though they see families experiencing a lot of hardships, because of the relationships already in place, it has been easier to help connect families in need to other local resources, from food to furniture to laptops that make online school possible.

Cassio wants people to know that although it may be harder to meet in-person right now, the need for Bigs and the availability for Littles has not diminished, so anyone looking to be a part of BBBSCO should not wait to reach out.

“I want people to know that when you support at-risk kids you support the community,” Cassio says. “I moved here from the Seattle-Tacoma area and it felt like every man for himself here, in a sense. There is a need for people to pull together for the betterment of the community.”

That need has only grown in the past year.

For 2021, BBBSCO has a goal of serving at least 200 children, and Cassio set a goal to reach more children in both Crook and Jefferson counties.

“We believe that you need to look at a young person and really see their full potential so they can become someone who can contribute to their community,” Cassio says. “Our motto is ‘defenders of potential’, but you can’t defend potential until you really believe in someone first.”

If you are interested in becoming a big brother or sister, or if you know of a child who could benefit from being a little brother or sister, visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters website to get more information. bbbsco.org

Friends of the Children Central Oregon is a non-profit who provides 1:1 mentorship for 12+ years, No Matter What.

Follow our journey and donate today at friendscentraloregon.org

1 1 Follow our journey and donate today at P.O. Box 6028 Bend, OR 97708 541.668.6836 info@friendscentraloregon.org 16 | BendNest.com

Recommended by Paige Bentley-Flannery Community Librarian at Deschutes Public Library

Ice! Poems About Polar Life

After the Snowfall

by Richard Lo

by Douglas Florian What animals live in the polar region?

Discover the Arctic through a selection of animal poems and interesting facts. What is a Ptarmigan? Does it live in the Arctic? And why is everyone eating krill? Get ready to yell out rhyming words, howl like a gray wolf and cozy up with an Arctic Fox as they “tunnel into burrow holes.” The first poem, “The Polar Regions” shares “an Earth refrigerator” with a funny illustration of a polar bear and penguin. Children will enjoy the variety of animals and information about a moose, a snowy owl and more.

Florian encourages readers to be creative with illustrations filled with imagination and beautiful colors. Do you see a penguin on ice skates and a narwhal holding a smile sign? Each poem allows readers to talk about the polar region, including ice caps and climate change. The perfect read aloud for the whole family and a wonderful combination of poetry, science and art. What icy poems will you create?

What happens in a forest covered in snow? Follow a fox to take a journey through a white forest and discover a delightful scene of winter animals. Watch a hidden buck and a great horned owl.

You might see squirrels in the trees or river otters and ducks by the water. As the quiet journey continues, readers will discover even more animals in the forest, including a moose! Allow your imagination to take you on an adventure. Award-winning author/ illustrator, Lo’s simple text is surrounded by beautiful illustrations.

The forest is magical with colorful trees—mixed with blue, purple, yellow and red. The animal expressions are friendly and calming.

Find a cozy spot to read, ask questions and discover a winter day filled with forest animals. Recommended for ages 0-5 or story time for the whole family. What will you see on your next snowy walk?

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Check out more new winter books at deschuteslibrary.org. Explore the library’s online programs or pick up your weekly story time craft or activity kit.

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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

Noi will be

Open for Takeout Mon-Sat 11:30a-8p Sun 4-8pm 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 18 | BendNest.com

FEATURE

Students take flight with Central Oregon aviation programs

By Nicole Blume

B

rrmmmm… the sound of the engine roars to life as the small plane rumbles down the runway and ascends quickly into the sky. On board the 1971 Grumman Yankee AA-1A is longtime veteran pilot Kim Muinch and his fearless passenger, 16-yearold Lucas Tracy, a junior at Ridgeview High School in Redmond. Just a few miles away, 17-year-old Sisters High School senior Mary Root is completing her preflight checklist before taking the helm of a single-engine Cessna 120 tailwheel light aircraft.

Lucas and Mary are not like other students their age. While the closest most teenagers get to a cockpit is via online video games, these two teens are part of the thriving youth aviation scene here in Central Oregon.

Remarkedly, there are two aviation programs available for young students here in Central Oregon: The Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) Young Eagles program and the Outlaw Aviation flight science internship program as part of Sisters High School.

Founded in 1992, the Young Eagles is the only program of its kind that offers kids ages 8–17 an opportunity to fly with an experienced pilot, free of charge. To date, they have flown over two million kids nationwide.

