MOMs’ favorite local places 20
Meet the MOM experts ... 4 They know what they’re talking about.
Because I said so 5 A message from MOM
Paid Leave Oregon 26 Make-ahead breakfasts 28
Healthy MOM .................... 6 Reinventing the holiday season
Cover MOM: Lynn Brown 10 This mom gets real. MOMs’ favorite local places ....................... 20
Paid Leave Oregon ......... 26
Make-ahead breakfasts .......................... 28 Ready to roll on busy mornings
mommag.com facebook.com/ lovemommag info@mommag.com We love hearing from you. Email us with feedback, story ideas or nominations.
Want to get the word out about your business? Contact Kim Leighty at kim.leighty@mommag.com
Healthy MOM with Santiam Hospital, page 6
“
One kind word can warm three winter months.
“
— Japanese proverb
Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 8
Focus with Dr. Alton Rossman, page 24
On the Road with Laura Augustine, page 18
Pets are Family with Dr. Emily Kalenius, page 30
[They know what they’re talking about]
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Designer Sean Carver
MOM MagazineTM is produced by GO Creative, LLC. © 2022
All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited. Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice.
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I’ve always loved small towns, having spent my coming-of-age years in a tiny, zero-stoplight one in Wisconsin. Big cities are a blast to visit, but home for me is when I see at least one person I know on grocery store runs. There’s something comforting about being braided into the fabric of the place where you live.
At my first real job out of college, I was tasked with buying office supplies and told to visit a small shop in downtown Corvallis. But why, when we could get them delivered with, at the time, newfangled internet shopping? I was given a short tutorial on what it means to shop local, then sent down the street to Lehnert’s Office Supply.
This old store, long gone now, smelled like a heady mix of pencil shavings and dust motes. If memory serves me right, the wood floors had wide cracks between them, and the place was run by an older gentleman who kept his entire inventory in his mind only. It was a bit of a mess. Receipts were written by hand. I loved it immediately.
Our local businesses make our cities unique. No shade to the big box and chain retailers, with their many conveniences. But small is beautiful and special with an essence that can’t be replicated. It’s why we started asking our cover MOMs to tell us about
their favorite locally owned places, and in this issue, we’ve compiled some of their favorites. It’s part of how we celebrate and support all things local.
We’re a small, local business, too, in case you didn’t realize it: we’re comprised of one full-time and three half-time employ ees. We’re part of Oregon Web Press, a three-generation family business in Albany for 33 years. And MOM Magazine is coming up on our 20-year anniversary in 2025, which will be here in a hot minute.
I may not have taken the midnight train going anywhere, nor did I find a city boy born and raised in South Detroit. My husband was born and raised in Corvallis, and our kids were born here, too, so I have more than put down roots in the Willamette Valley. I’m definitely not living in a lonely world — this is exactly where I want to be.
This season and all year long, we hope you enjoy the many delights of where we live. Bonus if you find local businesses with a sleepy shop cat or friendly dog. Happy holidays and cheers to the new year!
Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief
In winter, plants rest, animals hibernate and the natural world is forced to slow down by shorter daylight hours. Humans, on the other hand, are often at odds with this natural rhythm. The holidays and new year spur activity, celebration — and added stress. Taking time to reevaluate and refocus one’s time spent during these months can help reduce that stress for families.
If there is anything that the last two years has taught us, it’s that what once seemed important may no longer be a priority. Take a moment this holiday to carefully consider how your family spends its time, energy and resources.
You might find that new traditions are more meaningful and better for everyone’s mental health. Some ways you might reinvent your holidays...
Give back. There are families struggling in our communities, and being charitable can help put into perspective individual fortune. Find a charity or cause that speaks to your personal interests and get involved through donation or good works. Involve children in meaningful ways. For example, help them pick out gifts to donate to children their own age and explain the reasons for doing so.
Volunteer. Donate your time and talent to a worthy cause that interests you, such as an animal shelter or a soup kitchen. Modeling this behavior for children — and letting them participate when appropriate — helps create a new generation of philanthropy and community involvement.
Cut back. Consider reducing the number of holiday gifts that you give or receive. Let others in your family off the hook, too. Carefully consider where a gift will be in six months after receipt: If you don’t think someone will still be enjoying it, take a pass. If someone in your life really wants to get you something, suggest a donation in your name to one of your favorite charities.
Say no. It’s okay to decline a party invitation and choose rest or family time instead. Watch an old favorite holiday movie together, make a family favorite dish or break out a puzzle.
Nature slows down in winter, and so can you. Here’s to a peaceful, healthy holiday!
Brought to you by: santiamhospital.org
We’ve all been there: While rushing to make it in time for that playdate, appointment or last-minute trip to Target, the dreaded transition tantrum takes hold. Holidays can make this extra hard, with school schedules changing and nap time going awry; sometimes it’s just too much for our little ones. Changing activities and environments can be difficult, and neurodivergent children may face additional struggles with this. However, with a few proactive steps, we can help ease the stress of transitions.
1. PROVIDE A VISUAL SCHEDULE: I’m lost without my phone’s calendar, so it’s no surprise that kids do best when provided with a schedule as well. A visual schedule can be as simple or as detailed as you would like.
Simply list out the activities that your child will be participating in, and add a picture if needed for visual learners or early readers. Take a few minutes to review the schedule with your child once or twice daily to ensure success.
2. TRANSITION WARNINGS: We all need a little reminder — and some of us need a lot! Providing a verbal reminder for your children will help get them ready for a transition. The more time you can provide, the better. I like to start reminders for my kids an hour before we leave the house or our next big activity, and every 15 minutes after that. If I’m also trying to get ready, I ask my Alexa to do these for me.
3. BE PATIENT AND FLEXIBLE: I remind myself that it’s hard o be a kid and have little control over what activities are planned for the day. Adding some extra time in the schedule for big feelings is important, and an extra five minutes to finish up that super cool coloring page never hurt either.
Brought to you by:
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PROFESSION: owner/director of Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center COMMUNITY: East Salem | PARTNER: Eric, engineer | CHILDREN: Anna, age 14
FOR THIS MOM, THE PAST DECADE HAS BEEN A LOT OF A LOT. NOW THE HARD WORK IS STARTING TO PAY OFF.
All families are unique. Tell us about yours. We are a family of three: Eric, Anna and me. Eric and I have known each other since we were teenagers, we had a lot of friends in common but never dated. After high school we went our separate ways, then reconnected when I was in college and he was home on R&R from Iraq. We kept in touch through his deployment and started to talk more when he was home. We skipped the dating stage and got married after his second deployment (when you know, you know). He was attached to a heavy combat unit, so he was constantly deployed or training. It’s kind of a blur to me now. There were a lot of changes and moves and emotions.
We were living in a different state when I met Anna. She was adopted from foster care when she was 5. I met her when she came to the school I was working at, at the time. I literally brought my work home!
We moved to Oregon shortly after adopting her. Eric was offered a great job here, and I started teaching. But teaching is tough, and I was struggling with balancing teaching and momming, and my health was suffering (and probably my attitude, too) so I left the classroom to do what I love.
Eric and I have always lived away from family, during our marriage, so we have really learned to lean into each other. I wouldn’t be doing the things I do today without him. It feels so good to be settled now. We have careers, a home with some property to spread out, two dogs, and two cats and a lot of chickens.
Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours?
Our family is small, and we live 1,500 miles from immediate family, so our traditions have really evolved from what I’m used to from my childhood. We celebrate milestones, birthdays and holidays a little differently because we travel between our
hometown. Some things we always do are homemade birthday cakes for birthdays and watching Elf on Christmas Eve. One of my favorite Oregon traditions has become our summer camping trips.