Young Eagle Lucas Tracy (left), with EAA Chapter President Dale Anderson (middle) and father Taylor Tracy (right)

Photo by Nicole Blume

“This is a unique sort of world,” says Dale Anderson, President of EAA Chapter 1345 in Bend. “The look on their faces when they step out of the airplane after they’ve flown it’s just an amazing experience.”

The program is operated entirely by EAA volunteers and member pilots, who bring their own planes to the airfield and generously share their time to fly Young Eagles.

Chapter 1345, the “High Desert Flyers,” hosts about a dozen licensed pilots with

small planes suitable to fly children on their initial “discovery flights.”

“To me being able to fly just seems like a very rare opportunity and it really is, especially around here, but Kim was very adamant about getting me flying and letting me take the wheels,” says Tracy, who is part of the Young Eagles. “The whole way to the airport I was excited because I knew I was going to get to fly.”

The length of each discovery flight is weather dependent, but usually lasts around 15 to 20 minutes. Prior to takeoff, pilots describe the skills involved in flying, review aeronautical charts, demonstrate how to operate the instrument panel and complete a careful "walk-around" preflight inspection of the airplane.

“The flight itself was simple but informative,” Tracy explains. “You see all the buttons, all the lights flashing, and it really can be overwhelming, but once you have someone actually show you what they all do, it becomes much simpler and that was invaluable really.”

After their flight, every Young Eagle is automatically eligible to become a student member of the EAA, which includes a

Outlaw Aviation student pilot Mary Root completing a pre-flight inspection of her Cessna 120 tailwheel light aircraft

Photo by Kyle Switzer

Winter 2021 | 19

EAA Chapter President Dale Anderson (right) instructing Lucas Tracy (left)

Photo by Nicole Blume

Evaluation, Therapy and Fun. Using play to give every child a voice Central Oregon’s Speech Language Pathology group working exclusively with children Caroline Skidmore M.S. CCC-SLP Kristen Kane M.S. CCC-SLP 15 NW Park Place, Suite 100, Bend • 541-633-5288 www.skidmorespeech.com 20 | BendNest.com

subscription to Sport Aviation, access to the web-based ground school, free admission to 400+ science and technology museums, as well as opportunities to obtain scholarships and flight assistance if they wish to continue their pursuit of aviation more seriously.

“Joining the EAA and finding out about the Young Eagles program has opened up so many doors,” explains Lucas’s proud father, Taylor Tracy, “Lucas, at 16 years of age, has decided that what he is going to do is become a commercial pilot. As a parent, I feel blessed to have found these people.

They have lit a fire under my son like I have never seen and given him a goal and a future that he had never even considered being a plausible option.”

Operating out of the Robertson Hanger at the Bend Airport, Chapter 1345 brings together a diverse group of aviation enthusiasts, aircraft builders and pilots who share a passion for

inspiring youth in the wonderful world of flight.

In Sisters, teenager Mary Root shares a similar goal. She is a member of Outlaw Aviation, an experiential flight science internship program dedicated to empowering future pilots.

As the only program of its kind, Outlaw offers teenagers in Central Oregon an unparalleled chance to launch a professional career in aviation while still enrolled in high school.

“I just knew coming in that this was an opportunity that wasn’t offered to everyone, and I wanted to take full advantage,” says Root, who earned a national Naval Reserves Officer Training Corps college scholarship and plans to serve in the military as an aviator after high school. “It’s something I always knew I wanted to do and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to pursue it now and not have to wait five, 10 years until I get my license or start thinking about that kind of career.”

Nestled among the towering pines at Sisters Eagle Airport, Outlaw offers flight instructions for various Federal Aviation Administration certifications. It partners with numerous private donors who support helping young people’s aviation dreams come true.

Outlaw was founded in 2014 by local airport owners Julie and Benny Benson, who had a high school-aged daughter interested in aviation. With just a single small plane, a dedicated mentor and a few excited kids, they launched a pilot training program to serve the area’s local youth.

A few years later, in 2017, chief flight instructor Sam Monte and his partner Walt Lasecki, both veteran military officers, took the reins. They loved the idea of a practical, skills-based aviation career internship program geared toward high school kids. Since expanding the program and purchasing additional planes, they now work with about 25 students each year, with approximately 10 students actively flying the skies in 2020.

“I remember growing up in high school and we had places like skill centers, mechanics, all those hands-on type things,” says Monte. “I actually do think that high schoolers need something more hands-on, and flying an airplane is just that.”

In that aim, they offer comprehensive internships to Sisters High School flight science aviation students. During their first semester, students gain a foundational understanding of all aspects of flight. They explore career paths, review the history of aviation and learn basic aerodynamics, meteorology and physics, in addition to the proper operation of airplane instruments, aviation charts, navigation, weight and balance and the prediction of airplane performance.