When did you know you wanted to be a mom? The minute I met Anna, I wanted to be a mom. I really didn’t think about being a mom before that. I have severe Crohn’s disease, and I have always been careeroriented, so I had just accepted that kids weren’t in my path. She changed my mind.
Has the pandemic changed the way you parent, beyond just the practical and logistical parts? If so, how? Homeschool was really hard, so that scratched that itch for me. But I certainly don’t view school with as much concern as I did before. I feel like there is so much education in living life, that when opportunities present themselves, I’m more likely to take advantage of it. Like an opportunity to travel, see family (especially grandparents), a museum exhibit, go on a hike… why wait for Saturday. Let’s go learn something!
I also left the classroom right before the pandemic and started my own business. I was really burned out and needed to make some space in my life. The pandemic was really liberating for me in a lot of ways. I don’t feel as obligated to meet social expectations, and I found joy in little things. I think I am happier now, and my family has benefitted from that.
Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. Anna has overcome so much from her own early trauma and facing some hard realities of her life, to accepting who she is right now (which is really hard when you are 14)…my heart just overflows with emotions every time I see her face a fear or adapt to a new environment.
Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. The first day of school this year was really humbling for me. I’d been giving Anna a hard time that I was ready for her to go back to school, and I was going
We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…
…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Bauman’s Farm & Garden
…spot to get a good workout: I like running around Riverfront into Minto Brown. I also enjoy the sensory park by the hospital — my kiddo can play and they have a short track.
…place to treat yourself to a massage or other personal service: Natural Healing Massage and Wellness
…restaurant to take the kid: Gamberetti’s, Rudy’s Steakhouse
…restaurants for a date night: Chira’s
…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Paco’s Tacos at the Yard Food Park, Chen’s Family Dish
…meetup spot for happy hour: For Tomorrow We Die Brewing
…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: The Freckled Bee
…place where the kids can let off steam: Get Air, Riverfront Park and Carousel
…event in your community: Salem Saturday Market
…any other local places you love: EZ Orchards
to enjoy some quiet time when she was gone during the day…well, the first day of school came, and when I drove her to school, I was really fighting the tears on the way, but I couldn’t let her see them. When she got out of the car, I lost it. I ugly cried all the way home. All I could think was how brave she was to face this school year. She has so much she has overcome in her short life. We have grown so much as a family, and the little girl I brought home as a kinder, was walking into eighth grade as a young woman.
What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? I’m gonna go with slime. It gets into the cracks, hair, pockets…it’s literally the devil.
What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do? (skip showers, go to a drive through coffee in your pjs, etc.)? I never understood how people could let their cars get so messy inside. I took very good care of my vehicles but now you’re taking your life into your own hands if you get in the backseat.
In what way are your children like you? How are they different? I’m pretty sure she has picked all my worst qualities and adopted them as her own, like using all the hot water at shower time. Her sass, her stubbornness, it’s all from me. We joke she is the most biologically adopted child ever! We get told we look alike, too, which always cracks me up.
Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a small business owner. I run a small tutoring center in Salem, the Willamette Valley Dyslexia Center. We are doing really great work at the center, serving a great need in our community. It’s also given me an opportunity to find some balance: it gives me an opportunity to volunteer at her school, get either of us to our appointments (the two of us are a full-time job) and sometimes, just enjoy a good run or some quiet.
What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? I spent 10 years in the classroom, and I can’t say I was prepared for being a mom! If I could go back and apologize and hug each of the moms I gave ten-cent advice to, it would be the best thing I could do. Being a mom is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And, mom guilt is real.
Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent.
I’m proud of finishing my M.Ed while Eric was finishing engineering school, and we had freshly adopted Anna. It was baptism by fire, but Eric and I made a promise that we were going to finish no matter what, and we did.
Do you have a goal you’d like to accomplish within the next five years? I’m really excited to see what the tutoring center will be
Tell us about your favorite…
…family game: Mario Kart
…place to find some peace & quiet: Running. My kiddo hates running, so I run.
…binge-worthy podcasts: Rachel Rodgers’ Hello 7, Glennon Doyle’s We Can Do Hard Things, History of English
…inspirational quote: Sometimes the only mode of transportation you have is a leap of faith.
…time-saving app or digital tool: I’m kinda bad at technology, but we have a shared Google calendar and it makes a big difference for scheduling and organizing.
…parenting book: The WholeBrain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
No one works harder than mom.
doing in the next five years. I have some ideas! Anna will be graduating high school. I’ll be in my mid 40s…those are some big accomplishments in and of themselves. I’m a believer that if you put good into the world good things come back. I think we’re moving in the right direction.
If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.
Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I grew up in a traditional Catholic family, with church on Sunday, catechism on Wednesday, all the sacraments. I also had a chronic disease, so my experiences were very different than most. My parents really tried hard to make sure I didn’t miss out on stuff. As an adult and a mom, I’m realizing how hard they worked to make that happen for me. As a special education teacher, a special needs mom and a dyslexia tutor, I’ve spent my adult life paving paths for kids who do not have typical access to the things around them. I don’t believe that anyone should be limited in life opportunities or experiences.
What is special about where you grew up?
I grew up in a small town in Southern California. Everyone knew everyone. When we go home now, we still visit our friends’ parents, and if we go to a restaurant, we inevitably still run into someone we know. It was a good place to grow up.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? Just recently, I finished a triathlon. I grew up with a chronic disease and was sick a lot, so having the understanding now of how to manage my health, and push its limits, is very liberating.
Which good habit do you wish you started earlier? Running has been a big part of my heath management. I avoided it because it was hard, and there were times when I was so sick it wasn’t reasonable. But, now I am so thankful for it.
Meal prepping is another one. I really like making a menu, shopping for it and then chopping veggies into little bags. It takes a lot of guesswork and chaos out of our busy lives.
When did you realize you were no longer a child? Recently. I’m really excited to turn 40. Thirty was a hard one for me, but now I feel like I’m getting my act together. I don’t feel like I have anything to prove anymore. My kid is a little older, I am satisfied with my work, life is really good right now. Hard work is starting to pay off.
What’s your superpower? The ability to delegate. I am really good at organizing others to get stuff done.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Shoving as much stuff as humanly possible into the dishwasher.
Tell us something about you that would surprise your kids (or your husband). I secretly plan vacations we will probably never take, like Tahiti or European cruises.
It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do? Take a long, hot shower, put on yoga pants, pour a glass of wine, let the chickens out
and sit on the porch. Take it all in, the view, the quiet, the chickens cackling…literally my favorite thing to do.
What keeps you sane? My husband and a few good friends.
What is your least/most favorite household chore? My least favorite chore is putting laundry away. My most favorite chore is mopping the floor, that is very satisfying to me.
What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?) Desserts. I love cheesecake, and I love cherry pie, and I love peanut butter cookies. I also have no shame in having desserts hidden around the house.
Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? I’m really inspired by all the women who broke the mold and pioneered their industry. Like Jane Goodall,
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Marie Curie, Madame CJ Walker, Lucille Ball, Sally Shaywitz…
What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Travel with girlfriends.
Listen to mom.
Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? No. Motherhood, for me, has been really lonely. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I didn’t expect it to be so hard to find “mom” friends. Anna has not been an easy kid, and well, I’m probably not an easy adult, so there’s that. But, I know there are other foster-adoptive moms, and moms with kids with behavior needs, and I’m not sure how to get into that circle.
Who and what has influenced the mother you are today? My biggest influence is probably my own mom. She really set the tone for
what I expected to be like as a mom. But I’ve also had to grow in a lot of ways because we have had to face head on mental health issues that are not always easy to relate to.