Next, SHS aviation students spend a solid year attending comprehensive private pilot ground school at Outlaw Aviation.

Their internship focuses on the nitty-gritty, hands-on work involved in aviation, starting with the proper maintenance and cleaning of aircraft. After getting their hands dirty, internship students learn the ins and outs of cross-country flight planning, from calculating fuel times to utilizing computer sectionals to navigating destination checkpoints.

Before they take the controls, however, they must first spend time on the ground in

their on-site flight simulator. When deemed ready, students get the chance to operate a Cessna 120, Cessna 172 or Mooney M20C small aircraft with their flight instructor as the co-pilot.

Students aspiring to get their private pilot license will experience 20 hours of this dual training, 10 hours of further skill refinement, and a final 10 hours flying solo, for a total of 40 practice hours. It’s a bit like getting a driver’s license, only 6,000 feet above the ground.

A projected 763,000 new pilots will be needed in the world by 2039, but the number of pilot certificates issued by the FAA has decreased more than 60% since 1980.

—Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Root hasn’t flown solo yet but is looking forward to that special day. “I know that when I am ready to fly solo I’ll be told by my instructors, and I’ll know that I have all the skills necessary,” says Mary.

Finally, their rigorous final exam involves taking the FAA private pilot knowledge test, which qualifies them to continue on their journey of becoming pilots—if

they pass, of course.

It’s a lot of time, effort and work to get their pilot license, but this initial investment can pay off in the long run. According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, a projected 763,000 new pilots will be needed in the world by 2039, based on Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook—but the number of pilot certificates issued by the FAA has decreased more than 60% since 1980. This mismatch of supply and demand presents a fantastic opportunity for high schoolers interested in high-paying, aviation-related careers down the road.

“I think this program gives me so much more than an opportunity for a career outside of high school and outside of finishing my private [license],” Mary says. “It definitely gives me a new sense of identity and a new activity that no one has. It also gives me an insight about my true character, I think, because a lot of aviation is overcoming, not necessarily failures, but just hard lessons.

And that really provides me insight about what to do when I’m faced with a challenge.”

For more information on the Young Eagles, contact EAA Chapter President Dale Anderson (607-591-1714) or email highdesertflyers1345@gmail.com. For more information on Outlaw Aviation, contact Sam Monte at (541) 410-1708 or email outlawaviation@outlook.com.

Mary Root prepares for takeoff inside the cockpit of her Cessna 120 tailwheel light aircraft

Photo by Kyle Switzer

Winter 2021 | 21

BESTof the

It’s back – the annual Best of the Nest Ballot!

2021

We are so fortunate to live, work and play in a super-supportive community run by hardworking businesses that care about Central Oregon families. Let’s give credit where credit is due! Cast your votes in print or online for the honor of Best of the Nest! Winners will be announced in our Spring issue.

Fill out the ballot or vote online at bendnest.com by Feb 19

Best of the Nest Ballot Categories Best Healthcare Professionals Best Pediatrician Best Pediatric Clinic / Practice Best Children’s Dental Practice Best Children’s Orthodontist Practice Best Children’s Optometrist Practice Best OB Best Midwife / Doula Best Alternative Healthcare Practice for Children & Families Best Speech Therapist / Pathologist Best Veterinarian

Best Of Education Best Supplemental School Program Best Day Care Best Preschool Best Tutor Best Learning Specialist Best Arts Instruction Best Music Instruction Best Day Camp Best Summer Camp 22 | BendNest.com

Best Of Recreation Best Place for a Playdate (indoor) Best Martial Arts School

Vote Here! or at bendnest.com

Best Kids Yoga Best Dance Studio Best Youth Sports Organization Best Place for a Child’s Birthday Party Best Family Night Out Best Place for Outdoor Family Fun

Best Of Dining Best Kids Menu Best Family Restaurant Best Kid-Friendly Brewery Best Place for a Sweet Treat Best Family Take-Out Best Grocery Store Best Parents’ Date Night

Best Of Shops & Services Best Children’s Clothing Store Best Children’s Consignment Store Best Toy Store Best Photographer for Children and Families Best Nonprofit Serving Children

Instructions 1. Please enter only once

2. Fill in at least 10 categories 3. Vote for locally owned businesses (no big box stores) 4. Vote for one business no more than twice 5. Mail or drop off print ballots to: 704 NW Georgia Ave., Bend, OR 97703 6. Cast your vote online at bendnest.com by 4pm, Feb. 19 7. Tell your friends!