What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? It’s all going to be ok. Have more fun and clean less messes.
What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Let go of the idea of what you think others think of you. You need to make the choices that are best for your family, and you don’t have to explain that choice to anyone.
One of the many gifts of living in the mid-Willamette Valley is the ability to visit snowy areas, but not have to live in them daily.
If you’re heading up the mountains to play in the snow, make sure you’re over-prepared rather than under. Oregon’s winter weather is known to turn on a dime.
Make sure you have a SnoPark permit to avoid fines. You can buy an annual permit online and print out a temporary copy at oregondmv.com/dmv2u.
Have a full tank of gas or full charge before leaving. Check the forecast and Trip Check, which offers a wealth of information to Oregon drivers, including live camera feeds.
Plan your route. Leave early and give yourself plenty of travel time.
Pack basics like water, snacks, phone chargers, warm clothes and appropriate footwear.
Don’t forget the sleds!
Carry chains and know how to use them.
Check the battery, tire tread and windshield wipers for good working order.
Check all lights, as well as heating and cooling. Oregonians know that A/C is the key to defogging winter windows. Have no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir and check your antifreeze.
Make sure your oil change and other basic maintenance is up-to-date.
Pack a flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter), shovel, snow brush, ice scraper, warning devices (like flares) and blankets.
In snow, you need to take it slow: go easy on accelerating and braking.
Don’t use cruise control.
Use your low beams, even in daylight.
If you drive a large heavy vehicle, it does not mean you are invincible.
Increase your stopping distances. In general, keep several car lengths away from other vehicles.
Laura
...shop to pick up a gift or something for yourself:
Hirons Pharmacy
Luxe
Passionflower Design Provisions Market at the 5th Street Public Market
Rescued Living
Real Deals on Home Decor Rhythm and Blooms Stingray Botanicals
...coffee spot:
Allan’s Coffee
Max Porter’s Coffeehouse, Junction City Meraki Coffee Co.
Sweet Tree Cafe & Espresso Vero Espresso Perugino Coffee House
...place to treat yourself to a mani/ pedi, massage or other personal service:
Bello Day Spa & Salon
Chikara Salon & Spa
French Nails & Spa
Gervais Salon & Day Spa
Number One Nails & Spa
Reflections Salon
Tips & Toes
...restaurant to take the kids:
Benny’s Pizza Joint
Chula’s Restaurant and Cantina
Viking Braggot Company Southtowne Pub
Killer Burger
MM McMenamins
North Bank
Steelhead Brewery Papa’s Pizza Parlor
...restaurants for a date night:
Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar Hacienda Amigo Mio Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria
Black Wolf Supper Club Café Soriah
Long Timber Brewing MM Marché
Memo’s Mexican Restaurant North Fork Public House Sabai Cafe & Bar Sushi PURE
...take-out, food truck or quick bite:
Beergarden
El Super Taco El Taco Express Dos Banderas
Fruteria Lalito MM Beer Station Saigon Cafe Sushi Ya Tradewinds Café
...meetup spot for happy hour:
B2 Bar & Grill
barTini bistro
Provisions South MM SideBar
Thinking Tree Spirits Wetlands Brew Pub
...shop to pick up a gift or something yourself:
Aunt Bee’s House
One Fair World
Salem Saturday Market
The Find
Top Drawer
The Arbor
...coffee spot:
Bentley’s Downtown
MM: Broadway Coffeehouse
French Press
IKE Box
Just Us Girls
Urban Grange
...restaurant to take the kids:
Annette’s Westgate
BeeHive Station Food Pod
Bo & Vine Burger
La Hacienda Real Sushi Kyo
...restaurants for a date night:
Azuls Taco House
MM DaVinci Ristorante
MM Gamberetti’s Italian Restaurant
Jubilee Champagne & Dessert Bar
Rudy’s Steakhouse Venti’s
...take-out, food truck or quick bite:
Beehive Station Food Pod
Dalia’s Taqueria
Momiji Sushi Restaurant Super Pho
MM The Yard Food Park
...place where the kids can let off steam:
MM Awesome Indoor Playground
Get Air Trampoline Park
Minto-Brown Island Park
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel
...place to treat yourself: Envy Lash Studio
Ivy Nails Salon
Simply Blissed
...view or scenic lookout:
Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Silver Falls State Park
Willamette Valley Vineyards
We all want to do what’s best for our kids. We teach them to eat their veggies, hold a grown-up’s hand to cross the street and pay attention in school. But for a long, healthy life, there’s nothing else quite as important as vaccination. Why?
1. Immunizations save lives. Thanks to medical science, kids can get vaccinated against more diseases than ever before. And these aren’t minor illnesses — measles, mumps, polio and whooping cough used to permanently disable or kill thousands of children in the U.S., and still do in some parts of the world.
2. Vaccines have reduced or eliminated diseases that killed or severely disabled people only a few generations ago. For example, children don’t have to get smallpox shots anymore because the disease no longer exists — thanks to the vaccination. And because children are now vaccinated against rubella, the birth defects associated with that virus are no longer seen in the United States. If you and your kids get vaccinated now, your future grandchildren may be even safer.
3. They make financial sense. Childhood immunizations are affordable and almost always covered by insurance. On the other hand, vaccine-preventable illnesses can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care. Plus, unvaccinated children or kids who test positive for a vaccine-preventable disease may not be welcome at school or daycare.
Still on the fence about childhood vaccines? Talk to your child’s health care provider. They are the best source for accurate safety information and sound medical advice.
Brought to you by Salem Health Family Birth Center. Learn more at salemhealth.org/FBC.
Many parents are surprised to hear that their infants should have eye exams with an optometrist. Aren’t all of those well child visits enough?
Pediatrician’s exams are important for wellness, but the vision component is not comprehensive and important eye health markers can be missed. Optometrists can determine eye alignment, eyesight clarity, health and prescription even before a child can talk.
Babies ages 6 to 12 months of age benefit from eye exams because we can catch treatable conditions early, such as amblyopia. Often called lazy eye, amblyopia is the most common cause of preventable visual loss in children. Our office is equipped to detect, improve and resolve amblyopia at any age.
Parents often learn of their child’s eye conditions only when the child is old enough to explain their symptoms. Also with early eye exams, we can find signs of near and far-sightedness, crossing (strabismus) and more. All of these conditions are much easier to treat if caught early.
At an infant exam, we obviously won’t use a letter chart. Instead, we’ll watch how your baby tracks objects, as well as how their eyes move and focus, and more.
Sterling Vision West Salem Vision Center 1594 Edgewater St NW STE 190, Salem 503-779-2119 | sterlingvision.com
Brought to you by: Alton Rossman, ODJohn G. Dodd, DO, is an Oregon native who graduated from the University of Oregon in 1997. He attended Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, then completed postgraduate training in ophthalmology through Michigan State University Osteopathic Ophthalmology Program, where he served as chief resident.
Volunteering on medical missions in developing countries led Dr. Dodd to pursue a career in ophthalmology. He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology.
After practicing in Eugene for almost four years, he and his wife moved to Salem in 2015 to be closer to family. They are sports enthusiasts who enjoy being active outdoors, and they hope to continue participating in medical service trips abroad. Salem location is now open! 5686 Commercial St.
eyecareassociates.net
Albany (541) 926-5848
Albany Custom Eyes (541) 928-2020
Downtown Corvallis (541) 757-1120
NW Corvallis (541) 752-4622
Salem (971) 377-2703
Lebanon (541) 451-5808
Lincoln City (541) 614-0946
It’s no secret that the U.S. is behind other countries when it comes to paid work leave for new parents. The Pew Research Center reported that the U.S. is t he only country among 41 nations that does not offer paid parental leave, while countries like Estonia, Bulgaria and Hungary provide over 58 weeks.