Winter 2021 | 23

CALENDAR January-March

Junior Snow Ranger Program

Mindfully moving with your little one builds bonds and healthy habits for mommas and kids!

OUTSIDE – This outdoor winter event is open to children of all ages. The Bend Fort Rock Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest and Mt. Bachelor present this hands-on fun learning experience for youth.

A great chance for kids to learn about snowshoeing, winter safety and the science behind the seasons. Sundays, dates TBD.

Courtesy Free Spirit Yoga + Fitness + Play

Mtbachelor.com/things-to-do/ resort-activities/snowshoeing

February 6

Museum and Me

PLAYTIME – Peaceful hours at the museum for children and adults who experience physical, intellectual and/or social disabilities to enjoy the High Desert Museum. There is limited space for this after-hours museum event, so register early to enjoy the exhibits.

High Desert Museum | Free

Highdesertmuseum.org/events/ museum-and-me-feb

Mondays & Fridays

Art Explorers -Full Day

ARTS AND CRAFTS – An opportunity for kids to connect with each other and to their creativity.

This one-day-a-week session follows the themes of nature, perfectly balancing outdoor exploration with open create time. Perfect for ages 5-11. 9am2:15pm

Roots Art & Nature School | $600/ semester Rootsartnatureschool.com/ full-day 24 | BendNest.com

February 13

Youth Class- Valentine’s Treats

Thekindredcreativekitchen.com/ book-online

Youth Class-Pierogis

Thekindredcreativekitchen.com/ book-online

Highdesertmuseum.org/events/ winter-nights-series-feb11

Kindred Creative Kitchen | $50

February 6

Kindred Creative Kitchen | $50

High Desert Museum | $3-$10

COOK – This hands-on class will guide your children through making fun Valentine's Day treats. A great opportunity for your budding chef to learn essential kitchen skills. Recommended for ages 7-17. 2:30-6pm

Mt. Bachelor | Free

COOK – A cooking class perfect for children ages 7-17, where they can learn how to create pierogi. These traditional Polishstyle dumplings are served with a variety of different fillings, so there is sure to be something that everyone likes! 5:30-9pm

is limited, so get your timed tickets early! 4-7:30pm.

Wednesdays

Wonder Wednesdays at the High Desert Museum Mondays – Thursdays

Art Explorers -Afternoons

ARTS AND CRAFTS – These afternoon sessions are offered four days a week, allowing you to choose how often you want to come explore art. Sessions are designed for children ages 5-11 and feature a weekly theme, open studio time and the challenge to create with new materials. 3-5pm

Roots Art & Nature School | $100$355/month

Two locations | Free

facebook.com/Mommyand MeBreastfeedingSupportGrou StCharlesBend

February 11 & 12

Winter Nights Series

TOGETHER – Visit the museum during this special after hours event, featuring live music and refreshments from the Rimrock Café. Explore the exhibits during this festive winter event. Space

EXPLORE – A great way to provide engaging and new activities for students in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties, as the navigate the ongoing pandemic. Reduced ticket prices on Wednesdays for students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Wonder Wednesdays will continue throughout the 2021 school year.

High Desert Museum | $5

Highdesertmusuem.org/wonderwednesdays

Rootsartnatureschool.com/ afternoon

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.

Build confidence in the kitchen and explore new foods with cooking classes designed just for kids.

Courtesy Kindred Creative Kitchen

February 13-27

February-March

LEARN - This class will focus on how the human eye sees color, the science behind the color spectrum, and the study of art theories concerning color. Gain an understanding of the science involved in the human experience of color while creating color theory art pieces including handmade kaleidoscopes and monochromatic portraits. 10am-12:30pm

PLAY – There are several options for kids with little to no soccer experience to learn the basics. Using props and games, this series is designed to develop motor skills, promote physical fitness and create self-confidence. Classes for age groups as young as 18-35 months to 6 years old.

Science of the Spectrum

Kids love to explore the museum exhibits during quiet times or Wonder Wednesdays.

Courtesy High Desert Museum

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

Saturdays

Livestream Pre + Postnatal Yoga

MOM-FRIENDLY - Livestreamed yoga classes for new mamas and mamas to be! Classes are perfect for mamas looking to find some ease or energy. 10:3011:30am.

Art Station | $95-$114

Register.bendparksandrec.org

February 15

Bot Lab

BUILD - These workshops are designed to promote fun learning and creativity through STEM education. Students will be challenged to problem-solve and work logically using LEGO technology to build themed robots and program computer software to bring them to life!