About a dozen U.S. states have worked to change this by offering their own programs, and in 2023, Oregon joins the list. The effort in Oregon has been formally in the works since at least 2016, and it passed the Oregon Legislature with bipartisan support in 2019.
We turned to Karen Madden Humelbaugh, Director of Paid Leave Oregon, for answers to common questions.
How does this benefit moms? Are there benefits that go beyond the financial component?
Yes, paid leave helps parents, as well as children! The introduction of paid maternity leave in five U.S. states lowered rates of low birth-weight and preterm births. The introduction of paid family leave in California also is associated with increases in the duration of breastfeeding, reductions in hospitalizations for infants and improvements in mother’s mental health.
Beyond the financial benefits for moms, studies have also shown that paid leave programs help women re-enter and stay in the workforce. It allows for important bonding time for families, impacts breastfeeding duration, enables parents to get prompt healthcare for their infants, improves mother’s postpartum physical and mental health, and strengthens parent-child bonds. The physical and mental health benefits to mothers has been well documented, as well as for partners and the children.
Is it going to take money from my paycheck? And if so, how?
Most employees working in Oregon contribute to and receive benefits from Paid Leave Oregon. It’s a program we all contribute to, so the funds are available when people need to take leave. The overall contribution rate for 2023 is 1% of gross wages. The employee pays 60% of that 1%. For example, if you make $1,000, the employee
pays $6. Large employers, those with 25 or more employees, pay the other 40% of that 1% contribution rate. Small employers do not pay into the program, but their employees still pay into and benefit from the program.
What if I’m done having babies; do I still have to pay into it?
Most employees in Oregon pay into Paid Leave Oregon. The program isn’t just parental leave for bonding with a child: it also covers family leave for caring for a family member with a serious health condition, medical leave for your own serious health condition and safe leave, for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking. Most of us don’t know when we may have a life event that requires us to take time off — we can’t always plan for a family member who is very ill or our own serious medical condition, for instance.
Do I have to do anything special to sign up for it?
Most employees are automatically in the program and will be contributing through payroll deductions starting in January 2023. Your employer will withhold and pay your contribution as part of the payroll process. In September 2023, employees can start applying for benefits if they have a qualifying life event. They will apply for paid leave benefits through our new online portal, Frances Online.
What about dads? Do you have to be married, or can my boyfriend/girlfriend take it too, even if they aren’t a biological parent?
Family leave is for a mother or father, or their domestic partner, who needs that time to bond with their child in the first year after birth, or through adoption or foster care.
I thought Oregon already had family/ medical Leave. How is this different?
In Oregon, employees may have access to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA). These programs have many differences from Paid Leave Oregon in terms of who is covered and for what amount of time. This biggest difference is that our program is paid . FMLA and OFLA offer job
protections but they are unpaid leave. Also, many other types of leave are only available to full-time workers or people who work for larger companies. Paid Leave Oregon is available to anyone who makes at least $1,000 the prior year, whether they are full-time, part-time or seasonal.
Safe Leave is protected, paid leave for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking. It allows someone to take paid leave to take time to seek safety, support and resources in what can be a very frightening and stressful time.
Self-employed people and independent contractors are not automatically covered by Paid Leave Oregon, but they can choose coverage starting in January 2023. If they choose coverage, they pay the same contribution rate as an employee of a business (60% of 1% of wages). They can go to paidleave.oregon.gov to learn more about choosing paid leave coverage.
“The urgent necessity for paid parental leave,” American Psychological Association, Abrams, 2022 “Among 41 countries, only U.S. lacks paid parental leave,” Pew Research Center, Livingston & Thomas, 2019
IS PAID LEAVE FOR:
Birth of a child
Bonding with a child:
• In the first year after birth
• Through adoption
• When they’re placed in your home through foster care
To care for a family member with a serious illness or injury
To care for yourself when you have a serious illness or injury
For survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment, or stalking
Visit paidleave.oregon.gov to learn more.