10am-Noon.

mtbachelor.com/things-to-do/ resort-activities/sled-dog-rides

Nature Nights: The Importance of Insects

Deschuteslandtrust.org/hikesevents

Art-rageous Days

register.bendparksandrec.org

Mt. Bachelor | $$95-195

February 17

February

register.bendparksandrec.org

February 13-21 & March 20-28

OUTSIDE - A wild, magical experience! A chance to adventure with professional mushers along the snowy trails of Mt. Bachelor with a ride behind a real dog sled team! Meet the team of pups before your journey and then stay snug and warm in the sled as you explore the mountain. Available Thursdays-Mondays

register.bendparksandrec.org

Sylvan Learning Center | $49-$58

freespiritbend.com/

Sled Dog Rides with Oregon Trail of Dreams

Cascade Indoor Sports Center | $110-$132

LEARN – A monthly presentation on a nature-related topic given by experts in their field.

February’s theme is all about insects! Learn about the important roles that insects occupy in our natural world and ecosystems.

Get a look at rare and common insects you may find outside and actions you can take to protect these vital creatures. 7pm

CREATE - Discover your creative side! These two-day weekly afternoon classes will offer a mix of painting, pastels, drawing, clay, sculpture and mixed media.

There is always a new project in each session, so sign up for more than one session to learn something new! Afternoons.

Free Spirit Yoga + Fitness + Play | $9, 5-pack $40

SoccerJrs

Online | Free

Tuesdays

Kids Ninja Warrior Classes

PLAYTIME - Unique to Bend, your kids will gain amazing abilities through obstacle course

training, climbing and fitness conditioning, and team motivation in our Kids Ninja Warrior classes. There are classes designed for several age groups, ranging from new babes to preteens. Class size is limited so advanced registration is highly recommended. 3:30-4:30pm.

Free Spirit Yoga + Fitness + Play | $99 for a six-week series freespiritbend.com

February 18 & March 11

With Your Child: PreClay

ARTS AND CRAFTS – A great way for you and your young one to learn about the wonders of clay. Little artists will squish, push, form, flatten and create a ceramic piece and decorate it with bright colored glazes. Ages 3-5. 9:45-10:45am.

Art Station | $19-$22

register.bendparksandrec.org

February 20

Youth Class- Comfort Foods

COOK - The weather is cold, and we all need a little comfort sometimes! Your child will learn how to create comfort foods that they can take home and share with the family. Best for children ages 7-17. 5:30-9pm

Kindred Creative Kitchen | $50

Thekindredcreativekitchen.com/ book-online

Art Station | $65-$78

February 15

Engineering Lab

SCIENCE AND TECH - Use your engineering brain while planning, designing, building, and testing simple machines and complex bridge structures in this one-day workshop. A great way for your engineering kiddos to spend a non-school day with new design challenges every session!12-2:30pm

Sylvan Learning Center Northwest Crossing | $49-$58 register.bendparksandrec.org

Race around Mt. Bachelor in style with your own sled dog crew.

Unsplash

Winter 2021 | 25

March 13

Youth Class- Pies

COOK – Everybody has a favorite pie – they’re a great comfort food and a great way to showcase seasonal fruits. Your child will learn how to make a verity of fresh and seasonal pies in this cooking class. 5:30-9pm

Kindred Creative Kitchen | $50

Thekindredcreativekitchen.com/ book-online

February-March

Come Dance With Me

DANCE - Learn the basics of ballet with your preschooler!

Classes are designed to allow parents and children to dance and enjoy the magic of ballet.

Watch as they learn steps, terminology and jump higher!

Wednesday mornings.

Online or at Academie De Ballet | $81-$97 Keep creativity alive with free, virtual art activities from Camp Fire.

Courtesy Camp Fire

Tuesdays

Camp Fire Afterschool

ARTS AND CRAFTS – Every Tuesday Camp Fire Afterschool staff facilitates a fun 15–20-minute enrichment activity! These activities are a special way for families with kids at home to get a break and stay connected with each other. 4-4:30pm.

Camp Fire Central Oregon | Free campfireco.org/virtual

March 1

Online Only: Music and Movement

MOVE - Movement is closely linked with literacy. Spend some time boosting your child’s confidence with reading while they sing, dance and play. If you don't have an instrument, two spoons or pots and pans work! 10:30am

Online | Free

deschuteslibrary.org/kids/ programs

February-March

Lil’ Dragons

PLAYTIME – Learn the basics of Tang Soo Do Karate, while developing discipline, self-control, confidence, teamwork and motor skills. Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

Odyssey Martial Arts | $79-$94

register.bendparksandrec.org 26 | BendNest.com

Wednesdays

Kids Ninja Warrior HalfDay Camp

register.bendparksandrec.org

March 17

Nature Nights: Reciprocity with the Natural World

PLAYTIME – This drop-off style camp gives kids the chance to play, climb and explore. They get to burn off some extra energy while meeting up with other kids their age. 1:30-4:30pm.

LEARN – A monthly presentation on a nature-related topic given by experts in their field. March’s theme is about our connection to the natural world; the blessings it gives us and how we can return the favor. Save the date for this fun and educational experience. 7pm

freespiritbend.com

Deschuteslandtrust.org/hikesevents

March 6

February-March

COOK - Parents, wouldn't it be nice to have your child to be able to make a flavorful and healthy dinner? This hands-on cooking class gives your kids the skills to make a variety of healthy dinner options. 5:30-9pm

MOVE - Discover what martial arts is all about in this class designed for white belts! Students will acquire control, focus, discipline, self-defense skills,

Free Spirit Yoga + Fitness + Play | $149 for a six-week series

Youth Class- Spring Healthy Dinners

Online | Free

Beginning White Belt Karate

confidence and respect, while learning karate techniques and having fun.

Odyssey Martial Arts | $79-$94

register.bendparksandrec.org

March - April

Twinkle Toes Tap

DANCE - A great class for children ages 5-7 to learn coordination while tapping out rhythm sounds with their feet. Choreography develops the brain and improves retention skills and dancing is always fun! Friday afternoons.

Academie De Ballet | $105-$126

register.bendparksandrec.org

March-April

Hip Hop

DANCE - A chance to learn the latest dance style of today's top choreographers. Utilizing moves from street dance, breaking, popping, locking and freestyle and incorporating them into a vibrant dance combination that expresses individuality. Face coverings are required in the class. Friday evenings.

Academie De Ballet | $105-$126

register.bendparksandrec.org

Thursdays

Online Only: Story Time Live

READ - Interactive story time with songs, rhymes and movement. Early literacy skills to get your child ready to learn to read are the focus of these story times. You and your child will hear great stories while also becoming more familiar with letter sounds, rhyming, vocabulary and print. Fun for everyone with opportunities to sing and join in on movement rhyme. 10am

Online | Free

deschuteslibrary.org/kids/ program

Kindred Creative Kitchen | $50

Thekindredcreativekitchen.com/ book-online

Tuesdays &Thursdays

Teens in Action

SERVE - A virtual iteration of the Teens in Action service club. Online meetings keep your teens engaged and socializing while they discuss ways they can help the community.

Camp Fire Central Oregon | Free campfireco.org/virtual

Make new friends at Ninja Warrior full and half day camps.

Courtesy Free Spirit Yoga + Fitness + Play

FAMILY TIME

Overnight Breakfast Bake: Chilaquiles Story and photos by Nancy Patterson @fedandfancy Could there be a more “parent-friendly” dish than an overnight bake? Assemble in the evening and effortlessly enjoy in the morning! Feeding up to eight, with this dish, there’s barely any prep work come sunrise on Sunday morning when tiny, hungry hands are tugging you out of bed. One of my favorite breakfast dishes is Chilaquiles, a Mexican dish that includes chips tossed in a red or green sauce, topped with eggs and garnished with cilantro, avocado, and sour cream.

Turning Chilaquiles into an overnight bake quickly became our Christmas morning tradition; once I realized how easy it was to have this dish ready for a crowd ahead of time, it also became a monthly brunch staple in our home. My daughter loves to arrange the sliced tortillas on a baking sheet while I prepare the sauce. This overnight bake is also a great opportunity to use some of the leftovers from a large rotisserie chicken!

Above: The most effortless morning meal, overnight chilaquiles.

Below: A world of wonder awaits the child in the kitchen.

OVERNIGHT CHILAQUILES Overnight Chilaquiles 15 corn tortillas 1 tbsp canola or olive oil 1/2 white or red onion 1 tsp minced or crushed garlic 1 –14 oz. can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes 1 –14 oz. can red enchilada sauce 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken stock 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp ancho chile powder 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning

1/4 cup minced chipotle peppers in adobo 2 oz. can diced green chiles 1–2 cups shredded chicken 8 eggs For the Garnish Cilantro, chopped Pickled onions Avocado, sliced Crema or sour cream Cotija cheese, crumbled

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Cut your tortillas into triangles—you should get 6-8 per tortilla. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 mins. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Cook onions until they begin to soften and then add the garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add all remaining ingredients except the chicken and eggs. Cover your pan and let simmer for 20 minutes.