For many moms, weekday mornings are an exercise in chaos. Someone overslept, another one hates all of their clothes and didn’t you know there was a basketball uniform you were supposed to have washed?
These premade options can be eaten in the car, for mid-morning snack time or even saved for lunch. If you get the big box of freezer sausage biscuits, no judgment from us. Just know you can save money on a healthier option you make at home, and without all that packaging.
These oatmeal not-cookies are an easy sell.
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 mashed ripe banana
2 teaspoons of vanilla
1 cup brown sugar
3 teaspoons orange zest
1 3/4 cups wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream together oil and eggs, then mix in banana, vanilla and brown sugar. Add orange rind and raisins, then set mixture aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder and oats. Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until combined.
Roll into about ¼ cup-sized balls and bake on an ungreased baking sheet for 18 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool on wire racks.
1 cup diced ham, bacon or sausage
3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella
3/4 cup broccoli, chopped fine
3/4 cup tomatoes, de-seeded and chopped
1/3 cup of onions, diced
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 Tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
Generously grease a 12-muffin tin. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
To each muffin holder, sprinkle a bit of the cheddar and mozzarella. Don’t press down on it: it’s actually better if there are air pockets for the forthcoming egg mixture to fill in.
Add to each a sprinkle of the meat, broccoli, tomatoes and onions.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and water. Add the garlic salt, basil and parsley, and whisk until combined.
Pour the egg mixture over each muffin, filling to about ⅔ full.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before running a small silicone spatula around the edge of each egg bite before removing. Using a soft spatula versus a knife saves your nonstick pan from getting scratched. Cool completely on a wire rack.
These will keep in the refrigerator for 5 days, and can be reheated in the microwave for 30 seconds. To freeze: store in freezer-safe container and freeze until ready for eating. Each egg bite can be microwaved 1 to 2 minutes wrapped in a paper towel to absorb moisture.
8 medium tortillas
8 eggs, scrambled with salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheese of your choice
2 cups chopped ham or 8 sausage links
Diced yellow, green and/or red peppers, if your kids don’t reject them
Spread the tortillas out on a clean surface so you can batch-prep. In each tortilla, add equal amounts scrambled eggs, cheese and diced peppers. Add either 1/4 cup of bacon to each, or two slices of sausage links to match the length of the other ingredients.
Fold each tortilla into tight burritos, wrapping each tightly in aluminum foil. They can be stored in freezer bags until ready to eat. Remove foil from each before microwaving one to two minutes until heated thoroughly.
For many of us, life with a four-legged creature is a wonderful, enriching experience that we want others to have, too. But think twice about gifting a pet.
First, our pets are very personal. Consider giving someone who may want a pet a gift certificate to the shelter instead so that they can make the right choice of breed, temperament, size, age, etc. About 15% of gifted pets are returned to the shelter, which can be traumatizing on both the person and the pet.
Next, having a pet is a financial commitment. Including general and routine care, plus emergency expenses, the annual cost of owning a dog is estimated at more than $1,500 per year, and for cats $900 to $1400.
Having a pet also impacts flexibility and cost of travel. Consider the planning needed, as well as the cost of doggy day care, pet sitting, boarding or cleaning deposits and fees associated with rental units or hotels.
Finally, owning a pet is a long-term commitment, and some families are not emotionally prepared for it. Kids may lose interest once the novelty of pet ownership wears off, and lack of attention can lead to behavioral issues. Our pets need continual attention and care to be physically and emotionally healthy members of our family. When those needs are met, and a pet has a secure and cherished role in the family, both people and pets flourish.
Wilvet is Salem’s state-of-the-art, 24-hour urgent care facility. Our focus is to bring our proven quality care and experience to the area’s pets 24/7/365.