While the sauce is cooking, arrange the chips along the bottom of your 9×13 baking dish or within small ceramic cocottes (mini dutch ovens). Once the (Continued on next page) Winter 2021 | 27

OVERNIGHT CHILAQUILES (Continued from previous page)

sauce has finished simmering, stir in the chicken. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture over the chips, cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. If you want to enjoy these immediately, you can! Gently toss the chips and sauce together and move on to the next step.

The following morning, preheat the oven to 375 degrees and remove your bake, allowing it to sit at room temperature. For the first 35-40 minutes, cover the dish with foil and let bake. Then, remove from the oven and uncover. Create 8 indents (or one for every egg) with the back of a spoon or an ice cream scoop. Crack one egg at a time into a small cup or pinch bowl and pour into indentations. Keep the dish uncovered and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until the whites have set. Rotating the pan halfway through baking the eggs can help! If everyone is enjoying this with cheese, sprinkle a handful of cotija over the bake while letting it sit for 5 minutes. Slice, garnish, serve, and enjoy!

Find more recipes on Nancy’s food blog at: fedandfancy.com Cooking is always more fun with a little helper

Nancy Patterson

FAMILY YOGA

Pediatrician & Lactation Consultant

with Deven Sisler

Sundays 10a-11a Feb 14 & March 14 Practice from hOMe with your whole family.

We will share calming breathing techniques; mindful, fun games; and partner yoga to stretch, strengthen and relax together.

Choose experienced and personalized care for your kids Telehealth appointments available.

In office appointments are spaced out, limiting contact between patients.

541.241.6371 www.drerikabeardirvine.com erika@bendkidshealth.com 28 | BendNest.com

LIVE VIA ZOOM $20 per household

Nutrition services

by Lori Brizee, RD In-network with many insurance plans

namaspa.com

OUTDOORS

Let ’ s Get Out There!

By K.M. Collins

I

f you live in Central Oregon, you know that winter is not a time for hibernating, but a time for getting out in the glistening snowy wonderland. As we jump into the full swing of winter amidst pandemic restrictions, you may be wondering what activities are still on offer for kids in Bend and beyond.

SNOW SPORTS Mt. Bachelor

It just wouldn’t be winter in Bend without a few trips to the mountain. Although several of their tried-and-true programs have been canceled for the season, Mt. Bachelor is still offering private and multi-week lessons with COVID protocols in place.

Private lessons - Friends and family pods (up to five-person groups) with members as young as three years old can schedule half and full-day lessons at West Village. For children ages three to six, a parent or guardian is required to participate in the lesson to assist their child in standing up, loading and unloading the lift. Part of the lesson content is giving parents the tools and skills to help their kids navigate the lift and hill successfully and independently. Due

to COVID-19, emphasis will be placed on contactless teaching tips and tricks.

Multi-week lessons – Once-a-week lesson series for children ages seven to 15, with three, four and eight-week options throughout the season are being offered at Sunrise Lodge. These lessons are Wednesday afternoons, Saturday mornings and afternoons and Sunday mornings and afternoons for two-and-a-half hour intervals.

Prior to the start of the lesson series, due to COVID-19, participants need to be able to load and unload the lift safely by themselves, and make controlled, linked turns on green terrain independently. Children also need to be able to gear up independently, including skis, boards, boots, helmets, goggles, gloves and jackets. Learn more: mtbachelor.com

Hoodoo

Happily, kids can still take lessons at Hoodoo with heightened COVID-19 measures in place. Classes will be limited to six students per instructor, with the first-time lesson sequence modified to focus on teaching students to get up unassisted.

Instructors will do their best to limit close contact with all participants. Hoodoo’s Ski and Ride School has implemented a new reservation system, as well. Go online to

Little shredders at Mt. B Photo by Brian Becker

reserve a spot at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-up space may be available but isn’t guaranteed.

Mountain Cubs for four- to six-year-olds and Junior Ski and Snowboard lessons for seven to 12-year-olds are offered every day during the season.

Group and Private Lessons are available for all guests. Participants will be required to load and unload lifts on their own, without assistance from an instructor.

Reservations are highly recommended.

Ski Bikes and Trikes – For adventurers 13 and up, why not try a ski bike or trike? Lessons include the rental, so it’s a great way to learn something new. A quick 45-minute lesson will give students the basics. At the end of the lesson they will receive a Snow-Bike, Snow-Go or Trike license if they show the skills to ride the lift and stay in control on the mountain.

Learn more: skihoodoo.com

Sledding

Just up the Cascade Lakes Highway, Wanoga continues to be the most popular and easiest access sledding hill near Bend. Kids (and adults) of every age will feel the wind in their hair as they zip down several short hills. Bring the hot chocolate and be sure to observe the established Winter 2021 | 29

Learn more and reserve your spot: seventhmountainriverco.com/ice-skating/

sledding safety guidelines—depending on conditions, things can get pretty fast.

Remember, a Sno-Park pass is required and, BYOS (bring your own sled).

Find out more: Wanoga- Sno-Park

Sunriver Rink

ICE SPORTS The Pavilion

Bend Parks and Rec Hockey Lessons (ages 4-14) These lessons are designed to introduce players with little experience to the sport of ice hockey, develop the fundamentals of the game, promote physical fitness and above all else, have fun. Participants should be able to skate on their own before enrolling in this class. Full hockey gear is required, gear rental is available. Sign up at the Bend Parks and Rec website.

Bend Parks and Rec - Learn to Skate Lessons (ages 6-14) Learn to skate programs offer progressive classes designed to increase skating experience and develop the basic skills that are fundamental to figure skating.

Offered in February. Sign up at the Bend Parks and Rec website.

Ice skating lessons at the Pavilion

Photo courtesy of Bend Parks and Rec

Public skating

Skate sessions are by reservation-only. Skaters and spectators must reserve and pay admission due to capacity limits.

Reservations are open at midnight, seven days prior to a session. Find out more: bendparksandrec.org/facility/the-pavilion/

Seventh Mountain

Ice Skating at Seventh Mountain Resort means experiencing central Oregon’s oldest outdoor rink. While Seventh Mountain’s Rink is open to the public, reservations are needed prior to arrival. Because this is an outdoor rink, it is subject to weather delays and closures.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the ice rink will not run as usual this winter. Reservations will be required for all skaters and can be booked a maximum of 14 days in advance. Approximately 50 reservations are available from 9am-9pm every day of the week, through April.

Learn more and reserve online: sunrivervillagefun.com/sunriver-iceskating/

Sno-Parks

Some other options that won’t break the budget include bringing the kids to some of the sno-parks along the Cascade Lakes Highway for snowshoeing, cross country skiing and fat biking adventures.

Why not try: Virginia Meissner, Swampy, Edison, Dutchman Flat and Kapka Butte.

Also, Skyliners Sno Park, at the end of Skyliners Road in Bend is a magical place in the winter for skiing or snowshoeing.

Or, if you’re up for a drive, try Santiam and Ray Benson Sno-Parks out of town.

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KIDS’ CORNER

Fun (and a Little Messy) Valentine’s Day Craft

By Nicole Blume

N

othing quite says “I LOVE YOU” like a hand-made heart-shaped card covered in gorgeous, swirly, vibrant, marble colors!

You will need:

• Thick piece of white cardstock • Pair of scissors

• Flat dish (plastic art tray, cake pan, cutting board, etc.)

• Can of foamy shaving cream (NOT gel!)

• Spoon or spatula for smoothing down shaving cream • Dropper bottles of food dye • Gloves

• Thin stir-stick (craft stick, chopstick, wooden dowel, twig, etc.)

• Scraper (thick craft stick, popsicle stick, cardboard, ruler, etc.)

Fair warning — this craft can get VERY messy (which is sort of the whole point!)

1. Put on an apron and tape down some

newspaper or butcher paper on your work surface. You may also want to set out a wet washcloth or bowl of water to wash sticky little hands.

7th grade students at the Waldorf School of Bend having fun with shaving cream and food dyes

Photos by Nicole Blume

2. First, cut your thick piece of white card-

stock paper into the shape of a heart. If you envision hanging the card up on a wall or fridge, you can also hole-punch the top and later add a decorative ribbon for hanging.

3. Spray the shaving cream directly onto

the flat dish—most kids love doing this step themselves!—and smooth the surface with a spoon or spatula.

4. Choose your food dye colors and

let it set for a few moments, and then gently pry it off by the corner. It will look crazy and messy at this point, but just wait...

7. Use your scraper to immediately scrape off the shaving cream (don’t wait too long, scrape it off right away), leaving behind a MAGICAL design!

8. Leave to dry overnight, then write a

sweet note on the back to present to your beloved.

squeeze a few drops of each color randomly over your shaving cream surface.

Pro Tip: When selecting colors, choose just two primary colors to start, such as red and blue or red and yellow.

5. Use your thin craft stick to swirl the

colors around, creating a beautiful marble-like effect!

6. Press your heart-shaped paper on the surface of the painted shaving cream,

Winter 2021 | 31

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